OKS Spring issue 1

DAVID GOODES Tributes to a giant of the Common Room BEYOND HARVEY AND BATHER Sir Tom Jeffery writes on a career in public service FROM LIPSCOMB’S TO LA DOLCE VITA The Grange celebrates a birthday – or two THE MAGAZINE OF THE OKS ASSOCIATION • № 1 • Spring 2018

Winemaking on the ‘white slopes’ Jan-Ailbe Panman (SH 1995-2000) and family enjoy the fruits of their labour

OKS MAGAZINE • № 1 • Spring 2018

Welcome and Farewell W

elcome to this remodelled publication, and farewell to Offcuts and For the Record, after 46 and 26 issues respectively. Until the mid 1990s the OKS Association produced only a sober Annual Review and Accounts, and the initiative to be more interesting seems to have come from Mike Brown (SH 1944-49), on stepping down from the OKS Presidency in 1994. Incoming President Peter Venn (WL 195460) thanked Mike for his “drive to develop the Annual Review into a magazine with a wider approach and livelier content.”

Four high-quality and handsomely produced OKS Reviews across 1997 to 2004 appeared, all of them edited by Mike from Devon, and when the first Offcuts appeared in September 1999 it was as an adjunct to these Reviews.

Although Offcuts grew and prospered it lacked space for anything but brief Obituaries and individual news or for archival material, and this was the genesis of For the Record, which began in September 2007. Now we move on again, as new technologies in printing and production make it economically viable for us to combine the best qualities of the two publications with a brighter, sharper single magazine, which we very much hope will appeal to OKS of all ages. Please let us know what you think!

Cover photo: Jan-Ailbe Panman and family by Hervé Leclair www.aspheries.com

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years of King’s rowing, and to King’s music is celebrated in this issue, taught Herbert’s poetry many times. He was worthy to do so, being a man who in the finest way epitomised a selfless tradition of bachelor schoolmastering, and who on retirement from teaching inherited the 1946 Twinlock ledger of the Book Store and served with the Accounts Department till 1998.

“Goodbye to a most Wonderful Man,” one of them wrote.

The last verse of Herbert’s poem ‘Vertue’ (with its play on the heroic) might have been written for David: Onely a sweet and vertuous soul, Like season’d timber, never gives, But though the whole world turn to coal, Then chiefly lives.

Wonderful also in its way was the service of June Robertson, dedicated as she was for so many years to supporting her husband George in his career as teacher, games master, occasional musician, and Head successively of Galpin’s and Junior King’s. June’s death, just eight days after David’s, is noted here, and her Thanksgiving Service will be on 4 May. Two ideal servants of the School. A former Headmaster professed his aim to run a King’s where a GP could reasonably expect to educate two sons. They worked in that idiom.

n 27 February each year the Church of England commemorates the life of George Herbert (1593-1633), “Priest, Pastor, Poet”.

David Goodes, whose dedication to the teaching of English and Latin, to some of the greatest

Stephen Woodley OKS

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In this issue From the OKS President

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e hope you enjoy this new magazine of the OKS Association. Stephen Woodley explains the reasons for the change. Reunion-wise we had the biggest London Drinks of recent years, at The Vintry, in the City just before Christmas and the 1966-1979 cohort had a well-attended reunion at Chandos House. On 11 October we will be hosting the Reunion for the 1990-1999 cohort at The Clubhouse in London. In the meantime, Veronica Olszowska is building up a network of year group reps, and she’d love to hear from volunteers for the years listed on page 13. A successful meeting of OKS sports reps in London has produced plans for a fabulous Sports Day on 8 September. And finally, congratulations to the OKS Real Tennis squad, namely Andrew Dowie (WL 1975-81) and Justin Snoxall (GR 1975-79) who beat Charterhouse, The Leys, Rugby and Worth to win the final of The Cattermull Cup!

4 News from King’s: Shenzhen, music and partnerships.

6, 10 & 14 Features: Wine, the Civil Service and Gemmology.

12 OKS Network: Events and Year Group Reps – Edinburgh and London.

18 OKS Update: News of OKS from the 1940s to the 2010s.

26 From the Archives: The Grange.

28 Obituaries: David Goodes, Richard Murphy and others.

36 Sport: Football, Real Tennis and Millie Knight, triple Paralympic medallist.

Charlotte Pragnell

From the Headmaster

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ing’s does really well to pack the maximum into the shortest of the terms. The February snow and icy winds failed to stop our vibrant sporting life. The Green Court was transformed into the White Court, with inter-house snowball fights of epic dimensions, whilst the St Augustine’s quads were decorated with snowmen, some obviously satirical. The highlight of the term would be John Humphreys, on Radio 4’s ‘Today’ programme, announcing: ‘Let’s go over to South Korea where Team GB has won our first medal at the Paralympic Games with Millie Knight’. ‘I just cannot stop smiling!’ she said. Francis Bushell competed in the Woodwind final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition. Straight after half term, we opened the stunning new Mitchinson’s, on the site of the old ‘Chitty Bang Bang’ garage in St Radigund’s. The 6as have achieved a very promising hand of Oxbridge offers (21). Matt Stonier was selected for England at Cross Country and Amanda Thomas OKS will row for Oxford in the women’s lightweight Boat Race. The final Saturday of term brought a memorable performance of Duruflé’s Requiem. On all fronts, King’s is moving ahead!

Peter Roberts

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We want to hear your news and so do your fellow OKS. Share your family announcements, career moves or achievements be they sporting, artistic or otherwise with your fellow OKS by contacting Elaine Lynch or filling in the form on the address sheet. telephone 01227 595672 email etl@kings-school.co.uk website www.oks.org.uk facebook.com/groups/oksassociation twitter.com/OKSAssociation linkedin.com/groups/35681 The OKS Magazine is edited by Stephen Woodley (Common Room 1969-98), assisted by an Editorial Committee of Felicity Lyons, Chair (SH 1975-77), Peter Henderson (Common Room 1969 -), Elaine Lynch and Rachael Devlin-Quinn with further support from Paul Pollak (Common Room 195088). Unless otherwise credited, photographs are

by Matt McArdle or from School Archives.

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News from King’s

FROM THE COMMON ROOM Stephen Matthews, Head of Academic Music, accompanist and composer, has clocked up his 100th term. Of the current Common Room only Martin Miles (112) has been here longer. Richard Cook has taken over the role of President of the Common Room from Marc Dath. Stephen Winrow-Campbell has stepped aside after nearly 20 years as Head of Biology and is succeeded by Elizabeth Lockwood. Steve Bree, who has been stage technician and much more (including a spell as King’s Week Manager) since 1996, left at Christmas. Saskia Barnard, having filled in for a term’s teaching, leaves to work in a political think-tank before, she hopes, returning to Cambridge for a PhD.

MONTEVERDI AND MANTOVANI The Crypt Choir and Chamber Orchestra travelled to Rome over half term to give two performances of Monteverdi’s Vespers. The first was at San Marcello al Corso in central Rome, and the second at Santuario di Santa Maria della Quercia in nearby Viterbo. As well as sightseeing trips around ancient Rome, the musicians sang the Sunday midday Mass at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. The Monteverdi was then repeated at St Alfege, Greenwich in November.

The Christmas Concert included many seasonal favourites: excerpts from Delibes’ Coppélia Suite and Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, some John Rutter and, on a snowy Sunday, Irving Berlin’s ‘White Christmas’. For many, however, the highlights of the evening were the Mantovani arrangements of ‘La Vie en Rose’, ‘Moon River’ and ‘Charmaine’ – a treat of cascading strings 4

OKS

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NEWS FROM KING’S

EKST partners are: St. Anselm’s, St. Edmund’s, Folkestone Academy, Spires Academy, St. Lawrence College, Ramsgate and Canterbury Christ Church University.

for those who could remember the 50s and 60s.

Phoebe Mantovani, who plays in the orchestra, is the great granddaughter of Annunzio Paolo and thanks to the family the School was able to borrow the original orchestrations. Phoebe’s grandparents were in the audience, too.

SHENZHEN The formal agreement to establish The King’s School, Canterbury, Shenzhen International was signed by the Dean and Chairman Kung, founder and chief executive of the Heng Yue Group, on Friday 18 January. The new School, in the Nan Shan area of Shenzhen, will be an international K12 day school with some flexi-boarding. King’s will oversee the design and setting up of the School, ensuring the successful transfer of a King’s education, and will help with the appointment of senior staff and offer training to others. All teaching will be in English and although the curriculum will have local features (such as compulsory Mandarin lessons), it will largely mirror that of King’s and Junior King’s.

There will therefore be the possibility of staff and pupil exchanges as well as the sharing of some resources. The intention is to open the Nursery and Pre-Prep sections in September 2019, followed by the Prep and Senior Schools in 2020.

PARTNERSHIPS The School’s Partnerships programme, led

by Christina Astin, continues to expand and prosper. As part of this, ‘East Kent Schools Together’ is a new organisation aiming to share resources and experiences in order to raise aspirations and widen horizons. The other OKS

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Photos, left to right: Stephen Matthews; The Crypt Choir and Chamber Orchestra in Rome; the Shenzhen signing; Spires pupil tries stonemasonry; the ‘last’ Cantuarian

King’s now runs a wide of range of activities involving local schools.

Pupils from Spires Academy have been learning about the Cathedral: sketching the heraldic shields in the cloisters, trying their hand at stone masonry and designing illuminated manuscripts, as well as writing their own guided tour. The Saturday Smarties science classes for primary school pupils are now in their fifth year. This term’s programme has included some forensic work, including finger printing.

King’s pupils have also been teaching Mandarin at Pilgrim’s Way primary school and 60 pupils from Godinton Primary School, with Saskia Leigh-Pemberton (née Stirling-Aird, LX 1991-96), had a ‘Canterbury Pilgrims’ day incorporating a visit to the School. King’s pupils are also helping with breakfast club at nearby St. John’s primary school, with two volunteers attending from 07.45 every morning to play and read with the children. The Partnership scheme now has its own website: www.kings-partnerships.co.uk.

THE CANTUARIAN REDIVIVUS The 2015-16 Cantuarian was the last to be published in the traditional form. In its place there will now be two separate magazines. The on-line edition will attempt to record the regular activities of the school year – drama, music, societies, sport, talks, trips, etc. The print version will be a different kind of publication, with articles of wide-ranging interest from pupils, staff, parents and others. “We hope in this way future readers will be informed online and entertained on paper”, writes today’s editor. His predecessor in the first issue of 1882 stated that the aim was “to provide information as to the condition and progress of the school, and … to combine with this certain original contributions in prose and verse”. The same only different.

