The OW - 2018 edition

THE

OW Latest news

Catch up with news from the OW community

Making strokes

OW Liz Birdsall talks life post Worksop

From Worksop to Wellington An interview with overseas OW Serge Sablyak

2018

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Editor’s Note

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s I write this, the familiar sight of the snowdrops have begun to appear on the edge of the cricket pitch, indicating spring is most definitely on its way. While the grandeur of the building remains the same, it is the seasonal changes that mark the start of a new term and with it, the prospect of new beginnings and new memories to be made.

Working within a school, and the timings of a termly calendar, has really emphasised the speed of time. This past year has flown and I have met so many of you at various events, functions and visits to the school. It has been a privilege to hear your stories from your time here and it is these memories that I am keen to capture for future Worksopians.

The school is rich in history and the Armistice centenary celebrations, held in November, were testament to just that. Led by the tireless work of our school archivist Wendy Bain, guests were told of the OWs that served our country during the Great War. With some of these men being just 16, it was a humble reminder of the courage shown by many of our students. We are delighted, thanks to the generosity of

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the WCPA, to unveil a photographic display of our boys – a permanent legacy to be appreciated and enjoyed by all.

It is this history that we all share that makes our school so vibrant. A history of your time here and a history that has yet to be written. Worksop is, first and foremost, a community and one which our OWs remain at the heart of. If you would like to arrange a visit or share your story, and/or memories, please do get in touch; I would love to hear from you.

It has been a pleasure working on 2018’s edition of The OW, with many of you sharing your life choices, successes and celebrations - I do hope you continue to share these with me, however big or small you may deem them.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2019.

Best wishes, Lucy Lucy Smithson Alumni Relations Officer 01909 535 765 l.smithson@wsnl.co.uk

In focus Oliver Cordingley

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We will remember them

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Making History - Our Heads

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Celebrating our women

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Leavers 2018

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Moving on

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Incredible India - Major Allen 2018

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OWs in print

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The OW Masonic Lodge

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Exam Results 2018

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OW Golf Society Report 2018

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From Worksop to Wellington - Serge Sablyak

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OW News

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Events - What’s on in 2019

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Obituaries

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2018 in pictures

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Taking it all in her stride - Rachel Lindley

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Feel-good friendship

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Welcome back

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Weddings at Worksop

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Making strokes - Liz Birdsall

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The original photograph

Work in progress

In focus

Oliver Cordingley

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he 2018 artwork for this magazine is the interpretation of current Shirley pupil Oliver Cordingley. Oliver’s artwork uses the gradual addition of colour to portray the historical shift of the College over time.

The OW caught up with Oliver, in between his busy A Level schedule, to find out a bit more about the man behind the pencil.

OW: Oliver, tell us a little about your background.

OC: Although I was born in Worksop, I travelled with my parents around the world, visiting Spain, Papua New Guinea, Turkey and Australia between the ages of 1 and 6. In 2007, I returned to England with my mother, where I later attended Ranby House. In 2014 I joined Worksop College and now, in my final year, I am preparing for my future, applying for University to study History, as well as for an apprenticeship at Irwin Mitchell Solicitors. As a Shirley boy, I am not fully exposed to the diverse culture of life at Worksop on a day-to-day basis, however by being immersed in international educational institutions abroad, I found my classes at Worksop College similar to those of previous schools.

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OW: Where did your passion for art come from?

OC: I would say it grew from my time at Ranby, where my teacher encouraged me to apply for an Art Scholarship at Worksop. After a successful application, I took Fine Art as one of my A-Level subjects where my teacher, Mrs PlattHawkins, pushed me into new medias and techniques.

Studying A-Level Fine Art allowed my creative side to develop, enhancing my analytical skills, essential for essay writing within my other subjects.

OW: What was your inspiration behind the front cover of The OW magazine?

OC: When creating a piece for the front cover of The OW, I wanted to capture both the modern and historical aspects of the school. Working in the School Archives with Wendy Bain, School Archivist, and Andrew Axelby, Head of History, for a year, I unearthed hundreds of documents, photographs and even artwork of the school. After taking photographs of the College’s architecture, I selected the façade of the chapel because it is not only an iconic image of Worksop College for its pupils, but it also resembles my personal connection with the School, as I was baptised and confirmed at Cuthbert Chapel in 2017.

Oliver’s artwork will be available to purchase as a limited edition print in A3 size for £40 – please get in touch if you would be interested in purchasing one.

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Making History

he is the first female leader in the history of Worksop College. Meet Clare Tilley, Acting Head for 2018-19, as she chats about community, care and the importance of saying ‘thank you’.

Graduating from university in 1985, Clare joined global aid charity Raleigh International, crediting the three months she spent in Chile as some of the most eye-opening and rewarding experiences she’s ever had. Returning from the expedition, Clare joined Westonbirt in January 1986 and admits that the girls’ boarding school was quite a culture shock for a young state-educated woman.

“Although very different from what I had been used to, it was clear from the outset that education within the independent boarding sector suited me well,” says Clare.

“The sense of belonging, of hard working staff and pupils, of Christian spirit and charity and, of course, of fun, all proved an intoxicating mix. My abiding memory of the place is of lively pupils and a beautiful campus (so good for the soul); a place where my enthusiasm was nurtured and colleagues were prepared to mentor me supportively – giving me lots of opportunities to develop my skills and abilities: something that I aim to replicate in my leadership approach.” in finding out what each child excels at and nurturing those skills to create resilient, adaptable and independent learners. We are proudly a broad-ability school, adept at developing those for whom academia comes naturally and supporting those for whom it does not; we are proud of our artists, athletes and musicians and of all those who contribute by making life just “Our values are a code for the way we a little better for everyone, not behave. They are what we expect from only for themselves. Pastoral each other as colleagues, as well as what we care and community are at the heart of what my team and I are expect from our pupils.” passionate about and we will continue to make that our focus.”

Part-way through the academic year and the school is fully immersed in embedding its new value statements and a service standards charter – Clare explains how this will be the ‘blueprint’ for the organisation and what can be expected going forward.

“Our values are a code for the way we behave,” says Clare.

“They are what we expect from each other as colleagues, as well as what we expect from our pupils. They underpin everything we do, from our recruitment processes to our teaching, our business decisions to our appraisal methods.

And our service standards are a part of that. We want everyone that deals with us, in any capacity, to receive a service that reflects our values – our charter is a way of ensuring that happens and creating opportunity to deal with it if we don’t get it quite right.”

What kind of leader can we expect and what will Clare bring to the role?

“We will continue to strive to ensure our pupils achieve the very best,” says Clare. “Our strength as a school lies

“As a leader? Colleagues, parents, pupils and Alumni can expect commitment, stamina, loyalty – and above all, a love for the job. As members of staff we must never lose sight of the fact that it is a privilege to see so many young people develop, both academically and as human beings.

We should always remember the impact that our own behaviour and attitudes can have on the young people in our care.”

“I’m truly excited by this new phase in my own ‘learning journey’ and am looking forward to travelling it alongside all of you.”

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Our Heads

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n September 2018, David Thorpe became the 9th Head Teacher of Ranby House School. We talked to the former Deputy Head about how he first got into teaching and why he firmly believes in the values and ethos of the school.

David’s first interest in teaching came back in 1997 whilst helping his then girlfriend, and now Mrs Thorpe, prepare for a Design & Technology lesson as part of her primary school teaching degree. David was taken aback by the huge amounts of energy and enthusiasm shown by the children during that lesson, and he felt an inextricable pull towards teaching.

Upon completing his Bachelor of Science Degree at Bath Spa University College, David completed a PGCE in Primary Years (7-11). “I loved the course and took the first teaching job I could in order to put my training and my own enthusiasm into practice,” says David.

So what is David’s favourite thing about the school and what attracted him to Ranby House?

“The Christian values and ethos of the school are deeprooted and have been upheld throughout the years,” he explains. “It is by no means draconian, but having such values teaches our children the importance of respect, honesty and forgiveness.”

“The children are fantastic, with a real desire to learn. They are very proud of their school and all the opportunities we provide. This is down to the hard work, imagination and total care from all our staff, who support our children throughout their learning journey and reinforce our Growth

Welcoming Dr John Price

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fter a long and rigorous recruitment process, supported by international recruitment agents, Odgers Berndtson, we are delighted to announce that we have appointed a new Head for Worksop College & Ranby House.

In September 2019, Dr John Price will join us from St. James’ School in Grimsby, a fellow Woodard School, where he has led a significant period of change, including the modernisation of the establishment, enhancing the curriculum through the introduction of innovative partnerships with educational providers, and impressive growth across domestic pupil numbers from 2 - 18.

After completing a degree in Biological Sciences and subsequent PhD in Plant Biotechnology, Dr Price spent 6

Mindset approach.

Pupils at Ranby House have amazing facilities and opportunities throughout their time here to be pushed out of their comfort zone, try something new, deal with failure in a positive way and celebrate each other’s successes.”

David describes his leadership style as ‘supportive’ – he has a genuine desire to help colleagues achieve their best and he hopes this comes across in the way he directs his staff.

“As a leader I am keen to develop and support other people to achieve their very best,” he says. “I know it sounds like a cliché, but I genuinely like to help people and enjoy seeing others experience success.”

“My focus is to ensure every child continues to thrive,” David says. “I want our children to experience as many opportunities as possible, to develop their independence, resilience and adaptability. I believe in the education we offer here and want as many children as possible to experience it first-hand.”

time in Canada and the USA, working in research, teaching, and the promotion of Plant Sciences education. His return to the UK saw him take up a position at Millfield School in Somerset, meeting his wife Jane and together running a Boarding House for 11 years. During his 15 years at the school, Dr Price gained experience in many roles, including that of Senior Tutor for Sixth Form, Head of Junior Cricket and, most notably, Senior Housemaster for Boarding with responsibility for over 1000 boarders. He coached football, rugby and cricket teams, achieving a record five national under 15 cricket titles.

In 2008, Dr Price was approached by former chief of Ofsted, Sir Chris Woodhead, to take on the Headship of Chilton Cantelo School in Somerset.

After five years of leading a for-profit boarding school, his desire to return to the charitable education sector led to his appointment at St James’ School.

John will join the school with his wife Jane and their daughter Ffion, 15; their son Owen, 19, is at university.

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Leavers 2018

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ast year we said goodbye to the following members of staff, some of whom will be remembered by OWs for their contribution to their time at school.

GAVIN HORGAN - FROM THE CUSTOS When I was a boy at Ranby, the Chaplain, Father Hugh Pickles, taught us to “work hard, play hard and pray hard”.

Obviously the Headmaster was not there at that time but at some stage the message must have reached him. In his six years as Headmaster of the College and Ranby he has certainly done that.

The outward signs of hard work at the College are well known.

We have Mason in its new attractive and well equipped home. To my mind there is the even greater achievement of the substantial restructuring and refurbishment of the main building with the Library and the 6th Form Centre as the flagships. Years 7 and 8 have joined the College and are now firmly part of the fabric, with other exciting plans for the school’s development well underway.

