The magazine of the Old Oakhamian Club
Issue Number 114
Oakhamian The Old
OAKHAM REVISITED OO President Kat Klohe (07) returns to School for Speech Day
The Archives Blog and Twitter Page • 1989 Reunion • OOs in the D-Day Landings
Dear Old Oakhamian This is only my second time at the helm of the Old Oakhamian, and already my plans for global dominion have turned to dust! Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and this time it has been my turn to catch, with the result that I will be moving back to Ireland at the end of the summer. The new Alumni Manager will be appointed this month and I’m sure they will be as well looked after by you all as I have been. Thank you all so very much for the last few years. The change of guard continues with Henry Price taking over as Head in September and there will also be a new Head of Development starting here soon in College House. However, they say the more things change, the more they remain the same and the OO Club, a continuously growing and cohesive community, remains an ever fixed mark. The Class of 89 held a magnificent reunion in May (see pages 148–9) and the Class of 79 will have held theirs by the time this magazine goes to print. The OO Club has hosted around 46 events over the last four years, not including all the cricket, golf and football fixtures, and five more are already scheduled for 2019–2020 (see page 151 for details). It always strikes me as particularly fitting that the reunions are held in the new Cricket Pavilion. Not at all built for this purpose, it was funded and inspired by OO BAF Smith (54) and has serendipitously been used by many hundreds of reuniting OOs – a wonderful legacy from one OO to many, many others. In 2017 I wrote a piece for Independent Education Today and what I wrote then remains what I firmly believe about Oakham School alumni: “Oakham School’s motto translates to ‘Like runners, they hand on the torch of life’, and as such, alumni remain vital to the School. The passing on of knowledge from one generation to another would not be possible without the input of our
alumni. In that way, they are the lifeblood of the School and we are endlessly grateful for their continued support.” We cannot do any of this without you. Please do continue to join the conversation on the OO Facebook group where 2,000 and more of you already are. The Class of 2019 will shortly be part of this unique community and your advice and support on The Hub cannot be underestimated. If you are willing to help, please let us know. Keep sending us your news and stories. And of course there are the reunions; I know everyone gets apprehensive about them but those who do return to the School do not regret it. Finally, I have worked with many wonderful OOs over the last few years and have had the very best colleagues I could wish for in the Development Office (Anna, Asha, Holly, Georgia, Tooty, Becca and Paul). Thank you all so much. I’ve also benefited from the greatest support, not to mention best fun with Jon Wills, the Old Oakhamian Club Chairman with a fondness for Wham’s Club Tropicana. And I owe a large debt of gratitude to the OO Presidents (past, present and future) and the OO Committee. Thanks to all of you. Finally, I don’t often get a chance to publically thank the people who provide the all-important backbone that makes me (and indeed all the School) look good at events, so the last and very important thanks must go to Liz Mapeltoft and the Catering Team, Richard Dexter and the Grounds Team, and Conrad at OSEL. Keep in touch and let me know if you’re ever in Ireland!
Quasi Cursores, Eileen Fisher Alumni Manager
CONTENTS News 141 Sport 143 Feature: OOs who have returned to School
144
Feature: interview with OO President Kat Klohe 146 Events
148
Future Events
151
From the Archives
152
Births and Marriages
156
Deaths and Obituaries
158
The OO Interview
161
Foundation News
162
140
144
OOs RETURNING TO SCHOOL
Photo Credits: Craig Watson & Gary Hutchinson
148
CLASS OF 1989 REUNION
161
THE OO INTERVIEW
News
D of E GOLD AWARD
Congratulations to OOs Megan Bevan (15), Joe Bryars (17), Millie Clarke (17), Hannah Crowley (17), Meghan Denman (17), Emma Farmer (17), Fran Hazelton (15), Dominic Lashbrook (15), Mima Sellick (17), Lily Streatfeild (16), and Tim Viney (16) who were presented with their Gold D of E Awards by the Duke of Wessex at a ceremony in St James’s Palace on Wednesday 5 December 2018. Pictured left to right celebrating their award: Millie Clarke, Meghan Denman and Mima Sellick.
BLACK Lachlan (14) Lachlan was recently awarded a Scholarship reading Chemistry at Somerville College, Oxford University after achieving overall first class marks in a Public Examination. BROWN Andrew (82) JP, LLDip, BEng (Hons), CEnv, FRAgS, PAgric, MIAgMan Andrew recently graduated in Law from De Montfort University in Leicester, proving that OOs are never too old to learn. He has also just been elected to serve on Rutland County Council as the member for the Lyddington Ward, winning a big majority over the Tories with a 48% turnout.
BUNBURY Becky (92) writes: ‘I left Oakham in 1992 and decided that university life was not for me, but instead went to work for a reinsurance company in Boston, Massachusetts for one year. I then returned to the UK and worked for the same company in the City for a further five years. I moved back to Rutland in 1998 and had four girls, now aged 19, 18, 14 and 9. I am currently working locally for a wealth manager and still see lots of OOs including: Tooty Scott, Kim Parker and Zoe Robertson. Over the last few years I have done lots of sailing, which culminated in crossing the Atlantic in 2017. Thanks to my D of E days, I also completed the National 3 Peaks challenge in 2014. CARRELL Livvie (14) graduated from the Royal Music School in July 2018 with a First Class Honours Degree. Livvie returned to Oakham School in January to sing in the OO Charity Concert. See page 144. Good luck to George CHEER (18), who has recently been selected to shoot for the Great Britain junior clay pigeon Compak shooting team at the European Championships in Greece this June. We look forward to hearing of his progress in the competition.
FISHER Kim (92) Kim worked with the Rt. Honourable David Mellor PC QC after graduating from Edinburgh University and then started her long-standing career in football which started at The Football Association and then onto UEFA Champions League in Switzerland. Sophie, her only daughter, was born in 2007 and she then moved with the family into hospitality sales at MATCH Hospitality. Kim worked on the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, and then moved from Jo’burg to Rio de Janeiro for four years for 2014. 2015 brought her back to the UK where she now works as Vice President of Global Sales Operations at Endeavor, the owners of IMG. She lives in Mortlake with Urs and Sophie is now at secondary school locally at Richmond Park Academy. HAMILTON Allison (née Gibbs) (92) writes: ‘Since leaving Oakham and graduating from Edinburgh University, I qualified as an Educational Psychologist and worked for eight years in a local educational authority in London. We recently spent four memorable years living in Tokyo due to my husband’s work and since returning to London two years ago I have juggled private educational psychology work with looking after my three children and a puppy! From our year at Oakham I keep in close contact with Tooty Scott (née Williams) and Kim Fisher – they are both godmothers to two of my children.’ HOPE Richard (72) recently enjoyed a surprise visit from Rod Stewart who had been in the audience watching Richard in the production of The Woman in Black at the Fortune Theatre.
