Dialogue 2026

The RGS Old Guildfordian Magazine Issue #9 2026

JOE BARNES OG 2009 Back in the (former) USSR

TRISTAN HUGHES OG 2014

History Hit presenter, The Ancients

RICHARD PAWSON OG 1976

Restoring King George’s Daimler

FROM THE EDITOR

Philippa Green Alumni Relations

Another busy, productive year has brought plenty of interest and enjoyment for our Alumni. Our Events programme has continued to flourish with Year Group Reunions across the generations, and it is really wonderful to see OGs back here, having fun reminiscing and sharing news and stories, often with their legendary former teachers too. Social events for everyone from undergrads, people juggling careers and families and OGs keen to spend time with friends from their school days – they remind us of what a lasting connection the school creates for people who have passed through its doors and walked its corridors.

We have seen more and more OGs in coming back to support our Careers Programme, be it speaking at our Careers Seminars, giving lunch time webinars and talks, sharing their expertise and advice at our Careers Convention or taking a moment to talk to and mentor other younger OGs and students. It is a hidden strength of our community that so many are willing to help others in so many different ways. The gift of time is indeed precious.

Elsewhere in the magazine you can read about our progress along The Road to 2035 and the amazing support from OGs, parents, staff and the whole RGS community for our work raising funds for the Bursary Programme.

Thank you very much to everyone who is already involved; the QR code below can share more information with you about this worthwhile campaign.

Our features this year have a distinctly historical slant, with three articles spanning hundreds of years: Tristan Hughes and The Ancients. Fearghal Evans at WW1 Battlefields, and Joe Barnes, a journalist and travel writer focusing on former USSR states. Gavin Finney shines a light on success in the Creative Arts while Richard Pawson restores King George’s Daimler.

The big news of the year has undoubtedly been the announcement that the RGS will be becoming Co-Educational, to reflect the society in which our students will be living and building their lives. Rest assured that the OG community will continue to thrive and be an integral part of the RGS. We treasure our OGs for everything they bring to the school, be it careers advice, a financial gift, shared memories or friendship – you are such great company whenever we meet you! Do keep in touch, keep us up to date with what you are doing and keep coming back.

Editorial Team and Acknowledgements Editor Philippa Green Communications should be addressed to the Editor: og@rgsg.co.uk or RGS Guildford, High Street, Guildford GU1 3BB. Acknowledgements With my sincere thanks to all those who contributed to this edition of the OG magazine or helped with its production.

I would particularly like to thank those not credited elsewhere: Monica Popa Helen Dixon Peter Dunscombe Jimmy Pressley Kathryn Sweet Phill Griffith Nicole Peach Many thanks to all those OGs, staff and families who share OG news with us and support us at our events.

Our grateful thanks as always to the Catering Team, the Estates Team and the IT department who give us such wonderful support throughout the year at our events – we couldn’t host them without your fabulous food, friendly service, hard work and attention to detail.

Huge thanks for fantastic photography throughout the year to Jimmy Pressley, Kathryn Sweet and Phill Griffith.

This magazine was designed by Haime & Butler and printed by L&S Printing. It is produced annually by the Development & Alumni Relations Office, Royal Grammar School, Guildford.

Wishing you all a very happy year.

Registered Charity Number: 1177353. © Royal Grammar School Guildford 2026.

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CONTENTS

04 SCHOOL NEWS

14 18 20

Welcome to the Class of 2025

04

The Headmaster’s Address

06

Development and Alumni News

10

OG Feature: Joe Barnes OG 2009

14

OG Feature: Tristan Highes OG 2014

18

OG Feature: Gavin Finney OG 2002

20

Restoring King George’s Personal Daimler

22

History Battlefield Trip

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26 OG COMMUNITY OGs Back at School

26

OG Events

30

Staff & OG News

37

Farewell & Thank You

47

OG Sport

48

Obituaries

51

Development & Alumni Relations Team

59

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DIALOGUE Issue #9 2026

WELCOME TO THE CLASS OF 2025

ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS

We are delighted to welcome the Class of 2025 to the wider OG Community and congratulate them on an extremely good set of results as they set off on the next steps in their academic life and beyond. Dr Jon Cox, Headmaster says of the Class of 2025 “They have developed themselves personally as leaders and collaborative team members; they have nurtured their passion and thirst for learning outside the classroom … with pride and determination, energy and enthusiasm.” As role models for the younger students, they played a vital part in shaping the daily rhythm of the school and have proved to be an excellent and inspirational year group.

CLASS OF 2025

36%

CLASS OF...

BURSARIES A huge thank you to everyone who is supporting the Class of … Bursaries.

We are very grateful for your generosity in enabling another RGS boy to take up his place at the school.

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FAMILIES RAISED 24% OF A FULL 7-YEAR BURSARY

of grades were A*

75%

of grades were A* or A

73

students achieved a clean sweep of A* and A grades

HARDY CUP RESULTS The Hardy Cup is presented to the House which wins the most points throughout the year from a broad range of activities, both team and individual, celebrating and encouraging participation across all year groups. Beckingham won in 2025 by the narrowest of margins from Austen House, to make it back-to-back victories.

93%

of all offers held to UK institutions were to a Russell Group or Times Top 20 institution

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students went to their first-choice institutions

Victorious Beckingham House team(L–R): Ian Rossiter Housemaster, Ayaan, Luke, Sam and Dr Jonah Varney Deputy Housemaster

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TOP 12 UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS University

ED

No. of students 20

Durham

DU

Bath

BA

15

Exeter

EX

14

Bristol

BR

12

Nottingham

NO

9

Oxford

OX

9

Southampton

SH

8

Warwick

WA

8

UCL

UC

7

Edinburgh

ED

6

Leeds

LE

4

Overseas

4

Other popular destinations for RGS students include Imperial College, King’s College London, London School of Economics, Manchester and St Andrews.

TOP DEGREE COURSES

DU

Subject

No. of students

Economics LE

NO

WA

BR

OX

EX

BA

SH

UC

27

Sciences

19

Maths/Computer Science

14

Engineering

13

Business/Finance/Management

7

Medicine/Veterinary Science

7

Classics/Archaeology

6

Geography

5

Philosophy/PPE

5

Politics/International Relations

3

Architecture

2

History

2

Joint or Combined Honours

2

Law

2

Modern Languages

2

English

1

Music

1

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DIALOGUE Issue #9 2026

An abridged version of

The Headmaster’s Address Senior Prizegiving Tuesday 24 June 2025

Mr Bardoe, Chair of Governors, Ladies and Gentlemen, This has been one of the most interesting and challenging years of my career as Headmaster of RGS, for all the obvious reasons currently affecting this and many other schools, and with the prospect of further challenges to our sector in the future. In my speech this time last year, I was predicting, along with everyone else, a Labour victory in the General Election.

Unsurprisingly, this happened and, true to their word, their attack on the independent school sector commenced within months. There are, of course, some aspects of independent education which are not to be lauded – a few schools do create a sense of entitlement, a belief that one’s path into the world of society and of work is secured simply because of the name of one’s school, but in today’s more discerning and equitable society those pathways are now, quite rightly, much less assured.

There are, however, so many great things about the education which independent schools like the RGS offer, which far outweigh the negatives: encouraging ambition, providing essential skills to young people which are about more than

an ability to pass exams, honing the ability to think creatively, to solve problems and to address issues from a different direction, and instilling a sense of community, philanthropy, tolerance and respect. Keir Starmer, who himself benefited from an independent education, has seen fit to ignore the many positive attributes of our sector in a way which has caused a seismic shift in the way in which we can look to the future.

The number of children leaving the independent sector as a result of the changes caused by the Government is three times the total which they predicted at this stage.

The triple whammy of VAT on fees, of increasing National Insurance contributions, and of raising the National Minimum Wage, has been extremely painful for all schools.

I have never known a time when so many independent schools have merged, been taken over or have gone out of business. It is extraordinary what has happened to our sector over the past twelve months – the landscape has changed completely. In the last fortnight alone, four prep schools have announced their immediate closure at the end of this summer term.

It puts me in mind of the opening line from L.P Hartley’s novel The Go-Between, a homage to a lost time

– ‘The past is a different country – they do things differently there’. I could amend that quote to current circumstances – the landscape of independent education familiar from the past is wildly different now – indeed, in many respects, it is unrecognisable compared to just 12 months ago. And that presents a challenge for us as a senior school, one that we will need to face with courage and creativity to ensure that our great school can cope with the new educational reality ahead of us. We must endeavour to utilise the same skills of creativity of thought, problem solving, and thinking outside the box which we encourage and develop in the young people under our charge. So that the RGS of the future is able to thrive in the new world of independent education.

At a time of such great change, it is important to remember the things which make a school such as the RGS special. And our strengths were brought very clearly to the fore in the report which followed our ISI inspection during the final week of January. I was thinking of our inspection as I sat outside the dental hygienist’s room a few weeks ago. A visit to the hygienist is never top of my enjoyment list – but it has to be done, it is good for you, and you are all the better for it. The parallels

The RGS Old Guildfordian Magazine

between a visit to the dentist and a visit by the inspectors are obvious.

Top: BPO awards May 2025 Bottom: autumn term 2025

We had been anticipating an inspection since the start of the Michaelmas Term, and had been preparing diligently for a year before that – but you never look forward to an inspection and when the phone call from ISI finally comes on that Monday morning it is always met with a sense of dread and panic which has to be disguised to all as calm confidence and reassurance.

I have ‘enjoyed’ five inspections as Headmaster of RGS and it never gets any easier. Because, of course, there is a degree of truth in the adage that a school is only as good as its last inspection, which, in many respects, is a good thing, because it means that schools like ours are always looking to improve. We were quietly confident and very well prepared thanks to our inspection maestro, Assistant Head, Mr Wright.

We had addressed and acted on the one recommendation of the previous report, and we had so much exciting progress to demonstrate to the inspection team.

I am delighted and relieved that the inspection team recognised the many strengths of the RGS, delighted that they really got under the skin of the RGS and discovered what makes us a very special school, and relieved because, having spoken to so many Heads who have been on the receiving end of insipid and uninspiring reports, ours was full of affirming and positive judgements about the quality of the education which we provide here.

‘Pupils develop a breadth of knowledge and enthusiasm for scholarship.’

‘Teachers engage pupils in highly sophisticated discussions, using probing questions to challenge their ideas.’

‘Staff have deep subject knowledge and deliver exciting lessons which challenge pupils.’

‘The School prioritises pupils’ physical, mental and emotional health.’

‘The School develops pupils’ appreciation for the difference between right and wrong.’

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‘Pupils develop their sense of responsibility and community service.’

‘An extensive range of co-curricular activities fosters life skills and independence.’

‘Pupils develop social skills, confidence and self-esteem, ensuring they are well prepared for life.’

I see such attributes all the time at the RGS on a day-to-day basis. I am delighted that our inspection team also picked up on what makes the RGS such a wonderful school. When our report was finally published, I received several emails of congratulations from colleagues who lead other schools. One of whom asked how much I had bribed the Reporting Inspector to receive such an outstanding report, and another asked if I had written the report myself. That is how good this report was deemed by others.

I am proud of this school and the fact that it is one of just a handful of schools in the country to have been awarded two significant strengths is a testament to the fact that we do things well. A school only receives a significant strength when it can demonstrate to the inspection team that a facet of the education it provides has had a profound effect on its pupils. As I have expressed on numerous occasions in speeches such as this, the RGS is a valuesdriven school – it has been since the beginning of the twentieth century, when those values were first prescribed by the Headmaster of the time, Arthur Green, whose words are on display in the entrance foyer as you walk in to the RGS. We strive to accord to those six values of inclusivity, scholarship, integrity, respect, courage and collaboration, in everything we do. We are also, I would say, highly proficient at transposing those values to our international schools, the communities of which are built on those same six values. It was particularly pleasing, therefore, that we were awarded significant strengths for inclusion and scholarship, the first two of our six school values.

The inspectors praised our school culture as a significant strength of ➧

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DIALOGUE Issue #9 2026

the School; they wrote, ‘Tolerance, kindness and mutual respect pervade every aspect of school life’.

They were also impressed that the School encourages pupils so successfully to learn and enjoy learning for its own sake; they wrote, ‘The strong academic culture leads to pupils who readily engage in critical thinking and deep learning, and display intellectual curiosity’.

