Where Are They Now?

ALUMNI UPDATE Where are they now?

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

HOUSE: Gosden YEAR OF LEAVING: 2008 UNIVERSITY: University of Bristol POSITION: CEO, Circla COUNTY: London

CLAUDIA GWINNUT

What have you been up to since you left LWC?

I went to Bristol University to study Geography as it was my favourite subject. I had an incredible teacher who made me fall in love with the subject.

Whilst at University I did various internships over each summer, working for an MP and at a public affairs company. Unfortunately, I was unable to secure a paid role within that environment as a graduate, so I ended up taking a role at Barclays where I stayed for nearly 10 years!

Then, about 2 years ago, I realised that corporate life was most definitely not for me, and I decided to start something on my own. I am now the founder of a company called Circla. The best way to think of us is like the milkman, but for beauty, home, and lifestyle products. We have over 160 products on our website, and we deliver products and collect empty packaging directly from your doorstep. For the first 18 months it was just me and recently we have grown to a team of 5, we have our own warehouse in London and this year even won an award!

What is your fondest memory of LWC?

Sitting in Gosden common room, with several slices of peanut butter toast, trying to put the world to rights!

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

for everyone and always reminds you of home.

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

My first car was a Ford KA and my time at LWC is deeply intertwined with that car. Thinking about it, there are some similarities – the car was not around for a long time but it was there for a good time, which is exactly how I remember my time at LWC!

Do you have a motto for life?

There’s magic on the other side of fear.

What message do you have for your former teachers?

A huge thank you. LWC was my 10th School, (not because I got into too much mischief but due to my parents moving), and my two years spent there were incredibly formative. I was so lucky to have a group of incredible teachers, who not only helped me settle in so quickly but were full of encouragement, and also kept me going in a straight line!

If you could change one thing about your time at LWC what would that be?

I wish I had been there for longer!

HOUSE: School YEAR OF LEAVING: 1977 UNIVERSITY: Durham University POSITION: School Governer COUNTY: Oxfordshire

What have you been up to since you left LWC ?

After I left, I worked on a Eurofighter project (then AST403, now Typhoon) at RAE Farnborough and in a school for some months before reading Maths and Physics at Durham, graduating with a first in Philosophy. Deciding not to join the military I became a teacher, starting as a prep school Maths Master, switching

HOUSE: Summerfield YEAR OF LEAVING: 2008 UNIVERSITY: University of Kent, University for the Creative Arts (UCA), University of Cambridge, & The Bartlett (UCL) POSITION: Director & Principal Architect, Buckland Architects COUNTY: Hampshire to senior schools and additionally coaching rugby, fives and sailing. I also progressed with my own academic work graduating with another first in maths and subsequently taking a taught masters in maths and a research degree (MLitt) in the philosophy of maths, once again from Durham. I took a number of Maths and Housemaster appointments in a variety of schools until I was appointed as Headmaster at Dover College, then Warden at St Edward’s, Oxford (Teddies) in 2011, retiring in August 2021.

What is your fondest memory of LWC ?

It wasn’t always rosy but I had a great time on the stage and behind it, and I was very fond of those by whom I was taught - not least Neil Henderson and John Merriman (The Mint), but many others too. My favourite story was fishing a goldfish out of the pond in May Court (in the centre of School House) - I think Steven Taylor pulled it out and then a chain of boys conveyed it up the fire escape into a bath in the 4th Form dorm bathroom. The Mint was not happy!

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

A Topic bar - interesting, diverse contents, and not as obvious a choice as some.

Do you have a motto for life?

The hymn “Father, hear the prayer we offer” finishes with the lines: “through endeavour, failure, danger, Father, be thou at our side” These have always been a driving force over the years.

What one thing would you say to your Year group?

What a great bunch you were.

What message do you have for your former teachers?

Thanks for your efforts and friendship even though I must have been rather unrewarding at times to teach, because...

If you could change one thing about your time at LWC what would that be?

... I should have worked harder.

BRUCE BUCKLAND

What have you been up to since you left LWC?

Learning to be an architect, then being an architect working for others, then being an architect working for myself. Running a podcast about architecture. And doing lots of dangerous sports.

What is your fondest memory of LWC?

D of E expeditions and CCF trips.

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

Lindt Lindor bar - classy but not too classy.

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

Fort Transit minibus, but a shiny new one. Because who can forget those things.

Do you have a motto for life?

Not all who wander are lost.

What one thing would you say to your Year group?

Come to more LWC & Sternian events!

What message do you have for your former teachers?

Thank you for helping us become confident, principled, well-rounded people.

If you could change one thing about your time at LWC what would that be?

