Latymerian Summer 2020

SUMMER 2020 NEWSLETTER FOR LATYMERIANS (ALUMNI OF LATYMER UPPER SCHOOL)

The Latymerian Council (UK) 1971 John Davidson 1973 Steve Faktor 1976 Paul Taylor 1976 James Graham 1979 Mike Cooper 1990 Harmeet Ahuja 1991 Rajesh Goyal 1992 Laurence Hopkins (Chair) 1994 Kunwar Ahuja 2000 Alan Sendorek 2008 Suzanna du Plessis (neé Rennie) 2014 Connie Campbell 2016 Charlotte Collingwood The Asian Latymerian Council 1966 Victor Apps (Chair) 1971 Malcolm Hanney 1990 Arif Anwar 2002 Leela Lamont (neé Pandit) 2009 Archie Preston The Australasian Latymer Council 1946 Basil Walby 1955 Clive Trotman 1956 Jim Tilley 1969 John King 1994 Eddie Gapper 1995 Thomas Correia 2004 Aleco Lazaridis The Canadian Friends of Latymer Board of Directors 1955 Trevor Jones (Chair) Gwen Jones 1955 David Havard 1957 David Stiles 1960 C. Hugh Grant 1962 Jeffrey Simons 1963 Peter Basey 1982 Jimson Bienenstock US Friends of Latymer Council 1957 Ron Phillips 1963 David Godfrey 1969 Michael Freeman 1976 Jamie Grant (Chair) 1980 Mark Bullimore 1981 Rory Curtis Jennifer Evans Casey The Foundation Office Team: Amanda Scott Director of Development The Latymer Foundation at Hammersmith 020 3004 0465

ams@latymerfoundation.org

Ruby Danowski Deputy Director of Development 020 3004 0324

rdd@latymerfoundation.org Siân Davis Alumni Relations Manager 020 3004 0470

sdd@latymerfoundation.org Natasha Nolan Appeals Manager 020 3004 0434

njn@latymerfoundation.org Johanna Ingram Events Manager 020 8629 2024

events@latymerfoundation.org Linn Alexander Events Manager 020 8629 2024

events@latymerfoundation.org Jules Alexander EA to the Director of Development 0203 004 0466

jla@latymerfoundation.org

Nicola Bligh Alumni and Communications Officer 020 3004 0469

nab@latymerfoundation.org

David Jones Database and Finance Officer 020 3004 0368

dvj@latymerfoundation.org Charlotte Collingwood Development Assistant 020 8629 2024

info@latymerfoundation.org Independent Consultants (Alumni Relations): Nigel Orton

nro@latymerfoundation.org Sally Markowska

sjm@latymer-upper.org Latymer Foundation Office Latymer Upper School 237 King Street, Hammersmith W6 9LR 0203 004 0466

latymerians@latymerfoundation.org www.latymerfoundation.org

LETTER FROM THE HEAD Dear Latymerian I write in what is undoubtedly one of the most challenging periods of recent times.

Despite the extraordinary circumstances, I have been encouraged and at times intensely moved by the support we have received from our alumni, pupils, former and current staff and parents – and I’m struck, yet again, by how fortunate we are to have such a close-knit community, ready to pull together during this unsettling time.

Last term I was faced with a decision no Head ever wants to make, namely when to close Latymer to its pupils, albeit temporarily. We kept the School open until the Government directed all schools to close on Friday 20 March. Fortunately, we have the ability to deliver teaching and learning remotely - we had already been using Google Classroom for several years and so teachers and students have been well-placed to cope with the transition. We have risen to the occasion and become a “virtual school”, where clubs and societies are continuing to meet, and the arts can still be enjoyed by all in our community.

Although our pupils are no longer on site, I’m proud to report that over 50 of our staff volunteered to continue working at Latymer over the Easter holiday and beyond, supporting the education of key workers’ children. Never have links with the local community been more important.

This is a challenging moment for each and every one of us, but I have confidence that we will prevail and return all the stronger.

At this point in time, I am reminded of two particular moments in the School’s history which demanded extraordinary responses.

The first was in September 1939 when, over three days, 1.5m Londoners (mainly children) were evacuated - and Latymer Upper School was relocated to Slough.

Teachers and older boys were called up for military service, and many lost their lives. Yet the school returned and flourished. The board in our Main Hall lists the Head Boys from that time, two of whom I have had the privilege of meeting.

They confirmed my own view that there is something special about this school that endures in times of adversity.

The second was in June 2017 when the pupils of Kensington Aldridge Academy (KAA) were evacuated because of their proximity to the devastating fire in Grenfell Tower. Their Sixth Form, some of whom had lost friends and family, came to study at Latymer for the rest of term. We were all inspired by the bravery of these students, all of whom attended their first Latymer assembly on the morning after the fire – all arriving on time. KAA, whose motto is “intrepidus”, later moved to a temporary building near Wood Lane and received an “outstanding” OFSTED inspection. The

following year, when it returned home, it was TES School of the Year.

I am sure, like me, you will be proud to read in the following pages about the Latymerians who are helping in the fight against COVID-19 - either on the front line as highly valued key workers, or by finding innovative ways to help support the NHS. It is a worrying time for everyone, but the Governors and I are keen to help support those Latymer families who are experiencing particular financial hardship.

We have reassured all our existing bursary holders, as well as those due to join us on bursaries in September, that the Latymer Foundation stands by its commitment to them. To help all parents at this worrying time, we have reduced the summer term fees by 20% and there will be no increase in the autumn term’s fees. We are asking those in our Latymer community who are in a position to do so, to donate the equivalent of this reduction in fees to our Emergency Bursaries Fund to help us meet the significant demand for short and medium term bursaries that we will undoubtedly see. I am determined to ensure that no pupil needs to leave Latymer due to financial worries. If any of you felt able to contribute to this fund, please see our Latymer Foundation website for details.

In the meantime, I wish Latymerians across the globe good health. Stay safe and stay in touch - Latymer Connects is a good way in which to catch up with school friends. I very much look forward to a time, before too long, when our Latymer community will reunite, closer than ever.

Yours sincerely, n David Goodhew Head

We are so proud of the huge number of alumni doing their bit to support the fight against the spread of coronavirus. Here are just a few of many: n George ALLAN (2009), an A&E doctor at Preston Hospital, is fighting the coronavirus challenge on the front line. n Ben BARTLETT (1986), Headteacher of Hinchley Wood Secondary School and Chair of Surrey Secondary Headteachers, is “leading a campaign to get secondary schools across Surrey to donate the goggles from their science labs to doctors surgeries and hospitals across the South East. It appears that the initiative has really started to take off amongst schools, with more than 3,000 pairs of goggles (and countless pairs of disposable gloves) now donated.” Latymer has donated goggles to a local hospital. n George CARNELL (2005), Postdoctoral Research Associate, Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics at the University of Cambridge “My laboratory is working directly on a COVID-19 vaccine, we are currently in pre-clinical trials and hoping to secure funding to expand our projects.” n Andy CIECIERSKI (1983), is a GP in Reading working full time. “We are doing our best in my Practice to treat our patients remotely using telephone consultations, seeing patients only if absolutely necessary. This is to protect them, other patients and our staff. We are using more texting, emails, sharing photos. We are starting to use video consultations. Quite a culture change from 10 minute face to face appointments. I have been involved in the local CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) since its inception in 2012 and Chair for three years. I have just taken on the new role of Clinical Director of the Caversham PCN (Primary Care Network) which covers my practice and a neighbouring practice and 35,000 patients in total. We have many challenges ahead of us to keep General Practice responsive to our patient’s needs. We will see how things evolve after the current challenges. I will be helping man a ‘Hot Hub’ in central Reading over the coming weeks, seeing the sickest patients that GP’s would normally see, to cope with the rising tide of illness that is still predicted.

