ON Magzine - Winter 2024

MAGAZINE

WINTER 2024

elcome to the ON Magazine: A Year of Challenges, Triumphs and Transition Dear Old Nottinghamians, MAGAZINE

WINTER 2024

As another year draws to a close, we reflect on the events, achievements and challenges that have shaped our school. It has been a period of change, resilience and progress, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share this update with you.

This past year has tested the School in many ways. Government policy changes, including the imposition of VAT on school fees and adjustments to Business Rate Relief and National Insurance, have created significant financial pressures. These decisions have impacted our families and we’ve already seen some tough choices being made. Despite these challenges, the School’s financial position remains strong, and we are committed to ensuring that we continue to provide an exceptional education for all our students.

Kevin Fear, Headmaster

Amidst these trials, there is much to celebrate. Academically, we have enjoyed one of our strongest years yet. Ranked 40th nationally in A-Level league tables and achieving our best-ever GCSE results, which placed us 32nd nationally, the School continues to surpass its own high standards. It is a testament to the dedication of our students and staff that we consistently build on our successes year after year.

Our excellence extends beyond the classroom. The Independent Schools’ Inspectorate commended us for our compliance, student achievements and the high quality of our teaching and pastoral care.

Sam Ellis, Deborah Penney, (L-R) Sam Ellis Fundraising and Alumni Relations Manager ellis.s@nottinghamhigh.co.uk

Deborah Penney Alumni Relations Officer penney.d@nottinghamhigh.co.uk

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The evolution of Nottingham High School over the years since I took on the role of Headmaster in April 2007 has been profound. From the introduction of co-education to the establishment of trail-blazing pastoral care initiatives, such as our Wellbeing Centre, the School has transformed into a modern, inclusive school while maintaining its core values. The steady rise in pupil numbers, now at its highest level ever and the addition of new facilities showcase our continued commitment to growth and innovation.

Looking ahead, our Development Office remains focused on securing gifts for the School. Thanks to the generosity of the Old Nottinghamian community, we raised nearly £290,000 in 2023-2024 which helps us to deliver a bursary

programme that currently supports one in eight students in the School today.

In the coming year, we aim to increase this to £500,000 in recognition that more expensive fees will mean it is harder for more people to pay fees, ensuring that access to education remains a priority.

Contents

As the following pages show, the ON community continues to thrive and to play an integral role in maintaining the School’s spirit. Reunions celebrating milestone decades have been a resounding success, reconnecting former students with their contemporaries. We’ve seen an increasing number of visitors to the School and our extensive events programme, including the Carol Service, the London Dinner and the Cambridge Dinner, highlight the vibrant relationships we all enjoy and benefit from.

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| Welcome and Contents

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| School News - Speech Day

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| School News - Remembrance Service

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| School News - The Library

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| ReuniONs

On a personal note, this is a year of transition for me as well. After 17 years as Headmaster, I will retire in August 2025. I am filled with immense pride for how the School has grown and for the relationships built along the way. It has been the privilege of my life to serve this extraordinary community. As I prepare to hand over to Andrew Holman, a trusted colleague and friend, I am confident that the School will continue to thrive under his leadership.

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| Calendar of Events

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| Congratulations - Mark and Kamala

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| Summer Ball - Save The Date

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| Staff Spotlight

Thank you for your unwavering support and I hope to see many of you at the upcoming ON events.

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| Old Nottinghamian Network

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| Legacies/Donation Form

I wish you and your families a peaceful Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year.

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| ON Community Notice Board

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| Ten Years of Girls at Nottingham High School

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| Careers Week

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| Where Are You Now? - Carl Elston

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| Where Are You Now? - Matt RobynsLandricombe

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| Where Are You Now? - Tom Downey

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| Where Are You Now? - Simon Prest

Kevin Fear, Headmaster

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26-27 | Where Are You Now? - Bill Leveritt 28-29 | ReflectiONs - Reverend Nick Bralesford

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| ReflectiONs - Bob Marding

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| ReflectiONs - Brian Earl

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| In Memoriam Old Nottinghamians | 3

School News Speech Day - 10th September 2024 Nottingham High School Speech Day is a true celebration of our whole school community and our ethos.

As well as the distribution of prizes we also heard reports from students about the Wellbeing Centre, academic success and mentoring students and the hockey tour which took place during the summer. This was followed by a musical interlude of a medley of songs from the musical Chicago.

Representatives of Maples’ House were presented with the Wheeler Cup.

Our guest speaker this year was Scotty Mills. Scotty has served the United Kingdom and led Britain’s Commandos around the globe as a Commando ‘Green Beret’ Officer. He led a team of recovery specialists who were responsible for rebuilding the lives of hundreds of battle-scarred physically and mentally broken injured service people across all four Armed Forces.

Scotty also took time after the event to meet some of the students.

Scotty Mills

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This year a performance was given by the cast of the musical Chicago.

School News On the 11th November, the school community gathered to honour and remember those who have died in wars or conflicts, particularly those who had attended Nottingham High School.

Claire Daly, Head of History, gave an address exploring ‘the forgotten of the forgotten’ of World War One – the ninety-five thousand Chinese farm labourers, who volunteered to leave their remote villages and work for Britain in the First World War as part of the Chinese Labour Corps.

The contribution made by the Chinese Labour Corps was barely recognised at the end of the war in 1918, and has been practically obliterated since. There is no tribute to them among Britain’s forty thousand war memorials. Indeed, there are no descendants in Britain because they were refused any right to settle after the war and many of the records of their service were destroyed in the Blitz of the Second World War. So, why were Chinese men recruited to work for Britain during the First World War and what happened to them?

For the full reading, please go to on.nottinghamhigh.co.uk/news Wreaths were placed by the Chair of Governors, Steve Banks, Head Boy William and Head Girl Bea, CCF representative Ben and Phil Renshaw (ON 1967-1974) on behalf of the Old Nottinghamian Community.

The Last Post was played by Year 11 student Alex.

Phil Lovett (ON 1969-1979) was very pleased to be afforded the opportunity to lay a Remembrance wreath on behalf of Dame Agnes Mellers Lodge at the School War Memorial on Monday 11th November.

“It was great to be back at the School after quite a long absence. I was greeted warmly by Deborah and Sam and joined with David Wild (ON 1964-1974) and Geri Thomas, both of whom I had not seen for many years.

Dame Agnes Mellers Lodge was consecrated on the 18th May 1911 and was for much of its 113-year year history a ‘closed’ lodge with membership coming from Old Nottinghamians and masters of the School. This criterion was broadened to a wider familial association with the School in the 1960s and the Lodge became ‘open’ some 15 years later. The Lodge currently has 34 members with a third of that number being Old Nottinghamians.

The Lodge was founded by 15 Old Nottinghamians many of whom were members of Duke of Portland Lodge which became our sponsor lodge, with which we still have close ties.

