The Sternian 2022

THE

STERNIAN 2022

100 YEARS OF LORD WANDSWORTH COLLEGE

THE BECKWITH

The Centenary Celebrations kick off in style

WELCOMING THE NEW KING

Glimpse behind the scenes of this historic event

TEEN RACING CHAMPION

Young Sternian wins the 2022 Indy Pro 2000

Front cover image: Junior House under construction in the 1920s.

WELCOME TO THE STERNIAN MAGAZINE Editorial

Join us as we reminisce a little, dwell on the highlights and toast our next one hundred years…

When we started to put together the 2022 issue of the Magazine, it was striking that although the history of Lord Wandsworth College can be measured in years, it is invariably described in people.

Together with its pupils, staff, parents, LWC has created an environment that supports individual development and change. However, the wonderful updates from Sternians show how you take your knowledge, skills and core values into your futures, creating a chain reaction that continues to have an impact.

This ripple effect shows how we have the power to continue to effect change – for the better – long after leaving the College. This is particularly evident when we all come together such as at the Beckwith where, as a community, we walked and ran our way to an amazing £8,000 to support The Foundation.

Sometimes an individual Sternian burns so brightly that their ripples are noticed by millions such as George ‘Johnny’ Johnson, MBE DFM, who attended LWC from 1933-1939 and died peacefully on Wednesday 7 December at the age of 101. He was the last surviving member of the original No 617 Squadron, better known as the Dambusters.

We also lost John Gates on 30 August 2022, aged 94. John was at Lord Wandsworth College from 1935-44, a valued and active member of our community, who was known for his published works on the life of Sydney James Stern, Lord Wandsworth. We were thankful to be able to fulfil his wish for his ashes to be scattered in Sheephouse Copse and remember him along with all the Sternians who passed away this year.

Finally, thank you to all of you who have been part of our story throughout our first 100 years. Thank you for bringing Sydney Stern’s legacy to life and for continuing to make a difference. A special thank you to those of you who have taken the time to share your stories with us and agreed to be a part of this magazine - and to Sternian, Holly Abbott, for designing it so beautifully.

JANE FRIEND, KATE BOYD AND SAM CORFIELD The Editorial Team

‘It wasn’t until I was much older that I realised how much Lord Wandsworth College had done for me and how good they had been to me. They cared for me and cared about me.’

GEORGE ‘JOHNNY’ JOHNSON, MBE DFM, 25 NOV 1921 - 7 DEC 2022

from the 2022 LWC Development Team

The Headmaster

And so, 100 years after those first pioneering pupils navigated their pathway through the LWC experience, we step into the brave new world of century number two.

I wonder, what positive impact since 1922 will those thousands of Sternians have brought to their communities and their families? How many lives have been positively transformed by their experience here? How many enjoyed the sunrises and sunsets, and how many found their favourite spot on the campus that allowed them to be at peace and breathe?

lycra surrounded by a myriad of lockdown pets with an air of excited anticipation? The DJ warmed us up to 21st Century dance music from a Glastonbury-esque stage, before we raced round the school and the wider estate on 5k / 10k runs to raise funds for our Foundation. The Beckwith was but one of many moments this year where our community had a chance to fall in love with the school once more. It was a Lovemark. As those hundreds of people ran and walked through the varying landscapes and urbanscapes, they marvelled at what they saw, and yet I suspect they only noticed what lay on the surface, for environments only reveal their true secrets and stories to those who patiently wait and observe and notice.

dark indeed; stars would have blazed with Polaris providing a guiding beacon of direction.

LWC is flourishing. Your school continues to have record numbers of pupils (boys and girls), record demand for places, a thrilling new strategic masterplan, national recognition in educational initiatives, the Careers (Futures) programme, wellbeing, mental health, character education, hockey, cricket, rugby, and a deep seated desire to make a positive difference to those around us. Our light is blazing brightly even with those rising energy bills meaning we switch things off more quickly and put a jumper on…

I wonder, what would our founders have thought had they made their way into the heart of the school by the Acorn Gates in September this year, where almost 1,000 people stood dressed in assorted colourful

So much has moved forward, and yet knowledge has been lost along the way of how to read the signs of nature, the landscape and the stories it tells. Tristan Gooley, the Natural Navigator, spoke brilliantly at Speech Day as he inspired us to relearn the language of our world by reading the soil, the trees, the sky and the soundscape. Back in 1922, the night skies of LWC would have been very

In the second century of our existence, we are starting to relearn the language of our landscape within a futuristic, 5G enabled world. The 1200 is our clarion call within the LWC lexicon. Sustainability meets digitisation meets ambition for all. I sincerely hope Sydney Stern would feel we were doing his vision justice.

ADAM WILLIAMS

‘I sincerely hope Sydney Stern would feel we were doing his vision justice.’

Reunion Roundup

Class of 1977

The Class of 1977 tagged a special reunion onto ‘The Beckwith’. It had been 45 years since they left LWC but the years melted away as they shared stories and caught up over a few drinks.

Sternians in attendance: Phil Bates (Sutton); Chris Chunnilall (Hazelveare); Mark Ferraby (School); Ed Gardner (School); Patrick Goldingham (Summerfield); Mark James (Summerfield)

Bournemouth

We were delighted to hold the first Sternian Regional Gathering in Bournemouth for three years in May 2022. Yet again, the sun shone beautifully for the event, and everyone had a great time reminiscing about their time at LWC whilst tucking into a delicious roast. We look forward to welcoming you all – familiar faces and new – at next year’s event.

Sternians in attendance: Robert Atwell (1958, Sutton, 0913); Graham Barnes (1964, Sutton, A198); Peter Booth; Ron Burlingham (1950, Sutton, 0630); Clive Butler (1959, School, 0976); John Dudley (1951, Sutton, 0707); Chris Huffam (1970, School, A700); Bob Hunt (1950, Sutton, 0608); Ian Julian (1968, School, A591); Ian Moore (1959, Sutton, A015); Anthony Peachey (1970, Sutton, A674); Hugh Podger (1948, School, 0565); Brian Reeve (1959, School, 0987); Colin Terry (1954, Sutton, 0764)

LWC+30 Lunch

In November we held our first LWC+30 lunch for all Sternians who left LWC 30 or more years ago – an evolution of the Over 60s Lunch which now includes the early years of coeducation at the College. There was much catching up over a delicious three course lunch in the prestigious surroundings of the RAF Club in Piccadilly, London. It was lovely to see old and new friends together and great to hear from Headmaster, Adam Williams, about the latest developments at LWC.

London Drinks

The Ship and Shovell, Charing Cross provided a charming new setting for a balmy reunion in London last June. It was wonderful to welcome a mix of familiar and new faces to our Sternian Regional Gathering and to share some much needed ice cold drinks, fantastic memories and lots of laughs.

Class of 1995

On a hot and sunny Saturday afternoon in July a group of Sternians from the class of 1995 gathered for a reunion.

Some came on their own, others with family and it wasn’t long before we were all catching up about what had happened since leaving school 27 years earlier (although it felt like the blink of an eye).

A tour around the school evoked lots of fond memories and laughter. It was wonderful to see the familiar whilst also witnessing how the school had evolved. With some of the party sending their own kids to don the famous Bridgedale jumper it was interesting to hear how the school approached education today.

The consensus from the group was that the Gavin Hall felt smaller than we remembered; that the Sixth Form Centre was probably better served with a bar serving bottles of Ruddles; and that the new Drama centre would make for a good party venue. A few inspected the cricket nets and looked across the pitches beside longingly; others peered through the dining room windows and admired the Orangery extension; whilst some told (inflated) stories to their children of the cinder track and how they survived near arctic temperatures walking to school.

It was nice to see that the hedge up the drive had survived generations of kids pushing one another into it.

In a very dark and quiet corner of the sports hall a photo of the 1994 1st hockey team was discovered collecting dust… incriminating evidence of prior sporting ability and a race to name those in the photo that were not in attendance quickly ensued. The school tour ended with a Sutton House Vs Rest game of Puddex leading to a nail-biting finale where the Rest won - not that scores were kept.

The reunion continued to the Poachers Pub, before Rob Janaway (Head Boy 1995) and his wife Abi kindly invited the group back to enjoy a BBQ. After some more celebratory drinks a rugby ball was discovered. As if the group hadn’t set the world of Puddex alight earlier in the day, someone thought it was a good idea to have a game of touch rugby which inevitably descended into a full contact game! The next day bore witness not only to a number of sore heads and bodies, but also a resolve not to leave another 27 years between reunions.

JAMES ROTHERAM (1995, Hazelveare, C624)

Mike Sorby Cup

We gathered on 16 July 2022 with Ben Colvin’s (2005, Sutton, E678) year of Sternians facing Alex Colvin’s (2002, Sutton, E326). True to the Clubs motto, ‘Mixta Faculatem Vexilium Excelsis’, it was 50 overs of truly mixed ability cricket of the highest standard.

Clive Hicks gave up his Saturday to assist long-term umpire Charles Clark and both were clear on the Mike Sorby Cup (MSC) Club rules: no playing in, no LBW and players cannot be out first ball. As the teams mature nicely into their thirties the decision was taken to start an hour early as late arrivals caused by a Friday night out at Infernos in Clapham is now less problematic.

Alex Colvin won the toss and opted to bat first, taking advantage of a bone-dry wicket. This paid dividends as openers Charlie Pidgeon and Huw Ross ripped into some loose bowling from Harry Rice and Tom Mansfield. The middle order continued this trend with notable knocks from Nick Colvin and Nick Clarke (whose years of Puddex practice is finally paying off). Timely wickets from Andy ‘Crag’ Craig and Richard Farrant kept the batsmen honest. Stephen Sorby popped in and was typically enthusiastic with the bat, wafting it around energetically scoring a solid 1, threatening his long-term average of 3.

It was left to captain Alex Colvin and Matt Horn to wag the tail with the latter clearly benefiting from his position as fifth best batsman in the East Meon 3rd XI. With a target of 155 from 25 overs set, confidence was running high at the players broke for lunch.

As play resumed there were signs of early form amongst the top order of the Ben Colvin XI. Henry Castle Smith kept his cool and struck a number of boundaries including a magnificent six. The strong early showing was soon decimated by a fine spell of bowling by Stephen Sorby, to date the only fine spell of his career.

His synthetic hat-trick over (can’t be out first ball) sent shockwaves through the batsmen as both Harry Rice and Ed Andrews fell to the Kingston Express train. It was left to Shepherd’s Bush’s answer to Geoffrey Boycott, Andy Craig, to keep the score board ticking over, scoring an unbeaten 25, including 19 singles. His return to the crease alongside Chris ‘Biggles’ Thompson saw the game hang in the balance with 27 runs required off 18 balls.

Enter Nick Colvin. Two dead straight spinning beauties pegged Biggles back into his crease. The third drifting a little down leg saw Biggles’ eyes light up. A big swing and a fine edge sent the ball straight into the air and was gobbled up cleanly by wicket keeper Ed Clark. The game was up. The Ben Colvin XI an agonising 15 runs short of victory.

After the match, several players took time to reflect at the Sebastian English and Michael Sorby memorial benches. It’s always lovely returning to the school and we would like to thank them for their generosity in hosting and their continued support. We’d also like to say a big thank you to Clive Hicks for umpiring (and Mary for picking him up)! We also remember long-time supporter of the MSC, Nick Sorby, who passed on the 11 January 2022, missed but not forgotten. The 14th edition of the Mike Sorby Cup will take place on 8 July 2023 at Lord Wandsworth College.

ED CLARKE

(2002, Summerfield, E030)

After a two-year sabbatical the Mike Sorby Cup returned with a vengeance.

Ed Clarke keeps us on the edge of our seats with his engaging commentary...

Sternian Saturday

The return of Sternian Saturday on 25 June was a huge success with well over 100 Sternians and guests joining us for this much-loved event.

