The Ashtead Link The Journal of the Old Freemen’s Association
Issue No 28 June 2013
The Old Freemen’s Association List of Officers – 2013-14 President
Robin Eve
robin.eve@btopenworld.com
Chairman &School Liaison
Laura Morrison
laura.morrison2@ntlworld.com
Secretary Membership &Editor
Pat Jenkins
patofa@talk21.com
Treasurer
David Harn
david.harn@virgin.net
Development Officer Rob Austen
rob.austen@btinternet.com
Bar Chair
Mark Mitchell
mmitch18@hotmail.com
Maintenance
Ron Gummer
rongummer@hotmail.com
Ass Treasurer
Russell Cox
russell@mynthurst.co.uk
Social Organiser
Sam Rowan
Web-site Manager
Nikki Linsell
Mins. Sec. Ass. Secretary
info@ofhc.co.uk
Marketing Manager Committee:
Irene Gummer, Eleanor Deighton,
Representatives of Affiliated Clubs Cricket
Chris Reynolds
chris@libraticgroup.com
Rugby
James Burns
james.burns@johnstonsweepers.com
Hockey
Nikki Linsell
info@ofhc.co.uk
Swimming
Fran Raindle
raindle@yahoo.co.uk
Bar Sub-Committee Paul Slatter (Barman), Ronnie & Irene Gummer, Laura Morrison, David Harn & Mike Bailey
Vice Presidents - with years of service, Tom Shutter 1959-60, Phil Kelly 1967- 8, Richard Haydon 1969-70, David Harn 1971-72, Chris Cobb 1973-74, Ashley Mote, 1975-76, Chris Fry 1977-79, Judith Mitchell nee Alsopp, 1982-83, Nigel Barnett 1984-85, Pat Jenkins 1986-87, Chris Reynolds 1988- 89, Steve Jenkins 1990-91, Alastair Law 1992-2006.
Old Freemen’s Clubhouse, Ashtead Park, Ashtead. Surrey. KT21 1ET 01372 274356 patofa@talk21.com www.oldfreemens.co.uk
Editors Report Welcome to the June edition of the “Ashtead Link,” whatever year you left you should find something of interest in this edition.
Diary Dates Saturday 22nd June Two Events – Noughtie’s Decade BBQ at Main House and drinks at the Clubhouse. Gent’s Boat Trip – see Rugby Report. SUNDAY 23RD JUNE – OLD FREEMEN’S DAY 12 – 6PM Tuesday June 25th Touch Rugby starts at 7.30 p.m. Just turn up at the Clubhouse and join in. Thursday July 11th Prize Day at School Sunday July 14th Church Tea Party, on Pitch and Clubhouse Wednesday August 21st 1950s Leavers Lunch in Clubhouse contact David King King4938@aol.com Saturday September 7th Rugby Season starts contact David Harn david.harn@virgin.net Saturday October 5th Leavers in 00s Reunion Dinner contact Charlie Woods nee Smith Saturday October 12th Ed Law’s Reunion Lunch – details below Saturday November 2nd Badger’s Lunch Contact Irene Gummer.
Was the electronic version of “Link27” well received? Yes, according to Rowland Behn, Phil Kelly, Simon Parish, Sam Cameron and Brian Carson. Have you any suggestions for its improvement?
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AIMS FOR FUTURE MAGAZINES Our aims for future magazines are to have at least
one item from each decade so why don’t YOU set the ball rolling and send in some material? It could be along the lines of: Progress in your career; University experience did you enjoy it, would you recommend it to the School leavers? Engagement, marriage, children; Travel; Sporting prowess; Plans for a reunion.etc. It is all up to you. (email & address above). Items we should also like to include: What makes your career so worthwhile? Just a few lines from you might inspire others to follow in your footsteps. Which in your opinion is the best university? Your judgement could be very helpful to others considering a similar career. Which in your opinion was the greatest advantage to having gone to university? Your judgement could be very helpful to others considering a similar career.
Are you willing to share data with the School? This is important, as due to data protection, we do need to have your agreement before we can pass on your contact details for such things as the Decade Dinners. So although we have had no refusals so far, we cannot assume you would agree. Apologies We send our apologies to the Rugby Club for appearing to demote them. As James Burns pointed out they are in Surrey One and not in Surrey Three as we printed in the last magazine. Pat Jenkins - editor
Annual General Meeting This was held on Wednesday 17th April at 8pm in the Clubhouse. Sadly it was very poorly attended so we would welcome any suggestions that you think might make this important meeting more attractive. We are aware that it has to encompass various rather unexciting routines but what would encourage our members to attend? Please give us your Ideas. During the meeting it was made clear that Robin Eve and Laura Morrison are both keen to stand down from their posts. The ideal situation would be if someone spoke to them offering to take on their positions, then there would be adequate time to become acquainted with the duties before the next A.G.M. 2
If anyone is at all interested in giving a small amount of time to serve on the committee please let us know so we can invite you along to a meeting to see how we operate. We do have a policy whereby if unable to attend a meeting then an email report will suffice.