Perhaps more importantly, rigorous attention to academic standards and pastoral care by, and inspired by, the Headmaster has borne fruit. Oxbridge is clearly within reach for some students but that is only part of the wide range of impressive destinations of our leavers.

But what is all that if the College is not a happy place for our students, our staff, our parents and even our Governors?

The Headmaster has placed great emphasis on the way we all behave to those around us, with Chapel at the centre of what we do. I think that we are justly proud that from that foundation our students leave the College as rounded individuals, ready and equipped to make a worthwhile contribution to the wider world.

The Headmaster has been a great ambassador for the College in Woodard, the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference and locally at Worksop Priory Primary Academy and Priory Gatehouse Trust. We and they will miss him greatly as a man of Faith, Unity and Vision. We wish Gavin, Alison, Frederick and Hester all happiness and success at Millfield and beyond.

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CHRISTIAN PRITCHARD – FROM DAVID THORPE Throughout his six-year tenure at Ranby House, Christian Pritchard was an exceptionally dedicated Headmaster. His office door was always open – he somehow always managed to make himself available to colleagues and pupils alike. With a cool head, an ability to think through problems quickly, and a ‘can-do’ approach to just about everything, Christian offered wise counsel and ready solutions to challenges. Christian oversaw many positive changes at Ranby, not least the development of the ‘Learner Profile’ scheme, which rewards children for demonstrating the core attributes of Resilience, Adaptability and Independence.

In a fitting tribute given at Speech Day 2018, it was my great pleasure to present Christian with his very own golden Learner Profile badge.

Never one to be beaten on enthusiasm, Christian challenged himself and others through debate, imaginative ideas, initiative and leading by example, to ‘be the best we can be’. At some point during the last six years every member of the Ranby community will have witnessed examples of Christian’s sheer exuberance for life, from pursuing his interest in magic tricks to entertain children, to providing musical accompaniments in school productions (even composing rap songs) to name just two. We encourage the Ranby community to have a go, take risks and make mistakes, promoting FAIL – First Attempt In Learning – as a positive learning experience. Christian led from the front in this respect, although it is a source of much regret that the unicycle proved a challenge too far!

Learning and pastoral care at Ranby were overhauled under the leadership of this man, with the highest levels of respect, integrity and fairness embedded in every decision. In times of change Ranby has always maintained its strong Christian values in a safe, respectful and nurturing environment.

Christian’s vision was to ensure that each child left the haven of our school as strong, independent young minds, ready to embrace the challenges of the future. We are proud to have known Christian as both a colleague and a friend.

JONNY ANDERSON joined the College as Deputy Head and teacher of Geography in 2011. He was tireless in his work for the school throughout his time with us. The role of Deputy Head is often a thankless one and Jonny’s tenure was defined by principled sensitivity in his interactions with all. In addition to the myriad routine responsibilities, he undertook to add some consistency and order to the working day of the school, while also overseeing the allocation of departmental budgets and the building of the new Mason House. The last few years have been a time of great change at Worksop College and Jonny helped to shape that change. He has taken up the headship at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh.

WENDY BAIN: aesthete, firecracker, zealot, teacher, tour sherpa, director extraordinaire, linguist, Irish dancer, housemistress, schoolmistress, confidante, Christian, mother… and an inspiration to generations of young women. Wendy has been a towering figure in the lives of so many pupils in her service to the College. Her great legacy is thousands of men and women who have been enriched by her wise counsel and ferocious appetite for literature. As one OW put it so perfectly, “I often find myself finishing a book and wanting to spend an hour and twenty minute double period talking to you about it…” Wendy ended her teaching career in 2018, but not her association with the school – we are delighted that she continues to explore and inspire as curator of the Archives.

SHARRON BERRY joined Ranby House in September 2013 as the School Nurse. During her time at Ranby she became a great friend and confidante to staff and children alike.

Never one to say no, she threw herself wholeheartedly into Prep School life and her duties extended way beyond that of a School Nurse. We wish Sharron well in her new role at St Paul’s Cathedral School in central London.

BILL CHAPMAN joined us as a minibus driver in September 2016. He later took on additional responsibilities for coordinating the bus fleet. Bill’s ‘Petrol Head’ knowledge ensured that the fleet was always well maintained, clean and tidy, whilst his passion for the job meant that requests were dealt with efficiently whenever he was awake! We wish him all the best in his retirement.

EMMA COLLINS arrived as Miss Kelvey but, despite the name change, her love of Literature never altered. Her expertise was in Arthurian Legend, a subject in which she inspired many an A level student. Beyond inspiring minds there, she broadened them in her instigation, alongside Sam Koon, of the Book Club, a group that delighted in eclectic, weird and wonderful texts – or just wild interpretations of what might otherwise have seemed innocuous classics. Motherhood finally put an end to the long commute, the appeal of a part time role at a school much nearer home proving too strong.

LISA ELLIS joined us to teach Biology in January 2018; she moves to Jersey to teach alongside her partner and we wish her the very best.

HARRY JACQUES joined us in 2016 as a Graduate Assistant in the Music department. He was involved in all areas of school life from dawn until dusk – he was so inspired by what he saw in his first year that he chose to qualify as a teacher with us in his second year. We wish him every success in his career.

KATHRYN KOON, sometimes known as Mrs Dr Koon to distinguish her from her husband, made a distinctive contribution to the Classics department. Adept at intriguing the youngest pupils and killing the most recalcitrant pupil with kindness, she was a keen advocate of theatre trips, a member of the College chapel choir and a generous provider of cakes to the SCR. SAM KOON left us after 8 years’ service to become Head of Latin and Classics at Haileybury, and they are fortunate to claim him. Numbers of Latinists and, in particular, Classicists within the school and studying at university increased under his leadership, enthused and impassioned by his love of his subject.

STEPHEN MADIGAN joined the College as Head of Physics in 2014. A pioneer of gadgets and electronic wizardry within his pedagogy, he inspired and nurtured pupils of all abilities with care in that role, and as a rugby coach or at concerts and theatrical performances alike. A well-earned retirement beckons.

PADDY MURRAY was appointed as a History teacher and Housemaster of Mason House, roles in which he was a vocal, determined champion of his pupils. The sporting prowess of Mason boys was emphatic, notably in their determination, stemming from Paddy, to keep the Dorm Run crown, but cultural participation flourished too. Thus Paddy tried to shape a generation of Worksop boys into Mason Renaissance Men. ALICIA PRICE’s support and influence extended far beyond those she saw in the classroom as a teacher of Economics and Business Studies. Having joined us in 2013, she was also a Sixth Form Tutor and the teacher in charge of Careers, arranging the enormously successful and beneficial annual Careers Fairs.

ZOË PRITCHARD showed a great passion while working with the youngest children in our Pre-Prep department.

Throughout her teaching, whether it be inside the classroom or outside in the woods, the child’s interests and needs were at the forefront of every activity. Her energetic nature led to fun and engaging lessons that all children loved. Not only was she extremely caring towards the children, her compassion spread to the needs of the staff. Zoë was always there to give guidance and support where needed. Beachborough have gained an extremely hardworking, passionate, kind and caring colleague.

GEOFF STOREY served the College loyally for an unparalleled 45 years before his retirement in 2018 – and the congratulatory applause from the staff and pupils in his final assembly would happily have matched that duration! One of Geoff’s first roles was to ring the bell that woke the boys in their Dorms. More recently, his contribution was to the Porter and Maintenance teams.

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Incredible India The Major Allen Travel Award 2018

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he Major Allen Award is in memory of OW Major William Barnsley Allen (Mt and M 1902 - 1909) V.C., D.S.O., M.C. and bar, the College’s only recipient of the Victoria Cross. The aim of the award is to provide a grant of £500, to help a student fund travel in a gap year, or for a worthwhile activity in the summer break prior to university. We hear from 2018’s recipient, OW Eleanor Cooley (SH 05 – 18).

“At the beginning of my final year at Worksop College, I sent off my application to study medicine at university. At that moment, I never would have thought that a year later, I would be on a gap year, reapplying to completely different universities, having completed my A-levels and a trip to the other side of the world.

After much deliberation, I came to the decision that taking a gap year and reapplying was what I wanted to do. This would give me the opportunity to get involved in various aspects of medicine, which I was not able to do whilst still at school. Through careful consideration, I explored opportunities to experience medicine globally. I eventually decided to take part in a project in Delhi with the company Plan My Gap Year, where I participated in a wide range of volunteering opportunities, some directly related to medicine and others which were not.

After a long nine hour flight, I arrived in Delhi and immediately headed to the volunteers’ house. I met my fellow volunteers and roommates and headed out to explore. The streets were packed full of Hindu men, women and children, all celebrating the birthday of Krishna, a major Hindu God. We visited some temples, walked round a market and tried some of the local food, before heading back to the house to get ready for our volunteering the next morning.

I volunteered for five days a week, on weekdays, in various settings in and around the neighbourhood, choosing each morning where I wanted to help out. I tended to stick to visiting the slum clinic, a free walk in clinic situated next to the slum school (where the teaching volunteers were). I found this very challenging, not only due to the state of the surroundings, but also as the doctors spoke very limited English, and the patients none at all. This meant that, as the consultation was in Hindi, the other volunteers and I struggled to communicate.

I was able to gain a lot more experience of some practical skills, such as taking manual blood pressure, applying wound dressings and dispensing medicines. The dispensary is a small room next to the clinic, similar to a pharmacy, where the prescriptions for the patients are made up and handed out (you even have to get a prescription for basic painkillers like paracetamol in India - this isn't something that can just be bought!) These medicines are purchased by the company with the money provided by volunteers when they pay for their trip, so can be given to the patient free of charge.

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On my trip, I was also fortunate enough to be able to gain experience of some other things as well, such as volunteering at the disabled school, watching a caesarean section being performed and teaching some maths to the children in the slum school - all of which were challenging, but very rewarding.

On the weekends, we were free to do some independent travel, or could choose to attend planned trips organised by the company. On my first weekend, I went on the ‘Golden Triangle’ trip and travelled to Jaipur and Agra, visiting all the classic tourist sites like the Amer Fort, Jal Mahal and, of course, the Taj Mahal. This wider travel allowed me to experience more of the culture of India, some of which I found shocking. As most people have limited, if any, contact with people of other races, we were photographed and videoed wherever we went - people even wanted us to pose for photos with their whole family!

Overall, I am so very grateful for the financial help from the OW society and the College as part of the Major Allen Award. It gave me the opportunity to help many people, see a new part of the world and experience a completely different culture, all while gaining valuable experience for medical school, which hopefully should strengthen my application for this year!�

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“Freemasonry has widened my horizons.”

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reemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations.

The Old Worksopian Lodge was consecrated in 1950, and 69 years later is still going strong, with members from the forties right the way through. The lodge meets on Saturday afternoons at Worksop Masonic Hall, four times a year, the big one being in May where they adjourn to the College for Evensong in the Chapel and dinner in the Great Hall.

Freemasonry means different things to each individual – making new friends, contributing to society, celebrating a long tradition, experiencing personal growth, taking up a hobby, and having fun. We talk to three members of the OW Lodge about their experience of being a Freemason.

