Sternian Magazine 2020 by Lord Wandsworth College

THE

STERNIAN 2020

F O R T H E A L U M N I O F L O R D WA N D S W O RT H C O L L E G E

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

LWC’s COVID JOURNEY

4 STERNIANS & A RACE HORSE OR 2

Alumni update us on their post-LWC journeys

Hear from Headmaster Adam Williams

A tale of adventure from the Class of 1978

In this Issue... Editorial 2 Centenary Book 3

President’s Letter 4 Chairman’s Letter 5

32 6

24 38 Follow us: facebook @sternians

twitter @sternians

6 New Feature: Where are they now? 8 Sternian writes for Oxford History Review 10 More Sternian News 11 4 Sternians & a Racehorse or 2 12 An Interview with: Ian Kerr 14 An update from: The Development Office 16 Gill Kelly’s Retirement 20 Tim Prideaux’s Retirement 21 U6th Class of 2019/2020 21 Three Peaks Challenge 24 Remembering Headmaster Guy Dodd 26 Stories from Lockdown: Drift of Days 28 Stories from Lockdown: My Life in Lockdown 29 Book Review: A Grand Life 30 Where are they now: British Fencing Professional 31 LWC Remembers Patrick Priestley 32 An update from: The College 34 An Interview with: Heads of College 36 Science Centre Progress 38 Staff Room News 39 In Interview with: Steve Badger 40 An update from: Stern Farm 42 An update from: The Sternians Trust Fund 43 In Memoriam 44 AGM Invitation 45 An interview with: Adam Williams

linkedin @sternians-association

instagram @lwcsternians

www.lwcconnect.org 1

WELCOME TO THE STERNIAN MAGAZINE

Editorial

Well, 2020 was certainly some year, I am sure you will all agree!

We took the decision not to include full obituaries. Instead, we have listed the names of Sternians who we have sadly lost in 2020, with further information available on the Association website.

ou may have thought the pandemic was the most significant event of 2020. Oh no…. for LWC staff and many Sternians, Gill Kelly’s retirement in August was the most momentous happening. After eighteen plus years, Gill decided to hang up her alumni relations hat and become a Sternian herself. Read more about this on page 20.

We are excitedly planning our centenary to mark the arrival of the first pupil here in Long Sutton and we need your help with a book project. Please see the next page for more information and how you can contribute.

With events throughout the year cancelled, the College moving to remote learning for the summer term and much of the support staff furloughed for several months, we didn’t think we would have sufficient copy or capacity to cobble a magazine together this year.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Kate Boyd. She, in true modest style, asked me to write this editorial. Yes, we have both been involved, however, she has worked incredibly hard to pull it all together, doing the majority of the heavy lifting. Kate was actually brought on in December 2019 as Development Manager to help on the fundraising side of the team, but has taken on much of the Alumni Relations Manager role since Gill’s retirement whilst we wait to recruit a replacement. So, my huge thanks to Kate for being so accommodating and taking up The Sternian magazine mantle this year.

However, Kate and I donned our editorial thinking caps (and matching masks!) and, of course, asked you Sternians to help us out. Unsurprisingly, you did not let us down when we put out the request via the Sternian E-News. You got in touch to let us know what you have been up to and I am delighted we have been able to include your eclectic activities!

Before I go, a huge welcome to our new Sternians – both pupils and staff who left in 2020. The College’s loss but the Association’s gain! We look forward to seeing you at events, virtual or in person, very soon.

We have also added in some new features: “An interview with…” and “Where Are They Now?” which we would like to build on in future editions. Do let us know if there is a member of staff you would like us to focus on or if you would be willing to step into the spotlight yourself.

All that remains to be said is, grab a cuppa, settle down in your favourite chair and enjoy the read.

On page 32 we remember Patrick Priestley, one of our fallen Sternians. We are keen for this to become a regular feature too, so would welcome suggestions on who from our Roll of Honour to focus on next. If you would like to volunteer to carry out more research and write the piece, do get in touch.

SAM CORFIELD Development Director

Post industry news Recruit staff/interns Become or mentor or find a mentor Sign up to LWC Focus events Access our ‘Resources’ section for archived Focus talks Join industry ‘Groups’ Connect with the LWC community!

LWC’s very own professional networking platform. An incredible network with nearly 600 members! Join now and connect with the entire LWC community from fellow Sternians to current LWC parents, staff as well as Sixth Form pupils.

JOIN NOW www.lwcconnect.org OR Download the mobile phone APP

The 100th anniversary of the first cohort Wandsworth College will be marked in N Con community have witnessed considerab remains much today that would feel Plea fam CENTENARY

Centenary Book

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Alfred Beckwith, arriving at the College in November 1922. e will be celebrating with a number of events and activities for Sternians, pupils, parents and staff throughout the academic year of September 2022 – August 2023. We will keep you updated as plans progress.

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To celebrate our centenary, we are creating a beautifully illustrated book with specialist publisher Profile Editions. We will explore our shared story by curating an evocative selection of images from the College’s historical archive as well as present day, to be reproduced alongside compelling writing on key themes and a selection of edited reminiscences submitted by you Sternians.

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Is your attic full of letters, photographs, reports, items of old uniform, diaries, rule books etc. that you would be happy to share with us for inclusion in the book?

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Do you have a story to tell? Is there a time when you broke the rules or got up to mischief? Please send us your anecdotes and recollections.

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How to send in your contributions

THEMES & TOPICS The precise structure is still being determined, but may include chapter topics such as:

STORIES AND MEMORIES – please email to development@lordwandsworth.org

• Origins and Foundation • Joining the College (including Uniform) • In the Classroom • Co-curriculum Activities (sport, music, drama, art etc.) • Houses • Building & Estate/Farm • Interacting with the Wider World (DofE, Trips & Tours, Outreach etc.) • Alleged Crimes & Misdemeanours • Life After LWC

ITEMS – please post to the Development Office at LWC. Remembering to let us know a little bit about the item. We will assume that you have given us permission to reproduce them for the book, unless you tell us otherwise. If you would like the items return, do also let us know.

So do think about these themes when searching for items or thinking up stories.

Ordering a copy

You will of course understand that we may not be able to use every submission, but all items will be acknowledged and lodged in the College’s archive, or returned to you if that is your preference. Feel free to give us a call to discuss your contribution.

Full details of how you can order your copy of this unique celebratory book will be shared in due course.

apple Apple Store – “Graduway Community” Choose LWCConnect from the list google-play Google Play Store – ‘LWCConnect’ 2

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PETER BOOTH

President’s Letter

consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been able to spend time in the College community as one of the team of invigilators during the Mock exams, despite the Covid situation (I am writing during the second lockdown). This has given me the chance to see at first hand that it is still buzzing with life, vitality and optimism – socially distanced of course! I don’t believe that the campus has ever looked quite so good and the incredible new science block is really taking shape. Somehow, although major alterations to life have had to take place, an exciting new normal is emerging in preparation, we all earnestly hope, for a post-Covid world. The College is remarkably adaptable. So too are Sternians of all ages. I have enjoyed the many postings on the Sternians Facebook page and the wonderful reminiscences and discussions that they have produced. It has been marvellous to see how many old friendships have been revived on line, as well as new ones forged. I

enjoyed working with this very special know plans have been hatched by at person who always puts others first least a couple of groups, for significant but who deserves star treatment gatherings next year. I look forward to herself. hearing the (edited) reports of them. I enjoyed being one of several former Sadly, we have to record the loss staff who were invited to video record of Guy Dodd, a head who had such a question for an on line Sternian quiz an impact on so many lives group that had been formed. and I must record my own I never heard who actually “LWC is still immense gratitude to him. won, but that wasn’t really There is more about the main object of the buzzing with him elsewhere in the exercise. life, vitality and optimism - socially magazine. In addition, Mike Regglar who as It has been good to be distanced of bursar also made a major able to share, online, course!” but different impact on with various events such the college. Mike retired as the Remembrance Day to Odiham and continued to commemoration, the LWC Carol support College events as well as Service, The Quercus Club coffee being, with his wife, Daphne, fully morning as well as several LWC Focus involved in local life. However, another talks which have featured Sternians as event, this one a happy one, is the guest speakers. remarkable achievement of Ian Kerr in completing fifty years of unbroken I must mention the retirement of service to the College – more than half the Sternians’ very own ‘National the life of the college at Long Sutton. Treasure’! Despite Gill Kelly’s desire I have written a piece on him that to avoid the limelight, she has had appears elsewhere in the magazine. an incredible impact on so many people. She took on a low-key job It was good to meet in September and developed it beyond recognition. with Headmaster, Adam Williams, Very soon her vision, commitment our Chairman, John Bacon and and empathy with Development Director, Sam Corfield. everyone she John and I appreciated the chance came into contact to discuss the plans for the future with, soon meant at Long Sutton that included the she was central Foundation and the Sternians as to the Sternian major priorities. I can end as I began Association and by pointing to the enterprise and at the heart of its resilience of the College community – success. Sternians Vincit Perseverantia as I am sure you of all generations remember! knew that she would recognise My warmest good wishes for a bright them instantly future. and that they were guaranteed PETER BOOTH a pleasant chat and chance to reminisce. I have so

JOHN BACON

Chairman’s Letter

erhaps when I got that e-mail from Gill on the 8th January last year, I should have known that 2020 was going to be no ordinary year.

Back then, it all seemed innocent enough, “We have taken the decision with the Sports Department to cancel the Sternian hockey match scheduled for Sunday due to lack of enough Sternians to form a team.” At the time I was still enjoying the dubious delights of my first ever season ticket to watch the football team I have followed all my life in my west country homeland. The same month we saw that longest running production in the West End, the Mousetrap, which had opened probably four weeks before I was a glint in my father’s eye. This is starting to sound like something of a personal bucket list, but my intention is only to show that life in the Bacon household was running along very much as normal. Of course, February started with a kind of divorce from our geographical neighbours, an event that continues daily to occupy so many news hours. Could there be space for something more important? Well yes, Saturday 8th February saw the Mock Interviews morning in the Sutton Sports Hall. Who knows where I would have ended up if I had been able to practice and hone to perfection my interview technique as a tender youngster at school? Thanks so much to all Sternians and current parents who contribute so much to these events, organised so ably by Sharon Allmark and Gill Kelly.

And while virtual meetings are However, by then some three people not everyone’s cup of tea, we are in the UK had been diagnosed as fortunate that modern technology suffering from a disease that had affords us new opportunities to get caused havoc in China and elsewhere. together. My personal highlight was Not surprising then, that some on Skype in April, with Fitz in Montana nervousness surrounded the excellent and Mike in Andover, a fabulous LWC Foundation Day on Tuesday session for three who first met 10th March. But as should be as First Formers in 1964. expected, the event passed “Somehow without incident, and the Adam and As I write, at the tail end audience was treated his staff... have of 2020, I would be to some impressive continued to educate foolish to suggest that performances from the end is in sight, but students that have their charges to a signs are encouraging benefitted, as so many historically high with vaccines starting to of us have over the level” come on stream, and the real years, from the far-sighted prospect of finally gaining some generosity of LWC’s founder. kind of control over the disease. This was also my first experience of bumping elbows as a greeting. I don’t Could things get any worse? Frankly, foresee a time when I will ever truly yes. In the middle of all the other come to terms with this oddity. excitement, our long-serving Alumni Relations Manager, Gill Kelly, retired Less than a fortnight later came after eighteen years of looking after lockdown. Somehow Adam and his the Sternian community. May you staff have managed to adapt to the enjoy your well-earned rest Gill, and I considerable constraints arriving from am sure many will want to meet you so many directions, and they have as a welcome guest at future events. continued to educate their charges to a historically high level. JOHN BACON (1970, Sutton, A632) Ever the optimist, I suggest we are fortunate that a global pandemic tends to occur less frequently than once in an average lifetime. You cannot know the effects until it happens. So many friends and relatives lost, and so much of what we have come to regard as a normal life suddenly gone, and we all have had to learn to do things Peter and I catch up with Headmaster, Adam Williams, differently. Sept 2020

AN INTERVIEW WITH

Adam Williams 2020 has been a challenging year for schools, not just in the UK but across the world – continuing to provide quality education for our children, whilst balancing the need to support and protect pupils and staff. Hear from the Headmaster to see how LWC has fared. At what point did you think that LWC was in for a bumpy ride in 2020? The Carol Service in December 2019, as our community were affected by Norovirus and we had to finish early…

When and how did you and your Senior Team react to the news that school closures were imminent? Pretty relaxed really. We had a sense of the way the wind was blowing a few weeks before and made the call (as we continue to do) of trying to get ahead of government decision making so that we have processes in place and do not need to keep changing our decisions. It is a strategy that has worked well to date. As it happens, the week before Covid-19 broke across the UK, we were in the middle of a school inspection and so it was good to have done the planning beforehand. As for the story of the coughing and spluttering inspector on the final day...that’s a story for another time!

Was the College equipped to deal with such a swift move to online learning? Two years beforehand we had moved to a Bring Your Own Device policy, and so many of our students were already equipped with the Microsoft Surface Go device. After years of strong investment in IT infrastructure (our previous IT network manager described it as ‘weapons grade’), we were also in a good place. That said, to move a whole term’s teaching online in four weeks was a gargantuan task. We finished school a week early to give staff that extra time to prepare,

What alterations to the school provision have been in place since September? It’s not an exhaustive list, but timetables have changed to ensure lunch sittings work, all staff have a grab and go (Pret a Manger-style) lunch rather than a hot meal, all sport has been inter-house, not intra-school, individual music and drama lessons are online, and we have Covid-secure water foundations in place (at a cost of £11k), all staff meetings are on Teams, no school tours for prospective parents or staff, we have isolation areas in houses, the Health Centre

Covid fatigue), but we have striven throughout to go above and beyond to care for and support people and empathise with everyone’s unique situation.