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OKS FEATURE

From the library to the terroir Alexandra (Xaxa) Panman (LX 1996-2001) describes her twin interests: academic life and the world of wine

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ack in the late 1990s, when my brother and I were still at King’s, my parents did the unthinkable.

They quit their high-flying jobs, packed up their big city lives, and headed to the south of France. They had a dream of making wine. We’d always known that. What we didn’t know was that they were actually mad enough to go through with it.

Nearly 20 years later, they are still at it. If anything, their passion has grown. Our vineyard, Rives-Blanques in the Languedoc, is located on a high and gently sloping plateau surrounded by forest and nature reserve. It’s pretty much heaven for white wine enthusiasts obsessed with environmental sustainability. And the wines?

Well, they are spectacular!

When my brother and I left King’s, we were set on careers outside of wine. My brother, JanAilbe (SH 1995-2000), studied languages at St. Andrews and SOAS, and spent a number of years working as a teacher. I read history and politics

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at St. Catherine’s (Oxford) and worked with the UN and World Bank on projects in Latin America and Africa. But my parents’ enthusiasm was infectious! We couldn’t resist getting involved.

No matter where we lived, we found ourselves knocking on importers’ doors at the weekend and spending our evenings in skype conference calls to discuss issues like label design.

There are surprising parallels between academic life and the world of wine

In 2012, Jan-Ailbe decided to take the plunge and commit to working full-time at RivesBlanques. He retrained as a wine-maker through the University of California, Davis. Under his influence, we have moved towards increased use of natural yeasts and reduced intervention in the winemaking. When not in the cellar, carefully managing the vinification process, or on his tractor, you’ll find him on the tasting panels of international wine competitions, guides, and accreditation committees.

In 2014 I moved back to Oxford to start my PhD in the department of international development.

My research probes questions that arose out OKS

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OKS FEATURE

carefully tying each little shoot to a wire and hand weeding around them to make sure they thrive. Summer is always a tense period, as we wring our hands over the levels of rain and sun, biding our time until exactly the right moment to call in our 25 longstanding harvesters to pick, sort, and press the grapes over two or three frantic weeks. On top of this, we do all the work to vinify, blend, bottle, package, and sell the wines ourselves. of my experience implementing development projects – which I find fascinating. I also find that there are surprising parallels between academic life and the world of wine. They are both labours of love for people with rather niche interests.

To put it differently, they are both delightfully geeky.

Will I follow my brother and also jump into wine full time? As romantic as it sounds, wine-making can be pretty tough. We have painstakingly to prune each of our 88,000 vines by hand over the long, cold winter. In spring, we plant new vines; OKS

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At the moment, my husband, Ian, and I spend as much of our holiday and spare time at RivesBlanques as possible. As backbreaking as the harvest can be, it’s a very welcome break from hours cooped up inside the library. Although Ian is an academic, he is also a remarkably good tractoriste (I knew he’d won my mother over when she said: “He can reverse a trailer on a postage stamp!”). We sometimes dream of going into wine full time, but I don’t think we’d ever be mad enough to actually do it... would we? www.rives-blanques.com

Main image: hand harvest. Florian, one of Rives-Blanques 25 hand harvesters.

Photo: Martin Castellan Inset: Vines in the early spring

Rives-Blanques is Occitan for ‘white slopes’. The vineyard is named after one of the peaks that overlooks the fields.

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Events

Christmas in the City

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t may have been cold outside but the OKS generated lots of warmth at the annual Christmas Drinks as they caught up before the start of the Christmas rush. We were back at The Vintry in the City of London on 30 November but this time with the cellar bar all to ourselves. This free event goes from strength to strength and we had the added attraction this year of the chance to visit Wren’s beautiful St Mary Abchurch, which was kindly organised by OKS Tony Budgen. Hope to see you all again this year!

Drinks at The Pawn

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A lively group of 30 OKS very much enjoyed the iconic surroundings of The Pawn. On an extremely humid evening, all were grateful to be on a terrace enjoying the ice cooling fans overlooking the ever-busy Johnston road. The event was very kindly underwritten by OKS Desmond Chum. All were happy to reminisce about their time at King’s and in true Hong Kong style, where networking is key, there was certainly a flurry of business cards being exchanged. Also present were James Outram, former housemaster of Linacre House and now Registrar, Will Bersey, Director of Music, Judith Bristow, Registrar of the Junior School, and Ali Huntrods, King’s Society Manager, all of whom were in Hong Kong for the annual Academic Asia recruitment weekend. They were delighted to meet up with such a vibrant, fun bunch of OKS. Another such event is planned to take place next September. The OKS rep in Hong Kong is Nicole Kwan (nicolewkwan@googlemail.com.)

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Matt Chung

n September, OKS living in Hong Kong held their first OKS drinks at The Pawn in Wai Chai. The Pawn is housed in one of Hong Kong’s most iconic landmarks, an historical site dating back to 1888 that was once the famous Woo Cheong pawnshop. It reopened in 2014 in collaboration with British chef Tom Aikens.

THE OKS OCTOBER REUNION Thursday 11 October 2018 7.00pm The Clubhouse, Angel Court, London Calling all Leavers 1990-99, join us for drinks and nibbles at the fantastic new Clubhouse in the heart of the City and catch-up with old friends.

Tickets to this FREE event are available from the The King’s School Box Office kings-school.co.uk or call 01227 595778

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Events October Reunion 2017

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June

he OKS cohort of 1966-79 gathered for a drinks reception on the 12 October 2017 at the beautiful Chandos House, a Georgian townhouse located in Marylebone, London. Judging by the noise level it was a great success, as over 80 OKS enjoyed drinks, nibbles and memories. Here are a few of the comments we received:

THE CANTUARIAN (OKS MASONIC) LODGE MEETING 14 June 2018 5.00pm London

KING’S WEEK Jazz on a Summer Sunset 28 June 2018 7.30pm Green Court Marquee, KSC

KING’S WEEK The Serenade 29 June 2018 8.30pm The Great Cloister, Canterbury

An evening of kindling old friendships, forging new ones and generally celebrating the King’s “effect”

July

Wonderful to catch up with some old faces (with the emphasis on the old!)

It was great fun and I met guys that I haven’t seen for 51 years

KING’S WEEK Jazz Concert 2 July 2018 7.30pm Shirley Hall, KSC

A fine evening and a friendly crowd

KING’S WEEK Gala Symphony Concert 4 July 2018 7.30pm Shirley Hall, KSC

Great to keep in touch through the OKS and to hear the latest on life and plans at King’s A lovely evening in a lovely venue

How to book You can pay with Visa or Mastercard through the online box office.

To pay by cheque please make the cheque payable to the OKS Association and post to: The Development Office, The King’s School, 1 Mint Yard, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2ES

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November

Good location, good wine and good company

OKS CHRISTMAS DRINKS The Vintry 29 November 7.00pm London

Tickets will be available from The King’s School Box Office kings-school.co.uk or call 01227 595778

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OKS FEATURE

The value and values of the British Civil Service Sir Tom Jeffery (LX 1966-70) was created a Knight Bachelor in the 2015 Birthday Honours List for services to the Department of Education

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hen at King’s in the 1960s, I scraped an A Level entitled ‘Economics’. About the only thing not covered in the course was economics. It dealt in some detail with the so-called British Constitution. I still recall the textbook – Harvey and Bather – and its argument that British politics was subject to a regular ‘swing of the pendulum’ between two parties. In an era of alleged national consensus, as politicians came and went, power rested with the Civil Service who provided crucial continuity and stability.

I have garbled a sophisticated argument, but the contribution of the Civil Service to our society and our governance remains an important and controversial issue. And some OKS might like to consider the contribution which they might make to the Civil Service in challenging times.

Times have clearly changed since Harvey and Bather. For thirty years, the pendulum swung on a much wider arc. I joined the Civil Service 10

in 1981. It was another sixteen years before the Conservatives were replaced by Labour; and another thirteen years before the reverse happened. Long periods of power for one party meant that the politicians were in charge. Long periods in opposition meant that, as and when a party came to power, it had its policies ready – and was ready to distrust the civil servants who had worked with their opponents for so long. Civil servants would no longer wield independent power.

Politicians must lead and civil servants serve

Now there is very little consensus – between different governments in the United Kingdom, between the main political parties, between Remainers, former Remainers and Brexiteers.

The governing party has no majority. The postwar Atlantic Alliance is leaderless. Europe is bewildered.

How, in those circumstances, should we see the British Civil Service? Voters have arguably challenged a notion of a complacent, unaccountable, nest-feathering elite. In a OKS

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Harvey and Bather: essential reading for King’s Economics and Politics students of the 60s

on policy advice. I was the Principal Private Secretary to a Secretary of State during a period of major reform. I worked on the merger of two government departments. For much of my time I specialized in policy on children’s issues – children with disabilities, children in care, Sure Start and the early years. For more than ten years I was the Director General for these policies.

I served Conservative, Labour and, during the Coalition, Liberal Ministers. Of course, like every one else, I had my private opinions – one is not politically lobotomized on joining the Civil Service. But I think I served all those Ministers impartially.

I have been retired for almost four years. I don’t wander forlorn in Whitehall so I am not in close touch with those working there now.

But I have absolutely no doubt that they are serving the present government with energy and commitment, whatever their personal views.

The complexity of the negotiations in Brussels and the precarious position of the government at home will make those civil servants all the more determined to demonstrate their professionalism.

democracy, politicians must lead and civil servants serve. But we cannot cast out expertise and evidence as we work our way through a deep crisis. We need more than ever the values which have always informed the best work of our Civil Service – the readiness to serve the government of the day impartially and objectively with honesty and integrity.

In a post-truth world, those values matter. There is every reason to worry about the quality of debate, among politicians and in some parts of the media. There is every reason to reassert the importance of democratic decisionmaking and the centrality of Parliament. If debate is to improve and democracy flourish, a dispassionate, incorruptible Civil Service is essential. And, if all those things are true, there is every reason for OKS considering a career to think about contributing to the Civil Service.

To serve the government of the day impartially and objectively with honesty and integrity

The delicacy of the present situation, the crying need for respect for evidence, the importance of integrity and honesty in public life, make it all the more important that women and men who have had all the benefits of an education at King’s should consider a career in public service. In these volatile times, the qualities and qualifications conferred by an education at King’s are more needed in public service and the civil service than ever before – objectivity, impartiality, integrity and honesty.

Thousands of civil servants do vital work far beyond Whitehall in services such as Customs.