Huge Congratulations to OO Julian EVANS (91) who reached the top of Mount Everest on 23 May. An incredible achievement, particularly in this season where all the news has been about the dangers of the summit. They raised £300,000 for the Matt Hampson Foundation. For the full news story go to: https://www.stamfordmercury.co.uk/news/reliefat-tackling-deadly-mount-everest-climb-9071777/ 141
News
WEBB Nigel (Hon OO) Nigel Webb (Common Room 1967-99) and his wife Caroline (Hon OO), parents of Amanda (86) and Nicola (88), have been writing again – this time it is a biographical book, with the improbable title Mr Sugar Face and his Moll, about a remarkable Victorian couple, George Webb Medley and his wife Maria (Molly) Selous. Details can be found on the website www.leginipress.co.uk
MCKEE David (99) David left Oakham in 1999 and sang with Truro Cathedral Choir as part of his gap year. He studied music at the University of Exeter and finished his Master’s Degree there in 2004, having spent four years as a member of Exeter Cathedral Choir. On moving to Surrey, David worked as a freelance musician, singing regularly with the choirs of St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, St George’s Chapel Windsor Castle and St Peter’s Eaton Square. He began his teaching career at Brighton and Hove High School for Girls, before moving to Norfolk where he taught at Gresham’s School as well as singing in Norwich Cathedral Choir. He married his wife, Sarah, in Norwich Cathedral in 2007 and their son Charles was born in 2009. He became Director of Music at Milton Abbey School in Dorset in 2012 where he also founded the Milton Abbey International Music Festival, now in its 7th successful year. He subsequently moved to the beautiful Cotswolds in 2014 as Director of Music at Cheltenham College, where he and his family intend to stay for the foreseeable future. David continues to work as a freelance singer and conductor when time allows, and is a Director of the Three Choirs Festival. He is working closely with the Tallis Scholars on their summer residential courses, and has established educational links with both the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group. He has conducted much of the large-scale choral and orchestral repertoire with various choral societies and festival choirs around the country, and had his debut in the BBC Proms in 2017 as a singer with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. He has toured Europe and the United States extensively as a consort singer, and has given solo recitals in several prestigious venues in the UK. His son is a chorister at Gloucester Cathedral, and as a regular deputy singer there, David is privileged to be able to sing alongside him from time to time. 142
ROBERTSON Zoe (née Walters) (92) writes: ‘Since leaving Oakham I worked at Time inc for 17 years as beauty director on titles such as Marie Claire, InStyle and Woman&Home. I left four years ago to join a PR agency as Head of Beauty but was diagnosed with breast cancer last year so took a year off whilst receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy and recovering from surgery. Now in remission and back at work, I have recently joined a new PR agency in London as commercial director across beauty and interiors. Married to Stuart and with two teenage sons aged 16 and 13, I regularly keep in touch with Susie MacArthur, Charlotte Bucher, Becky Bunbury and Susie Bradley – all 1992 Leavers.’ SMALLEY Helen (18) has just returned from volunteering as an assistant teacher at Vigunjani Primary School with Africa & Asia Venture (AV). She and the rest of the group settled well into Kenyan life and really got stuck into the teaching and helping in the local community. Helen was even fortunate enough to see the Oakham School group there before she flew home! VINCENT Evie (16) After a gap year working in a ski resort and travelling around Asia, Evie is at Newcastle University studying Media Communications and Politics. To supplement her learning and gain all-important work experience needed to improve her chances of securing a good job after graduation, Evie has joined Christy Interiors in Hockerton and is spending her university holidays putting her newly gained Marketing knowledge into practice. The company provides bespoke curtains and blinds, mostly made to measure, as well as advising clients on interior design and making soft furnishings. Evie has been focusing on enhancing Christy’s social media feeds, building their website, and reaching out to new customers within the local area. Her role has also included speaking to past customers and collating their feedback to help with a continuous drive to improve their customer service and experience. Christy’s Instagram feed, initiated by Evie, can be found at @christyinteriors.
WESTCOTT Clare (née Cox) (90) writes: ‘After reading Philosophy at Durham University, I started my career as a public affairs consultant working in London agencies before moving in-house into the charity sector. My last few roles were as Director of Communications and Public Affairs at a number of large national charities, leading efforts to raise awareness and effect change amongst the public, media and policy makers on issues such as respiratory health and autism. After over 20 years in London, my husband, two young daughters and I moved back to the Stamford area almost two years ago. I’m now just completing my studies at Henley Business School, retraining as an Executive Coach – something I’ve always been really interested in and which the move out of London gave me the ‘push’ to pursue as a career.’
OO GOLF Brian Welford In April an OO golf team took part in the annual Luffenham Heath Old Pupils competition, against the likes of Oundle, Uppingham, and Stamford and I am pleased to say that Oakham won. The Oakham team comprised: Mark Walker (96), Tom Duck (97), Ben Stephens (95), Charlie Reading (95), Chris Palmer (75) and Simon Scott (96). Congratulations to Jane Sly (81), Lesley Tattersall (née Doyle) (87), Sarah Hillas (87), and Sara Barnes (86) who competed in The Silver Tassie Trophy at The Berkshire on 10 June. They were placed 4th overall and 1st on the red course.
Sport
SPORT
Brian Needham
CRICKET Stuart Broad (04) had a mixed experience during the England winter tours to Sri Lanka and the West Indies. The justifiable decision to play three spinners in the victorious 3-0 series against Sri Lanka saw him omitted from the first two Tests and in the “dead rubber” Third Test he scored one run, took no wickets (but had two slip catches dropped) and held one catch. He played in the second two Test Matches against the West Indies, scoring 0 runs, taking four wickets and holding two catches as England lost the series 1-2. In taking his second wicket (Chase b Broad) in the West Indies first innings of the Second Test, Stuart Broad rose above Kapil Dev to become the 7th most successful bowler in Test Match cricket with 435 dismissals (to which he would like to be able to add the 97 dropped catches off
his bowling – his own meticulous tally); however, he has to take 75 more wickets to go ahead of No 6, Courteney Walsh. Stuart Broad was captain of the MCC side against Surrey in the annual Champion County match in March in Dubai; he took 2-83 and the match was drawn (but Surrey won on first innings). The domestic First Class season of 2019 opened with Stuart representing Nottinghamshire, Josh Cobb (08) playing for Northamptonshire and Tom Fell (12) in Worcestershire colours. Included in county squads and hoping to make inroads during the season are Lyndon James (17) (Nottinghamshire) and Donald Butchart (17) (Leicestershire). Additionally, J.S. (Joe) Kendall (15) made his First Class debut, playing for Loughborough MCCU v Leicestershire (scoring 37* and 25) and v Kent (scoring 33).
SHOOTING
Two Old Oakhamians were selected to represent Great Britain at the World Championships of Fullbore Shooting: Matthew Button (88) and Rick Shouler (95); the team finished second to Australia but ahead of USA, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada and the Channel Islands.
Hamish Watson in action in the Calcutta Cup Photo Credits: Craig Watson & Gary Hutchinson
RUGBY
Three Old Oakhamians have been involved in the Rugby Premiership 201819: Matt Smith (04) with Leicester Tigers, Alex Goode (06) with Saracens and Charlie Walker (10) with Harlequins. Matt played 153 times for Tigers (and made 229 appearances in all) and Charlie 60 times for Harlequins. At the end of the season Matt retired from playing and joined the Tigers Academy coaching staff and Charlie left Harlequins and moved to France to further his career. Through the season Alex was an ever-present force for Saracens, playing at full-back (or fly-half when deputising there for Owen Farrell); Saracens ended the season as Runners-Up in the Premiership and perhaps more importantly, the team won the final of the European Champions Cup against Leinster, their third success in four seasons; Alex was named the European Player of the Year 2019, winning the Anthony Foley Trophy. Up in Scotland Hamish Watson (10) now has 25 Test caps for Scotland (20 starts and 5 substitutions scoring 15 points. He participated in the Scottish come-back to draw 38-38 with England at Twickenham in the Calcutta Cup. Read our OO Interview with Hamish on page 161. Sam Wolstenholme (17), a student of Economics and Management at Loughborough University, signed for Wasps RFC for the 2019-20 season, going part-time in his studies.
HOCKEY
Kathryn Lane (13) represented England in the World Cup in London and now has 12 international caps. Matt Ramshaw (18) and Alex Stadler (15) were recently seen in action playing against each other representing GB and Germany respectively.
Alex Goode
Matt Smith
Sam Wolstenholme
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Feature
BACK TO SCHOOL In addition to welcoming back over 700 former pupils at our reunions and the OO President’s Dinner since September 2018, it has been great to see so many OOs revisit the School to inspire our current generation of students. Here we highlight a selection of the occasions when our alumni have returned to the place that formed them.