We want our students to enjoy their studies, to love being enriched by learning, and to have the opportunities to extend their knowledge and skills. I was chatting to two students from the Fourth Form a few weeks ago, who had fashioned an accurate and very impressive recreation of the RGS buildings in Minecraft, the virtual building block programme. They did it just for the enjoyment of the challenge, which encapsulates what the RGS is all about.

We can be very pleased that the uniqueness of the RGS was so evident to a long-standing and highly respected Reporting Inspector and her very experienced team. And I am also pleased to say that, unlike the three-times a year I visit my dental hygienist, we will not have a similar routine inspection for another three years.

A number of quotes from the inspection report commend our ability to prepare our students for life after the RGS. And that is why our Learning Habits are so crucial to the education we provide here. We must always encourage creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, resilience and leadership if we are to prepare our charges effectively for life at university and the world of work. There is a sad statistic which shows that many young people from independent schools struggle, at least at first, at university because they haven’t acquired the skills which they need to make them independent learners. I am pleased to report that this is not the case with RGS students; the quality of education, coupled with our careers advice and general preparation for university was particularly praised by the inspectors, and by pupils and parents.

I have to thank so many people for delivering such an impressive

inspection report, not least those senior members of staff who prepared us so well and who drove through the types of projects and initiatives which so impressed the inspection team. But I particularly want to say thank you to our parents and pupils. I was confident that we were going to receive an excellent inspection report by the Tuesday evening of that inspection week. At that time, I reviewed the responses to the parental, pupil and staff surveys which we sent out on behalf of ISI on Monday afternoon and which had been analysed very quickly. To say I was overwhelmed by your responses is an understatement. For a start, to receive responses from 1,051 sets of parents from both RGS and RGS Prep, all of whom took the trouble to reply because they wanted to contribute their opinions to the inspectors, is a remarkable number for any school. The level of support from pupils, parents and staff was extraordinary. It was quite an emotional experience to hear of the esteem in which this school is held by those people who matter the most. The reporting inspector read out many of the comments which you had written in support of the School. It was a joy to hear such supportive views and, indeed, very humbling to know that people appreciate what we have been doing here for so many years. I thank you for your support and your kindness in expressing your views.

To have such a positive affirmation of the work that we have been doing at the RGS is very special. We speak regularly about the culture and ethos of this school, about integrity, respect, kindness and inclusivity. Many schools broadcast similar statements regarding their communities to varying degrees of accuracy, but saying such words is easy. Ensuring that these values are lived and breathed within any school community is much harder.

Our inspection report is an endorsement of our community and a demonstration of how exceptional it is.

I am aware that I have spent much of this speech describing events which have caused concern, the financial challenges, of course, and the inspection, at least, initially, which is unusual for me on these

occasions because I would normally get very excited about the School and the achievements of the young people within it. I’m pleased to say that I do still get excited and, after 19 years at the helm of the RGS, I am still staggered by the quality of the students we have here and their ability to perform to the very highest levels in so many disciplines both academic and co-curricular.

Highlights of the school year for me include: The Independent Learning Assignment and ORIS presentation evening, at which the academic acumen of our senior pupils was on display, which was complemented this year by the new Junior ILA celebration evening at which I had the pleasure of discussing, with our students, research of the very highest quality, from game design to hypersonic missiles and the use of AI in musical composition.

Competitions, Olympiads and academic research are staples of the enrichment we provide at the RGS and, for the second time in just three years, an RGS student will be representing the Great Britain team in the International Astrophysics and Astronomy Olympiad. Yuvan Raja, in the Lower Sixth, won a place in the British team after a selection camp in Oxford and he travels to Mumbai this summer for this prestigious event.

As ever, the Musician of the Year competition and the Concerto Concert were the musical highlights of the year. Upper Sixth Former, George Christiansen won the former with exquisite piano playing, and another Upper Sixth leaver, Ruvin Meda, who, last year, won the Guildhall School of Music and Drama’s Young Composer of the Year award, composed a symphonic poem especially for the Concerto Concert to mark the conclusion of his time at the RGS, called Farewell – a remarkably imaginative and mature composition. Ruvin is a real talent for the future.

Drama highlights included an innovative retelling of The Canterbury Tales, the Lower School play, Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations, and the MFL Department’s wonderful production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Presented entirely in French and staged in the courtyard of the Old

The RGS Old Guildfordian Magazine

Building, this was one of the most interesting and engaging drama events that I have had the privilege of attending at the RGS in recent years. Performed entirely in French, it was also made notable by the fact that Ruvin Meda, as Musical Director, composed all the songs and music for the production. I’m pleased to report that the School received a letter from Brigitte Macron, wife of the French President, supporting our endeavour and wishing the students luck – which made the production even more special.

Top: chemistry challenge Middle: junior ILA Bottom: head choristers Henry and Jonas

I am still staggered by the quality of the students we have here and their ability to perform to the very highest levels in so many disciplines both academic and co-curricular.

The sporting life of the School is such an important part of our educational offering, and I would like to thank the staff who take the multitude of sports teams every Saturday and during the week. We have had our usual mix of glorious victories and ignominious losses, but the chance to compete as part of a team with one’s friends and to share in triumph and anguish is an important part of growing up.

Lower Sixth Formers Sam Bagley and Alex Talbot were both selected for international hockey teams, for England and Wales respectively, and it was very pleasing to see two Old Guildfordians competing against each other in the Varsity rugby match, and another two involved in the Varsity second’s match. And another OG, 17-year-old Arvid Lindblad, who is driving successfully in his first season for the Red Bull Formula 2 team, has, exceptionally, just been awarded a licence to drive in Formula 1, and was observed testing a Red Bull Formula 1 car this week at Imola.

Who knows, the RGS might be able to claim a Formula 1 driver in the next few years.

We said farewell to a number of important people this year. Sadly, a long-standing Governor, John Fairley, died suddenly and tragically at the start of this year and is sadly missed by us all. It was an honour for the School Choir to be asked to sing at his funeral. Despite the emotion of the occasion, they produced one of their finest performances of the year. We are also feeling the combined loss of our Bursar, Kate Perceval, who left the RGS a few weeks ago, and the CEO of RGS International and former Bursar, Bob Ukiah, who retires at the end of this term. Their

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combined experience and knowledge of the RGS and their sound advice and support over so many years has been invaluable.

We wish them both luck as they travel new and exciting paths in their lives.

It is wonderful to be able to look back on a challenging year and affirm that, in many respects, things do not change. The students at the RGS are wonderful company. They demonstrate the values that we hold dear because they recognise the importance of being good role models within the RGS community.

I am grateful to them for their enthusiasm, their kindness, their support and for their extraordinary ability to amaze and amuse. But all schools rely heavily on their staff, and I am fortunate to have staff who take pride in what they do for the School and go above and beyond on so many occasions. And my sincere thanks should also go to the Chair of Governors and the board of Governors, for their support and care in such challenging times – their careful stewardship is much appreciated.

Thank you to you all for making the School what it is – a school with heart which prepares young people for a life which will, inevitably, throw up challenges – with which they will cope admirably. As the Roman philosopher, Seneca, said, in a quote which can be read every day on the walls of a classroom in the John Brown Building; ‘We do not learn for school but for life.’ That is so true.

As a school, the reason for our existence is to make a difference to the young people we educate, to transform their lives for the better, to equip them with the skills and experience they need for an uncertain future, and to establish the character and self-confidence which will hold them in good stead when they leave us. As I reflect proudly on the past year, I am confident that we are fulfilling our brief.

As the Good Schools Guide wrote in their most recent edition: ‘You’d be hard-pressed to match the education on offer at the RGS’.

Thank you.

Dr JM Cox Headmaster

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DIALOGUE Issue #9 2026

NEWS FROM THE DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI OFFICE

“ROAD TO 2035” BURSARY CAMPAIGN I write during a rare quiet week at School, as almost all of our GCSE and A-Level students are currently in the Auditorium sitting exams. Most of our OGs will remember this space as your former gym, a place which, as some OGs recently celebrating their 40th Reunion noted, struck just as much fear into them as a gym then as the Auditorium set for exams does now.

Many things have changed in education since the days of chalky blackboards and gyms with wooden wall racks and one solitary pummel horse, but what remains exactly the same are the single desks set for exams, the scratching of pens, and the big clock ticking away.

A lot has happened in the last 12 months since our last edition of Dialogue…

community – our OGs, parents, staff, governors and friends without whom none of this would be possible.

I am delighted to share that our bursary provision has continued to grow thanks to your generosity and support. We now have 70 students at the RGS benefiting from financial assistance. Forty of these young pupils receive fully transformational bursaries with fee remissions of 80% or more, awarded on academic merit to those pupils whose family circumstances would otherwise not permit them to join the RGS. This progress is testament to the dedication of our extended

This year we celebrated many OG reunions at School. It was heartwarming to witness the warmth and friendship among such diverse cohorts, from the 2006 OGs to those who left more than 50 years ago. Our OGs from the 1971/2 cohort return each year to rekindle connections and see a slice of the School they knew all those years ago, which today continues to thrive through the remarkable achievements of our current pupils.

JOIN THE JOURNEY

ROAD TO 2035

Misha Verkerk OG 2006 with Monica Popa and Dr Jon Cox at the Supporters’ Reception June 2025

The RGS Old Guildfordian Magazine

Monica and Becky at the Indpendent Schools of the Year event 2025

319 families raised £72,467 during Giving Day

Another highlight in our calendar was The Giving Day 2025 in October. Over three days of activities, competitions and play, you generously backed our students and together you raised £72,467; 319 families came together in support of our bursary ambition.

The impact on our boys was visible and the excitement in the corridors was palpable as they saw the support rising and realised just how much the School means to their families and the OG community.

We are incredibly grateful to you all. This collective ambition to make our world a better place was recently recognised when we were crowned winners of the Independent Schools of the Year Fundraising Award 2025 for our joined-up approach to giving back.

I was delighted to collect the award alongside the School’s Head of Charity and Volunteering, Becky Rathmell, who is herself both a teacher and an RGS parent. ➧

House captains Egg & Spoon for Giving Day 2025

RGS TELEPHONE CAMPAIGN 7-21 SEPTEMBER 2026

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DIALOGUE Issue #9 2026

The true impact of this work is best expressed by our families. In the words of one parent to a bursary pupil:

“Since joining the RGS, our son has flourished in every way – academically, socially and personally. The School has instilled in him a strong, positive work ethic and shown him that he can achieve whatever he sets his mind to. We are so grateful to the staff, whose care, encouragement, and belief in him have made all the difference.

Above all, we are profoundly grateful to the donors whose generosity makes this possible. Without their support, our son would never have experienced such an inspiring and nurturing environment.

We also tell him – and he sincerely feels it – that when he grows up, he should always remember the support he received and strive to give back to the community to repay this immense debt to society.”

The RGS community is truly incredible!

Thank you.

Leaving a legacy for generations to come The Road to 2035 is our commitment to increase bursary support in response to rising demand. Our ambition depends on long-term commitment, and legacy giving is central to making that happen.

Already, 56% of our income comes from legacy gifts, contributing over £350,000 each year to support students at the RGS. By leaving a gift in your Will and joining the Beckingham Society, you help secure the future of the Bursary Programme. These gifts, whether a share of an estate, property or investments, strengthen the Enduring Bursary Fund, generating income year after year.

The impact is lasting. Your support does not just help one student, it opens doors for generations and ensures talented young people, who would otherwise never have the chance, can access an RGS education.

Your legacy matters. If we are serious about removing financial barriers to education this is how we do it.

Please consider joining us and leaving a gift to the RGS Bursary Programme.

I would like to end by thanking you for supporting the School and the vision of our Headmaster, Dr Jon Cox, as we continue to build a community based not only on excellence, but on the core values of kindness, generosity and mutual support.

Monica Popa Development Director mpo@rgsg.co.uk

56%

of our income comes from legacy gifts

JOIN THE JOURNEY

ROAD TO 2035

£350K of contributions each year support RGS students

If you are considering making or updating your Will, a gift to the RGS can change lives.To find out more, and receive a Legacy Pack, please email rgsfoundation@rgsg.co.uk.

The RGS Old Guildfordian Magazine

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Joe Barnes in Russia

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DIALOGUE Issue #9 2026

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Joe Barnes OG 2009

Back in the (former) USSR Joe Barnes OG 2009 is a journalist and travel writer specialising in Russia and the former Soviet States.

