The Old Oundelian 2023 - 2024

THE OLD OUNDELIAN

2023-2024

LORD MAYOR OF LONDON

Alastair King (C 87) becomes the fifth Old Oundelian

Lord Mayor

Dr Benji Waterhouse (Ldr 03) talks about life as an NHS psychiatrist

Maurice Dybeck (Sn 48) remembers Iceland in 1953

The Old Oundelian Club

PRESIDENT: Lance

SECRETARY AND

ADDRESS: The

VICE PRESIDENTS

Guy Beresford (B 81)

Charles Salem (C 78)

LIFE VICE PRESIDENTS

Nick Cheatle (G 63)

John Crabbe (G 55)

Shane Dodd (Sn 74)

Robert Ellis (D 65)

Sir Michael Pickard (C 51)

Chris Piper (Sc 71)

Chris Walliker (D 54)

Harry Williamson (StA 55)

FINANCE AND POLICY COMMITTEE

Alastair Irvine (Sc 81), Chairman

Richard Ellis (Sn 86)

David Meredith (Lx 78)

Harry Williamson (StA 55)

HONORARY LEGAL ADVISER

Lance Ashworth (G 82)

REPORTING ACCOUNTANT

David Meredith (Lx 78)

OLD OUNDELIAN MAGAZINE

EDITOR

Megan Smedley (Hon OO)

OO CLUB COMMITTEE

Kristina Cowley (L 03)

Kate Harrison (Sn 13)

Richard Owen (Sc 70)

Mary Price (K 94)

Nina Rieck (K 95)

Graham Solari (G 65)

SPORTS SECRETARIES

Multisports Coordinator

Arthur Marment (D 77)

Email: arthurmarment@gmail.com

Hon Sec OO Badminton

Masao Matsuura (StA 22)

Email: oobadminton@ooclub.co.uk

Hon Sec OO Clay Pigeon Shooting

Henry Johnstone (C 07)

Email: oocpshooting@ooclub.co.uk

Hon Sec OO Cross-Country

Jon Potts (C 98)

Email: ooxcountry@ooclub.co.uk

Hon Sec Oundle Rovers CC

Tim Elliott (StA 77)

Email: elliotttim8@gmail.com

Hon Sec OO Fives

Alex Smith (N 91)

Email: oofives@ooclub.co.uk

Hon Sec OO Football

Freddie Ashworth (G 15) and Chris Titcomb (StA 15)

Email: oofootball@ooclub.co.uk

Hon Sec OO Golf

James Aston (StA 92)

Email: oogolf@ooclub.co.uk

Hon Sec OO Women’s Hockey

Kate Harrison (Sn 13)

Email: oowmshockey@ooclub.co.uk

EMAIL: nyianni@oundleschool.org.uk

Hon Sec OO Men’s Hockey

Stuart Morgan (Lx 91)

Email: oohockey@ooclub.co.uk

Hon Sec OO Netball

Bella Ellis (Sn 14)

Email: oonetball@ooclub.co.uk

Hon Sec OO Rifle Shooting

Charles Shelley (S 18)

Email: oorifle@ooclub.co.uk

Hon Sec OO Rowing

Kristina Cowley (L 13)

Email: oorowing@ooclub.co.uk

Hon Sec OO Rugby

Guy Simmonds (StA 95)

Email: oorugby@ooclub.co.uk

Hon Sec OO Sailing

Kate Cooke-Priest (W 93)

Email: oosailing@ooclub.co.uk

Hon Sec OO Squash

Maria Yukhnovich (K 13)

Email: oosquash@ooclub.co.uk

Hon Sec OO Tennis

Sophie Walker (L 10)

Email: ootennis@ooclub.co.uk

Hon Sec OO Waterpolo

Angelo Giacco (L 20)

Email: oowaterpolo@ooclub.co.uk

The Old Oundelian

Editor

Megan Smedley (Hon OO)

Email:megansmedley2@aol.com

Editorial Committee

Lance Ashworth (G 82) - President

Lucy McLaren (Sn 06)

Richard Matthews (D 66)

Mark Moore (Sc 68)

Guy Beresford (B 81) - Past President

Harry Williamson (StA 55)

Nicky Yianni - OO Secretary

School Representatives Elspeth Langsdale - Archivist Hannah Morgan - Marketing

Advertising Enquiries

Tel: 01832 277297

Email: oosecretary@ooschool.org.uk

Designed, Printed and Bound in the UK The Lavenham Press lavenhampress.com

linkedin.com/school/oundle-school oonetwork.org.uk facebook.com/oldoundelian twitter.com/OldOundelian

The Secretary

■ Nicky Yianni

With more and more young OOs becoming involved and coming to events and dinners, we are pleased to report an increase in attendance and are now seeing a real mix of the generations. The London dinner in November 2023 was a popular event where we inadvertently merged with a tenyear reunion, which was fantastic to see and be a part of. Well over one hundred and thirty OOs enjoyed a black tie dinner at the beautiful Grocers’ Hall, a venue so popular that we decided to return there for 2024.

Other events such as the Over 60s and Sports lunches have had record numbers in 2023 – a trend we hope continues. The Sports lunch had over ninety OOs present. Although the weather wasn’t so kind to us on the way in, the sun soon came out. Everyone enjoyed a wonderful three course meal followed by a fascinating and humbling speech from Patrick Foster (StA 05) who spoke about his cricket career as well as his recovery from gambling addiction. The silence in the room was testament to how captivated the audience was.

The annual Multisports weekend took place in March with a huge

turnout for a plethora of sports and netball and clay shooting returning to the roster. The Mike Spragg Trophy went to the school again, but rest assured the OOs will come back stronger in 2025 (he says, hopefully). The traditional knees up at the Ship helped soothe tired muscles and achy bones. Throw in a hen do and a great time was had by all. This was reflected in the bill, which caused my eyes to water. Totally worth it, I am told.

Over the same weekend, the now annual OO Art Exhibition took place, featuring a wealth of talent in different fields including awardwinning cartoonist and illustrator Simon Pearsall (G 81) and sculpture artists Reiko Kaneko (D 05) and Emma Jean Kemp (W 03). The crafted mechanical interpretations of the natural world by William Darrell (S 08) were hypnotic, and paintings from Maddy Gyselynck (K 11), Richard Colson (Sn 71) and Louisa Risch (S 08) were stunning. I was pleased to add poetry to this year’s show and we were treated to wonderful pieces from S.H. Count Matthew MacLachlan (F 07), Dr Edward Ragg (S 95) and Keith Diggle (LGS 55). I hope to add further elements to expand the exhibition, so if you have any ideas or wish to take part, please let me know.

In June the Cambridge Summer social drinks took place again, with the assistance of James Hems (G 05) - thank you for all your efforts. This time round, it was held at the beautiful Tivoli bar/restaurant. OOs enjoyed a wonderful evening on the rooftop terrace overlooking the river Cam, and enjoyed the first round of drinks on the OO Club. You’re welcome! The England v Denmark clash only added to the atmosphere!

A successful Malaysia Dinner was held on Wednesday 22 May at Jwala restaurant, Kuala Lumpur, organised by our new Regional Correspondent, Afiqah Rizal (N 11). Over forty OOs were in attendance from across the generations.

For me, 2022 and 2023 were interesting. I became a father, welcoming our beautiful little girl Lily into the world. I found out that Kate Middleton wasn’t the only one who suffered with hyperemesis gravidarum - and better still, I learnt how to spell the affliction. I discovered that my wife was the strongest person, mentally and physically, that I have ever met (not that I didn’t suspect this already). Dealing with sickness throughout her pregnancy, trips to the hospital and doctors - she amazed me in every way. I then pulled a Houdini and disappeared on shared parental leave: spending that time with my daughter was simply amazing. I’m blessed to have had the opportunity.

Finally, please keep track of all Club events via our website and the e-bulletin. If you’d like to arrange your own reunion, dinner or regional drinks, no matter how big or small, home or abroad, please contact me directly to discuss how we can support you. Our Network is steadily growing in numbers: it is a social network where ex-pupils can add a profile to assist them with building their career, seeking guidance or mentoring. Jobs and events are advertised there and you can list your own business in the dedicated directory. You can sign up here: Oundle School. One of our team is leaving the Oundle Society for the Exams office, so on behalf of the OO Club, thank you Clare Bessent for all your help over the years. You’ll be missed. ■

The President

■ Lance Ashworth (G 82)

Iwas honoured to assume the role of OO Club President in January 2024, succeeding Guy Beresford (B 81) who did such a sterling job last year. I began the year by reminding myself of the objects and purposes of the Club which are set out in its constitution. The first of those objects is to “foster union and good fellowship among Old Oundelians” with what follows identifying ways in which this might be done.

Historically this fostering of union and good fellowship has been most successful in the arena of sports. We continue to support a lot of OO sport across the full range. The highlight of the sporting year is the OO Multisports weekend (see report p.....) run by the indefatigable Arthur Marment (D 77). With a record number of sports being played this year, including for the first time basketball, the weekend brought together OOs from over 7 decades. The School has now fully embraced this event and is extremely keen to win. Sadly, they did so again this year. We will continue our efforts on the sporting front, but there is so much more for OOs than sport. In October, we will be holding an informal gathering of OOs from the world of

the arts, which term I use quite loosely to cover those in art, film, dance, theatre, music, literature etc. I see this as a first step in seeking to engage more fully a large and diverse part of the OO body, who hitherto have not been the focus of a great deal of OO activity. I look to find OOs from this world to drive the initiative forward.

I also hope that the OO Club might engage better with younger OOs. I know this has been an aspiration for a number of my predecessors, but it would be good to see it finally begin to happen. The Club’s committee is dominated by older male OOs and is not a fair representation of the many thousands who have been through the school since the majority of the committee left. The Club needs to meet the interests of all. Please do not be shy in coming forward if you are interested in becoming involved with the Club.

I have been delighted to engage with OOs from all walks of life. My first event in January was a superb midweek OO lunch organised by Shane Dodd (Sn 74) for some of the close-knit West Midlands group. I survived the Multisports weekend (won the tennis, but lost the table tennis at least partly impeded by some pretty intrusive rulings by our generous host at Cobthorne, Anthony) I was in the Rimrock Café in Whistler 4,600 miles from Oundle when a Canadian at the next table said: “You are English aren’t you?” followed by “Aren’t you an OO?”

This was Richard Fowler KC (Sc 84), practising out of Vancouver. We had a very enjoyable evening. It shows how great the reach of the Club is.

The highlight for me so far has been an afternoon at the OO Mencap Holiday in August and the following evening’s “extreme painting”, which involved the holiday makers

having free rein to paint on anything, including the volunteers (though a bit of nimble footwork kept me paint free). This was followed by the evening singalong, which was both loud and moving. This has been going for over 40 years and the work done by the likes of Tessa Stanley Price (N 04), Lily Postlethwaite (W 14), Andy Farenheim (S 10) and Jack Ireson (L 15) to name but a few of those involved, is extraordinarily humbling. A team of 70 volunteers look after 40 holiday makers for a week to give their parents a muchneeded break. These OOs are not driven by self-gratification, but give themselves wholeheartedly to caring for - and entertaining - the holiday makers. They are exactly the type of person one expects OOs to be: selfless, dedicated and thoughtful, bringing immense joy to the young people and giving their parents respite.

We are facing some upheaval next year, first in relation to the government’s decision to impose VAT on school fees and to remove the business rates relief. This is unwelcome to all still involved with the School (this is not the place for a political rant), but I have no doubt that Oundle will deal with this in the best way possible and that the school will continue to thrive.

Secondly, 2025 will see the end of the reign of Sarah Kerr-Dineen as Head. From my point of view she has been an excellent Head, who truly understands the School and OOs and has been welcoming to, and engaged with, us. My only regret is that her tenure started the year after my last child left. We look forward to Sarah and Anthony joining the Club as honorary OOs, but in the meantime, her last OO event will be the London dinner on 29 November. Do come and join us. ■

The Editor

■ Megan Smedley

Among the tributes in these pages is a touching piece about Jonathan Lee and how much he added to the lives of so many Oundelians. Page 20 shows that such an impact is indelible. A different sort of achievement is celebrated on the cover. From 8 November Alastair King (C 87) will be the 696th Lord Mayor of London - and the fifth Old Oundelian to be elected to this post. His focus for the year, as well as his many charitable ventures, is promoting growth in the UK job market. Photographed at the Royal Courts of Justice, the redoubtable Elizabeth Fry looks over his shoulder and the formal backdrop, contrasting with his two delicate dogs, indicates that his term in office may be an interesting one.

The back cover indicates Oundle’s confidence and commitment to continued development in building a new girls’ boarding house. This 1999 image of David McMurray has a similar composition to the front cover. Within a formal structure are two small LJS pupils looking cheerfully ahead.

The picture above was taken in the School library with St Peter's in

the background after the funeral of a former colleague. Let's hope for fewer funerals and more weddings in 2025.

Images aside, this year’s articles reflect, as usual, the breadth of OO interests - comedy, horses, gin, doctors, a tannery... all human life is there. As is, of course, most human sport. After discarding an election year theme of OO MPs past and present, we then thought an OO Olympics 24 edition might be a good alliteration opportunity, but only found one OO rower and two sports presenters in Paris.

Perhaps people were in training for Multisports instead, and hoping the 2025 event (St David’s Day, for some reason) might introduce new challenges. Running up vertical walls is pretty exciting - and said to to be the fastest-growing UK sport. Luckily, Oundle has a climbing wall. In an earlier Olympics - Paris 1900live animals were used as targets in some of the shooting events. Again, Oundle can offer plenty of pigeons - so, over to you, Arthur. Seriously though, squash is a permanent fixture in our event - which shows that Oundle has better judgment than the entire International Olympic Committee.

Women were ‘allowed’ to compete for the first time in the 1900 Olympics. Ninety years later (a somewhat tenuous link) Oundle admitted girls. ‘Welcomed’ might be a better word, but that wasn’t altogether the case when I joined the English Department in 1991. Largely because of the no-nonsense approach of those pioneering girls, though, resentment faded and Oundle quickly became one of the most successful of co-educational schools. Plans for the 35th anniversary are under way and the QR code on page

58 encourages you to contribute your thoughts.

A year ago, the Editorial board agreed that an earlier copy deadline for correspondents might prevent delays in publication, but - alas! - it made less than no difference. When it arrived, though, material was lively, entertaining and varied. Thank you. This year, there is early evidence of a cunning plan to improve news-gathering efficiency. In any case, ‘Our photographer is in his eighties’ and ‘I’m in the Isle of Man’ were the top two most amusing responses to post-deadline questions. The Old Oundelian is, of course, first and foremost about fellowship. Thank you everyone who helped in that spirit with this edition, particularly the OO Club President, Lance Ashworth (G 82) and the committee. Especially generous with their time were Lucy McLaren (Sn 06) and Richard Matthews (D 66) who were rapid and effective proofreaders, and Mark Moore (Sc 68) who seemed disappointed in having only three Index pages to compile. As far as I know, this is still the only magazine of its type to contain such an index. As ever, Elspeth Langsdale found some excellent images from the Archive. Congratulations to Nicky and Naomi on the birth of Archie. They can now read Nic Aubury's wonderfully astute book (p 109). On page 91 you can also see twins in OO Club onesies!

On that cheerful note, I hope you approve of this year’s slightly different, slightly brighter colour scheme, as well as the move away from a cover featuring Oundle architecture. The OO Club offers a bottle of champagne for the first person to predict what’s on the cover of next year’s Old Oundelian. ■

Iceland 1953

■ Maurice Dybeck (Sn

48)

meets some Icelandic glaciers

Prompted by Jonathan Lee’s article on his expedition to Ecuador in 1975 in last year’s Magazine (p118) I thought that OOs might like to read about an early encounter with glaciers in Iceland. And I think it links to today’s climate change concerns and the way that young people might view the environment.

Cambridge University Geography Department had been studying glacier movement in Norway and the Brathay Exploration Group sought to assist in a small way through a youth expedition to Iceland. The Brathay Group had so far only surveyed landforms in the Lakes and Norway but now they crossed the Atlantic. This could well have been the first time any youth group had undertaken such work in Iceland.

Our small group of twelve schoolboys and industry apprentices

was led by Jack Baiss, Rugby’s Geography master. Among the boys was John Longland (Sc 53) son of 1930s Everest expeditioner Jack Longland. As we needed a third leader, I persuaded George Huse, my former Sanderson tutor, to join us. George was a hearty walker and Andrew Grinberg (Sn 47) and I had spent an energetic winter with him climbing Cader Idris. Nine years later Oundle teacher Ioan Thomas, whose Quaker connections had helped Brathay to found its 40 year association

Here I am in the Scout beret George Huse is the tall chap behind me

with the remote Scottish Isle of Foula, led the first RGS-backed Uganda expedition. I was with him, making a half hour film for David Attenborough. But that’s another story.

A sickly sail in steerage took us to Reykjavik and then we chartered transport to the edge of Vatnajokull, our base camp site for the next two weeks. With Plane Table and tape and compass we mapped glacial outlines, examined mud, rock and volcanic ash features, explored lava caves, dipped in hot pools … and then wrote up the lot not only for our own publications but also, to our joy, for learned journals. Interestingly, the year after our venture John Longland followed up with his own youth expedition to Iceland. And George Huse, soon to be Grafton Housemaster, went on to spend many years with Brathay Expeditions and editing its annual reports. Later, I became Chair of the Young Explorers’

Trust which encouraged youth expeditions worldwide.

Another significant Oundle/ exploration link is through Tony Escritt (StA 60). His first B.E.G. link was to the Pyrenees 1960 with George Huse, by then Housemaster of Sidney. Tony later became so involved in the B.E.G. Iceland work that he founded his Iceland Unit which became a key part of the Young Explorers’ Trust advising no end of youth expeditions, including one from my own school, Sawtry Village College. Brathay expeditions eventually reached North America and in 1975 I led their first expedition to that continent: field exploration in the Canadian Rockies. Nowadays, when the mantra for so many youth expeditions is ‘Personal Development’, our goals also included the desire to go and do something original and useful in the name of Science. I guess Sanderson would have approved. ■

 John Longland in the 12ft soil section. His pet project was taking ash samples from each grey layer

 The icy tent and flysheet

Lord Mayor of London

■ Alastair King (C 87) looks forward to 'Growth Unleashed'

This year, Alastair King (C 87), previously Alderman of Queenhithe, became the 696th Lord Mayor of London - and the fifth Old Oundelian to hold this post. The cover picture shows him pictured with his two Italian greyhounds, Sienna and Florence.

On 9 November, the oldest civic procession in the world - the Lord Mayor’s Show - will include over 7,000 people, 250 horses, and more than 50 decorated floats will form a major spectacle dating back to the 13th century in celebrating the people of the City of London. An estimated 350,000 people will line the City’s streets along the route from The Mansion House via Cheapside and St Paul’s Cathedral to the Royal Courts of Justice. Live BBC coverage will include commentary provided by Mishal Husain. Oundle's marching band and a float of a Griffin, lovingly constructed by staff and pupils, will be part of the procession.

The three-mile-long parade will include floats representing City charities, schools, community groups, musicians, financial institutions, military bands and Livery companies. ‘It will be a privilege

to be at the heart of this wonderful event, which connects the traditions of London’s past to the modern-day world,’ he said.

A lawyer by profession, Alastair King worked for Baker and McKenzie - in the City and in Asiabefore forming Naisbitt King Asset Management Ltd. His charitable involvement includes being Chair of

Common Earth International, Trustee and Chair of the British Liver Trust, Trustee of Morden College (residential care for senior citizens) and Trustee of the City Music Foundation. He has had an uninterrupted 24 years of civic service, including as Aldermanic Sheriff at the Old Bailey, during which he hosted a series of meetings about women

and the Law which included FGM, domestic abuse, forced marriage and human trafficking. Recently, he also organised a series of functions celebrating London’s role in the success of many of its people, including the Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, African-Caribbean and Muslim communities.

From the outset, Alastair is keen to stress that that the position of Lord Mayor is far from ceremonial. ‘The subtitle of the role is Global Ambassador for the UK’s financial, professional and legal services,’ he says. Thus he will be ‘an ambassador

for 2.5 million employees in the UK; one in thirteen of the workforce and about 15% of GDP.’

‘Essentially’ he says ‘as the head of the governing body of the Square Mile, the City of London Corporation, ‘the Lord Mayor seeks to grow UK jobs.’ For the year of his term of office, he will live and work at The Mansion House. ‘I have taken ‘Growth Unleashed’ as the theme of my mayoral year. I will focus on promoting business, encouraging firms to adopt the new technologies that give us competitive advantage, and working with the dynamic

Other Oundelian Lord Mayors

Sir William Laxton was Master of the Worshipful Company of Grocers eight times and Lord Mayor in 1544, during the reign of Henry VIII. His bequest and Lady Laxton’s implementation of its terms enabled the new Laxton Grammar School (later Oundle School) to be founded. He played a major part in the first inquisition of the Protestant martyr and Evangelical Anne Askew, and was not universally well regarded. John Bale, historian and priest, said of him: ‘The Mayor standeth here like a dead idol, or like a servant slave who can do nothing within his own city.’

Sir Thomas Allen (or Alleyn) was Lord Mayor in 1659.

Sir Chapman Marshall held office in 1839. A memorial window to him, designed by Dante Gabriel Rosetti and made by the William Morris studios in 1863, is in the south transept of Peterborough Cathedral. It depicts Isaac and Joseph in a well, being rescued from danger by the power of God.

Sir Hugh Wontner (Ldr 31) GBE CVO KStJ was Lord Mayor in 1973. Managing director of the Savoy Group from 1941-79 and its chair and then president until his death in 1992, he personally supervised the rebuilding of the Savoy theatre after its destruction by fire in 1990.

communities which make London such a vibrant city in which to do business.’

After Oundle, which he says he enjoyed, he went to the universities of Bristol and Kent, the College of Law and the London Business School. Of proud Scottish heritage, as recreation he enjoys hill walking, and he is a keen boxer. ‘The Sheriff’s last stand’ saw him participate in a boxing event to raise money for the Sheriff’s and Recorder’s Fund. He and Florence Walker were married in March this year at a ceremony held in St Lawrence Jewry. ■

Sir William Laxton

1928 Laundimer Cricket team - HA Wontner seated on ground right

A Psychiatrist's Life

■ Dr Benji Waterhouse (Ldr 03) tells Megan Smedley how he came to be at Oundle

In October, Benji Waterhouse returned to Oundle to give a Sixth Form Lecture and included some useful advice: don’t wear a tie unless you want to be strangled; don’t offer someone a cup of tea if you don’t want to be scalded; and always sit near the door in case you need a rapid exit. That’s if you’re an NHS doctor, of course. I talked to him about school, comedy and his first book You Don’t Have to Be Mad to Work Here. He’s on an interesting journey from his time in 4Cy.

Despite being disparaged as a ‘social worker with a stethoscope’ Benji is committed to psychiatry. An idealist, he found himself having to listen to those who demeaned

his choice of specialty. ‘Robotic professionalism’, whether he liked it or not, was sometimes a necessity when dealing with time pressure and exhaustion - no surprise when NHS psychiatric in-patient places have dropped from 67,000 (1988) to 23,000 (2023). Government statistics published recently tell us that between April 22 and March 23 there were 51,312 detentions under the Mental Health Act. His book describes the decency and caring of those on both sides of the system. This is a campaigning book, though Waterhouse chooses gentle description to expose how patients are failed by the system. It’s very funny, but sometimes

pretty alarming. As he journeys from junior doctor to consultant, he also describes his own challenges and the complexity of his family background. Everyone would benefit from reading it.

It’s unusual to start at Oundle in the Fourth Form: why was that?

Aged 14 after a brush with the law and a police caution for shoplifting (Newcastle United football figurines, if you’re wondering) my grandpa used money set aside for his pension to pay for me, and later my brothers, to swap our state school up north for Oundle. I wasn’t academic and I only got in because the ‘practice paper’ Oundle sent me ahead of the entrance exam was actually the paper itself. After sitting it I asked my dad if we should tell the school and he said ‘let’s not.’ So I got in. Still only into a low set, despite having seen all the answers beforehand.

That administrative error changed my life. In a more nurturing environment, with smaller class sizes and around people with higher aspirations, my grades quickly improved. I was a lesson in the power of privilege and people from my old high school are still surprised that I’m now a doctor, comedian and writer.

What inspired you to pursue a career in psychiatry?

During my time at medical school I was first at the scene of a failed suicide attempt where someone had survived after being run over by a train. His limbs had been amputated but strangely he wasn’t bleeding out because the heat and friction from the wheels cauterised the wounds. An air ambulance took him to hospital where surgeons managed to reattach

his limbs, but I thought - what use was any of that if we didn’t know what was making people jump in front of trains in the first place? That just confirmed that I wanted to specialise in psychiatry.

At some black-tie event, I got a police bravery award for “Actions at the scene of someone who had suffered horrific injuries as a consequence of being hit by a train” which must be the longest and most specific award title ever created. At the ceremony, the chief inspector asked me how I’d known the train tracks weren’t live and I tried to look like it wasn’t the first time I’d thought about it.

Did Oundle prepare you for being a doctor? Were there any formative moments at school?

On Wednesday afternoons I could either do Cadets or Community Action and as a wannabe doctor I thought it would be better to know how to talk to people than shoot them. So I helped garden for a lovely ninety year old woman called Mrs Fallace. On arrival she would usually wonder if due to light rain the previous day the conditions were appropriate for outside work. After concluding that the weather wasn’t too bad, after five minutes of me collecting leaves she’d usually peer out and say “cup of tea?”

The rest of the afternoon I’d listen to stories from her life over tea and biscuits. I learnt that what people need - especially those isolated and lonely due to age or mental illness - is human connection and after leaving school I continued dropping in on Mrs Fallace until she died.

How do you incorporate both humour and sensitivity into writing about dark subject matter? Comedy helps to make things more tolerable and for that reason the NHS runs on gallows humour, along with strong tea. I hopefully toe the line between good humour and bad taste as patients are never the butt of my jokes. The target is usually the NHS, psychiatry’s ignorance or my own incompetence. Like when I was trying to detain someone but on the section

papers I accidentally mixed up the box for the patient’s name and my own, and technically sectioned myself. Luckily I noticed before it was too late because that could be a difficult one to wriggle out of. Once you’ve been labelled someone of unsound mind there’s literally nothing you could say. When the authorities turned up at your front door you’d be like “no no no, you don’t understand - I’m the doctor!” A colleague told me not to worry as apparently when he worked in geriatrics he completed so many cremation forms, he once handed one in confirming his own death.

What myths about psychiatry did you want to dispel in your writing? You Don’t Have to Be Mad to Work

Here is me unlocking the doors to the psychiatric ward. It looks to provide a fly-on-the-padded-wall account of NHS mental health services and to bust some myths. Like there aren’t really any padded walls. There’s a welcome mental health conversation now but it tends to focus on the milder, more palatable end of the spectrum. Ironically those with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia are often left out of this conversation. So I wanted to give a voice to those people, the ones for whom some cold water swimming and mindful colouring-in probably won’t do much.

Due to unhelpful newspaper reporting there are exaggerated links between schizophrenia and dangerousness and in reality most people with schizophrenia will never be violent. Alcohol and drugs are a far bigger risk factor for violence and homicide, so statistically I’m actually safer being in a psychiatric patient’s home than I am at a psychiatrist’s house-party. Selfishly, I did also want to finally explain the difference between a psychiatrist, a psychologist and a psychic.

How did your family react on reading your book?

One of the themes of the book is why anyone in their right mind would choose to be a psychiatristand it’s often because they grew up

around mental illness. I write openly about my very loving but slightly dysfunctional family. This initially unsettled my parents who are from that generation who traditionally deal with problems by never ever talking about them. It’s been a bumpy ride but I think they now realise the world doesn’t end if you talk about taboo themes and I’m pleased to say they both proudly attended my first ever book event at Hexham Book Festival.

What new projects are you working on?

Outside my NHS work I’m busy adapting You Don’t Have to Be Mad to Work Here for television, I’ve started writing my second book Maddening and I’m preparing for a national book tour in May 25.

Finally, would you give any advice to your younger self?

There’s a Geordie phrase ‘shy bairns get nowt’ which I regret not implementing sooner. I’m still introverted and don’t naturally put myself out there but lately I’ve tried asking for things - a literary agent, a book deal, a TV deal etc. When you do, you might just be surprised by what comes your way. ■

doctor_benji

doctor_benjis

linktr.ee/dr_benji

An Amsterdam Archive

■ Emma Morse (K 19) writes about her job at the Amsterdam Royal Zoo

The Oundle School Archive Instagram is a wonderful page, filled with objects and stories of Old Oundelians past. Having seen a post highlighting some of the old building plans in the archives, I reached out to Elspeth Langsdale (a former netball coach of mine, as well as the hard work behind the Oundle Archive) to say that I was currently working on a similar project for my job. It is extraordinary to realise that Oundle is always there in the background of your life, be it in a good or bad way, and little things bring back many memories.

I am currently working as a Collections manager and Archivist at ARTIS, Amsterdam Royal Zoo in the Netherlands. Though not as old as Oundle, ARTIS was founded in 1838 and still has plenty of history to tell its visitors. Every day is different, whether it be working with a current ARTISt in Residence, transporting works of art (or taxidermied giraffes), TikTok voiceovers, or discovering forgotten paintings and historical documents.

My two main projects currently are both archive focused. Firstly the photo archive where I am working with volunteers and Amsterdam City Archives to register and digitise our photo collection from the last century. Secondly, the previously untouched, building archive. This features plans and sketches of the various enclosures and buildings, many of which are Rijksmonumenten (Royal Monuments), at ARTIS.

A constant question for archivists is how to make, store, and curate digital archives. This is also relevant for Oundle as content created by students has moved from written letters home

and funny sketches of teachers to e-mail and videos to the song of the moment during CCF.

One of the highlights of my job is receiving requests for donations and the wonderful stories that come with objects, documents and photos. Whether a photo from a childhood trip to the Zoo during World War II or someone who worked as a keeper donating a memento from their favourite animal, the stories that people share are what keeps history alive. I encourage all OOs to check their old school trunks in case something special might be inside for the Oundle Archive. ■

Parrot Lane from ARTIS Archives

Reptile House from ARTIS Archives

Emma and the Giraffe

A Passion for the Horses

■ Harry Williamson (StA 55) race horse owner, interviews Oli Bell (C 05) racing presenter

What triggered your interest in racing?

My passion for racing existed from as early as I can remember thanks to my grandparents who owned horses and my uncle (Michael Bell) who has had a successful career as a racehorse trainer. My mother would regularly take me to racing pubs in Somerset and use me as the performing seal to win us free roast lunches by betting landlords that I couldn’t name all the race horses in pictures hung up behind the bar. The saying “there’s no such thing as a free lunch” isn’t actually true if you have a 4 year old son who can differentiate between Red Rum and Desert Orchid.

What linked this with live broadcasting?

I didn’t mind performing from a young age, and that’s actually how I ended up at Oundle. The then head of drama Robert Lowe came to see me in a school play at my prep school, Port Regis in Dorset. He invited me to take the drama scholarship and the rest is history. I always loved sport and it seemed that broadcasting was the best way to make my hobby my job.

Was your passion for the horses known at Oundle?

Absolutely, I think everyone knew I was fairly hooked on racing. I can probably admit this now but around the big festivals I would get a few members of staff asking for my tips on the big races and I’d often swing by the independent bookies that used to be in town along with Alex Elliott (Sc 03), now a very successful bloodstock agent. Heading into my GCSEs was quite a nervy time because my predicted grades didn’t make for pretty reading and unfortunately the IT department had woken up to my frequent visits to the online gambling websites. It meant I

was hauled into the Head’s office to explain why I was on Skybet most evenings. I foolishly thought that showing him my P & L would get me off any impending punishment by citing entrepreneurial skills - but remarkably, that didn’t wash.

If so, do you think it affected your education?

I think it helped me. I knew what I wanted to do from a very young age and was pretty focused and single minded in achieving it. Once I was old enough, I would spend most of my school holidays doing work experience/working behind the scenes at various sporting events building up my CV so that when I left school I was in the best position to drive on. One teacher really shaped my time at Oundle and beyond: Philip Pedley was the biggest positive influence on my career. He swam against the tide in his advice and nurturing of me as a pupil and regularly fought my corner when others would toe the party line. For private schools I am fully aware of the significance of sending everyone to University as it impacts standings. But when I consider my life post Oundle,

it was remarkable that a teacher gave me confidence that I could make it in the world without having a degree. He instilled assurance in me that my talent in what is frankly a very niche field would see me blossom. Teaching is about the individual and he dealt with me as one: for that I owe him infinite gratitude and many others from my generation at Oundle would say the same.

Do you ever bet ?

Yes, see above! I always have. My Oundle friends will tell you I’m a useless tipster but I would argue I’ve been relatively successful. When I was first starting out in the industry as a runner for Racing UK I tried my hand on the poker circuit for a few years. I loved it and I really think playing poker in casinos around the world was a valuable learning curve for me in my current job. It taught me about different people, how to read a room/situation, different cultures and lots of other benefits that have stood me in good stead. I still play and last year won the European Grand Prix so maybe I’ll go back to that when the TV career ends….

Tell me about escaping from school. I remember breaking out of school and going to Portman Road to watch Ipswich v Man City in the FA Cup 4th round replay with a good mate from Crosby, Dan Potts. He is a huge City fan so we took a chance we weren’t going to get caught and would be back in time for dinner/ prep. Sadly the game went into extra time so we were late. The prolific City striker Shaun Goater scored a last minute winner and ran over to the City fans to celebrate, hugging Dan and I in the process which meant our Housemaster, Mr Andrews, who was watching the game on the BBC, was able to see our whereabouts. I think that led to another suspension.

What is it like working for ITV? I feel very fortunate to work for ITV. I’ve been with them for nearly 8 years and it has been the most incredible

journey. As a youngster I used to watch Channel 4’s The Morning Line religiously every Saturday morning so to present the ITV equivalent, The Opening Show is a real honour and something I don’t take for granted. As I’m sure you can appreciate, there are a lot of people involved in the production both on and off screen and I have made some great friendships. It did take me a few months to adjust to life at ITV - I always just see myself as a racing fan from Somerset (via Oundle) but once I felt I deserved a spot in the line up I have been able to really enjoy it. This year we won our second BAFTA for best live sport production and to be at events such as that alongside some of the GOATS of television is genuinely something I never thought I would be a part of. The great thing about an outfit like ITV is there are so many talented, creative, ambitious people - that

means we never sit on our hands and are always striving to make a better programme than the last.

Do you attribute any of your confidence to your time at Oundle? I think I’ve always been relatively confident but being in an environment where you feel safe, have good friends, are able to do things you love - in my case play sport - allows you to really blossom. I am so grateful to Oundle for giving me the friends I have: they have really helped define me as a person and are far more important to me than any job or shiny award. I look back on my time at school with fondness and appreciation because I have something more important than success, and that is genuine, lifelong friendships. Those people don’t care if I’m a TV presenter or unemployed and for that I am eternally grateful to them and for them. ■

Don't Stare at the Sun

■ Notes on Creativity from Comedian Farah Sharp (L 12)

Abig booming laugh from a room full of people is like a jacuzzi. It hugs you and bubbles of joy tickle you deep down in places you never knew you had. Spreading happy energy around a room is why I love being a comedian. It’s also very difficult to get good at and I’m addicted to the constant challenge of harnessing the slippery beast that is creativity.

But how did I get here? I studied Sciences and started working in Data Engineering - subjects which are only hilarious when I imagine myself continuing them for the rest of my life. I’ve always loved performing, but for years it was mainly music. Comedy didn’t cross my mind even when I was in the school CCF marching band - I thought it was more likely to be my villain origin story than the beginning of a life in the arts.

I just decided to try it one day. My first stand-up gig was an open mic in 2019 in an overly well-lit pub, with a tortuously long lineup of beginner comedians. I was the greenest one: extremely new and extremely sick with nerves. I managed only three of my five minutes’ stage time, rattling off what I would now call enthusiastic prose rather than comedy. But I was hooked! Cut to 2024, having now done hundreds of gigs,

in numerous cities around the UK and abroad, from festival stages to famous comedy clubs, including corporate functions, charity nights, and presenting with chefs at food festivals. I’ve even performed in Oundle a few times!

So here are some notes on what I’ve learned so far about creativity from pursuing this career – things that anyone could apply, whether you’re an artist or just want to be more creative in general. Firstly, show up - and do it again and again and again. There’s no escape from putting the time in, whether you feel like it or not. If I sit down to write new material, even if most of it is terrible, there’s a chance something might be great. If I don’t try, there’s zero chance. Harriet Gillet (K 13), now a professional artist, agrees: “Sometimes just showing up is half the battle, and creating an environment where you can be productive (in my case having a studio) is really important.” So find that spot where you feel inspired, and get stuck in.

Free reign on a blank canvas can be daunting, so applying structure helps. For me, that could mean picking one topic or joke type and committing to only writing about that. Sometimes rules can enhance inspiration. I’ve never been so inventive with food consumption as when bound by Oundle’s ban on eating in the street.

Whatever you do, don’t wait for perfection before showing people

Waiting ‘until it’s ready’ is a great way to never get there. In comedy, it might be tempting to lock yourself away to write, only to emerge to perform when your material can match Live At The Apollo. The truth is that exposure and occasional failure in public is a vital part of the journey to get to that level.

That said, a safe space with likeminded people is vital. ‘Making friends within your world is essential - community is everything” Harriet tells me. ‘I find that whilst the physical necessities surrounding being an artist makes it a very introspective, frankly egotistical, and sometimes ‘lonely’ job, I rely on others all the time for my inspiration and drive.’ I couldn’t agree more. Comedy open mic nights can be excruciating but they were invaluable to me starting out - that’s where I learnt the basis of the craft and met others also trying to figure out what on earth a joke is.

Probably my biggest tip is to retain a feeling of playfulness. When I first started to view comedy as a job rather than a hobby, I lost some of that fun. I

was so worried about delivering high quality and volume output that I lost the spark and actually achieved the opposite. It’s a bit like looking at the sun. I can’t just think about my comedy goals all the time and stare at the sun and or I’ll ruin my eyesight. Instead, I try to appreciate how the sunlight is interacting with the trees, my latest white hairs, the large mimosa in my hand, and find the comedy in life in general. It’s about balance and variety.

OOs with International Spirit

■ Lily Craven (S 18)

Myself, Lily Craven (S 18) and my brother James Craven (C 16 ) have launched our double gold award winning gin, Tipplemill London Dry. This is a premium farm grown gin made from wheat grown in harmony with nature on our family farm.

Our farm was founded by Frank Craven who lived and worked at Sutterton Mill across the road from our farm during the 1900s. Now into the fifth generation, whilst Frank milled his wheat for baking, we are the only UK gin to use the power of the wind to windmill our farm grown grain into

the all-important flour which is used to make our base spirit.

Tipplemill farms in harmony with nature and offers the ultimate grain to glass traceability, showing consumers how we turn our golden grain into a London Dry Gin, which is sustainable in terms of our methods, ingredients and the materials we use. No compromise on quality is what we stand by and I am proud to have achieved that.

A couple of accolades since our launch: this is the only UK gin to win double gold at the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition and among the four other double gold awarded

That’s how I justify how much time I spend gazing at my cat. Or doing data engineering. Or putting on my old marching band uniform and playing ‘Men of Harlech’ to my neighbours against their will. It’s all crucial. ■

Farah is bringing her new show Who Am I and Who Is To Blame (Work In Progress) to venues around the UK - check out her social media @farahsharp for upcoming dates and tickets.

gins, Tipplemill was named best overall; drinks producer of the yearLincolnshire Food & Farming Excellence awards; also a second double gold medal at the larger more prestigious San Francisco World Spirits competition 2024. This makes us the only UK gin producer to be awarded the highest accolade of quality in both New York and San Francisco.

Our story has been covered in Vogue, Forbes and a lovely feature in the NFU countryside magazine.

We have a growing international following as well as in the UK and it is great to share our innovative spirit with fellow Old Oundelians. ■

https://www.forbes.com/sites/ hudsonlindenberger/2024/01/18/ worlds-best-gins-2023-competitionedition/?sh=6b8e316359ce

D-Day Diary, June 1944

■ Hugh Collinson (G

31)

Iwill run quickly through the events during the fortnight previous to “D” day. We (Forward Observations Battalion) gathered in Portsmouth and were shown maps of the coast where we were to land. For security reasons, fictitious names for all towns and rivers were used but we were able to learn the general topography and see what defences to crack. We were also told what ships were attached to us in the initial stages and mine were the Stend and, surely a most curious coincidence, the Virago. The next few days were spent in readying kit, then by night we made merry (when we could get the beer) because we knew that we would shortly be behind the wire.

The blow fell on a Thursday night at midnight and the next week was spent discussing every possible contingency. For this we still used the fictitious names but had wonderful moulds showing every detail of the landscape, enlargements of photographs of the defences. A recce party had gone to the beach where we were to land, 6 weeks previously to study at close range the underwater obstacles and whether the beach was mined. The party went over, did their job unchallenged and then came back again. It appeared that if everything went as people said, it would just be a case of stepping out of the boat, strolling up to the beach and busting the defences which could only have dead Germans in them. The only snag seemed to be that we had 50 yards to wade and 200 yards of the beach to cover before we got the protection of the sand hills so that if anything were to go wrong.... But it couldn’t go wrong.

We moved to another camp which was the last stage before embarking, where we were given booklets on the state of France and what to expect from the local people. We were ready. On Saturday morning we were transported to Portsmouth under heavy escort, boarded a paddle steamer and went out to our ship. The following day the weather broke and it was too rough to sail, so we passed the time in rest and contemplation. I had my usual game of bridge with the Purser on

Sunday and at 2d per 100 was 10/10 in: just couldn’t go wrong. On Monday afternoon a string of flags went up from the flag ship and we knew the die was cast. We were given our proper maps and final orders. We left our anchorage at 9pm with everybody in bed by 10pm fully clothed and life jackets on to the strains of a farewell message from the skipper. I did not find it too easy to get to sleep that night – it was not anxiety or nervousness, it was just a combination of everything, but I did get off eventually and wonder of wonders when we woke at 3am I was the first up. A jolly good breakfast then out onto the deck. It was a dark, dirty looking morning and I cursed because I knew that the first setback had occurred. As it grew lighter we could see the fleet of ships moving in and it was most impressive but the Air Force could only be heard as the clouds were so low. In the distance we could see flak from the French coast and the dull glow of fires. About 5.15am a puff of white smoke came from one of our destroyers nearby. Three minutes later she broke in half and sank. The B.L.O. on board is a friend but I have not heard whether he is safe. At 5.45 down we went in our assault boats and it was rough. Luckily common sense had prevailed amongst the higher-ups and we were allowed to stand up until quite close in-shore which made a big difference and only about 25% were sick.

It really was a wonderful sight and I hope to see it again in the comfort of the pictures: the hosts of small landing craft, the flagships, the landing craft tanks, the rocket craft, the destroyers, cruisers and battle ships firing away and the continued drone of aircraft overhead. I was so lost in admiration that I almost forgot that this was not an exercise and was only brought back to reality when a few bullets started whistling over our heads. Then we got down. A few minutes wait, bump, the ramp went down and we were up to our waists in water. I got to the edge of the water, looked round and found my Tels were just behind me and made for a tank which had been knocked out – afforded some cover whilst I took stock of the situation. Paused there, saw the C.O. 30 yards ahead on my right and followed. We were getting across the beach quite nicely when I heard the whine of a shell, shouted “get down” and fell flat on my face. There was a bang and I felt something hit my side. I put my hand down, felt it was wet, looked at it, no blood. Then I realised what had happened. A shell splinter had hit my water bottle and broken it. Then I saw something much worse. My best Tel, Harrison, was lying in a peculiar attitude so I crawled over to him: he had been killed outright. He was a grand chap, had landed in West Africa, Sicily and Italy, always doing something useful and I’m sure he would have gone to

the top in the Navy if he had stayed in it. He was only 21 and I had to leave him there and get on with the job. I feel awful whenever I think about it. I had to write to his mother.

Well, I got to the cover of the sandhills to see that we had been put down on the beach 300 yards too far north, right opposite a strongpoint. The C.O. tried to find a way out, exposed himself for a second and was killed. And all the time shells, mortar bombs and bullets were flying around. On the beach, craft bringing vehicles ashore were arriving, but as yet no exits had been made. I understand that according to the BBC description, after the shelling and bombing was over we had nothing to do! I was lying on that beach for one and a half hours, not just sunbathing, so I venture to call that illustrious body a lot of bloody liars. (Sunday Graphic agrees with this observation). I had been trying to get a message through to my ship telling them the situation but Harrison was carrying the set when he was hit and it had been damaged. So I started looking for my Jeep with my spare sets as they should have been on dry land by that time. I found my Sgt and Tel but the Jeep was under 6 feet of water, with all our equipment. I decided to get off the beach and try and repair our one and only set. On the way off I met a pal from another Bn in the B.L.O. who told me that as they were landing from their craft, a shell hit the ramp, the officer was wounded, and one Tel killed. I told him to join our party. We found a dug-out, kindly dug by Jerry about 300 yards off the beach and after some time under continuous fire we managed to get a message through to the Virago

I then went to my new Bn through a French village where we got a very warm welcome and some excellent cider. I moved with my Bn towards Caen and was lucky enough to have a ringside view of one of our Glider Bdes landing. It was a magnificent sight; the forward company rounded up a few batteries of Jerry’s and then dug in for the night. Being a cautious individual, I dug my hole where I was well protected by the rest of the

Bn. That night there was a very fine firework display down on the beach - the first I had seen of the Luftwaffe. The next morning, I had a look at my thigh where the shell splinter had hit my water bottle and found that I had the biggest and best bruise ever on my hip. The Doc and Padre were having breakfast in the next trench. The Dr said that had it not been for my water bottle, my hip would most certainly have been shattered. Talk about luck.

I decided to slip down and see what ships were available. I was about 300 yards away when a rifle bullet pinged over my head and I made myself look as much like a worm as possible. I asked a private nearby what the devil was happening but he did not know. I started off again but there was another outbreak of fire in the village so I paused then made a third attempt, reached the village, walked through it and saw patrols at work searching the houses for snipers. Later, I met my opposite number, Doug Webb, who had landed with the E.Yorks. His tale was similar to mine: a machine gun opened up at them as they left their craft, his Tel was hit in the heel of his boot and capsized into the water ruining his wireless set. They were then stuck on the beach like us and his Jeep was sunk too. Next thing we heard was the cry “take cover”. I beat my Sgt to the slit trench by a split second and he, the clumsy oaf, trod on my wrist watch. Our spare Jeep

arrived so Doug and I tossed up for it. I won, so started off for the front line again. Just got there as the Bn started to advance and I can remember feeling very cheerful and beginning to enjoy myself, perhaps because there was a company of Infantry in front, followed by the group I was in.

