NEWS 2018
150 Years of Monkton We look back on the School’s first 150 years
A man on a mission Reflecting on the life of Francis Pocock – founder of Monkton Combe School
Send a Cow Monkton’s proud connection to a charity changing lives in Africa
The Fussell Family 14 members of the family through the School, from the 1930s to today
Cover picture: Parallel bar work, late 1800s / early 1900s Inside cover: Chapel Consecration 1925
Contents
OM NEWS 2018
REGULARS
FEATURES
6 Presidents’ reflections
16 A man on a mission
Words from retiring President Nigel Gough and a warm welcome to new President Fiona Carruthers
Reflecting on the life of the founder of Monkton Combe School
8 OM & OC News
How a group of OMs have helped thousands of people across Africa
Catch up on all that’s been happening with your School year group
15 Events 2018/19 Forthcoming dates for your diary
52 Births and Marriages and In Memoriam Updates and obituaries
UPDATES 14 Monkton Connect Stay in touch online and reconnect with School friends
46 A Delightful Inheritance The official history of Monkton Combe School’s first 150 years written by former MCJS Headmaster Peter LeRoy
47 150th Anniversary Dinner A dinner to celebrate Monkton’s 150th year raising funds for the School’s bursary appeal
19 Send a Cow
22 The Fussell Family 14 members of the family through the School, from the 1930s to today
24 A year at Monkton In our 150th anniversary year we look back on some of the key activities which have marked our sesquicentennial
30 150 Years of Monkton A special feature on our birthday celebrations
32 Clarendon Memories A family share their memories of life at Clarendon from former Head Girls at Malvern and Abergele to a pupil in Clarendon house at Monkton
36 Sports Personalities Tim Dewes interviews three OMs who take their sport very seriously
40 Staff Returns Current Monkton staff who are OMs
48 Legacy Gifts
44 Throwback Thursday
A generous legacy donation by an OM is helping future generations come to Monkton
A round up of some of the most popular images of the School from yesteryear which have been featured online
50 Trip to Antarctica Join a new journey south inspired by OM Eric Marshall’s adventurous spirit
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Introduction
50 Years on ‘67–‘69 Leavers
Class of 1988 Reunion
Introduction
INTRODUCTION TIM DEWES Greetings to all OMs and OCs wherever you are. Many of you will know that I am retiring from the staff, but the good news (for me, anyway!) is that I will be continuing as OM General Secretary, albeit with a slightly reduced portfolio. I am nevertheless still looking forward to meeting a number of OMs at different gatherings, and will still be visiting universities where we have a lot of OMs. The Summer Term saw two reunions (50 years and 30 years) at Monkton, as well as an excellent President’s Lunch at the Senate House, London University. On that occasion Nigel Gough stepped down after three years as OM President; his successor is Fiona Carruthers, and I am delighted that she is taking over. There was also some OM cricket, both in the Cricketer Trophy and against the School; unfortunately, I have to report defeat on both occasions. Next year’s programme is included in this mailing, and I hope you will try to get to at least one occasion. In the meantime I hope you have already made a note of the dates in the Autumn, so that you can help us continue to celebrate Monkton’s 150th Anniversary. Some of you have been kind enough to offer advice and suggestions as to how we should plan for the future; please feel free to get in touch any time on such issues. I hope to see you soon. With best wishes Tim Dewes OM General Secretary
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Presidents’ reflections
NIGEL GOUGH RETIRING PRESIDENT I have now completed 3 years as your President and at our last lunch in the Senate House in London, celebrating the School’s 150th anniversary, I was delighted to hand over the reins to Fiona Carruthers. Fiona is distantly related to me as a cousin of my brother-in-law! I am sure the Club will continue to go from strength to strength, maintaining an important link between OMs and the School. I am also delighted that Tim Dewes is to continue as our Secretary following his retirement from the staff at the School. I cannot think of anyone better qualified to organise the many events both at the School and at various venues around the country. Tim, we are all very appreciative of all you do for us and long may you be allowed to continue! My previous three lunches have taken place in a beautiful garden in Kent, a Tithe Barn in Belcombe Court, Bradford on Avon and in the Vicar’s Hall at Wells Cathedral. It has been an honour to have been your President for 3 years and I look forward to supporting Fiona and Tim this year. I would like to particularly thank Caroline Bone for all the wonderful work she does for our Club. She certainly has an amazing encyclopedic knowledge of all things OM! Nigel Gough (72)
“It has been an honour to have been your President for 3 years and I look forward to supporting Fiona and Tim this year.”
Presidents’ reflections
FIONA CARRUTHERS APPOINTED PRESIDENT Under the watchful eyes of nine predecessors, I took over as OM President at the 2018 President’s Lunch in May. The out-going President Nigel Gough, an OM of 1970s vintage and School doctor to many, has contributed to the School and Club in so many ways; we are indeed indebted. In preparation for my new role, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Peter LeRoy’s history of the School, A Delightful Inheritance, and highly recommend it as an open and honest reflection of the School’s 150 years. Part of the book commits a chapter to each headmaster’s tenure since 1968, including one devoted to the present, under current Principal, Chris Wheeler, entitled a ‘Time of Transition’. I find this an equally fitting description for the OM Club today. The launch of the new networking site, monktonconnect.com, reflects the changing nature of how we link up and communicate with each other. It will be a great mechanism for keeping in touch, re-connecting and sharing news, but also a valuable way to support younger OMs beginning their careers and to grow our own professional networks by finding others in our respective industries. The Club’s OM Secretary, Tim Dewes, is also in a time of transition. Tim leaves the teaching staff (but thankfully not the OM Club) after 35 years. Those fortunate enough to be at Monkton with Tim know how well he reflects Clarendon’s motto, ‘not to be served but to serve’. In recent years Tim has committed valuable time visiting OMs at university, offering a continuing link with the School as they begin life outside the ‘delectable valley’. This is important; OMs are an asset to the School. Around a third of current Monktonians are either the children of OMs or have found their way to Monkton through OM connections. School alumni clubs and societies attract criticism for being just an old boys’ network. But with a growing proportion of us being female, and reflecting a wider ethnicity, the OM Club is redefining itself. It needs to be what its members want it to be, so please keep in touch and let us know – either contact me at feccarruthers@gmail.com or our inimitable Alumni Officer, Caroline Bone at oms@monkton.org.uk or 01225 721195. Fiona Carruthers (85)
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News
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OM & OC NEWS Life after retirement
Knighthood
Carey Harmer retires at 65
Iain Torrance knighted in New year
Carey Harmer (57) retired from business life in 2004. Carey went with his wife Hilary to live in Chengdu, China for 5 years. He taught English and then studied Mandarin full-time at university. After the Sichuan earthquake in 2008 he taught in a tent School in the disaster area. Since returning home he has made an annual Christian volunteering visit to a small town in Tibet with the Dengke Project. He is currently living in the Sheffield area.
Iain Torrance (66) was knighted “for services to Higher Education and to Theology” in this year’s New Year’s Honours list.
OBE Awarded
John Alvis makes Queen’s Honours John Alvis (60) received an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his services to cheese exports, farming and rural communities.
“ Appointed Moderator of the Church of Scotland (2003-4), he was the first such also to have been confirmed as an Anglican” Currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, he was a Church of Scotland Minister in Shetland before moving into academia at Aberdeen and the University of Birmingham where he taught New Testament and Christian Ethics. Appointed Moderator of the Church of Scotland (2003–2004), he was the first such also to have been confirmed as an Anglican (during his time at Monkton). A former Territorial Army Chaplain, during his year as Moderator he visited every British unit serving in Southern Iraq. He was President of Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey, USA from 2004–2012, returning to Aberdeen in 2013 some 20 years after he started teaching there. Iain left Monkton in 1966 and studied at the Universities of Edinburgh, St Andrew’s and then at Oriel College, Oxford for his doctorate.
Professor Sir Ian Diamond, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, has said: “Professor Torrance has made an enormous and outstanding contribution to higher education, both as one of the UK’s leading theologians and also as a university leader in Scotland and in Princeton, in the United States. “His knighthood is fitting recognition and thoroughly well deserved. It will bring immense pleasure to all who know him and have worked with him.”
Knighthood
David Haslam makes Queen’s Honours David Haslam (67) was knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. He is chair of the NHS NICE committees.
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Research
Ground-breaking Science Robert Lechler (64) is Professor of Immunology at King’s College London and President of the Academy of Medical Science. He has led ground-breaking research into ways of stopping the body’s immune defences from attacking transplanted organs. In a recent article in The Times he states that regenerative medicine could soon eliminate the need for transplants. He expects that over the next two decades researchers will find a way to regenerate organs through stem cells or changes to their genetic machinery.
Next generation
Exciting meeting Timothy Matthews (90) and Chris Lovegrove (90) both of Eddystone House had an exciting meeting in Heathrow Terminal 5 last spring. Timothy said: “Whilst we both agreed that neither of us had changed much, I fear that Chris’s generosity towards me on that front was only polarised further as we bade farewell to our eldest offspring, both serving with Tearfund in Bolivia for 3 months. If that was not bizarre enough, my son Tom, and Chris’s daughter Charis were in fact serving on the same team! They are now in Cochabamba, Bolivia and having acclimatised are facing many challenges but really enjoying it. They are working with a children’s charity project which involves caring for kids who have to attend prison with their convicted parents! They are supporting local schools and even manufacturing and selling quinoa cereal bars, to help with fundraising. It felt very much like the ‘Baton’ was being passed to the next generation!”
Boys hockey in the 1970s on the new pitch
People
Rob Smith updates Rob Smith (76) sent us this update: “I used to live in Upper Limpley Stoke (up Stout Hill) and was at MCS ‘72 (class3J) – ‘76 (after MCJS and Glenburnie before that), initially as a boarder (Eddystone) and then as a day pupil. Dick Knight was the Head then – I always recall his half moon glasses and the way he took them on and off at the lectern, which of course no pupil ever took off! I do recall the fire in the School in January ‘72, which from memory was the first night I boarded there, and all the fire engines. Also I recall the drug squad attending when opium poppies were found growing in the bank of the then new all weather hockey pitch – it transpired it was not due to any enterprising pupil but had come in with the imported soil for the bank.
Club
Bluefriars Boat Club You should have all received notification from Bluefriars regarding GDPR compliance. If you have not responded to that communication you will no longer receive news from them. If you have not responded but would like to stay in touch please go to the Bluefriars website www.bluefriars.org.uk to make contact.
I studied architecture at Oxford Polytechnic (now Brookes) and have worked as an architect and more latterly as a Project Manager (most recently at CBRE in London) for c. 35 years, mainly in the UK, but I did do some work in Moscow and Kiev in the very early ‘90s. I am married to Carol (30 years), with two grown up urchins and one granddaughter and have lived in the Chilterns to the NW of London since ‘85. I have been an enthusiastic (if not overly quick!) cyclist and initiated and organised the CBRE Charity bike ride for many years, 100 riders/5 days/c.500 miles, raising significant funds in the time before passing the baton. Still riding Bilbao-Santiago ride in June as an alumni entrant though.”
News
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OM & OC NEWS Music
Worship EP release Paul Kingsley-Heath (98) has released his first worship EP – [Join With] Heaven – 5 original worship songs to bless the local church from St Paul’s Salisbury. Available to order on CD from www.spsworship.org
People
Update from Caroline Bevan Caroline Bevan née Dickinson (00) is married to Carl and has two sons Toby and Jack. They live in Orange, rural New South Wales, Australia. Caroline is a clinical nurse specialising in emergency and trauma nursing.
Achievement
Newly qualified Naomi Slator (01) has qualified as a Consultant Neurosurgeon.
People
Update from Tim Caird Tim Caird (02) is living in Plymouth with his wife Catherine and son Joshua. He is currently working on the graduate entry scheme with the engineering firm Babcock.
Achievement
Achievement
Elliot Black passes out at Sandhurst
Henry Askew-Page gains PhD
Elliot Black (07) (above) passed out of Sandhurst in December 2017, and was commissioned into the Light Dragoons.
Henry Askew-Page (06) gained a PhD at St George’s Hospital from the University of London, in collaboration with Copenhagen University last year. The subject was Vascular Biology and the title was “Investigating the Role of TMEM16A in the Coronary Vasculature”.
People
Update from Emma Turner Emma Turner née Caird (04) married 6 years ago and works with her husband Theo at Cunmore House Prep School for boys in Croydon. She is teaching English and Theology/ Philosophy/Ethics.
“ Investigating the Role of TMEM16A in the Coronary Vasculature”
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TV
Poldark appearance Charlie Field (12) appeared as ‘John Craven’ in the latest series of Poldark.
University
OMs who have received a first class degree Congratulations to the following OMs who have all achieved a first class degree this year:
People
Update from Mike Lawrence Mike Lawrence (12) (above) sent us this update: “Following the growth of a hip spur which stopped my rowing career in its tracks, I needed a new challenge. An offer came from New Zealand in the form of a semi-pro contract to play rugby. By April 2017, I was living, working and playing rugby on South Island, New Zealand. I found myself living next to the Blue Penguin Colony in Oamaru, whilst working as a Special Education Co-ordinator at St. Kevin’s College also in Oamaru and playing rugby for Maheno and North Otago Rugby Clubs in New Zealand’s Provincial Championship.
“ An offer came from New Zealand in the form of a semi-pro contract to play rugby” In my role with St. Kevin’s I have been working with and encouraging vulnerable students back into the education system, even if they are doing an
“alternative” course off site. I have been working with the local police and the New Zealand Ministry of Justice in order to put suitable programmes together for these young people. Of course living near the coast, I couldn’t resist getting involved with a bit of rowing, and took up the post of Girls’ Rowing Coach at Oamaru Rowing Club. Twenty-four novice girls trained, come snow, rain, sunshine or heatwave in Oamaru Harbour. We completed rowing camps at Lake Twizel, and competed in the Aoraki Regatta, the Otago Championships, Canterbury Championships, the South Island Championships and the Maadi Cup – equivalent to our National Schools Regatta but the biggest rowing event in New Zealand. Eleven of the girls reached age group finals. At the same time I have coached the School’s rugby teams, run outreach programmes and prepared sprinters for championship events. Above all I have trekked over mountains, lived on upland sheep stations and visited all of the most outstanding environmentally rich areas of New Zealand, (e.g. Milford Sound, Kaikora, The Catlins & Abel Tasman National Park). What an experience!“
Jess Davies (14) a first in Art and Design from Chelsea College Camilla Ling (12) a first in her Masters in Creative Writing from Exeter University Fred Lloyd Williams (15) a first in History at Nottingham Tara Nguyen (15) a first in Natural Sciences from East Anglia Harry Stanley (13) a first from Oxford Brookes in Motorsport Engineering Preaw Yontrakul (14) a first from Central Saint Martin in Product Design Molly Field (14) a first from Cardiff University in Psychology.
