The Shirburnian 2016-17

The

Shirburnian 2016/17

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welcome To

The Shirburnian This is the essence of The

in preparing them for their lives

Shirburnian. It is a celebration of

after School and of the fond

all that we are as a School and all

memories they cherish from their

that we stand for. From tales of

time here.

adventures like the Ten Tors to the serious examination of complex intellectual problems, you will see a community that is inquiring, diverse, rigorous and always on the move.

The Shirburnian is a repository of such memories. It is the moment of their recording when we can take stock of the achievements and experiences of another year and set them in the context of all

In the pages that follow, you will

I am proud to be a part of such a

that we are as a School, and all

encounter the rich fabric of life at

community and to have a hand in

that we strive to be. That is, put

Sherborne. You will read about

shaping it. In my time here, I have

simply, a place where we stand

boys with passion, purpose and

been struck by the ability of every

together as a community of

poise working together in a

boy to develop a diverse range of

kindness, of shared endeavour

community that prizes

enthusiasms and pursue them

and of strong and enduring

individuality but sticks together

with tenacity and commitment.

values. An institution that looks

with a rare cohesion. You will

These enthusiasms play a

to the future, honours the past,

discover accounts of wonderful

fundamental part in shaping our

and is alive to the present. This is

academic, sporting, musical and

boys and in helping to create the

the Sherborne of which I am

artistic achievements and of

superb young men that they

proud. It is our story, and I am

enthusiastic engagement in clubs,

become. Witness the reflections

delighted to share it with you in

societies and a range of outdoor

on subsequent pages from some

the pages that follow.

pursuits. I am sure you will be

of our boys who left the School a

inspired, as I have been, by

decade ago as evidence of this.

learning more about just what

To a man, they speak with warmth

our boys are capable of.

about the part Sherborne played

Dr Dominic Luckett Headmaster and Chief Executive

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2016/17...

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The Year in September Claude Hopkins (5m) achieved great success in the Thorpeness Regatta, taking home several trophies, including the prestigious Cox Cup for Best Oarsman on the Meare.

Alistair Johnson (L6e) was awarded the prestigious Arkwright Scholarship after successfully passing the Arkwright Aptitude Paper demonstrating flair and originality in solving engineering design problems.

Mr and Mrs Clayton, Ally Collins (U6f) and Henry Davies (U6f) attended a reception at House of Lords on behalf of Lawrence’s Roundabout Well Appeal, in recognition of Abbeylands ongoing support for the charity.

Rugby Colts A XV were victorious against Radley, resulting in an impressive 28-18 final score.

George Case (4m) took gold at the British National Tetrathlon Championship.

A team of nine Sixth Form Royal Marine cadets competed against 16 other schools in a range of military and fieldcraft skills at the Royal Marines Pringle Trophy.

october The Duke of Edinburgh Silver Canoe Qualifier group comprising of: Charlie Sutton (5f), Hector Hamilton (5c), Nick Van Kan (5b), Freddie Graham (5c), Will Banks (5b) and Alex McGinty (5f) took part in a three day trip across the beautiful Wye Valley.

The Green staged a magnificent performance of the contemporary play, Bull, written by Mike Bartlett. Ben Dickins (U6c) did a stellar job as director.

The School hosted its annual Chemistry Symposia. The high-profile event was well attended

by Sherborne School, Sherborne Girls, Leweston and Clayesmore.

Jack James (5d) was crowned the winner of the Modern Foreign Languages travel photography competition with his photo from Cape Town, South Africa.

The English Department hosted Sherborne Sessions, a five day literary festival featuring writers from all genres including: critic Rachel Cooke, journalist Viv Groskop, scriptwriter Tom Williams and author Rory MacLean.

review

2016-17:

november Burgeoning geologists Jacob Ollis (U6e), Ben Heber (U6f), Harrison Arnold (U6g) and Fin Purchase (U6b) won a national competition in celebration of Earth Science Week with their video ‘Quarr Project.’

Sherborne School was listed in the top 100 Schools guide for cricket in the The Cricketer magazine thanks to its outstanding cricket programme.

Nine boys won a Gold Certificate in the UK’s biggest national maths competition. Particular mention to Will Shardlow (U6m) who came top in the School, and was invited to take part in the British Mathematical Olympiad.

Benedict Mercer (4b) made history by becoming the first boy from Sherborne to win the Colts title in the South West Schools Regional Fives Tournament.

Shirburnians produced several compelling performances in the Joint Schools’ production of Our Country’s Good.

December Mini Colts A retained the U14 County Cup, securing a 41-7 win against Canford. Man of the Match Ollie Westmacott (3c) was outstanding in both attack and defence.

2nd XV ranked 12th out of all 2nd XVs in the UK with 8 wins out of 10 matches and a tense 5-5 draw away at Wellington College and to the 3rd XV ranked 9th out of all 3rd XVs in UK with 7 wins out of 9.

The School’s annual carol service and other musical celebrations of Christmas stunned the audience with beautiful performances and hugely impressive technical ability.

January 35 boys travelled to Barbados’ West Coast for a ten day cricket and hockey tour.

Rafe Yewdell (U6g) was selected to represent The Lambs National XV following successes in both Regional and National rugby trials.

The Sherborne App was launched, improving the way we share key information and communications.

Sherborne’s Ski Team once again excelled in the DHO British Schoolboys Ski Championship in Switzerland, competing with bravery, skill and determination. Ben Nokes (U6m). Ben Pugsley (U6d), Tom Perkins (L6a) and Will Perkins (5a) finished as runners up in the U18 team event.

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The Year in February The Digby staged two vibrant Fashion Shows in support of Turi Children’s Project, raising over £3,000 for this charity that supports vulnerable Kenyan children.

The arts centre and concert hall in Poole, The Lighthouse, was the venue for a 230 strong Choral Society concert. This provided a much relished opportunity for Shirburnians to sing in such a large and impressive concert venue.

16 boys achieved highly acclaimed Gold Certificates in the UK Intermediate Maths Challenge.

Hot on their heels, 20 boys secured Silver Certificates and another 22 boys, their Bronze in our best performance to date.

Brilliant performances in the HMC Judo Tournament in Buckinghamshire saw Conrad Cowan (U6m) and Freddie Williams (4f) win Gold and Max Fraser (3c) Silver.

march Sherborne Hockey 1st team progressed to the last 16 of the England Hockey National Plate Competition, with convincing wins over Bryanston (7-0) and West Buckland (13-0) The Powell Theatre was packed as fifteen Lower School boys took on the challenge of creating a production almost totally from scratch in just under five weeks. The Odyssey was a huge hit, combining acting talent, masses of energy and plenty of humour.

The 1st VII Rugby team performed superbly to retain the Bryanston School 7s trophy won for the first time last year.

Jamie Buckley (4f) brought his fellow Under 16 competitors to heel by energetically and artistically securing gold in the South-West fencing competition.

april Peter Folkes (U6a) and Freddie Graham (L6c) displayed musical prowess and significant stamina in achieving their ATCL diplomas on the saxophone.

Alongside Sherborne Girls School Sailing Team our boys came 5th overall in the British Schools Dinghy Racing Association Southern Area Sailing Championships.

The CCF and the Lyon team (which this year included two Abbey boys) took on and completed the 35 mile route between ten of Dartmoor’s Tors in one of the quickest times achieved by Sherborne teams in recent years.

review

2016-17:

may In a phenomenal achievement Charlie Hickling (U6d) broke both the 100m and 200m School athletics records, which have stood for 30 and 39 years respectively.

After success in their Intermediate Mathematics Challenge earlier in the year, 14 of our top mathematicians qualified for the Kangaroo Cup. Kai Miles (3d) and Aaron Kim (4b) impressed receiving their Certificate of Merit in the Grey Kangaroo and Pink Kangaroo, ranking them in the top 25%.

June Intrepid boys from the Army and Royal Marines section of the CCF honed their teamwork and endurance skills at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines.

On Fathers’ Day a group of 18 boys and parents met at the Mendip Shooting Grounds for the Fifth Annual Parents’ and Sons’ Clay Shooting Competition. The highlight of the day was the parent and son competition which was won by the Cooper family.

Boys from the Fourth Form hosted 18 students from Gymnasium Steglitz, our exchange school in Berlin. The German students enjoyed many of the School’s highlights, including sailing, fives and a trip to the Abbey.

July The Swing Bang returned from another successful tour of Barbados.

The rugby team had a hugely successful tour around New Zealand. Felix Storer (L6g), also known as ‘The Magician’ was a popular choice for overall Player of the Tour.

40 musicians travelled to Tuscany to perform at a host of magical venues, including playing at the stunning Chiesa di San Martino in Siena. Choral music, orchestral music and wind band music all contributed to a memorable tour.

august Since 1953, Sherborne has longed to win the coveted Sir Richard Fairey Trophy in the highly competitive National Schools Sailing Championships Firley class. 2017 saw this happen, with Ben Childerley (L6f) and Oliver Croft (3h) bringing home gold in a field of 25 schools and 45 boats.

Yet again Shirburnians had record-breaking success at A level. Half of all our 2017 A level entries were awarded A* or A grades and the A* pass rate has risen to 22.5% (compared to 8.3% nationally), and is a new School record.

GCSE results were also a cause for celebration with almost 60% of our all entries being awarded A* grades and A grades and 86% A* to B.

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‘ 8|

‘The writers’ room

I am not what I seem

A selection of creative pieces from the English Department

I sighed, slumping even further into an ugly blue bus seat that had a strong aroma of sweat coming from it. I rested my head against the window and stared into my pale, yet pleasingly short-haired reflection. Over the past few weeks of being at my new school, prominent dark shadows had formed under my chestnut eyes.

Too many nights of no sleep. The bus drew to a halt at Chesham. I stepped out and walked two hundred yards or so to the grammar school. I found out I had passed the exams to get in during the summer after Mum decided it would be best if I went to live with Dad, to move on from what happened. It felt great at the time getting a place, but now, with a bull and a chained up sword of the school crest looking down on me from the iron barred gates, it seems more like the entrance to hell.