Chairman’s Report to A.G.M. 2013 Having completed our election of officers for this year you will see that there are a number of us still in our current posts but sadly some of our valuable team have decided to resign from their positions. I would like to pass on our thanks for all their hard work and to say that they will be greatly missed from their current roles. The committee has worked really hard this year as always to continue the successful running of the association and have worked well together harnessing all of their skills to create many new adventurous ideas for us to move forward. I would like to say a huge thank you to Robin Eve on behalf of the committee and the entire organisation for offering to stand again for yet another year as President with a view to finding and training a replacement in time for next year’s AGM. It was his plan, as per the last minutes, to stand down this year. At this point last year we had just signed the new 5 year lease and there was a very different atmosphere at the club. Rob Austen will present his report regarding the current situation on the clubhouse developments. There have been several major changes since my last report, firstly we have embarked on an extensive refurbishment programme coordinated by Ronnie Gummer with all areas of the clubhouse being addressed. The major issue was for the Association to adhere to the guidelines set out in our lease. This has been a huge undertaking for which we thank Ronnie profusely. There is a new website for the Association which has been created by Nikki Linsell and has been extremely well received and is being continually updated with new areas and exciting events. In addition, the Link is now being emailed to all our membership, a fact which many members have reported back to us that they are thoroughly enjoying. I would like to say a huge thank you to Pat Jenkins and Mary King for all the hard work they have undertaken putting together such fantastic magazines over the past year. It is also published on the website and has been read by many of the members, our thanks to Nikki for making this possible. We are continuing to enjoy many social events organised by both ourselves and the school and have a very busy diary for the upcoming months. In particular we organised a very successful evening for the FSA committee and helpers to join us at our Clubhouse, hopefully this will once again become an annual event in January which seems to suit both diaries. They were keen to thank us for all the help which we had given them with the use of the Clubhouse for their Christmas Fair and I have
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already received several requests for year group suppers to be held at the club again this term. I was lucky enough to attend the 40’s lunch in February held at the school which was followed by all guests spending time in the archive room where Pat has been spending many hours collating all the records and donations and is well worth a visit when you get the opportunity. The Easter weekend saw many rugby players back at the park to compete in the Unders v. Overs match which was hilarious to watch and followed by a wonderful afternoon in the Clubhouse organised by Sam Rowan and Kate Gummer. We have the Boarders Weekend coming up in May, organised by Alan Gerring, where we will be entertaining past boarders at the Clubhouse and the School will be hosting their stay and other events. This has raised a lot of interest on the Old Freemen’s Facebook pages. We are hoping to have a more successful Old Freemen’s Day this year, with the school keen to help in any way they can by providing additions to the day to make it more appealing to returning ex pupils. There has been much greater liaison between the Association and the school’s Director of Sport, Bursary, and Marketing Departments. This has enabled us to assist them with the organising of the decade events to suit their target market; for the rugby to continue into the Easter holidays and to avoid any clashes in the diary for Old Freemen’s events, as well as creating a much improved working environment between both organisations. With regard to our sporting clubs I am pleased to report that the rugby is still ongoing and they are due to play in the semi final of the Surrey Cup on the 27 th April. The ladies Hockey continues to do extremely well in their matches and undertook a series of mini hockey taster sessions during March, a service which we will offer again next year. This is organised by Nikki Linsell and coached by Martin Durban. They continue to work really hard on their fundraising and often use their initiative at other events to raise money for their Club. We still have the annual dinner dance to come, to celebrate the end of their seasons with the awarding of colours and trophies, a night which is always enjoyed by all. In summary I feel that things are very much moving in the right direction and am extremely positive about the upcoming year. Russell Cox and I will be meeting with the Bursar and Director of Sport tomorrow for an update on how we feel things are progressing which will also give us an opportunity to discuss some of our ideas. It just remains for me to say a huge thank you to all the committee members who have worked so hard and supported me this year and also to those members who may not be on the committee but are always available to help when needed – thank you. Laura Morrison (nee Tappy) 4
A new Item has been added to the School curriculum This school year saw the start of an Enrichment Programme on Friday afternoons, when all the pupils were engaged in exploring interests which would not normally be on the timetable. These included a variety of things varying from archaeology to bell ringing via kick boxing, charity work and the history of the school.
Warren Stormes Hale This painting used to hang in the Dining Hall and some years ago it was returned to the Guildhall for cleaning, but despite enquiries from past pupils no one seemed able to find it. That is until Robin Eve (1951), one of the School Governors, took up the enquiry and he has now asked if it can be returned to the School. So we are hoping to see our founder back on display in Main House.
An Invite to Ed Law’s Reunion Lunch The 6th of these reunion luncheon will be held on Saturday 12th October with the bar opening at 12 noon and lunch being served at 1 p.m. As previously all players and supporters plus wives, partners etc. who were involved with the Club in the 40's, 50's 60's and 70's are welcome. The limit on numbers is 60 so an early reservation is advisable, as last year we could not accommodate all those who wanted to attend. The cost is expected to be the same as last year: £20.00 which includes a three course lunch, plus as much wine and port as you care to drink. Again all profits will be forwarded to the Clubhouse Redevelopment Fund. After the lunch we will decant to the touchline to watch the 1st.XV in a league match against Battersea Ironsides. Please feel free to pass on the invitation to anybody who I may have missed. I am off to Australia next Wednesday to support the British Lions and will not be around for the next four weeks, so to ensure your place please respond before then. Best Regards Ed edwardjclaw@yahoo.co.uk
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News of Old Freemen Congratulations to Edward and Adam The Old Freemen have two members on the Court of the Guild of Scholars, Edward Andrews who is the Lower Warden and Adam Lovick who is the Renter Warden. Perhaps they would be kind enough to tell us what their job entails.