News
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OM & OC NEWS Award
OMs Receive Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award On the 24th May the following OMs: Jeremy Got (18), Roseanna Moss née Betts (12) David Palmer (17) Ed Warner (17) Harriet Coulson (17) Nate Kwan (18) received their Gold Duke of Edinburgh certificates from Rick Stein at Buckingham Palace and also met with His Royal Highness by Prince William.
Award
HMS Magpie launch This summer Prep Headmaster Martin Davis and pupils from Monkton were invited to the launch of the eighth HMS Magpie by the Royal Navy. A message from the Duke of Edinburgh was read out to crew, friends and family of the new ship during the commissioning ceremony:
“Having had the honour of commanding the AntiSubmarine frigate HMS Magpie, based in Malta soon after the War, I am delighted to know that the name ‘Magpie’ has been revived for a new Royal Navy Survey Ship. I am delighted to have this opportunity to offer my best wishes to the new ship’s company for a happy and rewarding commission.”
The badge of the new Magpie is the same as that designed by the Art Mistress at MCJS, Miss M E Bulmer as the badge for the front of The Magpie magazine in 1951, and which became the badge of the Prep School. Pupils were invited in 1953 to visit the Coronation Review, held that year, from HMS Magpie. This was the first ship to bear the School’s magpie design. Prince Philip commanded her, but prior to the time when the change of badge was made. Pupils enjoyed lunch on the deck and front row seats to watch the Queen and Duke wave from the frigate HMS Surprise as she passed by on both sides of the ship and finally a fly past before returning to shore.
“ The badge of the new Magpie is the same as that designed by the Art Mistress at MCJS”
CCF pupils and staff at the launch of HMS Magpie
News
HON OMS
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People
OC NEWS
Newly appointed Director of Leading the Way
Bishop of Loughborough
Canon Dr Alan Kerbey OBE Former Director of Development at Monkton (2002–2014) is currently a Canon and a Lay Member of Chapter of Wells Cathedral; a trustee of Bathbased charity, Send A Cow; a trustee of the Wells Cathedral Trust and the Friends of Wells Cathedral; a consultant to ReSource (formerly known as Anglican Renewal Ministries); and has recently been appointed as UK Director of Leading the Way, a US-based organisation founded and led by Dr Michael Youssef, which communicates the Christian faith to harder-to-reach audiences across six continents.
HMS Magpie
Original HMS Magpie
OC appointed Bishop of Loughborough Guli Francis-Dehqani nee Dehqani-Tafti (83) has become Bishop of Loughborough making her Clarendon’s first UK female Bishop.
Film
Movie success Emma Thomas (88) is a film producer who works closely with her husband Christopher Nolan; the internationally acclaimed film director. Their most recent film “Dunkirk” won 3 Oscars and was nominated for five.
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M NKTON C NNECT We are delighted to announce the launch of a new social and professional networking platform for Monkton and Clarendon Alumni ‘Monkton Connect’.
The site will allow you to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. It provides the opportunity for professional networking, giving opportunities for such things as mentoring, jobs, internships and introductions. There is also plenty of room for social interactions through events, groups and discussions.
Integrating with social networks like LinkedIn and Facebook, means these things are literally one click away. To register to use Monkton Connect please go to Monktonconnect.com
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EVENTS 2018/19 SEPTEMBER 2018
DECEMBER 2018
Saturday 29th Clarendon 120th
TBC OM Carol Service, Monkton
Clarendon was founded 120 years ago and had strong links with Monkton from its earliest days. To celebrate its history we will be holding a lunch at Clarendon boarding house to which all OCs and Monkton girls are invited to.
Having run the OM & OC Carol Service in London for the last two years, we have decided to see if OMs and OCs local to Monkton would be interested in attending a service here. The proposed date is the 6th December. If you would be interested in attending contact the OM Office.
Saturday 29th 2013 Leavers’ Drinks, London
MARCH 2019
On Saturday, 29th September at 7pm in the Windmill pub in Clapham South all OMs who left Monkton in 2013 are invited to join Tim Dewes and other staff for a get-together.
Sunday 24th Hockey and Netball
NOVEMBER 2018
TBC 1950–1955 Leavers’ Reunion
Sunday 11th Remembrance Sunday Service and Lunch To mark 100 years since the end of World War One, OMs are invited to join the CCF for Remembrance Sunday. Wreaths will be laid outside Chapel followed by a service in Chapel at 10.45. There will then be a buffet lunch for which there is a small charge. Guests are asked to arrive by 10.30 to allow for a prompt start.
Friday 16th 150th Anniversary Dinner Saturday 24 2008 Leavers’ Reunion, Monkton th
On Saturday 24th November a reunion of those who left Monkton in 2008 will be held at the School.
MARCH/APRIL 2019
MAY 2019 Saturday 4th 30 Years on Reunion Lunch at Monkton for those who left in 1989 JUNE 2019 Saturday 6th OM President’s Lunch To be held at Monkton, former members of staff will be attending this event.
TBC OM Cricket TBC OM Golf
For more information on any of these events please contact the OM Club office E: OMs@monkton.org.uk | T: 01225 721195 | Monkton Combe School, Monkton Combe, Bath, BA2 7HG
A MAN ON A MISSION REVEREND FRANCIS POCOCK FOUNDER OF MONKTON COMBE SCHOOL (1868) FIRST HEAD MASTER (1868–1875)
A man on a mission
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n 1859, a 29-year old curate and his wife, fortunate to survive a shipwreck and weakened by tropical disease, arrived in Bath to recover their health. Francis and Sophia Pocock, born and brought up in rural Berkshire, had travelled over 8000 miles and spent three gruelling years in Freetown, Sierra Leone, working amongst thousands of African people liberated by the British Navy from slave ships. The couple’s visit turned into a stay that lasted for most of the rest of their lives and resulted in the foundation of Monkton Combe School in 1868.
In his early twenties, newly married and destined for a farming life at Stanford in the Vale in Berkshire, Francis had been deeply influenced by his friendship with two local vicars. “Both proved great blessings to me in leading me to discover the privilege of dedicating myself to God and to His service. I had a deep desire to enter the ministry, and to go out as a missionary.” In 1854, Francis sold most of his property and entered St Aidan’s College, Birkenhead, a new Evangelical theological foundation, where he studied for the ministry. In 1855, Francis accepted the post of Colonial Chaplain to the Bishop of Sierra Leone and in September was ordained Deacon at Christ Church, Croydon. Accompanied by the Bishop and several members of the Church Missionary Society, he and Sophia immediately sailed from Plymouth for Freetown, four thousand miles away, where they were to spend the next three years working amongst its brave missionary community. The first time the young couple had ventured beyond rural England became a terrifying voyage. With all on board suffering from dreadful seasickness, the steamship was swamped by enormous seas in the Bay of Biscay and a young sailor was lost overboard. Eight days later the ship limped into Madeira, before crossing to the African coast to arrive in Freetown on 11th November. A fort, barracks, hospital, government house and Martello tower were all visible from the sea, while “in front, the wide Sierra Leone river, bordered by low woods, glitters in the constant sunshine”. Seven months later, on Trinity Sunday 24th May 1856, Bishop Weeks ordained Francis as Priest in the Mission Church at Regent’s Town, a little way up the coast. Francis and Sophia worked closely together running mission Schools and taking church services, but all too often were having to bury their missionary friends. Although not employed by the Church Missionary Society, Francis wrote regularly to its administrator, Henry Venn, in London with news of the CMS community. Francis later recalled: “The work among the Europeans and natives was most interesting and inspiring. God’s blessing rested
on His own Word, and souls were converted. We had large congregations in the Cathedral, and a great number of children in our day and Sunday Schools.” Sadly, the work proved too much for the Bishop who died from fever in March 1857. This left Francis to take on the Bishop’s duties as well as his own. By 1858 he and Sophia were sick and exhausted: they had to leave. On the way home, their ship sank in the Bay of Biscay and they were lucky to survive. Rescued from the freezing waters, they were taken to Cadiz, from where they eventually returned to England, coming to Bath in a bid to restore their health. After moving to Bath, Francis’s occasional preaching in the Abbey soon made an impression and he was appointed first to the curacy of St James and then to the curacy of Widcombe. In 1862, he agreed to become the first Vicar of Monkton Combe following its separation from the rapidly increasing community in Combe Down. Francis was a brilliant fundraiser. Within two years he had built a new vicarage at the bottom of Summer Lane, and shortly afterwards he set about raising yet more funds to build a “plain and substantial” new church in the village, to replace the existing small, inconvenient church. By 1868, aged 39, Francis had been persuaded by the famous Evangelical author Maria Charlesworth to open a small private School to educate a few boys from Evangelical families (including her three nephews) who might go on to become missionaries. Conversations with Mr Pocock in his later years (he lived to be 90) reveal that he only agreed with some great reluctance! However, he bought a number of properties in the main street, including Mr Jones’s Jacobean house, Mr Bodman’s Combe Farm, the land stretching down to the bottom of the valley and the King William IV Inn on the corner of Mill Lane, all of which formed the basis of the School as it is today.
The Portico House where the School began in 1868
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A man on a mission
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It is clear from several early students’ recollections in the School archive that Francis was much loved. He was also a wonderful teacher of Hebrew. One famous story about Francis concerns David Livingstone, the Scottish missionary and explorer who died in Zambia on 1 May 1873. His heart and organs were buried under a tree and his embalmed body, wrapped in calico, encased in a cylinder of bark and sewn into a large piece of sailcloth, was carried more than 1,000 miles across the continent before being shipped to England, arriving in Southampton in April 1874. The authorities asked anyone who could identify the body to come to London for the purpose. Francis had met Livingstone in Sierra Leone where the great man had shown him his badly set broken arm, crushed in a lion attack, so he set off by train to London to see if he could help to identify the body. We don’t know if he was allowed in to the chamber at the Royal Geographical Society where surgeons and relatives were inspecting the remains, but Livingstone was eventually identified by his broken arm and was buried in Westminster Abbey on 18 April 1874.
Fosbury including boys from Africa, one of whom later became Bishop of Sierra Leone and another who became Principal of the CMS Grammar School in Freetown. Interviewed in 1910, Francis commented: “Since then the School has increased in numbers and influence, and a fine and handsome Juvenile School has been opened at Combe Down.”
“It is clear from several early students’ recollections in the School archive that Francis was much loved.”
After 13 years in Monkton Combe, Pocock recalled: “My health began to fail and my wife became a confirmed invalid, and it was evident that the School must be given up unless someone could be found to carry it on.” He took the living of St Paul’s in Poole and resigned Monkton Combe where he was succeeded as vicar by Mr Gristock. He sold his interest in Monkton Combe School to the Revd Henry Wright, and the Revd Bryan was appointed as the first Principal in 1875, bringing with him a number of his own pupils from his School at
Francis returned to Bath in 1882 and was appointed Minister of Portland Chapel in Harley Street just off Julian Road.
Sophia died in 1894, aged 69, and was buried in Locksbrook Cemetery. Francis remarried a year later. His second wife, Charlotte George, had worked as housekeeper for Francis and Sophia for at least thirty years, including all the time they were in Monkton Combe. The couple moved to Lambridge Place in Larkhall where they attended services at Kensington Episcopal Chapel on London Road. Francis had retired but he still took occasional diocesan duties, including holding services at the “Home for Incurable Crippled Boys” in Camden Road. In his final years, Francis was nursed “with much devotion in his long illness” by Charlotte who was herself in poor health. He died on 16 March 1919, aged 90 and was buried in Locksbrook Cemetery. His funeral was held at Kensington Episcopal Chapel, and was attended by Revd J W Kearns, Headmaster of Monkton Combe School, three assistant masters and some of the boys. He left an estate of some £1500 to Charlotte but shortly after his death, she entered Church Street Nursing Home where she died on 18 September 1919. She was interred in the same grave as her husband and his first wife, Sophia. In 1926 the Revd Warrington, Vicar of Monkton Combe from 1918 to 1961, proposed that a “fitting and worthy memorial” be created in memory of Francis Pocock. The Pocock Memorial Fund was established and a peal of eight bells was purchased and installed in the summer of 1927, dedicated by the Bishop of Bath and Wells.
In dorm above dining hall 1889
This peal is still in regular use, so every time the carillon rings out over Monkton Combe’s beautiful valley, it reminds us of Francis and Sophia Pocock – and of Charlotte George – all of whom dedicated their lives to the service of God and who in their own ways all established and created the School we know and love today.
Send a Cow
W O C A D SEN G N I T A R B CELE S U O R E A PROSP HIP S N O I T A REL Monkton and Send a Cow have a unique relationship that spans over the thirty years that the Bath-based charity has been in existence. It is purely coincidental that both are celebrating their anniversaries this year but there is a rather pleasing synergy to this given the strong connection between the two.
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n 1988 Send a Cow was set up by a group of Christian dairy farmers outraged at the EU milk quotas which were forcing them to slaughter perfectly healthy dairy cows. At the same time Uganda was recovering from civil war and farming communities were struggling. The farmers decided to help by sending cows from their own herds to families in Uganda. The families, and the cows, thrived. The cows provided nutritious milk for families to drink and sell whilst also producing manure that could nourish the soil and help crops to grow. Since then the charity has gone from strength to strength supporting many more countries in Africa including Ethiopia,
Uganda and Kenya. To help celebrate the charity’s growth and success, some of its staff
“ The farmers decided to help by sending cows from their own herds to families in Uganda.� and supporters have written about their own experiences of working with Monkton to help families in some of the poorest parts of Africa.
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Send a Cow
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MARTIN GEAKE Former Send a Cow CEO and Monkton parent Monkton has been a true friend of Send a Cow over the last 30 years. The Senior School, the Junior School and Glenburnie have all been enthusiastic fundraisers for Send a Cow many times.
PHILIP POULSOM
ROBIN CRITTENDEN
Former chair of trustees at Send a Cow and Monkton parent and governor
Send a Cow Ambassador and former Monkton pupil
When Send a Cow started 30 years ago no one foresaw that, once recipient families were producing enough food to cover their basic needs, they would use income from the sale of surplus milk and vegetables to send their children to School. Monkton parents are making a lifetime’s investment in their family. Likewise, Send a Cow is an investment in a family’s future. In 1999 my wife and I joined the first Send a Cow study tour to Uganda. Included in that experience was a visit to a School that had been set up by a Send a Cow family, which they had called “Glenburnie”, inspired by Monkton’s Pre-Prep.
Little did I suspect as I read through the Old Monktonian magazine in 2005, that an article about Send a Cow would have such an influence on my retirement. I was at Monkton from 1953 to 1960, overlapping with Anthony Bush, one of the founding farmers of Send a Cow. On retirement my wife Mary and I signed up as Ambassadors for Send a Cow and have enjoyed a challenging and exciting journey, visiting projects in Uganda, where I was born, Kenya and Zambia. We have visited Schools, churches and clubs with the powerful message of how Send a Cow changes lives so positively.