MUSICAL REUNIONS Director of Music, Peter Davis It was wonderful to welcome back a number of younger OOs from the classes of 2012 to 2017 on Saturday 19 January to give a charity concert in aid of the National Foundation for Youth Music. The event was organised by Matthew Curtis (15) as a creative project in his final year of undergraduate vocal studies at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. Thanks to his encouragement, the Chapel once more resounded to the glorious singing and playing of a number of former pupils, and it was good to welcome many of their families and friends in the audience too. Many of Matthew’s fellow first study singers were on the programme, and the audience enjoyed everything from early music by Monteverdi, Charpentier & Purcell to the Lieder of Schubert and Brahms, from arias and duets by Haydn, Bellini, Weber & Puccini to songs by Verdi, Debussy & Elgar. Glorious soprano singing from Olivia Carrell (14) and Amy Walker (15) was matched by the baritones Alex Bower-Brown (16), Edwin Lambert (16) & Jack Lee (15), rounded off by Matthew’s own tenor voice. Instrumental interludes included a moving Sibelius duet for violin & viola (Isobel Thompson (15) & Lydia Taylor (15)), clarinet music from Harriet Flather (12) (supported by her former teacher, David Graham (89)), and string solos by Emma Farmer (17) ‘cello and Jessica Tomey (17) violin. The musicians took a final choral trip down memory lane in choosing to sing the Bruckner motet, Locus iste, as an apt encore, conducted by Director of Music, Peter Davis, who also accompanied throughout the evening. The audience clearly enjoyed what they heard, with £635 being taken in a retiring collection for the National Foundation for Youth Music. In May Elizabeth Bass (13) performed a captivating harp recital in the Oakham Chapel, playing works by Scarlatti, Fauré and Albeniz. She is currently one of the leading British harpists of her generation, winning many prizes both nationally and internationally. In 2016, Elizabeth became the first British person to reach the final of the prestigious USA International Harp Competition in Bloomington, Indiana and was awarded the Silver Medal. 144
SPORTING REUNIONS The inaugural Ed Farmer Cup took place at the Wilson Playing Fields on Saturday 19 January 2019 where the 1st, 2nd & 3rd XI Boys Football Teams beat the OO teams on aggregate. The trophy was presented to the Captain of the 1st XI by Ed’s mother, Mrs Helen Farmer. The following OOs competed: Jamie Thorpe Nick Davies Will Farmer Joe Cuthbert Harry Allman Jim Kendall Henry Bridgwood George Fox Fabian Taylor Alex Freeman Dave Wilkinson Henry Goodman Angus McPhee
Richard Grundy Ed Chrimes Hugo Sumner Ryan Waterman Charlie Faye James Montagu Harry Groome Frazer McCombie Tom Smith Andrew Jarvis Ollie Allman Gareth Peters
Last September, a specially selected OO hockey squad, including double Gold Olympic Medal winner Crista Cullen (03) played against a team of current students in a hockey All-Stars match.
Lee Dilkes Albert Radford Liam Redding Tim Stuart Joe Kendall Louis Rawlings Arthur Bridgwood Henry Davies Julz Adeniran Tim Bradle Charlie Morgan Henry Scholes
Feature
INSPIRING SPEAKERS In January, we were thrilled to welcome back Old Oakhamian and Volvo Ocean Race veteran, Emily Nagel (12) to speak to students, staff and members of the local sailing community. Emily shared her experience of achieving her ‘childhood dream’ of winning a much sought after place on one of just seven participating teams (Team AkzoNobel). She also outlined, in detail, the nine physically gruelling and emotionally draining months she spent taking part in this renowned and revered race, which covers 45,000 miles and is often described as one of the most extreme sporting events in the world. She inspired students with the key message of “dealing with what you can, never giving up, and coming up with crazy innovative solutions” – which she certainly lived up to during the Race. Another message she imparted during her talk was the prevalence of plastic in the oceans and on beaches around the world. Part of her team’s work was to ‘turn the tide on plastic’ and, as well as taking part in beach clean ups in between each leg of the Race, they also took 75 water samples en-route. With only three of these samples not containing micro plastic, she really impressed upon the audience that everyone needs to do much more to reduce their plastic consumption. Dolores (Dolly) Sanders (90) returned to Oakham in March having been named one of Innovate UK’s ‘Women in Innovation Award’ winners. She chose for the commemorative purple plaque to be displayed at her former school, outside the Smallbone Library – with Headmaster, Nigel Lashbrook holding an unveiling ceremony. Dolores’ award was officially announced on International Women’s Day by Business Secretary Greg Clark; one of just nine women from across the UK who have been named ‘the next generation of world-leading female innovators’. Dolores was recognised for inventing pioneering technology that improves small business manufacturing and will now receive financial support to develop and grow her business further. During the award ceremony, Dolores outlined how thankful she was to have the “extraordinary opportunity to fulfil my passion to empower and inspire young women in their lives to develop and create ideas to the marketplace.” She said “how apt, that in unveiling this plaque I get to honour the School motto, ‘Et quasi cursores vitai lampada tradunt’ (And, like runners, they pass on the torch of life). This torchbearer will carry and pass on the torch for Innovation, education for diversity and for inclusion.”
“how apt, that in unveiling this plaque I get to honour the School motto. This torchbearer will carry and pass on the torch for Innovation, education for diversity and for inclusion.”
Navin Leanage (07) returned to School in May to attend a Biology Social special where Oakham School was delighted to welcome Nobel Prize winner and current President of the Royal Society, Dr Venkatraman Ramakrishnan FRS in conversation with teacher of Biology Dr Andrew Nicoll. In April Annie Whitehall (11) spoke to current students about her undergraduate study and career in politics, business and communications. Following her successful studies, Annie worked for three years in the Civil Service, across government departments including the Ministry of Justice, developing communication strategies on policies ranging from prison warden numbers to deterrence of drink driving. In the last year, Annie has moved into the business world, plying her trade at Unilever, whose products touch 2.5 billion people every day. As part of her talk, Annie gave advice to the Form 6 student audience about how to make the most of their final year at Oakham, the best way to deal with setbacks, and the importance of seeing challenges as exciting opportunities. Her highly relatable advice proved an inspiration for Oakhamians, who engaged her in conversation on areas of mutual passion including CCF, the joy of reading and the day-to-day of life working on the frontline of politics. 145
Feature
INTERNATIONAL HONOURS Antonia Scott (92)
On her recent return to Oakham School to attend Speech Day, OO President Katharina (Kat) Klohe (07) shared some memories of her time at School and talked about her life beyond Oakham. Although Kat was only at Oakham for two years to study the IB Diploma, she managed to fit in an enormous amount and contributed hugely to School life. As a German national, what made you decide to come to Oakham School?
Oakham stood out for its equal focus on academics and extra-curricular activities, helping students discover their talents and strengths. Also knowing Oakham was very good at hockey, a sport I loved, definitely helped. I immediately liked the town, the atmosphere at the School and Dr Spence definitely stood out as Headmaster. I felt at home the moment I arrived and together with the other international students, we were as much part of the School as all the other students.
What made you choose the IB over traditional A-level subjects?
The IB not only allowed me to keep the door open should I want to go back to Germany for university, but also provided an international outlook to my studies and a breadth of learning I have always valued at School. The IB reflected the all-roundedness of a person who is ready to embark on a future after school.
What extra-curricular activities did you enjoy at Oakham?
I played a lot of hockey, was President of the International Society, part of the Oxbridge group, as well as doing Community Service at Langham Primary School. I also played the piano.
Did you have a favourite teacher(s) at Oakham?
I had wonderful teachers at Oakham, each of them with their own strengths and patience to deal with us Germans who had to grasp new vocabulary, running around with our little pocket translators! They took time to explain and were always willing to help. I fondly remember being encouraged to learn and ask questions. Mrs Dunbavand – Biology, Mrs Meyrick – Maths and Mr Brown and Dr Dunn – History, probably stood out the most. Not to mention Mr Williams, my Geography Extended Essay supervisor, who made analysing the impact of market days on Oakham so much more exciting than you can imagine!
What are your favourite memories of Oakham School?
The community we built as boarders was something very new to me, but I thrived knowing there was always someone back at House I could talk to. I loved seeing my friends standing on the sideline of home hockey matches cheering for me, including Dr Spence in his wellies! I remember singing in Chapel on Saturdays and long brunches on Sunday mornings before heading back to House for our mounting homework; as well as our evening visits to the Indian restaurant, between prep time and before we had to be back in Hodges, to eat a cheeky naan bread!
What was your greatest achievement at School?
Being the first international student to become Captain of the Girl’s 1st Hockey team plus being selected to play for the 2nd XI Boys Hockey Team, as well as getting best report in my first term of Form 7, made me very proud of being able to thrive both academically and at sports, in a different country and foreign language.
As an international IB student I was encouraged, stretched, supported – and with this prize I wanted to encourage other students to make the most of their time at Oakham and allow them to give something back to the School. 146
Feature
What is the background to the IB Klohe Prize for Best International Female Student?