The Lodge has for the last two years been a member of the Federation of School Lodges, which provides the opportunity for those Lodge members with an interest and connections to the School to meet with freemasons from around England and Wales with similar ties to their alma mater”.

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Remembrance Service

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School News

The Library

Key dates The Parker Bequest of around 19 books in the eighteenth century.

1933 - When the conversion began of the great West School into a library of 8000 books with tables and bays for private study and a librarian’s room in light oak.

1954 - R.S. Bridge’s re-founding and enlarging of the library in 1954 with much of his own personal collection and integration of school archive materials and local history.

1971 - Insertion of a floor in the West School to facilitate the Headmaster’s offices at reception level with the library above, the same light oak fittings a little darker by then, the narrow upper room used variously as sixth form study and careers, large team of pupil Librarians cataloguing collection overseen by DJ Peters.

1986 - Refurbishment with metal shelving, individual study carrels, and some soft seating managed by the School’s first professional librarian, Marilyn Clarke and William Ruff (formerly Head of English). Start of formal organisation of archive materials.

2003 - Total refurbishment of the library with replacement of 1933 oak panelling and fittings with light wooden tables and bookcases. A reception desk and extension into two classrooms on the east side to create a less formal Lower School Library with space for reading and research lessons. Desk top computers.

2024 - Refurbishment of Upper School Library.

We are delighted to announce that with effect from January 2025 the School’s archivist, Yvette Gunther will be joining our team!

Yvette comes to us with more than 16 years of experience at the School having previously been responsible for both the Nottingham High School Library and the Archive. We are excited about the fresh perspectives she will bring and in particular the implementation of the digital archive.

In her new role, Yvette will also be responsible for ensuring that the past is preserved and accessible, helping our school community maintain a tangible link to their history. We are confident that her contributions will be invaluable in helping us achieve our goals and furthering our mission.

Please join us in welcoming Yvette. With her wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm, we are excited about the impact she will undoubtedly make in the Development Office.

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ReuniONs

“It was such a memorable few hours, and ultimately quite emotional.

Where have all those years gone? The school looked amazing, and its current pupils are blessed to be taught in such an environment and it’s a testament to all its staff as well for their hard work. The school is a far better school than when I left.”

Nick Greene (ON 1977-1984)

Class Of 2004

“Thanks to you and others for making Saturday such a great success.

I have seen only one of my 1964 group in the last 60 years, so it was wonderful to see a few more. All grey-, white- or no-haired, but still kicking . . .”

Michael McCullough (ON 1956-1964) “I just wanted to take the opportunity to say a massive thank you for organising yesterday. Both yourself and Geri did an excellent job and it was a wonderfully nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Thank you once again for a lovely day.”

Parag Oza (ON 1977-1984)

“It was a splendid day very well led. It was wonderful to see all the changes that have been made, today’s students are very fortunate.

For me it was a very special day as I met up with Brian Andrews who was my best friend at school.”

Hugh Smith (ON 1957-1964)

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Class of 1964 and 1984 Reunion

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Events Calendar We look forward to seeing you in 2025!

ON Society Beeston Fields Lunch To book email: secretary@ old-nottinghamians-society.org

ON Cambridge Dinner Jesus College, Cambridge

Class of 1995 and 2005 Nottingham High School

Class of 1987 Reunion Nottingham High School

Founder’s Day Service and Cheese and Ale Ceremony St Mary’s Church in the Lace Market and after at Nottingham High School

Class of 1985 Reunion Nottingham High School

For further information and to book for all of our events, please go to our new platform on.nottinghamhigh.co.uk 8 |8Old | Old Nottinghamians Nottinghamians

Old Nottinghamians’ Society President’s Dinner 2025

Regional Dinners Set in a local restaurant, our regional dinners are informal get-togethers.

Birmingham Bristol Edinburgh Leeds Newcastle Sheffield To register your interest, scan the QR code or call 0115 8452208 to book your place.

Saturday 22nd March in the Dining Hall at Nottingham High School Guest speakers: Steve Banks, Chair of the Governors Tom Cartledge (ON 1987-1997), Director, Nottingham Forest Football Club The President’s Dinner is our flagship event. President David Nettleton invites all ONs, partners and guests to what promises to be an enjoyable evening of good food and fellowship, bringing together the traditions of the Society and the surroundings of our old School. We welcome year groups holding reunions, families, groups of friends, single bookings. There will be a short tour of the School at 5.45pm prior to the dinner with limited numbers.

Reception at 6.30pm for dinner at 7.30pm Dress code black tie or lounge suits if preferred Price £60.00 per person Please use the QR code or this link to make your bookings: https://old-nottinghamians-society.org/product/ presidents-dinner-2025/

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Formed in 1902 the Old Nottinghamians Society is a fellowship of former pupils, staff, employees and governors of Nottingham High School.

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Congratulations Mark and Kamala!

Saturday 13th July 2024 saw the first ever wedding held at the School when School Governor and former pupil Mark Dillon (ON 1973-1980) married Operations Manager and former Development Manager, Kamala Newton, in front of several hundred guests.

A transformed Player Hall and Dining Room proved to be perfect settings for the civil ceremony and wedding breakfast respectively, whilst the School’s well-manicured lawns were put to good use as the venue for both lunch and a full programme of outdoor activities.

A wedding blessing ceremony was also held at nearby All Saints Church on Raleigh Street with guests processing to and from the church to the accompaniment of bagpipes!

Former pupils attending included the following. John Pearce (ON 1953-1958) and wife

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Sara; Professor Simon Maxwell (ON 1970-1980) and wife Dr Kate Maxwell; Keith Smithson (ON 1973-1980) and wife Liz; John Pay (1973-1980) and wife Alison Macro; Pete Kelsey (ON 1973-1980) and partner Kathryn Marks; Richard Townsend (ON 1973-1980) and wife Moira; Mark Shardlow (ON 1973-1980); Mike Smith (ON 1973-1980); Al Turnbull (ON 1985-1993), wife Charlie and family, Navdeep Sethi (ON 1990-1997), wife Gunmeet and boys (Hukam and Bachan).

School Governor Basheera Hanslo and husband Yusuf also

attended, together with many members of the School staff.

Mark and Kamala would like to give their heartfelt thanks to the many members of the School community who helped make the day such a memorable and special one, with particular thanks going to wedding coordinator extraordinaire Laura Grocock, Col and his amazing catering team and Clare Sneddon for designing the Order of Service.

They would also like to thank publicly the following students who worked as waiting and bar staff at the wedding –

Sarah, Gauri, Vuyo, Jayeola, Frankie and Kaavya (now ONs), and Bea, Georgie, Aditi, Ish, Krish, Akhil and Jack (now Year 13s). We received many positive comments about their politeness, good manners and general helpfulness.

If you would like to explore the possibility of holding a wedding or other event at the School please do contact: Laura Grocock at bookings@nottinghamhigh. co.uk

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Nottingham High School invites you to ‘Save the Date’ for its summer Ball to celebrate in style with Kevin Fear on his retirement, to mark his 25 years of service to the School.