“ Funds generated by Monkton were invaluable” Many OMs have volunteered for Send a Cow over the years, including my three children. The funds generated by Monkton were invaluable to Send a Cow in those early years of growth. The charity’s practical, hands-on approach and training has enabled many thousands of smallholders to transform their own lives through sheer hard work and persistence. This principle of helping people to help themselves always appealed to Monkton as did the Christian values and ethos of Send a Cow.
SUE BURT Send a Cow Ambassador and former Monkton Pre-Prep teacher During my time at Glenburnie we raised money several times for Send a Cow, the first being in 1991 when cows were still being flown to Uganda. There was great excitement as the whole Pre-Prep visited the Addicott’s farm in Corston to say goodbye to ‘their’ cow! In 1994 I went to Uganda with Ros Addicott and saw the difference that the gift of a cow made to families. Knowing how quickly training, combined with determination and sheer hard work, enables people to grow enough food to feed their family and earn an income spurred me to train to be an Ambassador.
Send a Cow
SIMON BARNES
ANN HATTON
Former Send a Cow CEO and Chairman of the Estates Development Committee of the Board of Governors of Monkton
Church Development Manager at Send a Cow and former Monkton teacher
At Send a Cow careful measurement across a variety of impacts demonstrates to donors the real difference their money is making in the lives of some of the world’s poorest people. One can see first-hand lives that are truly changed for good, forever. When asked a similar question of Monkton it is easy to point to I.C. inspection reports that give the School an excellent rating. Ultimately, my own response is ‘I haven’t met an OM I haven’t liked’. I have no doubt that both organisations will continue to share a long future of good stewardship and I pray for both their continued success.
I discovered the strong link between Monkton and Send a Cow whilst teaching at Glenburnie from 1997 to 2004. There’s always someone in the room with a link to the two establishments! My involvement with Send a Cow started when my children were small and I wanted to make a difference to the world. I first became an Ambassador and, in 2014, was made Church Development Manager. I recently visited Send a Cow projects in Lesotho, where I saw with my own eyes the lives of whole communities transformed, not just in the short term, but for good. I feel honoured to work for this amazing charity!
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CANON DR ALAN KERBEY OBE Current Send a Cow Trustee and former Director of Development at Monkton I am thrilled that Monkton and Send a Cow are both celebrating significant anniversaries this year. Both organisations have much in common around their visionary and entrepreneurial beginnings, strong Christian values, people, partnership, programmes, and the ethos of service which is embedded so powerfully in both organisations. It has been a privilege for me to work alongside wonderful people who have been involved in influential ways in both organisations. At Monkton, as governors, parents, staff and former pupils; and at Send a Cow as trustees, staff, Ambassadors and supporters. And there are exciting plans for the future for continuing partnership, collaboration and mutual support!
“ There are exciting plans for the future for continuing partnership, collaboration and mutual support!”
Family History
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THE FUSSELLS Sidney Fussell
PJ Fussell
Ethel Fussell
“Old” Henry J Fussell
Howard Fussell
Leonard Fussell
Barbara Fussell (Wheeler)
“Young” Henry Fussell OM 1940
Valerie Fussell
Philip H Fussell OM 1948
Andy P Fusell OM 1984
Timothy W Fussell OM 1985
Benjamin Fussell OM 2014
Oliver Fusell Current Pupil
Priscilla Wheeler (Lawson)
Tim Lawson OM 2007
It was in 1935 that the first member of the Fussell family of Rode came to Monkton Combe School. Robert Wilden’s mother, Nellie Fussell, was one of eight children, and her son Robert very sadly was killed whilst on active service with the RAF over France in 1944. Also in 1936 Nellie’s brother, Reginald, sent his son Sidney (whose widow Rosemary has helped with this article) to Monkton Senior, and he was followed by three brothers and two nephews – all of the first generation of Fussells had also attended the Prep School. A tradition had started, one which continues to the present day. In
Tom Fussell OM 2012
fact, Robert Wilden was the first of fourteen Fussells to have attended Monkton, which we think must be a record worthy of note in this 150th anniversary of Monkton’s foundation. Probably the biggest contribution to the School made by the Fussell family has been on the sports field. Philip (1944–1948) played for Somerset 1st XI cricket, and, in fact, refused the offer of a professional contract due to parental pressure! Andy and Tim (early 80s) played for all the School first teams, and Andy has gone on to play, even now, a high standard of cricket with Somerset over 50s. His sons, Tom and Ben, along with Cousin Tim Lawson (c. 2010) also played
Wilf Fussell
Pheobe Fussell Current Pupil
first team sport. All of this is remarkable, and reflects how much the Fussell family have given to Monkton in team games over the years. Currently at Monkton are Tim’s children, Oliver and
“ All of this is remarkable, and reflects how much the Fussell family have given to Monkton in team games over the years”
The Fussells
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THE JOURNEY OF 14 MEMBERS OF THE SAME FAMILY THROUGH MONKTON
Nellie Wilden nee Fussell
Reginald Fussell
Sidney W Fussell (Rosemary) OM 1939
R John Fussell OM 1940
Howard N Fussell OM 1942
Roger A Fussell OM 1943
Simon C Fussell OM 1977
Timothy G Fussell OM 1978
Robert Fussell Wilden OM 1938
The youngest generation of Fussells Ben, Tom, Oli and Phoebe with Dad Tim and Grandfather Philip.
Phoebe. We wonder how many more generations of Fussells there are to come?! The Fussells I have met all talk about the way Monkton encourages all-rounders, and has given opportunities for pupils to excel in areas beyond the classroom. They also speak of friendships made and nurtured over a long period, something experienced by very many Monktonians over the years. For over a hundred years, from baking to brewing and then to farming, the Fussells have had a family business in Rode – nowadays it continues to be centred around farming. Haulage, storage and building supplies
P. H. Fussell, second from right, bottom row
have been added with Fussels Fine Foods being the most recent. They are all still in Rode, just down the A36 from Monkton. www.fusselsfinefoods.co.uk Fussell family, we salute you and wish you happiness and prosperity in the years to come! Tim Dewes
Celebrating Sidney Fussell’s 70th.
Reflecting on the year
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A YEAR AT MONKTON It’s been a very busy year for all areas of the School from Nursery through to our Sixth Formers celebrating their exam successes in August. The School has been very active in celebrating and recognising the 150th anniversary.
ACADEMIC Whether it’s the 20% of our pupils interviewing for Oxbridge or Vet/Med places, 2 artists securing places at Central St Martin’s or the 66% of pupils securing 9 A and 7 (old A* to A grades at GCSE, and at A Level, 51% of grades at A* to A, 81% at A* to B and one in five grades at A*, we continue to celebrate our students’ academic successes. This year has also seen Monkton achieving great successes at nationally recognised academic events. We achieved a Gold medal, a Silver medal and six Bronze medals at the Biology Olympiad. We took second place in the Philosothon UK competition. Archie Campbell-
Greenpower
Colquhoun placed 4th in the country in the Poetry by Heart competition and our two teams of mathematicians finished a very creditable 7th and 21st in the UKMT Junior Team Maths Challenge. At the Prep School Madame Bosquet introduced a new Global Languages club where pupils get to converse with each other in a variety of different languages including Spanish, Mandarin, Russian and Swahili! The historians enjoyed a real archaeological dig and the scientists were delighted to return to the Monkton sponsored event Bath Taps into Science at Bath University. The Pre-Prep have
started learning about how our brains work, came dressed up to School as a famous historical person, learnt about the discovery of Penicillin and that ladybird larvae shed their skin multiple times before turning into pupae!
Gold Medal winner of Biology Olympiad
A year at Monkton
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AN ‘EXCELLENT’ INSPECTION The Prep and Pre-Prep were delighted to announce that they were rated ‘Excellent’ in their recent inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in May 2018. Amongst the many glowing and constructive comments were: “Pupils exude a palpable enthusiasm for learning both inside and outside the classroom, supported by leaders setting high expectations for all.” The full report can be read by visiting our website. Outdoor learning day
CHARITY Monkton has once again been busy raising much needed funds for its chosen charities this year. Operation Christmas Child saw the Senior and Prep School send over 400 boxes to children around the world. This year the Senior School supported sixth former Seth Thomas in his effort to raise £50,000 to build a Health Clinic in Northern Nigeria as its chosen charity and they enjoyed the first ever colour run in April to help the effort. This, along with cake baking, doughnut sales,
Royal wedding tea party
Christmas candy cane sales and deliveries of Valentine roses, has pushed the total up to just under £9,000. At the Prep School they staged a second colour run in June and produced a Christmas CD written by percussion teacher Julian Scott to raise money for local homeless charity The Genesis Trust. At the very end of the summer term they also collected a large amount of warm clothing for Operation Orphans, Keep a Child Warm scheme, and these were sent out to south east Europe in July.
Cheque presented to Genesis Trust
OUT AND ABOUT Twelve Monkton students arrived on Dartmoor on Friday 11th May ready for the Ten Tors Challenge 2018. Both teams showed great determination, perseverance and teamwork to be able to complete the event. Self-sufficient, the Year 10s covered approximately 35 miles and the Year 12s, 45 miles in a day and a half, with a long day of walking on the Saturday. It is a huge achievement which will stay with them for a long time. At the Prep School our Leadership, Outdoor Education and Community group have been
very active again this year with visits to Woodside Nursing home, some major litter picking on Combe Down, packing bags in Sainsbury’s and roasting marshmallows in Rainbow Woods. Children at the Pre-Prep enjoyed World Outdoor Classroom Day where they made fires and bows and arrows.
Ten Tors practice run
Reflecting on the year
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DRAMA
At the Senior School the drama department treated us to two superb productions. ‘Anything Goes’ was a classic all singing, all dancing, all acting success. The Junior production of ‘Alice’ was brilliantly quirky, filled with hilarious moments and surprises.
Junior production of Alice Anything Goes
Art has been flourishing again this year across the board and it was wonderful to have a whole School event for Climate Change Day at the Prep in June.
Prep School audiences enjoyed three productions over the course of the year: A Midsummer Night’s Dream in December, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (truly amazing!) in June and finally the Year 8s put on a production of High School Musical at the very end of the year – a going away present as they left for pastures new.
ART
OM Artist in residence Tom Fussell painted our Owl for the Minerva Owl trail that’s been running in Bath throughout the summer. His decoration focused on historical Bath and was aptly named The Tree of KnOWLedge and placed proudly outside the Pre-Prep.
Tom Fussell with his Tree of KnOWLedge owl
Pre-Prep Art class
A year at Monkton
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Peter Donohoe
MUSIC
Evensong at Bath Abbey
It was another year of opportunities for our pupils to showcase their wide variety of musical talents and for everyone to find their own voice. During Michaelmas term the House Music Festival was, as always, one of the highlights of the School year, and this year was no exception.
Climate change day
Farm took the coveted Pollock Cup, but it was close. Such is the popularity of the event that this year it will move to the Forum in Bath to accommodate its ever growing audience. Prep House Music took place at the end of the Lent Term with some inspiring performances from ukulele to triangle, Easterfield were the eventual winners. The Prep School also performed admirably at the Mid Somerset Festival with a number of winners in the Woodwind and brass sections. At the Pre-Prep the strings club was formed with the children learning the violin, cello and how to read music. Along with The Joint Concert, summer concerts at the Prep and Senior, Jazz on Longmead and the Senior Music department’s launch of their first International Piano Series held in the Bowerman Hall. Music at Monkton is thriving and we look forward to more of the same in the next academic year.
Summer Concert
Pre-Prep Strings club
Reflecting on the year
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SPORT
Biathlon
Monkton has once again punched above its weight in sport this year with a number of individual and team successes. Individual successes include Olivia Caesar who won rowing gold for GB at the Munich Junior Regatta; Jude Brotherwood setting the bar in the South West at U20 level for the High Jump; Scott Curtis being selected for the Future Athletes Development Squad at Bath University, Henry Bloomer continuing to hone his dressage skills; Tom Griffiths who came third at the National Schools Equestrian Association One Day Event at Calmsden; Victoria Brown who was part of the Wales and WAGS WJ15 Coxed Quad Sculls crew who finished second in the Victoria Lodurum competition; and Ben Wells who signed academy papers for Somerset CCC and has already toured India with them and made his debut for the 2nd XI.
Prep girls hockey
Team successes include the Boys’ 1st X1 winning the Bath and Bristol Hockey League with a tight 1–0 win over Kingswood in very cold conditions. Our cricket team retained the Bath School’s T20 Cup in a good victory over Kingswood again, which was spearheaded by an opening partnership of 134 between Ben Wells and Ollie Shrubb. We also finished the rowing season strongly with our boys J18 4+ finishing 6th in the country and our girls J18 4 – 8th in the country at the National Rowing Regatta at Dorney Lake. There was also a little bit of history created in Monkton sport this year as for the first time girls were given the opportunity to choose cricket as their summer sport and on Saturday 21st April Bethany Bowerman and Sophie Goodman were chosen, on merit, to become the first girls to be selected for a game against Prior Park College. Not only that but the girls took 5 wickets between them and were both still at the crease at the end as they narrowly failed to chase down Prior’s total. At the Prep the Boys U13s hockey team were crowned county champions which saw them qualify for the IAPS National Finals where they went on to finish fourth in the country. The U11s also qualified for the IAPs National Finals. In rugby the boys completed a double winning the U12 Sibford School 7s and the U13 Clayesmore School 7s.
1st XI Hockey Champs IAPs Area Qualifier
Girls J18 4+ at the National Schools’ regatta
A year at Monkton
T20 cricket team winners of the Bath Schools T20Cup
The success continued in cricket where we achieved victory in the U13 Avon/Bristol Schools Cricket Cup. All the girls have played cricket during the summer term for the first time, with Eve Billing selected at county level.
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1st XI Hockey team
consecutive year. There were 14 national Biathlon finalists and we once again held our own Triathlon and Colour Run. We also had seven boys and a girls relay
In athletics the Prep School had a delightfully successful day at the South West Prep School Championships at Millfield with several podium finishes and qualifications for the National Finals, including qualification in three events for Tommy Baynham, the 4 x 100m relay team, Eliza Davis in Shot Put and Hannah Pook who qualified by becoming the High Jump Champion for the second
Pre-Prep Sports day
team competing at the IAPS National Swimming Finals with the girls achieving a Monkton first by qualifying for the English Schools (ESSA) relay finals.
History
30
Lecture with Dr Dan Roiz de Sa Ten Tors
Monkton opened the 150th year celebrations with a special service for the whole School in Bath Abbey. Many OMs were in attendance as well as former Chaplains and staff members. The first whole School photo since the year 2000 was taken at the Prep School in April – a fine start to a very busy summer term.
Peter LeRoy OM and former Head of the Prep School was commissioned to write a book bringing the School history up to date. A Delightful Inheritance launched just before Christmas and has been selling well. It is available to purchase from the School shop Monkton Outfitters.
We were delighted to welcome Dr Dan Roiz de Sa to give our 150th lecture. He spoke powerfully about his experience of working as a doctor during expeditions to the most extreme environments in the world including the Allied South Pole Expedition.