I really like Speech Day and the recognition of honouring students’ performances and achievements. I believe the international students greatly contribute to the School’s dynamics and performance, so I felt their courage for coming to study in a different country could receive more attention. Being an IB student really does ask a lot of students, and I felt that this deserved particular mention, but it was also a way to express my gratitude for what I was allowed to experience at Oakham. As an international IB student I was encouraged, stretched, supported – and with this prize I wanted to encourage other students to make the most of their time at Oakham and allow them to give something back to the School. What have you done since leaving Oakham?
I took a gap year during which I worked in Mexico for 4 months and then worked with people suffering from dementia back in Germany. I finished my BSc (Hons) in Psychology from Bath University and graduated from two Masters, both in London (SOAS and LSE). I worked for the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva, climbed Mt Kilimanjaro and to base camp Mt Everest, crossed the Alps on a 6-day hike and then moved back to Germany after having lived abroad for 11 years. I worked and continue to work for the Global Schistosomiasis Alliance, with the aim to eliminate the neglected tropical disease Schistosomiasis. I am also currently the Coordinator of the Centre for Global Health at the Technical University of Munich. Unfortunately, I have stopped playing hockey, but have recently picked up my French again (my first foreign language before English) and started an entirely new hobby: Tango. In 2018 I helped organise a European OO reunion in Munich and I am honoured to have been asked to be OO President for 2019.
What are you keen to achieve in your tenure as OO President?
I hope to be able to help find ways to ensure that Oakham continues to be an international School with international students, who are open-minded and value the global OO network that is available to them in order to appreciate the diverse paths we all take in our lives.
Any advice you would give an Oakhamian on leaving Oakham School?
Never stop exploring. Be excited to step out into this world full of opportunities, knowing that you have been equipped with high-quality academic capabilities and knowledge, but also friends that will stay with you and support you along your way. Continue being engaged in different activities – just remember how you managed to fit in all your different interests at School. It is too easy to miss out on wonderful opportunities by just sticking to what you know.
After Speech Day, Kat got in touch to say: “It was a lovely Speech Day – the weather was just perfect and it is always inspiring seeing the students and their activities and imagine what one would do if one were to start afresh. I always enjoy being back and catching up with old teachers, including Mr Denman, my hockey coach. It’s a weird mix of wanting to be back at school again, but at the same time realising one has really moved on. Being able to look back with fond memories is great.”
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Events
CLASS OF 89 – 30-YEAR REUNION Eileen Fisher
Completely undeterred by a slightly chilly night on 11 May 2019, almost 100 OOs from the Class of 89 met up in Oakham for their 30-year reunion. They came from all ends of the earth: New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Costa Rica, Dubai, Canada, America, Spain, and Germany were all represented alongside the traditional parts of the UK. The reunion began with prayers at the Chapel for classmates lost along the way. These included Diana Ridley, Mark Sutton, Adam Baddeley and Alastair Senior, whose parents, Rob and Magret lit candles before prayers and a poem read by Prakash Shah were said.
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A Successful Man – Bessie Anderson Stanley That man is a success – who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; Who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; Who leaves the world better than he found it; Who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; Who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.
The temperature rose as everyone arrived at BAFs Cricket Pavilion for a champagne reception followed by a tasty meal provided by the superb School catering team. Behind all the chat and laughter, the DJ played a fantastic set of music, perfectly chosen to resonate with our guests’ younger selves and their time at Oakham. The atmosphere in BAFs was amazing! The evening continued at the Whipper Inn into the wee small hours of the morning. Incriminating photos exist of Ben De Pear who, only a few hours later, was awarded a BAFTA alongside his Channel 4 News team for their Cambridge Analytica investigation! Massive thanks are due to the awesome and amazing Prakash Shah and Clare Barton who made this event happen. And huge thanks are due to the whole year group who raised over £1,000 for Young Minds, a charity that deals with child and adolescent mental health.
Events
“I AM STILL ON A HIGH FROM SEEING ALL YOU FAB LOVELY PEOPLE. I JUST LOVED IT.”
“Can’t start to tell you how much it meant to catch up with you all at the weekend. Everything changes, but nothing changes – you’re still a beautiful bunch!” 149
Events
AFTER THE RAIN… MIDSUMMER DRINKS 2019 Eileen Fisher
Saturday 8 June 2019 dawned like some hideous throwback to January! Rain bounced off pavements. Cricket was cancelled. Hair was inclined to frizz. Despite this, over 100 hardy souls stood by their plans to come to Midsummer Drinks and the Class of 2014 Reunion, and the weather Gods repaid their confidence. The rain stopped, the sun put in an appearance and the skies over Doncaster Close put on a striking display. Joined by Hon OOs and former staff, OOs from the Class of 53 to the Class of 2018 gathered at BAF Smith’s Cricket Pavilion. We were lucky enough to be joined by BAF
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himself who takes great pleasure that the pavilion is used as a meeting place for OOs as well as the cricket it was originally intended for. It was the Headmaster’s and my own last Midsummer Drinks and so very lovely to have so many OOs there to join us. The Class of 2014 arrived en masse bringing both youth and excitement along with them. They continued their celebrations in Oakham well into the evening after leaving BAFs. Thanks to all who came and to Catering and OSEL who supported the event.
Events and Future Events
DATES FOR THE DIARY CLASS OF 2009 TEN-YEAR REUNION Saturday 2 November 2019 The Barraclough
The Class of 2014
ANNUAL OO DINNER Saturday 23 November 2019 The Barraclough, Oakham School
CHRISTMAS DRINKS IN LONDON [Festive decoration: Glass of Champagne and Christmas tree] Monday 16 December 2019 6.00–10.00pm Camino, London Drop in to this ever popular FREE festive event.