Further information and tickets sales will be sent out in January 2025 when we expect the event to sell out quickly. We look forward to seeing you all there!

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Staff Spotlight - Artie Smith

Artie Smith is a Teacher of Mathematics; Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine Applicant Coordinator; formerly Head of Mellers’ House. He tells us about his experience of teaching in Kenya before he joined Nottingham High School.

Having finished my maths degree at Oxford, I was in the process of applying for a PhD when a former teacher of mine, who was now the Headmaster of a school in Kenya, offered me a job as a maths teacher. Many of my school friends had taken gap years and raved about their travels and experiences, so I was keen for an adventure of my own having gone straight to university from school. I had never really considered teaching as a profession before this, but this seemed like an exciting opportunity, and I quickly learned that I enjoyed helping youngsters achieve their goals, and sharing my enjoyment of Mathematics; and that I loved travelling and wildlife.

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I worked at Greensteds School, in Nakuru. My classroom had a chalkboard, and a tin roof – which wasn’t great during the rainy season when it would rain heavily (and rather noisily) throughout the entire of the last lesson of each day – and the mobile network and internet connection were ‘unreliable’ to say the least.

I experienced much of the best Kenya has to offer, from the Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru to the sandy beaches of Mombasa and Lamu; but also saw it at its worst when the 2007/8 election results were disputed which led to a lot of violence, division and uncertainty, and which ended up with us having to evacuate the school for a couple of weeks.

Throughout my time in Kenya I valued the sense of community and inclusivity that is central to its culture, and after a couple of years I was delighted that locally I was no longer referred to as ‘Mzungu’ (white man), but instead ‘Mwalimu’ (teacher). This is why when I came to Nottingham High School for the first time, and I was struck by its sense of community and the diversity of the school body, I felt it might be a good fit for me.

Artie in Kenya

Staff Spotlight - Ian Jones At the end of November we said farewell to Ian Jones who retired after 37 years at Nottingham High School.

Ian’s dedication through his work maintaining the grounds at Valley Road and the Senior School has been appreciated by generations of students, staff and parents, as well as external visitors. In 2015, to mark the centenary of rugby at Nottingham High School, an award from the English School RFU, recognising the quality of pitches at Valley Road, was received on behalf of the School by Ian. In 2022, Ian applied to the Woodland Trust for the School to take part in the planting scheme they were running; to to our sports fixtures. Despite the plant one million trees country wide. Ian challenges of the weather he is always started to plant these at the Valley Road a positive and friendly face at the sports field, in the top car park, with a field and above all has cared deeply about providing our students with the plan to eventually plant them on the best possible facilities. I have always front lawned areas at the main School appreciated his support and I wish site. him well for his retirement, he will be Ian has also planted a number of sorely missed.” memorial trees both at Valley Road and on the main site in memory of members Geri Thomas (former teacher of Biology and Rugby) says: “I have of the School community. known many ground staff at Valley Over the years, several senior royals Road, Ian stands out as exceptionally have landed at Valley Road for their dedicated and professional. It’s visits to Nottingham and Ian has been wonderful how the grounds always responsible for preparing the site for look in fine condition, despite the these to take place. weather and the demands. It’s Kevin Fear recently paid his own tribute. notable that Ian was given a special “Ian is well-known to so many of you award by the RFU in recognition of for the warm welcome he so often gives

the exceptional standard of rugby pitches produced, over many years, for England Schools’ Final and Regional Trials. Ian has been a fine ambassador for the School in his dealings with parents. Many will join me in thanking Ian and wishing him well in his retirement.”

Ian, we wish you all the best in this new chapter and hope you enjoy every moment of your well-earned retirement.

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Head Groundsman Ian Jones retires after 37 years.

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Old Nottinghamian Network We’re excited to introduce our brand-new alumni platform, designed to keep you connected and engaged with the Old Nottinghamian community like never before! By signing up, you’ll gain access to a vibrant community of alumni, exclusive networking opportunities, career resources, event invitations, a digital archive (more to come on this) and much more. Whether you’re looking to mentor the next generation, reconnect with old friends, or advance your career, this platform is your gateway to a wealth of possibilities.

Don’t miss out – scan the QR code and join today. Be a part of something bigger!

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Your legacy: your family, your friends, your old school?

Today, this culture of benevolence is as vital as ever. Through our collective efforts, we can ensure that Nottingham High School continues to be a place where dreams are nurtured, futures are built and lives are enriched.

A Tradition of Giving, A Future of Opportunity Benevolence is at the heart of our story. Since the School’s foundation in 1513, gifts of all sizes have empowered young people to reach their full potential. This generosity has sustained a commitment to inclusion and excellence, enabling Nottingham High School to remain a beacon of opportunity for over 500 years.

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For over five centuries, Nottingham High School has been more than an institution - it has been a community united by shared values and a culture of benevolence. From its earliest days, the School’s mission has been shaped by the generosity of those who believe in the power of education to transform lives. This enduring spirit of giving has created opportunities for countless children, allowing talent and potential, to flourish regardless of financial circumstances.

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Why we need your help Currently, one in eight students at the school receives financial assistance.

These bursaries are not just numbers, they are lifechanging opportunities for children with big dreams and boundless potential. Behind every bursary is a story of transformation: a door opened, a future reimagined and a life forever changed.

1 in 8

receive financial assistance

These students, in turn, contribute immeasurably to our community. They bring diversity, resilience and new perspectives that inspire and enrich the lives of their peers. They embody the School’s core values and carry forward its legacy of excellence, individuality, respect, curiosity and empathy.

Our Shared Challenge

Today, the financial landscape presents new challenges to sustaining this tradition of benevolence. Government policies, including VAT on school fees and the removal of Business Rate Relief, place additional strain on our ability to offer life-changing bursaries. But these challenges also present an opportunity for our community to come together, reaffirm its commitment and ensure no deserving student is left behind.

The Power of Benevolence

As Old Nottinghamians, parents and friends of the School, we have all benefited from the bonds, opportunities and inspiration that Nottingham High School provides. By giving back, we not only honour the generations who came before us but also empower those yet to come.

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A legacy gift reflects this ethos ensuring that Nottingham High School remains a place where ambition is celebrated, talent thrives and barriers are overcome.

How We Can Make a Difference Together Your contribution to the Bursary Fund helps to:

Open Doors:

Provide access to exceptional education for students who need it most.

Foster Community:

Support a school enriched by diversity, inclusion and shared purpose.

Sustain a Legacy:

Uphold a tradition of benevolence that has defined Nottingham High School for generations.

A Call to Action: Let’s Build the Future Together To make a difference please complete the donation form and make a gift today.

If you are considering leaving a legacy to the School please use the same form to let us know. We would really appreciate the opportunity to understand your wishes.