Suddenly I saw the tank in front looking very business-like. “Take cover” sounded so into the ditch like a flash. Three F.W.190s tore past us firing everything they had. Luckily they were about 20 yards out to the right so all was well for us but not for them. Out of the sky came two of the ever watchful R.A.F. and the last I saw was one F.W.190 crashing and the other two treading on the gas. A short way on we stopped at a small village whose inhabitants seemed particularly enthusiastic. Their village had not been touched; one chap rushed up to the Jeep with a bottle of cognac and insisted on our having a drink. And then, a natural habit after nearly 5 years of manoeuvres, I said in my best French “Avez vous des oeufs?” In a moment I had a dozen. Our forward company then bumped into some opposition so they put in an attack. Old Jerry is a cunning devil. He had one chap showing himself fairly obviously and firing an odd shot at our chaps until they got within about 80 yards and then he opened up from a concealed position. Infantry casualties the first few days must have been pretty high owing to the

shortage of armour, but that will soon be rectified. The C.O. sent for me and my cruiser. I was delighted. Now was my chance to avenge Harrison. I was turning the Jeep round when out of the blue came 3 mortar bombs. How near us they fell, I do not know, but all of my party were hit – me more than the others.

I lay down by the side of the road, oozing blood. Stretcher bearers appeared in about 10 minutes, put field dressings on, gave me a spot of morphia and then went on to deal with the others. Half an hour later an ambulance picked me up; it was about 9pm and I was on my way home. Went to the main dressing station where my wounds were cleaned up properly and bound. I waited for an ambulance to take me to base hospital (only 1/2 hour away) but by the time it came, it was dark, and Jerry was bombing as we went along slowly. I must admit I felt a bit uneasy; there I was, on my way home with a nice blighty one, but would I make it? It would be an unfortunate trick of fate if something happened on the way back.

Outside the base hospital a bomb dropped near enough to rock the ambulance like a ship at sea. In the hospital, packed in a marquee with

about 15 other stretcher cases, I began to feel rather a fraud, because some chaps were in a very bad way and the Doc could only give them morphia. A noisy night with intermittent sleep and cups of tea. About 11am on Thursday, we were put onto amphibious vehicles and drove into the ship which was to take us back. It had just discharged its cargo of guns, tanks and lorries, and its return load was 200 wounded. We were only a short distance from the beach and suddenly there was a nice big bang. Jerry had appeared, dropped some phosphorous flares on the petrol dump, set fire to the ammo dump and up it went. Explosions went on all afternoon but I could reassure the others that the really big bangs were the cruisers and battleships firing broadsides at targets on land. It sounded as if some of my pals were enjoying themselves. We left the shores of France at 9pm and I thought all our worries were over. A calm sea but a very slow convoy. About 2am I was woken up by a sudden change of course, alteration in speed and then a bump. Next morning, the Captain said another convoy had gone right across our path and all he could do was to helm hard over and go full ahead. The other ship, a tanker, just touched us

amidships, leaving a nice dent as we slid alongside each other in opposite directions. If our Captain had not been so quick the bows of the other ship would have hit us just where the stretcher cases were lying helpless – it is terrible to think what might have happened.

At 9am we anchored off Portsmouth and I thought, “Grand, ambulance ready, beds ready, bath, shave, won’t be long now.” We arrived in Southampton at 1pm and I was one of the last to be unloaded, not getting to my bed until 10.30pm! My language, I fear, was shocking. Two chaps died that day who might have had a chance with more speed. This was an emergency hospital where people were sorted out a bit, then sent to their permanent hospitals. The organisation and food were both shocking and I felt very fed up.

We went down to a hospital train in Southampton, but what a difference. I cannot find praise high enough for the nursing there. I was still a stretcher case. After four days I had been promoted to a sitting case as I was able to walk short distances rather slowly. And now I am on my way, so will finish up and try and get this off. ■

Thursday 6 June marked the 80th Anniversary of D Day. The Royal British Legion held a minute’s silence at 11am at the Town War Memorial. Forty OOs and two members of Staff landed across the Normandy beaches in 1944. Fifteen OOs died during the Battle for Normandy, and one, Arthur Whitten-Brown (D 39), on D Day itself. As a mark of respect by the School to those serving 80 years ago, and in remembrance of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice, the Union flag was raised above Cloisters throughout the day. Johann Firoozmand (Sr L6) played the trumpet at the event.

Photograph: Leigh Giurlando

The Gathering

■ Nick Kirkbride (Lx 77)

In the end it had to be a youth hostel for the gathering of the clan. So, they came from Australia, Canada, England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland; off boats and by venerable motorbikes, sharing lifts and all heading for the Derbyshire Dales. Vets, journalists, surveyors, teachers and doctors (many doctors), scientists and lawyers closing in on the designated rendezvous - and the conversations resumed after a momentary forty-year pause.

It had become clear at Jonathan’s memorial that we wanted to meet and the lists of expedition members were assembled, emails tracked down and connections made, before an obligatory recce confirmed that the Youth Hostel Association had moved with the times and could accommodate married couples and wheelchair users and yet still provide dormitory bunk bed accommodation for the nostalgic. We would not be required to cook for ourselves nor do cleaning chores before leaving: instead there was beer, a bar, catering, a room for projecting memories and most importantly a welcoming team.

As numbers swelled on the Friday, cups of tea were exchanged for pints of beer and the volume rose. Of course, no one knew everyone – we span a decade and more of school years let alone Houses. Only one person knew everyone, and he was not coming.

Guests arrived in the form of Housemasters, teachers of Latin, Mathematics, French and Geography - no longer ‘Sir’ but Bob, Jenny, Vic, Robin, Norman, and Malcolm - all unchanged in our regressive memories. Also unchanged in expectation that the boys would be serving dinner! Curry followed by sugar rush pudding and custard were appropriately reminiscent before we moved to re-live the past.

Jonathan was comprehensive in his recording, ordering, and retaining of written reports, lectures and slides of our shared adventures. Storage of old 35mm transparencies, however, had been slightly less successful in a damp Scarborough garage, so the task of fastidiously cleaning and digitising the photographic record had been taken on by Peter Ryley (Sc 76) who arrived

with formidably well organised shows of Adventure Training, of each expedition to Ecuador, Afghanistan, Ladakh, China, Pakistan and Tirich Mir as well as other jaunts down the Nile by bike, to the Alps and to all the remotest parts of Jonathan’s beloved Scotland. Peter’s efforts and a modern projector rather than a carousel of transparencies meant that - far from fading - our memories were sharp and bright. Very bright red gaiters against Himalayan snow, deeply etched faces of porters and camel drivers on the Chinese plateau, sharp rock edges and snowy peaks with endless horizons beyond. Friendly spirits emerged too of others no longer with us: a beaming spiky, ice haired Andrew Senior (StA 75); Pete Logsdon (Lx 80) reunited with his brother Mike (Lx 82) striding across a Scottish bog; Nick Holliday (C 90) encumbered by climbing ropes. This was no quiet, polite viewing - more a free-for-all commentary with startling moments of surprised self-recognition. Jonathan’s precise, clipped presentation voice opened the look back and his idiosyncratic music

 Back: Jonathan Baird (B 78), Simon Shepherd (G 75), Simon Ryley (Sc 72), Roger Stewart (Sn 80), Chris Riggs (S 80), Mark Westwood (Ldr 78), Nick Kirkbride (F 77), Mark Dinwoodie (Lx 80), Matt Glossop (D 81), Mike Pringle (Lx 75), Richard Jinks (Lx 85), Charles Jarrold (G 83), Michael Johnstone (C 80), Dickon Bevington (Sn 82) First row: Peter Ryley (Sc 76), D enise Martin, Malcolm Harrison (Lx 78), Nigel Gray (G 82), Stuart Smith (Ldr 85), C aroline Harlow, Francois Austin (D 84), Bill Fisher (B 75), A ndy Greening (Sc 80), Mark B oomla (G 77), Kevin Gerald (Sc 77), Robert Taylor (Sn 82), Theo B arry (N 82), Andrew C ollins (Lx 84) S eated: Norman Smith (G 77),Richard Gledson (G 81), Sue Spink, Harry C orsham (Lx 84), Mark Parrish (S 78), Richard Foster (G 81), D om V incent (Lx 82), Jane Humphreys, Tim Chater (C 84), William Budenberg (Sn 82)

choices provided the background before Elgar’s Nimrod and mountain peaks concluded the evening.

Next morning, after a suitably institutional full English and surprisingly painless group photos, we split into self-organising groups to walk at greater or lesser pace and distance. The bucolic beauty

Obituary

Jonathan Stephen Lee (1946-2023) from The Alpine Club Journal: In 1977 Jonathan stood in a courthouse in remote eastern Iran, conducting his own defence in French, aided by a 17 year old pupil. He had been driving back to UK from Afghanistan in an ex-army lorry when another truck collided with them. The trust Jonathan put in the young man to plead his case was characteristic of him.

Jonathan Lee enabled many people to do extraordinary things. He started at Oundle and went on via Durham to be Head of Trent College and then Scarborough College. But it was in mountaineering and as originator and leader of expeditions to remote places that he was unique. He started conventionally, leading Adventure Training at Oundle with trips to the British hills. From the start he inspired people to do things beyond what they thought possible. He did this by example - sharing his knowledge, demonstrating meticulous planning and being prepared to take calculated risks. He delegated to young people important tasks where failure would have real consequences, and they repaid his trust.

His first expedition with 17 and 18 year olds, in 1975, was a team of twelve who flew to Caracas via Trinidad then went by bus through Venezuela and Colombia to Ecuador. In the remote Ecuadorian Andes, they acclimatised by climbing Pichincha (4784m). Then at high altitude they climbed Cotopaxi and Illiniza Sur (5245m) - major achievements for a relatively inexperienced team. Their foray into the region was significant.

of Dovedale and nearby peaks and trails proving a suitable backdrop for extended conversations around postOundle lives and Jonny Lee legends. Saturday evening saw further detailed slide showing and distribution of memorabilia kindly bought for us all by Denise from the Scarborough house she shared with Jonathan.

Post event thank you notes and reflections were beautifully captured by Vic Northwood, who wrote: For the very few who paid any attention in my Latin classes, Virgil said it first: ‘possunt quia posse videntur.’ He kindly translated: They can because they think they can. You did because Jonathan taught you to think you could. ■

Peter Ingrams, a mountaineer who joined the expedition in Quito, died on the attempt to climb Antisana.

In 1977 Jonathan and a co-driver drove a truck full of expedition equipment from the UK to Afghanistan. The school contingent flew to Islamabad and took a train and bus through the Khyber pass to rendezvous in Kabul. They then spent two months making attempts and ascents in remote places in the Hindu Kush. The lorry collision above happened on the return journey. Ladakh was opened to mountaineers in 1980 and Jonathan led a successful expedition to this little explored area, with a number of first ascents, many of which he made.

China had fascinated Jonathan for years and in 1982 it was beginning to open up. With support from Chris Bonington, fresh from climbing Mount Kongur, Jonathan was permitted to lead an expedition there. As usual, he had a mixture of 17-18 year olds and a few older people from past expeditions. Despite catastrophic food poisoning, they climbed minor peaks and explored extensively - penetrating very remote valleys. On the last possible day’s climbing, as winter weather closed in, they made the first ascent of Mount Julius (6590m). This extraordinary group also explored the remote area around the Karakol lakes.

In 1984 Jonathan mounted a double expedition to northern Pakistan and Tirich Mir (7708m) after a recce the previous year. The school participants from Oundle and Durham were supported by experienced climbers. They met in Chitral then travelled north by jeep and on foot - with 70

porters! A camp was established at 5120m as the base for the more experienced Tirich Mir team, while others conducted scientific work and climbed minor peaks.

Visiting the Scotland as a child started his lifelong love affair with mountains, and he later led climbers to Scotland who did things only seasoned mountaineers usually manage - winter ascents, snowholing, the Cuillin traverse. From the late 1970s, Jonathan spent several weeks each summer in the the Alps. These trips served as preparation for more advanced ones. He also shared other escapades: cycling up the Nile and motorbiking round Brittany, South America and Northern India. Of course, things went wrong at times and Jonathan’s annoyance at inanimate objects was legendary, but soon everyone was laughing: there was much laughter with Jonathan around.

Although a competent rock climber, he viewed this as preparation for the real thing - mountains - rather than as an end in itself. In later years he learned to ski in a workmanlike manner and took second generations on trips to wild places. His accomplishments, including original exploration, were remarkable. Of course he wanted to be on the summit, but collective success was what mattered to him: he was utterly unselfish, and this was recognised by his membership of the Alpine Club. More extraordinary, though, was his vision in helping others. Many young people whom he had inspired to dream ended up on the summits of K2, Mount Kenya and Mont Blanc.

Dark Side of the Moon

■ Mig Raudnitz (Sr) shares his much-too-modest Oundelian article celebrating both Pink Floyd’s 50-year-old masterpiece and Sandy McDonald’s 50th year teaching guitar to Oundelians.

February 1972 – The Dark Side of the Moon: a Piece for Assorted Lunatics was first performed by Pink Floyd for a press audience at the Rainbow Theatre in Finsbury Park.

Summer 2023 – with Sandy McDonald as the brains behind the show, Oundle’s rock musicians pay homage to Floyd’s 50-year-old masterpiece - the third best-selling album ever.

The Dark Side of the Moon is the perfect album, exploring themes of isolation, freedom, religion and mortality. Side one opens with sounds foreshadowing the movements of the album, exploding gracefully into Breathe, a reflective song acting as an overture before vanishing into the scifi audio-explorations of On the Run

Then comes Time, communicating the monotony of one’s short tenure on Earth that (following an epic guitar solo) winds its way into The Great Gig in The Sky, the religious centre of the album. Side two features Money, with its theme of greed, and famed for its bassline in 7/4 time signature.

In June 2023, Mr MacDonald cast a six-piece band raring to perform to the masses. There were only three drawbacks: we hadn’t played together before, nor had we learned how to play most of the album - and the long summer holiday was approaching. As the term came to a close, we had been in the same room only once.

After the summer’s studious analysis of the album, we gathered to rehearse as the new School year began. It was immediately obvious that we hadn’t been studious enough. In an attempt to remedy this, we had extra rehearsals with Mr MacDonald before our first performance: New House Garden on 10 September. This gig was met by the misfortune of a

thunderstorm of biblical proportions. We soldiered on despite equipment casualties and never having played the album in its entirety before. Cues were missed, guitar strings were broken, back-up guitars were employed, and lyrics were forgotten. More practice was needed.

In the six days before our next show at The Ship, we worked hard to do the album justice. This performance is far less painful to remember. For the most part, we all knew what was going on. We were ready for the high point of our Oundle world tour: the Stahl Theatre.

Mr MacDonald took the eveningtwo performances of the album - from

a gig to a happening which would attract passers-by, with psychedelic, revolving images cast onto the front of the Stahl. Inside, speakers flooded the lobby with the sound of the album. On stage, an enormous full moon shone behind the band during the anthemic peaks of the closing songs. Performing that album with those people at that time is an experience I am unlikely to forget. I feel honoured to have helped put on one of the few pupil rock gigs in the last decade: we were part of something that felt momentous. Thank you, Mr MacDonald, for not only conceiving the idea but making it possible and making it good. ■

Billy Tannery

■ From waste to worth: Jack Millington (S 06) talks to Lucy McLaren (Sn 06) about reviving the British tannery

Jack Millington (Sidney 2006) has returned to his farming roots with Billy Tannery, the UK’s only micro-tannery specialising in goat leather.

The idea for Jack’s business came from his father’s farm in Leicestershire. Meat from the goats was sold but nothing was done with the skins – these were binned because no tanneries dealt with them. Jack says “I knew that goatskin was used a lot in the past. But when I contacted tanneries to ask whether they could process the skins, they all laughed! In fact, these skins were incinerated or sent in a container to the other side of the world.”

Established in 2017 in a barn on Jack’s family farm, Billy Tannery became the UK’s first new tannery in at least 50 years. Jack kitted it out with second-hand tanning drums and learnt different techniques from Paul Evans at Northampton University’s tannery. The small goat herd on the farm could not supply enough skins for the business, so Jack sourced more from a large UK supplier of ethically produced goat meat.

Initially focused solely on tanning goat leather, Billy Tannery soon expanded into finished items. “Sustainability is a hot topic, and I realised that there was huge value in being able to tell the story from the

sourcing to the final product,” says Jack. Goatskin, prized by the fashion industry for its strength and softness, is perfect for making bags, gloves, and upholstery. Handmade in Somerset and Leicestershire, Jack’s products are now sold online.

Billy Tannery has also expanded into tanning deerskins, his main customer being the King. “Deer are much more challenging to work with than farmed animals – grazes, ticks and other insects leave their mark in the wild” explains Jack. Deerskin from the Balmoral Estate is crafted into backpacks, bags and wallets and sold alongside venison in the Estate shop and kitchens.

Photographs: Paul Read

Britain was once home to hundreds of thriving tanneries and factories that made some of the best leathergoods in the world. In the 1980s, many of these became casualties of a deep recession. All but a handful have now disappeared alongside cheaper production overseas.

Today, with wide interest in sustainable food production, Jack believes that there are exciting opportunities for leather: “If animals are reared sustainably and their skins are tanned using traditional methods

and chemicals that aren’t harmful to the environment — such as lime to strip fat and hair and bark tannins — leather has a positive part to play. From reducing waste to high quality, traceable products that last for many decades.”

Demand is so high that Jack is now hoping to move to a larger site

to expand his business and has taken on his second employee. “There are millions of goatskins and deerskins still going to waste. There is so much room for expansion, both as a brand and to collaborate with other businesses. There is huge opportunity to get properly sourced, better leather into the world.”

This isn’t Jack’s first venture. He co-founded and successfully sold VetBox with Will Woodley (Sidney 2006). If that achievement is any indicator, Billy Tannery is one to watch. ■

Class of 2014

■ Lily Postlethwaite, former Head of School

Einstein said “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.” The following few pages are testament to wonderful friendships made, skills mastered, and lessons learned over the last decade: the roots of these many achievements can be found in Oundle. Thank you to

BRAMSTON

George Bostock: I studied civil engineering at Birmingham, before deciding to become a civil engineer. Recently I became a chartered civil engineer specialising in water infrastructure. My cricket career has continued to my town’s 4th team in South Nottinghamshire’s Division J. Shalinie (L 14), and I are no longer dating, deciding instead to get married this year. We are now living in Nottingham where we got a cat, lost a cat, got another cat.

everyone who has shared their ten-year update, I have loved reading each and every one. The breadth and depth of the accomplishments, alongside the warmth and humour of these write-ups is truly moving and they have thrown me right back to a busy Cloisters at break time with you all.

We left Oundle School when the ‘ice bucket challenge’ was going viral and Solange Knowles had just slapped Jay-Z in an elevator. The decade since has been nothing short of extraordinary: a pandemic, Brexit, Pokémon Go, the world’s first $1 trillion, $2 trillion and $3 trillion company, and too many Prime Ministers to count. Although life marches on, from time to time it is comforting to look back and reminisce

Brian Wong After Oundle I went to study medicine at the University of Hong Kong. I graduated during the challenging times of COVID-19 in 2020, and I immediately joined the front line medical staff in the fight of COVID-19 in Hong Kong. I am currently pursuing a career in internal medicine at a public hospital in HK. I have proposed to my future wife Christine, and we are planning to get married next year. I fairly regularly hang out with Jonathon Wong (B 14) who is also staying in HK. I would love to visit Oundle again sometime soon.

about days spent eating cheesy chips, wearing ginormous bell-bottoms and knocking books out of each others’ arms - why the heck didn’t we use bags?!

I would like to say a special thank you to Ellie Waind’s (N) family and friends for sharing her story with us all. What an exceptional person she was, achieving an astonishing amount in her life, which was sadly much too short. Remember - it is never too late to rekindle an old friendship. Perhaps even at The OO London Dinner this November, as it’s our last chance to bag discounted tickets! I feel very lucky to have grown up with you all, and I truly hope the next decade is as full of happiness as the last one for the class of 2014.

CROSBY

Thomas ‘Tom‘ Bolton Post Econ at Newcastle, took the well-trodden path to the Big 4, becoming manager in KPMG’s valuations team after four years. Six years in, my proudest achievements are my hairline and saving Tom Wardle (C 15) from Audit to join me in the promised land of Vals. Previously involved with OSMH, now helping Ed ‘Doggie’ Barker (F 02) launch Green Frog Haileybury, providing unforgettable holidays for kids with learning disabilities, offering families much-needed respite. The first year was a momentous success. I still see close Oundle friends on a weekly basis: Alex George (C) Pollyanna ‘Pol‘ Duggan (Sn), Tom Cundy (Sc), and a number of others, monthly.

Alex George Bristol Uni followed by UCL; I’ve been working in investment ever since. I’ve just bought a flat 10 minutes from where I grew up in North London. Home sweet home.

 Brian Wong (B) and his fiancée Christine.

 L-r: George Bostock (B) and Shalinie Sriemevan (L) wedding photo.

I’m on the board of an amazing musical charity called the London Music Fund, which provides funding for disadvantaged kids to learn instruments and pursue music. I’ve been coming back to Oundle for the past 11 years to volunteer on Oundle Mencap. Really, I’m just nostalgic: still haven’t gotten over that time I made it on to ‘Oundle Rumours’. Otherwise, friends (a few from Oundle), football (sometimes with the OOs), and just generally enjoying life.

Oliver Wood After Oundle, I set off on a gap year. Despite great intentions to travel the world, I ended up at the Bank of England for a year. Spent 3 years at Cambridge (second time lucky). Met my girlfriend Katie (now fiancée). Made the inevitable move to London. Worked in investment banking for a few years. Regretted it, then made the jump to private equity. Did my first triathlon, and broke a toe, did my first marathon and broke a hip. Now aiming for my first Ironman - what could go wrong?

DRYDEN

Lucy Acheson-Gray (D) After leaving school, I took a gap year and spent three months at a cookery school in Ireland and went travelling with Charlotte Cundell (D). I then spent four amazing years at Exeter, studying French and Spanish, which included a sunny year living and ‘working’ in the south of Spain. After graduating with a result that reflected the fun/lack of

work that had taken place, I decided to listen to the famous saying: ‘Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach.’ I began my PGCE in September 2019 and although COVID came along halfway through, I managed to secure my first teaching job at a local primary school in September 2020. I have been there ever since and have taken on lots of different roles, including head of MFL and for my social tennis friends at Oundle, this may come as a bit of a shock… head of PE!! In my personal life, I have been living with my long term boyfriend for the past few years in the Berkshire countryside, spending most of our free time renovating our Victorian cottage. Just waiting on the ring and the puppy to complete the dream!

Rosie Carbutt At Oundle I got the occasional pink card but I wouldn’t say I was the rebellious type so it might surprise you to hear that after finishing University I spent 3 years in prison…. luckily not as a prisoner but as a prison officer. I absolutely loved this job, meeting some incredible people. I’m now a Policy Lead at the Ministry of Justice working in the specialist employment team. I connect employers with prisons to help prisoners get jobs on release which I find incredibly rewarding. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my Oundle friends, most of whom live within walking distance. Some might say we haven’t exactly branched out; others may say Oundle gave me friends for life. Charlotte Cundell Post Oundle I hosted a ski chalet in St Anton and then proceeded to chase winter around the globe in Australia and New Zealand. After four

fantastic years at the University of Nottingham, where I studied product design, I moved down to Devon to design interiors at Princess Yachts. This year I got itchy feet and decided to move to Florence to study sculpture – something I have been dreaming of since the days spent in Oddie’s art room. So far, it’s going well. I love catching up with my OO pals when I get the chance. I remain unwed.

Rhianna Gerry I went to the University of Leeds to study Psychology, including a year abroad in Wisconsin. I have been working for Saxton Bampfylde, the executive search firm in London for six years. I also had the chance to do a secondment in Delhi for six months which was amazing! This has been a big year - I bought a house in East London and got married to Callum who I met at university. It’s always a treat to catch up with old school friends when we get the chance.

Isabel Gillespie After leaving Oundle, I travelled around India and Southeast Asia, before heading to Uni in Edinburgh with a year abroad in Melbourne (ground-breaking, I know). I now work within mental health care. Lockdown was spent fighting and graciously losing to a small army of bedbugs, whilst supporting people experiencing psychosis. This was followed by a stint working as a lowintensity CBT practitioner in the NHS. I am currently completing a doctorate in clinical psychology. Since leaving Oundle, I have lived with 6 OOs and I see another handful every week. Yet to find better cheesy chips than Coffee Tavern.

 Charlotte Cundell (D), Charlotte Robson (K) and Emma Morse (K). Photo taken at Santa Croce Square, Florence.

 A lice Edgar (N), Coco Story (L) and Rhianna Gerry (D)

 Jack Field and Will Bennet t-Baggs (both Sc). Taken at Will ’s Halloween party 2024 attended by about 20 OOs.

FISHER

Dan Bateson I went to Durham to study Biology, then headed to London and chose to use none of the skills from my degree by pursuing a career in investment banking, before switching to private equity. Moved in with my girlfriend, became a proud cat Dad and finally got my Arsenal season ticket. Life took a turn last September when I was diagnosed with cancer, but I beat it (hopefully) and if I had paid more attention in my Biology lectures, I would’ve known you can live pretty normally without a stomach! Next step: buy a place in walking distance of the Emirates.

James Campbell Having spent 3 years at Newcastle living with Alex Johnsen (F) and Will Meredith (F), I made the adventurous leap down to London where I now live and work. I’ve been lucky enough to spend a lot of time with friends from Oundle through regular trips to the west coast of Scotland as well as the annual and ever competitive Aunby Tennis Championship, competing for the 5th year in 2025 with the likes of John Gore, Henry Scott, Archie Wilson, Tim Wong (all StA) and Alex Johnsen (F).

Angus Dowie After leaving Oundle I studied Anthropology at Durham University and became oddly obsessed with darts. I’m now living in London working as a software consultant. Fortunately, it takes me all over the world, and I still have the time for my running.I don’t see enough OOs, but when I do it’s a highlight. I get to the occasional event and there’s a hardcore I keep in touch with. Hopefully as time passes, I can expand that a little.I still support Ipswich, except now they’re good.

Alex Johnsen AJ did as we all must post Oundle - packing backs in the southern hemisphere. Not learning much from his History degree, he did figure out what AJ stood for, Action Johnsen. Cue anti-poaching operations in the savannah, riding skidoos under the Northern Lights and swatting midges

in Arbroath. Despite eating copious amounts of beige food, an immaculate rig, a Queen’s commission and a solid hairline is giving the London bachelors a run for their private sector money. Splitting his time motorcycling through la champagne and drinking too much rose at the Orange in Pimlico, we, the grateful nation thank him for his service.

Written by Ash Cuthbert (S)

Jacob ‘Jake‘ Walker Ten short years began on the standard History undergrad - GDL conveyor belt, taking me from Leeds to London. That well-trodden track was unfortunately derailed by a wee brain haemorrhage / stroke, with a bit of radiotherapy for kicks.

Pause for short rehab intermission to get my left side right again and soon enough, law school graduate became bar school student. Going on to complete pupillage, I’m now privileged to work as a family law barrister at Coram Chambers #brokenhomesbrokenbones And in the middle of all that, I had the great honour of marrying my beautiful wife.

GRAFTON

Mohammad Agah I went to UC San Diego for an Economics degree. Studying wasn’t always my priority, so I often drove to LA to party with Dan Choy (G) at USC. Despite this, I finished my degree early and joined Anheuser Busch in Logistics. When COVID hit, I navigated the chaos of shortages and realized how essential beer is. After two years, I pursued a Masters in Finance at Imperial College and worked at Reckitt in London. Last September, I left the corporate life, returned to Iran, and started producing pistachio oil, which I’ll soon export to Europe and Asia for both the food and cosmetic industries.

Sebastian Bond Post Oundle I did the usual: Uni, working in the city, and now London based, having been

fortunate to cross paths and stay in touch with a number of OOs both privately and professionally. On a personal note, I have Oundle to thank for my wife Beth James (Sn), with Charlie Bowkett and Tom Daniels (both G) as two of my groomsmen, and with many more OOs attending the wedding.

Charles ‘Charlie‘ Bowkett After school I studied History at UCL, before doing a law conversion. Afterwards I took a gap year, where I travelled around both North and South America before my remaining plans were curtailed by COVID. However, this setback was more than made up for by meeting my wonderful partner, Mel. I then trained at Bird & Bird before moving to Sky where I’m a Content lawyer doing rights deals for sports, films, and TV shows. Pleased to say that I still see a lot of the usual suspects from school and keep up with the Grafton boys.

Daniel Choy I spent five years completing a Bachelor of Architecture degree at USC in Los Angeles. During this time, I travelled when I could to other states and neighbouring countries and did a semester abroad in Spain. I also met my partner of six years and got a dog named Willow. I worked the following three years at a practice in LA who applied unsuccessfully (unlucky with the lottery system) for a more permanent visa on my behalf. Seeing an excuse for adventure, the three of us moved to Melbourne, Australia to try our luck down under.

Sam Ige I went to Swansea University to study a Chemical Engineering MEng degree. After graduation, I took a gap year to work with my athletics coach full time before pivoting to the tech sector, working as a software engineer. After roles at NHS England and AIG Life, I am currently working for a software house company on the Guildford area. I met my girlfriend through my training group in 2017, and we bought a house in the London suburbs in 2021. Outside of this, I am still sprinting somewhat competitively, running at British and National champs.

Angus McCool Duncan Over the last ten years I’ve been doing all sorts from working in the cycling industry to recruitment to what I’ve now been doing for the past two years: baking. Being behind a desk has never been my strong suit and the thought of having a career behind one made me positively blanch. Experiencing this in recruitment only reinforced this belief. Being a baker has been incredibly rewarding and led me to living in the Austrian Alps for a time. I’m now back in Britain and looking forward to seeing where my baking takes me! In terms of keeping up with OOs, my fellow Graftonians and I keep in touch on a regular(ish) basis and Alex 'Morry' Morrison (G), and I meet up whenever we can. Here’s to the next 10 years!

Alex Morrison After a summer of travelling, I read Ancient History at Newcastle. In a slight pivot, I moved back down to London to work in audit, leaving after 4 years with an ACA and a dislike of the busy season. I have since made the move into private equity and am currently working towards the CFA qualification. I live with my girlfriend in Balham, which we love, and am enjoying ticking off European city breaks and planning new challenges overseas. Although most of us have moved abroad, we still keep up, and I look forward to the next decade.

Ben Richmond I imagine a few teachers are interested to hear what happened to Ben after Oundle and will be reading this year’s edition to help win a bet in the staffroom sweepstake. Most would have bet against Ben successfully

navigating Uni without Mr Gough as overwatch, but they would have been wrong. After graduating in history, Ben worked in tech sales in London, where he is currently finishing his Masters at UCL. Still frustratingly fit and fluentish in Spanish, he is soon to start his next job, in the world of climate, taking him off to Madrid.

Written by Alex Johnsen (F)

William Tsang After 8 years in the UK, I moved back to Hong Kong, worked a year in my dream job at Manchester United, went on the summer tour with the full squad in Shanghai, picked up golf as a hobby, qualified as a lawyer at Baker McKenzie and am now specialising in private funds. Having caught up with a few fellow OOs recently, it got me reminiscing about the past and I realised how lucky we were in the Oundle bubble. I miss the UK and try to visit every year. However, I am particularly looking forward to it this year, to attend Seb Bond (G) and Beth James’s (Sn) wedding.

Rob Younger A fortnight after Oundle Youth Theatre’s run of Ali Smith’s Just at the Edinburgh Fringe – also starring Georgie Anstey and Liv Sellers (both L) – I returned to the city to begin studying Linguistics at Edinburgh University. Five years and five more Fringes later, having graduated and worked variously as a barman, theatre technician, office temp and probably other stuff, I upped sticks to Pamplona, Spain to be an ESL teacher. Another five years gone, and I’m soon to finish a Masters in Secondary Education. My nursery teacher partner is proud of me, but thinks my decision was bonkers.

Juliette Aliker After school I read History and Politics at Oxford. Some highlights were meeting some of my best friends and my partner, Gus, and being awarded a prize by the university for my thesis in History. I received a scholarship from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 2019, so spent an amazing

year in Philadelphia studying corporate law. I am now an M&A lawyer at Allen & Overy, and live in Notting Hill with my partner. My younger sisters are currently at Oundle (in Sanderson and Kirkeby), and I have really enjoyed coming back to school to visit them. I continue to see my best Oundle friends including Pollyanna Duggan (Sn), Charlie Bowkett (G), Oli Wood (C) and the girls from Kirkeby.

Emily Bainbridge I went off travelling around India and SE Asia (unoriginal, I know) then ventured to Leeds Uni to study paediatric nursing. An incredible time with a smattering of challenges. Newly qualified, I packed off to London to work as a neonatal intensive care nurse, blissfully unaware that a pandemic was waiting in the wings. Then decided to leave the land of the extra small humans and am now a sister in paediatric A&E. Life in London is filled with club netball, weddings on the weekends and exploring the world any chance I get.

India Derrick After studying Psychology at Bristol, I did a 3 month coding bootcamp in London and then decided to move to San Francisco. What was meant to be 6 months turned into 3.5 years there, where I worked as a Software Engineer at an AI startup in the defence and intelligence space. Can confirm that California life is lovely, but proximity to my nearest and dearest Oundelians beats it. I moved back to London and in with a familiar face - Betsy Earnshaw (K), where we’ve lived for the past 2 years. Currently working at a start up in the glamorous world of Procurement SaaS where I joined as a founding engineer.

Betsy Earnshaw In the past ten years, I haven’t collected any CBEs or OBEs, nor have I celebrated any marriages or births – so no dramatic life changes to report! I did complete a product management course at General Assembly and worked at a start-up, which eventually got acquired. Now,

 A ngus McCool Duncan (G)

I’m on the lookout for new product opportunities, so if anyone has leads in the B2B start-up SaaS space, hit me up. I currently live with India Derrick in Stoke Newington. It may seem like not much has changed, but there isn’t a culotte in sight, we no longer share a bedroom and Mrs Meisner doesn’t tuck us in at night. I look forward to reading about the amazing things everyone else has been up to, and we should definitely organize a reunion soon.

Alex Hodgson I did a gap year interning as a management consultant at Accenture and then did the classic and backpacked around southeast Asia. Went to Durham to study economics, where I played a lot of squash and also met my partner, Matias. After graduating I had 6 months travelling in South America and doing wildlife conservation in the Seychelles before heading back to Accenture to work in their renewable energy team which I love! I still play a lot of sport (hockey in particular), travel as much as the annual leave allows, and try to see a lot of the usual suspects from Oundle whenever we can.

Molly Macleod Since leaving school I’ve travelled a lot, spent many weekends entertaining my nieces and nephews, and played countless hours of netball. I studied politics at Newcastle University, where I lived with Georgia Fellingham (W) and Bea Easterbrook (Sn), and then moved to London and started my career as a consultant. I currently live in Balham, surrounded by books and houseplants that are slowly dying, and can often be found in a wine bar with Georgia. I’m still a management consultant and mostly work with policing and security clients to make pretty PowerPoints.

Freddie Martin Unsurprisingly, in ten years things feel very different. I live in London, and work in the strategy team at the Ministry of Justice. I’m more adventurous and travel a lot. I play netball voluntarily. Most importantly, I’ve become an aunt to two adorable boys, Josh and Toby, sons of James Martin (F 09).

However, in many ways things are the same. I live in a loud house of girls with another ex-Berrysteader Lucy Wakeford (Sn). I hang out with the Kirkeby lot, and we have the same sense of humour. I am still terrible at French.

Let’s see what happens in the next ten - hopefully it’ll be just as good.

Emma Morse From Oundle I went straight to Bristol and studied

Archaeology and Anthropology, bumping into many Oundelians whilst there. After Bristol, I wanted a fresh start in life and moved to the Netherlands for a Masters in Museums and Collections at Leiden University. Having worked in Greece and had a long lockdown break in France, I decided to move back to the Netherlands. I’ve been in Amsterdam for over 3 years now and I work as

archivist and collection

an

 L-r: Freddie Martin, Emma Morse, Alex Hodgson, Emily Bainbridge (all K), Charlotte Cundell (D), and Charlotte Robson (K)

 L-r: Emily Bainbridge (K), Alex Hodgson (K), Charlotte Cundell (D), Molly Macleod (L)

 Top l-r: Lily Postlethwaite (W), Rosie Carbutt (D), Izzy Gillespie (D), Tilly Stanton (K), Issy van Vredenburch (K) & Ellis Howell Williams (Sc) Bottom l-r: Fliss Earnshaw (W), Jack Field (Sc), Betsy Earnshaw (K), Hope (non-O O) and William Bennett-Baggs (Sch)

manager at the city zoo. It’s always nice reconnecting with Oundle friends when back in the UK and I’m always happy when Oundle friends make their way to Amsterdam for a visit (with a special mention to Kirkeby plus Cundell annual trips).

Eliza Reay-Glover After school I worked in bars, restaurants and hotels to save for my gap year. This took me to Fiji where I volunteered in the only vet practice on the archipelago, as well as Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Cuba. I went on to Newcastle Uni to study History and Politics, which I loved. Post-graduation I chose executive search as a career, initially in financial services then sport and latterly video games. I am now at Creative Artists Agency, one of the world’s top entertainment agencies. I’m also an auntie to many children and dogs!

Charlotte Robson Since Oundle I’ve travelled, studied and lived in Colombia, Central America, Spain and Durham - an eclectic mix! I landed in Bristol after graduating and started working in the People Team at Rolls-Royce.

I’ve become a South West cliché - outdoor swimming, cycle rides and harping on about the epic restaurants/bars in Bristol! Living in the city, I’ve become a trustee for a homeless charity, Roots, which takes up a good chunk of my time. Future plans will continue to bring opportunities to travel, spend time back in Copenhagen and catch up with the extended Kirkeby Girls.

Matilda ‘Tilly‘ Stanton, I studied History of Art at Bristol University and then went on to live in Melbourne for a year. Since being back in London, I have been pursuing a career in interior design and am currently working for Ben Pentreath Ltd in Bloomsbury.

I have just been on the most incredible trip to Mozambique and Eswatini with an old Kirkeby girl, Betsy Earnshaw, and continue to spend much of my time with old Oundelians.

Trendalls chocolate donuts will be etched in my memory forever :)

Isabella van Vredenburch I went to the University of Exeter where I studied Drama. However, I realised that I was more interested in what was going on behind the camera rather than in front and decided to pursue a career in TV production. Once I graduated, I got a job as a receptionist at a small production company and began working my way up. Since then, I’ve worked on a range of shows from The Apprentice to The Full Monty More recently, I was an assistant producer at ITV on This Morning and had many highlights including interviewing Colleen Rooney about the Wagatha trial and speaking to Sharon Osbourne about her family podcast. My History teacher may be surprised to hear that I am currently writing scripts about the royal family during specific historical periods for a show that streams on Amazon US! Oundle continues to play an ever present role in my life - I live with two Oundelians and spend much of my spare time with Kirkeby girls.

Rohesia Vince-Brown (Vince) I read Classics at Clare College Cambridge, and loved every minute of it. I met the most wonderful people and spent more time rowing and playing hockey than studying. Then I followed the well-trodden path into law, and now I work as a solicitor specialising in tax law and live in North London with my (as of July) husband, but sadly no cats yet. I travel as much as life allows (New Zealand and Iceland being stand outs so far), still religiously play hockey (Hampstead & Westminster HC), and generally lament how little time there is for all the things I want to do.

Lara Wallace I went travelling to South America with Fliss Earnshaw (W) and Octavia Morgan (N), before attending the University of Edinburgh where I studied Theology. I spent my third year studying in America at Dartmouth College where I embraced my inner Elle Woods, joined a sorority, and exclusively wore pink.

After university, I decided to make use of my D in A-level maths and attempted to become an accountant. Terrible idea. I endured 2 months of misery and confusion, before I found my calling in Human Resources. Since then, I have spent five years in HR at Savills. After taking some time off to travel, I recently moved into a new role within HR for a Private Equity company.

Outside work, I live with two Oundelians, Octavia Morgan (N) and Izzy Gillespie (D). I spend lots of my time with Kirkeby girls, with a few of them living on the next street.

 Emily Bainbridge (K), Charlotte Cundell (D) and Charlotte Robson (K).

 L-r: India Derrick, Tilly Stanton, Betsy Earnshaw, Lara Wallace and Issy van Vredenburch (all K)

 L-r: Georgia Fellingham (W), Eliza Shepherd (N), Rohesia Vince-Brown (K) and Molly Macleod (L) on a visit to Marrakech in 2023

LAUNDIMER

Matthew Willis Executive summary of past decade: gap year > Russell Group university (Edinburgh, History) > Clapham > management consultancy. Exceptionally proud of the unique path I forged in life. To be fair to myself I did enjoy a year on exchange at McGill in Montreal, a move which should add much-needed ‘pizzazz’ to my future memoirs. Current status: Islington resident, organisational restructurer (unsure what this means but am conscious it’s on my employment contract), houseplant enthusiast, aspiring trophyhusband. I remain ‘Willis’ to friends but adopt ‘Matthew’ for professional settings. Don’t let this throw you if we cross paths: it’s still me.

LAXTON

Georgie Anstey I have spent the last few years working as a property buying advisor in London so spend my days charging around London looking at wonderful houses for my clients – who knew that was a job?! I could not have navigated the highs and lows of the last ten years without my close Oundle friendsfrom Edinburgh University living with Kirsty Ross-Stewart (W), moving to London with Hannah Day (Sn), endless dinner parties, Monday night netball, ‘Live Like Liv’ sessions and now, weddings! Throughout all of this, Ellie Waind (N) is never far from our thoughts, and we miss her dearly.

Fleur Arkell I can’t quite believe it’s been 10 years since we left Oundle! I am currently living in London and working as a graphic designer. I play Netball for Putney Netball Club, alongside my favourite teammate, Emily Bainbridge (K). In other exciting news, my boyfriend Will and I are moving to Dublin towards the end of this year. Excited to see what the next few years have in store! A particular highlight of this year was being a bridesmaid with Emily Bainbridge (K) (who I clearly can’t get away from) for Bella Ellis’ (Sn) beautiful wedding. A wonderful day, surrounded by lots of familiar Oundle faces.

Molly Clayton Loved my biology degree at Birmingham and then spent a fantastic year in Hong Kong teaching English before joining British Airways’ graduate scheme. I’ve since completed a Sustainability MSc and now manage the onboard sustainability team, mostly so I can go on nice holidays without feeling too bad about it!

I still enjoy sewing and alongside many other perfectionists who no longer get enough validation from good school grades, I ran the London Marathon this year for Oxfam, 23 years after my Dad. Dr Clayton is enjoying retirement in Dorset whilst making an occasional guest appearance at Oundle DofE. Ella Davies After Oundle I went to Edinburgh Uni to study Biomedical Sciences. After four years of various roles post Uni (highlight being working in a cheese and wine shop), I am now a data scientist. I live in Hackney but have been loving

travelling with my friends/boyfriend and try to get away as much as possible! I still see Oundle girls regularly, most recently at Shalinie and George’s wedding and a few of us are going to Warsaw to see Taylor Swift. Also planned for summer is Glastonbury and We Out Here so maybe see some of you there!

Charlie Hewitt I completed an MSc collaborating with the Norwegian Institute for Nature research, followed by an MPhil with Ordnance Survey, and worked on international European Space Agency, NASA, and Alan Turing Institute data study group projects. I now work at the intersection of cartography, data analytics and ecology. Alongside this, as a freelance digital cartographer, I have presented at academic conferences, contributed to publications and worked as a council member of a polar scientists’ organisation. In my free time, I help restore two Cold War jets, and volunteer with a water-based sports wellbeing group. Long-term, I aim to pursue a PhD

Charlotte Hone After Oundle, I studied Classical Studies, then an MA in Art History, and in 2019 I decided to fulfil a lifelong dream of moving to Italy for a life of art, coffee and cornetti. I boarded a plane to the South of Italy with a one-way ticket. 4 years, 3 cities, a cat and yet another degree later, I had an internship with an Italian company called Flowerista that combines caring deeply about people, the environment and the arts. Perfect. Now I’m setting up the UK branch! Follow us @flowerista_uk_ to see how we get on.

 L-r: Willa Sedgwick Rough (N), Mimi Monteith (Sn), Hannah Day (Sn), Harriet Wylie (N), Georgie Anstey (L) and Imi Hooper (L)

Imogen Hooper Unsurprisingly, I did not quite get the grades I expected and ended up at Oxford Brookes. Here I found my passion in mental health nursing, then I moved to London and worked through the pandemic in psychiatric hospitals and A&E. I currently manage a team specialising in schizophrenia. Whilst the day job keeps me busy, I see the Oundle girls all the time - from Monday night netball to weddings to Glastonbury. I will always be thankful for my Oundle days spent with the amazing Ellie Waind who we miss every day. Truly the biggest update is I now enjoy running!

Richard Lane After studying Physics at Cambridge, I’ve worked for a software consultancy, completed a PhD (particle physics) and now work as a data scientist in Bristol. I spend most of my time training martial arts, cooking or in a forest looking for mushrooms with my girlfriend. Oundle was a formative part of my youth and gave me lots of opportunities that I’m grateful for, and I’m glad it set me on the path to the people that I now live and work with.

Bradley Miles After a gap year, I studied computer science at the University of Bristol before moving in with Viren Pandya (L), in London, as a software engineer at Prime Video in 2019. Five Amazon anniversaries later, I now manage a software engineering team and my partner and

I are buying our first home together in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire. I continue to play badminton weekly and hope to start drumming again soon - having played in the OO OSJO concert this April. I regularly see fellow OOs in London or back in Oundle, so please get in touch for a drink!

Zuleikha ‘Zi‘ Mistry I find myself still in Nottingham, the same city I left Oundle for 10 years ago. I’ve completed 3 degrees, started a life with a lovely man called John, bought a house and started an allotment. Rowing has been replaced with the odd jog and outdoor dips. I graduated as a doctor in 2019 (2020 was a baptism of fire). Since then, I’ve been working towards a career in Geriatrics & Oncology. I’ll be forever grateful for the friendships that have spanned a decade, and to my parents for providing me with an Oundle education.

Charlotte O’Dea I am proud that I am finally a qualified architect. Most of the last decade has been spent getting to that point which enabled me to experience Nottingham, Newcastle and Bristol universities, and working in London. But it’s not been all about designing buildings. During this time, I’ve discovered powerlifting (not something I ever thought I’d do) which I’ve loved, and it has ultimately led me to meeting my now fiancé. We are both looking forward to getting married next year but first we’re off on an adventure

to South America for three months. Here’s to the next ten years!

Viren Pandya My 10th year since leaving Oundle also marks my 10th year at University College London, where I’ve now completed my Medicine degree, as well as an integrated BSc and PhD in Neuroscience. Outside of pursuing the record for longest serving university student, I’ve definitely harnessed London’s abundant events schedule: you’ll likely catch me at classical music concerts, cricket matches, plays and talks across the capital. I’ve kept in touch with several OO friends, some of whom also became great flatmates. From August, I’ll be working in London as a junior doctor and anticipate many enjoyable OO meet-ups in the future.

