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ONA Ol d N o v o c a s t r i a n s A s s o c i at io n M a g a z i n e Issue 74 | Autumn 2008

1983 Reunion – 25 years on

In this issue:

Penrith Reunion Peter Taylor Lecture

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ONA — Old Novocastrians Association Magazine

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President’s Welcome News and Events The ONA Annual Dinner Who? What? Where?

Headmaster’s Retirement 1983 Reunion Penrith Reunion Peter Taylor Lecture RGS Bursary Campaign Obituaries

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10 ONA Magazine Issue 74 | Autumn 2008

Contribute!

We are always looking for articles and news from Old Novos to include in the magazine, so send your contributions, via email (if possible) to: ona@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk or to the ONA Office at the school.

Please include relevant pictures of possible.

They will be returned as soon as the magazine has been printed.

The deadline for acceptance of copy for the Spring 2009 issue is: 8 December 2008.

Copy may be carried over to a future issue.

ONA magazine is the magazine for the Old Novocastrian Association Editor: Tove Elander All correspondence should be addressed to: The ONA Office Royal Grammar School Eskdale Terrace Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4DX Telephone, ONA office: 0191 212 8924 email: ona@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk The Editor reserves the right to edit, alter or omit all submissions to the magazine.

Copy may be carried over to the next edition. The Editor’s decision is final.

Designed and produced by www.infinitedesign.com

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Welcome

Welcome to the latest edition of our magazine This is the final edition of the magazine to be circulated during the term of my office as President. I have been privileged over the last two years to serve as President of the Association and would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have contributed and supported, whether that is in relation to the magazine, the committee or any other aspect of the organisation. My particular thanks go to Tove Elander and Mike Barlow.

The ONA Annual Dinner takes place on 17 October this year and will, as is now customary, be preceded by the Annual General Meeting.

I would encourage as many members as possible to join us on this occasion – details can be found on page 3. It will be the first formal opportunity for the Association to welcome the new Headmaster, Dr Bernard Trafford, and to hear his observations on the future of the school.

Absent from proceedings, obviously, will be James Miller who retired in the Summer. Anybody who has visited the School in the last few years, or had the opportunity to follow the wealth of talent in sport, art, music and so on, will know that the School is in rude health, above and beyond the academic achievements, and James has left an excellent platform for the future. The Chairman of Governors, the Third Master and the Bursar offer their thoughts on the ‘Miller years’ on page 6.

The Committee of the Association are hoping that the AGM will see a number of nominations from younger members to join our ranks. We have received some interest from members who left the School as recently as 2004 and we are delighted that the Association is still thought of as useful, even necessary, by younger leavers. If you would like to join the Committee then please contact Tove Elander who will confirm the process for nominations.

I hope you enjoy this edition of the magazine and as usual I would ask you to think about any contribution you may be able to make for further editions, Equally, if you would be happy to receive the magazine by email (and thereby save postage and help the environment) then please supply Tove with your email address and confirmation of your preference.

Enjoy the magazine and keep in touch.

Rod Etherington (80–90) President

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RGS News RGS has a new Headmaster -

Miscellaneous News

Dr Bernard Trafford took over from James Miller in September.

RGS pupils Alex Bruce, Alex Tinkler and Jack Bolton have been awarded Arkwright Scholarships for sixth form Design Technology studies.

Dr Trafford has already attended his first ONA committee meeting, and is looking forward to meeting as many Old Novos as possible.

Those ON’s who are curious to see what the new Head looks and sounds like will get the opportunity at the ONA dinner on the 17 October, when Dr Trafford will be giving his first speech to the association.

RGS Suffers Flood Damage RGS didn’t escape the atrocious weather hitting the North East at the beginning of term. After days of relentless rain, the school was hit by a freak flash flood that swept through the school on a Saturday afternoon.

It entered via the Groundsman’s sheds, then split with part running back into Brandling House (the new Junior School extension) and part running across the artificial turf pitch and cricket nets, down the back of the Sports Hall and flooding the hard play area and the basement of the Performing Arts Centre. It was powerful enough to shift quite large pieces of furniture.

basement are being dried out and repaired. This will take some time – the current estimation is around 6 months.

Other parts of the school were also damaged, including parts of the dining hall, the foyer and some classrooms in the Science and Technology Centre, and some locker rooms and toilets. Most of this damage is limited to wet and soggy carpets, which will be The worst damage was in the Performing Arts Centre basement, replaced. Fortunately, no lessons had to be cancelled! where the CCF and the Archives are based. All CCF equipment is contaminated by water and unusable. Files, papers and pictures stored at the bottom of the archive shelves were immersed in water 3 feet deep.

The Archvist is currently sorting through everything to see what can be saved, and what’s been lost. Meanwhile, the rooms in the The flood-damaged archive

Henry Cook, Luke Martin-Fuller, Vignesh Paleri and Alex Partington won the ‘CHANGEit’ award for their innovative campaign idea, Get Ca$h Keep Ca$h. Their idea was to provide information for young people, informing them as to how they might develop a more responsible approach to their finances. As part of their campaign they have created a website: www.getcashkeepcash.co.uk. The CHANGEit award is run by international leadership organisation, Common Purpose, and sponsored by Deutsche Bank: its aim is to show that young people can make a positive impact upon society.

