The Arch 2025

THE ARCH Old Reptonian Newsletter 2025 Issue 341

THE ARCH

1

Contents 03

Welcome from The Reptonian Community

04

Messages from the OR President & Chair

06

News & Pigeon Post

14

Events

22

Branches & Clubs

28

Sports

40

Careers

47

Celebrations

50

Headmaster’s Update

56

Staff Valete

58

Repton Foundation

60

Farewells

73

School Shop

74

The Old Reptonian Society

Welcome to the 2025 issue of The Arch.

We hope you enjoy reading!

2

THE ARCH

OR SOCIETY

Welcome The Reptonian Community

By Trinity Coupland-Smith (Mitre 2014-19)

It is with great pride that I introduce myself as the new Head of the Reptonian Community. My role is all about strengthening the links between everyone connected with Repton, from Old Reptonians, parents and staff to our growing Repton Family of Schools around the world.

As a true OR myself, having joined Nursery at Repton Prep in 2003 and then moved up to Repton in The Mitre in 2014 (with the famous Anna Parish as my Housemistress), this role feels like coming full circle.

With so many fond memories from both Repton Prep and Repton, returning five years after leaving was a strange but warming experience. Many of the same teachers were still here, and my natural instinct was to slip straight back into calling them Sir and Miss.

Now that I’ve settled back in and a few first names have become normalised, it’s been a privilege to see the School from the “other side”.

Walking around the site in the same footsteps I once did, I’m often struck by how the memories come flooding back and how many of them are shared across generations, from the Steeplechase (my own claim to fame being “first B Block girl back”) to the Grubber sausage rolls (which are still my favourite). Some things at Repton never change.

One of my favourite parts of the job is the impromptu visits from

ORs who are passing through the Midlands. More often than not, someone driving down the A38 or A50 realises they’re only a few miles from their old School and decides to drop in. Meeting them at the Arch and walking around the grounds together is always a highlight. It’s incredible how quickly the memories come alive – stories of incredible goals scored on The Square, unforgettable House matches, and the teachers who made a lasting impression. No matter the decade, the stories all share the same thread.

Many visitors are amazed by how much the School has developed.

The Science Priory (opened in 2013) and the Sports Centre (opened in 2019) are always talking points – impressive, state-of-theart facilities that show Repton’s ambition and progress while sitting comfortably alongside the heritage we all remember so well.

And yet, for all that’s changed, the essence of Repton remains constant. The rhythm of the School year, the House spirit, the concerts, Chapel services and those timeless traditions like the Steeplechase still form the backbone of School life.

Looking ahead, my aim in this role is to continue building an inclusive and connected Reptonian Community, one that truly welcomes everyone with a link to Repton, whether nearby or far away. Much of my work is focused on creating opportunities for people to reconnect or strengthen existing relationships through a growing calendar of community events. We’re expanding our events offering beyond ORs to include parents, staff and friends of the School, ensuring everyone feels part of this vibrant network.

Alongside our social calendar, the Reptonian Community also offers a vast and diverse careers network, connecting Reptonians across industries and generations. We are

continually working to strengthen and expand this network to begin support mentoring, professional development and collaboration among our members.

As we shape the future of the Reptonian Community, I would love to hear your ideas. Whether it’s a type of event you’d like to see or ways we can further bring people together, your input will help us create a truly inclusive and dynamic community for all.

Whatever the occasion, you’re always welcome to come back.

I love meeting new people and reconnecting with familiar faces, and if you can’t make it to Repton itself, I hope to see you at one of our many Reptonian events taking place across the UK and abroad.

The calendar is growing quickly, and it’s been brilliant to see so many ORs returning to celebrate and reconnect.

If you’d like to get in touch, please don’t hesitate to email me at tcouplandsmith@repton.org.uk – I’d love to hear from you.

It’s a great pleasure to be in this position and to work closely with the OR Advisory Board, who do so much to drive the community forwards. I’d particularly like to mention Paul Brownhill (Priory 1980-85), who is strengthening female engagement in sport, Johnny Every (New 1991-96), who is leading the way on cultural and arts initiatives, Adam Sinclair (Latham 1978-83), our OR President, and, of course, Rob Miller (Latham 1976-81), our OR Chairman, who is focused on future-proofing the Society for generations to come.

Finally, I’d like to thank Mark Semmence and Sarah Greig for putting their trust in me to lead and develop this community and for their shared commitment to ensuring that Repton’s legacy continues to stretch far beyond Derbyshire.

THE ARCH

3

OR SOCIETY

Reflections From the OR President

By Adam Sinclair (Latham 1978-83) and OR Chairman are right to place career access at the heart of OR and Reptonian Community strategy.

I’m writing this piece at The Boot following an invigorating OR Day, which I attended alone and without expectation. Similarly, I came here alone in 1978, at the age of 12, with no connections – it took me a couple of terms to fit in.

Fortunately, such concerns have abated.

The Repton family enables each of us to assuredly “fit in”, hold ourselves and engage in any room in the country, in any part of the world and in any corner of our diverse society. This enablement is the essence of any business or diplomatic career. The Headmaster

I’m delighted to see the position that Repton finds itself in given the macro environment and challenges – but I know there is no complacency, rather a singular determination. We are particularly fortunate with the quality of the School’s leadership at strategic and operational levels – to the extent that I felt compelled to take on the OR Presidency. Having done so, I will absolutely commit and enjoy – I don’t do half-measures.

The appointment of Rob Miller (Latham 1976-81) as OR Chairman, following Nick Walford’s (Brook 1969-74) enormous contribution, and the continued inspired leadership of Headmaster Mark Semmence and the governing body, represent continued progress at this pivotal time. And if we can keep the team together over the coming five years, Repton will achieve a lot during arguably the most crucial period in its history.

Clearly, the growth in Repton’s international and national footprint has the potential to further elevate Repton’s position, progression and security, and to deliver different income streams and new career access. I am acutely aware of how much work is going on in the background to ensure the School makes the best of its opportunities and the correct decisions in this arena.

This year has been a very good one for the ORs and the wider Repton family: a sell-out Yorkshire Dinner in Harrogate, and 140 attendees at Drinks in The City. Also, 125 attended the OR Gaudy at Repton, there were inaugural Drinks in Your City in Bristol and on OR Day there was unprecedented breadth of sporting and cultural activity for women and men. The OR Dinner on Saturday 8 November was a highlight of the year, with 110 ORs in attendance.

On each visit to Repton, the School looks impeccable, as is the quality of the welcome.

View From the OR Chair

By Robert Miller (Latham 1976-81) My first outing as Chair was the Yorkshire Dinner in Harrogate. It was a particular joy to reconnect with friends from my time at the School. We are all awash with technology solutions for staying connected. But meeting again “in the flesh” is a heart-warming experience that technology cannot match.

I read recently that one of the “top five regrets” of elderly people is that they failed to stay in touch with friends. I am 62, so clearly not “elderly”, but I sympathise with the sentiment.

4

THE ARCH

I felt much the same at the Gaudy in May, which confirmed the strength of those bonds of friendship developed when we were children at School. So, if you have not attended an OR Society gathering but have happy memories of your time at Repton, I dare you to come to one of our events. You will not regret it.

In last year’s edition of The Arch, the Chair reported that the governance structure of the Society was evolving. Changes were approved at the Annual General Meeting such that the old structure of committees was replaced by a single Advisory Board. It has been the task of this new Board to adapt to a new way of working with the School.

We have made good progress.

The Advisory Board works in a non-executive capacity with the School’s Leadership team and the Reptonian Community Office to deliver on alumni engagement, inclusion and participation. Social media (largely Instagram and LinkedIn) and WhatsApp have

OR SOCIETY

come to the fore in engaging with alumni. Trinity Coupland-Smith (Mitre 2014-19) has led the charge in the office, and I congratulate Trinity on her appointment as Head of the Reptonian Community. Trinity and Nicola Milward deliver a very good flow of content on socials.

And they have enabled WhatsApp year groups to get established, with some good early successes.

ORs and friends of Repton in the fields of arts and culture, so they can share one another’s experiences, opportunities and successes away from the public eye. I thank retired and current members of staff for providing some of the “glue” in this regard, working with Johnny Every (New 1991-96), the Advisory Board Lead on arts and culture, to build this community.

Trinity’s time is partly spent developing relations with the broader Reptonian Community.

The team recently delivered the third Community Newsletter, which was opened by more than 2,000 recipients on the day of its release. The Community includes ORs, parents of pupils – past and present – and “friends of Repton”.

All of these groups have a common interest in seeing Repton thrive, whether from the perspective of current pupils, alumni, connected parties, careers or fundraising.

Johnny has also been helping Trinity to create more Drinks in Your City events. We recently hosted an event in Bristol, and we are planning an event in Birmingham next year. We also recently hosted our first OR LGBTQ+ gathering in Manchester.

Your Advisory Board is very focused on inclusion. I am pleased to report that the participation of younger and female ORs in our events continues to rise. We are developing sports teams to participate in alumni events and competitions for women. We expect the Arthur Dunn Cup and Cricketer Cup to launch women’s competitions in the next few years, and we want Repton to participate in these inaugural events.

Away from sports, we are working to build a community of ORs in arts and culture. This is not about running teams and winning competitions. It is about connecting

The OR Society has income to support our various clubs, branches and events. In this issue of The Arch, you will read about the continuing success of Repton in a lot of alumni sports competitions. I simply want to record here the Board’s huge thanks to those who volunteer their time to keep Repton at the forefront of alumni sports. I am delighted to see that ORs have been getting stuck into newer sports such as padel, in which Repton was recently represented in an alumni event at Queen’s Club.

We continue to support the School on all matters relating to the broader alumni network and “careers” service. The long-term ambition must be to create an interactive network that allows alumni, friends of Repton and careers contacts to communicate safely and effortlessly. This will no doubt include some form of

network across the Repton Family of Schools, which would yield a very large alumni community. Getting to that point requires a lot of planning.

In the meantime, we continue to recruit OR Careers Ambassadors.

We have 125 Ambassadors and are working on ways to use this network more effectively. We are delighted the School has recruited a member of staff with primary responsibility for this – an important statement of intent.

On behalf of everyone connected with Repton, my thanks go to Nick Walford (Brook 1969-74), the Society’s Chair for the last six years (2019-24), and to John Wallis (Latham 1971-76), who has acted as Treasurer to the Society for approximately twenty years. As part of the governance transition, John will hand over responsibility for financial reporting to Repton’s Finance team. Nick and John have given enormous amounts of their time in support of the OR Society, and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude.

Last but by no means least, I thank Mark Semmence, Sarah Greig, the Leadership team, the Governing Body and Reptonian Community Office at the School. In tough times you need great leadership and a strong team, and these are undoubtedly difficult times for the independent education sector.

But in industries under fire, there are those who come out stronger.

After one year in the Chair, I have the utmost faith that the team will guide Repton to emerge as a longterm winner.

THE ARCH

5

NEWS

News: Snippets Morgause Lomas (Field 2012-15) and Laura Bramall (Abbey 2012–17) have launched Mercia Tutoring, an online tutoring company providing safe, highquality education for students from KS2 to KS5, offering one-to-one and group tutoring across both academic and extracurricular subjects. You can find Mercia Tutoring on Instagram and Facebook (@MerciaTutoring) or get in touch at merciatutoring@gmail.com.

Nicholas Hillman (Brook 1985-1990), Governor at Repton, has been awarded an OBE for his outstanding contribution to higher education. Nick has spent nearly twelve years as Director of the Higher Education Policy Institute, the UK’s only independent think tank dedicated to higher education.

Colin MacIntosh (New 1989-94) moved to Edinburgh in August to take up the role of Headmaster at Cargilfield Prep School. He would be delighted to connect with any ORs based nearby. Please email or@repton.org.uk.

Tony Hales CBE (New 1961-66) was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Arts degree by the University of Greenwich in July 2025 for his support of the arts. In his thanks to the university, he noted that James Fenton (Hall 1963-66), the eminent poet, writer and critic, had broadly described his last performance in The Lark (by Jean Anouilh) as follows: “Hales lacks understanding and interpretation of the part, he seeks to compensate for this lack of talent with volume and enthusiasm.” Correct then and correct now!

Ella Rush (Mitre 2017-22) was selected for the 2024 Olympic Futures Squad for Javelin as preparations begin for LA 2028. Bekah Walton (Field 2016-18) also earns recognition in Javelin, joining the Olympic Transition Squad for the same Olympic Games.

Richard Roberts (Cross 1984-89) has been appointed Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Nottingham. We congratulate him on this well-deserved achievement.

Jacob Dean (Mitre 1984-89) has been appointed King’s Counsel.

Samual Nicholls (Cross 2020-22) swam the Oxford–Cambridge Channel Relay Varsity Match to raise money for ocean conservation.

Johnny Rush (New 2019-24) played a key role as Ohio State University clinched the Big Ten regular season championship, finishing the first part of the US college soccer season as the #1 ranked team nationally.

6

THE ARCH

NEWS

We received this wonderful photo of Dr Will Ackernley (Cross 2013-15) and Dr Nigel Bark (Hall 1954-59), taken at the Queens’ College Annual Alumni Garden Party on 29 June.

Jack Pollard (Latham 201318) has been successful in his application to study Oxford’s Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, a highly competitive course with only a handful of places awarded to UK students.

Bronte-May Brough (Mitre 2017-22) was named the 2025 Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year, helping Harvard capture the Ivy League Championship.

Olivia Ellis (Garden 2016-21) secured a highly competitve training contract with global corporate law firm Squire Patton Boggs.

Aaron Burgess-Smith (Cross 2004-09), Elliot Cornish-Sheasby (School 200409) and university classmate James Killer have launched their premium mayonnaise, The Umami Bros, in Fortnum & Mason. What started as a lockdown project has grown into an award-winning, Japanese-style mayo – bold, umami-rich and utterly delicious.

In October Ethan AnandaRajan (Cross 2010-15) was on Pointless and won. He put his winnings towards the Neverest Orthopaedics Foundation, founded by his father, Rohan.

Gareth Thomas (Latham 1993-98) had the extraordinary honour of delivering his own son.

In March 2021, with local maternity services overwhelmed in the aftermath of COVID-19, Edward George Thomas was born at home.

Gareth credits his education at Repton with helping him to remain calm and prepared for such an unexpected experience.

George Kirtland (New 2015-20) has successfully completed 44 weeks of officer training at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

He has commissioned into the Army Air Corps and will be based at Wattisham with the Apache helicopter from the new year.

Below is a photograph taken at Commissioning Ball on 8 August 2025.

Harry Moore (Priory 2020-25) continues his rise in professional cricket. In September 2024, at the age of 17, he signed a 3-year professional contract with Derbyshire County Cricket Club, the year in which he also became the second-youngest player ever selected for the England Lions, just one step below full international honours. His Lions call-up followed standout performances for England Under 19s and confirmed his status as one of the country’s most exciting young prospects. He secured a contract with Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred, and is set up for a high-profile professional career.

the

L-R: Charles Ryder (Cross 2018-20), Jacob Raine (Cross 2015-20), George Kirtland (New 201520), Mathew Lewis (Priory 2015-20), Max Rosser (Priory 2015-20), Matthew Newstead (School 2015-20)

Repton was thrilled to host a Metro Bank OneDay Cup fixture as the Derbyshire Falcons took on the Worcestershire Rapids right here on the 1st XI Square. This fantastic, sold-out event marked only the second time the Derbyshire 1st team has played at Repton since 1988. Everyone had a wonderful day, with the Worcestershire Rapids winning by just four wickets.

THE ARCH

7

NEWS – PIGEON POST

“Everlasting” – A Poem

By Anthony Turner (Hall 1968-73) Shall hope dwindle as the sun servers darkness Orange gold over fields rippling once with wheat, Like satin glossing sharded light Now to rain filled cavities softened Where dregs of straw and mud abound in stillness; How can the love Christ filters Through drudgery piqued by contradiction Renew and release our heart Under death and conceit sharpened; How within hollow conscience fleeced by deceit Can He convene our seeking mind who look to towards Him In the bleak sky’s depth, mashed leaves, and trees like mossy sentinels; Who know sorrow caught solitude Doubly known as the world’s drawn knife Demanding haste and callous disregard?

---- By tender love in the nails through him bored Opening our heart despite scratching thorns To find Him among us caring and calling, Giving us the hope and peace our soul carousels With surety of sunlight sweeping everywhere gold And bluebells in the beckoning wind to wave.

In October, James Murphy (School 2015-20) and Matthew Newstead (School 2015-20) launched “Monte”, a haircare product that adds volume and texture to men’s hair. It is available for purchase on www. monteplc.com

Hannah Bond (Field 201318) won The Golden Pin Award and was named runner-up in the Milano Su Misura 2025 competition, an international event that celebrates the world’s top tailoring talent.

Harriet English (Abbey 2015-20) was awarded the Sheffield University Infertility Research award for achieving the highest overall mark on the MSc course in Reproductive and Developmental Medicine.

Life After Repton: A Memoir

By John Coley (Hall 1962-67) The older I get, the more I find myself looking back – often wondering what my old School contemporaries are up to. So, I thought I’d share a potted version of what I’ve been doing since leaving Repton in 1967.

Everyone has a seminal moment – mine came at age 20, when I had the opportunity to step into the bullion dealing room at Sharps Pixley Ltd, a firm that was one of the five members of the London Gold Fix and one of just three members of the London Silver Fix. I stayed there for well over twentyfive years and experienced some turbulent times, not least during the Bunker Hunt era, with its wild and unpredictable silver prices.

After that, I spent a fascinating few years at secure shippers Brink’s 8

THE ARCH

Global Services, where I drew on my global contacts in a business development role. For the past ten-plus years, I’ve managed investments for a private precious metals fund. I’m convinced that my time at Repton helped to prepare me for the intensity and pressure of the markets.

But it hasn’t all been work. I’ve sung in choirs since the age of seven. At Repton, I was in the Chapel Choir, first as a treble and then as a bass, and to this day I sing with at least two choirs. One highlight has been being a member of the prestigious Bournemouth Symphony Chorus.

Golf is my other passion. I once reached a handicap of 5 in my 60s and have taken on roles in club leadership, including 2 years as captain at Blackmoor Golf Club,

followed by captain and later chairman at Lyme Regis Golf Club.

I’ll do anything for a dedicated parking spot!

Now living in West Dorset with my lovely wife, Heather, we tend a garden of over an acre, which we open as part of the National Garden Scheme. If you have the Yellow Book, look up Well Cottage – we’d love you to visit!

We also enjoy travelling to see our two children, both of whom live abroad. Our daughter is in France with our two grandsons and works as a physiotherapist, while our son is a safari guide and night sky expert based in South Africa, running celestialeventssa.com.

Like my time at Repton, life is never dull – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

NEWS – PIGEON POST

The Mission Planet: A Tribute to Nana

By Rohan Mahan (Priory 2016-20)

I completed an 80-mile run around Stratford-upon-Avon, which took me 26 hours and 52 minutes. The goal was to run one mile for every year of my Nana’s life, who passed away this time last year. This challenge was a celebration of her life, raising funds and awareness for a cause she cared so deeply about: stopping animal suffering.

From this event, together we have now raised almost £10,000 for The Mission Planet, to support the rescue and treatment of injured and abandoned dogs in India. While this is our greatest fundraising achievement to date, what made the weekend truly special wasn’t just my 80 miles – it was the community that came together to help me achieve it.

Over thirty people ran alongside me, with many achieving their own personal milestones for their families. We had people running their first marathon and Tom (Orchard 2015-20) running his first ultra-marathon (40 miles). We even had my friends’ 9-year-old son running an impressive halfmarathon. And collectively we covered almost 400 miles during the 27 hours I was running.

great things is something I will carry with me forever.

This was, without question, the hardest, yet most meaningful, experience of my life, and seeing so many people come together in honour of my Nana to achieve such

Matters of the Heart: A Recovery, a Ring and a Ride He returned to work in March 2025 feeling healthier and newly engaged to Molly Papadopoullos (Mitre 2011-16).

To celebrate Ben’s recovery, and in support of the British Heart Foundation, Molly saddled up for the London to Brighton Bike Ride, raising over £5,500 in his honour.

Joining her on the journey was her best friend, Georgia Langford (Mitre 2011-16), who rode in support of Molly, Ben and her own father.

What began as a frightening diagnosis has ended with love. In September 2024 Ben Rushby, a School tennis coach, received lifechanging news. He was to stop all physical activity and required

open-heart surgery. Within two months, he underwent the repair at Glenfield Hospital. After two days in intensive care and a week in hospital, Ben emerged from surgery on the road to recovery.

THE ARCH

9

NEWS – PIGEON POST

Young Hands-On Archaeology When Morgause Lomas (Field 2012-15) attended Cambridge, she brought with her a deep enthusiasm for archaeology. What she gained was the confidence to turn that passion into something much larger. Today, as a teacher and award-winning volunteer, Morgause is bringing archaeology to life for young people across the UK. At Cambridge, she threw herself into every opportunity, learning to embrace her interests unapologetically.

“Cambridge taught me it’s okay to care deeply,” she says. “Being enthusiastic isn’t a weakness – it’s a strength.” That belief would shape the work she’s now known for.

like site visits, “intro” sessions and five separate badge programmes for each age group of scouting, including the youngest Scouts, known as “Squirrels”.

What makes the programme stand out is its youth-led ethos. A dedicated Youth Committee helps shape the activities, ensuring the learning experience is relevant and fun. Morgause believes archaeology has the power to build empathy and spark curiosity.

In 2025 Morgause was named Volunteer of the Year at the Museum

+ Heritage Awards, recognised for her innovative approach to heritage education and her commitment to widening access. Now 27, Morgause leads a team of 17 volunteers while teaching full-time. She dreams of working in heritage education or even opening a museum focused on not just artefacts but the discipline of archaeology itself.

Her advice: “You’ll hear a lot of ‘no’s – everyone does – but if you care enough about something, keep going. Enthusiasm is contagious.”

After graduating, Morgause noticed that archaeology is something most young people don’t encounter in life. During the pandemic, she launched the Derbyshire Scout Archaeology Badge, originally as an 80-hour Scout Award. It quickly grew into a national initiative engaging youngsters aged 4 to 24, offering hands-on activities

The Reverend HH Stewart – Repton FA Cup Winner

By Ray Dexter (current staff) The Reptonian Community was delighted when one of its own, Will Hughes (New 2008-11), won an FA Cup winners’ medal for Crystal Palace and there was sudden interest in the only other Reptonian to be on an FA Cup winning team: the Reverend HH Stewart (Latham 1861-67).

Stewart was born in Cairnsmuir, near Newton Stewart, Kirkcudbrightshire, in 1847. He went to the Loretto School in Musselburgh and then to Repton.

He is often credited with being a standout cricketer at Repton, and football is never mentioned, yet a glance at the relevant Reptonian magazines of the time suggests his performance in the Cricket 1st XI in 1866 was patchy, scoring more ducks than runs.

10

THE ARCH

For an FA Cup winner, one wants to imagine he played football too, although there is little evidence for this, except for the 1866 1st XI team photo. Stewart went on to Cambridge, got a Junior Optime classification (below Second Class) and still favoured cricket but joined the Wanderers Football Club.

The Wanderers were made up of London-based ex-public-school boys.

The first FA Cup was played and the Wanderers won the first event in 1872; Stewart made his debut for the Wanderers in the semi-final but was not selected for the final that year. The 1873 competition was contested by 16 clubs, 14 of which entered the competition at the firstround stage. As the previous year’s winning finalists, the Wanderers

received a straight bye to the final.

Oxford University also made it to the final without conceding a goal.

Both teams played in their typical kits: the Wanderers are known to have played in orange, purple and black, and Oxford were in blue and white halved shirts. Both adopted the traditional line-up of the time – 1-1-8 – with one full-back, one halfback and eight forwards, Stewart being one of the forwards.