Olivia ‘Liv‘ Sellers: The year I left Oundle I found myself at Central School of Speech and Drama getting my hands on a Diploma in acting, alongside working as a secretary at JLL, messing up most of the directors’ stationery orders. Randomly fell into Manchester Uni and continued the Drama prospects there. I then found myself back at JLL on my way to be a Chartered Surveyor. Six years of regret putting myself through it but decided to launch my LiveLikeLiv business in lockdown to keep me happy, and the property blues at bay. Skip to 2023 and the property career has got the better of me. I jumped

 George Bostock (B), Shalinie Bostock (L), John Budd and Zi Mistry (L)

 Top l-r: Viren Pandya, Bradley Miles, Federico Ruiz-Ramirez; Bottom l-r: James Wimpenny, Amrish Rajdev, Philip Eames (all L) at a meet-up in Mayfair

 Georgie Anstey (L), Imogen Hooper (L), Frankie Hooper (L 16) and Hannah Day (Sn). Taken at the annual netball tournament raising money for Sarcoma UK in memory of Ellie Waind

ship and now run my own coaching business and rent a studio in Fitzrovia to keep up my 1:1 personal training with some incredible clients. I live in southwest London with my best mate and BF and life couldn’t be better. I see some of the Oundle gals often and love them loads. Lessons I’ve learnt since leaving: trust your gut and don’t do something you hate!

Shalinie Sriemevan Since Oundle, I’ve done two degrees in Nottingham, become a doctor and am now training to become an anaesthetist. I recently got married to my fellow Oundelian, George Bostock (B) and had lots of Oundle pals come and celebrate our 11 years together. This includes our best man, Arthur Vickery (B) and maid of honour, Eliza Burgess (L), who both gave beautiful speeches at our wedding. Who knew D of E was as good as Hinge? We live in Nottingham with our cat, Myrtleworking on the dog. We’ve just got back from our honeymoon travelling SE Asia and now back to reality.

Courtney ‘Coco‘ Story I qualified as a lifeguard whilst studying and later graduating from the University of Westminster with a 1st in Biological Sciences. More recently, I achieved a professional qualification (MCIPS). I’ve worked at BAE Systems for 6 years, and am an executive Supply Chain Manager, leading a team supporting our Royal Navy warships globally. With my job, I’ve visited Curacao, Washington DC, France and even lived on a warship for a week!

In 2020, I bought my first home in Portsmouth and love living by the sea. In August, I am relocating to Adelaide, Australia to continue my working/life adventure.

Marieke van de Braak After only a year in fashion after school (surprise surprise), I moved to Leeds University to study International Business, spending my summers cheffing on sailing boats in Croatia. I ventured into the wine industry in London (lots of ‘research‘), and after graduation, did a ski season in Val d’Isère until Covid brought those plans to an abrupt halt. Desperate to find a way back to travelling, I joined a superyacht as a chef and have been almost permanently out of the UK since 2021, travelling through Europe, the Caribbean, the USA, and soon Greenland, Alaska, Costa Rica, and Panama on a 90m superyacht.

Dylan Vincent The apple didn’t fall far from the tree as I went straight

into teaching following University. Started in Strasbourg, where I filled myself up with Flammkuchen till I decided to resign myself to the fact that the UK isn’t too bad compared to France. Bristol was next, which came with its compulsory earring. James Wimpenny (L) and I are still tight as spandex. On a pause from teaching and on the path to becoming a professional surfer... Well, at least 6 months in.

James Wimpenny I left university with an engineering degree and - lacking any creative flair - headed to London to work for a bank. I lived in Hackney with 2 university friends and after 5 (fast) years in London, the suits offered me a role in NYC and I decided to pursue the American dream at the start of 2023. It’s been a fun ride but I‘m unsure how long I’ll stay, so don’t feel much closer to establishing a life plan than I did 10 years ago. Dylan Vincent and I are still very close - he coached me for 2019 world’s strongest man, but I didn’t make the finals as we couldn’t find a costume which fitted.

NEW HOUSE

Octavia Morgan After leaving Oundle I worked for a domestic abuse charity in London before joining droves of school leavers on a gap year around South America. I went on to study history and Spanish at Edinburgh, which I loved, and which allowed me to spend a year living in Madrid and Buenos Aires. After university I went directly back into

 L-r: Frankie Hooper (L 16), Willa Sedgwick Rough (N), Hannah Day (Sn), Imogen Hooper (L), Ella Davies (L), Pete Dalrymple (Ldr). Photo from when we went to support Georgie Anstey (L) in the London Marathon 2021.

L iv Sellers (L)

Courtney Story (L) on the flight deck of a Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carrier.

education and spent lockdown training to become a lawyer. I now practise family law as a qualified solicitor. I live with two Oundelians and it would be a rarity to not see a handful more every week, which is a joy!

Willa Sedgwick Rough I travelled Australia and New Zealand before studying philosophy at Leeds University, which I loved. This made for a (not so!) obvious transition into the City where I work as an insurance broker at Aon. I live with Imogen Hooper (L) and still spend lots of time with Oundle friends at Monday netball, Sunday roast club and recently weddings. The rest I spend with my sister, her husband, their dog Nala, and my boyfriend Will. I have wonderful memories of Oundle, which are even more cherished since we lost Ellie Waind, who is greatly missed.

Eliza Shepherd My university careers service suggested that having studied Arabic, I should pursue a career in small animal management. Instead, I spent lock-down studying for the ACA, wishing I was managing small animals, and that the pubs would re-open. I realized my time spent on FlightRadar24 should count for something and changed careers to aircraft leasing. In my spare time, I love watching airshows and running an Instagram account called aircraft_ lyfe which has a few followers. I hope my Oundle sporting records remain un-broken, including the slowest ever 800m, and shortest ever long-jump. I’m very lucky to have many life-long friends from Oundle. Unfortunately, I am still not married to Daniel Craig, but will be sure to update the OO Magazine if the situation changes.

Steph Tsang Spent five years at Edinburgh, first a degree in Law and Economics, followed by a Masters in International Economic Law. After a brief stint as a trainee in an international court, I am now in academia and hope to pursue a PhD in the near future. Despite swearing off hiking after my Gold DoE expedition in Upper Sixth, Covid saw me trading my badminton shoes for a pair of hiking boots and running

shoes – highlights include checking off the many hiking trails in Hong Kong with Serena Shah (L 15) and completing a half marathon this year.

Eleanor ‘Ellie‘ Waind Ellie went to Bristol University to study Chemistry and continued her love of sport especially tennis. She had secured a place on a finance grad scheme when, sadly, she was diagnosed with a sarcoma cancer. She received chemotherapy treatment in Leeds as well as proton beam therapy in Florida. Throughout her treatment Ellie remained positive enjoying life to the full visiting New Orleans, Paris, the Seychelles and Japan. She even changed her chemotherapy schedule to see Ed Sheeran in concert. Ellie was a determined, hard working person with an infectious sense of fun, a caring spirit, and extraordinary bravery. Two and a half years after being diagnosed Ellie passed away in hospital on 2 February 2019, aged 23. Ellie’s Oundle friends have raised funds running marathons, organising netball tournaments and pub quizzes in aid of Sarcoma UK, the charity Ellie chose to support. The annual Elliefest organised by her school and university friends is a treasured day for us all.

Harriet Wylie After Oundle I went travelling, then spent two summers in upstate New York working on a summer camp, and the winter in between working in Chicago. In 2017 I moved permanently to New York City where I stayed for 5 years and got my degree at Baruch College, CUNY. I now live in London and frequently see a great group from Oundle, often at events raising money for Sarcoma and our dear friend Ellie Waind. Despite being 10 years older I still have itchy feet and plan to leave London in 2025, destination(s) TBC.

SANDERSON

Tash Ayton Determined to leave the Midlands, I left Oundle for Edinburgh, little aware that I’d be here a decade later. Along the way I

completed an economics degree, met my fiancé Pete and forged a career sorting out the public sector’s data systems. I also took two six-month breaks to travel to India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar and then later to Central America.

Some things from Oundle haven’t changed, I still see my friends regularly, especially enjoying recent weddings, and I play hockey frequently. Otherwise, my instruments from orchestra sessions are sadly gathering dust, and my military career definitely ended in CCF.

Issy Clarke After a Maths degree at Manchester, I spent 2 years travelling, where I discovered a love for scuba diving and have been on numerous diving trips around the world since. Once home, I moved to Cheltenham and am currently procurement manager for an engineering company, Renishaw. This year, I bought a holiday home in Cornwall, in a cute fishing village called Mousehole, where I spend many happy days paddle boarding and walking. I still consider the Sanderson girls my dearest friends and meet up as often as we can. I’m very excited to be a bridesmaid for Beth James (Sn) this summer.

Hannah Day Read English at Durham after a gap year in Asia. Moved to Brixton, spent time working in Tokyo and now live in Mornington Crescent with Pollyanna Duggan (Sn) and work for a Japanese renewable energy company. Survived Covid lockdowns, Glastonbury hillsides and everything in between with Oundelians, including living or travelling with

 Mimi Monteith and Hannah Day (both Sn)

Mimi Monteith (Sn), Georgie Anstey, Imi Hooper (both L), Willa Sedgwick Rough (N) and my L6 crush Pete Dalrymple (Ldr). We spend most weeks together at netball or more recently, at weddings. We always raise a glass in memory of Ellie Waind, who is very much missed.

Pollyanna Duggan Having gone on to do all the regular things after Oundle (securing a degree and a respectable job, etc), my greatest joy has been the continuation of friendships I made between 10-15 years ago at school. The impact of my friends and teachers has guided me a lot over the last 10 years; whether that’s studying in Paris and maintaining French or travelling to different parts of the world together to re-live history trips. We’ve shared countless nights out, dinner parties, birthdays and more recently milestones like our weddings. Here’s to the memories and the future, forever captured on my trusty 2012 camera!

Beatrix Easterbrook After school I headed straight to Newcastle University to study agribusiness management. I then took my gap year post university, spending 6 months travelling Australia where I happened to meet my now husband in a nightclub in Cairns. Back in England I started my working life on a food and agriculture graduate scheme which took me to all the finest corners of England. Following that I moved to York for a job. Two years ago, I headed back to work on our family farm in Nottinghamshire. I recently married, with seven of my Sanderson housemates there to celebrate!

Pippa Fernandes I sandwiched an economics and politics degree at Durham University between two gap years. Then I joined the Civil Service, where I’ve worked in the Cabinet Office during Covid and in No10 on labour markets. I enjoy the more fast-paced roles and am currently leading the AI Strategy team in the Department for Technology. I still travel as much as I can and am writing this from a beach in Brazil. My Oundle friends remain hugely important to me, and I make the most of living in London near so many of the Sanderson girls.

Elizabeth James Post school I ended up at Kings in London studying Comparative Literature followed by an MA in War Studies. I am now working in clinical research in the Barbican which is quite a different career path!

After leaving school together, Sebastian Bond (G) and I were married in July with lots of OOs in attendance. I was delighted to have Lucy Wakeford (Sn), Isobel Clarke (Sn) and Gloria Yu (D) as my bridesmaids.

Ellie Miller I studied Art History at Central Saint Martins in London, whilst also doing an internship at Soho House, which led to a full time career in interior design at the company for 4 years. Now I’m working at a luxury residential interior design studio in London. I’ve been living in London for 10 years now. Whilst loving it I’d like to get out eventually! However, I have a lovely group of friends with a lot of my closest being Oundle peers. We regularly go on holidays together and meet up with our partners.

Marina ‘Mimi‘ Monteith: After some travelling and then heading to Newcastle Uni to read English, I moved to London to write plays and generally not leave the theatre unless absolutely necessary. Eventually I ventured out and now work as a creative director for a company that builds members‘ clubs and restaurants – I absolutely love it. I live with my boyfriend in Islington and still spend most of my time with my Oundle pals. Whether it’s Monday night netball, Sunday roast clubs or slipping in mayo on a hideous night out in Clapham, the friends I made from Oundle are still very much the most brilliant, wholesome, ridiculous group and I couldn’t love them more.

 L-r: (All Sanderson) Beth James, Issy Clarke, Tash Ayton, Pollyanna Duggan, Beatrix Rowbottom, Pippa Fernandes, Daisy Rudkin, Lucy Wakeford

 Mimi Monteith (Sn) and Willa Sedgwick Rough (N)

 L-r: Alex George (C), Juliette Aliker (K) John Shelley (S) and Pollyanna Duggan (Sn)

Daisy Rudkin: After a gap year, I went to Bristol with a year in Paris, and ventured into teaching; I‘m now Head of Year 11 and a maths teacher (believe it or not) at a school in north Kensington. I‘m currently writing this in detention duty realising not much has changed with Friday fish and chips still a weekly constant along with catch ups with the Sanderson girls. Recently I’ve got over the fear of cross country and run marathons, with Pollyanna Duggan cheering me along in Barcelona. Luckily, I’ve still not moved on from school holidays and so am off to Mexico this summer.

Isobel Urquhart (Ellis) I studied Music Business at Leeds College of Music then headed to China for a year working at a Wycombe Abbey International School. Decided to head back to the U.K. for a PGCE in Bath where I was also a house parent. Moved to London, like most others, and became a music teacher from KS3 to A Level (or in Oundle terms 1st form to U6), now heading up a department in central London and lecturing at a London University. Finding a London boy for a husband means I don’t think I’ll be leaving anytime soon. Ten years later, it’s safe to say the Oundle gals are still my closest friends with a large handful either being bridesmaids (as well as some current pupils), reading in the church ceremony or partying away

at my recent wedding and spending most Monday evenings with the girls smashing the netball courts of central London.

Lucy Wakeford After a thousand miles of sailing and a brief bout of skin cancer, I’m about to volunteer for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, hopefully stopping kids with cancer from falling into the Solent. Workwise, I’m with a tech company looking after older adults in social care, inspired by the awesome Great Aunt Susan. I can work from anywhere, which this year meant getting snowed in for the Norwegian winter with my partner Kosta. I currently share a mouldy but chic flat with Freddie Martin in Dalston, and was thrilled to be bridesmaid to Beth and Seb, a decade since our 6th form German set.

SCHOOL HOUSE

Andrew Ginns After earning a B.Eng in computer systems at Birmingham and an MSc in machine learning at Bristol, I became a technology consultant in the City. A few years

later, I helped establish Michelin’s London-based data science team. Currently, I am the lead machine learning engineer at the vehicleselling startup Motorway. I live in north London with my girlfriend and regularly connect with other OOs. I also recently served as a groomsman at the wedding of George Bostock (B) and Shalinie Sriemevan (L).

Ellis Howell Williams Ten years since leaving Oundle marks ten years since Crystanbul, and the time I exited the School House TV room red faced and in floods of tears. I’m pleased to report that since then, Liverpool have won a Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, two League Cups, a Club World Cup and Super Club. So that’s something for all those giving me grief that evening...

Since leaving the University of Manchester, I have worked as an A+R in the music industry and earlier this year I set up my own management company. I see lots of OOs. I’m still petrified of the girls, who, even in London, operate in groups of 20, but I do live with one, Issy Van Vredenburch (K), as well as Jack Field (Sc).

Matt Law: I studied Economics at

 Back row l-r: Emily Bainbridge (K), David Bolle-Jones (St. A), Ian Lane (Ldr 77), Richard Ellis (Sn 86) Front row l-r: Kirsty Ross-Stewart (W), Pollyanna Duggan (Sn), Isobel Urquhart née Ellis (Sn), James Ellis (Sn 63), Camilla Ellis (current pupil), Hetty Ellis (current pupil), Mimi Monteith (Sn), Hannah Day (Sn), Fleur Arkell (L), Georgie Anstey (L)

UCL. To not get deported to HK, I secured a work visa by joining one of the audit graduate schemes at the Big 4 (surprisingly bumped into Rory Whitaker (Sc) who was also in my department).

I met my future wife in my first year of university, and we married in December 2021 during Covid. I’ve now got my permanent residency and am working at the Bank of England. I’m one of the ’other OOs’ that Andrew Ginns (Sc) regularly meets.

SIDNEY

Ash Cuthbert Ash has become something of an international mystery man. After brushing up on Korean in Seoul and stuffing his history degree in his back pocket in Bristol, he turned his attention to London, and a David Brentesque job. Then Sandhurst and a career with the Int Corps. He’ll tell you he’s in Somalia one minute and Norway the next. With his last cigarette ‘behind’ him, his new habit is his motorbike and squeaky bomber jacket. But beneath the tattoos and tough guy persona lies a tender tale and whilst he’s unlikely to spill any government tea, he’ll gladly show you his baby daughter, the elegant Ebba. Written by Ben Richmond (G)

John Shelley After Oundle I went to Edinburgh University, from which I dropped out after 3 months to take a

gap year and study in London at City University the following year. I now have a food brand and a dietary supplement start-up. I live in Dubai but spend almost half the year between London and Turkey.

James Williamson It does not feel like ten years since leaving Oundle. I then went on to study Chemistry at the University of Bristol where I spent a placement year living in Frankfurt working for Bayer. Following university, I did a ski season in Baqueira-Beret before inevitably moving to London. I have recently moved to Battersea and look forward to making it home over the coming years.

ST ANTHONY

David Bolle-Jones Well, where to start? I did the typical gap year, ski season and then travelled around Asia with Oscar Rice and Johnny Gore (both StA). I then took on the challenge of university and surprisingly managed to get a 1st and Masters. Who would have guessed! Fast forward a few years and I coown and run a property development company called Otter Construct based in Somerset were I’ve mastered the art of making builders tea. Alongside my grand design projects, I decided to take up rowing, where John Olver’s famous phase of ‘pain is

just weakness leaving the body’ keeps springing to mind as my brother Evan Bolle-Jones (StA 12) and I are trying to qualify for Henley Regatta with Bristol rowing club.

Johnny Gore Since leaving Oundle, I did the expected trifecta of: Gap Year, University, London (nice and original). Currently living with Archie Wilson (StA) so haven’t branched out much, but often spend time with the likes of: Henry Scott (StA), Tim Wong (StA), James Campbell (F), AJ Johnsen (F) and Lucas Hancock (L 10), on trips to Scotland and playing substandard tennis. Work wise, I’m living my 18 year old dream of working in the drinks industry with pubs and restaurants. All in all, life’s good.

Henry Scott Most weekends I find myself with familiar Oundle faces attempting some sort of sport or analysing how badly we played. Annual fishing and tennis trips organised by Archie Wilson and Johnny Gore briefly revert us back to humour and days of old. I could do ten more.

Archie Wilson Having spent too much time painting animals in the Art rooms, the path after Oundle wasn’t clear. Studying Business at Newcastle seemed sensible; but predictably business wasn’t for me. I then attempted a winter crossing of Iceland with Angus Dowie (F); exploration wasn’t for me either.

 John Shelley (S)

 Back row l- r: Henry Scott, Johnny Gore, Archie Wilson, Ed Hunt, Jake Pass, Raffaello Mangiavacchi. Front row l- r: Oscar Rice, Tim Wong, David Bolle-Jones, Rose Davies. Photo taken at the St A reunion

I’ve now joined the BBC Natural History Unit, filming animals around the planet for BBC and Apple TV+. I’ve played two epic seasons for the London OO football team; finishing 52nd/52 teams two seasons running (any players out there?). But my biggest success has been continuing to share so many close OO friendships – thanks all!

WYATT

Clemmie Bailey I’ve been lucky enough to live and work in a few different places since leaving Oundle. Following graduation from Bristol, I spent a couple of good years experiencing the highs and lows of working in recruitment before taking a job as an English teacher at

an academy in North London. My lovely boyfriend and I have recently moved back to my home town in Hertfordshire, where I now work at Bishop’s Stortford College. I still love seeing friends from my House, when we are all rarely in the same country at the same time!

Catherine Berns Safe to say, My Futurewise landed a bit off the mark. The recommendations of three sciences and maths should have been a red flag, but learning the hard way has remained a recurring theme over the past ten years. Here’s to Oundle for instilling a big dose of resilience (and fear of failure) to keep me on track!

I am currently working in pharmacy at the Royal Marsden but am now pivoting and setting my sights overseas to move to my boyfriend’s home country of Zimbabwe in the next couple of years.

Bronwen Chan I’m based in NYC these days after Uni at Columbia, though an accidental career in musical theatre has taken me to

 L- r: Alex George (C), Archie Wilson (StA), James Campbell (F), Johnny Gore (StA), Tim Wong (StA)

 L- r: Johnny Gore, Henry Scott, Ben Richmond, Alexander Johnsen & James Campbell

unexpected places. One highlight has been working on Hollywood movie musicals in London, where I was able to reconnect with old school friendsand as I write this, I am on a coach to Memphis with a Broadway tour as its associate music director. I’m grateful to the Stahl for sparking my interest in theatre and Gascoigne for building my musicianship. Life is good and still a journey, and ‘boarding school’ comes up occasionally in therapy.

Fliss Earnshaw The ten years since leaving school really have flown! After a gap year of travelling around South America, I headed up to Newcastle where I spent four years studying Modern Languages, spending a very fun year abroad living in Paris and Madrid. After a couple of years working for a small skincare company, I decided to embark on a major career change and have nearly finished my training to be a midwife. It’s been a crazy but amazing three years, and I recently got a job offer at University College London Hospital in Euston starting in October! I still see lots of my

Oundle friends regularly and am so honoured to be a bridesmaid for Lily Postlethwaite (W) in May next year!

Georgia Fellingham After Oundle I went to Newcastle University studying English Literature with History. I decided to branch out and make some new friends so for three years I lived with Molly Macleod and Bea Easterbrook. Since then, I have lived in London, working at EY, and still spend the vast majority of my time with Molly but at least have some other OOs to hang out with too including Rosie Vince, Eliza Shepherd and Matthew Willis

Lucy Page Wowza what a ten years. Sorry to say I haven’t done the classic Oundelian route of taking lots of gap years… instead I went to Art school and learnt to become a sculptor. I’ve since worked for world renowned artist Antony Gormley, taught students at the Royal Academy Schools and now work for an Italian glass designer, alongside running my own studio, which has featured on Grand Designs and in The Evening Standard (check it out lucypage. co.uk). I live in London with my partner Dewi and our pup Terry, doing a course in psychotherapy whilst planning Lily Postlethwaite’s (W) hen do!

Lily Postlethwaite I am lucky enough to say that the decade after Oundle has been as happy as my six years at the school. I live in north London with my daft fiancé, Tom and our crazy cat, Ziggy. I love my job as stewardship analyst at Evenlode Investment and still spend lots of time with wonderful friends made for life at Oundle. I have two beautiful nephews, Finley and Frank, who both bring me so much joy. I am eternally grateful for my Oundle teachers and I have many happy memories from my time with the class of 2014.

Kirsty Ross-Stewart After school I completed a Chemistry degree at Edinburgh where, after several lab accidents, I learnt that applied chemistry wasn’t my forte. I now work in Equity Research at Citi covering the Pharma and Biotech sector allowing me to keep up the pretence of being a scientist but without the hazardous chemicals. I play netball most weeks with some OOs: success varies but fun is always had. The past ten years have been busy but 2024 perhaps the busiest of them all with CFA exams (hell), buying a house (London), renovating a flat (Edinburgh) and planning a wedding (my own). Bring on 2025+.

 Georgia Fellingham and Molly Macleod (L)

 Lily Postlethwaite and Lucy Page at Glastonbury 2023

O ne of Lucy Page ’s pieces. Cast in resin and brass by hand

Join the OO Network

■ Nicky Yianni, OO Club Secretary

CONNECT

Find, connect and network with fellow Old Oundelians using a searchable directory. Download the OO Network app to connect on the go.

GIVE BACK

Introduce, employ and offer to act as a mentor to others in the OO Community through the jobs and internships board.

EXPAND

Grow your professional and personal network of OOs and connect with others in similar industries to develop your career, or seek guidance.

COMMUNITY

A dedicated space to engage with fellow members the OO Community and keep in touch with one another in a trusted environment, as well as hearing about the latest news and developments at Oundle.

EVENTS

Keep up to date with and sign up for networking events, social events and reunions.

OO Charity Challenge

On 24 June the OO Club held its annual Charity Challenge. Students from Crosby, New House, Sadler and Sanderson made their pitches for a £1000 donation from the OO Club to their chosen charity. Three generations of OO Club secretaries formed the judging panel: Nicky Yianni, the current secretary, Jane Fenton and Chris Piper (Sc 71), who is also a Life Vice President of the

Club. The competition this year was extremely close, making it very difficult to judge. The pupils’ knowledge and reasons for choosing their charities were exceptional. All of the finalists’ presentations were informative and insightful.

There were only a few points in it, but with a highly professional, smoothly delivered speech which was clearly well researched, the winners are Crosby!

Congratulations to William May, Jayden Lo and Arthur Lyle and the team behind them in Crosby. The £1000 donation from the OO Club will be given to their chosen charity “Fresh Start”, which is an Edinburgh based charity helping people who have been homeless establish themselves in a new home.

Congratulations to the Crosby team and well done to everyone who entered the competition this year. ■

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR NETWORKING EVENTS

The School Year

■ Compiled by Hannah Morgan

Our 2024 A Level and (I)GCSE cohorts celebrated exceptional success in this year's public examinations, achieving outstanding results.

At A Level, pupils set a new benchmark of success. An impressive 28% of all grades awarded were A* or equivalent, with 66% at A*-A and 88% at A*-B. Notably, six pupils achieved four A* grades, while a further twenty-two earned a minimum of three A* grades. Overall, more than two-thirds of all grades were either A* or A, with 44% of pupils achieving straight A*/A grades. These achievements enabled the majority of Oundelians to secure places at their chosen universities, including seventeen who gained acceptance to Oxford and Cambridge.

At (I)GCSE 30% of all grades awarded were grade 9, with 53% achieving either a grade 9 or 8 and 74% graded at 9-7. Remarkably, as with last year, grade 9 was the most common grade achieved by Oundle pupils, with the average grade standing at 7.4. Standout individual performances saw eleven pupils achieving eleven straight grade 9s a further eighteen pupils attaining straight grade 9s and 8s. An additional forty pupils achieved straight grades 9-7.

Oundelians are well regarded for their intellectual curiosity and Omnia, Trivium, and Quadrivium have expanded our pupils’ academic horizons. Omnia, new to our First and Second Form, has transformed Saturday mornings for our youngest pupils, who were presented with a myriad of activities from encouraging exploration to fostering climate champions and critical thinkers. Trivium courses, timetabled for all Third Formers, covered diverse topics such as Chinese architecture,

Italian culture and identity politics, culminating in the Connections projects evening. Quadrivium courses, for the Sixth Form, explored subjects including Strategy and Geopolitics and an introduction to English law while sixty-three Lower Sixth pupils completed their EPQs with outstanding results. Successful projects included topics on ethical trials, fast fashion and China’s

 Top: In November the School marked the centenary of the Consecration of the Chapel Bottom: Chicago was a sell out success at the Stahl Theatre

international image, all showcased at the annual EPQ presentation evening.

The Debating Society had a successful year with Ethan D (Ldr), George F (B), and Iona M (D) reaching the prestigious ESU Mace finals, and teams excelled in Nottingham,

Cambridge and Oxford Union competitions. Juniors also had a strong year, with one team making the ICYD finals at Oxford and another reaching the ESU Churchill regional finals. Inter-House competitions saw Grafton win the Humphreys Gavel and Wyatt the Mather Cup. The inaugural ‘Wells Mace’ was won by Harrison D (Sr), Amelia Y (W), and Seb S (Sc). The year ended with the Hon. Mr Justice Turner speaking at the Debating Society’s annual dinner.

The PEC celebrated Sophie B (Sr) and Alexander S (F) being awarded national Arkwright Engineering Scholarships; Benjamin P received the prestigious Nicholson Engineering Award for his contributions to the DET department. His final A level project involved designing and manufacturing a device to mechanically immobilize a classic car. He also restored a Mazda MX-5 roadster and led the Greenpower electric racing vehicle team.

A full trips and exchange programme complemented classroom learning with language visits to

Belgium, China, France, Germany and Spain. Across the School there were 63 residential trips, including 19 overseas. Highlights were a History and Politics trip to the USA, cultural visits to China and Kenya, a sports tour to South Africa, a biodiversity research trip to Mexico and a musical tour to Malaysia and Thailand.

The Chapel and Chaplaincy remain a central pillar of Oundle life and this year saw the licensing of the Reverend Maria Coulter as School Chaplain and the Reverend Joachim Foot as Assistant Chaplain. A significant highlight was the century of the Chapel’s consecration. Our celebration began with Thy hand O God has guided as they ended theirs in 1923. The Piper windows, one of the most defining features of the building, have been restored this year and should be seen in all their glory.

Community Action remains a bedrock of Wednesday afternoons. Over 360 pupils contribute thousands of volunteer hours with 80 hosts across Northamptonshire: helping the elderly, working with disabled people, running after-school clubs

and engaging in environmental and charitable work. Over £9000 was raised for St Basil’s through the Michaelmas Term sleepout and our community events, including Have a Go days and a new community tea dance in the Great Hall, proved popular. Pupil leadership shone in this year’s spectrum of charity events which have raised £44,500 for a broad range of charities.

The School celebrated an extraordinary year of musical achievements. Joining our two Oxford Organ Scholars are five Oxbridge candidates who have each secured offers with Choral Scholarships. Kylia P (K) was awarded second prize at the Fourth Glowing Harp Competition (International), won the Young Musician of the Year Nottingham on Harp and gained a coveted place in the National Youth Orchestra and Jack R (StA) & Issy P (W) were accepted into the National Youth Wind Orchestra. 246 pupils took music

 T he 1st Girls Football celebrate in their match against Uppingham

exams, with 11 achieving Diplomas, 46 earning Grade 8 and an 84% rate of Merits and Distinctions. Thomas A (B) scored 48/50 in his ARSM Diploma. Our partnership with the Royal College of Music featured workshops and performances with esteemed musicians. Performance highlights included a Baroque opera, a Dark Side of the Moon anniversary performance, a successful Concerto Competition and tours to Thailand and Malaysia. The Jazz Orchestra performed multiple concerts and a Jazz Night featured alumni. Choral events were held at Peterborough Cathedral and Gonville and Caius Cambridge. House Singing raised £2,000 for the Music Benevolent Fund. Bramston won Part Song and Sanderson (yet again) wowed us in the House Song. The Hepburn saw over 450 performances, with the Hepburn Cup awarded to Thomas A (B) on harpsichord, Tatum Cup to Angus I (S) on electric guitar and the Bateman Cup for musical promise to Kit W (Sr).

We celebrated the grand reopening

of a beautifully refurbished Stahl Theatre with the inaugural performance of Purcell’s The Fairy Queen. October featured Identity organised by Mirabel Agyemang (N U6), with performances from pupils of all year groups, emphasising the theatre’s cultural significance. St A impressed with Accidental Death of an Anarchist, while Wyatt brought laughter with Daisy Pulls it Off The Michaelmas Term ended with a spectacular production of Bob Fosse’s Chicago, showcasing the talents of Third to Lower Sixth Form pupils across the School. Lent Term highlights included the chilling Trap, directed by Isla Johnson (L L6) and the comedic A Servant of Two Masters, featuring Jamie Perring (S U6).

Brecht’s The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, directed by Mr Burlington and the summer’s delightful The Monster that Ate 3B rounded out the season. Three Drama scholars, Sasha R (Sr 4), Belle H (K 4) and Emy K (L 5) achieved success with NYMT auditions. It has been an excellent year of school sport, with continued high

rates of participation and enjoyment. Our 1st teams have enjoyed the best playing seasons for a number of years. Boys’ rugby and girls’ hockey started the academic year with a successful pre-season tour to South Africa, followed by playing over 170 and 240 matches respectively. The Lent term was action-packed, with Oundle hosting both the Regional and National Schools England Netball finals, alongside regional Fives championships. The OO Sport weekend had its biggest format to date, with the School once again retaining the Spragg Trophy. The cross country squad enjoyed representative success at regional and national championships. Boys’ hockey, netball, and girls’ rugby all competed with notable achievements. Boys’ and girls’ football performed

 Top: D ebating - Ethan D (Ldr), George F (B), and Iona M (D) reached the prestigious ESU Mace finals

Bottom: Billy Pasco has led the 1st XV and has secured a contract with Northampton Saints

OSJO performed at the Grocers Hall

well, the girls’ 1st XI reaching the ISFA Trophy knockout semi-final. The school’s swim programme boasts an impressive near 90% win rate in inter-school galas: 19 school records have been broken with successes at the Bath & Otter and Whitgift Cups. Three boys’ squads and one girls’ squad competed in the Rosslyn Park 7s tournament at the end of Lent Term. Cricket, tennis, athletics and rowing took centre stage in summer term. The final Friday afternoon before half term hosted Sports Day for Third to Upper Sixth with the First and Second Form enjoying their own Saturday morning event. Our rowers competed with steely determination at the National School Regatta and Henley qualifiers. The golf squad continues to improve, with the added help of the OO-supported golf simulators, reaching the ISGA National Plate Final. Partnership links with Northampton Saints Rugby,

Loughborough Lightning Netball, Northants Cricket, and the England Hockey Talent Academy Pathway all enhance our sport scholarship and dedicated athlete programme. We continue to forge strong links with the OO sports community, particularly with the OO Golfing Society and Oundle Rovers. Representative honours for pupils have been achieved in athletics, badminton, cricket, cross country, equestrian, hockey, netball, rugby, squash, tennis and swimming.

Project 24 is advancing rapidly. Following last year’s improvements at Laxton Junior School and Scott House, the Bursary Estates Team shifted efforts to the senior day Houses. Laxton and Sadler have seen significant upgrades to their Sixth Form areas and dining facilities. Ongoing refurbishment of the basement floor includes space remodelling and redecoration.

Planning permission for McMurray House has now been approved. Boarding House improvements continue, with notable enhancements in StA, Dryden and Bramston. We are making significant strides in sustainability. The new solar panels on the Patrick Engineering Centre now offset nearly all its energy use, while LED lights and sensors reduce electricity consumption. Pupils have driven key initiatives, including a Zero to Landfill project for uniforms and plans to install bio-digesters. Environmental efforts extend to biodiversity, with new wildflower areas and an orchard, alongside a woodland management plan. The School has earned Silver iiE Accreditation, following last year’s Bronze and aims for Green Accreditation by the end of the year, showing our strong commitment to a sustainable future. ■

S chola Cantorum performing May morning madrigals

Laxton Junior School

■ Lydia Waller, Head of Laxton Junior School

It was with great pride and enthusiasm that we celebrated our 50th anniversary and it has been truly wonderful to join the school as Head in this milestone year.

A highlight of our anniversary year was undoubtedly our celebratory event on 6 May, where our school community, past and present, came together to mark the occasion. Our day was filled with laughter, reminiscence and a profound sense of gratitude for the legacy upon which we continue to build. As part of this, we hosted our whole school art exhibition: ‘Celebrate with a Portrait’: a powerful appreciation of our school community showcasing the remarkable talents and creativity of our children.

Central to the school’s values is a dedication to nurturing strong connections within our community and this was a key focus of the year. At the beginning of the summer

term, we launched our inaugural LJS Dog Show, welcoming families, friends and furry companions for an afternoon of fun.

Over the course of the year, we have placed an emphasis on initiatives designed to fortify bonds within our community through our continually expanding Parents in Partnership programme. With a rich tapestry of over 40 events held throughout the year, as well as the introduction of additional avenues for communal engagement such as the Head’s Tea and Talk sessions, we have created invaluable opportunities for open dialogue and collaboration. Our commitment to holistic development has propelled us to continuously broaden the horizons of our children, instilling in them a sense of agency as positive contributors beyond the confines of our school gates. Whether they are championing eco-friendly practices during House

litter picks or Walk to School week; showcasing their musical prowess at local community events like Sense Sensations or spreading joy through activities supporting our local country park or nursing home, our children are empowered to make a meaningful impact wherever they go.

Looking ahead, we are excited about introducing an enhanced teaching and learning approach from September. With a heightened focus on subject specialist teaching and a commitment to aligning pedagogy with child development, we are poised to further enrich the educational experience of our children.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire school community for their warm welcome, support and dedication this year. Together, we embark on the journey ahead with vigour and an unwavering commitment to providing a Prep School education of the highest class. ■

Staff Valete

■ Sarah Kerr-Dineen

Tony Burrows

Few parts of the Oundle of today have not been improved by Tony Burrows in the course of his 36 years at the School. Arriving in 1988 from deepest Market Harborough, he joined the Physics ‘mafia’, as it was described in The Laxtonian of that year. He tutored in Laxton School and was a member of the REME section of the CCF, also going on Army Camps and Adventure Training. He coached sport each term (one term in a full-length leg cast). One memorable junior rugby tour to Dublin in 1990 had a difficult start, with the excited party arriving at Holyhead only to see their ferry leaving port. The report in What’s Up is silent as to which member of staff was responsible for time-keeping, but, undeterred, Tony was the following year to be seen accompanying another tour, this time to Kazakhstan and then a further one to South Africa in 1993.

Meanwhile, Tony’s talents had been noticed. Within two years of arriving at Oundle he was Housemaster’s Assistant in Sidney and in 1992 he was appointed Housemaster of New House: the last one, as it turned out. Jane, as new House matron, and the very small Chris and Georgie joined himtogether with a pair of very naughty golden retrievers. In 1994, Susie joined the gang.

As co-education developed, New House became a girls’ House, and Tony’s drive to do new things and to contribute to the education of the pupils as widely as possible found him as Deputy Director of Studies and Head of Third Form: significant roles at a time of change and transition. By 2000 Tony was also Master in charge of Fives, and the sport was revived among the hierarchy of games options. He continued to promote Fives for the next twenty years, helped by the fact that he was a very fine player of this proudly niche sport.

Appointed Housemaster of Grafton, the second of three Houses he was to lead, he developed a lasting interest in digital technology in education and became the School’s webmaster. In 2009, after eight years, he was appointed Head of Laxton. Tony brought to this new challenge the same commitment to the welfare of each individual pupil that had distinguished his time as a boarding Housemaster - and being Housemaster to his own younger children took skill and tact.

The Burrows star continued in its ascendancy as Tony took over as Undermaster in 2013. Thanks to Tony’s sense of service and generosity of spirit, this role developed over the years ahead: he always did the job

that the School needed him to do, to the best of his ability. Over recent years, as Deputy Head Admissions, he has been a rock of the Leadership team. His approach has been marked by the vision that has informed his whole career at Oundle: what matters is the children, their families and our commitment to understanding both. This has been most evident in the transformation he has brought to the bursary programme. His sensitivity and care are humbling to witness, and his pride in these children’s successes wonderful to behold.

So many other things deserve mention - championing the annual AAAS trip to the States; his devotion to the Sanderson girls since coming out of Laxton; occasional performances in House plays; his love of golf and playing OO Fives with Christopher; featuring in NME alongside Oasis... No survey of Tony’s time at Oundle would be complete, however, without mention of his magnificently disturbing moustache. It seemed to take on a life of its own, to which a long line of House photos attests. Thankfully, the moustache has now taken itself off to other hunting grounds, and Tony’s face is once again fully visible, with its sparkle and ready smile.

Tony retires as positive, energetic and passionate as when he started. He will be missed in so many ways, including some I suspect that we do not yet realise. He leaves behind him the most meaningful legacy anyone could wish for, in the generations of children, now adults, who count themselves lucky to have had Tony in their lives, as do we. His colleagues and pupils have remained at the heart of everything for Tony, whatever the positions of authority to which he has subsequently risen. ■

Multisports Weekend

■ Arthur Marment (D 77) Multisports Coordinator

To the classical exhortation ‘OOs come back with your shields or upon them’ we flung ourselves into the 2024 Multisports weekend. After the heartbreak of last year this was meant to be our ‘dish served cold revenge’ and I envisaged myself receiving the Cup from a peevish looking Head before launching into a witty and heartfelt speech ending with a dramatic Stuart Broad style, scene stealing, retirement announcementcue loud applause and spontaneous sobbing!

But reality is a harsh prism and despite the lusty efforts of the OO cohort we got spanked 10-5. Once again, I fall back on what in chambers is known as ‘The Scooby Doo’ defence i.e. ‘We would have won it, but for those Pesky Kids’!

Let’s not dwell too much on the grisly detail as I feel sure that later on in the Mag, OO Sports Secs will explain the whole implosion and name-check the stars. In summary, there were bright spots, so let’s start with them:

X Country

OO Win. Fabulous 2.5k relay. The legend that is Jon Potts (C 98) scything through the last leg deficit to bring home a point. Shout out to ex-OO Sec Jane Fenton who stepped up to help with timekeeping and starting. Thank you Catriona for hosting us.

Tennis

OO Win. With skip Sophie Walker (L 10) languishing in NZ, it was left to ‘evergreen’ Lance Ashworth to seize the reins and despite a hungover start (not metaphorically) and a deficit of 3-5 after the first 2 rubbers, OOs pulled back to romp home by 4. Thanks Matt and Spencer for hosting us.

Tennis

X-Country

Clay Shooting

OO win. Despite being off site this has been a historic strength and with skipper Henry Johnson (C 14) leading the way, the OOs grabbed the laurels despite terrific shots from the pupils. Thank you Henry for arranging everything.

Rowing Ergo

Halved. A makeshift team of OOs went into the event with trepidation increased by an intimidating 20 Ergo machines electronically linked to a horribly visible electronic scoreboard! I pay tribute to the OO team who surprised everyone with their strength and stamina. Stars included Guy Beresford (B 81), Richard Ellis (Sn 86), Peter Moore (Ldr 88) and Nina Rieck (K 95) plus 2 blokes whose names I

can’t remember who were as fit as fleas and popped up on Sunday in the X Country. Luckily the defibrillator remained on the wall! Katherine, thanks for hosting and feeding us.

Golf

School win. There’s something perverse about making a large financial contribution to the fabulous OO Golf Simulator and then losing on it two years running. St Andrews was the chosen course and scores were tied at the end. However the School ‘bullied’ the OOs into a playoff which they then won. Everyone marvelled at this compelling piece of kit. Johnthanks for hosting us and skip Nick Copestick (Ldr 69) for grappling with the OO superstars.

Fives

School win. Alex Smith (N 91) is always in the fray and we were delighted to see evergreen Bev Boag (StA 60) back on court. A terrific scrap ensued with some quality shot making on both sides plus a pair from Uppingham thrown into the mix for good measure. However it’s a strong suit for the School at present and they were rightful winners. Victoriathanks for hosting us

Basketball

School win. New to the roster and a real addition in the new Sports Hall, with both sides showing some serious skills and on court swagger. School shaded it but Sport definitely the winner. Thanks Sudip for suggesting it, pulling it all together and hosting us.

Men’s Football

OO Win. This was talked about as the Blue Riband of the weekend and did not disappoint with the OOs stamping their authority with a 3-1 win. Christian - thank you for hosting us and let’s hope we can get a Women’s match on the Park next year! OO Skips Chris and Freddie deserved the praise they received.

Badminton

Halved. I arrived court-side to find ferocious competition and a high level of skill on every court. Badminton is a hugely underrated game in my opinion, but very addictive. Robertthank you as always for teeing up and bonus marks for braving The Ship later!

Water Polo

School Win. There was no way that in Julie Clipstone’s last Multisports

Shooting

Golf

Fives

Football

her charges were going to let her down and so it proved. OOs were out swum and out shot by a superbly fit operation. Big up for some senior OOs who trunked up. Julie - it’s au revoir not farewell from us all.

Netball

School Win. The deficit in score was considerable until Bella Ellis’s (Sn 14) team of OOs pulled themselves together and got within a couple of points of the pupils. A fitting Multisports farewell to Bev Burnham who has been a part of the Oundle netball setup for a fair few years and will be missed. As with Julie, Bev, it’s au revoir but not farewell.

Shooting

School win. The OO Troubleshooters were back with a bang (gettit?) and it was a joy to hear the 2.2 rounds whizzing along in the mini-range. Despite Philip de Voil (G 86) and his team rolling back the years it was the School who came away with the plaudits. Si - thanks for having us and running the show!

Table Tennis

School Win. Ashworths Senior and Junior were on display but I fear the white heat of the Cobthorne basement got to our lads. When I tell you that one of our number had a warm up on his kitchen breakfast bar you get the idea that we might have approached this in maybe an over-Corinthian manner. Table tennis Svengali Anthony Kerr Dineen kindly brought us up to speed with the various rule changes which had taken place in the game over the past decades but to be honest it was one way traffic till Brian Cheng (C 19) made a mercy

dash from the badminton courts to show everyone how it’s done but by that time the damage was irreparable. Thank you Anthony and Sarah for hosting us.

Rugby

Oundle Town Vets beat OO Vets. It would be vulgar to mention the score in this one but it was a terrific game and the good news was that no one died - always something of a plus in a Vets game! In fairness Town had some ‘big units’ but OOs fought to the end driven on by their leader ‘timeless’ Guy Simmonds (StA 95) Shout out to Chris Piper (Sc 71) for being the oldest player on this - or any other - pitch, come to that.

Awards

Oldest Male OO competing.

Bev Boag - Fives

Least young Female OO competing Nina Rieck - Ergo & Tennis

Whilst we all struggled in grappling with the super talented pupils, the OOs really hit their stride in the evening party at The Ship. Andy and Rob always make us feel at home and with

the addition of Part 3 of Bella Ellis’s Hen party thrown into the mix it was a lively affair. Young trounced Old in the music quiz and we were joined by a sprinkling of the Common Room who very politely didn’t rub in their success. Thanks to Sarah for letting us run riot over the Estate for the weekend; Nathan and his catering team for feeding and watering us; School Sports Heads for their enthusiasm and time over a hyper busy weekend and for making us so welcome; Alastair Sherwin for support and wise counsel; OO Club Secretary Nicky Yianni for staying calm under a tsunami of emails; OO Pres Lance; OO VP Guy B; OO Sports Head Guy S and the OO Committee for funding it, playing in it and supporting it and Nick Beasant for ensuring that the whole show got on the road.

Finally, thanks to the pupils whose charm belied a ruthless sense of competition matched by no small level of ability.

Battle rejoins in 2025 on March 1st (the significance of this date not lost on us Welsh) and 2nd. Can you diarise these now? To misquote Arnie: ‘We’ll be back....’ ■

Cobthorne rules table tennis

Cricket

■ Stuart Morgan (Lx 91) and Tim Elliott (StA 77)

Oundle Rovers 245/9 dec. (58.5 overs) vs Repton Pilgrims 246 – 6 (37 overs)

Rovers: D Pimblett (S 81), T Kemp (L 24), J Esler (C 19), T Simeons (StA 20), C Wake (L 04), S Morgan (Lx 91), J Hawley (guest), R Jenkins (Ldr 97), R Potter (L 24), C Simons (guest), J Potter (Sc 08)

Despite the attractions of Repton’s picturesque ground and sumptuous catering, it took some effort to cobble together this side, including muchappreciated help from local masterin-charge Cameron Wake and the co-option of a passing cyclist. It was perhaps fortunate that we decided to play an old-school timed game which eventually made for a competitive tussle. Rovers batted first, with the openers Pimblett and new boy Kemp an epitome of cautiousness but a combination of tight bowling, some exceptional catching and a failure to kick on from the Oundle middle order meant we rather lost our impetus in the middle of the innings, despite some stellar names in the line-up. A late charge, including a 100-run partnership for the 9th wicket from guest stars Simons and Hawley,

delivered a defendable target of 245-9 in just under 60 overs. Repton overhauled our total in relatively quick time, but not without the odd wobble on their way. Esler bowled tightly to pick up three wickets but on the whole our bowling was rather too generous as two of their batsmen only narrowly failed to make centuries, with strike rates that wouldn’t look out of place in the England team. Debuts from Tom Kemp and the father/son J Potter and R Potter combination.