CLASS OF 74 46-YEAR REUNION Saturday 6 June 2020 BAFS
MIDSUMMER DRINKS Saturday 20 June 2020 BAFS
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From the Archives
OLD OAKHAMIANS AND THE D-DAY LANDINGS It is not known how many Old Oakhamians actually participated in the D-Day landings, either in its planning, in its operation, or in the weeks afterwards as the Allies fought to establish the beachhead. However, it is known that five Old Oakhamians lost their lives during the month of June 1944 while engaged in the invasion. David Herbert Vivian BOARD was born on 24 June 1905 in Christ Church in Clifton in Bristol, the youngest son of Thomas Harding and Mary Gladys (née Cooper) of Norbiton Lodge in Kingston-upon-Thames in Surrey. Entering the School in 1921, aged 16, into School House, he was appointed a School Prefect in 1924 and was a Sergeant with Certificate A in the Officer Training Corps (OTC). From Oakham he went up to Clare College, Cambridge, after which he took employment in the Distillers’ Company. In 1933 he married Barbara Moscrop Robinson and they had two daughters – Sylvia (1938) and Joan (1940). Following a visit to Germany on business in 1937, he joined the Territorial Army and was commissioned into the Royal Berkshire Regiment (Army Number 69830), rising to the rank of Captain. In the Second World War he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was Mentioned-in-Despatches. He was killed-in-action by a sniper while on a reconnaissance on D-Day on Juno Beach, aged 38, while leading a battalion and was buried in Hermanville War Cemetery in Normandy. David Ronald EVANS was born on 7 February 1918, the youngest son of Ernest and Hilda Evans of Hoole near Chester in Cheshire. He joined the School in Wharflands in 1932 where he became a House Prefect. He was an Athletics Colour and Cadet Quarter-Master Sergeant (CQMS) with Certificate A in the Officer Training Corps (OTC). On leaving School, he joined the Westminster Bank. He enlisted in Cheshire Yeomany in 1939 and served in Palestine and Syria and earned a commission in the Cheshire Regiment in 1941 – Lieutenant (Army Number 277982) in the Cheshire Regiment attached to 1st/4th Battalion, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. He served in North Africa and was part of the invasion force in Sicily and in Italy. He was killed-in-action as part of the British Liberation Army during the Normandy campaign on 25 June 1944, age 27. He is buried in grave IV C 9 Tilly sur Seulles War Cemetery in France. 152
Bernard Tresham HARDY was born on 4 November 1913, the only son of Old Oakhamian Harold (Oakham 1890–1900) and Beatrice Hardy of Gundrada in Lewes in Suffolk. He joined the School in Wharflands in 1928. From Oakham, he went up to Selwyn College, Cambridge. He married Vivian and they had a daughter. He enlisted in 1939 and became a despatch rider for the Royal Engineers with the British Expeditionary Force and was evacuated from Dunkirk; during the retreat to Dunkirk he was awarded the Military Medal for special bravery in carrying vital messages into Arras in spite of strong enemy opposition. He was commissioned in 1941 as Second Lieutenant (Army Number 197989) in the 13th/18th Royal Hussars, part of the Royal Armoured Corps, and was promoted to Lieutenant. He was killed-in-action on 14 June 1944, aged 30, when his tank received a direct hit. He is buried in grave 3 C 2 Hermanville War Cemetery in France. Reginald Geoffrey RYLEY was born on 21 April 1907 in Croydon in Surrey, the son of Reginald and Maud Edith (née Smith). He was appointed a School Prefect in 1925, was a Sergeant with Certificate A in the Officer Training Corps (OTC) and played in the Rugby XV 1924 and in the Cricket XIs 1925 and 1926. He went up to Clare
Reginald Geoffrey Ryley is standing second from the right in the 1926 Cricket XI photograph
College, Cambridge, with a Johnson Exhibition and read Classics. He became a schoolmaster at Liverpool College, where he was an Officer in the OTC. In 1932 he married Barbara J V Humphrey and they had a daughter, Elizabeth (1934) and a son, Henry (1944). He joined the Territorial Army and was commissioned, rising to the rank of Captain. In the Second World War he enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment (Army Number 62226) and was killed-in-action on 6 June 1944 (D-Day) during the Normandy landings, aged 37. He is buried in La Délivrande War Cemetery in Douvres in Normandy. Thomas Edwin WILLIAMSON was born on 15 March 1912, the son of Griffith and Catherine Williamson of Wallasey in Cheshire. He joined the School in 1926, entering Hodge Wing and then going up into School House. He was a Lance Corporal with Certificate A in the Officer Training Corps (OTC) and passed the Higher Certificate. On leaving School he entered into the legal profession, becoming a qualified solicitor in the Milk Marketing Board and enrolling in the Inns of Court Officer Training Corps. On the outbreak of war he was commissioned (Army Number 113188) into the Ayrshire Yeomanry; as a Captain he served with the Royal Horse Artillery in North Africa, involved in the El Alamein battle in 1942 and the advance to Tunis. On his return to the UK, he served with the Naval Bombardment, attached to No 4 Commando with whom he was the Forward Observation Officer. He was mortally wounded (killed-in-action) in the Normandy invasion (Queen Red Beach) on 6 June 1944 (D Day), aged 32. He was buried in grave 1 M 3 of the Hermanville War Cemetery in Normandy.
From the Archives
ARCHIVES QUIZ Can you guess the year of these Rugby 1st XV photos?
A
Send in your answers to the Archives by emailing us at archivesuser@oakham.rutland.sch.uk or by tweeting us @OakhamArchives. The people who get all of the correct answers will feature in the next Old Oakhamian!
19??
D
19??
C B
19??
19??
SHARE YOUR STORIES ONLINE Charlotte McCrory, Archivist
The Oakham School Archives now has its own blog and Twitter page. We would love for all of you Old Oakhamians, parents and current pupils to take a look and get involved! We set these pages up to expand the audience of the Oakham School Archives. Social media such as this is a great way to get the Archives into the public domain, increasing accessibility. However, there are many other benefits. It also helps us to explore the collection and thus increase our knowledge of what we have. For Old Oakhamians, it’s a chance to reminisce and think back to your school days. Sometimes a date can be recorded incorrectly when an item is given to us or a document/ photo may not have any information connected to it at all. By sharing these documents online, we can share our knowledge and help us build up better document metadata for the collection. The Archives Blog On our blog, we can explore a subject or object that we find particularly interesting. Previous posts have included Oakham School pupils who have played in the Six Nations, Christmas time at Oakham and, our most popular subject to date: House Dogs. We had a great reaction to our House Dog blog post
with some people debating the date of a photograph, whilst others sent in their own dog photos. This is fantastic and exactly the response we were hoping to get with these posts. And remember, just because a post is months or perhaps years old, does not mean you can’t still comment or tweet us your memories. We’d love to hear from you at any time. Twitter On our Twitter page, we regularly try to post items and documents connected to a wider event in history. Therefore, if you are a lover of fun facts, our tweets may be for you.
Follow us on Twitter @OakhamArchives Read our blog www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk/Oakham-School-Archive-Blog
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From the Archives
Notorious Old Oakhamians In the first of two articles on Old Oakhamians who have found fame for all the wrong reasons, Oakham School’s Honorary Historian, Brian Needham, uncovers the sad fate of the Reverend William Dodd.
William Dodd was born in Bourne in Lincolnshire on 29 May 1729, the son of the Reverend William Dodd, Vicar of Bourne, and attended the School (but exact dates are not known). He went up to Clare College, Cambridge, in 1745 where he took BA (1749–50), MA (1759) and LLD (1766) degrees. On leaving Cambridge, Dodd resided in London in hopes of a literary career and rapidly produced a co-authored student crammer of philosophical texts and wrote both a farce on Sir Roger de Coverley, which was apparently never staged, and A New Book of the Dunciad. On marrying he leased an expensive property in Wardour Street and began to live well beyond his means in the expectation of literary success bringing financial rewards. When it became apparent that this would not be the case, he returned to Cambridge, was ordained at Gonville and Caius College and earned his living as curate at All Saints', West Ham. He continued to write, producing The Beauties of Shakespeare (1752) and fiction in the form of The Sisters (1754). During the 1760s he concentrated on theological writing and published a Commentary of the Bible in
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monthly parts from 1764 and became almost solely responsible for the Christian Magazine (1760–67). Meanwhile his reputation as a preacher was growing. He was appointed to a lectureship at All Saints' in 1752, which was followed by lectureships at St James Garlickhythe in May 1753 and St Olave in Hart Street in April 1754. He also delivered the Lady Moyer lectures at St Paul's Cathedral from 1754. In 1765 Dodd became tutor to the heir of the Earl of Chesterfield, so he reluctantly turned schoolmaster and opened a small private school and graduated LLD in 1766 in the hope of attracting other wealthy pupils. His precarious finances received a boost when his wife received an inheritance and a lottery prize. With the money he opened Charlotte (or Pimlico) Chapel in Charlotte Street in July 1767 with the aim of attracting the cream of London society through his reputation as a preacher. He failed to obtain the vacant livings of either All Saints’ in 1762, or St Olave in 1769, although in 1772 he was preferred to the rectory of Hockliffe, Bedfordshire, to which was joined the vicarage of Chalgrove.
From the Archives
Buckingham Palace, early 18th century
Still living well beyond his means, his debts continued to mount and in 1767 he was sacked from his role as editor of the Christian Magazine, his steady source of income. His school, which had never been a financial success, collapsed when Philip Stanhope departed on the grand tour in 1771. Another attempt to rescue his finances, by leasing Bedford Chapel, Bloomsbury, in 1770, failed. In spite of all these difficulties Dodd supported a number of charities and was instrumental in the establishment of the Society for the Relief and Discharge of Persons Imprisoned for Small Debts (later the Discharged Prisoners' Society) and of the Society for the Resuscitation of Persons Apparently Drowned (later the Royal Humane Society), and he was connected to the Magdalen Hospital for the reformation of penitent prostitutes. By the early 1770s Dodd's popularity had begun to wane as the fashion in preaching styles changed. His creditors became more pressing and this may have led him to live for a time near Hounslow Heath. But he needed to maintain his connection with wealthy society and so he took a house in Queen Street, Mayfair, about 1774. This made him more accessible to creditors, who besieged the house and to make matters worse his wife tried to bribe Lady Apsley so that her husband might present Dodd to the living of St George's, Hanover Square. As a result all hope
of preferment in the Church had gone and such reputation as Dodd had enjoyed went with it. He fled to Geneva to join his old pupil Philip Stanhope, now Earl of Chesterfield and on their return Chesterfield gave him the living of Wing in Berkshire and some money to pay off his most pressing creditors. Dodd continued to write and became editor of the New Morning Post. Then came the final incident of his life. On 1 February 1777 he discounted a bill of exchange allegedly drawn by Chesterfield and obtained ÂŁ4200, but the bill was a forgery and he was arrested on 5 February. He confessed and arranged for repayment but promises that the matter would not be pressed further were not honoured and he was convicted of a capital forgery at the Old Bailey on 22 February, but with the jury recommending mercy. A popular campaign began with the aim of obtaining mercy and he approached Dr Samuel Johnson to assist him in seeking mercy. Johnson devoted a considerable amount of time to writing the speeches and prayers that were published under Dodd's name, including the one that he delivered to the court when he was sentenced to death in May 1777 and the speech he was to have given, but did not, at the gallows. On 27 June 1777 Dodd was hanged at Tyburn, the only known occasion when an Old Oakhamian has been judiciously.