With a son working on the frontline in Acute Medicine in a hospital in Cardiff, I really feel for all the hospital doctors and staff looking after the sickest patients in our communities. Our sincerest thoughts and support should go out to them.” n Asha DAVE (2016), current medical student at UCL, is “involved in a non-profit group called Med Supply Drive UK which aims to help the NHS deal with COVID-19. We aim to collect donations of PPE type equipment and redirect them to NHS hospitals which urgently need them.” n Barry FERRIS (1972), semi-retired Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, is back at work doing two sessions a week. “At work my highly trained surgical colleagues are helping to turn ventilated patients onto their fronts to aid in breathing - make no mistake this is a vicious virus. High risk people need to distance themselves as the recovery is less certain. As I am over 65 I fit into that category and so my job is more “back room”, calling patients up and sorting out their problems on the phone.” n Tim HO (1986) is the Medical Director for Frimley Health - a large multi-site NHS Trust. Tim says, “There is an amazing spirit among staff to do their best in very uncertain times and they are rising to the daily challenge that the pandemic is presenting.

The key now is stopping transmission among the general population. I cannot over-emphasise the need to socially isolate and stop the transmission chain. I hope Latymerians will help in this deed and pass on the message. This is the greatest challenge the NHS has faced since its inception.” n Arjuna M IMBULDDENIYA (1995), is “Consultant Surgeon leading the treatment of trauma patients at The West Middlesex University Hospital. We have an increasing number of COVID-19 suspected and positive patients suffering from traumatic injuries like fractures who require urgent surgery. Each day myself and my team of anaesthetists, nurses, porters, physios and radiographers put ourselves at great risk to treat them, despite a real shortage of decent PPE. We now coordinate only

NEWS OF LATYMERIANS

LATYMERIANS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19

PROVIDING PPE TO NHS PERSONNEL On 26 March a team of remarkable Latymerians set up a production site in Latymer’s Design department to produce much needed face shields for the NHS. n George DZAVARYAN (2016) – Founder of Augment Bionics medical devices start-up, his brother Alex, and Finlay WHITE (2018) have been joined on the production line by ten fellow Latymerians, all of whom have volunteered to help in the manufacture and packaging of PPE face shields for the NHS. Robert GRYLLS (2012), Milo KEATING-ABOUD (2013), Lucy BEARD (2015), Henry HALL (2015), Will BOND (2016), Jack HEALEY (2016), Emmanuel SHAUL (2016), Ness Edward SUTHERLAND-DODD (2016), Ellie FRITZ (2017) and Emile FAURE (2018) have all volunteered their time to produce PPE. They have distributed more than 46,000 shields to over 60 healthcare facilities around the UK - the first delivery was to a healthcare trust in North Wales where Latymerian Dr Klara WEAVER (2011) was working in A&E. George and his team have been working with Asha DAVE (2016), to distribute the visors through Med Supply Drive UK. Thanks to the astounding generosity from across the Latymer community, we smashed an initial goal of raising funds for the production costs of 60,000 NHS face shields. George and his team of alumni will use funds raised by the school community to produce an incredible 100,000 face shields for frontline medical staff.

George Dzavaryan, right, and his brother Alex, left

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NEWS OF LATYMERIANS

one emergency theatre in the hospital which treats all surgical emergencies efficiently and safely. As a hip and knee specialist before COVID-19, I am now see myself as a general doctor, a nurse, a healthcare worker, a porter, a radiographer and even security - I am whoever I need to be to get the job done, and I have been all these roles in the last week. As so many frontline workers are falling sick or self isolating, it is amazing to see healthcare workers and other members of wider society coming together to find new ways of working, to help each other and combat this deadly virus.” n Mazyar KANANI (1991), Consultant Cardiac Surgeon at James Cook University Hospital, says “We have yet to reach a peak but can already feel the impact on our patients awaiting coronary bypass and heart valve surgery. We have suspended our elective surgery programme and just focusing on those needing urgent heart surgery and lung cancer surgery. It is a worry that while we are managing critically ill COVID patients, heart patients may die on the waiting list - and we are doing everything to avoid this. We are finding new ways to work holding outpatient appointments by phone, for example. We have been fitted with special masks in case they are needed and if things get any worse, we will be redeployed into different specialities as patient numbers go up and healthy staff numbers go down. We’ve never seen anything like this before in the 23 years I have been qualified and can see that it can bring out both the best, and worst in people. I cannot thank Latymer School enough for preparing me for this privileged life of public service.” n John MCSWIGGAN (2010) is working as a Junior Doctor on the respiratory wards at Kings Mill Hospital in Mansfield. n Leo MONZON RODRIGUEZ (1996) has enjoyed hearing about fellow Latymerians in the fight against COVID-19, “it never ceases to amaze me what everyone gets up to – and a massive thank you Latymer for donating the visors! My role is as a consultant adult and paediatric interventional radiologist (Image Guided Surgeon) working at St Thomas’ Hospital, Guy’s Hospital and Evelina Children’s Hospital. I find myself at the epicentre of this crisis and grateful for the ability to contribute thanks to my education at Latymer which meant I could train as a doctor.” n Haresh MULCHANDANI (1992), Consultant in Anaesthesia at Homerton Hospital, says “All elective surgery has been stopped, and the operating theatres have been repurposed as supplementary Intensive Care Units with three ventilated patients in each (and these are all already full to capacity). I often think about my time at Latymer, and how it prepared me well for my path in Medicine. Prior to lockdown, I met up with Latymer friends for lunch on the river, and walked past the Prep.

In such challenging times, it is good to recall the school motto “paulatim ergo certe” (slowly but surely), as this battle against the covid-19 pandemic will surely be a marathon, not a sprint. It is an honour to be able to use my skills to serve the country in these extremely challenging times, as previous generations of Latymerians have done in wartime (which I have always enjoyed reading about in Latymerian). It has been amazing to see the response of all the healthcare team to this, especially the nurses and the junior doctors, who have been brilliant. We are already seeing the best of people in response to this pandemic threat - let’s all hope this can continue and that society (which will of course be fundamentally changed by this virus) will emerge for the better once we are through it and on the other side.”

human safety testing in the coming months in collaboration with its fourth VIC spinout biotech company, Voltron Therapeutics Inc. The creation of the pandemic response vaccine platform developed by the VIC team was funded by the US Department of Defence. The VIC team is also sourcing, validating and advancing rapid point of care viral and immune testing for COVID-19 for health care workers and the general population.

Latymerian Augustin VANNIER (2013) is on Mark’s team, “doing excellent work on covid here at VIC”. n Ridwan RAHMAN (2008) works for AiHealthcare, a service provider to the NHS, which is responsible for the maintenance of medical devices - including breathing new life into older ventilators. n Prashant RAO (2006), Cardiovascular Medicine Fellow at Harvard Medical School (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center), says “I’m very much on the frontline in Boston. I’m currently doing my cardiology training out here and while we don’t have as many cases as New York, I think the situation will drastically change.” n Alan SALAMA (1983) and his colleagues at the Royal Free Hospital appeared in BBC Two documentary, “Hospital Special: Fighting COVID-19”. n Dimuthu SUMARANAYAKE (1997) “left London in 2012 after 9 years of service in the NHS to live and work in Sydney, Australia. I have since settled here and set up two medical centres. Work is stressful and challenging but always very rewarding, with a large number of elderly patients I anticipate emotional and harrowing times ahead. We are implementing strategies to protect our staff and patients from further exposure to covid. Never before has treating upper respiratory tract symptoms created such anxiety and concern. I’m trying my best to lead by example from the front line as our sick patients still require face to face examination and support. We are grateful we have some supplies of the necessary PPE and our heart goes out to those with more basic and restricted resources. Although COVID-19 cases continue to grow, we still as primary care physicians have a responsibility to be responsive in the ongoing management of the numerous primary care presentations - including pre-existing conditions and the growing mental health epidemic (particularly with all the increased public fear, isolation and vulnerability created by this crisis). One can reflect that Latymer and Imperial College medical school prepared me well, instilling key qualities required to keep myself, my team and my family afloat at this time. I’m very grateful to all my teachers.” n Sean SYMONS (1988), is working in the COVID-19 wards for Basildon and Thurrock University NHS Hospitals. n Klara WEAVER (2011) was working as an Emergency Medicine Doctor at Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital in Bangor, Wales.