Oundle Rovers 293 (45 overs) vs Leicester Gents 164 all out (38.4 overs)

Rovers: T Kemp, H Potter (L 19), R Potter (Sr 24), J McAlpine (Lx 88), T McAlpine (StA 12), J Esler, C Moore (L 24), Z Atkinson (L 20), G Davies (Ldr 22), T Simeons

After a refreshing catch up at the Ship the previous night, led as is traditional by Rory Jenkins, a mostly-youthful Rovers team were optimistic about reversing the heavy defeat of the previous year. A McAlpine Senior and Junior partnership opened the Rovers innings, with Lower Sixth-former Tom McAlpine staying only briefly

to ensure that his father got his share of the limelight. Tom Kemp played attractively for a debut Rovers half century before James Esler crafted one of his more brutal works of art, smashing 130 off 76 balls including the demolition of yet more tiles on the sports hall. With some cameo innings from Messrs Atkinson, Moore and H Potter the Rovers reached a challenging total of 293 off 45 overs. While the Gents had come with a team more suited to batting than bowling, it was Rovers’ attack that sealed the win with all eight bowlers contributing either directly with wickets or through tight control. Charlie Moore was the pick of the bunch with 4-28, with support from spin twins Rory Potter (3-13) and Jack Allport (1-29) and complemented by a sharp all-round performance in the field.

Oundle Rovers O50 187-5 vs Bradfield Waifs O50 189-5

Rovers: R Sharp (N 89), J Arnold (C 89), T Harrison (G 89), W Cartledge (G 89), R Harris (Ldr 86), S Morgan, J McAlpine , D Pimblett, J Spragg (Sc 90), A Richardson (G 91)

A strong cup run (including trouncing Harrow in the previous round) meant the Oundle Rovers team arrived at the inaugural final of the CC Over 50s competition in good heart, if not physically in the best of shape. Having lost the toss, Rovers’ steadfast openers (Sharp and Arnold) set a firm foundation in the first five overs, but then struggled to get into second gear. Luckily Jenkins brought some muscular physicality to proceedings and the scoring rate accelerated quickly, particularly when joined by classy new boy Harrison who favoured the leg side in particular in a rapid half century. It was unfortunate therefore when his leg gave way and he was forced to retire, to be replaced

by similarly-lame Morgan (in the meantime sharp-shooter Cartledge had been and gone, caught on the boundary trying to replicate his heroics against Harrow). Morgan and Harris brought back memories of regular schoolboy partnerships before fellow Laxton House colleague McAlpine delivered some lusty closing blows. The total of 187-5 was probably 20 to 30 runs below par, but was defendable. Sadly, Rovers’ bowling attack was more erratic than expected. McAlpine delivered his usual impeccable opening spell, picking up one wicket early on and later on Spragg (J) manfully produced his best figures ever, but at the other end Richardson struggled to replicate his metronomic bowling of yore, whilst Cartledge fell away after some early promise. Arnold didn’t quite manage the early promise and Sharp’s first four balls brought the game to a quick end. Bradfield had their own classy batsman in the form of skipper Will Kendall and in the end it was our inability to get rid of him that was the difference between the two sides. Nevertheless it was a great occasion in a fantastic setting and the Rovers team are already plotting their revenge for next year.

Oundle Rovers CC had another enjoyable season in 2024. The main Cricketer Cup side were less successful than in recent seasons, but the club finished runners-up in the inaugural over 50 version. The club defeated the School in a spectacular run chase and two excellent friendlies were played in early July. One other Rovers highlight was the inclusion of Peter Edwards (Sc 72) in the all-time Cricketer Cup Hall-of-Fame 1st XI alongside a select group of very distinguished cricketers.

Nicholson Cricketer Cup

Prelim Round Eton Ramblers 128, Oundle Rovers 132-5. Oundle won by 5 wickets. The Rovers began their 2024 Cricketer Cup campaign with an excellent win at Eton in mid-May. Drawn against the 2023 semi-finalists, the Rovers travelled to Windsor with some apprehension. However an early breakfast meet set the Rovers up for a very successful morning session. Having lost the toss Oundle at one point were looking at a large Eton score. However 48 for 1 off 8 overs disintegrated to 90-8 and 129 all out. Outstanding catches by Will Street (Sc 10) and Ben Graves (F 15) and two fine stumpings by Simon Fernandes (Ldr 18) provided the key backup to a devastating spell from Street (5-41) and quick wickets from Tommy Simeons (3-14). Jack Oughtred (F 10) (1-16), on his first Cricketer Cup appearance for 8 years, chipped in with the big wicket of Eton's top batsman. The Rovers top order all got starts. Joe Austin (F 06) (12) and Graves (12) moved the team easily into the twenties but both then fell. Simon Fernandes (34) and captain Greg Smith (StA 07) (28) put together a 42 run, 3rd wicket partnership and then James Esler (20), Tom Bishop (10*) and Charlie Fernandes (Ldr 17) (18*) combined to take the Rovers over the line. Man-of-the-match was Will Street for his outstanding spell of bowling, the second time he has captured five wickets in a Cricketer Cup match. A feat achieved by only ten Oundle Rovers in the 57 years of competition.

Cricketer Cup First Round, Oundle Rovers 196, Radley Rangers 1975. Oundle lost by 5 wkts. Having defeated Eton, the Rovers made a disappointing first round exit against Radley, whom they had never

lost to in the competition’s history. Having been inserted, the Rovers, by their own admission, played too many poor shots in their sub-par total of 196. Greg Smith made 37, Charlie Fernandes 24, but respectability was largely down to debutant Will Park’s unbeaten 46. The Oundle off-spin dominated attack (Park also picked up two wickets) made Radley work hard for their runs, but they were unable to stop the home side getting over the line with five wickets and four overs to spare. A disappointingly short cup run for the third most successful side in Cricketer Cup history.

Oundle School 1st XI 294-4, Oundle Rovers CC 296-5. Rovers won by 5 wkts

The School won the toss and attacked the Rovers bowling from the start. Ralph Hayward (31), James Wass (48) and Hugh Hayward (50*) all made valuable contributions but the innings was dominated by an outstanding 138 from Sam Kassulke. All the more credit should go to the School batsmen as the Rovers had arrived with a strong bowling attack, including six who have bowled in the Cricketer Cup. The Rovers innings started poorly, subsiding to 13 for 2, however from 81 for 3, ex-School captains Tommy Simeons (96*) and James Esler (96 from 55 balls) turned the game on its head with a spectacular 168 run partnership. The Rovers secured their first victory in the fixture for several years with 5 wickets in hand. ■

Congratulations to Oundle Town CC on a very successful season. Helped by Simeons, Park and David Foster, they reached the ECB Vitality Club T20 national final.

Golfing Society

■ Nick Copestick (Ldr 69), Hon Sec

The third year of the ‘new’ format for the OOGS Annual Weekend 2023 saw 34 golfers taking part, including seven new members, plus four Oundle pupils along with newly appointed Master in charge of Golf, John Crawley (Hon OO). Starting on Friday afternoon with a round of foursomes, followed by dinner at The George, then individual competitions on the Saturday morning – this new arrangement has enabled more people to attend. Many thanks to outgoing Hon Sec James Aston (StA 92), for organising the weekend, the golf and the meetings; to Steve Carr (S 84) and Shane Dodd (Sn 74) for their help in setting up the event, and to new President Peter Pentecost (StA 73) for scoring and presenting the prizes. This year's earlier dates are to encourage school leavers and university students to attend.

OOGS ANNUAL WEEKEND, 2023 RESULTS

Friday 29 September

• The Grocers Foursomes:

1: John Crawley & Barney Ward (Ldr 08) (34 points, on countback)

2: James Aston & Will Connellan (Lx 18) (34 points)

• Hughes Salvers (best scores on the Par 3s):

1: Andrew Lightowler (Lx 97) & Megan Smedley (Hon OO) (12 points)

2: James Aston & Will Connellan (9 points)

Saturday 30 September

• Scratch Cup:

1: Richard Harris (F 91) (78)

2: Henry Duncombe (B 96) (79)

• Handicap Cup:

1: Will Connellan (net 70)

2: Jason McCaldin (D 85) (net 72)

• The Dove Stableford Trophy:

1: Jason McCaldin (35 points on countback)

2: William Rice (Sn 79) (35 points)

• The Old Boys Trophy (55+):

1: William Rice (net 72)

2: Nick Owles (N 63) (net 77)

• The Pounder Trophy (65+)

1: Nick Owles (34 points)

2: Duncan Smith (C 71) (30 points)

• The Boddington Trophy (Under 25)

1: Will Connellan (79)

• The Copestick House Claret Jug:

1: St. Anthony (65 points) Roy Nicholson (StA 65) + Peter Pentecost 2 equal: Crosby and Sidney (65 on countback)

On a day of oppressive heat, OOGS played Old Epsomians Golf Society at Tandridge Golf Club on 7 September, 2023, for 36 holes of golf and a 3-course carvery. Despite the high temperatures, both societies enjoyed the day with everyone at some point commenting on how wonderful the condition of the course and lunch were - Tandridge pudding with custard in 33˚C heat may have been a mistake, however!

The day kicked off with foursomes match play: unfortunately Epsom struggled to raise a side, so Oundle donated a pair, Barney Ward and James Aston, out of the goodness of

our hearts - what were we thinking? They powered through to win their match for Epsom on the 18th hole! Tom Goodley (G 99) and Henry Fray (G 08) went on to lose 1 down to Adam Maurice, a proper golfer. Richard Harris and Stuart Rowland were victorious, winning 2&1 against the mighty Hugh Maurice and Matt Chasey. It’s worth noting that Hugh is a collector of golf membershipsBerkshire, West Hill, Walton Heath, Reigate Heath, St Enedoc, and in the words of his son, Adam, ‘he might be the only person in the world who makes each membership value for money’…so this win was no small undertaking. Christian Thompson (Sc 08) and new OOGS member

 Richard Harris, left. receiving the Scratch Cup from President Peter Pentecost

Tom Goodley

Harry Millington (S 08) managed to squeeze a half out of their game. For those who have been adding up, this left the score 2-1 to Epsomleaving Oundle to pick up the wine tab for lunch. Fortunately for us, our guardian angel, past Tandridge Captain Geoffrey Dove (C 52) stepped in and took care of this. Now - onto the afternoon. The heat really had set in by this stage and a few were understandably only keen for 9 holes, but the rest donned our bucket hats after an emergency pro shop purchase and soldiered on. The format for the afternoon was singles stableford on full handicap, playing for the champagne bucket engraved with both Oundle and Epsom crests for the occasion. The scoring was remarkably good. Stuart Rowland came 3rd with 34 points on countback with one of our two OOGS debutants, Tom Lushington (Sc 94). In 2nd place was Barney Ward with 37 points. Barney is a serial winner of the Negretti cigarette box at the Southern meeting and had set his sights on this champagne bucket from the outset. However, winner Henry Fray, a Tandridge member, came in with 41 points and a personal best gross of 67.This was a great day and a match we hope will become a staple of the fixture list for years to come.

OOGS was well-represented at the Halford Hewitt Centenary Dinner, Grosvenor House Hotel, 10 January 2024, organised to celebrate the centenary of the first playing of the Halford Hewitt in 1924. We enjoyed excellent food, engaging speeches and of course, convivial company in the presence of over 800 others marking this occasion. Past winners of the tournament were invited to wear their presentation medals.

Pictured below left to right front row: *Mark Eddy (StA 84), Al Gordon (C 69), *Nick Owles, *Fred Domellof (F 76), *Nick Copestick, *Peter Pentecost, *Steve Carr, Stuart Rowland, *Jeremy Monroe (G 73); on the stairs left to right - Richard Pentecost (StA 05), Henry Fray, Bob Ellis (D 65), Richard Harris, Edward Dove (C 85). (* denotes a member of the Oundle winning team of 1997)

Despite the foul weather, which caused the afternoon round to be

abandoned, the OOGS Spring Meeting on 29 February 2024, was once again great golf, food and company! Ed Dove’s home club, Walton Heath, is a superlative venue, which this year attracted 21 OOGS players, with new members as well as old stalwarts.

• Singles Scratch

Winner – Andrew McAuliffe (Sc 83)

Runner up – Henry Fray 3rd – Ed Barker (F 02)

• Singles Handicap

Winner – George Johnson (C 04)

Runner up – Michael Williams (N 69) 3rd – Shane Dodd

As part of the OO Multisports weekend,on 2 March, 2024 an OOGS team of four played against the School: Richard Ellis (Sn 86) & Joss Cheatle (G 00); Alastair Gordon-Stewart (F 90) Captain and Hamish Gordon-Stewart (G 23) Matches were played on a (simulated) fine day with little wind over the Old Course, St Andrews. The format was Sunningdale foursomes. The match score was 1-1, so there was a play off, which the School won at the first extra hole. In Match 1, Ellis and Cheatle lost to Kemp and Todd, a very good pairing who obviously had had plenty of practice on the simulators. Every time we got near to them, they managed to stick one dead to the pin or drop a 25ft putt! (Richard might have been suffering through

competing in the Ergo competition down at the boathouse just before the golf) Match 2 saw G-S Snr and Jnr win 4&2 against Farmer and Yamamouchi: OOs never relinquished their lead, as the OO pairing was required to give a shot on every hole after winning the 3rd. Birdies on 9 and 13 meant that the OOs stood on the 16th level par gross and 3up.The simulators are an excellent addition to School facilities and seem to be having a very positive impact on the amount and quality of golf played by the pupils.

Twelve aspiring players competed over 36 holes at Prince’s in the Halford Hewitt Trial, 17 & 18 February, 2024. Captain Richard (‘Bomber/JJ’) Harris had decided that the three best scorers over the two days would earn themselves a place in the squad to travel to the Hewitt in April: the successful trio was Patrick Foster (StA 05), Mark Eddy and Sam Stocks (Ldr 15).

The team travelled down to Kent for Hewitt week on the Monday evening in confident mood after the promising performance of 2023. In the

 Halford Hewitt Centenary Dinner

 A ndrew McAuliffe, left, receiving the Spring Meeting Scratch trophy from Ed Dove

Halford Hewitt First Round v Mill Hill, Royal St. George’s GC, 11 April, Oundle got off to a fast start against the Londoners – Richard Pentecost and Patrick Foster managing to win the first hole with a Par 4, after which Mill Hill were never given a sniff. Everyone played well and eventually Oundle won 5-0, although bad news came from Mark Eddy who, despite becoming unwell during the round, played brilliantly but needed to return home.

Once again, in the Halford Hewitt Second Round v Framlingham, Royal St. George’s GC,12 April, we got off to a fast start – Tris Tusa (S 16) and Sam Stocks winning 6&5 with more awesome golf, after their 7&6 victory the day before. However, Pentecost and Foster struggled for most of their round and were 4 down with 6 to play against Framlingham’s strongest pair. Heroically, they won 5 of the last 6 holes and secured the match on the 18th, with Richard holing a brave 5-footer. George Crawley (L 20) playing instead of Eddy, made his debut with Jack Ireson (L 15). Both sons of Oundle teachers proceeded to play brilliantly, winning 2&1. Another solid performance from Andrew Lightowler (Lx 96) and Angus Lang (F 09) gave us a strong scoreline of 4-1, as Steve Carr and Tom Goodley (G 99) couldn’t match their great play of the first round.

The Third Round match v Tonbridge, 8-times winners and finalists, at Royal Cinque Ports GC,13 April, got off to a very even start and all games were nip and tuck for a long time. As the pairs came through the 16th tee, Oundle were up in 2 matches, Tonbridge up in 2 and the other was all square. The Tonbridge supporters looked worried, but unfortunately for us, their team’s huge experience in the latter stages of the tournament showed through, with their winning two vital matches on the last hole - meaning they just managed to pip us 3.5 -1.5. Special mention to George and Jack, who were again winners, while Angus and Andy remained unbeaten over the week, with a half. This was another very strong performance from the team and Captain Harris is confident that with a good draw and a little luck, the experience we have built up over the last couple of years, with close matches against Charterhouse and Tonbridge, means we are building a team that will go further in the very near future.

As ever, the players were very grateful for the support and refreshments from the regular band: President Peter Pentecost, Hon Sec Nick Copestick, Nick Owles, Fred Domellof, Shane Dodd, Ed Dove, James Aston (who also caddied), Bob Ellis, plus John Crawley and Andrew Ireson. Tonbridge went on to beat Uppingham, and were then beaten in the semis by eventual winners, Eton.

The match in Hewitt week, against

Old Uppinghamians on 10 April, was foursomes, off handicap, played on the wonderful Rye Old Course, for the Copestick/Gotla Salver, initiated in 2007. The series was tied at 6 wins each, with 3 draws and 1 loss to Covid in 2020! Our strong line up of former Hewitt players, Committee members and Hewitt supporters, was made even healthier this year with the addition of John Crawley, who was playing Rye and supporting the Hewitt for the first time. The weather was pleasant to begin with, bright and breezy, but colder air with some rain eventually drew in. As we had to tee off at 11:00 am, the later groups’ main concern was getting into the dining room before it closed! Our lower handicaps eventually prevailed, and we retrieved the trophy from Uppingham – and a good lunch was enjoyed by all!

RESULTS

• Peter Pentecost & John Crawley 5 up

• Jeremy Monroe & Ed Dove 3 up Nick Owles & Fred Domellof 1 up

• Peter Edwards (Sc 73) & Shane Dodd 1 up

• James Aston & William King (C 66) 1 down

• Bob Ellis & Nick Copestick 4 up

At the OOGS match v Oundle School on 25 April at Oundle GC, the course was in fantastic condition and the weather was decent after the April wind and downpours. Two school masters completed our team: Tony Burrows and Fuzzy Liston. Regarding the food, the golf club chef-comeserver, Roger, who had worked at the George at Stamford for over 25 years, said he would like a pound for every slice of beef he had carved for the OOGS at the annual weekend in September! At the evening meal in the common room (most of us remember it as the old Tuck shop, which housed the only TV in the school!), the pupils were all well-mannered and showed the great ability of youth - obviously enjoying the simulators, they are being coached by two on-site professionals. Bob Ellis and Richard Ellis (Sn 86) - Lost; Megan Smedley and Duncan Smith - Lost; John Crawley and Al Gordon-Stewart - Won; Tony Burrows and Peter Fox- Andrews - Won; Fuzzy

 Halford Hewitt 1st round Oundle v Mill Hill scorecard

Liston and Nigel Hetherington (F 64) - Won; Nick Cheatle (G 63) and Joss Cheatle - Halved

Luffenham Heath GC held the annual Old Pupils’ Centenary Silver Salver on 3 May, an event we have been successful in winning in the past but for the last few years have been off the pace. This was compounded this year when we lost a member of the team and were unable to replace them leaving us with only two pairs out of three. Despite the valiant efforts of Duncan Smith and James Aston (32 points), Will Butler (L 08) and Joss Cheatle (38 points), we were unable to challenge this year as Ratcliffe ran away with it having carded a 44 and a 46, despite horrendous weather!

Our qualifying round for the Grafton Morrish took place on 19 May at Denham GC. A total of 83 points put us in 3rd place and secured a berth in the finals, where we have been drawn in the 1st round, on 27 September to play Bolton at Royal West Norfolk GC, Brancaster.

The inaugural match v Old Reptonians at Blackwell GC on 24 May was a most enjoyable 27 holes of scratch foursomes matchplay. The team, led by Peter Pentecost, was mostly outplayed but had fun: Bob Ellis, James Aston, Peter Fox-Andrews, Nigel Hetherington, Bill Simms, Henry Fray, Duncan Smith.

Our return to the Royal Wimbledon Putting competition on 16 June was not successful and we were again relegated. However, there were individual highlights: Henry Duncombe came in 1st place out of all 32 players, while Fred Domellof was in the top 10. Others in the team were: Robin Choudhury

(Ldr 81) and Stevie Moore (StA 96). Eton were the champions with a young team who had triumphed in this year’s Halford Hewitt.

The Midland Public Schools’ Meeting at Little Aston GC on 19 June is always a highlight of the golfing year. Oundle, as ever superbly organised by Shane Dodd, gathered for an early breakfast before setting out as four pairs, with the best three stableford scores to count. On a day when scoring was difficult - fast greens and punishing rough, no pair in the entire field of 46 pairs garnered more than 36 points, off handicap. Our best pair was William Rice and Shane, with 30, in equal 17th position; the collective total of 80 points put us in a less than stellar 11th out of 12 teams. (Uppingham were top with 99.) The afternoon round (always shortened to 15 holes), in which we triumphed the previous year, was no more successful: Duncan Smith and Bob Ellis being the pick of our efforts with 29 points and a creditable 4th place. The winners, King Edward’s Birmingham recorded a hole-inone in their 33 points total. Players: Peter Pentecost, Shane Dodd, Nick Copestick, Duncan Smith, Bob Ellis, Peter Fox-Andrews, William Rice, Nigel Hetherington.

As ever, Oundle competed strongly in all three events at The Mellin this year, June 26 – 28. For the Mellin (over 55s) and the Burles (over 65s) we were drawn against Cheltenham in the first round. The Bunny Millard (over 75s) played their Stableford qualifying and for a separate trophy and, as has been the case for the previous 3 years, this was won by Robert Barrell (StA 61) & Nick Owles. We were then drawn against Shrewsbury on the Thursday for the semi-final. Nick Copestick and Duncan Smith led off on the Wednesday morning and cruised to victory against Cheltenham. Fred Domellof & Peter Pentecost had a few putting issues early on, but gradually clawed their way back into contention and overhauled the opposition on the 17th. After suitable quantities of Pimms, the two pairs set forth in the afternoon against Forest. Both matches were hard fought with all players finding the temperature a

challenge, but both pairs registered reasonably comfortable wins and so we were through to the Thursday.

The annual supper in the garden of Pentecost’s sister and brotherin-law was enjoyed by the squad, the highlights being a Jeroboam of Brunello, a magnum of Cantemarle, a soaking pair of trousers for Peak (red wine followed by white wine to make sure they didn’t stain, both courtesy of the Pentecost household) and a certain amount of falling over.

Two Mellin newcomers gave us a new look line up with Andrew McAuliffe playing for the first time as partner to school contemporary Steve Carr while Ed Dove was ‘coming of age’ and partnering Barry Peak. We missed Nick Wilson, who we wish a speedy recovery. On Thursday morning, the Mellin team strode forth with great intent against Cheltenham, Carr & McAuliffe scoring a win on the 17th, Dove & Peak just coming up short, losing on the 17th while Eddy & Pentecost won on the same hole a few minutes later. In the meantime, the Burles team were battling against Felsted, the first pair losing a tight match on the 18th, but Fossett & Domellof won out in the country and so to extra holes, with Copestick & Smith the nominated pair (against a Felsted pair they have lost to before)! Surviving a visit to the water on19, on the 20th, Smith’s long and very straight drive, followed by a 7 iron to within 12 ft enabled them to ‘lay the ghost’ and they were through. The Bunny Millard pair suffered a rare loss of form in their semi-final and sadly lost to Shrewsbury. Meanwhile in the Mellin second round, Eddy & Pentecost lost their match 4&3 to a strong Forest pair (I blame the absence of Eddy’s caddy), but the Mellin is a team game and with Dove & Peak winning by the same margin, it all hinged on top pair Carr & McAuliffe who were playing the 17th 1 up. A rare error from Carr saw his ball blocked by the left-hand trees, with the opposition up the middle in great shape. All McAuliffe could do was to chip out sideways still 30 yards behind Forest. What followed was nothing short of spectacular, as, after a long wait for the green to clear



O OGS flag at the Centenary Halford Hewitt, Royal Cinque Ports GC, Deal

some 250 yards away, Carr launched a majestic 3 wood, which bounded onto the green and nestled 4 feet from the hole. Unsurprisingly Forest were floored, took 5 and when McAuliffe stroked the putt in for a fantastic birdie four, we were through.

In a change to the normal arrangements, we dined on the Thursday evening not at Worplesdon, but at the Cricketers on the Green, organised by the effervescent Shane Dodd. It was a great dinner, and we shall have to decide on the format for next year. Onwards we marched to Friday, though sadly without the prospect of another victory in the Bunny Millard. The Mellin squad were imperious in the morning against Lancing, matches one (Carr & McAuliffe) and two (Dove & Peak) winning and match three Eddy & Pentecost 2 up and about to play the 16th. The Burles final against the old

enemy Shrewsbury was a dogged fight as ever, but the first match went to Shrewsbury on the 18th. When pair two could not get the half they needed to ensure another extra holes contest, the race was run – runners up in the Burles to the Old Salopians…. again!

The final of the Mellin was against Haileybury. Carr & McAuliffe battled hard against tough opposition but to no avail. Eddy & Pentecost won 3&2, so the pressure was on Dove & Peak who finished the 18th all square, meaning sudden death would decide the trophy: the 19th was a comedy of errors, with neither side seemingly wanting to win. Two good shots from Oundle up the 20th and it looked as though they had the edge, but a deft chip from Haileybury sent us down the 21st. Had a fairway wood by Dove been a foot higher and cleared the bunker, then the result might have

OO Tennis Round-Up

An early start, battering winds, driving rain and Ship-induced hangovers - tough conditions for Multisports tennis. However, an experienced OO team should have been used to this so it was something of a shock to be 3-5 down after two rounds. While it is fair to say the OOs had partied harder than ever on Saturday night - Bella Ellis’s hen do - this is a testament to the

strength of the School side who played some excellent tennis. However, never write-off the OOs! After restorative sausage sarnies and bloody Maryscourtesy Marment Catering Co - the team really turned it around. Form was found, serve pace went up, and Arthur and Angus increased their oncourt chatter level such that the final score was 10-6 to the OOs.

gone Oundle’s way - but Haileybury held their nerve with a tricky downhill 4 footer to win.

So… no cigars, but another great campaign and another great week of old Oundelian fun! On behalf of the players – our thanks to the travelling supporters – Peter (Foxy) Fox Andrews, the irrepressible Shane Dodd and James (faithful caddy) Aston.

In the OOGS match against the Grocers at New Zealand GC on 10 May we won 4 ½ - 1 ½ and had a great day. In the afternoon, the Knight Salvers were won by Peter Pentecost and Alex Hunter (Grocer), with 38 points, narrowly defeating Bob Ellis and Charlie McAndrew (Grocer) with 37.

OOGS has over 200 members and a full fixture list at some great courses. Please contact Hon Sec Nick Copestick nick.copestick@mac.com for information.

Kinder meteorological conditions met a returning OO team in May for the annual OO+Staff v School summer fixture. Not a goose pimple in sight on those pasty legs - a rare event for OO tennis. Andrew Smith (B 79), Richard Owen (Sc 70), Angus Piper (B 85) and Sophie Walker teamed up with staff Spencer Coates, Chris Gardiner, Jonny HammondChambers and Adam Baragwanath. Unencumbered by the usual thermal layers and bolstered by a strong staff line-up determined to beat their pupils, we secured a 10-2 win before mixing things up for the final round and Andrew treating the School to a doubles-play master class! Having formally recruited a few U6 formers to the OO ranks, we left the School in fine fettle to see off their summer fixture list.

Keen to extend their own tennis season, we reconvened in August, this time on the immaculate grass courts of the Queen’s Club. Having channelled our inner Borgs, Henmans and Federers, we’re now waiting to see which OOs will have picked up wildcards to Wimbledon next year… ■ Sophie Palliser (Walker L 10)

The Head

■ Sarah Kerr-Dineen

Dear Old Oundelian,

One of the things that makes us distinctive, I believe, is the way in which what we value informs the decisions we make.

I was recently asked to write an article on why we offer A levels over the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). This opportunity allowed me to reflect on our offer at Sixth Form and why we take the approach we do at this critical stage of our pupils’ educational journey.

These days, both A levels and the IBDP are well-established programmes for Sixth Form study. A levels enable pupils to focus on three or four subjects, with any wider educational content at the discretion of each school. Since the reforms of recent years, A levels are now genuinely rigorous assessments, requiring real depth of knowledge and understanding. The IBDP places the study of six subjects – including Maths, English and a modern foreign language – within a range of other compulsory elements: an extended essay, study of the Theory of Knowledge and completion of creative, active and service activities (CAS).

I believe fundamentally in the importance of giving children the opportunity to make connections

in their studies, reflecting how their minds naturally work. Education should enable young people to look up and out rather than down and in, valuing global citizenship and character development. The IBDP promotes international-mindedness and integrates both curricular and co-curricular learning, providing a genuinely rounded education. I believe in its value.

However, I have not introduced the IBDP at either school where I have been Head. Firstly, not all parents or young people want it and running both programmes together is costly, often leading to compromises and potential division among pupils. Secondly, it is too rigid. The creative and performing subjects are squeezed and there is no way of doing three sciences and maths at the equivalent of A Level standard. This is entirely true to the philosophy of the IBDP, but there are plenty of sixteen-yearolds who are better suited to a more specialised Sixth Form diet, where the rich interplay between cognate subjects can better be explored: true scholarship. Thirdly, university offers for IBDP students are made in terms of the total tally. Those for whom Maths, English or a language would never have featured among choices likely to result in the highest grades are forced to take all three and thereby run the risk of compromising their chances.

What A levels give that the IBDP does not is the freedom for pupils and schools to weave genuinely satisfying academic qualifications into a strong, flexible whole, empowering pupils to adapt to the growing sense of their intellectual self that we see emerging during Year 11, through which they can form their own identity as unique individuals. Even more powerfully, what A levels give is not just the opportunity to make connections in their studies, but the requirement

to do so. The synoptic element of A levels developed over this century is now well-established and greatly celebrated among those who teach and those who learn: they are deeply satisfying both academically and intellectually.

Ultimately, I believe that the best way of putting together a Sixth Form programme is to build it yourself, and to build it around A levels. At Oundle, this begins in Year 7 and Year 8, where pupils spend one morning each week with a timetable that has no subject boundaries: Omnia. In Year 9 they have two lessons each week where they embark on an intellectual and academic expedition of their teacher’s own choosing –Trivium – the only condition being that the journey is interesting, covers ground that really matters to the teacher and is not bounded by subject disciplines. By Sixth Form, pupils can choose the advanced version of this programme – Quadrivium – or the EPQ, both of which require extended writing and scholarship. Some pursue a Music Diploma instead, others learn a language from scratch. These sit alongside a free choice of four A levels, most pupils dropping to three, and a huge range of sporting, cultural and service opportunities that remain compulsory until the pupils leave. Global citizenship and the development of character as a person, not just as a learner, is the bread and butter of a good tutorial system.

What we rejoice in at Oundle is offering a programme that develops our pupils as unique learners and unique young people which, in the end, is the aim of all schools. ■ Until next year!

As ever,

Director of Development

■ Rebecca Baxter

It is such a pleasure to be writing my first piece for the OO Magazine. As you may know, I joined Oundle in October 2023 having headed up the development team at University College, Oxford and Kellogg College, Oxford before that. Oundle is my first school, and I’m excited to build on the successes of my predecessor, Matthew Dear, over the last ten years.

From the outset, it was clear that this is a very special place, fondly and highly regarded by its community and beyond. Like you, I wish to play my part in ensuring that our pupils and School continue to flourish.

Before joining, I had heard much about the commitment of OOs and parents – current and former – in supporting transformative projects, such as SciTec and the Sports Centre. Even in this short time, I have already experienced this astonishing generosity for myself. On day one in the office, I was amazed to learn that we had received a gift of £250,000 from a current parent for Project 24. This was followed swiftly by a further

gift, again from current parents, of £100,000 to support this important project. And in March, news came through that we had received a pledge from the Worshipful Company of Grocers for £1.5 million.

This amazing generosity is not only reserved for building campaigns, but also in Oundle’s commitment to bursaries. The level of support is inspiring and the School currently offers bursaries to about one in eight pupils. You will no doubt have read about the staggering gift of £750,000 that we have recently received from OO Ean Kuok (N 74) in support of our newest bursary in honour of OO, former Head of English and Housemaster of New House, Roger Freebairn (C 55), who left a lasting legacy to all Oundelians: past, present, and future. We are so grateful to Ean and to those of you who are contributing to help us reach our goal of £1.5 million for this endowed bursary which will support an Oundle pupil through the School in perpetuity.

We are incredibly fortunate to have such loyal and supportive donors. The impact of your gifts, of whatever size, cannot be underestimated, and they make a tangible difference every day to pupils’ lives now and for generations to come.

While fundraising is essential in supporting the continued success of the School and pupils, the other critical factor in that success is your connection with Oundle and each other. The OO community plays such an important role in the School today, not just in your participation in events, but also in showing pupils what life beyond Oundle might look like. The OO Network is hugely important in the advice and support it offers to younger OOs and with more than 2,000 members it is a fantastic resource for Old Oundelians.

Our global community of OOs now stands at more than 10,000, and this academic year we have engaged with over 1,000 members through our programme of events and networking opportunities in the UK and overseas. Highlights include 20 and 30 year reunion dinners, receptions in Edinburgh, Newcastle and Cambridge, as well as Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Hong Kong. The 2023 London Dinner was held in the spectacular surroundings of Grocers’ Hall with 120 guests, spanning all decades from the 1950s up to last year's Leavers. Regular events, such as the over 60s lunch and Sports lunch proved as popular as ever, and the annual OO Multisports weekend continues to be a much-loved feature in the calendar. There will be many more opportunities to connect next year as 2025 marks the 35th anniversary of co-education at Oundle. We hope that you’ll be able to join us in celebrating this special moment. Please use the QR code below to provide a space for your memories: your stories are an integral part of Oundle's history. In the meantime, we are always pleased to see you at The Stables where you will be assured of a warm welcome. Most importantly, allow me to thank you for your invaluable support - in whatever form that takes - for our wonderful School. ■

The Archive

■ Elspeth Langsdale – Archivist

There is nothing better for an Archivist than opening a box of Archive material with a vague idea of what is in there but then finding quite literally a treasure trove. This happened to me recently when I needed some items for a pupil workshop, and I went in search of the Scout box. What a find! Many of the photographs in the logbooks have already been digitised, but the contents of the logbooks are fascinating - full of Oundle Scouting history, expeditions and escapades.

The first mention of a Scout Group is in The Laxton Old Boys’ Club Journal of 1910 where the Laxton Grammar School (1st Oundle) Troop of Boy Scouts was formed, with eighteen members meeting two evenings a week. Unfortunately, there is a gap in our knowledge, but the troop was seemingly dissolved until it was detailed in the 1929 Laxton Grammar School Scout logbook that 1st Troop was re-established. It “was decided that the patrols should be Cuckoo, Owl, Peewit and Wood Pigeon.”

The Oundle School troop was then set up in 1930 and their first field day was 17 March: on “a fine sunny day. The patrols went over the fields to the Grange beyond Upper Benefield, spotting on the way out seventeen

types of birds. At the Grange, a lunch of steak, potatoes and onions was cooked and afterwards a wide game was played.”

There have been many highlights in the Archive diary such as A-Level drama students coming in to use primary sources as part of their research for their Sixth Form project, Third Form scholars interviewing Sir David Newbigging (Sc 52) about his time in School, visits from Peterborough U3A and supporting the Battle of Britain Historical Society with their enquiries. We were delighted to attend the Wednesday afternoon Community Action 660 Club and once again curated a delightful Victorian workshop in partnership with Laxton

Junior School.

Before the Fourth Form travelled to the Somme on this year’s CCF trip, we set up a WW1 display in the History Department to introduce pupils to a diverse range of artefacts and real-life stories of OOs. One of the main highlights of the display was the extensive W H Livens (Lx 1908) collection of medals, photographs and much more that was kindly donated to the Archive by Harry Williamson (StA 55).

This year we were incredibly lucky to have four pupil volunteers who regularly turned up with enthusiasm

1st Oundle Scout Troop Laxton Grammar 1929 School Summer Camp eating outdoors

1st Oundle Scout Troop Laxton Grammar School 1929 Summer Camp washing up

 4th form pupils exploring the WH Livens WW1 collection

and good spirits to help sort and order boxes of papers and artefacts. We would like to thank them for their time and willingness to take on any archival task they were given. We are hopeful that two will return next term as they are very keen to promote what we do amongst their peers, and they will be a significant help in showing the ropes to a further four pupils who are joining us as part of the Community Action activities in September.

A first this year was the Archivist being interviewed by two members of the teaching staff who have a podcast called Talking about Teaching which is now on Spotify. This is an initiative with the aim of building staff knowledge and understanding of areas of the School that they may not come across on a day-to-day basis. It was a slightly nerve-wracking experience but great to be able to promote the Archive in this way and let people know what we do and why.

This year is the 80th Anniversary of D-Day and what started off as a simple question asked by the CCF Contingent Commander - about whether there was a list of OOs that may have been involved in D-Day - has developed into a much bigger project. Thanks to Judith Herring, the Archive Assistant, who conducted much of the research, we now have a list of names and a comprehensive collection of individual stories about past pupils involved in Operation Overlord in 1944, many of whom had only recently left the School. This will of course be a great resource for any future research enquiries.

One of those brave individuals was AE Rideout (Berrystead & StA 36). His executor wrote: “after leaving school

Edwin joined the Navy. He served first on HMS Aleynbank and was on board for the PQ16 convoy taking ammunition to the USSR. The Ushakov Medal was awarded almost exclusively to Russian military for bravery and courage in Naval theatres, but a very few were awarded to non-Soviet combatants. Quite why Edwin received his is not known, and he did not want to discuss it with me. He went on to serve in landing craft and was second in charge of one which landed troops on D-Day. For this he was awarded the Legion d’Honneur in 2016.” Both medals have been donated to the Archive and we are honoured to have them in our collection.

We regularly have OOs, pupils, teachers and members of the community finding their way through the big black courtyard doors to come and ask us about their relatives, a period of School history or some aspect of local history. Annebella Pollen, Professor of Visual and Material Culture at the University of Brighton, spent a day in the Archive looking through all the material we have on the Photographic Society and some of the photographs taken by pupils during the early years of the Society and in the 1930s will be published in her new book.

We have also had two special visitors with multi-generational connections to the School. Mrs A Mihell and her mother, Mrs C Hodgson came to look through the personal papers of Rev. JF Stansbury (Headmaster 1848 – 1876) as Mrs Hodgson is his great granddaughter. Not only were four of Rev. Stansbury’s sons and two of his grandsons educated at Oundle, but Mrs Mihell sent her son Ian Hodgson

(Sc 78) here and he in turn sent his three children, one of whom returned as a teacher. His two sisters each sent their three children here, the youngest having just left this summer.

Next year we will continue to work behind the scenes sorting papers, correct archival storage and cataloguing items. We will build on the accessibility of the Archive and ensure that it is an educational and historical resource available for everybody in the School and the wider community to explore and utilise. ■

AE Rideout

AE Rideout

AE Rideout 2nd in command

AE Rideout medals

 Mrs A Mihell and Mrs C Hodgson exploring family history

Corresponding Members

■ News from Home

BUCKS, BERKS AND OXON

Charles Miller (Ldr 76) bucks@ooclub.co.uk

CHANNEL ISLANDS

Julian Mountain (S 84) channelisles@ooclub.co.uk

EAST ANGLIA

James Hems (G 05) eanglia@ooclub.co.uk

EAST MIDLANDS

Chris Piper (Sc 71) eastmidlands@ooclub.co.uk

IRELAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND

Robert Henshall (Lx 75) ireland@ooclub.co.uk

LONDON

Matthew Simmonds (StA 97) london@ooclub.co.uk

■ News from Abroad

AFRICA

Charles Salem (C 78) africa@ooclub.co.uk

AUSTRALIA

Charles Salem (C 78) australia@ooclub.co.uk

CANADA

James Clayton (G 68) canada@ooclub.co.uk

CARIBBEAN

vacant caribbean@ooclub.co.uk

CHINA

Xi Zhu (Ldr 05) china@ooclub.co.uk

LINCOLNSHIRE

Alex Smith (N 91) Lincolnshire@ooclub.co.uk

NORTH EAST

Charlie Hoult (Sc 85) neast@ooclub.co.uk

NORTH WEST

Peter Pentecost (StA 73) nwest@ooclub.co.uk

SCOTLAND

Guy Bainbridge (Sn 78) scotland@ooclub.co.uk

SOUTH WEST

Tony Parsons (S 65) swest@ooclub.co.uk

THE WEALD

Peter Owen (Lx 63) Weald@ooclub.co.uk

WALES

Peter Moore (Ldr 88) swales@ooclub.co.uk

MIDLANDS

Simon Stephen (Lx 97) Midlands@ooclub.co.uk

YORKSHIRE, DERBYSHIRE AND NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

Tim Waring (Ldr 76) syorks@ooclub.co.uk

ARMED SERVICES

Sebastian Tusa (S 13) armedservices@ooclub.co.uk

OLD OUNDELIAN LODGE NO 5682

Iain Wadie (Sn 87) oolodge@ooclub.co.uk secretary.ool5682@gmail.com

EUROPE

Jim Bennett (N 77) seurope@ooclub.co.uk

HONG KONG

Mark Reeves (C 80) hongkong@ooclub.co.uk

INDONESIA AND THE PHILIPPINES

Simon Reynolds (Sn 02) indonesia@ooclub.co.uk

JAPAN AND KOREA

Charles Salem (C 78) japan@ooclub.co.uk

MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE

Afiqah Rizal (N 11) malaysia@ooclub.co.uk

MIDDLE EAST

Ken Maw (D 77) mideast@ooclub.co.uk

NEW ZEALAND

Charles Salem (C 78) australia@ooclub.co.uk

RUSSIA vacant russia@ooclub.co.uk

THAILAND vacant thailand@ooclub.co.uk

UNITED STATES & SOUTH AMERICA

Mark Stevenson (N 81) usa@ooclub.co.uk

Bucks, Berks and Oxon

■ Charles Miller (Ldr 76)

Andrew Hamilton Kerr (Sc 73) writes: ‘No change really, playing golf, walking and travelling primarily to Melbourne and Toronto to see my sons and their families there. Occasionally see my brother Alistair Mark Kerr (Sc 74) and see my father Ian Kerr (S 45) every two to three weeks down in Winchester

Arthur V Marment (D 77) and his brother Charles Marment (StA 83) made an emotional return to Kohima in Eastern India ‘on the 80th Anniversary of what is viewed by the National Army Museum as “Britain’s Greatest Battle” and where my father Arthur Marment (D 35) won the first of his MCs. Meanwhile son George Marment (B 12) is engaged to be married in 2025 to the charming Olivia whilst Angharad (D 10) is the proud parent of Wales’s future half backs pairing! Next year is my final year running the OO Multisports weekend and I hope to see as many OOs as possible on 1 and 2 March when we will restore the trophy to its rightful home in the Club.’

Dr John David Henry Chadwick (StA 71) has been continuing to celebrate his recent milestone

birthday, a highlight being promoted to Chambellan in the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne which involved a special ceremony followed by a magnificent Champagne dinner in Reims Town Hall in October. OO events have been most enjoyable and I have been pleased to see Giles Harrison-Hall (Sc 70) again on a couple of occasions.

Helen Lamb (Clay K 96) was back at National Schools regatta recently, watching her son in the J15 quads and ‘recalling happy memories of yelling from the towpath in support of the Oundle 1st 8 which included my brother, James Clay (Sn 94). Was great to stop by the OSBC tent and find a friendly welcome, meet some of the current staff, and spot the Oundle crews to cheer for too.’

James Southby (StA 02) sold his event technical production business in 2023 and is now enjoying his new non-exec director role with an improved work life balance. He sees his Singapore based brother-in-law George Smith (G 02) several times a year. James and Lucy celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary and George made a short, but very special trip to be part of the festivities. James

also stumbled across Teddy Allen (L 02) in Greece last summer via some mutual friends and more recently caught up with Charlotte Keep (N 02) who was back in the UK for a few weeks from Australia.

Jay Cartwright (S71) and Julia celebrated Jay’s 70th birthday with a houseful of family and friends in Provence last September. BBQs were many and the rosé flowed like water! Family members included Jo Draper (Cartwright W 05), Tom and rapidly growing girls Ellie (3) and Bea (2). Jo is commuting on an almost monthly basis to the US where she is overseeing interior design projects for clients of Nina Campbell. Jo and Tom frequently see Kate Cranfield (Quinn D 05) and Ed. They are now based in London after some years living and working in Paris. Kate recently gave birth to Lizzie, a sister for William and Freddie. Other family members at the Provence celebration included Jay’s brother Philip Cartwright (S 69) and Susie. Phil is often to be found on Alresford golf course but took time out recently to drive his Porsche 993 with stepson Ed Taylor down to Le Mans for the 24 hour race. Meanwhile, Jay and Julia visited Oundle recently for the first time since the pandemic and were delighted to see Vic and Chris Northwood together with Roger Page (S 71) and Alison. They also attended an OO Committee dinner in the Sports Centre.

Jonathan Andrews (Sc 84) says: ‘I am still working at marine insurer Steamship Mutual - 36 years service - and Rupert Harris (Ldr 86) is one of the other partners. A number of OOs are working in the industry including

Arthur and Charles Marment on the Governor General's tennis court at the Kohima Battlefield

Charlie D’Alton (Sc 01) in Singapore and Andru Subowo (D 88) in Jakarta. Steve Kunzer (G 84) is running a major shipping company in Dubai and is a client of the company. Barney Ward (Ldr 08) is working on our reinsurance as a broker with Miller Insurance. Golfing with Guy Beresford (B 82) and a gaggle of OOs at Denham GC.’ Meanwhile, Calum Stewart (S 17) continues as an underwriting assistant with Axis and is enjoying his busy role - particularly in the context of global risk and the potential impact on maritime security.

JJ Harris (Lx 91) very much enjoyed his second year as Halford Hewitt Captain. ‘We had two very good wins and came close to beating the tournament powerhouse that is is Tonbridge. The Mostyns cricket team had another fantastic tour this year to Badby in Northamptonshire where there were some good performances from Oliver Thain (Lx 90), David Foulkes-Jones (Lx 90), Alex Deacon (Lx 90), David Robinson (Lx 90), Philip Dobson (Sn 90), Leckie Waterhouse (Sn 90), Dan Anslow (S 90) and James Spragg (Sc 90). I am really looking forward to playing for

East Anglia

■ James Hems (G 05)

Carl FJ Berlemont (C 65) says he ‘regularly meets with Neil McFadyen (B 61) and his wife whilst attending our Anglican Church (St. Andrews in Felixstowe). I remain very grateful for ‘cello lessons whilst at Oundle...it’s pleasurable to accompany our church organist whilst assisting the congregation in worship.’ Chris Shore (Sn 82) ‘retired in 2022 after working at Arm in Cambridge for over 22 years. Since then I have gone back to university, studying theology at Ridley Hall in Cambridge and, by the time this OO magazine comes out, will have been ordained in Ely Cathedral. I am serving my curacy at St Mary’s in Great Shelford on the outskirts of Cambridge. Quite a change of

the Oundle Rovers in this year’s first ever over 50s Cricketer Cup alongside some fellow elderly OOs including my old mate Stuart Morgan (Lx 91). Mark Lissauer (Sc 91) writes: ‘I keep in touch with Miles Hunt (Ldr 91). Hugo Lissauer, our son, started in School House last September so it is exciting to see how much the School has progressed in 33 years. I am now a Liveryman in the Worshipful Company of Lightmongers.’