Oxford dominated the early stages of the game – largely because of the strong running of Kirke Smith – and kept their opponents on the defensive. After twenty minutes, the game was clearly Oxford’s to lose, and the dribbling of Oxford proved superior. But at 27 minutes, the Wanderers woke up and Lord Kinnaird, the most famous player

NEWS – PIGEON POST

of the era, ran at the opposition.

All reports claim it was a “very fine goal”. Oxford had an equaliser scratched for offside.

After 40 minutes, Oxford decided to dispense with a goalkeeper and moved Leach up-field to play as a forward. The university team were reduced to ten men when Ottaway was injured and forced to leave the game; he could not be replaced, as at the time the concept of substitutes did not exist.

The crazy strategy of playing with no goalkeeper backfired when Wollaston for the Wanderers broke through and scored a second goal.

As was the norm until 1882, the winning team did not receive the trophy at the stadium on the day of the match but later in the year at their annual club dinner, so it is unlikely Stewart got to hold the trophy as Will Hughes did. Stewart’s achievement was not mentioned in The Reptonian, although there is a brief mention of him in 1873 being considered for a cap in the next Scotland international.

Once ordained, in 1874 Henry Stewart left the Wanderers and London and spent the rest of his life in various parishes married to Lady Beatrice Diana Cecilia Carnegie. Archives have numerous

references to Rector Stewart’s cricketing activities, playing well into his 60s and being credited as a “veteran”. He died in 1837, aged 89.

His obituary in the Halifax Evening Courier described him as “once a well-known cricketer”.

So, who was the Reverend HH Stewart? A cricketer in his heart with a brief flirtation with soccer?

A devoted man of God who, like many men of the era, loved sport in every form? A modest man, who never spoke about his FA Cup glory? We shall probably never know, but we should be proud of his achievements nonetheless.

OR Football Success with Crystal Palace. One of his most notable recent achievements came as part of the Crystal Palace side that secured a stunning 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup Final. In doing so, Will became only the second OR in history to lift the famous trophy – and the first since 1873.

Will Hughes began his career at Derby County, breaking into the first team in 2012-13 and attracting interest from top European clubs.

He joined Premier League side Watford in 2017, helping them reach the 2019 FA Cup Final and remain in the top flight for three seasons. In 2021 Hughes signed

We are delighted to celebrate the continued success of our former pupils across the football world.

Hugo De Lisle (Latham 2022–25) and Emily Walne (Field 2022–25) have both signed professional contracts with Leicester City for next season, where they will join fellow ORs Bade Aluko (Orchard 2021–23) and Will Daniels (Cross 2021–24). Hugo was recently

selected for the England U17 squad, while Will represented Canada at the U17 World Cup. Other notable representatives include Amos Federico (Cross 202325), who has featured for Gibraltar U21; Laurance Wyke (Cross 201315), who is playing in the USL Championship (the second tier in the USA) with the Tampa Bay Rowdies; Eno Nto (Priory 201620), who continues to impress at Hereford FC in the National League North; and Harry Twite (New 202123), who started for the Bermuda national team in the World Cup qualifier. Our women’s football contingent also continues to thrive, with Louise Coates (Abbey 2023-25) representing Aston Villa U21.

From Trial to Top Flight: Bade Aluko’s Rise at Leicester City In August 2021, 15-year-old Bade Aluko (Orchard 2021-23) attended a five-day UK Football Trials camp, hoping to gain experience and enjoy his football. What followed was beyond expectations – he was scouted by Premier League club Leicester City.

Since joining Leicester City Academy, Bade has gone from strength to strength, developing as a player and a person. He has featured for the U15s and U16s, represented the club at the prestigious U15 National Tournament and recently made

the matchday squad for a Premier League fixture against Brighton.

Bade credits the club’s coaching, structure and support for his rapid progress, noting improvements in pace, ball control and tactical understanding. With a clear goal to break into the first team and earn an international call-up, he remains focused and ambitious.

campaign. On 10 October, Bade made his England Under-20s debut in a victorious match against Switzerland at St George’s Park.

He has since been selected for the England men’s Under-20s squad to face Japan’s Samurai Blue in the November International Camp.

In May 2025 Bade made his Premier League debut for Leicester City against Bournemouth. He has been cited as a powerful and versatile option for the Championship THE ARCH

11

NEWS – PIGEON POST

Against All Odds: Record-Breaking Pacific Row

By Tom Higham (Latham 2001-06) In June Tom Higham (Latham 2001-06) set a World Record as part of the fastest five-man team to row the Mid-Pacific in the World’s Toughest Row. Below, Tom reflects on the journey and what it took to set the record.

Rowing the Pacific sounds romantic: sunsets and the open sea. The reality? Thirty-two days trapped on a nine-metre boat with five unwashed men, rowing fourteen hours a day, sleeping in one-hour snatches and living in what can only be described as a floating pressure cooker.

1-hour blocks. The 25-hour day also meant that our shifts moved, so we weren’t trapped with the graveyard shifts for weeks. When you’re rowing, your job is to try not to miss a stroke. This means when you’re not rowing, you have to fit in everything else. Eating, cleaning, washing, fixing, navigation, and the rest. And all must come before sleep.

Each rower had 6,000 calories per day of food: half dehydrated ration packs and half snacks (chocolate, dried fruit, nuts). We made water each day with a desalination unit built into the boat, which filled a 30L reservoir. We went through a period of about a week of someone accidentally pumping our entire water supply into the sea each night. No one ever owned up, but I had my suspicions!

Life on board We rowed in shifts: 2 hours 30 minutes rowing followed by 1 hour 40 minutes resting. That’s a 5-hour cycle, so we had 5 cycles a day, which made our “day” 25 hours. We did this to keep the mental load of knowing when to do changeovers a bit simpler. You’d be surprised how difficult it is to remember what time a shift of 2 hours 23 minutes ends, after 30 days of sleeping in 12

THE ARCH

I’ll be honest, the Pacific was mostly bleak. My Atlantic crossing was full of wonder, but this one was a lot of overcast, cold conditions with some angry seas. The approach to Hanalei Bay was memorable. We were flying along at 4+ knots in some of the fastest conditions we’d had. We’d spent the night trying to slow the boat down, battling multiple near capsizes in the big waves. I’d been up for the final 36 hours fretting about navigating our approach to the island through big weather and unpredictable currents. The sun came up and showed us the incredible backdrop of Kaua’i and the Kauaikini mountains, the backdrop to Jurassic Park. In the morning light, having seen nothing but sea for a month, seeing all the waterfalls on the steep forested mountainsides was incredible.

A failure at sea and how your team solved it

The idea This wasn’t a good idea – spending three years of your life buying and testing equipment, fitting out a boat, fundraising, training in all conditions. I don’t even like rowing that much! In 2021 I rowed the Atlantic in winter as part of an expedition. I loved being at sea and the brutality of it, but something was missing. It wasn’t a race. I wanted the same conditions, but with the added pressure of competition. The chance came to enter the Pacific race as skipper of a five-man team targeting a World Record. It was a bigger and scarier challenge than I’d hoped for, so I grasped it with both hands.

A moment of wonder that made the hardship worth it

The most difficult hour, and how you handled it There was a moment about four days in, which is often the lowest ebb in an ocean row. Your body is struggling to adjust to the routine, you’ve barely slept, your appetite still hasn’t arrived and on the Pacific route you’re still fighting to get off the coast. We had a series of very difficult shifts with some scary mishaps, one nearly resulting in a delirious crew member going overboard. During a shift swap with my second in command, he turned to me in despair and said quietly, “This is absolutely crazy. We’re not going to make it to Hawaii; I don’t know how you’re going to pull this off,” before disappearing into the cabin. I spent the next few hours rowing in the pitch black, my mind running at 100 miles per hour, going through all of the different scenarios and how I’d handle them.

I’d never felt so alone.

A few days in we had an issue with the deck under the third rowing seat. This presented two problems.

First, the sliding seat could not travel over the hole without a nasty bump, opening it further and disrupting the rowing stroke.

Second, this hole allowed seawater into the dry locker that housed our water-maker. Destroying your water-maker is an immediate race-ending and potentially lifethreatening problem. Initially, we fixed the hole with a resin mixture, cured over a few hours. This turned out to be quite weak, lasting only a few shifts. After much debate, we decided to use a penknifesaw to cut up another part of the boat to create a raised deck and seal the damaged area. The fix worked so well it’s now taught as an emergency solution by race organisers.

Team dynamics: one habit that kept you strong together and the boat moving Discipline. We were fast because we spent less time going slow.

That meant sharp changeovers, protocols for keeping the boat trimmed, balanced with a structured allocation of roles/

NEWS – PIGEON POST

responsibilities. I stopped the boat on para-anchor just once on the entire crossing, for less than an hour, to deal with a few issues. The rest of the 32 days we kept the boat moving around the clock. We had a range of abilities and strengths onboard, so we could not go fast all of the time, but we prevented the boat from going slow.

What you learnt about risk and resilience You need to take a risk to get going. You need resilience to keep going. You can apply this to almost anything in life.

As a team, we had prepared at length for most scenarios on the water, spent countless hours discussing what could go wrong and accumulated weeks of experience together on the water in training. While what we were doing was objectively dangerous, we had lots of redundancies and mitigations in place to keep us relatively safe. There’s a difference between taking a risk and gambling. One night one guy got hit so hard by a wave he was knocked out of the boat. I knew he was clipped on and I trusted the

safety lines. This meant I could have a good laugh at him before helping him back on board!

Winston Churchill had a belief that grit and persistence outweigh almost anything else. Rowing an ocean is hard, but it boils down to a single decision when you’re out there. You can lament your situation or accept where you are and get on with it. There’s no support boat – the only way out is through. The choice of quitting is taken away from you, as there’s nowhere to quit to.

Through this Pacific row, my Atlantic row and all the other adventures I’ve been on, I’ve learnt many things about myself and others. One that sticks with me is that absolutely everyone, without

exception, is more capable than they think they are. You just need to put yourself in a position to discover it.

How Repton approach

influenced

your

Repton gave me more than an education – it instilled self-reliance and discipline. On that tiny boat, looking after myself and managing my personal admin didn’t feel like a burden. It freed me to support my teammates and lead from the front. Many people in that kind of environment go into survival mode, focused only on themselves. But I love the ocean, and I enjoy hard work. I wasn’t just coping – I was thriving.

Ad astra per aspera.

Route travelled

By the numbers Distance rowed: 2,542 miles Time at sea: 32 days, 6 hours, 51 minutes Previous record beaten by: 19 days Estimated oar strokes: 1.5 million Calories consumed per person per day: 5-6,000 Average speed: 3.0 knots Max speed: 14.9 knots (surfing down a huge wave) The incredible achievement: 2,800 miles of relentless grit, teamwork – and a bit of madness

THE ARCH

13

EVENTS

Calendar of Events 2026 As well as being enjoyable occasions in their own right, OR events are great opportunities to connect with friends from your House or year that you rarely see, or with whom you may have lost touch. Be sure to check

the OR website repton.org.uk/events for updates to the Calendar below, or contact the OR Office: or@repton.org.uk.

Lent Term 9 January

Drinks in Your City, Hong Kong

18:30-20:30

16 January

Robert Blomfield Photography Exhibition, Repton

19:00-21:00

19 January

Choral Evensong, York

17:30-18:15

6 February

Cross House Reunion, Repton

18:30-22:00

21 February

Liam Karai, Opera Recital, Repton

25 February

Drinks in The City, London

18:30-21:30

12 March

20 Year Leavers Drinks (2006)

18:30-20:30

30 April

Drinks in Your City, Manchester

18:30-20:30

9 May

OR Gaudy Reunion, Repton

12:00-16:00

4 June

10 Year Leavers Drinks (2016), London

18:30-20:30

5 September

OR Sports Day, Repton

12:00-16:00

17 September

Drinks in Your City, Birmingham

18:30-20:30

8 October

5 Year Reunion Drinks (2021), London

18:30-20:30

8 November

Remembrance Service, Repton

10:00-11:20

6 December

Christmas Carol Service, Repton

18:30-20:30

Summer Term

Michaelmas Term

OR Events Round-up 5 Year Reunion Drinks – 2019 Leavers At the end of 2024, the OR Society organised its first 5 Year Reunion for 2019 Leavers. With 30 guests in attendance, it was lovely to see old friends reconnecting over drinks at Chapel Market Tavern in London. With laughter and fond memories shared, everyone had a wonderful evening.

14

THE ARCH

EVENTS

Tales from the Archives In January Repton’s Archivist and Librarian, Paul Stevens, shared some of the forgotten stories of the School with parents, ORs and the local community at a fascinating lecture evening in Pears School. He entertained the audience with tales of Reptonians who may not have been well known before, accompanied by live music from the School’s acclaimed singing group, The Reptiles.

Choral Evensong In January ORs and parents once again gathered to listen to the Repton Choir perform in the stunning surroundings of St Paul’s Cathedral. This 45-minute service, a meditative and reflective experience, allowed visitors to savour the incredible voices of the Choir.

The evening concluded with a gathering of ORs and parents for drinks at the nearby Happenstance bar.

Drinks in The City, London This year’s popular London event was held in February at the vibrant Patch East in Central London. It was a fantastic evening filled with laughter, great company and delicious light bites. Over 140 ORs of all ages came together to catch up with old friends and forge new connections in the fabulous new venue.

Yorkshire Dinner The OR Yorkshire Dinner, held in March at The West Park Hotel in Harrogate, was a resounding sell-out success. With 60 guests in attendance, the evening was filled with excellent food, drinks and lively conversation. Adam Sinclair (Latham 1978-83) and Rob Miller (Latham 1976-81) were introduced as the new OR President and OR Chair, respectively, and spoke about their plans to build on engagement with all

ORs. Headmaster Mark Semmence and Development Director Juliet Wolfe (née Ryalls) (Abbey 1983-85) provided ORs with an update from Repton. The following morning nearly twenty ORs managed to get up bright and early to enjoy a day of golf at Moortown Golf Club in Leeds, rounding off a thoroughly enjoyable couple of days in Yorkshire.

THE ARCH

15

EVENTS

Pilgrims Dinner The biennial Pilgrims Cricket Dinner took place on 28 March in the impressive surroundings of The Hall.

With fine food, great company and wine generously supplied by Pilgrims President Peter Bradburn (Priory 1967-72), everyone enjoyed the evening.

After dinner, the President shared stories of his past

and present adventures with the club, as well as his hopes for the future of the Pilgrims. The guests of honour, Chris Adams (Priory 1986-87) and his eldest daughter, Georgia – who were, and are, fine cricketers – entertained the Pilgrim gathering with great wit and insight about their respective playing careers.

10 Year Reunion Drinks – 2015 Leavers In June, 20 ORs gathered at the Chapel Tavern in London for a lovely evening reconnecting with old friends they hadn’t seen in a decade. It was a great opportunity to reminisce and catch up, sharing what they’d been doing since Repton.

Manchester Pride There was a wonderful gathering of ORs at Manchester Pride in August at The Alchemist for our LGBTQ+ Drinks. Drinks were enjoyed, laughs were shared, and it was great to meet some new faces.

16

THE ARCH

EVENTS

OR Gaudy Reunion On Saturday 17 May, Repton welcomed back 125 ORs for the annual OR Gaudy Reunion, with a special focus on those who left in the 1980s – including the 1985 cohort, who were marking 40 years since leaving School. The day began with drinks in the historic Garth, where ORs reconnected and reminisced about their days at the School. Guests then enjoyed a delicious lunch in Pears

School, with opening remarks from Development Director and OR Juliet Wolfe (née Ryalls) (Abbey 198385), followed by a speech from Headmaster Mark Semmence. The afternoon concluded with cricket in the sunshine, rounding off a wonderful day of memories and friendship.

THE ARCH

17

EVENTS

OR Sports Day OR Day 2025 was bigger and better than ever, with a fantastic line-up of fixtures including football (from the OR Men’s 4th XI to the ORFC 1st XI), squash, fives, women’s netball and both men’s and women’s hockey.

In addition to the matches against Repton students, the day featured some fiercely competitive OR vs OR matches, including the vets and Kilby XI vs Riley XI on The Square.

More than 150 ORs returned to play, joined by another 150 ORs and former parents cheering from

18

THE ARCH

the sidelines – many watching their children take to the Repton pitches once again. The atmosphere was extraordinary, with familiar faces both on and off the pitch, and students and staff enjoying the day just as much as our returning ORs. The following day, Alex Needham (New 2010-15) hosted a hugely successful Golf Day at Little Aston Golf Club, where 50 ORs, pupils and members of staff enjoyed a wonderful day of play and friendly competition.

EVENTS

Drinks in Your City, Bristol We were delighted to host around thirty members of the Reptonian Community at Drinks in Your City, Bristol, at The Botanist. It was a great evening spent reconnecting with old friends and welcoming new faces, sharing their connections to Repton.

5 Year Reunion Drinks – 2020 Leavers It was wonderful to host the cohort of 2020 for drinks, especially as this year group dealt with taking their education online after the COVID-19 pandemic was announced. With over thirty-five ORs in attendance, it made their reconnection to one another all the more meaningful to witness.

Not Goodbye, Just the Beginning The end of the School year marks two important milestones for our Upper Sixth: Speech Day and the Leavers’ Ball. This is a time to celebrate remarkable achievements with speeches and well-earned awards.

From the moment our pupils take that final walk through the Arch, they become part of something –

the wider Reptonian Community. The celebrations continued into the evening with a wonderful Leavers’ Ball, shared with friends, family and teachers.

But this is not goodbye. It is the beginning of an exciting new journey, and we cannot wait to see where it takes them next.

New ORs and their OR Parents

THE ARCH

19

EVENTS

OR Dinner Over 110 ORs, along with former and current staff, returned to Repton for this year’s OR Dinner, a fantastic evening filled with excellent food, lively conversation and shared memories. Speeches from Chairman Rob Miller (Latham 1976-81), Headmaster Mark Semmence and President Adam Sinclair (Latham 1978-83) rounded off an evening full of laughter and celebration of Repton’s ongoing success.

International Branches of the OR Society Drinks in Your City, Hong Kong At the beginning of 2025, Headmaster Mark Semmence hosted an event in Piso Praia Grande at Club Lusitano. With over thirty members of the Reptonian Community in attendance, it was a fantastic evening of reconnecting and reminiscing

Your Events Old Mitre Boys Reunite to Honour Mark Batey On 31 October 2024, a sizeable group of Old Mitre Boys gathered for a reunion dinner at The Bleeding Heart in London to honour Mark Batey (Mitre 1975-79). In a light-hearted tribute to the now-iconic Mitre House photograph of 1979, the group recreated the moment, complete with dark glasses and waistcoats, creating a wonderful photograph to mark both the occasion and their friend.

Back row L-R: Guy Harnby (Mitre 1975-80), Ross McManus (Mitre 1976-81), Harvey Cooke (Mitre 1976-81), Jonathan “Bill” Rice (Mitre 1975-80), Max Casini (Mitre 1976-80) Middle row L-R: Steve Maguire (Mitre 1972-77), Mark Batey (Mitre 1975-79), Graham Blakesley (Mitre 1974-79) Front row L-R: Richard Gill (Mitre 1976-81), David James (Mitre 1976-81), Pete James (Mitre 1977-82), Paul Owen (Mitre 1976-81) 20

THE ARCH

EVENTS

Annual Repton Christmas Lunch Tradition

By Richard Bright (Cross 1960-64) A group of ORs have made it an annual tradition to meet for Christmas lunch, which last year took place on Wednesday 11 December at the Royal Thames Yacht Club in Knightsbridge. This long-standing gathering began years ago at the Ebury Wine Bar in Belgravia and now rotates across various London venues. It remains a much-anticipated occasion that brings together a close-knit group of ORs to celebrate friendship and shared memories. In attendance: Richard Bright (Cross 1960-64), John Tweddle (Brook 1960-65), Richard Sargent (Brook 1962-66), Robert Wesley (Cross 195662), John Ballinger (Priory 1959-64), Nigel Windridge (Priory 1963-67), Mike Windridge (Priory 1961-66) and Hector Kier (Brook 1960-65).

Mitre 1960 Reunion

By Dr Iain Robertson OBE (Mitre 1960-65) On 19 July 2025 a most happy and enjoyable reunion of The Mitre House 1960 entrants was held at Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth. Six of us attended: Richard Martin (Mitre 1960-65) and wife Sue, Dr Iain Robertson and wife Judith, and Robert Surfleet (Mitre 196165) and wife Janet. Our weekend gathering was a great success, sharing memories and photographs of Repton from 1960 to 1965. It was enlightening to chat about our different and varied life experiences since leaving Repton 60 years ago. Unanimously, we agreed to repeat our jovial reunion next summer.

Perhaps other colleagues who have shown an interest, including Henry Fletcher (Mitre 1960-65) and Mark Packard (Mitre 1960-65), will join us.

A Summer Gathering of Lifelong Friends

By Yu-Hsin Liao (School 2000-05) For the second year running, Tom Whiteley (School 2000-05) and Rachel (née Whiteley) (Field 2002-07) Storey’s parents have generously welcomed ORs from the 2005 and 2007 cohorts to their beautiful home in Tickhill. Under glorious blue skies, in their picturesque garden, Tom and Rachel’s friends enjoyed a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and catch up.

All in attendance are truly grateful to the Whiteley family for their warm hospitality. Notably, Sam Cook (School 2000-05) and his wife travelled from Abu Dhabi, while Yu-Hsin Liao (School 2000-05) and his wife made the journey from Taiwan – a true testament to the lasting friendships forged at Repton.

Middle row L-R: Suzie Adkin (née Chamberlain) (Abbey 2002-07), Nick Samra (New 2002-07), Sarah Blackwell (Abbey 2002-07), Ollie Hastie (School 2003-05), Yu-Hsin Liao (School 2000-05) Front row L-R: Ashlie Samra (née Caddick) (Garden 2005-07), Rachel Storey (née Whiteley) (Field 2002-07), Susie Catlin (née Gilbert) (Field 2002-07)

Attendees: Back row L-R: Archie Village (School 2000-05), Sam Cook (School 2000-05), Rosie Gardener (Abbey 200005), Jack Kay (School 2000-05), George Dunnicliff (School 2000-05), Marcus Brenchley (School 2000-05), Tom Whiteley (School 2000-05), Dan Cottier (Latham 1999-02), Emma Smith (Field 2002-07), Annie Smith (Field 2002-07).

THE ARCH

21

BRANCHES & CLUBS

Music The Sounds of Success Aaron Hibell (Orchard 2009-14) is a shining example of creativity and resilience. Aaron has forged an impressive career in electronic music, blending his classical training with cutting-edge techno and trance to create a truly unique sound.

Since leaving Repton, Aaron’s Monastery of Sound mixtapes have garnered critical acclaim, leading to collaborations with renowned composer Lorne Balfe and work on the Apple TV+ film Tetris.

His 2024 remix of Billie Eilish’s

“CHIHIRO” achieved viral success, with over fifty million views, while performances at iconic clubs and festivals such as Boiler Room London and Tomorrowland have cemented his place on the global stage.

Aaron’s openness about his personal health challenges and commitment to raising awareness exemplify the values we cherish in the Reptonian Community. His journey continues to inspire current pupils and alumni alike.

Making Impressive Debuts and Expanding His International Presence in 2024/2025 Liam James Karai (New 2011-16) has been making significant strides in his operatic career since we last checked in, marking exciting debuts at some of Europe’s most prestigious venues. In 2024/25, Liam has stepped onto the stages of Teatro di San Carlo in Naples, the Polish National Opera and the Erl Tiroler Festspiele, showcasing his growing versatility and artistic range.

vocal richness and commanding stage presence, solidifying his reputation as a leading bass baritone in the contemporary and classical opera scene.