Brian Hawkes (T 70 - 75) is Worshipful Master and Lodge Membership Officer of the Old Worksopian Lodge.

“I entered into freemasonry in 1984 and was delighted to join the OW Lodge in 2008, after being introduced during an OW lunch at the school. Being a Mason is hugely enjoyable.

The structure of Masonry, with its ceremonial aspects and social activity, offers a framework for companionship, teamwork and character development. All these factors, along with a strong sense of belonging, contribute to why so many join.”

SAVE THE DATE The OW Masonic Lodge Open Meeting 23 March 2019, 16:30, Worksop Masonic Hall We would welcome any OWs and their partners to joins us and find out more about what we do. This will be a ‘one-off’ special occasion, combining a background to freemasonry, a short history of the Lodge and the presentation of a 60 year certificate to our oldest member. Supper will be served afterwards. £15.00 p/p

For more information, please contact the Lodge Secretary James Parry at owsec6963@yahoo.com 12

John Taylor (SH 47 – 51) was initiated in 1963, and proceeded slowly through the various lodge offices until becoming Worshipful Master ten years later. At various times since, he has served as Secretary, Charity Steward, Festival Steward and Tyler.

“Undoubtedly Freemasonry has widened my horizons. ‘Visiting’ is encouraged in Nottinghamshire and wider afield. Through invitations to other lodges and many social activities, suburban life in Mansfield has been enhanced over 55 years for my late wife and me!”

James Parry (T 73 - 77) is the Old Worksopian Lodge Secretary and joined the Lodge in 2009, after he was approached by a friend and fellow lodge member.

“Having left Worksop, my links with the school were quickly broken, as career and family pressures moved me away from Nottinghamshire. It was on a rare return to the area that I was asked if I would be interested in joining. Joining the lodge has proved to have been a good idea. I now have the perfect excuse to meet with my Nottinghamshire based friends four times a year when the lodge meets. I have found new friends and met old acquaintances who were a few years ahead and behind me in the school cycle, and with whom one would not have spoken. I have also been part of the Lodge’s efforts in raising funds for charities and for the school.”

OW Golf Society Report 2018 BIRKDALE BUCKET 2018 started with the Birkdale Bucket on the weekend of 17 March, where we had a small team of six players. Despite numbers, the group played well, finishing a credible fifth out of eight teams, with some teams made up of much larger numbers!

OW GOLF DAY 2018 On Monday 14 May, the Annual OW Golf Society Golf Day was arranged by Peter Huddlestone at his course at Fulford in York. It was a very pleasant day for golf and we had 23 OW competitors who enjoyed the day. We also had the company of two members of staff, Ian Barnes and Simon Youngs, and it was good to hear from them about the proposals for the indoor golf swing room.

2019’s OW Golf Day will be held at Lindrick on Monday 20 May with tee times from 2:30pm. The cost for the day will be £65p/p to cover the cost of the green fee, lunch at the club, and a two course evening meal, plus modest cash prizes for the first two in each competition. Lindrick members will be charged £30.

Following the good turnout at Fulford last year, we look forward to another successful event at Lindrick. Players will be competing for the Butlin Cup (best net score), the Wilks Cup (best Stableford), the Blake Scratch Trophy, the Drake Cup (best Stableford for Senior players) & The Portland Cup (for competitors over the age of 70).

If you are interested in playing please do contact Honorary Secretary, George Thompson on 07831 446313 or email george.thompson@ferniegreaves.co.uk GRAFTOM MORRISH TROPHY The final report is to congratulate members from the OW Golf Society who qualified for the National Finals of the Graftom Morrish Trophy (competition open to golfing societies). The finals were held in the first weekend in October and the team was as follows: • George Thompson (P 78 - 81) & Mark Waddington (T 78 - 83) • Peter Wheatcroft (S 95 - 00) & Thomas Wolstenholme (S 75 - 80) • Peter Huddlestone (SH 61 - 66) & John Wilkinson (S 77 - 79) They played against St Columba’s School from Potters Bar, Hertfordshire and as a team, lost two matches to one in the first round and, as such, didn’t progress further.

Congratulations should go to Peter Wheatcroft & Thomas Wolstenholme, who won their match four and three. Peter Wheatcroft was the first person to be awarded the golf scholarship at Worksop College and it is great to see him now playing for the OW team.

2018 OW Golf Day Players John Drake (SH 63 - 68) John Wilkinson (S 77 - 79) George Thompson (P 78 - 81) Ray McGill (T 47 - 52) Mark Waddington (T 78 - 83) Chris Evans (SH 63 - 68) Graham Briggs (T 73 - 78) Chris Sampson (M 65 - 70) Anthony Burrows (Pt 73 - 78) Nigel Sheard (S 72 - 77) Stuart Chambers (Pt 56 - 60) Robert Oldfield (Pt 55 - 59) William Huddlestone (SH 58 - 63) Thomas Wolstenholme (S 75 - 80) Anthony Kettlewell (Pt 68 - 72) Simon Kettlewell (Pt 67 - 72) Mark Nicholson (T 68 - 73) Simon Youngs (Staff) Ian Barnes (Staff)

Finally, there will be some personnel changes starting from January 2019.

Peter Huddlestone will take over from Nick Leefe as Club President, and George Thompson will take over as Honorary Secretary. He will also have the task of finding someone to take over as Club Captain.

Words by Nick Leefe, former Club President

The Graftom Morrish players

The sun came out on the annual OW golf day

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OW News

Catch up with the latest news from our OWs near and far.

2018 proved a big year of celebrations and new opportunities for OW TONI SEMMENCE (G 05 – 10). In May of last year, Toni married her partner, Jonathan Hardisty, before finishing her PhD in Chemical Biology from Imperial College. The year ended with the newlyweds relocating to Houston, Texas, with Jon’s work.

Former SCR KATHRYN PARKIN (teaching History between 05 - 11), is crowdfunding to ensure a copy of the wonderful book, ‘Looking After Your Mental Health’ can be given to every school in Sheffield and Derbyshire. Educating children on the importance of looking after their mental health from an early age is an important step in eradicating the stigmas surrounding the topic. If you can help support Kathryn at all, please follow the link bit.ly/2UgAUy6 14

OW WILL O’HARA (Pt 78 – 82) and his wife have recently purchased a 23 metre motor yacht ‘Motor Yacht Pi‘ and are based in Pasito Blanco, Gran Canaria, on the Canary Islands. They would like to let OWs know that they offer day charter and week charter cruises, plus a sunset gourmet cruise with a highly respected Irish chef. The yacht offers four double cabins, all with ensuites, with an overnight guest capacity of eight, and a day or evening capacity of ten.

They would like to offer all OWs a 10% discount on any charter bookings - just mention your house name and dates you attended the College. Bookings should be made by email to info@piyachtcharter.com

Whilst on holiday in Woolacombe in October, Richard and Judy Winn met Hugh and Clair Monro for lunch and a muchenjoyed catch up.

Former SCR RICHARD WINN (Pt 54 - 90) was HUGH MONRO’s 2nd Master whilst he was head of Worksop (Pt 86 – 90). Judy was Assistant House Mistress of Gibbs between 1987-90. Hugh and Clair remember their happy times at the College, before Hugh went on to be Head of Clifton College, Bristol, then Wellington College. Later in retirement, he was engaged in the complex job of taking the Cathedral School, Bristol, into the state sector.

Congratulations to OW JESS DALES (G 01 – 03) who got engaged to her partner Miles Sutton over Christmas. Jess and Miles are hoping to be married in 2020, although no date has yet been confirmed.

Jess works as a Deputy Head at a Primary School in Otley, West Yorkshire.

October saw ADAM FAIRBROTHER (Pt 89 – 95) awarded the Regional/Local Newspaper Rota Photo of the Year.

The photograph was taken on Christmas Day 2017 at Sandringham of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. When Adam left Worksop he started taking photos professionally for Peterborough United and was then employed by Johnston Press for 18 years, working on Peterborough Evening Telegraph, Lynn News and Fenland Citizen. Since being made redundant four years ago, he now runs his own business, taking and supplying images to local, regional and national newspapers.

BERTIE MATHER (S 55 – 59) Upon leaving the College, Bertie joined a Derbyshire-based family law firm, qualifying as a solicitor and gaining a reputation as a well-known criminal advocate over many years. He finally retired in March 2018, at the age of 76.

Bertie lives near Bakewell in Derbyshire with his wife Brenda, to whom he has been married for the past 49 years. They have two daughters, Sara and Emma, and a son James.

They have six grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Bertie remains in regular contact with fellow OWs John Tarbatt (M 56 – 60), Stuart Chambers (Pt 56 – 60), John Mason (P 56 – 60), David Turner (Mt 57 – 61), Nigel Saxton (S 55 – 59), and Gordon (Freddy) Gillott (Pt 55 – 58), along with their respective families.

During his spare time, Bertie has been keen on potholing and rock climbing and over the past six years has walked three long distance walks for different charities. He hopes to continue with this, as well as devoting quality time to Brenda. Bertie has sparked the idea of an OW Walking Society - if there is anyone who would be interested in participating, please do get in touch as this is an area we would love to grow.

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OW News Great to hear from OW PAUL LITTLE (Mt 87 – 92), whose fascination for chemistry at school developed into a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry. Paul said, “I learnt about the pharmaceutical industry from a video in the careers department along with industry visits, before starting my first degree at Nottingham University.

Following on from that, I studied at Cardiff for my PhD, then moved back to Nottingham for three years postdoc, before moving to Denmark in 2001 to join the pharmaceutical industry as a Medicinal Chemist. I am now CEO of Insusense ApS (developing new drugs for type IO diabetes www. insusense.com), Operating Partner in the biotech investor Lundbeckfonden Emerge (www.lundbeckfonden.com) and Board Director of Folium Food Science (Bristol UK). I am a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and have 25 peer reviewed publications and patents.

Congratulations to OW MILLIE MARRIOTT (D 11 - 16), who has been selected as the year two recipient of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities Undergraduate Scholarship for Excellence at University College, London. This means that Millie was chosen as the academically most outstanding second year undergraduate in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities in 2017-18, and will receive a scholarship worth £3,000.

Always a nerd, I followed my passion, starting with the enthusiasm of my teacher’s ethos - “chemistry is life”.“

Congratulations to OW TOM MCLAREN (T 99 04) on his engagement to Miss Elizabeth Fincher.

The couple will marry on 5 August at Carlton in Lindrick church.

Tom is the New Car Sales Manager for Perrys, Worksop and lives in Langold with his fiancée.

OW CHARLOTTE PLUMTREE (SH 04 - 09) graduated in July 2018 from the University of Cambridge (St Edmunds) in veterinary medicine.

Having previously studied Zoology at Newcastle University, Charlotte spent five years at Cambridge.