On our Social Media platforms we have marked the 150th year with #150in150 – we are posting 150 photos throughout the year to showcase the entire remit of the School’s activities and work. At the end of the summer term we were up number 84. We also introduced Throwback Thursday which is a selection of photos taken from the archives and put up every Thursday on Facebook and Twitter.
Looking ahead to Michaelmas, Senior House Music will be at the Forum, we have a very special Remembrance Service to mark 100 years of the end of World War One and the Carol service at the Pavilion will be the closing event for our 150th year. Our chaplain is writing a book of memories of different OM Christians emulating what the Chaplain did in the 100th year.
150 Years of Monkton
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YEARS OF
MONKTON
Mini Factory Trip Head Girl Lily Ri ley
and OM David Adeney
Triathlon Club
Lectures
Events
For the 150 Anniversary Knight Lecture we were delighted to welcome Lord Robin Butler, formerly Private Secretary to five Prime Ministers, who spoke on “The ethics of spying”. Other lecturers we have welcomed during the year included, Olympic Swimmer Mark Foster, Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, and Winter Olympian Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards. All spoke passionately and articulately on their topic and responded thoroughly to questions from pupils and parents.
A range of events throughout the year included Choral Day at the Senior School, a Lego event at the Pre-Prep, Orchestral day at the Prep School in its new summer slot, a netball masterclass and Climate change day where hundreds of pupils from Schools across Combe Down unveiled a picture which measured one kilometre, to raise awareness of global warming at the polar ice caps. The picture was made up of drawings and illustrations created by children aged from five to 14 at Monkton Combe School and Combe Down Primary School. There was also a Triathlon at the Prep and Colour Runs to raise money for charity at both Prep and Senior.
th
All of this is just a snapshot of what has gone on in the Monkton Calendar over the course of the last twelve months. We can be very proud of an exceptional year and we look forward to rounding off the sesquicentennial year in the Michaelmas Term with a whole School carol concert at the Pavilion in Bath on December 12th.
Family history
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CLARENDON MEMORIES As Clarendon School celebrates 120 years since its founding we asked a family with strong connections to the School to share some memories. We hear from former Head Girls, mother and daughter Peggy and Priscilla Chadwick, Priscilla’s cousin Penny and Penny’s daughter Emma. Although Emma did not attend Clarendon School she was a boarder at Clarendon House, Monkton where Clarendon traditions still ring true. The family journey starts with Peggy who attended Clarendon between 1933–1937.
Peggy Chadwick (née Brownrigg): Malvern 1933–1937 I knew I wanted to study Geography from an early age, but Clarendon did not appoint a subject teacher until the term I arrived: however Mrs Jones, a graduate from King’s London, inspired me with trips to look for fossils in the Cotswolds and see glaciers in Switzerland, and I later taught Geography myself for many years. My sister Molly and I were identical twins, but she left to study nursing at St Thomas’
Pillerton, Clarendon School, Malvern
(she later married a doctor and they ran the CMS Mission Hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan) while I stayed on at School for university entrance. When she visited Clarendon the following summer, we all went on a picnic and she and I changed clothes in the bushes, so when we returned to School, she handed round the sandwiches as head girl while I pretended to be the guest, without anyone realising. I remember Miss Swain never allowed us to use the excuse ‘I forgot’: she insisted, “People who forget are no use to man or God”.
Kinmel Hall
Clarendon Memories
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Lady Chadwick, Priscilla Chadwick, Penny Caird, Emma Turner
Priscilla Chadwick: Abergele 1961–1965 It was always lovely to walk past my mother’s photo as head girl in the hall corridor, little knowing that one day Miss Haughton would choose me as her first head girl. My two sisters later followed me to Clarendon. After home in Oxford, I found Kinmel Hall quite isolated, despite its beautiful views of the North Wales coast: however once in the Sixth Form we had more freedom. We would dance to Beatles’ records (banned) in
the Sixth Form Common Room, with a ‘lookout’ to swap the music over to a ‘keep-fit’ record if a teacher was approaching. I am still grateful to the seven friends (NB a minimum of eight girls required) who offered to cycle
“ We would dance to Beatles’ records (banned) in the Sixth Form Common Room”
Peggy Brownrigg
Henry Chadwick
Molly Brownrigg OC 1935 Malvern
Priscilla Chadwick OC 1965 Abergele
Hilary Chadwick OC 1967 Abergele
Juliet Chadwick OC 1968 Abergele
FOUR GENERATIONS OF CLARENDONIANS
Jonathan Shaw
with me to St Asaph one Saturday to meet my boyfriend who had hitch-hiked over the Pennines from Barnard Castle! Happy memories of walking around the forecourt in the Maze, as well as climbing Moelfre after O levels and Snowdon after A levels. Biblical studies provided me with a valuable foundation to study Theology at Cambridge but the best legacy is the friendship of our year group, still greatly valued after all these years.
Patricia Brownrigg OC 1938 Malvern
Lewis Gordon
Penny Caird nee Gordon OC 1973 Abergele
Andrew Caird
Emma Turner nee Caird (OM04) Clarendon Hosue
Family history
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Clarendon at Malvern
Penny Caird (née Gordon): Abergele 1969–1973 I was brought up to expect to go to Clarendon when I was 13 and never questioned it. My first couple of terms were a bit challenging and from then on I was happy and settled. I was not academic, preferring the more practical lessons and loving the music. I adored the setting, all that space! If I ever felt homesick at night, I looked at the star constellation ‘the plough’
Malvern
Abegele Hall
“ If I ever felt homesick at night, I looked at the star constellation ‘the plough’ and reminded myself it was also shining on my home.” Abegele Library
and reminded myself it was also shining on my home. Best bit? Miss Houghton reading Psalm 121 as we ate a quick early breakfast on the last day of term, before boarding the ‘brake’ for the station and home! Our year group was and is very close and we still meet regularly for reunion weekends. I feel very blessed.
Malvern Silent Reading room
Clarendon Memories
Malvern
Emma Turner (née Caird): Monkton 1998–2004 I first entered Clarendon House at Monkton at the age of 13. I did a year in the interim house of Hill and knew there was no other choice for me! I’d grown up hearing Mum’s stories of going to Clarendon, especially about the library and how to get what you wanted at meals by asking friends if they wanted an item on the dining table! I have nothing but wonderful memories of the house. I made
Classroom at Malvern
35
Malvern School Swimming pool
friends for life who came from all over the world, Benin, Bangladesh and the USA. We would spend hours talking and giggling late into the night after lights out as we grew into young women together. We had many firsts – from the first boyfriends to the first illegal cigarette to the first legal drink. Clarendon gave us the freedom and protection to grow up in a nurturing and safe environment – making it possible to achieve academic dreams I never imagined possible. I still
remember my tutor suggesting I apply to Cambridge and laughing at the idea – yet I had four incredibly inspirational years at that amazing university and I know honestly that I could never have achieved such things if it hadn’t been for my time at this wonderful house and School.
“ I have nothing but wonderful memories of the house.” Malvern
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OMs in Sport
SPORTS PERSONALITIES TIM DEWES INTERVIEWS THREE OMS WHO TAKE THEIR SPORT VERY SERIOUSLY
Sports Personalities
ABI ROBSON NETBALLER Abi Robson has finished her first year studying Geography at the University of the West of England. She is enjoying the course, and is grateful to her teachers at Monkton who inspired her to take her Geography to university level. She looks back on her two years at Monkton with great fondness, having appreciated Monkton’s ability to allow pupils to be themselves and to excel; she also valued the quality of the relationships between teachers and pupils. However, Abi is not just a student. She is a member of the Team Bath netball squad, an elite group who play netball in the highest national league. As a result, Abi is often away in other parts of the country – for example, soon after we met she was due to fly up to Glasgow for a match. Abi started netball at the age of 7, and two years later joined a club in Poole, Dorset. This club had a huge influence on her, and they had some impressive young players, such that they reached the national finals as under 13s.
“ The regime through her junior years was one which would have put most people off!” Abi spent her GCSE years at Talbot Heath School, and there she was in the team which won the Independent School National Cup. Such was her ability that she was playing with 18 year olds from the start; she played for England U17s as a fifteen year old, and has maintained her involvement with England since then. The regime through her junior years was one which would have put most people off! Twice, or often three times a week Abi came home on the School bus, to be met by her mother, who would take her for training in Bath, some 50 miles away. She would then get home at midnight, and be on the School bus at 6.30 the following morning. What impressive dedication from a young player – and from her mother!
Abi enjoyed her netball at Monkton, especially her final year in which the School team was extremely successful. She is very grateful to Mia Ritchie, herself a noted team Bath player, who coached the 1st VII. We asked Abi what it is about netball which she likes, and which has kept her so committed for over ten years. She replied that it’s about the teamwork, the fitness, the opportunities to think and react all the time during a match, and the friendships she has built up over the years. We wish her all the very best for the future.
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OMs in Sport
38
BEN GARROD HOCKEY UMPIRE Ben Garrod has achieved something very unusual for one of his age. Unlike the others interviewed for this article, he has not played sport to a high level. No – Ben’s achievement is to have become, at the age of 19, a highly respected and experienced hockey umpire. At the time of writing he has reached the level just below that of National League, and his ambition is to rise to the top level nationally, and then to be chosen to umpire internationally. Ben joined Monkton as a two year old and stayed at the School right through to A levels. He was a good goalkeeper for his age, and might have gone on to play for the Senior School 1st XI, but having achieved this for MPS he realised that umpiring was what interested him the most. It all started, he tells us, with a course when Ben was 11. Encouraged by his mother (Ros Garrod, herself a top player and long-standing School 1st XI coach) he attended the course, and was then given the chance to umpire matches even while still at prep School. Recalling that experience, which Ben seems to have taken in his stride, he cannot remember many games where things went wrong, or when the players did not respect his decisions. It seems that from an early age Ben’s natural authority, backed up by a keen eye and quick understanding of match situations, has enabled him to take control of players older than him.
“ Ben was voted ‘England Hockey young umpire of the Year’ in 2014, a remarkable honour” Ben’s umpiring career progressed through School and club junior hockey, and by the age of 14 he was umpiring adults. He usually umpired alongside a more senior colleague who could step in if things went wrong; week by week he improved, learned from any mistakes, and became well-known on the circuit. Soon he was umpiring School 1st XI matches, and then he was promoted so that he became a regional umpire, maybe going to Exeter one week, Cheltenham another, and so on. How was that possible at his age? Firstly, because Monkton
Ben Garrod umpiring the Nottingham University v Cardiff University game, Feb 2008. Player: Tom Salmon OM
supported him; time was given by the School authorities, and Ben was given the opportunity to progress. Secondly, like all of our interviewees, Ben had supportive parents. Often it was his father, Martyn, well known to very many OMs, who would drive him around the South-west, and this gave Ben the chance to gain a huge amount of experience for one so young. Ben was voted “England Hockey Young Umpire of the Year” in 2014, a remarkable honour, and was on the shortlist for Junior Official of the Year at a prestigious dinner attended by people from many different sports. Through this, Ben has met Wayne Barnes and Howard Webb, respectively top referees in rugby and football; Wayne Barnes in particular has spent time with Ben, and encouraged him to make sure he gets to fixtures early enough to prepare properly for a game. He also helped Ben to see that not every game goes very well for the referee/umpire; the secret is to put that behind you and to move on with confidence to the next match. Ben enjoyed his time at Monkton, and is grateful that the School values each person for what they can offer, however unusual it might be. Had Martyn Creeth at MPS not suggested he might go on a course, and had he not had the support of his parents, Ben might not have got to the level he is now.
Sports Personalities
BEN WELLS CRICKETER We interviewed Ben Wells, who at the time of his interview was in the middle of his A levels. He plays cricket for Somerset 2nd XI, as well as opening the batting for Bath, who play in the top division of the Western League. TD: Where do you think your love of
cricket stems from? BW: My father was involved in organising two cricket World Cups, and this, as well as a garden and an older brother, got me started as a small boy. I was taken to cricket summer camps at Bath aged 6, and have never looked back. TD: Tell us about your School cricket career BW: I played in all my age group teams at Monkton Prep. Interestingly as an 8 year old I opened the bowling and batted number 11, but by the following year I was opening the batting and keeping wicket. At Monkton Prep I received a lot of excellent coaching from Bob Staunton, whose enthusiasm and expectation of high standards really helped me as I went through the School. My best innings was in my final year – 70 not out against Kingswood, which took the team to a narrow victory over one of our local rivals. Then at Monkton Senior I was in the 1st XI as a 14 year old, which I found initially very daunting; however, I soon was made to feel welcome and was able to put in some decent performances. Sam Palmer has been my main influence in recent years, and it was under his coaching that I scored my first 100, against Wycliffe aged 15. I have since scored several other centuries, and now co-captain the 1st XI.
TD: How has being at Monkton helped
your cricket career? BW: It is true that I could have gone to other Schools where the emphasis would have been solely on cricket. However, for me it was important to try to be a rounded person, and to keep up other interests – for example, I very much enjoyed my season in the hockey team last term. I also feel that staying at Monkton has helped me academically – I am now in a strong position to go to Exeter University to study Physics, and am grateful to the staff at Monkton who have helped me do this.
“ Sam Palmer has been my main influence in recent years, and it was under his coaching that I scored my first 100.” TD: Finally, what advice would you give
to a budding cricketer or other elite sportsperson? BW: The most important thing I have learned over the years is to remain resilient when things don’t go well. At Somerset we have a strong Sports Psychology programme, and this has helped me when I’ve been through a bad run of scores. It’s really important to be confident of scoring runs every time you walk to the wicket, and I guess this applies to other sports too.
TD: Tell me about your winter training
programme recently BW: It was a punishing schedule which went right through from September to March. I was training in Taunton on Wednesday evenings and all day Sunday. I trained at Bath on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings. I trained at School on Tuesday and Fridays during study periods. TD: So have you had to make sacrifices? BW: Very much so. I never have a weekend free, and during term time my life revolves around work and cricket, with not much time for anything else. Ben Wells signing for Somerset Academy
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STAFF RETURNS The Monkton staff list currently has a large number of OMs on role. In this special year we asked them to talk about their time at Monkton as pupils, what they did after they left and what they have discovered on their return as fully fledged members of staff.
ABI BLAIR Name and Occupation: Abi Blair née Challis (05) Houseparent of Grange
that it was in my time. We may have some slightly shinier buildings (which are great!) but the atmosphere remains as wonderful as it always was. People at Monkton don’t take themselves too seriously, they celebrate quirks in other people and are always ready to pitch in and help. What a privilege to be back surrounded by these great kids!