In preparation for her deployment to the British Antarctic survey in November, she has moved to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth for training. She will be the sole doctor at the Rothera Research Station situated on Adelaid Island to the west of the Antarctic Peninsula. Rothera is the largest British Antarctic facility. The station operates throughout the year. In summer, the population peaks at just over 100 people while in the winter months, from April to mid-October, a 22-strong team continues the science work and maintains Rothera’s infrastructure.

n Sahand NAZEMI (2001), a dentist, “may get deployed to urgent dental centres being established across London” during the pandemic. n Fatima OSMAN (2016) is studying Medicine at Imperial College, “Imperial has set up ICSM-V (Imperial College School of Medicine Volunteers). They have placed me in Charing Cross Hospital to carry out some clinical work to lessen the workload for the current workforce.”

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n Mark C POZNANSKY (1978) MB, ChB, PhD, FRCP, Director, Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center (VIC) and Infectious Diseases Attending Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. The VIC team is advancing a novel vaccine candidate for COVID-19 into animal and then first in

Klara Weaver, second on left, and her team in Bangor, Wales

Life in the time of COVID Hardly anyone alive today, especially in high-income countries, has ever seen anything quite like COVID-19, with its effects not only on our health but on our social lives and the economy. We were born after the 1918 H1N1 flu pandemic which infected over a third of the world’s population and killed 20–50 million; we were fortunate that H5N1 ’bird flu’ transmits so poorly from person to person; and we were lucky in 2009 that a new strain of H1N1 (socalled ‘swine flu’) caused only mild illness in humans.

But as we (and many film producers) have long known, there has always been the possibility of another virus arising that is easily caught and which causes serious disease and even death—and now we have one. Not flu this time, and not HIV or Ebola, but a corona virus—the kind of virus that can cause the common cold, but is also responsible for diseases like SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). If there is good news it is that COVID-19 is a less serious illness than SARS; the bad news is that the virus is transmitted much more readily, such that each newly infected person passes the disease on to 2.5 others. The significance of this is obvious, and we have all seen the exponential curve that, by lockdown and social isolation, we are trying to flatten.

But we can’t stay in lockdown for ever—how do we get out of this as quickly as we can, minimising deaths but also minimising the damage to our economy and to our mental health? The only way is science. Antiviral therapies and vaccines are being developed, but we don’t yet know how long this will take or how effective they’ll be.

In the meantime we need data: first we need to know who is infected, because if you are infected you can pass the virus on. This involves analysing nose and throat swabs for genetic material from the virus. The technique scientists use, called the polymerase chain reaction, is wellestablished, but it is time-consuming and has to be done in a laboratory rather than at home. Three mega-labs have been set up to do the work, with equipment and reagents being provided by many university labs. And smaller institutions, like the Francis Crick Institute where I have my own lab, have also begun testing programmes.

We also need to know who has been infected in the past, and might therefore be immune to COVID-19, at least for a while. This assay, which detects antibodies to the virus, is harder to set up because it requires a more bespoke solution, but as soon as it becomes available (and it may Jim Smith at School

Jim Smith

The different types of flu are characterised by two proteins on the surface of the virus: haemagglutinin (of which there are 14 subtypes) and neuraminidase (of which there are 9). So H5N1 ‘bird flu’ is characterised by subtype 5 of haemagglutinin and subtype 1 of neuraminidase.

OPINION

By Sir Jim SMITH (1973), Director of Science at the Wellcome Trust and Senior Group Leader at the Francis Crick Institute, shares his thoughts on the coronavirus pandemic.

be by the time you read this) it should be possible to do a test at home and get the result in 10–15 minutes.

With the two types of test results in hand we can use modelling approaches to work out how many of us might be immune to COVID-19 and how to limit the spread of the disease. There will be uncomfortable aspects to any exit strategy. We may need to impose intermittent lockdowns based on the ability of the health system to cope with subsequent waves of infection; we may need to use an app that will identify the contacts of any carriers who will then perforce be placed in isolation for two or three weeks.

These approaches will be difficult, but in a country like the UK they will work. In poorer countries it will be another story, and the worst is yet to come in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

But let me end on a positive note. I have been struck, throughout the pandemic, by the way scientists are working together. Researchers are dropping their normal projects to help with polymerase chain reaction tests, to donate equipment and reagents, to do epidemiological modelling, to test drugs old and new for their effect on COVID-19, to make sure their results are made accessible as quickly as possible, and, quite simply, to muck in wherever they might be useful.

And Latymerians are playing their part too. It was a tough decision for David Goodhew and the Governors to keep the school open for as long as they did, but it was absolutely right to follow government advice and stand alongside state schools.

Meanwhile, Latymerian Andy Haines of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has proposed a large-scale emergency programme to train community health workers; Peter Hendy, chair of Network Rail, is keeping our transport system working; Nicholas Stern is looking at how we can build a more sustainable future after COVID, and George Dzavaryan, with his brother Alex and fellow Latymerian Finlay White, is using 3D printing facilities at Latymer to make face visors for health workers.

It will take a long time to recover from COVID-19, but if we work together the world might be a better place.

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A ROUND UP OF NEWS ON FORMER STUDENTS. We welcome contributions for future editions ARTS

NEWS OF LATYMERIANS

n Executive Producer Phil GRABSKY (1981), whose love of art all started with Latymer teacher Mr Grimsey, held his first “Exhibition on Screen”.

Phil broadcast Vincent van Gogh: A New Way of Seeing, live, for free, on Facebook. “These are extraordinary times, but one thing that brings me great comfort is the mobilisation of communities - local and global - to tackle the many unexpected challenges we are facing. I strongly believe that the arts play a vital role in our creating that community.”

n The story of Hugh GRANT’s (1978) career was told on the BBC’s “Hugh Grant: A Life on Screen”. Hugh not only talked about his time at Latymer, but also performed his impression of Mr Hammond! n Bruce MARTIN (1966) lives in the Campo in Spain and, in his retirement, puts on pop music events and raves.

Once the pandemic is over, he will put on a Cucarachas Fiesta.

REUNION n Once again Aroop MOZUMDER (1974) was able to arrange for the RAF Club in Piccadilly to be the venue for a small, pre-Christmas, luncheon for some of the Class of 1974. This time Bill EMMOTT and John ANFIELD were able to join Aroop, Martin KNIGHT and Campbell CHRISTIE (all 1974). Bill, who has been honoured by Japan with the Order of the Rising Sun was across from his home in Dublin and John had flown down from Aberdeen.

n Actor Imogen POOTS (2007), who has appeared in over 40 films, graced the front cover of ES magazine. In her interview, Imogen highlights the good education that she received at Latymer. n Ruby THOMAS (2009) is one of the six winners of the Channel 4 Playwrights’ Scheme 2019 which celebrates and supports emerging British writing talent.

The initiative awards six bursaries a year to new theatre writers and has been supported by Channel 4 since 2013.

CAREER UPDATES n Tom HARPER (2000) was nominated for Specialist Journalist and News Reporter of the Year at the British Journalism Awards. n Haresh MULCHANDANI (1992) has been appointed as an Examiner for the Royal College of Anaesthetists, for the Fellowship of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FRCA) exam. n Padmesh RAGHUPATHI (1975) has rebranded his Publishing Unit, formerly known as “Padmesh Raghupathi Limited Editions (PRLE)” to PaddyInk, so as to bring it into closer alignment with his other venture (PaddyLab). n James STRANKS (2010) is doing a PhD at the University of Göttingen/German Primate Centre - studying social relationships in adult male Macaque monkeys. In October, James started his year of field research at Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary in Thailand. n John WOTTON (1971), not only chairs CPRE Kent, but is the current Master of The City of London Solicitors’ Company.

John steps down as the President of Latymer’s 1624 Legacy Society in May after 5 years; his successor will be James GRAHAM (1976).

L-R: Dr Martin Knight, John Anfield, Air Vice Marshall Aroop Mozumder CB, Bill Emmott, Commodore Campbell Christie CBE.

OBE n T ed DEELEY (1945) has posthumously been awarded an OBE.

