The Ashtead Link, Issue 32

The Ashtead Link The Journal of the Old Freemen’s Association

Issue No 32 March 2015

The Old Freemen’s Association

List of Officers – 2014-15 President Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary, Membership &Editor Acting Treasurer Bar Chair Development Officer Maintenance Mins. Sec. Clubhouse Bookings Ass. Treasurer Social Organiser Web-site Manager School/FSA Liaison Committee:

vacant Alex Tribick Laura Morrison Pat Jenkins

alextribick@whmatthews.com laura.morrison2@btinternet.com patofa52@gmail.com

David Harn david.harn @virgin.net Clive Jones muddyfun@hotmail.com Rob Austen rob.austen@btinternet.com Ron Gummer rongummer@hotmail.com vacant vacant vacant vacant Nikki Linsell info@ofhc.co.uk Laura Morrison lauramorrison2@btinternet.com Irene Gummer, Eleanor Deighton, David Harn

Representatives of Affiliated Clubs: Cricket Chris Reynolds chris@libraticgroup.com Rugby Chris Reynolds chris@libraticgroup.com Hockey Nikki Linsell info@ofhc.co.uk Sports Hall Mike Bailey Bar Sub-Committee Clive Jones (Chairman) Paul Slatter (Barman), Mike Bailey, Jason Fox, Laura Morrison, Ronnie & Irene Gummer.

Vice Presidents - with years of service: Tom Shutter 1959-60, Richard Haydon 1969-70, Chris Cobb 1973-74, Chris Fry 1977-79, Nigel Barnett 1984-85, Chris Reynolds 1988- 89, Alastair Law 1992-2006.

Phil Kelly 1967- 8, David Harn 1971-72, Ashley Mote, 1975-76, Judith Mitchell née Alsopp 1982-83 Pat Jenkins 1986-87, Steve Jenkins 1990-91,

The Old Freemen’s Association www.oldfreemens.co.uk The Old Freemen’s Memorial Clubhouse, Ashtead Park, Ashtead, Surrey. KT21 1ET Tel: 01372 274356 patofa52@gmail.com

The Chairman’s Letter Dear All Since the last mammoth edition of the Link – for which we are very grateful, Pat – I have been working with the assistance of the Committee, and in particular Rob Austen (Development Officer), Laura Morrison – who continues to work for us tirelessly (OFA Administrator and my predecessor as Chairman), and Bob Davis, (Chairman of the Rugby Club) to build our relationship with the Corporation of London and the school during a time of change.

Discussions have centred on the role of the Association along with its affiliated clubs, and how we, along with the School, can thrive within Ashtead Park. I have had numerous productive meetings with Stuart Fraser, the Chairman of Governors, Philip MacDonald the Headmaster, the School Architects and the Bursar. It is evident that all are intent on our growing together to mutual benefit.

The School building development programme continues, and our valued input has been given in relation to that, further to assurances having been given that it was not part of the swimming pool planning development to seek the demolition of the Association Clubhouse.

I am currently seeking the agreement of the Corporation of London and Board of Governors for the Association to pursue and conduct a joint feasibility study with the school architects as to the future requirements for a purpose-built facility to accommodate the Association, for its use and that of the affiliated clubs, as well as for the school, FSA, and wider community, the importance of which cannot be underestimated. I will update you further in relation to this in due course.

Springing from that there was also a very positive informal meeting for all interested parties at the clubhouse last month to update everyone on the swimming pool/School development plans and how the School/Association relationship has been progressing. It was good to see so many people attending and taking a keen interest. I understand that the School plans are shortly to be submitted to the Council for consideration, and I will keep you informed of developments.

We should now all look forward to the future together.

Alex Tribick - Chairman

Pat Jenkins adds: Alex has mentioned imminent changes happening at the School and for those who have not already heard it might be worth mentioning that: 1. Headmaster Philip MacDonald, is retiring and Roland Martin has been appointed in his place; 2. The Junior School Headmaster is now Matt Robinson who replaced Malcolm Beach at the start of the September term; 3. The Head of Sixth Form is now Gareth Hughes in place of Matthew Close; 4. The new Deputy Head is Andrew McCleeve, who joined the School in January, and replaces Richard Alton.