Dates at Monkton: I was at Monkton 2001–2005. Monkton Memories: I have SO many great memories of my time here. Mainly just feeling so welcomed and so at home. Lots of my memories have blurred into one now but mainly involve dissolving into tears of laughter several times a day with some of the best friends I ever could have hoped for. Tween Times: Between leaving and returning to Monkton I have been working in homelessness. I have done several things in this area but most recently managed a hostel for young people and outreach projects to prevent homelessness in the community. Monkton Now and Then: I really appreciate that Monkton is still full of the same humour and grace
JONATHAN BLAIR Name and Occupation: Jonathan Blair (05) Houseparent of Grange and Maths teacher Dates at Monkton: 1998–2005 Monkton Memories: Meeting my wife! Tween Times: Worked at Dean Close as Assistant Chaplain and at a state School in Bath. Monkton Now and Then: The work ethic of pupils has improved yet the culture of encouragement and fun remains.
IONA BOGLE Name and Occupation: Iona Bogle nee Gorrie (88) – Reception teacher Dates at Monkton: I first attended Monkton Combe Junior School, as it was known then, in September 1978. I was eight, and had just moved down from Scotland to become one of eight girls in the School. I was there for three years. I re-joined the School in 1986 for the Sixth Form, as at the time girls weren’t able to join the School from after fourth form Juniors, until Sixth Form. I joined Eddystone House. Monkton Memories: I spent two wonderful years there, going on the first ever Monkton girls hockey tour, joining the CCF, where I attended a summer sailing School where both Kate Sibley (OM) and I won the much coveted ‘Marsden Trophy’. In ‘A’ level French we wrote a French play as a class together, with the
Staff returns
highlight being Bill Hanna, our French teacher, dressed in full glam rock regalia singing along to his very own version of ‘Joe le Taxi’ by Vanessa Paradis. ‘Binmead’ was where Eddystone Sixth Form girls had their study areas, and it provided the perfect place for us all to share laughter, love and tears. I met some very special people in those two years who are still very dear to me. Tween times: After School it was an art foundation course, Fine Art degree, and then PGCE. I taught secondary art in London for some years, before returning to my roots to work for the Glasgow School of Art. I then returned to Bath as Development Manager for the Theatre Royal, where I was involved in creating ‘The Egg’ theatre. I had a yearning to return to teaching, but this time with younger children, so I returned to Monkton in 2007 to the Pre-Prep. I now teach in Reception in our new Pre-Prep building. Monkton Now and Then: Put simply, Monkton puts the child at the heart of everything it does. This is implicit in our daily planning as teachers, as we know that if a child does not feel happy, understood and has a voice, they will not learn. I don’t know of many Schools where each child has the opportunity to have an almost bespoke curriculum created for them. It celebrates both the individual and the team player. As a pupil, I was encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and to experience new things. This is certainly still the case.
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On another occasion, when I finished the 22 mile sponsored walk to Wells I had taken so long that the minibus had left that was taking us back to School! There seems to be a theme – maybe they were trying to lose me!
MARTIN DAVIS Name and Occupation: Martin Davis (88) Headmaster Monkton Prep School Dates at Monkton: 1983–1988 Monkton Memories: Sport, selling trout to the staff for pocket money, good friends Tween times: I taught in Windsor, Kenya and Somerset Monkton Now and Then: Having returned recently there is a very similar feel – it is a small School which creates a real community, because everyone knows each other.
JAMES GOODMAN Name and Occupation: James Goodman (94) Houseparent of Clarendon and Head of Digital Learning Dates at Monkton: I was at Monkton 1986 to 1994 Monkton Memories: I have loads of good memories; most of them involved playing some kind of sport in the valley. There were also some character building moments in the days before mobile phones: I got a puncture when on a German Cycling Trip and got left behind. I had to buy a map on my own and cycle to the place we were staying that night.
Tween times: After university I took a GAP year in Kenya teaching. Following this I started work as an accountant, which, despite finding interesting, I quickly moved away from in favour of teaching Maths, which I have done ever since, both in various schools in Bristol and in New Zealand. Monkton Now and Then: I love being a part of a place where learning is about more than what goes on in the classroom. This could be on the sports field, in the boarding house, or in chapel; the conversations that happen in those times that are so much fun and so important. This is as true now as it was when I was here as a boy.
MARCUS LARBALESTIER Name and Occupation: Marcus Larbalestier (10) Leisure and Commercial Co-Ordinator Date at Monkton: I started in Glenburnie and went through Monkton Junior School and finished after my Lower 6th year at Monkton Senior School. 1998–2010. Monkton Memories: I enjoyed the sport immensely especially progressing well in the Daily Mail Cup. I also had the privilege to represent the School at Henley Royal Regatta.
Staff returns
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Tween Times: I left Monkton and studied Sports Therapy at Plymouth University and St Mark’s and St John’s. Whilst on my degree I worked with the Plymouth Raiders Basketball team as their therapist. Now and Then: I started working in the Monkton Sports Club as a lifeguard at the end of 2012. I have been able to see all the new opportunities the School offers as well as the new buildings.
GEORGE PURVES Name and Occupation: George Purves (05) English teacher Dates at Monkton: I started in Hill House in 1998 and left Grove in 2005.
JONATHAN MORLEY Name and Occupation: Jonathan Morley (75) Economics teacher and Head of Careers Dates at Monkton: I was a boarder in Grange between 1970–1975 Monkton Memories: It was a very different School in those days. All boys and Prefects were all powerful! I left with no intention of ever returning! Tween Times: Taught Economics in a variety of state and independent Schools including four very happy years at the International School of Tanganyika in Dar-es-Salaam. Then HoD and Housemaster of a boys’ boarding house at Bedford School before Carrie (my wife) and I were asked if we were interested in becoming Clarendon Houseparents. Monkton Now and Then: I am SO glad I returned. It is now a School that really cares about individuals and everyone is supported and encouraged. The real strength about the School is its relationships: between students and also between students and teachers.
Monkton Memories: Prevailing memories of pile-ons in the common room, petrified prawns and ice pops from the tuck shop, ear-splitting band rehearsals in the Wilson Ewer Room, long walks through the trees on the other side of the valley, and black coffee on the Reynella balcony before breakfast still resonate in my mind. There are so many little moments that I will cherish forever – scrawling messages behind the drama stage during School play rehearsals, the infamous French trip to ‘the ghetto’, our nightly traipsing up the hill with the strobe light and out-of-breath Prefects during the Hill House days, the mountains of toast and flapjacks during open house in Grove. I could go on forever. But the memory that is perhaps the most special to me is when I had a taster night in Hill House before I even joined the School. I was instantly welcomed into the group and felt totally at ease, playing football and cooking noodles with everyone, and it was the first time outside of my own family where I felt I truly belonged. Tween Times: I studied English at Exeter, with a year at Vassar College in New York, coming out with a 1st Class Honours. I then studied for a Masters in Film and Television Production at Bristol, and after that I started a film
production company, creating award-winning short films, documentaries and commercial videos. One of these films was shot at Monkton, and it was there that I decided I wanted to pursue a career in teaching, so I did a stint as a GTA in 2013–14. I then took up a post as an English teacher at Stowe School, where I completed my PGCE and NQT years plus one more year, before getting the job at Monkton. Monkton Now and Then: The thing that keeps drawing me back to Monkton, and which I’m happy to say is still alive and well here, is the atmosphere of nurture and support that, as far as I can see, is unique to this School. Although academic progress is important, the School also places value on building the individual from the inside out, so that pupils leave with an instilled sense of selfconfidence, kindness and excitement about the world that I believe is fundamental in education but is often sorely overlooked by other Schools. This, coupled with a landscape that still captures my imagination and stills my soul, is the root of my enduring love for this place.
JAMES SERTIN Name and Occupation: James Sertin (89) Houseparent of Eddystone and English Teacher Dates at Monkton: I was at MPS/ MSS between 1981–1989.
Staff returns
Monkton Memories: I chiefly remember the sport – including a superb rugby team – and all kinds of mischief which I better not detail! Tween Times: I was a product manager for an adventure travel firm so went all over the world setting up walking, adventure, overland trips. Penny and I – who met at Monkton! – also ran a luxury camp in the Masai Mara and taught in Kenya. Monkton Now and Then: Because it is co-ed now, there is a much softer feel to the School. Also senior pupils are genuinely caring and thoughtful to younger pupils and the old hierarchical unpleasantness no longer exists. Weekends are FULL so there is loads more to occupy the pupils. Things that are unchanged are the friendships for life, emphasis on character as well as achievement and the Christian ethos.
Tween Times: After leaving Monkton I went to the University of Surrey to read Accounting and Finance; the course duration was 4 years which incorporated a year in industry. My time out of university gave me an opportunity to experience working in a finance department in a hotel in addition to time assisting with the set up of a shop in Corfe Castle. Since graduating I returned to Monkton as a GTA followed by a year completing my PGCE. Monkton Now and Then: I love being involved in the boarding life and being alongside the girls in their day to day life. The pastoral care is one of Monkton’s many strengths; it is a part of my job that I thoroughly enjoy. It has been a great place to do my PGCE and for my own individual development within the classroom environment.
CAMILLA SNELL Name and Occupation: Camilla Snell (12) Teacher of Mathematics Dates at Monkton: I was at Monkton between 2010–2012 arriving only for Sixth Form. Monkton Memories: It was a joyous time in my life that I look back on fondly, I enjoyed the netball, the art, the boarding life and the Christian ethos. I found friends for life and it was a brilliant time for growing in my own faith.
ESTHER YOULTEN Name and Occupation: Esther Youlten (98) Head of Religious Studies Dates at Monkton: I was at Monkton 1993–1998.
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Monkton Memories: I have so many happy memories of my time here and of the people who were here with me. I remember freezing cold swimming in the outdoor pool that is now D’s Lawn, candlelit German lessons doing karaoke, barefoot cross country, CCF ambush training and many Nutfield House events with the wonderful Jamesons. Tween Times: After School I took a gap year in Brazil and Ecuador and then went to Cambridge to read Portuguese and Spanish. I met my husband Rob there and we got engaged in Kenya the summer after university. I joined the Civil Service Fast Stream and became a policy Analyst, working mostly on crime and youth crime issues in particular. I got into teaching when our children (Jack, Ben and Lucy) were little, beginning at Stonyhurst College in Lancashire and then moving to St Andrew’s Turi in Kenya where we were houseparents and I taught Religious Studies and helped run a local School breakfast programme. We moved back to the UK in July last year. Monkton Now and Then: It is unexpected and lovely to be back at Monkton after all these years and it has reminded me of how much I owe to this School – for the opportunities I was given, the Christian grounding and example it set, and the people I had the privilege of getting to know and learn from. In the short time we have been back I can see that these opportunities for the pupils are stronger than ever and I am excited to be part of this community again.
150 Years
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#THROWBACK THURSDAY The Form (First boarding house) 1888
AS PART OF THE 150 YEAR CELEBRATIONS, WE’VE BEEN RUNNING #THROWBACK THURSDAY ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS. TH
Each week an image from the archives gets an airing with a description. It will run until the end of the year so make sure you log on to Facebook or Twitter on Thursday to see what we’ve uncovered! This is just a small selection of those which have been featured. High Jump 1912
SOME MONKTON JARGON FROM THE LATE 1940s
Senior Site showing railway line early 1900s
Squish. Marmalade. The accepted method of asking for someone to pass something at table was “With you with the squish/jam/ etc”. The Pip. The nickname for the Matron at the Senior School. Kitch’s tea. All new boys at the Senior School were invited in twos or threes to Mr Kitching’s study on a Sunday afternoon in their first term, to learn the “facts of life” – illustrated with appropriate diagrams. The Clank. The railway that ran through Monkton Combe, used to carry coal from the Somerset coal field. It was also used to bring our trunks to School at the beginning of term, and return them for the holidays – most being sent by rail PLA – “passengers’ luggage in advance”. The line was featured in the film “The Titfield Thunderbolt”. Closed under Beeching – if not before. The rare sound of a train on The Clank was sufficient to bring most classes to a halt.
The Pooh-Bah Society. The name given to a meeting of boys to raise money for a leaving present for a member of staff. The Corps. The CCF (Combined Cadet Force) which superseded the OTC (The Officer Training Corps). Colonel Lace was Commandant, with Major (Dick) Hole as 2 i/c. There was a parade every week on a Wednesday or
Thursday afternoon. All boys were expected to join, apart from those excused on conscientious or health grounds. There was a week’s camp at an army base every summer holidays, and you were expected to attend at least once during your time at Monkton. You slept on straw mattresses in a draughty and barely waterproof tent!
#ThrowbackThursday
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Anecdote: Bryan Wilson (Staff, 1954–1959)
1st IV 1902 at Dundas
On arrival as a new member of staff I was told where my accommodation was and directed to it: 4 Woodbine Cottages, ground floor (that was the Eddystone end of Woodbine). I inherited it from AT (‘Basher’) Wicks. I found it consisted of two rooms and a ‘bathroom’. Both the latter and the bedroom had uncarpeted stone floors. I quickly found out why. When it rained heavily, a small stream ran down the slope at the back, under the back door, across the bathroom and bedroom floors, flooding both rooms, and out under the front door. I took to leaving my Wellingtons beside the bed and in the morning getting out straight into them. It was quite a contrast to the comforts of the RAF Officers’ Mess in which I had spent the previous three years.
#150YEARS Senior School dormitory early 1900s
Monkton Combe Volunteer firemen Centenary display 1968
#THROWBACKTHURSDAY
The first VIII 1920. G.F. Graham–Brown coaching on horseback
Books
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A DELIGHTFUL INHERITANCE
T
he brand new history of Monkton Combe School, written by former MCJS Headmaster and OM Peter J LeRoy MA, launched last December, has been selling well and Peter has joined us at several OM events to sign copies. A Delightful Inheritance charts the 150 year history of Monkton Combe School. The book gives an introductory summary of the main events of the years 1868–1967, as set out in AF Lace’s account ‘A Goodly Heritage’. To follow, a fully researched and carefully chronicled account of the history of the School from 1968–2017.
appendices and biographies of notable Old Monktonians. The book retails at £24.99 and can be purchased from Monkton Outfitters. We also have available a number of 150th memorabilia items all of which can be purchased from the School shop Monkton Outfitters.
“ This comprehensive and readable history conveys how a small School of modest origins in a remote valley, but of consistently strong Christian values, can over 150 years spread its influence across the globe.” Sir Richard Dearlove A Delightful Inheritance is an illustrated hard-back volume of 350 pages including informative
Author Peter LeRoy signing books after the opening service at Bath Abbey
Benefactors dinner
150 ANNIVERSARY DINNER TH
“I WAS OFFERED A CLERGY BURSARY TO MONKTON WHEN I WAS FOURTEEN AND I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT IT CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER.”