QUIZ SUCCESS n On Only Connect, Toby NONNENMACHER (2012), Isi BOGOD (2012) won their quarter final match and are through to the semi finals.

LATYMER PARTNERSHIPS

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Guy Bowles, back, at Saturday School

n Guy BOWLES (1990), who recently returned to Latymer as a Teacher of Mathematics, and William IP (2013) delivered Maths, and Physics classes for state partnership schools over a series of Saturdays in February and March.

SCHOOL VISITS Michael Messenger

Malcolm Hanney

Bob Hooper

Michael Hellyer

NEWS OF LATYMERIANS

We welcomed back Michael MESSENGER (1949), Michael HELLYER (1958) and Bob HOOPER (1961), who all took part in the Histories Project - sharing their memories of school in the lead up to the 400th anniversary of the Latymer Foundation in 2024. Malcolm HANNEY (1971) visited Latymer - all the way from Malaysia!

We were delighted to welcome three generations of the Collingwood family back to Latymer - Bruce COLLINGWOOD (1983), Charlotte COLLINGWOOD (2016), Michael COLLINGWOOD (1956) and Paul COLLINGWOOD (1978) for a tour around school.

The Collingwood family

Bob Hooper

NEW BOOKS n Model and Activist Lily COLE (2006) has written a book, “Who cares wins”. n Arik KERSHENBAUM’S (1983) new popular science book, “The Zoologist’s Guide to the Galaxy” was published on 7 May. He has kindly given a copy to the school library. n Peter PEGNALL (1967) is editing an anthology of poems responding to the current distress, by no means all solemn or gloomy! He includes major poets from England, Ireland, Portugal, Mauritius, Canada and U.S.A. The publishers are Lapwing Press in Belfast. n Peter READ (1952) has published his second history book, “A Sailing Club for children”; a history of the Sandy Bay Sailing Club. His first book “The Organisation of Electricity Supply in Tasmania” was published by Tasmania University Press in 1985 and was an edited version of his Master’s Dissertation. A scholarship boy at Latymer in 1948, Peter emigrated to Australia in 1952.

SPORTS n Katie ALLAN (2013) represented the GB Age Group Triathlon Team at both the World Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland and the European Championships in the Netherlands

MUSIC n Pete KELLEHER (2001) and Ben KOHN (2001) have been nominated for song of the year with Lewis Calpaldi in the upcoming Grammy Awards for their song writing of “Someone you Loved”, which spent seven weeks at number one in the UK charts and three weeks at number one in the US charts. n John NICHOLS (1970) was installed as Master of the Worshipful Company of Musicians on 12 November.

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School News SCHOOL NEWS

TOP MARKS IN LATEST INSPECTION! Latymer scored top marks in an extremely positive school report from our latest inspection in November 2019 by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). Key findings included: n T he quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent. n T he quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent.

CAREERS n L atymer parent Brent Hoberman, Founder of lastminute.com, made.com and Founders Factory, visited Latymer to talk to the students about entrepreneurialism. He advised students to “find something you love and are passionate about - that will excite you every day.” n B roadcaster, producer, writer and Latymer parent Emma Freud visited Latymer to share her experience of working across multiple creative sectors.

LATYMER’S ELECTION DAY n D ecember saw a fantastic turnout for our very own Latymer Election Day with pupils and staff queuing to vote at our onsite polling station (aka the Recital Hall).

Latymer’s politics and history teacher Mr Gilbert, doubled as Returning Officer. The school vote saw a landslide majority win for the Liberal Democrats.

LATYMER SETS A GREEN RECORD n O ver 1200 pupils planted more than 6,000 trees and hedgerows across west London- the largest number of trees planted in London by a single school in the space of one day. Planting sites included Acton Park, Southfield Playing Fields, Elthorne Park, Twyford Crescent and Blondin Park.

LATYMERIAN GAINS HIGHEST MARK IN THE WORLD! n Ralph, in our Lower Sixth, scored the highest mark in the world for his English Literature GCSE! Each year, there are over 800,000 subject entries for Cambridge IGCSE exams. These are taken in over 150 countries and in more than 4800 schools around the globe. Ralph is the first Latymerian to have won this award.

Emma Freud

RAIS£ - STUDENT LED FUNDRAISING CLUB n O n 4th March RAIS£ visited Robert MYERS’ (1967) branded goods warehouse, Heathside Trading, in Watford. Robert told the four students from year 7 and four from Sixth Form, how he had moved into the trading industry and gave them tips and tricks on how to sell Latymer merchandise to raise funds for bursaries. You can find RAIS£ merchandise (collapsible cups, portable cups and sweatshirts) on the Latymer Foundation website: www.latymerfoundation.org n O n Friday 13th RAIS£ put on their first ever Talent Show. Acts ranged from a motivational speech to a ukulele player - all performers were from years 7 and 8 in Lower School. A panel of teachers judged the winner to be Quentin from year 7, who performed a ballad on the piano (without a backing track!).

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PERFECT PERFORMANCES n S trictly Latymer - This dance competition has become an annual tradition at Latymer. Every couple went from being amateur dancers, to confident and slick, performing complicated and tiring routines but making it seem so easy! Rosella and her partner Joe were the winners on the first night, whilst Rob and Sukey won on Friday night. n O ur House - In February, Middle School performed in a production of ‘Our House’, featuring great singing, dancing and music (lots of Madness songs)!

This picture was created for Ralph by artistic English teacher, Mr Seymour, to celebrate this remarkable achievement.

TEMPORARY MEASURES n O n 20 March Latymer followed Government advice and closed the school to pupils, aside from the children of keyworkers. Over 50 staff have volunteered to support our Latymer Hub, continuing the education of key workers’ children.

SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARCHIVES….

CCF BOOK Tony BUDD (1959), Ian MICHELL (1962), Con METREWELI (1961) and Tony MEIER (1956) visited the Latymer archives to find photographs for their new book “A Fledgling Army” about the history of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at Latymer from 1916 to 1966.

Members of the Latymerian Council in Canada take a look back over Trevor JONES’s (1955) 14 years as Chair of the Canadian Friends of Latymer (CFOL). This tribute to Trevor’s time as Chair has been written by his colleagues in CFOL. On 31 December 2020 Trevor JONES (1955) will step down as Chairman of the Canadian Friends of Latymer (CFOL).

Trevor was instrumental in forming The Canadian Latymerian Council, the forerunner of CFOL, in late 2005 following discussions with the School, principally with Nigel Orton (Alumni Relations Consultant).

Trevor’s primary aims were twofold: (1) to form a Charitable Trust to encourage Canadian Latymerians to contribute to the bursary programme, with the inducement of it being an accepted Canadian charity to qualify for tax relief.

(2) to establish communications; to encourage socialising within the known Canadian Latymerian community; to welcome newcomers to the country whether attending a Canadian university or moving to the country, and to act as a bridge between Canada and Latymer.

Trevor’s steadfast enthusiasm for and commitment to these objectives is admired by all that have been in contact with him.

Over the past 14 years a significant amount has been donated to the Bursaries Appeal.

Trevor plans to remain active on the committee, however some changes are expected to be made in its operations.

Trevor’s colleagues in CFOL wish to thank him for his initiative, energy and unflappable optimism!

EVENTS An annual Yuletide gathering has become a fixture for CFOL, hosted at Trevor’s Toronto Cricket Club, along with occasional events such as a garden party at Trevor’s home in 2018 and other informal gatherings.

Back row left to right: David HARVARD (1954), Ian RICHARDS (1962), Elmer MARIPUU (1969), Hugh GRANT (1960), Derek LANE-SMITH (1952), Peter BASEY (1964) and Trevor JONES (1957).

Front row left to right: Linda Mak, Gwen Jones and Marilyn Richards.

Trevor and various other CFOL members and Latymerians have hosted events for both the previous Head Peter Winter in 2009 and current Head David Goodhew in 2016 during their visits to North America, along with meetings in Toronto with Latymer Governors.