The day started with the official business of The Sternians’ Association AGM, which was attended by 27 members (full minutes from the meeting are available at sternians.org/aboutus). Notices of Sternian deaths were shared with the meeting and their lives remembered.

Plans were shared for a sculpture of Sydney Stern in the school grounds, and the idea of a biography of Lord Wandsworth was mooted. The meeting noted the tremendous achievements of the Sternians Trust Fund as presented by STF Chairman, Paul Richings. The Sternians’ Association Chairman then reviewed a busy year, reflecting on the welcome post-pandemic return of many traditional events and activities. Once

the official elections had taken place, the less formal business of enjoying each other’s company and catching up on news could begin.

There was a wonderful presentation by Headmaster, Adam Williams and plenty of opportunities to quiz him, the teaching staff and our Senior Gardener Jane about the latest developments at LWC.

Throughout the day we showcased pupil performances, including a live cellist on arrival. Sternians then

enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch, followed by tours of the Science Centre, the Nadine Uppal Theatre, Art Studios and College gardens. The day was rounded off with a traditional afternoon tea. It was also fantastic to welcome back the Rugby Team from the Classes of 1962-63.

With thanks to all the Sternians and LWC staff for making it such a special day whether you turned up, poured drinks, ate cake, told a story or met somebody new. We look forward to the next occasion.

The Sternians’ Association Elected Officers

President: Peter Booth

Chairman: John Bacon

Treasurer: Chris Huffam

Committee Members: Bruce Buckland, Charlotte Greer-Read

Archivist: James Gregory-Marshall

Vice-Presidents: Richard Kimber and Soma Singh

Upcoming Events

We look forward to welcoming our Sternian Community to another busy programme of events. If you haven’t made it along recently, why not make this the year? By the time you have read this the 5th Form Mock interviews will have taken place, thank you to everyone who took part in this.

STERNIAN REGIONAL GATHERING MANCHESTER

Lunch @ The Wharf Pizza & Beer @ Dukes 92 (6pm)

Thursday 23 March 2023

LWC GIVING DAY

36-hour fundraising event in aid of The Foundation, Foundationer Extras Campaign and the Centenary Sculpture Campaign

28 - 29 March 2023

LWC CENTURY RALLY

Join us on a two-day, one night rally along the south coast in your vintage vehicle!

27 - 28 May 2023

STERNIAN SPORTS FESTIVAL & THE BECKWITH

Represent the Sternian Rugby | Football | Netball | Hockey Teams or walk The Beckwith

9 September 2023

LWC FUTURES FAIR

Sternian Volunteers needed please, to help shape our pupils’ futures

Friday 24 March 2023

LWC GOLF SOCIETY

LWCGS Golf Day at Alresford GC Sternians and LWC Parents

1st Tee 12pm Friday 12 May 2023

STERNIAN REGIONAL GATHERING LONDON

Drinks & Nibbles @ The Duke of Sussex, Waterloo (6pm)

Tuesday 13 June 2023

LWC GOLF SOCIETY

LWCGS Golf Day at The Army GC Sternians and LWC Parents

1st Tee 1pm

Thursday 28 September 2023

FOUNDATION DAY

By Invitation

Monday 27 March 2023

STERNIAN REGIONAL GATHERING BOURNEMOUTH

Lunch @ Toby Carvery, Cooper-Dean

Thursday 18 May 2023

CENTENARY FESTIVAL WEEKEND

Fun-packed programme plus the Sternian Association AGM & Sternian Vs LWC Cricket

23 - 24 June 2023

LONDON LUNCH

Lunch date and venue to be confirmed

November/December 2023

For more information or to book tickets: Sternians@lordwandsworth.org or call 01256 860356

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for more event updates in your Sternian E-News.

Indy Pro Champion!

Louis Foster gets us up to speed on how he followed his dream of racing in America and ended up in pole position.

After a successful few years’ racing in the UK and Europe in single seater race series, I set about entering the 2022 season of Indy Pro 2000, which is a feeder series in the US for the prestigious IndyCar Series. It’s a little like F1, the cars look similar and, contrary to popular belief, it’s not just oval racing! All series compete on street courses, ovals and dedicated race circuits around the US, so it’s a great diverse series offering a lot of different racing experiences.

Across the pond, I settled into life in Los Angeles, California, and set about testing the car in preparation for the 2022 season. The car is similar to what I had raced in the UK and Europe, but it took a while to get to grips with the different tyres. I managed to get some good consistent results at the beginning of the season, but it was around the mid-way point of the season that I really began to gel with the car and the wins began to happen. A particular highlight was a win on my very first oval which looked like a relatively easy track, but was actually quite technical.

The final round was at the beginning of September in Portland, Oregon, and I entered that weekend with the determination to win the Championship. I managed to qualify in pole position and from that managed to keep the lead to win the race and the Championship in my very first year of racing in America!

The series has taken me to many places around the US. Each State has its own character so it’s been very interesting both culturally and in terms of the climate and terrain. We even crossed the border into Canada for a street

race in Toronto. What I have really enjoyed about the move over here is making so many new friends, nurturing business relationships and learning how to be independent. My parents stayed in the UK so I was kind of going it alone! My father has been to all the races, and my mother to three, so it’s been good to meet up with them and feel the support. All the series support young talent moving up through the ranks, so my scholarship really helped me climb the next rung of the ladder.

This year I move up a level to the series directly below IndyCar, where I’ll have the benefit of knowing most of the circuits, and will hopefully have a successful season with Andretti Autosport. I look forward to achieving my ultimate dream of competing at the Indy 500, the most prestigious and historic race in the world.

I would like to thank everyone who has supported me in this journey including my commercial sponsors; my existing and previous race teams; my family, who have been to all of my USA races and, finally, the teachers and staff at LWC who gave me the confidence and belief as an individual to go for it!

If you would like to follow Louis and his racing adventures you can connect with his social media accounts at https://linktr.ee/LouisFoster.

LOUIS FOSTER (2021, School)

Sternian Dives for Scotland at the Games

As the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games fade into our collective memories

Cameron Gammage reflects on a challenging and rewarding year…

Adecade in the making, it was an enormous privilege to be selected to represent Scotland at springboard diving in my first Commonwealth Games and a joy to be supported by my friends from Summerfield days, by the College and by my fellow Sternians.

My selection owed much to the support from LWC between 2013 and 2020, from the interest shown in my efforts by Headmaster, Adam Williams (and his especial support during Covid lockdown), to the support from Tim Richardson (who truly understood what a long game high level sport is) and Soma Singh and the patience of teachers like Richard Kimber who allowed me to fly in from Barcelona to Edinburgh to join a school cycle trip half way through. Thank you.

I started diving in 2012 and, inspired by the London Olympics, made six trips a week to Southampton to train. With frequent trips overseas, some falling in term time, LWC took a pragmatic approach to my diving, despite it not being a typical sport at an independent school. Having represented Great Britain as a junior diver every year since 2017 and placed second at a European Junior Championships, I became well versed in living the LWC Latin motto ‘vincit perseverantia’ and a broken leg in 2017 and six stitches in my skull in 2019 came with the territory.

As I was born in Dundee, I was eligible for selection for the Scottish Commonwealth Games team for 2022, but could I make the qualifying standard to be considered for

selection? Having started on a scholarship at the University of Michigan in 2021, making the Scottish Team came with its challenges and I had no idea how complex things would be. The qualifying meets were all in Europe and involved costly – and not always successful –transatlantic forays.

My target for selection was 401.53 points from six dives and the selectors stressed that there could be slots for no more than four Scottish divers in Birmingham. With two Olympians all but guaranteed a slot, that meant about five of us were competing for the remaining two places. By December another diver had qualified, so there was one slot left and the opportunities were reducing before the time window closed.

Fortunately, I managed the score in the Big Ten Championships (US collegiate) in late February, though it took a thumping final dive to crack it with 402.00 points. In by a narrow margin, I now had a chance, a good one. Then, right on the last day for selection, four others cracked the required scores and Scotland now had a dilemma. In the end, it chose to take eight of us.

It was such a joy when selection was confirmed but not without further challenges. Eight weeks before the Games I sprained my ankle during an international diving meet back in the UK and had a ‘minor’ break in the tibia (in the same spot as my 2017 fracture). My foot was immobilised in a boot and, wheelchair bound, it was back to the States for me.

Cameron (far right) with his teammates

Thank goodness for the excellent rehabilitation service at the University of Michigan, but my Games place was now hanging by a thread.

Three weeks before the Games I managed to get back in the water. Diving is all about timing and the margin between excellence and apparent incompetence is actually quite small. Three and a half somersaults or a couple of somersaults and two twists are over in a blink so quality repetition is vital. However, my broken foot was holding up and I could balance on my hurdle step but then the next day I fractured my little finger!

At this point I thought it was all over. My finger was out of shape and so painful. Fortunately, my doctor reluctantly agreed not to put it in plaster and American rehab kicked in again, even making me a splint of sorts that I could compete in if only I could get to Birmingham. There was no risk of long-term damage, it was all about pain management and not diving until the last possible moment. They could get me to the start line but who knows what would happen then.

There followed a scary couple of weeks but, with just a few days to go, I started to roll, gingerly, into the water. After ten years of effort, encouragement from my family,

support from my schools and university, from my coaches, from all those who believed in me, I was going to make it to the start line. I had no idea what would happen when I got there, but I would get there, despite the odds.

With 72 countries and 5,000 athletes competing, the Birmingham Games were a blast from start to finish. Wearing kilts and accompanied by bagpipes, we received a warm Brummie welcome to the athletes’ village at Birmingham University. The atmosphere at the opening ceremony was amazing – complete with giant metal bull, Prince (now King) Charles, Peaky Blinders, Lenny Henry, Malala Yousafzai, fireworks, and the integration of para-sports into one sporting programme. Despite an audience of over 30,000 spectators and millions more on TV, I still managed to glimpse my family in the crowd.

After a week of swimming and with the Games well underway, it was time for my event, on Saturday 6 August, and I was strangely calm. I followed Olympic Gold medallist Jack Laugher onto the board and, despite the pressure, my warm-up went well and I was set fair to compete. The first twelve competitors would go through to the final that evening. When Jack had a disappointing first dive, there

‘I learnt that hard work, an acceptance of the highs and the lows and determined efforts take anyone a very long way. Anyone.’

was a loud gasp from the crowd and a long delay. Meanwhile, I stood at the back of the board for what seemed like ages waiting to be told that I could go. Rhythm broken, my first dive, usually a very solid opener, was over cooked and my score was my worst in years.

My next three dives were nothing special either, but the final two were better and in the end I placed 13th, one slot off making the final. But it was time to move on from what might have been, and I did so quite quickly. I’d learnt about tenacity. Despite the setbacks, I’d got to the start line. My family was proud. At several stages it would have been easy to throw in the towel in 2022, I hadn’t. On the day I could have embarrassed myself, I hadn’t.

My first Commonwealth Games was an incredible experience and I now have Victoria 2026 firmly in my sights.

CAMERON GAMMAGE (2020, Summerfield)

Opening ceremony at the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham

Gold Medal for Veteran Fencer

Andrew Brown shares his incredible achievement of becoming an elite athlete in his seventies and represented Scotland in the Veterans’ Commonwealth Games.

Istarted fencing shortly after leaving LWC, inspired by screen fights in films such as The Master of Ballantrae, Robin Hood and the Mark of Zorro. The actors, Errol Flynn, Tyrone Power, and Basil Rathbone, were excellent fencers and I had the same coach as Errol Flynn - Bob Anderson. Bob was screen double for David Prowse as Darth Vader during light sabre duels in two of the ‘Star Wars’ films (although I have not –yet – swung from a chandelier with a sword in my hand!).