If you would like to discuss any of the above further please contact: Sam Ellis Fundraising and Alumni Relations Manager ellis.s@nottinghamhigh.co.uk 0115 845 2234

Join us in creating a legacy of opportunity and excellence. Together, we can keep Nottingham High School a place where lives are changed and the bonds of community endure.

Donation Form

Name:...................................................................

Address:................................................................ ............................................................................. .............................................................................

Phone:...................................................................

Please complete and return to: The Development Office, Nottingham High School, Waverley Mount, Nottingham, NG7 4ED

Designating your gift

I would like my gift to be allocated to: (please indicate)

Capital/Infrastructure

Single Gift I enclose a cheque/CAF cheque for

I am making a donation of £........................ by bank transfer.

Area of greatest need

Nottingham Smiths Bank,

Regular Gift by Direct Debit

16 South Parade, Nottingham NG12JX Account Name: Nottingham High School

I wish to make a Regular Gift and have completed the Direct Debit instruction overleaf. per month

Dates at NHS:........................................................

£.........…...........

Made payable to ‘Nottingham High School’

Bursary Fund

£....................

Email:....................................................................

per quarter

Sort Code: 56-00-61 per year

Account Number: 00865656

(Payments will start at least one month after the date you sign the Direct Debit instruction overleaf.)

Additional information

I would be happy for my name to be included in the Nottingham High School ‘Roll of Honour’ I would like my gift to remain anonymous I am interested in leaving a legacy to Nottingham High School. Please send me more information

Gift Aid it If you are a UK taxpayer and choose to give using Gift Aid we can reclaim 25p for every £1 that you give, at no extra cost.

I would like Nottingham High School to treat this donation (and any other donations I make from the date of this declaration until I notify you otherwise) as a Gift Aid donation. I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year it is my responsibility to pay any difference.

Signed:.................................................................................................................. Date:.......................................................................

Summer

Please fill in the whole form using a ballpoint pen and send it to: Nottingham High School, Waverley Mount, Nottingham, NG7 4ED

Instruction to your bank or building society to pay by Direct Debit

Bank and building societies may not accept Direct Debit instructions for some types of account

Service User number

Name(s) of account holder(s) ......................................................................................................................................

Bank/building society account number

Branch sort code -

8 5 6 2 1 4 Reference (office use only)

Instruction to your bank or building society -

Name and full postal address of your bank or building society To The Manager ���������������������������������������������������������������� Bank/Building Society Address...................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................... Postcode......................................

Please pay Nottingham High School Direct Debits from the account in this Instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Nottingham High School and, if so, details will be passed electronically

Signature(s).....................................................

Date...............................................................................

This Guarantee should be detached and retained by the payer The Direct Debit Guarantee • This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits.

• If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit, Nottingham High School will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request Nottingham High School to collect payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request.

• If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by Nottingham High School or your bank or building society you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society.

• If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when Nottingham High School ask you to.

• You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.

Nottingham High School is a registered charity in England and Wales (No. 1104251)

Notices

Friends meet up Visit of Alex Westmoreland and family

After having such a great time, they plan to meet up again. If anyone from the Class of 1973 would like to join them let us know and we will put you in touch with Steve.

A huge thank you to Pam Duesbury for her meticulous proof reading skills!

On the 26th July, Alex Westmoreland and his family visited the School from the US. Alex’s father John Westmoreland (ON 1951-1959) sadly passed away in December 2023 and Alex wanted to come and see his father’s old school.

Joe Banbury (ON 2015-2022) and George Renton (ON 2011-2022) decided to enter the Great North Run as they are both entering their final year at Newcastle University. They finished in 1hr 40 mins (credit to Mr Allison, Teacher of PE, for always believing and supporting) You can still support George and Joe at the following link https://ajbellgreatnorthrun2024.enthuse. com/pf/joe-banbury

Happy 90th Birthday!

Michael John Newsome Smith (ON 19421952) celebrated his 90th birthday in October at a gathering with close family and friends. We sent Michael an Old Nottinghamians’ mug, a card from the Headmaster and a copy of his entry from the admissions register from 1942.

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Steve Leeke (ON 1966-1973) wrote to let us know that he and a few of the Class of 1973 had met up. Steve, together with Bill Messom, James Pape, Lindsay Bridgwater and Peter Walker met up to have a tour of the Wembley Stadium, followed by a meal. Whilst Steve had met up with them before on an individual basis, this was the first time they had all been together. Lindsay, who hadn’t seen Bill, James and Peter for 51 years, told how after leaving school he had become, for many years, the resident keyboard player of Black Sabbath alongside Ozzie Osbourne!

Congratulations to Joe and George!

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Ten Years of Girls at Nottingham High School Inspiring the next generation It’s hard to believe that it’s almost ten years since Nottingham High School first opened its doors to girls.

Back in 2015 the course of history was changed forever and you are an inspiration to girl’s currently here at School.

We are keen to catch up with you all and to find out more about your experiences during your time at the School and what you’ve been up to since you left.

Please scan the QR code to let us know what you have been doing!

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Careers Week

As well as introducing students to careers they might not have thought of, our speakers shared their experiences and hopefully helped the students identify the skills they might need to develop and achieve their own career goals.

Simon Crowther (ON 2002-2012) – Founder and CE0, The FPS Group

Harry Frankin (ON 2013-2020)

Harry Frankin (ON 2013-2020) – Creative Graduate at Jaguar Land Rover Tom Gribby (ON 1996-2001) – Director at HOST Talent Group Callum Brewell (ON 2011-2013) – Mechanical Design Engineer at Williams F1 Racing Carl Elston (ON 1983-1990) – Executive Director of Quality at Lotus Cars If you would like to give a careers talk in the future, please contact us at development@ nottinghamhigh.co.uk or register your interest by joining our Old Nottinghamian Network, scan the QR code.

Simon Crowther (ON 2002-2012)

Tom Gribby (ON 1996-2001)

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As our students begin to think about their future and potential opportunities, we would like to thank the ONs below who came in to give a talk about their own careers.

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Where Are You Now?

Carl Elston (ON 1983-1990) two years later moved to Toyota at Burnaston.

I spent a huge amount of time in Japan, the Middle East and the EU, learning my trade and moving up the ranks, before a dream job at Aston Martin in Gaydon.

Cars like the Vantage, DB9, Vanquish, DB11, DBS as well as Zagatos and Lagondas were an honour to work on.

Carl and his brother Kris Having been asked to put together a 500-word summary on my time at Waverley Mount and career thereafter, it felt a little like being given some homework by Mr Curtis!

Having been at a primary school in Eastwood, Kris (my brother) and I were lucky enough to get the opportunity to move to either Trent College or Nottingham High School. This was an easy choice after visiting the school and also seeing familiar faces through my favourite sport of hockey (Guy Gisbourne and Simon Downer) and another colleague from my primary school, Steve Holland.