With a busy schedule in the year ahead, we are thrilled to confirm that Liam will be returning to Repton on 21 February 2026 for a recital. Please contact the OR Society for more information.

His performances this season continue to draw praise for their

Finale Rocca 22

THE ARCH

BRANCHES & CLUBS

The Making by Lavinia Blackwall Singer-songwriter Lavinia Blackwall (Field 1995-00) has produced her second solo album, The Making (released on 30 May), which Shindig! magazine has described as a fivestar “classic in the making”. Lavinia said of her time at Repton: “The Art and Music departments at Repton were my sanctuary. I had the most amazing teachers, who really inspired me and supported my development.

My music teacher, Mr Williams, was a stickler for detail, which I didn’t like as a teen, but he taught me so much

about harmony and theory. Mr Fairbrother was my guitar teacher – I wasn’t much good at the guitar, but he really encouraged my songwriting tendencies. He and Mr Dacey arranged for a recording session, and I was able to make my own CD – which was a big deal back in the 90s! As well as being a truly inspirational art teacher, Mr Bournon was also an excellent musician and set up shows called “Rockit”, where School bands could play their own material in front of an audience. This was such a thrill.

I feel very lucky to have been given such a solid foundation to build on and owe a great deal to those teachers who saw potential in me and encouraged me every step of the way.”

A Review of The Making by Lavinia Blackwall

By John Plowright (former staff) autonomy, is the most explicitly autobiographical of the album’s songs, dealing with Lavinia’s departure from The Trembling Bells, the Glasgow-based folk-rock group in which she was keyboardist and lead singer for a decade.

Successful sophomore albums are notoriously difficult to create but Lavinia Blackwall’s The Making, ably assisted by instrumentalist, producer and partner Marco Rea, is an unqualified triumph. The high standard is set by the opening track, “Keep Me Away from the Dark”, which manages brilliantly to balance dark lyrics with an infectiously upbeat tune.

From its title one might imagine that “The Damage We Have Done” is an ecological lament but lyrics and music are ultimately joyful and (after)life affirming - rejecting nihilistic despair in favour of one day when “we’ll always be together/ Where all our time stands still/And everything moves on forever.”

“Scarlet Fever” (with lyrics by yours truly) remind us of Lavinia’s deep roots in folk music, with Sandy Denny commonly invoked to reference the beautiful crystalline quality of her voice, whilst Lavinia herself has spoken of feeling the shadow of Dolly Collins when producing the song’s music.

“Morning to Remember” pictures an exceptionally eventful morning for Lavinia’s featured female, with a soaring chorus which shifts the narrator’s perspective from the terrestrial to a godlike - or at least bird’s eye - view of events.

The album’s title track comprises just two stately verses lyrically attuned to the changeless rhythms of nature whilst the irregular time signatures of the chorus help make it that type of song which on just one hearing lodges itself firmly and pleasingly in the brain.

“We All Get Lost” is about coping with inner demons while “The Art of Leaving” sees the act of moving on from dual perspectives and wisely counsels eschewing hatred as ultimately self-harming.

“The Will To Be Wild”, is as close as the album comes to a

straightforward heartfelt love song and the last and longest track, “Sisters in Line”, alternates the most radically in mood of all the songs on the album, from the languorously cosmic to busy brassy jauntiness and back again, with matters brought to a close as Lavinia’s hypnotically soaring yet soothing vocals melt away and the lush musical accompaniment attains a state of blissful serenity.

Music when marketed, broadcast and analysed needs to be categorised.

That process is not always very helpful though, especially with an artist like Lavinia, who has absorbed such an eclectic mix of influences, ranging from ambient electronics and the Anatolian rock of Erkin Koray to the music of Neil Young and Robert Wyatt, not forgetting much traditional folk and most folk-rock along the way. How then should we categorise The Making? Its range is such that to think one could do so would be a forlorn hope. We should simply cherish the fact that it’s superbly crafted and deliciously diverse, and class it as very good indeed.

“My Hopes Are All Mine”, which celebrates the joys of cultural THE ARCH

23

BRANCHES & CLUBS

The Arts Mycorrhizal: An Exhibition of Private and Professional Creative Practice 32 ORs who contributed work: Alex Harold (Priory 2008-13) Reuben Blakeman (Cross 2014-19) Alistair Riley (Priory 1997-02) Sophie Griffiths (Field 2003-08) Hattie Hutchinson (Mitre 2010-15) Jack Dickson (Brook 1988-92) Tori Murphy (Abbey 1993-98) Repton School was proud to host Mycorrhizal, a special exhibition showcasing the private and professional creative practice of artists, designers, and makers whose journeys have been shaped by the inspirational former Head of Art Jeremy Bournon (198715). Marking a decade since his retirement from a distinguished career in Art education and an extraordinary 46 years in the classroom – Jeremy returned as both curator and subject of this unique event.

The exhibition brings together an eclectic body of work from former students and colleagues across the five schools in which Jeremy taught. Their contributions span a remarkable range of disciplines, including architectural and product design, fashion, ceramics, painting, photography, poetry, scientific models, sculpture, writing, music, and sound installation. Each piece reflects the lasting influence of Bournon’s encouragement and his belief in nurturing creativity at its roots.

Duncan Mills (Brook 1986-91) Ludmilla Peryer (Garden 1997-00) Fran Salisbury (Abbey 2003-08) Rowland Rhodes – Dorset Coast Line

Elle Jackson-Cohen (Garden 2011-14) Harold Chapman (Latham 1986-89) Leta Bernhoeft (Field 2009-11) Alec Farmer (Priory 2005-07) Anna Borup (Garden 2004-09) Adam Staples (Brook 1986-91) Margot Sanders (Garden 2002-04) Tom Hume (Latham 2006-11) Charlie Jefferson (Cross 1991-96) Chris Priestley (Latham 2009-12) Lavinia Blackwall (Field 1995-00) Georgia Dymock (Mitre 2011-16) Alice Kell (Abbey 2000-02) Ben Lawrenson (Latham 1992-97)

Jack Dickson – Self Portrait

Charlie Cooke (Hall 1987-92) Ruth Millington (Field 2000-05) Edwin Hillier (School 2002-07) Rowland Rhodes (New 1998-03)

Jeremy describes the exhibition’s title as a metaphor for his life’s work: “Mycorrhizal fungus forms a symbiotic relationship with tree root systems, supporting growth and resilience. I thought that was the perfect metaphor for people in education, and particularly for my time teaching art.”

Kelly Wilkinson (Field 1999-01) Marina Firth (Abbey 1994-97) Jemima Hand (Mitre 2011-15 ) Tristram Fane Saunders (Orchard 2006-11)

Georgia Dymock – Resting Mare Face

24

THE ARCH

Duncan Mills – Cumbrian Landscape

BRANCHES & CLUBS

Thriving on Stage and Screen Over the years remarkable achievements have shaped the worlds of theatre and television, and two of our well-known alumni, Tom Chambers (New, 1990-95) and George Rainsford (Mitre 1996-00), are carving impressive paths in their acting careers, both separately and together.

promises to bring new depth and energy to the enduring legacy of Morse, blending classic mystery with theatrical excitement.

Tom Chambers, known for his compelling performances, is currently starring in Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts, a brandnew stage adaptation of the iconic detective series. This production is set to tour throughout 2025 and into 2026, captivating audiences with a fresh, live take on the beloved character. Tom’s portrayal

Meanwhile, George Rainsford has taken on the challenging role of DSI Roy Grace in the stage adaptation of Picture You Dead by Peter James. This gripping thriller has been receiving acclaim for its intense storyline and George’s powerful performance. In addition, George stars in the smash-hit national theatre production Dear England, which is touring theatres

across the country from September to March, showcasing his versatility and continued appeal on stage.

Even more exciting, these two accomplished actors are coming together for the much-anticipated 13th series of Father Brown, a collaboration that has fans eagerly awaiting the new episodes.

New Roles, New Horizons Emma Balderston (Mitre 2016-19), who previously appeared at Derby Theatre in productions of Beauty and the Beast and A Christmas Carol, returned to the venue this year to play Curley’s wife in a new stage production of Of Mice and Men. Directed by Sarah Brigham and based on the classic novel by John Steinbeck, the show opened at Derby Theatre before touring the UK. This represents an important milestone in Emma’s acting career and a chance for her talent to shine in one of modern literature’s most enduring and emotionally rich stories. Her growing recognition continues as she takes on emergency cover for the role of Daisy in The Great Gatsby at Derby Theatre.

THE ARCH

25

BRANCHES & CLUBS

Authors Alex Urwin (Latham 2013-15)

Polly Compton (Mitre 2003-08)

Alex Urwin (Latham 2013-15) has co-written Mad Dog: The Mickey Lewis Story, a tribute to the late Mickey Lewis. From his combative playing days to his pioneering coaching, the book dives deep into his outsized legacy. With insights from football greats like Ron Atkinson and Chris Wilder, it is a moving and inspiring exploration of leadership, and a celebration of the beautiful game.

Polly Compton (née Challinor) (Mitre 2003-08) has written and published Pud’s Really Smart Adventure.

This charming rhyming story follows Pud as she swaps screen time for green time, heading outdoors with the help of Aunt Pol. It is the perfect read to inspire little ones to explore the wonders of the natural world.

Caroline England (Abbey 1978-81) Caroline England (Abbey 1978-81) has written two fantastic new thrillers this year. The Return of Frankie Whittle – a dark, twisty psychological thriller full of secrets, suspense and shocking reveals – is available on Amazon. Caroline’s newest release, Behind Her Smile, is also available to order. Tense, disturbing and clever, this book takes you on a journey with main character Laurie Dunn as she unearths long-buried secrets.

26

THE ARCH

Myles Lound (Orchard 1997-02) The Alex Drayce series of books, written by Myles Lound (Orchard 1997-02), is a collection of fast-paced, high-octane thriller novels. The first book, Nowhere to Hide, was published in 2023, with both the second, On the Run, and third, Worth Killing For, following in 2024. Myles wrote the books under the pseudonym of Max Luther, choosing to keep his real name off the covers because of his ongoing career in the security sector. His books have been described as “relentless, authentic and suspenseful”.

BRANCHES & CLUBS

The Masonic Lodge

By Ian McClary (former staff 2002-11)

The OR Lodge has enjoyed another productive and successful year.

Our five newest members are making good progress on their masonic journey, and we had another superb experience at Repton at our September meeting, when we were once again most grateful for the Headmaster’s hospitality and warm welcome.

Our January and June meetings at Freemason’s Hall in London were also very well attended and enjoyed by all. The Lodge regularly welcomes masonic guests from around the UK and the world, and this year we had visitors from Louisiana and Hong Kong, who were

able to appreciate the importance of the bonds that we form at Repton. The Worshipful Master’s chosen charity this year was Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, and the Lodge’s donation was most gratefully received. As W Bro Ed Birkin succeeds W Bro Michael Bond as Worshipful Master, we look forward to another year of great company, mutual support and opportunities to reflect upon those shared values and aspirations that help us build ourselves into better people and citizens.

The OR Lodge was founded in 1914 on the core principles of Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Charity. If you would like to know more about our rich history and membership please contact Ian McClary secretary@orl.org.uk.

THE ARCH

27

SPORTS

Parker 100 Challenge The Parker 100 is more than just a run; it’s a tribute to Chris Parker, a cherished Repton teacher whose optimism and fairness inspired generations.

Since 1986, the Parker 100 has been a Lent Term tradition, encouraging Reptonians

to demonstrate dedication and resilience by completing 100 miles in 10 weeks. This is the first time the Parker 100 has been open to ORs, and with 112 ORs across the world, from the UK, Australia and the USA to South Africa and UAE taking

A total of 33 ORs completed the 100-mile challenge: Aaron Ho (Foremarke) Edward Patton (Latham 2017-19) Freddie Nelson (Latham 2017-20) Hannah Mann (Mitre 2010-15) Harry Taroni (Orchard 2008-13) James Cobb (Brook 1990-95) Juliet Wolfe (Abbey, 1983-85) Max Bristow (Cross 2019-24) Megan Klymowec (Garden 2017-19) Ollie Badger (Orchard 1999-04) Ted Gillett (Latham 2021-13) Bruce Beaton (New 1990-95) Elliott Todd (School 2012-17) Georgie Brownhill (Mitre 2013-18) Hannah Mather (Abbey 1992-95) Hermione Wright (Garden 2012-17) James Kilby (New 2004-09) Lucy Gould (Mitre 2014-19) Max Ewart-White (New 2017-22) Michael Stones (Orchard 2004-08) Ollie Jarvis (Orchard 2013-18) Tom Goodall (New 1993-98) Chloe Swinbank (Mitre 2014-19) Emily Gething Lewis (Field 2007-12) Hannah Lipton (Garden 2013-18) Harry Bennett (New 2015-17) James Boyce (Priory 2005-10) Jenna Davies (Field 2018-21) Lydia Riley (Garden 1997-02) Meg Prince (Field 2018-23) Mike Cobb (School 1995-00) Rob Overend (New 1990-95) Tom Mather (Priory 1994-99)

28

THE ARCH

part, it has gone well beyond the “Short Milton”! Ted Gillett (Latham 2021-23) was the first to clock up the mileage, completing the distance in just 3 weeks, and going on to rack up an incredible 432 miles in total!

SPORTS

Netball

By Daisy Heath-Abbott (Garden 2006-09) The Old Reptonian Netball team, founded in 2019, has just signed up for its 18th season. We’re currently playing on Clapham Common every Tuesday, and we kicked things off with a fantastic 16-11 win in our opening game – even more impressive after coming back from 5-0 down in the first quarter.

at daisyheathabbott@hotmail. co.uk or follow us on Instagram @ORNetball.

Our next season begins in the new year, and we’d love to welcome new players to the team. Whether you’re a regular on the court or haven’t played since you were at School, come and get involved. For more information, drop Daisy a line

Fives

By David Exley (Priory 1995-00)

The “season” began with six ORs representing OREFC and numerous other School connections in the Midlands Open in early November 2024. Sam Basu (Orchard 1989-94) and Jean-Pierre Hourlier (School 1995-00) made it to the last 16, while David and Richard Exley (Priory 1995-00 and Priory 1998-03) scraped through to the quarterfinals, although both pairs lost to the eventual winners from St Olave’s. It was great to have so many enthusiastic Reptonians (both bona fide and borrowed) involved. The School season was the core of OR Fives activity and has now established a keen group of players who have regular fixtures against Oakham, Uppingham, Stowe, Wrekin and Shrewsbury, while entering a range of southern school tournaments and national qualifying events. These include tournaments where ORs join forces with the School to create hybrid Repton teams. Celia Allen (Abbey 2019-24) joined Karen Hird (current staff) and four schoolgirls to

compete for the Black Cup, a ladies team competition, in November, placing fifth out of eight teams and securing victory in the plate competition. In December The Graham Turnbull trophy saw former staff members Charles Plummer and David Exley join forces with the pupils and coaches to create four Reptonian pairs who enjoyed a developmental day of fives at Eton.

Recently, OR representation has been significant at the university championships, with Henry BartonSmith (Cross 2018-23) representing Bath University and Claudia Tate (Mitre 2019-24) representing Exeter University in the mixed event, where she impressively reached this year’s semi-finals.

The year was rounded off in the Summer Term with a group of twelve ORs, all recent leavers, visiting the courts in some glorious June sunshine for some friendly

matches with the School. OR Day in August saw a smaller but very competitive set of fixtures where the spoils were shared, with two matches going the way of the ORs and two the way of the School.

For anyone interested in playing fives with ORs, there is a regular “club night” combined with Derby Moor at Repton every Wednesday evening and, as mentioned above, numerous days where ORs play in specific events. Please contact David Exley at dexley@repton.org. uk if you are interested.

THE ARCH

29

SPORTS

Cricket

By Peter Bradburn (Priory 1967-72), President, Repton Pilgrims We have had a welcome return to some form in the Cricketer Cup. In the first match against the Old Cholmeleians, Will Tarrant (Cross 2019-24) and Will Hobson (School 2015-20) put on an opening partnership of 205 – the highest Pilgrim partnership for any wicket in the competition. In the second match against Eton Ramblers on a tricky “hybrid” wicket, Callum Brodrick (Cross 2014-15) played a superb hand in enabling the Pilgrims to set a challenging total. Henry Eldred (Priory 200712), bowling with great fire, and well supported by Archie Harrison (Latham 2020-22), put Eton to the sword and claimed a fine victory.

In the quarter-final the Pilgrims were drawn against the Old Tonbridgians, whom we had never beaten in eight attempts in the competition. Having been in a strong position of 217 for 2 in the 42nd over, there was a dramatic batting collapse to finish all out for 226 in the 47th over. Despite the bowlers’ efforts, and some brilliant fielding by Brodrick and Nafis Shaikh (Latham 2020-22), the opposition ran out comfortable winners at the end of the 43rd over.

It was a case of “so near and yet so far” against the losing finalist of this year’s competition.

30

THE ARCH

In the other two matches (Repton School were hosts to the SPREB festival, meaning fewer games were played in the week, and Oundle Rovers were unable to raise a side), the School batted hard to post a total that required the Pilgrims to score at a shade above 7 runs per over. Despite a half-century from James Sookias (School 2012-17) and a spirited and unbroken last wicket partnership of 49 between Freddie Cheshire (School 2015-17) and Finley Byrne (School 2014-19), the Pilgrims fell just short. In the Lincolnshire Gents’ match, it was the opposition who set a daunting target, but Tarrant (again!) and George Pocklington (New 202025), playing in his debut match for the Pilgrims, put on 174 for the opening partnership. With Owen Randall (Orchard 2016-21) weighing in with a useful knock at No.3, the challenge was met with ease in the 38th over.

It is particularly gratifying to see a good number of recent leavers, of obvious cricketing calibre, playing for and enjoying the camaraderie of the Pilgrims. This is in no small part due to the contributions of Cameron Wake, Martin Speight and Headmaster Mark Semmence, who have been so supportive of the club. In 2027 there is likely to be a Women’s Cricketer Cup competition, so, with the added contribution of Chris Simons, the Women’s Pilgrims could have a good chance of winning the inaugural competition, emulating the Men’s Pilgrims team back in 1967.

SPORTS

P5 W3 L2 Repton Pilgrims 306-7, Old Cholmeleians 124

Won by 182 runs

[Tarrant 122, Hobson 82] [Miller 89, Hidderley 3-33]

Repton School 247-7, Repton Pilgrims 229-9

Lost by 18 runs

[Crossley 59, Khan 59, Fraine 56] [Sookias 54, Simons 39]

Repton Pilgrims 226, Eton Ramblers 162

Won by 64 runs

[Brodrick 89, Tarrant 55, Eldred 36, Vanderspar 5-43] [Vanderspar 54, Fulton 35, Eldred 6-29]

Lincolnshire Gents 284-9, Repton Pilgrims 289-1 Won by 9 wickets

[Watkins 93, W Taylor 79, Tarrant 3-81] [Pocklington 103 (ret*), Tarrant 100 (ret*), Randall 65*]

Repton Pilgrims 226, Old Tonbridgians: 227-5

[Shaikh 81, Brodrick 53, Chapman-Lilley 39, Hadfield 4-29, M O’Riordan 3-48] [Nolan 68, M O’Riordan 48, Bevan-Thomas 42*]

Lost by 5 wickets

THE ARCH

31

SPORTS

Football the second half settled into a tense cat-and-mouse affair. But as legs tired, the relative youth of the Whites began to show. The Blues made changes to what had been a resolute defence – featuring the ever-reliable Paul Brownhill (Priory 1980-85), Dick Darby (Hall 1981-86), Joey Ascott (Cross 1985-90) and Pete “The Cat” Elsom (New 1982-87) in goal – and it proved costly.

OR Day was filled with a mix of victories and defeats across a great variety of games. Below is a collection of match reports from each football team captain.

Veterans’ Match – Simon Oborn (Orchard 1989-91) Oborn XI 3-4 Webster XI As has become tradition in recent years, the OR Day football festivities kicked off with the Veterans’ match on San Hall. Two evenly balanced (and aged) teams took to the field, captained by Jonny Webster (New House 1990-95) (the “Whites”) and Simon Oborn (the “Blues”).

With Julian Stocks (Hall 197883) pulling strings in midfield, the Whites’ forward trio of Dan Yarwood (New 1998-03), Eddie Blount (New 1989-92) and Jonny Webster started to exploit the gaps.

They quickly pulled one back, then levelled, before edging ahead 3-2.

Controversy followed when Eddie Blount added what appeared to be a clearly offside goal; unrepentant and unapologetic, he wheeled away as the referee (lacking VAR or assistants) allowed it. The Blues were furious.

With each side losing a player to the inevitable Veterans’ injuries, 32

THE ARCH

The final whistle confirmed another narrow loss, 2-1. Disappointing again, but it felt like progress. The wait for a win continues, but the performance gives us something to build on.

1st XI Match – Nicky Samra (New 2002-07) ORs 5-2 School 1st XI Despite a disjointed preseason, disrupted by opposition withdrawals, pitch cancellations and the usual player unavailability, we delivered one of our strongest OR Day performances in recent memory.

That fire translated into a late resurgence, with goalkeeper Pete Elsom even venturing upfield to grab a third for the Blues. But time ran out, and the match ended 4-3 to the Whites. A brilliant contest played in great spirit, with the Blues vowing to return next year and right the perceived injustice.

Exhibition Match – Joe Riley (Priory 2016-21) Kilby XI 2-1 Riley XI

Despite an average age north of 50, the game was fiercely competitive from the start. The Blues struck first after Rick Basnett (Orchard 1986-91) was taken down in the box and, unable to continue, handed penalty duties to Mike Pett (Mitre 1993-98), who duly converted. They soon added a second before the break, giving them a commanding 2-0 lead at half-time.

With five minutes to go, we thought our chance had come. Will Ingham (Priory 2016-21) was brought down in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Confidence was high but the penalty wasn’t. Jack Smith (Orchard 2006-09) guessed right, and the opportunity slipped away.

We went into the game hoping to end our winless streak in this fixture, but once again it wasn’t meant to be. After a promising opening spell, we found ourselves two goals down by half-time. The first came from a breakdown in communication between myself and Will Wilkinson (Priory 201520), allowing the Kilby striker to nip in and finish. The second was an unstoppable strike from Oliver Hickman (Orchard 2017-19) straight into the top corner from distance.

We responded well after the break.

With more intensity and purpose, we pulled one back when Alex Mair (Priory 2016-21) rifled a loose ball into the top corner – a superb finish that gave us belief. Minutes later, Alex Haleem (Priory 2019-21) capitalised on a poor back pass and twisted the defender inside-out, only to be denied by an excellent save.

Jake Raine (Cross 2015-20) stole the show with a well-deserved hattrick. His first was a moment of brilliance: a long-range strike that dipped just in time to crash in off the underside of the bar. Alex Evans (New 2004-09), a veteran of many OR Days, added another goal to his impressive tally on The Square with a trademark free kick, while Tommy Redhead (Orchard 201719) rounded off a confident display by getting on the scoresheet himself.

The School side grew into the match and carved out two goals of their own, led by the impressive Freddie Johnston (Priory U6), who drove his team forwards with purpose. Matt Elliot (Priory 2012-17) could do little about either finish, one of which was a well-taken penalty.

A special mention goes to our two recent leavers, Matt Rennie (New 2023-25) and Amos Federico (Cross

SPORTS

Lloyd completed his hat-trick late in the second half, although two of the three remain under official review. Lochlan Hardy (Cross 201618) and Robbie Johnston (Priory 2020-25) stood firm at the back, helping to see out the clean sheet in a second half where the School never really recovered.

The School showed plenty of technical quality, but the ORs had too much on the day.

2023-25), both of whom made an impact off the bench. Rennie was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet, while Federico – born in 2007, the same year his midfield partner Nicky Samra left the School – was a constant presence in the middle, showing maturity beyond his years in possession and disrupting play as the game became more open.

before half-time, capitalising on a strong spell of OR pressure.