Trevor Jones talks with David Goodhew during a reception Toronto Cricket, Skating and Curling Club 2016

CANADIAN FRIENDS OF LATYMER

Canadian Friends of Latymer (CFOL)

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LOOKING BACK ON OUR CREST

Looking back on our crests and uniform From September 2020, Latymer will introduce a new crest and uniform. Here Malcolm Smith, former Archivist and Teacher of Classics, tells the story of the Latymer crest...

Full coat of Arms

Latymer is distinctive for having a number of different crests over the school’s near 400 year history, all forming part of the school’s unique identity.

One constant in each version has been the distinctive Latymer cross with its ‘crosscrosslets’ or small crossbars near the end of each of its four main bars. This form of Old School Crest the cross appears on the full form of the Latymer family coat of arms. In the top right and bottom left ‘quarters’ of this are the arms of Elizabeth Wolverstone who married our Founder Edward Latymer’s great grandfather in the 1400’s and brought the Manor of Wolverstone in Suffolk into the family property on her marriage. This full version of the arms is now used by the Latymer Foundation. At times it has also been seen on the badges of the blazers worn by pupils awarded Colours for their high sporting achievements on the School’s behalf.

The other two quarters of the full display show the arms of the Latymer family, awarded to them when the Crown granted them the Manor of Freston near Ipswich. The original significance of the flower on the arms is now sadly lost beyond recall but the cross crosslets are clearly visible and this form of the arms will be very familiar indeed to all members of Latymer Upper School from 1895 to 2004 through its use on their blazer badges, prefects’ badges, sports cups and exercise books.

IN DETAIL: A NEW CREST… AND UNIFORM NEW CREST From September 2020, in anticipation of the 400th anniversary of the Latymer Foundation in 2024, Latymer will introduce a new uniform - bearing a new iteration of the crest that harks back to the original in its design.

The new crest is an evolution of current and past badges, reflecting Latymer’s long heritage, whilst still representing the School as a modern, forward-looking organisation.

The new badge is a contemporary take on an element of the original Latymer Foundation crest which already has a presence around the School and will be familiar to both alumni and current pupils.

Leading London design agency, SomeOne, worked free of charge on this project - as they did when working with Latymer on the designs for the Inspiring Minds campaign.

Latymer is extremely grateful to the alumni focus groups consulted during the development process.

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2004-2019 Crest

A motto accompanied the crest from the late 1800s. Paulatim ergo certe (“Slowly therefore surely”) doubled as a pun, including the word “latimer” (spelt thus due to there being no letter y in Latin).

The motto was the invention of Rev. Walsh, Vicar of St Paul’s Hammersmith in the early 20th century when the school Governors felt the need to give the identity of the relatively young Upper School (founded only in 1895) a more traditional feel and dignity.

2004: The Governors decided in 2001 that the School should move to full co-education. From 1996 girls had been admitted but only into the Sixth Form. The decision to change the badge and drop the motto was intended to make a bold statement both within the School itself and in the wider community.

The aim was to retain the essential and iconic elements of the School’s identity whilst projecting a new character. The distinctive chevron, cinquefoil and Latymer blue (Pantone 286) were preserved but the busy original design was simplified to be much more modern and minimalistic.

Inevitably, both the old badge and motto were much lamented by certain sections of the Latymer community.

Some Latymerians continued to complain about it years afterwards, and quite probably still do! The first coeducational year group was recruited to the Prep (Years 3 & 4) in September 2003, with the Upper School following a year later. This latter Class graduated in 2011.

During the pandemic Latymer has put into place a temporary non-uniform policy for year groups returning to school, to avoid the need for pupils’ uniforms to be washed overnight. Students will be able to wear a different set of clothes every day, helping to reduce the spread of the virus.

UNIFORM THROUGH TIME Ashok ARORA (1977) remembers how, in the 1970s, the Prep “required pupils to wear shorts all year round. Boys who were cubs in the 34th Hammersmith (LUS) Scout Troop could wear their scout kit in lieu of their uniforms. but still only with shorts!”

Over time the uniform has changed along with the various iterations of the crest, and now as a co-educational school there is a uniform for both genders which will change come September 2020 to incorporate the new crest emblazoned on the blazer lapel.

The decision to reassess the badge design was taken during a long-overdue review of the School’s uniform. Over the past year discussions were held with groups of students, staff and parents, gathering impressions of the current uniform and what might potentially change to improve it. As part of those discussions participants were also asked the question, ‘do we need a uniform?’ and the answer from all of those groups mentioned, was a clear ‘yes’.

New uniform

Pupils and parents told Latymer that they would like a uniform with a commitment to environmental sustainability in fabric, manufacture and transportation that was higher quality than the existing uniform - at a lower overall cost. They were also keen that the design should reflect the modern world, offering tailored jackets and trousers for both boys and girls.

Latymer will introduce a new uniform that meets these criteria. Both the new badge and uniform will be phased in over four years so that by the 400th anniversary of the Latymer Foundation in 2024 all pupils from 7-16 years old will be wearing the new school uniform.

New uniform Ashok ARORA (1977)

Michael MESSENGER (1949)

LOOKING BACK ON OUR UNIFORM

NEW UNIFORM Uniform is a huge part of the school experience. Some Latymerians will remember school caps and shorts as an integral part of their uniform. Tony GRANT (1959) recalls that a school cap was given to each student, “to be worn at all times when in uniform in public under penalty of detention or worse - if spotted! We were also given a Hymn Book”.

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Fellow Foodies FELLOW FOODIES

Meet Ollie GOLD (2008) and Joe GROSSMANN (2004), both entrepreneurs in the food industry, who recently bonded when they set up shop next to each other in Hackney…

Having worked as a kitchen porter and then as a chef for the Formula One team for eight years after university, Ollie had a clear idea of what he wanted to do when he returned to London. He remembers the sleepless nights and working ‘ridiculously hard’ to get the business going; he credits Latymer for teaching him the value of a good work ethic and the appreciation of team work on the rugby field.

Ollie Gold outside Pophams Bakery

Ollie can now see that his “Latymer education was so good for me.

I was privileged. Ten years on - I realise how lucky I was. It was a creative environment; we were allowed to try out ideas and it was certainly not an organic exam factory… we were lucky!” He pays particular credit to his Head of Sixth Form, Chris Chivers, for “backing me” and to Malcolm Smith, Classics, who was always supportive. Ollie is still in close contact with his school friends and he enjoyed attending his Ten Year Reunion in 2018 where he met some people he had not known well at School.

Ollie wants to spread the word that working in hospitality is so rewarding; he sees huge opportunities opening up. His final advice to all young Latymerians: learn to be a barista- there are always jobs for people who have learnt how to make an excellent cup of coffee!

Meeting Ollie GOLD (2008) in his Pophams bakery, his passion for food is clear! This is a Latymerian who turned his idea to bring an innovative spin on traditional viennoiserie baking techniques into a thriving business with shops in Islington, London Fields and Central Point.

Ollie is seriously passionate about really good coffee and has been called the ‘pastry whisperer’ in the press. His bakers work through the night to produce delights such as the maple bacon croissant, rosemary and sea salt twist, and the delicious sounding poached quince and brown butter pastry.

Ollie says “our goal is to be the best in London, not the biggest!” and reviews certainly seem to back up this ambition.

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Ollie Gold at School

Joe Grossmann outside Patty & Bun

Joe GROSSMANN (2004), Founder of successful burger chain Patty & Bun, can be described as many things – an entrepreneur, a foodie, and (of course) a Latymerian!

Most of all, Joe’s shining characteristic is his exuberant personality. Described as a “brilliant bubble of joy” by fellow alum Ollie Gold, who, unaware of the Latymer connection, coincidentally met Joe when they opened up businesses next door to one another. From there, a strong friendship developed and now they speak every week, collaborating and sharing ideas.

FELLOW FOODIES

COVID-19’s impact on the food industry…

The restaurant industry is just one of the many affected by the coronovirus pandemic. At the end of March both Patty & Bun and Pophams Bakery responded to the crisis by temporarily becoming a delivery only business. Pophams introduced free coffee and pastries to NHS staff, whilst Patty & Bun came up with the innovative idea of “DIY Kits”, so customers can make their own Patty & Bun meal at home. Joe Grossmann is staying positive throughout the pandemic, and hopes that “it is time for humanity to come together and come out the other side as one”.