Great to hear from OW STUART CHAMBERS (Pt 56 – 60) who recently met up with some of his fellow peers. Pictured here (from left to right); Stuart, FRED GILLOTT (Pt 55 – 58), BERTIE MATHER (S 55 – 59) and NIGEL SAXTON (S 55 – 59). Stuart has recently celebrated 50 years as a Chartered Accountant and remains practising part-time. In his spare time, Stuart enjoys playing golf for the Matlock Seniors’ golf team. Stuart has two children who he is immensely proud of; his son Tom Chambers, an actor, recently performed to the Queen at the Royal Albert Hall singing a solo of ‘Cheek to Cheek’ from his show Top Hat. Tom has been supported by many OWs on his recent tour of the show Crazy For You, which finalised in the Leicester Curve Theatre where he was joined by OW Charles Parker (Pt 55 – 60). Stuart’s daughter, Nicola Huggett, took up the Headship at Cheltenham College in September, moving from Blundell’s in Tiverton.

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Dr Plumtree, engaged to fellow OW David Fagan (Mason 03-08), is now practising in South West London.

OW News It’s not every day that one of our OWs is involved in an attempt to break a World Record, but for TOM LEEFE (T 81 – 86), that’s exactly what he did. In June, Tom, joined by seven other riders, acted as a pacemaker for Scots cyclist Mark Beaumont, in a bid to break the British Penny Farthing record.

Their goal was to ensure that over one hour, Mark didn’t have a single naked lap. This would ensure he would always have one of their wheels to ride on at the required world record pace of 23 mph.

Great to see OWs (pictured left to right) PETER HINCHLEY (T 83 - 86), ANTHONY PENTON (Pt 83 – 87), TIM SMITHSON (T 83 – 86) and DAVE GODLEY (P 83 – 86) enjoying a recent get together. Peter and Dave are both living in Nottinghamshire, while Anthony is in Buckinghamshire and Tim in Dorset.

Sadly, Mark missed out on the World Record by 28 seconds, but successfully rode 21.92 miles (35.3km) to beat the 127-yearold British record at Herne Hill Velodrome. Mark also holds the record for cycling around the world, which he did in 2017 in 79 days, 44 fewer than the previous record.

A huge congratulations to Tom for being part of such an achievement.

Congratulations to OW ANDY STIRLING MARTIN (Pt 03 – 08) who recently got married in Portugal. Andrew and his wife Emma tied the knot at Emma’s family villa just outside Tavira, in a place called Santa Catarina.

The beautiful couple met at Nottingham University and have been living together in London ever since. They recently moved out of central London (Pimlico) to escape city life and are currently living in Shortlands just outside Bromley.

Andy is an Associate Director at a City based recruitment business (Oxford Knight) and Emma works for an art gallery (Timothy Taylor Gallery).

OW JASON BISWAS (M 93-98) has been a British Army Medical Officer for the last 17 years, seeing service in Iraq, Afghanistan, Eastern Africa and other nations globally.

His most recent deployment was to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, where he was deployed on the entry operation as the Infectious Diseases physician with an airborne light hospital. As well as the challenges of building the camp and hospital, and then looking after patients in it, a UN deployment presented its own challenges of interacting with other countries, in this case Ghana, India, Mongolia and Rwanda. After a successful tour, Jason was deployed to Vietnam to assist their planning for taking over the hospital in late 2018.

In between, he has been continuing his doctorate researching tropical illnesses acquired in East Africa, as well as occasionally playing father to six and three-year-old boys. There are plans at some point to settle into an NHS Consultant job - but not yet.

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OW News CIARAN QUINLAN (T 10 – 15) left Worksop College in 2015 having attained AAA at A Level to gain a place at the University of Nottingham to read Economics. He graduated in Summer 2018 achieving a 2:1.

In September, Ciaran joined Hurley Partners Wealth Management, based in London and Manchester. He is gaining experience in all areas of the business whilst studying for his professional qualifications.

2018 saw OW HARRIET CUNDY (G 12 – 16) return from Kilimanjaro, after successfully summiting the mountain in just two and a half days.

Harriet said of her expedition, “The trip was quite daunting as I was doing it alone and the hardest part was summit day where we had to wake up at midnight and start climbing.

On that day, I climbed over 1000m using my head torch in the dark with the temperature dropping to approximately -20°C. We made it to the summit (5,895m/19,341ft) at sunrise, which was incredible as we were able to watch the sunrise over the African Plains.

It was definitely much harder than I expected, as we ascended the mountain so quickly and my body found it had to acclimatise so quickly. But the whole experience was breath-taking, quite literally.”

Harriet intends to climb another of the seven summits later this summer (Mt. Elbrus in Russia), working her way up to climbing Everest.

OW, THE REVD. JAMES PACEY (Pt 97 – 02) was recently installed as Vicar at St. John’s Carrington in Nottingham and has also been appointed as the County Chaplain for the order of St. John.

Prior to this, James was a theatre director and practitioner for several years, running his own company, 2 B Theatre. He worked in the West End, with his first tour of Anorak of Fire, as well as teaching drama alongside.

Whilst training, James met his wife Rachael, who also works in the industry, running a company called the Talent 1st Organisation in Nottingham, where she has had enormous success (most recently, a young lady she has been training since the age of eleven won the BAFTA for best actress).

After a conversion experience in 2010, and many years away from faith, James began training for ministry at Westcott House in Cambridge in 2012. He was ordained in 2015 and served his curacy in Hucknall, before being installed as Vicar of St. John’s Carrington in October.

James said, “It is an amazing job and I also work as a hospital chaplain as well as chaplain to the Order of St. John (St. John’s Ambulance).

Worksop and Ranby played a very important role in my faith journey: the consistency of worship, singing in the choir, being chapel warden and the patience and support of Fr. Paul et al gave me a wonderful grounding which, though I had many years away from faith, were crucial in sowing seeds that years later have borne fruit. It has been a real privilege to preach at both schools and one of my favourite memories since being ordained is celebrating the Eucharist at the College chapel.”

Congratulations to OW TOM SORSBY (Pt 13 – 15), who graduated from the University of Nottingham with a 2:1 in History. Tom graduated in December due to his hockey commitments which meant he had to reschedule his exams. Tom currently plays for Surbiton Hockey Club, as well as being a member of the GB EDP (Elite Development Program).

In January of 2018 he captained the England Senior indoor team and has been playing for the GB U23 squad in test series and competitions throughout the year.

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OW News On Sunday 10 June, OW JAMES MUSTO (T 04 – 09), along with 6 crew mates, attempted to row from the Isles of Scilly to Truro in a traditional pilot gig. Unfortunately for the men, they were unsuccessful in their attempt and, after 13 and a half hours and 48 miles, they ended up pulling into Porthleven. So far the crew have raised over a staggering £3,000 for Children’s Hospice Southwest, and have future plans to complete the challenge.

Congratulations to OW NIGEL PORTER (M 84 – 89), who has recently been appointed Rural Estates and Property Director for Welbeck Estates. On leaving Worksop, Nigel served with The 4th Battalion Parachute Regiment and qualified as a rural Chartered Surveyor working for Buccleuch Estates in Scotland, Burghley Estate and for the last 12 years has been a Director with Strutt and Parker in Canterbury.

He is very much looking forward to moving back home to the Worksop area and would love any OWs from his era to get in touch. As a former Dorm Run winner, he hopes (injuries permitting!) to run in the OW Dorm Run on 30 March and encourages as many OWs from the 80s to join!

Congratulations to OW REBECCA DILKS (SH 09 – 11), who recently qualified and has been admitted to the role of Solicitor, working for Gateley Plc, in Leeds.

Rebecca recently came back to the College to attend our annual careers fair, offering advice and guidance for our current pupils.

Saturday 11 August saw three of our OWs reunited after 15 years. IRENE CHENG (G 95 - 99) was over in the UK with her daughter Ting Ting and caught up with RICHARD CROSSLEY (Pt 94 - 99) and ANDREW LAU (Pt 94 - 99).

Along with Richard’s wife, the three enjoyed some time together at Rufford Abbey. The trio were last together in 2003 in Hong Kong, where Richard stayed and Andrew with Irene and her family (see second photo).

Congratulations to OW LUKE SHAW-BROWNE (M 03 – 08) who married his partner Georgia on 22 September at St. Mary’s Church in Edwinstowe. The couple celebrated at their home on the family farm afterwards.

Luke and Georgia live and work on the family farm (fourth generation), where they run a multitude of enterprises, including Sovereign, their spirits brand.

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Obituaries It is with sadness that we learn of the death of the following Old Worksopian members. We pass on our sincere condolences to their families and friends.

OWs and Old Ranbians will be sad to hear that former staff member TESSA FOULDS passed away peacefully on Friday 19 October.

Tessa will be remembered by colleagues, pupils and parents as a warm, compassionate lady with a fine sense of fun; she gave such wonderful service and commitment to the school over many years, both at Ranby House and later at the College.

MARY SIMMONDS was a member of the SCR from 1967, retiring in 1995 after serving as Deputy Head for her final year.

It is with extreme sadness that I announce the passing of former SCR DENNIS HACKETT, a much-loved longstanding member of staff, serving the school from 1964 to 1998.

Friend and colleague Martyn Cleasby writes; “I have known Dennis since I started to teach at the College in the early 70s and I see him as the embodiment of all that is good about Worksop College - team spirit, character building, the encouragement of all to achieve their personal best in all aspects of life. He has never changed. He was a great character and a giant presence in the Masters’ Common Room. He earned the respect of staff and pupils alike and was never short of a quip or two, “you three in the deep end stand up!”

He must have influenced hundreds of OWs in his 38 years at the College.

Worksop will not be the same without ‘Des’ and his cheery visits, but the memories will remain. My thoughts and prayers go to Angela, Ben, Jo, and the grandchildren.

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Mary was the first housemistress of Gibbs and a successful, and much respected, teacher of politics.

Hugh Munro appointed her as Principal Mistress, making her the first woman in a senior management position at the college.

Her husband, Neil, also taught at the College for over 30 years, retiring as Director of Studies. Their son Mark was in Portland (77 - 82) and daughters Julia (79 - 84) and Antonia (85 - 90) were both in Derry.

Former Headmaster Roy Collard (93 - 12) said, “Mary and Neil were tremendously loyal servants of the college. Mary herself was a very elegant woman with a wonderful sense of humour and a tremendously warm personality. When I arrived in 1994 as Headmaster, she was a great source of wisdom and advice for me. Amongst many contributions to the College, Mary introduced the girls' skirt into the uniform, which was still in place over 20 years later.”

ROGER ADAMS (SCR 54-58) The Society was saddened to hear of the passing of former Physics Master and Shirley House Tutor, Roger Adams, who served the college between 1954 – 1958.

ROBERT (BOB) BANKS (S 53-57) Thank you to OW Barry Cuttle for informing the Society of the sad passing of his peer, Bob Banks, on 11 July. Barry and Bob were very close friends for the years they were at the College. Barry tells us that Bob was a fantastic artist, becoming Head in various art faculties across many different schools in Devon and North Cornwall.

JOHN BATTY (Mt 43-45) A Sheffield born man, John studied dentistry at Sheffield University and moved to Bakewell to practise as an orthodontist and dental surgeon in the 1950s. John married Maureen Dixon, a teacher, and made Bakewell his home for life. John took great pride in being an integral part of the local community, treating patients both in his surgery and, many years ago, visiting local farms to treat farmers who were unable to come to Bakewell.