Oli Coles (StA 03) lives in Chipping Norton with his wife Carly and 3 year old boy, Ozzy. ‘I am working largely from home on a startup called Windō which is an open platform for users to easily access and compare sustainability, DEI and ESG data, to better connect talent with employers whose values are aligned. I see Dave Buttanshaw, Sam Pitts-Tucker (both StA 03), Rick Leggett (StA 04) and Stef Francescon (Sc 04) at least yearly. Tilly Gray (Coles W 07) writes: ‘I am happily married to Nick Gray and have three young boys, Woody (5) Monty (3) and Huckleberry (11 months) and live in the Chilterns. Having spent 10 years in London working in luxury

travel PR I have since set up my own travel PR company, Cobo PR, representing luxury boutique hotels and tour operators around the world. I still see and have too much fun with my girls from school including Alice Audley, Anna Webster, Sophie Cranfield (all W 07) Lucy Wright (D 07) and Anna Marquard (K 07). We often recount the wild magic of school days!

Roger Allton (D 51) Feeling really low as 2 years since my wife died, so to cheer me I purchased a Westfield XI sports kit car. Fantastic fun, and now a big smile every time I open the garage door! Real ‘bugs in teeth’ motoring! R. Allton D 51. (89.5 yrs old)

direction in life! Peter Harris (Lx 93) is enjoying friends, family and church life in rural Norfolk with two teenage children, while continuing research into Artificial Intelligence as Director of Research Science at NielsenIQ.

Christian Pratt (D 89) is regularly in touch with Christopher Papworth (D 89) and Eric Wilkinson (D 89), including several lunches and coffees over the past year. He is delighted to have shared some 80s photos and ephemera with the School Archivist earlier this year. Geoffrey WoolseyBrown (Lx 66) writes: ‘Following the death of my wife Tam last summer, I have had tremendous support from members of the OO Lodge, to which I belong.’

Guy Beresford (B 81): Having enjoyed his year as OO Club President in 2023, Guy is now appreciating a quieter time as a VicePresident. He is enjoying living in rural Essex with his new partner and assorted horses, chickens, dogs and cats. He continues to run his Board level headhunting firm, ISP. James Dyson (B 04) ‘moved to Dedham Vale in the Suffolk/Essex borders last year with my wife Lucy,

Roger Allton's Westfield XI sports kit car

and since have welcomed baby Clemmie in Aug 23 to join Rupert and Jack. I have just left LEK Consulting where I spent 2.5 years after my first career of 12 years in the Army, and am taking a short period at home before embarking on my next challenge.’ James Hems (G 05) tells us: ‘We are making an effort to build on events organised by the School and by the OO Society that have taken place in Cambridge in the last few years. A summer social has been organised, since 2023, to unite and reunite OOs living, working, studying and graduating from Cambridge. This year the event was held on the rooftop of The Tivoli with views over the river and across Jesus Green. For some Cambridge alumni no doubt such imagery conjures up nostalgia.’ Katherine Fitton (L 04): ‘I’ve recently celebrated my tenth year of working in the NHS! Half of this has been in various children’s mental health community teams and the rest at the Children’s Cancer department at Addenbrooke’s in Cambridge. Earlier this year I moved house from Cambridge to Ely, where I’ll be singing in the cathedral’s volunteer choir on my spare weekends, and looking forward to when my partners are able to move over from Florida and The Netherlands to live here too. My sister Elizabeth (LS 94) and brother Simon (LS 96) and their families are well and thriving. Lizzie Gent (W 97) is busy with family life (a girl, 9, and 2 boys, 6 and 3) and working as a TA at St John’s College School Cambridge.

East Midlands

■ Chris Piper (Sc 71)

Chris Piper (Sc 71) writes : I’ve been in contact with many OOs this year but primarily my brother (Richard Piper, Lx 66), Richard Owen (Sc 70) and Peter Scaife (B 71). Had a very pleasant lunch with Jonathan Jones (B 71), Robert Morton (Sc 71) and Nigel Youngman (Sc 71). There was also

On 15 June, Morgan Ball (C 15) and Emilia Dixon Smith (D 16) finally tied the knot in her hometown of Bocking, Essex. There was a healthy Old Oundelian presence including father of the bride Simon Dixon Smith (G 86), grandfather of the bride Jonathan Dixon Smith (B 59) bridesmaids Bella Dixon Smith (D 17), Cosi Dixon Smith (D 21) and Grace Cussons (D 16). Master of ceremonies was Freddie Ashworth (G 15) and ushers were Lewys Ball (C 17), Evan Ball (G 20), Toby Dixon Smith (G 19) and Chuck Macleod (L 15). Scott Morton piped the beautiful bride into the church. The new Mr and Mrs Ball can confidently say attending Oundle was the best decision they made!

Richard Peaver (G 67) writes: ‘I’m kept occupied in retirement as Chair of the local Royal British Legion branch and secretary and treasurer of the PCC. And as Editor of the Old Greshamian Magazine, I’m keenly aware of the hard work that goes into the splendid OO Magazine! (Thank you, Richard, says this Editor!). Five small granddaughters keep me busy (and usually on the floor). I often see the distinguished theologian Rupert Shortt (B 83) when he takes time off from his writings to visit North Norfolk.

Robert Smith (N 68) is succinct: ‘Farming south of Cambridge. 5 children 2 oldest went to Oundle. Last 2 hope to go in 4&6 years time.’

Rupert Farr (G 80) is ‘still living in Harpenden and in practice as a solicitor in The City. Three grown up children and one still at home. I keep in contact with Robert Johnson (G 80), Nick Fraser (B 79) and John Pritchard (D 80).’ Still living in Cambridge and working at Girton College teaching History of Science, Seb Falk (B 99) is trying to find time to write another book. He is always happy to hear from old classmates who may be in the area.

Thomas Durward Marsh (LS 61) says: ‘Although now in my eighties I am still active shooting, sailing and swimming, sports which I started at school. It is now 14 years since I hung up my stethoscope from family medicine. Probably I retired at the right time.’

a meeting of the RMLS (Rhodes Memorial Lobster Society) in memory of Geoff Rhodes (Sc 70) at the George Hotel in Stamford. This involved eating copious amounts of lobster! Those present were Colin Campbell (Sc 70), Adrian Marsh (Sc 70), Martin Jenkins (Sc 70), Maurice Monk (Sc 69), Richard Owen, Jeremy Horsell

 James Robson Ldr 12 - Team GB reserve rower at the Paris Olympics

(Sc 70), Peter Nicholls (Lx 71) and myself. I am attempting to play tennis twice a week and enjoyed some rare wins during the Multisports weekend - mainly thanks to my doubles partners. David Hartridge (Sc 63) has had a mixed year. ‘I was diagnosed with prostate cancer from a random blood test back in August just before going to Australia to visit our daughter and it had spread to my spine. But our wonderful NHS clicked into action and following an extensive radiotherapy course my PSA is now way down and hopefully all in remission. Driving for my local hospice has been a great help and having completed ten years there and this being in my 80th year I’m doing a Skydive in September to raise funds for them. To date I’ve raised over £2k. I’ve enjoyed two trips back to Oundle visiting the amazing facilities. How things have changed in 60 years!’

David Ramply (Sc 62) : ‘On 1 March I celebrated my 80th Birthday in Michael Johnson’s (C 72) wonderful medieval barn near Buntingford. A jolly occasion with several OOs present. My brother John (Sc 59), John Heading (Sn 58), Martin Eayrs (C 65), Stuart Onyett (C 65), Michael Johnson (C 72) and Robert Smith (N 70).’ Greg Bliss (N 80) has been living in Glapthorn for 10 years and ‘continues to work in mustard growing and milling for English Mustard Growers and Condimentum in our mill on the Norfolk food enterprise park. Recently met up with Jim Connell (N 81) at the Worshipful Company of Butchers for a lunch reunion of our 2nd year Reading university house.’

Guy Spragg (Sc 88) : ‘I got together with various 1988 leavers for lunch in London, where the highlight was Dom Brady (Sc 87) and Mike Ragg (S 88) dancing. Midweek cricket for our local village side Barnack has Paul Chatterton (S 88), Julian Mcalpine (Lx 88) as regular contributors. Our youth policy has recently recruited Sam Beattie (B 23) and Alex Spragg (L 23) to provide much needed athleticism. I will be joining Matt Forde (Sc 88), Al Hendry (Sc 88) and Chris Skelton (Sc 88) on a retreat in Pembrokeshire in the Summer. I really

have diversified my friend base since Oundle!’

James Singlehurst (Sc 74) : ‘Revival Rum struck gold as our first release from our new distillery, established in 2022, achieved a Double Gold award in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.’ Jim Burton (N 84) writes: on Saturday 22nd June a group of 8 Old Novarians and some spouses from the N 84 “leavers”, along with the wife and daughter of our late Housemaster Roger Freebairn (C 55), Christiane and Claire Freebairn (LS 95), will meet at the Talbot for a 40th “leaving” reunion meal. Those attending are Adam Hartley (N 84), Oliver Bogler (N 84), Harry Clayton (N 84), Robin Hollands (N 84), Jerry Epton (N 84), Charlie Bennett (N 84), Andrew Barraclough (N 84) and Jim Burton (N 84).

 Merwe Genis (Overseas Cricket Pro 1998-2016), Tom Curry (G 16), John Wake (Master i/c 1993-2015) and Ben Curry (S16)

 OOs - Adam Hartley, Jerry Epton, Charlie Bennett, Harry Clayton, Robin Hollands, Oliver Bogler, Andrew Barraclough and Jim Burton with three spouses and Christiane and Claire Freebairn

John Wake (Hon OO) Curry twins, England International rugby brothers ‘pack-down’ with their old Oundle School cricket coaches at Cape Town Stadium. Match: Stormers v Sale Sharks (Jan 2024)

Lance Ashworth (G 82) has had a busy year as President! ‘It was great to catch up with some of the more mature OOs from the West Midlands at a dinner hosted by Shane Dodd (Sn 74). I had Simon Thornton (G 82) to stay for a weekend: he’s now retired and essentially running most of Guernsey’s infrastructure as far as I could tell. My three children, Millie (K 10), Charlie (G 11) and Freddie (G 15) continue to flourish in their jobs, all working hard but having a lot of fun. Charlie’s son, Alfie Anthony

Piers Ashworth, was born on 17 November 2023.’

Michael Guy Copestake (Sc 69) : ‘Having retired as a partner in Freeths LLP, I joined with some colleagues to open Great Northern Classics in the former Rolls-Royce Heritage Museum in Derby. We occupy 4.5 acres and an 85,000 sq ft former factory - one of the largest classic vehicle hubs in the UK. I would love to hear from interested OOs - www.greatnorthernclassics.co.uk ’

Pat Ellerbeck (N 72) : ‘As an average sportsman at Oundle, I played many sports after leaving. Rugby, cricket, golf and in later years running which I started at the age of sixty and managed a 3:36 in the 2015 London Marathon; then I discovered the bike and at the age of seventy have qualified for the UCI world championships by winning my age

Lincolnshire

■ Alex Smith (N 91)

Angus Irvine (Sc 12): after marrying last August (his wife, Seun, is now also in the Army as a Medic), Angus completed his assignment as ADC to GOC 3 Div. Returning to his Battalion, 5th Rifles, he has taken command of the Javelin-equipped (in Army lingo, ‘Gucci kit’) Anti-Tank Platoon, at the time of writing on NATO deployment in Estonia. When he returns, he and Seun are looking forward to moving into married quarters at Tidworth; as he says, ‘for the first time in the 7 years we’ve been together and 13 months after getting married, we’ll actually be living under the same roof on our own as a couple!’

Geordie Irvine (Sc 21): what more climactic way to end his time at Northampton Saints than as part of the Premiership Championshipwinning squad at Twickenham in June? A new chapter in his rugby career begins with the move to Ealing Trailfinders, the 2023/4 winners of the RFU Championship. Apart from R&R, his summer leave seems to have been spent dotting from one 21st

group time trial and road race in Cyprus recently. Not the brightest student but a good sporting education and getting better with age!’ Richard Beeby (Lx 68) has just hit 75 and ‘am still busy running the farm, shooting and travelling, when possible, whilst my youngest Tom Beeby (StA 19) is learning to take over the farm. He has just finished a harvest in New Zealand and is planning on doing a harvest in Australia this autumn. I regularly meet up with David Habershon (Ldr 68), Steven Thomas (G 69) & fellow farmers Matthew Lane (LS 81) and Andrew Scoley (S 81).’

Sophie Walker (L 10) has moved back to Oundle although she still spends half her time in London where she works for Citibank. She has taken over captaincy of the OO tennis team while Lance Ashworth

focuses on his OO Presidency. She married fellow tennis enthusiast, Andy Palliser, on 6 July in Northamptonshire. Tim Pollard (Sc 93) continues to live surprisingly close to Oundle and bumps into OOs from all eras through his endeavours on the hockey and cricket pitches of the East Midlands. Tim still works as a motoring journalist and surprised himself by recently graduating with a Masters degree through work. Will Oakley (Lx 92) : ‘after a decade in the Caribbean we returned to the UK for our youngest daughter, Alice, to start in Scott House so we find ourselves living close by, and it is lovely to reconnect with the school and all that is going on within. Looking forward to catching up with OOs such as Will Machin (Lx 92) and Mark Hallam (Sc 92) at Henley.’

party to the next, including Flossie Whittow’s (W 21) and Alfie Buik’s (Ldr 21). It’s a hard life.

Alastair Irvine (Sc 81): despite the prospect of his previous employer’s occupational pension drawdown looming, he is still cheerfully in fulltime employment. None of which precludes him from pursuing his extra-mural activities not only with the OO Club, but also as Trustee and Hon. Treasurer of the RAF Benevolent Fund, Business Ambassador to Meningitis Now and as a Steward to the Court of the Gunmakers’ Livery Company. All of which still leaves just enough time for as much shooting as he can reasonably get away with, and a spot of fishing. He is still in regular contact with Richard Gledson (G 81), David Gray (Sn 81) and Richard Haworth (Sn 74) and despite the sad circumstances, very much enjoyed catching up with many OOs at Jonathan Lee’s and Alan Midgley’s memorial services during the course of the year.

 John Francis (D 48) recently celebrating his 94th birthday.

Stephen John Francis (C 80) continues to enjoy the challenges of feeding the nation with peas! ‘I have seen many OOs this year at the Over 60s Luncheon at the RAF Club. It is a great feeling being one of the youngest in attendance. It was fantastic to see so many OOs make the pilgrimage to Alan Midgely’s

memorial service, and many memories were shared. In family news my father, John Francis (D 48) recently celebrated his 94th birthday - the only aids he has are hearing aids. Sadly my brother Mark Francis died

recently after a short illness. With my father I attended the funeral of Michael Brown (Sc 51). There was a plethora of OOs there supporting Michael’s sons James Brown (Sc 76) and Robert Brown (Sc 77) and celebrating Michael’s life.’

Victoria Thomson (Cropley N 01) and Duncan Thomson have a precious daughter, Primrose Elizabeth Hope, born in London on 21 July 2023.

Your correspondent Matthew Simmonds (St. A 97) has had a busy year and has managed to catch up with plenty of OO’s in that time. September saw the Pink and Blacks (St Anthony House reference), organised by Andrew Coulthurst (St A 97), enter the Round Norfolk Relay (200 mile relay around Norfolk) with Nick Pettie (N 97) and your correspondent taking part alongside Andrew (and others) to complete the race in 26 hours. In April, the annual sports lunch at Queen’s Club was a fantastic afternoon and a great chance to catch up with a host of 1997 leavers including Charles Holmes (St. A 97), James Kilner (St. A 97), Thurstan Guthrie-Brown (St A 98), John Pennington (N 97), Andrew Seddon (St A 97) Ed Duckett (N 97), as well as former St A housemaster Vic Northwood. It was also a pleasure to catch up with James Holmes (Lx 97) for some walking in the Peak District.

Guy Simmonds (St A 95) reports a busy year in his business, with light relief on the golf course with Chris Wilson (Lx 95), as well as plugging away on the rugby field for Tring Vets, alongside an annual outing for OORUFC in March. The Sports Lunch in April was as ever a highlight, catching up with folks across the generations and some really inspiring words from OO sporting royalty Patrick Foster (St A 05) in his presentation.

David Reddaway (B 71) stood down as Chief Executive and Clerk of the Goldsmiths’ Company in 2023. He continues to work as a Non-

Executive Director of Beko Plc. He returned briefly to rowing, at Henley Regatta in 2024, when the inaugural Cambridge Men’s Lightweight crew rowed the course to mark the 50th anniversary of their race against Oxford. He did not meet the weight requirements. Following major surgery in 2018 for oesophageal cancer, Angus Grieve (C 62) retired from the Board of the International Advertising Association in June 2019. After a career in advertising spanning over half a century, including postings to Kenya and Taiwan, he’s finally enjoying retirement with his wife Vivienne of 57 years, his two children and three grandchildren. He recently spent a weekend in Suffolk with Dexter Kirk (C 63).

Gavin Allen (B 87) is boomeranging back and forth between Europe and China as Executive Editor in Chief for Huawei, learning Chinese (slowly), running (even more slowly), still occasionally meeting up with Matthew Sargaison and Richard Tett (both fellow B 87ers) and still wallowing in Ipswich Town’s stunning return to the Premier League - though by the time this comes out that could be more endurance than enjoyment. Still based in London working as an artist, Harriet Gillett (K 13) is currently working towards her first solo show which will open in September at LAMB Gallery, London. Henry William Tuck (Ldr 77) has just been installed as Master

 “Yes Minister” - Ivan Yuen (Ldr 11) and Jonathan Gifford (Lx 11) catching up over lunch at HM Treasury.

of the Worshipful Company of Tobacco Pipe Makers and Tobacco Blenders in the City of London. He retired from (paid) work -running a specialist technology company - the week before so can now concentrate on his family and the Mastership without work getting in the way! Dom Titcomb (G 11) is working at BlackRock. He and Georgie Davies (K 12) are happily married. Ivan Yuen (Ldr 11) continues to enjoy feeling slightly out of place in hipster Dalston and working on corporate law matters for HM Government. In May he caught up with Jonathan Gifford (Lx 11) who also works in HMG, and he would welcome connections from any public servant OOs. He finished his six-year tenure as a trustee at St. Martin-in-the-Fields in June but will continue to be involved there, as well as serve his trustee placement at Sadler’s Wells Foundation, which will

■ Matthew Simmonds (StA 97)

soon open a new theatre in Stratfordif you like dance, do check it out.

James Ginns (Sc 87) got back to Hong Kong for a brief visit in March after leaving two years ago. He’s managed to catch up with Richard Tett and Matthew Sargaison (both B 87) as well as James Napier (G 87), Doug Hill (Sc 87), Charlie Hammon (Sn 87) and David Cairns (Ldr 87). He also met James Cannon (Sc 87) at Alan Midgley’s memorial service in Woodnewton late last year. He’s continuing to enjoy his role with a risk think tank in Whitehall as well as a non-executive director role with an aviation consultancy that gets him back to Asia regularly. Jeremy Burgess (C 72) has been blessed with two grandchildren in the last year - ‘better late than never!’ he says. ‘Apart from the Sports lunch, which is a fun event, I’ve met up with Michael Johnson (C 72), John Pickles (C71) and Robert Chambers (Ldr 72), all of whom were in fine fettle.’

Jessica Drake (Johnson K 00) continues to work as therapist in Buntingford and London while raising her twin girls who are nearly five. She specialises in OCD and anxiety disorders and is also writing a novel based in Ibiza, where she used to live. She writes a weekly blog on mental health and literature which you can find on http://www.jessicadrake.com - she’s ever grateful to Roger Freebairn and Megan Smedley (What a lovely thing to say. Look forward to reading your blog - MS) for inspiring a love of English Lit.

John Story (B 65) is still retired: ‘With Lucy, we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. I’ve travelled a bit - by train to Paris and Prague; Christmas in Fuerteventura; New Year in Cornwall; Syracuse in Spring; and Copenhagen with brother Colin (B 70). Successful in mixed doubles Hurlingham Club over 60s table tennis comp and runner up in singles; met up at various times with John Robertson (B 65), Frank Wright (B 63), Paul Morrell (B 66), Nick Chrimes (Sc 69) and Chunky McCall (Sc 65), Charlie Hiscocks, Chris

Reilly, Chris Richards and Robert Ringrose (all StA), Graham Solari (G 65), Hugh Brass (D 65). There have been frequent granpa duties and gallery and museum visits.

Nigel Carter (C 7) writes: ‘I continue to run my Licensing Consultancy business in London, which is now in its 10th year, and continues to afford me the opportunity to follow the England Cricket team abroad. Off to the T20 World Cup in Barbados in May/June, and then planning a trip to Sri Lanka in 2026. I’m in touch with Simon McDonaldHay (C 76), who is in fine fettle, and we meet up in town for an Indian meal every 2-3 months. We attended the OO weekend in 2023 as supporters and hope to return in 2025. My eldest son, Christopher, gets married in October 2024, and we will be attending the wedding on the Gold Coast.’

Olivia Dungate-Jones (CharltonJones W 08) wishes to announce the birth of her daughter Norah Rose Dungate-Jones on 13 June 2024, in London. Richard Colson (Sn 71) continues to show his paintings successfully with Cricket Fine Art and contributed three to the OO Exhibition in the Yarrow this year. He was glad to attend the commemoration dinner at Hayling Island where his father Major AFL Colson MBE (Sn 39) trained as part of COPP 8 in 1943

Richard Hargreaves (B 80) is enjoying life in London working in Horticulture and has met up informally with some leavers from

his year for drinks at Ye Old Mitre Holborn, and is hoping to do so again soon. Richard Tett (B 87) says: ‘I celebrated (if that’s the right word) three decades at Freshfields including two decades of partnership, for which I got (drum roll) a photo in the firm’s monthly email! More excitingly, I also got a four month sabbatical. I’m just back from Bhutan and Uzbekistan and have Zimbabwe, South Africa, Eritrea and Indonesia to look forward to with various combinations of the family. On the OO front, I’m seeing Gavin Allen and Matthew Sargaison (also B 87) for dinner soon and hope to see James Ginns and Doug Hill (Sc 87) before too long. I see Tim Piper (B 57) at the Tallow Chandlers Livery Company. Alastair King (C 87) attended one dinner as he is on his way to becoming Lord Mayor of London in November.

Sam Cone (StA 05) and Brittany were married at St Peter’s Church in Newton-le-Willows on 23 September 2023. ‘I was delighted to have Max Harris as best man, along with Seb Steane and Will Rimmer (all StA 05) as ushers alongside fellow Oundle Mencap Holidays alumni Andrew Blythman (S 05), Ed Barker (F 02) and Robin Banerjee (LS 00). We are expecting our first baby at the beginning of July.’

Spencer Cushing (C 89) writes: ‘Following the very sad and unexpected death of our enigmatic housemate Simon Burdess (C 89) in 2022, there have been several Crosby House reunions of various sizes. Most

 Painting by Richard Colson. Hayling Island Sailing Club (1943) Oil on Canvas.

notably in February when, spurred on by a fleeting visit from his home in Australia, Ara Selvavinayagam (C 89) joined us in London in March for a fantastic lunch organised by Guy Hodgeson (C 89). In attendance were myself, Julian ‘Nod’ Brown, Marcus Frisby, Tristan Lench, Kar Bin Ong and Jason Hill (All C 89). Sadly Jasper Arnold (C 89) was unable to make it but was missed by all. We had a second reunion later in the year, this time instigated by Jerry Yao’s (C 89) lifelong love of all things Madonna when he followed her tour here from his home in Hong Kong. In attendance were Kar Bin Ong, Tristan Lench, Guy Hodgeson, Spencer Cushing and Andrew Llewellyn (Sc 89).

Spencer Cushing (C 89) writes to report that following the very sad and unexpected death of their enigmatic housemate Simon Burdess (C 89) in 2022 there have subsequently been several Crosby House reunions of various sizes. Most notably in February when, spurred on by a fleeting visit from his home in Australia, Ara Selvavinayagam (C 89) headed to London in March to join a fantastic lunch organised by Guy Hodgeson (C 89). In attendance were; Spencer Cushing (C 89), Julian ‘Nod’ Brown (C 89), Marcus Frisby

 Top: Nov 2023 Reunion L-R: Tristan Lench, Guy Hodgeson, Jerry Yao, Andrew Llewellyn, Spencer Cushing

Bottom: March 2024 Reunion L-R: Julian Brown, Tristan Lench, Marcus Frisby, Guy Hodgeson, Kar Bin Ong, Ara Selvavinayagam, Spencer Cushing

(C 89), Tristan Lench (C 89) Kar Bin Ong (C 89) and Jason Hill (C 89), sadly Jasper Arnold (C 89) was unable to make it but was missed by all. We had a second reunion later in the year, this time instigated by Jerry Yao’s (C 89) lifelong love of all things Madonna when he followed her tour here from his home in Hong Kong. In attendance were Kar Bin Ong, Tristan Lench, Guy Hodgeson, Spencer Cushing and Andrew Llewellyn (Sc 89), sadly Jasper Arnold was unable to attend.

Adam Dixon-Smith (Sc 81) tells me that ‘KBO’ as Winston Churchill once said seems more apt than ever this year for him and his cohort of OO friends. Nearly all of them have turned 60 in the last two years. In July Adam is joining Alan Eisner (D 81) to celebrate his 60th birthday at his house in Cap Ferrat. His major news, apart from having a lovely wife and two children is that he received an OBE in January for his charitable services. He chaired Maggie’s Cancer Charity through the difficult Covid years. Other friends Adam is in regular touch with include Mark Westwood (Ldr 78), James Buckle (G 82) Simon Dixon Smith (G 86) who he often sees chasing pheasants across the flatlands of East Anglia. Adam also informs me that James Keyes (B 81) and Chris Knight (N 81) are (ir)regular tennis partners and that it was great to see Andrew Smith (B 79) last year at the annual Hunstanton Veterans tennis

Mason

tournament where they all competed with varying degrees of success. Adam has recently returned from a weekend with Edward Mason (Sc 80) at his new house in Provence where he is perfecting the eccentric Englishman’s ‘Year in Provence’ lifestyle with panache. In May, he and Edward drove to see Mark Adams (Lx 79) for lunch at his state of the art factory producing the world’s most desirable shelving systems (Vitsoe) in Leamington Spa. Having survived a bad cycle accident he is now recovered and driving Vitsoe forward with an energy unusual in most 62 year olds. On the home front, Adam informs me has four sons (old Stoics – argh) who are working in London, busy pursuing their own careers and an artist wife who’s just had a sell-out exhibition in London. Ten years ago he turned the family farm into a wedding venue (Houchins.co.uk) where they bumble along doing 100+ weddings a year for the good burghers of Essex. He concludes that with little chance of retirement anytime soon most of his cohort are living by Winston’s bon mot and we just ‘keep buggeringon’ (KBO). Finally, he updates that his father and his two brothers, Bill Dixon-Smith (B), Peter Dixon-Smith (B 50), Jonathan Dixon-Smith (B 59), all who survived Oundle in the 1940’s and early 50’s are soldiering on. Peter was 90 in January, Bill will be 89 in September and Jonathan still very active in his early 80’s.

Kate

(L 06) Eurosport presenter at the Paris Olympics.

North East

■ Charlie Hoult (Sc 85)

Charles Escritt (StA 68) writes: ‘Quadruple heart surgery (2019) and leg bypass surgery (2020/21) are not ideal in retirement, but investing in an electric bike is life-changing. I successfully did the Haydon Hundred bike challenge this year which, in the hilly South Tyne Valley, is an achievement! Friends, family and especially grandchildren occupy the rest of my time. The South Tyne is a good place to be with what is going on in the World, so I’ll leave it at that.

Charlie Bennett (N 84) has recently relaunched his recruitment business, Otter Recruitment. ‘We are now international, having partnered with others to cover Europe and the US. On a mission for the business I bumped into brother Jim Bennett (N 77) in Barcelona where he was cornering

North West

Andrew Rowe (Lx 93) writes:

‘My visits to Oundle have been more frequent lately since my eldest son Alexander joined Fisher House in 2023. He has really enjoyed his first year and we have great fun talking about/comparing our experiences. I also came down for the Nick Moore and George Gilroy memorial gathering. As usual the Holland-Cameroon football match was played, followed by a gathering by the cricket pavilion accompanied by a few words. The Ship Inn and a curry provided the perfect setting to see and chat to OOs and former staff, some of whom I had not seen for 30 years.

Mark Yarrow (Lx 81) enjoyed several days of excellent golf and lunch with Peter Pentecost (StA 73) at the Open golf at Royal Liverpool and is looking forward to repeating

the world Fish Market.’ Of course when in Rome or Barcelona Bennetts did what Bennetts do - sat in the sun, drank beer and chewed the cud. I also bumped into Adrian Waddell (S 77) and his brother Charles (S 79) in The Ox Inn in Northumberland, both on great form - more cud chewing ensued by a roaring log fire. That’s summer in Northumberland for you. In June I am going to the New House 1984 reunion, brilliantly organised by Adam Hartley (N 84) and Jimmy Burton (N 84).

Ten years after leaving Oundle, says Claire Joicey (D 13), she has finally found her life’s vocation! ‘In September 2023 I started re-training as a midwife at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford. I am now approaching the end of my first year of three. I absolutely love it - a real privilege of a job!’

Jerry Li (F 21) has been elected President of the Durham Union Society in a highest-ever turnout. ‘I will be serving as president this Michaelmas Term, taking forward the Mather Cup honours I won in 2019 to oversee and organise debates, social events and various other undertakings I preside over at the university. It is a peculiar honour to be in such a position and I am incredibly grateful to Oundle for all I have learnt that enabled to achieve this position.’

the whole experience at Royal Birkdale in 2025. He’s still doing bits of freelance content and copywriting while looking for a contract/ permanent role. Mark had his first solo art exhibition - at the Bulkeley Hotel in Beaumaris, Anglesey - and is currently working on a collection of vintage railway-style pictures of the island. Sadly he missed the 2024 Multisports weekend as he was exploring Rome, including seeing an exhibition by Escher.

William Benjamin Legget (D 65) says: ‘At 77 I have at last given up on my horses - or they have given up on me - after 40 seasons hunting with the Wynnstay. My son Richard Legget (StA 04) Is now living near Henley with wife Rachel and my grandson Rocco 2.5 - a future Oundle pupil. Richard plays regular cricket with many of his Oundle friends

and his business Somerville Gardens continues to grow. My brother in law Robert Forde (Sc 71) is still playing high class squash at 70 and living in a new house in Rhos on Sea. I communicate regularly with Martin Eayrs (C 65) and will be attending his youngest son Henry Eayrs (StA 12) wedding in September where I will undoubtedly see many old school friends. Martin and I have agreed to meet up at the over 60s lunch in March -perhaps for the last time - and will try to gather as many 65s as we can.’

■ Peter Pentecost (StA 73)

Scotland

Adrian Grant (N 65) : ‘May 28 marked the official publication date of my new now 83,000 word book Fife: Genesis of the Kingdom tracing the history from the disappearance of the ice through the various waves of migration to the 1130 treaty when Fife became a ‘kingdom’ of sorts - with addenda explaining eg why the myth around Macduff was created. It is published in paperback and as an ebook by Troubador. Meanwhile on my pages at https://adriangrant1.academia.edu I have just about cracked the true story of the origins of Christianity. Here is a picture of me at the Pictish Standing Stone put up around 215AD as a boundary marker for the Caledonians’ initial salient into Fife, also marking their victory at the Battle of Collessie. The image is digitally enhanced because the incisions are barely visible to the naked eye.

South West

■ Tony Parsons (S 65)

MAlastair Logan (Ldr 04) ‘is keeping in touch with a few Oundelians - hoping to get a 20 year reunion together this year but mainly wanted to let you know about the birth of our son, Rory Julius Montagu Logan, born 18 May 2023.’ Charles Coulson (Lx 67) is getting used to the idea of retirement. ‘It’s only taken 10 years but still active on our local Community council (it’s what we call the Parish council in Scotland) and still busy with ponies, sheep and garden! All good fun but energy levels running low. I tried golf but was useless at it. Too many other things to do.’

Guy Bainbridge (Sn 78) is ‘just back from a Covid delayed lifetime trip to Peru (Machu Pichu etc) and the Galapagos. Semi-retirement ticks along mixing work, leisure and holidays. My daughter Emily (K 14) is still at C&W hospital paediatric A&E in London and was a bridesmaid in April for Bella Ellis (Sn 14). My son Charlie (StA 17) is getting great experience at WeWorks in London however long his job or the company lasts!’

James Dracup (Sc 76) became a grandparent for the third time. Henrietta Bound (his youngest daughter) gave birth to William Courtenay Bound in Edinburgh on 31July 2023. ‘My eldest daughter Charlotte gets married in Portugal on 31 August 2024 in Querenza to Oliver Treacy. After a short ‘retirement ’ I have taken a part time job as interim

CEO of Joshua Ellis Ltd, a textile manufacturing business based in Batley, making cashmere coatings , jacketings and accessories. In addition with a non-executive directorship at Macnaughton Holdings, consultancy work, golf, family, gardening and membership of the Worshipful company of Weavers, life is busy and fulfilling. Living in Perthshire and playing at Blairgowrie golf club and for the Royal Perth Golfing society and country club.’

Jonathan Britton (Ldr 00): ‘After moving to Scotland three weeks before Covid lock downs, I have been enjoying the outdoor life in Lochaber on the west coast.’ Roger White (Sc 60) mentions Ceolas Summer School, South Uist and the Pan Celtic festival, Carlow. He is still helping with the insurance inspections of the C.A.T. Funicular railway near Machynlleth.’ Tom Trotter (Ldr 97) is living on the family farm in Scotland. He commutes (weekly!) to London, working in asset management for Kepler Partners, which he started at launch in 2008.

Married with three boys, their eldest hopes to start at Oundle next year.’

y thanks to all in the South West for your replies and especially photos, which together ensure that our regional report is one of the best! Influenced by GDPR rules, this year’s responses were sent online direct to the OO office rather than to the regional correspondents, a process which I found less personal and which

■ Guy Bainbridge (Sn 78)

prevented any direct interaction. It is hard to know if this new procedure is a cause, but I received fewer replies than usual. On a positive note, almost 50% were from new contributors and four were from women, which is wonderful. After 30 years of co-education at Oundle, more are arriving in the South West and telling us what they are up to! And it is notable that, of the four female OOs reporting, three sent a photograph. Of the eighteen male OOs reporting, one sent a photograph. Chaps, something to consider!

Our regional highlight was of course the South West lunch held at Taunton Racecourse in March. We were privileged to be joined by new Director of Development, Rebecca Baxter, and by the Head, Sarah Kerr-Dineen, whose informative, humorous and inspirational talk on all things Oundle was greatly appreciated by all present. I take this opportunity to thank her for her support of the OO Club, exemplified by attendance at no less than four South West lunches!

Alice Audley (W 07), our first new contributor, tells us that, after 12 years in London, living with the likes of Jamie Steel (F 07) and Richard Kemeny (S 07), she has bought and moved into a dilapidated 17th century thatched cottage by the seaside in Dorset. She is going to give DIY a try whilst admitting it is not a skillset currently in her possession. She will continue to run her media company, bCreator, from

there and be back in London for events, such as the bCreator awards, which celebrate the UK’s best digital creators. She asks us to stay tuned as she may start her own YouTube channel and vlog the Dorset DIY project! Alice’s friendship group includes many OOs whom she cherishes. In no particular order, and including the aforementioned flat mates: Tilly Coles/Gray (W 07), Anna Webster (W 07), Sophie Cranfield/Peacock (W 07), Camilla McConnell (W 07), Flash (S 07), Max Benenson (B 07), Henry Rudkin (StA 07) and most importantly, Ben Simmonds (G 07), who married her younger sister in 2022.

Chris Higman (N 62) continues with his engineering consultancy: the current project is a renewable hydrogen plant in Germany, being carried out with his Swedish partners. Earlier in the year he saw his contemporaries Robin Clark (N 62) and John Clark (N 67) singing in the chorus of Handel’s Semele at Bath Opera of which John is chairman. They enjoyed a social get together with their wives some weeks later.

Rab Peck (S 53) was dubious about the new system, but I can confirm that the original report was well received! He and Cynthia continue to lead active lives but, being in their eighties, seldom experience anything that warrants inclusion in the OO magazine! However, they still maintain a twice-yearly Sidney reunion with Rab’s former study mate Clive Boddington (S 53) and



Sheena, when the four of them gather in Ravonstonedale, a hamlet in the Cumbrian hills, for a celebratory lunch. After the most recent, a few days ago, he can report that all four are in as good a state of health as their antiquity will allow!

Clare Taylor (Sn 18), a welcome new contributor, recently finished medical school in Exeter and started work in Truro (Treliske) this summer. She enjoyed catching up with some former House mates at Sarah Johnson’s Sanderson farewell.

Edmund Greaves (Sc 07) successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with James Hickey (S 07) in February 2024 raising over £2,200 for Marie Curie in honour of Edmund’s late mother Cristina. Edmund and Ellyn also welcomed a son, Cosmo, in October 2023 and are enjoying the challenges of parenthood. Cosmo is grandson to Michael Greaves (StA 71).

 Edmund Greaves (Sc 07) seated centre in the blue jacket with James Hickey (S 07) stood furthest to the right, at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro with the rest of their team.

 L-r: Anna Webster (Wyatt 07) and Alice Audley (Wyatt 07) at their joint 70th birthday party. Feb 24

Sanderson reunion June 2024 - a farewell to Sarah Johnson who’s stepping down as Hsm after 11years.

George Wharton (N 97) is another new arrival in the region having moved to Devizes after eight years in the Cotswolds. He keeps up with OOs on weekly commutes into London working with Ben Combes (Sn 97) and Matt Thornton (StA 97). Jeremy Westhead (B 94) was recently appointed CEO of Hanover Investment Management and tells us the family now includes four children aged twelve, ten, eight and six. John Bu Tan (C 80) studied medicine in Bristol and became a GP in the Dorset market town of Wimborne Minster. He and Sandra have three grown up children and he has recently retired.

My near neighbour John Clark (N 67) continues his role as Chair of Bath Opera, which won the Best Operatic Production in the SW from NODA for its summer tours of the last two years. He keeps out of trouble by also being a Governor at Yeovil College, secretary of South Somerset Community Energy, and a trustee of the Westfield Community Association, tackling thorny issues including the lack of free child dentistry. Brother Robin Clark (N 62) is celebrating his golden wedding and manages to continue playing tennis.

Judge Smith (Sn 66), at the age of seventy-six, has now released seventeen albums of songs and music, plus a couple of DVDs and a book or two. He considers himself relatively hale, lives happily with his girlfriend Fiona near Glastonbury, and keeps in touch with Nick Lucas (Sc 65), Father Maxwell Hutchinson (D 66) and Dr David Mitchell (Ldr 66). His principal concern now is finding a respectable academic institution to take his lovingly curated professional archive, the record of a thoroughly “alternative” arts career!

Lucy Ryan (Lx 95) is another welcome arrival, now living in Cheltenham, having spent a long time working in travel and living in Rome, Siena, Milan, Paris and latterly Barcelona, before setting up two companies. Diamond Skies Travel is dedicated to personalised, curated trips across the world.

Global Impact Adventures creates educational student trips, with service at their heart. The mottos are Travel Better and Travel with Purpose.

Mark Lindsey (Ldr 80) confirms that he is still alive, as is his brother Simon Lindsey (Ldr 81). He has been married for thirty-five years and has three adult children said to be noisy, messy and expensive! Neil Campbell (N 71) enjoyed the Southwest lunch in Taunton and appreciated the presence of the Head. However, three weeks later he had a heart attack and was hospitalised for ten days. Now well and back to normal life, he works in their village shop at the weekend, rings the church bells and plays golf, the latter benefiting clearly from the new stent! After the lunch, Neil was in touch with Peter Haigh (N 71) and Quentin Haigh (N 73), New House contemporaries.

Nicholas Brown (StA 78) continues to work, despite current challenges, as a GP partner in Wiltshire. He is a nationally elected member of the Council of The Royal College of General Practitioners and also currently holds the position of Apothecary to HM the Queen after fifteen years of service.

Nick Berchem (D 86) is very much enjoying life as a civilian, the more so now that the house is watertight! He still works at Rheinmettal BAE Systems Land on the Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank Programme, which has so far achieved all its targets. His brother Jeremy Berchem (D 89) has moved back to the UK and is now in

Devon. Nick has seen Peter Perowne (G 98) who still commands the King’s Royal Hussars.

Olivia Gross (D 03) has become a regular contributor and really enjoyed the twenty-year OO reunion, as it was lovely to see so many people after such a long time. She also enjoyed the Taunton lunch in March and hopes to see more of her age group there in future (strongly echoed by your correspondent, both age group and gender!). Olivia sees OO friends as often as she can, most recently Tom Clabburn (S 03) and Pippa Rivero Bosch (D 03) She lives in East Devon with husband Nick, daughters Heidi and Matilda, and gundog/escape artist Mulu in their now slightly less decrepit house. She will soon be studying Horticulture at Bicton as part of a career change and recommends that any East Devon/ West Dorset or South Somerset residents in need of a gardener in a year’s time- “look no further”!

Quentin Haigh (N 73), stalwart OO events attendee, still works for the Kernow Model Rail Centre in Camborne but escaped to attend the London Dinner in November 2023, and both the South West lunch and over 60s lunch in March this year. He also attended all the concerts at the 30th English Haydn Festival in Bridgnorth in June.

Richard Feather (G 79) reports a reduction to half (ish!) time working at Wycliffe College, overseeing the school’s academic data, but keeps busy by also leading a Bible Study with members all around the UK, and

 Lucy Ryan in Hoi An, Vietnam

 Challenger 3 firing trials in Germany.

serving as a trustee for his Church’s pre-school. Robert Costin (Sn 89) has now completed two years as Head of Academic Music at Sherborne School and is enjoying exploring the South West. Simon Mennell (StA 69) and Jonathan Mennell (StA 72) have awoken their inner former Prime Minister and are delighted to tell us that nothing has changed!

Regular contributor, Rod Alexander (Sc 61) has much to report having enjoyed the company of OOs and Oundle on a number of occasions. Lunches included the Sunshine Club arranged by Gavin Choyce (N 62) at the RAC Club in November, followed by the South West lunch in March where he appreciated the talk by the Head and her riposte to Prince George’s rumoured arrival as a future pupil! Also in March, he attended the always enjoyable over 60s lunch at the RAF Club. Rod admits that food and drink seem to be his motivation as visits to Oundle included the

The Weald

David Habershon (Ldr 68) and Libby much enjoyed Nic Beeby’s (Sn 70 ) 70th birthday party in Gloucestershire last September. Before that, David had shot in the OO Rifle Club C team at Bisley for the Public Schools’ Veterans match in July, achieving a very mediocre score. Thank goodness for the A team which goes from strength to strength under the firm leadership of Phil de Voil (G 86). David more recently joined his two brothers Paul (Ldr 64) and Richard (Ldr 71) for lunch in London, to mark their sister Catherine’s visit from Texas. Catherine was at Overstone School during our Oundle time.

David Kidd’s (Sc 72) daughter Catherine was married in May 2022 and is expecting his first grandchild. He and his wife ‘are still very happy living in Bosham, West Sussex. We sail a lot mainly on our boat in Greece but also at home. My big challenge

November Amps Wine Festival as guests of the parents of Nathan Bland (LS 94) and Edward Bland (LS 97). The latter also joined him in the Great Hall in April for a meeting of The William Laxton Society where the School’s collection of literary treasures, especially the Henry VIII Bible, was a treat. Another enjoyable occasion was a military history tour to The Ardennes, organised by OO parent Alison Arlington, featuring the 1944 Battle of the Bulge. Alison would be delighted to see other OOs on these tours. Lastly, Rod reminds us of his love of cricket, now restricted to a nonbowling no. 11 role on a regular June tour of Devon and one or two other games. His main contribution now is fundraising and pitch preparation, the two expected to come together at the end of this season with a costly digging up and replacement of sixty tons of Gloucestershire clay!

Your correspondent, Tony Parsons (S 65) continues to be stimulated

by the ever-growing list of OOs he is in contact with. Last year’s highlight was a first ever attendance at the London dinner in November, motivated by the Grocers Hall location. This was followed by our South West Taunton lunch and the over 60s at the RAF Club, both in March. Earlier this year an Oundle catch up was enjoyed at the home of my predecessor Chris Walliker (D 54) together with our respective wives, Hilary and Sue. I also look forward to catching up with former study mate Norman Macfarlane (S 65) and class mate Malcom Watson (D 66), amongst others, at Lords in July. On a recreational note, Hilary and I, with elder daughter Alice, spent a delightful holiday last September in Norway with sister Jane, who has lived there for fifty years.

My thanks again to all contributors. I am ever optimistic that your interesting news may inspire others to join in next year!

this year is to be part of a 4 man relay to swim the English Channel - if successful we will be oldest team in aggregate age to complete the feat.’

The highlight of the last year for David Meredith (Lx 78) has been the arrival of two further grandchildren –twins, Ella and Luca on 4 April 2024. David’s eldest son, Harry Meredith (F 11) and Megan, now have their hands full, and Mila (aged 6¾) and Noah (aged 3½) add to the melee at their home near Guildford. Otherwise, David has continued running his firm of Chartered Accountants in Tenterden, and has managed to fit in plenty of golf, whilst also enjoying the occasional fly-fishing trip. Harry will soon be performing joint best man duties for his old Fisher roommate, Digby Morse (F 11) at his wedding in Rye. Meanwhile, Harry is looking for new work opportunities in the data analysis field having been

made redundant earlier in the year. David’s younger son, Will Meredith (F 14), has continued to work as a paraplanner with a firm of independent Financial Advisors in Maidstone. As well as playing golf with his father and brother, Will has continued to play cricket for the Kent based travelling side, Band of Brothers. Will, Harry and David also had a very enjoyable trip to France last year, to take in a couple of Rugby World Cup games at Lille, and have a round of golf in Arras.