After leaving the RGS, he studied English Literature and Spanish at Newcastle University before setting off on a world tour. In 2014, he saw an advert to teach English in Russia. Despite not being able to speak Russian at the time, Joe took the opportunity, a throw of the dice that would set him on an entirely new path. What began as private tutoring became a fascination with the region’s culture, history, and people. This led him to completing a Master’s in Russian and Eastern European Studies (2016/17) from Oxford University, and Joe recently published his first travel book exploring the region’s rich heritage and culture.

B

ased in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Joe has travelled extensively across the former USSR as a regional journalist.

His debut book ‘Farewell to Russia’ explores identity and independence across the 15 post-Soviet nations and gives his perspective on one of the world’s most misunderstood regions.

Door to Hell, Turkmenistan

“Almaty is historic, beautiful and vibrant,” Joe explains. “It offers opportunities while keeping the cost of living low … and skiing here is much cheaper than Europe.

Historically, as part of the Silk Road, it’s a fascinating cultural mix of Asian and Russian and European influences. The city is also welllocated for short flights to Russia, Europe, China, and Asia.”

It’s an exciting time to be in the region. Joe notes the geopolitical backdrop: after the USSR collapsed, China moved in to fill some of the resulting vacuum, particularly in infrastructure. “Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative is building a trade network with new railway lines linking China to Europe, cutting haulage times on traditional naval routes by 75%.”

Being a journalist, Joe has faced tense situations. When visiting Ukraine, Joe experienced air raid sirens and areas under direct attack.

The daily realities of life in Ukraine are brutal. No electricity, constant air raids, no sleep, it’s very cold … and it is very difficult to live through.

Bravery is one thing, but survival is another. “In 2023 there was a strong ➧

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DIALOGUE Issue #9 2026

feeling of resistance, a belief that Ukraine would win, but I really noticed that positivity had started to wane when I went back in 2024.”

The war in Ukraine has intensified a split in how former Soviet states relate to Western Europe. The pro-Western countries are very clearly Armenia, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania Moldova and Ukraine. But there is a very strong pro-Russian faction that is supportive of the Old Guard, being Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

They are developing their own sovereign AI called KazLLM, which is trained only on Kazakh data, history and literature. “It will reflect a Kazakh bias. But the question is: who decides what a Kazakh opinion is? This is a government-backed initiative so will it lean toward an ideology opposed to democracy?”

Lviv, Ukraine

Communism was an ideological project, that passed its sell-by date … but the cultural hangover remains.

Russian is still widely spoken, and in some areas, the dominant language, and the educational and bureaucratic structures are all still in place.

Joe explains how language continues to shape power and influence. Historically, Russia dominated the translation industry, with international books largely translated into Russian by Russian publishers before reaching neighbouring states. This creates a dependency not only on the Russian language, but also on Russian ideas about what is translated and circulated. “Accessing world knowledge without an intermediary language is incredibly difficult” Joe notes, pointing to the challenge smaller nations face in developing independent educational and cultural systems.

This theme is reflected in modern technology, as there is a similar language bias with AI. ChatGPT, for example, is trained mostly on English data, with only 10 world languages (English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Russian, Mandarin and Japanese) making up 99% of the data. This makes it very difficult to get the perspectives of Tajik or Georgian people.

Kazakhstan’s approach to this dilemma is illustrative of the enterprising spirit of the country.

“Communism was an ideological project, that passed its sell-by date – but the cultural hangover remains. Russian is still widely spoken, and in some areas, the dominant language, and the educational and bureaucratic structures are all still in place.”

Snowy station in Bishkek Kyrgyzstan

But Joe is clear that despite the cultural hold, any return to the USSR as it once was, remains extremely unlikely. Much of the support could be attributed to a natural desire of older generations to cling to the old order and the familiar. Don’t we all look at our youth through rose-tinted glasses, and comment that things were better in our day?

Generational shifts are emerging even in countries closer to Russia, as younger people lean toward Western ideals.

And it’s the eclectic mix of people who are at the heart of Joe’s writing.

Being on the road lends yourself to meeting generous and social people with a story to tell. “Hitch-hiking, visiting barbers, taxi drivers, market sellers, friends of friends … these are the source for my stories. Bars are a great source for an eclectic mix: you spin the wheel and see who turns up.”

He describes drinking traditions in Central Asia, as reflecting a soviet legacy, even in Muslim-majority countries. “One night, I went with a family to a BYO-teahouse with vodka delivered by their young sons. The culture of drinking for drinking’s sake is socially acceptable, a hangover of the USSR ... literally and figuratively.”

And because we had to ask, Joe’s top tipple whilst travelling is Krambambula, a Belarusian vodkabased drink comparable to a Long Island Iced Tea, but with a lot less ice and a bit more kick.

Despite the Soviet legacies, one of Joe’s goals in writing his book was to correct international misconceptions.

“People think of it as uniform.

Brutalist architecture, KGB networks, but in reality, there’s huge differentiation. Not everyone mourns the USSR’s collapse; nostalgia is

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largely generational. Countries that gained independence now teach their own histories, not the shared Soviet story.”

When asked about stories he wishes he had been able to include, Joe points to the Aral Sea, saying he regrets not having space to cover it in more depth. Once the world’s fourth largest inland body of water (roughly the size of Belgium), it has now shrunk to less than 10% of its 1960s size. What was once a vibrant fishing industry has largely disappeared, replaced by the Aralkum Desert.

Joe noted that climate change and access to water are likely to be defining factors in the future development of Eurasian countries.

Hotel Uzbekistan and Amir Timur statue

Reaction to the book amongst his network acknowledges Joe’s very British sense of humour, something he credits the RGS with teaching him. That and for shaping his curiosity and eagerness to learn.

“Teachers like Mr Bradnock in English and Mr Rowland in Latin encouraged storytelling and creativity. Mr Watson even gave a memorable lesson on defeathering a chicken, something which definitely stuck with me.”

Joe encourages students to seize opportunities: “Join lunchtime clubs, pursue what you love, even if it’s not considered ‘cool.’ I wish I had been more forthright with my interests, if you like Warhammer … do Warhammer.”

One of the key themes is how new countries handle new independence and build identity, and what the West can learn from the 15 case studies of newly reformed countries within the book.

He also values the school’s culture: “The boys are kind, and there’s a focus on celebrating success.

British culture often has a tall poppy syndrome, but RGS uniquely pushes students to be the best while staying grounded. The humour and banter have stayed with me and influence my writing.”

There are a lot of recent tensions that haven’t been laid to rest; in the Tajik civil war (1992–1997) nearly a million people were displaced, something never widely reported in the West. In the Caucasus especially there is an inability to move beyond an attitude of ‘zero sum thinking’ (the belief that if one person or country gains, someone else must lose out.) The Caucasus were engulfed in conflict in the 1990s, with Armenia and Azerbaijan drawn into a prolonged war. In Chechnya, thousands were killed and hundreds of thousands displaced.

In Georgia, you have the Abhkhazia region, a semi-autonomous state within Georgia that wants its own independence.

These unresolved conflicts underline how fragile and unstable parts of the region are, with tensions still shaping politics and daily life today. Many of these infractions are categorised as ‘frozen conflicts’ where there is no major military operation, but no formal peace treaty or political resolution has been agreed. This leads to increased instability and opens the door to external powers, such as Russia, Turkey or China, to influence and encourage conflict.

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Watch this space, if Russia opens up again to foreign press, Joe plans a follow-up book that will delve further into Russia and China, continuing his exploration of the region’s cultural complexity.

Interviewed by Helen Dixon

Reaction to the book amongst his network acknowledges Joe’s very British sense of humour, something he credits the RGS with teaching him.

That and for shaping his curiosity and eagerness to learn.

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DIALOGUE Issue #9 2026

Tristan Hughes OG and History Hit presenter

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“ Never has History been more popular.”

So says Tristan Hughes, OG 2014 and a presenter on the award-winning History Hit channel and podcast network, and he is right. People of all ages are consuming historical knowledge through many differing types of media and simply cannot get enough of it.

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istory Hit is a digital history network and streaming channel hosted and presented by a renowned team of historians and experts such as Dan Snow, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb and Mary Beard, each an expert in a particular era in history.

Tristan’s specialism is ancient history – anything from 500AD back to the start time so a very wide remit and an eclectic range of topics for him to explore and explain.

Tristan is best known as their host of The Ancients, an ancient history podcast which he has presented since it began in June 2020. With two new episodes a week on topics ranging from Stone Age Orkney to the Nazca Lines of Prehistoric Peru and over 600 episodes already, it is full of wonderful stories of the peoples and civilisations who have shaped the world.

As both presenter and interviewer, Tristan works with other historians, archaeologists and experts to bring us fascinating insights into Karnak in Ancient Egypt, Pompeii, Boudica, the mysteries of Prehistoric Scotland and the dinosaurs to name but a few.

Technology is enabling history to reach its audience in many different ways now – as well as The Ancients podcast, Tristan also presents documentaries on YouTube, TV and gives talks and lectures, particularly

on Alexander the Great, his death and the turmoil that followed (the Classics Society at RGS enjoyed this one immensely!).

Our fascination with the past has grown through film, gaming and podcasts as well as traditional documentaries – all seeking to create or share an authentic insight into the lives of those who lived hundreds or even thousands of years ago. Some looking for escapism and adventure, others curious or determined to learn more from the past and how it informs the present.

“The Ancients is full of wonderful stories of the peoples and civilisations who have shaped the world.”

Tristan’s path to History Hit started young with an early fascination in classical civilisation and archaeology, and the limitless potential to discover more. He left the RGS in 2014 to study Ancient Mediterranean Civilisations at Edinburgh University.

After graduating, he started a blog and gained an internship with a fledgling TV History company. There were only eight people there, so he learned quickly and was soon in front of the camera. It grew to become History Hit, a global phenomenon ... with 10 million podcast listens a month.

The travel is a real highlight for Tristan, taking him to extraordinary ancient sites across the world to discover and tell the stories of their past.

When asked about the implications of AI in his work, the view is that it can help with the technology but cannot replace the connection through a human presenter.

For anyone keen to build a career about history, Tristan says it increasingly accessible and achievable. With so many social media platforms, he would encourage people to follow their own particular interest and create their own podcasts to find an entrée and see where it takes them.

Short attention span? Not for history. “People love the nerdy stuff in long form content.”

The Ancients is the 8th most popular UK produced podcast in the US. His book Alexander’s Successors at War: The Perdiccas Years 323 – 320 BC was published by Pen and Sword in February to critical acclaim.

Listen to The Ancients with Tristan Hughes wherever you get your podcasts.

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DIALOGUE Issue #9 2026

Gavin Finney OG 2002

The Art of Creative Success

Gavin at Careers Convention 2026

In Pursuit of Purpose

Gavin Finney, OG 2002 and award-winning Creative Director at Maverick, sat down with Naishal Patel, RGS English teacher and EDI Co-ordinator, and Philippa Green, to discuss how his career has led to this accolade and the importance of role models for mixed background students in any creative industry.

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e has specialised in writing in one form or another ever since leaving school and now has nearly 20 years’ experience in advertising. His expertise is in film, TV and gaming, particularly transmedia properties which bridge all these types of entertainment, and in March 2026, he won a global Gold at the prestigious Global Entertainment Awards for a piece of work he undertook for Legendary pictures,

Funcom and Epic to promote the world of Frank Herbert’s Dune; specifically connecting the film, Dune Part Two, and the game, Dune: Awakening.

Gavin read widely as a pupil at the RGS and in fact Dune was one of the books that really fired his imagination. From there, his love of philosophy, the epic poets, comedy and storytelling led him to study Ancient History at Bristol University.

From there he headed to the

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advertising industry, where he built his career with global network agencies, working on major campaigns in virtually every industry sector, on brands as big as Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, Playstation, adidas and Pokémon. He’s been with the integrated advertising agency Maverick since 2022, where he is Creative Director, leading strategically and creatively on projects with major IPs like Game of Thrones with HBO and Zynga, and Invincible with Amazon and Ubisoft, managing them to fruition with exciting partnerships across the film, TV and gaming world.

As one of very few Creative Directors in the UK from a mixedrace background, Gavin is incredibly

keen to make pupils (and their parents) aware of the significant opportunities within the Arts and shine a light on the huge range of work that they can explore and thus grow into a career. University friends from science, tech, classics and more have all found fulfilling work in the Arts, and it’s a sector with a very diverse cohort working in it.

As he said, anyone can make a film nowadays: “Go out with some friends and shoot and edit on your phone. If it’s good enough for Danny Boyle, it’s good enough for anyone.” Show initiative beyond short 30-second content and find projects that feel natural and authentic to yourself. All it takes is the commitment to giving it a go

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and showing some entrepreneurial spirit. There is no linear path in the creative world, which is both a gift and a curse, giving the freedom to express oneself and build a portfolio.