Have any of the new ways of working been so good, you are planning to keep them? Covid-19 has enabled us to fast track so many things which have been terrifically positive. Webinars (LWC Focus), online parents evenings, virtual films and open events (there are more pupils applying than ever), our remote learning provision (for those who

What has made you the proudest this year? Several things really. 1. The way the school and community have come together this year 2. Winning the Independent Schools of the Year award for Student Wellbeing in such a difficult year – there are 2600 independent schools nationwide 3. Being awarded a Kite Mark for Character Education, one of just a few schools globally 4. An excellent Inspection report by the Independent Schools Inspectorate

and prepare they did, returning in the summer term with superb offering of on-line teaching for every pupil. 100% of lessons were delivered, alongside tutor periods, assemblies, house socials, parents’ evenings and interhouse sport. We even had parents attending lessons! That said, the IT Department, Chris Andrews (our Director of Digital Strategy) and Steve Badger (our Deputy Head, Teaching and Learning) were immense.

How did the College cope financially and did you need to furlough any staff ? The College has been very well managed and governed for many years, but the move to on-line learning and no pupils onsite meant that (alongside the majority of independent schools), we felt it was right to offer a significant discount to the summer term’s fees. We reduced the fee by £1.1m (approximately 20%) for the term which we felt was a very fair reflection of the cost savings we were able to achieve. It is worth knowing that as a school we provide more financial/bursarial support than almost any other independent school in our region. This was on top of that. We furloughed 112 of the 255 staff. These were all on the support staff side, as with no pupils here, many of the roles were superfluous. Naturally the teachers had their foot to the floor as on-line teaching and learning is significantly harder worked and more time-consuming than face-to-face, but we had to be so sensitive and provide support to those furloughed. Throughout 2020, we have endeavoured to live by the mantra of “doing what is right, not what is easy”, and with that in mind, we topped up the furlough payments to 100% of salary thought the period. 6

Adam filming with staff for another Virtual Open Evening

What preparations did the College need to make before welcoming pupils back onsite in September? Multifarious and voluminous. In order to ensure all our overseas boarders returned, we opened a boarding house three weeks early to enable them to isolate before term started. There was no charge for this. As you can imagine, we also had to prepare for a school with bubbled year groups, Covid-secure boarding houses, dining arrangements, lessons, sport, music and drama to name but a few. This then needed to be stresstested, assessed by our independent health and safety consultant and communicated to parents simply and clearly.

has reception and treatment areas for potential cases and all this within a lens of normal school life, something we have strived for throughout. We will spend well over £100k on extra cleaning and hygiene provision this year and anticipate an extra £330k of spend in total as a result of Covid-19 precautions.

What was the reaction amongst pupils/staff/parents to the changes? There was a genuine sense of joy to be back in school in September from all elements of our community. Quite simply, they were delighted to be underway and for school life to feel relatively normal. Emotions have ebbed and flowed since then as the months moved on ( mostly due to

cannot attend school on any given day), our flexible working for some staff, our even-more-honest approach with our parents and staff body, our joy of the outdoors, some Teams meetings. LWC has burst into the 21st century.

5. Pupil numbers increasing significantly during the lockdown period to our highest level ever 6. Our virtual speech day with Alastair Humphreys 7. The success of our Single Term Bursary appeal

Looking back over the last year, what has been the greatest challenge?

What was the funniest moment of 2020?

Apart from the obvious planning elements, ensuring every member of the community felt genuinely supported and cared for. Everyone has a different perspective (and risk level) where Covid-19 is involved. I would also say…having every decision made, challenged by some for poor decision-making and yet hailed for excellence in decision-making by others in equal measure. I guess that’s human nature… but it is exhausting.

Some of our attempts to film elements of virtual events... We’re a long way from being professionals…

If you could sum up 2020 in one word what would it be? Undulating

What are you looking forward to in 2021 and beyond? Fresh air, a mask-free school, and seeing our new Green Spaces, Grey matter programme burst into life.

S H E L LY L AW S O N ( N E E W I L S O N-W E B B)

Where are they now? NEW FEATURE

HOUSE: Gosden YEAR OF LEAVING: 1993 UNIVERSITY: Oxford CURRENT POSITION: Director & Co-founder of Frog Bikes

What have you been up to since you left LWC? Inspired by Martin Allison (thank you!) I did an English degree at Oxford, then went into strategy consulting at Accenture. After a brief stint at Tesco as a marketer, I enjoyed a career

Three dynamic Sternians update us on what they have been up to since leaving LWC.

break to have our two children, Oscar and Emily. I set up Frog Bikes with my husband Jerry in 2013, making lightweight kids’ bicycles.

What is your fondest memory of LWC? The innuendos that RTD managed to weave into A-level Classics. Oh, and being distracted during an AS French exam when the Red Arrows did a demonstration outside our window.

If LWC was a chocolate bar what would it be and why? Revels, because it’s got an interesting variety of people under the surface.

If LWC was a car what would it be and why?

A K I N S O L AN K E- C A U L K E R HOUSE: Sutton YEAR OF LEAVING: 2008 UNIVERSITY: St Mary’s University Twickenham CURRENT POSITION: Founder & CEO at The Athletic Network Corporation Elite Sports Agency

What have you been up to since you left LWC ? I took a gap year post A-levels, where rugby and continuing to play 7’s was my focus. After 2 years at University studying English Literature & Philosophy I realised that Sports Management was my real passion and embarked upon a journey first interning at some agencies in London - before starting my own in the Spring of 2016.

What is your fondest memory of LWC ? I have so many. The 6th Form Centre will forever be a hub that holds extremely good memories for me; whether it be my still close friend Mike Salmon playing absolutely terrible music from his iPod or using my powers of negotiation to get extra cookies and Fanta at lunch time. Above all though, the family feel is something that has never left me, and I try to replicate that now with my own team and in my personal life too.

If LWC was a chocolate bar what would it be and why? HAHA, love this question and I have a sweet tooth so I should be able to answer it well. I’d probably say a

A VW Golf. Perennial favourite of many, always true to its underlying values, fabulous car but not flashy!

Kinder Bueno. Perfectly presented, well respected and desired and once you taste it for the first time - it stays with you forever.

Do you have a motto for life? “Life is full of surprises. Make plans but expect them to change a bit along the way.”

If LWC was a car what would it be and why? I would say Alex Mytton’s convertible. For those who don’t know he was in my year and a close friend throughout our school days, and the day he passed his test - drove around the school grounds in a silver convertible with his hair flowing in the wind. So, in my mind if LWC was a car, it would be Mytton’s ride for sure!

Do you have a motto for life? ‘Happy are those who dream dreams and are prepared to pay the price to make them come true!’ I was blessed to have loads of teachers throughout my LWC days who really rode me and wouldn’t let me be average - Mr Dyson, Radmann, Lumsden and Eysele the main ones that I’ll always remember, and they taught me that it’s great to be a dreamer - but you have to put an equal measure of work in too!

M AR T H A B I L S L A N D HOUSE: Gosden YEAR OF LEAVING: 2016 UNIVERSITY: Cardiff Met University CURRENT POSITION: Graduate Assistant Sports Coach

What have you been up to since you left LWC?

If LWC was a chocolate bar what would it be and why?

I recently graduated from Cardiff Met University in July 2020 with a first in Sport and Physical Education. I am currently working at Canford School, as a Graduate Assistant, coaching and teaching Sport. I received my Welsh cap for the Wales Senior Women’s Cricket Team where I was fortunate enough to tour with them to Barbados in 2019.

Galaxy, because of the small community that LWC was, I always felt a sense of comfort and warmth.

What is your fondest memory of LWC? All the sports tours I was lucky enough to go on, in particular Sri Lanka with the boy’s cricket team; which was an amazing and unforgettable experience. Also, being head of house in U6th was a great honour and responsibility.

If LWC was a car what would it be and why? VW Golf- voted the perfect all-rounder car, which I think nicely sums up the ethos of the school. Pupils leave the school as well-rounded individuals that are smart, sporty and charismatic.

Do you have a motto for life? ‘Life will throw a lot at you, but the best thing you can do is accept, adjust and achieve’

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Sternian writes for Oxford History Review In a year when the Black Lives Matter movement took centre stage, Sternian and Oxford Undergraduate Alvin Boateng brought the controversional statue of Cecil Rhodes into the spotlight. His article was published by the prestigious Oxford History Review.

Cecil Rhodes’ Statue & Legacy

For me, and no doubt a significant he African and number of Black, Asian and Minority Caribbean peoples Ethnic students in Oxford, the Rhodes once endured centuries Statue is problematic. Whilst Rhodes of torment and had tremendous vision for Africa affliction at the hands and her infrastructure, this vision of western imperialists was predicated upon the notion and colonisers. The that the African was a second-rate trade and exploitation of Africa, its individual. The fierce determination of land and its natural resources paved the native Black population and their the way for marked increases in the deep connection to their motherland economic prosperity of the Englishman rendered them an encumbrance to at the expense of the people of Africa. Rhodes, a hindrance to his imperialist This tale of depravity saw millions of plans. Rhodes ideologized a Africans involuntarily shipped across stereotype of the lazy and unintelligent the globe, some dying en route and Black individual who needed to be thrown to sharks, whilst those who displaced and “stimulated to labour.” survived the crossing forced to labour Like many other imperialists, Rhodes on plantations and lay the foundations sought to engender tropes of white for the great cities we know today. All supremacy into the grain of global the while, colonialists and imperialists society, ensuring Black people were exploited virgin Africa in a relentless perceived as subservient to their quest for political and economic White contemporaries. These tropes control, leaving destruction and ruin are alive in the mechanics in their wake. Cecil Rhodes was of British society today, a famed imperialist. A former evidenced by systemic and Prime Minister of the Cape “The statue institutionalised racism Colony, he spent his earlier symbolises, and and the normalisation years in the diamond to a great extent of white supremacy in industry. In 1890, during venerates, the modern culture. Today, his tenure as Prime racist statues are just corrupt morals Minister, Rhodes ensured one way in which society the passage of several Rhodes upheld” creates a hierarchical history, Acts of Parliament seeking denying Black people the to rid modern-day Zimbabwe, opportunity to have their damaging Zambia and South Africa of their past acknowledged and understood. natives in order to enable industrial development. Through deceitful and Oriel College boasts a tall and duplicitous gambits, Rhodes duped imposing figure of Cecil Rhodes on both the Ndebele People and the its eponymous and prominent High British Government in order to earn Street façade, as well as plaques millions through the exploitation of glorifying his benevolence to the city the southern continent. Today, we and to the university. He casts an are gripped by an uncompromising imperious gaze over Oxford, his statue dilemma regarding the Rhodes a representation of his virtue and his Legacy; whether, due to his history, values. his statue should fall. 10

The difficulty with the debate over Rhodes, however, lies in the false dichotomy we have created through our desire to categorise the past into good and evil. History is not binary; it is an intricate subject comprised of infinite grey areas. The issues encapsulated by the Rhodes Statue and Legacy are not solved by removing statues or changing names, but rather by acknowledging the foundations of the university, and to a great extent, the country, around us and educating ourselves on the

nonchalance induced by our current representation of history. To merely take down the statue or rename the building would only scratch the surface; a much fuller enquiry and schedule of action is necessary in order to enact meaningful change. The Rhodes Statue could, and should in my opinion, be replaced by Alain Leroy Locke, the first Black Rhodes Scholar as testament both to the benevolence of his will, and more importantly, the reformation of his

views. Such a statue, central to the College, University and City would be a concrete symbol of our appreciation of the compromising past behind us, and our determination to create an inclusive future ahead of us.

ALVIN BOATENG (2019, Sutton)

An undergraduate at Oriel College, Oxford

More Sternian News It is wonderful to hearWORK yourOF news bothSULLY professional and 1958: personal. ANTHONY No. 947 left school ACRYLIC PAINTINGS Please do keep The Sternians’ Association informed - sternians@lordwandsworth.org

Without contextualisation, the statue symbolises, and to a great extent venerates, the corrupt morals Rhodes upheld. Coterminous with Oxford’s difficult relationship with its colonial history, and its unwillingness to come to terms with the experience of BAME students regarding elitism and lack of representation, the statue only further strengthens sentiments of unwelcomeness amongst these students across the university. The Rhodes legacy ought to enable the understanding of the modern-day ramifications of our complex colonial past rather than damagingly suppress it. The Rhodes Must Fall and Black Lives Matter movements, therefore, are more than bouts of ‘self-recrimination’ or ‘wetness,’ as our Prime Minister may characterise them. They are about recognising and appreciating the voices of Black History that have gone unheard for centuries. The University, Fellows and Students alike must accept this.

David Morris (1984, Sutton) and Guy Austin (1974, Hazelveare) Despite all the restrictions they were still able to catch-up over a beer and share memories in Sept 2020 at Windswept Brewery, Lossiemouth, Moray, Scotland.

Laura Head ( née Holden, Park, 2008) and Martin Head welcomed their first son Ethan Michael Head on 28th March 2020 just a few days after the first lockdown began.

