Chairman’s Letter

Dear Old Millhillians

Welcome to edition 68 of Martlet.

In this issue we celebrate the centenary of the school’s most famous Headmaster Sir John McClure with tales all about McClure house, founded in 1971, and named in his honour. We interview old McClurian and music supremo Jamie Hartman who reminisces about his school days and gives us the inside track on the music industry. We talk to former Housemasters (and Mistress) Chris Kelly, Berinda Banks and Graeme Turner to hear their side of the story and the current incumbent, Chris McKay gets us up to date with life in McClure in 2021. Old McClurians, Mitchel Symons and David Coakley share some antics and gritty truths about their time in the early days of the house. Last but not least we start a new series of relative values style interviews with the omnipresent Cicale family who give us a taste of school life across two generations.

Out of a Covid-19-enforced paucity of physical events to report on we have taken fresh look at the stories behind the OM social and networking events and sports clubs. None the less this issue has a more vibrant presentation than previous editions. Maybe in future we should add these more-newsy items on to our digital events calendar instead of waiting months to publish them in Martlet. Then we could then devote more space to features and interviews with OMs and school staff as we have in this edition. Do let us know what you think.

For me a particular item that stands out from the 2021 agenda is the agreement reached between ourselves and the Mill Hill Foundation that from now on ALL Mill Hill School leavers will automatically become Club members. For now, it’s a one liner news item but, over time, this will have a significant impact on the age profile and gender mix of Club membership. In the next edition of Martlet we will devote space to the implications of this agreement and how the Club is responding to the opportunities - and challenges - it poses.

We continue to believe there is a role for a print magazine in today’s digital media environment. We get great feedback from Old Millhillians, and as long as we do we will publish!

Take care of yourselves; take care of others.

Peter Wakeham Chair, Old Millhillians Club