The second half began with the School creating a few promising openings, but Charlie Ryder (Cross 2018-20) extended the ORs’ lead with a well-taken set piece. Soon after, Lloyd added another, despite the referee controversially crediting it as an own goal.

The OR 3rd XI made the long trip to Top Sale, but the journey did nothing to dull their energy. Both teams started brightly, with Repton 3rd XI matching our tempo in the early exchanges. The deadlock was broken by Jeremy Nelson (Latham 2014-19) of Fortune Hotel fame, whose goal injected confidence and momentum into the side.

All in all, it was a satisfying performance with a good mix of experience, youthful energy and moments of real quality.

2nd XI Match – Charlie Ryder (Cross 2018-20) ORs 5-0 School 2nd XI The ORs came into this match with a strong squad and high expectations. The School started brightly, exploiting the ORs’ 3-4-3 shape, but it was the visitors who struck first, with James Lloyd (Cross 2015-17) cutting in from the left in trademark fashion to open the scoring.

An early injury to Harrison Birch (Latham 2018-20) forced him off for an early pint, but Zak Watson (New 2019-24) soon doubled the lead

3rd XI Match – William Needham (New 2014-19) ORs 5-3 School 3rd XI

Injuries began to pile up as Tom Wilkinson (Cross 2012-17) joined Birch on the sidelines, leaving the ORs without much depth to rotate.

Even so, Kayl Kurmaly (Cross 201620) continued to dictate the game from midfield, creating wave after wave of attack. Debuting, Charlie Walmisley (Priory 2020-25) and Louis Cholerton (School 2023-25) looked comfortable and composed.

Repton responded with a welltaken goal, capitalising on a rare hands-free goalkeeping display from one of our rotating keepers.

At 1-1, the match was finely poised going into the break.

The second half exploded into life with a flurry of goals. Central defender Joel Muir (School 2018-20) poached one from close range in

THE ARCH

33

SPORTS

true Lineker fashion, before Matty Lewis (Priory 2015-20) fired in from a tight angle just inside the box.

Milan Stanojevic (Latham 2015-20) then rose highest to nod home a towering header from Fin Byrne’s (School 2014-19) corner. Moments later, Byrne stole the show with a sharp turn and drilled finish into the bottom corner after pivoting 180 degrees on his left foot.

Repton struck back with two goals of their own, taking full advantage of our aggressive formation with a pair of slick counter-attacks.

But our dominant second-half performance proved decisive, and the ORs saw out a deserved win.

4th XI Match – Joe Riley (Priory 2016-21) ORs 4-0 School 4th XI

from Kilby sending Hamish clear again – calmly slotted home for 2–0.

With the rivalry set aside, Kilby and Riley XIs merged to form a combined team for the traditional School 4s. We decided on making 5 substitutions every 15 minutes to keep a high intensity – a blessing for legs that had already done plenty.

Moments later, Hamish sealed his hat-trick with a cheeky flick at the near post – shades of Vardy in his prime, and all in the space of just 12 minutes. Will Ingham (Priory 201621) added the fourth after more good interplay, finishing smartly to wrap up the scoring.

The combined side clicked straight away. Hamish Fergusson (Cross 2019-21) struck the opener after being slipped through by James Kilby (New 2004-09) with a perfectly weighted ball. Their connection continued, with a cross-field switch

34

THE ARCH

The second half was played in cruise control. The result never looked in doubt, and the team didn’t need to get out of second gear. It was a comfortable win to end the day and a reminder of the quality that comes when the squads unite.

SPORTS

Golf

By Paul Brownhill (Priory 1980-85) and afternoon trophies were won by relatively recent leavers. James Sookias (School 2012-17) (the current Cricketer Cup captain) won the John Low Cup and then teamed up with Archie Harrison (Latham 2020-22) to win the Duxbury and HM Pepper Cup.

The Old Reptonian Golfing Society has had another fabulous year, with growing membership across all age groups and skill levels. Our very best team took part in both the Halford Hewitt and the Grafton Morrish.

In the Halford Hewitt, our team played some fabulous golf but lost to a very strong Rossall side, who had already beaten the favourites, Loretto, in the first round. The crowd of supporters followed the team, many of whom had taken part in the Peter Kenyon Bowl at Princes the day before. The Peter Kenyon Bowl is open to all handicaps, and I would encourage you to come down for a few days to play and watch at one of England’s finest golfing destinations.

We are very proud that our very own Keith Andrews (Orchard 196670) is President of the Halford Hewitt this year, and a group of us enjoyed the hospitality of Royal St Georges during the competition, to celebrate his tenure.

Our Grafton Morrish team qualified for the finals in North Norfolk in October, but sadly came across a very strong Loretto side in the first round. As the tail end of storm Amy hit the Norfolk coast, the course was almost unplayable, but in spite of the weather we managed to make it to the semi-final of the plate completion.

So far, we have had well over a hundred golfers taking part in Repton Golf. This year we combined our Yorkshire Golf meeting with the Yorkshire Dinner, and it was encouraging to see numbers for both events benefit. A sell-out at the dinner in Harrogate was matched by a strong turnout at Alwoodley Golf Club in North Leeds.

Bec Brookes (Abbey 1993-98) captained our team of Kate Hands (Abbey 1990-92), Erica Sanders (Garden 2010-15) and Harriet Glover (Mitre 2015-17) in the Silver Tassie at The Berkshire Golf Club at the start of June. It was great to see debuts from Kate and Harriet in a field of just under a hundred ladies across 21 schools. The competition is for teams of two pairs of golfers playing 4BBB handicap Stableford. The competition is played over 18 holes, with the winning team producing the best combined Stableford score. With prizes for both lowest gross and lowest net scores, it is a competition for all.

For golfers with less ambitious playing levels, the prestigious Public Schools Midlands Meeting is a wonderful competition, hosted at the glorious Little Aston and organised on the day by Tony Bishop (Priory 1972-75). I am very proud to say I was part of the winning side, which means our captain, Alex Needham (New 201015), has now won it twice in the last three years.

Douglas Campbell (Hall 1971-76) once again took a team up to Royal Burgess Golf Club, and while the outcome was not as good as we would have wanted, a good time was had by all. Douglas continues to look for all low handicap golfers interested in joining him in the wonderful scratch competition.

On Sunday 31 August we were back at Little Aston, with an impressive turnout of over 50 ORs, pupils and staff from the School to take part in the annual fixture. It is clear that golf at Repton is flourishing, and we are hoping to build on this enthusiasm with other opprotunities.

September saw us beat both Westminster and Shrewsbury, and in our final fixture of the season we played Marlborough at Rye Golf Club, where we sadly lost in a close match.

The conclusion of our season saw the semi-finals and finals of the Arnell Bowl and Presidents Tankard at Sunningdale and Little Aston, respectively. These two competitions are open to golfers of all standards, from both Repton and Malvern, and this year both competitions were won by Malvernians.

Encouraging young OR golfers to become involved in OR Golf is very important to us. The OR Society supports us with our continued support of anyone under the age of 35 who wants to join us and play golf.

Perhaps our best attended day this year was the Midlands meeting, again organised by Alex Needham at Little Aston. With over thirty in attendance and a high percentage of those under the age of 30, it was fitting that both the morning

We are always looking to welcome new members, of any age, and we particularly want to encourage both younger and female golfers of all standards to join us. If you’re under 25, you can enjoy two rounds of golf on top courses, plus lunch, all for just £50. I think you’ll agree that’s fantastic value. I hope to see you on a golf course soon.

THE ARCH

35

SPORTS

Tennis

By Jamie Muirhead (Cross 2009-11) It is difficult to believe it’s that time of year already, with the tennis courts closed and the nights drawing in.

OR Versus Current Team Match The OR Tennis year started rather damply on 7 June, as rain stopped play on our annual OR vs current team match. We have been very lucky with the weather in recent years, so it was going to happen at some point, but still a great shame given the hard work that James Rushby and the current Repton team put into preparations. We look forward to catching up again next year.

It’s also great to hear that the current team are training hard and progressing well, so there’s lots of promise for future OR teams. We wish the team a successful year ahead.

D’Abernon Cup Campaign 2025 I cannot believe it has been over ten years since we started competing in the D’Abernon Cup. Our D’Abernon Cup campaign this year kicked off at Eton on 26 July with the quarter-final and semi-final (as last year’s finalists, we earned a bye through the earlier qualifying rounds). An early surprise was that perennial rivals Reeds were not present, having struggled with late dropouts and injuries, together with hosts Eton.

An OR team of Jamie Muirhead (Cross 2009-11), Daniel Cottier (Latham 1999-02), Harrison Birch (Latham 2018-20) and Phil Brindley (New 2002-04) took full advantage and secured a clean sweep, winning every set to take their place in another final.

Our opposition on 7 September was to be new faces the Old Wellingtonians, with the ORs represented by Rich Harrison (Hall 1992-94) and Dan Cottier, Paddy Foley (New 2011-13) and Phil Brindley, and Harrison Birch and (debutant) Harry Spear (Latham 2019-24). The stage, Aoranghi Park, Wimbledon.

Early signs were promising as the ORs nudged to a 3-0 lead after round 1. Following lunch, the ORs strength in depth continued to be decisive, with two further convincing wins, putting victory beyond doubt. Despite strong resistance from Wellington’s top pair right to the end, we managed an impressive 9-0 win to regain the title and the trophy. No mean feat, and a testament to the consistency and commitment of everyone in the team to continue competing and training at a high level for more than a decade.

Recent D’Abernon Cup History This year marks the tenth year since (in 2014) we again started entering the D’Abernon Cup (Annual

36

THE ARCH

Independent School Alumni Competition), and the tenth final in a row!

This was a good time for a short trip down memory lane. Our 2014 final team included some familiar faces: we have had over fifteen different players represent the ORs in the D’Abernon Cup since 2014, and with ten finals, and seven wins, it’s not a bad record.

However, with the competition having started in 1929, there’s still a way to go to chase down the most decorated team, UCS Old Boys, but we’ll keep at it!

Other Recent Achievements This year has also been a successful one for OR Tennis silverware more broadly, with Rich Harrison (Hall 1992-94) captaining the Derbyshire Men’s Over-35 team to victory in the National Inter-County Championships at Eastbourne.

Winning division 1 to be crowned the top county in the country is a phenomenal achievement. James Rushby (Repton Head Tennis Coach) and Daniel Cottier were key players in this historic win – only the second time Derbyshire has taken the title, the last being in 2003.

A big thank you to all who participated, spectated and supported us throughout 2025.

Looking forward to 2026, if you’d like to get involved with OR Tennis in the future, including in the new ladies inter-school alumni competition, or simply want to stay informed, please email me at muirheadjamie@gmail.com.

I look forward to seeing many of you on the courts in 2026!

SPORTS

Squash

By Ben Miller (current staff) The School was delighted to welcome several ORs back to Repton for a range of friendly matches on OR Day, including more recent leavers. Happily, squash at the School continues to thrive, with our first entry in the England Squash National Schools Championships being confirmed for November and a healthy range of fixtures planned for the Lent Term. This has been bolstered by the recent establishment of two Repton adults’ sides, with two teams now competing in both the Derbyshire and Leicestershire county leagues.

These groups include enthusiastic amateur players through to those of a semi-professional standard, providing added opportunities for current Reptonians to compete in adult competitions to progress their game, much like the model successfully adapted by the School’s Hockey and Tennis clubs.

In time, this will help to develop a crop of talented ORs who can produce a side to compete in the Londonderry Cup, the premier public schools’ old boys’ squash competition. We plan to host a match between the OR Squash

club and the Repton men’s side in the new year, and we look forward to a keenly contested fixture.

Padel

By Katherine Franklin-Adams (Abbey 1984-86) Twenty pairs representing ten different schools met at the Padel Hub in Epsom on Sunday 9 March 2025 to take part in the inaugural Alumni Schools, Jarvis Cup O50s Padel Tournament. The aim of the event, the brainchild of Old Stoicist Peter Javis, was to bring together alumni players to create a similar vibe to the Halford Hewitt.

The competition, organised by Mark Ayers of UK Padel, began with a four-group stage format, leading to a knockout stage. The original concept of teams of four players was adapted to a pairs format, allowing more players to participate. Thus, four Repton pairs were entered – a fantastic number given this was the first event of its kind. Simon Smith (Mitre 1986-91) and Jeremy West (Brook 1983-88), Adrian Pepper (Hall 1983-88) and Terry Wilkinson (Priory 1982-87), and Katherine Franklin-Adams (Abbey 1984-86) and Gayle Audley (Abbey 1984-86), being the only ladies entered into the women’s competition, were invited to join the men’s draw. They all played some excellent padel matches and fought hard in the group stages, competing against Sherbourne Stowe, St Peter’s York,

Millfield, Pangbourne, Winchester, Stowe and Charterhouse.

Repton’s 1st pair, Sancho Simonds (Mitre 1988-90) and Matt Smith (Hall 1982-84), having won their group stage, brilliantly beating Shrewsbury, Sherbourne, Pangbourne and Salesian, proceeded to the knockout stages. They played fantastically and battled valiantly, losing narrowly in a championship tiebreak.

The chosen format was competitive and fun, with exemplary camaraderie. Given that our teams had never practised together and some had never met, while many of our opposition regularly play together, resulting in honed partnerships, we hope to get some

fun practices in before any further tournaments. We hope this will be the start of many more fun padel competitions that ORs can take part in. Anyone interested in OR Padel tournaments and matches, please contact Katherine868@ hotmail.com.

Katherine and Gayle claimed the Women’s 2025 Padel trophy and reminisced over previously having won the Aberdaire Cup at Queens in 1986 (over forty years earlier!)

The Jarvis Cup Open Padel Tournament took place on 19 October at the new Padel Hub in Fleet, Hampshire. Repton entered two pairs: William Wilkinson (Priory 2015-20) and Nigel Somerville (Mitre 1985-90); and Terry Wilkinson (Priory 1982-87) and Henry Barton-Smith (Cross 2018-23). Terry and Henry lost in the semi-finals in a tiebreak.

L-R: Andrew (aka “Terry”) Wilkinson, William Wilkinson, Henry BartonSmith, Nigel Somerville

THE ARCH

37

SPORTS

Hockey

By Finley Byrne (School 2014-19) and Emilia Kaczmarczyk (Mitre 2014-19)

Match Report: ORs vs Girls’ 1st Team Developmental XI

19), levelling the score at 1-1 just before half-time.

The annual clash between the ORs and the Girls’ 1st team Developmental XI side once again proved to be a highlight of the sporting calendar, a perfect blend of nostalgia, competitiveness and camaraderie. The event, held on 30 August, offered returning alumni the chance to reminisce, reconnect with old friends and, of course, rekindle their competitive spirit on the pitch.

The second half saw the ORs come out with renewed purpose and confidence. Connie (Mitre 2014-19) and Eliza Martin (Mitre 2016-21) combined beautifully to produce a flowing attacking move, slotting home to put the ORs 2-1 up for the first time in the match.

With momentum on their side, the alumni team continued to dominate possession and showcase their skill. Soon after, Emilia struck again with a superb open-field reverse stick shot, extending the lead to 3-1 and sending the OR supporters on the sidelines into celebration.

From the first whistle, it was clear that neither side would take the fixture lightly. The current pupils were the first to find the back of the net after a scrappy exchange in front of goal, giving them an early 1-0 lead. Despite the youthful energy of the students, the ORs showed their experience and determination, keeping the game tightly contested. Standout defensive work from Lucy Gould (Mitre 2014-19), whose tackles set the tone for the match, and driving runs from Bea Bridge (Mitre 2017-19) kept the ORs firmly in contention.

After sustained pressure, the ORs finally found their reward, a superbly executed corner finished

by Emilia Kaczmarczyk (Mitre 2014-

38

THE ARCH

The current pupils fought hard to respond, but the ORs defence, marshalled brilliantly

by Arabella Heap (Mitre 2012-17), who also contributed with several threatening short corner plays, held firm under pressure.

The match concluded 3-1 in favour of the ORs, rounding off an excellent contest. After the final whistle, both sides came together to enjoy an afternoon of laughter, stories and nostalgia, a fitting end to a day that once again celebrated the enduring Repton spirit both on and off the pitch.

Match Report: ORs vs Boys’ 1st XI It was great to be invited to play against a very talented Repton 1st XI Hockey team, who put forward a very strong team.

We called upon the OR Society across many years and managed to provide a good opposition for the Repton side, with age differences of 15 years (2008 leavers to 2023).

The school team played a tough game and showed a depth of fitness and speed, but the OR team brought a range of knowledge and experience to the game that made an exciting match for the spectators.

The ORs managed to bring home a 4-1 victory through the management of James Byrne (School 2010-15) on the side line, and we look forward to welcoming the School leavers of this year into the team for future games.

A special thank you to Adam Dixon (current staff) for providing such a strong team and all the ORs that travelled from all over the country to play. We look forward to another challenging game next year.

SPORTS

Hockey Achievements Lily Walker (Field 2018-20) – Co-captain of England Women’s teams for the FIH Hockey Pro League and 2025 Women’s EuroHockey Championship Flora Peel (Field 2013-15) – Co-captain of England Women’s teams for the FIH Hockey Pro League and 2025 Women’s EuroHockey Championship Harry Stone (New 2018-23), George Fletcher (New 201823) and Alex Chihota (New 2020-22) – Selected for U21 England World Cup Men’s Hockey Sienna Dunn (Garden 2021-23) and Minnie Pollock (Mitre 2021-23) – Selected for U21 England World Cup Women’s Hockey

Bronte Brough (Mitre 2017-22), Tilly Butterworth (Mitre 2019-24) and Lucy Barker (Garden 2023-25) – 2025 Ivy League Hockey Champions, 2025 NCAA Division I field hockey semi finalist, representing Harvard University Ottilie Sykes (Mitre 2018-23) and Tabitha Vaughan (Mitre 2021-25) – 2025 Ivy League Field Hockey Tournament Champions, 2025 NCAA Division I field hockey semi finalist, representing Princeton University Ella Bowman (Mitre 2018-23) – All-Ivy Honourable mention and Co-Captain of Dartmouth Field Hockey representing Dartmouth University Claudia Swain (Mitre 2017-22) – Joins Barnes Hockey Club which is in the England Hockey Premier Division

Swimming Jessica Smelt (Abbey 2023-25) – World Championship Trials Finalist, now at Loughborough University Cameron Jamieson (Latham 2020-25) – National Medallist, now at Loughborough University Maddie Emment (Field 2023-25) – National Champion, now at Marshall University (USA) Izzy Okaro (Abbey 2023-25) – European Junior Champion, now at the University of Birmingham Mabel Walker (Garden 2020-25) – World Championships Trials Qualifier, now at the University of Birmingham Hannah Hodgkiss (Garden 2020-25) – World Championships Trials Qualifier, now at the University of Birmingham Connie Palmer (Field 2023-25) – World Championships Trials Qualifier, now at the University of Birmingham Finn Cordle (Orchard 2020-25) – National Champion (starts apprenticeship with the Royal Navy in January) Ellie Broughton (Mitre 2022-24) – National Champion, transferred to The University of Utah (USA) Hannah Bowley (Abbey 2021-23) – Championships Trials Qualifier (Herriot Watt)

World

Eva Okaro (Abbey 2023-25) – World Championships, now at The University of Texas. Achieved team record 100m freestyle 47.06 seconds Leo Pollock (School 2019-24) – English National Meet Medallist, now at the University of Nottingham Holly Marshall (Garden 2022-24) Championships Finalist, now in Cardiff

–

British

Holly Robinson (Mitre 2022-24) – British Championships Finalist, now at the University of Arkansas THE ARCH

39

CAREERS

Farming and Sustainability Meet Rebecca Wilson (Field 2011-13)

Did your time at Repton School influence your career path?

Absolutely, although perhaps not in the obvious way of pursuing subjects with a single career goal in mind. Despite being the fifth generation on my family farm, I wasn’t plotting a career in farming while sitting in Chapel or running around on the hockey pitch in the rain. But Repton gave me the confidence to take a different route and have faith in myself. It gave me the support to value discipline, independence, connections and resilience – things that shape how I approach life and work on the farm and beyond.

Can you tell us about your journey into farming?

I’m lucky that farming runs in the family, so it has always been part of who I am. That said, while I helped on the farm in the school holidays, I didn’t head straight into it as a career. I studied at the University of Cambridge for my undergraduate degree in Human, Social and Political Sciences. Then, knowing I wanted to venture back to farming in some way, I studied for a Master’s in Rural Land Management at the Royal Agricultural University. Since then, I have worked as a rural surveyor and a project manager.

Returning to the family farm around four years ago has allowed me to blend hands-on work with my social media page, public speaking and advocacy for British agriculture.

What do you love most about life on the farm?

The variety! Genuinely, no two days are the same – from delivering lambs, to driving tractors, to 40

THE ARCH

attending events across the country. As farmers, we join the dots between food production, the environment and the consumer.

I love the fact that I am in a position to spread the word about sustainability in British agriculture, the nutritious food we produce and the breadth of opportunities for people who want to pursue a career in this industry! I also have an unrivalled opportunity to connect with animals, nature and the seasons, and there’s something extremely satisfying about being able to produce food in the way we do.

us even more to innovate, embrace technology and streamline our businesses. I think people sometimes underestimate just how connected we are to the land, our animals and wider issues like climate change, food security and animal welfare. We want to be right at the heart of those conversations and really make a difference.

How do you use social media to connect with people?

Instagram has been such a powerful tool for me to share the real, everyday side of farming. It gives people an honest glimpse into what goes on behind the farm gate, whether it’s lambing in the middle of the night, sowing next season’s crops or battling the weather. I show the highs, the lows and everything in between.

Farming isn’t always pictureperfect, but it’s purposeful.

The rise of farming on mainstream TV has really sparked public curiosity.

People want to understand where their food comes from, how animals are cared for and what farming life is really like. And I believe there’s no one better to tell that story than farmers themselves via the phone that most of us have in our pocket.

Through my page, I aim to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers, bust a few myths and bring people along for the journey.

I think there’s real value in learning from other people, and social media makes it easy to connect with people across counties, countries, even continents! Follow along @rebeccawilsonfarming.

What are some common misconceptions about farming that you wish more people understood?

That we’re stuck in the past and unwilling to change. Modern farming is full of innovation, science and data, with a mix of people at the heart. It’s a challenging time to be a farmer, and that’s pushing

What has your experience been like as a woman working in a traditionally male-dominated industry?

I think the industry presents challenges across the board, regardless of gender, but I’m not naïve enough to say that we don’t still face some areas where you’re less likely to see a woman than a man. Personally, though, I’ve felt very supported and recognised for my hard work and contribution to the industry. Our industry is changing, and there’s a real space now for women to lead, farm, innovate and be heard.

Have there been any standout moments or milestones in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

I’ve been lucky enough to have some amazing opportunities to raise the profile of British farming, and there are a couple of things I’ve been really proud of. Recently, I was privileged to be named in The Times Young Power List 2025, which was a real shock and a huge honour. It gives me confidence to continue advocating for not just our industry but also young people and young females finding their feet in farming. I believe my education has played a real part in helping me stand up for what I believe in and articulate this to people outside the industry. I hope having a farmer

CAREERS

named on the list alongside some very well-known faces in other industries helps to shine a light on British agriculture and encourages people to see farming as a viable, exciting prospect!

I’m also honoured to be able to help many farming charities both raise much-needed funds and shine a light on the work they do, the challenges facing the industry and the support they are able to offer farmers. Some of the proudest moments, though, are quiet ones that wouldn’t hit the headlines – like successfully helping a difficult lambing or receiving a message from someone who has been inspired by my posts about farming.

there’s nothing better. I wake up every morning and I’m excited to go to work, and you cannot put a value on that.