I walked through the steadily filling up car park towards the main door, and a rare smile crept up on my face as I caught sight of a familiar small, skinny frame with a tangled mop of blonde hair on top.

“Alright mate?” called Archie, grinning back to me. Since I joined he’s been about the only person I’ve befriended, let alone held a proper conversation with. He was new to the area too and ever since we’ve stuck around each other. We walked upstairs, ranting about Arsenal’s loss at the weekend the whole way. Being die hard Arsenal fans also made our friendship that bit stronger. We were utterly dependent on one another for survival and escape from isolation.

Catalysts to each other for quite simply, avoiding loneliness.

The bell went for the start of first period and we said our farewells for the two hours until break, that would undoubtedly go on for a lifetime. I groaned inwardly. I had Maths first lesson. I trudged towards the classroom that was surely brimming full with ways to torture me with numbers. Algebra, I thought to myself, was almost certainly the worst. I picked out a seat a safe distance away from anybody else and lowered myself into the seat. Miss Bertrand, a boring but fairly passive, frumpy middle aged woman took the register.

“Claude Mann” she called. My heart was starting to match the pace at which the boy to the right of me was not so discreetly drumming his fingers against the desk. What if she got my name wrong, I thought.

Everyone will look at me. These thoughts went through my head on a regular basis every time we had registration, even though we were already two months into school.

“Mona Naiad” was met with a chirpy, “yes” and then at last a familiar “Leo Pickford” was called, to which I sighed with relief, and mumbled affirmatively. While Miss Bertrand finished off the register and started to drone on, I rested my chin on my hands and started to stare in front of me to my right where Maria Naiad sat, chatting happily to the girl next to her whilst typing her brown, silky hair in a bun.

After about ten minutes of hearing the words “side” and “angle” being uttered monotonously by Miss Bertrand a number of times, Maris looked up from her exercise book and glanced around the room.

She caught my eye and smiled. I sheepishly averted by gaze, feeling

Hugh Ridgway (3a)

my cheeks turn bright red.That lunch I sat alone. Archie texted me saying he’d been held back for not doing his homework. I started to eat more quickly, wanted to get changed for PE before anybody else, so nobody saw the strap that covered my mending chest. I wondered if anyone would notice my shorts were a bit too small for me.

Just as I was about to get up to leave, I jolted backwards in surprise.

“Um, hi,” came a familiar chirpy voice. Maria Naiad sat down next to me smiling awkwardly.

“Hi,” I replied gruffly.

“I was just coming over because I realised that we have the same Maths class, and I don’t actually think I’ve ever talked to you so I thought we could get to know each other.”

“Yeah, that sounds good, “ I said, smiling as warmly as I could.

“Okay then,” Maria grinned, “Maybe I’ll see you later.” I rejoiced inside as she smiled again and walked away. That night I said a brief hello to my Dad and feeling the happiest I had felt in a long time, went up to my room to do my homework. I checked my phone, I had two notifications. A Facebook request from Maria Naiad, which I couldn’t help but grin at, and a text from an unknown number. I swiped to open my phone and went into my texts. “Hello Amanda,” this is Claude Mann. Yes, that’s right. I know who you really are you freak. I wonder how your little girlfriend will like the fact that you’re actually a girl.”

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Patrick Cordingley (c 63) With a military career spanning four decades, Patrick

Cordingley is best known for commanding the 7th

Armoured Brigade – the Desert Rats – during the first Gulf

War.

In September 1990 Patrick took the 12,000-strong Brigade to Saudi Arabia as Britain’s initial ground contribution to the Gulf War. In February they led the British and American attached which breached Iraq lines. Patrick was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his leadership.

Since retiring from the army he has become an authorative

who’S in blueS?

commentator on international affairs. He has appeared on various television programmes and has appeared regularly on BBC Radio 4. He holds of number of trustee positions including Governor of the School from 2001-2016, and ViceChairman from 2007-2016. He has written two best-selling books In the Eye of the Storm and Captain Oates.

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BEAR IT WAS A DAY LIKE ANY OTHER APART FROM IT WASN’T. THE WIND WAS HOWLING, THE SKIES WERE DARK AND THE BEAST WAS OUT. I AM ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES WHO MANAGED TO ESCAPE. THESE EVENTS TOOK PLACE IN SCOTLAND AND EVEN TODAY GIVE ME CHILLS. My first encounter with the beast was after a shower as I looked out of the window. I saw an enormous bear, or at least that’s what it looked like, for it was like no bear man has ever witnessed before. It was said to be centuries’ old; its fur matted and as black as the night, its size twice the height of any normal bear and its teeth like butcher’s cleavers.

My name, for anyone interested, is Henry McLeod and I encountered that bear, the bear of wonders, the bear of years, on one cold day in December. After the first time I saw the monster I was petrified to leave the house. Even my dog, a big, old Alsatian called Bernie, did not want to leave, whimpering every time I approached the door.

Being antisocial and a luddite, I had no phone in my house, the only technology being an old black and white television set handed down through generations that sparked every time you tried to turn it on.

So I was stuck here with my dog and my food slowly running out. The only other comfort I had was my old shotgun and its partner in crime, my worn-out hunting rifle. They were a pair, made and bought together, and both had scenes of fields with animals engraved into the wooden handles. They had been my father’s guns, his pride and joy, never letting them get dirty, but I can’t say that I followed in his footsteps with that.

Playing with the trigger of the hunting rifle, I scanned the horizon from the window of my bare bedroom; completely bare apart from a small single bed and a scratched desk. Peering into the scope I looked for signs that the beast had been around recently.

My house is a double storey, grey pebble dash box of a house situated at the base of a small mountain which nobody ever seems to have heard of. About half a mile almost directly in front of the house was a group of four fields, all abandoned after floods; the animals mysteriously having gone missing. In one of the fields sat a small hillock that rose from the field and obscured all views past that point.

Hearing Bernie whimper, I picked up my gun and crept to my window, looking out of it with the scope I couldn’t see anything. Suddenly a black shape rose over the hillock, lolling as it walked.

At this distance I could see its breath forming into condensation and a dripping red snout. After gazing terrified at the beast for a few moments I

realised that it was heading to the house.

Bernie was now getting frightened making a slight crying noise, if that monster heard him he would charge into the house within seconds!

It was now right outside, I could hear it thumping outside and scratching itself on the walls. Bernie was now growling with his hackles raised and there was nothing I could do to keep him quiet - he was going to get us both killed!

More movement outside and it sounded like it had heard the damn dog. I took my shotgun and tiptoed down the stairs avoiding the creaky steps which I knew were a risk to my life but I didn’t realise it would be like this.

I knew my gun could never get through the bear’s layers of fur far enough to

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Jamie Buckley (4f)

affect it, but it was a comfort to have it around.

The blasted dog was now next to the door growling with teeth bared, staring at the door.

stairs but suddenly the bear was on me, flicking me against a wall as he closed in, toying with me like a cat would do a mouse.

I never knew that an animal could have so much strength. With one swipe of his massive claw he shattered the strong oak door to splinters.

Blackness was crawling into my line of sight, I was going to pass out while this thing, this animal, fed on me. Moving my hand to try to clasp onto something, it touched a cold object. It was the shotgun but what use was that? I needed a tank to get through that bear’s hide. I was going to die and I knew it.

Looking down at my now hurting leg I saw a splinter about the size of a pen sticking out just above my knee. Collapsing I cried out in pain, trying not to pass out as I crawled away from the door.

Looking around I saw Bernie lying on the ground around the door his skull bashed in by the door knocker, blood dripping from the mess of bone and fur. Retching at the sight I clambered my way to the

Suddenly a thought popped into my head. I grabbed the shotgun and waited for the bear to jump. After about a minute which seemed like hours of it walking around staring at me, it slowly plodded towards me knowing I hadn’t got much

left to give. Then it was there on top of me, its mouth opening.

I shoved the gun down its throat and pulled the trigger, then nothing.

I couldn’t breathe, what had happened? Had I blacked out? I looked around and saw a trail of blood out of the door and there just past it was the bear, collapsed outside, blood dripping from its mouth.

Trying to get up I noticed again the wound in my leg.

It had stopped bleeding now but there was clotted blood covering it with the shard of wood poking out the top like an oasis in a vast desert of red.

I started to half crawl half drag myself towards the door, towards fresh air and life.

When I finally woke I was in a hospital bed with machines around me.

Lifting my head off the pillow I looked down the dark ward to a distant pool of light in which a mother was comforting her son.

Henry McLeod then put his hands on the table and took several deep breathes as he rested out in the square open garden under an apple tree which sits in the middle of the wide expanse. He is visibly shaking and is pale, and I get up to leave but then stop, “You do realise the government had put a bounty of £5,000 on this bear?” I say. Henry looks up astonished at my words and shakes his head, half a smile cracking his weatherbeaten lips.

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END LESS

SEBASTIAN KELLY (L6f)

Have you ever experienced one of those random jolts of realistic perception that soak you in your own insignificance? It can happen at any moment; you might be sitting at the bus stop empty-headed and carefree when suddenly, out of the corner of your eye, you spot a stranger swipe at a pestering mosquito. An unexpected empathy for the mosquito and a What-Gives-Him-The-Right attitude consumes you, launching you into an internal exploration of your own worth and importance. Perhaps you begin to draw comparisons between the man hitting the insect, and the hands of time squashing us beneath its palms in an equally unprovoked and surprising fashion. Or maybe you begin to think about an even bigger picture, like how helpless-little-you could have done something about it, but then why even bother when you are just a fraction of an atom in relation to the density of this unpredictable and ginormous universe that we occupy with such astounding arrogance?