Being in Mellers’ (still have the tie!) I don’t think we were ever the winners of the house cup throughout my time there, but I am proud to be in the house named after the founder.

My time during this period allowed me to be part of the rugby team, hockey team, get my Silver DofE and go on a Mediterranean school cruise with the likes of Mark Astle and Jeff Gilliam. In addition, I joined the CCF cadets (RAF) and was always the first to put my hand up to fly Chipmunks at RAF Newton or go down the shooting range rather than march around the yard!

After finishing school with 3 A Levels in Maths, Physics and Chemistry, I ended up at Bradford University with Phil Poole and Pete Harwood, to study Mechanical Engineering. I had a great time there and spent time in industry including a stint at the British Gas R&D Centre in Newcastle, as well as learning how to drink and DJ!

I was also lucky enough to meet Prince Philip in March 1984, when he opened the science block, but also remember Ed Davey being the head boy that year and being told off once by Ed Balls for running in the corridor!

Sadly, in 1994, there was a recession in the UK, and so I spent time behind a bar in London, until things picked up, and got my first gig at the Honda manufacturing plant in Swindon, and

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Interestingly, at Honda, Toyota and Aston Martin, I ended up working closely with my brother Kris to the point that we sometimes go on holiday together.

I now live in Stratford-Upon-Avon with my wife and have two children, my eldest son being at Nottingham Trent University studying Business! And I have been lucky enough to become an Executive Director at Lotus Cars. (Yes its based in Norfolk, and yes it’s a long journey every Monday morning).

I have also been invited back to the school on a few occasions to support the careers evenings. As soon as I walked into the place, the smell was the same as it was in the 1980’s, and memories flooded back, though everything felt a lot smaller than I remembered.

Looking forward to returning soon!

Kris Elston, Steve Holland, Carl Elston

Where Are You Now?

Matt Robyns-Landricombe (ON 2019-2021)

Thanks to the amazing support and encouragement of my teachers (huge shoutouts to Dr Burton, Ms Nicholson, Mr Beattie, Ms Daly and more), I got into Oxford to study French, and I started there in October 2021. It was a dream come true to start my studies here, and I remember being amazed by the old architecture and traditions (some of which I find less entertaining now – like having to wear a full suit and gown to take an exam)…

As much as I loved French Literature, I always knew that an academic career was not for me – and so in my first year, I began to work part time as a content editor for a tech investment consulting startup in Paris alongside my studies. Having edited so many of their reports, after about a year of the work, they asked me to start conducting

research and writing my own reports on innovative tech companies across Europe. This opened my eyes to an exciting world of innovations: robots that do remote surgeries, AI that can detect heart attacks from a 999 caller’s voice, and so many more amazing feats. This showed me that tech was where I wanted to be.

In my third year of university, I got the chance to move to France – and I lived in Paris and Reims (the capital of the Champagne region). It was an amazing opportunity for me to soak in French culture and to practise my French – which was particularly important for what I got up to this summer.

This summer, I worked as a business intern at Google in the EMEA HQ – working (entirely in French) to grow my portfolio of 120 French advertisers, and to launch AI initiatives for the sales team. Though I had a healthy dose of imposter syndrome at the beginning, it was an incredible experience. I got to work with people from all around the world, work fully in French for the first time, and get a glimpse into one of the most innovative

workplaces out there. It was a pinch me moment, but had I not had the immense support of the wonderful Ms Nicholson and Mr Beattie all throughout sixth form – I may have never pursued French at university (it was not my initial plan), and I would never have had the confidence to take on challenges like this one.

Best. French. Department. Ever.

In terms of what’s next (always a harrowing question to ask someone in their final year of university), I would love to continue in the tech world, and to advocate for LGBTQ+ people to feel comfortable enough to be out and proud in the workplace. Wherever the next few years take me, my main aim is to keep seeking discomfort – because it’s from that uncomfortable place that we grow!

Excellence, Individuality, Respect, Curiosity and Empathy

Hi ONs! My name is Matt, and I was at the High School from 2019-2021.

I studied French, Drama and History at A-level, and I loved my experience at Nottingham High School. From amazing teachers that encouraged me to aim high, to lovely friends that I made during sixth form – Nottingham High School really had a transformative impact on me. In this article, I am going to share what I’ve been up to since I left in 2021, and I’ll also share some of my plans for the future.

Old Nottinghamians | 23

Where Are You Now?

Tom Downey ( ON 1965-1968) In due course, I graduated from Southampton University as a civilstructural engineer and found my first employment with a grand old design partnership based in central London.

(The senior partners there – all male in those days - resembled the whiskery, rather deliciously eccentric characters of a good Dickens novel!) The workload of the firm was truly international, and I quickly came to realise that my professional future lay overseas.

Tom during a visit to School I attended the School for just three years, 1965-68. I keenly remember my sense of privilege at joining such a majestic-looking institution from a quietly modest state primary school. I keenly remember too my deep regret at leaving when my accountant father was invited to join the management team tasked with building (what was then at least) a prestigious new town in the Northwest.

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My first “posting” - as it was then rather quaintly termed - was the tiny emirate of Qatar, which was - in those now far-off days - one of the very poorest of the Gulf states and which has now soared to become one of the richest nations (in per capita terms) on earth. I achieved my chartership with the UK’s prestigious Institution of Civil Engineers at just 25 (my submitted design project was a mountain cableway system in Iran) and, very soon after, my pan-European chartership. I then moved on - in turn to Saudi Arabia (both the impoverished Shi’ite east and Taif - the de facto summer capital located up in the cooler mountains west), Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, briefly Oman, Egypt, Qatar (again) and Libya.

I returned to the UK with many rich memories: the sights and sounds of old Arabia - now sadly all but disappeared; my regular morning runs with the Qatari Prime Minister’s Head of Security (and also my private landlord!) along the brand new Corniche in Doha; sailing my catamaran across the clear blue waters of the Gulf and scuba diving to

the many wrecks which shimmered beneath; hunkering down during the First Gulf War with my British Embassy gas mask (and subsequently being personally introduced to the victorious head of the coalition forces, one General Schwarzkopf); being “first manager on site” for the mighty Ras Laffan natural gas plant - a project which has since achieved so much in creating Qatar’s new-found wealth and influence.

Of the several countries I had the privilege to work in, I found Egypt perhaps the most splendid, with the sights and sounds - unchanged for millennia even today - of the Nile , the thundering grandeur of Karnak, Abu Simbel and the Pyramids, the many (many) evenings spent sipping ice-cold G&Ts atop the British Consulate in Alexandria, soaking in the sights and sounds of that tumultuous, chaotic, vibrant city. My wife - then an Embassy employee - and I married in the beautiful St Mark’s Cathedral, at the very heart of the city.

Since returning to the UK, I’ve built up a modest property business, of which - on a good day at least - I’m discreetly proud.