Can you share the story behind your mobile podcast with Charlotte Ashley?

What advice would you give to young people who might be considering a future in agriculture?

Be prepared for your alarm to go off at 4am in lambing time! But seriously, just go for it and don’t worry if you didn’t grow up on a farm. There are so many paths in agriculture, from hands-on farming to science and policy. Be curious, ask questions and be prepared to work hard. It feels like a lifestyle more than a job, but if you love it,

The podcast was developed out of a shared desire to make a difference, connect people with farming and help people through their days. Charlotte (my co-host) and I met a few years ago at a farming event and, to be honest, we are like “chalk and cheese”! Charlotte is a dairy farmer from Cumbria and we combine reputations and knowledge that we have built up while also drawing on our different geographical locations and farming enterprises. We’re straight-talking when it comes to farming, and our listeners have really enjoyed our frankness and willingness to tackle controversial subjects. What makes the new podcast unique is our mobile studio! We’ve converted

a trailer to ensure that we can have a consistent environment to maximise sound quality every episode, but it also means we can head off across the country to attend events and visit people doing amazing things in the rural sector.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about?

There are so many opportunities in farming at the moment, and some stem from the challenges we are facing, but for me and the work I do on social media, I think there is something very exciting about being able to bring consumers and the public along with the farming story. I want to keep growing, keep myself grounded and inspire others to get involved. Farming’s facing tricky times, but it’s also full of hope, and I feel lucky to be part of an industry that, if allowed to thrive, can be part of the solution for sustainably produced, nutritious food.

THE ARCH

41

CAREERS

Breaking New Ground and the Rise of Dalgety Meet James Leavesley (New 2004-09) school or university, but try to get as much experience as you can in different industries. I was naturally better at maths at school, so I did work experience in the Audit Department at KPMG. It was one of the most valuable six weeks of my early career, as I left knowing I didn’t want to become an accountant.

How did your time at Repton influence your journey into entrepreneurship and the pharmaceutical industry?

Repton played a large part in shaping my path, though perhaps not in the way one might expect.

While I wasn’t the most academic, I always enjoyed Tom Naylor’s and Matt Carrington’s Business Studies classes and David Exley’s Economics lessons, which led me to study Business and Economics at the University of Manchester. At Manchester, I wrote a dissertation on GSK’s product pipeline, and I distinctly remember thinking, after handing in the assignment, that the pharmaceutical industry would be too slow-paced for me.

Fast forward ten years, and I ended up founding a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility for cannabisbased medicines!

Being a Reptonian already gives you an advantage. The Reptonian Community is incredibly supportive. Reach out to ORs for advice; you’ll find them remarkably generous with their time and insights. Anastacia Peters (Field 2014-17) reached out to me and worked for Dalgety for almost two years, before securing a new job in London.

Dalgety is a pioneer in the medical cannabis space. What inspired you to enter such a cutting-edge and often controversial sector?

When the law changed in 2018, I looked to grow industrial hemp, drawn by its significant potential in construction materials. While I believe it will have a big future in the construction industry, the nascent stage of the UK industrial hemp market led us to look at other applications that cannabis can be used for. We looked at the significant strides being made in advanced medical cannabis markets and we quickly discovered the considerable clinical benefits that cannabis-based medicines offer patients across a spectrum of conditions.

Looking back at your journey so far, what advice would you give to current Reptonians who are thinking about launching something bold or entering an emerging industry?

Don’t rush into anything. Many start-up businesses fail because of unexpected and insurmountable hurdles that delay sales, or you underestimate start-up costs. The more in-depth market research you can do beforehand to foresee challenges, the better your chance of survival.

Don’t worry if you don’t know what you want to do after you leave 42

THE ARCH

There are many very powerful stories of the life-changing impact of cannabis-based medicines on

individuals – notably, Hannah Deacon and her son Alfie Dingley.

Before starting medical cannabis treatment, Alfie had over five hundred seizures a month, took daily steroids and was admitted to intensive care 48 times in 2016.

Alfie’s remarkable transition from severe, frequent seizures to a more stable, fulfilling life, thanks to medical cannabis, vividly underscored the transformative power of this plant. It is for the thousands of other families like Alfie’s that Dalgety exists – to make a genuine, positive impact on lives through responsible access to vital medicines.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in Dalgety’s early days, and what do you think has set the company apart and driven its remarkable growth?

Manufacturing any pharmaceutical product is a highly complex and regulated process.

The primary challenge was the mismatch between established pharmaceutical manufacturing and the unique requirements of cultivating and processing medical cannabis.

Traditional pharmaceutical production relies on the precise mixing of synthetic compounds, a process that is highly predictable and easily replicated. Cultivating a plant with the same pharmaceutical precision was considered impossible – and we proved them wrong. Dalgety remains the only company in the UK that can cultivate, manufacture and supply cannabis-based medicines.

There are other companies in our industry, but they are only licensed to cultivate to an agricultural grade and are required to use third-party pharmaceutical manufacturers to produce a medicine. Dalgety can do it all under one roof.

Beyond the operational complexities that we also faced, and continue to address, there is a significant hurdle of societal stigma surrounding medical cannabis.

Decades of misconception, largely stemming from public narratives since the 1970s, have painted cannabis as inherently harmful and addictive, despite a growing body of robust clinical evidence

CAREERS

demonstrating its wide range of therapeutic applications for specific conditions.

Dalgety works to break the stigma and raise awareness that medical cannabis is legal, reaching millions through major media like the BBC, The Times and Forbes in the past six months.

How do you balance the scientific and ethical responsibilities that come with working in pharmaceuticals with the business side of things?

Dalgety has been at the forefront of the medical cannabis industry since it began in 2018, which meant we often had to actively work to change laws and regulations to ensure patients could access muchneeded cannabis-based medicines.

This wasn’t just about business; it was about patient welfare and changing people’s perceptions of medical cannabis.

We are proud to lead this industry’s growth, supporting others through complex licensing and viewing them as future partners, not competitors. By raising standards and sharing knowledge, we strengthen the sector, improve patient access and build a sustainable, ethical business.

What’s next for Dalgety?

Dalgety currently produces 4,000 prescription packs per month and is looking to produce 22,000 prescription packs per month by the end of 2026. This would equate to 8–10% of the estimated UK market share. Dalgety works with wholesale distributors to supply products into pharmacies, but by Q1 2026 we aim to obtain licences to supply pharmacies directly.

If any ORs want to hear more about the investment opportunity in Dalgety, please get in touch via investor@dalgetyuk.co.uk or by contacting James directly.

THE ARCH

43

CAREERS

Communication, Advocacy and Partnerships at UNICEF Ukraine Meet Toby Fricker (Priory 1988-93) Did your time at Repton School influence your career path?

I’ve reflected on this recently as my children enter their teenage years: Repton gave me the tools to do my job well, rather than necessarily shaping its path. Beyond the quality education, life at Repton within a boarding environment helped me develop independence, resilience and integrity from an early age, attributes I still draw on today.

At Repton, the focus then was on more traditional careers, and my path went beyond that. That’s likely changed with today’s evolving world of work.

What drew you to a career in communications for UNICEF? As a young child, I remember watching the news on TV in our suburban living room, from the violence in Soweto to the Troubles in Northern Ireland and coverage of the Ethiopian famine. I organised my own Blue Peter “bring and buy sale” to raise money for the famine response. I was mesmerised watching The Killing Fields, the story of a journalist covering the Vietnam War, which is still my favourite film. So, my interest in world affairs was deep down and ultimately inspired me to work with the UN. Can you share your professional journey and how it led to your current role?

My first job was on the BBC show Changing Rooms, which amuses people when they ask how I ended

up where I am. But communication is storytelling, making sense of and creating a compelling narrative on whatever the subject. I learnt how to self-film and edit, which gave me flexibility at a time I wanted to cover news. Nearly twenty years ago, my girlfriend (now wife) found a job at a hospital in Uganda, so we moved, and the journey continues.

I worked as a freelance videographer and managed programmes for an NGO in conflict-affected northern Uganda with a Repton link. The Kid’s League Uganda was founded by Trevor Dudley, whose son Mark was also in The Priory. After that, we moved countries several times and I carried on video and media work, covering issues from extremism in Indonesia to setting up DR Congo’s first reality TV show before joining the UN in Laos.

But it was in Jordan where I started with UNICEF as the Syrian conflict escalated. UNICEF needed people, and I was there, so I took on a role as the humanitarian response expanded. Five years based out of New York in an emergency position followed, working with teams across numerous conflict zones before a four-year stay in South Africa. There I managed the COVID-19 communication response and built partnerships to tackle issues like violence against children and environmental challenges.

Having worked in Ukraine on several assignments previously, I moved into the role based in Kyiv in August 2024.

Delivering a piece to camera in Kyiv the morning after a large-scale attack in April 2025

44

THE ARCH

What motivates you most about working in Ukraine during such a critical time?​ I first came to Ukraine a decade ago, as UNICEF supported children affected by the war in the East; most towns and villages I visited are no longer under Ukrainian control.

At that time, it was difficult to get attention to the humanitarian situation. I returned to the country several times but never imagined February 2022 could happen. Today, attention is not an issue but putting children and the human face in the narrative is, as the military and political discourse dominates.

That’s one of the challenges, and time is of the essence, as children and families need all the support they can get to minimise the longterm impact of the war on their wellbeing. From a communication and advocacy perspective, it’s a fascinating approach, working on humanitarian and recovery agendas, as Ukraine pushes forwards reforms despite the war.

It is also a historic time for Ukraine and Europe, and playing a role in the response itself is motivating.

What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?

We took risks moving internationally, and there were times I questioned if it was the right choice. I have nights when the fear of abduction or the sounds of war are ever present, and I wonder how I put myself in this situation.

But the reality is that I can always leave; others can’t. Right now, the challenge is that there is a disregard for the rules of war and child rights, so it’s about finding new ways to communicate and advocate, also to remind everyone why the UN was founded after the Second World War and the vital role it still plays.

What I have learnt is that career challenges never stop, but evolve, and luckily so do we.

CAREERS

Chatting with children at a school in Idlib, North West Syria, following the 2023 earthquakes

words for advocacy through digital media, in media interviews or at high-level events, with the goal of influencing decision-makers, the public and others. In today’s world, humanising people, showing that, like anyone, they just want to be respected, to care for their children and live a decent life, is rewarding.

But, most importantly, our physical presence can save young lives.

If you could give one piece of advice to students or ORs about building a career with impact, what would it be?

What are the key priorities of UNICEF’s advocacy and communication efforts in Ukraine right now?

The recent focus has been on the start of the school year, the fourth since the escalation of the war in 2022. This means telling the story of disrupted education and its impact on children. The goal is to push for safe in-person classes, where feasible, and to engage local and international partners to strengthen Ukraine’s early childhood education services. I was in the frontline town of Sumy recently and attended the “first bell ceremony” in a school basement.

Only underground lessons are

allowed near the frontlines. UNICEF helped to rehabilitate the shelter to make it more child-friendly, and it was an uplifting moment in a city where the incessant thuds of war can be heard in the distance.

What do you find most rewarding within your job?

In this role you’re privileged with unique access to people and places you wouldn’t otherwise have. The most rewarding moments are often the simplest: sitting with a family, a social worker, a teacher, listening and giving them a safe space to tell their story. I’ve rarely had anyone say they didn’t want to talk. It’s then my job to use their

Every career has impact, on yourself, your family, people you work with and your clients, whoever they are. How you conduct yourself and engage with other people in your role has an impact. Focus on what you are doing in the moment and do it well; the technical skills and attributes you build will ultimately lead you towards your passion and will have impact.

A damaged school in the south eastern town of Snihurivka near Mykolaiv

Volunteering in Malawi, Africa Meet Emily Haskell (Abbey 2012-17) In July 2025 I returned to Malawi, Africa, for the second time, to provide emergency dental care to those who need it most. As a dental therapist currently training to become a dentist, it was a privilege to once again join a team of 13 volunteers from across the UK with the charity Dentaid. Together, we set up mobile dental clinics in some of the most remote and underserved areas of the country, offering emergency treatments and extractions to patients who would otherwise go without care.

Working alongside three incredible Malawian dental professionals, our team treated over 1,600 patients and extracted more than 2,400 teeth. Many of the people we helped had walked for miles, often

in pain, just for the chance to be seen. The conditions are basic but the impact is profound.

We stayed in simple hostel accommodation in rural villages, often without hot running water or flushing toilets. Reaching these communities meant long journeys, sometimes more than eight hours on dirt roads, but the welcome we received made every mile worthwhile.

The experience was challenging and incredibly humbling. I’m so grateful to have been able to return, and I’m already looking forward to going back in 2027 to continue supporting this important mission. www.justgiving.com/team/gande malawi2027

With fewer than fifty dentists serving a population of over nineteen million, access to dental care in Malawi is extremely limited, and, for many, completely unaffordable. That’s why the work Dentaid does is so vital and why I’m proud to be part of it.

THE ARCH

45

CAREERS

Women’s Health Meet Tia Purewall (Abbey 2014-19) that actually knew what she was talking about, a coach women could truly trust with their bodies and health.

Can you share a bit about the journey that led you to start a women’s health and fitness business?

How did your time at Repton School influence your career path?

At Repton, I had every intention of becoming a lawyer, and I chose my A Levels with that goal in mind. So, academically, it didn’t steer me towards the path I am on now. But Repton was where I first discovered the gym and started to fall in love with movement. I didn’t realise it then, but that time spent training, finding discipline and joy in it, quietly laid the foundations for everything I do now. That gym became my spark, and it has never really left me.

Who inspires you the most, whether in business, fitness or life in general?

I am constantly inspired by women who turn their pain into purpose.

Two incredible women who embody that are Anna and Gabz, the founders of the Menstrual Health Project. Despite living with the brutal reality of endometriosis, they continue to educate, advocate and uplift others, often while managing flare-ups themselves.

Their resilience reminds me why I do this. They’ve taught me that being a coach can mean being an advocate too, and that showing up, even when it is hard, can make all the difference.

What inspired you to become a personal trainer specialising in women’s health?

Honestly? Frustration. I kept seeing fitness coaches claim they “specialised in women’s health” while sharing advice that was not only inaccurate but sometimes outright harmful. I couldn’t sit quietly while misinformation was being sold as truth. I knew I could do better. I wanted to be a voice 46

THE ARCH

In 2021 I was diagnosed with endometriosis. Before that, I’d spent years on every hormone treatment imaginable, enduring the rollercoaster of side effects and still needing a second surgery just 30 months after my first. I realised then that the support I needed did not exist, not really. The internet was a minefield of quick fixes and harmful “wellness hacks”. I didn’t just want to sift through the noise: I wanted to be the clarity. I committed to learning everything I could. I saw too many women being let down by an industry that doesn’t understand them, and I knew I had to build something better.

How has your personal experience with endometriosis influenced your approach to fitness and wellness?

Endometriosis changed everything for me. I used to believe health meant being able to lift the heaviest weights or push yourself to your limit, but chasing that image left me dizzy, in pain and emotionally drained. There were times I’d leave the gym in tears, blaming my body for not keeping up. But over time, especially after a year living with chronic sciatica, I had to let go of that mindset. Just walking down the stairs in the morning became an achievement. That experience humbled me deeply. I stopped treating movement as punishment and began to approach it as care.

Now, I prioritise low-stress, bodyhonouring movement. I’m no longer chasing strength for the sake of it; I’m focused on feeling good in my body, and helping other women do the same. My body taught me patience and how to truly listen.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business, and how did you overcome them?

Finding my voice in a saturated industry was the hardest part. It’s easy to fall into the trap of copying what others are doing, what looks successful online. I did that at first, and all it did was water down my message and confuse my audience.

It took a lot of internal work, trial and error, and honest reflection to figure out what I stood for and who I truly wanted to help. I still have moments of doubt, but I no longer feel the need to imitate anyone. My business is not a template – it’s an extension of me.

What moments or achievements are you most proud of in your career?

There are the big moments, like being invited to speak on a radio show for Endometriosis Awareness Month, which was surreal and deeply affirming. But honestly, the moments that stay with me are the quiet ones: a client telling me they had their first pain-free period in years, or that they finally feel in tune with their body. Those messages make me stop in my tracks and think “This is why I do it”.

What advice would you give to women struggling with endo and looking to improve their health?

Start small. You don’t have to overhaul your entire lifestyle overnight; in fact, that rarely works.

Go for a ten-minute walk. Stretch.

Keep a food diary to track triggers.

Stick to regular meals and create a consistent sleep routine. These may seem like tiny changes, but they build a foundation. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress.

Healing isn’t linear, so be gentle with yourself along the way.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to students or recent graduates looking to start their own business?

Have patience. The process won’t always make sense, and the path definitely won’t be straight, but if you truly believe in what you’re doing, the journey will be worth it.

Celebrate every tiny win, and don’t rush the growth. You’re building something meaningful – let it take its time.

CELEBRATIONS

Celebrations Thomas Johnson-Sabine (New 1998 -03) celebrated his 40th Birthday on his charming smallholding in Devon. Many of his guests camped out in one of his fields, surrounded by the countryside. It was a fantastic day and night, with laughter and good food.

L-R: Sebastian Cavill (Orchard 199803), James Fargher (New 2001-03), Daniel Yarwood (New 1998-03), Nigel Kew (Housemaster, New 199707), Doug Fletcher (New 2001-03), Vanessa Rhodes (Abbey 1999-03), Rowland Rhodes (New 1998-03), Thomas Johnson-Sabine (birthday boy), Guy Johnson-Sabine (Mitre 1996-01), David Yarwood (New 199702) and Claudia Johnson-Sabine (Mitre 2005-10)

Births Yu-hsin Liao (School 2000-05) welcomed his son Wen-Yong Liao, born on 24 November 2024. He and Alicia Chou are overjoyed.

Emma Doughty (née Close) (Garden 2001-06) gave birth to her second daughter, Alice, in January. She is welcomed by dad Shaun and big sister Isabella, who is especially excited.

Alex Evans (New 2004-09) and wife Katie welcomed their daughter, Avery Autumn Evans, on 31 October 2024, and Avery was christened on 25 October 2025, ahead of her first birthday. The service was conducted

by Reverend Adam Watkinson at the School Chapel.

THE ARCH

47

CELEBRATIONS

Weddings Taimar Birthistle-Cooke (Garden 2004-09) married Luca Bergliaffa on 17 May 2025 in stunning Cava Puglia in Italy.

L-R: Finnian Birthistle-Cooke (Latham 2010-12), Harriette Smith (née Doxey) (Garden 2004-09), Rollo Fuller (Priory 1982-86), Daisy Heath-Abbott (Garden 2006-09), Paul Owen (Mitre 1976-81), the bride, Harvey Cooke (Mitre 1976-81), Rebecca Moores (Garden 2005-09), Jessica Sparkes (Garden 2007-09) Emma Cummings (née Fearnley) (Garden 2007-09) and Francess Thacker (Field 2004-09)

Will Bewley (Priory 2003-05) married Christina Murphy in beautiful Somerset in July 2024. ORs in attendance were Ben Moores (Cross 2001-05) and Sarah Wright (Garden 2001-03).

Leo Watton (Orchard 2009-11) and Jessica Watton were married on 30 May in the beautiful town of Montalcino, Tuscany. Surrounded by friends and family, they enjoyed local produce, captured stunning photos at a nearby winery and ended the celebration with a poolside party.

Lavinia Blackwall (Field 1995-2000) and Marco Rea married on 24 May 2025 at St Mary’s Church, Duntocher, Glasgow. This was followed by a wonderful Scottish–Italian reception of fish and chips, ice cream and The Poppermost band at Duntocher Village Hall.

Last year, Ollie Critchlow (Priory 1994-98) married Samantha Start from Newport, Essex, on 7 September, which happens to be Ollie’s mother’s birthday. The wedding took place in Deia, Majorca, one of their favourite spots, with 70 guests attending. ORs in attendance were Harry Smith (Orchard 1993-96), Ian Forrester (New 1994-99) and Tom Risley (New 1995-00).

48

THE ARCH

CELEBRATIONS

Daisy Heath-Abbott (Garden 2006-09) and Christopher Ralph were married on Saturday 7 June, in a picturesque ceremony on a family farm in Kent, with a number of ORs present to celebrate the couple.

L-R: Amy Davies (Mitre 2009-14), Harriet CornishSheasby (née Cornish) (Mitre 2006-11), Harriette Smith (née Doxey) (Garden 2004-09), Camilla Barratt (née Karlsen) (Garden 2004-09), Jessica Sparkes (Garden 2007-09), Charles Haydn-Slater (Cross 2003-08), Sophie Mauduit (née Davies) (Mitre 2006-11), the bride, the groom, Elliot Cornish-Sheasby (School 2004-09), Aaron Burgess-Smith (Cross 2004-09), Oliver Townley (School 2004-09), Anna Borup (Garden 2004-09), Stephen Cornish (New House 2008-13) and Phoebe BurgessSmith (née Heath-Abbott) (Mitre 2006-09) Pip Sanders (Garden, 2008-13) married Oliver Dunkley on Saturday 23 August at Hanbury Church, with the Reverend Adam Watkinson officiating the service, which made the day even more special.

ORs in attendance: Luke Cosford (New House 2008-13), Sophie Cosford (née Charlesworth) (Garden 2008-13), Caitlin Outram (née Chadwick) (Garden 2008-13), Lowri Curry (née McIntosh) (Field 2008-13), James Chantler (Latham 2011-13), Camilla Chantler (Garden 2010-15), Erica Sanders (Garden 2010-15), Megan Hornsby (née Ewins) (Garden 2008-13), Avisha Patel (Garden 2008-13) and Eleanor Sharples (Mitre 2008-13)

Repton Weddings We have spaces to meet a range of needs, forming part of a perfect away day or conference, showcasing a spectacular theatre production, or even hosting a residential, bringing people together from all over the globe. Get in touch: enterprise@repton.org.uk | 01283 559 200

We have 3 venues, with guest capacity ranging from a more intimate 34 guests to a large reception with up to 150 guests.

The team at Repton Enterprises have paired up with The Secret Bridesmaid to create unforgettable memories on your wedding day. Our packages can be built to suit you. Whether you want a traditional wedding or a more intimate day, we will do what we can to create your vision.

THE ARCH

49

HEADMASTER’S UPDATE

Headmaster’s Update

By Mark Semmence, Headmaster

Speech Day

I was delighted to meet so many of you on OR Day and then again at the OR Dinner a short time ago.

The strength of the Reptonian Community, in this country and around the world, is something we as a School are very proud of. To see those friendships that began at Repton and Repton Prep flourishing decades later is truly heartwarming and a cherished constant in so many lives.

Building for the Future One of the privileges of being a Reptonian, which I’m sure many of you remember with great affection, is being able to walk every day through some of the finest grounds and buildings of any school in the country. Perhaps when you return to Repton now, you have a little more time to take in the green sweep of the pitches up to the Cricket Pavilion or the way the Arch frames the reassuring antiquity of

the Old Priory. I can understand it might be harder to appreciate these qualities when running late for a lesson or heading back to the House hungry for tea after Evening School.

and original change to the heart of the School as we address the needs of current and future Reptonians, improving the daily, lived experience for every pupil. Initially, Cattley School became home to the interactive Digital Classroom and the Business School; and, only recently, the Grubber was repurposed as a suite of Modern Foreign Language classrooms. In turn, the exciting redevelopment of the Cloisters is now underway, with what were classrooms 1-3 and the noticeboard area in the process of becoming a new, glass-walled café and social space, with direct views and access between The Paddock and The Garth and an outdoor seating area and green space.

Repton is a very dynamic place, but one of the great lessons of recent years is that we all need time to enjoy the company of our friends and to relax and reflect amid our busy lives.