Also Congratulations to Hayley Griffiths “Since I left CLFS in 2003 I have been incredibly fortunate to travel across the globe as a Professional Singer, performing in over 400 Cities across 4 continents as a Solo Artist and as Lead Vocalist in 'Riverdance' and Michael Flatley's 'Lord of the Dance'. I have sung for Her Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Japan, at The Kremlin Palace, Moscow, for 20,000 people in Taipei Arena and alongside Il Divo at the Royal Albert Hall for the Classical Brit Awards. I have 3 albums released to date, my debut, 'Silver Screen' won Classical Crossover Album of the Year and I am currently in the studio recording my 4th album with my band, 'Karnataka'. In 2012 I started up Head Over Heels Entertainment, a music consultancy that proudly provides some of the UK's top professional musicians for Weddings,Corporate Events and Parties across the South East. All of our acts are experts in their own field with a wealth of professional experience and International acclaim. They have performed for the likes of Rolex, Hermes, Olympics 2012, Universal Pictures, The Baftas, Somerset House, F1 Grand Prix and more and alongside the likes of Adele, Beyonce, Will Young and Coldplay. Please check out www.hohentertainment.co.uk for information on all of our acts. It gives me pleasure to offer any Old Free a 15% discount on any Head Over Heels act (please mention when booking: ref: #OFA.)
Hayley
We have Mike Holland to thank for this photo, taken on the School staircase. Our thanks to Lindsay Brittain for this news: Kevin Green (2004) has been updating her with his career. “Kevin has co-founded ADA, an initiative composed of three core elements: a programme for young individuals wishing to pursue studies in the arts; a forum for ambitious collaborative projects; and a public events programme. Kevin has recently graduated from MA Sculpture at the Royal College of Art and is part of a group who 6
won a commission to build a large-scale, permanent installation for the University of Liverpool as well as numerous exhibitions across London. ADA was officially founded in 2012 following a three-year collaborative practice that included architectural and design projects, public exhibitions, a residency programme, two summer schools in Warsaw and a number of lecture series and workshops. Plans are underway for Kevin to come back to School as part and of the Freemen’s careers programme” Helping with Careers Evenings is an important way that Old Freemen can help the School, so please offer your services.
Is anyone in contact with these people? Olivia Bader, Charlotte Bader, C. Campbell, Kelly (Jiya) Lim, Ben Porter, Storm Porter, James Reece, Emma Vertigen or Matthew Tang. Only their “Ashtead Links” were returned marked “Gone Away”. So if you are in contact please ask them to let us have their emails and addresses. Thank you. Malcolm Fruin was also enquiring if anyone had news of the Carswell brothers. Diana Greenhill has asked for her contacts to note her email is dianagreenhill@tiscali.co.uk
Welcome back Rika Sturges neeYamanaka (1996), Louisa? nee West (2000) and Rodney Sangway( 1948) have all rejoined the Association. Whilst Sue Williams, the new Bursar, has also become a member.
Archive Donations Good news, we now have a Gresham tie, thanks to Lynne Prys-Owen, who drove up the other day with a large quantity of uniform which belonged to her sons, Nicholas (2008) and Jamie (2009). These include items from their time in the Junior School as well in the Seniors. We are very grateful as it has given a much more comprehensive picture of the changes in uniform.
Archive Search Do you have any “War” material? The School Archivist is planning a display for the centenary of the outbreak of World War 1, which will almost certainly also include material from both wars. So do you have any material which would be appropriate and which you would be willing to donate? Items featuring Old Freemen would be wonderful but failing that interesting stories of happenings during the wars whether in battle or on the home front. Have you ever wondered what items are held in the Archives? Here are a few photographic examples.
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John Savage (1962) sent us this photo of the whole cast of “The Burning Pestle” which was produced in 1961. He is kneeling in the front row, 4th from the right.
School 1st XV 1972 and all the team are named, so if you need any help identifying them let Pat Jenkins know.