John was a golfer, skier, keen tennis player and a regular at the Abbeydale squash club in Sheffield, playing well into his seventies. He was a man of many interests and hobbies, buying and restoring antique furniture and taking up classical guitar in later life. John and Maureen enjoyed entertaining and socialising and valued their friendships and family. After retirement, they took the opportunity of travelling far and wide, but Bakewell was always their bolt-hole and Derbyshire was the anchor-place for their social and family life.

Maureen died in May 2016. John and Maureen are survived by their two daughters, Caroline and Jennifer and their seven grandchildren.

ROBIN HASTINGS (S 44-50) Sylvia Crowther, widow of Robin, informed the society of the passing of her beloved husband. Sylvia said Robin often talked about the winter of early 1947 when the only sport possible was cross-country running due to the heavy and prolonged snow.

J.N EMMENS (SH 50-56) It is with sadness that OW David Mitchell informed us of the death of friend and peer J.N EMMENS. ‘Joe’ passed away on 13 October after a long struggle with Alzheimers. Joe will be well remembered by contemporaries as an outstanding sportsman, representing the school in rugby, cricket,

hockey, athletics and swimming. He also made a major contribution to the life of the school as a member of the CCF, the band and the orchestra. He was, in many ways, a larger than life character, whose sense of fun was infectious and always had a cheery word for everyone. This remained with him throughout his life.

On leaving Worksop he joined the family haulage business which he ran until his retirement. He continued to enjoy playing rugby and squash, was an accomplished watercolour artist and enjoyed walking in the Peak District with his friends.

Joe leaves his wife Jenny, three daughters and eight grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

DUNCAN FAIRBAIRN (SH 53 – 57) Duncan passed away on 2 October after struggling with cancer for two years. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

DAVID GELSTHORPE (M 54 – 59) It is with great sadness that we were informed of David’s sudden death on 30 December 2017. David’s wife of 52 years said he often spoke of his school days at Ranby and Worksop College and even went on to teach at Ranby for a year. After this David studied to become a Chartered Accountant, finally becoming a partner in a firm of Accountants in Louth for over forty years.

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Obituaries JOHN ESCOTT (S 58 – 62) John was a chorister at Lichfield Cathedral School. He was then awarded a scholarship to attend Worksop College, where he studied piano, organ and French horn. He was selected to join the National Youth Orchestra from 1960-62.

He remained in touch with one of his school friends and they mulled over their school days at Worksop College.

His friend told Angela, John’s wife, of the time when there was a bad smell in John’s and his shared room, which was found to originate from a bowl of cooked rice that John had hidden behind a chair for several weeks, and probably forgotten about.

John was offered a place at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge.

He wanted to read music but was uncertain about a musical career. He therefore studied Law with a view eventually to qualify as a solicitor. Immediately after university John spent the summer holidays in the USA, first working at a youth camp, and then touring the States in a Greyhound bus. On return home, his mother received a phone call from Worksop College. They had a vacancy for a music teacher and the ‘right’ person had not been found. John visited the school and agreed to accept the position. John’s colleagues on the music staff included John Bishop and John Martin. He was not a fully qualified teacher, however, and decided to move south to take the teaching course at the London University Institute of Education. It was there that he met Angela, his future wife.

JOHN MOORHOUSE (S 45 – 51) John passed away peacefully in Harrogate District Hospital, following a short illness, on 22 December 2018, aged 83 years.

Beloved husband of Betty, much loved Father of Kym and Ross, Grandfather of Lottie, Robbie, Katie and Richard.

MICHAEL MORGAN (Mt 45-52) After leaving the college, Michael went on to become a solicitor and was senior partner of his law firm from 1970 to 1999. He also sat as Deputy Coroner for King’s Lynn and West Norfolk for nearly 30 years (the Coroner was Old Worksopian William Knowles) and as a part time DHSS Appeals Tribunal Chairman for many years.

Michael had three sons and is survived by two and three grandchildren. Our thoughts are with Michael’s family.

Following the course, John was offered a post as Acting Head of Music at Godolphin and Latymer School in Hammersmith, where he remained for the rest of his working life. It was at first a Voluntary Aided state school. He formed a joint school orchestra with the local boys’ school, Latymer Upper, and they began an annual exchange with a school in Hamburg. He was also appointed as organist of St. Paul’s Church Hammersmith.

JOHN GRAHAM BUCHANAN RUSSELL (T 43 - 48) Graham Russell was a pupil at Worksop before and during the War and had fond memories of school, despite the strict rules on swearing, which even banned the word ‘crikey’, he liked to recall. His school reports did not show much evidence of his future success. One of them gave his position in class as third, out of a class of four, with the comment “he is a good little cricketer”. However, Graham went on to study medicine at the University of Manchester and had a successful and pioneering career in radiology at Manchester Royal Infirmary and St Mary’s Hospital. His obituary in the British Medical Journal noted his “brilliant inquiring and creative mind and acute and idiosyncratic sense of humour”. He published widely in academic journals and even in his last year of life had a short paper published in the BMJ.

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Obituaries Graham married fellow doctor Elspeth in 1959 and they went on to have five daughters, the eldest of whom followed in their footsteps studying medicine.

Married for 58 years, John was devoted to his family. He was very much a ‘do-it-yourself’ ideas man when it came to the family home in Cheshire, wiring an extension and building a solar heating system.

On retirement, he and Elspeth travelled widely, to the Far East and South Africa and also enjoyed regular golfing holidays in the Algarve with family and friends. After his family, golf was his passion in life, and he made it his mission, on recovering from a heart bypass in 1998, to play every course in Britain. He played almost every day at his local courses, Ringway and Wilmslow, until caring for his wife in the last years of his life took up more of his time.

with Pamela born shortly afterwards in 1966. The family had many exciting holiday adventures together, touring communist Romania, travelling extensively through Europe and routinely putting the family car on the train for their routine trip to Cornwall. Ian though was always most happy in Arromanches, staying at the Hotel de la Marine, tucking into his seafood dinner in the evening and enjoying his favourite view over the remains of the Mulberry Harbour where he had his dry landing all those years before.

Ian semi-retired in 1969 and the family moved to Lower Withington. After being active for the majority of his 97 years, Ian was eventually hospitalised on Christmas Day 2015. On his release he increasingly needed full time care.

With Rosemary’s support and the help of Jimmy Robertson, the family were able to look after Ian at home until August 2017. Eventually, he was moved into full time residential care at Bucklow Manor near Knutsford. He spent the last five months of his life there. Ian passed away peacefully on 12 January 2018, on his and Rosemary’s 56th wedding anniversary.

Graham died in Manchester Royal Infirmary, where he was a consultant for three decades, after suffering a ruptured aortic aneurism. He is survived by Elspeth, his daughters and 10 grandchildren, who miss his quirky humour, unconventional theories and sage advice.

IAN SMART (S 33 – 36) After leaving school in 1937 at the age of 16, Ian went into the family cotton business, Arthur Smart & Sons, working there until the outbreak of War in 1939. He joined the Territorial Army in 1938, and in September 1939, aged 18, signed up and joined the British Expeditionary Force in France with the Cheshire Regiment, sailing there in October 1939.

For the next four years, various duties ensued, including volunteering to join the depleted ranks of the RAF and guarding Italian prisoners of war in Scotland. Eventually, he re-joined the Army in 1942, returning to the Cheshire’s in the Orkney Islands.

Following the War, he moved back into the family cotton business and married his first wife Betty. They had three children together; Jacqui, Gerald and Angie. Sadly Gerald died before his first birthday and Jacqui passed away in 1989. Ian met his second wife Rosemary in 1961, and they married on 12 January 1962.

Married life for them started in Belfast, where Arthur Smart & Sons had a factory. Jonathan was born there before they moved back to Wigan to help look after Rosemary’s parents,

DR JOHN STUBENBORD (Mt 60 – 64) Dr. John Stubenbord, MD. passed away suddenly on 23 October 2017. He is sadly missed by his wife, five sons, friends, colleagues and patients.

THOMAS WARBURTON (P 55 – 59) It is with sadness that the society was informed of the death of Tom Warburton, who passed away on 21 November.

After leaving Worksop, Tom studied agriculture at Askham Bryan College. He spent his life working in agriculture, buying a farm in Beja, Portugal in 1970.

He sold the farm five years ago when his health deteriorated and returned to the Algarve.

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Taking it all in her stride This year, OW Rachel Lindley (G 93-98), CEO of charity Five Talents, took part in the second ever Kenya Impact Marathon. Five Talents give literacy and entrepreneurship training to groups of women and men in poor rural communities across East Africa. “We spent the week in Kenya with a team of 35 runners and walkers visiting charity projects. The first day we went to one of Nairobi’s slums, visiting an inspiring nursery school and youth IT skills training project, run by small charity Maji Mazuri. I, along with former College staff Robert Costin and Peter Konig, have supported this wonderful charity for many years, as it gives children the future they would otherwise miss out on due to the life they were born into.

Later in the week, we visited some of the microfinance programmes we have set up in western Kenya. These groups save their money in a communal pot and make loans to each other to invest in their small businesses. As their profits grow, they can afford food, clothes, medicine, education etc for their families, sustainably.

Race Day arrived at the end of the week. The marathon is a four-lap course through a tea plantation at 2000m altitude, with over 1000m of ascent and amazing views over the Rift Valley from the highest point. It was hot for the first few hours and sun burn was a real risk, however, at around 11am, thick grey clouds could be seen rolling in. The wind got up too, and a few minutes later runners were battered

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by horizontal torrential rain. The temperature then dropped and the rain seemed to get a bit more solid...

And then the hail came! I couldn’t believe it was hailing on the equator, but soon was in no doubt, as ice marbles were firing at my head, arms and legs. I ducked behind a tree for shelter, which was neither wise (there was thunder and lightning too), nor effective, as the tree was thin and the hail was coming sideways.

Visibility was poor and the paths were now flooded with icy water and pretty slippery, so I had to walk/run with my arms wrapped round me and head down against the hailstones. It was a huge relief to look up and see emerge from the gloom a little huddle of runners under a scrawny bit of tarpaulin. They were at least friendly, if blue-tinged and teeth-chattering, faces! The tarpaulin was holey and we were freezing, so we decided to press on down to the main road.

We eventually made it and found another half dozen people sheltering under a corrugated iron-sheet by the roadside.

Another couple of half-drowned and shivering wazungu

OWs in the spotlight

Rachel before the weather turned

soon appeared and then, sight for sore eyes, the race director in a pick-up truck which took us all back to base.

Somehow it didn’t matter at all that we didn’t get to cross the finish line. The many humbling and fun experiences we’d had together were really grounding. We’d spent time with runners who run to escape poverty, not for fun as we do. We’d met entrepreneurs such as Robert, aged just 24, who refused to accept that unemployment and ‘idling’, as they call it in Kenya, was his fate - instead he did manual labour to save a little money to start a small shop and now runs a mobile money business – a real role model in his community. We had tea with women proud that they can now read and write and have their own small business whose profits are keeping their children in school, and we’d played with some of those children crammed into classrooms so eager to learn. In the end, those experiences were worth far more than any finisher medal.”