David continues to live just a mile away from his cousin, Col (Retd) William English, CBE (Lx 80) who is now seven years on from 36 years

■ Peter Owen (Lx 63)

regular military service. William has completed his chosen post career education: the Alliance Manchester Business School, the Institute of Directors (IoD), the Chartered Management Institute and Heriot Watt University Post Graduate Diploma and Masters Degree in Brewing & Distilling, supporting his journey from ’tank man to business man’. In 2023 William won the IoD Director of the Year award for family business and was highly commended in the Innovation category. William continues to develop and restore his estate in Kent with brewing and distilling planned in the future. William’s wife, Frances, continues to serve the Veterans community, promoted to manager, domiciliary care at The Royal British Legion Industries in Aylesford, Kent.

David has exchanged emails with Jeremy Sankey (Lx 78) who continues to live in Melbourne, and had been hoping to have a full family trip to the UK this year, but the family are going to Fiji instead. Jes is still working as a communication strategy and market research consultant. As people in advertising get younger (like policemen!) it means that he’s often positioned as the experience in the room alongside the youthful energy and enthusiasm of others - especially with one agency, when the next oldest person was less than half his age. Jes’ children are doing well - Jack is in Yr11 at school, with one year to go and Alana is enjoying her netball and basketball. Whilst bemoaning the demise of the Melbourne Rebels super rugby team, Jes is still looking forward to the British & Irish Lions tour next year.

Richard Kemsley (C 78), has had a hectic last year. Since retiring from telecoms agency work, he seems to have been busier than ever. Richard and his family enjoyed a spectacular holiday in French Polynesia last summer and he got to dive in the Pacific Ocean, which was a first. Richard’s daughter, Julia, reached the top 40 of Young Drummer of the Year, and drumming remains her main focus. David Northcroft (B 58) reports

that his vertebrae are indicating the phasing out of 75 years of active sport nurtured at school. Edward Banyard Smith (Ldr 95) actually lives on the Surrey/Hants borders and still works in a London law firm. I am bound to say the law firm is wonderful as the senior partner is himself an OO and will probably be reading the magazine. George Duncan (D 72) writes to say that his daughter Elizabeth (who was not at Oundle) married Thomas McCall on 11 May 2024. He is still doing some part time work for Charles Russell Speechlys and is actively involved with the Surrey Archaeological Society. Hamish Donaldson (Ldr 54) organised a very successful West Sussex dinner attended by the Head and Anthony Kerr-Dineen with 22 OOs and their guests. He is also Chair of Haslemere Festival which continues to organise events in the Town - Christmas Market, Charter Fair, Classic Car Tour & Show and the Haslemere Fringe Festival.

Hannah Robson (Mallinckrodt) (N 06) is part of a collective that has started an organisation called The Peach ‘where we aim to improve

health through connection to ourselves, each other and nature. We work with modalities such as herbal medicine, traditional food preservation methods, singing and traditional storytelling. We hold events across the country. If this interests you I’d love to hear from some fellow old Oundelians - contact me via the website www.the-peach. org. We are always looking at how we can collaborate and spread our work.’

John Richardson (StA 61) was an international tour guide until April this year. ‘A recent medical issue, which has now hopefully resolved, has resulted in cancellation of my planned last tour to Iceland and at the age of 81 I have officially retired. Retirement is a concept that I have difficulty in accepting, so I am now on my much delayed ‘gap year’.’

OO Weald Walkers Bev Boag (StA 60), Roland Fairfield (StA 60), John Richardson (StA 61), Martin Boag (StA 62) and John Templeton (honorary OO) coincided with four visits by John Williams (StA 62) from Israel. They centre on the best pub for lunch and parking, chosen by a local member, sometimes beyond the

 Hannah Robson N 06

Weald in the New Forest or North Downs. Ageing takes its toll, with a mix of arthritic ankles, replaced hips, pacemakers, and failing hearts. As usual, each may chat about just one organ and just one grandchild!

Peter Owen (Lx 63) is in retirement but still undertaking some work in the London Club scene. He enjoyed the Over 60s lunch at the RAF Club. He continues to sing in Boldre Church in the New Forest and with Cantemus cum Spiritu in cathedrals when the resident choirs are away; in the past year that has included St Paul’s (London), Milton Abbey, Southwark, Durham, Great St Malvern and Winchester. In autumn 2023 cruising with Seabourn included the Caribbean and the Panama Canal. Cruise planning for 2025 includes Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.

Suzanne Korff (K 00) and her husband, Alexander, continue to enjoy living in the New Forest with their four children, Maximilian, Audrey, Astrid and Zara, plus dogs. It’s been ten years now since leaving London, and she still works at Carnival Corp as Princess Cruises’ Director of Marketing & Communications. Also enjoying horse

West Midlands

■ Simon Stephen (Lx 97)

Cameron Lennon (L 20) : ‘I have opened a new coffee shop called The Lemon Tree in Oundle which many of the teachers and a few OOs have already visited.’

Christopher Best (C 61)’s life continues to be busier than ever with exam invigilation and casual cover in Warwickshire schools and colleges and volunteering at Stratford upon Avon Boat Club and Stratford Hospital: there are frequent visits to Dorset to see his daughter, granddaughter and son in law. The recent excitement as Presiding Officer at the Police and Crime Commissioner election in Warwickshire and subsequent count will hopefully pale into insignificance with the upcoming general election!

 Right: Mike and Seb Wright. Below right: Seb’s first film, about the Quechua people in Peru, won the Social, Political, Cultural Impact Award at the Latino & Native American Film Festival in the U.S in May 2024.

riding again, after a 25 year pause, with daughter Audrey. If anyone happens to be passing through the New Forest, please get in touch!

Tony Windsor (StA 69) is now happily retired after 40 years as a commercial airline pilot. Hobbies include hiking: the Camino, Kilimanjaro, Patagonia, Ethiopia. Sailing around the Greek islands, Turkey and the British Virgin Islands. Living in a lovely Sussex village with its own microbrewery on the South Downs. Chris Richards (StA 64) was delighted to meet up again at the OO London Lunch with both John Story (B 65) and Nick Chrimes (Sc 66) as the three of us all came from Heswall on The Wirral. It was also pleasant to meet up with Chris Reilly (StA 65) Mike Wright (StA 74) has retired after 10 years as McKinsey’s Chief Information Officer (CIO). He has since accepted a role as a Non Executive Director of the

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to help them with their digital transformation. He has also been helping his son, Seb Wright (StA14). Seb is studying Film Production in Amsterdam, looking to become a video documentary maker. They have made 2 documentaries together – one about the ongoing refugee challenges in eastern Poland and the other about the impact of climate change on nomadic lifestyles in Mongolia.

Howard Allen (Sn 75) is enjoying his 7th year in retirement and is busy as treasurer of the Old Oundelian Lodge, the Stafford coastal cruising club and the Penkridge Garden association. As well as being a volunteer station adopter - looking after the plants at the local railway station - he has a part time job as an assistant to a local Funeral Director. He has been in touch with Michael Whittall (Ldr 55) and Guy Walt (Ldr 54) and meets with the members of the OO Lodge in London and at Oundle.

After 60 years in a Warwickshire farmhouse, Roderick Boswell (N 54) has moved into a Regency house in Leamington Spa. He is still dividing his year between Warwickshire,

Cornwall and Lot et Garonne in France. He sees his brother- in-law, Michael Hollands (N 54) regularly and he lunched with Shane Dodd (Sn 74) and a dozen other OOs in Henley- in-Arden in January.

John “Nick” Dearn Pritchard (Sc 65) says: ‘I had my cataracts fixed during the year. Colours are now much easier to see, but it was strange after 65 years of wearing glasses not

to have them for the two months before the replacement ones could be prescribed.

Maria Constable-Berry (Yukhnovich (K13) and David welcomed their sons Alexander James and George Frederick to the world. They were born on 29 August 2023

Mark Glossop (D 54) is still in regular contact with Johnny Crabbe (G 55), who lives nearby. Nick Copestick (Ldr 69) writes: ‘I have happily been able to meet up with son Ed Copestick (S 98) a few times during the year. He is mainly living in Chile but his business is worldwide, working as a TV commercial and documentary director for clients in Europe, North and South Americas and The Middle East. He also operates a production company that focuses on helping businesses tell their stories through film and animation. My own OO activity during the year has been connected with golf and OOGS - any OOs wishing to join our thriving society can email me - details will be found elsewhere in the sports report.’

Richard Phillips (D 59) has finally retired, following the Leamington Music Festival in May 2024, having created or directed 109 festivals, mostly in the Midlands, but ones of national importance in Huddersfield, King’s Lynn, Norwich and York. He was also very much involved in the early years of the Oundle International Organ Festival and Summer School. His immediate task now is to sort out the house in Warwick in which he was born and which has been in the family for nearly ninety years.

Scott Glover (D 52) writes: ‘I celebrated my 90th birthday with a party for 80 guests including neighbour Anthony King (G 60). The evening finished with a Flanders and Swan cabaret and everyone singing “mud, mud, glorious mud”. Just like pitch 13 in March! At home before the party with daughter’s cake- note Hillman Imp on icing!

Simon Stephen (Lx 97) is ‘continuing to grow my legal practice and juggling three children whilst getting more and more involved in local and county Scoutingweekend camps seem to be taking up my summer spare time these

days! I continue to see Jon Terry (Sc 95) as he continues to recover from his accident. From a Midlands perspective we did have a great get together for a lunch in January which was expertly organised by Shane (Doddy) Dodds. It was fantastic to see to many OOs together, share stories and it really showed the depth and benefits of the alumni network. Hopefully we can build on this over the year and onwards - including bringing some younger members in!’

Tom Hiscock (StA 81) was a RHS Chelsea flower show exhibitor this year and tells what an amazing experience he had. ‘If you managed to come along, it was lovely to see you. If you’d like to follow the story on https://www.instagram. com/tomhiscocks/, I hope you enjoyed the journey (Still up there if you missed it!). Tania Brookes Garden Design - https://www. tbgardendesign.com/ - created a

beautiful garden to show off my sculptures, and the team at Ketley Brick Co - https://www.ketley-brick. co.uk/ - provided a range of their beautiful clay products. A great team helped with the stand. Keep in mind that 10 days before this there was a 7m x 5m patch of bare earth – oh, and 3 days after the show it was back to bare earth!’

 The OO Midlands Lunch in January 2024.

 Shane Dodd Sn 74

Tom Hiscocks' exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower show.

Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire

■ Tim Waring (Ldr 76)

After marrying last August (his wife, Seun, is now also in the Army as a Medic), Angus Irvine (Sc 12) completed his assignment as ADC to GOC 3 Div. Returning to his Battalion, 5th Rifles, he has taken command of the Javelinequipped (in Army lingo, described as ‘Gucci kit’) Anti-Tank Platoon, at the time of writing on NATO deployment in Estonia. When he returns, he and his wife are looking forward to moving into married quarters at Tidworth; as he says, ‘for the first time in the seven years we’ve been together and 13 months after getting married, we’ll actually be living under the same roof on our own as a couple!’

What more climactic way to end Geordie Irvine’s (Sc 21) time

Armed Services

■ Sebastian Tusa (S 13)

It has been another busy year for OOs serving across the globe in the Armed Forces. In a hugely important anniversary year for this country, with large scale commemorations taking place in Normandy to mark the D Day landings of 6th June 1944, we remember those OOs who died in the First and Second World Wars, as well as conflicts since then and most recently in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I had the great privilege of going back to Oundle earlier this year to talk to the Oundle School CCF about my experiences serving in the British Army and the Grenadier Guards, in the hope that it might inspire future generations of OOs to take a similar path upon leaving Oundle and University. I took the opportunity

at Northampton Saints than as part of the Premiership Championshipwinning Squad at Twickenham in June? A new chapter in his rugby career begins with the move to Ealing Trailfinders, the 2023/4 winners of the RFU Championship. Apart from R&R, his summer leave seems to have been spent dotting from one OO 21st party to the next, including Flossie Whittow’s (W 21) and Alfie Buik’s (Ldr 21). It’s a hard life.

Despite the prospect of Alastair Irvine’s (Sc 81) previous employer’s occupational pension drawdown looming, he is still cheerfully in fulltime employment. None of which precludes him from pursuing his extra-mural activities not only with the OO Club, but also as Trustee and Hon. Treasurer of the RAF Benevolent

Fund, Business Ambassador to Meningitis Now and as a Steward to the Court of the Gunmakers’ Livery Company. All of which still leaves just enough time for as much shooting as he can reasonably get away with, and a spot of fishing. He is still in regular contact with Richard Gledson (G 81) and David Gray (Sn 81) and Richard Howarth and despite the sad circumstances, very much enjoyed catching up with many OOs at Jonathan Lee’s and Alan Midgley’s memorial services during the course of the year.

to go to the School Chapel to look at the Roll of Honour at the east end of the Chapel and it was humbling to read the names of so many OOs who valiantly gave their lives for the freedom we have today. The current threats posed to the geopolitical stability and the security of this country in the modern day – with war in Europe and the Middle East –serve as a stark reminder of the role that our Armed Forces must continue to play in assuring the freedom that was fought for on the beaches of Normandy and in conflicts since then.

Indeed, Peter Collinson (G 70) writes as it is now 80 years since Operation Overlord, better known as the D Day landings in Normandy. His father Hugh Collinson (G 31) was one of the first to land on Sword

beach and was wounded three days later The article on page 17 is a graphic account of his experience. His father’s story is on display at the Imperial War Museum along with the water bottle which saved his leg and possibly his life.

At the most senior level of command in the British Army, Brigadier Tony Turner (N94) continues to serve in the Royal Marines and has been promoted to

Major General. He is now serving in NATO, SHAPE, in Mons, Belgium. He is still happily married to Charlie (nee Lane (D95)) and regularly sees Col Geoff Hargreaves (StA 94) and Col Sam Cates (Lx 96) who work in the MoD London. Brigadier Giles Richard Harris (Ldr 91) is currently in the new Brigadier role in Estonia, organising the next evolution in OP CABRIT (the UK Operational deployment to Estonia. It has been a very interesting time with everyone watching what unfolds in Ukraine, as well as the wider political landscape in the West and how it affects operation there. He is enviously tracking the various Laundimer 91 reunions with maximum ‘FOMO’ and looks forward to being back in circulation in the UK next year.

Mark Mankowski (Sn 94) moved from Brisbane in January 2024 – where he had been posted to Headquarters 1st (Australian) Division – to Canberra, where he is now posted to Land Capability Division in Army Headquarters. This new role has brought him into a lot of contact with British Army counterparts as they are now working on the AUKUS initiative (a generational opportunity that exemplifies the commitment to working with allies and partners to positively contribute to security around the world and the IndoPacific). He has not met any OOs so far! Mark is still in touch with his brother, Alex Mankowski (Sn 96), who is living in Dallas and Alex Southworth (Sn 94). He and Alex are both wondering if they will get

back to the UK for the 1994 school leavers reunion. Overall, they are both very well and always looking for opportunities to help OOs who make it down under.

Adam Smith (F 06) married Hannah Rawlins in an intimate family legal ceremony at The Guards’ Chapel, Wellington Barracks, followed by a large

 Adam and Hannah Rawlins-Smith’s Wedding Party (including Guard of Honour) at Pentillie Castle, 9th September 2023.

celebration at Pentillie Castle, Cornwall, on 9 September 2023. After moving to Warminster post Staff College and marrying Hannah, he ran an 5-day desert ultra marathon in Wadi Rum, Jordan. In January 2025 he attended the British telemark ski championships and placed second before competing at the Inter Services in Méribel. They welcomed the arrival of their first daughter, Clara Willow Ottilie Rawlins-Smith, at the RUH in Bath on 25 February 2024. They plan to make the most of Hannah’s maternity leave this year and travel. Harry Wallace (N 98) has taken on the role of SO2 PsyOps, Deputy Chief and Chief Public Affairs Office at the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps HQ.

A string of more recent OOs include Captain Benjamin Atkinson

(Ldr 11) who is lucky to have had 6 years in the 2nd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles, completing 4 years in Brunei and 2 years based in Folkestone in 16 Air Assault Brigade. He often has the nice surprise of running into Ed Tebbutt (G 11) and others in far flung corners of the UK. His next job takes him out to Nepal where he intends to make the most of the mountains and deciphering Nepali bus timetables. Captain Angus Irvine (Sc 12) has moved on from his role as an Aide de Camp Angus is now the Anti-Tank Platoon Commander at the 5th Battalion The Rifles. Deployment to Estonia on Op CABRIT 14 will be followed by large scale training exercises in the UK. Angus’ wife is now a serving British Army Doctor and they are living in Wiltshire.

Captain Sebastian Tusa (S 13) has spent the last year as the Nijmegen Company Second in Command, at Wellington Barracks. It has been a busy year organising company training exercises as well as assuring the company’s Op TEMPERER readiness, the Army’s CounterTerrorism response in London. Highlights have included a role as Subaltern No 2 Guard in the

Trooping the Colour, leading a ski touring expedition from Chamonix to Zermatt, and taking part in the Dash2Devon organised by Tristan Tusa (S 16), a 300 mile cycle and marathon run, as well as the London Marathon, raising over £82,000 for children’s mental health charity, Place2Be, in memory of Juliet Garmoyle, the late mother of Harriet Cairns (K 16). He is due to leave the Army this year and is excited to see what the next chapter has in store following a fantastic 5 years in the army. Ashley Cuthbert (S 14) has finished his role at RAF Wyton after two years. He is shortly due to deploy to East Africa and will see

Old Oundelian Lodge

June was a vibrant end to a memorable Masonic season for the Old Oundelian Lodge. We began with the Public Schools Lodges Festival at Lancing College and followed it with our biennial meeting at The Talbot in Oundle. Driving west along the A27, the sight of Lancing College Chapel, a majestic sandstone structure, greeted us. Completed in 2021, it stands tall in the valley, surrounded by flint and red-roofed buildings. Following greetings by the College Provost, retired Bishop of Lynn Rt Revd. Jonathan Meyrick, our grand chaplains Red Dr. Simon Thorn and Rabbi Zvi Solomons led an inspiring

non-denominational service. They drew parallels between King Solomon’s temple and the spirit of Freemasonry, emphasizing universal fellowship, moral uprightness, and intellectual growth, in comparison to “the zeitgeist .. [which] … focuses on the self rather than the other.”

Nathaniel Woodard, the founder of Lancing College, was lauded during the main meeting. His impact on education was likened to Brunel’s on engineering. Among the 200 attendees, including women like Deputy Grand Master Maxine Priestly, we shared a splendid lunch in the Great Hall, forging new friendships and reinforcing

 Dash2Devon team including Oundelians Tristan Tusa (S 16), Sebastian Tusa (S 13), Harriet Cairns (K 16), Charlie Bradbeer (S 16), Zara Gambier (W 16), Scooter Gillespie (D 16), Flo Garnett (D 16), Evie Gardner (K 16)

what future posting awaits him. William Wade St. A 07 Major Will Wade is serving as Officer Commanding C (11th Hussars) Squadron, The King’s Royal Hussars. He currently has 2Lt Thomas Arkell (St. A 07) under his command following his transfer from the RAMC. Lt Josh Allen (St A 17) is also serving in the KRH, commanded by Lt Col Peter Perowne (G 98).

old ones, with a backdrop of the Adur Valley and English Channel beyond. The idea of a public schools women’s lodge is gaining momentum: a recent alumna from Christ’s Hospital started her journey by joining a Livery Company Lodge. We welcome interest from all Old Oundelian women.

At our Oundle meeting, we

■ Iain Wadie (Sn 87) Secretary

celebrated Michael Turnbull’s 60 remarkable years in Freemasonry. Following an engaging Nortonesque interview format, we heard stories of his humble and steadfast service. Michael’s charitable works are extensive, including his role in the Hope Against Cancer clinical trials unit, his leadership in a London Livery Company and its Livery homes, and his contributions as Vice President of the Freemasons Grand Charity. His efforts have brought joy and support to many. Amongst his numerous activities he has raised millions for a Cardiovascular Research Centre, distributed 30,000 teddies to hospitalised children in Leicestershire, and aided international disaster relief efforts.

The presentation of Michael’s certificate by David Burton, Master of St. Wilfrid Lodge, was a highlight. Afterwards, 30 of us enjoyed drinks and dinner in the historic Whitwell Room, including guests from various lodges and non-masonic friends. We were graced by Sarah Kerr-Dineen, the Head, whose service to Oundle is evident. A highlight was Gordon Montgomery’s speech about the impact of Oundle’s OPEN Learning Partnership programs and their collaborative efforts with neighbouring schools and universities. The Lodge was pleased to donate £2,000 towards the initiative.

This year, our lodge received a bronze certificate for donations

to the London Air Ambulance appeal (London Masons providing significant funds towards two new helicopters), following on from our award for our support of the London Fire Brigade Appeal (helping to fund two extended height aerial vehicles with 64m ladders).

Our regular meetings in London have also been noteworthy. In October 2023 we held our Installation, dining at Freemasons Hall. And later in our lodge year, we celebrated milestones for our newer members Nathan de Garis and Freddie Cornish (G 05). We have enjoyed dining with the company of esteemed guests from many other lodges including St Wilfrid, Mercury, Vassar-Smith, Vigiliantia, Old Wellingburian, Charterhouse DDD, Christ’s Hospital, Old Cheltonian, Old Uppinghamian and Old Alleynian Lodges.

Last year we supported local charities and organizations with nearly £1,800 in donations, including the Old Oundelian Lodge Bursary. This bursary assists students facing sudden financial hardships, ensuring they can continue their education at Oundle.

Our members include Freddie Cornish (G 05), Nathan de Garis, Sandy Rowell (C 04), Peter Seebohm (Sc 02), Rob Shaw (S 92), Chris Tovey (Sc 91), Iain Wadie (Sn 87), Philip de Voil (G 86), Dom Vincent (Lx 82), Nigel Harley (G 80), Howard Allen (Sn 75), Nigel Hewitt (B 75), Peter Hotchin (C 72), Geoffrey Woolsey-Brown (Lx 66),

Graham Solari (G 65), Charles Kilner (StA 59), Michael Hammon (Sn 56), Michael Turnbull (Sc 55), Paul Newsome (StA 55), David Thorpe (Ldr 53), Bill Whitall (Ldr 52) and Kevin Chawner (B 47).

Last year, I discussed Freemasonry’s connection to the Enlightenment, emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge and democracy, and the influence of women Freemasons in bringing about universal suffrage. Professor John Dickie of University College London’s book The Craft, How the Freemasons Made the Modern World is recommend to anyone interested in us. This year, I was struck by the similarities between the masonic meetings and the recommendations of Professor Bruce Hood from the University of Bristol for happiness, an area of focus following a crisis in mental health amongst students. Helping others and fostering friendships are key to happiness, as opposed to the current ‘self-care’ doctrine, which resonates with our practices of service and community, masonic gatherings and dinners. Another book on the 18th century revolution in thinking is entitled The Enlightenment, The Pursuit of Happiness by Ritchie Robertson, University of Oxford. Freemasonry’s timeless principles - integrity, friendship, respect, and servicecontinue to guide us.

We welcome inquiries and visits from those interested in Freemasonry. Contact us at secretary. ool5682@gmail.com for details about our events, or visit our website at http://www.oundelianfreemasons. org. For information on Women’s Freemasonry, visit The Order of Women Freemasons or The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons, whose new Grand Master is Carole Cole. We would be very pleased to make an introduction.

We also invite you to contact secretary.ool5682@gmail.com to arrange a tour of Freemasons Hall, a stunning example of art deco architecture and a dedicated war memorial, to learn more about our history and values.

Africa

■ Charles Salem (C 78)

David Leishman (Sc 65) has written to say that this will be his last contribution from this region. “After 53 years on and off this continent, I’ll finally be departing Africa in January ‘25. I plan a future in SE Ireland, assuming

Australia

We start with a new contributor, Robbie Lawson (StA 99) who is living near Bondi Beach with his family of four. He works at Google and tells me he is grappling with a teenage daughter! He continues to play cricket for the equivalent of an English Sunday village team in Rushcutter’s Bay: “Any OO who is in town, please look me up.”

Rob Bramley (C 82) has, “after a very busy last decade,” been in wind-down mode for much of this year, including, “taking 4 months of long service leave, albeit that my team has been busy working with commercial partners to make a novel and much improved approach to delivering mid-season nitrogen fertilizer recommendations for cereals available to Australian (and potentially international) growers!” This improvement is greatly reducing the error associated with the recommendation, thereby enabling risk-averse growers to have much greater confidence in it. “I also found time, towards the end of 2023, for a trip to the Mendoza region of Argentina, to work with the local wine industry on issues associated with wine terroir.” As I am typing this (3 July) Rob is completing his final day at the CSIRO, after more than 34 years with the organisation. That means more golf, cooking and travel. Happy retirement, Rob.

I can afford to live anywhere in the British Isles - life is so cheap here in Cape Town, by comparison. I have a sister and niece in Northern Ireland, but politics and the cold weather put me off that province, good and proper!”

Charles Allen (B 54) with three generations of Allens, went to the far northwest of Australia to visit the Northwest Shelf LNG Project, at Karratha, now one of the largest LNG projects worldwide. He writes, “I had been MD of Woodside when the project was commenced, 45 years ago, and it is still being expanded.” They also visited the Clive Minton (Lx 53) Bird Observatory near Broome, which Charles named in honour of Clive, (a world-renowned ornithologist), after he was tragically killed in a road accident a few years ago.

“I have just completed a fivemonth circumnavigation of Australia, by road, in our Motorhome, Bill Birbeck (Sc 59)” writes. “We drove some 18,000kms and, at the age of

85, I experienced my first tandem parachute jump, from 8,000 feet!” As we can see, Bill is thoroughly enjoying his retirement!

Gavin Fish (G 65 ) boldly states, “I have been a somewhat lazy contributor to the OO Magazine, which I continue to enjoy!” Gavin retired from the packaging industry in Australia some years ago, after a “bout” of bowel cancer. “I must be cancer prone having recovered from lung cancer (as a non-smoker!) 3 years ago. However, this has not detracted from his regular golf, at Manly Golf Club. He finishes, “My enjoyment at Oundle was characterised by my workshop experiences, building the first tubular framed, gas-welded gocart, in 1964-5. In addition, the squash and the Elmington 303 range, gave me great enjoyment. Oundle gave me a fantastic life experience.”

John Edwards (B 65) continues to reside with his wife in Sydney, and is a director of a number of tech and services businesses. He is also Deputy Chairman of Australian Business Volunteers (ABV), an extraordinary not-for-profit operation, which delivers skilled, volunteer projects to developing business communities (eg indigenous entrepreneurs), or those recovering from natural disasters or similar disruptions - the recent flood and bushfire disasters in Australia being two examples.

Neil A. Sutcliffe (StA 85) has had

 Rob Bramley enjoying a wine tasting in Portugal’s Douro Valley, May 2024.

■ Charles Salem (C 78)

another very busy year, with his private wealth management business thriving (Assets Under Management nearly doubling since 2020); two long stays in the UK during the summers of 2022 and 2023 (being able to work remotely, despite the nine time zones difference). He and Annie have sold their beachside family home and are now awaiting the completion of their apartment overlooking the beautiful parks of inner Melbourne. Son

Austin Sutcliffe (StA 15) finished his graduate marketing role with L’Oreal and has started his own digital personal training business, called Cliffe Athletics. The big news is that daughter, Grace Sutcliffe (K 13) who continues to work with the Attorney General, has become engaged, to Sean Smith, with the wedding to be in Melbourne this December. Neil is looking forward to returning to the UK in 2025, “for what I hope to be

Nigel Napier-Andrews (Sc 59) has had a difficult year, with the death of his wife Diane in November using MAID (legal in Canada), followed by a diagnosis of two different cancers for him. However, he reports he has conquered both and was well enough to take a sailing trip from Nice to Naples in June. Back in UK briefly, he had a very long lunch with Mike Ross (Sc 59) and his wife Jill at

their home near Bath. He continues to live in Niagara-on-the-Lake, which he now considers his “last” home. He says the front door is always open to visiting OOs.

Peter Bubenzer (D 74) is still enjoying life in western Canada. ‘After lots of work last autumn, a mild spring with rain has meant a floriferous garden, which gives great joy to my wife and me. We visited old University friends in Wales in May and happened on six consecutive sunny days - a gift after what we understood to be a damp spring in the UK. No plan to attend any OO events this year, but maybe in a year or so, especially if in Vancouver.’

Alan Willis (C 58): ‘I was reconnected this year via email with Chris Walliker (D 54) after a 57 year gap in communications since I came to Canada. Although we never met at school, we articled in the same London accounting firm, after which we were appointed joint auditors of the OO Club - a posting I resigned from upon emigrating to Canada in 1968. We confessed to being a little less agile now than back then. Trivia note: the partner to whom I was articled was Cecil Unthank (D 23), President of the OO Club in 1956 when the Queen Mother visited for the School’s quartercentennial celebrations.

Iain Malcolm Smith (C 56): ‘Essentially a repeat from prior years. Skiing occupied my time in

a grand 40-year OO reunion for ‘85 Leavers!”

And finally, news from Harvey Jones (S 88): “I am alive and well. I almost caught up with Robert White (StA 88), a barrister in Sydney, but on the day I visited, Sydney airport was closed due to high winds, so the opportunity was lost! Maybe next year.”

Stay well and hope to hear from, and see, more Australian OOs next year.

the winter with around 75 days of downhill skiing at Silver Star, fewer days than in the past due to a very cold snap when prudence prevailed. Summers are spent on the golf course, or riding my E-bike, a great invention for those us who want to continue exercising daily, a habit engrained in my Oundle days. I still keep in touch with Archie Burdon-Cooper (C 55) who says he has heard from Simon Davis. It appears that we are the only survivors of our Crosby intake in September 1951.’

Norman Anthony Kellett (Sn 64): ‘I remain active in the Association of the Royal Canadian Hussars. The French translation of the regimental history that I co-authored was published in April 2024. I am working to obtain a battle honour for the regiment covering the Fenian Raids (1866, 1870). I am currently writing the biography of my mother, Dame Elaine Kellett-Bowman. My grandchildren and my parish church occupy a lot of my time.’

Timothy (Tim) Peter Terceira (D 75): Although retired in the

■ James Clayton (G 68)

 C Michael C Ross and Nigel NapierAndrews (both Sc 59) outside Mike’s cottage

summer of 2022, last year I was brought back on a part time flexible basis to support Marriott Luxury properties - I get to choose assignments such as Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis and W Hotels and stay in control of my time. My wife Karen and I have enjoyed our travels which have taken us to my Bermuda home to visit our daughter, son-in-law and

Europe

Jan Bell (G 96) writes to say that he has recently moved to Berlin from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to work for Ramboll (a Danish consultancy company). His sister Hanne (W 94) visited him for Christmas and his father Michael Bell (G 61) also visited Berlin. Hanne lives in Wandsworth and Mike is in Hamar, Norway. His daughter Natalia will attend SOAS from September and his son Henry is currently at the Berlin British school. Stepdaughter Madita has just finished a Psychology degree in Vienna and stepson Luka will attend Den Haag University in September.

granddaughter. Most recently we went to the UK with the highlight being a wonderful visit with John Mellor (D 75) and Sarah, touring the Oundle School grounds, and joining up with David Burnett (D 75) and Anne for dinner. It was a memorable evening and David and Anne were gracious hosts at the terrific restaurant Tap & Kitchen.

Jeremy Cross (Sn 63) is still enjoying living in Brittany and at the age of nearly 80 has now completed 3½ years of his third interregnum as acting Chaplain of Christ Church, Brittany - 8 years in all. Jeremy also sings in his wife’s 50 strong French/English community choir as well as performing in a French chamber choir. He just wishes he had concentrated more in Bobby Rafter’s music lessons! Anna Gough (W 11) has been a guest researcher at the University of Amsterdam since January, when she was awarded the Christie’s grant for next generation provenance researchers. Alongside her work at the Rijksmuseum provenance research dept, she has also been organising a symposium entitled ‘Looted’, planned for 9 & 10 September. The Christie’s grant has enabled her to look into the fate of the artworks by the artist Edvard Munch, whose prints were purged from German Museums by the Nazis in WW2.

David Griffith (B 72) is settling nicely into retired life as a grandfather with time to enjoy his granddaughter Marie as well as attend the Rugby World Cup matches in Lyon and Paris, along with visiting the UK with friends from Delhi. He has also found the time to make regular wine buying trips to Franken and the Pfalz in Alsace. Florian Henn (C 06) has now been back in Munich for three years and is very happy in his role as a strategy consultant. Jon Ingall (StA 79) made the move from Corsica

to mainland France in June 2023. He has spent the last year settling in to their new home in the Dordogne and exploring the area. He has finally published his book of photos of Corsica entitled Landscapes of Corsica. Malcolm Llewellyn (Sc 60) writes to say that he is managing to maintain a steady stream of correspondence with a group of around 12 fellow OOs. They will be having another reunion dinner at the Talbot in July; sadly Richard Bailey (Sc 60) won’t be joining them as he passed away in May of this year.

Cord Matthies (N 77) advises that, although he is nearing pensionable age, he is still happily working as a freelancer across Europe with occasional stints further abroad. He is still in regular contact with Malcolm Brown (N 79) for skiing and other outdoor activities, but misses the OO wine tasting reunions of the 1990s in Germany, Belgium and Holland.

Jules Mountain (S 84) has had a busy year renovating an old fort in Guernsey. He has had several ski trips to Morzine with his brother Richard Mountain (S 83) - in fact he says they see more of each other in the Alps than in the UK! Jules also

 Tim and Karen Terceira; John and Sarah Mellor; David and Anne Burnett at the Tap & Kitchen, Oundle

■ Jim Bennett (N 77)

 Jim Bennett with daughter Katie at her wedding in July 2024

completed a sailing and ski trip in the Norwegian arctic circle and found the time to meet up with Nigel (S 85) and Pip Trafford (S 86) also in the Alps. Lastly he has been in contact with Jazz Robinson (S 84) and hopes to see him for a beer very soon.

Gabriel Safar (C 03) still resides in Yverdon, Switzerland. His second son Leon was born last year. In May they had a great time visiting family and sightseeing in China, which their children really enjoyed. Since last year’s 20 year reunion, he has kept in touch with Dominic Halverson, Julian Bertrand and Erik Teichmann (all C 03).

Ivo Videnov (Ldr 13) is now married to the wonderful Sofia. His brother Boris (Ldr 10) was best man. The proper celebration will be in September in the

Hong Kong

Jerry K.W. Yao (C 89): ‘I was in Paris for a vacation last November and decided I couldn’t possibly pass up the opportunity to catch up with some old friends from Crosby in London. After all, that was only a train ride away. Thanks to Guy Hodgson’s (C 89) immaculate organizing, we all had a great night. We started off with drinks at The Chequers Tavern in the St. James’s area, also joined by Andrew Llewellyn (Sc 89), followed by dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant, The Devonshire. We rounded off the night by going to a cabaret show and having more drinks. The Crosbians who were in attendance were Guy Hodgson, Tristan Lench, Spencer Cushing and Kar-Binh Ong (all C 89).’

Chris Riggs (S 80) will finish a 22 year stint in Hong Kong at the

company of a few OOs.

Finally, Giles Woodbridge (B 84) continues to run his ski business in the French Alps and has now added a lakeside property in Annecy for

end of 2024 and plans to relocate to his home in Suffolk, UK. He will maintain close links with the HKJC as a consultant, overseeing the HKJC Equine Welfare Research Foundation and contributing to projects initiated by him to support the veterinary profession in mainland China.

Ben Dickinson (N 93): ‘I am still living and working in Hong Kong. I recently attended the OO event at the Happy Valley horse racing and enjoyed meeting up with a number of OOs from a wide range of generations! We are also excited that our daughter Emily will be starting in the 3rd form at Oundle in September.’

Jeremy Pong (Ldr 83) is enjoying semi retirement. Life is back to normal after COVID and he plays golf regularly with James Hui (Sc 06). He had dinner twice with James Kirby (C 83) during his many visits to Hong Kong. Jeremy together with Mark Reeves (C 80) has organised two horse racing evenings for OOs at the Happy

the summer seasons. Their three boys continue to pursue their sporting careers – all three are French champions, two in Alpine skiing and one in ski jumping.

Valley Race Track. This event proves to be quite popular among OOs across different generations.

Ronald Taylor (Sn 62): ‘Oundle is very distant when you have been living in Hong Kong for nearly 50 years but recently it has become much nearer to me with two grandchildren currently at the school, one in St A and one in Sn. News from the school, through the OO network, now creates a different interest. I was very impressed by the concert given by members of the school when they visited Hong Kong in April and it was also good to meet a number of staff and other OOs. Being retired enables me to continue enjoying hiking the Hong Kong hills and, during my visits to the UK, helping on a Heritage railway in a position of no responsibility.

Ivo Videnov Ldr 13

■ Mark Reeves (C 80)

 From Left to Right Matthew Ho, Calvin Koo, Jeremy Pong and James Kirby (C 83) OO Horse Racing Night

■ Simon Reynolds (Sn 02)

John Peter Eastwood (D 74) writes: ‘Anne and I are into our seventh year enjoying life in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. I’m still working, making lighting.’ Simon Reynolds (Sn 02) is living and working in Jakarta, Indonesia, having moved back home permanently in 2011. ‘I spend my free time reading,

Indonesia and Vietnam Malaysia and Singapore

■ Afiqah Rizal (N 11)

Honoured to step into Daniel Yong’s (C 90) shoes after his departure in December 2023, to assume the mantle of correspondent for our region. Daniel, a stalwart of the Old Oundelian Malaysia community, led with grace and generosity, leaving behind a cornucopia of memorable moments. The October 2023 School Orchestra’s tour in Kuala Lumpur, marked by a spellbinding Beethoven rendition under the baton of Head of Music, Angus Gibbon, stands as Daniel’s

playing golf, and I continue to enjoy exploring the mountains and volcanoes of Indonesia, as well as travelling to the National Parks and Nature Reserves of Indonesia for birdwatching and bird photography. 2023 was indeed a great year, as on 17 June, I got married to Kartika Octaviana’

final gift to our community. Alongside Faisal Ariff Rozali-Wathooth (C 01) and Johan Rozali-Wathooth (C 98), he orchestrated a symphony of unity that resonates still. Daniel’s Oundle legacy lives on through his daughter Kai Yong (Sn 24).

The past year has unfolded as a rich tapestry of chance encounters, jubilant gatherings, and warm reunions among Old Oundelians. At a serendipitous birthday soiree, I found myself in the company of Tosh Suzuki (B 01). His droll quip, “You wouldn’t guess where I schooled... it’s Oundle,” sparked laughter, binding us in shared memories. Tosh, briefly stationed with the British High Commission in Malaysia, has since departed for the UK, leaving behind echoes of adventures in the region.

It appears that OO weddings are becoming quite the trend among my year group. The union of Dr. Hazel Hadian (D 11) and Dr. William Clark at the Hilton exemplified a beautiful fusion of Bornean and British cultures. Hazel’s brothers, Hazwan

Hadian (B 06) and Ariff Hadian (C 24), traveled from Singapore and Oundle respectively to be part of the celebration. Their heartfelt speeches, delivered as a shared tribute from her brothers, added a touch of warmth and sincerity to the occasion. I was fortunate to attend the wedding alongside Xue Lin Chan (W 11) and Haris Kamal (S 11). Haris remains deeply engaged as the COO of Kualesa, an eco-conscious apparel brand co-founded alongside CEO, Ariff Faisal (Ldr 11). Their connection transcends mere business, as highlighted by Haris’s role as the best man at Ariff’s wedding to Alia Farouk, which took place at the Shangri-La in February. This joyous occasion not only united the couple but also introduced another OO, Omar Farouk (StA 11), as Ariff’s brother-in-law. The familial warmth extended beyond the wedding ceremony, evident in Omar’s witty speech during the wedding banquet, followed by his fantastic performance

 Below left: A riff Faisal (Groom) and Alia Farouk (Bride)

B elow right: A riff Faisal (middle) Omar Farouk (right, next to Ariff) Haris Kamal (left, next to Ariff)

leading the band to a crowd favourite ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’. The festivities also served as a Laundimer boys’ reunion, with the presence of Harry Clover (Ldr 11), Tim Lo (Ldr 11), Dominic Price (Ldr 11), and the proud father of the groom, Faisal Ibrahim (Ldr 84). Truly, it was a gathering filled with cherished memories and camaraderie.

The Malaysian OO reunion dinner in May convened forty OOs from five decades. It was a splendid affair, steeped in warmth and nostalgia. School tradition dictated that the oldest attendee, Azmi Merican (Ldr 79), received a pair of Old Oundelian Club School socks, while the youngest, Ben Yap (S 16), was presented with a school badge. Dinner unfolded at Jwala, a fine dining establishment nestled within Mirsham Habib’s (S 14) array of ventures, which also encompassed the renowned Malaysian art gallery and jewelry museum, Harta Space. Brent Sullivan (C 11) joined the reunion dinner, having landed in Malaysia from the UK for a holiday. During his stay in the city, he was warmly hosted by his fellow Crosby housemate, Faiz Roslan (C 11), embarking

New Zealand

John Seiffert (D 54), is now 88 and “feeling it.” He had spoken to John Winder (StA 58), a few days prior to writing, who commented, “we all had a good group in previous years, but now have no contact with OOs at all. Shame, because we all liked to meet up at either at the club in Auckland (The Northern Club), or a good vineyard restaurant. John Winder says he can no longer come to Auckland, and we have both lost touch with Jon Monk (B 76) and Jack Hurst (Sn 44)” He goes on to say that, apart from the newsletter and the OO magazine, he feels a lack of connectivity with Oundle now, “it is too long ago, and I can never go back there to have a look!”

on a culinary journey filled with local delicacies and tropical fruit delights amidst his diving trip in the Perhentian Islands.

Nizam Razak (Ldr 76) reports that Martin Lamb (D 76) came to Malaysia to attend his son’s wedding reception. The following weekend they went to Bangkok for a round of golf. Martin had an impressive game for someone who plays only a couple of times a year although he did lose 3 balls on one hole having confidently brought only 4! Later in May, he joined Nizam to watch the ManU game against Arsenal at old Trafford. A day to be forgotten. Ronnie Pinsler (Ldr 69) writes in to share he has been recognized as a “Supporter of Heritage” from the Singapore Heritage board and has donated 16,000 photographic slides now maintained by the Singapore National Archives. Ronnie continues to record and photograph local folk culture in Penang which is undergoing big change in the modern urban landscape.

Your correspondent embarked on a journey back to Oundle earlier in the year, accompanied by Jasper Mak (B 11) after a hiatus of twelve

years. The embrace of our return was attentively guided by the gracious hospitality of OO Club Secretary Nicky Yianni. Amidst the bustling ebb and flow of life, time stood still for a moment, as we savored a quick lunch at our old haunt Coffee Tavern. A resilient connection persists with the New House 2011 Leavers, through scheduled dinners during three visits to the UK over the past year. The catch-ups are always delightful, albeit brief, and something I eagerly anticipate during my short trips between returning to the office in the Hydrogen industry.

Bill Heffernan (Sn 81) writes that the year has flown by so fast that he has so far failed to make the trip to UK via Hong Kong that he threatened last year! He still lives in Lyttelton (the port of Christchurch) and carries out electrical engineering research at the University of Canterbury, aided and abetted by a small team of engineers and a larger group of postgraduate students. Such spare time as is available is taken up developing his Pinetum in Canterbury’s Malvern Hills (nine years in the making so far) or playing music with the inimitable (fortunately) Transparent Skills Matrix. John Ashworth (B 67) is looking forward to summer and hopes that it is not as smoky as last year. Neil

Hollebone (D 60) underwent open heart surgery in October and promptly moved house in December! Sadly, none of the family wanted any of the 40 years of accumulated treasures. This year has been so wet that he hasn’t used the irrigation on the garden. This has meant (even more sadly) that the rivers have been unfishable for most of the year. Then in February along came

 Brent in Kuala Lumpur- Faiz Roslan (left), Brent Sullivan (middle) , Afiqah Rizal (right)

■ Charles Salem (C 78)

John Seiffert

Cyclone Gabrielle. And there is no improvement in his golf.

John Winder (StA 58), at 83, is showing some signs of wear and tear! He sees Mark Collet (C 53) from time to time, when he calls in Marton to see mutual friends. He has several books on Oundle, which he will make available to any OOs who want them. These are A School

James Thompson (Ldr 02) has a daughter, Coco, born on 2 July this year. He is still living just outside NYC working on his healthcare company as CTO, having raised a seed round of venture capital at the start of 2023. John L.E. Seidler (Ldr 59) is ‘looking forward to September’s O.O. reunion in Manhattan. Will be 90 next year! Trying to stay active and still a speaker for the International Society on Aging and Gerontology. (Thank you again, John, for testing my vigilance - MS) I volunteer at local food bank and am walking a mile or two daily, and working out with trainer twice a week. Practise the piano an hour a day for my weekly lesson. I avoid daily political news but stay informed through The Economist and New Yorker. Read a book a month and write memories and opinions almost daily - for my six grandchildren.

Francis Xavier Kinney (Sn 73) remains active as a consultant in Washington, DC. He enjoyed a visit by Tim Blair (Sn 73) and looks forward to supporting the school when its students come to the U.S. capital. Ed Baunton (Lx 09) writes: ‘After 11 years working at the same place, I braved the idea that it was time for a break and took a year off to scratch the travel itch. Since September I’ve managed to see a bit more of the world: participating in the world’s most southerly Parkrun in the Falkland Islands; roadtripping the US (shearing a few sheep in Minnesota); ranching in Oregon and SCUBA diving in the Caribbean. It has been a great break and I’ve had the chance to

reconnect with OOs along the way at the usual smattering of weddings and events.

John Trask III (Ldr 82) writes: ‘My eldest daughter, Isabelle, is going to have our first grandchild the end of July and it is bittersweet since my mom passed in late May. The cycle of life! I am still living in Beaufort, SC and would love to hear from any OOs particularly Paul Fenby, Philip Cooper, Olufimi Elias and Mojo Rathburn to name a few. I have talked to Anan Hansasuta (Ldr 82) a few times on trips to SEA but have not seen him. I have tried to find contact information for these others but to no avail. However, I am greatly looking forward to reuniting with my old housemate, Kazim Gurel, in Turkey in early July. My daughter Isabelle is living in Beaufort in the country at Orange Grove Plantation, my parents’ home. My son, Peter, is 25 and a great outdoorsman and trying to get work in the environmental field. My youngest child Josephine just graduated from TCU in Ft. Worth, Texas and is staying out there to get a Masters in social work. I am in the real estate development business and enjoying it very much along with reading, travel, nature, family time. Feel free to mail or call if you are in my area. 843-812-2210 johntraskiii@gmail.com

Graham KL Jeffrey (C 51) ‘celebrated my 90th birthday by chartering a barge with six of my family and toured Le Canal du Midi in the south of France with a fantastic captain and crew including an excellent chef. I highly recommend this way of getting

for all Seasons (2005), And we were Young (2017), A History of the Oundle Schools by Willie Walker (1956) and Portrait of Oundle (1959), Oundle and the English Public School by Raymond Flower (1989).