This beautiful painting entitled ‘Blue Woods’ is one of many incredible works of art by Sternian Anthony Sully (1958, School, 947). To read more about Anthony’s career visit sultony.wixsite.com/ anthony-sully

Reunion, 61 Years On! “We chatted as easily as if we had only just left Long Sutton the year before. We were in fact seeing each other for the first time in 61 years since 1958 when Rob Atwell (1958, Sutton, 913) left for Bristol University and I stayed behind for a third year in the 6th. I reckoned in my 80th year it was time to attend a Reunion again. I had rather dropped out after my year as Editor of The Sternian in 1969. Rob and I enjoyed two years together taking A-Levels in French and Spanish. Recalling our summer of 1958 at School the photo suggests we spent a lot of time with our shirts off, whether revising or playing!” Rob and Peter in 1958 at LWC

PETER SMITH (1959, School, 0911)

4 Sternians & a Racehorse or 2

Class of 1978: Guy, Charlie, Mike and Dave invest in a racehorse

ith social life put on hold, spare time became an abundant commodity in 2020, once the Government’s Covid-19 measures made an impact. Although my business enjoyed an upward surge (due to increased demand for international horse racing data in lockdown), my leisure moments rose too, but there is only a certain amount of reading, walking, listening to music and eating which the mind and body can process. The obvious answer was to buy a racehorse! An old business contact asked me to cast an eye over his latest venture, a website selling Thoroughbred bloodstock. Dutifully I logged into the site and looked at pictures, read words, made notes of the good points, and of the less good aspects of the selling platform. Then it happened: one mouse click and up popped a picture of a beautiful yearling filly – it was love at first sight. On further investigation, not only was this a well-put-together young horse with a delightful head, but her pedigree also screamed out ‘buy me’. Within ten minutes I had emailed the breeder to register my interest, even though there was no financial plan in place to secure the deal. That did not stop me driving to Wales to give the filly an inspection in the flesh in the company of breeder Jane Frieze, who has subsequently become a good friend. While there I learnt the filly’s stable name was Zara, a moniker earned because her sire Dartmouth had been owned by The Queen, her dam’s

her train and learn to become a racehorse; win some races; breed and sell her progeny. What could possibly go wrong?

(Twenty Eight Guns) nickname was Annie - and Zara was the next Royal female in line.

On my return from the Principality, I contacted While I waited selected people to move from on Facebook Hampshire to and WhatsApp, Somerset (which as well as my eventually fell fellow players in through), a friend a private racing in Worcestershire competition. kindly gave Zara a Within a week, 2018 Reunion of class of ‘78 home before I seven of us could take care had teamed up to of her at my new base. Within four or buy the filly – including myself and five weeks, at the beginning of August, three old friends among my LWC our lovely Zara went lame. She would peer group, Charles Hesse, David not eat; she spent her time lying down. Wells and Michael Haas. The septet was completed by racehorse trainer Vets were called in immediately and Richard Phillips, Mick FitzGerald she was given the best care possible, Racing Club manager Tim Hailstone but all to no avail. Sadly, we had to say and my former Odiham Cricket Club farewell to Zara as she was hastened team-mate Steve Payne. on her final journey by the medical The quartet of Sternians are all from the class of 1978; Charlie was a School House inmate, with fastbowling and rugby winger on his LWC CV; Mike was Sutton House, also with cricket and rugby full-back honours, while Dave only made it through Junior before a nomadic family life took him elsewhere, but he too is a rugby stalwart. I was the lucky one, as a representative of Summerfield House. Rugby was my LWC game, hidden away as a tighthead prop, while my cricketing endeavours were mostly undertaken at nearby Odiham & Greywell Cricket Club. The plan was simple: enjoy Zara maturing for a couple of years; watch

one race but would not be ‘a Saturday horse’, which in short means one capable of winning in the top bracket. The offer was on the table: if we could guarantee Mattie Ross a home for life, either on the racetrack, as a broodmare or in retirement, she was ours. While we were all still grieving for Zara, this was an excellent opportunity to ‘get back on the horse’, and one which we accepted with alacrity. So now we were suddenly three years ahead of where we had been just a few days previously: a yearling replaced by a ready-to-go racehorse. Firstly, we had to register ourselves as an owner group, and it was a simple decision to call ourselves The Zara Syndicate in memory of our founding filly. Then we used WhatsApp and the British Horse Racing Association colour chart and design tool to put together our silks. The LWC contingent wanted black, red and yellow, but compromise was the order

of the day and black was left out. Since taking on Mattie, we have enjoyed some syndicate socials and visits to see her development in her lovely home in the Cotswolds. Indeed, the yard was previously the base of top eventer Mike Todd, so it lacks nothing when it comes to equine care. Obviously Covid has restricted the number of get-togethers, but with two excellent pubs close to the yard, both of which offer tasty food and comfortable accommodation, there will be many more planned. We will also have days at the races, visits to stud farms and some dinners to which we will invite leading racing and nonracing personalities with whom we can shoot the breeze.

career start, and her first for us. It will have taken place by the time you are reading this, so perhaps an update will be required in a future issue of The Sternian. Now we are in 2021, who out there would be interested in becoming part of a Sternians’ Syndicate? Why not email me at guy.utd1@yahoo.com depending on whether there is any interest at all, we can plan a budget and our aims, both racing and social! From Zara to Mattie and beyond, this is an ongoing story of love, friendship and fun. GUY BUTCHERS (1978, Summerfield, B138)

So now we are waiting for Mattie Ross (by triple Grade One winner Champs Elysees out of a winning Montjeu mare who has already produced three winners) to make her second

Dave Wells left, Guy Butchers right

professionals. In a freak of nature, she had contracted an infection which the vet described as the most aggressive he had seen in 30 years doing the job; an abscess in Zara’s leg developed into a fearful form which was eating her from the inside; the vets and the equine hospital had no answer. There was no choice other than putting this sweet filly out of her pain and misery. Unsurprisingly teardrops exploded and speechlessness was prompted by utter disbelief from everyone involved.

Within 48 hours, there was a beacon of light. Trainer Phillips had told our story to some long-term clients who bred their own racing and breeding stock. They had a well-bred four-yearold filly who had shown ability in her

Mattie Ross - her first session learning to jump, December 2020

Mattie Ross

AN INTERVIEW WITH

Ian Kerr

Celebrating 50 Years at LWC SUBJECT TAUGHT: History…but also English, French, Geography, Latin, Classics and Computing. CO-CURRICULAR: Rugby…I have coached and refereed teams throughout the College. CCF, D of E and more recently Climbing on the wall in the Sports’ Hall. POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY DURING YOUR TIME AT LWC: Housemaster, Assistant Housemaster and Tutor. Contingent Commander of the CCF. (1990 until 2008) Professional Mentor for all new staff (2000 until 2008)

I looked at teaching opportunities beyond LWC but always came back to LWC and the opportunities the area and environment afforded for not only myself but also for my wife and young family.

What do you most love about teaching? Making a difference to young people’s lives and hopefully being a role model to some as far as standards and values are concerned. I derive great pleasure from being around young people and absorbing their enthusiasm and joie de vivre.

How and when did your career in teaching begin? My first experience of frontline teaching was in France during the academic year 1966/7 following on from a number of exchanges (from the age of 11), with a French family. It was a very formative experience, and 60 years later, I remain closely in touch with my “French family”.

What is so special about LWC that you haven’t wanted to leave? The feeling that I was entering a caring community within a lovely environment and the importance of the Foundation, making such a difference to young people’s lives. I was also interested in the pastoral care that the College clearly demonstrated. During my long career,

How has LWC changed over the years? The advent of girls to the college in 1990 has to be at the top of the list. Secondly, the changes in the usage of the farm and its buildings. Lord Wandsworth College has also become less formal during my time here with changes in expectations of staff and children. Everyone in college was expected to be at the Church Service on Sunday morning, in the Gavin Hall with the staff appropriately attired in suits and academic gowns. Successive Headmasters always made their mark on the growth and development of the College. There has been a continuous programme of building expansion over the years, which has been exciting to see.

What is your fondest memory of LWC?

What brought you to LWC? An invitation to apply for a ‘teacher of English with an interest in rugby’ from the (then) Headmaster, Neil Henderson was posted on St. Luke’s College notice board, where I was studying English and History. I was offered an interview, totally convinced by the opportunity, smitten by the environment and as is said, “the rest is History”. I accepted the job without hesitation!

their boarding houses to work. This having been achieved, it was free for the staff to abandon their outer garments and go swimming.

Mr & Mrs Kerr, London, June 2010, celebrating 150 years of The Cadet Movement

Can you share an early LWC memory? The bachelor staff (of whom there were many at the time, including me) would often congregate in the Four Horseshoes after their day’s work and before their evening meal at 7pm. On a warm summer’s evening, we decided that we would go for a swim in the (then) outdoor pool and I would be the one to be hoisted over the wall to gain access. When we arrived at the pool, it was clear that there were already 6th formers inside who should have been in Prep. Once over the wall, it was my role to give those in there a hard time and suggest that they moved back to 14

The fondest memory has to be the beautiful and safe environment in which we lived and brought up our young family. Every day for about 30 years I walked one or other of our dogs in the beautiful grounds.

Is there a particular colleague who shaped your career? There is not one particular colleague who stands out at LWC – there were many – but I was very influenced by my mother, another teacher. At my Senior School in Weston Super Mare, my history teacher, Roger Ashley stimulated my fascination in History and the famous inter-war, Welsh international, Bill Davies developed my passion for rugby. Lastly, John Pritchard, my Scout Master was very influential in setting me on the right course for life through the challenges of Scouting; he gave me a sense of purpose and direction and instilled in me an understanding

of the importance of “standards and values”.

What excites you about the future of LWC? The construction of the new Science Block is part of a longer tradition of College expansion and development but in such difficult times I see it as evidence of continued confidence and demand for all the College stands for and does so well. To this I add, the position of the “Foundation” which I consider one of the central pillars of the College, supporting and caring for those families with a “boarding” need.

Ian with Pat Leach who flew Harriers in the RAF

If you could describe your time at LWC in one word what would it be? I feel I have been “privileged” to spend my career at LWC. That is not to say there have not been frustrations within the system but whenever I looked outside or was interviewed or offered a position, the same gnawing questions returned on the wisdom of moving. Just “what would I be giving up and what would be the gain”? The answer to this conundrum kept my feet firmly on the ground in North Hampshire.

How will you be celebrating this extraordinary milestone? I think this is really worth celebrating with Mrs K who has been a constant source of support and inspiration throughout my time at LWC. She is my “critical friend” and has always kept my feet firmly on the ground! But a quiet meal out at a favourite restaurant with a glass of “fizz” will be a pleasure we’ll eagerly anticipate.

Ian congratulating Sternian Duncan Gemmel on becoming a Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet in Winchester

Congratulations on 50 years of service at LWC from The Sternians’ Association

my new Triumph Herald of which I was so proud, ran out of petrol half way there! We had to complete the journey on foot, accompanied by a stream of invective from Ian. After this unfortunate start to my career at LWC, our relationship has been downhill ever since! There has been no escape for either of us. As member of the History Department, our classrooms were next door to each other. We supervised D of E trips, where Ian’s culinary skill left something to be desired. We found ourselves working together at Sutton House for twelve years and now we are both members of the invigilation team – indeed he even had to interview me for the job!

mongst all the upheavals and uncertainty of this year, one remarkable event is in danger of being overlooked. Ian Kerr has completed fifty years of unbroken service to the College. In the classroom, on the rugby pitch, on the parade ground, up mountains or climbing wall, as a tutor and housemaster and more recently as leader of the invigilation team, Ian has contributed to the life of the College over more than half of the College’s time at Long Sutton. This is a remarkable and exceptional achievement. Always one to put the welfare of the pupils first with a strong sense of how things should be done and the ability to inspire and cajole others to follow suit, Ian has contributed immensely to the College and its community. It was not surprising and entirely deserved that he was awarded the O.B.E for his services, in particular to the CCF.

Working with Ian, who is so dedicated to the College, has been a great pleasure. Emma and I count Ian, Pauline and their wonderful family amongst our closest friends. I congratulate him for these years of service and look forward to the years ahead.

I met Ian on my first day at the college in 1972. When he asked if anyone could take him into Odiham, as a nervous new member of staff, I immediately volunteered. However,

PETER BOOTH

President of The Sternians’ Association 15

AN UPDATE FROM

The Development Office

What a year! 2020 was a bit of a challenge on so many fronts!

s you know, the Development Office has several purposes. Firstly, we are here to manage an alumni programme for you as Sternians to enable you to keep in touch with the College and each other – whether that be via social, sporting or networking events, producing publications such as this magazine and regular E-News bulletins, or by offering opportunities for you to help LWC pupils with their career choices. We really missed seeing you all at the usual events over the last year and know how disappointing it was that they had to be cancelled. The other key side of the job is to raise funds for The Foundation and other key College priorities. We took the difficult decision to pause all fundraising for a significant part of the year. The team was furloughed for several months and then Gill sadly retired at the end of August and became a Sternian herself! (see more on page 20) This all meant we had to refocus our efforts. FOUNDATION DAY We were extremely lucky to manage to slip Foundation Day in just before the College moved to remote learning and the first national lockdown started in March. It was an inspiring occasion, hosted by the then Head of College, Ali Cooper. All our Foundationer pupils and partner organisations did us proud. We were delighted to welcome back Chris Gibbs (1995, Hazelveare) and Henry Graham (2013, Summerfield) who joined us to tell their Foundationer story – thank you, it means so much to our donors to hear the impact of their support first-hand.