The growing awareness of the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion is woven throughout the RGS now, and EDI is blended into the curriculum; the RGS received the rare accolade of a Significant Strength for Inclusion as well as Scholarship in the latest ISI Inspection.

Likewise, Gavin’s creative work has enabled him to promote a wide range of EDI initiatives: Rainbow Laces, encouraging diversity in sport; The Female Lead, raising the visibility of a variety of leading women through material for schools and universities; Not Another Brother for the Quilliam Foundation, highlighting the dangers of radicalisation of young British Muslims; and a project for the City of London Mayor’s Office to increase visibility and equality in the Creative Arts and the city generally, to name but a few. He’s also a proud mentor and speaker at events for the likes of Good Nugget, Global Purpose Enterprise and People Like Us, all fantastic organisations dedicated to promoting career opportunities for young people from a variety of backgrounds.

More than anything, he’s keen to raise the profile of more diverse, positive role models for young men and women, and promote ambition and creativity in all pursuits. If you can see it, you can be it.

View Gavin’s award-winning piece about Dune here:

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DIALOGUE Issue #9 2026

Restoring King George’s personal Daimler

By Richard Pawson OG 1976

King George VI drives his personal Daimler at Sandringham in 1941, with the Queen Mother (as we knew her), the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, and assorted corgis. (Taken from a 1941 Movietone News film, ‘Royal Road’.

In March 1939, King George VI purchased a new Daimler DB18 Drophead Coupé from Stratstones – ‘for his personal use’.

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https://tinyurl.com/ra8hawe https://tinyurl.com/53jt9s6j

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rom the start of motoring until the mid-1950s the Royal family used this marque exclusively – reflecting a prevailing attitude that ‘Industrialists drive RollsRoyces; gentlemen drive Daimlers’.

Daimler was a British company – it was never part of Daimler-Benz (now Daimler AG), but both companies derived their names from the inventor Gotlieb Daimler.

In 2013, on a visit to the UK, Francie invited my father to lunch and showed him the car – which had remained in England. My father was a preacher, based at Millmead in Guildford in the 1970s, who later became very well known internationally. To my father’s shock, and embarrassment, Francis then gave him the car – as a thank you for many years of listening to his recorded sermons.

On this page you can see the King driving the car, with the Royal family, at Sandringham. It is from a film made during WWII (hence the blacked-out headlamp) to show the Royal family keeping-calm and carrying-on. The film may be viewed online1; I believe it to be the earliest film footage of any monarch driving themselves.

Although drivable, the car looked in better shape than it was underneath the surface. My father would have enjoyed working on the car, but he was in his mid-80s and increasingly frail. So, in 2017 he gave the car to me, with the challenge to restore it, thoroughly.

The car was subsequently owned by the 6th Marquis of Bath. When he died, his more infamous son (colloquially known as the ‘Loins of Longleat’) sold it at auction; it was bought by a Malaysian, Francis Yeoh.

Although my first degree was in Engineering, most of my career has been in Software Engineering – and a pre-war car is all hardware! I had learned some practical mechanics at RGS in the 1970s: in the Motor Transport (‘MT’) section of the CCF, from already-outdated army

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training manuals. However, this meant that when I opened the bonnet of the Daimler, I immediately recognised every component.

John Crathorne at his home in 2021, admiring the fully restored car.

The restoration took 4 years: I did all the mechanics, electrics, and interior trim, but had specialist help for the bodywork, fine carpentry (the car body has an ash frame), and other specifics. At the nadir of the project, the car was reduced to a bare chassis and a garage full of pieces. I enjoyed finding artisans to undertake such recondite tasks as rewinding the solenoids in the ‘trafficators’ (pop-up indicators), and source components from all over the globe. The finished car is in near showroom condition; only the seats look their age – because I didn’t want to lose the leather that had been graced by Royal posteriors.

Throughout its history the car has retained its original registration number – FGJ 865 – though I had to hand-make a new plate to match the original typography, because the physical plates I inherited dated back only to the 1960s.

I drove my father in the finished car just once, early in 2020 – to his delight. He died a few weeks later.

In October 2021 I drove the car back to Guildford to a memorial service

Photo credited to Reverendpixel

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for both my parents, held at Millmead. I took the opportunity to show it to John Crathorne, who had taught me both Latin and shooting, and who had many times invited my father to speak at RGS, including at one speech day service. That evening, Andy Kittow (who taught Chemistry at RGS) generously cleared out his garage in Guildford to house the car securely overnight.

I drive the car several times a year.

If you visit Henley Royal Regatta, look out for it: parked near the entrance to Stewards. (Another, genuine, online video shows the Red Arrows flying right over the car at Henley2).

My father made me promise to try show it at the most prestigious classic car event in the world: the Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach, California. But when I finally applied in 2024 it was rejected – without any reason offered. As John Crathorne would not have taught me to say: illegitimi non carborundum.

Richard Pawson FBCS was at RGS 1970–76. His career has spanned software engineering, robotics, journalism, management consulting, and teaching. Since 2019 he has worked full time on developing free software tools to improve the teaching of Computer Science in British schools.

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DIALOGUE Issue #9 2026

History Battlefields Trip October 2025

By Fearghal Evans RGS History Teacher

Over half term the History Department took 23 Third Form students to visit the World War One Battlefields and the Normandy Landing Beaches of World War Two.

After an early meet, we travelled by coach to Ypres, Belgium.

Our first stop was Lijssenthoek Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery (CWGC). Students learnt the story of Fabian Ware and Nurse Nellie Spindler. From there we drove to Poperinghe to visit Talbot House. The students were given cups as tea, a tradition that stretches back to 1914–1918, played chess and watched a recreation of the entertainment that soldiers would have viewed in the theatre at Talbot House.

On Sunday we explored battlefield sites, cemeteries and museums around the Ypres area, starting at Langemark German Cemetery and Tyne Cot CWGC Cemetery where they reflected on the contrast in styles of the two cemeteries. While at Tyne Cot, the largest CWGC cemetery, the students learnt about the Third Battle of Ypres, the significance of the “missing”, and found the memorial to Old

Guildfordian Wilfred Edwin Wolfe. Our next visit was to the Passchendaele Memorial Museum, where students learnt more about the nature of trench warfare, the course of the war and the specific fighting that happened around Ypres during World War One. The theme of mining was continued as we explored Hill 60 and Caterpillar Ridge in the afternoon, learning about attempts to break the stalemate and Lt Wolley VC. The students got to go into a World War One bunker and walk across the distance of the front line. Once back in Ypres we visited St George’s Memorial Chapel where schools, including the RGS, and institutions have plaques commemorating those who died during World War One. In the evening we went to the Menin Gate in Ypres and three students, Rufus, Luca and Sebastian (all of whom had relatives who had died during World War One) took part in the wreath laying during the Last Post Ceremony. Afterwards the

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“This annual trip enables our students to learn about and reflect on the Battlefields history and personal stories of families and OGs commemorated there.”

students used their knowledge of war memorials learnt over the previous two days to find the names of the four Old Guildfordians on the Menin Gate.

On day 3 we headed for the Somme area in northern France. Halfway into the four-hour drive to Caen, we stopped at Newfoundland Memorial Park, and also visited Thiepval Memorial and later, the excellent Caen Memorial Museum.

After a self-guided tour, we went into the German bunker there and watched the film D-Day Battle of Normandy.

Our first stop of the final day was at St Manvieu War Cemetery, Cheux to find and visit the graves of Old Guildfordians George Stovold and Barry Doswell who both died in 1944 after D-Day. The next visit was to the Arromanches 360 cinema, where we watched an excellent film on the 100 days after D-Day. The final visit was to the American

Cemetery in Normandy, where students contrasted the style to the CWGC cemeteries and German Cemetery.

Back in the classroom, in preparation for the School Remembrance Service on 11 November, our Third Form boys write the names of the 58 OGs who gave their lives in the Great War on Remembrance Poppy Crosses, to be planted on the Headmaster’s Lawn as we pause to honour their sacrifice.

Remembrance poppies on HM lawn

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DIALOGUE Issue #9 2026

OGs BACK AT SCHOOL It’s always great to welcome OGs back to the school, be it for reunions, careers or simply curiosity to see the place again. We’re hugely grateful to you for sharing your time, experiences and insights for the benefit of the next generation. Thank you!

If you would like to get involved in the Careers Programme at the RGS, please email og@rgsg.co.uk. Our pupils benefit hugely from your knowledge and experience, and it is great to find out where your careers are taking you. RGS Connect, our digital network for OGs, is also an excellent way to offer mentoring, careers advice and professional networking to the wider OG community. You can sign up at RGSConnect.com.

Richard with Dr Cox

 Jack Bardoe OG 2014 was Guest of Honour at Senior Prizegiving 2025. Drawing on his own journey as a professional actor (including National Theatre, RSC, BBC and ITV), Jack spoke candidly and inspiringly about the importance of fear when seen as an ally not an enemy. He encouraged our students to embrace fear, stretching beyond their comfort zone, which is where real growth begins.

 Richard Tilbrook OG 1979 was awarded a King’s Tie from Dr Jon Cox, Headmaster, at school assembly, in recognition of his outstanding public service and support of the school. Only 11 been awarded in last 30 years so a real accolade. Richard spoke about his career: a love of classics at RGS and Cambridge led to GCHQ, and a fascinating career in the Civil Service (Joint Intelligence Committee, Department for International Aid, Cabinet Office and finally Clerk to the Privy Council).

Jack with Dr Cox and in Holy Trinity Church

 OGs Tom McLean 2024, Oscar Trott 2024 and Tom Dowdeswell 2024 made a welcome return to sing in the choir at our annual Commemoration Service at the Cathedral.

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 Alex Acomb OG 2018 and professional cellist gave a wonderful recital in Holy Trinity Church in June 2025. He and his pianist, both Guildhall alumni, played Rachmaninoff’s Sonata for piano and cello. Alex is now a member of the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland in Dublin.

 Alex Mann 2025, George Christiansen 2025, Mattie Sutton 2022, Boldi Paladi-Kovacs 2023 and Mahil Vasanth 2025: our amazing Old Guildfordians, many of them seasoned veterans of all six RGS MUNs, willing returned to the RGS to pass on their experience, advice and infectious enthusiasm for MUN.

 Gil Carter OG 1963 laid a wreath on behalf of the Old Guildfordians at the School Remembrance Service on 11 November 2025. Their names liveth forever...

Dr Cox with Gil Carter

 It was great to welcome OGs Oscar Atkinson 2019, George Badham 2008, Jack Doyle 2022 and parent Carys Sonnenberg to our Careers in Medicine Seminar in November 2025. Chaired expertly by Peter Dunscombe, they were a fantastic panel who shared insights, experiences, high moments and challenges about studying and working in Medicine. Honest, wide-ranging, informative and utterly inspiring. They are brilliant advocates and enthusiasts for a life working in this career.

Lawrence Castle OG 2021 gave an excellent reflective talk to RGS students about exploring our deep craving for connection, how loneliness touches us all, and what it reveals about our human need for community and meaning.

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DIALOGUE Issue #9 2026

OGs BACK AT SCHOOL

 A Classics Webinar with OGs Hugo Burgess 2018, Chris Bealey 2017, Matthew Sargent 2018 and Alex Denny 2016 gave a wonderful insight into both a love of Classics for its breadth and knowledge, and the value of a Classics degree for future employers in so many fields (finance, law, the Civil Service, publishing, academia and more). “A gold-standard degree with great transferable underlying soft skills”, “intellectual rigour”, “a framework for interpreting and analysing information”.

 Tristan Hughes OG 2014, historian and presenter on History HIT gave an inspiring talk to the Classics Society entitled The heist of Alexander the Great’s body: the greatest heist in history? Never has history been more popular or followed in so many different media than it is now. See his interview on p18.

 Paul Kerensa (Young) OG 1997, professional comedian and writer, compered the annual RGS Charity Comedy Evening, with great aplomb and much laughter.

Paul Kerensa (left) with Stand Up to Cancer comedians

 Joe Barnes OG 2009 and journalist gave a fascinating talk to pupils about his book Farewell to the USSR: A Journey through the former USSR – a political travelogue through the 15 countries that were part of the Soviet Union when it collapsed in 1991. Amazing insights into life as journalist, eye witness accounts of these countries, languages, traditions and more.