We welcome all those who are joining the staff whilst wishing the leavers success in their new positions.

The Diary Reminders Wednesday, 18th March Saturday, 21st March Saturday, 28th March Saturday, 4th April Saturday, 11th April Saturday, 18th April Tuesday, 28th April Tuesday, 12th May Friday, 22nd May Friday, 5th June Sunday, 28th June

The 50s Leavers at the Farmers’ Club for Lunch 6 Nations Super Saturday/Beer Festival Ladies’ Lunch Easter Weekend – Unders/Overs Game Last League Players Event The Rugby and Hockey Dinner Dance will be held at Kingswood Golf Club Old Freemen’s Association A.G.M. at 8pm. Clubhouse.

O.F.R.F.C. A.G.M. Leaver’s Service New Headmaster’s Dinner Old Freemen’s Day

Unfortunately! The proposed 3rd Boarders Reunion & 1st Scouts & Guides Reunion in the summer of 2016 will not now take place, as Alan explains: “It is with regret that I have to tell you that the above event will not now take place. I apologise to any overseas Old Freemen who may have already planned to attend.

The reasons for this cancellation are as follows: The Main House at the school is going to be totally refurbished, starting in August 2015. This is scheduled to take 18 months, but as everybody should know, these projects do tend to overrun, so it could be August 2017 before it is back in use.

So had we had another reunion it would not have been possible to enjoy the facilities in the Main House as we did for the first two reunions. In fact the Main House will be totally evacuated during the renovation period.

If there were to be another reunion in the autumn half term of 2017, this would enable any attendees to sleep in the Main House and see all the “improvements.”

However, whilst floating this idea someone younger than me would have to organise it.

Any volunteers???”

Scouts & Guides Re-union Summer of 2016 It has been suggested that a re-union is held on a Saturday in the Summer of 2016.

The idea would be to meet in the Clubhouse for morning coffee, followed by a buffet luncheon and if it lasts long enough, afternoon tea.

There would be a display of memorabilia and of course the opportunity to reminisce on the great times we all enjoyed as Scouts & Guides, particularly the weekend and summer camps.

This announcement is to invite your provisional support for this event by contacting:Alan Gerring

E-mail: alan@thegerrings.com Phone:

01202 694148

Letter:

1 Wallace Road, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8NF

Events Past - 2014 Friday 5th December 2014 saw the first Cricket Supper, a replacement for the traditional Annual Dinner and judging by the ensuing comments, it was a great success. “Cracking fun for all. Next season couldn't be further away.�

Whilst Chris Reynolds(1970) wrote: “I would like to pass my thanks to all who made last night the success it was!

If that is to be the format for the future, it is one heck of a lot better than no dinner. A few notable absentees but even I missed a couple of dinners in the last forty four years.

Let us hope to retain those players who made the difference this year whether they be young or more mature. I am looking forward to next season in eager anticipation!”

Roger Seymour (1971) said: “Just a quick note – I thought last night was a fun evening - good format and great company.

Thanks to Bob Davies(1984) for all you did to create a good bash, and to your able assistants, Mark Ridley, Howard Jones and Tom Glover.

We made £105 on the food, £100 on the tenner raffle, and £41 on the Ashes tickets.

Also I received £100 in extra annual subs, so a productive night to end the year.

Well done.”

January 22nd 2015 saw another OFA/FSA Cheese and Wine Social in the Clubhouse, which was greatly enjoyed by all and enabled us to meet the members of the Parents’ Association. Our thanks go to Eleanor Deighton (ex-staff 2008) for doing all the catering.