STERNIAN E-NEWS We hope you have enjoyed the more frequent E-News bulletins and the opportunities to join in various virtual College events such as Speech Day and the Carol Service. COVID-19 APPEAL On returning from furlough, it was clear that some of our LWC parents were really struggling financially so we urgently launched the COVID-19 Appeal for Single Term Bursaries. Thank you so much to those who have already lent us your support – it is transformational to those families in need right now. VIRTUAL 5K Kate and I love a challenge and, despite all the restrictions in place, were keen to find new ways for you all to get involved and reconnect with each other. What better way than via the new LWC Virtual 5k? It was wonderful to see so many Sternians, parents, pupils, staff and governors coming together, albeit virtually, and completing their 5km in a variety of ways back in September. Particular mention to Sternian Mark Hand (see picture)! LWC FOCUS We launched LWC Focus, our new series of virtual talks for Sternians and LWC parents with School House boys Paul Richings (1990) and Richard Saunders (1991) kindly agreeing to be our guinea pigs by hosting the inaugural event, A Focus on Finance, back in November. A number have followed since, and have all been a wonderful way to keep in touch with so many of you around the world. We are incredible grateful to Sternians and LWC parents who have volunteered to speak at these events. If you have missed any, do visit the resources area of LWC Connect to view the recordings. 16

2021 EVENTS PERFORMANCE UNDER PRESSURE Guest Speakers: LWC Parent Andy Coughlin and Ian Cochrane Date: Friday 27nd January

MAKE MY MONEY MATTER Guest Speakers: Sternians Ben Holden and Tara Gillespie Date: Tuesday 27th April, 6:30pm

ENTREPRENEURSHIP Guest Speakers: Sternians Shelley Lawson and Claudia Gwinutt Date: Tuesday 2nd February

LAW Guest Speakers: Sternian Sir Peter Coulson and Sternian/LWC Governor Simon Clements Date: Tuesday 11th May, 6:30pm

SPORTS AGENT Guest Speakers: Sternian Akin Solanke-Caulker Date: Tuesday 2nd March

ENDURANCE TRAINING Guest Speakers: LWC Parent Toby Leyland Date: Tuesday 25th May, 6:30pm

COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Guest Speakers: LWC Parent Dr Jide Adeniran Date: Tuesday 23rd March

GEOGRAPHY Guest Speakers: Headmaster Adam Williams Date: Tuesday 22nd June, 6:30pm

TO REGISTER GO TO LWCCONNECT.ORG

Fundraising Income Fundraising Update Mark Hand (1993, Hazelveare) and his unicycle!

If you feel able to support LWC in anyway do get in touch.

2019/20

Your generosity and support for the College, and the Foundation in particular, especially when there was so much else going on, is truly remarkable – thank you. You helped us Overall we raised almost £580,000 from all areas. to raise £578,727 in 2019/20.

Fundraising Income Update 2019/20

You can see from the historical comparison table below that

£578,727 raised

Income foris 2020/21 little more at this is this similar to is thelooking total ina2015/16, but tricky the breakdown stage.completely Being furloughed meant we were not able to different. secure the same levels of pledged support for this year Trusts and charities a decrease and of circa and soIncome we arefrom playing catch up. We shows also understand 35% between 2015/16 and 2019/20. and Unfortunately, this appreciate that people’s circumstances priorities may have changed. concerning for us at LWC trend is setObviously, to continuethis withisTrusts and Charities having as there is a knock-on effect on ability tohaving fund the ever-increasing requests for our support and to tighten Foundation, fit outorthe new their Science Centre their criteria reduce grant level. and support other projects across the College. We will, of course, continue in Legacy income is always unpredictable, and it was our endeavours. Sam and Adam filming live for the Virtual 5k.

Not receiving Sternian E-News updates?

Sternians/Parents Trusts & Charities for Foundationers fees Legacies Covid-19 Appeal (additional income raised in 2020/21)

particularly low in 2019/20. However, we are delighted that our Sternians remained fit and well last year!

Raised

All of this means that we have to work harder to increase philanthropic income from individuals from the LWC community each year. This income stream has been increasing steadily over the same time period, with a significant step change last year. We are delighted that All Upper Sixth Foundationers left in 2020 with fantastic fromgone individuals was the resultsincome and have to the (excluding Universitylegacies) of their choice. highest on record for LWC with over £300,000 donated. We know they will make huge contributions to those

Sternians/Parents As we approach the centenary of the College, the £287,794 vision of Baron Stern provide care and for young TrustsSydney & Charities fortoFoundationers fees education£241,208 people impacted by the loss of a parent remains as important Legacies £35,000 as ever. The past year has obviously presented some unique Covid-19 Appeal £14,725 challenges, but we have been amazed by the resilience and commitment to learning exhibited by our fantastic young people.

establishments, they did here. We are soas grateful for your support, especially during such turbulent times. Thank you. Nine new Foundationers started with us in September 2020 and have settled in really well. Eight joined the First Form and one went into Third Form, taking us to forty-six Foundationers across all year groups.

We are delighted to be welcoming seven new Foundationers in the Autumn Term 2021 ( returning Foundationer numbers Fundraising Income dateare 2020/21 to over 50 once again), some to of whom yet to actually visit the campus, as the entrance process had to be conducted entirely online! We are confident that they will make a valuableraised contribution to the life of the College. £298,926 to date

2020/21

Please send us your e-mail address to be added to our database: sternians@lordwandsworth.org

At the end of the summer, we sadly said goodbye to Gill Whilst the supported team wereaon furlough, not able Wright who had great numberwe of were Foundation to over buildthe upmany the same of pledged forso families yearslevels that she was with support us. We are grateful for all ofWe the are tremendous work Gill did and wish her 2020/21. playing catch up and urgently need all theto very in on hertrack. new role. getbest back We also understand and appreciate that you as our current supporters, as well as our potential new donors, may also

£578,727

PETESternians/Parents GERMAN Director of&Admissions & Marketing Trusts Charities for Foundationers fees (includes pledges for the whole year)

Legacies Covid-19 Appeal (since Sept 2020)

How Can You Support LWC?

Thank You

There are a number of campaigns you can choose to support, some are listed below

THE FOUNDATION

COVID-19 APPEAL FOR SINGLE TERM BURSARIES

The Foundation continues to support children who have lost the support of a parent through bereavement, significant illness or separation. Our Foundationers come from a wide variety of family circumstances, but all make the most of everything LWC has to offer. Is the education of Foundationers at LWC, now and in the future important to you? Why not sign up as a regular donor? If 35 new donors gave £50 a month, we could fund a Foundationer’s place.

SCIENCE CENTRE The new building will provide a wonderful, bright and conducive learning environment for us to transform the delivery of Science at LWC. This £8m project has been carefully managed, however we are asking for your support to help with equipping this awesome new space. Would you like to sponsor a lab? You can for £24,000, or £8,000 pa over 3 years.

Numerous LWC families are facing an unforeseen financial crisis due to the pandemic, and are struggling to pay school fees. Asking for support is the last thing they ever imagined they would do.

PERFORMING ARTS The performing arts continue to thrive at LWC. Following the generous donation from a Sternian, who wishes to remain anonymous, we are half way to reaching our target to refurbish the Theatre in the Music and Drama centre. It will become a multipurpose, modern performing arts space for performers and audiences to enjoy with new tiered, retractable seating, a sprung floor, theatre curtains and upgraded sound, lighting and other technical equipment for filming. Was drama or music your passion at LWC? Was the MAD where you hung out? If so, why not lend your support to ensure today’s LWC pupils can build those same memories? TARGET: RAISED: SHORTFALL:

£200,000 £100,000 £100,000

There are other large ticket items for the outdoor classroom for example, such as the Greenhouse, wildlife garden or weather station? Please get in touch to discuss making a gift.

In the Summer and Autumn terms, we awarded 34 single term bursaries. However, the need still remains.

As you know we have donor clubs to help us bring likeminded supporters together, giving us a chance to thank you for all you do for LWC. Each club has its own distinct pin badge and members are invited to different club and college events throughout the year.

DONOR CLUBS Each year we are delighted to welcome new Sternian members to all our Donor Clubs

Could you help relieve the financial burden facing an LWC family? If so, please support this appeal. TARGET: RAISED: SHORTFALL:

£40,000 £27,000 £13,000

CCF APPEAL The CCF are keen to make ceremonial occasions even more amazing by adding some special military touches such as handsewn Banners and Colour Belts, and a Sword of Honour that will be presented to the senior cadet that upholds the values and the ethos of the CCF and goes above and beyond the norm.

The 1912 Society is for people who have kindly decided to leave a gift in their will to The Foundation, LWC in general or the Sternians Trust Fund. Unfortunately, our Wisley trip was cancelled in June 2020, but it was lovely to see members on Zoom for a catch up with the Headmaster in November – we hope you enjoyed your biscuits!

The Quercus Club is our Regular Giving Club, launched in 2020 to shine a spotlight on this incredible group of people who continue to support us year on year. Becoming a regular donor is simple and you can split your gift into small monthly, quarterly or annual instalments. Members enjoyed our Virtual Tea and Biscuits with the Headmaster in January 2021.

£10,000 £8,000 £2,000

To find out more or to make a donation scan the QR code.

SUPPORT US Golf Society – Do not worry, we haven’t forgotten you! What a shame we couldn’t meet up at Bearwood Lakes Golf Club in March 2020. We hope you have managed a few socially-distanced games when restrictions have allowed. We will be in touch as soon as we can with new plans.

Read our latest Supporter Update by scanning the QR code below:

To support any of our campaigns or become a member of a Donor Club or the Golf Society contact Sam Corfield or Kate Boyd: T: 01256 860243/279 E: development@lordwandsworth.org More info www.lordwandsworth.org/supportus

Registered Charity Number: 1143359

The Cedrus Club recognises those members of our community who make significant gifts to LWC of £5,000 or more. They are usually one-off donations although some generous individuals give at this level on a regular basis. There is a small handful of members who have been awarded gold membership to recognise gifts exceeding £50,000. Gold members will be listed on a special donor board.

We cannot wait to catch up in person with all our clubs, as soon as restrictions allow

These beautiful items are a little costly for the CCF, but wonderful funding opportunities for you! Could you help us reach our target? TARGET: RAISED: SHORTFALL:

We will continue to share information about ways you can support Science over the coming months. See page 38 for an update on the project.

Following on from the successful launch of the Quercus Club last year, we are delighted to announce our new Cedrus Club, for those individuals who have made significant financial contributions over the years. Inaugural members should have received their welcome letter and pin badge. If you feel that you should have been included and have not yet received anything from us then please accept our apologies. We have tried to go back through historical data but appreciate that it is not completely accurate. So please do get in touch so we can rectify the situation and welcome you to the club!

We are extremely grateful for the support we receive from all our donors. Whether the gift is large or small, regular or one-off, directed to the Foundation, capital projects, or smaller appeals, we really do appreciate your help, particularly through these tumultuous times.

Tim and Simon at one of many College events

Tim with Laurie Kinney (1953, Sutton, 735)

u o y k n Tha for all you have done for the College and The Sternians’ Association!

RETIREMENT

Gill Kelly

The legendary Gill Kelly retired in August 2020 from the position of Alumni Relations Manager, despite the cries from all corners of LWC to stay put and carry on doing the utterly brilliant job she held for 18 years.

Gill edited The Sternian magazine for many years, making improvements year on year. I know how much you have all enjoyed receiving your copy in the Spring Term.

ill joined LWC in February 2002 as the part-time administrator for LWC Enterprises and I know that Gill credits her encyclopaedic knowledge of the nooks and crannies of each boarding house and the inner workings of the College to her time in this role.

She also worked closely with the Careers Team on the Careers Fair and Mock Interview days – encouraging Sternians to give back directly to our pupils.

Later that year, Gill was asked to help, part-time, with the admin support for The Sternians’ Association and then took on the Alumni Relations role full time in 2007 when the Development Office began. I am sure, back then, she didn’t bank on still being at LWC in 2020. During this time, the Development office raised over £5.5 million – this level of donations cannot be raised without significant stewarding of donors and potential donors – Gill has been excellent at keeping our Sternians engaged with the College.

Gill had the joy of her two sons, Calum and Guy joining her at LWC. Both went on to be Heads of Sutton House and College Prefects and left in 2008 and 2009 respectively. During all of this, I know that the highlight for Gill had been meeting so many Sternians – all ages and from all walks of life. She was always genuinely interested in your lives and accomplishments. She has also made many friendships with colleagues over the years, and I know she treasures these too.

When Gill started, there was a small database of Sternians and events run by Gill’s socially distanced retirement Thank you for all you have done for the busy volunteers. Gill developed this over party - Aug 2020 College and The Sternians’ Association the years so we now have contacts for Gill! We miss you but also wish you all over 6,000 former pupils, staff and parents the best for your retirement. Come back and see us as and an annual programme of 20+ events, catering for all soon as Boris allows now that you are a Sternian yourself! audiences.

SAM CORFIELD Development Director at LWC

There have been some brilliant Sternian summer reunions including classic cars, a food festival and the amazing 2012 celebration, particular highlights.

RETIREMENT

Tim Prideaux

u o y k Than for all you have done for the College!