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Births and Marriages
BIRTHS
WILLIAMS Alex (née MASKELL) (98) writes: ‘Max Harri Patrick Williams was born on 28 November 2018, weighing 8lbs and 15.5 oz. Jack is very proud of his little brother and is nice to him most of the time!’
MARRIAGES FITCHES Carl (00) and Laura, married on 4 May 2019 at Oakham Castle. OOs and families who were in attendance included: Craig Fitches (02), William Nelson (00), Timothy Cropper (00), and Adrian Newell (00).
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HALL Simon Mark (89) got married to Lisa Marie Hughes on 9 September 2018 at Mythe Barn in Leicestershire.
MIDDLETON Alexandra (07) married Bayo Randle on 11 August 2018 at Hatfield House in Hertfordshire. Alex writes: ‘It was a thoroughly OO reunion, with Angus Bayley (07) on the piano, Rebecca Stott (07), Juliet Facey (07), Charlotte Cooke (07), Tant Cooper (05) and Charlotte Renwick (07) on the dancefloor and Caroline Gasson (07) making it to the church reception (heavily pregnant).’
Births and Marriages
WALTON Jaime (07) wrote with news of her wedding: ‘After seven years together, Luke Wheeler and I were married on 22 September 2018 at our local church, followed by a reception close to our home in Sulby. My brothers Matt Walton (02) and Joe Walton (05) were both ushers, and two of my OO friends Rachel Tonge (07) and Kristina Pegg (06) were bridesmaids. Luke’s father is also an OO, Robert Wheeler (73), as was our vicar Canon Brian Davis (58). We had an amazing honeymoon in South Africa & Mozambique, and are now enjoying married life together with our beloved dog Enzo.’
YOUNG Nick (94) writes: ‘On 7 December 2018 I got married to the now Mrs Sasha Young. It was a great day and we had about 20 Old Oakhamians present from the leaving classes of 04 and 05. My two best men were Old Oakhamians: Mr Joey Yandell (03) and Mr Charles Cutting (04).
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Deaths and Obituaries
ARMSTRONG Will (74) 5 May 1956 – 26 December 2018 Written by Julian Baskcomb Will and I have been great friends for 45 years – in fact, ever since we were teenagers playing cricket in his mother’s garden, just a good hit for six behind this church. Will was an independent man with clear views and opinions, who paddled his own carefree canoe through Life and yet, for someone who lived so much of it to the full and in the fast lane, he could happily spend hours therapeutically watching blue tits on his nesting box camera, mowing the lawn, knocking off crossword puzzles or strumming his guitar while cooking up a spicy jerked chicken. With his natural wit, charm and winning smile he could strike up a conversation with anyone he met from road sweepers to rock stars, and really didn’t worry too much what any of them might think of him. He was also, quite simply, one of the funniest men I’ve ever met - his off the cuff humour was incredibly sharp, but he loved slow-burner jokes too, and all his life nobody was ever far away from being the victim of a complicated spoof or a clever mimic phone call. One of the many occasions Will came over to France to stay with us was only last November, when he announced he’d signed up for piano lessons every Monday, and even got himself a bright blue piano to practise on…only Will would choose a blue piano to match his blue shutters! Will loved playing or watching cricket, and in his younger days was a fine batsman, off-spin bowler and outstanding cover fielder, first at Oakham School and later with a cup-winning team at Northampton Saints. He even had several trials at Leicestershire, where in one game he batted with none other than a blond youngster called David Gower who went on to captain England. Eventually, Will saw a ‘croupiers wanted’ advert for a casino called the Hertford Club in Mayfair, and just for the laugh, went along for an interview. His mental maths were always good but what impressed was how, with no previous 158
practice, he shuffled the pile of casino chips they put in front of him: – ‘you’ve done this before’ they said. ‘I reckon not’ said Will, but got the job. So he moved to London, and began more than 30 years of night-life in the penguin gear of white shirt, bow-tie and black jacket. His casino life progressed quickly, and he left London in 1981 and moved over to Nassau in the Bahamas. I flew out to the Bahamas three times in the 1980s to stay with him and despite the distance we always kept in touch, and met up again in the UK to celebrate when each of his two sons were born. Will loved both his boys, Joseph and Thomas very much; he often spoke of them, had their photos around his house, and proudly sent me a YouTube link of them playing together in their band. When Will’s elderly mother Elaine also became very ill, he returned home to Spratton on a permanent basis in 2008 to look after her through some difficult final years. He was distraught at her death in 2014 and it was his wish to be laid to rest alongside her. I’m so proud to have been his friend for so many years. BARBER JS (63) 15 February 1944 – 12 March 2019 An obituary will be published in the next Old Oakhamian magazine. CHONG Roger (Hon OO) 9 December 1935 – 20 January 2019 Oakham School’s badminton coach (1982–2008). Ex RAF and ex-England International. CROUCH Antony Hector (67) 19 October 1948 – 18 March 2019 Antony died from oesophageal cancer, shortly after celebrating his 70th birthday with family. He is survived by his widow Brenda, his sons and daughters and six grandchildren. Brenda would like to thank all those who have expressed their sympathy in her loss; it is much appreciated. John Buckingham (68) writes: ‘Hector’s parents used to run/own the Hendon Hall Hotel in North London, which is where the England soccer team used to stay pre Wembley matches. Hector had often suggested
I should call in to say hello. The opportunity to do so came about in 1968 when Adrian Smith (nickname “Cowpoke” for some unfathomable reason who I think was in Deanscroft at the end but had started as a day boy) and I went down to London in his Mini Moke to take our first year Chartered Surveyors exams. I had called Hector before leaving home in Leicester and he had invited us for dinner in the hotel restaurant. So we duly tipped up, and after a lovely meal I looked at my hotel reservation at the Waverley Hotel in Southampton Row and discovered that my room would be released at 6pm if I had not advised them of a late arrival, which I had failed to do. By that time it was getting on for 9pm, so a panicked phone call revealed that my room had gone. The Crouch family leapt to my aid, and I spent a very comfortable but horrendously expensive (at least, to someone earning £6 a week at the time) three nights at the Hendon Hall Hotel. The only problem was that Hendon is miles from Southampton Row/Queens Square and I was over an hour late arriving for my first exam. Inexplicably, I still passed!’ JUDGE Charles Barrie (49) 9 October 1932 – 14 December 2018 Charles’ son Peter writes: ‘I am sad to inform you that my father, Charles Barrie Judge died peacefully at home in Nottingham following a short illness. He had lifelong fond memories of his time at Oakham. For many years, he served on the Parent Teacher Committee and maintained a keen interest in the success of the School.’ Jon Wills writes: ‘Charles was such a loyal supporter of the School and the Old Oakhamian Club. He was a regular attendee at every OO Dinner and for many years he was the organiser of the Nottinghamshire OO Dinner. He will be greatly missed.’ LEWIN Jon (01) 13 September 1982 – 18 January 2019 Jon was a photographer and author based in Bristol and died of a suspected seizure in the water while surfing in Sri Lanka. Jon, 36, had been visiting the country on holiday with friends from Newquay. He was an established photographer and had published two cookbooks that told the story of his travels to Sri Lanka and the people he had come to know and love.