Stepping into ‘Old Hall’ at the Senior School and reading the names of those who went on to become missionaries across all the continents is both a humbling and inspiring experience. An education at Monkton became a possibility for so many of these pupils thanks to the support provided by the School’s bursary fund. The quote above from a more recent OM, reminds us all of the work which continues at Monkton to provide bursaries to those who can benefit from an education at the School but otherwise could not afford it. The OM continues, “I arrived at Monkton after having a tough time in another School; I was depressed, isolated and didn’t believe in myself. With the help of my houseparents, teachers and amazing friends I slowly began to turn my life around. I never felt judged on my abilities on the sports pitch or in the classroom, only encouraged to be the best version of myself that I could be.” Monkton has also recently become one of a number of independent Schools participating in a Partnership Bursaries scheme which will see
the School offering special bursaries to vulnerable young people in and on the edge of local authority care. Every year there are pupils who, due to a change in their family’s financial circumstances, are unable to return to the School or whose continued attendance waits upon a favourable decision from a grant giving trust. Sadly the School does not currently have the means to help these families itself or to respond to the many requests it gets from those families whose children could not come to the School without some degree of bursary support. This November, as part of our 150th Anniversary celebrations, we are hosting a development dinner in aid of the School’s bursary fund so that we can continue this work which has been part of the School’s purpose since it was founded in 1868. With a special guest speaker, auction and a delicious three course meal in the School’s iconic Dining Hall it will be an evening to remember and a real highlight of our year of celebration.
Tickets will be limited and we are expecting a good turnout from OMs, current and past parents and friends of the School, so please do book early. Tickets are available now at £45 per person with all proceeds from the evening going to the bursary appeal.
You can now book online at monkton150dinner.eventbrite.co.uk
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Legacy
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WHAT IS THE MONEY USED FOR?
LEGACY GIFTS HELPING FUTURE GENERATIONS OF PUPILS AT MONKTON
The School sustains itself with tuition fees which cover all running costs, bursaries and minor improvements. However, major improvements are only possible with the generosity of donors. In addition, there is always the desire to extend our bursary support. Legacies will be used for these two main areas: new developments and bursaries.
CAN I CHOOSE WHAT MY MONEY GOES TOWARDS? The School encourages donors not to restrict their donations, since this gives greater flexibility to apply the funds to areas of greatest need or strategic importance. Rest assured the funds will not go into the “general pot”, but be allocated either to the current development project or to bursary support. If you wish to make a bequest for a specific purpose, we encourage you to speak to the School first.
ARE THERE ANY TAX ADVANTAGES? Legacy gifts in wills can be transformative for generations of pupils at Monkton, whether invested into bursaries or School resources. We look at how these gifts are beneficial to both donors and recipients. A generous donation has been made this year to Monkton Combe School as a result of a legacy gift from an Old Monktonian who has sadly passed away. His gift to the School came as a result of residuary legacy where the School received a share of his estate. The OM was kind enough to not only make the donation as part of his legacy gift to the School, but also donate with no restrictions, allowing the School to put the finances immediately into areas where it was needed most. Whether supporting a bursary application or helping provide resources for pupils at the School, an ‘unrestricted’ donation like this has been transformative to the School in this our 150th anniversary year. The donor may have been surprised and delighted about the size of the eventual gift. As the School received a share of the residue of his estate following the sale of his property, the amount donated to the School was very significant. For many of us, while we may feel we are not able to make a significant donation to the School in our lifetime, leaving a residuary legacy can be a very positive way of helping future generations of pupils.
Monkton is a Registered Charity and legacies to charities are exempt from UK Inheritance Tax. Under current tax legislation, when making a legacy of at least 10% of your estate, the rate of inheritance tax drops from 40% to 36% on the remainder of your estate. As a result, there are good tax advantages in making at least a 10% bequest, however you are advised to seek professional advice before making your decision. If the beneficiaries of your estate also have links to Monkton, they might be very happy to forego some of their inheritance to make a donation to the School. However, as the table above illustrates, with the correct clause in the will, they may not have to give up as much of their inheritance as they might think. Comparing Scenario C to Scenario A, the £100,000 bequest to charity has reduced the inheritance tax significantly with only a corresponding reduction of £37,000 in the amount received by the beneficiaries of the estate. The £100,000 donation has effectively only cost the beneficiaries £37,000. As you can see, making a donation that is in excess of 10% of your net estate can often result in the Charity benefitting far more than the beneficiaries of the estate lose. The donation in Scenario B of £40,000 has reduced the amount received by the beneficiaries by £24,000. However, the extra £60,000 donation made in Option C has only reduced the amount received by the beneficiaries by £13,000.
Legacy gifts
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Comparing three simple scenarios: Scenario A
Scenario B
Scenario C
Charitable bequest as a percentage of net Estate
0%
4%
10%
Inheritance tax rate
40%
40%
36%
Value of Estate at death
£1,000,000
£1,000,000
£1,000,000
Tax free allowance
£325,000
£325,000
£325,000
Charitable bequest
0
£40,000
£100,000
Taxable Estate
£675,000
£635,000
£575,000
Tax to pay
£270,000
£254,000
£207,000
Net amount received by beneficiaries
£405,000
£381,000
£368,000
It could therefore be very attractive to both you and your beneficiaries to make a bequest of at least 10% of your estate.
THE 1868 SOCIETY AT MONKTON COMBE SCHOOL The 1868 Society comprises all those who have included Monkton in their will. It is entirely voluntary and names are not published. However, you will be invited to an annual lunch or dinner hosted by the School as a way of thanking you and keeping you informed of developments.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? It is best to speak to your solicitor when drawing up or making changes to your will especially if you want to take advantage of the 36% inheritance tax rate as the clause needs to be very carefully worded.
Legacies can be arranged in the following ways: Residual Legacy
Normally a percentage of your taxable estate
Pecuniary Legacy
A specific sum which could be index-linked
Specific Legacy
Specific property, shares, works of art or objects
Reversionary Legacy
Made payable after the death of another named person, such as your spouse.
Conditional Legacy
Made payable after the conclusion of something else, such as the education of one’s grandchildren.
“ As President of the ‘Legacy Giving Club’ named: The 1868 Society I wish to support the concept of legacy giving to secure Monkton’s future at a time of some financial, social and political uncertainty. he 1868 Society is committed to securing T capital to sustain Monkton and all that the School stands for in the future. We are keen to support bursaries for pupils with potential academically, in the arts and sports and a substantial endowment fund.” Professor Mike Keighley OM 1962, President of the 1868 Society
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Wild, Shackleton, Marshall and Adams (left to right)
A FLAG WITH A TALE TO TELL Icebergs in the Antarctic
Antarctic Adventure
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By Angie Butler, Eric Marshall biographer and Ice Tracks Expeditions organiser
A sledge flag, somewhat stained and worse for wear, enclosed in an ordinary wooden frame was presented to Monkton Combe School by its owner Eric Stewart Marshall. He had been a pupil at the School in the 1890s and became one of Monkton’s most notable OMs.
The pennant which portrayed the crest of the Marshall family, whose four sons attended the School, accompanied Marshall, on a back-breaking expedition to reach the South Pole. Under the leadership of Ernest Shackleton, Frank Wild, Jameson Boyd Adams and Marshall, slogged to within 97.5 nautical miles of the South Pole on 9th January 1909, at which point, Shackleton turned his party back. It is heralded as one of the most selfless decisions of the Heroic Age. Shackleton (and Marshall) knew that if they attained the coveted prize of the Pole, a shortage of food would have raised the spectre of death during the punishing 700 mile trek back to the waiting ship. The Nimrod expedition of 1907–1909 is etched in polar history as one the greatest feats of unimaginable suffering endured by the ‘Southern March’ party on which Eric Marshall had the formidable role of surgeon, surveyor, photographer and cartographer. As biographer of Frank Wild, Shackleton’s right hand man, I have been intrigued by Marshall, a deeply complex and irascible figure who vehemently disliked Shackleton. He joined Monkton Combe in 1891 excelling both academically and in sport. I am four years into writing his biography and therein lies a tale of a courageous, but deeply complex, man who I hope to bring out of the shadows. The youngest Marshall son, Edward Hillis undertook three expeditions to Antarctica, one voyage specifically to study whaling. He too was awarded the prestigious Polar medal.
Flag taken on the Shackleton South Pole Expedition 1909 that reached a point 111 miles from the South Pole
However, my ‘day job’ is co-running Ice Tracks Expeditions, a polar voyaging company. As a celebration of the School’s 150th Anniversary and to honour Eric and Edward Hillis Marshall we are calling on OM’s to join us on 1st March–15th March 2019 for a whale-watching voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula. Four scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will be joining the voyage conducting research on the feeding habits of the Baleen whale. The 15 day Marine Mammal trip includes a free departure package of 2 nights in a 5* star hotel and a visit to the Tierra del Fuego National Park including a 10% discount for OMs. It is a unique opportunity to bring OM’s together in one of the world’s last frontiers. The voyage will raise funds for the School bursary fund.
Prices start at £ 8,665 pp (includes discount). For further information contact info@ice-tracks.com T: +44 1295 236354 www.ice-tracks.com
Life events
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BIRTHS & MARRIAGES To Sophia Wallis
(nĂŠe Whitworth) and Simon a baby brother for James. George was born on March 21st 2018.
Claudia Dickinson (05) married William Nunan at Priston Mill on 16th December 2017.
James Wright (10) married Isobel Wood on the 14th July 2017 at Holy Trinity Combe Down. The reception was held on Longmead.
Daniel Ridgeon (11) Henry Askew Page (10) married Alice Allum (09) on the 9th of June 2017 at Monkton Combe Church.
married Harriet (Tebbutt) on 28th October 2017.
In memoriam
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IN MEMORIAM David Major (40) died on the 12th April 2018. He came from Lymington Spa attended both Monkton Junior and Senior Schools, he played for the 2nd XI team and held the rank of L/cpl in the OTC. David studied at Manchester University but his studies were cut short by his war service. He was a pilot with the RAF from 1942–1946. After the war he became a solicitor and later became a lay preacher working for ten years as Chaplain at Warwick Hospital. In 1997 he published a book; “Wing Commander Jack Little DFC”.
Stuart Booth (42) died in June 2017. The great grandson of William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, Stuart was born in 1923 in Hadley Wood and attended Monkton from 1940– 1942. Stuart was involved with the Salvation Army in the UK, France and Canada. He was Secretary for the Public Relations and Missing Persons Bureau in Quebec and a life governor of the Canadian Bible Society. He responded to God’s call at a youth congress in Glasgow and had this calling reaffirmed during his military service in Burma during the Second World War. In August 1947 Stuart entered the King’s Messengers session at the training college. In May 1948 he was appointed to Reading Central and then Exeter Temple. In 1950, Stuart married Lieutenant Charlotte Westphal in Paris, France. They had eight
children: Coryn, Délie-Anne, Irène, Patrick, Bramwell, Blanche, Joelle and Dorothy. From Plympton, the couple were appointed to Ilfracombe and then Fenton. In 1955, they transferred to France for appointments in Belfort and Lyon and at the ‘Cité de Refuge’ and THQ in Paris. They served as divisional leaders for the Centre and East of France and then returned to THQ to prepare for the 1981 centenary congress. After the congress they transferred to Canada where Stuart was the Quebec city commander. In September 1988 they retired to France. On Christmas Day 1994, Major Charlotte Booth-Westphal was promoted to Glory. Stuart excelled in theatre staging and open-air meetings. As the secretary of the territorial band for many years, he organised countless and memorable tours in France. In retirement, he was the treasurer and band sergeant at Boulogne-Billancourt, Paris. Stuart was promoted to Glory at the age of 93. At the service of thanksgiving in Paris, many of his children and 19 grandchildren publicly paid tribute to him, sharing what a wonderful grandfather he was, full of humour and always interested in life. Stuart was a true man of God. Tribute from the Booth family
In memoriam
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David Date and Michael Ellis (62)
DAVID DATE CGSM, ARCM, ARCO, Hon. FLCM, 1928–2017 : DCD Music teachers, in my experience, can come in two varieties: first, there are those who have no other interest but music, second, there are those who are ‘characters’. They are passionate about music and are able to make even aliens enthusiastic about it, but they also become fully involved in the life of their School. Of this brand was David Date – DCD. DCD came to Monkton in 1953 as Director of Music, when Mr Bryan Morris was Headmaster. With two small breaks, he stayed in post until 1988 – 35 years, when Mr LeRoy was the Headmaster. David’s musical pedigree can be seen in the number of letters after his name, and he was also an inspirational tutor to his charges, defending them at every opportunity. He was a fervent supporter of the School’s games teams and would be there as a spectator at every opportunity, even driving teams to away matches. He played for the staff at cricket and at hockey where, in his own judgement, he was an outstanding left wing. He led the rambling hobby on a Thursday afternoon and introduced those participating
to the beauty and glories of the local Somerset countryside. Perhaps he could get carried away with this, once ending up in Shepton Mallet when he should have been in Wells on one of the School’s Save the Children Walks from Bath to Wells. He was in charge of swimming and could be seen most days swimming umpteen lengths of the ‘Parents’ Pool’ and, after his retirement, continuing the habit in the Clarke Swimming Centre. His aim, as he said, was to reduce the number of ‘national liabilities’, a feat which he achieved triumphantly. DCD’s holidays were spent travelling or in examining for the Associated Board. Once, this involved assessing a convicted murderer in Long Lartin Prison. One of his passions was hunting and he managed to make a soft-hearted matron part with money to buy a book of raffle tickets for a local ‘dogs’ home’, which turned out to be the local pack of beagles. After his retirement, Mr Date continued teaching at the Senior School as well as playing the piano for the Big Band, and you can listen to him performing on its first CD, ‘All Wrapped Up’. This was Mr Date’s last contribution in The Magpie and gives you an idea about what he got up to as Director of Music:
‘The Midsummer Concert involved 50 performers and considerable preparation; the Orchestra impressed the writer as being probably the most competent in his experience here. The Choir, though, has had its problems, not least, a sudden and widespread voice breakage which wreaked havoc among its senior members (NO ladies in those days). Nevertheless, the more junior members, undismayed at seeing their elders falling like flies, rallied well, and kept the regular Sunday Services and anthems going despite numerical weakness. A visit to Bathampton Church, to act as the choir for ‘The Australian Service’ proved a novel experience, in that it was televised, not, I hasten to add, in this country. A visit to Australia was necessary should you have wished to see it.’ Stories about Mr Date are legion and legendary. If you want to know more, then ask the Prep Headmaster, for Mr Davis was not only Head Prefect but also Head Chorister in Mr Date’s Choir when the Law Building was opened by Princess Anne in 1983. He should even have a photograph to prove it. Tribute by Roland Symons
In memoriam
MICHAEL BAGNALLOAKELEY (49) When his parents moved from Swindon to the Monkton Combe valley in 1937, Michael BagnallOakeley began his 12 years at the School, starting with Glenburnie. He was to have gone to Cheltenham College but the war years made that too difficult. He entered RMA Sandhurst in January 1950. Officer cadets were banned from keeping cars, but he outwitted the Academy Sergeant Major by running his Austen 7 from a garage outside the grounds. In 1951, he was commissioned into the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME) and then went on to the Royal Military College of Science at Shrivenham. The first time Michael reckoned he truly earned his living was as the commander of the workshop for the 5th Royal Tank Regiment in both Yorkshire and Germany in the late 1950s. Licensed to drive 50 tons of Centurion tank, he gave driving lessons to the regimental padre and cleared public roads of buses!