Tim Prideaux has been a Governor at the College since 1999. But his family’s connection with LWC goes back many years. As a lot of readers will be aware his father, Sir Humphrey, left an indelible print on the history of the College. And Tim has now done the same.

quality of teaching and the interaction between Teacher and pupils. These observations gave him the insight to inform his contribution to the Education Committee with always honest, yet constructive, feedback about what he had seen. At Full Governor meetings he could always be relied upon to be the voice of reason, sprinkled with a healthy dose of good humour.

im’s appointment is recorded in Hugh Podger’s book, ‘The History of the Lord Wandsworth Foundation and College 1912 – 2009’ as follows: ‘Tim Prideaux, a son of Sir Humphrey, had joined WH Smith in 1965 as a management Trainee after education at Eton. In 1995 he moved to Business in the Community, initially on secondment from WH Smith, and became Territorial Director for Surrey’.

His detailed knowledge of the College environment ensured that he could be relied upon to feed in to our discussions his own wise observations. This was never more apparent than at the annual fee discussion when Tim would know exactly what fees ‘rival’ schools were setting, so he could argue from a strong factual basis that LWC should not price itself out of the market.

What is not recorded is the fact that Tim was also a highly respected local Justice of the Peace in Surrey until his retirement a few years’ ago. Within a few months of becoming a Governor, Tim was appointed Chair of the newly created Marketing Committee and one of their first actions was to create the first full time Marketing Director post, which was filled by Mary Hicks until her retirement in 2019. As well as remaining on that Committee Tim also served with distinction on the Education Committee.

“He could always be relied upon to be the voice of reason, sprinkled with a healthy dose of good humour”

One of Tim’s huge strengths is his ability to engender trust. I wonder how many staff members over the years have quietly come up to Tim and said to him, ‘I just thought you ought to know this’?

His fierce support for the Foundation has always been apparent to those who know him. I think two factors have informed that passion. Firstly, coming from a family with a deep-rooted history of support for the Foundation, but secondly his own unwavering belief that the Foundation changes lives for the better.

Well, those are the bare facts. In terms of numbers Tim must have attended over 200 Main Governor and other Committee meetings, together with at least 100 other visits to the school for assemblies, Speech Days, and other College events. And whilst the numbers clearly demonstrate the scale of Tim’s commitment to the College, they do not do justice to his dedication and passion for the College and especially the Foundation.

Tim, for over 20 years you have been a great friend to the College, helping change lives for the better. We will all miss you.

Tim has been the most visible of Governors. Who knows how many assemblies he has attended? Quite possibly more than many pupils and staff! He also led the way in lesson observations. Sitting quietly in the corner and seeing the

SIMON CLEMENTS LWC Governor and friend of Tim Prideaux

e m o c l e W Class of 2020 to The Sternians Association!

Back Row: Tom Overton, Apple Mallory, Pippa Heywood, Zoe Baker, Phoebe Moore, Izzi Harper, Jenny Hird, Sarah Qu Third Row: Sam Rennie, Jack Chen, Ems Saunders, Ella Haffey, Christina Williams, Anna Mcangus, Jade Hine, Amanda Clark, Susie Zhao, Savannah Wong, Will Banham, Robbie Pang, Luca Hartley, Witory Wu Second Row: Olly Paddison, Freddie Packer, Lizzie Wood, Jamilah Ranger, Grace Laking, Frankie Courtney, Jojo Laking, Tom Bailey-Burnley, Jo Panons, Jack Davies, Elliot Cattermull, Ben Smith, Cedric Dong, Sam Lalondrelle

First Row: Hogen Whiteley, Freddie Noordhoek Hegt, Artem Mikheev, Will Calder, Alex Bradshaw, Ilya Kava, Tom Jeffery, Matt Heighington, Ollie Berryman, Freddie Wright, Will Carver, Jamie McGill, Connor Wright, Alex Glover, Ralph Savage Front Row: Toby Savage, Riki Tanaka, Monica Zhu, Jake Towsey, Allie Cooper, Tom Rimmer, Adam Williams, Tom Goodwin, Jess Evans, Sophie Wilkinson, Libby Taylor, Alice Sullivan, Swami Loh

Three Peaks Challenge

he Three Peaks Challenge is a race against the clock to climb the tallest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis (1345m) in the Highlands, Scafell Pike (978m) in the Lake District and Mount Snowdon (1085m) in Snowdonia National Park – within 24 hours. Here, team member Ben Coomer shares a diary of the challenge…

Monday 7th September

Tuesday 8th September

BEN NEVIS 1345M TREK: 10.5 MILES

On the 7th - 8th September 2020, 2019 leavers Ben Coomer (School), Toby Seeckts (Summerfield), Sam Gilley (School), Ben Reeves (Hazelveare), Will Manuel (School) and Tom Leonard (Hazelveare) completed the national Three Peaks Challenge in 23 hours and 14 minutes.

SNOWDON 1085M TREK: 6.4 MILES

We set off at 11am at a good pace, and after only 20 minutes I think it’s safe to say that we all realised the true difficulty of the challenge ahead of us. Conditions were difficult – strong winds with heavy rain and a thick fog made it impossible to see anything from the top. We were soaked through and at this point waterproofs made little difference, but nevertheless we did reach the summit in a time of 2 hours 11 minutes.

We struggled to sleep at all and after a four-anda-half-hour drive to North Wales we arrived in Snowdonia National Park at 6.25am. We had originally arranged to have Weetabix prior to starting this last trek but none of us fancied eating – we were tired, cold and wet. We pulled into the empty Visitor Centre car park and motivated each other for the final climb ahead.

We took the Pyg track which was a total of 6.4-miles and on this trek Rupert and Grev joined us. They motivated us “We raised when many of the team had hit the an incredible wall. After 2 hours we reached the At the car park where we started, £4,000 for summit where once again we could Grev and Rupert (our legendary see nothing and it was windy and Crohn’s & Colitis drivers) were waiting for us with hot cold. Our knackered legs successfully spaghetti bolognese that Ben had UK” descended Snowdon in around 2 pre-cooked before the expedition. As hours, exactly 23 hours and 14 minutes we had finished Ben Nevis far ahead of since we set off to climb Ben Nevis, 400+ schedule, we were able to spend half an miles away in Scotland! hour eating and getting out of our soaked clothes, After arriving at the summit, we made it down in 1 hour and 40 minutes, with a total time of 3 hours 51 minutes.

before setting off on the 6-hour drive to Scafell Pike. SCAFELL PIKE 978M TREK: 5.2 MILES

At 9:15pm, we arrived at a dark, cold and empty Wasdale Head car park. Our night climb was ahead and none of us had managed any sleep. This was the shortest but steepest and widely acknowledged as the most difficult climb. After putting on a new set of clothes and eating a warm hotdog, we embarked on the 5.2-mile trek into the light but persistent rain. The navigation was tough especially by head torch. We overshot and took the wrong route on multiple occasions. The most challenging part was arguably when crossing the roughly 10 metre wide, then-raging Lingmell Gill river which was racing down the mountain. We reached the summit at around 11:15 / 11:30pm. On the descent our legs were in agony and shaking whilst standing still. We quickly made our way down the mountain to be greeted by Grev and Rupert at 1am with hot porridge. We changed into new clothes and we were back on the road to Snowdon within 30 minutes. Our total time to complete Scafell Pike was 3 hours 27 minutes. 24

In total, we had covered over 1,200 driving miles, over 22 miles on foot and just under 10,000 feet of ascents up the 3 highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales. All in under 24 hours and all for Crohn’s and Colitis UK!

It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of former Headmaster Guy Dodd. Guy passed away last May and not surprisingly we were inundated with messages of condolence for Guy’s widow Helen and their family. Here Sternian President Peter Booth remembers what a remarkable man he truly was.

Guy pictured with former Headmasters Guy Waller and Fergus Livingstone as well as former Governor Peter Points

Remembering Headmaster Guy Dodd 13th August 1941 – 8th May 2020 Headmaster at LWC from 1982 – 1993

quote-left This was a gentleman who saw a simple 11-year-old and knew LWC would be able to do something with him and mould him into a young man. I know his support and dealings with my widowed mother made her worries for her one and only, a lot easier.”

uy and Helen came from Cheltenham College to LWC. It was immediately clear that they endorsed the ethos of the school, based on the Lord Wandsworth Foundation and a sense of community. They worked tirelessly to support and develop that ethos. Guy presided over several major developments at the College, foremost of which was becoming a coeducational school.

quote-left Always set a great example to his pupils and had such a fantastic memory for names and facts. Every time he used to greet parents and pupils, he seemed to be able to recall their entire family history, names of the whole family, where their siblings were studying or working, what their favourite hobbies and pastimes were.”

The process, in two phases, ran remarkably smoothly. There is little doubt that Guy chose the right time and the right process for this. The quote-left When he spoke, you listened. College also went from strength to I remember having to go to his strength in academic performance office to discuss organising a Sixth – never an academic hothouse but form function and explaining what always enabling pupils to find the a Lambada was. His face was a best in themselves. His time at picture! He will be remembered with the College saw a programme of gratitude and affection.” Indeed, he building that encouraged the growth will. of numbers while at the same time Guy and Helen reinforcing its financial strength. Long-standing residents of Long Sutton were also saddened During his time at the College, he also had to deal with the to hear of his passing. In his time at the College, he and impact of the Great Storm of 1987 when we lost all power Helen threw themselves into the life of the village and for over a week – not easy when there are several hundred ensured that relations between the two had never been demanding young people who need to be cared for! His closer. The village fete was held in the grounds of Shepwood leadership ensured that the crisis was successfully managed. House and Helen was a key figure in the Long Sutton WI. Indeed, new female members of the Lord Wandsworth Guy was a man of total integrity and earned the respect of College community, teachers, wives or even daughters, were colleagues and pupils alike. He was a wonderful Head to entertained to tea soon after their arrival and ‘encouraged’ work with and never betrayed his values. I have so many to join. At one stage, half the WI membership came from reasons to be grateful for his support and firm but discreet the College and Guy surpassed all talents when husbands direction, as do countless others. I will leave it to some of his entertained the ladies at a couple of WI Christmas parties. former pupils, who have sent in a wave of tributes, to speak for his qualities as their Headmaster. Our sympathy goes to Helen, Janie, Angus and Tom, and their families at this incredibly difficult time. quote-left He was a very decent man and an excellent Headmaster. He was capable of commanding respect without ever being PETER BOOTH domineering.” President of The Sternians’ Association

Tributes from Sternians ‘A true legend who will be sadly missed’.

‘‘A truly great Headmaster. He listened to all. Made the decisions that were needed to move LWC on and was full of integrity and honesty’

‘He was the epitome of a proper Headmaster’

‘He was an awesome Headmaster who gained the respect of all’ 26

‘He was a true gentleman, astute Head Teacher who always had his finger right on the pulse of the College and a genuinely compassionate man’

STORIES FROM LOCKDOWN

Drift of Days Kim Ridgeon left LWC in 1974 and embarked on a career teaching English. Since his retirement in 2000 due to ill-health, Kim has enjoyed life as a poet in the beautiful Somerset Levels.

During those months we were quite creative. There were minor disputes with regard to what to have for supper and whether watching Bargain Hunt was a productive way of spending our shared time. The days seemed to merge and we were blessed with some good weather. Jane gardened and decorated and I observed her doing so with pen in hand of course! So we drifted on…

im has enjoyed writing poetry for much of his life with his first collection of poems entitled ‘Middle Age Spread’. There followed two more full collections, ‘Uncovering’ and ‘Looking Out’ as well as two poetry pamphlets, ‘ Twenty +5’ and ‘Scattered Lines’. ‘Scattered Lines’ was written under the extraordinary circumstances of the first lockdown. Here Kim recalls those strange few weeks and months…

DRIFT OF DAYS

“

Shadow of bee in white foxglove bell, sun caught, a small particular moment just now or an hour or a day ago.

During lockdown I was advised to shield as I suffer from a condition which means I have a vulnerable immune system. Sadly my wife Janes’ place of work, a wonderful local theatre, Strode Theatre, had to close and she, along with others, was made redundant. The two of us at home locked down together! Ah, but unlike so many people less fortunate we have the great good fortune of a garden and a house which overlooks Glastonbury and the Somerset Levels and this was our treasured sanctuary. Much of my poetry is based around nature and in the writing of it over the years I have become so much closer to the natural world and, perhaps, I have gained a greater understanding of its ways and its importance to our lives and physical and mental wellbeing. For me the lockdown provided contemplative space but I know for others it was such a difficult time with long lasting implications and consequences. Here, from Scattered Lines is the poem ‘Views (in isolation)’:

Time slips in this drift of days, in my uncertain improvised show with no direction, no need of pace. Trees signpost transience of days, of seasons, with breezy pendulum sway. My daydream reasoning has little sense or permanence, patternless cycle of wayward thought. The circling swifts and swallows, the nectar dancing bees, sweet reminders that time cannot be caught.

VIEWS (in isolation)

I think of other views from small silent rooms. A block of red brick, another’s frosted window. The same stilled row of cold parked cars. The half told stories on an old graffitied wall. The small glints of light on the opposite high rise.

Like most people we had our fears regarding the pandemic and remain horrified at the devastation it brings to so many lives. We were in our garden or safe within our house. I simply wrote some poetry which gave me reassurance and hope. I suppose I wanted to share some of it so put together a little lockdown collection. I dedicated “Scattered Lines” ( pictured) to the NHS. All those years ago the NHS saved me and continues to care for me now. It is a blessing to have it here for us, particularly, as we all know, right now.”

Here, I have the gift of the open skies. The promise of a wide horizon. The dance of long familiar trees. The colour of the graceful flowers. My long hours can be passed in peace. So, what can I do in recompense, apart from this grateful acknowledgment? What words can I say? What acts to do? I sit here in social impotence too, just writing hopeless scattered lines for you.