I would have done even more of the activities on offer while I had the time and easy access to them.

HOUSE: Gosden YEAR OF LEAVING: 2014 UNIVERSITY: Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) and University Centre Sparsholt POSITION: Zookeeper and Student COUNTY: Hampshire

What have you been up to since you left LWC?

I left LWC and went to the ACM to study a degree in Vocal Performance. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I left ACM after a year with a CertHE instead and went to work within the pet industry whilst being the lead singer of a country rock band.

After several years of playing numerous gigs and working various small jobs, I realised music wasn’t the career I wanted to pursue and went back to college to study Animal Management and pursue a career within the Zoo industry. Now I have my dream job as a Zookeeper at Woburn Safari Park, whilst finishing my degree at University Centre Sparsholt. I have also recently set up ‘The Travelling Zookeeper’ where I mix my love of motorcycles and animals together. I will be using this page to help fundraise towards conservation by completing motorcycle challenges across the globe.

What is your fondest memory of LWC?

Wow, there are too many to count! But if I had to pick… then it would be the feeling of being a part of a family within Gosden house, chilling and chatting to the matrons and supporting your housemates within interhouse events.

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

I would say the new Land Rover Defender. Purely because it is a timeless classic vehicle that everyone loves but it has had a snazzy new modern overhaul that everyone wants to test drive.

Do you have a motto for life?

Don’t compare your life to others as we are all unique and everything happens at different times for each of us.

What one thing would you say to your year group?

Firstly, I would totally say Hi! But then I would say thank you for giving me so many amazing memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

If you could change one thing about your time at LWC what would that be?

Nothing at all.

LWC has contributed to who I am today, and I am extremely proud of the person that I have become.

HOUSE: Summerfield YEAR OF LEAVING: 1997 UNIVERSITY: Oxford POSITION: Principal Deputy Head, Harrow International School, Hong Kong COUNTY: Hong Kong SAR (China)

What have you been up to since you left LWC?

Trying (and failing!) to forge a career away from the family business of education. I’ve almost clocked up twenty years now as a teacher. Five of those years were spent back at LWC, working alongside Dad and some of my old teachers (Machin, Walker, Walters, Kimber, Smith, Badger etc). Then I went on to be a housemaster at Wellington, Assistant Head Pastoral at Uppingham and now having some adventures with my family in Hong Kong.

Aside from that I played first class cricket at university, eighteen years of minor county cricket for Dorset and published a book about my cricket life last year.

What is your fondest memory of LWC?

In truth, I enjoyed LWC way more as a teacher than a pupil, but the trips stand out. The South Africa cricket tour when our bus burnt down on the Garden Route, the Greek Classics trip and the infamous French trip to Provence were great 6th Form experiences.

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

Biscuit Boost: sometimes overlooked but a rock-solid performer every time. Definitely one of the best in the business.

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

Skoda: reputation improving year on year and recognised by those in the know as no-nonsense and utterly consistent. Not flashy, but you know it’ll do the job for most people.

Do you have a motto for life?

Be better today than yesterday.

What one thing would you say to your Year group?

Well done for making it this far.

What message do you have for your former teachers?

Every pupil counts, and never miss an opportunity to say a kind word to someone.

If you could change one thing about your time at LWC what would that be?

I got in quite a bit of trouble trying to impress people when I joined in 6th form. I’d take back a lot of that.

HOUSE: Summerfield YEAR OF LEAVING: 1967 UNIVERSITY: Natal (Durban), Witwatersrand (Business School) POSITION: CEO Format Systems / Sort of retired COUNTRY: South Africa

What have you been up to since you left LWC?

I came to South Africa in January 1968 and have lived here, now in Johannesburg, ever since. I obtained a degree in Geology then moved into Education and graduated in Adult Education. In the late 1970s I moved into Human Resource Management. I have held several senior positions, the final one was Head of HR in the Southern African Region of a global IT company as well as having my own consulting company. From the time I arrived in South Africa I have become very involved in political (i.e. anti ‘apartheid’ government) activities. For a long time, I was very active in a variety of competitive sports – sailing, road running, and cycling. Physical deterioration has unfortunately put a stop to much of that now. I now enjoy a more leisurely way of life in my garden and with my Bonsai.

RICHARD PRUETT

What is your fondest memory of LWC?

Running and athletics interschool meetings. I remember one at Marlborough College. I was in the 4th Form (1964) waiting to start the 440. ‘Floppy’ Janaway said to me that if I won my race, I’d get an extra potato at lunch the next day. I won and proudly claimed my potato… I also look back with fondness at the go-cart of Mr Tweedie Stoddart in Junior House.