Because it is what I know, my focus here is OKS

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OKS Network

Edinburgh OKS celebrate at The Magnum

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his was an event celebrated by all ages, ranging from those in their Fresher year to those in their fourth and even a master’s student. There was a great variety of OKS. Thus, the evening reinforced the presence and importance of having an OKS community at university. The kindly donated drinks were flowing and the evening was filled with laughter as we recollected old King’s traditions and our favourite part about Christmas at King’s.

It is fair to say the atmospheric Christmas carol service won hands down! Conversation flickered between memories and advice on being

a student, in particular, the secrets to success of finding a flat in the competitive Edinburgh student market! All in all, the evening was filled with the joys of reminiscing and the pleasure of meeting the OKS of Edinburgh University, providing a reminder that there is always a supportive community.

The evening was a great success and really created a platform for a stronger and more united OKS community up in Edinburgh.

Lucy Duncanson (HH 2009-14) OKS Edinburgh University Rep

2012 Leavers’ Reunion

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n the 5 October 2017 we celebrated our five-year reunion at the Crown and Shuttle in Shoreditch. The evening was kick-started by the kind donation of drinks from the OKS Association, which went down a treat. Although this was our first big reunion since King’s, as a year group, just like so many others at King’s, we still play a large part in each other’s lives.

It was lovely to hear what everyone is getting up to five years on, whether still at university, further education or working in London, across the country or abroad.

We believe there has to be a special mention to a certain few, Henry Fryzer for coming during the veterinary term time at Cambridge and William Keeler for mistakenly going to Canterbury where he believed the reunion was!

Five years on, and it was just like being back at King’s, so thank you to everyone who came along and we hope to see you all and more at the next reunion in the not too distant future!

Henry Downing (GR 2007-12) & Louisa Dearlove (HH 2007-12) OKS Year Group Reps 2012

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OKS

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OKS NETWORK

Year Group Representative Could it be you?

summer of 1986 and headed to Exeter University to read French and Spanish not knowing a soul there. After university, I got a job in London (through a recruitment consultant) in risk management and head hunting. I look back now and think how different, and potentially easier, those two new phases in my life might have been had I kept in touch with King’s and other OKS.

Welcome to Veronica Olszowska (née Bircher, WL 1984-86) who joins the OKS Association Committee as Year Group Representative Coordinator. Veronica is looking for OKS keen to get involved as Year Group Rep (YGR) volunteers.

Now, as pupils reach the sixth form and later approach their search for employment they have the additional and invaluable resource of the OKS Association.

The aim of the OKS Association is to ensure the continuation of that feeling of belonging to a community. It hopes that this will be helpful to pupils as their lives move forward.

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his is a new role, a fun role and a social one and you’ll be glad to hear it doesn’t involve much of your time. We need ideally two YGR per year to help the OKS promote events, networking and careers by encouraging other OKS to renew contact or help us get in touch with OKS from their year group/house who have fallen off the radar when they moved house or changed jobs or countries. We want every OKS to reap the full benefit of their membership to this 10,000 strong community.

I decided to get involved with the Association for a number of reasons. As an OKS myself, with two daughters who have attended King’s and a son who is still at King’s, I know that the OKS Association is a very important part of the broader school community. I left King’s in the

IS THIS YOUR YEAR? These are the years we are recruiting for: 1969 • 1971-1979 1981 • 1983 1985 • 1987 1989 • 1990-1994 1995 • 1996 1998 • 2002 2004 • 2006 2008 • 2010 2011 • 2013 2015 • 2016

A YGR would be a point of contact for their year but any questions or further contacts can be forwarded back to the OKS Office, so there is no admin apart from sending a few emails. We would like YGRs to help encourage attendance at OKS events and reunions and, whenever possible, attend themselves (with a free ticket of course!) Remember it’s a role that can be shared with a friend from your house or your year. Please see the featured years in the side bar that do not have a YGR. If you think this YGR role is for you, please email me at veronica@olszowski.com

OKS JAZZ @ THE 606

OKS KING’S WEEK LUNCH

Thursday 3rd May 2018 7pm – midnight 606 Club, London

Sunday 1st July 2018 Deanery Garden and Green Court Marquee Drinks Reception 12.00; Lunch 12.45

Ticket Price: Two Course Dinner £30 Admission Only £10 Tickets are available from The King’s School Box Office kings-school.co.uk or call 01227 595778

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Join us for this highlight in the OKS calendar – enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Deanery Garden followed by a delicious lunch on the Green Court.

Families are welcome. Tickets are £35.00 for adults and £17.50 for children (under 5s go free).

Tickets are available from The King’s School Box Office kings-school.co.uk or call 01227 595778

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OKS FEATURE

Searching for gems Rosey Perkins (BY 2002-04) ventures to the sources of rubies and sapphires and explores their stories

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ough sapphires glitter on the red earth: blues, yellows, greens and mixtures of colour. I collected a fossicking licence in Brisbane, Australia in August 2011 and hitch-hiked to the Queensland gem fields to start digging. Thrilled to unearth several pieces of sapphire rough suitable for jewellery, I became thirsty to learn more about precious stones.

A flight home via Sri Lanka offered another learning opportunity and in Ratnapura – the “City of Gems” – I slid down a 40ft ladder into a dark, damp mine shaft to enlighten myself further. Candles lit the tunnel that led from it.

If they went out, I was warned, I’d know that the oxygen was too low; it was a signal to leave.

Shovelling the seemingly unpromising dirt was a hard task, which I attempted alongside the miners, before surfacing to see the gravel being sieved in the nearby river. Tension mounted as the men huddled around the head miner, whose gaze was fixed on the colourful pebbles in his sieve: sapphires, garnets, spinel, tourmalines 14

and topaz were all potential finds, but would serendipity favour them today?

I was amazed to see a miner’s eyes light up when he showed me a gemstone

Along the chain of individuals that a gemstone passes, from the miner to the owner of a spectacular piece of jewellery, there is a shared sense of passion. In Sri Lanka, I was amazed to see a miner’s eyes light up when he showed me a gemstone and how energetically they worked in such compromising conditions. From the local market, I bought a rough blue stone and took it to a cutter. He pre-formed (shaped) the rough stone by grinding it into an oval before bringing it to life with radiating facets. I was captivated.

The story of the gemstone, from the mine to the market, passes through the hands of individuals from all walks of life. It is intriguing, though rarely clear. My diploma in gemmology from the Gemological Institute of America and my trips to the field have given me a privileged insight into this journey, and over the last seven years I have travelled in Australia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, India, Tanzania, OKS

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Miner showing his sapphires at Bemainty Mine, Madagascar Photo: Rosey Perkins

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OKS FEATURE

This page: the “rush� at Bemainty Mine, Madagascar Opposite page inset: rough blue sapphire at Bemainty Mine, Madagascar Photos: Rosey Perkins

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Mozambique and Madagascar to learn more about gems, especially sapphires. I have made film clips of the expeditions, written articles and given presentations about the experience.

Currently, I am preparing to release a short film that promotes conservation to the gem and jewellery industry for field gemologist Vincent Pardieu, whilst contributing to a research project with Lotus Gemology, the world’s only laboratory specialising in ruby, sapphire and spinel.

It is thanks to generous mentors that I am finding my way in the field of gemmology, an industry so often opaque to the outside world. I notice the value that the knowledge of a gem’s origin and the push towards transparent supply chains provides.

A gemmology diploma may be an uncommon qualification to have, especially for a psychology graduate like myself, but it is an interest, both in people and our ancient earth, that has drawn me to this field. I remember leaving King’s Geology Laboratory and admiring Canterbury Cathedral’s tower lit up against the evening sky. I feel a similar sensation today at the sight of precious gems in fine jewellery. As I trace their alluring stories to their origins, I appreciate them all the more.

In October 2017 I was fortunate to visit a sapphire rush in a remote area of eastern Madagascar and returned with a report, photographs and film footage. Thousands of people from across Madagascar had entered the forest to dig for sapphires, creating a “hype” akin to the gold rushes of California. From the experience, I have developed an interest in Madagascar and its rich gem deposits, which lie beneath some of the world’s most precious biodiversity. Currently these natural treasures of Madagascar stand in competition but I hope that Madagascar, with support from the jewellery industry, finds a way to convert its natural wealth in a manner that profits its people and protects its wildlife.

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Spring 2018

Niassa Lion Project Promoting coexistence between humans and lions.

Niassa National Park in Mozambique is one of the most remote places on earth and the size of Switzerland.

It is one of the important remaining strongholds for the African Lion. Lions have disappeared from 83% of their historical range on the continent.

BEMAINTY Niassa Population: HUMANS

40,000

Bemainty sits in the Ankeniheny-Zahamena Corridor (CAZ), 382,000 hectares of protected forest

CAZ in Numbers CAZ contains:

LIONS

1,000 Greatest threat to the Niassa Lions are bushmeat snares and the trade in lion skins, claws and teeth.

Rosey is taking on the Three Peaks Challenge on 4 May to raise funds for Niassa Lion Project: goo.gl/V4gAJE Find out more about Rosey’s work at roseyperkins.com

2,000

plant species 1,700 are endemic to the region

129 amphibian species

14 species of lemur

1,000s of unlicensed miners in an area of protected forest

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OKS Update

1940s Barrie Robinson (WL 1945-51) writes to us of Miss Speiss (mentioned in a previous Offcuts). He wonders if this is the same person who came in as a “dietician” sometime around 1949-51. “I was in Walpole and like many others was fed up (no pun intended) with school food. I made a protest which caused quite a stir and the result was the appointment of someone who had reputedly climbed the Matterhorn three times.”

1950s

Professor Mervyn Murch (GR 1951-56) is just completing an academic text called Supporting Children when Parents Separate: Embedding crisis intervention in family justice, education and mental health policy. “It has taken me four years and will be published in the summer by the Policy Press at Bristol University. It has a few pages on the role of boarding schools and it reflects my long interdisciplinary academic career in law and the behavioural and social sciences. I have had a great deal of support from colleagues at Cardiff University’s School of Law and Politics where I am an Emeritus Professor of Law.” We are grateful to John Padley (LX 1951-56) for sending us cine films of the School in his time.

There are scenes in the Luxmoore grounds, as well as of the CCF, the Boat Club, a trip to Margate and the Queen Mother opening the Great Hall. In addition there are extracts from the King’s Week production of Romeo and Juliet in 1955.