Sport John Gibson has been awarded cross country colours for outstanding service to the school. John is Northumberland Schools’ Senior Champion and represented his county in the national championships at Liverpool in March. He is also a previous winner of the Junior Great North Run. John was in the RGS team winning the Glasgow Relay earlier in the year.

Niall Flannery (400m Hurdles) won the U20 Northern Championships in a personal best time of 53.16secs.

RGS Guilford took the top trophy at the annual RGS Cricket festival; RGS Newcastle finished in second place.

The RGS 1st XI Football team has been promoted to the County Schools’ top division. Although they finished one point off the official promotion place, a move to expand the 1st Division to ten teams, and the fact that the team has finished in the top four of the 2nd Division in the last five years has meant promotion.

Earlier this year, RGS Gymnasts became the North of England Team Champions. In the National Floor and Vault Championships the U13 team finished in second place, and the U19 team in third place.

The U15 tennis team won the Bradford GS Tournament.

Meanwhile, the U13 and U15 girls’ tennis teams reached the semi finals of the Tyne & Wear Schools’ Competition.

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News and Events

The ONA Annual Dinner Friday 17 October 2008 at RGS, Newcastle upon Tyne 6.15pm

AGM in the Plender Library.

This will be a short meeting; everyone welcome.

6.30pm

Sherry reception in the School Hall

7.30pm

Dinner in the Dining Hall The ONA President, Rod Etherington The new Headmaster, Dr Bernard Trafford

Speeches by:

Guest Speaker: Old Novo Jonathan Webb (74-81) Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and former England Rugby player

Price: £25/£20 (£20 if you are aged 25 or younger, or aged 80 and over). The price includes the sherry reception, dinner, and a choice of wine on the table. A cash bar will be provided.

There will be no fixed table plan; however, it will be possible to reserve seats. Tables will seat eight diners, and parties of less than eight will share the table with others to complete the octet. If you would like to reserve seats please contact the ONA office no later than Wednesday 8 October.

The dress code is formal, i.e. dinner jacket.

To reserve your place at the dinner, please contact the The ONA office on 0191 212 8924, or email: ona@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk The deadline for bookings is Monday 13 October 2008. Please note that no tickets will be issued. Once you have reserved and paid for your place, we are unable to refund your money.

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Who? What? Where?

Angus Kidd (76-86) writes: I’m currently living in Singapore where I have been since 2003, working for Credit Suisse since 1996. I married Dorean in 2004 at Mitford church with the reception at St James’ Park.

My son Jack was born in May 2006. Recently I’ve been getting involved in triathlons and cycling, as well as other sports, travel, charity and attending sporting events around the world.

In 2001-03 I was living in Tokyo, a very memorable experience for a wide variety of reasons, including: – Attending the England vs. Argentina game and seeing Beckham smash home the penalty, as well as the party after the game where I was interviewed by a Dutch newspaper and conducted the whole interview in Dutch (having never previously spoken the language)

Stephen Howard Johnson (66-73) is now working for Shell in Qatar as Commissioning and Start up superintendent.

James Quinby (98-03) graduated in Classics from Christ Church, Oxford with a first class degree in 2007. He is now working with SIL International in linguistic analysis element of bible translation in West Africa.

Congratulations to Steph Burn (04-06) on being awarded her Private Pilot’s Licence.

Later, after finishing her degree, she will be working towards the ATPL (Air Transport Pilot’s Licence).

Ian Henry (93-00) writes: after completing a PhD in Genetics at the University of Nottingham, I am currently working at the Max Planck Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology in Dresden, Germany, as a Senior Bioinformatician for Scionics Computer Innovation.

Peter Davison (73-83) works in Dubai. He is married with three daughters.

Andy Ashwell (86-93) is still in the Royal Navy, where he recently passed the Selection Board and Senior Rates’ Command Course for promotion to Chief Petty Officer (CT).

Nicholas Fawcett (93-00) has finished his D.Phil. at Oxford, and recently took up a Fellowship in Economics at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford.

– Attending the England vs. Brazil game with Mike ‘Jelly’ Wright (ON 80-87) and being in dreamland for 20 minutes post the Owen goal – Climbing Mount Fuji In 1999-2001 I was based in Sydney, watching the Olympics, with Steve Redgrave winning gold, and British Lions Brisbane test among the highlights as well as the Millennium party.

I’m still in touch with a number of ONs: Andrew Shepley (80-86), who married my sister, I was best man – it was very special, Graham Yates (76-86), Dave Walker (76-86), Mike Wright (80-87), and Richard Gilkes (84-86). All are doing well, although mostly balding and the wrong side of 40 and probably no longer in touch with me after the last comment!

Dr David Ross (82-92) successfully sat the trying to make sense of the credit crunch and FRCS (Urology) Examination recently and was spiraling oil prices for the new generation of awarded the prestigious Keith Yeates Medal, aspiring economists? for outstanding performance at the first sitting of the exam. As the winner, David is also entitled to a travelling fellowship from the Ralph Shackman Trust.

Jamie Rutt (99-06) has been made Captain of Cambridge’s 1st XI football team. He has also been awarded a First Class for Part IIA of the Economics Tripos.

Graham Parker (75-83) is Senior Adviser (English) at North Yorkshire County Council.

Richard Needham (87-94) lives and works in Singapore.