I have fenced ever since and represented Great Britain as a veteran (40+) achieving 6th place in my Age Group at the last World Championships in Cairo. Narrowly missing a medal (by one hit), I was

determined to gain a medal at the Commonwealth Championships in London last August. My wife and I moved to Perthshire Scotland last year and I have greatly enjoyed training with youngsters. The hard work paid off and I won a place in the Veterans Team for the event.

The Individual Epée competition had 120 fencers from all ages (40+) and was fiercely competitive. With temperatures of more than 30 degrees, it was very humid and there was no air conditioning in the sports hall. My performance placed me, after poule fights and two direct elimination bouts, as the top 70+ fencer and winner of a gold medal for Scotland.

ANDREW BROWN (1967, Hazelveare, A510)

Howzat!

Gemma Lane and Finty Trussler (2021, Haygate) celebrate cricketing success.

Both Gemma and Finty started on the Hampshire pathway as U11s, continuing right through to U17s and then progressed to being regular members of the full Hampshire women’s county team. Gemma was selected for the Southern Vipers U19 regional academy in 2018 with Finty joining her in the academy in 2020.

In their last term at LWC, aged seventeen, both were awarded semiprofessional contracts with the Southern Vipers, and were in the squad which won the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy Final that year (the leading domestic competition in women’s cricket in England). Last winter Finty went to New Zealand to develop her cricket while Gemma began her Biomedical Sciences degree at Bath University. Both their Southern Vipers semi-professional contracts were renewed for the 2022 season, and we look forward to seeing how their cricketing careers progress.

‘I don’t remember much sport at LWC except cross-country runs so it is terrific to become an elite athlete in my seventies and win a Gold Medal for Scotland in the Veterans’ Commonwealth Games.’

Gemma and Finty

The Magnificent Seven

An amazing group of young Sternians took on 220 miles, four counties and an elevation of 15,000 feet last August as they tackled the King Alfred’s Way Bike Ride and raised over £4,000 for the Anthony Nolan Trust.

Day One and we set off from the locally famous Frensham Brewery near Farnham, making our way through the sandy Surrey hills – starting with a big test and no real warm up. Over 50 miles later, we ended up in the town of Meonstoke, home to the Bucks Head, a fine establishment with authentic Hampshire pizzas. Bellissimo! We were then offered the ‘opportunity’ to camp out in the yard of a local farm for the night, a massive lifeline considering our lack of planning and having been side-tracked by the excitement of the pub after a tough first day.

An early start to Day Two saw us setting off at 7.00am towards Winchester, the final resting place of King Freddy, the namesake of this route, where we broke our fast with the finest cycling nourishment Starbucks had to offer. A serious effort had us putting over 60 miles on the clock bringing us to the halfway point, the town of Tilshead. Pints were very much on our minds at this point but, to our despair, the only pub in town was shut. So, we wined and dined outside a Londis service station and posted up on the village football pitch for the night.

Day Three and we breakfasted at the same fine establishment where we had dined the night before, followed by a gruelling 30-mile stint in the middle of the day along The Ridgeway – the oldest road in England –with endless, bumpy chalk and nowhere to stop for food or water. We were one dry, crusty looking bunch by the end of that and, after another 56 miles that day, we were seriously deserving of our three courses at the godsend of the Crown and Horns pub we encountered in East Ilsley.

To our delight, Day Four, with beers and glory in sight, was extremely smooth riding, from Wiltshire into Berkshire, past Compton, Pangbourne and Reading and back into Hampshire, through Odiham. After another 60-odd miles that day, we made it back to our beloved Frensham Brewery in great time, by Sunday afternoon, met by friends and family wielding that sweet, sweet nectar for some thirsty riders.

Once the dust and sweat had settled on our saddle sores and obliterated quads we were able to reflect on our achievement. We had completed the equivalent of climbing Mont Blanc during a cross country cycle on the hottest weekend in years. Perhaps it was just as well that we had underestimated the challenge ahead of us...

From left to right: Angus Milnes-James, Will Ashley, Jamie Simmons, Ryan Sakellariou, Will Gross, Toby Williams and Tye Rath (Class of 2018)

AN UPDATE FROM The College

We welcomed a fresh intake of pupils through the Acorn Gates in our Centenary year. They stand on the shoulders of the Sternians who came before them and, as our 2022 highlights attest, continue to embrace curiosity, creativity, and collaboration to show the way forward.

January Science Centre Opens

We welcomed 2022 by throwing open the doors of our new state-of-the-art Science Centre. An exceptional learning space, including 13 laboratories and conference facilities, to challenge and inspire our next generation of scientists.

February Hockey Champions

Lord Wandsworth College swept aside their opponents at the Girls’ Schools Finals championships hosted at the Nottingham Hockey Centre, emerging as victors, and claiming their first ever pieces of silverware since the event began back in 1980.

March Futures Fair

Sternians added their support to this exciting and interactive showcase providing pupils with the chance to network and engage with industry leaders from sectors as varied as microchip design, renewable energy, and British Intelligence.

March We Will Rock You

There were standout performances all round in this year’s whole school musical, playing to enthusiastic (and sold out) audiences in Gavin Hall who watched the rebel Bohemians succeed in their quest to bring back rock.

April Devizes to Westminster

Over the Easter weekend, 19 canoeists from LWC took part in the epic DW International Canoe Race. Racing 108 miles, with 77 portages and camping under the stars, the team raised over £4,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.

April Happiest Boarding School

Lord Wandsworth College was named a finalist in the ‘Happiest Boarding School’ category in the Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Awards for 2022, highlighting our outstanding pastoral care, co-curricular programme and our amazing staff team.

May

Sporting Celebration

A chance to celebrate success as the boys’ teams are crowed county rugby champions (15s and 7s). A fitting way to mark the end of season for ‘the oval ball game’ played at LWC since 1943. The boys were joined by the Girls’ Hockey Champions at a black tie dinner to celebrate their combined success.

June

Climate Week

The whole school embraced an inspirational programme of activities for Climate Week, starting with a talk from Podcaster, Jen Gale from Sustainable(ish) about our own power to change the world.

July Speech Day

We were privileged to be joined by author and natural navigator Tristan Gooley, the ‘Sherlock Holmes of Nature’. Tristan, who has led expeditions in five continents and sailed across oceans, inspired us to search for nature’s clues on our campus.

August A Time to Celebrate

Despite experiencing the most challenging period of education in decades, our pupils’ resilience and determination produced exceptional exam results. In GCSEs, 17% of papers achieved the top grade 9, 55% earned grades 9 to 7, 88% were marked between grades 9 and 5 and there was a 98% pass rate. In A Levels, over 34% of results achieved grades A*-A, nearly 70% A*-B with an overall pass rate of 99%. It was wonderful to welcome our newest Sternians to the fold.

September

Remembering HM Queen Elizabeth II 1926 - 2022

In September we joined the nation in mourning the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. Our flags flew at half-mast, a book of condolence was opened, and we paid tribute at a moving Service of Remembrance hosted on school grounds.

November Lest We Forget

At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month the whole school gathered, with Sternians, Governors plus pupils from Long Sutton Primary school, for a poignant Remembrance Service led by our Chaplain, Pete Maidment.

December Christmas Carols

After keeping our festive fingers crossed, we were delighted to welcome pupils, staff and parents to a very special Christmas event incorporating fireworks, hot food and drinks and carols all set outdoors in our beautiful 1200-acre campus on the coldest day of the year.

The Beckwith

Our Centenary year is well underway, and it started with a bang! On Saturday 24 September we hosted the first of our exciting Centenary events, The Beckwith.

We were joined by the whole LWC community (almost 1,000 Sternians, pupils, parents and staff, plus a huge number of our four-legged friends) to make this event truly memorable. We were totally blessed with the weather, the biggest of blue skies and our magnificent 1200-acre campus was bathed in glorious sunshine. Is it just us or is the sky bigger over LWC?

Our fantastic MC, Senior Deputy Head, Alex Battison gave the guests a very warm welcome before Ben Hazell, our Head of Athletics, and Science Teacher, Katia Lannon took on the challenge of the warm-up session, joined on stage by Hey Mr DJ, who got the crowd limbered up!

The 500 runners and 500 walkers christened our newly devised ‘Beckwith’ route (named after Alfred Beckwith, pupil no 1, who arrived at LWC on 22 November 1922).

The route started at The Acorn Gates, went up to Sutton, across the fields to Chicory, into Sheephouse Copse, past the infamous Quercus before heading up Heaven and Hell and back towards The Acorn Gates for the finish.

A special mention to John Dudley, our oldest Sternian to complete the 5k walk with his wife Linda, pictured right with Sam. Well done, your smile when you came through the Acorn Gates made our day!

First across the line for the 10k, in an astonishing time of 35 mins 47 seconds, was Alex Hamilton (pictured far right), our Head of Classics.

The Food Village was a popular destination as everyone enjoyed tucking into delicious bacon sandwiches, burgers, pizzas and other delicious bites. We also had a pop-up shop to showcase our wonderful Centenary Merchandise, it was a big hit!

A huge thank you to everyone who supported The Beckwith, it was a massive success, and as well as it being the most wonderful LWC community event we also raised over £8,000 for The Foundation! Thank you. As you know, your support of The Foundation transforms the lives of so many children and their families and you are helping to keep the legacy of Baron Sydney James Stern alive.

‘I really enjoyed the run. Our woods and fields looked incredible. There was a lovely, supportive atmosphere from all the volunteers and lots of excellent performances from the pupils as I ran the course.’

William B, in 1st Form, came first in 5k Fastest Pupil category!

Join in the Centenary Fun!

We are now well into our Centenary year here at LWC and have been busy celebrating our past and looking towards the future - our next 100 years. There are still plenty of ways to get involved - do join us!

Morocco Adventure Challenge

23-28 February 2023

Thank you and good luck to our 24 Sternians and parents, joining Sam Corfield and Kate Boyd, on our first ever Adventure Challenge.

We have been blown away by the response! The team have been training hard in preparation for their 4-day trek across the Sahara Desert raising vital funds for The Foundation.

LWC Century Rally

27-28 May 2023

We would love you to join us to show off your pride and joy, your garage queen, your 50-year-old daily driver or your ratted hot rod. In May we will have a two-day, one night rally along the south coast on the first weekend of the half term holiday, 27-28 May 2023.

If any of this floats your carburettor, then please contact us (using the QR Code) for more details or to register your interest. We are looking to include any vehicular transport from 1922- 2022 (or 2023 if you have something on order!), just make sure it is special. So, whether it is a 1923 Triumph flat tanker, a 45 Brough Superior, a 66 Le Mans Cobra or a plug in BMW i8 from the 21st Century we are interested in you joining us.

This is purely a celebration of transport collective and not a fundraiser, an event to enjoy and take part in.

Centenary Festival 23-24 June 2023

As the Centenary year comes to a close, the entire LWC community is invited to celebrate with us over a fun-filled two days of celebration here at LWC.

The weekend is due to kick off at 5pm on Friday evening with performances from The Paul Sykes Big Band alongside our pupils and Centenary choir. There will be a food village and bar and the evening will end with a wonderful firework display.

Saturday starts with Sternians Vs LWC cricket and the AGM, with the main programme starting at 12 noon. Expect performances from Sternian bands, Staff bands, pupils, and our headline act ‘Real Love’ will help us party the night away. In addition there will be fairground and tractor rides, CCF displays, a car show, retail and food village and Bar, Centenary Exhibition, House and Garden tours and much more. We look forward to seeing you all there!

A Centenary Portrait On Sale Now

In celebration of this momentous anniversary, we have published a wonderful pictorial, hard back book.

The publication features iconic and unseen images from across the decades. Priced at £40 it is a wonderful gift for yourself or others.

Centenary Collection Commemorating 100 Years

We have a wonderful collection of Centenary merchandise available to buy online or at the Centenary Festival in June. Choose from house mugs, LWC Gin, tea towels, notebooks, key rings, post cards and pencils. Many of the designs are based on original drawings of LWC’s iconic buildings by one of our parents, Melissa Umbers. Do keep checking as we will continue to add to the collection throughout the year.