Jeremy Mallinson OBE (MO 1950-54), Director Emeritus of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, became the 13th recipient of the prestigious ‘Ulysses S. Seal Innovation in Conservation Award’. Jeremy has always been a pioneer in his belief that zoos can and should do great things for conservation, and the award reflects his lifelong dedication to conserving endangered species. Brother Miles (MO 1947-51), though now 84, continues to play Real Tennis at Queen’s. Miles lives in London with his wife Jane.

Nelson Graburn (WL 195055), Emeritus Professor, is pictured at the graduation ceremony for doctoral students at the University of California, Berkeley in his King’s Senior Scholar (1953) regalia.

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Ian Bacon (MR 1953-58) and Tom Ransley MBE (MR 1999-2004) met up after the 2017 World Rowing Championships held at Nathan Benderson Lake in Sarasota, Florida in October.

Tom was rowing in the Men’s Eight representing GBR. Ian has been living in Sarasota since retiring in 2002. He has worked for an Ohio company developing commercial real estate throughout the U.S. since 1977.

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OKS UPDATE

1960s

Christopher Tavener (WL 1955-60) writes from New York State to say that he’d read about Hubert Pragnell’s Ph.D. on 19th century railway history and himself owned a watercolour of a steam train halted by a hunt, and a pencil sketch of a railway tunnel entrance. Belvoir Castle is nearby, the railway is the Crumple Tin Railway and the hunt is the Flat Hatted Hunt, with the Earl of Scamperdale’s hounds. Correspondence ensued...

Richard Talbert (MR 1960-64) has moved sideways from his definitive books on maps of the ancient world to Roman Portable Sundials: The Empire in Your Hand (OUP 2017). It includes a catalogue of the sixteen known surviving geographical portable sundials and discusses what they tell us about the Roman World. “My hope”, he writes, “is that the book will both enlighten and intrigue readers across disciplines by uncovering a fresh, imaginative vision of the world shared by what might be termed a loose community of Romans.”

Michael Morpurgo (GL 1957-62) has received a knighthood for services to literature and charity in the New Year Honours List.

Brian Pomeroy CBE (LX 1957-62) has been appointed Chairman of Age UK. Brian was awarded a CBE in 2006 for his work as Audit Commissioner and Chair of Centre Point and of Homeless Link Services to local government and homeless people.

Richard Rawlins (MR 1958-63) has alerted us to an article in the Christmas issue of the British Medical Journal on George Man Burrows (KS 1783-85). The author Stephen Gillam notes that Burrows has been strangely neglected for someone revered as the “father of general practice” and describes his role in helping to found the Association of Apothecaries and Surgeon-Apothecaries in 1812 and to secure the passage of the Apothecaries Act of 1815. Several other OKS medical men of the period are recorded in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, including Harry William Carter (KS 1796-?), Honorary Physician at Kent and Canterbury Hospital, and George Gregory (KS 1797-1803), Physician to the Smallpox and Vaccination Hospital. It is a tradition going back to Linacre and Harvey, with power to add.

Tim Claye (LN 1959-64) writes to tell us he is planning a walk from Winchester, where he was born, to Canterbury in Spring 2018. Tim was previously a teacher and also ran a garden centre in “remotest Portugal”. Reading of the deaths of a number of friends in the last issue has provoked him to make contact with other OKS. OKS

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Photos, left to right: Jeremy Mallinson; Nelson Graburn; Ian Bacon and Tom Ransley; Alun Davies and wife Isobel on Offa’s Dyke

Alun Davies DL (MO 1961-65) served with the Royal Regiment of Wales after leaving King’s and spent much of the Cold War in Berlin. As a Captain he joined the Zaire River Expedition, which was carrying out research into river blindness, and spent 104 days in a Rigid Inflatable Boat descending the river from the source to the sea. Alun was Equerry to HRH the Prince of Wales. His last duty in that role was as an usher at the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. On leaving the Army he became a director of RACE Electronics.

In 1995 he was appointed Managing Director of Grosvenor Waterside, a property company instrumental in the development of Cardiff Bay and became a Director of the historic Milford 19

OKS UPDATE

Docks Company in 2000.

Alun is also a past President of the Alpine Ski Club. He was appointed as Honorary Consul for Hungary in 2011, was commissioned as Deputy Lieutenant of Glamorgan in 2013 and was invited to become a Fellow of Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2014. His lifelong passion has been mountaineering and skiing, and he retains a keen interest in the arts generally and in classical ballet in particular. (Alun was Chairman of Ballet Russe, the only classical ballet company in Wales.) He is married to Isobel and has a son, two daughters and seven grandchildren.

Peter Villiers (WL 1961-65) writes to regret the death of “the outstanding Captain of School of my generation, Nigel Hall”. Although having heard nothing of him since 1964, “he remains vividly in my memory as an outstanding leader and personality, who combined warmth, humour and authority to an extraordinary degree. At a time when athletic achievement was almost worshipped, I do not recall Nigel as an outstanding athlete: he may have captained the 4th XV at rugger, and he was certainly a determined swimmer; but swimming was a minor sport. Indeed, there was something slightly Bohemian about our enlightened despot, with his unusual hairstyle, obvious attraction to the opposite sex (sadly wasted at the resolutely masculine King’s Canterbury of my generation), and interests in poetry and acting. These hinted at a complete human being and not just an accomplished Captain of School, whose powers appeared to exceed those of any master. Long may his memory flourish!”

Andrew Ranicki (MR 1965-66) has sent, via Paul Pollak, Ensaios Matemáticos Volume 30: Six Papers on Signatures, Braids and Seifert Surfaces (2016), which he co-edited with Etienne Ghys. (This is not bedtime reading for those who struggled with O-Level Maths.)

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James Wright (GL 1961-66) is the second member of the 1966 cricket team to become President of their County Cricket Club. Following Charles Rowe (MO 196570) who was President of Kent CCC in 2017, James has become President of Hertfordshire CCC. After playing for the County from 1972 to 1983, being Treasurer for 18 years and being elected an Honorary Life Member in 2004, he has become only the 11th President in the 142-year history of the Club.

James Wright (on the right) with the previous President Alistair Buchanan

Edward Holman (MR 1963-68) visited the First World War battlefields of Palestine (now Israel) and placed a memorial cross on the grave of Lt George Gough (KSC 1909-12) in Jerusalem War Cemetery. Following the capture of Jerusalem on 9 December 1917 Lt Gough’s Battalion, the 1/7th Cheshire regiment, were responsible for guarding the city. On 14 December the battalion was ordered to capture a ridge to the North East, and the following day Lt Gough was killed by a bullet to the head. He was mentioned in General Allenby’s dispatches, “For distinguished service in the field”. His younger brother Noel (KSC 1912-16) was killed in Belgium on 8 March 1918.

Stephen Woodward (Common Room 1967-97) and Monique are very happy in la France profonde and are consolidating family life on the Continent (but no ducks, currently). Fafa (MT 1984-86) and Isabelle live near them and both have two children; Fafa has joined the fire brigade and Isabelle grows willow for basketry and garden structures, but both have other plans. Philippe (MT 1985-90) passed through for a few years but now works as a building manager in Spain. On this side of the Channel Pierre (MT 1982-87) specialises in timberframe building and has created some splendid extensions; he and his wife Katharine have four sons and they live in the Deal area, not far from Dominique (MT 1982-84), who soldiers on as a driving instructor but may move to France now that her three children are becoming independent.

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OKS UPDATE

Dr David Neale (GR 196872) sends us this picture atop the Great Pyramid at Giza in 1982. David was on his Medical School elective at the time.

course, there were plenty of natural and manmade wonders which were a sight to behold along a route where our height relative to sea level varied from minus 279ft in Death Valley to 12,000ft in the Rockies.” Graham is happy to share his itinerary and recommendations to any OKS planning a similar trip.

1970s

James Edwards (MR 1970-75) received the Newcombe Medal Tennis Volunteer of the Year Award at the annual presentation in Melbourne.

It was presented by former world number one, Evonne Goolagong-Cawley (who was married in Canterbury – Ed.). James has been President of the Onslow Park Tennis Club, Western Australia for 13 years and has transformed a small grass court club into one with 11 courts and 240 members, whilst maintaining a busy professional life as a director of architects Hames Sharley.

Graham Garbis (LN/MR 1972-76) joined his 22 year-old son James in Los Angeles last November on a road trip across the USA to Key West in Florida, covering 5,000 miles, crossing 14 states and three time zones, to arrive in Key West 21 days later. “The USA was largely a joy in terms of its ease of motoring”, says Graham.

“Apart from 17 miles of vehicle tracks through the magnificent spectacle of the Monument Valley National Park, we encountered just two potholes throughout the entire trip and the only traffic jams were in LA and Miami. Of OKS

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Following retirement Graham has recently been appointed a Non-Executive Director to the main Joint Investment Board of the Parliamentary Estate, acting as its external property expert.

The portfolio of notable projects includes the restoration of the Palace of Westminster, Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) and the plan to decant the House of Commons and House of Lords.

Graham plays regular singles and doubles in the Surrey Tennis League. In October, his love of art and antiques led to an appearance on the Antiques Roadshow, and the fascinating story of George Mallory’s ice axe from the Everest expeditions. More on this in the next issue.

Photos, top to bottom: David Neale at Giza; James Edwards with Evonne Goolagong-Cawley; Graham Garbis in Monument Valley

The latest book from Stewart Ross (Common Room 1974-89) is Solve it like Sherlock, published in March. You are invited to ‘Test Your Powers of Reasoning Against Those of the World’s Most Famous Detective’ in 25 new cases. The Holmes solutions are at the back of the book if, like Doctor Watson, you get stuck.

Dr Roger Mallion (Common Room 1976-2005) has at last made it to Cambridge University. He is to be a Visiting Fellow at Peterhouse in the Easter Term. He continues to write learned papers, but has no plans to work for a third doctorate.

Revd Dr David Marshall (SH 197680) takes up a new post in Geneva in August. He becomes Programme Executive, Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation, which means being responsible for the work of the World Council of Churches in the area of Christian-Jewish and ChristianMuslim relations.

Sir Hugh Robertson (BR 197681), British Olympic Association 21

OKS UPDATE

Chairman, praised GB’s Winter Olympics team on return from South Korea: “It was a fantastic games for us. What was achieved is part of the continuum from hosting London and performing so well in Rio.”

1980s Anthony Odgers (SH 1980-85) became last May the first Chief Financial Officer of Cambridge University, having previously been Deputy Chief Executive of UK Government Investments.