Students attending a revision conference in Manchester ahead of their summer exams were faced with a trio of presenters with a strong RGS Newcastle connection! Former Head of Economics and Politics Geoff Riley, who left in 2000 to take the same role at Eton College, teamed up with Mike Smalley (8895) currently on the teaching staff at the RGS and Ben White (91-98) who has just recently taken over as Head of Economics at Bromsgrove School in Worcestershire. The network of Old Novocastrians teaching Economics around the country seems to extend each year, for example, Ian Black (8895) is Head of Department at St Albans School. How many other ONs are currently

L to R: Ben White, Geoff Riley and Michael Smalley

Rob Blazey (00-05), bassist in the band the 27 Club has signed a three year record deal with London based hiphop label Regen Records. They recorded their album in April, and it was released in June. Listen to it on http:www.myspace.com/the27clubmusic John N.H. Cox (50-57) and Henry Spall (4958) met for dinner at the Old Ebbitt Grill across from the White House in Washington D.C. earlier in the year. They had not seen each other since they left the RGS 50 years ago.

They were surprised at how much they had remembered of life and times in the 50’s. John and his wife, Adele, were on their way to Palm Springs, California for two weeks in a time-share that they own. Henry is busy training for a 60-mile fundraising bike-trek on behalf of a former colleague and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

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Who? What? Where?

Richard Lornie (57-62) writes: I failed to cover myself with glory whilst at School, but through a quirk of fate have spent the past 21 years as Headmaster of an independent school in Australia. I am to retire at the end of 2008 after spending 24 years at Central Coast Grammar School in New South Wales, three of them as the foundation Deputy and 21 as Head. In the Queen’s Birthday Honours List this year I was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to education.

My first teaching post was in 1970 as a Lecturer in Liberal Studies at Peterborough Technical College. In 1973 I left the UK to work as teacher in the East Sepik District of Papua New Guinea.

In 1975 I transferred to the University of Papua New Guinea where I worked firstly at Goroka and then at Port Moresby until 1981.

In 1982 I moved to Australia and taught at Knox Grammar School in Sydney and in 1985 began work at the newly established Central Coast Grammar School. On retirement I will be moving to New South Wales to the dairy farming town of Gloucester.

Peter Bexton (91-01) works at Tesco’s head office in the Beer Buying Team.

Christopher Gareth Dodd (75-82) is the Director of Red Raven Arts, a gallery specialising in Modernist art from the post-war period. www.redravenarts.com Michael Shanks (70-76) is Professor of Classical Archaeology at Stanford University, USA.

John Edward Wordsworth-Goodram (8792) is head of professional services at Respons Handling, a customer contact management consultancy.

Michael Smith (64-74) is currently Chief Executive, UK for Finsbury Limited Communications. Mike was previously a journalist at the Financial Times, where his roles included Financial News Editor and Brussels Correspondent.

Congratulations to Simon Thorp (73 -80) on his appointment as a District Judge. Simon went to Hull University from school where he read law and politics before moving to Portsmouth where he served with the Hampshire Fire Service for a number of years.

He began reading for the Bar taking his Bar Finals in 1987. He moved to West Yorkshire where he undertook his pupillage in Pearl Chambers, the predecessor of Park Lane Plowden (civil chambers with a Leeds and Newcastle presence) eventually specialising in personal injury and clinical negligence. Being appointed a Recorder in 2002 enabled him to return to Tyneside where he tried criminal and civil cases and where his parents still live. He has also sat on the Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeal Panel (since 2007) and on the British Coal Vibration Reference panel (dealing with miners’ claims). He met his wife in Hampshire and they have 2 sons and a daughter. He has been assigned Sunderland County Court as his principal place of work and a move back to Tyneside in the medium to long term, at a suitable point in his children’s education, seems likely.

Congratulations also to Simon E Wood (7277) on his appointment as a Circuit Judge on the North Eastern Circuit. His Honour Judge Simon Wood read law at Newcastle University and was called to the Bar by Middle Temple in 1981. He then practised for 27 years from chambers in Newcastle, first sitting part time as an Assistant Recorder in 1998 and being appointed a Recorder in 2000. He married a fellow lawyer, Catherine, in 1984 and they have four boys, three of whom have been/are at the RGS. His contemporaries will remember his interest in music which has continued and he has been a member of the Northern Sinfonia Chorus since 1983. He has retained close links with the School serving as Honorary Secretary and President of the ONA, and then as Governor from 1999 to date. At a dinner held in London to celebrate his appointment, the Old Novos in attendance included his father, W S Wood (37-44), John Harle (6574), Richard Mountford (69-76) and Louis Taylor (75-85), the Chairman of Governors.

Degree Results Phillida Strachan (03-05) First in History, Jesus College, Cambridge Lucy Morton (02-04) MA, University of Glasgow Tara Penfold (01-03) MBChB, Unviersity of Glasgow Manas Tiwari (96-03) MBChB, Universtity of Glasgow Iain Watson (02-04) MA, University of Glasgow Dominic Ip (95-05) LLB (Hons) Law, University of Durham Heather Lockwood (03-05) BA (Hons) Law, Jesus College, Oxford

L to R: Richard Mountford, Walter Wood, Louis Taylor, Simon Wood, John Harle, Edward Wood and Charles Wood

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The end of an era The Headmaster Retires And so we said farewell to our Headmaster of 14 years, James Miller. A few hundred words or so can never give justice to James’ contribution to the life of the school, but hopefully these short articles will give a flavour:

Howard Baker, Third Master and Head of Sixth Form writes: I first met James Miller in the summer before he took up his post as Headmaster. In the middle of August the chairman of governors, John Fenwick, wanted someone to show him around and take him out to lunch, but as John Armstrong (the second master) and Russell Pannell (the bursar) were away, the lot fell to me. I remember James being deeply unimpressed by several aspects of the school’s facilities (in particular the cricket outfield, as I recall). I remember too his asking me what should be changed immediately about the school. City Hall Prizegiving, I suggested. Well, fourteen years later, both problems have been addressed: two small examples of the very many changes James has wrought in his stewardship of the school. Such changes (buildings, girls…) are easy to see and are what Old Novos will associate with JFXM. However, there is a more important, but less visible, human aspect to directing the RGS community; an aspect which is unquantifiable in any league table, unminuted in any inspection report: I have on many occasions been in his office as he has wept with sixth-formers over the death of a fellow student, or has comforted parents when their family was breaking up, or has given a wayward student yet another ‘last’ chance when many of my colleagues wanted blood.

James’ public style could be strident; some even found it intimidating. However, in private his instinct was always to be deeply sympathetic to others’ problems, far beyond what his professional role required.

RGS’ Bursar, Richard Metcalfe, writes: Members of all parts of a school community – teachers, students and parents – each have

their own idea of what constitutes a good head, and bursars are no exception. From my previous experience in other schools and colleges the worse kind of principal is the one who cannot make up his (or her) mind, then keeps changing it and has absolutely no idea of how the infrastructure of the institution – or the people who run it – actually works.

Coming to RGS, and to “JFXM”, was therefore a refreshing change for me: here was a man who had a clear vision of how the school should develop, a pretty good idea of how these aims should be achieved and of the resources that would be required - and the determination to see a plan through.

Importantly from my own point of view, he recognised that members of the support staff have a critical role to play in both the day to day running of the school and in taking developments forward – and he never failed to show his appreciation of their contribution.

One of the most difficult aspects of running any organisation is the management of change – and I think it would be reasonable to count the Miller years as a period of change, not least in the extensive development of facilities and the change to co-education. The latter in particular called for a careful blend of sensitivity, determination and grasping of practicalities, while dealing with a wide range of interested parties; the seemingly effortless ease with which girls became (officially!) part of the RGS scene was due not to good luck, but to meticulous thought and planning on his part.

Of course, when dealing with so many people on so many fronts there was inevitably the occasional difference of opinion, generating a “robust” response from James – not a man to hide his views (particularly, as I recall, with regard to the cost of building work!). But when the hurricane had blown through, the outcome would almost certainly be the best for the School – and the RGS which James leaves behind him is a massive tribute to that.

And finally, the Chairman of Governors, Louis Taylor’s speech at the Headmaster’s retirement party: Ladies and Gentlemen - Tonight is a chance to bid “au revoir” (hopefully not “goodbye”) to two people who have been the heart and soul of the RGS community for 14 years – James and Ruth Miller. Once, when crediting my predecessor John Fenwick with appointing James, I rather ungraciously and with my tongue firmly in my cheek, suggested that we did not hold this fact against him! In fact, John’s choice was inspired. The qualities and values that James has brought to the role of Headmaster have allowed so much of the beneficial change at the School to take place.

James is an economist by training, but an unconventional one in that he only uses one hand – not from James the usual economist’s refrain, “on the one hand…, but on the other hand…” – his decisiveness has been a defining quality throughout.

Another quality is how passionate he has been about the School, its pupils, its staff and its community – all have mattered to James – he really cares about them.

He has not only been practical and endlessly energetic, but also courageous. My first meeting as a Governor was ten years ago, and we were discussing the possibility of taking girls into the School. James embarked on a course with determination and reason behind him, and convinced the Governors into unanimity that co-education was the right thing for the School – a courageous stand on a decision that changed 450 years of history, and one that has proven to date wholly positive.

For all of James’ decisiveness and firmness and thoroughness, he has also brought a particularly humane quality to his role. His fundamental interest in people and his puncturing of pomposity have meant he has been a terrific mentor and leader and advisor to

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ONA Feature: The End of an Era

the many, many people who have entered his open-doored office seeking wise counsel.

James is an excellent judge of character. I believe that the most important aspect of being a Head is to recruit the right teaching staff, and in this James has unquestionably developed and augmented an already superb Common Room. The School and its pupils benefit enormously from the level of knowledge and commitment, and the range of interests that are inherent in the staff today.

But above all, James has had a real vision for the RGS, a vision that he has seen through to fruition in so many areas. I had listed what I thought were the major achievements of the last 14 years. Then I saw a report that James put to our Governors’ meeting this afternoon, in which he listed the priorities he had identified at his first Governors’ meeting 14 years ago.

The congruence of the two lists is remarkable, with the difference being an excess of modesty on James’ part. I’d like to point out some highlights.

Most obvious has been the physical development of the School’s site. Everything that has been done has been done in line with what has become known as the “Fenwick Principle” – whatever we do, we do it well.

Testament to this are: the Science & Technology Centre, the Performing Arts Centre, the Modern Languages, Music, Maths and ICT departments, the Sixth Form Centre, the All-Weather Pitch and the County Cricket Ground, in addition to others.

I have mentioned co-education. Girls represent over 20% of pupils already, and there are still three year groups which are single-sex. The impact of co-education on the school has been of great educational and developmental benefit to all its pupils. Its planning and implementation have been outstanding, and it has been achieved with barely a hitch that had not been forseen.