News Of Old Freemen Callum did a Great Job Early in January, a glamorous “Roaring Twenties” Ball was organized by Old Freeman, Callum Gathercole(2011) and his friend Jay Olienicz, both 19, at Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge. It included a trapeze act, a casino and a silent auction and raised £58,000 for the Princess Alice Hospice. It was in recognition of the care they had taken of his father, Clive (1976) when he developed a fatal brain tumour.

Later this year the pair plan to row the Atlantic in an endeavour to set a world record as the youngest to do so.

Our congratulations go to Callum on the success of the Ball and our best wishes for the record attempt. Please let us know how you get on.

Tina King née Jenkins (1982) has recently returned from a trip to Zambia and South Africa where she was working with Beyond Ourselves (www.beyondourselves.co.uk) who partner with local Zambian schools to give children an education and a daily meal

This picture was taken at a Lion Park near Johannesburg on the way back to the airport.

Graham Diprose(1969) took this lovely photo at Seaford in early February this year.

In the past Graham’s photos have often featured in the School magazines, which was a prelude to his career in Photography.

Gill and Nigel Gibson sent a letter with lots of news about themselves and the family. They are the parents of Laura (2000) and Matt (2002).

“Nigel and I are still in Shanghai. Knowing that our time here would be limited we have tried to make the most of being in Asia. In January we visited an extremely cold Harbin to see the wonderful Ice Palace and sculptures, then Laura and I went to see the terracotta Army and take a river trip.

Next I went with Matt to Beijing for a few days and most recently visited Tibet, the Tibetan Everest Base camp and then on to Nepal.

Laura and Nick left Shanghai for Cape Town in January 2014 and we really miss having them just down the road. Laura has now embarked on a PhD at Kings’ College London. Her study is related to African history so she will spend time in South Africa researching and carrying on with the work she does there.

Matt continues to enjoy his teaching job at Kings’ College School, Wimbledon, and although his job is very demanding, he has been able to take advantage of school holidays to come to China, (to include having suits and shirts made!) and has spent several weeks in Columbia over the summer.

Whilst Nigel is working I have been filling my time, learning mandarin, co-ordinating a Book Club or doing Pilates, Zumba and body combat classes – not very serious classes but fun. It seems ages since my days at Aerobics in the Sports Hall.”

Our thanks to Gill for keeping in touch.

Theo van Dort’s 40th Birthday picture January 24th 2015 was a special event for Theo (1993), which he celebrated at Clubhouse on that Saturday, with a host of friends.

Jean Baumann (1956) is justifiably proud of her Wildlife Endeavours: Jean is a Conservationist who has been restoring wildlife to her small upland farm. In 1984, in addition to her original holding, she purchased four and a half acres of rather steep land which is 1000 feet up in the Cambrian Mountains. As a result of the field having been ploughed, fertilised and re-seeded prior to 1984, only rye grass was evident in the sward. The fields had no shelter or water for stock, so she started by fencing and planting native trees, aided by Powis County Council Tree Planting Scheme. These were sited along the most exposed easterly boundary, they established well and provide the necessary shelter, and have been enhanced by a small pond to add to the wildlife value.

The next year she decided, with family help to plant1000 locally sourced trees and shrubs to form a hedge which has been nurtured and now looks as if it had always been there.

Her small flock of sheep graze the field and in the summer a hay crop is taken, during late July or August. The ground was left untreated until 1995 when she added a light application of well-rotted farmyard manure.

From then on there were flowers on the sheltered bank but it was six years before the red clover appeared in amongst the rye grass. By 1999 there were 50 species on the field, offering pollen to the bees, butterflies, moths and hoverflies, but there are still some species that have not appeared in the grass.

She now has a small barn on the field which provides both a hay loft and a shelter for stock and other wildlife. The slate roof sheds copious rain into a tank for stock watering.

The flower meadow has come to the attention of Kew Gardens and in 2014, the Head of Conservation at the millennium Seed Bank, gathered seed which is now in the National Collection. In 2015 he plans to make a further collection.

Well done Jean – a great achievement.