As humans we often stray from wonder, in fear that the infinite mass and perplexity of outer space will obliterate our confidence by reminding us that we actually have no idea where we are, how we got here, or for what possible reason we even exist. We are so afraid to accept just how small we are in this vast and amazing vacuum that we even do our best to deny playing any part in it. We speak of the universe as if it were some far away fairy-tale, just a fragment of an idea in someone else's imagination. As though we aren't all just tiny self-aware ants on one of the smallest ant farms around, launching ourselves along an invisible perimeter of the largest thing we can see from our homes, which happens to be infinitesimal in comparison to most of its fellow starbrothers and star-sisters. How ironic it is, that we call the most colossal and incomprehensibly complex thing that exists, 'space', like it was only there to serve as vacant room for the eventual moment that we run out of places on Earth to store all of our stuff.

To gain an affection for the outside world, you need only look at it. Gaze upon the unparalleled glow of the milky way as it wraps itself around our sky like a silky, deft snake, engulfing us in a magnitude of surreal sublimity and grandeur. See the superb array of kaleidoscopic planets in every solar system, as they rotate in an untainted synchronicity, never once breaking their vow to stick to the path they have chosen to glide along for eternity. No blend of colours on Earth quite matches the convoluted cloudiness of a nebula and no light shines as bright as a newly born star. To me, space is as beautiful and intricate as it is unfathomable. The epitome of infinity, a reflection of ourselves in every brilliantly sparkling galaxy, each decorated with its own unique and profound array of solar systems. As we further explore the cosmos with rapidly advancing technology, running parallel with our rapidly expanding curiosity, it becomes clearer to me that acknowledgement of its immensity should be something to covet, not fear.

The more comfortable I am with playing my small part in this bewildering reality we live in, the clearer I can feel my own importance and connection with it. There are so many similarities between the universe and ourselves that it is fundamentally impossible not to feel huge once you have accepted that you are not. What I am referring to here is the metaphorical connections; the way a star illuminates the planets that revolve around it or the moon's gravitational pull and the effect it has on the tides.

In a way, this is very symbolic of our connection with the people we love the most; the closer we become as we use our own kind of magnetic pull to embrace one another, the larger the waves of love and appreciation we have grow and crash onto our shores in a tide so high that it drips onto the darkest corners of our brains, drowning us in a very special and warm adulation for our fellow men and women.

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In the same sense, there are similarities that truly worry me just as much as the previously mentioned ones inspire me and not the kind of worrying that people who ignore the perplexity of space and time are trying to dodge either. I’m talking about genuine, lifethreatening concerns. As we walk along the hallway of our own egotistical and selfish ways, we head further away from the door to love and peace and growth, and closer towards that which hosts destruction and chaos. Even the brightest of stars can only burn for so long before they must perish to give way to new creation. It is our determination to work alone, to ignore the wonders of the universe and focus on improving ourselves as individuals instead of uniting as one, that will lead us to the same dramatic explosion as the stars. Curiosity has never started any wars, but greed and selfindulgence sure have. Now, with the disgusting advancement of modern weaponry, the slowly growing certainty of a third world war could have us all sitting in the middle of our very own supernova for without wonder, kindness and love (as corny as that may sound) the only way to grow as a planet will be to let it die and start again.

Look at it like this: if you were a goldfish, trapped inside a fishbowl that was sitting on a table inside a glass house at the very bottom of the ocean and you had the opportunity to look outside the house and perhaps one day, with enough effort, even explore that world beyond the glass, would you take it? Or would you rather stare at the floor, waiting for somebody to come along and feed you the same boring, cyanide and cynicism flavoured fish food you've always eaten, until the day you die? We live in an age where you can literally communicate with another human being on the other side of the planet in real time, through a series of invisible waves that seem to teleport themselves instantaneously wherever you would like them to go, just at the click of a button. The sheer magic in that process alone should be enough to convince you that if we work together towards a shared goal of exploring the mysterious and discovering the unfamiliar, the heights we might reach could be something of utter resplendence.

This is why, without wanting to contradict what I said earlier about intelligent life in outer space, we must all realise how big a ripple each of us can have on our world and if we stop focusing solely on ourselves and start focusing on embracing the entire world, who knows what we could achieve? We are the smartest sentient beings that we know of, it’s time to utilise this gift in a positive way and work together to explore the hugeness that is the spectacular cosmos.

Considering the gloriously phantasmagorical image the stars in our night sky produce and the fact that they are, in actuality, just a delayed and illusionary representation of the insanely wonderful boundlessness that lies beyond, doesn't just the thought of exploring space excite you dramatically? If we were to swap every gun on the planet for a telescope, I truly believe that fascination and amazement could manifest a kind of eternal confiscation of the negativity in all of us. Sure that's being overly optimistic and I know that self-indulgence is almost a part of human nature, but so is our ability to overcome it. If you learn to indulge in humility and empathy, and ignore the supposedly persistent pessimism that smothers the fire in our hearts like a wet cloth, then the greatness we could achieve becomes monumental.

So please, as you veer your little meat-vessel loaded with this superbly elaborate consciousness and individuality through the winding roads of life, do what you can to help steer our planet in a positive direction. The universe is not just some illegible hieroglyphic encryption of time and space; it is just as much inside of you as it is around you. Although you may feel insignificant at times as the vastness of the bizarre place we live in challenges your individuality and importance, know that you are not just a tiny, accidental concoction of atoms watching the world from your spot by the window, you are an essential component of the most impressive and astonishingly beautiful thing there is: Life Itself.

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• Thomas O’Sullivan (3d)

? | 15

whaT can we all reaD Kit Delamain (U6c)

Her lips were pursed shut. Their outline was distinct, etched on the aged brown skin which the dust and wind had abraded down to the texture of dry paper...

h

now reach. It danced vulnerably, tossed this way and

was as obvious as the cigarette smoke, wafting

that by the world which lay before her. Her eyelids were

aimlessly out from between his lips. He was crouched

er eyes were dark. The flicker of humanity she

that his first chin was not alone. His facial hair was just

once held twinkled in them, as if hung at the

too short to have been deliberate, and deep bags

end of a very long corridor, that no-one could

bruised the skin under his eyes. His destructive lifestyle

squinted slightly, as meagre protection, and the short

just outside of theatre on a concrete step, silently

innocent lashes shadowed what remained. The lines

rehearsing his lines. This was the only way he could

and creases framed her features, furrowed so deep that

distract his mind from what he had just let happen; he

one could scarcely imagine had been hidden away. Her

knew there was a family, in a small room waiting for him,

smooth, broad nose rested atop the chaos, twitching

and soon enough, he would have to get up.

occasionally, a sign of her continued existence. A tuft of coarse black hair stuck out from under the bright scarf that bordered her face, seemingly pointless in the

The coarse, straw coloured braid appeared under her

sweltering heat, but years of tradition forced it down

chin then just as quickly disappeared around the back

upon her head. She was powerless, she knew it, she

of her head, in stark contrast to her straight, black, hair.

didn’t move.

It had been tied up, out of the way, to reveal her

slender pale face. Her skin was now so white, it looked as though every drop of blood had fled, to a happier The medical-issued teal bandana held his hair out of his

place, and like the tears had simply frozen on her

face; it was flecked with blood. Although the vast

cheeks. They had left definite lines on her soft

majority was hidden under the sterile material, you

complexion, on their way downwards to floor, far below.

could see he had a head of shaggy blond hair, which

They visited her scared, drawn-back lips, passing over

would have fallen just about a shirt collar, had he been

freckles and the occasional blemish that adolescence

wearing one. His features were attractive, with small

had assigned; they pooled on her chin having reached

well placed ears, bright blue eyes crested by thin lashes

the border of her face, the end. Her large translucent

(a few shades darker than the hair on his head), and a

eyes now hid nothing, as there was nothing left to hide.

small nose that protruded politely into the air, just

Everyone had seen, and they had carved her out into

ahead of him. He almost would have been handsome,

nothing. She had nothing left to give.

had it not been for his slightly fatty cheeks, and the hint

16 |

a deluge of bodies, not ordered, Just punctuated with red The sober marks of those we gather to remember.

The planning is perfect; the horn matches the bell eleven times to the hour and as the last echoes die away Troubled silence fills the air: of our ancestors, alone and cold; of our family, mangled and torn; of our blood, spilled, sacrificed; of those students who stand where we stand, on the cold, wet gravel So far from where they now rest, (u6c) homesick and as these thoughts consume us The disdainful brass hauls us from slumber our minutes, we have given To memory of their lives, innumerable: a debt that that will forever go unpaid but vainly we persist, lest we forget; we can only remember

Kit Delamain

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• Harry Case (5g)

18 |

Clocks tick.

Bombs tock.

Maximilian Scheuner (L6f)

My heart does not beat. It ticks.

My heart reminds me I am finite,

Yet lethargic I stay.

Ambition doesn’t grip me and passion does not sing to me like a muse.

I am seventeen and already I feel my time is dwindling.

Clocks tick.

My mind like a playground, and the voices inside are the bullies.

Past regrets and failures seem valid every time.

Anxiety hurled like a rock in any new situation.

Self-loathing and pity take hold and exhaust any aspirations with doubt.

Bombs tock.

| 19

who’S in blueS?

Tom Williams (m 93) Since 2000 Tom has been a freelance script

writer, editor, reader and director of films

working in London and Los Angeles. He studied film at Newcastle University before going on to work for Saatchi & Saatchi.

Tom has written four screenplays and has directed three short films. He has won IVCA awards for his corporate film scripts, is a contributor to ScriptWriter magazine and his script consulting clients include Working Title Films, Screen East and Thema Films.

His first produced film was the romantic comedy Chalet Girl. Tom is pictured with his Chalet Girl character ‘Kim’ played by Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything, also starring Charlie Cox (c), Inferno, A Monster Calls and Rogue One).

November 2015 saw the release of Tom’s second film Kajaki. The biographical screenplay tells of a small unit of soldiers positioned on a ridge of the Kajaki dam. A three-man patrol sets out to disable a Taliban roadblock. In a dried out river bed at the foot of the ridge, one of the patrol detonates a land mine, setting into motion a desperate rescue mission.

Adding to his accolades Tom is also a speaker at the School’s own exciting Literary Festival; Sherborne Sessions.