Poor visibility made conditions challenging

If anyone’s inspired to join the Kenya Marathon or Tea Trek 2019, please see fivetalents.org.uk or email rachel.lindley@fivetalents.org.uk

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Local school children supported by the charity

Candy D upree (G 90-92) (past)

Adam Seattle (S 87-92) (past)

) le (S 87-92 Adam Seatt 3-98) iswas (M 9 Dr Jason B

Candy D upree (G 90-92)

Ian Mill s (M 7275) 6) Ben Sampler (T 91–9 6) -9 91 (T d shi Ra an Jah

John Taylor (SH 47-51)

8-13) aw (SH 0 Emily S tr an (D 08-13) ’Hor Sophie O

OW Cric ket

Ted Rambl e (SH 4854)

Welcome back!

T

hroughout the year I have been lucky enough to meet so many of you who have returned to the college for a visit. Every visit has been memorable and filled with anecdotes and stories of times gone by. A large part of the history of the school is founded on the memories of our OWs and I am keen for these wonderful stories to be told. If you would like to take a trip down Memory Lane then please do get in touch; we can accommodate weekends too with notice.

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-78) d (SH 73 Nick Woo ) (past

Nick Wood (SH 73-78)

colm - 54), Mal er e (SH 48 og Ted Rambl 59) and R 5 5 t (M Barnsdale 55 - 60) t (M d oo Harw

Lauren Mead (G 97-02) Kate Turner (G 97-00)

The Wallis brother s; Anthony (SH 69 - 74), Peter (SH 68 - 72) and Michael (SH 71 - 76)

Chris Trem Lieutenant 9 (S 0 -11)

The Wallis brothers (past) (T 94-95) Serge Sabylak

Serge Sabylak (T 94 -95) (past)

8-02) ry (SCR 8 Peter See

Stephen Lindoe (Pt 84-88)

Mark Le efe (T 81 -85)

(M 84-89) Nigel Porter

Luke Jo nes (S 0 6-11)

9-64) ison (P 5 rb a H er et P t 62-67) rbison (P Brian Ha Peter Lindley (Mt 62-66)

erton Matt A th

) (T 11-16

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Making strokes

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OWs in the spotlight

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ardworking, determined and passionate are just some of the words fitting for OW Liz Birdsall (G 97 – 00). Liz has devoted much of her life to swimming, after her love of the sport was nurtured at school. Here, Liz tells us more about her career since leaving the College and how she became an accredited Level Two Judge for British Swimming.

OW: What does Worksop mean to you?

LB: When I think of Worksop College, I can’t help but remember the push towards sport. We were very lucky (although sometimes reluctant) to have all of those facilities and have it as a mandatory facet in the curriculum. It has inspired me to continue personal fitness and fed my interest in sport.

I actually came here on a music scholarship at 13 years old and, within a couple of months, I was playing saxophone at the Royal Albert Hall for the 125th anniversary of the Woodard Schools - achieving a life goal right there. The Royal Albert Hall was stacked to the rafters, with my Dad sitting in the front row singing Jerusalem – a moment I will never forget.

OW: Have you always had a love of sport?

LB: In short, yes! I had a love of sport across the board.

Before Worksop, I went to Lorne House in Retford, where sport was very much a focus too. I immediately joined the swimming team outside school, aged nine, and swam during games every day at Worksop, becoming Captain.

OW: Swimming is a huge part of your life now – did your enthusiasm come from your time at Worksop?

LB: Lorne House had a freezing outdoor pool but I loved it. I seemed to find my niche - it was effortless. Joining Worksop fed my passion even further with all the interhouse competitions. I actually achieved the backstroke 50m record in my remove year (Y11), for which I received my full school colours - such an achievement for me.

OW: What did it mean to be a member of Gibbs House?

LB: I hadn’t been in a boarding house before, so at first, I found it a little different! However, I soon got into the swing of things and it was like being part of a family. Mrs Bain was like my second mother (in good ways and bad ways!) - I am still proud now and in touch with her. I loved being a Gibbs girl!

experience, I then worked for Virgin Gyms, where I spent two years as Swimming Coordinator, turning it in to one of the biggest grossing clubs within a year for swimming.

After a couple of years ‘out’ to qualify as a ski instructor in New Zealand and America, I graduated with a Further Education PGCE. My placement had been with RES and I have been lucky enough to secure employment following my Mentorship.

OW: How did you get in to the voluntary sector?

One of Liz’s Worksop trophies

LB: During my time at university, I contacted all the national governing bodies for sport to see how I could be involved.

I found that South Yorkshire Sport was a really good base for this as they facilitate and organise all the voluntary sport in Yorkshire.

OW: Tell us about your accreditations as a judge.

LB: I quickly found out that volunteering in swimming meant that I could get qualifications through British Swimming. I was sent to an event with a mentor and if I missed something, they would flag it up - the goal being not to miss anything!

It took me 15 events (30 days of eight hours a day) to get my Judge 1. It then took me another year to get my Judge 2.

Level one and level two allow you to judge and time keep, and you are rotated around the pool looking at the start, finish and execution. The next progression for me is Starter (J2S) and following on from that, Full Referee - this is a five year process.

I have just been accepted to work as a judge at my first international event this coming Easter 2019 – I can’t wait!

OW: What did you do after you left Worksop?

LB: I stopped swimming competitively. Outside of my University studies, I pursued my qualifications to become a swimming instructor, and in December 2001, I qualified as a swimming teacher, at just 17. Once I turned 18, I gained employment with a company called Swim Stars & Dolphins and I’ve been with them ever since; running private swimming lessons from Worksop’s pool on an evening.

After finishing University, I thought about my career, and decided to do an honours degree in sports science; I felt a career in sport was more suited to me than one in performing arts. During this time, I kept on as a swimming instructor, whilst training as a manager and this let me orchestrate taking on another pool in Rotherham. From this

Liz and her peers volunteering for British Athletics

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We will remember them

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ovember 2018 was a momentous year in history, as we celebrated 100 years since The Armistice was signed; signalling the end of the Great War and four harrowing years for many brave soldiers and their families. Sadly, for 93 of our students, their lives were taken all too early as they died in battle or were declared missing in action.

To mark this prolific moment in history and honour our boys who paid the ultimate sacrifice serving our country, we hosted an archives evening focussed on Worksop’s history during this period.

Hosted by our Archivist, Wendy Bain, the event took place at the base of the library stairs, in an area that is to become a space dedicated to our OW community. Adorned with a breath-taking poppy installation created by our year nine students, the library steps provided a centrepiece for the evening, whilst enlarged pictures of some of our soldiers around the room gave gravitas to the event.

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It is through the generosity of the Parents’ Association that we have been able to fund the reproduction and reframing of 45 images of our soldiers we held at the college. The photos had been stored in the archives for many years and were in need of restoration. Wendy’s vision was always to bring our boys to life and honour their memory on a daily basis here at the school. We were able to unveil the new photographic exhibition that is housed on the library stairs, a fitting tribute for just some of our many brave OWs.

It was then time for Wendy’s talk, a lady whose passion and dedication to preserving Worksop’s history is evident to all.

Wendy took the audience on an historical journey as we stepped back in time to 1914. Wendy guided us through those difficult four years, touching on the lives and, in many cases, last words of our soldiers. Interwoven with an historical account of school life during the period, the talk was a perfect mix of sadness, sorrow and hope for the future from a tightly knit school community, an ethos that is still very much evident here today.

Wendy guided us through those difficult four years, touching on the lives and, in many cases, last words of our soldiers. Interwoven with an historical account of school life during the period, the talk was a perfect mix of sadness, sorrow and hope for the future from a tightly knit school community, an ethos that is still very much evident here today.

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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2018 saw a strong #PressforProgress worldwide with a call-to-action to press forward and progress gender parity. A global initiative that goes far beyond just one day, we saw it as an opportunity to celebrate the breadth of diversity that exists within our female OW community.

Here are just a handful of some of the wonderful women that we are fortunate to call our alumnae.

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International Women’s Day 2018

Celebrating our women Georgina Durdy D 04 – 09

Millie Marriott D 11 – 16

Rosie Slosek (née Croucher) D 94 - 96

Pursuing her dream of becoming a milliner, Georgina has put her Fashion and Textile Design degree to very good use.

Setting up her own business, Georgina’s original and innovative designs have been on display at numerous high profile events.

Millie is currently in her final year at UCL reading Classics where she particularly enjoys the modules about Homer and Greek Tragedy. She is also a UCL Ambassador and Mentor.

Rosie is founder of TheMoneyHaven.com, giving women who run their own business a safe space and the support they need to sort out the money side of their business.

Helen Gardiner (née Dobbs) D 82 – 87

Kate Turner G 97 - 00

Oonagh Bagley S 02 - 07

In 1993, at the age of just 24, Helen Dobbs made history by becoming Britain’s first female fighter jet pilot. Helen left the RAF in 2013 after 24 years as a Tornado F3 fast jet pilot and flying instructor and has worked for Thales UK for the last 5 years.

Since setting up The Road Produtions in 2014, Kate has executive produced the feature film project, Neighborhood Food Drive, which won the Spirit of Slamdance Award at SLAMDANCE in January 2017.

In 5 years Oonagh has become a Hair and Makeup artist for film and television.

Working extremely long hours in the industry has paid off and she has credits for productions from Star Wars to Peaky Blinders.

Katie Slaney (née Walter) G 06-11

Liz Reece (née Thompson) D 78 - 80

Kate Czepulkowski G 03 - 06

Upon leaving school Katie went on to study Mechanical Engineering at Hull University, where she graduated with a 1st Class Honours Degree. Katie then went on to complete a part-time masters degree in Project Management at Sheffield Hallam, while forging a successful career in the construction industry. Katie now works as a Construction Manager for Speedclad.

Liz is a highly experienced and level 7 qualified freelance career development consultant, nationally awarded for innovation and excellence in developing career education and guidance. She works with students, schools and careers organisations.

‘Bendy Kate’ as she is known, is a woman of many talents; a contemporary performer specialising in pole, aerial, hand balancing and acrobatics. Kate has won titles such as; World Pole Sport and Fitness Champion (2014), IPSF World Pole Sports Runner Up 2013 and UK Professional Pole Championships 2011, 2012 and 2013.

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Moving on F

or upper sixth student Clemens Roettgen, the end of the summer term not only signified finishing school, but it meant hanging up the famous purple gown as he stood down from his role as Head Boy. The OW Society caught up with Clemens to find out what the future has in store for him as he embarks on the next chapter of his life.

OW: What are your plans on leaving Worksop?

CR: I will certainly enjoy the summer off and will enjoy doing pretty much nothing. I will hopefully then be able to get into university and being back home with my family after being abroad for three years. But I can imagine now that I will feel very upset about leaving Worksop, a place which will stay in my mind for my entire life.

OW: What is your favourite memory from your time here?

CR: There are lots of different memories which are all worth remembering, making it is almost impossible to pick one. One of the best ones must certainly be getting to know so many nice people, which made my time here unforgettable. Also, clearly the Dorm Run will always stay in mind as one of my best memories at Worksop.