This article about Gavin Turk(1983) was spotted by Miss Jan Wicks who was on the staff until 1995, and still shows a keen interest in the Old Freemen.

Service in World War 2 A letter from Daphne Youdale nee Parsons (1940) gave a clear insight into her War Service: “Early in 1940, at the age of 17, I left school and went into the Women’s Royal Naval Service and was sent to the Royal Naval College in Greenwich. There I was appointed to the College Chef. He showed me two huge store rooms piled high with cases containing tins and packets as well as fresh food. There were also crates of wine for the wardroom, ready for the ceremony of “passing the port”. This was the equivalent to the rum ration allowed to the lower decks and that too was my responsibility. The silly thing is that the rum ration was diluted with two parts of water, which made it even more potent! From this I soon learnt which years had produced the best wines and which had not been so good.

I used to confer with the Chef, Horace Chalcraft, every month, as to the supplies available so that he could compile a menu right away with no fear of having to change anything.

My Commanding Officer was a Lieutenant Commander Frederick Nugent, and above him was a Commander J.D. Cavanagh, who had been brought back into the Service from retirement in order for a younger man to go to sea. I used to nag both of these officers, telling them that I and other females in the W.R.N.S. should be serving on ships at sea, perhaps not loading torpedoes or firing guns but doing the other jobs.

I am pleased that nowadays women are serving at sea but I still would like to hear of a woman Captain, even if it is only on one of the smaller ships, like a frigate.

Daphne Youdale née Parsons Are there any other Old Freemen with experiences from World War 2, either of their own or perhaps their O.F. parents?

Births, Marriages and Deaths Births Tom Ormerod (2004) and his son

Casper Benjamin Michael Kornrumpf, son to Mike(1990), was raging at the world!

Sarah Tappy(1993) & Mark Hardinge are the proud parents of George John Tappy Hardinge, born at 9.12am on 12th January, weighing 9lb 6oz.

Our Congratulations to all the Proud Parents

Marriages

L-R Natasha Maria Wilson, Hayden Wilson, Pauline Sheffield, John Winch, Thomas Winch and Molly Winch at Long Bay Regional Park.

Our best wishes to John and Pauline for a long and happy marriage

Deaths Sadly we have again had several deaths: David Fear

David Fear (died 5th December, 2014) Alan Wood wrote: “I must have met the Fear twins, David and John, when in 1948 they started at the Freemen’s School. I don’t remember when we actually ‘got together’, but as we progressed up the school, we, together with Roger Williamson, developed a strong interest in photography. We all have memories of the four of us crowded together in my Dad’s small darkroom, with dishes of smelly chemicals – with the air-brick blocked because it let the light in!

In the summer of 1955, the year that I left school, David, John and I, with another friend, cycled round Europe, courtesy of youth hostels, quite an achievement in 1955!

I started an apprenticeship in Birmingham, and lost touch with these school friends.

Then, in 2001-2, I decided to try and contact them again, and eventually, via Friends Reunited, met up with David. So, contact made – mission accomplished. David naturally led on to John; shortly after that Roger joined us, and – ignoring the Atlantic Ocean – we were together again! We are now enjoyably in touch with about thirty of our school contemporaries, some of whom are at this service.

I was fortunate enough to meet Carole [David’s second wife], and have good memories of David’s 65th birthday party in 2003… Sadly, Carole died the following year in the Princess Alice Hospice, whereupon David, being so impressed with the care that Carole had received there, said, ‘I’m going to do a sponsored cycle ride in aid of the Hospice in memory of Carole’. A colleague who was originally going with David had to cry off, and David said, ‘OK then, I’ll go on my own!’ I heard this, and said – fateful words – ‘No, you’re not – I’m coming with you!’ Memories of 1955!

After some weeks of preparation and getting sponsorship, we flew off to Toulouse and cycled the 240km of the Canal du Midi to the Mediterranean, setting up our small tent each night at a convenient camp-site. And there’s nothing like sharing a small tent for a fortnight to get to know a bloke! This was one of the best holidays of my life – besides which, we raised over £4,000 for the Princess Alice Hospice.