20 |

co-curricular activity David Reuveny (4b)

T

here wasn’t enough rain to justify using an umbrella, yet there was too much for Caleb to ignore. He continued walking on the moist concrete path until he reached his destination. The door read 7B. Caleb entered to see six or so other students, and one teacher. Mr Greene. He had never taught Caleb, but Caleb had seen him around the school. He had brown grey hair, looked around 70, and smelt of marzipan. “You’re late” he squawked. Caleb hastily apologized and took a seat. He then looked at his watch to discover it was five fifteen; he was on time.

latecomer, answered instead. Mr Greene scowled, “Is your name Caleb?” The boy hesitated, before answering with a nervous yes. Mr Greene was about to give some angry retort, before it struck them both that his name really was Kaleb, albeit with a ‘K’. Mr Greene scowled again. “Moving on,” he said, then proceeded to lift up a diagram and proclaimed “this is what you should see before taking a shot”, and then began to annotate the picture verbally. Caleb wasn’t paying attention however, so his words were left unheard.

How did he end up doing shooting theory? He didn’t remember signing up for it. Caleb didn’t know how to load a gun, yet the email said, among other things, that he’d be removing the bolts. Aren’t bolts used in crossbows anyway? He looked at the people alongside him. Two were doing nothing, two were quietly murmuring, and one was fiddling with his phone. Mr Greene was sitting on the desk, staring blankly at his computer. Finally, one more boy arrived. Caleb noted how Mr Greene made no remark on his punctuality, instead telling him to tuck his “shirt” in. Mr Greene then scanned the room, eyes jumping from person to person. “We’re all here” he exclaimed. The room looked at him, like a dog expecting biscuits. He started the lesson by asking “Who knows what you are and aren’t allowed to do in a range?” Everyone raised their hand. Caleb, not wanting to look stupid, followed suit. Mr Greene pointed straight at him, “Caleb, are you allowed to keep empty shells?” Caleb had no idea. He was about to open his mouth when the boy next to him, the

Caleb looked up when the diagram was put down. He mimicked the enthusiasm of his classmates, most of them at least, as Kaleb was only interested in the clock. One thing he couldn’t mimic were the questions. “Why do we need the hindsight when you have the foresight?” “Why doesn’t the bolt hit the bullet in the centre?” Mr Greene would spend far too long answering them, and gave answers which Caleb understood about as much as he understood the questions; he was utterly lost.

“Well that’s it, the lesson’s over” Mr Greene stated, seven minutes after the lesson was over. This was followed by chairs scraping across the floor and a barrage of “Thank you sir” being spoken. Caleb finally returned to his desk. He peeled open his laptop and logged on to his emails. At his command, the cursor crawled to the ‘new message’ button, all the while mentally discussing the politest way to say that he wouldn’t be attending shooting theory anymore.

| 21

Words are Like Weapons

v

Language is a powerful tool; the persuasive powers of an effective rhetoric can often get one what they desire. Recently, this is most evident in PresidentElect Donald Trump’s 18month long campaign.

Despite having no overt instrumental power in the political sphere, especially in contrast with his wellseasoned opponents, his use of words at campaign rallies, speaking engagements, and interviews exhibit a wellexecuted form of influential power that persuaded enough (62 million) to pull his lever at the polls. Trump is seemingly the character in recent history who most successfully used words, and mostly words alone to get what he wants, as in any other aspect (qualifications) he falls desperately short.

Trump’s lexical choices in his speeches contain mostly words in the low register vocabulary, thus creating an instant connection with his demographic. His rhetoric of the “smarter” elites ruling America coupled with his covert prestige draws in the audience and engages them like no other. He is often criticized for his lack of specificity on how he will pragmatically “make America great again”. However, in this case, it is the lack of words that makes him convincing.

His vague statements of “I’m going to build a wall,

and make them [Mexico] pay for it” tells the listener almost nothing regarding how he will achieve this, but it’s the same ambiguity that pairs with his overall discourse that convinces people to trust him. His self-assured tone and his high frequency lexical choices often lead to sentences like such, “I know words; I have the best words.” A surface statement with no further meaning, yet still creates the illusion that he is one who has a strong grasp of what he is doing.

With further examination of his speeches, one would find a surprising lack of sophisticated lexis and exophoric references that create depth and meaning.

But perhaps that is exactly what Trump wanted; to create an image where he is seen as relatable to the average American voter.

Trump’s high frequency lexis is shown by a study which found his 20 most frequently used words, and among the list are “win, stupid, weak, loser, we, they, moron, smart, tough, dangerous, bad, amazing, huge, tremendous, terrific, and you.” Not exactly the words that belong in the lexical field of a president.

Interestingly, in a study completed by the esteemed University of Yale, researches ranked “You” as the most influential power word sin

the English language, as it shows empathy. This draws an instant connection with the listener and is evidently a crucial part of the Trump campaign. Even Aristotle stated that “an emotional speaker always makes his audience feel with him, even when there is nothing in his arguments; which is why many speakers try to overwhelm their audience by mere noise.” This sounds woefully similar to Trump, whose rhetoric carefully diminishes the listener’s trust in the government, media, and politicians and in consequence, the listener is inclined to trust him.

Perhaps what we have learned from this past campaign season is that words are indeed weapons, they can elicit emotions that more often than not cloud one’s rational judgement. As David Crystal stated, “language does not just serve a transactional function of getting something but also a relational function which focuses on developing relationships.” Trump’s use of power behind discourse exploited the hierarchical social structures and perhaps even blended the boundaries, creating an illusion of trust with his rhetoric to ultimately get what he wants, the presidency.

Tiger Lee (U6e)

22 |

music There has been a quite extraordinary quantity of outstanding

music this year. The Lent Term was musically the busiest of the

three, closely followed by Michaelmas. There were twenty-

seven concerts between January and March: one in Oxford

Town Hall; one in Poole Arts Centre (the ‘Lighthouse’), one in

Middle Temple in London, nine lunchtime recitals in Cheap

Street Church; three in the BSR including a RocSoc; eight in

the Tindall Recital Hall including an Unplugged; one in Bath

Abbey; one in Brighton, and one at Sandroyd. On top of that

there were thirty anthems and canticles sung by the Choir in

the Abbey, and for most of the year there were 230 singers in

Choral Society, 98 singers in the Choir and 87 instrumentalists in the Wind Band.

| 23

JameS HenderSon

dIrector of muSIc

24 |

DIPLOMAS, GRADE 8 DISTINCTIONS AND SCHOLARSHIPS Five musicians at Sherborne this year have been distinguished in

holding their Associate of Trinity

College, London, diplomas. This is as unusual as it is commendable: Ally Collins (MS, U6f: piano), Charlie Smith (MS, L6g: flute) and Peter Folkes (MS, L6a: saxophone) managed to add Distinction to their ATCL achievement, while Douglas Mak (MS, U6c: flute) and Freddie Graham (MS, 5c: saxophone) achieved their ATCL diplomas with strong accolades.

Impressive, too, is the list of those who achieved Distinctions in their Grade 8 instrumental exams this year. Peter Folkes (L6a) achieved two: one on the clarinet and singing, as indeed did Matthew Cann (MS, U6c) on both the violin and in singing. Ben MacLean (MS, L6b) made certain that his two Grade 8 Distinctions, in singing and on the French Horn, were remarkable for the high marks he earned (137 on the French Horn is a first for a pupil in any school taught

by Sherborne visiting music teacher and Principal Horn of the BSO, Rob Harris) and Charlie Barker (ME, L6b) of the Swing Band and a proficient violinist, to boot, provided yet another Distinction in singing.

Saxophonists triumphed with William Thorne (L6e), who was also awarded an internal sixth form Music Scholarship, and Tom McCaig (ME, 5b), as did Jamie Hewitt (U6a) triumph on the violin, Sam MacDonald (MS, L6c) and Josh Cook (ME, 4f) on the piano, and

finally Horatio Byrne on the

trumpet who was also awarded

an internal sixth form music

Scholarship. Internal music

Scholarships were additionally

awarded to Harry Vincent (L6g), of

the lyrical tenor voice heard so

often in the abbey and lately as one of the two Swing Band

vocalists, and Kai miles (3d) for his

extraordinary talent and ability as

violinist, pianist and singer. on top

of all of these, there was a

plethora of distinctions and merits

in other grades—far too numerous

to mention individually. one

result, though, was remarkable

for its 140 mark distinction in

Grade 7 singing by alexander

Hobbs (mS, 3c).

| 25

... there was a plethora of Distinctions and merits in other grades— far too many to mention individually. one result, though, was remarkable for its

140 mark Distinction

in Grade 7 singing by alexander hobbs (3c).

LUNCHTIME RECITALS IN CHEAP STREET CHURCH

BARBERSHOP

It is something of a marvel that there are so many recitals, and of

More of a Music Scholars’ Close Harmony group

such a high quality, throughout the school year. They have been taking place at 1.30pm every Friday during the three terms from September until June for many years now, and the encouraging

size of the audiences—largely locally based—bears witness to the popularity with which they are received. Taking place in the church, next to the Powell Hall (which was the church hall before the school purchased it in 1983), and with easy public access from Cheap Street, there is a sense in which the school is taking music to the local community rather than inviting the public into the

than traditional Barbershop fare, this talented

ensemble had a year of particular success in

stylish and musically tight performances for the

2017 Sherborne Abbey Festival and the Gala

Concert of jaunty numbers such as ‘Words’

(originally by The Real Group), ‘Short People’

(Randy Newman), ‘Calendar Girls’ (from the film

of the same name) and the ubiquitous

‘Goodnight Sweetheart’ (Noble, Connelly and

Music School as happens with competitions, workshops, festivals

Campbell). Some fresh commissions from Paul

on weekends, and the Visiting Artists’ Tindall Recital Series.