25 coffees a day and working 100 hour weeks were requisite to get Joe’s business off the ground, “I lost two stone in a matter of months, barely saw my parents and lost sense of time – but in the end it was banging, truly banging”.

From there, success spiralled, with much growth over the past couple of years – both within the business and within himself. “I’ve had a massive transition from when I started out in my early 20s. Turning 30, getting married and having a child has meant my perspective has changed massively, you have to grow up.”

The vision for Patty & Bun was born at a crossroads in Joe’s life. In 2007, after graduating from the University of Leeds, Joe was ready to find his calling. After a brief, So what does that mean for the future of Patty & Bun? unenjoyable stint in insurance he decided to explore his After opening ten bricks and mortar sites and four long standing love of food, and following a trip to the States, Joe Grossmann at School Joe decided he should take the plunge. “I ate lots of burgers and came back from the US very enthusiastic – but I didn’t really have a clue what I was in for. What I did have was a clear vision of what I wanted to create and what the brand should stand for’’. Joe is happy that, to this day, Patty & Bun has stayed true to its original philosophy of “banging burgers, good music and great vibes’’.

However, the road to success was by no means an easy one.

For the first eighteen months Joe lived and breathed Patty & Bun, remembering the opening of the “mothership” in Marylebone as “my entire life – but it was truly exhilarating!”

Surviving on three hours sleep,

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FELLOW FOODIES

concessions, Joe looks to open three to five more sites over the next couple of years, with plans for outside London following on from the success of the Brighton branch, “each site has its own personality”. Joe has done well in keeping up with food movements; Patty & Bun’s vegan offerings include the “Whoopi Goldburger” – a mushroom fritter patty with vegan cheese. Delivery now accounts for around 20% of Joe’s business, which he understands the trend but would always recommend going out to eat in good company at one of his restaurants.

Joe’s advocacy for an active social life stems from having met many of his best friends at Latymer, “your friends from school are friends for life”. A number of his Latymerian friends have mirrored his footsteps as entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry, including Charlie Gardiner (2001), Founder of Incipio Group, and Jeremy Simmonds (2001), Founder of mini golf

bar Swingers. Joe’s group feel “so lucky” to have gone to Latymer, a school which Joe believes stands out amongst others (he names St Pauls!) as an “independent spirit”. John Gilbert and Chris Hammond are amongst the many Latymer teachers that Joe thanks for instilling in him a sense of roundedness that has stayed with him throughout his life.

Joe believes that his life would have “been very different without Latymer” as the school puts students on such a strong footing to go out and set up their own businesses – as he did with Patty & Bun. His recommendation to fellow alumni who wish to found their own hospitality business is to develop a true love of food to succeed in the industry. Looking back on his career as a food and drink business founder, Joe says “it’s been an interesting 10 years… bring on the next decade of being a Latymer entrepreneur!”

Charlie GARDINER’s (2001) venue, Bloom in Kensington

SHARED PASSIONS Joe Grossmann and Ollie Gold are by no means the only Latymerians in the hospitality industry, here are a few other Latymerians who have set up their own food and drink businesses…

Charlie GARDINER (2001), Incipio Group. Charlie’s chain of trendy bars include The Prince, Pergola and most recently Bloom. Joe and Charlie teamed up to host Patty & Bun Concessions at both Pergola and the Prince.

Charlie remains in contact with Latymer, in his words “I love helping my old school!” This was evidenced in February, when Charlie came to the rescue by offering to host a Latymer event at Bloom when a previous venue fell through.

Jeremy SIMMONDS (2001), Swingers. A crazy golf concept with a memorable name, you can find Swingers in the West End and City of London (the City branch has a Patty & Bun concession).

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Lizzie CURTIS (2006) - Anson & Curtis Lizzie Curtis says, “At Latymer our teachers encouraged us to think outside the box, and show us that we didn’t have to tread the normal path. We could choose our own way and give it a go!”

With this philosophy in mind, Lizzie knew she had always loved cooking so, after university, she didn’t follow many of her Latymerian friends in applying for grad schemes and law courses. Instead she enrolled in Leith’s Cookery School in West London. In October 2014, Lizzie and her friend, Caroline, set up Anson and Curtis, their own catering company that has gone from strength to strength. Everything is prepped in their kitchen in Battersea before going out to clients. Their events have been ever-increasing in size thanks to their army of freelance chefs and other staff. Lizzie says the enthusiastic messages of thanks after events give her

Lizzie CURTIS (2006) - Anson & Curtis

inspiration and she adores her job exclaiming that, “It is the best feeling when someone loves your food!”

Her Latymer friendships, forged over lunches at Casa Mia on King Street, have stood the test of time. Lizzie is, not surprisingly, usually the one cooking for their dinner parties.

As with every restaurant business, the coronavirus pandemic has impacted on profits. “It was a difficult decision to pause work at Anson and Curtis. It seems very strange not going to the kitchen every day. But we will have a good reshuffle and be ready to hit the ground running when all this is over!”

On 2 November, we visited Cambridge University to host a dinner for students at the university and other alumni living in the area.

Laurence HOPKINS (1992), Amanda Scott (Director of Development), Mark Carney and David Goodhew (Head)

LEGAL AND FINANCE NETWORKING RECEPTION On 4 March, Latymer parent Mark Carney gave one of his final speeches as Governor of the Bank of England at our popular networking event for Legal and Finance professionals.

10 YEAR REUNION - CLASS OF 2009 On 8 November, Latymerians who left school in 2009 caught up with one another at the Hampshire Hog on King Street

EVENTS ROUNDUP

CAMBRIDGE LATYMERIANS’ DINNER

Some of the Class of 1960 at the Milestone Reunion Lunch

MILESTONE REUNION LUNCH On 7 March, Latymerians who left school in 1950, ‘60, ‘70, ‘80, ‘90, and 2000 enjoyed a three course meal and heard speeches from both David Goodhew, Head, and Chris Hammond, Alumni Relations Consultant and former teacher.

MEDIA NETWORKING RECEPTION On 6 February Mike COOPER (1979) chaired a panel discussion with experts in the media industry, such as fellow Latymerian Samir SHAH (1969), followed by networking.

SMALL WORLD David JACKSON (1960) returned back to Latymer for the first time in 60 years, and enjoyed catching up with his old friend Michael HURSEY (1960). Just a few days later David found out about a previously unknown connection, “I was telling my step daughter about the reunion and showed her the menu with the names of the attendees. She immediately latched onto Michael’s name and announced that not only did she go to Michael’s school but that he appointed her head girl!”

LATYMER ENTREPRENEURS LAUNCH Latymer Entrepreneurs, a new business support programme for entrepreneurs and investors in the Latymer community, launched on 27 February.

The new programme is the brainchild of founding members Toby ASTOR (1998), Adam BALON (1990), Fran BOORMAN (2000) and Rich DAVIDSON (1993).

The launch was hosted by Charlie Gardiner at his venue Bloom in South Kensington.

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LATYMER PANTOMINE

The staff wrote a Panto?

Oh, yes, they did!

We watched Cinders and Charming fall hopelessly in love - it’s safe to say we experienced Latymer teachers in ways we never have before, and hope to never, ever again.

On 16 - 19 January Latymer held the first ever Latymer Staff Panto, a production of Cinderella written by teachers! Ticket sales from this event supported the Inspiring Minds campaign - the four nights of performances helped to raise over £8,000 to help fund more bursaries at Latymer.

Cinderella starred over 35 members of staff. David Goodhew, Head, took up the role of Cleaner Number Two whilst Justin Joseph, Director of Drama, played a Tree Facing Backwards!

Highlights from the show included rats named Boris and Jeremy, played by teachers Paul Goldsmith and Ed Mann, who performed their own version of One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful”.

The four nights of performances were a complete sell out, and the audience were so blown away that many came back to watch on consecutive nights.