Over the years, Repton has blended the needs of a modern boarding school with its proud traditions, nurturing the spirit of place while developing new and exciting additions to the campus. One thinks of the way in which the Science Priory, the Sports Centre, Lynam Thomas School and the 400 Hall have been integrated seamlessly into the daily aesthetic of the School, with other subtle touches and changes being made to both the interior and exterior of so much of the estate: our boarding houses and classrooms, the Library and the Chapel.

Home and Away

The next few months and years will see a continuation of compatible

One of the consistently

I can also confirm that we have just received planning permission for the state-of-the-art, floodlit, all-weather football pitch that we intend to build on Hall Close. This is further proof of our desire to offer outstanding facilities to our pupils, and it will provide sector-leading coaching and match space for our boys’ and girls’ teams.

factors that supported

has our

The Cloisters 50

THE ARCH

HEADMASTER’S UPDATE

Opening of the Repton Dubai 400 Hall

ambitious building and redevelopment programme at Repton is the continued growth of the Repton Family of Schools. As the independent sector contracts and schools close, our community remains strong and sustainable, benefiting Reptonians, as well as pupils in other schools under the Repton umbrella. We continue to invest both in this country and internationally. The merger between two of the Sussex prep schools in the group to form Marlborough House Vinehall has been highly successful, and this year we have welcomed St Hugh’s, Woodhall Spa, into a similar relationship. More than ten thousand pupils are now educated under the Repton name, with connections between our home in South Derbyshire and our fellows in the Gulf, China, Egypt and the UK becoming ever closer. Only a few months ago, I was privileged to attend the opening of a second 400 Hall in Repton Dubai, which

sits alongside the 1557 Café. We retain the tradition, but we build for the future.

Academic Success Repton is blessed with staff whose knowledge, skill and enthusiasm continue to inspire our pupils. Hard work and enjoyment on both sides were certainly reflected in this year’s excellent public examination results, with 80% A*-B and 56% 9-7 pass rates at A Level and GCSE, respectively. And, of those leaving Repton for degree study, 87% will attend their first-choice university and nearly 60% will do so at a prestigious Russell Group institution. In addition, five pupils will be heading to Oxbridge and Ivy League destinations.

Our pupils continue to test their mettle in national academic competitions. These include: the National Debating Finals of both French (coming 4/120 in the Joutes

Oratoires) and English (the Oxford Schools’ and – in April – Durham Schools’ events) competitions; the British Physics Olympiad (two gold medals and one silver); the Institute of Civil Engineers’ CityZen competition (designing a solar farm on the Trent Valley floodlands); the Intermediate Maths Challenge (10 gold and 19 silver medals); the Institute of Economic Affairs Budget Challenge; the UYK Linguistics Olympiad; the Greenpower F24 Competition (with Formula Repton still in the race); the Arkwright Design Prize; the Orwell Youth Prize; the very popular LAMDA Drama and Speaking in Public awards; and the 8th Science Conference with our friends from Toyota Nishi School in Japan. Our societies also offer more bucolic opportunities, and I commend the Beekeeping Society for their highly productive year, with over thirty litres of honey coming from the Repton Apiary.

Formula Repton at Aintree

The Arts Watching Reptonians exceed their own expectations in performance is one of the joys of School life,

Institute of Civil Engineers’ CityZen

THE ARCH

51

HEADMASTER’S UPDATE

and this year’s artistic events have been a resounding testament to the talents and determination that give rise to our varied and thrilling cultural life. On the 400 Hall stage, the outstanding success of Six (a vibrant musical reimagining of the six wives of Henry VIII as pop icons) in October was followed a month later by the moving and tragic spectacle of Lorca’s Blood Wedding. Then, in the Lent Term, came the comic musical contrast of the slick and spectacular The Addams Family, with over forty Reptonians involved.

Finally, Elektra, in the Summer Term’s B Block Showcase, showed the great promise of our newest entrants.

With such an array of quality, it was perhaps no surprise – but pleasant confirmation – that a remarkable 13 Reptonians gained places at the National Youth Theatre this year.

Elektra

In January, The Choir sang beautifully in two Carol Services, again at St Paul’s Cathedral, and in April they took their many talents on tour to Venice and the Veneto, singing initially in Treviso, Schio and Padua, and ending

triumphantly in the Chiesa di San Salvador, a grand and beautiful church just a few steps from the Rialto Bridge in San Marco, Venice, with two pupils selected to sing in the National Youth Choir. Musically, performances were as diverse as they were technically outstanding, with audiences appreciating the Unison (won by The Abbey this year), Gala Concerts, the Concerto Spotlight Concert, Rock-It, the Stage and Screen Ensemble, and a superb celebration of sound in If Music Be the Food of Love. The very high standard of singing and playing in the music competitions underlined individually what had been so evident collectively throughout the year.

Last year also saw the inaugural exhibition of OR artistic talent in Gallery No 1. “ORigins” brought together the work of professional artists whose journeys had begun at Repton. Along with trips to Tate Modern, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Wakefield Sculpture Park, in its quality and diversity it can only have inspired our own art scholars, whose exhibition later in the year was very well received.

CCF and DofE Reptonians continue to enjoy all of the benefits of outdoor pursuits, from camping to paddleboarding, from RAF contingent flying to firing exercises on CCF Camp, either with the Cadet Force or the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, with over a hundred A Block pupils going on their Bronze Award expedition last summer and 21 achieving the Gold Award. In addition, more than fifty cadets represented the School in national shooting competitions, with the A Block team coming third in the air rifle category and the senior team seventh in the .22 event. Closer to home, Barnes Squad and the Russell Cup were won by New House and The Orchard, respectively.

DofE Expedition

Community Action

Young Musician of the Year finalists

52

THE ARCH

Fifty members of the Lower Sixth spend their Wednesdays contributing to the local community in various ways, from maintaining the upkeep of Etwall Almshouses gardens to creating a Vinted shop or recycling. Charity and service are an integral part of School life: The Mitre raised £6,500 on their annual YMCA sleepover; the Christmas Fayre supported South Derbyshire Community Voluntary Support; and this year’s Lent Charity, Hannah’s Hope, raised a marvellous £35,000 for a respite lodge at Mercia Marina for families affected by cancer – through an

HEADMASTER’S UPDATE

finished second in the HUDL League and made their debut in the FA Youth Cup in a partnership with Loughborough University, while the Boys’ 2nd XI retained the County Cup (a competition for school first elevens). It has also been inspirational for our footballers to see recent leavers Hugo de Lisle and Emily Walne both signing professional contracts with Leicester City, OR Bade Aluko making his debut in the Premier League for Leicester City and gaining selection for England U20s, and OR Will Hughes becoming an FA Cup winner (1-0 over Manchester City) at Wembley with Crystal Palace FC.

Adam-Peaty-inspired swimathon and events such as The Priory’s 24hour sports-a-thon, The Garden’s 1,000-km week, School House’s Three Peaks challenge, and Field House’s Valentine Roses Three Peaks Challenge.

Sporting Success Repton continues to be the dominant force in English school hockey, with three more national titles won this year – indoors and outdoors at Girls’ U18 level and outdoors at Girls’ U14 level, with wins over Brighton College, Millfield and Clifton College, respectively.

The U15 Boys’ team also won the Independent Schools’ trophy, beating Whitgift in a thrilling penalty shoot-out at Nottingham Hockey Centre, with the U18 and U14 Boys’ sides losing narrowly in their ISHC finals. Five Reptonians gained international honours over the summer: Marcus Lake, Martha Wong, Joe Savage, Amber Millard-

Smith and Bella Hinde-Smith.

Repton Hockey Club – where ORs, pupils and other players combine their efforts to great effect – goes from strength to strength, with the Men’s 1st XI winning promotion to National Division 1 to equal the Women’s 1st XI. The latter, largely featuring the Repton School 1st XI, finished a highly respectable fourth in their first season at this demanding level. The RHC youth teams had an outstanding year too, with the Girls’ U18 winning their national outdoor trophy and the Boys’ U16 team the national indoor title.

Football retains its traditional strengths while setting new standards through the quality of the growing girls’ programme. This year, Boys’ and Girls’ U18 and U15 teams all reached the ISFA QuarterFinals in their competitions, with the Girls’ U15 going on to record a historic 2-0 victory over Cheadle Hulme in their final. The Boys’ 1st XI won the ISFA Sixes title,

In cricket, there has been much success, and it was a season in which the girls’ teams really announced themselves as a force in national competitions across a range of age groups. The Boys’ 1st XI had a very good season, winning a record-breaking 20 out of 24 matches, including victories over Shrewsbury, Uppingham, Oundle, King’s Taunton and Tonbridge; the U15s became county champions; and Harry Moore, after making his first-class debut for Derbyshire, played for England Lions in South Africa and became the youngest ever pick for The Hundred, signing for Birmingham Phoenix before injury blighted his opportunity.

The Girls’ U15s won the National 100 Ball Cup competition, reached the National Indoor Finals at Lord’s for the fourth year in a row, and finished as runners-up in their National T20 competition.

While the U18s came third in their National T20 competition, the U17s managed to win theirs in some style. Annie Williams was in the England U19 squad, represented the Blaze 2nd XI and Derbyshire

U18 Hockey National Champions 2025

THE ARCH

53

HEADMASTER’S UPDATE

DCCC 1st XI vs Worcestershire 1st XI

Women, as well as playing for an England Development XI against the West Indies, with three other pupils – Olivia Kibler, Liv Breese and Lucy Hetherington – all playing for their counties. Annie also made history by becoming the first female cricketer to play for the Boys’ 1st XI in a School fixture. This season, Repton was also delighted and honoured to host Derbyshire CCC 1st XI versus Worcestershire 1st XI in the Metro Bank 50 Over competition.

In swimming, the strength of the Repton programme can be judged by many metrics. As a club, we finished second in the National Arena League Final out of 3,000 clubs by a margin of just 4 points, while at the Aquatics GB Next Generation Championships in Sheffield, 36 swimmers represented Repton against the best swimmers in the country, between them reaching 43 finals

54

THE ARCH

and winning many medals. Thirtyone swimmers had previously represented the club at the British Swimming Championships over Easter, leading to international selection for sixth form pupils Eva Okaro and Jacob Mills, racing for the Great Britain Senior Team at the World Championships in Singapore (alongside Ethan Gardiner for the Turks and Caicos), Hannah Capron and Harry Milne for Team GB in the European Junior Championships, and Austyn Manley and Lydia Cordle for Team GB at the European Olympic Festival.

Individually, Brennan Coletta reached the final of the Scottish U16 competition and Will Adams made the final of the U18 “Play Your Way to Wimbledon” competition.

Tennis also had its share of success, with both Boys’ and Girls’ 1st teams finishing their School season undefeated and performing well at the National Finals, and with both senior and junior teams winning silver medals at the Independent Schools’ Championships at Eton.

OR Events

In athletics, Betsy Wilton became British U15 Triple Jump champion, with Myles Christopher also qualifying for the 800m at the National Championships. And in netball, the U18s won their way to the National Finals for a second time, with the U15s becoming County Champions and the U16s progressing to the Regional Finals.

In closing, I would like to welcome you to the wonderful variety of OR events, where I hope to meet many more of you.

My very best wishes.

S E N S E of BALANCE The

Arrange a personal

A perfectly balanced

tour or attend an Open Day

education in the

01283 559200

heart of England

admissions@repton.org.uk Co-educational

|

3 - 18

|

Boarding and Day

repton.org.uk THE ARCH

55

STAFF VALETE

Repton Staff Valete Most of you will remember your time here at Repton, filled with memories not only with your friends but also with members of staff. As we bade farewell to the 2023/24 School year, we also said goodbye to some very wellknown members of staff.

Ashley Currie

Richard Fairbrother

Ashley Currie arrived in Repton with his wife, Sarah, four years ago. He leaves us to take up the role of Headmaster of Ashford School. In a short space of time, he has made a significant contribution to the School, serving as Principal Deputy Head, and before that as Deputy Head Academic. Beyond his leadership, he inspired countless pupils through his teaching of Mathematics, occasionally venturing into the worlds of Physics and Chemistry, or onto the hockey pitch. He brought passion and commitment to every facet of School life.

Richard Fairbrother joined Repton in 1993 as a Visiting Music Teacher and quickly grew his pupil base from seven to forty-three. By 2004, he had become Head of Popular Music and i/c Sailing. Over the next decade, he co-led the hugely popular Charity Cabaret, attracting international audiences. Known for his inspiring leadership and energetic approach, Richard encouraged pupils to achieve their best, with warmth and humour. As a tutor in Field House for 21 years, his professionalism, support and ability to connect with pupils were widely appreciated. Richard’s dedication and positivity have left a lasting impact on Repton’s music and pastoral life.

Tim Lewis

Leah Pinto

Tim Lewis brought vitality, wit and intellectual rigour to Repton. A civil engineer by training and a Salopian by schooling, Tim arrived in 2017 to join a strong Physics department, quickly making his mark with energy and adaptability. From teaching Physics and Chemistry (at times unconventionally), to supporting the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, CCF and basketball, his contributions extend well beyond the classroom. As a Resident Tutor in The Orchard and then The Priory, he became a pillar of pastoral care. Later, he led the EPQ and the Physics department. Witty, sharp and deeply dedicated, Tim leaves for Cheltenham Ladies’ College with the admiration of colleagues and the legacy of a true schoolmaster in every sense.

Leah joined Repton in 2014 and has given so much to many aspects of Repton life. Her primary role has been on the netball court, as Director of Netball, taking the 1st VII to National Finals in 2024 and 2025. Leah has also overseen athletics and coached both hockey and tennis. But, her presence in the Sport department has been so much more, playing a pivotal role in organising events such as the Athletics Finals, Steeplechase and the Kropacsy Relays. Leah also served as a valued Tutor in The Mitre, where she was highly appreciated by the girls.

56

THE ARCH

STAFF VALETE

Peter Siepmann

Anton Smith

For 13 years, Peter has been an integral part of the Music department, as Head of Academic Music and Organ Tutor, guiding countless musicians towards examination success. During that time, he oversaw the GCSE “fast-track” scheme while masterminding a change of A Level syllabus from Edexcel to Eduqas.

Several of his pupils have gained Oxbridge organ scholarships, and his skills as an accomplished choral director have inspired The Reptiles Vocal Group. Peter’s sharp intellect, and an encouraging and informed approach to his work, will be missed by pupils and staff alike.

Anton dedicated 32 years to Repton, leaving a legacy defined by integrity, compassion and unwavering commitment. Beginning as a Physics teacher in 1993, he quickly became a cornerstone of School life – serving as a Tutor, then Housemaster of The Orchard for 13 years, where he and his wife, Rachel, created a true home for generations of pupils. His leadership extended beyond the House: as Officer Commanding the RAF Section of the CCF for 24 years, he inspired through adventure and discipline, flying aircraft and leading camps in the UK and Germany. He also contributed significantly to careers guidance, operations and examinations, eventually joining the Senior Management team.

Known for his humour, quiet strength and deep understanding of Reptonians, Anton’s influence spanned sport, service and scholarship. He leaves with heartfelt gratitude from colleagues and pupils alike, and a legacy that includes, famously, an unforgettable turn as a swan in Pedants.

Jack Swanston

Jude Wheeldon

Jack came to Repton in 2016 to join the English department and to assume the role of Resident Tutor in School House. Much-loved by the pupils, he has contributed an enormous amount to the School’s co-curricular programme, but his influence on the academic sphere has been profound. His compassionate, pupil-centred approach to his role as Head of Higher Education, combined with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the universities landscape, has enabled Reptonians to gain entrance to an array of enviable and highly competitive courses.

Jude has played a pivotal role in shaping the artistic journeys of countless Reptonians, guiding them to GCSE success and instilling in them a lifelong appreciation of the visual arts. Arriving alongside Repton’s first cohort of junior girls, Jude has taught ceramics, painting, printmaking and photography over four decades. She balanced part-time teaching with running a successful glass and ceramics gallery in Wirksworth. Becoming full-time in 2017, she further enriched the creative life of the School and sixth form photography. As she transitions to focusing on practising art, managing an online gallery and teaching as a SEND specialist, her legacy remains one of creative inspiration and passion for the arts.

THE ARCH

57

THE REPTON FOUNDATION

Repton Foundation Update Development Director

By Juliet Wolfe (née Ryalls) Abbey 1983-85 A group of ORs are currently working with the Foundation to further this aim by talking with others in the Reptonian Community. If this is something that interests you, please email foundation@repton.org.uk, or you can learn more through the stories of previous bursary recipients on the Foundation website.

Cloisters Café Takes Shape

The Future of Football at Repton The School’s proposal to build two 3G football pitches has gained planning approval. As a priority capital project, the School will be factoring the first pitch into its annual capital spending, as funds allow. Additional funds will, however, be needed to deliver the whole project in a timely manner and to the high specification desired. This includes the second pitch, a pavilion with changing rooms and a covered spectator stand, which will allow Repton to host FA Youth Cup and Premier and National League Youth games.

The new flood-lit facilities will allow all-weather play throughout the year and will be a significant boost for the boys’ and girls’ football programme, and for the local community outside School hours.

Plans also include the addition of padel tennis courts.

The overarching vision is to build on Repton’s proud 150-year-plus footballing heritage by creating a state-of-the-art “school of football” to rival any in the country and beyond. If you would like to find out more and join other ORs and parents who have already pledged gifts to support this ambition, please visit the Foundation website or email foundation@repton.org. uk to request a brochure.

58

THE ARCH

Transforming Young Lives Through the Gift of Education Since the founding of the School in 1557 to educate “poor scholars”, Repton has retained its ethos of providing bursary places for those who show huge potential but may not have the financial means to benefit from a Repton education.

As we look towards the School’s 475th anniversary in 2032, the Repton Foundation has committed to building up its fund to ensure such places can be sustained well into the future.

Thanks to a very generous legacy gift from former Repton School Governor, John Hetherington, work is underway to transform the old classrooms under Pears School into a light-filled café, social and work space in the heart of the School. In conjunction with a newly created garden outside, this provides a much-needed place where pupils can gather with other friends from their year group beyond their House.

This project forms part of the broader vision to bring the “centre of gravity” back through the Arch. Other proposals in Repton’s Strategic Plan include refurbishing the Art Studio and building a “decanting” house to accommodate pupils while we undertake a programme to modernise and make energyefficient all ten boarding houses.

If you would like to join the many other ORs, Repton families and former staff who have pledged to remember Repton in their will, please email foundation@repton. org.uk or call 01283 559248. Thank you for your support!

THE REPTON FOUNDATION

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

Benjamin Franklin You can transform the life of a child by remembering Repton in your will.

Contact the Repton Foundation charity to find out how you can support:

F O U N D AT I O N

Phone: (01283) 559248 Email: foundation@repton.org.uk Website: www.thereptonfoundation.org.uk THE ARCH

59

FAREWELLS

Farewells Remembering Our Loved Ones The OR Office receives many wonderful memories of Old Reptonians, each with their own unique story. If you would like to have a personal tribute featured in

The Arch, please submit the article (maximum 450 words) with a photo (optional) to or@repton.org.uk by 1 October each year.

The Abbey

New House

(1980-83) Sandra Alison Ball 1964-2024

(1944-48) Anthony (Tony) Harford 1930-2024

Brook House

(1952-54) John Martin Holtby 1938-2025

(1948-53) James Bazille Lawson 1935-2024 (1955-59) Lt Col Peter Cameron 1941-2024 (1964-69) Thomas Arthur Clyde Briant 1950-2025

The Cross (1955-59) James Timothy Cutts 1941-2025 (1937-49) Colin Richard Fenton 1932-2025

(1944-49) John Walter Leigh Graham 1930-2025 (1956-61) Martin Needler 1943-2025 (1970-74) Tim Dutton CBE 1957-2025 (2006-11) Timothy Chiu 1992-2025 (1945-50) William Alick Talbot Agnew 1931-2025 (former staff 1957-67)

(1954-59) David Gray 1946-2025

The Orchard

(1955-59) Michael Henry Newbould (Butch) 1941-2025

(1940-46) Gordon Courtenay Hall 1928-2024

(1958-63) William Mellodew Hartley 1945-2024

(1949-53) Michael Frank Pattinson Squair 1936-24

The Hall

(1943-48) Reynold Vernon Charley 1929-25

(1953-58) Charles Anthony Fry 1940-2024 (1950-55) Charles Theodore Sydney Beare 1937-2025 (1941-45) Christopher John Cross Hooper 1927-2025

(1966-69) Nicholas Brook De Redman Exham 1952-2024 (1947-50) Richard Cecil Peel 1933-2024 (1954-59) Dr Robert Broomfield 1941-2024

(1957-62) Christopher John Disney Sale 1944-2025

The Priory

(1943-48) Dr Martin Wright 1930-2025

(1993-97) Benjamin J Hawtree 1980-2024

(1950-55) James McLeod Wyllie 1936-2024

(1958-63) Bruce Kenneth Turner MBE 1945-2025

(1949-53) John William Stanley Rickett 1935-2024

(1952-57) Christopher Charles Boutcher 1939-2023

(1947-52) Julian Scott Elkington 1934-2024

(1975-80) Richard Ian Stirling 1961-2025

Latham House

(1944-49) Robert Michael Gillard 1931-2025

(1956-61) Christopher William Davis 1942-2024 (1958-62) Christopher Edward Graham 1944-2024 (1958-63) Francis John Sinclair 1945-2022 (1966-71) Jonathan Michael Woodhead 1953-2025 (1948-73) Lyle Constant Thomas 1935-2024 (1967-72) Richard Miles Whiteley 1954-2023 (1979-84) Warren P T Rimmer 1966-2025

The Mitre (1949-51) David Brian Roberts 1935-2022 (1943-48) Geoffrey Buckland 1929-2025 (1954-59) Henry Everard 1940-2024 (1960-65) Lawrence Denis Mayman 1946-2025 (1954-58) Peter Joseph Kinder Haslehurst 1941-2025 (1947-52) Robert Norton Wilkinson 1933-2023 (1953-58) Tim John Abbott 1940-2025 60

THE ARCH

(1971-76) Robert Nicholas Ogden 1958-2025 (1971-76) Simon William Glover 1957-2025 (1970-75) William Douglas Snider 1956-2025

Repton Community (1969-2001) Chris Lloyd (Head of MFL) Cilla James (Latham Matron) 1932-2025 (1977-2014) Heather Lowe (Repton Prep Matron) (1976-1982) John Flemming 1951-2024 Pat Downing (Wife of Barry Downing) (1987-97) Brigadier Patrick FB Hargrave CBE (former bursar) 1934-2024 Richard Harding (Repton Prep) 1947-2025

FAREWELLS

The Abbey Sandra Alison Ball (Abbey 1980-83) 1964-2024 Sandra was a much-loved member of our Abbey girls group, and we remained in touch over the decades. After leaving Repton, she went on to read Chinese at Durham University, spending part of her degree studying in Beijing. She later lived in Hong Kong, where she socialised with fellow ORs and welcomed visiting friends to her home on Lamma Island.

On returning to London, Sandra enjoyed the city’s cultural life, with a particular love for jazz and contemporary music.

In her early 40s, Sandra was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which gradually affected her health in many ways, leading to her living in a nursing home in Sussex. She will be remembered for her intelligence, wit, unique style and, most of all, her laugh.

Mel Matthews (Abbey 1980-82), Katie Whitfeld (Abbey 198083) and Ali Hume (Abbey 198083) attended Sandra’s funeral in Sussex in December 2024, alongside friends from her earlier school days in Berkhamsted.

By Ali Hume (Abbey 1980-83)

Brook House Lt Col Peter Cameron (Brook 1955-59) 1941-2024 Lt Col Peter Cameron MC, who has died aged 83, was a decorated Royal Marine officer and pioneering aviator whose courageous leadership during the Falklands War earned him the Military Cross.