So, thank you Nottingham High School for giving me the education, ethics and aspiration to make my way in this most wonderful world. I feel that keen sense of privilege again in the preparation of this article. It has been a true delight recently to rejoin the School community as an Old Nottinghamian, complete with our most distinguished neck-tie: a most important part of me has finally “come home” to you all.

Where are You Now? Simon Prest (ON 1976-1984)

I have, from my early childhood, been a lover of cars, but was only introduced to the sport of Drag Racing in 1977 (the same year I joined the High School) when looking at American car magazines passed to me from my father’s cousin. I went to spectate at my first race the same year and it’s been my passion and hobby ever since. I purchased my first American car when I was 19 and have always had an unusual car in my garage, but it was only four years ago that I decided I should enter a proper class and go racing.

I imported my car, a 1964 Mercury Comet Gasser, from California. A gasser was the name given to the style of race car when Drag Racing was in its infancy in the 1960s in the USA. The cars were regular family cars, raced at the weekends, but on pump ‘gas’ (petrol) instead of one of the more radical fuels some racers were using. As they experimented with weight distribution to get traction at the start line of the quarter mile, racers raised the front end

with straight axles and that style became synonymous with ‘Gassers’.

The Gasser Circus is a UK race class dedicated to replicating the cars from that era, including 1940s Austins, Ford Pops, Chevrolets, Plymouths and Willys Coupes.

This year was my second full season.

We compete over six events against 25 other gassers at Santa Pod Raceway in Northamptonshire.

The championship runs from May to September. I was able to secure back-to-back wins in August and at the Hot Rod Drags in September, giving me and The Rocket enough points to win this year by just 40 points. It came down to the last race in the last event, which I had to win.

The Rocket is powered by a 7-litre V8 engine and covers the standing quarter mile in 10.80 seconds at 123 mph. The fun thing about the car is that I also drive it on the street so it draws quite a lot of attention when I do my supermarket shopping in it. Another great thing is the merchandise I sell to support the racing, a clothing range and stickers, have been produced by ON friends from my years at the school.

Next year, as well as defending the championship I hope to take The Rocket to race in Sweden and France.

WinterExcellence, Individuality, Respect, Curiosity and Empathy

Rocket Winner

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Where Are You Now? reports etc and I am extremely grateful, and in return I agreed to their request to write this piece for the magazine.

This article all started back in 2021 while we were in lockdown due to Covid. My wife, being an avid researcher of family history, decided to use her new-found spare time for researching my ancestry.

Recently she has been asking questions about my time at Nottingham High School in the 1950s and 60s. Now that’s a long time ago, so I thought I would write to our Alumni Office and seek some more accurate information rather than just relying on memory. Sam and Yvette have been just marvellous in tracking down dates, photos, school 2626 | Old | Old Nottinghamians Nottinghamians

which is something the modern generation find hard to comprehend. Apparently, I was regarded by staff as a very quiet boy with some aptitude for mathematics and poetry.

I was a student at NHS from 1956 to 1961. Of course, In early 1962 my parents, with much of what happened so me, my younger brother (also long ago has faded from my an NHS student) and my sister, memory, but I still have some moved to Australia under the quite random recollections.

Assisted Migration Program Such as struggling with Latin operating at the time. We are and French lessons, playing forever known in Australia football and cricket at the as “Ten Pound Poms”. it was sports ground on Valley Road, something of a jolt to move and taking a trip to London to from wintry Britain in February see the Houses of Parliament, to the height of summer in riding the underground, and Australia. But nevertheless, we seeing bombed buildings still all quickly settled in, with me not cleared after WW2 some attending the local secondary 10 years earlier. I remember school. I was fortunate enough representing School at soccer to gain a full scholarship on one occasion, but this to Queensland University, was the last as I had a severe which was in the days when accident at home which university resulted in my leg education was being in plaster for not free. After a several weeks, and few years I left the then being unable university with an to play any form of alphabet of letters contact sport for after my name, fear of recurrence and a girlfriend of the injury. I still who later became have the scar. So I my wife, and learnt to play chess we’ve had 52 instead. I also recall years of very going to school happy marriage. lessons every Saturday morning, Bill in his school days We have three

Bill Leveritt (ON 1956-1961)

Bill and his wife Eleanor on their recent visit from Australia

trip to Nepal and they would like just a few parents to go as chaperones. Well of course I said yes. And that was just the start of a love affair with adventure travelling.

I’ve been to Nepal, India, Pakistan, Tibet seven or eight times. We’ve been down the Silk Road through Central Asia. We’ve seen penguins in Antarctica and had a very close encounter with a polar bear in the Arctic. We’ve done the North East Sea Passage from Europe to America across the top of Siberia.

We’ve been to the North Pole on a nuclear-powered ice breaker, seen the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands

and drunk mojitos in Hemingway’s favourite bar in Havana (at least that’s what the advert said!). But sadly all this came to a sudden end when Covid struck. Which is where this story started.

But it’s not all over for us yet.

We are just winding up to go full throttle again. Days of camping with tents and squat toilets in remote Himalayan valleys are over. Now our travels are more likely to be in balcony suites on cruise ships. We will keep going while the money and our health lasts.

Excellence, Individuality, Respect, Curiosity and Empathy

daughters, a lawyer, an accountant and a journalist, each of whom is successful in their own right, though I have to say it would have been useful to have an electrician and a plumber as well. And we’ve been blessed with six grandchildren.

Professionally, I worked in the IT industry, in software development and project management until retirement in 2008. A solid, unspectacular but moderately successful career, which under normal circumstances would have led to a nice quiet retirement.

But that wasn’t to be. Everything changed for me in 1993. I came home from the office one Thursday evening and realised that I was losing my sight. After a visit to the doctor the following day I was sent immediately to hospital and operated on for detached retina in both eyes. Luckily the doctors got to it quickly otherwise I could have been blind. But the real lifestyle change came during recuperation.

My wife got me some audio books from the local library, and one had a profound influence. It’s called “A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush” by a travel writer named Eric Newby.

It details his walking holiday, with a friend, in a remote part of the mountains of Afghanistan. I was hooked, and totally coincidentally two of my daughters came home from school saying there is a school

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ReflectiONs

Ten Years of School Assemblies

It was on a visit to the High School in May 2024 that I requested a tour of the new Wellbeing Centre. I saw a wonderful addition to the school’s care for its pupils and students. During that time I began to think back to the collective acts of worship and assemblies which took place at the beginning of every day throughout my time at the school. One thing led to another and I was asked to write this article.

Prep School Assemblies, 1962 to 1965. These were always taken by Mr Allen, Headmaster.

The partitions between forms 1B1 and 1A2 were opened and six classes fitted into this space. Curtains were drawn across the blackboard and a crucifix was placed centrally on the pelmet. A hymn board was to the right and a reproduction of Holman Hunt’s “Light of the World” hung permanently on the wall near the door. The pianist was

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Mr Davis, form master of 1A2. He played classical pieces for our entry and exit and he accompanied the hymns. I remember he had the habit of asking a nearby boy, “Is this the last verse?”