Deaths and Obituaries
MASON Anthony (50) 8 July 1932 – 1 August 2018 Written by Anthony’s wife, Tessa Tony had such a huge affection for Oakham and over the last few years we have returned once or twice to look round and for him to enjoy going down memory lane! He always looked forward to receiving The Oakhamian and marvelled at all the improvements and facilities and was so enthusiastic about the School in general. MOCKFORD Caroline (80) 18 June 1961 – 5 March 2019 Written by The Revd Canon John Rees, Provincial Registrar, Province of Canterbury
LOWE David Anthony (66) 23 April 1951 – 2 January 2019 Written by Nick Savage (66) David Lowe (School House) died in January 2019, aged 70, after a long struggle with cancer. His father was a senior officer in Army Logistics and, like many serving officers, chose boarding school as the only way to ensure a consistent, stable education for David, who started at Hodge Wing in 1958, moving to School House in 1961. David is remembered by his School contemporaries as a mature, calm and robust presence in any volatile situation. He was a good team player and represented his House in a range of sports. Little flustered him, a quality that stayed with him all his working career. After A-levels, he went to Reading University, taking a B.Sc in Estate Management and then commenced a career in the property industry. After marrying Gail, initially they lived in North London. Subsequently they moved to the Bristol area. David was made a Partner at GVA Grimley and energetically developed their business in the region. His work colleagues paid tribute to his shrewd negotiating skills, and his commitment to developing the careers of others. On retirement his interests centred on his family, yachting and Welsh National rugby. He was a faithful supporter of Bath rugby team and always regretted not seeing them win the Premiership. The 1966 alumni join to offer their thoughts and respects to Gail and family.
Caroline Mockford’s sudden death at the age of 57 has rocked the legal establishment of the Church of England. Although she had been in post as Provincial Registrar for the Archbishop of York for only three years, her impact both in the Northern Province and across the wider Church of England had been enormous. She was seen as a rising star in the ecclesiastical firmament. Hers was an unmistakable presence at every committee she attended, combining sage insight and calm advice with sparkling good humour. At her funeral service in York Minster on 22 of March, the Archbishop of York remarked on how her smile would light up any room. She had practised law in Lincoln for many years, specialising in wills, probate, trusts and similar routine solicitors’ practice before being appointed as Registrar to the Bishop of Lincoln. She held that post for 6 years, before moving to York in 2014, to become successively Registrar of the Diocese of York, and a year later Registrar of the Province. From 2017, she held office as Registrar of Tribunals for the Northern Province, on occasion having to deal also with Southern Province matters. She held office as Secretary for the Convocation of York, which required her presence at General Synod meetings as well as on occasions when the Convocation met separately. Her predecessor, Lionel Lennox remarked on the very happy relationship she sustained with him during and beyond these various transitions, a major tribute both to her professionalism and to her personality. In none of her ecclesiastical offices did she have an easy ride: shortly before she died, she remarked on the baptisms of fire she had experienced both in Lincoln and in York,
sometimes occasioned by discipline cases, and on other occasions by apparently intractable disputes in congregations. She rapidly became the ‘go-to’ adviser for bishops and clergy across the Province, and her advice was relied upon by Archbishop Sentamu – who remarked at her funeral that she ‘gave the law a warm human face. That is why I told her that her duty was not to tell me what I can’t do. But rather to tell me what the law is so that I know when I am breaking it!’ She was greatly loved by colleagues in the law, as well as by clergy and others across the Church of England, many of whom felt privileged to have become friends. None of them, of course, will miss her as greatly as her husband of 27 years, Bob Kenyon – who remarked to one or two friends at her funeral that she had insisted on keeping her maiden name at the time of their marriage ‘because I do not want to have to waste 10,000 sheets of my firm’s headed notepaper by changing names now’! She will be sorely missed, but we ‘thank God for every remembrance’ of his servant Caroline.
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Deaths and Obituaries
ROSS Brigadier Alan Cedric Scott (45) 28 October 1928 – 1 December 2018 aged 90. WADDY Richard Frank (52) 12 January 1936 – 10 November 2018 Written by David Waddy (57) Richard was born with a heart murmur, but my parents who were both doctors decided that he would lead a normal life, although he took no part in active sports at School but always busied himself doing electrical and stage-making activities for plays at Oakham. He attended the local primary school before coming to Junior House at Oakham aged eight. Aged thirteen he moved into Deanscroft. He left aged seventeen to start an apprenticeship with Blackwood Hodge a large earthmoving machine firm at Northampton. He obtained his HNC in mechanical engineering with day release to the local technical college. After completing his apprenticeship at Blackwood Hodge he worked in a garage our father had bought, and also looked after the contracting business we had started in 1958, while I was waiting to be called up for National Service. After I came back from Singapore after National Service, Richard decided to go back into heavy engines and took a job at Shotts in Scotland with the American firm, Cummins Engines. He was in digs there with an ex Naval Engineer who had a daughter called Margaret, who Richard later married. Cummins then set up a new plant at Darlington for V-engines and Richard moved to Brompton-on-Swale. Whilst in Scotland Richard continued studying at technical college at Paisley and at one time was taking evening classes in Mathematics (not bad for someone who had on his Maths report at Oakham that this boy will never be any good at Maths!) Over the years he gained his C.Eng MIMechE becoming a chartered engineer. Whilst at Brompton his daughter Fiona was born and later a son Adrian. After a few years Cummins bought another factory at Daventry but Richard didn’t get a job there so moved to Rochdale working for Kysor Industries, another
American firm then Cummins decided they would give Richard a job at the new factory at Daventry and he was there until he retired! He moving to Long Buckby in 1975 and renovated a large house over the years, doing a lot of the work himself. Whilst at Daventry he frequently travelled to Cummins HQ in America. He retired in 1996. Whilst at Brompton he started bell-ringing again, become active at Daventry and Long Buckby Towers, the latter he organised the re-hanging of the bells and one was recast with the family name on it. He did a lot of bell maintenance in both towers after he retired. When he was 71 he purchased the hull of a canal boat and did all the engineering work on it, subcontracting the woodwork. Also after his retirement he refurbished a Marshall Tractor
that I had taken out of service in 1967. Richard had a knowledge of so many things covering not only mechanical but electrical, hydraulics and radio. His demeanour could be summed up by the comment from a colleague from Cummins who said to me after his memorial service at Long Buckby church, which was well attended, “It didn’t matter what was going on at work it was always a pleasure to come and work with Richard”. Richard was initiated into the Old Oakhamian Lodge in 1973 and was a regular attender right up until his last illness. He became a founder member of The Buckby Castle Lodge, a member of two other Masonic degrees in Daventry and into the Chair of one of them. He is survived by his wife Margaret, daughter Fiona and son Adrian.
“IT DIDN’T MATTER WHAT WAS GOING ON AT WORK IT WAS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO COME AND WORK WITH RICHARD”. Erratum In the article on the War Memorials to the Old Oakhamian casualties of the First World War (Old Oakhamian issue 113), part of the second paragraph on page 122 commencing “The original planning proposal” down to “never to be repaid” is incorrect, since this refers to the building of the Memorial Library; the commemoration to the Old Oakhamian casualties of the Second World War. It needs to be stressed that the building of the Memorial Chapel, in Weldon stone, was paid for entirely out of the appeal fund that raised some £16,000 from Old Oakhamians and friends of the School. The Honorary School Historian apologies for this confusion and thanks Michael Churchouse (47) for pointing out this unintentional error.
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The OO Interview
INTERNATIONAL RUGBY STAR HAMISH WATSON (10) Hamish Watson was part of the Scottish team who fought to an astonishing draw against England in this year’s Six Nations Tournament, thereby retaining the Calcutta Cup. Here he talks about how Oakham School shaped his formative years and prepared him for his rugby playing career.
Did you have a favourite teacher(s) at Oakham? I got on well with all the teachers, but it was the rugby coaches – Dosser, Mr S, Glenn Gelderbloom – who I can’t thank enough for everything they did for me; they played a huge part in my success.