Subsequently we managed three more cycle-camping trips in France, and have kept in close touch ever since.

To me, he was my best friend. So long, David! I shall miss you.”

Alan gave this tribute at David’s funeral at South West Middlesex Crematorium, 17 th December 2014).

Our condolences go to David’s daughters, brother and families.

Graham Goddard sadly died on New Year’s Eve He was born 10th March 1948 and died 31st December 2014.

A Celebration Service was held at St. Giles Church, Ashtead, on Friday 30th January 2015.

Brian Clear’s tribute to Graham “Growing up together we did all the things that our Mothers told us not to, playing on the railway lines, setting fires in Ashtead Woods and climbing trees way too tall.

They were good times and we had a lot of fun together with the other kids in the neighbourhood. Friendships were made that lasted a lifetime.

After a brief spell at the Orchard School in Epsom, Graham joined Ashtead Preparatory School in 1954. It was here that he met for the first time many of his fellow pupils who would also remain lifelong friends. Subsequently and to his parent’s great surprise, Graham passed the examination to join the City of London Freemen’s School and started in Form 1 in 1957. I think that it is fair to say that Graham was not the best pupil in the form but he was popular with most of his teachers and all of his classmates. I believe that he still holds the school record for the most detentions in one week – 7. He then received an 8th from the Matron simply for having already received 7. Unfair? Certainly – and even his parents complained about the 8t,h but Graham did his detentions and suffered the punishment . He always claimed that he was not the bad one, just the unlucky one who always got caught! Lest I paint a negative picture about Graham’s school days let me correct that record immediately. He was a pupil that always tried to do his best.

Graham was active in all aspects of Freemen’s school life, he appeared in the school plays, participated in gym competitions and represented both his house and the school in athletics and rugby. He was a happy, popular pupil and after studying sufficiently he passed his O levels and moved on into the 6th Form.

17 was an important landmark for Graham. He received his Private Pilot’s Licence and was able to fly solo. Our classmate, Phil Paddy reminded us of the story about when Graham took him up for a flight from Biggin Hill. It was a bumpy landing and Graham, being Graham, insisted that they take off and do another circuit just to prove that he could land properly. Surely a sign of his professionalism, that would last throughout his career.

By now Graham was well over 6 feet tall, easily the tallest in his school class. Of course he got his height from his parents but the contribution made by Corn Flakes should not be overlooked. Graham was a prodigious consumer of cornflakes during his teenage years, sometimes apparently for every meal.

Graham passed his A levels at 18 and with the enthusiastic support of his parents applied for and was accepted at the Air Training College in Oxford. During his years there he made many lifelong friends and always enjoyed returning for their annual reunions in his later years. Oxford was a very happy time for Graham.

Graham also joined the Old Freemen’s Association and the Old Freemen’s Rugby Club for whom he played as frequently as his schedule allowed. He was always proud of his association with the School and Ashtead Park and certainly enjoyed his visits to the Clubhouse. As for his rugby, Roger Seymour summed it up perfectly when he described Graham as “A lovely fellow but you would not want to argue with him on the pitch. “ After completing his training at Oxford Graham received his Commercial Pilot’s Licence at 21 and joined BOAC for the start of a career that would last almost 35 years. Initially on the 707 aircraft he soon transferred to the new 747 200 series and was promoted to First Officer. He also met and married Gay in 1971. Not so long afterwards Joanna and Jonathan, their two children were born – Graham was so proud to be their Father.

At the age of 34 Graham was promoted again and became one of British Airways youngest Captains flying 737s around Europe. He quickly transferred back to the long-haul 747 fleet on the new 747 400 aircraft which he said he always enjoyed more because he made more salary! During the next 20 years his flying career continued at B.A. where he was well liked and considered to be an exemplary Captain, always concerned about his crew’s welfare. During a Christmas layover in Rio de Janeiro all the crew were a little down about being away from their families over the holidays and so to cheer everyone up Graham donned his Father Christmas outfit, rented a helicopter and had himself flown to the roof of the hotel where the cabin crew were staying: he then distributed presents for all his crew. Such was his thoughtfulness and generosity.