Drayton, who adjudicated the 2016 Patrick Shelley Competition, who has written several male-voice

Largely solo based, the weekly recitals showcase the extraordinary

close harmony arrangements for the Chamber

talent of not just the music scholars but also of the many

Choir—and who is particularly known for his work

Shirburnians who reach high grades. Highlights this included the

with the King’s Singers—saw the group singing

superb Singers’ Recital, perhaps because so many ex-cathedral

‘Let yourself go’ (originally Irving Berlin) and ‘They

choristers in the school and because jazz, rock and pop singing is

all laughed’ (originally Gershwin) to rapturous

so popular, the Pupil Compositions Concert, and the one-off

applause wherever they performed. Something of

ensembles formed for ‘Chamber Music’ recitals. Of special

a vintage Barbershop group, and sadly including

mention are the two talented brother trumpeters Will Banks (5b)

several leavers, the line-up consisted of Ally

and Freddie Banks (3b), James Foulger (L6e) on the clarinet, Oli

Collins (U6f), Jordan Berry (L6a), Finnbar Blakey

McGill (5b) on the flugelhorn, Sebastian Key (U6a) on the baritone

(U6a), Charlie Smith (L6g), Peter Folkes (L6a), Ben

sax and Jesse Meaker (3d) on the trumpet.

MacLean (L6b) and Matthew Cann (U6e).

| 27

JAZZ New vocalists Harry Vincent (L6g) and Charlie Barker

Catering Team and his wonderful team: this annual

(L6b) became the latest Frank Sinatra and Michael

event is much loved by staff and parents, closely

on its success in the 2016 Barbados Tour, grew from

public. What would a jazz dinner be like without

strength to strength. A new venue for the Abbey

‘Pennsylvania 65000’ and its worst-kept-secret encore

Festival saw the School Chapel filled to an absolute 460

‘Sing, Sing, Sing!’ at the end of each gig?!

Bublé covers in a year when the Swing Band, building

followed by the ‘All Stars’ which is open also to the

capacity with even the organ loft in use as the band’s annual festival concert had moved from the Tindall

The Jazz Band, led by visiting music teacher Anthony

Recital Hall (2015) and the Powell Theatre (2016) to allow

Ingle on the bass guitar, this year featured a large

its extraordinarily strong public following not to be

number of arrangements and originals by the band’s

turned away as has previously been the case even forty

leader—‘Toads of the Short Forest’ being an enduring

minutes before the performance.

favourite. Hector Lea (L6d) joined the band as the latest guitarist and Olly Dudgeon (U6d), having seen the band

Dinner and Jazz was enjoyed, as ever, to the

through many years as its excellent drummer, finally

accompaniment of fine food by Adrian Williams

leaves the position.

28 |

CHAMBER MUSIC Chamber music has had something of a renaissance at

Sherborne in the last two years. Five different

ensembles—brass quintet, saxophone quartet, a piano trio, a flute trio and a wind quintet—entered the National Pro Corda Chamber Music Competition. All did well, and reached the semi-final. The wind quintet—Fourth Formers Cassian Blackburn-Enever (e) flute, George Jefferson (b) oboe, Benedict Mercer (d) french horn, George Lewis (c) clarinet and Nathanael Fagerson (bassoon)—took a selection of pieces to Temple Bar in London and the Piano Trio—Ally Collins (U6f) piano, Matthew Cann (U6e) violin and Finnbar Blakey (U6a) cello

went all the way to the Final in Brighton with Martinů’s

—were invited to play in a Headmaster’s Assembly and

Trio for Flute, Cello and Piano and was commended for

were particularly impressive, complete with Finnbar’s

being ‘outstanding’. Sarah Drury (Head of Strings)

moving commentary of Shostakovitch’s Piano Trio in E

coached both trios and it was fitting that in this, her

minor, Op 72. The flute trio (Charlie Smith (L6g) flute;

fourteenth and last year at Sherborne, the flute trio did

James Pyman (L6e) cello; Sam MacDonald (L6c) piano)

so well.

ROCK AND POP Concert in the Courts, the highlight

of the rock year and tireless work of Mike Lehnert (Rock & Music

Technology) with a team led by

Benedict Pugsley (U6d), was moved from its usual late April date to

Friday 23rd June. After almost all public exams had been completed, the concert had a new festival-like atmosphere to it—perhaps enhanced by the fact that Glastonbury had already started— and further excitement was undoubtedly added as Coldplay

virtuosity on the decks became

frontman Chris Martin (m 95) paid a

clearer every minute.

brief visit. Highlights of the evening

schools. Several Shirburnians took part and it became clear as the day progressed that this is a skill which is

included the vibrant playing of both

Unplugged, as its name suggests,

Tommy Lane (L6d) and Billy Slim

affords an opportunity for the strictly

the many sound-proofed venues in

(L6m), Charlie Smith (L6g) on both

acoustic versions of rock music to be

the Music School, there were classes

vocals and guitar, and superb

performed—in the spirit of Eric

for all levels. Such was the popularity

appearances from Archie Fairclough

Clapton’s famous Layla—but it is the

of the event that it is likely to be

Wood (5m), Nicholas Van Kan (5b),

home-grown singer/songwriter spirit

repeated. There are sessions for

and Hosanna Serukenya (5c). Jamie

which is particularly impressive with

Shirburnian DJs and a ‘Dub-Club’

Hewitt (U6a) once again stunned

Tom Sherratt (U6d) and Jordan Berry

every week, led by Mr Lehnert, in an

with his drum playing. Meanwhile

(ME, L6a) being particular highlights

area of music-making which grows

DJs Ben Clark (U6c) and Kit

of the evening. In a new initiative,

each term.

Delamain (U6c) had the audience

Mike Lehnert led a DJ Workshop

desperate for the next ‘drop’ as their

which was open to other local

not to be underrated. Making use of

| 29

OXFORD AND POOLE – ORCHESTRAL AND CHORAL WORKS Oxford Town Hall was the very attractive late nineteenth century venue for the Joint Schools’ Symphony Orchestra

concert on 26th March when the Sheldonian Theatre became unavailable. It proved to be an exciting setting for Ally Collins (U6f) to stun the audience in and outstanding and memorable performance of Gershwin’s famous Rhapsody in Blue, conducted by Director of Music James Henderson. Ally’s jazz playing has been remarkable in the last two years—and never more so than in the two piano ‘Oscar Peterson Tribute Evening’ in October 2016—but here in the Gershwin was evidence of Ally’s technical control in so-called ‘classical’ repertoire and a reminder of the Distinction he achieved in his ATCL. A powerful and yet yearning performance of Sibelius’ Finale from Symphony 2 was conducted by Benjamin Davey (Assistant Director of Music) and ably demonstrated the Joint Schools’ authoritative and yet balanced playing (despite an out-sized woodwind section). The last movement of Beethoven’s Symphony 6, conducted by James Henderson, was a challenge well met by the orchestra and which was the result of much intensive rehearsal: followed by Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings, conducted by Sarah Drury (Head of Strings), the Beethoven provided moments for thought and reflection before the beauty of the strings. The bombastic brass proved that there are moments of light and shade in Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man under the baton of Andy Fawbert (Head of Brass) and, finally, a moving and effective performance of Strauss’s Serenade in Eb, conducted by Head of Woodwind, Clare Jackson, showed subtlety and colour from a very talented and large section of the orchestra.

The vast arts centre and concert hall in Poole—The Lighthouse—was the venue for the 230-strong Choral Society’s concert on 9th February. Berlioz’ Te Deum, conducted by Director of Music, James Henderson, was a tour de force of choral singing and orchestral playing. In his Memoirs, Berlioz described the work as being one of “the enormous compositions which some critics have called architectural or monumental music” and, with six trombones, four horns and an organ volume to match full orchestra, this is unsurprising. On a lighter and patriotic note, Elgar’s ‘Coronation Ode’ and its Proms-like ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ provided an upbeat ending to the evening. Performing at The Lighthouse in Poole provided a much relished opportunity for Shirburnians to sing in a large concert venue and this had not been possible since Mahler’s Symphony 8, in the Festival Hall in 2013, and is unlikely to occur again for several years.

30 |

COMPETITIONS AND FESTIVALS The Woodwind Festival in November had a

distinctly competitive flavour to it. Kathleen Stevenson, a flautist of the BBC Concert Orchestra, gave helpful commentary and critique to a myriad of woodwind players throughout Sunday 6th November and then chose to award prizes on the basis of performers who had the most potential for musical improvement. The two performers selected were George Lewis (4d) on the clarinet and Freddie Graham (5c) on the saxophone. Just one week later a Brass Competition was adjudicated by Chris Larkin, a trombonist also of the BBC Concert Orchestra, and was won by Jonathan Post (3a) with some rapid and exhilarating jazz on the trumpet, and by Kit Delamain (U6c) on the trombone overall with the demanding and exacting Thoughts of Love by Pyror.

The Scholars’ Concert in March was festive in its remarkable quality. Amongst twelve outstanding items Douglas Mak (U6c) gave a musically emotional performance of Liszt’s Un Sospiro which had the audience visibly moved, Archie Cripwell (U6c) performed Schumann’s Fantasiestücke, Op. 73, No. 2 on the clarinet with a conviction and musicality which was striking, and Joss Nelson (L6e) led a Horn Trio (with Benedict Mercer and Ben MacLean) by Reicha with an unmatched tonal quality and musical style. For the first time in many years it was possible for several scholars’ ensembles

to be formed as one-offs and a fitting ending to the evening was given by a specially formed brass quintet with Harold Arlen’s much-loved ‘Over the Rainbow’.

The Halliday Cup for pianists, organists and singers on Sunday 5th March was adjudicated by international pianist and singer Susie Allan. This annual competition, in memory of Charles Halliday (g 1914) who had loved his music at Sherborne and was tragically killed in action at Ypres in 1917, provides an opportunity for an entire Sunday to be devoted to vocal and keyboard music. There were thirty-four performances and the adjudicator gave feedback which was exacting and which gave much for the musicians to think about. Finnbar Blakey (U6a) was declared the overall winner (as he had also been in 2015) with a performance of Schumann’s Dichterliebe IV–VII ably showing his wide tenor range, Sam MacDonald (L6c) won the Senior Piano with an immaculate rendition of Bach’s Allegro, BWV 1019 and Josh Cook (4f) won the organ class with an exhilarating performance of Preston’s Alleluyas on the viscount organ of the Tindall Recital Hall. The Junior Piano was won by Isaac Bingley with Mendelssohn’s Scherzo in E minor, Op. 16, No.2 and Fergus Burtt (3c) won the Junior Singing with Handel’s Non Lo Dirò Col Labbro.