SPORTING SUCCESS
How did you combine your rugby training and School work while at Oakham? Academics were never my strong suit but funnily enough doing GCSEs was when I worked really hard – I knew I had to work hard in order to stay in the School. I remember Mr Smith driving me to training sessions. By the time A-levels came round I knew I wanted to play professionally. What are your favourite rugby memories from when you were at Oakham School? Playing for Oakham was always pretty special – when you are 13 you dream of playing on Doncaster Close – you really look up to those playing on the 1st team pitch. When I finally did that, it was a big moment. I also remember very well the rivalry between Oakham and Uppingham; whenever we beat Uppingham at home it was a memorable occasion. I also loved taking part in Rosslyn Park in the Rugby Sevens. Our Daily Mail Cup run was special even though we annoyingly went out in the quarter finals.
Photo Credits: Craig Watson & Gary Hutchinson
When did you first start playing rugby? I started playing rugby when I was 5 years old. My Dad made me go to a local rugby club and I really enjoyed it, so I then just continued with it at School. At 13 I met Ian (Dosser) Smith and he sold the rugby at Oakham to me – he told me about all the OOs who have gone on to great things and that clinched it for me.
Boarding was the best experience of my life – being in Wharflands with Mr Paddock and then in School House – having your mates around you 24/7
What advice would you give to aspiring rugby players at Oakham? If you get setbacks, you have to keep going – try to react positively to them and don’t give up. Things don’t always go to plan. I well remember Dosser giving me this
advice after my unsuccessful trial for the Scotland U18s. I kept training and playing and eventually got into the U19 team.
FAVOURITE MEMORIES OF OAKHAM
What are your favourite memories of your life at Oakham School? Being a boarder – boarding was the best experience of my life – being in Wharflands with Mr Paddock and then in School House – having your mates around you 24/7. I’ve got a good group of mates from my time at Oakham and we still keep in close contact. We all reminisce when we get together that being at Oakham was the best days of our lives. Even getting told off and learning from your mistakes! It often doesn’t feel like it at the time when there are rules you have to obey, but your schooldays really are the best days.
What was your greatest achievement at School or memory that you are most proud of? Rugby wise – playing for the 1st team, but I was also part of the School Production of Anything Goes – there were quite a lot of rugby boys involved that year – that’s my ‘you don’t know that about me’ piece of information – the Drama stuff was great at Oakham.
AFTER OAKHAM
How did your career path since leaving School lead you to playing in the Scotland National team? Through contacts at Oakham I went into the U19 Scotland team, then Leicester Academy. What are your future plans? For the foreseeable future I plan to stay in Scotland. I’ve got family up here plus there’s the World Cup coming – I want to stay fit and make sure I’m on the plane to Japan. In the longer term, I would love to go on and get 50 caps – that would an achievement Any advice you would give an Oakhamian on leaving Oakham School? Enjoy it whilst it lasts – you sometimes think you’d rather be anywhere else, but make the most of it – make the most of the opportunities – get stuck in with everything. 161
Foundation News
FAREWELL THE 1584 AND THANK YOU SOCIETY LUNCH: WISTERIA HOTEL Becca Maddocks
The contribution that Eileen Fisher has made to the Old Oakhamian Club in the last four years has been immense. Year group reunions, in the main hosted by her at Oakham, are now a regular part of the OO calendar. At the most recent event, a 30 year reunion of the Class of 1989, there were 100+ attendees and Eileen played a huge part in attracting so many of that year back to Oakham. In addition she created the OO Facebook group which now has over 2,000 members. She has been instrumental in setting up the OO Hub leading to many more OOs being in regular contact with one another. In addition she has sent out a regular OO newsletter, as well as dealing with the numerous day-to-day OO enquiries. It has been an absolute pleasure to work so closely with her over the past four years and she returns to her family home in Northern Ireland with the love and best wishes of all members of the Old Oakhamian Club and Foundation team. Quasi Cursores, Jon Wills (73) Chairman of the OO Club
NEW APPOINTMENTS Following the departure of Anna Bentley, the Foundation and Old Oakhamian Club have joined with the Marketing Department under the leadership of Director of External Relations, Samantha Rowntree. We are currently recruiting for a new Head of Development and an Alumni Manager, both of whom we hope will start at the same time in the autumn. We hope to give more information about the team in the next edition. 162
On Friday 7 June, the Oakham School Foundation and the 1584 Society’s President, Katherine Sharp, welcomed members of the 1584 Society to their second annual lunch at the Wisteria Hotel. Guests enjoyed a delicious and carefully selected menu in the newly refurbished Georgian Suite, prepared by chef Neil Hornsby (OO 80). Despite the wet weather, everyone very much enjoyed this opportunity to celebrate their support for the School. Chair of Trustees, Neil Gorman, thanked Eileen Fisher, Alumni Manager, for her contribution to alumni engagement at Oakham School. He gave an insightful speech on the transition from one Headmaster – Nigel Lashbrook, to another – Henry Price and the opportunity that this change would bring to Oakham School and the Foundation. Neil also outlined the importance of the Old Oakhamian community and how integral alumni engagement is for the future of Oakham School. After the lunch, Katherine Sharp welcomed all members – old and new – and spoke about the impact that increased members can make: “Just 26 members would provide us with enough funds to support a SpringBoard Pupil right through from Form 3 to Form 7 – a challenging but achievable aim.” Katherine spoke with clear admiration for Oakham School and the work of the Foundation and finished her speech by saying: “The power is in the collective and greater goals could be accomplished in the future. “Et quasi cursores vitai lampada tradunt!” My Latin has certainly declined in the last 21 years, but these words are still very firmly with me!” Nigel Lashbrook concluded the speeches by speaking fondly of Royal SpringBoard, explaining how they identify able students from disadvantaged backgrounds and provide them with access to a boarding experience and a
standard of excellence of education that would otherwise be impossible. Nigel said: “Drawing on all sections of society, our SpringBoard Bursaries are a way of demonstrating that we, as a School, practise what we preach.” Nigel thanked all 1584 Society members for their continued support of the Oakham School Foundation and said he was delighted to see that the number of guests in attendance had more than doubled since the Society’s inception in 2018. We hope that by next year’s 1584 Society Lunch, the number will have doubled again, to help transform the lives of Oakhamians. For more information on how to become a member of the 1584 Society, please contact 01572 758699 or email foundation@oakham.rutland.sch.uk
Foundation News
BUILDING THE FOUNDATIONS AT SPEECH DAY
The Foundation team had a tent for the first time at this year’s Speech Day and we were delighted to speak with parents, pupils and friends of Oakham about our current fundraising campaigns. A Foundation timeline was handed out, showcasing how fundraising has transformed the School since 2001, along with a fun quiz for guests to win a luxury hamper full of goodies, a personalised Oakham Monopoly set and an ‘Oakley’ Teddy.
SUMMER TELEPHONE CAMPAIGN:
GIVING BACK TO YOUR SCHOOL 12 – 26 AUGUST 2019 This summer the Foundation is organising an ambitious fundraising telephone campaign. The calling team will consist of 13 recent leavers from the years 2014 – 2019. The first Foundation telephone campaign took place in 2011, where an incredible £95,000 was raised in donations and pledges over three years. This year, the Foundation Team is hoping to reach £100,000 to support our current fundraising projects. We look forward to speaking with many of you and we will update you on the success of the campaign in the next edition of the Old Oakhamian.
Don’t wait until August to get in touch! We would love to hear from you at any time. Do contact us to find out how you can become involved in the Foundation by email foundation@oakham.rutland.sch.uk or call us on 01572 758699.
Matthew Counsell (10) was one of the OOs who was a caller in the first Telephone Campaign. “The original telephone campaign proved a great experience for me. The intensive nature of the training and campaign period meant you learnt a lot of new skills in a very short space of time. It gave me a fantastic insight into the diversity of career paths Old Oakhamians go on to lead. I remember speaking to a wide variety of people from musicians to entrepreneurs to those pursuing military careers. I think that’s reflective of the breadth of the education offered at Oakham. Although salesmanship is certainly not my forte, I found the art of successfully negotiating a donation agreement very rewarding and the structured nature of the campaign made the whole process much more accessible and less daunting than if we’d just been handed a phone with a list of numbers to call. I’m currently working in London as an actuary for a global reinsurance firm and am still a keen amateur musician, golfer and hockey player. I wish the Foundation and the 2019 fundraising team every success with the campaign.”
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