Academic excellence has always been a key part of what the RGS has stood for, and even as the public exam system stands accused of setting lower standards, a rate of 90+% A or B grades at A-Level is a stellar performance. More importantly, the commitment to genuine education rather than solely exam results remains a key philosophy at the RGS, observed in practice and not just in passing.

The extracurricular life of the School is thriving. Even 20 years ago when I left, it was exceptional but the breadth and depth of activities across the board seem greater now than ever. In sport, where once my father had his prefect’s gown removed for a week for playing with a round ball, the School is now County Football Champion at several age groups. Girls’ sport thrives. In fact, we’re

County Champions at practically everything. In music, the proliferation and variety of groups and ensembles is huge, and all to a great standard. Drama, with the advent of the PAC, is not only thriving as an extracurricular activity, but is also part of the mainstream syllabus. In addition, a huge range of other activities take place – debating, chess, CCF, DofE to name a few. In all of these myriad activities, there is not only the opportunity for excellence, but also the opportunity simply for enjoyable participation – access for all is important.

And “access for all” is at the heart of the Bursary Campaign, which now funds around 100 pupils on an average of 70% fee assistance. James has spearheaded the Campaign, and unlike the Heads of many Oxbridge colleges, he has been prepared to ask donors to contribute, rather than taking a detached “Corinthian” view of his role in fundraising to increase access. James initially reckoned we could raise £1.5m. We’re already at £3.7m. The Campaign, perhaps more than any of the other aspects of James’ time as Head, is reflective of the ethos of the School – to give the best education to those who can best benefit from being at the School, regardless of financial means. The social breadth that this fosters is, and always has been, an integral part of what an RGS education is, and should be. In recognition of James’ contribution to the Bursary Campaign, the Governors have agreed to make him a Fellow of the RGS Bursary Campaign, a title that has been reserved for those who have made an outstanding contribution to the Campaign – James have certainly done that.

James would be the first to admit that the RGS enjoys many advantages that most schools do not. But looking back at the achievements of the last 14 years, I can think of no other period in the School’s 450 year history when those advantages have been better used for the benefit of its pupils and its community. It is clear to me that the RGS is more valuable than ever to Newcastle and the North-East.

Through the Newcastle Science Enrichment Programme, the Newcastle Partnership, community use of the Performing Arts Centre and other School facilities, the Bursary Campaign and much more, the School is at the heart of the City and the region, and not apart from it.

It is a centre of excellence, but not a centre of exclusivity.

I’ve talked a lot about James, his leadership and his achievements. But in doing so I have not told the whole story. Being a leader can be an ecstatic experience at times, but a very lonely experience at others, and having someone supporting you through the highs and the lows greatly dictates one’s effectiveness. James’ effectiveness can in no small part be credited to the total support that he has had from Ruth throughout. Hers is a largely unsung role, but no less important, requiring no less commitment, and deserving of no less credit.

I heard recently of another Chair of Governors in the same situation I find myself this evening, assembled with the Governors to bid farewell to a retiring Head. He reported that the Governors had held a vote of thanks and best wishes, which had been passed by seven votes to five, and with three abstentions. We are emphatically NOT in that position this evening – and I mean that in a good way! If it is possible, we were more than unanimous – lavishly unanimous? unanimously unanimous? unanissimo? – in our gratitude for all that you have both done in your time here, and in wishing you both a long, happy and healthy retirement.

Louis Taylor (75-85)

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1983 Reunion – 25 years on

What would 40 of our old boys make of each other after 25 years?

Would they recognise each other? Had the school changed?

By Christopher Hornsby (82-83)

What made the day was the effort all had made to attend: Ian Etherington, an Gynaecologist on Tasmania and Gary Rogers, a lawyer in Sydney travelled from the other side of the world to be there; Professor of History Liam Anderson was on a six-month sabbatical from the US to Exeter which made the 6,000 mile round-trip possible; Lieutenant Colonel Steve Pyle had managed to organise leave, to time with the reunion; Aerospace engineer, Guy Baister had flown in from Zurich whilst civil engineer Antony Morris and National Trust surveyor Alistair Henderson had both made Saturday 14 June 2008. We arrived at the school: some with partners, some with families, the journey over the Irish Sea. Slightly less effort was required from Amar Naru who made a handful with pupils already at the school. the trip from his dentist practice overlooking Amazingly after 25 years we instantly the 1st team pitch, and from Dr. Jon Coorsh recognised each-other. Perhaps some of us who walked from his home on Osborne Road. had put on or lost a few pounds, lost a few Nevertheless it was great to see them. hairs on top or greyed, but the essence of our We had split the day into two with the personalities remained exactly as it had done school putting on a lunch and a tour of the the day we had left school – and what a truly school during the daytime. As well as pupils memorable day it turned out to be. and families, a number of old and current The big difference was of course the school. The school facilities had been improved masters turned out. Thanks to the prefects for the tour and giving up their free time. They were dramatically, the number of school buildings attentive, courteous and a credit to the school. had increased, not to mention the addition of the female sex in the school! Unheard of in our It left me wondering why we were never asked day, yet this was a pleasant surprise when one to participate in similar events.

The evening saw the old boys only meet up of the new female prefects kindly offered to take our pictures. She listened with some degree of at St James’ Park for an exclusive dinner. In the interval many of us descended for a quick pint surprise as old pupils told stories. It was no to the Collingwood Arms – forbidden territory exaggeration that the infamous Antony Morris during our school days and now without fruit was once dared to smoke in the organ. machine or jukebox.