Where Are They Now?

It’s lovely to hear about your adventures since leaving LWC. Please do get in touch if you have any news to share.

HARRY BADGER

Five years ago, I said goodbye to LWC. Except I didn’t. How can you say goodbye to a place where you’ve lived all your life; where your parents were (and indeed still are) teachers; where you made some of your best friends; and where you created memories that will last a lifetime? I haven’t really known much else but LWC, and it still brings a sense of comfort and happiness every time I come home.

It is difficult to pinpoint any particular highlight although standing up onstage giving an assembly about my ASC (Autistic Spectrum Diagnosis) in the Upper Sixth was pretty special. I remember shaking all the way through and feeling as though my legs would give way, but somehow, I held it together and the reception I got afterwards was amazing. It showed me that LWC pupils and staff really are receptive to neurodivergence.

During my year out, I came back to the college as a Music Assistant volunteer, before jetting off to France for a work placement at a hotel near the Mediterranean. Although they were thoroughly enjoyable and invaluable experiences, I did also have to contend with being in France as they won the World Cup. Swings and roundabouts...

In 2018, I began studying Music (with an apéritif of French) at the University of Manchester, specialising in performance and composition, and was awarded First Class Honours. Alongside my studies, I presented two shows on the student radio station centred around sport and music,

as well as launching a lockdown music podcast with a friend. I have aspired to become a broadcast sports journalist for a long time, and last year, completed a Sports Journalism postgrad with the UK’s top journalism school – News Associates – where I received a gold-standard qualification.

Throughout all of this time, I was writing, editing, and re-editing a book, which I finally published in May 2022 after four-and-a-half years of work, titled: ‘The Auty in the Room: My Autism and I’. It documents my life on the autism spectrum, as well as my mental health struggles at the end of my time at school and throughout university.

Nowadays, I live in Manchester, doing occasional freelance music gigs and match reports for Beat Media. I will also be starting a training course at Radio 5Live Sport as part of the BBC’s Next Gen Scheme with a view to a permanent role in the future. You may well hear me over the national airwaves before too long. Terrifying, I know...

‘My advice to my younger self would be to not be so hard on myself. I had such a lack of confidence in my own abilities for so many years because of how tough I was being on myself.’

HOUSE: Hazelveare

YEAR OF LEAVING: 2017

HOUSE: Summerfield, B097

YEAR OF LEAVING: 1977

JOHN HIGGS

I was asked to be the company’s ‘man in Bangkok’ for six months and see if I could sell the company’s services to the new oil industry opening up there. It turns out I could and so, for the next three years, I ran the sales and operations in Malaysia and Brunei out of Kuala Lumpur; a great experience for a 23-year-old.

After a wonderful six years at LWC I then graduated with a BSc Hons. in Geology from Swansea University. Within a week of graduating, I was on a plane to Dallas having been hired by an oilfield services company.

Three months later I was in Singapore working in the South China Sea on exploration rigs. A broken shoulder following a motorcycle mishap meant I could not go to the rigs for a while so

After five years and a downturn in the oil industry I returned to London with my (then pregnant) Japanese wife and moved into IT sales. Three years later we moved to Tokyo which was great but we then decided to settle in Singapore where, for the next 15 years, I set up and ran Asia Pacific for several Silicon Valley IT start ups. In 2005 we decided to move to the island of Phuket having sailed there previously and I continued to work from there in IT while establishing a Yacht Charter business, managed by my son. The charter business was fun and went well until the military coup in 2014 when tourism dried up overnight and the yacht business sank…

In 2005 I became involved with the Soi Dog Foundation (soidog.org). This marvellous organisation, relying on private donations, was set up by a British couple to end the suffering of homeless dogs and cats in South East Asia. In 2016 I took time out from work to step in as CEO for 2.5 years. All pro-bono but the most rewarding and satisfying (and probably the hardest) work I have ever done. Today, Soi Dog has grown into a global organisation with over 360 employees, including 50 vets. It has neutered, and vaccinated over 750,000 animals to date and has sent dogs to new homes all over the world, thus preventing millions of unwanted and homeless puppies and kittens from living a life of misery and suffering on the streets on Thailand.

Today I am privileged to remain Vice President of SOI DOG International Foundation Board, Geneva. My wife and I continue to live in Phuket with 11 dogs which we took from the streets and a (very unimpressed) cat.

HOUSE: Gosden

YEAR OF LEAVING: 1999

HOLLY ABBOTT

I’ve always been a creative person and I spent many hours in the Art room at LWC. Art was my main interest; so much so that I once tried my luck and asked if I could take double Art and drop French! I’m grateful to my tutor and French teacher, Mr Badger, for encouraging me to continue with French, as it has benefitted me on many occasions.

After graduating I worked as a graphic designer for a number of years before starting my own business ‘Black Cat Creative’ with my colleague Jon Allen. We provide creative graphic design and print services, such as digital brochures and website design. We also have a photography and retouching studio where we create high quality product imagery.

I joined the Sixth Form at LWC as a Foundationer, and spent two years in Gosden House with a great group of girls. I made some close friends with whom I’m still in touch today. It’s a time I look back on fondly and feel fortunate to have had such a great opportunity.

One of my fondest memories from my time at LWC, (apart from spending time with friends in Gosden!) is when Ali Mann and I completed an RAF Gliding Scholarship. This opportunity arose from being part of the CCF. I spent a week at RAF Kenley and learnt how to fly a glider. Being able to fly solo at the end of the week topped off what was an amazing experience.

After leaving LWC I studied for a Typography and Graphic Communication BA (Hons) degree at Reading University.

We have worked for a variety of great clients and brands over the years such as Bendicks, Southern Comfort, Bombay Sapphire, Combat Stress, Institute of Physics and of course Lord Wandsworth College!

We have also recently launched our own e-commerce website ‘Abbott & Allen’ (www.abbottandallen.co.uk), selling our original art prints and greeting cards.

I would advise my younger self to be more confident, trust in my abilities and seize every opportunity!

WHERE ARE THEY NOW

Sternian Snippets

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

WEST END DEBUT

After graduating from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London, Gigi Noel-King (2019, Gosden) made her West End debut this Autumn in J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

WEDDING BELLS

Claire Andrews (2005, Park House) and Jamie Purkhardt (2005, Hazelveare) announced their engagement in February 2022 after a romantic proposal in the French Alps. They married in Hartley Wintney on 22 October 2022.

ALL EARS

Congratulations to artist Simon Stevenson (1975, School) for winning the prestigious Pollyanna Pickering Award at The Wildlife Art Society International 30th anniversary wildlife exhibition for his sketch ‘All Ears’.

DEAN’S COMMENDATION

Holly Squires graduated from the University of Exeter with 1st Class Honours, receiving a Dean’s Commendation for exceptional academic achievement. We look forward to following her career as she joins Amazon’s Business Development Graduate programme as a Brand Specialist.

UNITED THROUGH SPORT

Eight years after hearing a talk by this global company at LWC, Tom Dainton (2017, Sutton) headed off on a transformational voluntary placement with them, coaching children in the favelas of Buenos Aries and learning much about football, circus skills, language –and himself.

EARTHQUAKE ALGORITHM

Michael Clark (2021, School) (right) and teammate Aryan Shah, came second in a UK Space Agency Competition. Their idea, ‘TectOrbit’, combines globally available satellite images with data from Autonomous Underwater Vehicles which, when run through an algorithm, could predict earthquakes and save thousands of lives.

God Save the King!

The Rt Hon Sir Peter Coulson, Sternian and member of the Privy Council, attends the formal proclamation of King Charles III as the new Sovereign at the Accession Council.

Awarning that an Accession Council would take place on Saturday 10 September 2022 was emailed to the Privy Council within two hours of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on the afternoon of Thursday 8 September. Confirmation of the precise time and place was confirmed first thing the following day. A good deal of scrambling back to these shores then followed as Privy Councillors cut short their holidays to return to London by 8am on the Saturday. There had not been an Accession Council for 70 years, and no-one wanted to miss it.

Those who gathered on the Saturday morning were politicians past and present, judges of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, senior bishops and one or two members of the House of Lords. The judges certainly brought down the average age (which is not often the case) although Sir John Major definitely won the ‘Hasn’t Aged At All’ award.

In my view, it was the first part of the Accession Council that was so significant. Charles III was not there because he was not yet the new King. He was not the new King until we - the representatives of the people – proclaimed that he was. That is what a constitutional monarchy is all about: he is the King because we say so. Penny Mordaunt, the new President of the Council, read out the Proclamation and it was a spine-tingling moment when the whole room replied in unison: ‘God Save The King’.

We then moved to the Throne Room in St. James’s Palace to hear the new King’s acceptance speech. As we waited, I said to Peter Mandelson that one of the good things about the event was that there would be no-one there to complain that it was not as good as last time. King Charles III spoke movingly about his mother and his hopes and aspirations for the new reign.

After that, as we filed out, we each signed the Proclamation. We were all concerned to ensure that posterity could read our signatures, but I know of at least one Privy Councillor who was so nervous that they failed to spell their own name correctly. Then we went outside for the first public reading of the Proclamation from the balcony at St. James’s Palace and the first rendition of God Save The King (which takes a bit of getting used to).

I first learnt a little about constitutional history during Tony Woolstone’s law course at LWC in 1975. To be frank, I found it rather dull, especially compared to criminal and civil law. Perhaps I should have paid more attention. I certainly did not imagine that, one day, I would play a tiny part in that same, ongoing history.

THE RT HON SIR PETER COULSON (1976, Sutton, B094)

Sternian Honoured for Covid Vaccine Rollout

We catch up with Mark Proctor MEng CEng FIChemE MBA CBE (1998, Sutton) who was awarded the rank of CBE in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours in recognition of his services to the Covid-19 response.

The Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine was created by the Oxford Vaccine Group in collaboration with the biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, and was developed, tested and approved in less than a year. The two-dose ‘winning formula’ was approved for emergency use on 29 December 2020.

This is where Sternian Mark Proctor, Global Supply and Strategy Snr Director at AstraZeneca, came into his own, stepping into uncharted waters and achieving in months what would normally have taken years. The rollout relied on Emergency Use Legislation under the Public Health Act 1984 regarding the use of unlicensed drugs. However, it had never been used before and, for all the scenario-planning and advance thinking, it is impossible to predict how a situation, involving an airborne highly transmissible virus with a two-week, symptom free incubation period, will play out in real life.

Mark, however, could see what needed to be done and, calling on every ounce of expertise at his disposal, proceeded to set up supply chains stretching from London to Sydney. Scaling up and globalising a vaccine in this timescale presented an unprecedented challenge and Mark admits that sometimes he ‘had to close his office door at home’.

A collaborative approach was essential to the roll-out. As well as the landmark partnership with Oxford University, AstraZeneca worked closely with the NHS and the Vaccine Taskforce. Presenting a united

front and keeping communication consistent was key – and not always easy. Mark is featured in ‘The Long Shot: The Inside Story of the Race to Vaccinate Britain’ written by Dame Kate Bingham (who chaired the UK Government’s Vaccine Taskforce) which sheds light on some of the political manoeuvring behind the scenes.

Mark talks about a common purpose and shared sense of urgency that brought the team close together and brought a sense of fulfilment he had never experienced before. The virus may have been gripping the world at a global scale, but the team was also motivated by reasons much closer to home. Mark talks about his mother who did not leave the house for three months, sanitising all her shopping in the greenhouse before it came into the house.

Mark’s school friends at LWC would not have been surprised at the direction his career took. Always interested in Science and Maths, he has a strong memory of one particularly exciting and loud science experiment with Mr Watson involving hydrogen gas, oxygen gas and a big bang. He also shares memories of camping in the Brecon Beacons with the CCF, with treks in the snow and canoes capsizing into freezing water –a sure way to build grit, determination and resilience.