KIM RIDGEON (1974, Hazelveare, A868) 28

“

My Life in Lockdown

can’t believe this is happening!” exclaimed the stranger on the footpath as my wife Margaret and I carefully stepped two metres aside. In those surreal times of March 2020 it seemed that people encountered on country walks could represent mortal danger if they had the virus.

and unavailable. Our son could buy our food but we wanted to remain self-sufficient. We were ridiculously excited on discovering a local greengrocer had started deliveries and had slots; our thrilled delight when the first boxes arrived. Eventually Waitrose offered priority slots for over-70s and each week we could book delivery. Our food worries were solved.

We cancelled all our social engagements, holidays and short breaks. Emails piled in telling us of organisations we’d used that were closing down: art galleries, museums, restaurants, theatres, cinemas, the gym. Some offered online When lockdown was declared alternatives, including on 23rd March, with the streamed theatre country plunged into “Are you alright? performances, and Zoom house arrest for months, Do you need for arts lectures and book the economy about to anything? We saw club. Our most valued be ruined and our world substitute was online transformed, it was hard the best of human bridge, providing realistic to take in or to realise all nature” playing with friends the shocking implications. remotely, about three times a week. Margaret and I were aware that, although in reasonable Oddly enough, lockdown led us to be in health for our age, being in our 70s touch with others even more frequently we were classed as ‘vulnerable’. than before. We communicated every There was only a remote possibility day with the households of our son of catching Covid-19 but if we did and daughter, and certain friends. there was a 10%-20% chance that we We used Messenger, Facebook, texts, would die from it. Even survival could emails, WhatsApp, Facetime and the mean serious long-term complications. telephone. Several in our family worked Alarmed, I reminded our son and from home for weeks or months, daughter how to access key papers holding meetings by Zoom or Teams. in our safe, and what kind of funeral I wanted. Although the sense of danger The kindness of neighbours and subsided and we enjoyed life, there strangers was notable. “How are you?” remained a simmering unease. took on a new intensity: it wasn’t merely politeness; people really did We were fortunate in several ways. want to know if you were okay, since There are two of us, unlike friends on there was a heightened chance that their own for whom lockdown was you were not. In our village a voluntary an acutely lonely time. We have a group with can-do spirit was set up large house and garden in which to cheerfully offering to do shopping be confined, unlike those in apartment or collect and deliver medicines for blocks. And we’d both retired and had anyone in need, or just to have a no jobs to lose. telephone chat to relieve loneliness. Our postman kept an eye on people on Food was initially a concern. We had his round, asking when he saw us “Are good stocks, but after that? We didn’t you alright? Do you need anything?” want to enter shops, yet supermarket We saw the best of human nature. delivery slots were overwhelmed We had a jolt when, early on, someone we knew caught Covid-19 and was sent to hospital. It made the virus personal and closer, not a distant concept.

With no planes in the sky and little traffic noise, birdsong seemed accentuated and more beautiful than ever. When Spring brought glorious weather which continued for months it seemed to us retirees like an endless summer holiday with so much time enjoyed in the garden, on country walks, and eventually National Trust gardens and estates opened. We even felt faintly guilty to be enjoying our summer so much when many others were facing appalling difficulties. The weakened structure of the days and weeks produced an altered sense of time, an alien timelessness. I was often unsure what day of the week it was. To prevent time hanging, I busied myself researching my family history, uncovering an engrossing story of secrets, surprises and scandals. There were so many other bizarre aspects to life under lockdown and the summer restrictions. The wearing of facemasks, and how they made my glasses steam up. Elbow bumping instead of shaking hands. New vocabulary: ‘social distancing’, the R value. Brighton beach totally empty on a hot cloudless Easter Sunday. Seeing distanced queues outside supermarkets, snaking round their car parks. Three of our grandchildren at university locked up in lockdown like caged animals. Standing outdoors ‘clapping for carers’ every Thursday at 8pm. The way the virus was accelerating many pre-existing trends, such as the decline of the High Street. The near-cashless society: the bank notes in my wallet in December had been there since March, unspent. The Chancellor spending billions. And the optimistic wait for vaccines to save us all.”

GUY CONSTERDINE (1960, School, A031)

BOOK REVIEW

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

A Grand Life

British Fencing Professional

Confessions of an Old School Hotelier in the Digital Age By Patrick Griffin (1962, School, A328)

Much of Part 3 contains what should be regarded as a textbook for those interested in the hospitality industry either academically or, more importantly, as a career. Whilst he was being treated for a third bout of persistent (but thankfully non-fatal) cancer, he indulged in some inevitable soul-searching and concluded that now was the time to write his bucket list.

have just read a set of 3 books by friend and Sternian Paddy Griffin.The first book of this trilogy includes his time at LWC and certainly gave me the appetite to read Parts II and III, and enjoy Paddy’s recollections to the end. His story is riveting throughout. In Part I Paddy recall memories of our early days in School House which definitely generated a will to survive; especially the unique societal pressures put upon 13 and 14 year olds at that time. He was certainly not academically gifted; he left LWC with two O Levels in English Literature and Metalwork. However, what he did get out of his public school education was impeccable manners and a sixth sense of how to get the best out of challenging situations without letting his guard down.

Paddy at home in Australia today

After his 3 years at LWC, he left to go into hotels as a trainee manager. This was a shock as I did not see him as a “below stairs” apprentice. However, he worked hard and played hard and his existence became more and more colourful. He had a series of trainee manager positions in English hotels and a wild assignment in Amsterdam! Later highlights in the trilogy include a confession from an ex-RAF wartime pilot, who told Paddy how he found out what happened to the Dambuster boss Wing Commander Guy Gibson VC and the sheer opulence of his journey from Calais to Venice, where his imitation Louis Vuitton suitcase was amusingly exposed for the fake it was by the typically upper crust passengers on the Orient Express.

Brett & Paddy - LWC Founder’s Day 1960

He had family and friends; had indulged in a luxurious lifestyle in fabulous places, and had met the rich, famous and notorious along the way. So there was very little left to include on the bucket list, but with a full complement of wonderful memories of a hotel career spanning fifty years, he had much to reflect on. In Australia, he opened two hotels that hosted hundreds of public figures, stars of film, theatre, music and society. Those “below stairs” like Paddy were privy to it all, especially their indiscretions! Recounting memories (or confessions in some cases) has given him much fun, pleasure and reward. One thing is crystal clear: he is still uncertain as to how he achieved what he did culminating in the award of the Order of Australia Medal (OBE is the UK’s equivalent). He acknowledges that the credit is of course partly due to those around him. However, one thing he knows for sure is how fortunate he is to be able to say, “I have had The Grand Life”. So it was no surprise to me to find that his books are a revealing and hilarious account of his adventures through childhood followed by the highs, lows and ultimate successes within the hospitality industry.

BRETT MORRELL (1964, School, A335)

The Queen with Paddy - The Royal Show Stoneleigh

Andrew Brown (1967, Hazelveare, A510) was proud to represent Great Britain at the Veterans World Fencing Championships which were held in Egypt in October 2019.

ndrew has been fencing competitively since leaving Lord Wandsworth in 1967 and fences Epee. He travelled out to Egypt as one of the 72-strong squad of competitors from GB in October 2019.

continents the event was only the second World Championships ever to be held in Africa.

After losing only one fight in the pool of five, two solid wins over a Japanese and a Spaniard took him to the quarter-finals where he reached 7-7 against Jean Francois Robert (FRA) with 10 seconds of “Andrew time remaining, only for the Frenchman to launch a final had the best British result in attack to win 8-7, leaving Andrew in 6th place in the his age group Championships and top Brit (over 70).” in the age group.

Andrew has enjoyed the competitive side to fencing as well as the social interaction this sport has given. Veterans are aged 40 and over and must qualify to fence in World Championships by results from domestic competitions. The best four in each age group (50-60, 60-70, 70 Plus) qualify to compete. Held in Cairo with 699 competitors with 46 country Federations from 5

Andrew’s wife, Silvia, upstaged him by bringing home two gold medals, as she won the Over70 Women’s championship and competed in the Women’s GB Sabre team, alongside 50 and 60-year old team-mates.

Great Britain had a superb result overall, with 4 Gold, 4 Silver and 2 Bronze medals, finishing second on the medal table. Andrew hopes to qualify for GB again next time around and bring home a medal. We will keep you posted on his progress. Good Luck Team Brown!

Andrew with his wife Silvia and another team mate

LWC REMEMBERS

Patrick Priestley 25th February 1957 - 19th August 1979

Every year, LWC comes together on Remembrance Day to pay tribute to the fallen. As part of a new feature in The Sternian magazine, we want to shine a spotlight on those heroes whose names grace the Roll of Honour on our war memorial. This year we remember Patrick Priestley and hear from his friends at LWC who remember him so well.

atrick Priestley was a Corporal serving with 1 Regiment Army Air Corps in Hildesheim Germany. On the 5th July 1979 he and Sergeant Colin Poulter AAC were the crew assigned to Lynx AH1 helicopter serial XZ189.

the help of his regiment, a trophy for the AAC Sportsman of the Year was commissioned in his memory and has been presented annually since 1980. The Patrick Priestley Award is regarded as the most prestigious AAC Sport Award of the year. It is presented annually to the individual who is selected by a panel of judges.

As the Lynx took off and transitioned from hover to forward flight, a system on the helicopter malfunctioned causing a pitch runaway with the result that the pilot was unable to control the aircraft and it crashed into a hangar. Tragically the pilot was killed instantly and Pat was severely injured.

NIGEL APPLETON (1973, Hazelveare, A927)

Before he passed away six weeks after the accident Pat was able to give valuable information to the Board of Inquiry about the accident. He is buried in the Hanover Military Cemetery, Seelze Region, Hanover, Lower Saxony (Neidersachsen), Germany. Plot 18 Row D Grave 5. Pat was a talented soldier and a good all round sportsman and, at the request of his mother and with

‘Pat was in the second year when I joined the school in 1969. My overriding memory of Pat was how completely at ease he was with himself and all those around him, an incredibly mature outlook and especially so for a young teenager as he was when we f irst met. Pat was a f ine athlete and an exceptional rugby player, and as he progressed through the school he inspired others with his talent and determination. I know I was not alone in regarding Pat as a role model. Despite his abilities Pat was completely without conceit or self ishness, he was sincere unassuming and admirably modest. I am sure the nurture of a loving family instilled these values in Pat, but it is likely that they were reinforced by the few years he spent in Long Sutton.

Patrick is buried at Hanover Military Cemetery, Germany

P AAC Sportsman of the Year trophy

CHRIS LETCHFORD (1976, Hazelveare, A966) Patrick (holding ball) as captain of the Junior House rugby team

Patrick on his Aircrewman course at Middle Wallop

With thanks to the Priestley family, Nigel Appleton, Chris Letchford, Guy Austin and the Army Air Corps for helping us bring this article together. It is greatly appreciated.

atrick Priestley, was a foundationer, not that it made any difference back in the day when the percentage of foundationers in every year was higher than I believe to be the case in 21st Century. Pat was actually in the year below me, but a love of rugby and motorbikes brought us together despite the year’s difference, and anyway we were a small band of brothers in Hazlevere. So Pat would have been class of 75, but left earlier, if I remember correctly at the end of the fifth year. Pat, was a great all round sportsman who excelled at everything on the sports field . He was also the only person, along with Graham Higgin who, at a time when we all wanted to grow our hair long, banned from having a haircut after turning up at school after one half term with a skinhead crew cut. Readers must remember this was a time when skin heads projected an attitude that was not welcome at LWC. Graham Higgin and Pat were the closest of friends and generally they got into trouble as a pair rather than individually. Pat had a wicked sense of humour, always pushing boundaries and was tremendously loyal to his friends. In the days before the internet and mobile phones once we were away from LWC is was difficult to keep in

Patrick standing beside a Lynx AH1 helicopter

touch. Pat went off and joined the army but came back to school to play Old Sternians matches, and like most blokes we sort of kept in touch, but, when we did talk or meet it was as if we had only spoken five minutes ago.

The next I heard Pat had been killed in a particularly painful way in helicopter accident. My father was instructing the Army Air corps at the time and told me what had happened.

Fast forward a couple of years and I’m staying with a girlfriend house sitting, when Pat appears on the doorstep having tracked me down via my parents, “Guy, I need help I’ve lost my wallet with my service ID card in it, I’m in big trouble”. Off we go again to the local police station this time, somehow, I don’t remember how, we sorted it out, Pat stayed the night and set off again the next morning.

Pat was definitely one of those shooting stars, burning brightly for all too short a time.’

Strange thing however, in 2019 I was shooting on the Saturday before One day after we had all left school Remembrance Sunday. One of the I was driving down the M3 and for guests at the shoot was an ex army whatever reason glanced across officer, Charlie Blount ( father of to the opposite carriageway to see James Blunt ). Before one of the Pat pushing a car on the hard drives, Charlie said ‘Guy, do shoulder. I raced to the next you mind if I come and junction turned around “Pat was stand with you?”, so he and pulled up behind Pat. definitely one did and we got chatting without a “hello fancy of those shooting about this and that. It meeting you here” or a stars, burning turns out Charlie was in “wtf” he just said “Guy, brightly for all too the Army Air Corps and I’m awol, get me back surprise, surprise flew with to barracks as quickly short a time” my father. I asked him if he as you can”. So we drove had been at Middle Wallop like lunatics to Aldershot when there was a fatal helicopter speculating on the punishment he accident. Immediately Charlie said to would be getting. I dropped him off, me “Corporal Priestley? “. My blood he jumped out and ran off without a actually ran cold. I told him Pat was a backward glance. I have no idea what friend of mine and we were at school happened to the car we left on the together. side of the motorway.