The tour also included a trip to the new sports hall with desks laid out for the school exams – perhaps one of the least pleasant memories.

What do RGS pupils who left the school 25 years ago do for a living now? Well the balance of probability says they will either be doctors or accountants. The 40 who turned out included around 12 medics and the same number of bean counters as well as a splattering of professors, surveyors, engineers and lawyers. If you need surgery then you are more likely than not to have this performed by an ex 1983 RGS pupil.

We were grateful too, to those who could only make it for the evening, including barrister Andy Comaish and Dr Paul Netts. Liam Anderson and accountant Colin Chater came admirably transformed in 1st XV colours jackets – looking as new as they had when they were finally awarded them in their last year at school. North-West’s ageing Sunderland supporters Simon Davies and Gary Slawther were excused for needing several drinks before descending on the enemy’s stadium.

After some photos overlooking the empty pitch the evening festivities started with everyone sitting in house tables. Richard Millbank as co-organiser provided a memorable speech before dinner. He read out apologies and poignantly referred to those who had passed away since leaving school – Dave Walker, Nick Scott, James Raine, Simon Murray and Simon Vickers – a fitting tribute and timely reminder for those who were there to make the most of the time we have and the importance of friendship.

After dinner Dr Andrew Kilner, Head Boy from1983, reminded everyone of our school days, how great it was to see everyone, and how he could have second guessed how everyone would turn out – for instance Ian Richey was destined to be a Professor of Aeronautical Engineering, as well as notable absentees Bharut Nalluri and Mark Eccleston had to follow successful careers in films and media, and Times Rich List’s Richard Harpin, likewise in business.

10966 RGS ONA Magazine:Issue 74 18/09/2008 16:25 Page 9

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ONA Feature: Reunions

Penrith Reunion!

The Grand Finale!

The last reunion of Old Novos who were evacuated to Penrith. This will be the absolute last, final reunion!

Andy Kilner and Neil Lewin then thanked Alumni Manager Tove Elander as well as Richard Millbank and myself for our tireless organisation. Just when we thought speeches were all over, 1983 1st XV captain Jonnie Hall added the rugby edge to the evening with a reminder of his 1st team pre-match routine. Of course the evening could not end without the School Song and thank to architect Neil Lewin we had the words for all four verses.

The end to a significant, memorable and salubrious event was inevitable, with everyone left wanting more, always a good sign in my opinion. We went our separate ways with Kevin McStay and David Duns amongst others, insisting we shouldn’t leave it another 25 years before the next one; in order to keep the turn out in double figures surely 25 years is too long? We spent every weekday together so should we meet up annually now that we are all socially acceptable, ageing rather well and still up for a night on the Toon?

1 – 3 September 2009 Suggested itinerary:

Tuesday 1 September: Meet up in Penrith for some informal drinks Wednesday 2 September: Tour around Penrith Thursday 3 September (the day the war broke out): Dinner

Please note that this is only a suggestion, and I would very much welcome other suggestions and ideas. If the dates don’t suit, please let me know what dates would.

Please respond to me as soon as possible with preferred dates and itinerary. I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.

This will be the absolute last reunion!

Geoff Orde Whiteside House, Whiteside Bank, Riding Mill, Northumberland NE46 6DT

Phone: 01434 682 233

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ONA — Old Novocastrians Association Magazine

Peter Taylor Lecture Tuesday 11 November 2008 at 6pm In the RGS Performing Arts Centre

Alastair Leithead BBC Kabul Correspondent

on

‘How does the presence of the press affect conflicts around the world? Is there an ethical dilemma? Can you influence events? And should you?’

Alastair has been based in Afghanistan since 1st April, 2006, covering the resurgence of the Taleban, the NATO mission and the way the country has been changing post 2001 for BBC TV, radio and online. He’s the only reporter working for a UK broadcaster who lives in Kabul, and covers all domestic and international outlets. He won the 2007 Bayeux Television Award for war correspondents for his work in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, and was shortlisted in 2008 for a BAFTA for best news coverage and shortlisted in 2005/6 for the Royal Television Society’s TV Journalism Award for International News report.

Prior to this, over the last few years Alastair has been periodically travelling to Iraq to work in the BBC bureau there. He was in Najaf for the siege of the shrine, and in the country when Saddam Hussein was arrested and when the battle for Fallujah was raging.

Alastair Leithead

Prior to Kabul, Alastair was based in Miami for nine months in 2005/6, covering the southern States, and the worst hurricane season for many years. He arrived in New Orleans the day before Hurricane Katrina and reported from inside the city right through the storm and then in the aftermath.

Before that Alastair was based in South Africa – in Cape Town from late 2001 and then Johannesburg, travelling extensively throughout the continent. He reported under cover from Zimbabwe on a number of occasions, despite the ban on the BBC from operating inside the country; he was based in Nairobi, Lagos; travelled to Madagascar, Sierra Leone and covered the war in Liberia; and in southern Africa spent a great deal of time reporting on the HIV/Aids pandemic across the region.