It is striking how modestly Mark carries his achievement and how surprised he was at his nomination for an award. The day after he indicated that he would accept the honour, a letter arrived from the Royal Household, followed by a formal ceremony – the Investiture – at

Buckingham Palace over a year later where Mark received his Insignia in person from the Princess Royal.

The CBE has brought an external recognition of Mark and his work that has raised his profile within industry and with academic partners, although he confesses that he never quite got used to reading his name in the news! He is not yet sure what comes next but, for now, he remains busy with a young family and continuing his work as General Manager of AstraZeneca’s Vaccine R&D and Operations site in Liverpool, with primary responsibilities for seasonal (and pandemic) influenza vaccine development and production.

The empty vial which held the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine is now on display at the Science Museum which is a reminder of the huge, combined, effort to save lives. The number of doses went on to reach 3 billion – all produced at no profit – and, despite some pressure from Downing Street, not labelled with the union flag. Mark remembers the date this milestone was reached because it happened on his daughter’s birthday – telling us that this Sternian’s feet are still very much on the ground.

Mark with his wife and their three children

‘Learning that our vaccine had saved 6.3 million lives was truly humbling and being able to share that moment with the Princess Royal was very special.’

Class of 2022 to The Sternians’ Association!

Edward Davis, Izzy Wallace, Scotia Ebot, Plum Minns, Amelia Cole, Grace Bradshaw, Camilla Oates, Imogen Groslin, Evie Forrester, Jess Bettesworth, Silas Heppell, Ben Wordsworth, Charlie Finn

Peter Omoregbe, India Burton-Brown, Katie Pengilley, Ellen Townsend, Finn Taylor, James Parry, Jamie Gilley, Bobby Wollen, Piers Armstrong, Jack Istead, Amelia Courtney, Christie Steer, Issy Haynes, Ethan Orme

BACK ROW: India Fulford, Liv Irby, Millie Boyden, Robbie Close, Freya Upton, Isabella Cummings, Ciara Verlaque, Amber Ma, Ella Williams, Hal Gavin, Grace Taylor, Sarah Wu

Olly Wright, Tom Needham-Laing, Alex Yates, Lulu Denovan, James Hannaby, Hamish Donaldson, Ollie Waters, Ollie Fisher, Max Hughes, Connor Knight, Archie Wait, Oliver Williams, Harry Hey

John Milne, Ollie Gibson, Henry Ashley, Alexander Campbell, Sebastian Rutherford James, Thomas Morris, Finn Saenger, James Barker, Rory Leonard, Tristan Rutherford James, Paris Mcerlain, Harry Hand, Hugh Ainsworth, Oliver Dixon

FRONT ROW: Kitty Mallory, Katrine Haydock, Haritha Abeywardena, Charlotte Cebe, Tiggy Towsey, Theo Jackson, Tom Rimmer, Rianna Harris, Shayden Robinson, Adam Williams, Anna Rennie, Jake Beckett, Sofia Albano, Hana Ikram, Beth Jackson, Lucy Packer

THE STERNIANS’ ASSOCIATION President’s Letter

Dear Sternians, This is a special time for Sternians and LWC as we enjoy celebrating our Centenary marking 100 years since the first pupil, Alfred Beckwith, Number 1, arrived at Long Sutton. It is fascinating to look back on how the College has changed over the years we have known it. The very earliest Sternian I was lucky enough to meet was Cliff Welch, Number 12 and who started soon after Alfred, on 15 January 1923. He watched many of the very earliest buildings being erected and it was fascinating to hear his memories of those days.

Even in the fifty years since I first began here, there have been remarkable changes. The College has more than doubled in size, gone coed, embarked on a huge programme of building and development of the facilities and the grounds, and moved from almost entirely full boarding to a mix of full, weekly, flexi and day pupils. Today it is pleasing to see an increasing number of secondgeneration pupils. It is always good to catch up with former pupils in their new role as parents. In my early days, there was only one payphone for pupils to connect with the outside world!

And yet, despite all these changes, I believe what still defines the College is The Foundation. Unlike some noted schools, Lord Wandsworth College has not provided any Prime Ministers, but in my experience, Sternians of all generations reflect the solid, grounded values that The Foundation encourages.

We saw something of the Lord Wandsworth community at its best in the brilliant Beckwith walk/run in September. Almost one thousand pupils, parents, staff, friends and Sternians all enjoyed walking, or in some cases, running together, able to enjoy the wonderful grounds and each other’s company. This was the first Centenary event and I look forward to others. I do hope as many people as possible join in. I can also warmly recommend the Centenary Book which is beautifully presented and rekindles so many memories.

Today, the College has established a nation-wide reputation. However, the Centenary is not just a time for nostalgia. The College is based on solid foundations, and I think we can look forward with confidence as our school enters its second century, and beyond.

Enjoy the year!

LWC CONNECT

A thriving network of Sternians and parents helping each other and LWC pupils.

• Reconnect with old mates or network to find your next role

• Offer to mentor a young Sternian

• Volunteer careers advice and industry insight to current LWC pupils

• Join an industry specific or social group

• Advertise jobs, arrange an event, or post a discount offer

Sign up today at www.lwcconnect.org

The Booths at Junior Cricket

The Booths at Sutton in 1987

PETER BOOTH

Chairman’s Letter

Dear Sternians,

As I reflect on my days at LWC and how things have changed, I find myself remembering my school trip to Venice and Rimini in 1966. My trusty Kodak Instamatic 50 camera allowed me to capture a really memorable moment when we came across 1960s TV star David McCallum, from what was one of the biggest shows of the day, The Man From Uncle. Yes, I captured his image with the Instamatic, and still have his autograph on the back of a picture postcard of the Ducal Palace.

I can sense for the younger reader this is all starting to sound like something out of the dark ages. These days any group of travellers would all be equipped with that slice of technology in our pockets to take pictures and videos and share them immediately with family and friends around the globe. Had I been armed with one of these, I would now have a selfie with a Man From Uncle.

In many ways this is positive progress. With today’s motorway network I can get from darkest Kent to LWC with barely a thought. As a pupil the journey by train from home in Bristol at the start of each term, complete with very heavy trunk, was a major operation. And in the Sixth Form I satisfied my musical interests by means of a massive reelto-reel tape recorder – I don’t remember how I ever got this to LWC in the first place, but I know my Mum as a newlyqualified driver had to make a special journey to Long Sutton to help to remove all of my accumulated junk from school. Life would have been so much easier, and lighter, with a smartphone and its digital music.

Hello!

Strange, the things that we retain over the years. Put simply, things change. It happens imperceptibly, and we all just get on with life. This Centenary Year offers us all the opportunity to consider our time at LWC. As ever, there are regular reunions throughout the year, always well supported by Adam Williams and his leadership team. If you ever needed an excuse to re-engage with the college and former classmates, then make a note in your calendar now for 2324 June 2023 for the Centenary Festival Weekend. I look forward to seeing you all at this specially extended event to celebrate a significant milestone for LWC.

I am delighted to have been appointed Alumni Relations Manager here at LWC. I joined LWC at the beginning of 2021 as part of the Admissions team, after a (very) long career in Retail Operations. Twelve months later I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to work as part of the Centenary team. Working on the Centenary projects gave me an insight into the wealth of history at LWC as well as meeting so many wonderful Sternians. When the opportunity arose, I jumped at the chance of becoming the Alumni Relations Manager. In my short time in this role, I have had moments of great joy as well as moments of sadness when I hear Sternians have passed away. But what has struck home the most is how much LWC means to so many Sternians and what a fabulous bunch you are.

My role exists to serve your alumni community so please do reach out to me if you have any ideas to further strengthen the bonds between Sternians and do keep in touch and tell us your news. Please keep us updated with your contact details and if we have lost touch with some of your classmates please do encourage them to contact us. Please do come back to visit us, I look forward to meeting more of you!

John feeding the pigeons in St Mark’s Square in 1966

JOHN BACON (1970, Sutton, A632)

Stern Farm

Farm Manager, Paul Sigley, takes us through over a Century of Farming at LWC from 1913 to 2022 (and beyond…)

Lord Wandsworth College has been farming for well over one hundred years, in fact it started farming well before pupil number one, Alfred Beckwith, passed through the Acorn Gates.

Baron Sydney James Stern, Lord Wandsworth, died in 1912. His will stated that most of his wealth should be held on trust ‘to establish, endow, and maintain…an orphanage’. The will also directed that the trustees should acquire suitable land for the orphanage grounds ensuring that it was ‘of sufficient quantity and quality that will yield for agriculture purposes a fair return’.

The trustees bought Long Sutton Estate in October 1913 for £25,614 plus £4,524 for stock, crops, and tenant’s rights. The estate comprised of three farms, Sheep House Farm (Maintenance buildings & Park boarding house), Warblington Farm (Big Meadow off Wingate Lane), and Hyde Farm, and consisted of 953.7 acres of which 612 acres were arable, 170 acres in grass and 155 acres of woodland.

In October 1914 all the implements and farm machinery purchased as part of the estate were sold together with most of the horses and livestock, the auction notice contained a footnote which read; ‘The Trustees intend to stock the Farms with entirely new implements. It will be of interest to the public to know that the Long Sutton Estate has been acquired by Lord Wandsworth’s Trustees for the institution of a fully equipped and endowed Agricultural College, where a scientific and practical training will be given in every branch connected with Agriculture.’

The purchase of Summers Farm in the 1930s added 233 acres and two copses to the estate. 1922 saw the first boys take up residence at the school and the Farm provided the practical basis needed for a career in agriculture. This continued until 1944 when, due to war time pressures, running a school with fewer than 200 pupils became unworkable. It was at this time that the decision was taken to take in fee paying pupils. It was also decided to make the Farm a purely commercial venture. The last direct link between the farm and the school was broken in 1967 when boys from the fourth and fifth years picked potatoes for the last time.

Stern Farms Limited was formed in 1977 as part of a restructuring programme by the Lord Wandsworth Foundation and by the 1980s the Farm had a dairy herd of 150 cows in milk, and 300 ewes producing nearly 600 lambs per year. In 1987 the Farm started to host school visits with approximately 5,000 children visiting the farm and in 1989 a UK Chasers horse riding course was set up, However, by the end of the decade things had changed and a reorganisation of the Farm was needed. Much of the Farm’s income relied on subsidies and major changes to the Common Agricultural Policy were announced in 1992. This resulted in reductions to milk quotas and the introduction of 15% set aside to the arable acreage to reduce the glut of food stocks in the EU. At the time the Farm ran its own dairy and pasteurisation unit and supplied milk and yoghurt to the College at cost price, but it was more economic for the College to purchase subsidised milk from the Intervention Board. The farm buildings, built in 1915, were by now outdated and required modernisation to meet the standards of the time.

Taking the above into account and to improve the financial performance of the Farm the decision was taken in 1992 to turn the Farm over to purely arable production. Most of the original farm buildings which were built shortly after the Trustees bought Long Sutton Estate were demolished leaving only the clock tower and its adjoining buildings. Several more modern farm buildings were also pulled down leaving just one building for the farm to operate from.

For the last 30 years the Farm has continued to operate purely as an arable unit and the way in which our crops are established has changed over the years from a plough-based system, through non-inversion tillage, to direct drilling where no soil is moved prior to planting a new crop. Much of what we do nowadays is based around the concept of regenerative agriculture.

The post war years saw a push for plentiful food at cheap prices. It has been estimated that modern farming techniques since the 1970s have aged farmed soils to the same extent as 3,000 years of natural weathering. Nowadays the environment is playing a more important part in what we

are doing. Regenerative agriculture aims to improve soil structure (and hence reduce the need for chemical fertilisers and pesticides) by following five basic principles: minimising soil movement; maintaining living roots; diversity; protecting the soil; and integrating livestock.