See his feature on p14.

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 Careers Convention 2026. Thank you to the many OGs, parents and friends who were delegates at the RGS Careers Convention in April 2026, sharing expertise, advice and insights about so many different fields of work with RGS pupils, parents and students from local schools.

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DIALOGUE Issue #9 2026

OG EVENTS

 Class of 1995 Reunion 7 June 2025

 Classes of 1971 & ’72 Reunion 21 June 2025

Back: Mike Manson, Clive Lawrence, Malcom Ritz, Chris Blackman, Rod Smith, John Buglear, John Chaplin, Mark Betteridge, Dave Nind, Ray Roberts, Nigel Gillingham.

Front: Andrew Meadows, Keith Browning, Andy Cross, Dave Wise, Andrew Pearson, Steve Williams, Ivan Gale, Michael Collins, Martin Farmer, John Allen, Dave Langford, Stuart Otter, Tony White, Doug Clare, Dave Kent, Andy Robbins, Andy Seaton, Colin Carmichael.

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 OG Undergrad & Staff Drinks at Guildford Tup 23 June 2025

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DIALOGUE Issue #9 2026

OG EVENTS  Classes of 1983, ’84 & ’85 Reunion 5 July 2025

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 Classes of 1980, ’81 & ’82 Reunion 11 October 2025

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DIALOGUE Issue #9 2026

OG EVENTS  Oxbridge OG Student & Staff Social at St Aldates Tavern, Oxford 6 February 2026

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 Class of 2006 Reunion 28 February 2026

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DIALOGUE Issue #9 2026

OG EVENTS

 Class of 1991 Reunion Tour 15 May 2026

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STAFF & OG NEWS STAFF NEWS

 Catherine Moorehead, former English teacher and leader of the Rumdoodle Society, has edited ‘Essays From The Edge’, a collection of twenty-one essays by one of the Titans of British climbing, Dennis Gray. The essays range across stories from climbing with such ‘greats’ such as Joe Brown, Don Whillans, Jeff Lowe and Warren Harding (and many others) in places as far apart as South Korea, Pakistan, Belgium and more.

And there are ‘opinion’ pieces about a wide variety of controversial matters. A great read and available to purchase. Catherine has been awarded a bursary by The Alpine Club to research her next book The New Tigers: Nepali Mountaineering in the Post-Commercial Period so watch out for future news.  Peter White former Head of Music has written a magnificent opera, Rosalind, about scientist Rosalind Franklin whose research capturing the X-ray diffraction image of DNA underpinned the discovery of its structure as a double helix.

Rosalind’s significant contribution was not recognised in her lifetime and the honours for this discovery were famously awarded to Watson and Crick. Poignantly, the première performance in April 2026 took place in the chapel at King’s College London, adjacent to the laboratories where Rosalind worked. Many years in the making, Rosalind has been a labour of love for Peter, and it is an outstandingly beautiful, evocative and dramatic piece which was received with great acclaim, played by the London Mozart Players and a stellar cast of singers.

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DIALOGUE Issue #9 2026

STAFF NEWS  Congratulations to Sam Orchard, Director of Music and Dale Chambers, Head of Strings, who were invited to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of their contribution to musical education. At the RGS, we work hard to not only nurture the musical talents of our own students, but also to support the musical education and appreciation in local schools without the means to provide such extensive knowledge. Sam and Dale had the chance to speak with HRH King Charles, who wished “the very best of luck to all the boys with their exams this summer.” May 2025.

Andrew Gyford Maths teacher followed his TV success on Only Connect with an appearance on The Finish Line on BBC One in March 2025.

 David Woolcott, a long-serving member of the Classics Department who retired in 2022, was unexpectedly the train inspector for Reception pupils from RGS Prep in May 2025 as they enjoyed a journey on the historic Watercress Line.

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 In March 2026 Dale Chambers, Head of Strings was recognised by the Mayor of Guildford for his tireless efforts with the RGS String Scheme at Boxgrove and Sandfield Primary Schools. Dale was awarded the ‘Mayor’s Award for Service to the Community’ which aims to recognise and encourage positive community working within the Borough of Guildford. This is a well-deserved accolade and timely as the scheme is about to increase its reach and impact with an expansion into Guildford Grove Primary school with the support of Surrey Arts.

 Jeff Miller Maths and PE teacher 1974-1978 has been recalling his enjoyable time at the RGS. He is happily retired and sent us this great photo of the staff rugby team (boosted by a few pupils!) taken some time in the mid to late 1970s. Whilst he was at RGS, there was an annual “event” whereby the staff fielded a 15 a-side rugby team to play against the year 5 (now called year 11) team. It was understandably a fiercely contested game and watched by a large crowd.

Photograph: Back Row (L–R): John Daniel (Headmaster), Nick Honey (Pupil), Dick Seymour (Geography), Frank Brown (Art), Peter Clark (Classics), Paddy Wex (English), Frank Bell (Science), Simon Reid (Classics), Duncan Brown (Pupil), Jeff Miller (Maths/PE), Mark Sturley (History) Front Row (L-R): Fred Batchelor (History), Steve Shore (PE), Andy Evans (Physics), Nick Kibblewhite (Pupil), Chris Pafford (Geography), Gordon Fryer (PE)

 Retired RGS Prep teachers Deborah Hood, Julia Mason and Janet Hills enjoying RGS Musician of the Year 2026 and catching up with some of their pupils from prep days.

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DIALOGUE Issue #9 2026

OG NEWS  Richard Collins OG 1975 writes: Three OGs from 1975 held a lunch in London recently to commemorate 50 years since they left the RGS to read Mathematics at Cambridge – all taught by Alan Thorn, then a member of the teaching staff since 1971 before later becoming Head of Department.

Everyone was able to reminisce and exchange news and views and appreciate how the School – which in the 1970s was undergoing negotiations on its future either in the state or independent sector – has now so developed from then.

But to paraphrase a stock phrase ‘you can take a boy out of the RGS, but you cannot take the RGS out of a boy’. We all there were indeed very grateful for the education that the RGS gave us.

 Arthur Pike OG 1954 came to see us on 10 June 2025, all the way from Leeds while revisiting places from his past. He enjoyed a stroll down memory lane, sharing stories from his school days. It was fascinating to hear how much has changed, and also how some things at the RGS remain timeless.

L-R: John Simpson, Alan Thorn, Richard Collins, Michael Egan and Peter Haynes

 Robert Innes OG 1978 and Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe was privileged to be seated very near the front of the morning service jointly presided over by Pope Leo and the Archbishop of York in the Sistine Chapel during the State visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla to Pope Leo XI in October 2025. It is the first time that a British monarch has shared publicly in a service of prayer with a Pope and in a truly magnificent setting.

 Ian Naish OG 1966 and his wife Vicki sending good wishes and enjoying the winter outdoors near their home in Canada.

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 Mark Stoneman OG 1987 left the RGS in 1985 to attend college in the United States. His first book Driving Around, Waiting to Get Blown Up describes how one Army officer managed the often-conflicting priorities of keeping his soldiers alive while also helping the Iraqi people he was tasked to protect. Mark served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, to include two deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. He holds an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School and an MA in writing from Johns Hopkins University.

 David Farr OG 1988 won the Trinity Schools Book Award for The Book of Stolen Dreams in March 2026 and he is also known for writing The Night Manager for BBC One.

Mark giving Sir James Cleverly (also a former artilleryman) a copy, along with fellow OG 1987 Martin Reeves, and Martin’s son, Adam at the Carlton Club in London.

 Over 20 OGs from across the world gathered in March 2025 for OG 1998 Rupert Stokoe’s wedding. Apparently, the 21st OGs wedding that their friend Chris Hoffman ’98 has attended (22 including his own!) … is this a record? Watch out for their RGS Class of 1998 Reunion in a year or two’s time. Here’s the ’98 cohort enjoying the celebrations.  September 2025 saw Paul Kerensa (Young) OG 1997 on tour with his new show An Evening of (very) Old Radio: The First Firsts of British Broadcasting, a new ‘stand-up history’ show on British Broadcasting’s origin story, written and performed by Paul. Find out more and how to book for this and Paul’s other shows: https://paulkerensa.com/tour

Joe Wright, Graeme Black. Martin Johnson, Alex Juan, Jack Russell Chris Eccles, Andre Boeke, Andrew Dodson, Chris Schofield, Al Slade Jamie Thorns, Oli Gee. Tom Metcalfe, Andy Elkerton, Tony Eccles Dan Martinez, Richard Morgan, Bob Wood, Harry Lingard, Nick Bawden, Ru Stokoe

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OG NEWS  Maxim McDonald OG 2001 won an exporting award from the UK government in July 2025. Gerald McDonald Group, one of the UK’s longest-standing suppliers to the food and drink industry, won Gold in the Agriculture, Food and Drink category for the Department for Business and Trade’s prestigious Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards 2025. The company was recognised for its sustained export growth, innovative supply chain capabilities and global reach, delivering ingredients to customers in over 30 countries across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Maxim is Managing Director and the 4th generation to lead the company.

 David de Winter OG 2006 continued to direct his vocal ensemble Opus Anglicanum in The Tree at St John’s Church, Newbury, and at Heath Street Baptist Church, Hampstead.

Talha Sami OG 2007 and GP Partner received two prestigious awards in 2025: the National Public Health Impact award by the National BAME Health & Care Awards for his efforts in cardiovascular risk counselling and a Global Recognition Award for his outreach to minority communities. “Both are a product of my time at RGS and living locally all my life. I am indebted to the local community for my time here. This recognition is a proud moment for our community.”

Maxim with Gareth Thomas MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Services, Small Business and Exports

 Hussein Hassanali 2002 was invited to present at one of the biggest dental conferences of the year in Edinburgh in November 2026.

 Alex Rhys OG 2008 was awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours 2026 for services to healthcare and the LGBTQ+ community. Dr Rhys studied Biochemistry at the University of Bath before earning his PhD in Molecular Oncology from Queen Mary University of London.

He currently serves as CEO of two organisations: the Infection Prevention Society, a professional membership organisation with over 2,050 members working to reduce healthcare-associated infections, and It Gets Better UK, a charity he founded in 2017 that has reached over 2.5 million LGBTQ+ young people. It Gets Better UK, which he founded as part of the global movement, has twice been named one of the top 10 charities of the year

at the British LGBT Awards, and Alex has been recognised as one of the top 10 outstanding contributors to LGBT life at the awards. He also runs The Leadership Nook, an executive coaching practice focused on sustainable leadership and burnout prevention, and serves as a trustee of the Quaker Mental Health Fund.

“I’m deeply honoured by this recognition,” said Dr Rhys. “RGS gave me the foundation to pursue a career dedicated to improving lives. The school’s emphasis on service and leadership has stayed with me throughout my work – whether supporting healthcare professionals to protect patients or creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ young people in crisis.”

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 Alex Denny OG 2016 has received the Freedom of the City of London through the The City of London Solicitors’ Company. “It is an honour to join a remarkable community spanning centuries committed to improving public life in one of the world’s greatest cities.”

OGs and staff take part in the London Marathon every year, dedicating months of training to run in support of charities which are close to their hearts as well as competing at Championship level.

Here are a few of them from the world-record breaking event in April 2026 – huge congratulations to everyone who took part and some extraordinarily fast times and great stories!

Richard Ollington OG 2012: Championship Entry 2:31:10, 241st George Gathercole OG 2015: Championship Entry 2:32:36, 291st Jonny Morris OG 2010: Championship Entry 2:35:26, 407th William Hartley OG 2009: for the Children’s Hospice South West 3:09:43 Also Alex Calvey OG 2006 for Marie Curie and Alex Denny OG 2016 for his GROW Mentoring charity.

Henny Tarasewicz RGS Geography Teacher and Head of Scholarship finished in 2:58:00

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 OG 2011 Tom Woffenden’s witty and entertaining play, Cockfosters, returned to Southwark Playhouse in December 2025 for five weeks – its longest ever run. It’s coming up to 100 shows after six runs, so in a fun new twist they are turning it into a musical! Watch this space and do catch it on a future showing as it sells out rapidly.