Alastair Leithead was brought up in Newcastle upon Tyne where he attended the RGS, before going on to receive an honours degree in Geography at Manchester University. He began his journalistic career in newspapers – the north eastern provincial paper the Newcastle Evening Chronicle. He quickly moved into broadcasting at BBC Radio Newcastle, then into regional television for BBC Look North and reported and produced on BBC News 24 shortly after its launch. He moved to London as a domestic news producer before becoming a foreign correspondent. He has worked at the BBC for more than 12 years.

For tickets (free of charge) contact the RGS Events Manager Jill Graham, on 0191 212 8930 or email: j.graham@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk no later than Monday 3 November 2008.

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ONA Feature: An Unenviable Job

I have an unenviable job – asking for money!

Jane Medcalf, Campaign Manager for the RGS Bursary Campaign, writes: I started working at the RGS about ten months ago, raising money for bursaries. In comparison, my work at The Stroke Association for eight and a half years very clearly accentuates to me the stark differences between raising money for a UK-wide medical charity where it is said that almost everyone knows someone who has had a stroke, to raising money for the Educational Trust of a leading independent school in the North East where only 210 new pupils are expected to start this autumn.

However, it is evident to me, when I think about why people give to charity, that the motivations to give are common to both. I believe that anyone giving money to charity does so, in the main, for these three reasons: n Personal experience n To make a difference n To do something about a problem It is also clear to me that the ONA are uniquely important to the success of the Bursary Campaign.

Firstly, you were once young people at the RGS who personally experienced the excellent education and facilities that the RGS offers. I am sure that your RGS education has been vital to your achievements and successes throughout your life. One young man who was recently in receipt of a bursary and on the brink of university has already realised how important his education at the RGS has been: “All of the opportunities that I have had afforded me, not just over the past year, but through all of my years at the Newcastle RGS are proving to be profound and beneficial in terms of my career when I leave school, entering university and hopefully embarking in a lifetime committed to helping others by practising medicine. I owe you great thanks for giving me all of these wonderful opportunities.”

Thirdly, as an association, you can all help tackle the problems of poverty and disadvantage and help advance education and the skill set of the country. We cannot do this single handedly, but together, we can.

So, here I am asking for money. I am turning to the ONA again today to ask if you will make a donation to the Bursary Campaign. Some of you already give your support, which is wonderful, but if you haven’t already donated, please consider doing so today. Please just email me at j.medcalf@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk or call me on 0191 212 8909 to donate straight away or to request a pledge form.

This year the school fees are £8,799. Large gifts are of course wonderful, but any gift of any amount or frequency would be equally as important to the success of the Campaign – a lump sum or a regular gift of say £25 monthly, would all help to provide bursaries and give Secondly, the fact that the RGS develops opportunities to bright and talented young young people into outstanding, successful, people whose potential is far greater than their well rounded, and thoughtful individuals, who care about others, gives Old Novos a reason to financial means. make a difference to others and to give today’s By donating, each and every one of you can young people the opportunities and make a difference and do something to help experiences that you once enjoyed. relieve poverty, tackle disadvantage and advance education. The ONA are far better placed than anyone to be able to provide this help through your own unique, individual and personal experiences of the RGS.

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ONA — Old Novocastrians Association Magazine

Obituaries George Patterson OBE (28-39)

Norman Henderson (37-47)

Born 1920, died 3 January 2008, aged 87.

Died 28 March 2008, aged 79.

Educated at RGS and later New College, Oxford, George Patterson, the son of a senior commissioner in northern Nigeria, wanted to enter the colonial service, but joined the Royal Artillery when war broke out, and was posted to Terengganu in Johore.

Norman died in a hospital near Virginia Water, Surrey, where he had lived for some 30 years.

He later joined an anti-aircraft unit, became an RAF liaison officer and was posted to Army headquarters in Singapore. He was appointed ADC to General Percival, a short while before surrendering to the Japanese. He was a prisoner of war until his release in August 1945.

After the war, Patterson returned to Malaya as private secretary to Malcolm MacDonald, the governor-general who speeded up independence. Later, after marrying his wife, he was back as district officer during the Emergency. His last post was in the service’s establishment office, He returned to the UK in 1960 to work for PA Management Consultants. In 1993 he published his memoirs, A Spoonful of Rice with Salt. He leaves his wife and two daughters.

Richard Eric Mordue (49-60) Born 1941, died 19 June 2008, aged 67.

Norman had for years been reticent about his ailments, always securing agreement that health matters should not be discussed during reunions. Nevertheless he did drop the comment at one reunion that he was prepared to wager that he had had more operations than any other attendee!

At school Norman’s interest included rugby, boxing and chess. Outside school there were keen interests in soccer and golf. Penrith days saw an aviation interest coming to the fore. Norman was a member of the ATC and aeroplane spotters club. This interest continued to membership of Oxford University Air Squadron although his national service had been in the army.

Norman graduated in Law at Balliol College, Oxford. This led to a further period of study in London prior to a position in the Colonial Legal Service in Nigeria. At length he returned to London where he had an appointment in the Law School in Chancery Lane. This lasted until his retirement.

Norman never married. He had two elder sisters with whom he was not in touch. His two elder brothers had died many years earlier, one in a wartime aviation crash whilst he was in the RAF.

Richard lost his fight against Motor Neurone Disease in June. He joined the RGS in 1949 and went through to A levels. After university he joined MAFF (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food) where his potential was soon realised, and he was awarded a Nuffield scholarship at Michigan State University.

He left the ministry soon after to take up farming in Cumbria in the early 1970s. Despite tremendous success he was soon back knocking on the ministry door, where he was welcomed with open arms, and never looked back.