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He was seconded to the Ghanaian Army in 1960 until “sacked” by President Nkrumah. On exchange posting in Australia (1967–69), he was about to sneak off to the Vietnam War with Australian forces when the British High Commission found out and ordered him not to contravene UK government policy. On return to UK, he was the senior instructor at the Army School of Electrical & Mechanical Engineering in Bordon, Hampshire. Promotion to lieutenant colonel saw him posted to Northern Ireland in 1975 as the CO of 46 Command Workshop. It was his favourite but final tour: his father’s sudden death in 1978 forced him to take early retirement to go and run the family property business in Monkton Combe. But the Army’s loss was the School’s gain. Already with OM sons, Mark (1976) and Robin (1984), he then gave his time to Monkton as a governor (16 years), as a president of the OM Club and committee member, as a volunteer instructor in the CCF’s REME section, and as an organiser of the Junior
Michael Bagnall-Oakeley
School’s annual Wells Walk in support of Save the Children (14 years). He was also instrumental in the creation of the School’s development office in the 1990s and was part of a Monkton fundraising trip to the USA in 2005. Outside the School, he was a warden at Monkton Combe church (13 years) and on the parish council. He chaired the Bath branch of the National Schizophrenia Fellowship and, up until 2010, served as a voluntary mental health associate manager to guard the rights of those detained under the Mental Health Act. Michael was a practical, supportive and modest gentleman. He had a varied and active life and, when told last December of the onset of dementia, philosophically responded: “Well, 86 is not a bad age, is it?”
View of the School from Shaft Road 1970s
In memoriam
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Gordon Bramah (48) ‘passed away after a short illness on 15th December 2017, or, as he would put it, ‘was taken by the enemy’! He was 87 and a supporter of Monkton Combe School throughout his life, a School which he believed, had provided him an opportunity to have a remarkable life and a School to which he sent his two sons, Jeremy (1977) and Jonathan (1979). At Monkton he was President of Monkton’s Motor Club, from where he went on to do National Service and then to become a craftsmen at the De Havilland Aero Works. After 5 years, training and concurrently building aircraft components at weekends, as a sub-contractor, he was called home to help in the running of a family business as his father was in poor health.
His father’s passing, when he was 35, left him with sole responsibility for a family business which over the next 37 years would be developed into a international trading and investment company, from when he retired in 2002 aged 72. A working experience that ranged from the crash of Rolls Royce in 1971 to the development of Digital Biometrics in the 1990s, to making parts for Super Marine Spitfire to Trading Share Options and Derivatives.
“ He set up a foundation ‘to modestly try and help those less fortunate’ around the globe.” In retirement and not one to stand still, he turned his attention to his grandchildren and giving back. He set up a foundation ‘to modestly try and help those less fortunate’ around the globe, with its most significant contribution being made to Sheffield’s Motor Neurone Disease Research Facility and Sheffield’s St Luke’s Hospice. Few, including his family knew of this breadth of life he had experienced, he was modest, direct and without ego. Until the end he was proud to model the OM Blazer, albeit with not all the buttons done up!’
Gordon Bramah
Tribute by Jeremy Bramah OM 77
Paul Persson (49) died unexpectedly in July 2017. He began at MCJS in 1940, continuing into the Senior School, both of which he really enjoyed, but his father died when he was 16 and he was taken away from Monkton just before his last year of School. He was particularly disappointed because he had been chosen to be the Captain of Hockey for the following season. He found a job in Barclays Bank in Henley-onThames and later joined the Bank of England. He and his wife Ann met at All Souls Church, Langham Place and were married in 1959, settling into their home in Northwood. Their first child, Fiona, sadly died, unexpectedly, when she was 17 months old. Two years later, Paul left the Bank of England to work with the managerial team of Milwards, a shoe retailing business, later becoming M.D. He worked closely with the Keep Sunday Special Campaign, supporting Dr Michael Schluter. Four more children were born to Paul and Ann and, in 1978, the family moved to Highmoor Hall, near Nettlebed, to use their home as a Retreat House with an Arts and Resource Centre built in the grounds. It offered a wide-ranging programme and many people came to participate in the events. They left in 2002 and took a ‘gap year’, travelling to remote parts of the world, returning to live in the village of Chearsley, near Thame. They were blessed with 8 wonderful granddaughters who all miss him very much.
In memoriam
Brigadier Tim Hackworth (51) died on September 29th,
of a Bruin system to replace their outdated radio communications.
2017, aged 84. Tim was born in 1933 in Wimbledon in South West London and was educated at Monkton between 1946 and 1951. He was a keen rower and musician, becoming a proficient pianist.
Tim came to be relied upon for his leadership and expertise in military tensions, serving as British defence attaché in South Korea in the 1980s, which included a memorable visit by Margaret Thatcher where he escorted the then Prime Minister into the DMZ on the Korean peninsular. He also was called upon to safeguard the Queen’s visit to Jordan in 1984 when there were thought to be risks to her life from insurgents.
After National Service Tim obtained a regular commission in 1954 which lead to a long and distinguished military career, being stationed around the globe. He studied for a general engineering degree in telecommunications at Shrivenham and by the early 1960s was working on the Joint Staff Intelligence HQ East Africa desk. By now he had met and married Janet Craig and they had two children Timothy and Jemima. Sadly Timothy died at the age of four. His leadership skills whilst in command of 16 Signal Regiment in Germany in the mid 1970s were rewarded with a military OBE. “He has instilled a measure of keenness that has been reflected by many successes”, the citation for his honour read. During his time with the regiment he put his technical expertise in telecommunications to good use, overseeing the installation
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“ He later became one of thirteen elite military knights at Windsor Castle, providing ceremonial guard for occasions such as the Garter Ceremony, and “stand posse” before Royal funerals.”
Tim’s life continued to be a very full and busy one even after retiring from the military in 1988. He worked for the British Computer Society and spent ten years there as Technical and Services Director. He later became one of thirteen elite military knights at Windsor Castle, providing ceremonial guard for occasions such as the Garter Ceremony, and “stand posse” before royal funerals. He also supported and worked for many charities. A musician since his School days, Tim was allowed to play the Royal Chapel’s organ. His funeral was held at St George’s Chapel, Windsor with full ceremonial and military honours.
Michael Davies (50) died on the 24th December 2017 at home, aged 84 years. Michael came from Swansea and attended both the Junior and Senior Schools at Monkton. He worked as a draughtsman at the Steel Co of Wales Port Talbot.
In memoriam
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REVD MIKE LAPAGE (42) Mike Lapage passed away peacefully on 20th July aged 94. He was the last surviving Monkton Olympian of the 1948 Games, having won a silver medal in the British VIII. Mike was born on 15th November 1923 in Shaftesbury, Dorset. He was the son of Reginald H. Lapage, (vicar of Shaftesbury), and Dora Ehlvers. It was during his time at Monkton that Mike learned to row. His ambition of making the Light Blue boat at Cambridge was put on hold while he served his country in the Second World War as a pilot in the Fleet Air Arm – a commitment that very nearly killed him. He was involved in reconnaissance and air-to-ground strafing in the Far East flying Hellcats. On one occasion he was followed by a Japanese Zero and the tailpiece of Mike’s aircraft was severely damaged. It was a miracle that he escaped. By the time he got to Selwyn College, Cambridge to read
1941 1st VIII boat crew
Geography in 1946 he had already missed Michaelmas term, and was thus ineligible for that year’s Boat Race crew. It took him two years to establish himself in the Blue boat, where he rowed at seven in the record breaking 1948 crew. This crew went on to form the main part
“ But his goal was ‘to seek first the Kingdom of God and to make himself of no reputation.’”
of the Olympic team later in 1948 that won Silver in the eight. He also competed at the Empire Games in 1950 where he gained a bronze medal as part of the British eight. But his goal was “to seek first the Kingdom of God and to make himself of no reputation.” Mike was a master at Winchester College from 1949–1950; with CMS Kenya in 1951–1972 and was ordained in 1961. His life as a minister took him from a Parish in Mount Kenya to the Chaplaincy of Bedford School, the Rhone Alpes and Walford and Bishopswood in Hereford where he was also Chairman of the Hereford Diocesan Overseas Committee. When the Olympic Games returned to London in 2012, Mike was chosen as one of the relay runners for the Olympic torch and was aboard the royal barge Gloriana as it took the flame up the Thames to the Olympic stadium.
Mike Lapage
His connection to Monkton has remained strong over the years attending many OM events and rowing on the Avon whenever such events allowed. He was last seen on the river at Monkton in 2010 when the School launched its appeal for a new boathouse.
In memoriam
Philip Denny
PHILIP DENNY Philip joined the staff at Monkton in the 1950s. He had undertaken an accelerated degree in Modern Languages at University College, Oxford in the immediate years after the Second World War and had begun his teaching career at Brighton College. He taught French, which he did with oldSchool thoroughness and insight. In his day there was a strong element of French literature and culture and these he embraced enthusiastically, particularly classical authors such as Racine and Molière. Towards the end of his career he responded with enthusiasm to the greater emphasis on the practical use of the language and indeed his classroom was fitted out as a Language Laboratory. He was Head of Department briefly on the untimely death of Mike Hannell before passing on the baton due to the weight of his other responsibilities.
Philip immersed himself fully in Monkton life. For the best part of 10 years he ran a successful 1st XV, showing both insight into the game and the ability to get the best out of his team. In the Lent and Summer terms he coached the Colts’ VIII with the same attention to detail and understanding of what makes a successful crew. And woe betide the 1st VIII coach if he should attempt to poach one of his oarsmen! For many years he was Librarian, mixing his feel for and enjoyment of books with his love of order and style. He was Housemaster of Hill House in the days when it was a senior boys’ house, the second incumbent in that post after Vic Baker (the German master, so keeping the Modern Language theme going). His avuncular exterior concealed a very personal concern for the well-being of those in his charge, both during their Schooldays and in the wider world beyond Monkton. He was helped in this by Hill’s remoteness from the rest of the campus, and with his wife Ione (known universally as Tim) he made the trudge up the hill in the evening feel like going home. Philip was a much respected colleague in the Common Room and for a number of years was its President, acting as the conduit between the foot soldiers and senior management. He was a source of wise counsel to both camps and would always go the extra mile to achieve what he felt was a satisfactory outcome.
“ For 10 years he ran a successful 1st XV, showing both insight into the game and the ability to get the best out of his team.”
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His stature was helped by the fact that he was an accomplished raconteur and mimic, and postlunch coffee would often be enlivened by his ‘war stories’ – in his case real ones since he had served for the last year of the Second World War and had pushed through northern Germany towards the Danish border until the German surrender. One story had him narrowly escaping death as he leapt out in front of a column of American tanks, shouting that the war was over. More locally, he enjoyed recalling his bemusement a fortnight after arriving in Monkton when stopped by the Second Master as he was about to drive into Bath to top up on toiletries to be informed that trips into Bath were for the holidays, not term time. Philip’s involvement in the life of the School was such that it did not leave much time for the extracurricular. But he enjoyed a good read and he was a high quality bridge player; the Librarian’s office, tucked away as it was, served as a refuge for a few hands whenever an opportunity presented itself. He enjoyed a good party (only during the holidays, of course!) and he and Tim were convivial hosts at Combe Grange (sangria in the summer, claret in the colder months). He retired to Leigh-onMendip in the summer of 1984, but kept in touch with the Common Room for some years, either in person or through his alter ego, the Rev. Bertie Halfshaft, with sepia-tinted postcards from the nether regions of the Commonwealth (or Empire, as Bertie liked to call it). Philip kept everyone amused, even in retirement, and his memory lives on in all those lucky enough to have known him.
In memoriam
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THOMAS RICHARDS (43) Dr Tom, as he was known, was born on 8th August 1925 near Vienna (born Kurt Martin Spörr), one of 2 boys. He was very much a self-made man being sent to School in England at a young age without parents here. He learned the language and developed the desire to help others from an early age. He was very intelligent, hardworking, good at sport and a private individual with a mischievous sense of humour. He studied medicine at St Thomas’s Hospital London where he graduated in 1954, gaining the Lord Riddell special surgery prize (Obstetrics) in 1952. He regularly played hockey, tennis and squash for the hospital, which stood him in good stead when looking for a place to settle and become a town GP. He had also been in the army and a ship’s surgeon for a while and settled in England where he married Ruth Richards in April 1961. As with many doctors he did locum work in a variety of places in England and abroad, one of them being Haslemere, Surrey where he was quickly embraced by the local practice. Apart from excellent references both medically and from a sport perspective, he had specialised in Obstetrics & Gynaecology so
“ He was very intelligent, hard-working, good at sport and a private individual with a mischievous sense of humour.”
became the “go to” doctor for deliveries as no other local doctor at that time had that level of skill. Sport was an important part of medical social life and the town and GP practice quickly took advantage of his talents. Many local people were brought into the world by Tom and he practised in Haslemere out of Well Lane House before commissioning what is now called the Haslemere Health Centre where he was Senior Partner for many years. As the town grew and the NHS changed, the practice needed to evolve to be able to maintain quality care for its residents and so The Health Centre came into being offering a wide range of care to save residents having to travel further afield. Tom was always very modest about his many achievements, probably due to his early upbringing and always strived to be accepted, liked and quietly respected for his dedication and care of patients and general work for the benefit of the town. He had a number of articles published in the Lancet and British Medical Journal over his professional career. He was always looking to improve his own and general medical understanding for patients and fighting the corner of anyone he felt needed support or to be heard. He retired from General Practice in 1990 but retained his key medical interest and dedication to helping those around him. Apart from Well Lane House, and subsequently, The Health Centre, he had consulting rooms at the family home and would go out or see patients day or night. As part of his work locally, he also worked as a GP for the army in Bordon, The Holy Cross and Haslemere
Hospitals and he was on a number of committees including The League of Friends. He supported the museum, National Trust and various other medical and animal welfare and planet protection related charities and strived to further the development of the town and the quality of the provision of its services to its local residents being a Haslemere resident for the best part of 60 years. He was a loving husband, adored father and grandfather and leaves his wife Ruth, 2 children Keith and Sara and 5 Grandchildren. Following a struggle over the last few years with Dementia, Dr Richards sadly passed away on his 92nd birthday. A memorial bench has been placed at Haslemere Health Centre and we are sure he would have liked the thought of continuing to help patients by providing a resting place for them whilst waiting to see the doctor.
In memoriam
Michael Mortimore (55) died on the 9th September 2017. Born in Bermuda in 1937 Michael started his education on Ascension Island and then attended Monkton from 1948 to 1955. Following National Service, he attended the University of Leeds where he studied Geography gaining a BA in 1960 and an MA 1962. There he met his wife, Julia. He left the UK in 1962 to become a lecturer in Nigeria. Michael was an academic throughout his life spending 25 years working in Nigerian universities lecturing in geography and researching the African drylands. Eventually returning to the UK he continued his research studies as a Senior Research Associate in the Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, the Overseas Development Institute in London, and as an Honorary Fellow of the Centre of West African Studies, University of Birmingham.