It was around this time that Graham met Francoise in Antigua and in 1983 they were married. They decided to relocate to Bordeaux where Graham embraced the French lifestyle which he loved. They were together for 31 years.

During his years of flying Graham would always make an effort to contact me whenever he flew into where I was living. It was always good to see that towering figure, shock of white hair, his famous grin and of course, “Hello mate, how are you?”

What would follow would invariably be an evening of laughter, and fun. One story however is worth telling because it shows what sort of a person Graham was. It was in New York at a party at around 2 in the morning. Graham was enjoying himself, dancing and having a good time when the cops arrived, apparently somebody had telephoned to complain about the noise! Now a somewhat tense situation was quickly defused by Graham inviting the cops in, sitting them down and getting them coffee. We now have two cops in the apartment, drinking coffee and chatting with Graham about flying and life in England. They wouldn’t leave, they were so interested in what Graham had to say. It did show what a down-to-earth person he was, capable of talking to anyone about anything. He charmed the cops so much we got off with only a warning about the noise! They were good times.

Sadly in 1998 Graham had his first diagnosis of cancer. Fortunately after treatment he was able to return to flying but this was the first sign of a medical condition that would sadly return.

It is said that a pilot’s professional life is made up of hours of monotony punctuated with moments of sheer fright. Graham’s moment came in 2001 while on a routine flight from South America back to London. They received a message that there were two devices on board, set to go off in 30 minutes. They were 90 minutes from the nearest airport, a full 747 with 400 passengers including Francoise, Graham’s wife .

Can we begin to imagine what must have been going through his mind during that time? But his professionalism, training, good judgment and decision- making skills came to the fore. Graham took the correct decisions in a moment of great crisis, made an emergency landing at Shannon and quite possibly 400 passengers owed their lives to him. It was his greatest challenge in a long career and he dealt with it superbly. Lest I end this story on too serious I note I should add that in the evening Graham took all his crew to a pub which he knew in Shannon. Apparently it was a good evening.

Soon afterwards, it was 2003, and Graham was 55, time to retire. He made his final flight as Pilot in Command in March of that year, before retiring to enjoy life in the French countryside with Francoise and his beloved Bentley. Graham enjoyed a wonderful professional life, well liked and highly admired for his flying skills. His was a life well lived.

Our thoughts are with his mother, wife, daughters, brother and the rest of the family. ******** Simon Parish 6th August 1946 - 2nd January 2015 His wife Mary wrote: The Rugby Club was such an important part of Simon’s life ever since he left school at 15 and everyone was aware of his passion for rugby. He was so proud of the team when he captained it for 2 years and especially when he was presented with the President’s tie at a lunch last year. It was always his ambition (not mine) to achieve playing in 50 consecutive seasons and he just about made it.

This was Simon making his speech of thanks when the tie was presented.

Ed Law: “Several tributes were paid during the service and Simon obviously had a major impact on many people’s lives through his work as a lay preacher, church elder, and committed Christian.

The total attendance I guess was between 350 and 450 so Heathervale Baptist Church was full and the service was relayed by video link to an adjoining hall which could seat 100 plus and this was also full.

The Old Freemen I saw included Roger Seymour, Ronnie Gummer, Mike Gibbs, Bob Langley, Malcolm Beech, Peter Stanyard, Sam Cameron, Ian Grimstone, John Blackley, Laura & Neil Morrison, Chris Reynolds, Hugh Hardy and Julian Lamden.”

Laura Morrison: “Off the top of my head, Old Freemen in attendance were: myself, husband Neil, Julian Lamden, Roger Seymour, Mark Stevenson, Bob Langley,

Charlie Barnes, Ronnie Gummer, Malcolm Beech, Chris Reynolds, Dick Haydon.