Tom’s first feature film as a writer has finished filming in Hastings and is in post-production at the moment. Inspired by a real-life story, it is called Curse In A Frame, and stars Jessie Cave (Lavender Brown in Harry Potter) and Susan Wokoma (star of Enola Holmes film series and a contestant on Channel 4 show Taskmaster).  Boud Dominicus OG 2009 ran the London Marathon in a suit and dress shoes and broke the Guinness World Record for the Fastest Marathon in a Suit and Dress Shoes (Male), finishing in 3:21:42. He writes: Throughout the course, the support from the crowd was almost overwhelming. And since the “finance bro doing a marathon” video started circulating it felt like a shame to let all that positivity just disappear. So, I’ve set up a JustGiving page for Cancer Research UK off the back of it. A close family member has cancer and I used to work there, so it’s a cause very close to my heart”. https://www.justgiving.com/ page/boudewijn-dominicus-7

 Harry Grieve OG 2019 has achieved his third and final GM norm (the threshold level of performance measured in a tournament), which means that he will shortly become a Grandmaster. For context: Harry will become RGS’s first Grandmaster; there are fewer than 50 GMs in the UK, and about 2,200 GMs in the world.

This is a phenomenal achievement!

Nathan Janmohamed OG 2019 and Olly Perkins OG 2020 organised The Big Splash in September 2025 at Guildford Lido as an annual celebration of Urban Saints Guildford (USG). USG is a Christian youth charity for boys (ages 9-18) that run games and activities and gives boys a chance to develop genuine friendships through Christian faith.

Their values are: Riotous Fun, Adventurous Faith, Genuine Friendships and Life in all its Fullness.

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DIALOGUE Issue #9 2026

OG NEWS  OGs Tom Mclean 2024 and Matt Sargent 2018 working front of house for Peter White’s première of Rosalind.

 Charlie Hubbard OG 2019 was commissioned into The Parachute Regiment on 8 August 2025 and was awarded the Sword of Honour and Kings Medal on graduating from Sandhurst. Sword is the top leaving honour and Kings Medal is similar – it is very rare to be awarded both.

 Joe Geoghegan OG 2021 has undertaken a 500-mile challenge in support of The Running Charity.

He traversed Spain along the iconic Camino de Santiago path, running a marathon a day self-supported from March 22 for 17 days. He was drawn towards the pilgrimage route since embarking on his study abroad programme, however the cause really compelled him to put ambition to action. The Running Charity supports young people at risk of homelessness with an empowering service that includes elite running coaching, mental

health support and vital mentorship to gain greater housing security.

Volunteering at homeless shelters whilst studying at the University of Birmingham revealed to him in full colour the strain that homelessness places on things he considered to be an unremarkable habit, and alienation from the transformational holistic benefits of exercise is one such example that thousands face.

If you would like to donate, please follow the link below. Thank you! https://givestar.io/gs/the-500-milerun-camino-de-santiago

 Cameron Reed and Sacha Macdonald OGs 2021 have been running a bar (HeeHaw) in a ski resort in New Gudauri, Georgia.

They rented the premises for the ski season which runs from December until April. Their aim is to gain real life entrepreneur and commercial experience, and their customer service is amazing, creating a friendly and chilled ambience.

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 13 young OGs ran the London Landmarks Half Marathon on 12 April 2026 in aid of the Max Windle Memorial Trust. They were part of the team of 60 runners who raised over £35,000 which will be used for various initiatives which support young people with mental health problems.

L-R: Malachy Doyle OG 2024, Matt Lovell OG 2022, Callum Mattison OG 2022, Barney Doyle OG 2022, Kiran Wright OG 2022, Will Craven OG 2022, Jack Doyle OG 2022, Alex Taylor OG 2022, Marcus Hinton OG 2020, Matthew Kassir OG 2022, Ed Eves OG 2023, Sam Warren OG 2020, Sam Hinton OG 2023

Arvid (centre) winning in Jeddah

 Jack Doyle OG 2022 organised The Windle Way Ultra Run on 9–10 May 2026 from Sheffield to Liverpool through the tough terrain of the Peak District over 2 days (about 140km or 3.5 marathons and 1500m elevation)! There are more details on the Instagram account @windlewayultra and on the Just Giving page Windle Way is fundraising for The Max Windle Memorial Trust. All to raise money and awareness for young people’s mental health in memory of their friend Max who tragically passed away at the age of sixteen after suffering with depression. A group of runners completed varying lengths, and Jack ran the entire distance in support of the charity!

 Arvid Lindblad OG 2022 made his debut as an F1 driver in the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne in March 2026. Arvid delivered an outstanding performance, securing 8th place and 4 points for his Racing Bulls team in his debut.

The 18-year-old rookie qualified 9th and briefly reached 3rd on the opening lap, becoming the fourthyoungest driver to score points on their F1 debut. His season is continuing this exciting form with more excellent results. Previously, he became the youngest winner in Formula 2 history after claiming the Jeddah Sprint Race win in April 2025, leading his Campos Racing teammate Josep María Martí across the line.

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DIALOGUE Issue #9 2026

OG NEWS

 In May 2026 George Aspden OG 2024 was a goalkeeper in the Edinburgh University Hockey squad, which has qualified for the highest European club competition (the EHL) for the first time ever; only the second university side to ever qualify for this competition (Loughborough were the first).

George is pictured with his Scottish Hockey Play Off Finals gold medal.

OG Chemistry success August 2025 from Wai-Shun Lau, RGS Head of Chemistry Salvatore Nigrelli 2021 graduated with a double first BA and another first in MSci at Cambridge. His academic achievements are numerous and include winning the Gordon-Wigan Prize for the best Part III Organic chemistry thesis, winning academic prizes and scholarships, publishing a paper in a top journal, and winning first prize for EPRSC Poster Event. He is now underway with his DPhil in Chemistry in Oxford.

Janek Czarnek 2023 came top 10 in the preliminary examinations at Oxford for Chemistry, and he has served as the President of the JCR at Magdalene College.

Luke Wyllie 2021 graduated in Chemistry from Oxford with a First and was the Blues captain for rugby.

Rufus Frew 2016 was awarded his PhD in Chemistry from Leicester, having got a First class MSci from Bath.

Alex Thow 2021 won multiple prizes for coming in the top 3 in his cohort in Chemistry during his degree at Cambridge and was subsequently awarded a full scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music to study singing.

The Varsity Rugby Match 1’s on 28 February 2026 featured two OGs at this historic fixture at the StoneX Stadium. Aidan Beaumont OG 2023 represented Cambridge against Stuart Brown OG 2024 playing for Oxford, with the Dark Blues securing a 37-25 victory in a closely fought contest.

Ehsan Anwar-Khan 2024 played for Oxford in The Varsity Hockey Match on 15 March 2026, in which they beat Cambridge 3-2.

 The Varsity Rugby 2s match also had a strong OG contingent of players with Jacques Pressley OG 2022 scoring two tries alongside William O’Brien OG 2025 and Mattia Santoni OG 2023 on the winning Cambridge team.

 And finally, from the Archives...Pupils relaxing in Valpy Room, Old Building.

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FAREWELL AND THANK YOU Lucy Shires joined the Development & Alumni Office in Michaelmas 2022 and very quickly became an integral part of the team. Friendly, professional and thorough, she brought a calm efficiency to everything she did and was a joy to work alongside. Managing our data and financial reporting requires exceptional attention to detail, and Lucy oversaw the complex processes that are essential to the running of the Development Office. She also supported the team with events and publications and helped behind the scenes to ensure we were able to deliver a busy programme. She has a real ability to make people feel welcome and was a popular and familiar face to colleagues, parents, alumni and supporters alike.

Working within the Development office, Lucy discovered a passion for fundraising and has since joined the Phyllis Tuckwell fundraising team, and we have every confidence that she will prove to be an incredible success. Thank you, Lucy, for your commitment and talent and thank you for the fun. Good luck.

Michelle Searle joined the Development & Alumni Office in 2023 as an experienced fundraiser, working hard to generate support for The Road to 2035. Leading our Telephone Campaign, she helped secure more than £100,000 in pledges, while also lending her energy and support to events and activities across the school.

We wish Michelle and her family every happiness and success for the future.

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DIALOGUE Issue #9 2026

OG SPORT CROSS COUNTRY In mid-September 2025, OGs Richard Ollington 2012 and Nathan Janmohamed 2019 raced the five-mile Thames Hare & Hounds Alumni Cross Country Race on Wimbledon Common, finishing 11th and 16th respectively. The event was won by Shrewsbury, with Bishops Cape Town and Harrow in second and third. The two plan to return next year, hopefully with a scoring team of four, to reclaim the King Henry VIII trophy that they last won in 2020. If you’d like to join them, please email og@rgsg.co.uk.

OG RIFLE CLUB The annual Christmas Shoot for OGs v RGS team took place in early January 2026. It was a very sociable occasion with excellent shooting. The OGs won, continuing a twenty-year coincidental trend of “win one year – lose the next”…

Standing at back (L-R): Ingrid Busby (School), Liz McEwan (School), David Crawforth 1984, Miles Horton-Baker 2019, Chris Fricker 1983, Steven Harris 1986, Simon Cane 1988, Chris Milton 2010, Jon Underwood 1988, Graham Atkinson 1988, Martin Whicher 1984.

Middle Row (L-R): Oliver Russell (and Son) 2003, Shreyas Pasarkar 2025, Benedict Cunningham 2025, Julie Cane (wife of S Cane), Kian Serpant 2025, Cane Jnr, James Nicholas 2025, Tom Burton 2025, Ben Vary 2023, Emily Cane (daughter of S Cane), Balazs Rigo 2020, Anna Vary.

Bottom row (L-R): RGS pupils. Stephen Black (ex RGS Head of Maths) also made an appearance as an OG.

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ULTIMATE FRISBEE On Saturday 5 July 2025, 13 OGs from the Class of ‘24 descended on Bradstone Brook, to face off against the current staff and boys. The Alumni team consisted of the following: Max Kaczor, Harry Shaw, Tian Patel, Joss Beedie, Alex Jackson, Max Hackett, Stuart Brown, Ollie Binns, Tom Dowdeswell, Dorian Sorensen, Finlay Sanders, Tom Stork, Isaac Game. The staff team was a potent combination of young teachers, sixth formers and young at heart teachers, with the sixth formers drafted in to help contain the OGs. It was a real battle with both teams trading goals and neither managing to pull away. The staff team led at half time 8-7, and it looked like experience was going to prevail.

Time expired with the scores tied at 12 all, and in the spirit of the occasion, the staff team fielded an exclusively staff line for the sudden death point. This roll of the dice did not pay off, and the OG team were able to pressure Mr Beever into an

uncharacteristic error, with the OGs taking the game 13-12. Well done to Dorian Sorensen for being voted MVP of the match by the staff team.

Dorian Sorensen with Dr Jonah Varney

RGS/Staff Team

After the game we all enjoyed a beer in the clubhouse, and it was fantastic to catch up with the OGs. It is great to hear that Finlay, Tian and Dorian have all continued to

OG ’24 Team

play ultimate frisbee at university for Warwick, Liverpool and UCL respectively. They have all made their respective BUCS teams and represented at University Nationals this season. Tian and Finlay even played each other at Nationals, a one-sided affair according to Tian!

Dr Jonah Varney, Maths Teacher and Ultimate Frisbee Coach.

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HEADMASTER’S XI V OG XI CRICKET Congratulations to the Headmaster’s XI who triumphed in the annual Headmaster’s vs OGs cricket match in June 2025, narrowly edging out a strong OG side led by Alex Sweet OG 2016. It is always a wonderful day of competitive yet sociable cricket at BB, welcoming back OGs and catching up with staff, friends and families. Many thanks to OGs Tim Drake 1975 and Mattie Sutton 2022 for umpiring.

The OG Team this year comprised Alex Sweet 2016 (C), Benji Thomas (WK) 2018, Jonny Andrews 2018, Duncan Ashworth 2016, Henry Ashworth 2014, Zach Burrage 2016, Tom Eves 2019, Max James 2017, Matthew Reed 2023, Harry Relph 2020, Ben Shaw 2017 and Alex Tiplady 2020.

The Headmaster’s Team included Dr Jon Cox (C), Henry Amis, Aidan Golding, Gerald Cussans, Alastair Curran, Thomas Bull, David Bartram, Giles Cover, Matt Baggs, Aarush Gupta, Tom Donnelly (WK) and Harry Foster. Match Manager / 13th Man: Richard Black.

The Headmaster’s XI and OG Cricket Teams

Dr Cox and Alex Sweet OG Cricket Captain

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OBITUARIES It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Staff, Governors and Old Guildfordians. We rely on information coming to us from across the OG and RGS community and every possible endeavour is made to ensure accuracy. Wherever possible we have included valete information from our School records.