Mr Allen was concerned that we understood the words we were singing.

For example, in the hymn “Glorious things of thee are spoken” there’s a line about our thirst being assuaged. He had us write, “Quench” in pencil so that an older English word didn’t baffle us.

Mr Allen was creative with longer hymns. An example would be “For all the Saints”, which runs to eight verses.

He would divide these between various classes and year groups.

Once in a while there was a Thursday afternoon assembly in the main school hall with Mr Imeson. We were told he particularly enjoyed hearing our treble voices sing “God be in my head”. We took great care to be on our very best behaviour and at our most tuneful on these occasions.

Mr Allen followed the church’s year, so we learnt “O come, O come Emmanuel” to introduce Advent. This hymn is still used seasonally in many parish churches to this day. We also learnt some classic, general hymns such as “Holy, holy, holy” and “Immortal, invisible”.

Main School Assemblies, 1965 to 1970.

These were invariably presided over by Mr Imeson, with Mr Partington on the organ. Seating was hierarchical, with junior boys at the front and, year by year, we moved toward the rear of the hall. Form masters sat along both sides, supervising their pupils. For members of staff the dress code was semi-formal,

meaning they mostly wore their gowns.

On entry to the main school we changed hymn books and were also issued with a prayer book, an Oxford Song Book and a dictionary. These were ours to keep throughout our years at the High School and then when we left. I still have my copies of all these volumes.

Mr Imeson was very clearly in charge of our assemblies. He guided us through a couple of hymns, a bible reading (usually brought to us by a prefect), prayer and a thought for the day. At the end of the collective act of worship the lectern bible was ceremonially carried by the reader from the lectern to the organ console, signifying we were progressing to the notices. Periodically, Mr Imeson went on what some of us called a rampage. The whole school was given a telling-off. A typical reason would be excessive hair length.

Mr Partington was an amazing and gifted musician with a huge breadth of musical knowledge, both sacred and secular. He ran the post-assembly singing practice every Wednesday. Beyond his role in the school, he was organist and choirmaster at St Peter’s Church. Guided by his choices, we sang a huge range of hymns from our sixteenth impression (1963) Songs of Praise hymn book. (I still have my copy, which I used every school day for seven years.) It was Mr Partington who introduced us to modern tunes to certain hymns including “At the Name of Jesus” and “O Jesus, I have promised”.

Every term began and ended with Hymn 515: “He who would valiant be.” This was often sung exuberantly as we broke up, and more subdued when we returned

Rev Nick Bralesford (ON 1962 – 1972) arm, O Lord, in days of old.” Better known of his writings, although not in the school’s hymn book, is “Thy hand, O God, has guided”.)

This name caught my attention because I grew up to the south of Nottingham adjacent to the village of Plumtree. I now know that Plumptree was a son of Nottingham who went on to become Dean of Wells Cathedral.

His memory is honoured in his home city by three roads bearing his name. There’s a Plumtree Street, Place and Square all close to St Mary’s Church.

A few of the hymns we sang employed poetic phrases which required some thought. Examples include “A man that looks on glass, on it may stay his eye”.

“There is a book who runs may read.” “Seven whole days, not one in seven.” “There is a green hill far away without a city wall.”

Other hymns raised within me a conflict between doubt and certainty. “Saviour, if of Sion’s city I, through grace, a member am” contrasted with “Since, Lord, Thou dost defend us with Thy Spirit”. Why is one “if” and the other “since”? Which is to be preferred and why? I never felt comfortable singing, “And, Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end”. I wasn’t sure it was true at that time. But it did become true while I was studying at Sheffield University.

Some hymns we used at least semi-regularly at school have vanished into obscurity and I’ve never used them in worship since. Examples include “Eternal

The opening of the Player Hall in 1936 Ruler of the ceaseless round”, “Turn back, O Man, forswear thy foolish ways.”, “Teach me, my God and King” and the above-mentioned “There is a book who runs may read”. (When I began to study the bible seriously, I discovered this hymn was inspired by Habakkuk 2:2.)

Finally, there was something unseen at work. Through the years a depository of hymns was placed in my soul, forming a treasury for me to draw on throughout forty-five years of ordained ministry. Once in a while something special happens while preparing a service that flags up in my mind a school-day memory. “That would be a perfect hymn for the occasion”. I seem to hear. And I have reached for my assembly hymn book because I haven’t come across it since and it’s not included in any more recent compilations. For an example, one year I had to plan a particularly challenging Remembrance Sunday service. I immediately thought about “Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide”. It brought the service to a fitting conclusion while also containing a gentle Gospel challenge.

Collective acts of worship have changed significantly over the years, reflecting the changes in society and religious beliefs. I remain grateful for the traditional assemblies I experienced every day during my time at the High School.

Excellence, Individuality, Respect, Curiosity and Empathy

at the end of the holidays. We slightly provoked purists by overemphasising consecutive t’s in the line “I’ll fear not what men say”.

Main School Assemblies, 1970 to 1972. Dr Witcombe was Headmaster and assemblies slowly changed. He delegated some collective acts of worship to others, including the school chaplain. There was a trail of year group assemblies covering two days a week. These met in various locations where hymn singing was impossible. I found the whole-school gatherings to be the most meaningful.

Lasting Influences. It wasn’t until I reached twenty years of age that my Christian faith came alive and I subsequently offered for ordination in the Church of England. But some very important foundations were put in place by my time at Nottingham High School.

We were provided with a melody edition of the hymn book. So I was able to look at the numerals forming the metre of the hymn and see that these referred to the number of syllables per line.

I could see that every tune was given a name to identify it. I looked at the authors and became familiar with such writers as Isaac Watts and Charles Wesley.

We sang at least two hymns by C. Coffin, which I thought an unfortunate surname for any person. (These were “On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry” and “The advent of our God”.) We sang one hymn by E. H. Plumptree (“Thine

Old Nottinghamians | 29

ReflectiONs - Bob Mardling (ON 1952-1964; Teacher 1967-1973 and Governor 2009-2016) pragmatic reason. My father, a stern schoolmaster of the “old school”, had been on the staff at High Pavement GS for 20 years by this stage. With the 11+ looming and our home in Sherwood being in the High Pavement catchment area, the prospect of me embarrassing him there was not one he relished and so, as with a number of his colleagues who took the same view with their sons, the answer lay in a school where I would be “stretched academically in a disciplined environment” – how often was I to hear those words!

Bob Mardling and Simon Hall at the Class of 1974 Reunion

“Remember, gentlemen, no matter what you do and wherever you find yourself in the world, part of the School will always be with you.” This was part of my annual message every year as Headmaster to the leavers of QEGS as they were about to embark on life after school. Doubtless similar sentiments have been expressed on numerous occasions to countless generations of school leavers. My own words came back to me as, on 15th June 2024, together with members of the Class of 1974 who had returned to NHS for their reunion, I was standing in the Player Hall looking at a representation of Dame Agnes Mellers as depicted kneeling in front of a young King Henry VIII at the heading of the School’s charter.