There were a few others, but their names escape me!”.

This photo was taken on Simon Parish’s last visit to the Clubhouse, which was for the Vintage Lunch organized by Ed Law and the picture is thanks to David Harn

Back Row: Ted Hart, Dick Haydon , Roger Seymour Middle: Dave Bower, Simon Parish, Chris Cobb, David George, Ian Grimstone, Ian Greenhill and Brian Little Front: Brian Clear, John Maddock, John Blackley, Bruce Provan, Steve Jenkins

School News Recent Leavers: Why not appear in the next “Ashteadian”?

The School will soon be compiling their next edition and the staff are keen to learn of their ex-pupils’ progress in their careers. Also those in the Upper forms are contemplating their futures and could be inspired by your endeavours.

So why not drop me a line and I will see it goes in the next School magazine?

Patofa52@gmail.com

UPDATES - from the previous magazine – both errors Firstly I submit my apologies to Sarah Michelotti as on the Heading I transposed the names of the two Andrews girls. It was, of course a tribute to Jill Andrews.

I do hope it did not cause too much upset to the Andrews family.

Secondly Tim Cox (exstaff) pointed out that I had attributed Martin Hearne’s memories of Gordon Vowles to Tim. Again I offer my apologies.

The New Boarding House: A visit was arranged to the new Boarding House during Old Freemen’s Day 2014 and Roger Davis has kindly sent these photos:

Showing: the Forecourt & Entrance: a Relaxing Area: Communal Entrance Area and a portion of a bedroom.

The Association is trying to find further ways to assist the School and here are two ways we really can help. So please try and involve your Company and/or offer your services for either of them: “Every year all Upper Five (year 11) pupils are encouraged to complete a work experience placement. Most pupils organise a placement for June or July after GCSE examinations. The onus is on pupils and their parents/guardians to find work experience. But we could help!

The Careers department has a list of a number of contacts for work experience that have been used in the past. However, some of these contacts are now quite old and companies that are prepared to offer work experience placements are becoming ever rarer in the current economic climate.

If any Old Freemen feel able to offer a work experience placement or at least be listed as a possible contact on our spreadsheet, please email me at CLFS: lvickers@clfs.surrey.sch.uk Many thanks, Lorna Vickers (Assistant Careers Adviser for the Upper School) The Careers department also runs an annual Careers, Education & Gap Convention in November where approximately 80 universities, Gap Year organisations & careers are represented. The date for the next CEG is 12 th November 2015.”

If anyone is willing to represent their career at this event, please contact Lorna.

Lost & Found Mail has been returned for Edward Heaney (2008) – please let him know we have lost contact.

Archives Help required with information It is not unusual for enquiries to be made by descendants of former pupils and I do indeed keep some such information in the Archives, but unfortunately it is mainly dates of leaving, married names (where known), House and anything that can be gleaned from “Ashteadians” of the period that I can pass on to them.

But I need help to give a really interesting profile. I should love a photo to go with it.

Information required: Career, travel etc.

Anything that you think your progeny would be interested to learn about you in ninety years time.

I have requested this before but only had 2 responses!!!! You could do better! patofa52@gmail.com

Super Hundred Club draws 2014 May June July August September October November December 2015 January

£100 Richard Turk Brian Rice Roger Seymour George Lewis Tracy Lyons Tom Haywood Roger Seymour Jon Stainer

£50 David Lovie Bruce Provan Mike Jordan Philip Paddy David Lovie Alex Moodie Valerie Vredenbregt Eleanor Deighton

Alex Moodie

Bob Davies

Our thanks go to Theo van Dort for running the Super Hundred Club and congratulations to the winners.

Reports from the Affiliated Clubs Hockey Nikki Linsell (2002) felt that at this stage in the season it would be tempting fate to give any predictions as to the likely position that the team will hold in May, so there is no interim report. She has though promised a full write up for the June edition.