RGS Staff Ken Knight RGS Technology Teacher 2007–2017 Ken joined the RGS Technology Department in 2007 as the technician before being invited to join the teaching staff in 2008, having recently returned from running his own design engineering company in New Zealand. Prior to that, he had spent a number of years in aero engine research after completing his BSc and MSc at Portsmouth University. Ken spent five years as a child in Fiji with his family, which was a wonderful carefree life. Even then he was dismantling and rebuilding things and went on to become a very talented engineer. His many interests included industrial archaeology, fishing and old world wines. He was also a keen vintage racing motorcycle restorer and built a number of model traction engines over the years including a half size McLaren (the size of a small car). His approach to life, echoed throughout his teaching career, was very much “Whatever you’re doing, be the best that you can, and enjoy life always.” Ken was a very lovely, kind, gentle and funny man who was an inspirational teacher and Form Tutor to so many RGS students. He got involved with The Duke of Edinburgh Scheme, organised an art class that some of the boys were recruited to do for a group of local people in sheltered housing, and also ran

the badminton club, having been a keen player and coach in his younger days. He fell in love and married Nicole Loughran, our former School Nurse, in 2016 and they retired from the RGS to live in the West Country. They made the most of their retirement together, travelling extensively after Ken was sadly diagnosed with lung cancer in 2020, including a five-week trip to Southeast Asia. One colleague said “He was a hero. A calm understated hero. One of the most capable and sorted people I’ve had the pleasure of sharing time with.” Much missed by loved ones, friends and everyone who knew him through the RGS. ● Died 12 October 2025

Ken with his half size McLaren

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OBITUARIES

Russell Feaver RGS Head of Geography 1959–1994 Russell joined the Geography Department in September 1959 and later became Head of Department. He relinquished this position in 1991 and retired from teaching in 1994 after 35 years of outstanding service to the school. He was born on 27 December 1934 and after the war when doing national service, he was recruited into the secret service, enabling him to travel widely and discreetly. He gained a 1st from St John’s Cambridge, undertook teacher training at Cambridge too and during this time had a work placement at RGS; he was then offered a job in the Geography Department as soon as he graduated.

He was a caring, approachable and patient form tutor and was profoundly knowledgeable about his subject, inspiring generations of pupils, concerned equally with academics and educating the whole person. Beyond the classroom for over twenty years, he organised the school cross-country team, coached athletics and helped with senior softball. As a very keen cyclist he also ran the school cycling club for several years and was a very capable mountaineer. Russell was a memorable figure for boys and a healthy reminder to them of living by one’s own values, regardless of fashion. He even allowed the pupils to draw a map of the world on his bald head! Forever remembered with his blue and white striped bobble hat.

His interests were wide-ranging and lifelong. Meteorology, cycling (his cherished bike was a Claud Butler touring bike, made specially to fit him), a lifetime member of the Youth Hostel Association, a founder member of the Guildford Branch of the Geographical Association, long term member of the Guildford Institute and a member of the Institute’s Modern History group who gave talks and arranged visits – both of which he was involved in, the Arnold Bennett Society – celebrating the work and writing of Arnold Bennett (he liked the way Bennett brought the Victorian era of the Potteries in Stoke to life, an area he loved exploring), the HG Wells Society – we think War of the Worlds was something of a favourite and he admired Wells’ far-sighted characterisation of our future. Russell loved the RGS and attended OG events for many years until his health deteriorated. ● Died 19 October 2025

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Old Guildfordians Adrian Willoughby OG 1939 1934–39 Nettles. 2nd Class Scout, Scout Second. House Colours: Boxing and Athletics.

Michael Giles OG 1953 1947–53 Austen. CCF L/Cpl, 1st Class Shot. School Colours: Cricket. House Colours: Cricket, Football.

He left to move to King Edwards Grammar School in Essex for his father’s work. ●

Michael grew up in Ripley, moved away for about 20 years and returned to live happily there. He was involved locally and we met him helping out at the Frank Brown art exhibition in Ripley Museum in 2024. His OG uncles, the Fox Brothers (Alan, Eric, Kenneth and Jack) were all talented swimmers, and the Fox Cup is still awarded at the annual RGS Swimming Sports.

He was immensely proud of being an Old Guildfordian and always enjoyed reunion events. ●

Died 18 April 2025 aged 100

Lawrence Hazeldine OG 1943 1936–43 Beckingham. House Captain. School Prefect. Member School Shooting VIII, Empire 1st Class Shot and Marksman.

Member /Medallist Country Life and Imperial Challenge teams.

School Colours: Football, Rugby, Gymnastics, Athletics, Shooting.

House Colours: Football, Rugby, Cricket, Athletics, Gymnastics, Chess (all as captain). General Games and Chess Committees.

House PT Team.

Lawrie kept in contact with the school and once wrote “I have such happy memories of my days there and I appreciate your keeping me in touch with the scene of former crimes!” ● Died August 2025 aged 100

John Lester OG 1945 1940–45 Austen. JTC Sgt, Empire Marksman, Spotters’ Club 1st Class.

Died 6 December 2025

Dr Roger Sleet OG 1953.

1945–53 Austen. School ViceCaptain. Prefect. County Major Scholarship. School Prizes: OG War Memorial, RO Griffiths Memorial, Mellersh for Geography, Biology and Zoology. CCF L/Cpl. Empire Marksman. School Colours: Rugby, Swimming (captain and champion), Athletics (captain, champion, Victor Ludorum).

House Colours: Rugby (captain), Shooting, Football, Cricket, Swimming, Athletics, CrossCountry, PT. Committees: General Games, Debating, CEWC, Geographical. BSES expedition.

Married for 66 years, he met his wife 73 years ago on a blind date. Father to four, he loved life, his family and friends. He was well respected and admired by all and a truly lovely man. Kind, considerate and patient.

The one thing he never forgot was where he came from and the fantastic opportunities he received through his education. Without the 11+ and subsequent scholarships he could not have achieved the life he went on to lead. A proud and forever grateful Old Guildfordian who will be much missed.” ● From his daughter Clare Died 19 May 2025.

Francis Tait OG 1954 1947–54 Nettles. House Captain.

Prefect. CCF Sgt. School Colours: Rugby, Boxing, Badminton, Gymnastics. House Colours: Rugby, Football, Cricket, Athletics (captain), Boxing (captain), Badminton, Fives, Cross-Country, Gymnastics, PT. Affectionately known as Spud, he met his wife at a school dance when 17, and was a loyal member of the Old Codgers Club and OG Sports Club for years. He attended OG lunches and Garden Parties, and brought friends back to the school, sharing memories of their time here (making mead in the Prefects’ room, getting bikes up the stairs and clambering all over the roof, amongst them). ● Died 2025

“In January 1946, I disappeared to do national service with the RAF (glamorously known as “The Brylcream Boys”). For most of 1946 I was in Treviso, as a clerk with The Missing Research and Enquiry Service, later in Klagenfurt, and finally in the UK at the famous Aircraft and Armament Experimental Establishment, Boscombe Down”. From there he went to study at LSE and maintained close RGS friendships throughout his life. ● Died 3 August 2025

“Roger was the product of the Grammar School System that allowed boys from an ordinary background to attend the school on passing the 11+. After completing his education at RGS he studied medicine at Edinburgh University where he witnessed as a young doctor the UK’s first Kidney Transplant conducted in October 1960 by Sir Michael Woodruff.

On leaving Edinburgh he went on firstly to become a GP in Southampton and then to become Southampton’s first consultant in Accident & Emergency, a role now covered by 30+ individuals.

Colin Tomlinson OG 1954 CCF L/Cpl, EICS. School Colours: Football, Cross-Country. House Colours: Football, Rugby, Cricket, Athletics. Member General Games Committee.

He was inspired to become a teacher by those at RGS who had taught him and went on to teach history and PE at Therfield School Leatherhead. ● Died during Covid

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OBITUARIES

Paul Richardson OG 1956 1950–56 Hamonde. CCF L/Cpl. Empire Marksman. School HalfColours: Rugby, Boxing. House Colours: Rugby, Football, Boxing.

Died 2024

Rodney Burton OG 1957 He was very proud to have been a pupil at the RGS from 1953-57 and apparently never let anyone forget that he went to grammar school! ● Died 26 January 2026

Roger Bromley OG 1959 He moved to Australia with his wife in the 1970s but remained in touch with OGs and the RGS. He died after a long illness. ● Died on 9 May 2026

Gerald Prosser OG 1959 1951–59 Beckingham. County Major Scholarship. CCF A/Cpl. Class Signaller, Asst Instructor, Empire Marksman, RNAS course.

House Colours: Chess. Asst School Librarian.

Died in November 2023

Conal O’Kelly OG 1965 Died 10 Sept 2024

Graeme Forbes OG 1972 At the RGS he was a popular all-rounder who did well at academic pursuits, a range of sports, and a major contributor to school life. Known for his wit and sense of humour, Graeme instigated the first 1971/2 OG Reunion with Vic Otter which has rekindled a special social bond between these OG year groups.

“Graeme was a talented sportsman, with a fierce competitive nature, sometimes a fiery streak, but also a charmer and a committed socialite. He excelled throughout his school years at rugby, football and cricket and also played for Effingham RFC during school and university holidays. Few guys ran past him when he played fly-half – and even fewer when playing fullback! I remember him telling me with a smile how opponents on a 5-aside football pitch would be surprised as they rounded him – only to be brought down with a rugby tackle!

As a sun-loving sixth former he was happy to spend summer holidays with half a dozen of us on campsites or beaches in Spain and Greece. He was an excellent swimmer – and was assiduous at “re-hydrating” every evening!

He and I spent a month inter-railing

around Europe, ending up sleeping on beaches in Corfu and dusty fields near Rome. He was hospitalised in Corfu (following a bout of food poisoning) and, when an epidural needle bounced out of his back, he taught the hospital staff a whole new set of English words as we peeled him off the ceiling!

Off to Leicester University he studied Economics and became President of the Junior Common Room at De Montfort Hall. From there he went into accountancy and travelled the world – from Grantham to Glasgow, from Nottingham to Papua New Guinea; in the latter, he and Patti were dedicated supporters of the internationally renowned

The RGS Old Guildfordian Magazine

runners and party goers “Hash House Harriers”.

Graeme’s good general knowledge of accountancy, allied to his quick wit, ready social skills and willingness to dine potential customers, made him the perfect “salesman” of accountancy services for Grant Thornton.

He worked for GT for many years becoming senior partner in their Glasgow and Nottingham offices. I remember him telling me of his surprise as a Scotsman (Graeme Robert Forbes) experiencing “racism” when trying to sell business in Glasgow.

He and Patti moved for a while to Le Roux (a tiny hamlet in the centre of France) where they dare not let out their black labrador in the local woods in September – for fear of being shot as a wild boar! In “semi-retirement” there, Graeme would nevertheless pop back to Nottingham occasionally on a “consultancy” basis.

Finally retiring to Oxfordshire saw them settle in Weston-on-the-Green, where both Patti and Graeme took active roles in local activities. Worsening health issues saw Graeme hospitalised again and, sadly, an unexpected heart attack took him from us, leaving Patti, their two children, Katherine and Kieran, and four grandchildren.” ● From Vic Otter OG 1972 and friend Died 30 December 2025

The Last Dance

by Graeme Forbes (the last poem he wrote) A breathless silence meets the dawn, And on the hill a shy young fawn As the moon farewells its end of play The country life has much to say The morning light streams through the trees And leaves they dance, and play the breeze The clouds are moody overhead, as, Distant skies turn mauve and red.

The restless rooster’s first to chime Then countless birds, on hand, to mime, The mists begin to part their ways The cows, then stir and start to graze.

A smell of spring is in the air, The moisture soft, the scents most rare, And life begins to rise and pray As God reveals a brand new day.

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Henrik Kiertzner OG 1973 Henrik enjoyed a long military career, specialising in Intelligence, before launching into the world of corporate and governmental security and risk consulting, latterly concentrating on cyber. In this capacity, among other efforts, he helped develop the London 2012 Olympics security masterplan, designed a border security organisation for a (now failed) state, re-engineered the electronic and physical security infrastructure of a major East Asian gaming and sporting enterprise, advised foreign governments on cyber security and found time to spend three years as IT Director of an international engineering company.