“Cabaret “ the1988 production. There is also a programme, so the cast can be identified. 8
Prize Day 1995 by C. Walford – were you a prize winner that year? There are a number of Prize Day Programmes in the Archive Room, though not quite a complete set. The earliest being one from Brixton dated 1897
The U13 Hockey team in 1999 - are they still playing Hockey? We are 3 names short in our identification so can you supply them all? If you would like to join our O.F. Hockey team please contact Nikki – info@ofhc.co.uk
Development Officer’s Report The application for renewal of our existing planning approval was submitted in March, in the knowledge of the Governors, and was duly approved by Mole Valley District Council. However, it came with a caveat: ‘Please note that whilst the renewal of planning permission has been granted in this instance, the applicant should be reminded that any future similar requests should take into consideration the findings and detail contained within the City of London Freemen’s School’s Conservation Plan’. The Association has a copy of the Plan and I have studied it in some detail. It is an excellent document and I am sure we all support efforts to ensure the safeguarding of the Park’s heritage assets. I did, however, form the view that the Plan might be a little idealistic in its views regarding the safeguarding of the Park itself, which is a 9
grade II registered park and garden. In seeking a degree of restoration of the earlier Georgian naturalistic landscape, I felt that the authors might perhaps have lost sight of English Heritage’s own comment about the Register: ‘While the Register seeks to discover sites of special historic interest, it is today’s landscape that it is concerned with, rather than some lost landscape of the past’. The parkland setting of the House is protected by being in active use by the school as playing fields - when put up for sale in 1924, it might very easily have fallen into the hands of developers and been lost forever. Clearly, our efforts must be directed towards facilities for the Association which meet our needs, the objectives of the Conservation Plan and the aspirations of the school, and we will continue to work closely with the school to achieve this. Rob Austen
Clubhouse refurbishment Since the signing of the new Lease for the Memorial Clubhouse, various works have been carried out to update and improve the facilities of the building. First was the modernisation of the men’s shower and toilet area. As you can see this has been completely modernised and decorated. The ladies toilet and showers have also been improved, giving a separate changing area and individual showers. It has been adapted in to two areas giving a toilet area separate from the showers. Photographs thanks to Ronnie Gummer and Alan Wood
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The main Clubhouse and bar area now look really smart due to the redecoration. What you cannot see is a new water tank, which had to be fitted as the old ones had deteriorated; we then had to comply with all aspects of Legionnaires Testing, which has also been done. A new boiler was fitted as the old boiler was no longer fully operational and the hot water system for the kitchen had failed so it was felt that to fit a combi boiler was much more cost effective and efficient. The Clubhouse now has all the necessary certificates to comply with our Lease and Local Authority requirements. All the works that have been carried out have been paid for by the Old Freemen’s Association and no money has been used from the Development Fund. Ronnie Gummer May 2013 Our very grateful thanks go to Ronnie for managing this for us. It has really made for a much improved and legal Clubhouse.
Births, Engagements, Marriages and Deaths Births Our congratulations to the proud parents Jon and Emma Bird have a daughter Georgina Rose Bird born on 17th March (St Patrick’s Day) weighing 9lbs 6 ozs. 11
Stacey and Emma Sheldon also have a daughter, born on 5th May at 11.45 a.m. weighing 6lbs 11 ozs. The young lady arrived on her parents wedding anniversary. Marriages We wish you a long and happy marriage James Adamson(1997) and Claire Hobbs (1999) were married in the South of France on June 8th 2013. Their Best Man was Lloyd Edwards (1995). Julia Hobbs and Anna Wood were their bridesmaids and Howard Hobbs was an usher. The reader was Michele Anderson. Also the happy couples’ baby Teddy was there suited and booted. A number of Old Freemen attended arriving from all round the world.
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Deaths Our thoughts are with all the families and friends of our past members. Tributes to them will be welcomed for the next edition. Judith Weller(1960) nee Dix who died peacefully on 15th May 2013 aged 70. Andrew Scriven who died on 22nd May 2013 at Brighton Hospital Tom Shutter who died on 7th of June. His daughter was our informant. Tri utes to John Weller (1962) who died 14th May 2013 Dear friends, Sad news I'm afraid. My beloved Dad, John Weller, died peacefully this evening with my Mum by his bedside in hospital, after a five and a half year struggle with Leukemia and prostate cancer He was 69. He really was such a remarkable man, never complaining about any of the truly horrible stuff he went through. In the last two months life became very hard for him as he became disabled by the disease and although the last two months have been emotionally draining I am so glad I could be there for my Dad and Mum. I have had the chance to talk with him at length and say all the things that I needed to say. His condition deteriorated in the last few days and on Sunday he said 'I've had enough'. He was in agony and barely able to move. Today I went in to see him, gave him a shave and washed his face. I am so glad I had the chance to do that, such a special thing to do for him. I went home with my Mum for lunch and decided to stay at home while she went back to visit early evening. Five minutes after she got to him he slipped away, he had waited for my Mum to get there. My Dad & Mum have been very happily married for 47 years, it is going to be a hard road ahead for her. Thank you friends for your support in the last two months, every email seriously meant the world to me. I am absolutely heartbroken to lose him but so proud to call him my Dad. Love Simon In reply to this news which came via David Harn, there have been brief tributes from friends David Richardson, Mark Stevenson, Alan Murray and Brian Clear whilst others have written more fully, and space has necessitated a little cropping. Ashley Mote wrote I was so very sorry to read of your Dad’s passing, and offer you my sincere sympathies. He was a fine, gifted, exceptionally consistent bowler - left-arm fast (for club cricket) who often took crucial wickets when we most needed them. He was a committed 13
enthusiast for the game and all it stood for. Life was never dull on the cricket field when John was playing. Phil Kelly’s memories I will always remember John because when he left school and joined the Rugby Club he became my scrum half in the Extra A XV, a fact he always reminded me about it whenever we met. It is very sad to hear of John’s passing. Roger Seymour remembers John was such a super cricketer, always smiling, especially every time he dismissed we young chaps in the CLFS v OF’s game with his nagging left arm over from the “barn” pavilion end. The slips in the sky will be a chattier place now as he finds some of his old chums. Great sympathy and love to Terri and Simon – he will never be forgotten. David George agreed Yes, such very sad news. John was a good friend and was very upbeat until the end. He was always cheerful and never complaining. John will be sadly missed, by all and especially by our Lunch Club, where we had many spirited discussions putting the world to rights. Mike Bailey, an admirer It is very sad news about John. He was always great fun and had an infectious smile. When I was a boarder at School, we watched Old Freemen’s games on a Saturday afternoons and after a match I ran on to the pitch and got his autograph! It seems a strange thing for a 10 year old boy to do, but he had obviously made a huge impression. He was always embarrassed when retold the story as it made him feel very old. John will be sorely missed. Jerry Mabbott is stunned I am stunned, I knew John’s father who used to give guest sermons at my local church. Through this connection, John provided guidance to a very nervous 1 st former at School. In later years he was one of the welcome party when I joined the 2 nd team. He always had a smile and an encouraging word on the field and many a shared pint after. He will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences to Terri and Simon.