Cricket We are looking forward to the forthcoming 2015 Season with the two Saturday XIs playing in the Surrey Downs League in Divisions 1 and 4 (www.surreydowns.org) and the Sunday XI playing local fixtures.

As always we are keen to involve recent leavers, current and past parents, and friends of Old Freemen to participate in competitive but friendly cricket. We have a

trial game on Saturday 25th April at Headley C.C. and our first league games start on Saturday 2nd May and we play until the 29th August. The final game of our Sundays XIs season will be played as always at the picturesque ground of Coldharbour.

Our Saturday XIs this season are captained by Jeff Haywood and Ben Whiting and our Sunday XI by Tom Glover.

Our Club enjoys the use of both the School’s 1st XI Square and the Headley C.C. two superb and quite unique cricket grounds.

We would welcome new players of all abilities to enhance our Club.

Please contact for further information:David Richardson 07973 753 480 d.richardson@chalegrove.co.uk Jeff Haywood 07977 572 330 Jeff.haywood@oldfreemenscricket.co.uk

Rugby The players tribute to Simon Parish

As Simon had been such a regular player and indeed a Captain it was felt appropriate to take a moment to remember him.

Photo David Harn.

Rugby Report As we near the end of the season, we find ourselves in a strong position in the 1sts, with a top of the league spot, and three league games to go. Promotion was our aim, and if the team can keep playing as they have – highly determined, with a robust defence and not without some great skills – we can hopefully achieve this target.

We’ll know by 11th April with our final league game away at Old Caterhamians. An added bonus is we are still in the Surrey Vase cup competition, our next game against Camberley away on the 18th, ahead of the dinner dance that evening (tickets still available!). If we make it past a strong Camberley side we are in the final on the first May Bank holiday at Esher. Congratulations to all the players, ably led by Nicos and John.

The 2nds are doing well, with some great results in the league making up for those days when Malcolm and Richard have found it difficult to field a 15 – either losing

the tie, or not being able to field a team at all. I have seen the 2nds play, and indeed refereed one of their matches, they are a good team to watch and a great bunch of lads on and off the pitch. Thanks, gentlemen.

We have to thank our Club Coach Jon Moore who has run some brilliant training sessions on Tuesdays and been there to guide the players on match days and our new physiotherapist, Tobie Koster, who has spent many minutes repairing our players (Simon Daniels has a loyalty card now). James Tremaine as director of rugby has steered the playing side well again and the ‘institution’ that is the Gummers, has served us magnificently – from hosting the opposition and referees to providing the traditional after match meals, organising our fundraising lunches and running our merchandising.

Despite standing down last season, David the ‘Badger’ Harn has been around to help out with match days and organised his traditional ‘lunches’ that always go down well. Thanks once again David for your tireless support.

So, the 1sts are in line for promotion and if they can win all their remaining games, will be league champions – one better than the target we set in July. Hopefully we are doing our sponsors proud.

There are some dramatic changes ahead of the Rugby Club over the next few months as we debate our future in Ashtead Park with the City and we move to a Limited Company by Guarantee – if you want to kept in touch please send me your email so I can add you to the email newsletter that Roger Seymour sends out. bobclaredavies@btinternet.com We need to catch up with other rugby clubs in a number of ways, the website in particular is in need of some attention, but across the Club we need people to help us as some committee members are stepping down this season. The Club doesn’t run itself ladies and gentlemen, and speaking of which, a big thank you to all the committee for all your hard work this season.

Positives? We still field competitive teams, the players enjoy their rugby, the Memorial Clubhouse is still a place that opposition and spectators like to visit, the parents are a positive support for the OFA and we have generous sponsors most notably Volkspeed in Ashtead.

We have also started to run a touch rugby night on Thursdays – open to ALL - and we are playing great rugby and have the Easter weekend Unders/Overs to look forward to and then the Dinner Dance at Kingswood Golf Club on the 18 th April and maybe even a Cup Final!

Bob Davies Chairman (07920 51878)