Thank you all for taking the trouble to write in and I look forward to hearing more news, same time next year!

together with friends and family. After which I had a birthday party at my niece’s house in Virginia Water at which my study mate Geoffrey Dove and his wife Jane were there too - a wonderful reunion with them. Planning to be in France for an amicale with old InterContinental colleagues in the city of Lyon in Oct this year, returning to the USA by the QM2 - my first time crossing the Atlantic by sea. Finally had a hip replacement which was followed by a stroke and am fully recovered and starting to play golf again! I lost my speech for a while which my American friends noted returned still with that familiar English accent!

Doug Stark (B 11) received a PhD in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In Fall 2024, he will start as an Assistant Professor of English at the University of Texas at Arlington. Alongside research, the job will involve teaching students to think critically about digital media, especially video games - which Doug was frequently disciplined for when playing during Prep.

Keith Johnson (N 49) writes: ‘75 years after leaving and now looking back, I recall names of teachers I knew ‘The Bone’ Squire (Class C5A) ‘Willie’ Walker (C5B) Bunj Pip (Chemistry)

■ Mark Stevenson (N 81)

Tatam (Music) and my Housemasters, first Mr Burns, followed by ‘Cabby’ Marshall (Nurse Dugdale of BBC fame) both assisted by ‘Rolf’ Barber, and, finally, Gus Stainforth (Headmaster). My apologies to everyone overlooked.’ I’m currently keeping in relatively good health, thanks to an exercise bicycle and my wife’s good care. Both of us us enjoy, vicariously, the activities of our (hardworking) children and grandchildren. Can report only a few

minor earthquakes last year, but plenty of rain.’

Satyen Mehta (D 78) has ‘closed the investment fund I had run for twenty years in New York; I’m looking forward to spending more time in Europe doing a Masters degree in Economic History at the LSE and as a new resident in Paris. Victoria Gale (N 02) married Tony Berbari on 1 June 2024 at Syon Park with several OOs in attendance. No news outside the marriage! Robert Nicholls (D 91) continues in his twentyeighth year as Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church in Evansville, Indiana. He has been selected to be the conductor of the RSCM America National Choir for a two year term, which included a residency at Saint Thomas Church in New York in April 2024. The auditioned group will be taking up residency in Canterbury

Other News from Abroad

Africa

Roberto Nicholas Bonanno (Sc 03) and Victoria Bonanno (K 02) are married with two sons: Luca born in 2017 and Nico born in 2019. Roberto has been living in Nairobi, Kenya and working for 15 Years in the flower industry, trading and exporting flowers all over the world.

Caribbean

Wallace “Simon” Duthie Hinshelwood (StA 81) is enjoying retirement, splitting his time between his home in the Cayman Islands, shared with his wife Victoria and two dogs, and his London home in Blackheath. He has been kept busy in Cayman renovating the home to better entertain his five children/ step children and five grand children. He cycles to keep fit and recently completed the Ford London Essex 100 and then toured France for a week on his Triumph Rocket 3 motorcycle. He sees his brother Nigel (StA 82) when he is in London, enjoying a round of golf and/or dinner together with their wives.

Iberia

Jason Barker (B 93) Having spent 10 years in Singapore and five in Sydney,

Jason has recently moved with his family to Portugal. They are living in Cascais just outside Lisbon and, provided they can get through the paperwork process, they are hoping to stay for the long term!

Indonesia

John Peter Eastwood (D 74) writes: ‘Anne and I are into our 7th year enjoying life in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. I’m still working, making lighting.’

Japan

Dominic Al-Badri (N 98) writes: ‘Although still enjoying working as a political analyst at the Delegation of the European Union to Japan, thoughts are now slowly turning to early/semi-retirement. Dominic is in regular contact with Charlie Brookes, Adrian Corker and Marko Wilkinson (all N 88) and tries to see them at least once a year when he is back in the UK. Middle East

Dan Williams (StA 90) is a foreign correspondent in Israel and the Palestinian territories, and a married father of three. Pastimes include weekend work on a vineyard and the very occasional half-marathon. His father John Williams (StA 62) in

Cathedral for a week in late December 2025. Robert is also manager of RSCM Midwest, one of four intergenerational RSCM America Summer Choral Residencies.

Roger Frank Malina (Ldr 68): ‘I was recently awarded an endowed chair at University of Texas at Dallas until 2030 with over a million pounds in funding. Among other things we are working on re-inventing the good aspects of Village Life through the cibervillage project in Bogota, Columbia, using cyber technology reducing as many of the negatives as possible. Contact me if you would like to join the cibervillage. Kate Morris (N 04) and Aaron Littman have produced a son, Alfred Morris-Littman, born in Los Angeles on 18 October 2022. Kate is living in northeast Los Angeles, where she works as a lawyer handling federal criminal appeal.

Haifa has just had his book Apocalypse Secrets accepted by English Baha’i Publisher George Ronald, which Mark Hoffman (D 66) managed for many years.

Justin Cheatle (StA 85) has been living and working in Dubai for several years, launching Rise Studios - an Arabic language Film, TV Series, Drama, Comedy, Documentary and Kids studio, working across the MENA region - as CFO in 2022. He has commissioned / produced a slate of 13 projects, including four movies, four TV series and two documentaries over the last two years. He regularly comes across OOs within the region, including Richard Emmott (Sn 85) who recently moved with his family to Dubai, and Tony Wright (Sc 85), who is based in Istanbul.

David Owen (F 03) is still residing in Abu Dhabi with Roxy and their son Lucas Peter Owen, born on 21 October 2023. David continues to fly for Etihad Airways as a captain.

South America

David Hutchinson (N 56) battles on in Colombia even having reached the age of 81. He still works in banking, farming and oil exploration.

Marriages

· Sabrina Allhusen (D 15) and Harvey Tomes were married on 13 July in Bradenham, Norfolk.

· Morgan Ball (C 15) and Emilia Dixon Smith (D 16) were married in Emilia’s home town of Bocking, Essex on 15 June.

· Sebastian Bond (G 14) and Elizabeth James (Sn 14) were married on 20 July in Farnham, Hertfordshire.

· Sam Cone (StA 05) and Brittany Harbidge were married on 23 September 2023 at St Peter ’s Church in Newton-le-Willows.

 Morgan Ball and Emilia Dixon Smith

 Adam Smith and Hannah Rawlins

 S abrina Allhusen and Harvey Tomes

S ebastian Bond and Elizabeth James

· Isobel Grace Ellis (Sn 14) and James Edward Darwin Urquhart were married on 6 April in Huddersfield, Yorkshire.

· Arif Faisal( Ldr 11) and Alia Farouk were married at Iskandariah Palace, Kuala Kangsar on 17 February.

· Victoria Gale (N 02) and Tony Berbari were married at Syon Park on 1 June.

· Dr Hazel Hadian (D 11) and Dr William Clark were married at the Hilton, Kuala Lumpur on 28 October, 2023.

· Adam Smith (F 06) and Hannah

Births

· To Charlie Ashworth (G 11) a son, Alfie Anthony Piers Ashworth, born on 17 November 2023.

· To William Butler (L 08) and Wendy, a son, Rowan Townsend Butler, on 13 November 2023.

· To Maria Constable-Berry (Yukhnovich K 13) and David, sons, Alexander James and George Frederick born on 29 August 2023.

· To Kate Cranfield (Quinn D 05) and Ed, in April, a daughter, Elizabeth.

· To Olivia Dungate-Jones (CharltonJones W 08) a daughter, Norah Rose Dungate-Jones on 13 June.

· To Nick Dyson (B 07) and Katherine, a son, Walter Leonard Peter, on 14th April, a brother for Frederick.

· To Edmund Howard Greaves (Sc 07) and Ellyn Dora Sargent

Rawlins were married on 9 September, 2023 at the Guards’ Chapel, Wellington Barracks.

· Shalinie Sriemevan (L 14) and George Bostock (B 14) were married at Harlaxton Manor on 13 April.

· Grace Sutcliffe (K 13) and Sean Smith were married in Melbourne, Australia in December 2023.

· Ivo Videnov (Ldr 13) and Dr Sofia Nikolova were married in Sofia, Bulgaria, on 13 March.

· Rohesia Vince (K 14) and Alistair Brown were married on 13 July in Little Wymondley, Hertfordshire.

Megicks, a son, Cosmo Salvatore Barnaby Greaves, on 25 October 2022.

· To Louisa Light (Risch) (Sn 08), a daughter, Maisie Sienna Light, on 14th November 2023.

· To Alastair Logan (Ldr 04) and Lucy Logan, a son, Rory Julius Montagu Logan, born 18 May 2023.

· To Harry Meredith (F 11), twins: a daughter, Ella Margo Meredith and a son, Luca Finn Rouse Meredith, born on 4th April.

· To Kate Morris (N 04) and Aaron Littman, a son, Alfred MorrisLittman, born on 18 October 2022.

· To David Owen (F 03) and Roxy, a son, Lucas Peter Owen on 21 October 2023.

· To Stephanie Peate (K 08) and Eric Heimark, a daughter, Elizabeth Iris

Elaine Heimark, on 28 October 2023.

· To Gabriel Safar (C 03) a son, Leon, in 2023.

· To Adam Smith (F 06) and Hannah Rawlins, a daughter, Clara Willow Ottilie Rawlins-Smith at the RUH, Bath on 25 February.

· To James Thompson (Ldr 02) a daughter, Coco, on 2 July 2024.

· To Victoria Thomson (Cropley N 01) and Duncan Thomson, a daughter, Primrose Elizabeth Hope on 21 July 2023.

· To Nicky Yianni (OO Club Secretary) and Naomi Elizabeth Kanava a son, Archie William Kanava Yianni on 9 September.

· To Rahmat Yusuf (Sc 93) and Azura, a son, Abang Johan Max Yusuf on 3 April.

 Isobel Grace Ellis and James Edward Darwin Urquhart

Maisie Sienna Light

Twins Ella and Luca Meredith

Archie William Kanava Yianni

Old Oundelian Benevolent Fund

■ Established by deed in 1936, the Fund was set up to assist OOs or their children in cases of financial hardship. Charity no. 309920

The Old Oundelian Benevolent Fund (the Fund) was set up with the aim of providing financial assistance to Old Oundelians and their dependants. It is administered by a board of six trustees, three of whom are appointed at the AGM of the Old Oundelian Club. The other three trustees are ‘ex officio’, comprising the incumbent OO Club President, Secretary and Club Finance Committee Chair.

The Fund is required by law

to apply its trust fund moneys in accordance with the terms of the trust deed that established the fund and, in particular, with the objects as provided in the trust deed and reproduced below. In recent years the Fund has supported a range of causes, including:

• Contributing towards the support of children of OOs within the Oundle School bursary programme

• Assisting an OO in financial hardship by paying university fees

• Providing prize funds for the Oundle School OO Club Charity Challenge

• Giving financial and practical support to the School’s annual Mencap holiday

All donations will be applied by the trustees at their absolute discretion in accordance with the objects of the Fund set out below (amended from time to time in accordance with the terms of the Trust deed) and the law as it applies to charities.

Objects of the Fund

The sole purposes or objects to or for all or any of which trust fund moneys are to be applied are as follows:

• To give financial assistance to any Old Oundelian in the education of his or her child or children at Oundle School or at some preparatory school or at some recognised place of higher education

• To fund scholarships or exhibitions available for Old Oundelians or their children

• To give financial assistance by either loan or gift to any Old Oundelian or his or her dependents in need or distress

• To give financial assistance to any Old Oundelian or his or her dependents for education or training for any business or profession if considered by the trustees to be necessary or advisable on the grounds of financial necessity

• To contribute towards any other charitable object for the benefit of Old Oundelians or their dependents provided that such contribution has been previously sanctioned by the committee of the Old Oundelian Club

• To contribute towards projects or other appeals for the further development of Oundle School.

Note: the expression Old Oundelian for the purpose of the above means any person educated at Oundle School or Laxton School

NEW HOUSE LAXTON

THE CHAPEL

BRAMSTON GARDEN

THE BERRYSTEAD

Obituaries

1944

Christopher Booth (C) died 23 March 2024

William Booth (son) writes … Christopher J Booth passed away on Saturday 23 March aged 97 at his care home in Henley on Thames. Following Oundle, Christopher played rugby for Cambridge and qualified as a General Practitioner following residency at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington. He served in the Korean War as a doctor with the Royal Army Medical Corps. He worked for the NHS for many years, first as a locum in Sheffield and then joining a practice in Reading where he worked as a GP for more than 40 years. He was an enthusiastic amateur actor and avid outdoor sportsman.

He leaves a son (William), a daughter (Sarah) and three grandsons (Christopher, Oliver and Charlie)

Sir Roland Franklin (Sc) died 1 February 2024

The Observer writes … Sir Roland Franklin, a

and resident of Antigua and Barbuda, has died. The following is the text of the prime minister’s condolences to the bereaved; “The government and people of Antigua and Barbuda express their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sir Roland Franklin whose death saddens us all. Sir Roland was a well-respected citizen and resident of our beautiful twin island state who made significant contributions to nation-building. His contribution to the development of Jumby Bay Resort & Residences brought our country significant and sustaining socio-economic benefits over several decades. He was also known and celebrated within our local community for his philanthropy. The nation knows that Sir Roland’s passing has created a void and great pain for his family, friends and admirers. However, we should be comforted by the beautiful memories that were shared with him and the knowledge of his achievements and contributions. The government and people stand in solidarity with his son, Martin, and other family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace and rise in paradise.”

1945

Thomas Johnston (Sn) died 10 September 2023 Alison Johnston (daughter)

writes…

At school from 1942-45, he used to run cross country and was a good boxer. Thomas used to recall the time he climbed the spire of the church and received a letter of recrimination from the Headmaster.

1946

William Burrows (G) died 17 December 2023

Richard Nockold (B) died 12 May 2024

1947

Christopher Layton (Lx) died 12 March 2023

The Times writes … Christopher Layton was born in 1929 in Wimbledon, the youngest by six years of seven children. His mother Dorothy (née Osmaston) was a suffragette and on the executive committee of the League of Nations. She met Walter as a Cambridge University student when he was a lecturer in economics at Trinity College. For Walter’s efforts during the Second World War, which included his work in the Ministry of Supply and the Ministry of Production, he was raised to the peerage

in 1947 to become the 1st Baron Layton. He boarded at Oundle and went on to King’s College, Cambridge, but had a nervous breakdown and abandoned his degree after two years. In his early twenties he had a five-year marriage to Anneliese von Thadden, a German au pair living near his parents in Sussex, and had two children.

Brought up among the leading figures of the day, as a six-year-old, Christopher met Haile Selassie, the exiled emperor of Ethiopia, and in 1937 was at a Bertram Mills circus when his father announced, “Christopher, let me introduce you to Winston Churchill. He is a great man — and he’s got more great things to come.” Christopher was in his late teens in 1948 when he attended the postwar European Congress in the Hague as an assistant to his father. Walter Layton was a chief adviser for the Joint War Production Staff in the Second World War and afterwards vice-chairman of the Council of Europe Assembly. A postwar united Europe was Walter’s mission and he ensured his son was made well aware of the arguments in its favour.

In the early 1950s Christopher followed the path of his father, who had been editor of The Economist and then chairman of The Economist Newspaper Ltd, and joined the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). He moved on to the editorial staff of The Economist

well-respected citizen

and was responsible for international economic affairs.

In the 1960s Christopher worked for Jo Grimond, leader of the Liberal Party. He stood as a parliamentary candidate for the Liberals, trying four times for seats in Wiltshire, and in the 1980s moved towards the SDP, standing unsuccessfully as an MEP for the party. In 1961 he married Ann Moon, a colleague at The Economist, and they had three children, separating in 1990, when he moved down to Grimstone Manor. Among those accompanying him to Devon was Wendy Daniels, a member of his meditation group in Barnes, southwest London. They had a child and married in 1995. Wendy predeceased him in 2009.

Christopher Layton spent much of his life emphasising the benefits of countries and communities working together. He was one of the first Britons to work in Brussels in the run-up to Britain joining the EEC in 1973. At the turn of the century he became more concerned about climate change. With Pinder’s help he brought together delegates from the EU and India with the aim of starting a global climate community.

Basil Payne (N) died 16 March 2023

Caroline Payne (daughter) writes … Oundle, with its reputation for engineering, was the perfect place for a boy who loved ‘making things’ and was talented at maths (even in his nineties, my father’s mental arithmetic was faster than us fumbling about on our phones). He arrived at New House in 1942 where the war effort became part of school life: the boys made munitions boxes in the school foundry and at weekends, tractors would drive into the village, load the boys onto trailers and drive them to the fields to help harvest beet, potatoes and onions. Onions were the most fun, their leaves streaming behind them when they were, inevitably, thrown as missiles! He became a school prefect, head of New House, played for the 1st XI and rowed in the school VIII.

His national service saw him win best all-round cadet and he was posted as a subaltern to the 3rd Royal Horse Artillery stationed in Germany where, as a 19-year-old officer, he oversaw sections of the Berlin Airlift.

At Oxford, he continued his love of rowing (every afternoon!) to the detriment of his degree. He rowed for Worcester in the finals of the Wyfold Challenge Cup at Henley, although he missed achieving a Blue for the boat race; but it was the year Oxford sank, so not having his stomach emptied of Thames water nullified the disappointment of not being in the boat.

On graduating, he accepted a job with City

Bank and asked to be sent to Madrid where he taught himself Spanish, which he still spoke with panache into his nineties when he would escape to beautiful seaside Paradors in the dark of late January. Nevertheless, he was still keen to ‘make things’ and so he took a job with E Gomme (later G-Plan). It was from there, on Friday afternoons, that he would wave at a particular train as it passed the timber yard, carrying a young language undergraduate from King’s.

Sheila and he married in 1955 and turning his back on flat packs, he studied for the exams to become a broker at Lloyds of London. His syndicate sent him to run their office in Monrovia and he spent several months of the year there, as well as in Sydney and Buenos Aires. My mother also had a yearning to travel, so once their children (Christopher who also went to Oundle, and myself) had left home, they embarked on adventures - all planned from the kitchen table with Baedekers and books from the library, figuring out which was the best way to navigate the Andes, etc. My father also took himself skiing most winters; his distinctive elegance offset by a huge homemade sheepskin hat, as he sped down the slopes whooping with delight - he just loved the mountains. He skied until he was 79, and later, having lost his right leg, even went for a week’s triskiing at the age of 88.

Besides all this, a wealth of friends, hours spent doing beautiful carpentry, a long association with

the Surrey Yeomanry and eventually the arrival of their adored grandchildren, my father had a great aptitude for getting on and enjoying life. He was brave, optimistic, determined and had an inextinguishable proclivity for fun.

1948

Bill Carson Jnr (G) died 15 June 2022

The Star-Ledger writes … Charles W. “Bill” Carson, Jr., 93, passed away June 15, 2022. Bill was born February 13, 1929, and raised in Rochester, N.Y. In his teens Bill began collecting cancelled postal stamps, rare books and maps, an early reflection of his curiosity about the world that led to a career in international finance. Bill graduated from Monroe High School in Rochester in 1946 and from the Peddie School, Hightstown, New Jersey, in 1947. He attended Oundle School on a scholarship in 1947-48.

In 1951, at the age of 22, Bill became the youngestever person elected to membership in the Royal Geographic Society, London. He graduated from Princeton University (BA, Political Science, Class of ‘52), and was awarded The Lyman H. Atwater Prize in Politics that year.

On August 23, 1952, Bill married Philadelphia

native Miriam Maud Jackson. He attended St. John’s College at Oxford University in 1953, to study classical Arabic language and literature. Upon returning to the United States, Carson moved to Washington, D.C., where he served in the U.S. Army and wrote a primer on Arabic grammar for the National Security Agency, 1953-56. The couple moved to New York in 1956, where Bill joined the Chemical Bank. He attended Harvard University’s Advanced Management Program in 1968, then went on to lead Chemical Bank’s International Division from 1970-77. He served as vice chair of the Chemical Bank’s board of directors from 1977 until his retirement in 1983. He served as a partner of Price Waterhouse & Partners, 1985-88. His corporate directorships included Mitsubishi Trust & Banking Corporation, NAC Re Corporation, McPherson’s America Inc., Princeton Capital Management, and Trebol International Corporation.

After 1988, Bill focused on service in the nonprofit sector. He served as a trustee and financial advisor at the American University of Beirut, the New York Historical Society, the National YMCA Fund, Inc., Americans for Oxford, Inc., and Drew University. He was a long-time member of the Council on Foreign Relations and travelled to more than 100 countries in the course of his career.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Miriam, who passed away in 2016. He is survived by his

sister, Mary Kahl and his sons, Tom (Robin) and Phil.

1949

(Edwin) Hugh Butler (C) died 13 December 2023

Maggie Silver (daughter) writes …

It is with great sorrow that we record the loss of Hugh, after a long, happy and successful life. Hugh enjoyed his time at Oundle, as a member of Crosby, having many fond memories of his time there - including rowing and the cadets, and cycling down to the Nene in his spare time where his family’s sailing boat was moored - although less fond memories of the temperature in the dorm in winter. He was thrilled when he returned some years ago to watch his grandson play cricket against Oundle, also getting the chance to talk about his memories (including making ammunition boxes in woodwork classes) with the then headmaster.

After Oundle, Hugh did a degree in Pharmacy, before joining, and taking on a key role in, the family business, E H Butler and Son Ltd, pharmaceutical manufacturers and wholesalers in Leicester. He particularly enjoyed the development and

networking sides of the business, meeting with other wholesalers around the country, and developing a nationwide organisation to link and benefit them all.

In addition to work, Hugh was a passionate sailor, keen tennis player, member of his Lodge, and hill walker, again playing key roles in a voluntary capacity in many of the organisations he worked with in his spare time. Hugh was also a yachtmaster instructor and had many adventures afloat both in Europe and crossing the Atlantic –some adventures more hairy than others! In later years Hugh spent a lot of time in his allotment, and helping the Melton and Oakham Waterways Society clear channels for navigation.

He was a devoted family man – spending time with and on his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also had a succession of rescue dogs with which he spent many happy hours walking the fields of Leicestershire alongside his wife. Hugh also found time for holidays of an adventurous nature, walking and exploring nature.

Hugh’s quick wit and sense of humour never left him, and he was known by all as a gentleman. Hugh was a competent pianist, and some of our fondest memories are of listening to him play old favourites, after of course partaking of his excellent hospitality. Hugh’s influence on the lives of so many, family and others, will live on – definitely someone to be proud of.

1950

James Fetherston (B) died 22 December 2023

1952

Robin Barlow (Sn) died February 2024

Shaharyar Khan (D) died 23 March 2024

The News International writes … Born in 1934 in the Qasre-Sultani Palace in Bhopal State in British India, Shaharyar Khan was the only son of Nawab Muhammad Sarwar Ali Khan, the ruler of the former princely state of Kurwai, and Princess Begum Abida Sultan, crown princess of the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal.

Having joined the foreign service of Pakistan in 1957, Shaharyar Khan became foreign secretary in 1990, and remained in this post till he retired in 1994. He served in the UK, Tunisia, Jordan, France, and the UN and as the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Rwanda from 1994–1996. Those younger would remember Shaharyar Khan more for his affiliation with the Pakistan Cricket Board. Known for his enthusiasm for cricket, Khan served two terms as chairman of the PCB - 2003 to 2006 and from 2014 to 2017. The PCB also expressed grief over the death of its

former chairman, saying that the board will “always remember him as one of the vital characters in bringing cricket back to Pakistan during the last decade.”

Shaharyar Khan was also a published author whose works included books on Rwanda, Bhopal, IndiaPakistan relations and a biography of his mother. He is survived by his wife, three sons and a daughter.

Thomas Lane (LS) died August 2023

1953

George (Ray) Mawer (D) died 26 October 2023

The Rev John Russell (Sc) died 21 July 2024

His wife, Philippa, writes... Born on 20 December, 1935, John started at the preparatory department of Oundle in 1946. After completing senior school and two years National Service, he went to Caius College, Cambridge in 1955 with a scholarship. He read Natural Sciences, Chemical Engineering and Theology. After leaving Caius, he trained as a priest at Westcott House and followed that vocation until he retired in 2000.

1954

David Radcliffe (B) died 21 February 2023

The

his training at Cambridge University, Dr. Radcliffe met his wife of 63 years, fellow graduate student Shanthi Wickramasinghe, a native of Sri Lanka. They were married in 1959 and had their first daughter while Dr. Radcliffe completed his doctoral work at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. They settled in London, Ontario in 1967 and had their second daughter there.

Until his retirement in May 2001, Dr. Radcliffe served in various leadership roles at Althouse College of Education, Western University, where he was a beloved teacher and scholar for 36 years. He is remembered in his field as an advocate for the integration of cultural context, received knowledge, and folk wisdom in education systems around the world, based on his doctoral and ongoing field work in Africa and Asia.

He was a lifelong student of the relationship between the world’s education systems and the world’s religions. He was also an avid student of classical, jazz and world music, and an accomplished amateur musician, proficient at the French horn and a variety of other instruments. In retirement, he continued playing his beloved music around the world with the New Horizons Band, and continued teaching and learning with the Society for Learning in Retirement. He is remembered with much love by his many friends and family as a kind, gentle, thoughtful, wise and loving man with a delightful - and sometimes wicked! - sense of humour.

He is survived by his wife Shanthi; his daughter Sara Radcliffe and sonin-law J.D. Kleinke; his daughter Anjali Radcliffe; his sister, Jeanne (Jon) McIntosh; and his niece and goddaughter, Claire (Harvey) Sandercock.

David Redshaw (Ldr) died 12 July 2024. His brother, Michael Redshaw, writes...

After Oundle, David was called up for National Service. He joined The South Staffs and after basic training was posted to Hong Kong, where he joined Intelligence primarily monitoring the border with China. On leaving the Army he was articled to the accountants Thompson McLintock in Birmingham, then joined the National Provincial Bank and was in time posted to Hereford. Eventually he became a lecturer in business studies, and financial management, at Hereford Technical College, then moved on to form his own financial training company.

On retirement he continued to play golf and travel, regularly visiting his villa in Portugal. He had a great passion for gardening and, with Penny, created a wonderful garden at their home near Hereford.

1955

John Brass (D) died 22 September 2023

Peter (D 58) and Hugh (D 67), his brothers, write … John Brass (D 55) died in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, on 22nd September 2023. He arrived in Oundle on an OO scholarship from Winchester House. He followed his uncle Tom (D 25) and father John (D 26) into Dryden. His two brothers, a son, a cousin and two nieces also went to Dryden. A nephew went to Bramston. He was a House Prefect, keen rower in a winning house crew and School Captain of shooting, winning the Alfred Burt prize. In the CCF he was in the RAF Section and was the House detachment commander.

After Oundle he read Mining Engineering at Nottingham University on a National Coal Board scholarship. He continued to row, took up car rallying and was regarded as an outstanding student. He worked for the NCB in increasingly senior positions but through a period of deteriorating industrial relations until 1978. In that year he moved to Alabama having been recruited by Jim Walter Resources Inc. as Vice-President of longwall mining. Following retirement John and his wife Brenda moved to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. There he took an active interest in nature conservation, other outdoor activities and photography.

(Lionel) Peter Cockcroft (StA) died 17 September 2023

Michael Garner (S) died October 2023

John Turner (G) died September 2023

London Free Press writes … Dr. Radcliffe was born in Wivenhoe, Essex. During

1956

Anthony Parsons (B) died December 2023

Maxine Parsons (wife) writes … My husband Anthony was very proud of having been a pupil at Oundle School. He lived a full and happy life and died at home.

Charles Patrick (Sn) died 19 October 2023

Legacy.com writes … Charles Edward Stewart Patrick passed away on October 19 at the age of 85 in Walnut Creek, California.

Stewart, as he was known to friends and family, was born to William Leonard and Josephine Mary Patrick, and grew up in the town of St. Helens where William worked as a research chemist involved in the war effort.

After Oundle School, Stewart served in the 37th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment of the British Army Royal Artillery from 1956-58, stationed in Malta. While there, he played rugby for the regiment and acted in a modern army dress version of Shakespeare’s Henry V. Stewart earned a BA and MA in natural sciences from Cambridge University, where he rowed in the 1959 Trinity College rugby boat. After working at ICI as an industrial engineer for several years, he crossed the Atlantic to

earn his MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

After several years working for McKinsey & Co. in New York and then London, he returned to the United States and became a U.S. citizen. He lived for many years in Rye, New York, working with McKinsey, then Continental Can Co. and finally PepsiCo. In the 90s, he moved to Philadelphia to be Compensation and Benefits Director at Cigna Corporation, and subsequently at the St. Gobain Corporation, from which he retired in 2005. Outside work, Stewart was an active participant in the British Officers Club and the Honorable Artillery Company.

Stewart is survived by his wife, sons Nicholas and Rupert and their wives Rossana and Sara, stepdaughters Christine and Caroline, eight grandchildren, and his younger sister Julia and former wife Gilly.

Sir Colin Shepherd (S) died 17 January 2024

The Telegraph writes … Sir Colin Shepherd, who died four days after his 86th birthday, was for 25 years a conscientious Conservative MP for

Hereford, holding off the Liberals to take the seat in October 1974, but losing it to them when John Major’s government was routed in 1997. He was particularly proud of his work chairing the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association at UK and international level and, having served in the Royal Canadian Navy, he chaired the allparty Canada Group.

Twice vice-chairman of the Conservative backbench agriculture committee, Shepherd voiced concerns about rural depopulation and the influx of West Midlanders, and in 1991 raised the issue of the increasing number of farmers committing suicide. Supporting Herefordshire’s most celebrated product, he protested when Denis Healey introduced a cider tax in 1976. His constituency was also the home of the SAS, and Shepherd on occasion saw the need to explain what the elite special force actually did and to defend its actions. He delivered his most detailed and spirited defence in January 1976, in response to a comprehensive attack on the SAS’s presence and activities in Northern Ireland from the nationalist MP Gerry Fitt.

From Oundle School, he did his National Service with the Royal Navy, then in 1958 went up to Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. On graduating he moved to Canada, serving for three years with the RCN and completing his studies at McGill University

in Montreal. In 1963 he joined the family firm, Haigh Engineering of Ross-on-Wye, taking charge of marketing and product development; he inherited his shareholding in 1975.

As an MP, he spent one day a week with the firm, saying: “It keeps one’s feet, if not on the ground, then very close to it.” He was active in the company, which specialises in healthcare waste disposal systems, until 2010.

Shepherd was selected as candidate for Hereford in May 1974. In his maiden speech, he complained that Herefordshire farmers had seen their income halved, and were having to sell their livestock to stay in business. From 1983 he chaired the Commons’ Library Committee, then in 1991 he took charge of the Catering Committee in place of the exotic Sir Charles Irving. The job had been a political minefield for several of his predecessors – notably when the committee ordered German crockery in preference to Wedgwood, and when Robert Maxwell sold off the wine cellar in the 1960s. Tall, quiet and courteous, Shepherd contrived to be uncontroversial and a safe pair of hands.

Knighted on Major’s recommendation in 1996, Shepherd’s luck ran out at the following year’s election as Tony Blair swept to power. The Lib Dems also made gains across the board, and Paul Keetch captured Hereford for them by a majority of 6,648 votes – larger

than Shepherd had ever secured.

Out of the Commons, he was director of parliamentary studies for the Centre for Political and Diplomatic Studies from 1999 to 2010. He was also at various times a council member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, a governor of the Commonwealth Institute and a trustee of the Friends of the Commonwealth Foundation.

It was a blessing for Shepherd to be able to celebrate his final birthday at home and thank local friends for all they had done over the years. He married, in 1966, Louise Cleveland, who survives him with their three sons.

Ian Williamson (Ldr) died 26th December 2023

Tim Piper (B 57) writes … Ian, a contemporary of mine in History VI, died on 26 December 2023, aged 84.He was the younger brother of Lindsey Williamson, who was Head of School in 1954. At Oundle he specialised in English and History and was also involved in producing the School film commemorating its 400th anniversary in 1956.

Ian spent his last school year on an English Speaking Union Scholarship at The Gunnery School in Connecticut, USA where, at the end of that summer term, he passed out top “Summa cum laude”. He joined the army on leaving, and was an officer in the King’s Own Scottish Borderers for the next 20 years, serving in Kenya, Aden, Borneo and Northern Ireland and also holding a prestigious role in the General Staff of the MoD with responsibility for the worldwide organisation and deployment of the Regular Army. Retiring from the Army in 1978 he had a number of senior positions in the Scottish Special Housing Association - organising and providing social housing, mainly in Glasgow, and managing a fund of some £600 million, for which he was awarded an OBE in 2004.

Ian and his wife, Priscilla, whom he had married in 1968, retired to Wilby in Suffolk, where he became involved in village activities, including as churchwarden and chair of the Parish Council for many years. He even found time to obtain a BA (Honours) in History at the Open University and learned to speak Italian at the age of 76. Ian was a man of great integrity and organisational skills, with a splendidly dry sense of humour.

He is very sadly missed by all who knew him and in particular his widow, Priscilla and his three children, Matthew, Thomas and Joanna.

1957

Nigel Brough (St A) died 14 December 2022

Peter Williams (Ldr) died September 2023

1959

Christopher Lloyd (B) died 2 May 2024

Debbie Lloyd (wife) writes … Chris Lloyd was born in Cambridge in 1941, and attended St Faith’s School, followed by Oundle, where he was first introduced to the sport of rowing. In his final year he stroked their crew in the final of the Queen Elizabeth Cup at Henley Royal Regatta, losing by just a few feet. During school holidays he rowed for Cambridge ’99 Rowing Club. He continued to row, at Christ’s College, Cambridge stroking their First Boat in the May Bumps, and trialling for CUBC.

In 1976, he returned to Cambridge as Head of the junior section of St Faith’s. He played rugby at Cambridge and Shelford Rugby Clubs before settling at Cantabrigian Rugby Club where he played into his 50s. He started coaching at Christ’s College Boat

Club and rowed regularly with Cambridge Veteran Rowing Club. He left teaching in 1978 to become landlord of the Free Press pub where he soon established his own boat club. With Free Press BC he rowed in many local, national and international events and a friendship exchange with CC Aniene of Rome and OUBC, which ran from 1982 to 2012. He coached numerous college crews including Churchill and Christ’s colleges, as well as the CUWBC Blondie crew. In addition to his club responsibilities, he was a Vice-President and Trustee of the Cambridgeshire Rowing Association and served on the CRA’s Bumps Committee. His competitive rowing career was cut short by a fall resulting in a broken hip in 2011, but he participated in recreational outings, picking up a blade for the final time in 2013. In parallel with running the pubs, having bought and reopened the Cambridge Blue in 1985, he worked as assistant Boatman at Churchill College from 1990 to 2013.

As well as being on the bank for Churchill crews during the Bumps, he was always willing to help at local rowing events, including the CRA Winter League and Time Race. His final event as an official was just last year, when he took charge of the finish hooter for the Time Race, clearly enjoying still being useful at a mere 82 years of age. After 17 years of retirement Chris died very peacefully in

Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, following a brief illness.

David Simons (Sn) died May 2024

Nick Copestick (Ldr 59) writes…

David was born in Hugglescote, Leicestershire in October 1940. He grew up in Gerrards Cross where he attended Gayhurst School then went to Oundle with a scholarship. He excelled at Oundle and went up to Corpus Christi College Cambridge where he read Economics.

After Cambridge, he sought out a career in accounting and qualified as a chartered accountant. He joined Slough Estates in 1972 where he was responsible for their overseas operations, due in part to his ability to speak fluent French and German. This meant he lived on a plane and gained a BA gold card! In 1986 he was made a Board Director which lasted until his retirement in 2002.

David was a devoted family man who showed a genuine interest and support for everything that his nieces and nephews were doing. He was known as Dogsie to his friends, probably due to his dogged determination – a description given to him while captaining and playing for the British Boys’ golf team.

His golfing career was no less than illustrious. Whilst at Cambridge he gained his Blue and began playing for OOGS (as Oundle) in the Halford Hewitt. He was in the winning side of 1962, holing the vital

putt on the 18th in foul weather, to secure the trophy. His stats put him in our top 10 for games played (51) and points scored (33).

He was Captain of Denham Golf Club and in 2006 of Royal St George’s, during which time he presented the British Amateur trophy to the astonished (French) winner in fluent French. David was Captain and later President of the Oxford and Cambridge Golfing Society and a member of the R&A, serving on the Amateur status Committee. He was very supportive of youth golf and will be sadly missed by his countless protégés.

David and his father took up fly-fishing in 1970 on the river Chess. In 2003 he joined the Piscatorial Society with its fantastic fishing on the rivers Avon, Itchen and Test. His great love was salmon fishing, in particular on the river Oykel, which he fished every year from 1982.

He had a loving relationship with Vibeke, his partner of some 30 years. A shared interest in golf, fishing and travel combined with her formidable intellect made for a strong relationship. When she became ill, he did everything he could to make her life comfortable. St James’s Church, Fulmer, gave him spiritual guidance in his later years. Many friends from his golfing and fishing communities shared happy memories of his life with family at the funeral there on June 14, 2024.

1960

Richard Bailey (Sc) died 20 April 2024

1961

James Heesom (N) died 12 December 2023

Nicolette Reichhold (daughter) writes …

James Heesom entered New House in 1956, becoming head of House in his senior year. He was the elder son of Dudley Heesom, Housemaster of Bramston House and Head of History during the 1940s and 1950s.

James studied architecture at Cambridge from 1962 to 1968. Tributes by his contemporaries state that he had a good knowledge of the fragmented theories of the modern movement. His views, they said, were always worth listening to and engaging with and he was well respected. In his fourth year at Cambridge James was a key member of a group that put together a major housing and urban design project.

After graduating, James worked for Merton London Borough Council, where some innovative and award winning housing was being developed. Later he worked on the design of the new British Library in the team of Colin St John Wilson, an architect that he admired.

In 1974 James started teaching at the Bartlett School of Architecture – a part of University College

London, where he ran the first year course in addition to his lecturing. Later he taught design theory at the School of Architecture of the University of East London. He was also a guest critic at a number of schools of architecture in the UK and had a year as a visiting Associate Professor at the University of Virginia.

James had a great love of travel, setting off every summer with his wife, Liz, and their children on long journeys to Europe and beyond.

1962

Ian Payne (G) died 6 April 2024

Richard Beeby (Lx 68) writes … Known to us all locally as Payno or The Brig, Ian was our corresponding member for the OO magazine for many years, until six years ago and was the senior partner of solicitors Freeth’s [previously Freeth Cartwright] in Nottingham.

1963

Nigel Shepherd (G) died 1 February 2024

1965

David Gattie (B) died February 2024

Max Gattie (son) writes … Living his early years in Mobberley in Cheshire

with his parents and sisters Elva and Sheila, David first boarded at Trearddur Bay Preparatory School and later Oundle where he stayed until A levels. He was married to Christine in 1970, soon after which he moved to Knutsford, Cheshire. After a few years in the travel industry, he spent much of his working life as managing director of a chain of printing and graphic design shops, in his later years branching out into other areas including catering, events and woodburning stoves.

He lived his life to the full, always busy with a new project or idea, only slowed down temporarily in his later years by knee and hip replacements. In his later years, he was well known around Knutsford, a friendly face who would often be sighted on his way to the shops in a classic car, or on his bike, or off to a country pub to meet friends for some real ale.

A much loved father, grandfather and husband, David will be immensely missed by his wife Christine, son Max, daughter Georgina, and grandchildren Alex and Sienna. You can see more details of David’s life, and contact his family, at the memorial website www. mollypotts.co.uk.

Anthony Holden (Lx) died 7 October 2023

The Guardian writes … Born in Southport, Lancashire, Tony was the son of Margaret (nee Sharpe) and John Holden, who owned a sports shop. His footballer grandfather Ivan Sharpe won a gold medal playing for England at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm. Sharpe went on to a long career in football journalism, including an interview with Benito Mussolini about the sport.

From Trearddur House school, Anglesey, and Oundle, Northamptonshire, Tony went in 1966 to Merton College, Oxford. He was quickly dubbed “Golden Holden” as everything he turned his hand to won fans, including stars of OUDS, the university drama society, for which he directed plays, and writers for the student magazine Isis, which he edited.

He studied English but scrambled his school Greek into a translation of Aeschylus’s Agamemnon that was put on at Delphi in Greece in 1968 with a student cast. That work also provided the libretto for the premiere of a new opera by a student composer, Richard Morris, put on by the Oxford University Opera Club, led by Amanda. With his first wife, Amanda Warren, Tony translated the libretto of Mozart’s Don Giovanni for English National Opera (1986). Later he explored the life of the original librettist in Lorenzo da Ponte: The Man Who Wrote Mozart (2006).

On graduating, Tony became a trainee reporter for the Evening Echo in Hemel Hempstead, and a local trial gave him the

subject of his first book, The St Albans Poisoner (1975). In 1972 he was named young journalist of the year, and his move to the Sunday Times followed. His politics – always on the left, with a twinkle in his eye – became resolutely republican. He hosted dinners and denounced the royals as making any modernisation of the British state all but impossible.

His more than 30 books also included William Shakespeare: His Life and Work (1999), one of the first to explore Shakespeare’s secret Catholicism; a biography of one of the dramatist’s great interpreters, Olivier (1988); and the story of a 19th-century critic, essayist and poet, The Wit in the Dungeon: The Life of Leigh Hunt (2005). Edited with his son, Ben, were two delightful anthologies, Poems That Make Grown Men Cry (2014) and Poems That Make Grown Women Cry (2016). Definitely intended to entertain were The Oscars (1993) and two that each came out of a year of playing poker professionally – Big Deal (1990) and Bigger Deal (2007).

A serious stroke in 2017 barely slowed him down as he typed every day with his one good right hand and gave lunches where doctors’ advice was ignored, and bottles were opened. His final book was Based on a True Story: A Writer’s Life (2021). In a trade where schadenfreude is often the norm, Tony was the loyalist of loyal friends, which is why he had so many all his life. Tony and Amanda married in 1971, and they

went on to have three sons, Sam, Joe and Ben. After their divorce in 1988 Amanda kept his surname and continued as a leading librettist and translator until her death in 2021. In 1990 Tony married Cindy (Cynthia) Blake, whom he had hired as a columnist for Today. They separated in 2000 but did not divorce. He is survived by his sons.

Anthony John Paine (D) died 24 March 2023

Christopher Joll (Sn) died 18 April 2024

The Telegraph writes … Christopher Joll was a British military historian, author, and military event organiser best known for directing the British Military Tournament. Later in his career, the former Life Guard, who served four tours of duty in Northern Ireland, became the Telegraph’s goto expert on all military matters, with a particular focus on the uniforms, medals and insignia worn by members of the Royal family and service personnel at major state occasions including the Platinum Jubilee, the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the Coronation. His commentary of the

Telegraph’s live coverage of Trooping the Colour attracted 1.6 million views, while his narration during the late Queen’s funeral was watched by 1.8 million via the Telegraph website and YouTube page. Such was the persistent and sometimes pernickety nature of Joll’s corrective missives to journalists, unable to tell their Gold Stick from their Silver Sticks-in-Waiting, that the newsroom soon adopted a new word to describe his punchy communiques: a “Jollicking”. His wit never deserted him and when told it was time to go into a hospice for palliative care, he turned to the nurse and with a wry smile said: “What shall I pack?”

An avid schnauzer lover, Joll lived in Bath, where his interests encompassed everything from cooking Ottolenghi recipes to opera and needlework. He was a dedicated collector of PostImpressionist pictures, and between 2001 and 2013 he and his partner, Philip, were responsible for restoring Sham Castle, an 18th-century Gothic folly in Shropshire. He died at the age of 75

1969

Richard Akroyd (LS) died September 2023 Bob Freeman (LS 69) writes … Richard passed away after a long and courageous battle with a serious head injury. He leaves behind a sister, son, daughter, grandchildren and close friends.

Richard and I attended Laxton Grammar School and together we shared a

canoe in 1969 that was part of the successful crossChannel canoe expedition - an accomplishment of which he was rightly proud.

After a successful career in procurement and senior management roles in the automotive world (Perkins Engines, Jaguar, Aston Martin) he moved on to British Steel and other challenges.

We would always attempt to re-connect each time I visited the UK and later, after his accident, my wife and I enjoyed our visits with him at his re-hab facility in Leicester. I shall never forget his passionate determination and stubborn will to get well and be able to drive again. Godspeed Richard.

1970

Geoffrey Rhodes (Sc) died 17 January 2023

Raymond Rhodes (Sc 99) (son) writes Geoffrey thoroughly enjoyed his time at Oundle and was very popular amongst his peers. His friends all remember him as a prankster and the trouble that this often got him in! Amongst these pranks included relocating a skeleton of a horse from the science department to the front of the school Chapel prior to a service. It was also Geoffrey who was behind erecting a wall at the back of School House at the end of one term, which resulted in parents being unable to park their cars in the yard as they picked their children up.

Geoffrey’s father’s car was often seen parked outside the Headmaster’s office, leading his friends to wonder what Geoffrey

had been up to now! He was a very keen and talented rower and made the first Eight, which reflected his work ethic and determination. He was always kindhearted towards his peers including those in the lower year groups, which was a rare quality in those days. He stayed in contact with his Oundle friends throughout his life and it was very touching to see these friends reaching out to support him when he was struggling towards the end of his life and then turn up in their Oundle ties at his funeral thereafter. A very popular man, who was proud of his Oundle education.

1971

Ian Adams (D) died 10 December 2023

1974

Douglas Adams (D) died 23 April 2023

Andrew Clay (Ldr 73) writes …

Douglas Raymond Forsyth Adams passed peacefully on 23rd April 2023 aged 67 years after a short battle with sepsis and prostate cancer. He was a proud member of Dryden House until July 1974 (while it was still a boys house) He was an enthusiastic sportsman. Although

never a great cricketer, he loved life in the third X1 with Mr Brookes ( I suspect it was the cheeky pub stops on the way back from away matches that attracted most of the team members).

Douglas’ greatest sporting achievement was his constant inclusion in first X1 hockey during the 1974 season.

A levels in History (his lifelong passion), Latin and French took him to Liverpool University, then a career in accounting and finance. He was the beloved husband of Terri for 38 years and adored father of Rupert (also an OO), Pippa and Sophie.

Doug had such a passion for life - whether it was learning a new game (to beat everyone at!), planning the next holiday, being on the golf course or researching the best new restaurants to sample the finest wine, he thoroughly enjoyed it all and loved entertaining anyone who would listen.

He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

1982

Jonathan Lee (Hon OO) died September 2023

1990

Daniel Yong (C) died 19 December 2023

2008

Victoria Turner (N) died 29 May 2024

Paul Turner (father) writes …

Following a bicycle accident in August of 2023 in Chamonix, France, ‘Plum’ sadly passed away on Wednesday 29 May 2024 after a long hard battle.

Teaching Staff Obituaries

Ralph Alford died 20 July 2024

Philip Couzens writes ... We remember Ralph in his jacket and tie, trying to look stern below those distinctive eyebrows and speaking with an impeccable Oxford accent. He had an interesting family: his great grandmother married Augustus Pugin and his father was a colonial administrator and Governor of St Helena from 1958-62. He boarded from an early age at The Dragon, and went on to Douai School and University College, Oxford, where he read Oriental Studies, specialising in Arabic and Persian. He was asked if he wanted to be a spy.