So much of what regenerative agriculture is about is not dissimilar to what farming was like in the 1950s and 1960s when mixed farms dominated the landscape. The Farm has participated in various countryside stewardship schemes since 2005. Initially these were confined to awkward corners or unproductive areas of fields but now they play a much more important role in the way we farm. Not only does countryside stewardship provide habitat and food sources for insects, birds, and mammals, it is also integral in our approach to reducing our reliance on artificial fertilisers and pesticides. Some fields are taken out of food production for two years and a legume fallow crop is planted to improve the fertility and structure of the soil. Large fields are dissected with nectar and pollen strips to encourage beneficial insects further into our fields and remove the need

to use insecticides on our crops. Currently 76% of the College’s 1200acre estate is farmed commercially and of that area 15% is managed purely for environmental benefit.

Food production will always be at the heart of what we do. The world’s population is set to increase to almost ten billion by 2050 meaning that every acre of land farmed will have to feed three times as many people as it did in the 1960s. Advances in plant breeding will help to achieve some of this by increasing yields and improving a plant’s natural ability to resist disease and insect attacks. The use of technology such as GPS to steer machines reduces the amount of over overlapping between passes across a field. It can also control machines such as crop sprayers, fertiliser spreaders and seed drills making them more accurate. Direct drilling helps carbon sequestration as very little soil is moved, and because the soil isn’t ploughed or tilled before planting. Fossil fuel use is also reduced. Alternative power sources such as hydrogen, methane, electric and even solar are also being developed and one day robots will replace some of the traditional tractors and their drivers.

In 2022 the farm produced 1,332 tonnes of wheat. With one tonne of wheat producing an average of 1,600 loaves of bread, this means that the farm produced enough wheat this year to make 2.1 million loaves of bread.

Harvesting winter barley, July 2022

Note the nectar & pollen strip in the foreground

One of six FarmDroid robots currently operating in the UK

The Foundation

Transforming the lives of children for over 100 years.

September 2022 saw an intake of ten new Foundation pupils. All eager to settle into their new routines and make their mark on LWC. 5 pupils joined 1st Form, 3 went into 3rd Form and 2 started in Lower Sixth. They have adjusted to life at LWC really well and it was a joy, as ever, to welcome them to the LWC family.

Of the 53 Foundation pupils enrolled at LWC in September 2022, 27 of them were on 100% Foundation Awards, meaning those 27 families do not need to shoulder the burden of any contribution to the fees. We were able to offer 100% Awards to so many more families this year due to one very generous donor who wanted to make a significant difference to Foundation families.

July is always bittersweet as we bid farewell to our more senior Foundation pupils who are ready to take those first steps to pastures new. We would like to welcome them to the Sternians’ Association and of course wish them well with their future endeavours. Heads of College Rianna Harris (Park House) and Shayden Robinson (School) were both Foundation pupils and have gone on to read Chinese Studies at Durham University and Architecture at Portsmouth University. We are so proud of them and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

FOUNDATION DAY

On Thursday 10 March 2022, the College was once again, able to come together in person and celebrate Foundation Day. It is our annual opportunity to pause, reflect and thank all of our wonderful donors and supporters.

We were welcomed by Foundation pupils past and present, including Sternian Andrew Baker (1980, School) who spoke movingly of his time here at LWC and how it has shaped and influenced his life. We were also joined by Leah Morgan from the Royal National Children’s Springboard Foundation which provides continued funding and support for several of our Foundation pupils.

The pupil performances were outstanding and guest were treated to a lovely afternoon tea in our dining room Julyans, followed by tours of the College.

The College would like to thank all Sternians who give so generously to The Foundation. Whether you have made a one-off donation or make regular payments, we are so very grateful for your generosity.

THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

Legacy Giving

Your chance to leave a lasting legacy.

Why leave a legacy? A legacy is a simple, tax efficient and flexible way to leave a lasting gift to your old school. Legacy giving plays a central role in the continuing prosperity of The Foundation, The Sternians Trust Fund and of course the College itself.

There have over the years been a handful of large, transformational bequests. The majority of gifts, however, have ranged between £5,000 - £100,000. We very recently received a most generous gift of £50,000 to be split equally between The Sternians Trust Fund and The Foundation. All legacy gifts are extremely welcome and gratefully received and make a significant difference to pupils and families at LWC. It is a pipeline that we rely on heavily and one that we never take for granted.

1912 SOCIETY

A thriving society for like-minded people who want to give back to the College.

Members are invited back to College events as well as our annual Society gathering. In 2022, we visited Bletchley Park and had a wonderful tour followed by lunch in the mansion. They are a lively bunch and there is always much catching up to do when we see each other.

Leave a gift in your will and become a 1912 Society member today!

To view our Legacy Brochure please scan the QR Code or contact Kate Boyd in the Development Office: 01256 860297

development@lordwandsworth.org

‘I am eternally in debt to The Foundation and as such intend to leave a gift in my will.’

Sternians Giving Back Thank You!

2022 saw Sternians, yet again, get involved and give back to LWC in numerous ways. We can’t thank you enough.

JOINING IN

It was wonderful to see so many Sternians, in person at sporting events, reunions and gatherings – some familiar faces, others who haven’t been back to the College in 40+ years, and lots of younger Sternians too at a variety of events across the year.

Thank you for joining in whether that was on the Astro on a cold February morning for hockey and netball, in London for drinks in the sweltering June heat and the RAF Club in November, a somewhat soggy but enjoyable golf day, or back at LWC again for various Cricket events, Sternian Saturday, year group reunions or The Beckwith.

Your support for Sternian gatherings means a lot, and we hope you have enjoyed them too.

Do let us know if you have ideas for future events.

#SterniansHavingFun

VOLUNTEERING

Countless Sternians continue to volunteer their time to ensuring LWC continues to thrive. We would like to take this opportunity to highlight a few here and thank them for all they have done in 2022:

• The members of The Sternians’ Association Committee for all their hard work and dedication.

• LWC Governors: Simon Clements and Richard Janaway.

• Trustees of The Sternians Trust Fund. Thank you for everything you do - the financial aid you give to numerous LWC families makes all the difference.

• Simon Clements and James Gregory-Marshall who also put in many a dusty hour for the new LWC Book.

• Everyone (too many to name) who has supported our careers programme – at 5th Form Interview morning, the main Futures Fair, and at numerous industry round tables both in person and virtual. The LWC pupils really do appreciate all your help, advice and insight.

• Sternian Foundationers who have shared their stories with us and allowed us to use them to promote The Foundation and help to raise funds – you are kind and generous to do so.

Do get in touch if you would like to offer help and support in the coming year.

DONATING

Thank you to everyone who donated to one of our Appeals in 2022. We know times are tough for so many and we really do appreciate the support we have received from donors across our community, thank you.

2021/22 income was, unsurprisingly, down considerably, especially compared to the high of the previous year when many supported Aspirations projects and the Covid Appeal. The last two or three years have proved challenging to fundraise for The Foundation.

Whilst we are seeing a decline from some areas of our community, we are also welcoming new donors who recognise the situation we currently face and have been in a position to help fill some of the urgent gaps in funding, and we very much hope this can continue throughout our Centenary year – a time for everyone connected to LWC to reflect on the importance of our charity, The Foundation, and its role in our lives.

FIVE YEAR INCOME COMPARISON

According to Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) UK Giving research in September, just under 5 million individuals chose not to make a one-off donation last month because of the rising cost of living. More than 3.2mn people also said they reduced or stopped a regular payment to charity because of increasing living costs.

Due to the situation, the Development Office decided to focus attention in 2022 simply on The Foundation, rather than launch a new Aspirations capital appeal. This focus was re-established with the launch of the Centenary Appeal in October.

Total Income

Income from Trusts and Charities

Total Individual Giving (Donations & Legacies)

Donations from Individuals

Donations from Legacies

DONOR RECOGNITION

We were delighted to install the beautiful glass donor board just outside the Headmaster’s office, opposite one of our iconic Cedar trees. The names of the Cedrus Club Gold Members are listed, and will be added to annually as more donors exceed the incredibly generous gift level of £50,000.

We have also added a number of plaques in the Science Centre to recognise other major donors.

The pandemic followed closely by the cost-of-living crisis has had an impact on our philanthropic income in general, with donations to The Foundation in particular in steady decline.

Centenary Appeal

We hope you will consider supporting LWC during our Centenary year.

UNIFORM £600

Kit out 1st Form Founda on pupil with everything they need for the year

TO MAKE A DONATION

Please scan the QR code

CENTENARY APPEAL 2022/23

• The Foundation – for the education of pupils who have lost the support of a parent, primarily through bereavement

• Foundationer Extras – to enrich the experience for Foundationers beyond the classroom and to have the same opportunities as their contemporaries

• Centenary Sculpture – a bronze bust of Baron Sydney James Stern, Lord Wandsworth, a long overdue way to recognise and remember our Founder

To find out more or make a donation, contact development@lordwandsworth.org or visit www.LWC100.org.

MUSIC/DRAMA £600-£1000

Bring out their crea ve talents and confidence with 1-1 lessons

DofE BRONZE AWARD £85

Enhance their skills and fund a Founda oner to enroll

COUNSELLING SESSIONS £1520

A year of counselling sessions for a Founda on pupil

POCKET MONEY £90

Sweets and treats for a Founda on pupil for a year

DW CHALLENGE £750

An adven re of a life me for a Founda on pupil

MICROSOFT SURFACE £550

An essen al item for all pupils

SAVE THE DATE 28-29 March 2023

LWC

GIVING DAY 2023

Set your alarm for 9am Tuesday 28 March – the start of our 36-hour fundraising extravaganza!

This is a multi-channel campaign across social media and email to raise vital, much needed funds for the Centenary Appeal – a chance for the whole LWC Community across the globe to get involved.

The pupils and staff will be taking part in challenges and activities, and we will share these with you across the days. There will be donor challenges too to unlock matched donations. We really hope that you will find a way to join in and support LWC during this special celebratory year (don’t worry, you will have the chance to opt out if this is not your thing).

Registered Charity No. 1143359

Family Secrets...

Iknew my family story was mysterious and elusive, with key documents deliberately destroyed. And I knew that central characters, especially my greatgrandmother Ivy and grandmother Barbara, had secrets, kept tightly to themselves, about what happened in upper social circles in the British Raj in India and in twenties and thirties Britain.

During the enforced leisure time of Covid lockdowns and social restrictions, I persuaded some elderly relations to reveal certain secrets they’d kept for more than half a century. These enabled me to understand more fully than before exactly how it came about that my mother, after the Second World War, was an impecunious young woman working as a live-in cook/housekeeper in large private estates and houses in Sussex, struggling to bring me up on her own. That situation led to me being offered a place at Lord Wandsworth College as a Foundation Scholar in 1953. I have always been grateful to Lord Wandsworth himself, and to those pioneers who established the school, for what they did for me.

It was only through random chance that my mother had survived at all, following two narrow escapes from death during the Second World War. The first was in 1940 during the Christmas Blitz on Manchester. On fire duty, she was on the roof of Woolworths store directing a hose onto a fire caused by an incendiary bomb. Suddenly the water stopped. She looked behind her and saw that a quivering piece of shrapnel, like a great sword, had stuck in the roof and severed the hose, missing killing her just by inches.

On the second occasion a colleague at work had a romantic date on her scheduled First Aid duty night, so they swapped nights. Next evening when my future mother went to the First Aid Post to do the colleague’s duty she found

just a hole in the ground – the hut had received a direct hit by a bomb. Shocked, she realised that without the dutyswap it would have been her who was killed.

I found one of the great pleasures of family research was the heightened contacts with near and distant relatives, in to-and-fro exchanges about information, sources, legends and speculation - including those relatives with whom I normally only communicated through Christmas cards. One of the most exciting revelations was the discovery of several biologically close relatives whom none of my known family were aware existed; and the mutual enthusiasm of meeting each other.