Born in Nairobi, Kenya, on 8 March 1941, Peter Cameron was educated at Stubbington House before joining the Royal Marines in 1959. Over a distinguished career, he served in Malta, the Far East, Borneo and Northern Ireland, commanding both on the ground and in the air. He became the first

Royal Marine officer to earn Army flying wings, going on to lead the development of helicopter operations within 3 Commando Brigade.

As Commanding Officer of 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron during the Falklands conflict, Cameron played a critical role. His unit’s Scout and Gazelle helicopters flew over two thousand hours under fire, delivering ammunition, evacuating casualties and supporting frontline troops in extreme conditions. His MC citation praised his leadership, courage and unwavering dedication.

Following the war, he held key roles in Royal Marines recruitment, commanded the Royal Marines Reserve and served as British Defence Adviser in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. In retirement he remained active, serving as Clerk to the Company of Watermen and Lightermen, joining the Territorial Army and flying with the Army Air Corps.

Peter Cameron was known for his humour, compassion and deep commitment to service. He loved flying, command and, above all, his family. He is survived by his wife, Carol, a former diplomat, and their three sons.

The Cross James Timothy Cutts (Cross 1955-59) 1941-2025 Tim Cutts, known fondly as Stan (after Stanley Matthews) at School, died from a heart attack on 10 September. He would have been 84 on 21 December.

Tim was a lifelong friend and a member of The Cross, who won everything on the sports field in those days at Repton. Having been recruited from Bramcote Prep School by Bill Blaxland, Housemaster of The Cross, on

one of his scouting missions, he went on to become one of the finest wicket-keeper batsmen of his time, keeping to the great Peter Rowland (Cross 1955-59) and Richard Hutton (Hall 1956-61).

Richard remembers having a close association with him at Repton and has fond memories of their many partnerships. He recalls: “We opened the innings together for the Under 16s and 2nd X1 in consecutive seasons, and we were both in the 1st X1 the following season when he batted THE ARCH

61

FAREWELLS

at No 3. He was a very talented all-rounder and a source of much amusement.

Stan portrayed himself as a bit of a ‘wide’ boy. I recall a particular dirty trick played on him. On the way back from a two-day match at Uppingham, we stopped off at a pub to be allowed one drink. Stan had been salivating at the prospect of his favourite pint of Marston’s Pedigree for some time, and, having paid for it at the bar, was settling down to it when Robert Green (Hall 1954-59) plonked a pickled onion in it, rendering the beverage undrinkable. Poor Stan was absolutely mortified, even more so by our amusement.”

The amusement he created was characteristic of his time at Repton, which, despite being in The Priory, I was able to witness, having been in the same class, finishing up together in George Lowe’s Sixth General.

Two instances stand out in my memory. The first was when the Queen visited to mark Repton’s 400th Anniversary in 1957. The whole School assembled inside the Arch, fronted by the CCF, with the remainder of the School standing behind. Headmaster TL Thomas was ensuring we were smart and well dressed when he noticed this boy with a crew cut.

Haircuts like this were outlawed and Stan was removed from the parade out of sight of the Queen.

After the “inspection”, the Queen was escorted to other buildings, including the Grubber, which had remained open for refreshments.

As she approached the building, who should walk out but Stan?

And he gave the Queen a broad smile, ticked her, as was our fashion, and said “Morning, Your Highness”. The Headmaster was beside himself.

Michael Henry Newbould (Cross 1955-59) 1941-2025 Dad had a happy childhood with father Harry, mother Ruby and sister Carol. First attending Captain Cook Memorial School in Middlesbrough, he went on to prep school at Goldsborough near Harrogate, before joining Repton and The Cross in 1955.

He loved everything about life 62

THE ARCH

The other instance was when the 1st X1 Cricket team were playing the MCC when Sir Len Hutton was in the side. Within minutes of the great man reaching the crease, he got a thick outside edge off the bowling of Peter Rowland, with Stan taking a good catch behind the stumps. The nick was loud and heard by the large crowd. An appeal went up in unison. Not out, said the indomitable Eric Marsh.

At the end of the over and crossing ends, Stan went up to Eric and insisted it was out. Eric put his hand on Stan’s shoulder and said, “Look lad, you see all those folk up there,” pointing to the crowd on The Paddock, “they’ve not come to watch thee.”

Such amusement featured long after School, on the golf course, at test matches at Trent Bridge, in the company of close friends Butch Newbould and Philip Scott, and at Repton events. Nick Smith (Brook 1969-74) and James Ross (Hall 1968-73) remember the hilarity when we all gathered in The Red Lion and latterly The Boot after OR Dinners.

Stan was just as good a footballer, playing many matches for the 1st X1 on the right wing. It was a travesty that he didn’t get a “Teamer”. And he was first or second string in the Tennis team.

at Repton: the traditions, the friendships, the never-ending fun and the daily sport on the magnificent playing fields.

Dad was involved with Michael Charlesworth’s production of Hamlet, when, as one of the gravediggers, he gave his Basil Rathbone performance of the famous line, “Alas poor Yorick, I knew him well…” John Hings (Priory 1955-60) tells me that he

He, Nick Robey (Latham 1955-60) and Humphrey Stokes (Hall 195762) were in the side and they all went on to represent Notts.

Stan was also a member of Notts Amateurs Cricket Club and had several games for Notts seconds, playing regularly at Trent Bridge.

He was a good golfer too, having played to low single figures most of his life, and he kept this up until the day he died. I don’t know why he never played in the Halford Hewitt as he would have been an asset to the OR team.

Stan’s career was spent in sales management, notably for American electronics firm Tandy.

He was devoted to his wife, Paula, and proud father to daughters Beverley and Samantha and youngest brother to Jeremy, Nigel and Chrstopher, who all went to Trent College. Only Chris survives him. His parents, Reginald and Edith, were marvellous people, and I was privileged to spend many happy times in their home and with them on family holidays.

There are some people in your life that you will miss more than others. Stan will be one of those, but the memory of the fun and pleasure we enjoyed together will remain with me forever.

By John Hings (Priory 1955-60)

dined out on that one for years, mainly after the OR Dinner in Dora’s Red Lion.

On leaving Repton, he was given the weekend off before going straight into the family butchery business in Middlesbrough, where he would later become chairman.

He enjoyed work and spent a lot of time on the shop floor with the staff. He used his wonderful sense of humour to keep spirits

FAREWELLS

up in the factory and always said that production levels would peak after a ‘Boro win.

Kirkby in Cleveland (Kirby to us locals), became home after he married his “rosebud”, Wendy, in 1966. Dad adored the view of the Cleveland Hills, which rise above the village like a natural amphitheatre. They had chosen a wonderful place to start married life and bring up a family. Dad and Mum really were an extraordinary couple, who seemed to be continually entertaining guests, making the house a place of chaotic fun, love and laughter.

Nicola, Louise and I could not have wished for a happier childhood.

It was typical of Dad’s love of sport that part of their honeymoon was a trip to Wembley to see the World Cup win in 1966. One of his lifelong passions was supporting Middlesbrough FC, and all of the family have enjoyed following the ‘Boro with him, right up to the end.

Back in the 1980s, on Boxing Days he and I used to have the privilege of delivering the pies to Ayresome Park, and it was a thrill to walk out onto the hallowed turf. In the difficult period of the mid-1980s, Dad was on a committee of local businessmen that raised funds to help pay the player wages, ensuring the club survived.

He loved other sports too. He was a Yorkshire County Cricket Club member and a lifelong member of Middlesbrough Golf Club. To celebrate his 21st birthday, he had a day at Ganton Golf Club with his friends. Dad didn’t take playing golf too seriously – for him it was more about the company of people and the fun that went with it. He organised golfing trips to Scotland and southern Spain for family and friends, which were unforgettable in many ways. The trips to Twickenham and Landsdowne Road for the Internationals were also memorable, and we were still

reminiscing about them years later.

moved by the beautiful solemnity of this service.

Dad was known for his skill in public speaking and joke telling.

He could always be relied on to gauge the occasion and find the right tone. He would be called upon to make various speeches at dinners around the North East and would often delight audiences by relating a lot of his jokes to the hosts or certain guests.

The family is grateful to John Hings (Priory 1955-60) for speaking beautifully at Dad’s funeral, with joyful reflections about their time at Repton together. We remember with affection Dad’s OR friends who have left us: Tim “Stan” Cutts (Cross 1955-59), Philip Scott (New 1955-60) and Steve Webb-Jones (Cross 1955-58), to name a few.

Many of my contemporaries will remember Dad fondly – he even got the nickname “Spender” from one or two of them. One recollection is my 18th birthday celebrations, when he lent a pair of white jeans to Al Callander (Cross 1988-93). Later that night the UV lights above the dancefloor at The Kirk nightclub seemed to light up these trousers. The sight of him swaying around was too much for certain onlookers: when we arrived home ready for bed, a taxi full of girls came down the drive behind us. Dad came downstairs to see what the disturbance was and thought the whole thing was hilarious and more celebrations ensued.

We are also grateful to Mike Stones for attending the service. It was a lovely surprise, as our family has always been very fond of Mike, with our strong School and Yorkshire connections.

We shared great times going back to Repton together, especially for the OR Annual Dinners in November. We used to talk about having the same butterflies we had in our School days each time we crossed Willington Bridge. We would travel down in very good time, starting at The Red Lion (and more recently The Boot) for a pint of Pedigree with old friends.

We would also enjoy bumping into the masters, some of whom had taught us both. The afternoon would then involve wandering up towards Sale Flats, watching School and House football and hockey, before getting spruced up for the Dinner in Pears School.

Then there was the Sunday morning Remembrance Day Chapel with the School. The assembled ORs were always

Mum and I took Dad to the Gaudy last summer, which turned out to be a wonderful last visit to Repton, and he was pleased to see and hear about the School being in such good fettle.

Dad was a man of great faith and a man of his word. I think family was the only thing that really mattered to him. He was very proud of his dear grandchildren, Henry, Sandy, Archie, Frank and Zara. They are undoubtedly the icing on the cake of his long, happy life.

Dad slipped away at home with his family at his side. He was content in the knowledge that we were healthy, happy and living close by to be able to look after one another, with such precious memories.

By Harry Newbould (Cross 1989-94) (son)

THE ARCH

63

FAREWELLS

The Hall Charles Anthony Fry (Hall 1953-58) 1941-2024 Charles Anthony Fry, who died on 27 October 2024, aged 84, was a distinguished cricketer, businessman and influential figure in the world of cricket administration. Former chairman and president of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), Fry upheld the sporting legacy of his grandfather, the legendary CB Fry, with distinction and integrity.

Born on 14 January 1940, Fry was a gifted schoolboy sportsman at Repton, where he captained the Cricket XI in 1958, played in the Hockey XIs, kept goal for the 2nd XI Football team, and represented the School in fives. As a cricketer, he scored 1,720 runs and was known for his sharp fielding and skills as a wicketkeeper.

Christopher John Cross Hooper (Hall 1941-45) 1927-2025 Christopher JC Hooper, who died on 3 January 2025, remembered his time at Repton with great fondness and paid a visit to the School in more recent years. After leaving Repton, he completed

Martin Wright (Hall 1943-48) 1930-2025 My father, Martin Wright, who has died aged 94, spent much of his working life advocating for changes to the UK’s prison system.

As director of the Howard League for Penal Reform from 1971 to 1984, he put pressure on successive governments to improve prison conditions and find alternatives to incarceration. He was also a pioneer in the field of restorative justice, and wrote influential books on the subject, including Justice for Victims and Offenders (1996), as well as many articles that brought the concept to countries where it was previously unheard of. Later, he worked for Victim Support as a policy officer until his retirement in 1994.

Martin was born in Stoke Newington, North London, to 64

THE ARCH

He went on to represent Oxford University in cricket from 1959 to 1961, earning three Blues and scoring two first-class centuries. He also represented the university in Eton Fives. He made five County Championship appearances for Hampshire in 1960 and played a single match for Northamptonshire in 1962.

Fry played for the Repton Pilgrims in the Cricketer Cup from its inception in 1967 until 1979, often recognisable by his iconic I Zingari cap and colourful sweaters – which, according to Richard Hutton, he would shed one by one as matches progressed, keeping spectators guessing.

the freedom to remain deeply involved in the game, and he became a long-serving member of MCC’s main committee. He was appointed president in 2003 and later served as chairman in 2004, succeeding Sir Tim Rice. He subsequently chaired the MCC Foundation.

He is survived by his wife, Jane, son, Benjamin, and twins, James and Annabelle. Charles Fry was a true sportsman, remembered as much for his charm and loyalty as for his contributions to the game he loved.

Outside cricket, Fry pursued a successful career in finance, founding Johnson Fry and later Pinder Fry & Benjamin.

His business acumen gave him National Service, followed by a BA at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and a PGCE at the University of London.

Upon retirement, he continued his service to the community as a lay reader in the Diocese of Salisbury.

He went on to pursue a distinguished career in education, most notably serving as headmaster of St Neot’s Preparatory School in Hampshire.

Christopher is survived by his wife, four children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Clifford, a town clerk, and Rosalie (née Mackenzie), a librarian, and was educated at Repton School in Derbyshire, after which he went to Jesus College, Oxford University.

at a research centre established by the iron and steel-making company Richard Thomas and Baldwins Ltd, he became a visitor at Aylesbury prison.

In 1953 he met Lisa Nicholls, a vicar’s daughter, at a party thrown by a mutual friend. His hand was bandaged, and when Lisa asked why, he explained he had been trying to milk a deer in the University Parks to make cheese and it had bitten him. They were married in 1957 and had six children, of whom two – George and Sophie – died young.

In 1964 Martin accepted a post as librarian at the Institute of Criminology, working there until 1971. While in Cambridge, he started a Simon Community branch in the city, and homeless people would often turn up at our house asking for him: we would happily invite them into our living room for a cuppa, until he or our mum arrived home from work.

Martin began his working life as a librarian at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London before setting up a translation service for the Iron and Steel Institute. While in London, he became a prison visitor at Wormwood Scrubs, and in 1962, after moving to Aylesbury to become information officer

After his 13 years as head of the Howard League in London, Martin became policy officer at Victim Support in 1984, while working as an occasional freelance researcher for the BBC TV programme Rough Justice, highlighting miscarriages of justice. He also studied for a PhD at the London School of

By Paul Hooper (son)

FAREWELLS

Economics, carrying out research into victim offender mediation.

Outside his work, Martin was a founding member of the Lambeth Mediation Service in South London, which was set up in the early 1980s to foster dialogue between local communities in Lambeth and local authorities.

He was also a prolific letter

writer for campaigning causes, including tree preservation, the Bhopal disaster, Romanian zoo conditions, vegetarianism, antismoking, solar energy and traffic pollution. He was still cycling around London, aged 90, on his electric bike.

and his sister Vivian.

He is survived by Lisa, his children, Edward, me, William and Ellie,

Latham House Christopher William Davis (Latham 1956-61) 1942-2025 Chris was born on 10 September 1942 in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, the first of three children born to William Henry Thomas and Eidth Dorothy Irene Davis. He started his education at Cuckney Village School, before attending Stancliffe Hall Preparatory School, near Matlock, Derbyshire, where he was banned from playing sport as a result of him breaking his back and both feet. Chris sleepwalked out of a first-floor window, while on a family holiday in France, approximately a year before his first day there. But by the time he left, he was a member of the School’s 2nd IX Football team.

Christopher gained a place at Repton in 1956 and joined Latham House, of which he would eventually become Head of House. He represented Repton at football, cricket and hockey.

He also joined the CCF and had a not so fond memory of having to step off “the tower” while simultaneously clipping onto a zip wire, without the benefit of safety gear! Another, fonder, memory was the kudos he gained when the family firm’s ten-tonne lorry arrived to collect him at the end of term (which trumped all the Jaguars and Rolls Royces!). It was at Repton that Christopher began his love of hockey, and when he was accepted to the University of Manchester in 1961, he went straight into the University 1st team and the Northern UAU team. He also had the honour of being invited into the illustrious XXI Club.

On leaving Manchester in 1964, with a BA in Economics and Social Studies, he followed in his father’s footsteps and joined

Derwent Hockey Club, Darley Dale, for whom he played for 15 years, during which time the club won the Derbyshire County Championship twice. The following year, 1965, he gained his colours for the Derbyshire Country side and went on to attain 106 caps – at the time one of the highest totals for the country.

In the same year he was selected to play for the Midlands and held a place there for 11 years before doing a 5-year stint as a selector.

He captained the teams at all three levels. In 1967 Chris was selected for the England side as first reserve, but it was short-lived because he preferred playing a full game to sitting on the bench waiting on the off-chance that a player on the field might need replacing. He also enjoyed playing with social sides and appeared with the Lincolnshire Poachers, the Pirates, but mainly the Clodhoppers, a combined South Yorkshire/Derbyshire side that enjoyed the Easter Hockey Festivals at Weston-Super-Mare, becoming Festival champions on two occasions while he was playing with them. His last game of hockey, in 1989, at Weston, was for the Clodhoppers Veteran side, when they took the trophy.

He was a keen fly fisherman from the age of 16 until the last couple of years of his life, taking as much enjoyment from being in the countryside, especially with friends, as he did in catching any fish. He also enjoyed game shooting, which he took more seriously once he had retired from playing hockey and had weekends free in the winter months. Another little-known fact was that he liked to write poems, always amusing and generally about personal events and friends.

Christopher joined Derbyshire Stone Limited, in Matlock, on completing his formal education, in the sales department, and was there from 1964 until July 1967, when he joined his father in the family firm of WH Davis & Sons, Langwith Junction, a heavy engineering firm. He started in the sales department and eventually became MD, taking over the role from his father when he retired from everyday work at the company.

A particularly difficult time for Christopher began in 1982, at home and work, when his eldest son, James, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour and WH Davis went into receivership because of the heavy influx of cheap imports from the Far East at the time. James, after a long battle, seemed to have recovered from the cancer, with its aggressive treatments, until in 1988 it returned, and he died in November of that year. Chris, with friends and family, bought out the company foundry and ran it, as MD, until he retired in 2002.

In the last ten years of his life, Chris battled with ill health, from bowel cancer to, finally, dementia. He leaves behind his wife, Anne, and his younger son, William, daughter-in-law, Liz, granddaughter, Norah, and extended family.

THE ARCH

65

FAREWELLS

Jonathan Michael Woodhead (Latham 1966-71) 1953-2025 We are sad to report the passing of Jonathan Woodhead, on 14 August 2025, after a brave fight against Parkinson’s disease.

He was one of a long line of Woodheads educated at Repton, all of whom resided in Latham House.

Being handy and mechanically minded, Jonathan delighted in spending as much of his spare time as possible in the School’s carpentry and metal workshops.

His forte was motor vehicles, especially vintage and veteran cars. Indeed, shortly after finishing at Repton, and within a few days of passing his driving test, he and I – longstanding School friends – set off driving northwards to Scotland in his lovely 1936 Morris 8 and around a country where his parents had taken him on several touring holidays.

On return from holiday, Jonathan joined the family firm of Woodheads Seeds, the history of which stretched back to 1801.

Initially, he worked alongside his father at the firm’s HQ in

Kirkgate, Leeds, though he always particularly enjoyed the time he spent at the firm’s other branch, at Selby, some twenty miles away, where a large seed-cleaning and processing plant was operational.

Following the passing of his father, and assuming the MD role in the business, Jonathan bravely took the decision to close the, by then, struggling Leeds division and concentrate activity at the Selby site, ensuring continuing economic success. Behind a small gardening supplies retail shop overlooking Selby’s market square was the large ancient monument – part of a former priory – that had been offering the company of Woodheads Seeds excellent warehouse floorspace for cleaning, dressing and storing the bulk agricultural seeds, which the company had been supplying to the farmers of East Yorkshire and beyond, and which, under Jonathan’s leadership, became the core business of the firm. Indeed, over the next three decades, the seed-processing (cleaning and dressing) business flourished and grew significantly, before a competitor agricultural

supplies business, the Wynnstay Group, made a good offer to acquire the company.

Before much of this, however, in 1972, Jonathan had met the love of his life, Ilona, whom he married two years later in Harrogate. Then came the birth of their two children, Michael, born in 1984, and Faye, born in 1986, who both now live and work away from Yorkshire, in London and Manchester, respectively. In 2024 Faye married Ellis, and they have recently delighted Ilona and Jonathan with the birth of Jem, their first grandchild.

Rest in Peace, Jonathan.

By John Raine (Latham 1965-69)

The Mitre Peter Joseph Kinder Haslehurst (Mitre 1954-58) 1941-2025 I knew Peter Haslehurst for 75 years, first at Foremarke and then at Repton. Peter being a year older, and in The Mitre, meant we were neither housemates (I was in The Priory) nor in the same class, but we met regularly, mainly at Repton. He was a frequent attendee of the Gaudy and dinners and interested in all things Repton.

Peter’s son, Tom, has provided me with his father’s obituary for the Royal Thames Yacht Club and the eulogy given by Peter’s friend, Alastair Kennedy, at the Parish Church of St James the Great in Gawsworth Cheshire on 23 May 2025. Here are some extracts: Peter was a senior member of the Royal Thames. He served on many committees and was Rear Commadore Finance (1994-96) and Vice Commadore from 2008 66

THE ARCH

to 2011. His ultimate service as a trustee provided a safe anchor for the club’s affairs.

long and successful career, he generated tens of thousands of jobs.

He was CEO and chairman of international manufacturing PLCs for 48 years, including 100 companies in 30 countries.

He specialised in mentoring and assisting management in restoring non-performing companies and turning them into successful enterprises. He was involved in metallurgy, chemicals, fluid technology, aircraft and defence. As Chairman and Chief Executive of Brunner Mond, the country’s biggest producer of alkaline heavy chemicals, and Chairman of Luxfer Holdings after that, his career ran well into his later years. He often recounted that his favourite memories were of working with innovative engineering businesses in the 80s and 90s as Chairman and Chief Executive of EIS Group and Flexibox International. During this

Following a degree in Production Engineering from Loughborough University and qualification as a Chartered Engineer, he was made Eisenhow Fellow from Britain in 1980 and Honorary Doctor of Science of Loughborough University in 2008. He was also made Honorary Chief of the Maasai Tribe and Freeman of the City of London.

Peter’s varied and full life was admired by his family – he was an honourable man who loathed corruption in high places, fat cats and asset strippers. Peter was the opposite of these things. He was a builder and rescuer of companies, always happy to walk into boardrooms, set things straight without fear or favour and knock a few corporate heads together until they saw sense.

FAREWELLS

Despite his business life and interests, including Macclesfield Conservatives, where he was the association’s president, Peter was a great family man, the only son of Colonel Arthur and Mrs Betty Haslehurst and elder brother to Cynthia and Rosemary. He was a dearly loved husband of the late Susan and much-loved father of son Tom and stepfather of Matthew and Adam. He enjoyed his grandchildren, Sam, Katie and Hannah, very much. Tom recalls his father saying: “During my career I have enjoyed success from being honest, as others have

from being dishonest, and feel a lot better about it.”

with affection and admiration by all who knew him.

Peter was a generous man, keen to see those he loved succeed. His ambition, mixed with his wife’s guidance, made them a perfect team, described by Tom as follows: “If the family was a ship, Mum was the rudder and Dad was the sails.

He was a magnificent man in business but at home he was kind and generous. If I do half of what my father did in his lifetime, I shall consider it a great success.”

By John Hings (Priory 1955-60) and Tom Haslehurst (son)

Robert Norton Wilkinson

which fell victim to the Beeching cuts. He kept a couple of short two-foot sections of railway line as boot ballast in his car for the icy Sheffield weather!