OW: Best thing about being Head Boy?

CR: It was a real pleasure being Head Boy in my last year at Worksop. I certainly enjoyed having a lot of responsibility in the form of being responsible for a group of people and especially being an ambassador for the school on several different occasions. I also enjoyed being the “Communicator” between students and teachers and, therefore, being able to represent the student voice.

OW: Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

CR: In five years’ time I will hopefully be at university studying law back in Germany, but I also plan to come back to England and spend another year in this country.

Clemens hands his robe on to Jorge Stevenson, alongside new Head Girl Ella O’Reilly, who takes over from Ceri Thorman.

Prefects 2018-19 Captains of School

Jorge Stevenson (T) and Ella O’Reilly (D)

Vice Captains of School

James Recaldin (P) and Freya Webster (G)

House Captains & Blue Gowns

Lucy Ambrose (SH), Edward Armstrong (P), Helen Baddiley (D), Isabelle Boocock (G), Harry Goodman (S), Thomas Goodman (S), Charlotte Kelham (SH) , Emily Kilford (SH), Emily Marshall (SH), Joe McConville (S), Rudra Mutalik (M), James Payne (T), Nancy Pei (G), Joshua Porter (S), Emilie Pymm (G), Chloe Sanders (G), Oscar Steiner (T), Jay White (T), Thomas Wilkinson (P), Bryan Wong (T), Emily Zehetmayr (D)

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Ceri Thorman & Clemens Roettgen

Ella O’Reilly

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Jorge Stevenson

OWs in Print

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here is nothing more special than seeing the name of one of our OWs in print and we couldn’t have been more delighted for OW Colin Sinclair (Pt 76 - 81).

The publication of his debut novel, Elji and the Galrass (The Essence Sagas Book 1). We asked current UVI and English Literature student, Emily Zehetmayr, to tell us her thoughts before penning a few questions to the author …

“The novel Elji and the Galrass takes you to a new world of gods and magic, a brilliant adventure tale that rivals that of Septimus Heap or Harry Potter. Combining magic with a medieval-esque setting and the classical ideas of families of gods, this book follows the path of the teenage Elji. His life is turned upside down when he finds the mystical Galrass and is sucked into the world of good versus evil, meeting incredible individuals along the way.

Sinclair builds a completely new world for the reader to explore, and encourages strong bonds with his characters, leaving one joyful or heartbroken at any given moment. It is certainly a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and is highly inclusive; it can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.”

EZ: What is the origin of the Galrass?

CS: The Kuwali are the makers of the Galrass. They make them from their understanding of the essence and from stone that is hidden in a cave on their planet and as directed by those that oversee the creation and sharing of Universal Essence. They are a race that holds no desire to better each other, or other races for that matter, so their creation of the copy of the Universe is completely noninfluenced by them, it just is the state at the time, it’s described in chapter 18.

EZ: Where is the novel set; is it on earth in an historical or futuristic setting, or is it set in a different planet or universe?

CS: The novel is set on a parallel Earth.

As the Universe contains everything, and everything is possible and therefore probable, there are multiple versions of everything and this earth is one of those so it is inhabited by humans. Similarly, to the Golden Compass in His Dark Materials, the Galrass is regarded as a very powerful object.

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EZ: Is there, therefore, a fear of the power it possesses?

If so, why has it not been destroyed for the greater good?

CS: The Galrass are only able to be wielded by the people they are made for. There is no hope of them being utilised by dark forces...currently, unless those that try to influence the universe with greed and hate find a way to create their own (Perhaps a spoiler there, but I am not saying!)

EZ: If Elgred and Charina are such powerful beings, why are they unable to prevent malicious intent before it becomes a threat?

CS: Elgred and Charina are two of the four controlling gods who, along with species in the Universe, have reached a certain level, have an agreement not to intervene overtly in the evolution of a species, regardless of the trouble that species may get into. They are allowed to intervene only at a basic level.

EZ: Did Elgred and Charina create the world described in the novel?

CS: Elgred created this world. Each of the gods can create, though all get involved in the worlds. They each have favourites though, those that show most promise in reaching universal understanding.

Elji and the Galrass is available to buy now on Amazon.

Exam Results 2018 A LEVEL It was celebrations all round as the class of 2018 received their results. A Levels have changed radically in recent years: explicitly harder, with more subject content to learn, less predictable questions in the examinations that are taken at the end of the course rather than as modules during it, and a reduction in the proportion of marks earned from coursework.

Our pupils have adapted to the demands with commendable aplomb. Nationally, the number of pupils achieving top grades has fallen so the fact that our headline statistic has remained pretty much the same is to be welcomed: around 70% of grades achieved were between A* and C. That doesn’t tell the full story either: with an overall pass rate of 96.1%, an impressive 24 subjects achieved a 100% pass rate.

Behind the numbers, though, it is people that matter. Ted Yang achieved 3 A*s and 1 A and will be going to study Physics at Imperial College London. Joining Ted in his success is Abi Speight who is heading off to University College London to study Neuroscience – Abi achieved 2 A*s and an A. Katie Doncaster is bound for Durham University to study Anthropology, armed with 2 As and 1 B. Huw Brown (3 A grades) was also celebrating; although he had secured his place at St Andrew’s to study Classics, he subsequently decided to re-apply to study at Worcester College, Oxford.

“I’m really sad to go, but am very excited for the next step,” he said. Huw started his educational career at Ranby House and results day marked the end of 13 years at the school, where he has also been a prominent member of the music department, starred in several plays and played plenty of sport.

I expected. I found the exams hard, so to say I have come out with these results is fantastic.” Sarah has gone on to study Chemistry, Maths and Biology at A level.

Hard work and dedication paid off for Lauren Shuker, who achieved two A*s, one A, three 9s and three 8s. Eleanor Smith was also celebrating, after receiving one A*, one A, four 9s, two 8s and one 6.

As well as overhauling the grading system, the content and scope of the exams themselves have been made much tougher, with entrants sitting between 20 and 25 papers on average. Overall, students achieved a 97% pass rate and a pass rate of 83% across the highest grades.

Clare Tilley said: “I am really proud of all our GCSE students; this has been a nerve-wracking time for everyone including staff and parents. The new grading system has had an impact on results nationally, but our students have performed exceptionally well. I am proud of their hard work and of our staff for their dedication and ongoing support.

It is what makes our community so successful in so many ways.”

Words by Tim Halsall, Deputy Head – Academic

GCSE Just to prove how resilient our pupils and staff are, at the same time as managing the changes to A Levels, they have also been undertaking new-style GCSE courses. Similarly more demanding, many of them have also earned a new way of being marked, moving away from letters (A* – G) to numbers (9-1). 9s are supposed to be exceptionally rare, awarded only to students who perform exceptionally, and effectively being the equivalent of an A**!

Joseph Lippitt therefore had reason to celebrate after receiving two A*s, one A, and six 9s. Sarah Handley, who joined us three years ago, couldn’t believe her results after achieving two A*s, one A, four 9s, one 8 and one 7.

“When I opened my results the first thing I saw were all the 9s – I was totally overwhelmed as I thought I would only get one! I’m so happy; my results are definitely better than 37

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From Worksop to Wellington The summer months were made even brighter by a visit from OW Serge Sablyak (T 94-95) and his husband Christopher Stachowski, who made his first trip back to the school since he left in 1995. An afternoon spent reminiscing, Serge is one of life’s good guys; warm, humble and passionate about the time he spent at Worksop.

The couple live in Wellington, New Zealand, where they help raise their three children Claude, 5; Charlie, 4; and Nathaniel, 3. Serge works as the Chief Advisor to the Chief Executive of the Ministry of Justice.

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Serge and Christopher outside their home in Karori, Wellington.

Photography courtesy of Jack Chapman /www.montybaxter.com

OWs in the spotlight

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erge joined the Sixth Form at Worksop College in 1994, originating from the former Yugoslavia, where he fast tracked his A Levels in just one year. However brief his stay was, Serge recounts many fond memories of his time at the school and as a proud member of Talbot House.

OW: Do you have one memory that stands out to you?

OW: Serge, as an overseas student, how did you decide that Worksop was the right school for you?

OW: What impact did an English boarding school have on you as a young man?

For that one year, Worksop College was a second home, a new family, and a formative experience without compare.

I couldn't have chosen it for myself, and I am glad I didn't. Only in retrospect is it clear what made it great: a close-knit community, strong Christian values, the best teaching money can buy, and an education system (formerly) designed to breed good British gentlemen and gentlewomen, even if the British Empire is now a distant memory.

OW: What is life like for you and your family in the Southern Hemisphere?

SS: Setting off the school-wide fire alarm and evacuation within a couple of weeks of arriving. I was playing with water-proof matches in my room (fire is nature’s television - try it.) I got a major telling-off from the fire service and a great deal of amused mocking from Mr Paton and the other boys at Talbot. I never forgot it. Safety first.

SS: Profound. I am who I am owing in large part to my SS: I didn't. Worksop College was chosen for me by the Worskop College experience. Christopher mocks me for Open Society Foundation, whose international scholarship being a pretend-British gentleman, 'Jane Austen-on-legs' I won in the former Yugoslavia in 1994. It is an organisation and so on, but that's kinda the point. Worksop is the best funded by George Soros, a liberal international financier of education, values, and character-building, all rolled into and money-man who famously 'broke' the Bank of England one. in the early 1990s. At that time, and since, the Foundation has OW: Tell me a little about how funded people from the former Eastern Block to come and study “I am who I am owing in large part to my you have ended up in New in the West as a way of seeding Zealand?

Worskop College experience. Worksop is democratic and liberal values SS: Another choice that back home. Although I never the best of education, values, and character- was made for me. My father went back, the intervention building, all rolled into one.” shifted here and I followed worked, and those same values him. Without wishing to sound are firmly planted in my heart, dramatic, New Zealand is God's in no small part because of what green Eden. The best of Britain, I learned and experienced at Worksop. I now live in New Europe and indeed the world in a single, far-away land. We Zealand, which, incidentally, is where Karl Popper, a major may be a long way away (500 pounds-worth is considered 20th century philosopher, wrote his magnum opus on the a cheap flight over here!), but that, too, is the point. So idea of the open society, which, in turn, inspired George far away from Brexit, Trump and all else that troubles the Soros. Life is neatly circular like that. world. And the air is so clean and clear, it glistens.

OW: How did you find the transition when you arrived?

SS: Head-spinning. The culture shock was almost too great to explain. But I took it in my stride, as young people tend to do. It took six weeks to ditch my (North Americaninfused) accent and to start flattening my vowels, as a good Northerner ought to do. I wanted to be the best Worksopian I could be and, in some ways, I achieved that.

SS: Calm and contented. Christopher himself is an immigrant, from Canada (he calls himself a weather refugee, and, having visited, I know what he means). We've been blessed with children, more of them than two men living together could ever imagine, and each is the best thing we've ever done. We look forward to seeing them grow up to be beautiful men and women. I may even send some of them to Worksop, if their mums can part with them for a while.