I was surprised how little was known, before I began my research, about early 20th century family events in India and Britain. And I was overwhelmed by the extraordinary range of sources available online and in physical records which enabled me to excavate the family story. Although my story is complicated, and unique to my family, some universal themes emerged. These included the vital role of chance and the power of a single moment to change lives; how we are buffeted by events and the decisions of others; that the effects of behaviour in one generation cascade downwards to affect the lives of succeeding generations; that hidden truths usually come out in time and that the power of love can lead to life-changing sacrifices.

It was only by chance that my mother survived and that I exist – along with my two children, six grandchildren and any succeeding generations - so much depends on the random throw of the dice!

Guy Consterdine, Sternian and author of Discovering My Family takes us on a fascinating voyage into his family history – and chance.

My grandmother Barbara, 1920s. She was at the heart of many of the family scandals, along with her mother Ivy.

My great-grandmother Ivy as a young woman in India, c1900, on a horse from the stables of a Maharajah. She may have been his mistress.

GUY CONSTERDINE (1960, School House, A31)

Staff Room News

SALVETE

A WARM WELCOME BACK TO STERNIAN SAM BAILEY…

Sam Bailey - IT Technician

Sam (2017, School) returns as an IT Technician and says that coming back has triggered fond memories of securing joint first place in the LWC Dragons Den pitch over five years ago. We are always delighted to welcome former pupils to our staff team. Sam joins colleagues and fellow Sternians Pete Maidment (1995, School, C630) and Tom Shedden (2001, Sutton, E221).

VALETE

WE SAID FAREWELL TO...

Christine Barker

Art Technician

Lucinda Black Matron (Haygate)

Catherine Bullen

Food Service Assistant

Emma Carlstedt-Duke Assistant Director of Sport/Head of Girls Sport

Christine Cleator Catering Assistant

Gabriela Constantin Catering Assistant

Kazuko Copeman

Teacher of Business Studies

Quanta Cory DT Technician

Shelagh Cowlam Matron (Sutton)

Kim Cruickshank-Inns

DT Technician

Brian Davies Porter/Driver/Maintenance

Jacqueline Davies Deputy Head

Natalie Eley

Teacher of Chemistry

Matthew Gandley Catering Manager

Justine Lammin

Alumni Relations Manager

Betty Marais Matron (Summerfield)

Keith McCall

Christopher Millington

Carpenter/Joiner

Teacher of Computing

Jane Mitchell Head of SMSC

Darren Natabus

Daniel Nicholas

Porter/Driver 2ic

IT Support Technician

Adam Pescod Graduate Sports Assistant

Kathryn Phelan

Relief Matron

Richard Soames Head of German

Clint Tessendorf

Teacher of English

Jonathan Turney Head of Biology

House Standings

We are sure you will be eager to see the House Standings at the end of the 2022 summer term!

WINNERS Park & School

RUNNERS UP Haygate & Sutton

THIRD PLACE

Gosden, Summerfield & Hazelveare

And this is how things are shaping up so far for 2023…

• Haygate leads at the end of the autumn term, followed by:

• School

• Park

• Hazelveare

• Sutton

• Gosden

• Summerfield

The End of an Era (Almost…)

Following Hugh Podger’s article in the 2021 Sternian Magazine, Celebrating 50 Years of the Sternians’ Mountaineering Club, three Sternians, with spouses and friends, finally met at Windermere on 9 May to celebrate the twice postponed 50th Anniversary Meet, planned for 2020.

The party was housed, once again, in Alice Howe, a splendid Pugin designed terrace property, close to local amenities and offering spacious accommodation of seven double bedrooms, a matching number of bathrooms, two kitchens, a dining room, a lounge and even a basement cinema and hot tub in the yard! There was no particular enthusiasm for the latter two amenities as the party preferred to indulge in the more prosaic activities of eating, drinking and reminiscing.

The group comprised (in ‘seniority’ by school entry date) Mike Beckley with wife M and her sister Lorna; Tony Barry and wife Liz; Peter Everall (Acting SMC Treasurer and Acting Meet Secretary) and wife Liz (SMC Secretary); Laurie Hughes (who unfortunately had to leave early) and SMC friend, John Hall. It is worth noting that Mike, Tony, Peter (and Liz Barry) were at the first SMC meet in Morvich, Scotland in 1970 and that these three Sternians had also been at school camps together in North Wales and the Lake District, in 1960 and

1961 organised by Sandy Henderson, the former Head.

Unfortunately, Hugh Podger (SMC President) and Charles Lawrence (SMC Meet Secretary) and Charles’ wife Gill were unable to join us as Hugh lost his wife earlier in the year and Charles was recovering from a serious accident. Since we had last met, we had sadly lost both our SMC Treasurer and a former Meet Secretary, David Minnikin and his wife Marion, but we were pleased to welcome back David’s son Peter and his lively Springer Spaniel, ‘Maverick’ to join us for a fish and chip supper one evening.

Three days of walking were enjoyed by all, in mostly sunny, clement weather, splitting into two or three small groups, each day, doing different length walks including to Orrest Head, Near Orrest, Ambleside, Wansfell Pike, the Hundred, Troutbeck, Loughrigg Terrace and Loughrigg Fell. John Hall preferred to walk alone and he and two other parties walked the scenic and mostly level path, in varying directions, between Bowness and Wray Castle on the West side of Lake Windermere,

separately, on each of the three days, availing themselves of the ferries to cross the lake at each end.

We were cheered by the appearance of Gordon Pitt (SMC Chairman) on the third evening of our stay, who travelled from his Lake District home to chair the SMC AGM. It was decided that with dwindling support and after 50 glorious years of walking the hills and mountains of England, Scotland and Wales, it was time to ‘hang up our boots’ and by a unanimous vote of members present, supported by members absent, it was regrettably decided to formally wind up The Sternians Mountaineering Club. However, it was agreed that for those who wanted to continue walking together as a group of friends, a gathering could take place each year, at a modest hotel suitably close to walking country and a railway station, to keep the friendships forged over many years, the memories and the experiences shared, alive for a little longer.

The final SMC meet in Windermere in 2022 with Mike Beckley with wife M and her sister Lorna; Tony Barry and wife Liz; Peter Everall and wife Liz; Laurie Hughes and SMC friend, John Hall

The first SMC meet in Morvich, Scotland in 1970 with former Headmaster, Sandy Henderson (centre) surrounded by Sternians including Gordon Pitt, Mike Beckley, Peter Everall, Tony Barry and Hugh Podger

TONY BARRY (1962, Sutton, A142)

Sternians Vs Pupils

We would love to expand our sports offering to our alumni and this is an open call for any Sternians interested in organising, participating, or spectating at any sporting events. Please do get in touch with us to volunteer or to share your thoughts and suggestions.

Hockey

A cold, blustery and fantastic clash of the Titans…

Thank you to all those Sternians for braving the elements to join this annual showdown. Everyone was more than usually grateful for the hot chocolate and bacon sandwiches which greeted them on arrival and the teams did not hesitate to pile into Julyans afterwards for shepherd’s pie and chocolate sponge with chocolate custard (naturally). This year the Sternian Men’s Hockey Team won against the LWC Team 5-4 and the LWC Ladies’ Hockey Team won against the Sternians 3-2.

Netball

A close match to warm up a February weekend…

Watching the commitment of the Sternian and Pupil teams, it comes as no surprise that netball is enjoyed in over 70 countries and by more than 20 million people worldwide. Buffeted by the wind, both teams showed real commitment and versatility and LWC was ultimately rewarded with victory winning by 18-12. Thanks to all the players for being such good sports and we look forward to next year’s challenge.

Cricket

The famous annual match followed by the infamous cricket tea…

With LWC named in the Top 100 Senior Schools for Cricket for the 9th year running, it was fitting to see the great sportsmanship and passion on display at this classic spring fixture. The whole school turned out on a lovely June evening to see the LWC pupils take the win this time around. Thank you to all our Sternians either for playing or coming along to support the team and it was great to see everyone tucking into a traditional cricket tea in Julyans.

LWC Golf Society

If you are not already a member please do join us!

Membership

The LWC Golf Society is for Sternians, parents of current/former LWC pupils, staff and governors. We would love for you to join us! There is no membership fee to join as we operate on a ‘pay as you play’ basis. The LWC Development Office co-ordinate the annual/biannual golf days and Jeff Wollen, current LWC parent, is President of the Society. For more information please e-mail Kate Boyd in the development Office, development@lordwandsworth.org

LWC Golf Day 2022 at Bearwood Lakes GC

We enjoyed a rainy afternoon of golf held at Bearwood Lakes GC in May. Originally within the grounds of Windsor Great Park, the Bearwood Estate has formed part of the hunting grounds for the Kings of England since the 11th century.

Whilst the wild bears and boars have long gone, it still forms the natural habitat for a range of wildlife, including deer.

On 11 May it was the turn of a group of Sternians and parents to roam the course and, despite the persistent drizzle, we had a lovely day on the course, followed by a delicious meal.

Congratulations to Stuart Moore (2006, Summerfield) for winning the Sternians’ Golf Challenge and we look forward to seeing more of you at the 2023 Golf Days.

Next LWC Golf Society Day

Please do join us on Friday 12 May for a fantastic afternoon of golf at Alresford GC. We would love to see you there.

TO BOOK

Members Scan Here

ALL THE DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

When: Friday 12 May, 2023

Arrival: 11.30am for bacon rolls!

1st Tee (18 holes): 12pm

Drinks: 5pm

Dinner: Fish and chips

Cost: £66pp

Non-Members Scan Here to join the LWCGS + Sign Up for the Alresford GC Golf Day

Claire Liggins

Head of Design & Technology

What’s your favourite thing about working at LWC?

DATE JOINED: September 2007

SUBJECT TAUGHT: Design and Technology

CO-CURRICULAR: Swimming, anything creative in DT, netball, CCF, mountain biking, climbing, water polo

You have been at LWC for a long time, tell us a bit more about your career here

I started in 2007 as Head of Department and a resident tutor in Junior House. I have also been the Sixth Form Centre Manager; Assistant Deputy Head of Character; Assistant (and then Maternity Cover) Houseparent at Park. After 15 years, I feel as if I know my way around!

What drew you towards LWC?

Before coming to LWC I was Head of Department at The Wilnecote High School in Tamworth. I was educated in the state sector, and my teaching degree was based in the state sector so I wasn’t particularly looking to teach in a private school, and had no knowledge of boarding. However, my partner at the time was living in Camberley and so, initially, I was drawn to the school because of its location. After one visit though, I fell in love with the school, the ethos and the grounds, describing it to my Mum as a ‘mini-Loughborough’ which is where I studied for my degree, and which had given me so many great memories.

What has been the biggest change during your time here?

We are asking so much more of pupils, not only in terms of grades, sports and friendship but also looking to their futures, facing their fears, working outside their comfort zones, and developing their aspirations and values. They never cease to impress me…

Where would you like to see LWC in 10 years’ time?

I would love the school to continue to embrace its heritage and to capture and celebrate outdoor learning so that it becomes a fully integrated part of the school curriculum. I would love pupil voice to develop even further so that pupils become beacons for others, able to express their values and aspirations and influence and take control of their futures. My other passion is banging the drum that girls can! As a design and technology teacher who specialises in working with timber, metal and polymers, I would like to see more girls taking on DT and the Sciences. I would like to see girls’ sport achieve the same prominence as boys’ sport. I truly believe girls need to know that we can be strong, powerful, and competitive, and still be ourselves.