Events Past ‘Fifties’ Lunch at the Farmers’ Club Once again, the ‘Fifties’ group of Old Freemen enjoyed a wonderful day on 20 March at the Farmers’ Club in Whitehall Court, London. This has now become a much anticipated annual event for this group who left school in the 1950s.It is only possible due to a valued link which commenced in 2008; this is between the Club itself and two Old Freemen – David King who organises matters with considerable care and 14
Jean Baumann, a Farmers’ Club member. A total of twenty-three of us received a splendid welcome from the Club staff as we were shown to a private room for coffee, which was followed by pre-lunch drinks. This large room, overlooking the attractive club terrace and the River Thames beyond, was also to be our venue for lunch. Indeed, this room must be unrivalled in London in the wonderful atmosphere it provides for such a significant occasion. Many of us meet during the year at the Ashtead Clubhouse but this day at the Farmers’ Club is particularly special. After the Rev Roger Williamson (1956) delivered grace we continued lively conversation during a delicious three-course lunch. David and Jean each welcomed us all and also made particular mention of those who, due to ill health were unable to attend. Club staff were extremely courteous and friendly and although a few among us had to leave mid-afternoon the majority enjoyed moving on to drinks in the bar and a few to an evening dinner. This was a marvellous day for us all. Next year we shall be back on Wednesday 19 March (2014). Jenny West (nee Hawkins)
Photo by Alan Wood
School Open Mornings 2013 On March 2ndI had set up an O.F.A. display in the Senior Library as usual and was rather pleased when one prospective father approached me with the news that his wife was one of our alumni, Rika Sturges nee Yamanaka (1996) and she was interested in re- joining the Association, which she has since done. After a short chat he went away with details of our Sports facilities as he was sure she would be interested in these. A little later the Deputy Headmaster Mr Richard Alton came over to me with a lady and gentleman, saying did I remember Chris Coleman? Yes I did remember him and was delighted to meet his wife, who I recalled as having asked me to supply an Old Freemen’s tie for Chris as a Christmas present. And there he was wearing it. We had not seen each other since he left school in 1949 but he could still recall all 15
the names of the former teaching staff and a few of our fellow pupils. He was hoping that some of his 12 grandchildren might be able to join the School. Pat Jenkins
Leavers Day Friday May 24th2013 The School leavers were welcomed to the Clubhouse for refreshments before their Service in St Giles Church and whilst there the boys were each presented with a tie and the girls with a badge. There was just time for some photos before they had to proceed to the church, mostly wearing their ties and badges.
2nd Boarders Weekend May 24 th to 26th The Second Boarders’ Reunion
After the very successful First Boarders’ Reunion in October 2010, the principal organiser of that event, Alan Gerring (1955), obtained the consent of the Headmaster, Mr. Philip MacDonald, to arrange a Second Reunion, and this took place during the weekend of Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 24, 25 and 26, 2013. Again, attendees had the opportunity to stay overnight in the dormitories but, whereas in 2010 accommodation was limited to the Main House, this time the Headmaster generously offered to open up the boys’ boarding house, Philp House, as well. This was the last chance to stay there as this building is being replaced by a new girls’ and boys’ boarding house. In the event, the numbers attending were all accommodated in the Main House, but there was one attendee, Nigel Bartlett (1983) who not only spent his boarding years in Philp House, but also came all the way from Australia to relive his years at CLFS. There was also a strong contingent from Canada and the USA. The weekend got going by us meeting and sharing memories with old (and, in some cases, new) friends in the OFA Clubhouse, and enjoying a sumptuous cold buffet supper, along with drinks from the bar. From there we went up to the Main House to sort out our sleeping arrangements. As in 2010, Saturday morning provided the dormitory residents with a nostalgia trip as we were awakened by Alan Gerring energetically ringing the hand bell. A buffet breakfast followed in the Dining Hall, and then we were given tours of the Main House and the very impressive Sports Hall by Tony Riley (CLFS Estate Manager) and Mike Holland (CLFS Marketing Manager). Lunch in the Dining Hall was a more formal affair. The Headmaster welcomed us and acknowledged Alan Gerring’s hard work that had made the Reunion possible. He also suggested the possibility of another Reunion some years hence by inviting the boarders to experience the improved facilities that will be provided in the new boarding house being constructed near the Junior School. Alan, in his response, 16
thanked the Headmaster and his Staff, including Sodexo, the school caterers, and various members of the OFA, for their assistance. In particular, he acknowledged Mary King(1959) Lindsay Brittain (CLFS Development Officer) and Tony Riley. As in 2010, a highlight of the superb lunch was a bowl of tapioca pudding—a gastronomic delight which in our day, as some of us remembered, the kitchen staff— bless their hearts—managed to endow with such a sticky, sludge-like consistency that we were able to pass plates of it down the table in the upside-down position. We were actually able to repeat this 1940s and 1950s phenomenon as each table’s bowl of tapioca pudding successfully completed an upside-down table lap before the more adventurous among us sampled the stuff. Sodexo’s professionalism must have been sorely tested to replicate such a condition, but they salvaged their dignity by labelling each bowl as Not Fit For Human Consumption!