Henrick returned in 2017 to give a fascinating talk at the RGS TEDx series on the theme of risk, generally and specifically on the merits and benefits of embracing risk; this was a “counter-argument against the increasing aversion in both the public and private spheres to acceptance of risk and the … idea that it’s possible to eliminate risk altogether – and that risk is, per se, a bad thing.” https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=iIhHsJTya0Q. Henriks’ family were involved in the Danish resistance, and that understanding of life under a totalitarian regime was certainly an influence on his personal and professional outlook. His final career role was somewhat different, with the National Trust as Head of IT Operations (Cyber Security & Infrastructure).

“The older I get, the more I appreciate the flying start just being at the RGS gave me and the more I recognise the education I did actually manage to absorb despite my best efforts.” Greatly appreciated by his colleagues throughout his life, and much loved and admired by his sister. ● Died October 2025

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DIALOGUE Issue #9 2026

OBITUARIES

Andrew Pearce OG 1976

Richard Brough OG 1984

“Andrew Pearce passed away after a year or so of treatment then palliative care. He was at RGS from 1969-76, a great lover of history and a member of the cross-country team. Inspired

by RGS Teacher Dan Sturley, Andy went on to study History at Liverpool, then Law at Guildford Law College (as it was then) and then worked for a law firm in Lincoln’s Inn. However, he felt the need for a change and trained as a teacher. He went on to be a muchappreciated Head of History at George Abbot School. He was a key member of various organisations: the Historical Association, Churchwarden and PCC secretary in the parish of Wisley with Pyrford (St Nicholas’s church), Secretary of the New Zealand Artisan Golf Club in West Byfleet. He retired several years ago and was enjoying a rich and happy time of life with his dear wife, Sue. His death comes as a shock to many, as he kept on going in an understated and positive way, without fuss, and with the same decency, kindness, thoughtfulness and humour which he showed throughout his life.” ●

“Rich was known for his loyalty to his friends, his cheerfulness, a wry sense of humour, and for having many of the characteristics of the pilgrim in the school hymn. He was diagnosed with leukaemia in spring 2025, leading to seven months in hospital which he faced with his typical stoicism. However, ultimately the vicissitudes of the treatment took his life in February 2026.

Rich’s time at school took off in the sixth form where he represented the RGS in the First VIII shooting team, including winning the Country Life and Staniforth competitions.

His enjoyment of walking in the mountains began to take shape at school with trips to the Lake District and elsewhere, including borrowing a ‘tent, unserviceable’ from the CCF stores for an early trip. His academic record was less remarkable which was surely a frustration to his mother who taught at Lanesborough School (now RGS Prep), during Rich’s latter years at the RGS until her retirement. However, he managed to get into Cardiff University, where he studied accounting and economics.

At Cardiff he continued shooting, where he made long-lasting friends with several teammates who had

From Michael French OG 1979 and friend Died 30 August 2025, aged 67

Simon Watts OG 1980 Simon passed away from pancreatic cancer, the same cancer as his father, albeit he just passed his 60th birthday. He was a Mensa member and senior IT architect for JP Morgan. ● Died December 2024.

Stephen Chastell OG 1982 Stephen died from lung cancer. ● Died November 2023

previously been opponents during school competitions. Cardiff gave Rich easy access to the Welsh hills and somehow, he also found time to take up recreational rowing during his degree.

Rich went on to build a career in accountancy, and later he started a partnership in a successful business, consulting on logistics in the construction industry.

Aside from his job, Rich found time at weekends or during extended holidays to travel extensively and visit spectacular mountain areas in the UK and abroad, including the Himalayas more than once. He made two pilgrimages to Lourdes with Mark Longmire (OG 1984), accompanying parties of disabled adults. He continued shooting with the OGs, and for many years took part in the National Meeting at Bisley. In around 1995 during one of

The RGS Old Guildfordian Magazine

those meetings his keen eye on the range spotted a young lady, Jenny, who he went on to marry in 1998.

In due course Rich moved from Guildford – eventually to Northampton, and he took to family life with aplomb. Travelling and mountain walking continued when time allowed, as well as a renewed acquaintance with rowing, and visits back to Guildford to see family and friends, plus the annual meeting at Bisley, which Rich latterly restricted to just the late afternoon Schools Veterans’ shoot.

Rich enjoyed a laugh and a good ale. He could be laid-back, patient, and pragmatic; he was a gentle giant, but was serious when the situation demanded. He was loving and much loved.

He is survived by his wife Jenny and his three ‘young adult’ children; Grace, Luke and Frances.

His funeral in March was well attended, with many fellow OGs from across the years present, and included a spirited singing of the school hymn. He was a pilgrim.”

In support of Blood Cancer UK: https://richardbrough.muchloved. com/ thank you. ●

Gerard Jackson OG 1991

From David Crawforth OG 1984 Died 25 February 2026

By John Simpson, former Director of Studies, on behalf of Gerard’s family Died July 2025

Gerard entered the RGS aged 11 in 1984 and left in 1991. He played Flanker at number 8 in the winning Daily Mail Cup U15s rugby team final at Twickenham in 1988, beating Wellington College 12-0 (Gerard is on the front row third from the right). The final four points were achieved through conversions – both kicked by Gerard.

After reading for a Geography degree, he spent some time in Australia after which Gerard entered the police force and served with distinction as Duty Office Sergeant and acting Inspector for 30 years in both the Hertfordshire and Northampton forces, retiring in 2024. After retiring he was able to further his interest and skill in playing golf for which he represented the police force in various competitions. However, shortly after retiring he was unfortunately diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour and he died in a hospice in July 2025, aged 52. He leaves behind his beloved wife Jules, two daughters and a granddaughter. ●

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DIALOGUE Issue #9 2026

OBITUARIES

The Four Musketeers: George Watts, James Ferguson, Harry Ferguson and James Hand

James Ferguson OG 2015 An RGS Tribute by OGs George Watts, James Hand and Harry Ferguson At the end of last year, we received the terribly sad news that our great friend, James, or Jim as he was to us, had suddenly passed away.

Collectively, the three of us knew Jim for fifty-four years. It was a friendship built on a shared love of fun and support for each other that was forged in the corridors of RGS, from the Great Hall to the Sixth Form Centre, from Bradstone Brook to the infamous lunch queue. As we grew older, our friendship took us far beyond the school walls, first to the clubs and pubs of Guildford and then out into the wider world. Together, we’ve been lucky enough to share some incredible adventures – exploring Australia and New Zealand in a campervan, road-tripping across Spain, discovering Vietnam and Thailand, and making memories much closer to home in Cornwall.

We grew up seeing and experiencing the world together, sharing unforgettable moments and a few stories that are probably best kept off record!

We feel deeply honoured to have been asked by the school to write this tribute, and it feels fitting given the indelible mark Jim left on RGS. He was so widely respected and well-loved that there are many others who could just as fittingly have shared their own tributes.

He was a straight A student, with a particular passion for History and Science. He would jump at the opportunity to dissect a rat in Biology or recall obscure World War Two facts. His intelligence helped him to excel in his GCSEs and A-Levels, ultimately leading him on to Exeter University. But it was his precocious sporting talent, of which we were so proud to have a front seat to witness, that meant the name James Ferguson resonated in every classroom across every year group. He was outstanding at football, rugby and cricket, but it was hockey where his talent shone brightest, breaking into the first team whilst barely into his teenage years. He was highly competitive, demanding the very best of himself, whilst remaining deeply committed to his teammates – indeed, his commitment was so unwavering that he even broke his back whilst representing the school’s cricket team. Naturally, Jim handled the injury with quiet resilience and

humour, despite the inconvenience of having to wear a full-length back brace for several weeks.

We take comfort knowing that he will feature multiple times in sports photos (always the first team) hanging from the school walls, even if they’re from a little longer ago than we would care to admit!

Despite how effortless he made every sport look, Jim was always so modest and understated, perhaps never quite realising just how talented he was.

To those of you lucky enough to still be pupils at RGS, we would just say this – enjoy every single minute, for it flashes by in an instant.

But most importantly of all, cherish the friendships that you make and never take them for granted.

The older we get, the more we’ve come to realise just how special, meaningful and rare the bonds made at RGS truly are. The extraordinary turnout at Jim’s memorial, from both the guys and girls from home, was testament to the school’s ability to create lifelong friendships.

Losing Jim really has broken our hearts but memories of him, so many of which were from our time at this wonderful school, will draw a smile across our faces for the rest of our lives. His infectious laugh, unwavering commitment to fun and fierce loyalty – all traits for which we loved him so much. He was simply the best.

So Jim, whilst you wait for us to join you up there, please know that there will always be an extra beer at the bar in your honour. ●

By George, Handy and Gaz

Development & Alumni Relations Team We help alumni stay connected with the School and each other.

With over 5000 OGs in over 40 countries, we are your first point of call for alumni reunions, enquiries and ideas. Through our close relationship with the RGS community we work to raise funds for our bursary programme, supporting the next generation of RGS boys.

We arrange reunions, events and support the careers programme.

We also manage the Tudor Collection – the range of RGS merchandise available at rgsg.co.uk/our-community/rgs-merchandise.

Monica Popa Development Director

Helen Dixon Marketing Manager

Philippa Green Alumni Manager

If you would like to support the development of future RGS boys (either financial or intellectual) please call Monica.

Helen is responsible for all our communications and manages the online community site, rgsconnect.com.

A former parent, Philippa is responsible for our relationship with you beyond your RGS years, organising many reunions and events.

mpo@rgsg.co.uk +44 (0)1483 880602

hsd@rgsg.co.uk +44 (0)1483 887361

pmg@rgsg.co.uk +44 (0)1483 887144

If you would like to find out more about our fundraising campaign for bursaries, The Road to 2035, or to make a donation, please click on the QR code.

Thank you.

Development & Alumni Office RGS Guildford High Street Guildford Surrey GU1 3BB

rgsg.co.uk

rgsconnect.com

og@rgsg.co.uk +44 (0)1483 880665 @rgsg_og

Events 2026–2027 We host a range of events for recent school leavers to long-standing members of the OG community. So whether you’re an Old Guildfordian, former or current staff or parent, do join us. Most events are free to turn up to, but please email og@rgsg.co.uk or call us on 01483 880665 if you have any questions. There are further school events at which guests are very welcome, so please see the school calendar online or our regular news Digest for more information about these.

TRINITY TERM

MICHAELMAS TERM 2026

LENT TERM 2027

Headmaster’s XI v OG XI Cricket Match Sunday 21 June 10.00am – 4.00pm Bradstone Brook

Heritage Day Saturday 19 September 9.00am – 4.00pm RGS Old Building, including Chained Library Tours

OG Rifle Club Annual Shoot TBC Email og@rgsg.co.uk for more information

Class of 2016 Reunion Cricket Match Sunday 21 June c 10.30am – 4.00pm Bradstone Brook Undergraduate & Staff Drinks Tuesday 23 June 4.30 – 6.00pm The Rat’s Castle, Guildford OG Undergraduate Careers Fair at RGS Tuesday 23 June c 2.30 – 4.00pm RGS Ensembles Concert Tuesday 30 June 7pm Holy Trinity Church, Guildford Classes of 2024 & 2025 v Staff Ultimate Frisbee Saturday 4 July 10.00am Bradstone Brook Class of 1996 Reunion Saturday 4 July 4.00pm Big School RGS Market Day Concert Tuesday 7 July 1.15pm Holy Trinity Church, Guildford

Thames Hare & Hounds Alumni Race Date and Time tbc Wimbledon Common Email og@rgsg.co.uk to participate Classes of 1975 & 1976 Reunion Saturday 26 September 12.30pm Big School, RGS

rgsg.co.uk

Joint RGS & GHS Concert Monday 15 March 7.30pm GLive, Guildford

TRINITY TERM 2027 Beckingham Legacy Society Lunch Wednesday 7 October Big School, RGS Chamber Choir Choral Evensong Wednesday 4 November 5.15pm St George’s Chapel, Windsor Advent Carol Service Tuesday 24 November 7.00pm Holy Trinity Church, Guildford RGS Christmas Fair Saturday 28 November 1.00pm – 4.00pm RGS Orchestral Concert Tuesday 1 December 7.30pm Christ Church, Guildford RGS Carol Service Tuesday 8 December 7.30pm Guildford Cathedral

Development & Alumni Office RGS Guildford High Street Guildford Surrey GU1 3BB

Musician of the Year Thursday 8 February 7.30pm RGS Recital Room

og@rgsg.co.uk +44 (0)1483 880665 @rgsg_og

rgsconnect.com

RGS Careers Convention Friday 23 April 6.30 – 8.30pm RGS