A note from the writers Charlie BEN-NATHAN (1990, Assistant Head) and Jon Haines (Teacher of Mathematics) on how they came up with the Latymer Staff Panto production of Cinderella: A number of years ago, we (Charlie and Jon) and Paul Goldsmith, Teacher of Politics, found ourselves in the pub writing ideas for an original pantomime to raise money for the Sports Hall on the back of a napkin. Fast-forward to last summer when Justin - the Director - announced that he’d like to put on a pantomime for the Bursaries Appeal.

Could we find the napkin? Oh no we couldn’t...

Nicol Morrow

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Back to the drawing board it was, or rather the Google Doc. Justin apparently wanted to call it ‘Cinderella’, which we had never heard of. He quickly rejected our first draft that told the story of a young woman who lived in Chiswick and everything was pretty much fine, mumbling something about a lack of story arc? A rags to riches story seemed to be in order, though apparently the main character getting rich via Bitcoin or a pyramid scheme weren’t viable options either.

Once the general concept of Cinderella was finally settled upon, we needed some character development of the main characters. The idea of having sisters came from Charlie and Jon each both having a sister. Similar thoughts applied to creating the King and Queen, which we felt would be good names for people in a hierarchy above a prince. Once we established these sorts of relationships, the plot sort of wrote itself. The only suggestion from Goldsmith that we kept from the original napkin was that Justin should play a tree.

Other novel flourishes we have put in the show include music - we felt this was important so that when characters were singing they would have something to sing along to. The obvious choice was to just recruit the staff band, failing to realise that most of them would be playing parts in the show as well. We also instructed that costumes reflect the gritty realism of Cinderella’s existence.

ONCE A LATYMERIAN, ALWAYS A LATYMERIAN…

We welcomed back Nicol MORROW (1949) to watch the Latymer Staff Panto - it was the first time he has been back to school in 70 YEARS! Nicol brought his wife, daughter and grandchildren to the performance. We gave them a royal welcome and a shout out during the performance - which led his grandchildren to believe their grandad is famous!

We did go through one difficult stage when, once the script was complete, we discovered that other people had copied our idea, planted evidence on the internet that the idea had been around for ages and even convinced some people to believe that they had already seen other versions of our show.

Preposterous, of course! That said, any similarity of characters to other characters, living, dead or fictional is purely coincidental. And of course all jokes in the show are totally original…

Oh, yes, they are!

Obituaries Arthur Bennett on his travels

Martin - the only time Martin ever superseded his brother at all! At school, his intelligence became apparent. He obtained the honour of being School Captain. He was also the Forwardmannus at the Gild, and the possessor of possibly the worst singing voice in school history!

After Latymer, he went on to read Mathematics at Wadham College, Oxford. Whilst at Wadham, Tony started a comedy review group in a cellar in Oxford. This group saw the emergence of an entire generation of British comedians, including Al Murray, Stewart Lee and Sally Phillips to name but a few.

n Arthur Percy BENNETT (1946) We are grateful to Alison Botterill, Arthur’s daughter, for offering the following tribute.

Arthur joined Latymer Upper School in 1941 with a scholarship and left in 1946 having gained his School Certificate. A life-long passion for English Literature was kindled at the school and he remembered reading the Just William books borrowed from school library. His love of music developed when he became a chorister at the Royal Marsden Cancer Hospital at the suggestion of a school pal. Latymer certainly gave Arthur a good grounding from which he was able to build upon. While circumstances determined his leaving school at 16, Arthur held a strong work ethic all his life and a desire to continue learning, which was instilled in him at school.

Arthur married Jean in 1952 and began a long career in the wine trade starting in retail with Threshers and Victoria Wine, during which time he studied with the Wine and Spirit Education Trust. Always ambitious and determined to realise his full potential, he moved into marketing roles with wine shippers LR Voigt and Rawlings. A move then followed to Tesco’s Head Office as Marketing Manager, working with the company’s founder, Sir Jack Cohen. His final move was to the Co-Operative Wholesale Society as Buyer, Wines and Spirits UK. Within this role he travelled widely and became a respected conference speaker. He gained his Master of Wine (theory) and his reputation earned him the honour of France’s Chevalier du Tastevin.

On retirement, he and Jean travelled widely until her untimely death in 2000. In his 70s, having spent many years researching the life of Captain Scott, Arthur fulfilled a long-held dream to visit Antarctica.

Arthur died peacefully in hospital, his two daughters Alison and Fiona at his side. He leaves his two daughters, four grandchildren, his widow Elsie and her family. n Tony BRENNAN (1984) We are grateful to Martin BRENNAN (1981) for offering the following tribute.

Anthony (Tony) was born on Feb 6th, 1966, to Kevin (an actor) and Edna (a former stage manager).

He attended Latymer on a partial bursary from 1977 until 1984. He was preceded to Latymer by his older brother,

After Wadham, Tony’s career was one of stellar successVSO, IBM, FCO all benefited from his expertise, skill and devotion. Whilst he was stationed in Prague with the FCO, he met Marketa Mullerova, whom he married in France in 2005. Whilst on the Zimbabwe desk between 2002 and 2004, Tony was instrumental in aiding the escape from Zimbabwe of Henry Olonga, the cricketer, after Henry’s life was threatened by the Mugabe regime during the cricket world cup. Tony helped in getting Henry his British visa, and thereafter they became firm friends, and played cricket together often.

OBITUARIES

We mark the following Latymerians who have sadly passed away recently.

Tony’s other great passion was cricket. He played for Latymer, where he was one of the bravest wicketkeepers to be seen. From that point on, he played for the Old Latymerians occasionally, and regularly for Captain Scotts, a wandering side who welcomed his organisational skills as much as his cricketing ability.

During his FCO postings around the world, Tony set up at least half a dozen cricket clubs, coercing ex-pats to play, and taking the truly beautiful game to people who would never otherwise be exposed to the flanneled fools. In doing this, he created life-long bonds with many people from all walks of life. My personal favourite picture of him ever is him keeping wicket to a fully-fledged Masai warrior.

Tony was posted to the role of Deputy High Commissioner in Canberra, where the greatest high and low befell him.

He and Marketa were gifted with the birth of their son Nicholas in 2013. Unfortunately whilst there, he was also mis-diagnosed with an uveal melanoma in his right eye.

This cost him the eye, but tragically the disease moved to his liver, which ultimately proved fatal.

Tony was due to take up the post of British Ambassador in Slovakia this year, but his untimely death in November deprived him of this role.

His former foreign office colleague, Tom Fletcher, recalled: “Tony would say that he would never make the world’s greatest cricketer, comedian or diplomat. But I have no doubt that he was the world’s greatest cricket playing comedian diplomat.” n Stan COLLINGWOOD (1965) David Stanley Collingwood, known as ‘Stan’, began his love of rowing at Latymer, initially as a coxswain prior to picking up an oar. On leaving school he rowed for Thames RC and then Auriol Kensington, representing the latter at Henley Royal Regatta in the Thames Challenge Cup in 1968.

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In the early 1970s he started coaching at Thames Tradesmen’s RC, and there began his long career in coaching, event organisation, umpiring and leadership in all aspects of rowing.

OBITUARIES

Stan will probably be best remembered by the majority of the rowing community as an enthusiastic event commentator including at Henley Women’s Regatta and the National Championships, where he ran the commentary team for several years.

Stan was a committed Christian, a Church of England lay minister, and a tireless worker for his church in Hounslow and latterly in Bedale, North Yorkshire. For many years he was a member of the Church Synod.

In 2003 he was awarded the ARA Medal of Honour which recognises individuals and organisations who have made an outstanding contribution to rowing at a national or regional level.

Stan Collingwood died on Saturday 12th October, at the age of 72, in St Theresa’s Hospice, Darlington. n C lifford Gould, former Teacher of English, 1943 – 2020 We are grateful to Peter Stevens, former Teacher of English, for offering the following tribute.

I first met Clifford Gould in March 1967. We were both student teachers steaming across the North Sea, ready to begin a tour of Russia as part of Clifford Gould during his time a Comparative as Head of Badminton School, Education 1981 – 1997 course. My first conversation with him was on the “safe” subject of cars. He clearly did have a car so I asked him what it was. “Rolls Royce”, he replied with such a straight face that I did not believe him! Teachers do not own Rolls Royces let alone student teachers. And yet this was true, and thus began a lifelong friendship.