Photograph by Mike Holland After lunch, we gathered on the steps between the North Terrace and the Italian Garden for a group photo. Then many of us took advantage of the offer by Tony Riley to take us on to the House roof. This is accessed by climbing through a false chimney entered from what, in our time, was the girls’ floor. That the girls’ floor then was strictly out of bounds to boys did not inhibit some bold souls, as there were some 60-year-old signatures of boys on another chimney. As the weather was clear and sunny, we had some wonderful views of the surrounding countryside—in fact the weather was generally very kind to us throughout the whole weekend. Following our rooftop visits, we gathered in the Dining Hall to hear three very interesting talks. The first was by Mary King about The History Of The School. She explained the considerable efforts by Warren Stormes Hale to sponsor the Act of Parliament that enabled the School’s foundation, and then gave a very interesting 17
account of the School’s subsequent growth, with the main emphasis being on its early years at Brixton. The second was by Robin Eve (1951) (OFA President) who is the first Old Freeman to be a member of the School’s Board of Governors, and who has had two stints as Chairman. His subject was Life As The Chairman Of The Governors, which gave us an illuminating and humorous insight into the governance of the School, particularly his interactions with various Headmasters. The Headmaster gave the final talk, his subject being The Future Of The School. He started by saying that the School has about 890 pupils with a roughly even girl-boy split—a far cry from our day (say, mid-1940s to mid-1980s for all attendees) of 210490 pupils, with a preponderance of boys. He then talked about the present development plans, which include the previously mentioned new Boarding House, the demolition of Philp House and its replacement by a new swimming pool (the existing pool being deemed aesthetically unsuitable within the overall plan for the School), and the construction of a building to house the Music Department. He also referred to the School’s charitable origin having diminished over the years (apparently, there are now only two Foundationers), so one goal is to make the School available to those of more limited means while still maintaining its status as a successful Public School. One possible way to do this would be to offer bursaries or scholarships. During the early evening the Headmaster generously provided a champagne reception in the Octag, which was a great introduction to the social evening that followed in the Dining Hall. The latter included a House competition consisting of several games and puzzles, such as Jenga (remove the brick), Odd Views, Dingbats Quiz, jigsaw puzzles and a general knowledge quiz about the School and City. Part way through the evening we were served a splendid buffet supper, supplemented by drinks from a bar run by David Harn (1952). When all the scores were tallied, Whittington was again Cock House, but the Headmaster’s team of Guests and Staff were the overall winners. Throughout the weekend there were opportunities to view an extensive collection of memorabilia that had been set up by Pat Jenkins (née Hardy—1952) (OFA Secretary) and Mary King and Alan Wood (1955). These included articles of school uniform from the old days, 1950s GCE papers and certificates, school play programmes, and memorabilia from Brixton. Alan also had a computerised display of his extensive collection of 1950s photos of various school activities. This was augmented by photos from the early 1960s provided by Roger Davis (1963) The hand bell again awakened us on Sunday morning, and after breakfast (and after we had removed all our things from the dormitories) Tony Riley and Robin Eve provided tours of the old Stable Block and the extensive new buildings that have sprung up (Junior School, Art and Design Centre, Ferndale Theatre, various 18
laboratories and classrooms, etc.) since we were at CLFS. We then had lunch in the Clubhouse, with David Harn again very ably manning the bar. Lunch was followed by a service in St. Giles’ Church, which was conducted by the Reverend Roger Williamson (1956), and included readings by the Headmaster and Robin Eve. The organ playing of the Headmaster’s wife, Mrs. Michelle MacDonald, greatly enhanced the overall atmosphere. The final gathering found us back in the Clubhouse for afternoon tea, where we eventually had to say our goodbyes. Everybody seemed to enjoy the weekend enormously, and welcomed the opportunity to meet up with old school friends, some not seen for at least 50 or 60 years. Maybe there will be a Third Boarder Reunion a few years hence…?
The 1989/1991 Reunion This was held in the Clubhouse on the afternoon of Saturday 8th June, when about 40 to 50 past pupils with their partners and children came and enjoyed the sunshine in the Park. A number of them took a tour round the grounds and were amazed by the number of new buildings, whilst others found their way in to Main House to look at the School photographs of their day. Everyone agreed that they must “do it again” and several were interested in returning for Old Freemen’s Day. Thanks must go to Chris Payne for organising this event and to Hannah Rowan for running the bar all afternoon.