Above: Baroness Kate Fall Left: Gareth Evans completes another marathon

Gareth Evans (TR 1983-88) has just completed the World Marathon Challenge. This is a logistical and physical challenge to run the standard 42.2 km marathon distance in seven continents within 168 hours, or 7 days. The clock started when the first marathon in Antarctica began in January, then Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Lisbon, Barranquilla and Miami. He emailed to tell us it was “Truly an epic experience. The highs and lows of emotions challenged me. The lack of sleep and the time zone changes were a hurdle but I am now part of the Grand Slam Marathon Club, which includes all seven continents and the North Pole. The club has fewer than 150 members and all of those friendships grow deep, fast, as we share the experience. To be able to do it all for those who are less fortunate and less able was a privilege.” Gareth runs in support of The Best Buddies Charity, the Navy Seal Foundation and B*CURED a brain cancer charity.

More info on www.supportgarethevans.com 22

Baroness Kate Fall (WL 1983-85) returned to King’s as a guest of the Politics Society in January to give a talk about the inner workings of No 10 and how the core executive functions. The former Deputy Chief of Staff to David Cameron gave a personal account of the ‘Cameron Years’ and her talk struck an instant chord with pupils, not least in how she portrayed the human side of politics. In answer to a question in the lively Q & A session, Kate did admit that she misses No 10’s Larry the Cat! Kate has been a Partner at Brunswick PR since November 2016, and is a member of the House of Lords and a Trustee of Atlantic Partnership. She was Deputy Chief of Staff to David Cameron for six years while he was Prime Minister and for five years when he was Leader of the Opposition.

Miranda Merron (MO 1985-87) will compete in November 2018 in the legendary Route du Rhum single-handed transatlantic yacht race, which takes place every four years. The course is between Saint Malo, Brittany, and Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe.

Janice Reid (Common Room 1986-2012) continues to appreciate the varied aspects of her role as a Lay Member of the Chapter (Board of Directors) of Canterbury Cathedral, whilst David (Common Room 1965-2002) stewards there and tries to assist the local Lib Dems.

Philip Aldrick (SH 1988-93), having first obtained an English Literature degree at King’s London, moved on to financial journalism, and is now Economics Editor of The Times.

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OKS UPDATE

Isambard Wilkinson (TR 1988-90) has written his first book, Travels in a Dervish Cloak, about his time in Pakistan. When it was published in September Isambard was interviewed at the Travellers’ Club by Justin Marozzi (MR 198489) in front of a photograph of Patrick Leigh Fermor (GR 1929-31) – a happy intersection of literary OKS.

1990s Jeremy Bines (MT 1990-95), after eight years at Glyndebourne, has taken up the position of Chorus Master for Deutsche Oper Berlin.

Tom Holliday (GL 1993-98): following a degree in Architectural Studies, now runs his own Civil Engineering and property business and is married with two girls, Sadie and baby Aurelia.

Ben (MR 1994-99) and Alex (MR 1997-99, née Carty) Reid both live busy lives with two children in Wandsworth. Ben is now an Associate Partner at Ernst Young and heads a team advising global insurance clients on post-Brexit plans. He also sits on the insurance industry taskforce that is advising the Government on Brexit negotiations.

Meanwhile Alex returned last year to her position with Winckworth Sherwood as a Senior Associate solicitor, specialising in construction law.

Above: Charlotte Bainbridge and family (Tim is on the far left) Right: Alexanda Panman and Ian Madison

Charlotte Bainbridge (SH 1988-90) married Graham Bissett at St Anthony’s Church in Alkham near Dover, on 28 October 2017.

Charlotte’s brother, Tim Bainbridge (MO 198287) walked Charlotte from her home the short distance to the church (stopping village traffic en route!)

Sacha Delmotte (GR 1989-94) recently visited Raymond Butt, to whom he feels he owes (along with Dr Jonathan Allday) the inspiration that gained him a Physics place at Balliol. Despite this, “I sold out to the corporate devil and... have been a self-employed real estate investor for 5 years now.” But he retains fond memories of the CERN trip in 1993-94, and still tries to keep in touch with the world of astrophysics.

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Alexandra Panman (LX 1996-2001) married Ian Madison in October at her family’s vineyard in the Languedoc, France.

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OKS UPDATE

Alexander Binns (LN 19982003) returned last year from Palestine, where he was working as Emergency Coordinator/ Deputy Country Director for an international NGO focusing on providing basic services and protection to vulnerable Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. As the office deputy, Alex oversaw all the programmes and managed 42 staff members.

George Coltart (MR 1999-2004) was one of “three wonderful singers” when David Newsholme, Assistant Organist at the Cathedral, launched his sacred music ensemble, the Caroline Consort, in the Eastern Crypt on 17 February.

2000s Rosanna Tennant (MT 2000-05) is a broadcast journalist working within the motorsport world and has recently become a sports presenter for Formula 1.

Rupert Reid (MR 1998-2003) has made a remarkable transition from being a professional singer with the Monteverdi Choir (his wife Charlotte continues with them) to becoming a commercial airline pilot. He graduated from Flight Training Europe in Jerez in December, one of very few cadets to pass all thirteen CAA exams, and is now flying out of City Airport.

Robin Bailey (SH 1999-2004) won praise in The Opera Review for singing the lead role in an operatic version of Fever Pitch, performed at the Union Chapel, not far from Highbury. As the hero, Gooner, he sang “with vocal attractiveness and an unstintingly naturalistic, understated flair”, bringing credibility to the role.

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Pamela Gent (LX 2001-06) married fellow OKS Will Bruce (MT 2000-05) on 23 September 2017 in the Crypt at Canterbury Cathedral with the reception at Knowlton Court. There were many OKS at the wedding - can you spot them? (photographs above)

Top left and right: Pamela Gent and Will Bruce with the wedding party Inset: Alexander Binns

Daniel Hotchner (CY 2006-09) is seeking to pursue a career in psychopharmacological research and neuroscience.

Tobias O’Brien (LN 2006-11) married Francisca in September 2017 near her family home in Al Piarca, near Santarem, in Portugal.

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OKS UPDATE

2010s Milo Holland (MR 2010-15) took a gap year after leaving King’s, enabling him to have surgery on a hairline fracture on his ankle. “I got an internship at Coty Inc. and spent a few months designing tooling for production machinery, as well as finally undergoing surgery. Recovery included a trip around the world where I fractured my wrist falling over on a slippery nightclub floor in Australia and then managed to be bitten by a non-rabid wild dog on the Vietnam-Laos border!”

Milo is now in a safer place, studying engineering at the University of Exeter. “For the most part, I have enjoyed the course I am studying. King’s gave me a great grounding, and I was awarded a letter of excellence following my first-year exam results. This year I’m running the London Marathon on 22 April which is also my 21st birthday and supporting the charity CLIC Sargent, which does amazing work supporting people diagnosed with cancer and their families. My sister Davina lost her friend, India, to cancer in March 2017.

CLIC Sargent supported her family through the most awful times.”

For more information, please go to: goo.gl/jcxLBB

Clockwise, from top: Milo Holland; Demilade Adeyemi’s new book; James Oates

Demilade Adeyemi (BR 2011-16) has published her first book. Demi, a law and anthropology student at the London School of Economics, infuses her own experience of albinism into this story of a young boy with the same condition. The novel is set in a dystopian African future. Demi believes that readers will relate to this tale of human struggle. “Many people from different regions feel they are not accepted or not wanted in society even within their own families.”

Demi grew up in Lagos and she felt supported by her family, particularly with regards to the challenges she faced with her visual impairment.

James Oates (CY 2011-16) has been selected for the Men’s GB Hockey Elite Development Programme. He is among the 34 players chosen. The programme has been designed for athletes between the ages of 19 to 23. James will now attend various training camps and days at Bisham Abbey and Lilleshall as well as spending time at a Warm Weather Training Camp in Lisbon.

ANDREW LYLE MEMORIAL CONCERT & DINNER 12 May 2018 Concert: 5.30pm Dinner: 7.30pm Canterbury Cathedral Enjoy a selection of classical music in memory of Andrew, including performances

by David Bleazard (organ), William Kendall (tenor soloist), accompanied by Stephen OKS

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Barlow (piano), Jane Walker (oboe) and a string quintet.

The Memorial Dinner will take place in the Cathedral Lodge auditorium from 7.30pm.

Tickets for the concert are free.

Tickets for the dinner are £35.00.

Both are available from The King’s School Box Office: kings-school.co.uk or call 01227 595778

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

①

③

The Grange’s 90th (or 152nd) anniversary

②

T

he building known as The Grange was probably first used by the School in 1866.

The Second Master J. Streatfeild Lipscomb moved in with some boys. A photograph survives of the 1869 contingent. The new West Wing was added in 1900 and by now the buildings included classrooms, masters’ accommodation and the Masters’ Common Room as well as dormitories. The boys were all regarded as part of School House and thus under the supervision of the Headmaster. ① For many years the Old Grange – as this splendid study was called – was the residence of the Captain of School. The fireplace probably came from the Archbishop’s Palace and now has the initials of many of The Grange’s own Heads of House carved on it. The photograph was taken around 1909. ② In 1928 The Grange was separated from School House and became an independent house. It took a while for the name to settle down. Both ‘Grange House’ and ‘The Grange’ were used before the latter prevailed. Two years later a

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HOUSEMASTERS Alec Macdonald (1928-31) Robert Stanier (1931-35) Arvid ‘Jim’ Olsson (1935) John Corner (1936-40) Harry Roach (1940-42) Francis Voigt (1942-59) Peter Garwood (1959-65) Peter Boorman (1965-74) Alan Dyer (1974-79) Stephen Woodley (1979-91) Hugh Aldridge (1991-97) Marc Dath (1997-2014) Mark Orders (2014- )

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

⑦

⑤

④

house magazine was produced. The first issue included poems by Alan Watts and Patrick Leigh Fermor as well as articles on Schubert and Chopin and a description of ‘The Dungeon’. ③ During the War the School was evacuated to Cornwall, but the house retained its own identity in the Carlyon Bay Hotel. As the Army had taken over The Grange, much needed to be done to make the building habitable again in 1945. In the 1950s the Great Hall (later re-named the Shirley Hall) was built behind The Grange and the tennis courts disappeared. (Today it is the turn of the Mint Yard to be a building site.) ④

⑥

Amanda Nelson were the first) and remained until 1990. With the advent of full co-education, The Grange was ‘twinned’ with Walpole, the first 13-18 girls’ house, and in 1991 took in the refugees from the now female Luxmoore. The tutors in the amalgamated house seem happy about things. ⑥ In 2007 the house moved to a new purposebuilt home at St Augustine’s. La Dolce Vita had arrived. ⑦

THE GRANGE 90TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION

This 1969 ‘funny’ house photograph includes a poster for Lindsay Anderson’s film If…. in which the boys wore wing collars imitating Canterbury dress. The scriptwriter went to Tonbridge, which might explain it. If you listen carefully you can hear the Missa Luba. ⑤

Saturday 5th May 2018 House Tours (Old and New) from 11:00 am Drinks Reception: 12:00 pm; Lunch: 1.00 pm

Girls were attached to the house in 1974 (Carol Chisholm, Susan Graves, Kirstie Minto and

Tickets: £25.00 (£12.50 children) available from The King’s School Box Office: kings-school.co.uk or call 01227 595778

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Celebrate a milestone and catch-up with old friends over drinks and lunch at St Augustine’s.