“ Michael was an academic throughout his life spending 25 years working in Nigerian universities lecturing in geography and researching the African drylands.” Michael was a partner of a policy consultancy in the 1990s in Dryland Research. He was an Honorary Senior Fellow at the University of Melbourne, Australia. He was a consultant for DFID, CIFOR, the UNCCD, DANIDA, the Natural Environment Research Council, and the Drylands Development Centre in Kano and he remained a frequent visitor to Nigeria.
George Buchanan (54) died on the 30th April 2018 after an 8 week stay in hospital. George attended King’s College, Newcastle after leaving Monkton to study Marine Engineering and then joined the Merchant Navy as an engineering officer. Later he worked for Yarrows shipbuilders and became General Manager. He was also Director of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology retiring in 2003.
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Michael Nicholas (59) died on the 3rd October 2017. He was a member of Grange House but moved to Hill House when it was formed. He attended the Senior School from 1955–1959. His uncle taught at the Junior School.
“ After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant he joined the International Nickel Company (INCO) in London in 1965.” After leaving School, Mike was articled to Deloitte, Plender Griffiths & Co in Cardiff. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant he joined the International Nickel Company (INCO) in London in 1965. He married Elizabeth Rhys-Davies in 1969 and was appointed Finance Director of the INCO plant in Hereford in 1971. In 1976 he was made Financial Director of INCO’s plant at Clydach Refinery, Swansea. He was appointed Financial Director of INCO Europe in 1990 and retired in 1999. Mike and Elizabeth had 6 children and 12 grandchildren.
In memoriam
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Roger Wingate (60) died in May 2018 after fighting with lymphoma for some four years. He was brother to Nigel Wingate (58) At Monkton he was in the 1st VIII in 1959/1960. He went to Northampton CAT (now The City University) to study dispensing optics and qualified FBDO. He followed an apprenticeship in manufacturing optics with Lever Bros. in London and completed his dispensing practical experience with Clement Clarke in Wigmore Street. He joined the family optical firm, Melson Wingate Ltd, in Bournemouth and became particularly involved with its factory and prescription laboratory. He became the company’s buyer and visited various parts of the world in search of spectacle frames. He retired early and enjoyed extensive sailing trips in a succession of his yachts. Apart from the Mediterranean he cruised around the Caribbean, up the east coast of the USA and eventually kept the yacht in Turkey. His other great love was skiing. He had a chalet in Switzerland and also regularly enjoyed heli-skiing in the Rockies, surviving an avalanche on one occasion. He eventually achieved a million feet drop. He leaves a son and daughter and four grandchildren.
David Mervyn GilbartSmith (61) passed away on the 28th November 2018 in St Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver BC aged 74. Born in London in 1943, Mervyn was the eldest son of the late Oliver and Doris Gilbart-Smith and eldest brother of Brian (Bertie) and Denham and uncle to seven nephews and nieces.
“ He enjoyed cycling England, hiking the world, traveling the Amazon...” Mervyn attended Great Walstead Preparatory School (Sussex 1951–1958) and Monkton Combe School from 1958–1960. Before receiving a mining engineering degree from Camborne School of Mines in Cornwall, England (1965–1968). He enjoyed cycling England, hiking the world, traveling the Amazon and planting Douglas Firs on Vancouver Island when visiting the relatives in British Columbia. Afterward Mervyn worked for Libanon Gold Mine of Consolidated Goldfields, South Africa and Britannia Mine, Howe Sound. In 1974, Mervyn established and operated a Duraclean franchise in Vancouver until his death. Mervyn loved motorcycling and mountain climbing, dog sledging and British sports cars, fine art and Shakespearean theatre; and stamp collecting. He was a keen supporter of Bard on the Beach, member of the Churchill Society of British Columbia, Aston Martin Owner’s Club and St John’s Anglican Church.
Andrew Hooper (66) QC died peacefully at home on the 25th July 2018 aged 69. Andrew was a solicitor and Queens counsel a rare combination. He was the youngest ever appointed coroner in South Glamorgan in 1977. He was appointed silk in 2001, the first solicitor Silk to be appointed and the first outside the city of London. He first acted for a solicitor before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal in 1975 and for many years acted for the Law Society in disciplinary and regulatory proceedings. He was regarded by many as the foremost expert of his generation on the law and practice related to the regulation of solicitors.
In memoriam
Adrian Pollock (61) died on Thursday, 21st June, 2018 aged 74 at his home, with his wife and two sons by his side. “Adrian’s arrival at the Senior School in 1956 was propitiously straight into IVA and thus the scene was set for a stunning career which he pioneeringly developed into enabling significant worldwide practical application of acoustic emissions as a non-destructive testing method of materials deforming under stress. This particularly caught the attention of The Boeing Company, the MoD, and bridge builders. In 1958 Adrian collected 8 O levels followed in 1960 by A Level Distinctions in Maths, Physics and Chemistry, and in 1961 from the Upper Sixth adding an A Level Distinction in Music, and German. He proceeded with an Open Science Exhibition to Queens’ College, Cambridge departing thence in 1964 with a 2.1, to Imperial College, London, to collect his PhD in solid state physics in 1968. Actively participating in the Swinging Sixties, he, with an IC colleague, developed the sideline of a light-sound synchroniser which, with the most powerful
“ His colleagues speak warmly of his interest, kindness and willingness to assist, his ready, slightly quizzical smile, and his patient teaching.”
strobe light then in the UK, plus other lighting effects, proved to be useful, (although certainly not financially rewarding), for gigs at Ox-Cam College Balls, Top of the Pops, Disco 2, et al on television. He joined Cambridge Consultants for 4 years, and in the mid-1970s moved to the USA. Professorship came. In the years following 1985 he worked with Mistras Group as Principal Scientist. His colleagues speak warmly of his interest, kindness and willingness to assist, his ready, slightly quizzical smile, and his patient teaching. He became an active parishioner at St Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Yardley, PA. Not retiring, he took leave of absence in March 2018, but did not return to his life-long work as prostate and bone cancer wreaked its way. His widow, Jane, and two sons hold gladly his instilled guidance, as they boldly go forward without their ‘Complex Adrian’.” John Masters (62)
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Timothy Carter (72) died in May 2018. Timothy attended both the Junior and Senior Schools at Monkton and played for the 2nd X! (Hockey). After leaving Monkton he studied at Somerset College of Art and then worked as a Graphic Designer in Bristol.
Gavin Bonnet (80) passed away on 1st June 2017 after a brave, long and hard fight against leukaemia. Gavin was at Monkton Junior School from September 1970 and then moved to the Senior School until June 1980. He was in Grove House with Mr Peter Sibley. (His younger brother, Tim, was a year behind him at both Schools.) Gavin took a Business Studies degree and worked in the City before becoming a Head Hunter, mainly appointing candidates in the financial sector. He became a Roman Catholic when he married Rachel in 1998. His funeral was conducted by Archbishop Paul Gallagher in Westminster Cathedral and was attended by members of his family and some six hundred friends and colleagues. He leaves his wife, Rachel, and three children, Emily (16), Tommy (14) and George (9).
In memoriam
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Robin Bagnall-Oakeley (84) “ He also had a Robin’s death on 23rd March 2018 was sudden and accidental and came soon after the death of his father, Michael Bagnall-Oakeley (1949), on 20th February 2018.
Robin was born in Wokingham in 1966 and spent 2 years of his early childhood in Australia where his father was on an exchange posting with the Australian Army. He entered Monkton Combe Junior School as a boarder in 1974. From 1975, School holidays were in Northern Ireland until his father left the Army in 1978. With his parents settling in the valley, Robin became a day boy. At the Senior School, he was an athlete, a keen cyclist and captain of the cross country running team. He also had a formidable memory: he was known for his knowledge of the London Underground and, if tested, could recite all the stations between A to Z in the right order and with the right line changes. In 1985, he matriculated as an undergraduate at Emmanuel College to read Geography at Cambridge University. Two terms later, mental illness forced him to abandon his studies. He returned to Monkton Combe where he lived until his death.
formidable memory: he was known for his knowledge of the London Underground and, if tested, could recite all the stations between A to Z in the right order and with the right line changes.” His illness was pernicious and debilitating, significantly reducing his contact with the wider world for 32 years. Yet, sustained by a regular pint of Guinness, he quietly maintained an interest in athletics, the Beatles, and world events. He also retained his ability to mop up information like a sponge. Occasional forays into Bath would see him return with a pile of books on philosophy, theology, economics, history and politics. Like his family, Waterstones will miss him.
Matthew Colborn (06) died unexpectedly on 8th Feb 2018. He joined MCJS in 1997, going on to board in Grove House at the Senior School four years later. Academically gifted, he developed a keen interest in chemistry which he went on to read at Manchester University. Matt’s career following university was colourful and varied. He made a big impact in his Gloucestershire community and made many good friends, not least his beloved girlfriend, Tasmin. A talented drummer, he loved nothing more than to jam with brother Rob, or walk his dog, Reuben, named after his favourite F1 driver – a sport for which he held a passion. Matt was well known for his influential charisma – he loved to debate, and would speak ardently but sensitively, traits that were honed in Monkton’s Clark Society. He had a profound sense of right and wrong, and would never shy away from offering his opinion. His sharp humour was formidable but always good natured, and he saw humour in the least expected of situations. Always loyal, he would always be on hand to comfort and counsel. Matt will forever be remembered by those who knew him best – his parents Hugh & Jill, Rob, Tasmin, close friends and of course the countless people whose lives he touched.
In memoriam
HON OMS Elizabeth Chorley 1933–2018 passed away on 2nd March 2018. Elizabeth was appointed Head of Glenburnie in 1964 by Bryan Morris. For the next 22 years, until her retirement, she made Glen a safe and happy environment for all: for the small children she taught, for the maintenance and domestic team and for her fellow teachers. The result was a united Christian family. The Glen boarders (the 8 year olds from the Junior School) loved the tea and toast in ‘Miss Humber’s Room‘ at weekends knowing she was a safe haven when far from home. Elizabeth’s artistic and creative gifts were shared with both the children and the wider community. The flowers in
Chapel, for Prize Day and all big occasions were entrusted to her. She designed and worked the kneelers in Chapel. The myriad costumes for the Nativity Play were made, altered and adapted by her. When her pupils entered the Junior School they were always well-prepared and well-mannered, for her standards were very high. It was a great joy when Elizabeth married Peter Chorley, the Assistant Bursar and she became Mrs Chorley. For her leaving celebration she chose a picnic with her pupils – not some grand party – but on the grass surrounded by the small children to whom she always gave her love her knowledge and her joy. (Tribute by Deirdre Greenshields).
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FORMER GOVERNOR Professor Sam Berry died in April 2018. One of the most eminent biologists of his generation, and widely known as a Christian apologist. He held the chair in genetics at University College, London, from 1974 to 2000. Professor Berry grew up in Preston ware he attended Shrewsbury School. From here he went up to Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, and was active in the CICCU (Cambridge Inter-Collegiate Christian Union). Through this he met Oliver Barclay, a zoologist working for the InterVarsity Fellowship, and was drawn into Barclay’s network of what would become Christians in Science. Sam was a popular speaker in Christian Unions, and part of the awakening of Christian responsibility for the environment, which emerged in the 1970s.
Giles Wakeling (Hon OM) died suddenly on 5th March 2018. Giles taught Physics and led Cadet activities and games lessons from 1988 to 1995. He was also Deputy House Master of Hill House from 1995 to 1996 following his early retirement. He went on to manage the office of the African Pastors’ Fellowship, then the office of the Church of the Ascension, Balham Hill and Holy Trinity Tooting, as well as The Friendly Almshouses. Following his final retirement, he helped to run the office of Kidlington Baptist Church.
“ Giles taught Physics and led Cadet activities and games lessons from 1988 to 1995.”
In memoriam
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Many have commented on Pat as a teacher who made mathematics both accessible and enjoyable. From the lips of one past pupil: “I remember her lessons fondly – hadn’t liked Maths before”.
Irene Perronet Philips née MacLellan died on 20th November, 2016, aged 92. Irene was a pupil at Malvern, in the late 30s early 40s, following her elder sister, Elizabeth, and accompanied by her younger sister, Rosemary. After becoming Head Girl she then stayed on to assist with teaching during the War, beyond the normal leaving age. She then attended St Andrews University, graduating with an MA in 1948.
“ At some point, her pupils included the grand-daughters of Haile Selassie.” She returned to Clarendon, by then at Kinmel Hall, for a further year or so, in a teaching role, prior to her marriage in September 1949. At some point, her pupils included the grand-daughters of Haile Selassie. She maintained a great interest in Clarendon and, indeed, visited Monkton with her sister, Rosemary Bird, who died on 23rd January, 2016.
PAT MOSS Pat Moss former teacher at Clarendon Girls’ School passed away on Monday 12th March 2018. As a schoolgirl Pat was a member of a Girl Crusaders’ Union Bible class and later served as a camp officer at several GCU “camps” – camps held on boarding school premises during school holidays. It was at one of these camps, held at Clarendon School for Girls in N. Wales, that Pat was heard to say that she would not ever want to TEACH in a boarding school: the Lord, her Lord, had other plans! Within a few years she was called and appointed to teach mathematics and be a housemistress at that very same school. Whilst teaching and resident at Clarendon, Pat maintained her links with Crusaders. Both in Abergele and when the School relocated to Bedford, she held a Bible class for Lone Crusaders on Sunday afternoons. She held the informal gatherings in her own room, a bed-sit which was always a delight to visit – it was an absolute treasure trove of gadgets and knick-knacks. One of her past pupils commented recently “A kind and caring lady who made the book of Acts come alive.”
Pat was appreciated not just for her teaching but as a person. Past colleagues and pupils have spoken of her “infectious smile”, of her “kindest of temperaments”, of her “love, patience and generosity”. Her colleagues were aware that she always saw the best in pupils. “That’s not like her”, coupled with a genuinely puzzled look, was her oft heard observation on someone who was in trouble. Pat had a nice sense of humour too and was eminently “teasable”. She was an enthusiastic birdwatcher. The girls could not escape the knowledge as she was often seen pacing the School grounds with field glasses in hand. One Saturday evening the Sixth Form laid on entertainment which featured a sketch in which one of them, clad in Pat’s borrowed skirt and waistcoat, tramped across the stage with binoculars to her eyes and let out a delighted shriek of “It’s an albatross!” The School loved it and so did Pat. As a good and faithful servant of Jesus Christ she never missed an opportunity to share her knowledge of Him. Her Christmas letters were a spiritual tonic up to the very last. “Kindness was her language. Heaven welcomes a true angel. Our loss is heaven’s gain”. (Recent tribute on Facebook). Tribute by Jean Howell Clarendon Headmistress 1978–1992.
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2018 leavers’ service
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