A Picture form the past - 1940s
On the back were these names, but there was no indication as to their seating position, although Bob Taylor is visible on Table 3.
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But where are Mr. Stoneham, Alan Hunt, Phil Kelly, Betty Guyatt, later Millard, Bob Roberts and Peter Shutter? Iris Coles, Theo Benyon, Gervase Wood, Godfrey Phillips, Coralie Parsons, Alan Madeley, Harry Le Marchant, Peter Sims, John Weller, Alan King and Jeanette King or Weedon senior? Alan Miller, Dora Wheeler, Bruce Fleming, Wheeler senior, John Chalmers, Frank Millard, Barbara Whiting, Alan Noakes, Russell Warren Howe, and Trevor Glover? Who has been missed? Who is the one who looks to be on a mobile phone years before they were invented?
The School’s Page School Events From the Development Office Celebration of Sport BBQ The combination of sun and rain this past term has led to our grounds looking extremely lush. Parents, grandparents and other supporters have been able to watch the children play sport from the sidelines. Unlike last year, cricket fixtures are not being rained off and pupils have been fortunate to have several cricket fixtures in thePark. Our “Celebration of Summer Sport” (a ticketed event to formally end the summer sports season) will hopefully have more successes to toast than last year’s wet summer. As always, we welcome our alumni to this event just contact the Development Office. Masterplan Update Snow briefly delayed works on the building project which is literally growing in front of our eyes and the Music School and Boarding House are taking shape. We hope to invite small groups of interested alumni on site to have a look at the progress in due course so please contact Lindsay Brittain if you would be interested in this. Alumni We continue to be honoured at the number of alumni contacting the School. In the past week alone we have had a visit from a now US based Leaver from 1959 who had come to the UK to celebrate her 70th birthday. Our door is always open to alumni for a trip down memory lane, to talk to the pupils or be involved in our exciting careers plans. Events By the time this article goes to press, the School will have hosted a number of events involving alumni this term: the Second Boarders Reunion (Alan Gerring), the noughties reunion, and the 20 year reunion (organised by Theo van Dort). The School has extensive facilities and we are always happy to assist pupils and staff in hosting reunions, anniversaries and other celebrations. Forthcoming reunions 20
include those in Hong Kong and USA. We are already thinking about next winter! We hope to see alumni at a number of events including the drama production, “Phantom of the Opera” in November and “Carols by Candlelight” in December at St Giles Church.
An Offer Not to be Missed The School Trip to Ypres Each year our Lower 5 travel to the battlefields of Ypres and this year they go on 11th October. They visit key First World War sites including the Passchendale memorial museum, the cemeteries at Tyne Cot and Langemarck, the town of Ypres and the evening ceremony at the Menin Gate. As always, we will lay a wreath to commemorate those former pupils and staff of CLFS who gave their lives in the Great War. This year we would like to invite alumni to join us and we have a limited number of spaces. The ticket price is £70 and includes travel, all entry fees, and a coked evening meal. The coach leaves from School early in the morning and we travel to France via Eurotunnel, returning late at night. Please contact Lindsay for further details. We are always open for visitors and hope to see you soon. Lindsay Brittain The Development Office lindsay.brittain@surrey.sch.uk 01372 822471
Super 100 Club Winners Nov 2012 –April2013 We are grateful to Jamie Shore-Nye, the School Sports Director, for doing the draw for the winners. Nov
Michelle Davies
Dec
Duncan Brice
2013 Jan Feb Mar Apr
Jon Hobbs Richard Butterfield
£100
£50
Val Vredenbregt Malcolm Beech Julian Lamden £2,000 John Maddock
Dominic Smith Bob Davies Nick Chasey XXXX
If you would like to join the Super Hundred Club There are currently a few available spaces for your chance to win £50 or £100 monthly and the £2000 grand prize drawn at the Dinner Dance in May each year. To apply: email to Theo van Dort - tvandort@gmail.com – first come first served! 21
Is your name going to appear on the winner’s list in the near future? It only commits you to £5 a month on a standing order.