BY GUY AUSTIN (1974, Hazelveare, A841)

AN UPDATE FROM

NOV 2020 – CHARACTER EDUCATION KITE MARK

The College

We were awarded a Character Education Kitemark from the Association for Character Education (ACE). This prestigious accolade is awarded to schools that can demonstrate an explicit, planned and reflective approach to the cultivation of positive character attributes in their pupils in the interests of human flourishing. As one of only 17 schools worldwide to have achieved this recognition, we were suitably proud.

2020 will certainly go down in the history books for LWC as it will for everyone. The Year started with such promise and a hum of activity from all corners of the school. Little did we know that Covid would grip the country in the way that it did and force LWC to move to remote learning for the entire Summer Term. But the heart of the LWC community continued to beat as everyone adapted, wholeheartedly to a new way of teaching and learning.

ere are a few highlights from 2020. An extraordinary and challenging year. A year we will never forget...

MAR 2020 – FOUNDATION DAY On Tuesday 11th March the school community came together to celebrate Foundation Day. Little did we know it would be the last event we would hold at LWC for some time. Foundation Day is always a wonderful opportunity to pause and reflect on the positive impact The Foundation has had on the lives of the Foundation pupils and their families and to thank our supporters.

FEB 2020 - ISI INSPECTION

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) visited LWC just after February half-term and carried out an Educational Quality Inspection. This looked at the achievement of the pupils and their personal development. The report highlighted excellent practice but naturally suggested areas for improvement. It also reflected the hard work and positive attitudes of our pupils and the tremendous effort that all staff (both teaching and support) put in daily.

FEB 2020 – MOCK INTERVIEW DAY LWC hosted another hugely successful Mock Interview Morning for 5th Form pupils. We were fortunate to have a large group of LWC parents and Sternians to act as interviewers, offering guidance and expert advice.

MAY 2020 – VIRTUAL SPEECH DAY Speech Day felt remarkably normal considering this was our first live, virtual event. National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Alistair Humphrey’s was our guest speaker. He was able to inspire pupils with his tales from around the globe. We were also blown away by our Concert Band who performed their interpretation of AHA’s ‘Take on Me’. It’s a fantastic performance which can still be viewed in the ‘News’ section of our website.

AUG 2020 - A-LEVEL RESULTS

2020 – ACTS OF KINDNESS Throughout the first lockdown, LWC staff and pupils sprang into action to play whatever part they could in helping their surrounding community. Our brilliant Head of DT, Claire Liggins ( pictured) began making protective masks. Camilla Read, one of our fantastic LWC Nurses, returned to the A&E department at Basingstoke Hospital. Rebecca Lodge, one of our super DT Teachers and dab hand with a sewing machine began making scrub caps for the NHS. Jane Mitchell, Park Housemistress began her ‘Make Me Smile’ newsletters full of uplifting suggestions to help us through lockdown. The list goes on!

SEPT 2020 – VIRTUAL 5K On Sunday 27th September, the LWC community came together for our first ever Virtual 5k in aid of our LWC Covid-19 Appeal for Single Term Bursaries. The event brought together all corners of the LWC community with parents, pupils, staff and Sternians all choosing how they would like to complete their 5k. We had cyclists, runners, swimmers, rowers, dog walkers as well as a family of paddle boarders, golfers and even one man and his unicycle! Everyone really entered into the spirit of the event.

42% of students achieved A*-A (an increase of 12% on the previous year). Nearly 70% A*-B and a 99% pass rate. The year group further achieved an almost clean sweep of A* and A grades in their Extended Project Qualification as they took and applied their subject knowledge to university degree level; all our medical applicants achieved their places at medical school too.

Our 5th Form pupils celebrated record-breaking GCSE exam success with 57.5% of grades awarded at 9-7, 93% of all grades at 9-5, and a 100% pass rate, bursting past all academic records of previous years.

As the whole school were unable to come together in person, the service was live streamed into classrooms and Sternian homes across the world, so that the entire community were able to join together in quiet reflection.

DEC 2020 – CAROL SERVICE Once again the skills of our marketing department were put to the test as we pulled together a beautiful carol service on film so that the entire community could enjoy the student readings and performances.

OCT 2020 - WELLBEING AWARD AUG 2020 - GCSE RESULTS

NOV 2020 – REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

We were thrilled to win the ‘Student Wellbeing’ award at The Independent School of the Year Awards 2020. This was awarded in recognition of the development of an extensive programme of initiatives to ensure the wellbeing and positive mental health of our pupils.

AN INTERVIEW WITH

Heads of College This year has been incredibly tough for Heads of Collge Mia and Harvey. They have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities which we know will stand them in good stead for the years ahead. We caught up with them both to hear how they have been getting along. Mia and Harvey are joined by Deputy Heads of College Michael Clark and Ella Coomer as well as Headmaster, Adam Williams and Head of Sixth Form, Tom Rimmer

HARVEY WILSON

MIA WAGENSTEIN

HOUSE: School

HOUSE: Park

DATE STARTED LWC: September 2014

SUBJECTS STUDYING: Maths, Physics, Music & Music Tech

SUBJECTS STUDYING: French, Spanish and History

OTHER POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY: Student Head of Music

OTHER POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY: Cultural Committee, MFL Prefect, Amnesty Group

CO-CURRICULAR: concert band, sax group, school production, rugby (incl. sevens), hockey, cricket and DW canoeing

CO-CURRICULAR: Singing, running, hockey, cricket, Amnesty

How challenging has 2020 been for you as Head of College?

many ways and have become stronger as a community together.

H: It has been challenging mainly due to the fact that we had to do everything remotely for the first term and there are still many things we, the prefects, can’t do because of social distancing, year group bubbles, etc.. However, this has presented itself as an opportunity in some ways as there are initiatives that have happened that people wouldn’t have thought of, had we not been restricted like we are, and we’ve done our best to work around as many problems as we can. M: I think the difficulties that all students and teachers have faced during this pandemic has meant that we have had to adapt our roles at College and for much of the year have had to lead remotely. This has meant a far greater emphasis on reaching out as well as helping with student wellbeing while continuing with our own agenda as leaders. The lack of physical interaction with students in other year group bubbles has been tricky, as you aren’t able to communicate and interact with them as you’d have hoped so we have had to double our efforts to reach out. But we really believe that we succeeded in

What are your future plans after LWC?

What has been your biggest challenge?

Do you have a motto?

H: P robably time management has been quite difficult as I’m quite busy anyway, aside from being Head of College, so being able to balance my time effectively and get everything done with regards to work, co-curricular, and prefect-related things has been hard. I also don’t delegate as much as I should, which doesn’t help.

H: N ot personally, although if you count mantras as mottos (as they’re pretty much the same), then yes, the prefect mantra, which is: “No matter how well you treat me, I will always treat you better.”

H: I ’m hopefully going to study aerospace engineering at Bath after I leave, but apart from that, I don’t really know. I’ll see what happens. M: I’m hoping to go to University next year, where I will study both French and Spanish. My degree will enable me to take a year abroad in the third year which I am looking forward to, particularly given the restrictions Covid has placed on our lives this year.

M: My motto is “we are all equal no matter who we are or where we come from.”

M: Change doesn’t happen overnight and I’ve learnt that change happens when you achieve buy-in from your peers who sometimes need convincing that your ideas have credibility and value.

What have you enjoyed the most?

What advice do you have for your successor?

H: Hearing all the different ideas that the prefect team come up with and seeing people work proactively on them to make them into a reality, and me being able to be a part of that.

H: G et stuff done. It sounds a bit silly but it’s really easy to talk and talk about ideas and discuss things for ages without actually actioning them. It’s a trap we’ve fallen into lots this year but we’re slowly getting better at not doing so (I think!). It takes practice and means that you have to be harsh sometimes: stopping discussions when people have ideas; asking people to do jobs that nobody wants to do (or doing them yourself); and potentially making decisions without consulting as many people as you’d like, but it’s worth it or you don’t get anywhere.

One of many Prefect meetings

M: I have thoroughly enjoyed working with my incredible prefect team as well as my amazing co-Head of College, Harvey, and our outstanding deputies, Ella and Michael. They are all so resilient, full of creative ideas and driven in terms of setting out our beliefs and aspirations for leading the school. I have additionally enjoyed seeing the cultural changes in our community. I believe that we have never been as inclusive, where people are encouraged to be who they are with no judgement. Seeing the transformation during my seven years at College has been remarkable.

M: My advice would be for the next Heads of Colleges is to not be afraid of other people’s opinions. The time goes so quickly, so I would advise them to go and set out what they want to achieve and how they want to make change within our community. People will always have opinions whatever you do, so try not to be swayed or put off by them and don’t be afraid to use your voice and platform to make a difference.

The Prefects handed out sweets for their ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ campaign

Science Centre Progress COLLEGE NEWS

COLLEGE NEWS

Staff Room News espite a tumultuous year we continued to welcome new staff through the doors of the College. It has been a strange year to begin employment somewhere new but we hear everyone has settled well!

VALETE

We said farewell to...

We would also like to take this opportunity to welcome all the staff in the 'Valete' section, a very warm welcome to The Sternians' Association.

To discuss making a donation contact Sam in the Development Office

he world that lies ahead of our pupils is one where curiosity, creativity and technical expertise will be a prerequisite of employment. The completion of our inspirational new Science Centre will enable our pupils to immerse themselves in this world and greater equip them for the future.

The building work is continuing at pace and we are working hard to remain on track for an Autumn Term completion date, despite the pandemic. Of course, it is what happens inside the building that is most important. It will be a wonderful, bright and conducive learning environment for pupils and teachers alike. New state-of-the-art laboratories, coupled with independent study spaces, will help give our pupils the best chance to excel in all three sciences. Breakout areas and the faculty room offer excellent collaboration opportunities across year

Please do keep in touch with us.

SALVETE

We welcomed...

Head of Careers

Lisa Barnes

Chef

Jocelyn Brown

Geography Teacher

Susan Brown

Librarian

Lucy Brownbridge

Food Services Assistant

Claire Caldwell

Science Technician

Diane Critchton

Chemistry Teacher

Tamsin DeBunsen

Sports Assistant

Friedrich Domsgen

German Languages Assistant

Margaret Ellwood

SEN Assessor

Timothy Baldwin

Business Studies Teacher

Richard Gammage

Bursar

Amanda Britton

Governor

Matthew Gough

Food Services Assistant

Caroline Butcher

Matron

Sarah Gray

Science Technician

groups and beyond. Our inspirational teachers will capture the imagination and harness the curiosity and creativity of LWC scientists now and for generations to come. They will be our future engineers, chemists, doctors, virologists, researchers, astrophysicists, inventors, entrepreneurs and leaders – the list goes on.

Elizabeth Carey

Bank Nurse

Tina Harrison

Exams Officer

Timothy Clements

Geography Teacher

Oscar Hird

Classics Teacher

Tatiana Coban

Modern Foreign Languages Teacher

Katie Hopkins

School Secretary

Agatha Dell

English Teacher

Christopher Jones

Catering Manager

Jennifer Edgar

Chemistry Teacher

Paul Juson

Porter/Care Taker

Matthew Heaven

Design Technology Teacher

Gill Kelly

Alumni Relations Manager

• 13 inspirational laboratories - 4 for each science: Biology, Chemistry and Physics plus a dedicated Junior Laboratory

Nadia Jenkins

Science Technician

Jane Lawrence

Weekend Librarian

Nicholas Jenkins

Science Teacher

Nicole McGregor

Science Teacher

• Breakout spaces for group work and independent study

Gitte Kenning

Head of Business & Economics

Emily Phipps

LWCE Administration Assistant

James Lancey

Combined Cadet Force

• Outdoor Space for hands-on learning and experiments

Kay Price

Gosden Houseparent

Fitzroy Lindsay

Commis Chef

• Faculty Room where pupils and staff can work together collaboratively and creatively

Noel Reeson

Modern Foreign Languages Teacher

Lisa Mahoney

SEN & Exam Support Administrator

Zoe Richardson

English Teacher

Teresa Mills

Spanish Teacher

Joseph Rowe

Sports Assistant

Veronique Morris-Aloni

SEN Co-ordinator

Marcus Ruffell

Sports Assistant

Zoe Moyler

Sports Graduate Assistant

Craig Scott

Biology Teacher

Daniel Nicholas

ICT Technician

Daniel Scott

Spanish Teacher

Ashley Pyle

Food Service Assistant

Francesca Slater

Invigilator

Alice Ramage

Exams Officer

Shatrugan Sookhun

Mathematics Teacher

Charlie Slater

Porter

Kemuel Spence

Music Teacher

Alison Smith

Bank Nurse

Cameron Spiller

Food Services Assistant

Sophie Springer

History Teacher

Mary Stephenson

Food Services Assistant

Khadananda Sunwar

Porter

Miranda Tinley

Database Manager

Cristina Tarantino-Hind

Geography Teacher

Rebecca Treadgold

HR Learning & Development

Catherine Thomson

Modern Foreign Languages Teacher

Harry Trussler

Sports Assistant

Molly Thorne

Science Technician

Iris Vilasanchez Pita

Spanish Language Assistant

Michael West

Porter

Julie Wilkie

Matron

• Conference Room, enabling us to link-up with Universities and Industry to enhance the pupils’ learning

Apologies as we neglected to include Liam Creaser in last years Sternian. Liam joined in 2019 as Senior IT Technician The Lower Sixth take an exclusive tour

Sharon Allmark

Colin Wiskin

Art Teacher

Gill Wright

Foundation Awards Manager

Michael West

Porter

AN INTERVIEW WITH

and for VW T2 camper vans. If someone I taught or tutored hears a Beatles song and it brings back memories of being in room 4.4, then I have done my job!