I wonder if Kevin Fear was totally aware of the significance of the much smaller copy of the same picture which he had presented to me on my retirement from the Governing Body on the third occasion I had formally “left” the School and which now hangs in our dining room at our home in Wakefield? It took me back to being twelve years old when my half-fees Foundation Scholarship, awarded at the age of eleven, was “upgraded” in status to that of “Dame Agnes Mellers Foundation Scholar” and to responsibilities such an honour brought with it. For me it is a very tangible reminder that my alma mater, NHS, is always with me.

This is, however, to start far from the beginning of my connection with the School. I was submitted by my parents for the entrance examination to the Prep in 1952 for a very

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My time in the Prep was generally happy. Whilst we were all in total awe of Mr CL Reynolds – Ken Imeson joined a year after I started and Friday morning assemblies under both headmasters were terrifying to eight- and nine-year olds. I developed great respect for John Allen and when a young Bill Walker joined the staff I learned to recognise, even at an early age, inspirational teaching. A previous edition of this magazine has described the experiment of how four of our number were promoted from the Prep straight to Form 3B. Another four of us from 1A1 (Raymond Lee, Chris Kent, David Somekh and myself) were to form a separate part of the experiment.

Instead of going Tennis First VI - 1973 into 2K as anticipated, we were (Bob - back row, far right) to become part of Arthur (Tubby) Hardwick’s form, 2H, with his love of letter patterns and incomprehensible cries of “Poopstick!” To the best of my knowledge this experiment was never repeated – perhaps as a form we had been just too boisterous and separation was deemed the answer?

Scan the QR code to read the article in full and more of Bob’s recollections of Nottingham High School - Bob’s favourite teachers, what he did after leaving NHS, returning as a teacher and again as a School governor.

ReflectiONs Brian Earl (ON 1967-1974) Memories of 2L in September 1967 from each of our different teachers for the different subjects. Loads of other things were entirely new to me too, such as being addressed by my surname, timetables, homework, tutors, Saturday morning lessons, school dinners and rugby, to name but a few. It had never occurred to me either that schoolmasters (Mrs Watkinson was the only schoolmistress at the time) should be called Sir in class but were only ever identified by a nickname at all other times. The Headmaster was the imposing KR Imeson, known invariably as ‘The Duke’. He must have been younger then than I am now, which seems ridiculous.

Most of my classmates spoke with what I considered a posh accent, but I was never particularly embarrassed by my own working class background. Social differences were largely eradicated by the school uniform. The caps were compulsory, but we had a choice of long or short trousers and black blazer or grey suit.

I was a blazer and shorts boy.

We sat in alphabetical order at individual desks. ‘Ossie’ Lush, as well as being tennis supremo and Head of the Lower School, was an entrylevel French teacher, and it amused him on our very first morning to give us all French names. My own was Monsieur le Comte, which I shall remember to my dying day just as clearly as my mother’s ‘divi’ number at the Co-op. Ged White, for obvious reasons, was Leblanc, while Graham Mosey was Jambon Gris. Ossie, in his kindly and beaming way,

seemed to consider this latter moniker to be particularly witty, explaining that it was French for ‘grey ham’, but I’d never done any French before, so it was largely wasted on me.

When the first playtime (sorry, mid-morning break) came, those in the know and with spare cash, which excluded me on both counts, dashed up to Mrs Oldham’s tuck shop at the very top of the newly-built Founder’s Hall. I waited instead for school dinner, having purchased my roll of dinner tickets as instructed. When our table was called up, we gave a ticket to little old Tillie and disappeared down the tunnel.

I rather think my first meal was a spam fritter, revoltingly yellow on the outside, pink within, and shining with grease, but it seemed gloriously exotic at the time.

We were allowed to play football in the massive school playground, but only ever with a small ball. Occasionally there were closely-fought thirty-a-side games between the newbies and the ex-Prep classes. On that very first day, however, we had no idea what to do, so just hung around in small groups, taking great care not to scuff our new shoes.

It seems like only yesterday.

Excellence, Individuality, Respect, Curiosity and Empathy

Once upon a time there was a form called 2L. The ‘2’ signified (logically!) that it was part of the first year, and the ‘L’ stood for Lush, the surname of the form master. 2H and 2L were reserved for newbies, whereas 2K and 2M consisted entirely of boys arriving from the Prep down the corridor. Our form rooms were all clustered together on the ground floor in the northwest corner of the building. I was in White’s House – whatever that meant – but was placed in 2L. It was a wonderfully exciting new experience for someone like me. I was only there because Derbyshire County Council were funding me on a scholarship. As it happened, Graeme Simpson from my old junior school and Kevin Joy who lived round the corner but had attended a different school were also new starters in 2L, so I wasn’t entirely alone. Mrs Joy had kindly taken me under her wing for my first ever journey on the Trent No.8 bus and first ever death-defying walk down Cromwell Street. I didn’t know at the time that Cromwell Street had such a terrible reputation, and in truth the worst that ever happened was that gangs of local ne’er-do-wells would try and pinch our caps.

I don’t recall being daunted by the prospect of no longer being up there with the brightest lights in my class.

I’d no idea at that point that we’d all be given positions for each subject – one for term work and one for the end-of-term exam – and termly reports with a handwritten comment

Old Nottinghamians | 31

In Memoriam

It is with great sadness that we note the passing of the following members of the Nottingham High School community.

Mr Philip Alderman (ON 1962-1969) Mr Will Allen (ON 1975-1984) Mrs Audrey Gill (Former Secretary to the Headmaster) Mr Peter Jackson (ON 1950-1957) Ms Isobel Logan (Former Assistant Librarian) Dr John Morley (ON 1947-1955) Mr Peter Onions (ON 1939-1947) Mr Graham Parkes (ON 1956-1962) Mr Michael Ross Sergeant (ON 1943-1952) Mr John Smart (ON 1954-1964) Mr Geoff Woollatt (ON 1944-1952)

Mike Sillitoe (Visiting Music Teacher 1987-2020) It is with great sadness we announce the death of Mike Sillitoe who taught percussion at the High School. Mike was an inspiration to our students and also to the music staff; he was widely known in his professional field, and admired and respected by musicians alike. Mike played the drummer in one of the pub scenes in the film adaptation ‘Saturday Night and Sunday Morning’ which was written by his brother Alan Sillitoe.

Chris Curtis Jane, Andrew, Tom and William Curtis would like to thank all those former pupils and staff who sent kind messages and posted tributes to Chris at the time of his death in February. They were very much appreciated.

0115 845 2208 | development@nottinghamhigh.co.uk | on.nottinghamhigh.co.uk

MAGAZINE WINTER 2024