This friendship was cemented the following September when we both found that we were to start our teaching careers at Latymer Upper School. Clifford was beginning his six year reign teaching English under the benevolent eye of the legendary Wilf Sharpe, then Head of English.

Right from the start, Clifford was clearly ambitious. His teaching method was one of stimulating self-awareness in people by shock and creative imaginative experiment, and this seemed to work. He was fully involved with all the activities within the English department, and this included taking part in the Apprentices, Journeymen and the Gild. The annual Jantaculum was an important part of the school calendar, and Clifford took a full part.

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Each morning an ancient Rolls Royce rolled slowly into the front of the school. This was an extraordinary vehicle, 1929 vintage that was very much part of Clifford. During his first year at Latymer he met Patricia Greenslade, who was also beginning her career as a gifted mathematics teacher at Battersea Grammar School. Clifford and Patricia got married and she provided him with invaluable support for the rest of his life.

In 1973, Clifford and Patricia both found jobs at Frensham Heights School, with Clifford as Head of English and Patricia as Head of Mathematics. Both the Director of Studies and the Headmaster were under Clifford in the English Department. This all provided invaluable experience for when he became a Headmaster.

In 1981, the Headship of Badminton School, Bristol, came up. This independent all-girls school had never had a male Headmaster, but Clifford got the job. Then began Clifford’s 17 year reign as a successful Headmaster, and the school became one of the leading girls schools in the country. Meanwhile, Patricia continued to teach Mathematics. As a Headmaster, Clifford took a firm interest in all that was going on in the school. He was a perceptive man able to see the potential in a pupil or member of staff.

In 1997, Clifford took early retirement, to spend more time at home and help with his growing family. He became a school inspector and from 1996 until 2014, he was a Governor of Pangbourne School.

He now had time to engage in his many hobbies. With Patricia he was able to travel to far corners of the world.

His favourite sport was tennis and (although very sad, because he was only 76) it was perhaps fitting that he should depart this world by collapsing during one of his hard hitting weekly tennis fours.

Clifford was also keen on golf, skiing and bridge, all of which he was keenly competitive. Unusually for a schoolmaster, Clifford was also an astute businessman and ran the family property business in Glastonbury, where he lived.

Some years after Clifford’s departure from Latymer, I happened to meet up with Wilf Sharpe. Wilf admitted candidly to me, that Clifford was not always easy, but “he served his apprenticeship very well indeed.” n Daniel LEVY (1976) We are grateful to Howard LEVY (1988) for offering the following tribute.

Daniel obtained a scholarship to Latymer Upper School and was there through to the Sixth form.

He particularly loved studying History and in recent years he met with Mr Orme who taught him History at Latymer.

Daniel successfully applied to study Law at Worcester College Oxford. He loved Oxford but struggled with stress and took a year out from his studies. Despite not completing all of his final exams he just missed out on a First Class Degree. Daniel then went to Law College before becoming an Article Clerk at Linklater & Paines.

Unfortunately his mental health deteriorated again at this time and he had to give up his dream of becoming a solicitor. He spent some time as a Financial Advisor, although this job did not suit his character.

From when he was at Latymer Daniel offered company to otherwise lonely people as a befriender. For many years Daniel continued his volunteering by helping people who he saw as less fortunate than himself. He worked with Brent Mind as well as the charity Sane. He was keen to share his own experiences to help others with their struggles. Not only did Daniel write a book about his mental health journey which he titled ‘From Oxford to Bedlam’ but he was also an ambassador for mental health issues and on numerous occasions he had to drop everything for a television, radio or newspaper interview.

In later years Daniel took to studying the Jewish religion and would spend hours reading religious texts and enjoyed learning from rabbinical friends.

Daniel was a heavy smoker for thirty years but managed to kick the habit overnight when his father made him a financial offer he could not refuse! He used this money wisely to indulge in his passion for travel and he took some cruises to places such as Madagascar, Brazil, India and China. In recent years his heavy smoking caught up with him through lung disease and towards the end of his life he became very reliant on his carer Samuel. Samuel found caring for Daniel a fulfilling experience of mutual respect that has left an enduring mark on him.

Daniel made a great impression on many and he will be sorely missed. n Clinton LUCY (1969) We are grateful to Richard Beale, friend of Clinton, for offering the following tribute.

Clinton is remembered as a larger than life character by his friends from his Latymer days. His lifelong interest in horses was first recorded when he played a jousting knight in a school film made at Bodiam Castle, albeit riding a charger that was more accustomed to pulling a milk cart.

Clinton joined NCR in London as a management trainee in 1970. He then worked with NCR in the UK before relocating to Kenya to establish and manage an Education Centre for NCR in Nairobi. Ultimately he left NCR and joined Price Waterhouse in Kenya before moving to Australia. His career eventually brought him back to England before he returned to Africa to realise a dream and establish Olepangi Farm, an award-winning lodge in the shadow of Mount Kenya where riding safaris are a speciality. In addition to running Olepangi, he continued to travel widely as a business consultant.

n Peter SIGALOFF (1961) We are grateful to Barry COVILL (1961) for offering the following tribute.

Peter had fond memories of Latymer Prep in which he spent two years from the age of nine before joining the Upper School in Mr Hull’s 2H. After a chequered academic career at school (except for boats and swimming!), Peter eventually qualified at The London Hospital with an Honours degree in dentistry, proudly announcing with some amazement that it was never too late!

He practised in his Shepherds Bush and Iver surgeries for many years but post-retirement his health declined and he suffered from Parkinson’s with Lewy Bodies dementia (as he said… “not great for a dentist with a drill”) although he was still able to recite geography teacher Mr Tuttell’s ‘wool towns’ list.

Later in life he was looked after with great dedication by his wife Margot.

Peter passed away peacefully in 2019. n John REGAN (1940)

OBITUARIES

Daniel had a lifelong love of cricket and spent many days at Lords. Over a number of years he built up an outstanding collection of Wisden cricket books and cricket related memorabilia. Daniel also liked to go horse racing and loved football, following Manchester United.

He went to many matches and always had an opinion on the playing strategy. He wrote to Sir Alex Ferguson to give him some sage advice and was rewarded with free tickets to a match with Leeds United - although Sir Alex put him in the ‘away end’ full of very rowdy Leeds fans!

We are grateful to Bryan Regan, John’s son, for offering the following tribute.

John was born in Shepherds Bush. He followed his father Charles to Latymer in September 1935.

John joined the RAF and after training as a navigator he ended up in 571 Squadron in Oakington. He flew in Mosquitos as the navigator and bomber and undertook 50 sorties in his tour of duty. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal and in later years was honoured to receive the Legion D’Honneur when the French Government thanked those who had fought for their freedom in the war.

Following the war John joined W Wakefield, later to be Castrol Oil. He became publicity manager and left in 1974.

He moved from London to Lincolnshire where he was involved in the church and local amateur dramatics. He later moved to a RAFA home in Melton Mowbray where he was an active member of the local RAFA branch. As his health failed he moved to West Wales close to his son.

Although he had left London, John remained a lifelong QPR fan.

John passed away due to Alzheimer’s. Up until his last two years he always looked through The Latymerian and was proud of his association with the school.

VE DAY BOOKLETS On 8 May the Latymer Foundation commemorated Latymerians lost in the First and Second World Wars by sharing two memorial booklets written by Malcolm Smith, former Archivist and Teacher of Classics.

Please find the booklets on our website: www.latymerfoundation.org/alumni

Clinton enjoyed a wide variety of leisure activities, playing badminton and squash, driving racing karts, and of course polo and other equestrian pursuits.

He died suddenly in Kenya on 23 October 2019. He is survived by his first wife and their two children, his second wife and by his mother. Clinton was a charismatic figure who made friends wherever he went. Many messages of condolence and support have been received from around the world. He will be sadly missed.

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Use Latymer Connects to find former classmates, see and post photographs, seek careers advice from fellow alumni, offer internships or to be a mentor.

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