Steve Badger Deputy Head, Teaching and Learning

2020 has been an interesting Steve has fond memories of summer holidays with year for the beloved family VW schools – can you tell through Curriculum 2000, which us how LWC has managed to involved a radical overhaul of our whole teaching programme, but by continue to teach and support far the biggest was coordinating and our pupils?

DATE JOINED LWC: 1992 (28 years’ service) SUBJECT TAUGHT: French (and used to teach German) CO-CURRICULAR: Hockey, cricket. POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY DURING YOUR TIME AT LWC: I came to the school to teach A Level French and to reintroduce German. I became Head of German in 1993, then Head of French and Head of MFL in 1996. I became Director of Activities in 2004 and then Deputy Head Staffing when Alan Dyson stepped down from being a Deputy Head. Since then I’ve been Deputy Head in various roles, but my current role is the one that matters most to me, because it’s about teaching and learning.

structuring the wholesale move from in-class to remote teaching this year.

What has been your greatest achievement thus far? I think it would be wrong to single out any one achievement, if indeed there are any. I’d like to think that if they do exist, those achievements reside in anyone who loves French or German a little more through being in my classes, or any tutee who has found any of my strategies for dealing with pressure, challenges or the next steps in life to be useful. In more general terms, I’d hope that my greatest achievement beyond academics has been to keep the flame burning for The Beatles

How and when did your career in teaching begin? My teaching career ‘proper’ began at LWC! I had been an assistant in a French college when I was 18, teaching English, and in Beauvais during my year out at Cambridge, teaching in a lycée. Before LWC I programmed computers at Northern Rock. I came out of university and both my parents (who were in education) said I should perhaps try a career outside teaching. So I learnt mainframe programming and spent two years writing programs. I went into teaching because I realized that programming mainframe computers was not where I wanted to be for the rest of my life. My wife Sarah had got a job at Aylesbury, so I wanted to be close by.

What brought you to LWC? It was the closest school to Aylesbury that had a job vacancy in MFL! I came down by train from Newcastle. The Head was Guy Dodd, and he made me feel completely at home. I remember going back up to Newcastle on the train (quite a long journey!) and desperately hoping that I’d be offered the job. I’d visited on a lovely sunny day in May when the grounds were

amazing. I got back home at about 10pm to find that there was a note left for me to ring Guy Dodd, and don’t worry about how late it was! Why did I like it? Because it felt very special. As I walked around, people smiled and said hello, teachers stopped and asked who I was, and I felt so completely at home talking to other members of staff. It felt like being in Newcastle… and there isn’t much higher praise I can offer. LWC felt grounded, kind, caring but firm.

that happens as I sit in a GCSE oral exam, listening to the most wonderful French being delivered by the pupil opposite me, sometimes it’s just when someone remembers that très has a grave accent… I love being in a classroom and working with pupils on their journey. I love the colleagues with whom I work and have worked over the years. Teaching is about how you make people feel, and I’ve always tried to ensure that my pupils feel challenged but supported.

What do you love most about teaching?

What has been your biggest challenge throughout your career?

I can see eyes rolling as I write this, but for me, the greatest pleasure comes when pupils start to engage with your subject, or when they overcome a hurdle that’s been stopping them from progressing, that moment when you see something ‘click’. Sometimes 40

where you can’t see your classmates and gauge the room, where answering a question is done invisibly, has been hard for many of them. For those in exam classes, it was particularly trying, as they tried to maintain focus in the face of so much uncertainty. Throughout the Autumn term, we have been so impressed with the way pupils have adapted to bubbles, masks in corridors, sanitizing hands going in and out of classrooms, wiping down desks at the end of lessons, and a co-curriculum that has demanded significant ingenuity to generate. I’m incredibly proud of and grateful to teachers and heads of department for all that they have done throughout a tough year.

What excites you about the future of LWC?

I can think of many other adjectives than ‘interesting’! Those first few Everything! Over 28 years I months of lockdown were have seen significant change, a steep learning curve for and it’s great to be part of “I’ve always pupils and teachers. We the team that is shaping tried to ensure succeeded because of the next 28! the wonderful sharing my pupils feel community of teachers, challenged but If you could sum up sending each other tips supported” your time at LWC in and ‘how to’ guides so one word – what would that we could all improve our it be? online strategies. It was tough, though. Dodgy internet, younger Community. Why? Because it’s a children, finding enough privacy and wonderful place where everyone has teaching into an ‘e-void’ was certainly time for each other, where you chat challenging. It was really tough for to porters, matrons, cleaners, catering many pupils, too. Being in an e-class, staff, support staff, nurses, teachers, pupils, gardeners, maintenance people and everyone else, knowing that each has their part to play in making Lord Wandsworth College the place it is.

Who have been your role models? I won’t mention any names, but in my time here I have been privileged enough to work with and learn from some exceptional people. Headmasters who showed me the importance of listening and considering problems from every angle. Houseparents who were transformative in their approach to guiding the young people in their care. Colleagues whose integrity, kindness and moral courage gave me (and still give me) daily examples of how to be better as a teacher and a tutor. Pupils whose daily challenges were so great, but who carried on just trying to be the best that they could be. It’s been a privilege to work with and alongside

In a previous career, it was rectifying the temporary loss of £5m because of a missing comma in a program I edited… but that is definitely another story! One of the biggest challenges was taking the MFL Department 41

Stern Farm AN UPDATE FROM

LWC Farm Manager Paul Sigley, reports on a difficult cropping year and what impact Covid-19 had on the farm

AN UPDATE FROM

The Sternians Trust Fund Finally, in addition to thanking our ongoing donors, I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to Dudley Lewis. Dudley stepped down as a Trustee in 2020, having made a significant contribution to the success of the Trust Fund over the 25 years since joining the trustee body in 1995.

he Sternians Trust Fund was originally established in 1961 as ‘The Old Sternians’ Association Charity Fund’. An independent charity since 1996, distinct from the Lord Wandsworth Foundation, its aim is to support pupils who are at risk of having to leave Lord Wandsworth at a critical stage of their education (generally those in public exam years – 5th Form and Upper 6th), typically following an unforeseen and adverse change in their families’ financial circumstances. The Trust Fund’s aspiration is to ensure that pupils facing such a situation will be able to complete their studies without disruption, and to progress to the next stage of their education.

Paul ensured LWC participated in the #FeedTheNation awareness campaign, to show the public how farmers were working tirelessly to produce the food we all needed to live and stay healthy throughout the pandemic

wenty twenty will certainly be one of those years that people will not forget in a hurry. From a farming point of view, it has been one of the poorest in living memory. The cropping year started with a struggle. The Autumn of 2019 was one of the wettest on record. Sowing crops became more and more difficult, some seed rotted in the ground and the emerging plants struggled to grow in the cold wet soil. We had a good spring planting season and drilling was completed in good time despite the increased workload as some crops never got planted in the previous Autumn. But

the Spring sown crops struggled, not because it was too wet, but because we then had a prolonged dry spell of weather. This also took its toll on the Autumn planted crops which became drought stressed. The result was a UK harvest that has been described as the worst in living memory. UK Winter wheat averaged a third less than the five-year average. Stern Farms wheat yields were down 12.5% which was better than the UK average. The unusual aspect to the 2020 harvest was that the reduced yields were widespread over the entire country and all crops were affected. There really was little or nothing good to say about it. 42

Looking forward to the 2021 harvest. Autumn planting has now been completed with most of our crops managing to establish reasonably well. Yet again the weather has not helped, and progress has been slow at times making the job something of a drawnout affair. The other, obvious, reason why 2020 will be so memorable is of course Coronavirus. Its impact on people’s everyday lives would have been unthinkable twelve months ago, but for those of use employed on farms day to day working life didn’t really change too much. In fact, farming has probably been one of the better industries to work in during the pandemic. The work still must be done, and for many farmers working alone in relative isolation is a normal part of everyday life.

PAUL SIGLEY Farm Manager

PAUL RICHINGS Chairman of Trustees (1990, School, C207) Trustees: Teresa Armstrong, James Brewin, Ben Forman, Richard Janaway, Dudley Lewis, Paul Richings, Richard Saunders. Independent Examiner: Chris Bellairs.

The Trustees are indebted to a small group of regular donors and to a number of bequests, whose contributions together with sustained investment performance have helped grow the Trust’s assets to almost £900k. Whereas in its early years the Trust Fund’s support was primarily in the form of smaller grants to subsidise music lessons or school trips, its assets now provide annual income of £30k or more, which allows the Trustees to make an increasing number of larger grants each year towards school fees. Grants are made out of income from the Trust Fund’s investments, while donations and legacies build up the capital.

‘

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2020 Assistance was given towards the fees of

The Trustees work closely with the College to identify candidates for support. An application may be prompted by a sudden change in family circumstances, or the withdrawal of external charitable support for a Foundationer about to enter the Sixth Form.

9 pupils

Total grants made exceeded

We are pleased to report that the Trust Fund has been able to provide financial support to nine pupils in 2020, following the thirteen grants in 2019. Grants in 2020 exceeded £40k, by some margin the largest amount disbursed in any year since the Fund was established. Grants are made to cover only a proportion of the fees, at a level that will make the difference between a pupil remaining at the school or having to leave: the rising level of income gives the Fund the capacity to support a meaningful and growing number of pupils.

£40,000

a record figure Annual investment income of over

£30,000

Assets total almost

The Fund’s capital is invested with three fund managers, in investments targeted specifically at charities. Its portfolio has not been immune to market turbulence in 2020, with unrealised falls in investment valuations almost equal to 2019’s significant gains. However, the Fund has continued to enjoy an income of 3.5% to 4%. With every expectation of ongoing economic disruption, whether due to the effects of the pandemic or to Brexit, the Trust Fund will continue to play a key role in allowing pupils to remain at Lord Wandsworth who might otherwise be forced to leave.

£900,000

The Sternians Trust Fund Registered Charity no: 1052004

In Memoriam The Sternian is saddened to report the deaths of the following Alumni and friends in 2020. To read full obituaries, please visit www.sternians.org.uk/inmemoriam/

Clifford Ashby

Gerald Bryant

Simon Coldicott

Alan Dennison

17 Oct 1925 - 28 Oct 2020 Age 95 LWC Housemaster 1951 - 1960

8 Aug 1923 - 24 Mar 2020 Age 96 LWC 1935 – 39 House – School Pupil No – 325

18 Dec 1957 - May 2020 Age 62 LWC 1968 – 1975 House – Summerfield Pupil No - A900

12 Sept 1933 - Nov 2020 Age 87 LWC 1945 – 1950 House – School Pupil No – 681

Guy Dodd

John Fooks

Martin Greenwood

Trevor Hammond

13 Aug 1941 - 8 May 2020 Age 79 LWC Headmaster 1982 - 1993

16 Nov 1924 - 22 Mar 2020 Age 95 LWC 1937 – 1941 House – School Pupil No - 410

30 Oct 1937 - March 2020 Age 82 LWC 1952 - 1956 Pupil No - 964

29 Jun 1934 - 4 Apr 2020 Age 85 LWC - left in 1950 Pupil No – 693

Janice Marion Harding nee Brooks

Michael ‘Tony’ Hutley QPM

Harold John Morgan ‘Jack’

John Stanley Morris ‘Stan’

30 Apr 1925 - 5 Nov 2020 Age 95 House - Old Gosden Pupil No – ZB02

25 Mar 1934 - 24 Nov 202 Age 86 LWC 1944 – 1950 House – School Pupil No – 667

17 Aug 1914 - 7 May 2020 Age 105 LWC 1920 – 31 House – School Pupil No – 82

18 Dec 1935 - 7 Jun 2020 Age 84 LWC 1946 – 1954 House – School Pupil No – 737

James Page, ‘Preppy’

Mike Reggler

Frederick Sampson

Neil Sanderson

3 Jun 1965 - Oct 2020 Age 55 LWC 1979 - 1981 House - Sutton Pupil No - B810

13 Sept 1932 - 21 Oct 2020 Age 89

9 Dec 1945 - 6 Mar 2020 Age 74 LWC 1960-62 House – School Pupil No - A379

28 Apr 1961 - 13 Dec 2020 Age 59 LWC 1974 – 1979 House – Hazelveare Pupil No – B385

David Wagstaff 17 Feb 1944 - 4 June 2020 Age 76 LWC 1956 - 62 House – School Pupil No – A195

LWC Bursar 1981-1997

The Sternians’ Association and everyone at Lord Wandsworth College would like to extend its heartfelt condolences to all the families and friends of the Sternians listed here. We are thinking of you all. 44

The Sternians’ Association

Development Office

T: 01256 860356

T: 01256 860243/297

E: sternians@lordwandsworth.org

E: development@lordwandsworth.org

W: sternians.org.uk

W: lordwandsworth.org/support-us

Lord Wandsworth College, Long Sutton, Hook, Hampshire, RG29 1TB