A Mantra for Sports Clubs It’s Not Difficult Pay your Club Subs. Pay your match fee Turn up on time Make your availability known Update details & availability on website Wear the right kit Help with match day chores Come training And Win
Old Freemen’s Cricket Club At the start of the 2013 season hopes are high for good results for the second team to repeat last year’s First team promotion back to Division 1 of the Surrey Downs League. The club plays League games under the name Headley Old Freemen’s as the club and Headley both realised over ten years ago that finding players was becoming harder and harder and that as a consequence we should combine our resources. Home matches are played at both the picturesque Headley ground as well as at the school main square with our away matches played at some very attractive village grounds. The First XI is led by Captain, Jeff Haywood with Grant Waller and Tom Haywood as his vice captains. The second XI is led again by Headley’s Alan Clarke with Ben Whiting as vice captain. The club is always delighted to welcome new players and yes, if you are of International ability then great. However, if you are someone who enjoys cricket contact one of those listed below and grab yourself regular fun. The only requirement is you enjoy the game and I can assure you enjoyment is still the number one aim closely followed by winning! As with all clubs no one would take the field if it wasn’t for the “back room” team of David Hammond. David spends his summer months on the phone ensuring teams contain eleven players and his commitment deserves mention because the club would struggle without him - so thank you David. In addition the club is really fortunate the Chairman David Richardson and Treasurer Roger Seymour have 22
served the club for over forty years each. Join us and in forty years it could be you reporting for The Link. On Sundays the Old Freemen’s Sunday XI is this year led by captain Tom Glover with Mike Rippin as his vice captain. Our grateful thanks to outgoing captain, Ben O’Connor, for all his commitment to the club in the past few seasons and for him turning out twice in the weekend as he has done on several occasions in the last few seasons. As the season is only just under way this won’t contain a never ending list of brave deeds and that is reserved for the end of season report. If you enjoy playing or think you might enjoy playing ring now. If you would prefer to play with a friend let us know and we can include you. Visit the website at www.oldfreemenscricket.co.uk to see our fixture list. Chris Reynolds 0777 5680027 chris@libraticgroup.com David Hammond 07773 525405 woll@djhammond.demon.co.uk Jeff Haywood 07977 572330 info@oldfreemenscricket.co.uk
Old Freemen’s Rugby Football Club Report by Roger Seymour Seymour86@ntlworld.com Well, that's it for another season at the OFRFC, who are comfortable, eventually, in Surrey Division 1 (6th), and Surrey Shield runners-up, losing an entertaining Final 26-39 to Battersea Ironsides, played on a hot steamy May Bank Holiday on a rockhard Esher pitch. After a very enjoyable Rugby/ Hockey Dinner Dance organised in Epsom Grandstand on May 11th by Laura Morrison, to whom we are deeply indebted for her hard work, the awards were as follows. Dinner Awards: Most Improved Player Sweat Pot Gibbs Shield Player of the Year Colours
Iain 'Unit' Moodie Alex Buhagiar James Burns Chris Hatcher Andy Owens Josh Pickering Jeremy Davies
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The AGM was held on May 14th and the following were elected President Bill Deighton Chairman David Harn (final year) 1st XV Captain Simon Daniels 1st XV Vice Captain Andy Owens 2nd XV Captain Malcolm Beech 2nd XV Vice Captain Richard Turk Coach Alex Buhagiar Social Sec Sam Rowan Catering Irene Gummer (final year) Marketing Nicos Charalambous Recruitment Simon Daniels New Vice-Presidents Malcolm Beech & James Tremaine
Any other willing volunteers or members are very welcome, as we always need extra hands, especially to shadow those "final year" roles. Here is an invitation for you - Early booking recommended. A Gentlemen's Afternoon - Lions' Edition! Organised by Sam Rowan. Following on from the success of last year's event and with the British & Irish Lions headed Down Under to smash the Aussies, it made perfect sense to host a Lions' Edition of the Gentlemen's Afternoon, which was organised on Saturday 22nd June 2013 COST: ÂŁ45 per person.
THE CLUBHOUSE IS AVAILABLE FOR HIRE: -- Contact Laura Morrison on
laura.morrison2@ntlworld.com for details of times available and cost. She is looking for a volunteer to run the Club Diary, so how about you? It is not an onerous job but is one too many for her to undertake. Volunteers are always very welcome and many hands make light work.
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The Information Page www.oldfreemens.co.uk The Dates that our annual Subscriptions fall due The Old Freemen’s Association
April 1st
The Old Freemen’s Cricket Club
May 1st
The Old Freemen’s Rugby Football Club
Sept. 1st
The Old Freemen’s Hockey club
Oct. 1st
The Old Freemen’s Swimming Club
Nov 1st
The Association annual subscription is: £25 if you live within 30 miles of Ashtead £20 if you live further away, or are a student under 21. The Clubhouse Bar is officially open Tues & Thurs 7-9 and Sat 7-10 p.m. These times will be expanded to cater for events. The Affiliated Clubs It is mandatory to belong to the Association when joining an affiliated Club The Cricket Club charges £30 for a season. In addition there will be match fees. Contact: David Richardson on 01737 833237 Hockey Club charges £75 (full), £35 (casual) for a season. Plus match fees. Contact: Nikki Linsell (info@ofhc.co.uk.) The Rugby Club charges £25 for non-players and £100 for regular players, which is reduced to £50 for those under 23. In addition there will be match fees. Contact: David Harn 020 8642 2822 Sports Hall Tuesday 7.00pm to 9.00pm for Squash, Badminton and Aerobics The charges for using the Sports Hall are payable per session for Badminton and Squash and for aerobics they are a little more as we have a teacher for that exercise. One payment covers the whole evening and a variety of sports may be undertaken. Contact Mike Bailey chugger @btinternet.com
Swimming Pool Thursday 7.45pm to 9.00pm We have the use of the School pool on a Thursday evening from 7.45 until 9p.m. when we have a rota of volunteer lifeguards. Families are welcome to attend and we do have a family membership. Swimming is £10 a year or a £1 a session Contact: Tracy Pearson 07702 300077 Sports Hall and Swimming Pool are term-time only
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