The Patrick Shelley Competition for Advanced Instrumentalists and Singers, on Sunday 25th June, was adjudicated by Magnus Williamson, Professor of Early Music at Newcastle University.

Some outstanding performances filled the programme and it would have been well-nigh impossible for Professor Williamson to select winners. This was more of a show-case of musical talent than a competition. Making certain that each performer had something positive to reflect upon during future-musicmaking, the adjudicator chose Peter Folkes (MS, L6a) as the Winner of the Cup (for the second year running) with the third

| 31

TUSCANY: FLORENCE, PISA, SIENA, SAN GIMIGNANO AND MONTECATINI TERME Following hot-on-the heels of the Commemoration Gala

Concert , the Swing Band in The Courts and the festive

liturgical music of the Commemoration Abbey Service, forty

musicians—comprising the Concert Orchestra, Chamber

Orchestra, a Tour Choir of some thirty-eight singers and a

Tour Wind Band—travelled to Tuscany to give five concerts

in the first week of July. Musical versatility is essential on a

tour such as this, as not all of the instrumentalists so crucial to musical effect are necessarily available and, in this context, Harry Gibbs (L6m) bears special mention for taking up the valve trombone for the duration of the trip, as does Monty Westall (MS, 4c) for leading the trombone section after having been playing the instrument for just one year.

Italian concert venues are always mind-blowing for their beauty and their grandeur but the Tettuccio Spa performance at Montecatini Terme will stand out for ever. Here, the fascinating architecture of majestic colonnades made with travertine amongst marble floors and frescoed tiles resembling ancient Roman baths and Greek temples, gave great depth and atmosphere to Vivaldi’s Concerto for two cellos RV 531 (Freddie Knott (U6m) and Finnbar Blakey), the Sarabande from Grieg’s Holberg Suite, Bruckner’s Locus iste, Palestrina’s Sicut cervus and others. The Chiesa di San Filippo Neri in Florence had an acoustic which was ideally suited to choral music—particularly Bairstow’s Let all mortal flesh—if not movement of Beethoven’s Sonata in E major,

so much orchestral music (and certainly not Barbershop!)

Op.14, No.1 on the piano, the ‘Samba Triste’

whereas the open-air piazza at a junction between specially

from Richard Rodney Bennett’s Three Piece Suite

closed streets in Marina di Pietrasanta made an unlikely space

on the alto saxophone, and a beautifully sung

for successful performances of Eric Coates London Suite,

Revenge, Timotheus Cries by Handel.

Albeniz Asturias arranged by Benjamin Davey, Saucedo’s

The brass section of the competition was won by

Ballet.

Flight of the Thunderbird and Leroy Anderson’s Sandpaper Benedict Mercer (4b) on the French horn with a stunning performance of the first movement of

A magical moment of the Tour was the inclusion of almost

Mozart’s very well-known Horn Concerto No. 3,

everyone in a final performance of Tippett’s Five Spirituals

K447 and the woodwind by Charlie Smith (ATCL,

from a Child of Our Time. Central to this success were the

L6g) with the first movement of Martinů’s Sonata

contributions made by Patrick Creamer (U6m) on the clarinet

for Flute. The organ class was won by Josh Cook

and in the Choir, Bently Creswell (5a) in the Choir and on

(ME, 4f) with a final airing of Preston’s Alleyuas,

percussion, Edmund Botes (L6m) in the Choir and on the

and the piano by Sam MacDonald (MS, L6c) with

saxophone, Tom Dudgeon (L6d) on the oboe and in the Choir,

Schubert’s Impromptu, Op.90, No.3. With a

Hector Fiennes (5a) on the percussion and in the Choir, Will

performance from memory, Matthew Cann (MS,

Gower (4a) on the violin and in the Choir, Henry Jones (L6g) on

U6e) won the strings section with ever increasing

the trombone and in the Choir, Angus Gantlett (L6c) on the

tempos in the thrilling and exciting Csárdás by

tuba, Henry Le Cornu (4f) on the double bass which had to be

Monti.

rented in Italy as flying an instrument that size is financially prohibitive, Sam Talbot-Williams (4a) on the clarinet and in the Choir, and Sam Reynolds (4c) on the trumpet and in the Choir.

32 |

ready for anything

| 33

Gus Johnson (d 17) says the ccF has given him some of his best experiences at school I am sure that the thought of letting young teenagers

around your shoulder from a boy you had never met

get their hands on rifles and run off into the night

before, flashing a smile and saying "come on then, not

would fill most adults with horror. But the freedom of

far to go."

this is a profound benefit to all the boys involved in ccf at Sherborne School.

It is these situations that show the tight interconnectedness of the ccf. When you join, you are not

during my four years in the ccf, I have been able to go

only representing your school but are also bound into a

on a huge variety of field trips. my favourite was the

community containing thousands of others. You really

annual Pringle trophy, which is hosted at the

are in it together.

commando training centre royal marines at Lympstone.

Sherborne seems to have a certain ethos when taking

the ccf has given me some fabulous opportunities such as leading the town parade on remembrance day and spending a night on exercise on Salisbury Plain,

part in this competition which is, "Have a laugh!" We

watching shooting stars and making wishes from the

are known to show other schools what it means to be a

refuge of a hay barn.

Shirburnian by putting in tonnes of effort while smiling and constantly giggling away. this is particularly noticeable when on the endurance run going through the smartie tubes, with one Shirburnian crawling to the back of the line to pour forth his sublime rations, and yet still continuing to encourage the rest of the team to push on.

I will never forget the experience of sleeping in the sports hall at Lympstone with 150 other exhausted cadets and getting awoken at 0200 to form up in boots outside. a large collective groan erupted from our weary souls as we stumbled into the cold moonlit night and were given a few camp circuits.

I know it is strange to say but those camp circuits summed the ccf up in a very neat way: the fact that 10 Shirburnians were running with cadets from all over the uK and that if you began to struggle you got an arm

even if spending a night outside under a thin plastic sheet or running through bogs and rivers isn't your thing, you cannot deny the life lessons you are taught by getting involved. not only does the ccf give you these experiences but it genuinely builds and improves your character. throughout your time you will learn about leadership, organisation, independence, and above all respect for everyone around you.

I therefore leave the ccf knowing that all the time I have put into it will most certainly be used in life after school. and I encourage as many Shirburnians as possible to get involved and give it a shot.

34 |

Scaling the heights Sherborne School shone at this year’s Ten Tors, with both teams recording super-fast times. but as nick Scorer (m 00) reports, it definitely isn’t a race…

| 35

This is a fairly standard exchange between staff and boys ahead of the Ten Tors challenge on Dartmoor, and this year was no different. Teams of six cross the barren terrain of the moor unaided, carrying all they need. They are given a 35-mile route between ten of Dartmoor’s Tors and have a maximum of 24 hours of walking in which to complete the distance.

They also have to wild camp between the two days. And it isn’t a race: the challenge is to complete the route within the time limit.

Friday’s final preparations for the event did not go as smoothly as we

Team member:

“Sir, what’s the quickest any Sherborne team has ever completed the event?”

Teacher:

“it doesn’t matter, it isn’t a race!”

Team member:

“but who’s normally quicker, the lyon or ccF team?”

Teacher:

“it doesn’t matter, it isn’t a race!”

would have liked, starting with a recent accident on the M5 that meant the boys could have walked the three miles of motorway far more quickly than the progress we made in the minibus.

Having eventually arrived, the staff went off to register the teams, to be greeted on return to basecamp with the words, “Sir, we have a slight problem.” This was an understatement. Almost every item on the mandatory kit list can be borrowed or bought when you arrive at Okehampton military camp, but someone’s well-worn in and comfortable walking boots,

36 |

THE CCF TEAM

moulded to their feet through the training, is not one of them.

Benedict Mercer (4b) (Team Leader)

Fortunately, Brian Arkless, our CCF

William Cockrell (4a)

School Staff Instructor, better known

Cameron Cooper (4d)

as ‘The Fixer’, solved the problem with an unplanned drive back to Sherborne that night, returning at

routes, it still felt like they were racing each other!

As the sun started to break through the clouds, both teams came in at

Finlay Cooper (4d)

about 11am, earlier than I’ve known

Harry Jackson (4a)

in my 11 or so years of being

Longrigg Hugo (4m)

0545 the following morning. Brian

involved in the Ten Tors. Is it the earliest arrival of a Sherborne team?

THE LYON TEAM

finished his many years of assisting at the Ten Tors with his usual positive and unflappable approach,

Toby Jones (4b) (Team Leader)

always able to solve a problem and

Ollie Lampert (4g)

put the boys’ interests first. For this

James Le Maistre (4g)

and many other acts like it over the

Henry Marriage (4g)

I don’t know and it doesn’t matter.

What does matter is that they completed the challenge, as a team. This is a reflection on them as individuals, and on their ability to work together.

Fred Pettifer (4b)

last 12 years, we thank him.

Jasper Pring (4g)

They were probably the most

With boots now firmly on everyone’s

efficient and organised teams we’ve

feet the teams headed towards the

had for some time. Whether

start at 0700 on Saturday. Some

my answer to the question about

encouraging one another on the

were nervous (as a few of them were

which team was historically fastest,

long walk at the end of Saturday to

willing to admit), others were keen

or perhaps more precisely they

their final checkpoint for the day,

to get walking after six training

didn’t really agree that it isn’t a

timing a five-minute snack stop on a

weekends, (too?) many hours of

race! Both teams got themselves up

watch or getting out of bed at 0430

being briefed, having kit checked

at 0430 on Sunday, so they could

on Sunday when there weren’t any

and having yet more top tips

cook, pack up camp and leave at

adults telling them what to do, it

thrown at them.