(Mitre 1947-52) 1933-2023 Bob, as he was known to his friends, sadly passed away on 13 October 2023 at the age of 89. He grew up and lived in Sheffield all his life. After Repton, he did National Service and attended Eaton Hall Officer Cadet Training College, during which time he was chosen as one of 12 cadets to march in the late Queen’s Coronation procession in June 1953. He described how they had to go out for long training marches in the evening, shouldering arms to acclimatise for the long march on the day of the Coronation. After passing out at Eaton Hall, Bob went to Corpus Christi College at the University of Cambridge, where he studied Modern Languages, French and German and rowed in one of the college’s eights.

After university, he worked for Thomas Wards, an engineering company. He was involved in the removal of various sections of railway lines in South Wales,

Peter Haslehurst was a titan of his time and will be remembered

Bob left Thomas Wards in 1966 to pursue a career in education. This led him to teaching at High Storrs and Silverdale schools, and later at Richmond College, from which he took early retirement in 1990.

After National Service, Bob joined the Territorial Army, rising to the rank of major and attending numerous training camps in the UK and Germany.

grow and mature as adults.

The centre celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024.

Bob was always fascinated by military history, especially the Second World War, and he gave many U3A talks on subjects including U-boat operation. He maintained a lifelong friendship with John Newall (Cross 194751), who sadly passed away a few years ago.

Bob is survived by three children and one grandson.

By Phil Wilkinson (son)

Throughout most of his adult life, he was a keen member of the Freemasons, beginning his masonic career in 1972 when he was initiated into the Old Reptonian Lodge, and where he was a Past Master.

Through connections in the TA, Bob served for 23 years as company secretary for the Parson House Outdoor pursuit centre, near Hathersage, which provides challenging leisure time activities for young people to help them

New House Martin Needler (New 1956-61) 1943-2025 Martin Needler sadly passed away on 10 March 2025, aged 82. He was a lifelong supporter of Repton and a proud Old Reptonian.

Born in Kirkella, Yorkshire, Martin joined Foremarke Hall before moving up to New House at

Repton, where he formed lasting friendships and developed the values that guided him throughout life. His connection with the School endured: he was chairman of the OR Yorkshire Branch for three decades, encouraging fellowship among ORs and strengthening ties with the School.

After leaving Repton, Martin trained as a quantity surveyor with Ashley Cooper, Hall & Partners. He became a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and, following the firm’s evolution into Hall Needler Partnership, and later EC Harris & Partners, remained a partner until retirement. He was chairman of

THE ARCH

67

FAREWELLS

the RICS Yorkshire Branch – QS Division 1984-86 – and chaired the RICS Professional Conduct Committee, promoting integrity and professionalism within the industry.

Martin worked on many significant projects throughout his career, having a passion for historic buildings. Most notably, he oversaw restoration work at York Minster following the devastating fire of 1984 – a project that he was immensely proud of.

His illustrated talk, After the Fire, given at Hull Guildhall just months before his passing, recalled this landmark achievement with characteristic clarity and modesty.

Alongside his professional career, Martin was deeply committed to charitable and community work. He was chairman of the Beverley Minster Old Fund and

Anthony Harford

Dundas

Battersby

(New 1944-48) 1930-2024 We are sad to inform you of the death of our father, Anthony “Tony” Harford, on 11 December 2024. The Harfords are a Repton dynasty family with several forebears preceding Tony, and, more recently, the four of us (Nicola, Annabel, Mark and Joanna) attended the School. Tony was born in Reigate to Margot and Victor and had an older brother, Michael. In later life he reconnected with a half-brother, also Victor. His childhood during the war years was full of vivid memories, from dripping on toast to the American soldiers his family billeted. After attending Yarlet, he arrived at Repton School in 1944, where he enjoyed sport and once won a prize for washing up – a distinction he used as lifelong justification never to repeat the act!

After a brief flirtation with languages and a start in accountancy at Shell in London, Tony made the bold decision to emigrate to Southern Rhodesia in 1952. There he embraced a life of work, tennis, theatre and adventure. He met Averil on the

68

THE ARCH

supported the “Two Churches, One Town” initiative, drawing on his expertise in historic buildings.

He was also a former trustee and chairman of the Sailors’ Families Society, following in the footsteps of his mother, Ida. In recognition of his role, Martin was awarded a British Empire Medal for services to children in the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

grandchildren would be joining Repton in September 2025, with Charlie (New B Block) and Abby (Repton Prep) becoming the 12th and 13th members of the extended Needler family to attend Repton School: Martin, Christopher, Nick Kay, Johnathan Kay, Alistair, James, Paul, Giles, Tom, Mary, William, Charlie and Abby.

Remembered as a gentleman of kindness, professionalism and integrity, Martin embodied the values of Repton throughout his life and gave generously of his time in service to his profession, community and School.

By Paul Needler (New 1991-96) (son)

He is survived by his wife, Linda, daughter, Karen, son, Paul (New 1991-96) and grandchildren, Emily, Matthew, Charlie and Abby.

He was delighted to learn before his passing that his youngest Northern Rhodesian Copperbelt, charmed her despite her brothers’ scepticism about “the Pom”, and they married in 1962. With an expanding family, they lived a life of frequent moves encompassing Malawi, Zambia, Nigeria, Belgium, Abu Dhabi and Pakistan.

Wherever he went, Tony built friendships through his warmth and genuine interest in others, and his endless supply of stories and truly terrible jokes, which his grandchildren love to repeat.

He was an enthusiastic actor and directed several acclaimed semi-professional productions in Zambia – most memorably Royal Hunt of the Sun – and later in Pakistan, where his repertoire spanned Christmas pantomime and Oscar Wilde.

In 1989 Tony and Averil retired to Somerset, where they created a much-loved home and woodland, volunteered in their community, continued to travel intrepidly and doted on their black labradors, Roly and Sorrel. Tony also delighted in golf, sailing and, above all, family life, hosting all our weddings, entertaining our friends and his, beating everyone at board games and giving tractor-mower rides to his grandchildren: Max, Xander,

Jessie, Emily, Issy, Bonnie, Oliver and Jemima.

Tony instilled in us all a love of learning, an aptitude for numbers and an element of competitiveness, as well as exposing us to literature, music, drama and the wider world, while supporting us unconditionally. In his later years, dementia slowly dimmed his light, but he remained surrounded by love and care until a peaceful end at home. His was a life well lived – adventurous, generous and full of humour.

He leaves a legacy of curiosity, kindness and connection. We miss him.

By Nicola (Abbey 1982-83), Annabel (Abbey 1982-84), Mark (Latham 1982-87) and Joanna (Abbey 1987-89)

FAREWELLS

Tim Dutton (New 1970-74) 1957-2025 Tim Dutton CBE KC, a towering figure in the legal profession and a passionate defender of justice, has died aged 68 from motor neurone disease. Renowned for his charisma, compassion and commitment to public service, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern advocacy and defending the legal aid system from damaging cuts.

Although he rose to prominence in commercial law, Dutton was equally devoted to ensuring the legal profession remained accessible to all. As Chairman of the Bar in 2007, he vocally challenged the misconception that barristers were universally wealthy, pointing out that many junior barristers earned less than the minimum wage. He argued that undermining legal aid

William Alick Talbot Agnew (New 1945-50) 1931-2025 William Agnew, Director of Music at Repton in the 1960s, died on 2 August at the age of 93.

His funeral, a beautiful service marked appropriately by some fine music-making, took place in St Mary’s Church at Wedmore in Somerset, where he lived for the last 20 years of his life.

Leading the mourners were Gill, his beloved wife of 69 years, his 3 children, Edward, Katharine and Caroline, and 4 granddaughters.

The large congregation included several former colleagues and ex-students, who all bore witness to the passing of a remarkable musician and inspirational teacher.

risked silencing the voiceless and eroding the justice system itself.

His deep concern for the future of advocacy led him to found the world-renowned Advanced International Advocacy Course at Keble College, Oxford, in 1994.

It was developed from his own Pimlico basement and went on to transform advocacy training in the UK and beyond, becoming his enduring professional legacy.

Born in Essex in 1957, Dutton was educated at Repton and read Law at Keble. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a teenager, he said it taught him discipline and a determination to live each day fully. Called to the Bar in 1979, he eventually specialised in professional regulation, earning a reputation as the go-to barrister in the field.

Dutton held numerous senior roles, including Head of Chambers

William was born in Manchester in 1931 but was orphaned at the age of two. He became a pupil at Repton in 1945, having been awarded a music scholarship, and his five years at the School provided a home in which he was free to develop his piano skills and where he was, by his own account, very happy. His return to the School as a staff member in 1957 (having trained at the Royal College of Music) was no doubt fostered by that positive experience, and when he left Repton ten years later he described his departure as “cutting the umbilical cord”. His career flourished after that, with music directorships at Bedales School, two institutions in France, and finally Clifton High School for Girls in Bristol. But he scarcely slowed down after retirement in 1993, continuing to teach piano at Clifton and moving to Exmoor, where he was actively involved in choral conducting and the early years of the Two Moors Festival, for which he created two opera productions and worked as an accompanist. He also continued with examining work for the Associated Board, which took him to countries all over the world.

Repton provided the solid foundation for a notably diverse and distinguished career. William

at Fountain Court, Leader of the South Eastern Circuit, and Chairman of the Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers. His work often carried a strong public interest dimension, including cases involving the Law Society, the Financial Reporting Council and the Supreme Court.

In 2014 he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease but continued working for nearly a decade. He was admired for his humour, courage and unwavering drive. “Even if you’re in a state of total paralysis,” he once said, “there will still be birdsong… there’s still room for enjoyment.”

He is survived by his wife, Sappho, a fellow barrister, and their daughter, Pia. Tim Dutton’s influence on the legal profession and his relentless pursuit of justice will be long remembered.

was a busy and creative presence throughout his years at the School, training choir and orchestra (with Gill regularly taking soprano roles in choral concerts), teaching piano, organising visiting performers and School outings to concerts, and facilitating discussion and analysis groups. Collaborating with Michael Charlesworth, he also composed the scores for three successful musicals staged in the 400 Hall between 1961 and 1967, the last of which, based on Trollope’s Phineas Finn, was revived at Bedales in 1977. William’s compositional career otherwise took second place to his teaching, conducting and organisational work, but a glimpse of its further potential is afforded by a critic’s praise of his setting of Edward Thomas’s poem “Thaw”. It was described THE ARCH

69

FAREWELLS

as a “standout” contribution to the poet’s centenary concert in 2017, in its “avant-garde musical arrangement – with brooding cellos, and voices that seemed to hang endlessly in the air”.

William had conducted its first performance on the centenary of Thomas’s birth in 1978.

By Anthony Parr (Mitre 1962-67)

I am certainly not the only beneficiary of William’s gifts to remember his rigorous encouragement of our musical interests and abilities as a hugely formative influence on our lives.

The Priory Christopher Charles Boutcher (Priory 1952-57) 1939-2023 Chris Boutcher could not be described, even by his loving family, as one of Repton’s academic successes. While he loved to tell his grandchildren of his large number of O Levels, he omitted to tell them he had done so badly in his A Levels that he had been awarded O Level passes and that his impressive tally included a certain amount of duplication.

His fondest memories of School included his time with the shooting team and passing the Sandhurst entrance exam, in spite of (or perhaps because of) his Housemaster’s dire predictions to the contrary.

A total of 25 years in the Army followed, with active service in Aden and Northern Ireland. The highlight was two years as a newlywed in Hong Kong, where he was able to indulge his love of travel and sailing, participating in (and once winning) the China Sea race from Hong Kong to Manila.

During his military career, he competed at Army, Divisional and (even after retiring) Regimental level.

(Priory 1971-76) 1958-2025 After a long illness on 20 February, my twin brother, Nicholas, died in Belgium, where he had lived for most of his adult life.

He was always a committed European and enjoyed the fine food and wine that Belgium and Luxembourg (where he worked) had to offer. Nicholas was a keen runner and musician at School, where he played bass and double bass guitar in the School band. He continued with his music, playing double bass for the London School of Economics Orchestra when

THE ARCH

By Nicki Thornycroft (daughter)

Chris’ inclination to speak truth to power won him many friends but fewer promotions. After leaving the Army, he worked as a civil servant before retirement.

Plagued in later life with severe ill health, his many loyal friends stuck with him and rallied his

Robert Nicholas Ogden

70

spirits to the end. Chris was, to quote his best man’s eulogy, “a firm friend; a very capable officer; an honest man with strong views; a splendid sense of humour; plenty of energy; a do-er; a glass half-full man. And a very good chum who will be very much missed.”

he was at university, managing the heroic feat of transporting the instrument around on the London Underground, much, I’m sure, to the annoyance of the other passengers. He studied Economics at LSE and then put this into practice working for several banks, finally concentrating on Eurobonds. He enjoyed cooking, and a visit to his house was always a feast. He also loved collecting art and had an impressive collection of African art. He is survived by two children, both of whom live in Belgium.

By Jeremy Ogden (Priory 1971-76)

FAREWELLS

Simon William Glover (Priory 1971-76) 1957-2025 Simon was a contemporary of mine at The Priory, who sadly died on 1 May. Simon was Head of House and went to LSE to study economics and then worked as a commodities dealer of cocoa, a niche but lucrative area, before setting up a small hedge fund.

He moved to the USA to work and enjoyed the lifestyle of New York and Vermont. Simon always

William Douglas Snider (Priory 1970-75) 1956-2025 Born in Canada on 19 December 1956, Bill moved with his family to Doncaster in 1958. He joined The Priory in 1970, was a keen footballer and became a key member of the 1st XI. The Reptonian of Michaelmas 1974 described him as “a tremendous competitor” with “power in both feet” and someone who had “the confidence to pick his spot when shooting”. He scored 16 goals that term and was widely regarded as one of the finest Repton forwards of his era.

After leaving School in 1975, Bill enjoyed a successful 26year international career in the chemical industry with Courtaulds before returning to Repton in

appreciated the finer things of life but was equally happy sitting in a pub with a pint of beer, a cigarette and a newspaper. He enjoyed tennis and played for much of his life. He leaves behind two daughters in America.

By Jeremy Ogden (Priory 1971-76)

2004 as Physics Technician – a role he fulfilled with distinction until his retirement in 2021. During that time, he worked alongside four Heads of Physics and became a much-loved and respected member of the department.

His good humour, generosity of spirit and readiness to assist both colleagues and pupils were deeply appreciated across the School.

Bill was drawn back to Repton after he met Jane, the chemistry technician, at a party on New Year’s Eve 1997. They married in 2003 and shared many happy years together. Bill’s zest for life was infectious – he delighted in his cars, good food, wine and a pint in good company. The Physics Department’s biennial trips to The Jaipur were always a highlight, filled with laughter and

his fond recollections of Priory life and 1st XI footballing exploits.

Bill will be remembered for his warmth, humour and immense generosity. He took genuine pleasure in helping others and contributed deeply to the spirit of the Reptonian Community – as both a pupil and a member of staff. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jane, and sons Joseph and James.

By Martin Hunt (current staff)

Repton Community John Norman William Flemming History Teacher John Fleming, who taught History at Repton in the late 1970s, passed away on 31 December 2024, aged 73. John was born on Boxing Day 1951, the first and only child of Norman (Norrie) and Vera (Vee) Fleming (née Camaish).

The Flemings were of proud Westmorland stock (Grasmere and Kirkby Lonsdale), and the graves of John’s ancestors can be seen in Kirkby Lonsdale churchyard.

John’s mother was born at Peel, on the Isle of Man, and she retained extensive firsthand knowledge of Manx culture and traditions. John derived much of his interest and

enthusiasm for history from his mother.

He was educated at Kendal Grammar School and in 1971 was awarded a place to read Modern History at Merton College, Oxford.

After graduating in 1974, John took a teacher training course, which included a term’s teaching practice at Stonyhurst College. His first two teaching posts were at Repton and then at King William’s College on the Isle of Man. During his time at Repton, John enjoyed taking pupils into Staunton Harold Hall Cheshire Home to talk to the residents, who always appreciated these visits.

rest of his career, rising to become head of the history department.

He retired in 2013.

There are many tributes to John as an excellent and enthusiastic teacher who inspired his pupils with his enthusiasm and care.

John never dwelt on his own health challenges. He was always more concerned for the welfare of others than for himself.

John will be sadly missed.

By Peter Kerr

In 1983 John moved to Bedford School, where he became a house tutor and taught History for the THE ARCH

71

FAREWELLS

Brigadier Patrick F B Hargrave CBE (1988-97) Former Bursar 1934-2024 Pat Hargrave was born in Wolverley, Worcestershire, and educated at King’s School Worcester. He was a recruit at Norton Barracks from November 1952 prior to training at Eaton Hall Officer Cadet School for a Short Service Commission between July and November 1953. He joined the 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment (1WORCR) in Iserlohn and spent the next five years in Germany and the West Indies as a platoon commander, regimental signals officer and adjutant.

He returned to the UK to train recruits at the Mercian Brigade Depot, Lichfield, as adjutant, prior to returning to 1WORCR in the British Army of the Rhine before going to Aden as a grade 3 staff officer. Between 1965 and 1966 he was a student at the Army Staff College, Camberley, before joining the Defence Secretariat in the Richard Harding Honorary OR and Former Staff at Repton Prep 1947-2025 Richard was born in York in 1947.

His father taught at St Peter’s School, and Richard never failed to attend a speech day from that year until 2024, his loyalty spanning 78 years. He died on Yorkshire Day – 1 August. He’d say, “You can take a man out of Yorkshire but you can’t take the Yorkshire out of a man.”

Family, sport and teaching were to play a central role in Richard’s life.

He was an outstanding sportsman, blessed with exceptional talent, becoming Derbyshire squash champion and excelling at rugby, cricket and golf.

In 1969, after completing his degree in Geography and PGCE at Durham University, Tom Davis appointed Richard to Foremarke Hall, where he thrived in a school environment. Shortly after, Jan joined as a matron and they married in August 1971. Their profound love for each other lasted over 48 years, and they were wonderful parents to Sarah, Fiona, Clare and Niki, and the 11 grandchildren became Richard’s lifeline after the huge loss of Jan in February 2020.

72

THE ARCH

MOD, London. He commanded a company in 1WORCR and then 1st Battalion, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment (1WFR) in Bulford, Cyprus and Warminster over the period of the amalgamation.

Following his attendance at the Joint Services Staff Course at Latimer, in 1971 he was posted to HQ Land Forces in Wilton and then HQ The Prince of Wales’s Division at Lichfield, before taking command of 1WFR in Ballykelly and Colchester. He was awarded the OBE for his operational command in Northern Ireland.

After a short tour at Latimer as a member of the directing staff, he was posted on promotion to colonel as Commander BRITCON in the United Nations Force in Cyprus, Nicosia. On promotion to brigadier, he was then posted to Ulster as Commander of the Ulster Defence Regiment between 1980 and 1982, for which he was raised to CBE. He was also appointed In 1977 Richard was appointed housemaster at St Olave’s, St Peter’s Junior School, but with changes afoot there, Tom welcomed them back to Foremarke in 1981. Indeed, he could be set in his ways! I requested on several occasions that maps in his geography room be updated – they showed twothirds of the world in the days of the Empire, clearly a memory not to be erased. Richard and Jan ran the School skiing holidays and the outward-bound trips to the Lake District for many years. He also founded the annual Foremarke versus The Swan in Milton cricket match, umpired by his father, which was always enormous fun.

Richard kept books recording significant events, as well as anecdotes of those he and Jan entertained. They provided 54 years of detailed social activity and memorable events, showing his commitment to recording history and memories made. In retirement, he spent several years researching and writing, as well as supporting the Repton Literary Festival. He published Some of Our Yesterdays, an almanac reflecting his interest in military history about the lives of VC recipients,

ADC to HM The Queen in 1980.

From June 1982 to January 1985, he was Director of Army Recruiting in London. It was during this tour that in March 1983 he became Colonel, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment.

His final appointment in the Army was Assistant Commandant, The Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, 1985-88, prior to retiring on 15 February 1988 and becoming Bursar of Repton School for the next nine years. In 1991 he was appointed Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the County of Derbyshire. On retirement he lived outside Salisbury.

In his early career Pat was a very fine shot and represented the Regiment at Bisley. His hobbies included sailing, gardening, painting, DIY and beekeeping.

In 1960 he married Susan Hughes, herself a daughter of the Regiment, and they have three children, eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. and he also wrote Repton School - On This Day, an enormous task that traced Repton’s history.

He generously gifted a copy to every House at Repton, and one for Foremarke. It was a fantastic achievement and legacy to leave, and he was very proud when he was made an Honorary OR. I experienced in my 15 years at Foremarke a family that was highly valued within the School community for the example they set and the love and care they showed to hundreds of children who passed through the School.

What a privilege it has been to share such a long-standing friendship into retirement and to see Richard and Jan reunited.

By Richard Theobald, Headmaster of Foremarke Hall (1985–00)

OR SOCIETY

Repton School Shop ORs are welcome to visit the School Shop whenever they are in Repton. As well as the traditional OR merchandise, such as blazers, ties, socks and teddy bears, there is a range of Repton-branded items to choose from: some of the items are listed below.

Changing rooms are available onsite, and items can be posted to anywhere. To find out more about the full range, or to place an order, email shop@repton.org.uk or call us on 01283 559323.

Teddy Bear

£22

Hoodie

£32

PJ Top (pink/blue striped)

£35

PJ Bottoms (pink/blue striped)

£30

PJ Set

£50

Whiskey Tumbler

£23

Water Bottle

£3.95

Mug

£15

Towel

£20

Old Reptonian Tie

£25

Old Reptonian Bowtie

£20

Slides

£25

THE ARCH

73

OR SOCIETY

The Old Reptonian Society 2025 Reptonian Community Office Head of the Reptonain Community – Trinity Coupland-Smith (Mitre 2014-19) Reptonian Community Executive – Nicola Milward

OR Advisory Board Chair – Robert Miller (Latham 1976-81) Vice President – Mark Semmence (Headmaster) President – Adam Sinclair (Latham 1978-83) Sports Lead – Paul Brownhill (Priory 1980-85) Culture Lead – Jonathan Every (New 1991-96) Parent Body Lead – Samantha Wilkinson (Abbey 1986-88) Governors’ Representative – Matthew Needham (Priory 1980-85)

Branch Representatives Regional: Yorkshire – Adam Sinclair (Latham 1978-83) and Andy Colcombe (Priory 1978-82) Lancashire and Cheshire – Jonathan Every (New 1991-96) Sport: OR Football Club – Nicky Samra (New 2002-07) and Josh Riley (Priory 2011-16) OR Pilgrims Cricket Club – James Blackwell (Priory 2000-05) and Peter Bradburn (Priory 1967-72) OR Netball Club – Daisy Heath-Abbott (Garden 2006-09) OR Tennis Club – Jamie Muirhead (Cross 2009-11) OR Squash Club – John Hings (Priory 1955-60) and Ben Miller (staff) OR Fives – David Exley (Priory 1995-2000 and staff) OR Golfing Society – Paul Brownhill (Priory 1980-85) Other Branch Contacts: Arts – Guy Levesley (Hall 1975-80) LGBTQ+ – Charles Haydn-Slater (Cross 2003-08) OR Masonic Lodge – Ian McClary (former staff)

The Arch has been printed on FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) credited paper and carbon balanced at source.

CBP019211

74

THE ARCH

Editor:

Nicola Milward

Design:

Trinity Coupland-Smith (Mitre 2014-19)

Front cover:

Rebecca Wilson (Field 2011-13)

Back cover:

Taken by Repton Marketing

Print:

Lavenham Press

We welcome the many contributions we receive from ORs for the annual edition of The Arch. Articles of up to 400 words, plus print-quality photos (300 dpi resolution), should be submitted to the OR Society Office by 1 October each year. repton.org.uk/the-old-reptonian-society Email: or@repton.org.uk Tel: (01283) 559320 Old Reptonian Society, The Hall, Repton School, Repton, Derbyshire DE65 6FH

THE ARCH

75

76

THE ARCH