David Cushing (35-38) Born 1920, died 14 March 2008, aged 88.

He married Christine Philips in 1979, a marriage that produced a son, John, and daughter Heather, both of whom are now successful, with degrees in economics, John’s from Oxford.

David Cushing was born in Alnwick, and educated at Duke’s School before attending the RGS. He went to Balliol College, Oxford, where he took his MA and in 1950 gained his DPhil.

Richard rose to the highest levels, that of Director of Economics and Statistics at MAFF before taking a well-earned early retirement.

After the ministry he was in great demand as an agricultural economics consultant throughout Europe. He was a great brother, husband, and father.

After service in the army from 1940 to 1946 Cushing joined the Fisheries Laboratories as a scientific officer, and later became deputy director and head of the fish population dynamics division until his retirement. He was a fellow of the Royal Society, and author of several books. Upon retirement he established the Journal of Plankton Research which he himself edited for 22 years, until 2001.

Christopher Mordue (49-56)

He is survived by his wife Diana, and by their daughter.

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Obituaries

Douglas Alexander Southern (28-37) Born 22 May 1920. Died 30 May 2008, aged 88.

At school, Douglas played rugby and cricket for the school teams and also became a Prefect. On leaving school he joined the family business M H Southern & Co Ltd – timber importers. In 1939 he went off to war with the Royal Artillery, at the age of 19 serving in India and Ceylon (Sri Lanka) as 2nd Lieutenant. After the war he rejoined M H Southern, in time becoming Director and succeeding his brother Harry as Chairman. He retired in May 2003 having worked in the company for over 60 years – quite a record.

Golf Outing at Embleton that he met Marjorie, who just happened to be playing there on the same day. They married in February 1950.

The parties that Douglas and Marjorie hosted at Northumberland Avenue, Gosforth, will long be remembered by friends and family.

Douglas’s hospitality was legendary.

Douglas was very proud of his two daughters, Carole and Nicola, who were duly followed by grandchildren and great As well as being a Director and Chairman of M H Southern he was grandchildren. He never boasted about them, but whenever he a keen supporter of the Timber spoke of them or their names were Trade Federation and served two mentioned, his face would light up years as Chairman of the North and beam with pride, the way only East Coast Timber Trade Douglas could do.

Association.

Among his leisure pursuits were rugby and golf. He played his rugby at Old Novocastrians where he became President in 1961, after which he continued as a keen supporter. He played golf at Ponteland Golf Club, where he became Captain in 1974, Chairman from 1979 to 1982, and President from 19911994. He was elected an honorary life member at the AGM in 1997, an award of which he was extremely proud. He kept this honour very much to himself – typical of this very modest man.

Rumour has it that he had a copybook golf swing.

It is interesting to note that these two interests were the reason as to how he met his future wife, Marjorie. It was whilst on a Novos’

Douglas was the youngest of three brothers, Harry Southern (19-26), Sir William Southern (21-29) and one sister.

Douglas died on 30 May 2008, passing peacefully away after suffering a stroke in January 2008.

The funeral service was held at Newcastle Crematorium, conducted by The Reverend Tim Duff (51-59) and was attended by a large number of school and golf club friends, staff from M.H. Southern and family.

William B Wallace (34-40) died 21 October 2007 aged 74.

Oliver Doley (27-35) died 29 November 2007 aged 89. Colonel Patrick J Robinson (50-59) Nigel Fulton (30-37) died 11 June 2008. died 29 November 2007 aged 87.

Peter Fenwick-Smith (32-37) E G Robertson (48-55) M.D, died 5 August 2008, aged 85.

FRCOG, Professor of obstetrics and Edward Mackley Robson (3341) gynaecology, Miami University.

Died 3 January 2008, aged 70. died 6 august 2008, aged 83.

George M Michie (29-36) died 13 January 2008, aged 90 Robert Ian Sinclair (45-47) died 20 January 2008, aged 76.

Rodney Stanley Taylor (50-55) died 28 January 2008, aged 70.

John Richardson Mills (44-50 / 54-56) died 16 February 2008, aged 73.

William Francis H Baker (37-42) died 9 March 2008, aged 83.

Derek E Baker (33-39) died 8 March 2008, aged 84.

Captain Malcom A George RN (36-41) died 10 April, aged 82.

Dr George Fullerton (33-39) died 23 December 2007 aged 84.

Margot McDonald died on 14 January, aged 94. She was the widow of Kenneth McDonald, Head of Chemistry for many years. Margot herself taught for some years in the Junior School.

Thanks to Eric Reeve (35-45) and Howard Gale (35-43) for Neil Sloan (92-94) inspiration and providing died suddenly on 21 August 2007. information.

31 years old.

Carole Gildea (nee Southern) and Eric Gildea (55-62)

Frank Alexander Larcombe (35-42) died 19 February 2008, aged 83.

Dr Peter B Storey (37-44) died 8 July 2008, aged 79.

Kenneth Stark (59-66) died June 2008 aged 59.

Ken graduated in dentistry from the University of Leeds in 1971.

He practiced in Leeds throughout his professional life in both general practice and at the University. Ken served with distinction on numerous national and regional bodies seeking to develop professional practice. He leaves his wife Patsy, sons Alex and Phil and grand-daughter Sophie.

10966 RGS ONA Magazine:Issue 74 18/09/2008 16:25 Page 14

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