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Obituaries

David Goodes (Common Room 1951-86)

D

avid Goodes first came to King’s as a student master in 1950. He then taught here from 1951 to 1986 and looked after the book store for a further dozen years. He ran the Boat Club for 21 years, starting up rowing in eights, and in his time the 1st VIII reached 4 semi-finals and 3 finals in the Princess Elizabeth Cup at Henley and won the Schools’ Head of the River Race three times. He played the viola in the School Orchestra, and conducted the Chamber Orchestra and the Second Orchestra. He was later conductor of the Canterbury Orchestra for several years. He was housemaster of Riversleigh (1960-65), looked after the Walpole Collection, was secretary of the Exhibition Fund Committee, and much more. David died on 17 January 2018, aged 92.

Brian Turner (Common Room 1969-2004 and Lower Master) gave this tribute at David’s funeral on 13 February 2018.

I

have long believed that the final ‘s’ in David’s surname is superfluous for he was unique and at the very least the ‘s’ should be a silent one for we are then left with David Goode. The good Mr. Goode! What could be more appropriate for this surely gives us the true flavour of one we all hold in great affection and whom we recognise as having been a remarkable man.

Is it too fancy a flight of imagination to envisage Mr Good the Schoolmaster amongst Chaucer’s Pilgrims? Indeed I have just now been reminded of his membership of the 27 Club which reflects the number of Chaucer’s male pilgrims. Nevertheless perhaps it still is for I do not feel entirely comfortable in placing him in the company of a bunch so full of rogues with skeletons in their cupboards, for he would have provided an example for them of the good life to which to aspire. Perhaps he would be better placed in a Dickens novel sitting in his windowless Book Store issuing textbooks to a queue of boys, and then girls as well, and later

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sitting at his Victorian desk in his garret office meticulously recording – with never a mistake – the relevant entries by hand in a single vast ledger of six or seven hundred pages, one for each pupil… but let us leave him sui generis and let me briefly try to sketch what made him so loved by so many.

It is very striking that ‘the good life’ has two very different connotations. On the one hand it involves the pursuit of ‘good’ things – an Aston Martin rather than a Volkswagen Polo, luxury holidays rather than pottering around France, designer clothes rather than M & S. In short it is a life based on the pursuit of expensive things believed to confer status and to mark success.

These are shallow delusions in contrast to ‘the good life’ anchored in the traditional virtues centred on loving one’s neighbour. This was the David that I believe we all knew and loved. What immediately springs to my mind is a quality of selflessness with concern for others at the core of his character.

This, of course, was particularly the case in regard to his work with children and the young and what a blessing it was that he responded to the call to teach after his military service in Palestine and the completion of his degree at Brasenose. It proved a perfect match for his talents, a true vocation to which David responded with whole-hearted commitment.

This was evident in all that he undertook whether it was by his teaching – predominantly of English but also some Latin – or by coaching rowing – which he raised from small beginnings to national significance – or by conducting music groups including, outside the School, the Canterbury Orchestra, and playing alongside pupils. These are the three threads clearly visible in the tapestry of his career.

However, there is a fourth thread less visible because by its nature it was personal to an individual rather than collective to a class, an eight or an orchestra. That was his gift for pastoral care, no doubt honed when running Riversleigh.

He had a determination to do everything in his power to enable each boy or girl to fulfil their potential, his commitment to help all to make the very best of themselves. To do so he did not OKS

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OBITUARIES

carry a big stick but wielded for the most part the more effective weapons of gentle encouragement and wise advice. That made those rare occasions when he was cross and exasperated all the more effective! Generations of King’s pupils are much indebted to him as indeed am I, for when appointed as Housemaster of Marlowe, I inherited David as a House Tutor, one with experience of having run a House. In such matters I knew little and he knew much, providing, if not exactly a shoulder to cry upon, then a deep well of experience from which to draw.

There is something that these days might seem old-fashioned in his contentment with whatever responsibilities King’s asked him to undertake for there was never any self-regarding ambition driving him to pastures new but rather a happy willingness to remain at King’s. If he believed that King’s had always been good to him, as he most certainly did, then he was even better for King’s. Who could doubt that Fred Shirley got a precious bargain when he appointed him in 1950? I like to think that the value the school OKS

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David Goodes in 1956

placed upon him was reflected in the way that long after he retired, King’s reached out to care for him, providing as much home support as David would accept and introducing Tom Drake as carer and visitor, a role which Tom continued even after David moved into the Old Rectory.

David’s qualities would have made him a loyal and loving husband and a devoted and gentle father. Sadly this was not to be but every cloud is said to have a silver lining and David’s loss was to prove King’s gain as it allowed his qualities to be etched on a larger canvas with all his energy and talents brought to bear on generations of pupils.

In addition it led to a very special and particular bond with his godchildren and the children of his longstanding friends for to him they are the children that he never had. What a double blessing it has been both to hear Sophia play the Fauré so beautifully, a favourite piece of David’s, and Tim’s moving reading of the Hardy poem ‘The Darkling Thrush’ which was also much loved by him. On a personal note he showed loving kindness to our own daughters who loved him dearly.

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OBITUARIES

David had an admirable and rare ability to nurture friendships never allowing time or distance to weaken the bonds which bound, and holding friends in his heart. From his schooldays Ted Amos was especially dear to him as later was his colleague John Sugden. Ed and Angela Williams have also been important to him and I know how much he appreciated their generosity of spirit in entertaining him to the most splendid Christmas Day lunch for the last twenty years or more. Their care has extended throughout his last difficult days and beyond and we all owe them a debt of thanks. Mary Kemp and her children were also dear to him as he was to them the thread that bound being a shared love and talent for music and I am grateful to Mary for her help in choosing today’s pieces.

Over the last few months it has been evident that the ebb tide was flowing ever stronger, reaching a point at which it was clear that David’s passing would be a merciful release from the frustrations of memory loss and debilitating physical weakness – a consummation devoutly to be wished. In our grief we should take comfort from the knowledge that his suffering is at an end and in our sure and certain belief that his life was one well-lived. May David the Good Rest in Peace.

Tributes to David Goodes: A Selection

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remember him coaching the First Eight at Plucks Gutter on a bicycle being chased along the bank by a herd of angry bullocks! If my memory serves me right the crew found it so hilarious that one of us – not me – caught a crab.

Mervyn Murch (GR 1951-56) My particular memory of Mr Goodes is as Conductor of the Second Orchestra, which consisted mainly of new entrants but included late starters of whom I was one, with limited ability on the ’cello. We were entered in the Kent Music Competitive Festival in Maidstone in 1957 or 1958. The piece was, I think, the Overture to

30

Don Giovanni. The Adjudicator’s comment was “If this is the Second Orchestra, I’d like to hear the first – now, for my pleasure, play it again”. Mr Goodes’ smile at this request remains with me.

Tony Budgen (SH 1954-59) Under David’s coaching I rowed in two Henley finals and won the Schools Head of the River once. He also tutored me for O level Latin for which I had little talent, but it was a requirement for Oxford. I passed! He undoubtedly altered the course of my life, and many others, for the better.

Andrew Pengelly (LX 1955-61)

Above: David Goodes. David was a member of The Legacy Club Right: David rehearsing the Serenade 1969

He was such an immense influence for good on the lives of so many OKS, especially oarsmen.

When I failed my O Level Latin David gave me private tutoring, enabling me to pass it a few months later at my second try. Without that I would not have qualified for entry to Oxford in 1963, and the rest is history. Furthermore, it is no exaggeration for me to say that his coaching of my rowing, and my success in that sport, gave me the self-confidence to be successful in my life OKS

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after King’s. I am sure I am not the only OKS to feel that way. Richard Freeman (WL 1958-63) He was such an inspiration to me as both boy and as a young and very green member of staff at King’s.

A truly great teacher and a wonderful, modest man.

He will be missed by so many. Stephen Davies (GR 1958-63, Common Room 1968-72) David taught me English A level and I played the cello in many concerts under his baton in the Chamber Orchestra… happy memories. Jonathan Groves (SH 1966-70) There are few people who could have persuaded me to spend many a wintry afternoon freezing to death on the River Stour down at Plucks Gutter, and then make sure I loved every minute. He was a great man. David Grigson (GR 1968-72) David taught me English from 1975 to 1977 and was a teacher many of us admired. He was scrupulously fair and his love of teaching was reflected in the quality of his lessons and knowledge of the material. But beyond his teaching, David impressed with his basic decency and care for his pupils. Fondly remembered, he will be greatly missed.

Alexander Ferguson (SH 1972-77) Goosey and I shared a viola ‘desk’ in the orchestra. I was pretty useless really but he was always very encouraging and we had a good laugh together. My love of Sibelius’s 2nd symphony is in part due to his playing with me desperately trying to keep up with him! He never taught me but getting to know him through our viola playing was a wonderful experience. He was a lovely man and he will be sorely missed by the School and all the OKS who loved him dearly.

Kate Marlar (SH 1978-80) OKS

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John Macartney (GR 1939-43) Written by John’s son, Tom Macartney.

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ohn passed away peacefully on 12 June 2017 at his home in Scotland at the fine age of 92. After King’s, John spent a number of years in the Royal Signals – chiefly a result of his penchant for mathematics, which of course was a critical part of communications at that time - where he enjoyed a number of postings, including perhaps his favourite in Quetta. After the war, he went back to University to get a second Economics degree from Exeter. He spent a great deal of his early years in Kenya, including a spell in the Police Force during the Mau Mau emergency. After a brief time in New York, John returned to the UK, married Anne and had two sons. John then spent the latter half of his life and career as a mathematics teacher in the Midlands at Foremark Hall Preparatory School.

He retired at the age of 72 in 1997 to his wife’s birthplace, the Isle of Bute on the west coast of Scotland. In 2004 he was sadly pre-deceased by his wife Anne, but carried on working with the local community on improvement projects and indulging his passions for golf and bridge. He is survived by two sons, Thomas and John and two grandchildren, Olivia and Milly.