After a period teaching in Jeddah, he took a PGCE as one of the early students of Churchill College, Cambridge and later in life gained a science degree from the Open University. He would deride the label ‘lifelong learner’ but he was exactly that. An incessant reader who effortlessly absorbed learning, he had an encyclopaedic knowledge of history, art and music, as well as facility in languages including Latin, Greek, French, Spanish, Italian, Hungarian, German and Japanese. He travelled the world from an early age, often on his own.

Appointed to Laxton Grammar School, he taught languages and coached hockey. Camping on Thetford Chase with the scouts did not suit him, so he chose to run the RAF Section instead, with its famous bungy powered glider that took flight above - just above - the playing fields. He ran the section for ten years and took in his stride what younger military types seemed to make a fuss about. When sent careful briefing papers

about warm clothing, walking boots and first aid kit for his annual trip to the top of Snowdon with his cadets, he responded ‘It’s all right, I’ll wear my blazer and a pair of brogues.’

A notionally strict old-style teacher, Ralph believed in traditional learning: he made pupils learn Grey’s Elegy by heart and they still recollect it. Colleagues remember him as organiser of the ‘bachelors’ dinners’, held in local hostelries in an attempt to provide unmarried - then exclusively male - staff with decent food. When he swapped the RAF for running - along the lines of University Challengethe inter-House general knowledge competition, he played the part of Jeremy Paxman - whom he had taught at The Dragon. As an early adopter of computer technology, he introduced an electronic scoreboard to give the event some flair. Often by stealth, his approach was pioneering and innovative.

In further school roles - Head of Higher Education and Careers - he moderated and polished all UCAS testimonials for generations of Oundelians. Later, as assistant Director of Studies, he put his agile brain to more practical use than The Times crossword by compiling the timetable and hosting events for scholarship candidates. He was a challenging yet sympathetic interviewer, using the film Twelve Angry Men and his intriguing General papers to test young intellects.

Alan Midgley died 16 September 2023

A.G. Rayden writes With the death of Alan Midgley in September 2023, Rochdale Football Club lost an ardent supporter and we lost a respected friend and colleague. Alan was proud of his Lancastrian roots. He spoke warmly of the working class area where he lived and also the local church community where he taught in the Sunday School and sang in the choir. He showed academic promise early in life and his first important ‘break’

Ralph’s retirement offered him a gentle lifestyle spent amongst a diverse group of friends and excolleagues. Regular trips abroad focused on wildlife, history, classical art and architecture. He particularly enjoyed Hebridean cruises and annual trips to South Africa. Good food was always a feature of these trips, which were documented in what he referred to as his ‘memoires,’(e acute accent) written to amuse a select readership. Together with accounts of his early life, they amount to a substantial autobiography. His deep regard for animals did not allow him to eat chicken or other creatures farmed in poor conditions. He loved dogs, had a rather manic Gordon setter called Byron and took every opportunity to make a fuss of his friends’ animals. The School timetable had to be written around the requirement for RRA to be free p1 on Wednesdays to protect the cleaning staff from being molested by Byron. His firm friendship with Sue Thomas, Head of Laxton Junior, grew from affection for her dog (which he called ‘Fang’). They enjoyed travelling, spent time together during the holidays and Ralph felt a deep loss when Sue died. Perhaps because of his background, Ralph was not particularly demonstrative, but beneath the gruff exterior he was tolerant, kind, without prejudice and always a gentleman. He observed absolute standards of honesty and integrity. A committed Catholic, his funeral was a simple Latin mass. It was his wish that there should be no fuss; no summing up; no human judgement. I hope he forgives this short obituary.

was when his parents decided to pay for him to attend Bury Grammar School. From there he won a place to read History at Worcester College, Oxford.

Before Oxford, he taught a large class of C stream ten year-olds in a primary school on a Manchester overspill estate. His eyes would shine as he recalled his time there. Just out of school, he was armed only with chalk, a board rubber and his own creativity. This was the happiest year of his life; it convinced him that teaching was his vocation. He taught at Pocklington after Oxford, and four years later came to Oundle, rapidly establishing himself as an authoritative and inspirational teacher. He had an excellent knowledge of swathes of English and European history. His approach was sharply analytical and objective, and he deployed his fierce intelligence and remarkable memory to interrogate the consensus view. He certainly challenged pupils at all levels. One pupil described his early years of history lessons as ‘drawing pictures of King Harold with an arrow in his eye.’ His first lesson in Alan’s set saw him presented with a copy of the Communist Manifesto!

Alan was an old fashioned “lefty” with a strong passion for social justice. He enjoyed Private Eye, and saw both Oxford and Oundle as privileged places where established ideas could be debated and challenged. Many have been fixed by that unerring eye which penetrated the souls of those guilty of inexactitude or sloppy thinking: Alan was a stickler for precision. He was committed to the welfare of his pupils – generous with his time, keen to challenge the best pupils and to inspire confidence in the more marginal ones.

After just two years, he became Head of History, a position he would hold for 27 years. Both he and the Headmaster, Barry Trapnell, wanted high academic standards and appointed a series of relatively young and very talented history specialists. This made for a lively department of free-spirited enthusiasts which seemed to be in a

permanent state of mild internecine warfare. But instead of breeding chaos and confusion it generated creative liveliness and innovation. Alan’s nick-name came from a Flash Gordon film where the evil villain, Ming the Merciless, ruled over a group of rebellious subjects, but was determined to protect his ‘Empire’ from outside attacks.

A dedicated European, he saw the interactions of the European states as great events in modern history. He also believed that European unity was the best means of averting future conflict. He worked with the exam boards to broaden history syllabuses to include the central European states and C20th history and became an Associated Exam Board chief examiner.

Alan believed that it was vital for pupils to understand that history is relevant today. Third formers were asked to question elderly relatives about their memories of the First World War and would then use these accounts to inform and develop their understanding of it. This raised questions not just about battles and politics, but also social and economic history, interpreting evidence, and the reliability of sources. He then organised visits to the First World War battlefields in France, including to the graves of some of the pupils’ relatives.

In 1971 Alan met Josef Hatvany (B 43), whose family had fled from Hungary before WW2 (See page 140 of last year’s OO Magazine). Josef, a staunch Communist and a scientist of world renown, had returned to Hungary after the war. When he visited Oundle, Alan asked him to talk to a Sixth form group and Josef invited them to visit his home. So, with the Headmaster’s blessing, Alan set off in his VW Beetle with three boys plus camping kit to drive to Hungary crossing the Iron Curtain. This was the beginning of many educational visits to Europe. Despite their differing political opinions, their friendship flourished - an example of Alan’s friendships across racial, cultural and ideological divides.

Alan wanted GCSE pupils to

go to Berlin for a week’s study tour. At that time, 1979, Berlin was still an occupied city divided by the Berlin Wall. What better place to understand modern European History? Who but Alan would contemplate chaperoning 90 teenagers in a city not only full of history and culture but also many other attractions? He took them through the Wall, guarded by its armed watchtowers and tank traps, to experience East Berlin. Some visits were interesting in ways that would cause severe palpitations nowadays and caused not a few at the time. But these trips became a rite of passage, changing the perceptions of thousands of pupils and accompanying staff. 43 years on, they are still being run. Later, he led visits to the European Parliament, the South African Boer War battlefields and Vienna and Budapest; he also established an exchange programme with a Gymnasium in Prague. Was Alan a revolutionary? He certainly helped to change Oundle School by making it intellectually more acute and more outward looking. A Rochdale FC supporter changed the School’s sporting priorities by initiating matches on Sunday afternoons. Fearing injury to their star players, some sports teachers tried to ban them, but the boys’ enthusiasm grew, and eventually soccer became an ‘official’ sport. And who but Alan could give a lecture entitled ‘What do Blackburn Rovers owe to Disraeli?’

On retiring over 20 years ago, he worked for the Council of Europe in teacher training in Russia, Bosnia and Ukraine and continued to develop European connections. Last summer, when he was far from well, he accompanied yet another trip to Poland and his beloved Berlin. Another special occasion saw him at a dinner in May last year at Lincoln’s Inn for 150 OO lawyers. As a guest of honour, he sat between two Justices of the Supreme Court, David Richards (StA 69) and David Kitchin (Sc 72), both of whom he taught. He was a generous host, regularly offering hospitality to friends from far and wide at his

home in Woodnewton. During his last weeks he was visited by a stream of visitors, revealing the esteem in which he was held. One such was Andreas, from Berlin, whom Alan had met by chance in 1988. They became life-long friends and Alan was godfather to his two children Leo and Florentine – perhaps the closest people to ‘family’ that he had.

Celebrating his 83rd birthday on Coronation Day 2023, he was able to reflect on a happy and productive life. He said, “I have been a very fortunate man.” A fine historian, consummate schoolmaster, good friend and mentor, Alan touched many lives in the profoundest of ways. We remember him with affection and gratitude.

Robin Hammond died 8 July 2024

Robin’s colleagues write: After seven years at Magdalen College School, Brackley, Robin came to Oundle in 1987, quickly gaining a reputation as an inspiring teacher. His contribution to the Chemistry department and to the education of countless Oundelians was immeasurable. He always strived for academic rigour and enthused pupils with his engaging and clear manner. His enthusiasm was palpable and his lively anecdotes brought the topics to life. Pupilsand passers by - remember the sheer energy and volume at which lessons were delivered: this gave rise to the apocryphal story of his lesson observations being carried out from the other side of a closed lab door. An exchange in 1993-4 saw him teach Chemistry and act as Deputy Housemaster at Wanganui Collegiate School in New Zealand. As a selfdeclared ‘stay at home’, he may have been out of his comfort zone, but he loved his time there - in part because of the many who shared his enthusiasm for rugby

and cricket.

He single-handedly ran Junior Chemistry society, filling younger Oundelians with joy and wonder for this practical subject. It offered Robin the chance to teach ‘off syllabus’ and sessions included fire-writing, hydrogen-oxygen rockets and crystal garden-making - all greatly enjoyed. For almost a decade he was secondin-department, which saw him in a number of supporting and creative roles. He was in charge of the school ‘Top of Bench’ team, which competed in the Royal Society of Chemistry sponsored event. Oundle won the regional heats on four occasions and placed in the top half on each occasion in the National Finals. He was also proud of being one of the first teacher mentors at the Salters Chemistry camps during the summer holidays.

For six years, he was an indefatigable Proctor. He cared deeply about behaviour and manners and was strict but fair-minded, gaining the respect of miscreants without generating animosity. His stroll from the Science block to morning break saw approaching pupils instinctively check their ties - or subtly alter their course to avoid his watchful eye. Under Robin’s stewardship, the behaviour and turn-out of Oundle pupils steadily improved.

As well as being hard working, unassuming and modest, says a fellow sports coach: ‘He was very talentedable to coach anything he turned his hand to. His teams were always well drilled, competitive, well behaved and played in the spirit of the game. He took endless time with his charges, ensuring they maintained fair play.’ Colleagues loved working with himhe was ‘great fun and brilliant with the kids. Also the world’s worst whisperer, which led to amusing moments during Berrystead concerts where the quality was somewhat varied.’

At Oundle Town cricket club, he threw himself into various roles and his assiduous umpiring will be remembered. His legacy there is the junior section, particularly the girls’ team he started and which is now flourishing. He was a county ranked table-tennis player, club cricketer, keen bridge player and still had time for

gardening and his dogs. Above all, he shared a loving home with Di, from which he could explore and enjoy the development of his talents.

Robin looked forward to the new possibilities that retirement would bring and enthused about his plans to umpire cricket at a senior level. He became ill soon after retiring, but dealt with his illness with patience and courage. He chose complex stem cell treatment and managed the side effects with great cheerfulness. One colleague said: ’He remains the best, most conscientious and committed schoolmaster I or my four children have ever known.’ He always put his heart and soul into everything he did.

John Smart died 18 July 2024

Michael Aubrey writes John was one of Oundle’s most colourful and loved teachers. When he and Sue, who taught in the History department, left, staff and pupils felt their loss keenly, not only because of their huge intellectual contribution, but for their exceptional warmth.

Arriving with a B.Litt from Oxford, John immediately established himself as an unusual and stimulating member of the English department. With a few unassuming words he would illuminate a text so diffidently that one was tempted to underestimate the scholarship informing his comments. At Sixth Form level, rarely can learning have been so effortless. The same was true of his conversation: the words were few but the style, with his explosive chuckle, so light that it was only on reflection that one realised the depth of his remarks.

As a tutor, first in Laxton School and then in Sidney, John was valued for his tolerance and wise advice: he was trusted by every boy who knew him. His refusal to accept humbug

and his rejection of any form of unkindness brought out the best in everyone. John forgave pretension and self-importance and his natural empathy meant that one came away from meeting him with a renewed understanding of what it meant to be grown up. He contributed to school life - plays, debating, films - with characteristic flair and a natural generosity, which meant an inability to say ‘no.’ He loved cricket and his knowledge of the game was legendary. As wicket-keeper in staff matches, his off-white flannels held up by a tie revealed startlingly different coloured socks on each foot.

After Oundle, as Head of English and then Head of Arts at Gresham's, he made use of the vague 'Arts' role to record the history of the school in the early 20th century, organizing centenary celebrations for W.H. Auden and Benjamin Britten. During this period he became music critic for the Eastern Daily

Press - a role which taxed his ingenuity since he had little knowledge of music. Norfolk also provided him with opportunities to indulge his passion for bird-watching and Sue became a Housemistress and later Deputy Head of Gresham’s. John was very supportive of both of these roles, and would be seen wandering the corridors of Oakley House accompanied by Wally, their notover-intelligent but devoted Labrador.

After their daughter Olivia's tragic death, they moved with their daughter Isabel to a former pub in the village of Thornage and finally retired there to enable John to develop his career as a writer. He won a New Writing Ventures award for Tarantula's Web, his biography of the bibliophile John Hayward - remembered for his fine-tuning of T.S. Eliot’s Four Quartets. His second biography, Shores of Paradise, concerned the poet and man of letters, J.C. Squire.

One of the more bizarre experiences during their retirement was featuring as ‘stars’ of the ITV series Big Box, Little Box where they were seen baffled when attempting to follow instructions on various new products. One memorable episode involved a car pressure washer, which they dismissed as useless after it completely failed to work - John having forgotten to switch it on. He never stopped thinking and writing about literature and recently enjoyed putting together presentations about the lives of poets to accompany music in Cley church. His last article was published in the Thomas Hardy Society Journal only weeks before he died. His death has left a colossal gap in the community and he will be remembered with the greatest affection and gratitude by the many friends and pupils whose lives he so enriched. ■

Photograph:

Nicky

Yianni

Cadet Life 60 Years Ago

■ Anthony Kellett (Sn 64)

Icame to Oundle in September 1959, and after a year at The Berrystead, moved to Sanderson with my twin brother John. At the same time, we joined the first year Training unit, opting later to enrol in the fairly new naval section. In contrast to my brother, I enjoyed it and rose rapidly in rank. Each step required a test, but I was keen: promoted Leading Seaman in 1962, I became an Instructor Cadet two years later.

Our uniform, the ‘Square Rig’ introduced in the mid-19th century, was very difficult to maintain. Each trouser leg had seven equidistant

creases, alternating between inverted ones and ones sticking up. Theoretically, this allowed the trouser legs to be rolled up in order to swab the deck. The silk scarf was a nightmare because, if it was pressed too enthusiastically, it would get shiny. I spent hours on my uniform, but my brother was more casual. One inspecting officer asked if he crumpled it up with both hands and threw it in the cupboard. Much of the time, we wore really ugly ill-fitting coveralls.

We had some famous inspecting officers. Captain Bill Jewell, OO, went into submarines and commanded HMS Seraph in the famous Operation Mincemeat, the attempt to fool the Germans into thinking that planned landings in Sicily were in fact a feint. Jewell’s son was in School House, which probably accounted for his father being asked to inspect the corps. Another inspecting officer was Douglas Bader, the legless flying ace. The corps, numbering over 400, was drawn up on the parade square on a very hot day. There was no sign of Bader, and by the time he was tracked down - in an Oundle pub - some three dozen cadets had fainted.

We had regular field days, at least one taking place on the closed airfield at Polebrook, some five kilometres from the school - an easy route march. Another excursion saw twenty naval cadets spend a weekend at HMS Ganges in Ipswich. We were met at the gate by an armed master-atarms and soon discovered why he accompanied us into the mess hall. Our nicely turned out blue uniforms, with arms festooned with red rank and skill badges, were in marked contrast to the local cadets, who had far less military bling. As we entered the large hall, the Ganges cadets stood on their chairs banging spoons against enamel plates in protest at our presence. Unfortunately, John had not brought the appropriate uniform, so the following day, when we marched down the road, we shoulder-dressed on him to hide his embarrassment. This was spotted, of course, and the Ganges cadets leaned out of the windows, jeering loudly at us.

In 1963 I went on a weeklong cruise from Dartmouth to Douarnenez Bay in HMS Tenby, a Type 12 anti-submarine frigate. We cadets slept in hammocks, the naval ratings in bunks. One first watch, I

Anthony Kellett

Raft exercise& winch – CCF Navy Section, River Nene by the boatshed.

was sent to the wheelhouse to take the wheel. I was so nervous that I garbled the formulaic reporting sentence, but it was fun wheeling a warship around the high seas. On the last night, we had turned in when the loudspeaker announced a ship on fire five miles ahead. One of the other frigates was already there, playing its hoses on the small vessel in order to sink it and prevent it being a danger to other ships. The crew had been taken off by a schooner, which made a very attractive sight as it moved about in the light of the flames.

The following year, I went to an army camp at Portrush in Northern Ireland as a ‘column commander.’ Any pride I might have felt was diminished by being ‘excused boots’ as a result of an accident to my feet on the family farm. This compounded my sense of being the odd one out, a naval cadet

Letters

Which schools get the most pupils into Oxbridge?

4 September 2024, 4:00pm From Spectator Life

Oxford and Cambridge have released figures showing how many offers they gave to pupils from schools in the 2023 Ucas application cycle. We have combined the figures in this table. It shows how well state grammars and sixth-form colleges compete with independent schools. Over the years, both universities have increased the proportion of acceptances from state schools: 72 per cent, up from 52 per cent in 2000. Of the 80 schools, 29 are independent, 29 grammar or partially selective, 17 sixth-form colleges and five are comprehensives or academies. (Schools are ranked by offers received, then by offer-to-application ratio. If schools received fewer than three offers from one university, this number has been discounted due to Ucas’s disclosure control.)

in an army column. In their last school year, cadets had the option of doing social work instead and I think I was the only one (of 90) who remained. Naturally, John chose social work.

After graduating from Cambridge, I went to Montreal to do post-graduate studies at McGill and applied for a commission in the Royal Canadian Hussars. After four years, I moved to Ottawa for a job in defence research. Although, as a historian, I was the odd one out amongst mathematicians, engineers, physicists, chemists and the like, I thrived. A high point of my career was my book on combat motivation which attracted international attention (several Russian military academies acquired multiple copies!) For three years, I commuted to Montreal to serve in my regiment, but after my wife (another twin) had twins, a combination of cost and fatigue

caused me to resign. I did try to rejoin in 1980, but was thwarted by military bureaucracy. My interest in my unit remained strong, though, and in 2021, with two fellow officers, I published a history of the Royal Canadian Hussars, one of the oldest regiments of the Canadian army. This took seven years and resulted in two volumes described as the ‘gold standard’ for the genre.

I owe a very great deal to Oundle, including my interest in military matters. School also encouraged my pursuit of research and writing, which coalesced nicely in my career and my reserve service ■

Dear Editor,

I was sorry to see that Oundle didn’t make it into the top 79 in the Oxford and Cambridge admissions lists compiled by The Spectator. Standouts: Westminster 1st; St Paul’s 4th; Eton 8th; Winchester 17th; Cheltenham Ladies 35th; Brighton College 43rd; Harrow 71st. Our great rivals Uppingham didn’t make the list either.

Is it right to measure a brilliant school like Oundle by these standards?

At a time when Public Schools are under pressure from every side, all stats must be considered important. ‘Shoulders to the wheel, chaps!’ as my late great English teacher, Chaps Anderson, would have said.

Sincerely,

Nigel Napier-Andrews (Sc 59)

Dear Editor,

I note the concern expressed by your correspondent about the position of Oundle School within the recently published Spectator table of applications to and offers received from Oxford and Cambridge.

Not uncommonly, but much to our frustration, the detail on which the article is based is inaccurate; no approach was made to the School to check, nor did we supply the data it used.

The accurate information is 52 applications and 18 offers, which would by my reckoning have placed Oundle 24 places higher in the table, providing, of course, that the rest of the data is accurate.

With best wishes, Sarah Kerr-Dineen

Scan this code for further information

INDEX. OOs by Year

NOTES: Not indexed are:

Obituaries, Class of 2014

1908

W H Livens (Lx) 59

1923

Cecil Unthank (D) 83

1931

Hugh Collinson (G) 17 78

Hugh Wontner (Ldr) 8

1935

Arthur Marment (D) 62

1936

AE Rideout (StA) 60

1939

AFL Colson (Sn) 68

Arthur Whitten-Brown (D) 19

1945

Ian Kerr (S) 62

1947

Kevin Chawner (B) 81

Andrew Grinberg (Sn) 5

1948

Maurice Dybeck (Sn) 5

John Francis (D) 66

1949

Keith Johnson (N) 88

1950

Peter Dixon Smith (B) 69

1951

Roger Allton (D) 63

Michael Brown (Sc) 67

Graham KL Jeffrey (C) 88

Bill Dixon-Smith (B) 69

Michael Pickard (C) IFC

1952

Geoffrey Dove (C) 53 88

Scott Glover (D) 77

David Newbigging (Sc) 59

Bill Whitall (Ldr) 81

1953

Clive Boddington (S) 72

Mark Collet (C) 88

John Longland (Sc) 5

Clive Minton (Lx) 82

Rab Peck (S) 72

David Thorpe (Ldr) 81

1954

Charles Allen (B) 82

Roderick Boswell (N) 76

Mark Glossop (D) 77

Michael Hollands (N) 76

John Seiffert (D) 87 88

Chris Walliker (D) IFC 74 83

Guy Walt (Ldr) 76

1955

Archie Burdon-Cooper (C) 83

John Crabbe (G) IFC 77

Simon Davis (C) 83

Keith Diggle (LGS) 2

Roger Freebairn (C) 58 65

Paul Newsome (StA) 81

Michael Turnbull (Sc) 81

Michael Whittall (Ldr) 76

Harry Williamson (StA) IFC 1 8 59

1956

Michael Hammon (Sn) 81

David Hutchinson (N) 89

Iain Malcolm Smith (C) 83

1957

Tim Piper (B) 68

1958

John Heading (Sn) 65

David Northcroft (B) 75

Alan Willis (C) 83

John Winder (StA) 87 88

1959

Bill Birbeck (Sc) 82

Jonathan Dixon Smith (B) 64 69

Charles Kilner (StA) 81

Nigel Napier-Andrews (Sc) 83 108

Richard Phillips (D) 77

John Ramply (Sc) 65

Mike Ross (Sc) 83

John LE Seidler (Ldr) 88

1960

Richard Bailey (Sc) 84

Bev Boag (StA) 48 75

Tony Escritt (StA) 6

Roland Fairfield (StA) 75

Neil Hollebone (D) 87

Anthony King (G) 77

Malcolm Llewellyn (Sc) 84

Roger White (Sc) 71

1961

Rod Alexander (Sc) 74

Robert Barrell (StA) 55

Michael Bell (G) 84

Christopher Best (C) 76

Thomas Durward Marsh (LS) 64

Neil McFadyen (B) 63

John Richardson (StA) 75

1962

Martin Boag (StA) 75

Gavin Choyce (N) 74

Robin Clark (N) 72 73

Angus Grieve (C) 67

Chris Higman (N) 72

David Ramply (Sc) 65

Ronald Taylor (Sn) 85

John Williams (StA) 75 89

1963

Nick Cheatle (G) IFC 55

Jeremy Cross (Sn) 84

David Hartridge (Sc) 65

Dexter Kirk (C) 67

Peter Owen (Lx) 61 74 76

Nick Owles (N) 52 53 55

Frank Wright (B) 68

1964

Paul Habershon (Ldr) 74

Anthony Kellett (Sn) 107

Norman Kellett (Sn) 83

Chris Richards (StA) 68 76

1965

Carl FJ Berlemont (C) 63

Hugh Brass (D) 68

Robert Ellis (D) IFC 53 55

Martin Eayrs (C) 65 70

John Edwards (B) 82

Gavin Fish (G) 82

Adrian Grant (N) 71

Nigel Hetherington (F) 55

William Benjamin Legget (D) 70

David Leishman (Sc) 82

Norman Macfarlane (S) 74

Chunky McCall (Sc) 68

Roy Nicholson (StA) 52

Stuart Onyett (C) 65

Tony Parsons (S) 61 71

John “Nick” Pritchard (Sc) 76

Chris Reilly (StA) 68 76

John Robertson (B) 68

Graham Solari (G) IFC 68 81

John Story (B) 68 76

1966

Mark Hoffman (D) 89

Maxwell Hutchinson (D) 73

William King (C) 54

Richard Matthews (D) 1

David Mitchell (Ldr) 73

Paul Morrell (B) 68

Richard Piper (Lx) 64

Judge Smith (Sn) 73

Malcom Watson (D) 74

Geoffrey Woolsey-Brown (Lx) 63 81

1967

John Ashworth (B) 87

John Clark (N) 72 73

Richard Peaver (G) 64

1968

Richard Beeby (Lx) 66

James Clayton (G) 61

Charles Escritt (StA) 70

David Habershon (Ldr) 66 74

Roger Malina (Ldr) 89

Mark Moore (Sc) 1

Robert Smith (N) 64

1969

Philip Cartwright (S) 62

Michael Copestake (Sc) 66

Nick Copestick (Ldr) 48 52 53 55 77

Nick Chrimes (Sc) 68 76

Al Gordon (C) 53

Simon Mennell (StA) 74

Maurice Monk (Sc) 64

Ronnie Pinsler (Ldr) 87

Steven Thomas (G) 66

Michael Williams (N) 53

Tony Windsor (StA) 76

1970

Nic Beeby (Sn) 74

Colin Campbell (Sc) 64

Peter Collinson (G) 78

Giles Harrison-Hall (Sc) 62

Jeremy Horsell (Sc) 64

Martin Jenkins (Sc) 64

Adrian Marsh (Sc) 64

Richard Owen (Sc) IFC 56 64

Geoff Rhodes (Sc) 64

Robert Smith (N) 65

Colin Story (B) 68

1971

Neil Campbell (N) 73

Jay Cartwright (S) 62

John Chadwick (StA) 62

Richard Colson (Sn) 2 68

Robert Forde (Sc) 70

Michael Greaves (StA) 72

Richard Habershon (Ldr) 74

Peter Haigh (N) 73

Jonathan Jones (B) 64

Robert Morton (Sc) 64

Peter Nicholls (Lx) 65

Roger Page (S) 62

John Pickles (C) 68

Chris Piper (Sc) IFC 1 40 48 61 64 65

David Reddaway (B) 67

Robert Ringrose (StA) 68

Peter Scaife (B) 64

Duncan Smith (C) 52 55

Nigel Youngman (Sc) 64

1972

Jeremy Burgess (C) 68

Robert Chambers (Ldr) 68

George Duncan (D) 75

Peter Edwards (Sc) 51 54

Pat Ellerbeck (N) 66

David Griffith (B) 84

Peter Hotchin (C) 81

Michael Johnson (C) 65 68

David Kidd (Sc) 74

Jonathan Mennell (StA) 74

Simon Ryley (Sc) 20

1973

Tim Blair (Sn) 88

Quentin Haigh (N) 73

Andrew Hamilton Kerr (Sc) 62

Francis Xavier Kinney (Sn) 88

Jeremy Monroe (G) 53

Peter Pentecost (StA) 52 53 55 61 70

1974

Peter Bubenzer (D) 83

Shane Dodd (Sn) IFC 3 52 53 55 56 65 76 77

John Eastwood (D) 86 89

Richard Haworth (Sn) 66

Alistair Mark Kerr (Sc) 62

Ean Kuok (N) 58

James Singlehurst (Sc) 65

Mike Wright (StA) 76

1975

Howard Allen (Sn) 76 81

David Burnett (D) 84

Bill Fisher (B) 20

Robert Henshall (Lx) 61

Nigel Hewitt (B) 81

John Mellor (D) 84

Mike Pringle (Lx) 20

Andrew Senior (StA) 20

Simon Shepherd (G) 20

Tim Terceira (D) 83

1976

James Brown (Sc) 67

Nigel Carter (C) 68

Fred Domellof (F) 53 55

James Dracup (Sc) 71

Martin Lamb (D) 87

Simon McDonald-Hay (C) 68

Charles Miller (Ldr) 61 62

Jon Monk (B) 87

Nizam Razak (Ldr) 87

Peter Ryley (Sc) 20

Tim Waring (Ldr) 61 78

1977

Jim Bennett (N) 61 70 84

Mark Boomla (G) 20

Robert Brown (Sc) 67

Tim Elliott (StA) IFC 50

Kevin Gerald (Sc) 20

Nick Kirkbride (Lx) 20

Arthur Marment (D) IFC

3 47 62

Cord Matthies (N) 84

Ken Maw (D) 61

Norman Smith (G) 20

Henry William Tuck (Ldr) 67

Adrian Waddell (S) 70

1978

Guy Bainbridge (Sn) 61 71

Jonathan Baird (B) 20

Nicholas Brown (StA) 73

Malcolm Harrison (Lx) 20

Ian Hodgson (Sc) 60

Richard Kemsley (C) 75

David Meredith (Lx) IFC 74

Satyen Mehta (D) 89

Mark Parrish (S) 20

Charles Salem (C) IFC 61 82 87

Jeremy Sankey (Lx) 75

Mark Westwood (Ldr) 20 69

1979

Mark Adams (Lx) 69

Malcolm Brown (N) 84

Richard Feather (G) 73

Nick Fraser (B) 64

Jon Ingall (StA) 84

Azmi Merican (Ldr) 87

William Rice (Sn) 52 55

Andrew Smith (B) 56 69

Charles Waddell (S) 70

1980

Greg Bliss (N) 65

John Bu Tan (C) 73

Mark Dinwoodie (Lx) 20

William English (Lx) 74

Rupert Farr (G) 64

Stephen Francis (C) 66

Andy Greening (Sc) 20

Richard Hargreaves (B) 68

Nigel Harley (G) 81

Charlie Hiscocks (StA) 68

Mark Lindsey (Ldr) 73

Robert Johnson (G) 64

Michael Johnstone (C) 20

Pete Logsdon (Lx) 20

Edward Mason (Sc) 69

John Pritchard (D) 64

Mark Reeves (C) 61 85

Chris Riggs (S) 20 85

Roger Stewart (Sn) 20

1981

Guy Beresford (B) IFC 1 3

47 48 63

Robin Choudhury (Ldr) 55

Jim Connell (N) 65

Adam Dixon-Smith (Sc) 69

Alan Eisner (D) 69

Richard Foster (G) 20

Richard Gledson (G) 20

66 78

Matt Glossop (D) 20

David Gray (Sn) 66 78

Bill Heffernan (Sn) 87

Wallace Hinshelwood (StA) 89

Tom Hiscock (StA) 77

Alastair Irvine (Sc), IFC 66 78

James Keyes (B) 69

Simon Lindsey (Ldr) 73

Chris Knight (N) 69

Matthew Lane (LS) 66

Simon Pearsall (G) 2

D Pimblett (S) 50

Andrew Scoley (S) 66

Mark Stevenson (N) 61 88

Mark Yarrow (Lx) 70

1982

Lance Ashworth (G) IFC 3

47 65 66

Theo Barry (N) 20

Dickon Bevington (Sn) 20

Rob Bramley (C) 82

James Buckle (G) 69

William Budenberg (Sn) 20

Nigel Gray (G) 20

Kazim Gurel (Ldr) 88

Anan Hansasuta (Ldr) 88

Nigel Hinshelwood (StA) 89

Mike Logsdon (Lx) 20

Chris Shore (Sn) 63

Robert Taylor (Sn) 20

Simon Thornton (G) 65

John Trask (Ldr) 88

Dom Vincent (Lx) 20 81

1983

Charles Jarrold (G) 20

James Kirby (C) 85

Charles Marment (StA) 62

Andrew McAuliffe (Sc) 53 55

Richard Mountain (S) 84

Jeremy Pong (Ldr) 85

Rupert Shortt (B) 64

1984

Jonathan Andrews (Sc) 62

Francois Austin (D) 20

Andrew Barraclough (N) 65

Charlie Bennett (N) 65 70

Oliver Bogler (N) 65

Jim Burton (N) 65 70

Steve Carr (S) 52 53

Tim Chater (C) 20

Harry Clayton (N) 65

Andrew Collins (Lx) 20

Richard Corsham (Lx) 20

Mark Eddy (StA) 53 54

Jerry Epton (N) 65

Richard Fowler (Sc) 3

Adam Hartley (N) 65 70

Robin Hollands (N) 65

Faisal Ibrahim (Ldr) 87

Steve Kunzer (G) 63

Julian Mountain (S) 61 84

Jazz Robinson (S) 85

Giles Woodbridge (B) 85

1985

Justin Cheatle (StA) 89

Edward Dove (C) 53 55

Richard Emmott (Sn) 89

Charlie Hoult (Sc) 61 70

Richard Jinks (Lx) 20

Jason McCaldin (D) 52

Angus Piper (B) 56

Stuart Smith (Ldr) 20

Neil A Sutcliffe (StA) 82

Nigel Trafford (S) 85

Tony Wright (Sc) 89

1986

Nick Berchem (D) 73

Philip de Voil (G) 48 74 81

Simon Dixon Smith (G) 64 69

Richard Ellis (Sn) IFC 48 53 54

Rupert Harris (Ldr) 50 62

Pip Trafford (S) 85

1987

Gavin Allen (B) 67 68

Dom Brady (Sc) 65

David Cairns (Ldr) 68

James Cannon (Sc) 68

James Ginns (Sc) 68

Charlie Hammon (Sn) 68

Doug Hill (Sc) 68

Alastair King (C) 7 68

James Napier (G) 68

Matthew Sargaison (B) 67 68

Richard Tett (B) 67 68

Iain Wadie (Sn) 61 80 81

1988

Charlie Brookes (N) 89

Paul Chatterton (S) 65

Adrian Corker (N) 89

Matt Forde (Sc) 65

Al Hendry (Sc) 65

Harvey Jones (S) 83

Julian McAlpine (Lx) 50 65

Peter Moore (Ldr) 48 61

Mike Ragg (S) 65

Chris Skelton (Sc) 65

Guy Spragg (Sc) 65

Andru Subowo (D) 63

Robert White (StA) 83

Marko Wilkinson (N) 89

1989

Jasper Arnold (C) 50 69

Jeremy Berchem (D) 73

Julian Brown (C) 69

Simon Burdess (C) 68

W Cartledge (G) 50

Robert Costin (Sn) 74

Spencer Cushing (C) 68

69 85

Marcus Frisby (C) 69

T Harrison (G) 50

Jason Hill (C) 69

Guy Hodgson (C) 69 85

Tristan Lench (C) 60

Andrew Llewellyn (Sc) 69 85

Kar Binh Ong (C) 69 85

Christopher Papworth (D) 63

Christian Pratt (D) 63

Ara Selvavinayagam (C) 69

R Sharp (N) 50

Tristan Lench (C) 85

Eric Wilkinson (D) 63

Jerry Yao (C) 69 85

1990

Dan Anslow (S) 63

Alex Deacon (Lx) 63

Philip Dobson (Sn) 63

David Foulkes-Jones (Lx) 63

Alastair Gordon-Stewart (F) 53

Nick Holliday (C) 20

David Robinson (Lx) 63

James Spragg (Sc) 50 63

Oliver Thain (Lx) 63

Leckie Waterhouse (Sn) 63

Dan Williams (StA) 89

Daniel Yong (C) 86

1991

Giles Harris (Ldr) 79

JJ Harris (Lx) 63

Richard Harris (F) 52 53

Miles Hunt (Ldr) 63

Mark Lissauer (Sc) 63

Stuart Morgan (Lx) IFC 50 63

Robert Nicholls (D) 89

A Richardson (G) 50

Alex Smith (N) IFC 48 66

Chris Tovey (Sc) 81

1992

James Aston (StA) IFC 52 55

Mark Hallam (Sc) 66

Will Machin (Lx) 66

Will Oakley (Lx) 66

Rob Shaw (S) 81

1993

Jason Barker (B) 89

Kate Cooke-Priest (W) IFC

Ben Dickinson (N) 85

Peter Harris (Lx) 63

Tim Pollard (Sc) 66

Andrew Rowe (Lx) 70

Rahmat Yusuf (Sc) 91

1994

Hanne Bell (W) 84

Nathan Bland (LS) 74

James Clay (Sn) 62

Elizabeth Fitton (LS) 64

Geoff Hargreaves (StA) 79

Tom Lushington (Sc) 53

Mark Mankowski (Sn) 79

Mary Price (K) IFC

Alex Southworth (Sn) 79

Tony Turner (N) 78

Jeremy Westhead (B) 73

1995

Edward Banyard Smith (Ldr) 75

Claire Freebairn (LS) 65

Charlie Lane (D) 79

Edward Ragg (S) 2

Nina Rieck (K) IFC 48

Lucy Ryan (Lx) 73

Guy Simmonds (StA) IFC 48 67

Jon Terry (Sc) 77

Chris Wilson (Lx) 67

1996

Jan Bell (G) 84

Sam Cates (Lx) 79

Helen Clay (K) 62

Henry Duncombe (B) 52 55

Simon Fitton (LS) 64

Alex Mankowski (Sn) 79

Stevie Moore (StA) 55

1997

Edward Bland (LS) 74

Ben Combes (Sn) 73

Andrew Coulthurst (StA) 67

Lizzie Gent (W) 64

Charles Holmes (StA) 67

James Holmes (Lx) 67

R Jenkins (Ldr) 50

James Kilner (StA) 67

Andrew Lightowler (Lx)

52 54

John Pennington (N) 67

Nick Pettie (N) 67

Andrew Seddon (StA) 67

Matthew Simmonds (StA) 61 67

Simon Stephen (Lx) 61 76 77

Matt Thornton (StA) 73

Tom Trotter (Ldr) 71

George Wharton (N) 73

1998

Dominic Al-Badri (N) 89

Thurstan Guthrie-Brown (StA) 67

Ed Copestick (S) 77

Peter Perowne (G) 73 80

Jon Potts (C) IFC 47

Johan Rozali-Wathooth (C) 86

Harry Wallace (N) 79

1999

Seb Falk (B) 64

Tom Goodley (G) 52 54

Robbie Lawson (StA) 82

2000

Robin Banerjee (LS) 68

Jonathan Britton (Ldr) 71

Joss Cheatle (G) 53 55

Jessica Johnson (K) 68

Suzanne Korff (K) 76

2001

Victoria Cropley (N) 67 92

Charlie D’Alton (Sc) 63

Faisal Ariff Rozali-Wathooth (C) 86

Tosh Suzuki (B) 86

2002

Teddy Allen (L) 62

Ed Barker (F) 53 68

Victoria Bonanno (K) 89

Victoria Gale (N) 89 91

Charlotte Keep (N) 62

Simon Reynolds (Sn) 61 86

Peter Seebohm (Sc) 81

George Smith (G) 62

James Southby (StA) 62

James Thompson (Ldr) 88 91

2003

Julian Bertrand (C) 85

Roberto Bonanno (Sc) 89

Dave Buttanshaw (StA) 63

Tom Clabburn (S) 73

Oli Coles (StA) 63

Kristina Cowley (L) IFC

Alex Elliott (Sc) 8

Olivia Gross (D) 73

Dominic Halverson (C) 85

Emma Jean Kemp (W) 2

David Owen (F) 89 91

Sam Pitts-Tucker (StA) 63

Pippa Rivero Bosch (D) 73

Gabriel Safar (C) 85 91

Erik Teichmann (C) 85

Benji Waterhouse (Ldr) 9

2004

James Dyson (B) 63

Katherine Fitton (L) 64

Stef Francescon (Sc) 63

George Johnson (C) 53

Rick Leggett (StA) 63 70

Alastair Logan (Ldr) 71 91

Kate Morris (N) 89 91

Tessa Stanley Price (N) 3

Sandy Rowell (C) 81

Cameron Wake (L) 50

2005

Oli Bell (C) 8

Andrew Blythman (S) 68

Jo Cartwright (W) 62

Sam Cone (StA) 68 90

Freddie Cornish (G) 81

Patrick Foster (StA) 2 53

54 67

Max Harris (StA) 68

James Hems (G) 2 61 63

Reiko Kaneko (D) 2

Richard Pentecost (StA)

53 54

Kate Quinn (D) 62 91

Will Rimmer (StA) 68

Seb Steane (StA) 68

Xi Zhu (Ldr) 61

2006

Joe Austin (F) 51

Hazwan Hadian (B) 86

Florian Henn (C) 84

James Hui (Sc) 85

Hannah Mallinckrodt (N) 75

Kate Mason (L) 69

Lucy McLaren (Sn) IFC 1 2 4

Jack Millington (S) 23

Adam Smith (F) 79 91

Will Woodley (S) 24

2007

Thomas Arkell (StA) 80

Alice Audley (W) 63 72

Max Benenson (B) 72

Tilly Coles (W) 63 72

Sophie Cranfield (W) 63 72

Nick Dyson (B) 91

Edmund Greaves (Sc) 72 91

James Hickey (S) 72

Henry Johnstone (C) IFC

Richard Kemeny (S) 72

Matthew MacLachlan (F) 2

Anna Marquard (K) 63

Camilla McConnell (W) 72

Henry Rudkin (StA) 72

Ben Simmonds (G) 72

Greg Smith (StA) 51

Jamie Steel (F) 72

William Wade (StA) 80

Anna Webster (W) 63 72

Lucy Wright (D) 63

2008

Will Butler (L) 55 91

Olivia Charlton-Jones (W)

68 91

William Darrell (S) 2

Henry Fray (G) 52 55

Harry Millington (S) 53

Stephanie Peate (K) 91

J Potter (Sc) 50

Louisa Risch (S) 2 91

Christian Thompson (Sc) 52

Barney Ward (Ldr) 52 63

2009

Ed Baunton (Lx) 88

J Esler (C) 50

Angus Lang (F) 54

2010

Millie Ashworth (K) 65

Andy Farenheim (S) 3

Angharad Marment (D) 62

Jack Oughtred (F) 51

Will Street (Sc) 51

Boris Videnov (Ldr) 85

Sophie Walker (L) IFC 47 56 66

2011

Charlie Ashworth (G) 65 91

Benjamin Atkinson (Ldr) 79

Xue Lin Chan (W) 86

Harry Clover (Ldr) 87

Ariff Faisal (Ldr) 86 91

Omar Farouk (StA) 86

Jonathan Gifford (Lx) 67

Anna Gough (W) 84

Maddy Gyselynck (K) 2

Hazel Hadian (D) 86

Haris Kamal (S) 86

Tim Lo (Ldr) 87

Jasper Mak (B) 87

Harry Meredith (F) 74 91

Digby Morse (F) 74

Dominic Price (Ldr) 87

Afiqah Rizal (N) 2 61 86 87

Faiz Roslan (C) 87

Doug Stark (B) 88

Brent Sullivan (C) 87

Ed Tebbutt (G) 80

Dom Titcomb (G) 67

Ivan Yuen (Ldr) 67

2012

Georgie Davies (K) 67

Henry Eayrs (StA) 70

Angus Irvine (Sc) 66 78 80

George Marment (B) 62

T McAlpine (StA) 50

James Robson (Ldr) 64

Farah Sharp (L) 13

2013

Kristina Cowley (L) IFC

Harriet Gillet (K) 13 67

Kate Harrison (Sn) IFC

Claire Joicey (D) 70

Grace Sutcliffe (K) 83 91

Sebastian Tusa (S) 61 78 80

Ivo Videnov (Ldr) 85 91

Maria Yukhnovich (K) IFC

77 91

2014

Emily Bainbridge (K) 71

Sebastian Bond (G) 90

George Bostock (B) 91

Lily Craven (S) 14

Ashley Cuthbert (S) 80

Bella Ellis (Sn) IFC 48 71 91

Mirsham Habib (S) 87

Elizabeth James (Sn) 90

Henry Johnson (C) 48

Will Meredith (F) 74

Lily Postlethwaite (W) 3

Shalinie Sriemevan (L) 91

Rohesia Vince (K) 91

Seb Wright (StA) 76

2015

Sabrina Allhusen (D) 90

Freddie Ashworth (G) IFC

64 65

Morgan Ball (C) 64 90

Ben Graves (F) 51

Jack Ireson (L) 3 54

Chuck Macleod (L) 64

Scott Morton (L) 64

Sam Stocks (Ldr) 53 54

Austin Sutcliffe (StA) 83

Chris Titcomb (StA) IFC

2016

Charlie Bradbeer (S) 80

Harriet Cairns (K) 80

James Craven (C) 14

Ben Curry (S) 65

Tom Curry (G) 65

Grace Cussons (D) 64

Emilia Dixon Smith (D) 64 90

Zara Gambier (W) 80

Evie Gardner (K) 80

Flo Garnett (D) 80

Scooter Gillespie (D) 80

Tris Tusa (S) 54 80

Ben Yap (S) 87

2017

Josh Allen (StA) 80

Charlie Bainbridge (StA) 71

Lewys Ball (C) 64

Bella Dixon Smith (D) 64

Charlie Fernandes (Ldr) 51

Calum Stewart (S) 63

2018

Will Connellan (Lx) 52

Simon Fernandes (Ldr) 51

Charles Shelley (S) IFC

Clare Taylor (Sn) 72

2019

Tom Beeby (StA) 66

Toby Dixon Smith (G) 64

Emma Morse (K) 11

H Potter (L) 50

2020

Z Atkinson (L) 50

Evan Ball (G) 64

George Crawley (L) 54

Angelo Giacco (L) IFC

Cameron Lennon (L) 76

T Simeons (StA) 50

2021

Alfie Buik (Ldr) 66 78

Cosi Dixon Smith (D) 64

Geordie Irvine (Sc) 66 78

Jerry Li (F) 70

Flossie Whittow (W) 66 78

2022

G Davies (Ldr) 50

Masao Matsuura (St A) IFC

2023

Sam Beattie (B) 65

Hamish Gordon-Stewart (G) 53

Alex Spragg (L) 65

2024

Ariff Hadian (C) 86

T Kemp (L) 50

C Moore (L) 50

R Potter (L) 50

Kai Yong (Sn) 86

The OO Club is delighted that planning permission has now been granted for McMurray House, the new girls’ boarding house in the centre of town. The building is named after former Headmaster David McMurray, whose vision brought co-education to Oundle.