0600 when the checkpoints opened

was their sense of a shared purpose

again.

that kept them motivated. That is

After a frustrating final 24 hours of preparation, the two teams did not

One usually expects the pace to

hang around when the gun fired to

slow on the second day as blisters

what this wonderful challenge is all about.

signal the start. Both the CCF and

grow and tiredness kicks in, but this

Lyon team (which this year included

year that wasn’t the case. The boys

on Monday morning, “So, did they

two Abbey boys), made excellent

continued to take time off their

win?” My answer? “It isn’t a race,

progress throughout the day,

route cards, and it became more

but yes, they completed the

making the most of the overcast but

and more evident that this would be

challenge and that’s what counts.”

clear conditions. They were soon

an early finish for both teams.

ahead of schedule by a good few

Parents and staff were desperately

And because it isn’t a race, I won’t

hours and maintained this to the

messaged to get them to

tell you who crossed the line first

Some of my colleagues asked me

end of the day, managing to reach

Okehampton earlier than planned

out of our two teams. You’ll have to

their seventh Tor before camping.

was the teams raced towards the

ask the boys. And remember,

finish line. Although neither team

whatever they may say, it really

Clearly this year’s two Sherborne

had any idea where the other one

doesn’t matter!

Ten Tors teams weren’t listening to

was, as they were walking different

“So, did they win?” my answer?

“it isn’t a race, but yes, they completed the challenge and that’s what counts.”

| 37

awarD 2016-17 Three of the current upper Sixth have recently achieved the Duke of edinburgh Gold award and will be attending presentation ceremonies at buckingham Palace later this year. Gus Johnson (u6d), ed Davidson-houston (u6g) and hiroki ogawa (u6e) have all made a tremendous commitment to the award and deserve huge praise for their achievements. a further four Shiburnians are within touching distance of the same achievement in the next few months – watch this space!

This year seventeen lower Sixth Formers have begun their Gold award with training and practice expeditions already completed on Dartmoor. The final qualifying expedition will take place in the lake District in august and numbers gaining the award at Sherborne this year look likely to rise.

Seventeen fifth formers are completing their Silver award at the time of writing with six already having received their badge. a further eighteen have signed up for this year and training and practice expeditions in the local area and the Peak District have already been completed. numbers for the bronze award remain healthy with another 60 boys signing up from the Third Form this year.

Training and practice expeditions have already been completed and the boys are now days away from their qualifier in either the mendips or cerne abbas areas.

The D of e award continues in good health at the School as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the award’s foundation.

“The Duke of edinburgh’s award has helped countless young people on their sometimes difficult path to adulthood.” hrh The Duke of edinburgh KG KT

| 39

leaDinG

From The FronT

BY STEPHEN BYRNE The Digby welcomes a new Housemaster in 2018.

So what will Rob Le Poidevin bring to the community?

With the imminent departure from the digby of the long-

Having completed a degree at aberdeen university in

serving martin Brooke, it is undoubtedly the end of an era.

Politics and International relations, mr Le Poidevin secured

one inimitable and easily distinguishable Housemaster has

a masters at edinburgh and King’s college, London and

left his mark and he is, it is great to report, being replaced

enjoyed 11 years in the army, serving in cyprus and in the

by another, mr rob Le Poidevin, who will undeniably prove

middle east. He is married to Kirsten, and they are the

a motivational and level-headed guardian of the boarding

parents of delightful eight-year-old twin girls, ellie and

house on digby road.

Lauren. In case you are wondering, his surname betrays a

few people would argue that mr Le Poidevin has not already made his mark at Sherborne School. arriving in 2012, he has run the School’s ccf reliably and effectively, taught Politics with aplomb and run the PSHe programme

genealogical link back to Guernsey, an earlier generation leaving the channel Islands and heading up the east coast of Scotland to the Granite city.

So, what can he bring to the digby? High on his list of

with great efficiency. His management skills have become

priorities is ensuring that every boy in his care is given the

evident on the annual fifth form June leadership trip to

opportunity to perform to the best of his ability. the

Brownsea Island. an eager and committed football coach,

Housemaster’s role, he insists, is to draw out the very best

he is extraordinarily fit himself, having taken part in ultra-

in everyone, enabling teenage boys to acquire “the right set

marathons. Last year he participated in the gruelling

of values” to take with them into adult life, doing “the right

transalpine run, covering a distance not far off a full

thing instead of the easy thing.” adolescence is necessarily

marathon for eight consecutive days across the alps in four

a time of trials and tribulations and the role of the

countries to raise money for macmillan cancer Support.

Housemaster is to manage the dips that inevitably occur

those of a certain vintage will have fond memories of mark

along the way.

mcGhee bursting outside his full-back, eight minutes from

Without doubt, the boys in the digby are characterful and

the end of extra time, to deliver a tantalising left-wing cross,

enjoy having fun. Harnessing this and providing them with a

which

header.

home away from home will inject in each individual a sense

unfashionable aberdeen had beaten real madrid to win the

John

Hewitt

met

with

a

glancing

of purpose and allow every boy to work to his potential. any

1983 european cup Winners’ cup final in Gothenburg,

adult who genuinely enjoys working with young people will

against all odds. for a dyed-in-the-wool aberdonian like mr

appreciate the challenge and support those in their care and

Le Poidevin, such memories bring tears to the eyes. Proud

develop the individuality of every student. the digby is onto

of his roots, a keen football aficionado and an aberdeen

a winner here; mr Le Poidevin is the man to take the house

supporter, such moments are like gold dust.

forward.

40 |

• Tom Wheeler (5m)

| 41

whaT SeTS Sherborne aParT? We asked a variety of people in our community about Sherborne’s distinctive character. Here’s what they had to say “It’s not only the beautiful setting

“What struck me on my first day

which sets Sherborne apart,

was how warm and welcoming the

I notice most about Sherborne

although it is a real privilege to

School is. I knew all about it from

boys is how they care for each

work among the honey-stone

my Prep School years, but it really

other and look out for each other.

buildings of this remarkable market

is this good. It feels like they have

Throughout the School, from the

town. The School is such a caring

kept the very best bits of home

Headmaster down, there is a

place, where everyone really does

and, rather than trying to recreate

culture of looking after those

look out for those around them. So

home at school, they have turned

around you and we, in catering,

many people show genuine

school into all those best bits. It

clearly notice how effective this is.

concern for boys and staff and

feels very much like a family here

We observe staff looking out for

seem to care how we are all doing

and I definitely feel part of it.

boys, older boys noticing the

“Undoubtedly the impressive thing

as individuals. This, of course,

Because of the familiarity, I feel

needs of younger ones and also

inspires us all to look after each

very comfortable and the kindness

how the boys react to the words of

other and to contribute to this

and help others offer is really clear.

staff, whether teaching staff or us

thriving School. I have come to

I also love the way that so many

as the catering department. Staff

appreciate what a wonderful

different and varied activities are

here are so willing to give up many

atmosphere the School has and I

available. For instance, alongside

long hours, be that on school trips

have come to really love the boys

rugby, I also enjoy shooting, which

or even on two-and-a-half-hour

in my care. They truly are a great

is something many other schools

coach journeys to away fixtures.

bunch of young men and it is a

are not able to offer.”

real pleasure to work in this community.”

Patsy Wooldridge, Matron

William Ashton, Third Former

For instance, among the catering staff we have people working with CCF, in swimming and sports coaching; all of this this permeates down to create a lovely atmosphere.”

Stuart Malcom, Caterer

42 |

“Sherborne is a lovely town with a

“The thing that strikes me most is

“Perhaps it is a slightly strange

great variety of architecture and

quite how polite all the boys are.

thing to say, but everyone gets on

shops. It is a town full of

By that, I don’t just mean when you

so well at Sherborne. The boys are

atmosphere and life and it looks

approach them. As I go around

polite and amenable, all very well

lovely in the summer with all the

School, students hold doors open

brought-up and pleasant. Staff

flower displays, and with the

for me and people engage me,

work well together, across different

Christmas trees in winter. It is small

looking me in the eye and making

departments and around the

enough that you always recognise

me feel part of a very special

School in general. This, of course,

the faces in the streets and shops.

school. I think the whole thing

makes my job considerably easier,

It makes you feel that you belong

comes from the Headmaster down

as I need to liaise with people from

here and it makes you feel very

– he shows respect, listens to

so many parts of the School. It is

comfortable and safe. Sherborne is

others and is part of the team, so

wonderful to come into an

steeped in history and names

we all follow suit. This is a very

establishment where everyone is

associated with it includes Sir

friendly place, based in an

friendly and where everyone seems

Walter Raleigh with the Castle and

incredibly beautiful setting. I can’t

so well-prepared to work

Alan Turing with the School, which

believe how lucky we are to work in

together.”

lies in the middle of the town. You

a town which is so stunning and in

get the sense that Sherborne grew

old buildings with such character.

up around the School and its

As I go around School, I keep

buildings are spread all over the

noticing things I have never seen

town. As a result of this, you see

before, little bits of old buildings

the boys everywhere and it all feels

or quaint corners.”

like a very tightly-knit unit.”

Anita Grenfell, School Shop

“Jethro”, Estates Squad

Jess Keep, ICT Apprentice

| 43

“When I was a boy and living in

“In my eyes the very essence and

“It is without a doubt a privilege to

Sherborne, I always saw boys from

atmosphere of Sherborne is

witness first-hand the unique

the School around the town. Many

unique. It certainly is unlike any

nature of boarding at Sherborne.

of my friends moved away and

other school I have attended.