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Richard Murphy (MO 1941-42)

R

ichard Murphy was a poet of distinction.

He was a chorister of Canterbury Cathedral and then a Milner Scholar at King’s – in Meister Omers, though by now the School was in Cornwall. His autobiographical collection of sonnets The Price of Stone (1985) included the evocative ‘Canterbury Cathedral’, ‘Choir School’ and ‘Carlyon Bay Hotel’. Sailing to an Island (1963), The Battle of Aughrim (1968) and High Island (1974) established and confirmed his reputation and he appeared in the well-known 1969 publicity photograph of the ‘Faber Quartet’ alongside Douglas Dunn, Philip Larkin and Ted Hughes. Although best known for his writing on Ireland, Sri Lanka, where he spent part of his childhood and his last years, was the inspiration for The Mirror Wall (1989). Richard died on 30 January 2018.

Richard Murphy in his garden in Sri Lanka, 2017 Photo: Desmond Rodrigo

Christopher Murphy (MO 1939-42) sends us this tribute to his poet brother.

F

rom our late teens onwards, Richard and I pursued very different paths, but the close bonds of our early childhood together in Ireland and Sri Lanka remained strong despite years of living far apart. Amongst the five of us young siblings, we two were a unit, “the boys”, who went to our first (Dublin) boarding school together at the age of 7 and 9 respectively, and two years later, began travelling to and fro by boat and train to Canterbury, both of us to become Cathedral Choristers and subsequently Scholars of King’s. The pain of Rick’s departure has brought full realisation of the strength of that lifelong bond between us.

I like to think that my own love of Connemara may have influenced my brother’s choice of this romantic sea-girt part of Ireland as the setting for so many of his major works. His rejection of a conventional career in favour of literature was his own decision. I did however steer him towards one of the major chapters in his literary career when I took him “Sailing to an

32

Island” in 1952. That epic journey, in a not-veryseaworthy pookaun from the old coastguard outpost at Rossroe, not only gave rise to one of Rick’s best-selling poems, but introduced him to Inishbofin where he later lived and started a sailing and fishing business that, in the words of one of the locals, “put Bofin on the map, where it never was before”. Richard’s sojourn on the island subsequently inspired some of his greatest poetry.

The news of Richard’s death has brought a heartwarming flood of tributes to his literary legacy from major figures, including the President of Ireland. Yes indeed, our brother turned out to be a most distinguished poet!

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Janet Barlow (née Shirley) (KSC 1945-46) Janet’s obituary comes from her son Robert.

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anet died peacefully on 15 October 2017 at a nursing home in Cheshire following a stroke.

Born in 1928 in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, where her father F J Shirley, “Fred”, was headmaster her childhood was spent in Canterbury after Fred took on the headship of King’s. The Cathedral, later to feature in her book ‘Harry Bone Thief’, was a special place for her.

She told stories of being a child and climbing the passageways and stairs in high places, up Bell Harry, and looking down on passers-by on the ground while pretending to be a gargoyle. The war saw the School evacuated to Cornwall and happy years were spent at Trenarren.

At the end of the war the School returned to Canterbury. Janet was educated at King’s, long before girls were officially allowed. Later, when girls were officially part of the School and there were reports of the first girl to do this, that or the other, she would comment that she had been at the School many years earlier.

From King’s she went to Oxford, reading Medieval French. It was during this time she met Richard ‘Dick’ Barlow and they married in 1950 in the Cathedral. Her three sons followed, Roger, Robert and Peter.

When attending history lectures she realised that some of the historical documents students were studying did not have adequate translations.

She set about putting that right! She translated the anonymous ‘Journal d’un Bourgeois de Paris’ published as ‘A Parisian Journal 14051449’ (OUP 1968). Further translations followed, including a 12th century life of Thomas Becket, an 11th or 12th century poem about the Emperor Charlemagne, a 14th Century guide on how to be an Inquisitor and many others. She later wrote books for children from “nine to ninety” using stories to bring a little of the insights from her translation work to a wider audience. A complete

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list of her work is on www.french-translator.co.uk A career progression for her husband meant a move from Edinburgh to Bristol University where she continued her literary work. At both Edinburgh and Bristol she was involved in providing support for students (and their spouses), particularly those from overseas for whom our climate and our customs could be unfamiliar.

During her time in Bristol she and her husband bought a cottage in Ravenstonedale, Cumbria, initially living there during the University holidays and then as a permanent residence in retirement. She lived there longer than anywhere else in her life. Nevertheless, to the end of her life she described herself as an “off-comer”, but an off-comer who played a full and active part in local community life and was welcomed into that village community. She was secretary to St. Oswald’s PCC, edited the village magazine, was part of a local prayer group, writing group, Lune Ladies... The list could go on.

She embraced new technology, communicating via email. Her principal way of keeping informed 33

OBITUARIES

about her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren was Facebook. This also provided a way for her to pursue her concerns for human rights.

was President of Banbury Rotary. He was on the committee of Bloxham Museum and became a President and Secretary of the Banbury Cricket Club.

Her last few years were shaped by her husband’s illness. He had mobility and memory problems.

However she drove to visit him in his nursing home almost every day, a round trip of over 50 miles, until his death in March this year. Even during this time she kept up her translation work, completing the 13th century ‘Anonyme de Bethune’ shortly before her death. It is hoped to publish this posthumously.

His daughter Rachel emailed to let us know of his death on 18 October 2017 after a long illness and added: “He enjoyed his links with the school and was very proud when three of his grandchildren attended the school.”

Janet is survived by her three sons, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

John Phillips (GR/MR 1947-52) We thank Roger Sutton (WL 1950-56) for the information below.

J

ohn was a talented cricketer who played in the King’s 1st XI and produced great bowling figures over his four years in the team. This was a golden era for King’s sport which continued throughout the 1950s. He went to Oxford University and was awarded his Blue in the mid-1950s. He played 32 firstclass matches in all, for OUCC and Kent. A tall opening bowler who was able to find bounce and seam movement he took 72 first-class wickets including a five-wicket haul.

Arguably his most notable performance came in his University days, where under the captaincy of MJK Smith he took 4-69 and scored 25 against the touring Australians. John was a modest man who spoke little of his sporting success, but runs against Richie Benaud and claiming the wicket of Keith Miller must have lived long in the memory.

John moved to Banbury in his mid-late 30s and spent most of his career in the aluminium industry. He captained Banbury Rugby Club and

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Stephen Burbridge (MO 1948-53)

B

efore his death on 27 January 2018 Stephen sent us a copy of his book Still Strolling in which he records eight distant journeys, including Antarctica, Pakistan and Everest. After a career in the Civil Service, and seven years as Secretary to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission, Stephen took up hill walking following retirement in 1993.

He was made a Companion of the Order of Bath in 1991.

He launched his book in October with the aim of raising money for Parkinson’s UK even though he was seriously affected by a Parkinson’s related condition – MSA (Multi System Atrophy).

Stephen Burbridge

Stephen passed away peacefully with those he cared about most at his bedside but not before, with his characteristic tenacity, he had achieved what he set out to do, raising over £6,500 for the Still Strolling Fund. www.justgiving.com/StillStrolling

DEATHS Robin Cullum (GL 1957-62) 15 November 2017

Patrick Dudgeon (SH 1942-47) 8 February 2018

Michael Devonshire (LX 1944-47) 15 May 2017

Graham Gordon (MO 194045) 10 December 2017 OKS

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Graham Ebel

proudest moment until she won the same event in 1956, then again in 1957. In 1958 she won the Prince of Wales Cup for the greatest competitor in all fields.

(JKS 1949-54) Philip Smith, a friend of Graham, emailed to tell us of his tragic death.

G

raham died on 19 September 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida, U.S.A. On 6 September, he and his wife, Rita Ebel, aged 89, left their home in Punta Gorda, Florida to escape the path of Hurricane Irma when they were involved in a traffic accident. Both were hospitalized after suffering major injuries and placed on life support. Graham succumbed to his injuries 13 days later. On learning of his death, Rita asked to be taken off life support and she died the following day. They did not have any children.

Martha Bee (Matron LX 1971-83) Martha died on 28 November 2017. The following tribute was delivered by Andrew Bee (MR, MT 1978-83) at his mother’s funeral service.

M

artha was born in 1936, the last addition to a compact family unit of four, fronted

by Dr Arwyn Williams – a widely respected village doctor and a big player in the Welsh Pony and Cob Society. Under the tutelage of her father, Martha developed fine skills in dressage and started winning junior events. Then term time came and Martha was sent off to boarding school (Ellerslie College) from the tender age of just seven. Here she developed her strength of character, resilience, independence and social confidence. She won the Royal Welsh Championship in 1955, aged 19. It was her

She then headed to London to improve her catering skills and very soon met and fell in love with an Englishman just down from Cambridge with a triple science degree in his back pocket, the immaculately spoken 23 year old gentleman, Bob Bee. Within a couple of years, they married and moved to Canterbury where father held down a career as a schoolmaster at King’s. For the next 30-odd years, husband and wife worked in a highly successful symbiotic partnership that not only brought up three children in a Victorian mansion with 12 acres, but also worked as a housemaster and matron double act.

Between 1971 and 1983 the pair of them worked on all four cylinders, carving out their careers, making their mark, raising their young family.

Martha led three teams of ladies in her duties as matron of Luxmoore House, for she managed the cleaners, the laundry ladies and dinner ladies, ordered the food for nigh on 100 teenagers and was their 24/7 house matron. All of this with three young children.

Martha never lost her Welsh identity. She could still lead a fluent Cymru conversation right to the end and took pride in the performances of the national rugby team. Whether we remember Martha Bee as wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, life-long friend, neighbour, charity worker – she left an indelible mark on our lives.

She rode for Wales but she could talk for England.

Small but mighty, generous but forceful, highly opinionated, she never took a back step to anyone. A powerful matriarch at the apex of our family for so long, so utterly loyal and dedicated, so interested in people and loved by many.

Anthony ‘Tony’ Halsey (SH/ GL 1949-53) 25 January 2018

Kenneth ‘Michael’ Johns (WL 1952-58) 12 September 2017

June Robertson (KSC) 25 January 2018

Richard Hames (LN 196368) 8 September 2017

Hazel Naumann 3 February 2018

Claude ‘Patrick’ Williams (GR 1945-48) 7 November 2017

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Sport

OKS Sports Day

L

ast September Birley’s welcomed hordes of OKS, friends and family to watch thirty Old Boys return to their old stomping ground that is the 1st XV rugby pitch. Thanks to Patch Clews and Freddy Clode, the day was a triumph – bringing so many old friends back to school, and raising money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity in memory of Bernie Cocksworth.