Do you have a motto for life?

conquers,” has always remained with me and helped me.

What one thing would you say to your year group?

Pity we could not have a 50th anniversary celebration! Would be nice to see who is doing what now.

What message do you have for your former teachers?

My Mother died a few years ago and had kept my school report which I then read. All I can say to my teachers is that I am sorry I was such a difficult brat!! My children are in their 30s and these reports remain hidden to them!

If you could change one thing about your time at LWC what would that be?

To have been more appreciative of the privileged education environment that I was in and to have more to contribute educationally and socially.

HOUSE: Gosden YEAR OF LEAVING: 2021 POSITION: Social Media Executive COUNTY: London

ALISHA THOMAS

What have you been up to since you left LWC?

Working for a marketing & advertising company specialising in employer brand. We work alongside clients looking to build talent brands people want to work for.

What is your fondest memory of LWC?

Sitting in the foyer after prep with a hot drink and chatting about what we got up to in the day.

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

I would say the new Land Rover Defender. Purely because it is a timeless classic vehicle that everyone loves but it has had a snazzy new modern overhaul that everyone wants to test drive.

Do you have a motto for life?

Go for it.

What one thing would you say to your Year group?

You wouldn’t have guessed some of us did the full 7 years and others 5. I’ve made friends for life!

What message do you have for your former teachers?

I’m very lucky to have had teachers who cared so much and gave me endless amounts of positive comments and encouragement. I can’t thank you enough.

If you could change one thing about your time at LWC what would that be?

I would’ve taken more advantage of the annual trips and wide range of activities LWC had to offer.

HOUSE: Sutton YEAR OF LEAVING: 1966 UNIVERSITY: University of Birmingham and University of Southampton POSITION: Retired, Volunteer COUNTRY: Hungary

What have you been up to since you left LWC?

I was Head of English, before writing a series of unexpectedly successful gardening books. Reluctant to lose touch with young people, in recent years I have been assisting, pro bono, young Hungarian high school students with their applications to Oxbridge and other leading universities in the UK and Ivy League schools in the USA.

My wife, Jane, and I have also built a private collection of Hungarian contemporary art over the years, forming an association with the Várfok Gallery, which we are now patrons of.

LANCE HATTATT

What is your fondest memory of LWC?

‘Raiding’ (although some may interpret it differently) on a summer’s evening the strawberry beds that were situated behind Sutton in the 1960s.

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

Túró Rudi is the name of a Hungarian chocolate bar. Dating back to the Communist times, it remains as popular today as it was then. I feel that, like LWC, it draws on tradition, favours continuity and yet is, at the same time, very much of the present.

Do you have a motto for life?

To be kind.

What message do you have for your former teachers?

The 1960s were times of great social change. Perhaps we should have made our voices more heard and been less accepting of the status quo.

What message do you have for your former teachers?

I shall always be indebted to J.L. Merriman (English and Housemaster of School House) for instilling in me a love of English Literature which has remained with me throughout life.

Sternian Snippets

It is wonderful to hear your news both professional and personal. Please do keep The Sternians’ Association informed - sternians@lordwandsworth.org

LWC HORSE RACING SYNDICATE

The Zara Syndicate includes former LWC pupils Guy Butchers, Mike Haas, Charlie Hesse, Bob Ives, and David Wells, all from the year of 1978. The adorable Mattie Ross ran three times for us in National Flat Races in 2021, picking up second places at Ludlow and Southwell before winning at Newton Abbot by a very easy seven lengths.

The plan is for Mattie to go hurdling at the end of January 2022, and we have fingers crossed that she will be in her element in this new sphere.

ENGLAND OVER 75’S HOCKEY

Peter Danson, (1959, Sutton, 0978), continues to do us proud playing for England’s Over 75’s Hockey team, beating Wales twice with a 2-1 win. Hopefully the team will be able to play other international teams again soon, Covid dependent. We are rooting for you Peter!

STERNIAN RECEIVES AWARD

Recently retired teacher Jess McKinnon was delighted to receive her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Meritorious Service Award for 2021, for her contribution to the CCF. We are delighted that Jess has been recognised for all her efforts.

NEW ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN BOOK

County Cricket player Anthony Sully (1958, School, 947) has not only had a great season playing for Cambridgeshire/Huntingdonshire Over 70’s, but has just written his 5th book, ‘The Armageddon of Architecture and Design’ due to be published early next year.

STERNIAN MARK PROCTOR RECEIVES CBE

Congratulations to Sternian Mark Proctor (Sutton, 1998) for receiving a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2021 for his role in the extraordinary success of the UK’s vaccination program. Read more here: https://lwc.link/honours