It is impossible to distil my life at LWC into one favourite thing. For me, it’s a series of events from when I wake in a morning and take Stanley, my dog, for his first walk of the day in the beautiful woodland to the bicycle ride to my workshop - looking at the wonderful sports pitches and greeting pupils and staff alike. It’s the conversations with my 3rd Form girls at tutor time and being immersed in the world of teenagers. It’s the freedom of creativity in the classroom and the community of staff who are there for you not only professionally but as a family too.

Finally, it’s the opportunity LWC has given me. In my first year, Ian Kerr approached me and said ‘You are an active soul, how do you fancy joining the CCF?’ I had no idea what this involved but readily agreed. I was given the green t-shirt and have never looked back. My love of the outdoors was ignited, and I have spent time with the most amazing people, and seen pupils grow and overcome their fears and become the best versions of themselves. I have attended the adventurous training camps, and had the pleasure of running various trips, including two to Ghana and several trips skiing in Europe and America.

What has been your funniest moment at LWC?

I feel I should draw a cover over some of the random things I have seen happen at LWC! I can, however, share the saga of the buggy. On my first INSET day the Headmaster (then Ian Power) reported his happiness that the catering golf buggy had been located after being missing for a few days. After being joyridden, it had been abandoned outside The Chequers Inn.

This theme carried on throughout my first year. After this incident, I noticed that Chris Jones, the proud guardian of the golf buggy, had invested in a wheel and crook lock. Then, to top the year, Chris attempted to drive the buggy between the Astro pitches, a manoeuvre which involves negotiating a fairly steep slope. On this occasion he drove a little high up the slope, was unable to control the tipping, and rolled the buggy. I notice that we now have more robust buggies (I wonder if there might be a connection?).

Image top left: Claire and Stanley

Image top right: Claire enjoying one of her many extra-curricular pursuits

Image middle right: An uncharacteristically quiet DT Studio in lockdown

Image bottom: Claire makes friends in Ghana

‘To me LWC will always be extraordinary and this is because the pupils and staff who work here are also extraordinary.’

Lt Jonathan Williams (B573)

As we continue to remember Sternians from our roll of honour, Sternian Nigel Appleton reports on the death of Jonathan Williams. Jonathan was the Observer in one of two Lynx helicopters operating from the Royal Navy Type 22 Frigate HMS Brilliant when the aircraft he was flying in crashed in 1989 killing everyone on board.

The title of Observer is an old-fashioned description from the early days of biplanes but by the 1980s the Observer was the tactical/mission commander responsible for weapon systems, navigation and was usually the person in overall command of the helicopter.

Jon joined the Royal Navy as a Midshipman at the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, in 1983 before starting training as an Observer on anti-submarine warfare helicopters at HMS Seahawk (Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose) in 1986.

Lt Chris Rowbottom RN, was the observer on the second of HMS Brilliant’s two Lynx helicopters and had the harrowing task of visiting the crash site. He recalls that training took approximately 18 months with students starting on 750 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) in the Jetstream Mk2 where they learned the necessary technical skills required to operate the sophisticated systems found in a modern anti-submarine helicopter.

They then moved on to 706 NAS and the Sea King helicopter for advanced training, before progressing to 810

NAS for operational flying training. In other words, how to hunt submarines in a high threat environment while avoiding being shot down by enemy aircraft or ships.

Having successfully completed his training Jon moved across the airfield and joined 826 NAS operating the Sea King HAS.5 helicopter. At that time the Sea King was the largest of the Royal Navy’s anti-submarine helicopters. With a crew of four it was equipped with advanced sonar and radar and could be armed with torpedoes, mines or anti-ship missiles. At the end of his tour of duty with 826 NAS Jon moved to HMS Osprey (Royal Naval Air Station Portland) and 702 NAS where he converted to the Lynx HAS.2 helicopter. Though smaller than the Sea King the Lynx was (and still is) a very effective submarine hunter.

Jon then joined 829 NAS which was tasked with, among other things, providing helicopter detachments to Royal Navy Warships. Thus, in 1989, Jonathan found himself on board HMS Brilliant in the Indian Ocean.

By now an experienced airman Jon was the lead observer and deputised as flight commander when the boss was away.

Tragically on the 14 May Jonathan was part of the crew in one of the ship’s Lynx helicopters (Side Number 343) flying from the ship to Mombasa when the port cabin door was opened. Due to a mechanical fault the door became detached and struck the tail rotor causing the tail rotor shaft to shear off, the tail rotor pylon then broke off rendering the helicopter uncontrollable. The aircraft struck the ground on a rock outcrop which punctured the fuel tanks causing a devastating fire. All 9 crew and passengers perished in the crash.

Those lost were repatriated to the UK by RAF C130 Hercules following a service of dedication on the tarmac at Mombasa. The service took place during a tropic thunderstorm with everyone being soaked to the skin. A memorial plaque was placed on a stone cairn built around the rock outcrop at the crash site but this has subsequently been moved to the chapel at the Mission to Seamen in Mombasa. Jon is buried in Emsworth Churchyard in Hampshire.

HMS Brilliant with one of her two Lynx helicopters

Jon in the Lynx helicopter which later crashed, taken by LAEM (M) Bill Waddell, one of the aircraft technicians on board HMS Brilliant

Memorial in the Mission to Seamen, Mombasa

NIGEL APPLETON (1973, Hazelveare, A927)

Jonathan’s friends reflect on his school days.

Jonathan or ‘JP’ attended LWC from 1976 – 1981 as a Foundationer spending two years in Junior House before moving on to School House. We understand that after taking his ‘O’ Levels at LWC, he went on to study ‘A’ Levels at Havant College, living with his mum in Bedhampton. He is recalled fondly by his friends who remember liking him right from the start. Described as unassuming, likeable, and great company, JP was full of fun and fitted in well with everybody.

He spent several summer holidays in Guernsey with his Granny and often managed to coincide with friend Nick Wright, whose father lived there too at the time. He has fond memories of them cycling miles and miles together.

‘Although my life crossed paths with JP’s for only a short period, he was and always shall be a Best Friend and I was lucky to have spent time with him.’

NICK WRIGHT (1983, School, B776)

JP was a good all-rounder, equally happy playing in the 2nd row of the under 12s rugby team or singing in the choir. He also had a starring role as King Charles I in the 1978 Junior House production of ‘All the Kings Men’, a musical set in the civil war and featuring the Humpty Dumpty military contraption that was used in the siege of Gloucester.

One particularly noisy memory of JP relates to a football match in the old Sports Hall near Sutton House. JP and fellow pupil Ian Roach were captaining two opposing teams when the group not playing at the time quietly started rhythmically chanting the names of the two captains. As nobody told them to be quiet, they continued becoming gradually louder and louder until the volume, combined with the acoustics of the Sports Hall, reached a crescendo. The enormous sound and the fantastic atmosphere reverberated through the building and the generations and are remembered clearly to this day.

‘JP was one of us. Brothers growing up together, often freezing on ice covered rugby pitches with barely a blade of grass… I believe that we could all come together in one place, no matter how long apart we have been, and reform almost the exact dynamic we had for all those years. It’s hard to even contemplate that he isn’t with us.’

DAVE SMITH (1983, Hazelveare, B574)

JP in Junior House, pictured second row, third from the left

JP (centre) playing King Charles I in 1978 alongside David Smith (left) as Dr Chillingworth and David Coppin (right) as Queen Henrietta Marie

The Sternians Trust Fund

The 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 Sixth), 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.

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 £35k 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. 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.

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.

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2022

Assistance was given towards the fees of 9 pupils

Total grants made of £24,000

Annual investment income of £35,000

Total assets approaching £1,000,000

We are pleased to report that the Trust Fund has been able to provide financial support to nine pupils in 2022, following the 16 grants in 2021. Grants in 2022 totalled £24k, and represented a continuation of support initially provided in 2021 to nine Foundationers whose funding from external charities and foundations ceased when they moved into the Sixth Form. This commitment has been extended into 2023 for those pupils now in their final Sixth Form year, and will amount to a further £12k over the next two terms.

December 2022

The Fund’s capital is invested with three fund managers, in investments targeted specifically at charities. The portfolio reached £1m in value for the first time during the prior year; and while 2022 has not seen renewed pandemic-related disruption, markets have felt a number of headwinds including inflationary pressures and the effects of the war in Ukraine. The value of the portfolio has fallen, notably the fixed income holdings which are significantly exposed to UK Government gilts. However, the investments have continued to generate a yield of almost 4%. This should allow the Trust Fund to step in and provide donations in response to the additional requests for support that we fully expect to receive over the next 12 months.

The Trustees are extremely grateful for the continuing support of a small group of regular donors, and also to those Sternians who have left bequests to the benefit of the Trust Fund. Their combined contributions, carefully invested over a number of years, have allowed the Trust Fund to grow significantly both the number and value of grants that it is able to make. I would like to add my sincere thanks to Teresa Armstrong for her contribution, after she stepped down as a trustee during the year.

‘Our aspiration is that pupils facing unforeseen and adverse circumstances are able to complete their studies without disruption.’

Chairman of Trustees (1990, School, C207)

The Sternians Trust Fund

Registered Charity no: 1052004

PAUL RICHINGS

Trustees: Teresa Armstrong, James Brewin, Ben Forman, Richard Janaway, Shelley Lawson, Paul Richings, Richard Saunders. Independent Examiner: Chris Bellairs.

In Memoriam

We are sad to report the loss of the following Sternians this year and we extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and friends. Full obituaries, where available, can be found at www.sternians.org.uk/inmemoriam.

Della Boyd

10 Jun 1926 – 11 Nov 2021

Aged 94

House – Old Gosden Pupil No. ZA95

John Gates

19 Sep 1927 – 30 Aug 2022

Aged 94

LWC 1936 – 1944

House – Middle East Pupil No. 445

William Oliver (‘Bob’)

30 May 1930 – 18 Dec 2022

Aged 92

LWC 1941 – 1946

House – Hesters Pupil No. 542

John Brooks

27 Dec 1937 – 17 Jun 2022

Aged 84

LWC 1949 – 1957 Pupil No. 828

Pharic Gillibrand

28 Jun 1935 – 8 Jun 2022

Aged 86

LWC 1943 – 1953

House – School Pupil No. 0672

Jerry Pope

16 Jun 1947 – Jan 2021

Aged 73

LWC 1958 – 1963 House – School Pupil No. A301

Henri Tykoezinski

21 Feb 1957 – 11 Jan 2022

Aged 64

LWC 1968 – 1975

House – Sutton

Pupil No. A948

Penny Carmichael

25 May 2022 – 11 Aug 2022

Aged 100

Hazelveare Matron 1979 – 1994

Heather James

16 Aug 1927 – Sep 2022

Aged 95

LWC 1939 – 1945

House – Old Gosden Pupil No. ZB30

David Pownall

19 May 1938 – 21 Nov 2022

Aged 84

LWC 1949 – 1956 Pupil No. 834

Alec Williams

2 Sep 1939 – 1 Nov 2022

Aged 83 Pupil No. 888

Alan Dare

25 Aug 1932 – 2 Feb 2022

Aged 89

LWC 1939 – 1948

House – School Pupil No. 0584

George ‘Johnny’ Johnson MBE DFM

25 Nov 1921 – 7 Dec 2022

Aged 101

LWC 1933 – 1939

House – Sheephouse Pupil No. 0287

Arthur Singleton

17 May 1931 – 18 Aug 2022

Aged 91

LWC 1944 – 1949 Pupil No. 628

Alumni Relations

Clare Faherty 01256 860356

sternians@lordwandsworth.org

sternians.org.uk

Development Director Samantha Corfield 01256 860243

Centenary

Emma Turner 01256 860392 LWC100@lordwandsworth.org

LWC100.org

Follow us:

Fundraising

Kate Boyd 01256 860297

development@lordwandsworth.org

lordwandsworth.org/support-us

@sternians @sternians @sternians-association @lwcsternians

www.lwcconnect.org

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

Photo: Junior House today with the Cinder Track in the foreground.