This year on Saturday 8 September we hope to build on that success by adding hockey and netball matches to the day, and inviting as many OKS as possible to take part or support.

The timetable includes a mixed hockey match, followed by a netball game and finishing with the second edition of the rugby match. Each match will be contested by two OKS teams playing against each other, and we are encouraging as

many people as possible to take part. In addition to the OKS matches, the School will be taking on their first fixtures of the academic year, including a 1st XI Girls Hockey tournament, the 1st XV Boys Rugby match and several more – a myriad of sporting spectacles! For supporters, the Birley’s bar will be open all day, so come along, grab a drink and get involved. After all the games are finished, there will be a short presentation at Birley’s before we move on to a nearby pub – all OKS welcome. During the course of the day we will be fundraising once again for the Royal Marsden.

There will be donation points at Birley’s as well as other fundraising activities to be revealed closer to the day. Further details on how you can join in will be on the OKS website and Facebook pages.

Hattie Wilson (BR 2008-13) Sports Day Committee

If you would like to join a team please get in touch with the relevant contact: RUGBY

MIXED HOCKEY

NETBALL

Patch Clews and/or Freddy Clode patrick_clews@btinternet.com freddyclode@hotmail.co.uk

Eliza Brett and/or Patch Mitchell elizabrett@lowercourt.com patrick.mitchell@neonuw.com

Rosie Vavasour rosie.vavasour@kornferry.com

If you would like to get involved in the day but don’t feel like returning to the sports field, then please contact Hattie Wilson hattiewilson36@gmail.com

OKS Football

L

ike any professional modern-day sports team OKS had planned their weekend pilgrimage back to the hallowed turf of King’s with efficiency and a well thought out itinerary.

After remaining unbeaten so far in 2018 in the Arthurian League there was great optimism in the camp and the prospect of facing a team of freshfaced teenagers didn’t make us shiver in our boots.

Saturday (the day before kick-off) went slightly awry as we’d forgotten to specify whether it was water or beer we should be hydrating with, evidentially we chose the latter.

Once we’d squeezed into our kit and mustered up the courage to run out into the howling winds for a ‘warm up’ we were still confident of getting a victory.

Alas, how wrong we were!

Unfortunately, our plan of staying hydrated on 36

The first ten or so minutes of the contest consisted of the King’s 1st XI putting the OKS OKS

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All the half time oranges achieved were to give several of our players heartburn as there was no obvious upturn in performance as the second half started. OKS were probably the better of the teams yet they had nothing to show for their dominance of possession of the ball.

team under an incredible amount of pressure, wave after wave of attack, it was relentless yet somehow the OKS clung on!

Then, the heavens opened to reveal 15 minutes of a cannonade of freezing pebbles flying into OKS faces (in other words an aggressive hail storm). Now with the majority of the OKS team blinded or at least partially sighted by the storm, Mr Thornby like any good general, decided now was the time to attack. His team picked open our defence with ease.

We barely had time to wipe our brows and test our vision before we were picking the ball out of our net once more.

The weather was starting to ease up slightly and OKS briefly had a foothold back in the game, exchanging some lovely passes and threatening to show some attacking prowess at long last in front of the King’s XI’s goal.

A big hoof up the field by their central defensive midfielder cutting out an OKS attacking play in fact turned out to be an assist for a goal which if truth be told killed the game.

Their striker latched onto the ball and was well tackled by Charlie Newman (The Enforcer), however the striker clearly annoyed by losing the ball pushed Charlie to the ground, collected the ball and struck it past Harry Saville.

We all wanted to hear the ref blow his whistle for the foul but unfortunately the whistle never came and at half time we were three goals down.

Will Howard-Smith attempted to stop a King’s striker scoring before being turned inside out so many times you could’ve been watching a slalom downhill skier. The dizziness eventually caused confusion whereby Will jumped onto the back of the striker like a bad rodeo rider and gave away one of the most obvious penalties ever to be awarded.

It was relentless but somehow the OKS clung on!

A penalty and the score moved onto 4-0 to King’s XI. In the dying embers of the game and after several heart-warming runs from Freddy Clode the rare sight of a shot on target was applauded by the brave spectators and even the referee. The resulting corner was whipped in and Elliott Hunt flopped into the box like a salmon and headed the ball off Freddy’s feet to steal a goal and made sure that the OKS boys weren’t heading back to London with nothing to at least be slightly content with.

It was a wonderful day out nevertheless and we would like to invite the King’s XI for a second leg fixture back at our ground in Hampton.

Freddy Clode (TR 2006-11) Chairman of OKS Football Club

CALLING ALL SWIMMERS The fourth annual OKS swimming event during King’s Week will take place on Sunday 1 July at 11am. In 2017, a combined staff and OKS side narrowly pipped the School swimming team. This year promises to be another close event, with County champions, School swimming captains and team members both past and present competing. Events will include a timed handicapped swim, a family relay, and a challenge 50m freestyle trophy event for staff.

Please contact Pam Murray for further details/offers to compete! pm@kings-school.co.uk

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SPORT

Millie Knight wins three Paralympic medals

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illie Knight (MR 2012-17), with her guide Brett Wild, followed up her silver medal in the Downhill at the Winter Paralympics in Pyeongchang with another silver in the Super G event. She then won a bronze medal in her final event, the Slalom. Her achievement is all the more remarkable as her preparations had been severely disrupted after she suffered concussion in a crash at Pyeongchang a year ago.

Above: Millie and her guide Brett Wild.

Photo: Holmlands

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After her first race, she said “I literally can’t stop smiling. This is amazing, the year we have had to get here, it has been a struggle. I never really thought we’d be back in this position.”

On her second medal Millie said “I can’t quite believe this has happened again. I was really relaxed – I think winning the first medal took a lot of pressure off.” After successful A levels last summer, Millie has a place at Loughborough University starting this autumn.

Real Tennis Winners

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ndrew Dowie (WL 1975-1981) got in touch to tell us that King’s had entered a team in The Cattermull Cup – an alumni event for Real Tennis. Andrew and Justin Snoxall (GR 1975-79) represented the OKS. “I retired in Nov 2016 (having sold my office supplies business) and needed something to do other than just golf so went with a friend to a taster session at the newly built court at Wellington College. I was addicted from the start and I would thoroughly recommend anyone who gets a chance to give it a go. It is a combination of tennis, squash and chess!

I had been playing for Wellington in a match at Radley (Justin’s home club) when I saw his name and though how many Justin Snoxalls can there be? When I heard about the tournament I thought it would be fun for King’s to enter a team. Now in its tenth

OKS

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A Sporting Tribute to David Goodes

Above: David Goodes in the launch 1972

year, this is the first OKS team to enter. Justin had taken six months off suffering with tennis elbow so for him to skip us to victory was a particularly satisfying achievement.

We drew Bryanston, Taunton and Haileybury in the round robin stages and then went on to beat Charterhouse, the Leys and Rugby before winning the final 7-5 against Worth who were represented by Paul Cattermull (of eponymous cup fame) and Tom Carew-Hunt.

The whole event was staged over three days at Middlesex University Real Tennis Club.

We are hoping to defend our title next year.”

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Inset left: Andrew Dowie (left) and Justin Snoxall

Michael Dover (LX 1962-67), Captain of Boats and author of the History of Rowing at King’s, wrote this tribute for the ‘Hear the Boat Sing’ website

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avid Goodes rowed for Brasenose College, Oxford, and Thames RC before being spotted in 1950 by the legendary headmaster of the King’s School, Canterbury, Dr FJ Shirley, as a potential recruit for his coaching staff, ‘with a bit of English on the side’. Shirley had ambitions to row in eights, despite the local river being completely unsuitable – the Kentish Stour is tidal, sinuous, narrow, weed-choked, and shallow, and winds through windswept marshes subject to extremes of weather, a far cry from the leafy expanses of the Thames or the Avon.

The School Boat Club had frequented the river since the mid-19th century for private matches where the ability to take a sharp corner was a winning factor. The previous head coach had taken his school fours as far as a coach could get, winning the Public Schools’ Fours at Marlow Regatta by a large margin and Shirley 39

SPORT

was determined that King’s Canterbury should be a ‘rowing school.’ The head coach resigned, the task was impossible, and Shirley promoted Goodes to chief coach: ‘I want you to take it on old man, and we are going to Henley next year!’

David set to, hired an old oak-beamed boat shed from the local river authority, negotiated rights of way from the riparian landowners, erected planked bridges across the drainage ditches for the coaches’ bicycles, and in 1952 the first eight to row on the Stour was launched. For the next twenty-one years David set an incredibly high standard of rowing despite the desperate handicap of his rowing water and The King’s School, Canterbury did indeed become a ‘Rowing School’. In his twenty-one years in charge the school won the Schools’ Head of the River Race three times and for ten of those years was in the

We are going to Henley next year

top five; his crews fought three Henley finals and four semi-finals, a remarkable achievement much lauded by his fellow schools’ coaches and he was elected to the Leander Club as a result.

Nationally, he was a founder member of the Amateur Rowing Association’s Council for Youth Rowing, which was responsible for the first British youth teams to go abroad, and served as its treasurer.

Despite his success on the water, David’s first love was music. He played viola in the School Orchestra, performing in forty-five consecutive King’s Weeks and conducted the Chamber Orchestra. He was later conductor of the Canterbury Orchestra for many years. He had a dry wit, delighted in excruciating puns, and was much loved and respected by his generations of pupils.

OKS CRICKET 30 June 2018 12.00pm Birley’s

OKS FENCING

July

30 June 2018 3.00pm KSC Green Court

OKS SAILING, ROUND THE ISLAND RACE 7 July 2018 Cowes, Isle of Wight

KSCBC & PILGRIMS BC HENLEY LUNCH PARTY

September

OKS TENNIS 30 June 2018 1.00pm Birley’s

October

June

OKS Sport Diary OKS SPORTS DAY Hockey, Rugby, Netball 8 September 2018 Birley’s Playing Field

OKS SAILING, ARROW TROPHY REGATTA 12-14 October 2018 Cowes, Isle of Wight

7 July 2018 Henley-on-Thames

OKS MAGAZINE • № 1 • Spring 2018 OKS Magazine is published twice a year by The OKS Association, 1 Mint Yard, Canterbury, CT1 2EZ Printed in the UK on recycled paper

oks.org.uk