OW: What does your job entail and how did you find yourself in the role?

SS: I am a public servant in the New Zealand Ministry of Justice. Somehow, along the way, I've become more senior than I expected, which must mean I am doing something right. For me, it's about giving back to New Zealand and its people. I owe this country everything, and it's only right that I should dedicate my life to Aotearoa's betterment (Aotearoa, the Land of the Long White Cloud, is the Maori name for New Zealand). I have a talent for policy and the law, and I've tried to apply that talent to its fullest. It's all anyone can do.

A message for any OWs planning a trip to New Zealand. Free accommodation in the best AirBnB in Wellington (the world's coolest capital). Will draft legislation for food!

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(Left) Serge and Christopher outside our iconic building on their return to the school last summer and (right) Serge in his school days as a Talbot boy.

Events

What’s on in 2019 Saturday 30 March OW Dorm Run Worksop College

Saturday 22 June Summer Spectacular Worksop College

Whether you’re retracing your steps as an Old Worskopian, a current parent intrigued to see what all the fuss is about, or a keen runner looking for something different, the OW Dorm run provides a short but challenging race set amongst the beautiful grounds of the college.

Join us for an afternoon and evening of summer fun as we celebrate all that is great about Worksop. Following on from the prestigious prize-giving day, guests will be invited to enjoy a day of fun for all the family. More details to follow.

Tickets are priced at £12.50 p/p / £5 for spectators including food and drink

Wednesday 9 October Stay Connected: OW Drinks London The Parcel Yard, King’s Cross, London

11.00am

Wednesday 8 May Stay Connected: OW Drinks Nottingham Bar Esca, Nottingham 6pm onwards

1pm onwards

6pm onwards

An informal evening designed to connect OWs regionally.

An informal evening designed to connect OWs regionally.

Saturday 7 December OW Christmas Lunch Worksop College

Monday 20 May OW Golf Day Lindrick Golf Club

The OW Society invites alumni and their guests to join us for a festive afternoon at the annual Christmas luncheon. An opportunity to catch up or connect with other OWs, the event will take place within the beautiful setting of the Great Hall here at the school.

12 noon onwards

Join fellow OWs at this year’s OW Golf Day, played at the prestigious Lindrick course. The day includes green fee, lunch, a two-course evening meal and modest cash prizes for the first two in each competition. £65 p/p or £30 p/p if already a member of Lindrick

The price of the event includes a glass of mulled wine on arrival, a three-course meal, followed by coffee and mince pies.

Tickets are priced at £25 p/p We will keep you up to date of any amendments or additions to the calendar of events throughout the year.

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2018 in pictures 2018 has seen a number of events and it has been great to see so many different faces in attendance.

January saw the return of some of our OWs for a tour of the new Sixth Form Centre; located within the main school, on the site of what was previously Shirley House.

Coinciding with Burns Night, guests were treated to a Scottish themed evening of canapĂŠs and poetry. The centre has been designed primarily to bridge the gap between school life and beyond.

March saw the first ever OW Dorm Run, an annual opportunity for OWs to brush off their running shoes and take a nostalgic trip around the 3.8 mile course and a trip up the infamous Fred’s Hill. Despite the cold temperatures, the weather did not dampen the spirits of our runners and their spectators and there was a great atmosphere throughout.

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Throughout the year we will be hosting a number of networking events in various cities; a great way of connecting with other OWs. 2018 played host to Nottingham in May and London in October. Both were held in central city locations, making it easy for people to attend after work and were well attended by a mix of OWs from various year groups. If you’re interested in holding an event in your area, please do get in touch.

Towards the end of the summer term, a fabulous evening was had celebrating 32 years of the institution that is Mrs Wendy Bain. OWs from far and wide came back to mark Wendy’s retirement from teaching last June. An emotional evening full of love and laughter - testament to the wonderful woman that Wendy is.

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Feel-good friendship

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estled in the small village of Barnby Moor near the beautiful town of Retford, Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa provides a haven of tranquillity, perfectly equipped to help you escape the stresses of everyday life. We thought it the perfect place to catch up with school friends Charlie Mills (T 07 – 11) and Matt Mason (S 05 – 08), who recount their time at school …

Charlie is Head of Research and Acquisition for one of his family’s subsidiaries, Cherubs Nurseries, as well as being an investor in London start-up apps. Charlie is also a seasonal frequenter on Channel 4’s popular reality TV programme, Made in Chelsea. @itscharliemills Matt is the co-founder of an oil futures trading company in London, alongside which he is a passionate freelance videographer and ex-racing driver. @_mattmason

OW: What’s your fondest memory when you think of Worksop?

C: For me, it was the experience of Chapel and belting out hymns such as Jerusalem. Obviously, it was there to be taken seriously, but it was fun.

M: I remember getting the giggles in Chapel, uncontrollably.

It was one of the funniest moments of my life! You know one of those situations when you’re not meant to laugh and you just can’t stop!

M: I do have fond memories of Mr Driver’s lessons, one in particular, which was really funny. We were using weights to do a Newton metres test, to see the strength of certain objects and were asked to hang the weights on a spring to measure how strong the clay would be. Afterwards, when we were tidying away, a friend and I threw the weights to another friend over the other side of the room. We then called for him to throw them back and instead of catching them in return, we simply turned our backs and the weights came crashing down, breaking a cupboard. As you can imagine, Mr Driver was less than pleased.

OW: What do you think is special about Worksop?

C: I think you only realise how special the school is when you go back to it. I never gave it a second thought when I left, but coming back to it recently and seeing what has changed has made me realise. It smells exactly the same, particularly the cloisters; it really is such a beautiful school.

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M: What I really liked about Worksop, and I’m sure this is still the case, was the work ethic that is instilled in to students.

Comparing that to my previous school, well, there simply was no comparison.

OW: What did you enjoy most about school?

C: I really enjoyed boarding. It took me a while to want to board because I liked my home sleeping arrangements! It was on someone’s birthday when I boarded for the night and from then on, I just loved it. I then boarded twice a week and it was great fun.

Charlie and Matt relaxing poolside

M: If I hadn’t have been pursuing a career outside of school in racing, I would have loved to have boarded!

M: I enjoyed the sports at Worksop, and really liked the Dorm Run, which will sound a little strange to most OWs! I spent many a lunchtime training in preparation for it. I think because sport was compulsory, my level of fitness was incredibly high when I left.

OW: What will you take away from your time at the school?

C: I like to think of myself as a kind person who helps other people and I think it is this that I learnt from my time at Worksop. There is a strong sense of community - it’s hard to describe, but I got the same feeling when I went back, it’s like going home. The school definitely encouraged me to push myself out of my comfort zone; I think actually it was Mr Paton, in particular, and I will always be grateful for that.

Exterior of the Vitality Pool

OW: What was your experience of Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa?

C: I can honestly say, I wasn’t expecting anything along the lines of what we saw. The detail and thought that went into creating, in my opinion, one of the best spas in the county, really is astonishing. The volume and quality of treatments available is fantastic, and the pool and selection of different ‘spa’ rooms really blew us away. The hotel itself is full of charm and the rooms were beautiful, with a high attention to detail. We enjoyed all of the meals throughout our stay; the menu and presentation were excellent.

Already looking forward to returning!

Ye Olde Bell Restaurant Bar

OW: And finally, where do you hope to be in five years’ time?

C: I have recently taken an interest in my family’s business and I get a great sense of pride from it. I am keen to see where that takes me. I also enjoy travelling and am intending to do more of this. In answer to your question, I’m not sure exactly where I will be, but I’m excited to find out.

M: I’m hoping to have grown my company into a fully-fledged fund, and videography wise, I would like to work with some iconic brands on their advertising campaigns.

Interior of the Vitality Pool

WIN For your chance to win a stay at the Hotel for two, with evening meal and morning Spa for two with a 30 minute treatment, simply fill in the form and return no later than 30 June. Please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS Name: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

Email: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

Telephone no: ………………………………………………………………………………………………….

I would like to receive email offers throughout the year Y/N Signature: ………………………………………………… Date: ……………………………………………

Please post or email your completed form toYe Olde Bell Hotel & Spa, Barnby Moor, Retford, Notts. DN22 8QS/ admin@yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk – entries to be received no later than 30 June.

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Ye Olde Bell Hotel bedroom

Weddings at Worksop N

ot many people would consider using their old school as the venue for their wedding, however when it’s set in a picturesque 330 acre site, could the setting be any more perfect?

Each year we welcome back a number of OWs who choose to celebrate their special day with us. As an OW you have the option to get married in the Chapel, a privilege reserved for former students and current members of staff only.

We caught up with OWs Lauren Windsor (SH 01 06) and Conor Smith (S 06 - 10), along with their respective partners about their big day and why Worksop was the right decision for them.

The wedding of Lauren and Andrew OW: Lauren, tell us how you and Andrew met?

LW: We met when I started working at the Mount Pleasant Hotel in Doncaster during my University summer holidays.

I took on the permanent position of Wedding Co-ordinator, while Andrew was Food and Beverage Manager. The rest, as they say, is history!

OW: Why did you decide to return to Worksop College to get married?

LW: When we first started planning our wedding, we both decided we needed to find a venue that was unique.

Having both worked in the hotel industry for many years, and especially with me organising weddings as my line of work, this was incredibly important to us.

I straight away thought of Worksop and after meeting with Enterprise Manager Colin Pauk to show Andrew the College, we both knew it was the perfect venue for our special day. It felt like home as soon as we walked through the reception doors. Colin was so welcoming, nothing was too much trouble. I remember meeting with Tim Uglow the day before our wedding to go through our music choices; as soon as the organ started playing, while standing on the balcony, we just knew it was going to be magical.

OW:What was the most memorable part of your day?

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LW:It has to be walking out of Chapel to Widor's Toccata as the new Mr and Mrs Windsor. The music is so memorable as an OW and sounds fantastic on the organ.

The wedding of Conor and Francesca OW: How did you and Francesca meet?

CS: Originally we met on our first day of secondary school, but then I left to attend Worksop College. We then met again on several occasions on nights out and at parties, before I plucked up the courage to ask her on a date.

OW: Why did you decide to return to Worksop College to get married?

CS: The sheer size of the building enabled us to have all the guests we required without being limited in any way.

It definitely has a ‘wow’ factor for people that haven’t ever been to the College before.

OW: Did you find it difficult to make a choice about the venue?

CS: It was a hard decision as we hadn’t really thought about using the College until my mother, Shirley, mentioned it.

Once it was mentioned and we had a walk around the place, it was a simple decision.

OW: What is it about the school that is so special to you?

CS: Worksop College gave me an opportunity to better myself and continue to do that through education and sport. It also enabled me to achieve the next step in my professional career in becoming a PE teacher through the graduate programme. Finally, it was the place I was able to marry my partner and has just been a huge part of my life.

OW: What was the most memorable part of your day?

CS: Turning to see Francesca at the side of me after she had walked down the aisle.

“It was a hard decision as we hadn’t really thought about using the College until my mother, Shirley, mentioned it. Once it was mentioned and we had a walk around the place, it was a simple decision.”

- Conor

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