As one of the few remaining 24/7

would love to come back, but jobs

There are a million different

boarding schools, the vast majority

or finances prevent that from

aspects of a Shirburnian’s school

of boys are here throughout the

happening. I feel so privileged to

life that I could describe, but it is

term, learning to live with one

still be here, working now with the

almost certain that any boy will

another and constantly developing

school and as part of The Hub,

stumble upon something

character traits such as resilience,

which is a real link between the

that seizes their passion and

tolerance and kindness as they

School and the community. The

eagerness to learn and I don’t

make their way up the School.

town itself is beautiful, steeped in

mean just academically. I like to

history and with an air of warmth

think that when we arrive in our

and friendship, and the School is

first year we plant our seed and

an essential part of that. We are

then we grow branches and leaves

delighted that, as The Hub goes

which represent the different

from strength to strength, it also

aspects of our academic, social,

acts as a shop-window, so that the

physical, or creative lives,

general public can see the boys

developed over our five short years

going about their daily life: polite,

in school. It just seems that a

well-mannered and appreciative.”

Shirburnian’s capabilities and

Terry Hawrylak, The Hub (cafe)

outreach are endless.”

James Garrow, Sixth Former

The boys enjoy their childhood and feel able to do so in a safe, supportive environment. It is my belief that the Sherborne experience empowers boys to become good decision-makers who understand the consequences of their decisions and these attributes undoubtedly set Shirburnians apart.“ Andy Nurton (m 95), Wallace Housemaster

44 |

in memorY Steven lawn (m 91) The annual Steven lawn lecture was given by Sister Denise boyle, former executive Director of Franciscans international.

The lecture commemorates the life of Steven lawn, who attended Sherborne School from September 1987 to July 1991. Steven died in the Twin Towers attacks of 11 September 2001. we were honoured by the presence of members of Steven’s family, including his parents and widow. at this year’s lecture. Sister Denise spoke movingly about the need for peace and reconciliation in a bruised and damaged world.

| 45

Learning through sport Director of Sport, David Guy reflects on the role of sport in forming Sherborne’s pupils for the future Everyone knows that sport has a unique power to shape people and form their dispositions. It inculcates in those who participate the virtues that enable them to thrive, no matter the direction their life takes.

These virtues encompass self-

strives for. We can only be who we

from the front, and continue growing

esteem, self-confidence and self-

are when we stand shoulder to

as people who are ready to face the

reliance. Involvement in sport, at any

shoulder with other people. Their

challenges of adulthood. What is

level, equips pupils with belief in

becoming is our becoming. Which

more, regular involvement in sport

their own reserves, and the mental

begs a question: does sport form

enhances physical wellbeing. This is

strength to make it through tough

character, or uncover what is already

especially important in an

times. Whether it’s the long haul of a

given? I am not clear about the

increasingly sedentary society, where

cross-country run or turning around a

answer, but I know that by offering

people lack the get up and go that

deficit on the rugby pitch, those who

boys the chance to find their own

characterised previous generations.

compete know what it is to hunker

challenges in an environment of

By helping pupils develop the habit

down and get on with the job at

care, encouragement and nurture,

of regular exercise from a young

hand.

we play a crucial role in their

age, we give them the benefit of

development.

fitness and wellbeing, as well as an opportunity to discover their

Of course, the growth of an individual always takes place in

Consider the skills garnered

sporting passion and fulfil their

community with others. So even

through participation in sport.

potential.

when you step up to compete alone,

Communication. Leadership.

there is a whole network of

Emotional intelligence. Team

So sport remains an enduring part of

supporters, fellow athletes and

working. All alongside blokes you

the Sherborne experience. It is one

coaches behind you, whose hopes

have known for years, and will trust

of the things that defines the

and aspirations you carry, whose

for many more to come.

Shirburnian: that he is fit, healthy, active and skilful in his chosen

dreams you share.

These skills, allied to loyalty and

discipline. But more besides: that he

That means sport exists at the

mutual respect, set the foundations

is gracious, dogged, loyal and

interface of the self and the

for future flourishing among our

committed, because that is what

community. It is the beating heart of

pupils. They ensure boys are well-

sport has made him. It is what he has

the formation that Sherborne School

placed to take responsibility, lead

become.

46 |

| 47

Charity Fashion Show

F 48 |

Swirling bagpipe music led the models to the stage and an

appreciative audience was treated to a plethora of male and female

models on the catwalk. Colours,

lights and a film backdrop

accompanied those modelling

intricate tailored outfits and a

hushed audience soaked in the ambiance of an emotional and

entertaining event on a frozen

January night. This could perhaps

describe New York or Milan but, for this occasion, it was Sherborne, or more precisely The Digby Fashion

Show in the BSR for two heady mid-winter nights.

The two Fashion Shows, organised by Mr Byrne, Modern Languages

teacher, featured students on the

catwalk from both the boys’ and the girls’ schools, modelling clothes of

ashion

their own design as well as garments from two fashion houses. The

catwalks were co-ordinated by the

artistically superb Mrs Drake and the sartorially elegant Dr Wild from

Sherborne and the talented and

patient Elodie Smith from Sherborne

In addition, two large and appreciative audiences were treated to a range of

Girls. James Foulger (L6e) was a

film, the brainchild of Mr Einarsen, whose ingenious approach to film design

hugely respected and talismanic

and creation lent an air of drama to the evening. Live music came not only in

stage manager, controlling with

the form of Seb Carty’s (5a) magnificent opening bagpipe performance, but

charm and a smile, ably supported by

also through the haunting melodies and vocals of the highly talented Charlie

Matthew Cann (U6e). Harry Haggas

Smith (L6g) and a DJ set lovingly assembled by Matthew Tse (5e) and Theo

(U6e), Louis Drake (U6b) and Jack

Li (L6g). The models engaged fully in the experience of performing to a live

Baker (U6d) had designed their own

audience, Tomas Ackerman Ferreira (L6d) and Ollie Palmer (L6d) playing an

outfits and enjoyed the treat of

excellent double act, whilst Harry Gibbs’ (L6m) domineering demeanour,

viewing them modelled in public.

Will Snook’s (L6m) rippling muscles and the demure appearance of Joss

There was a section on urban

Nelson (L6e), not to mention Gabriel Healy (U6m), all caused excitement

clothing from Kutula, a company set

amongst an enthralled audience.

up by Jimi Herrtage (m 06) with Alex Everett (U6m) having carefully

Mary Ngendo is nine years old and lives in the Kenyan village of Turi, just a

arranged the transport of these

hundred yards or so from the local school where the enrolment fee is about

garments. Jax Comyn, the mother of

£10, but she doesn’t go to school. Her parents cannot afford £10. When a

an Old Shirburnian, was able to

local social worker called in on the family, she found eight other children of

model her bespoke designer

school or nursery age, but none of these children went to school. This social

beachwear made from authentic

worker was Sarah Kimani, who is linked to Turi Children’s Project (TCP). The

Kenyan kikoy fabrics; her company,

family has been taken under the wing of TCP, who are helping to get the

Bushbells, whose profits support

children get started in school. The older ones receive meals and medical

educational charities at Watamu on

attention regularly, whilst four of Mary’s siblings have now been enrolled in

the Indian Ocean coastline, could

school and the parents are receiving financial support as well as belated

also view their clothing on stage.

advice about family planning.

| 49

It felt something of a privilege to have the opportunity to stage two fashion shows in support of TCP, which supports the most vulnerable children in this poor Kenyan village. Mr Byrne, languages teacher at this school, taught for five years in that village until 2014, when he arrived at Sherborne, and TCP was set up by a former colleague of his. It supports around 100 children, many being AIDS orphans or victims of inter-tribal violence from the 2008 post-election troubles. An old colonial building has been

By Stephen Byrne

converted into a two-storey centre, where sewing, tailoring, carpentry, shoe repairs and mechanical engineering are being taught and where children receive their solitary meal each day. Amongst other projects, TCP now hopes to build a Home Science area, where children can be taught how to cook nutritiously and make the most of local fruit and vegetables and this can be possible thanks to the money raised by the Fashion Show. Because of the nature of the charity, every penny raised goes directly to those most in need.

What had begun as the annual charity event specific to The Digby boarding house for 2016-17 rapidly morphed into a whole-school event, with models representing all eight houses on the catwalk. No one present is likely to forget the atmospheric evening they experienced and those who took part are all the richer for what they created. Most importantly, though, Mary Ngendo and her friends are the greatest recipients from a wonderful evening’s entertainment.

50 |

You’re hired!

BEN PRATER U6d TALKS TO MR EWART-SMITH ABOUT HIS REMARKABLE ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS OVER HIS FINAL TWO YEARS AT SCHOOL. Ben’s business The Solution Shop is an ecommerce retailer of niche electronics such as fitness bands, power banks and smartphones, selling across the European Union.

From a standing start in late 2015 the business is now turning over sales of £180k per annum and making healthy profits. And it is all run from a study in Harper House.

Mr Ewart-Smith: “What motivated you to start the business?”

Ben: “I was interested in buying a “Mi” fitness band for myself and found an online retailer who shipped direct from the manufacturer in China to the customer. On ordering the product it took two and a half months to arrive and I realised that there was a market for doing this better.”

Mr Ewart-Smith: “How did you, as a 17 year old in the Lower Sixth doing or not doing the normal things such as Hall, lessons and sport go about forming the business?”

Ben: “In what I now realise is classical entrepreneurial fashion, I cut out any of that boring planning they teach you at business school and dived in at the deep end.

Unbeknown to my parents, I used all my savings of £400 to buy 30 fitness bands to kick start the business.

“While I waited for the stock to arrive I then thought “Help!

I know that there is a market but how am I going to access it?” I have always been a techie geek so I knew that setting up a website was not as difficult as it is sometimes made out to be, the only problem being that I only had two weeks to get it up and running. A few days of hard work later I had a functioning if not very glamorous web site linked into Paypal to make sure that I could accept payments.”

Mr Ewart-Smith: “The first order must have been a real “yee ha” moment. Who was your first customer?”

Ben: “I have to admit that the first order (£23.50 – 17th January 2016) was from my mother’s cousin.”

Mr Ewart-Smith: “How long did it take to move the business beyond friends and family’s word of mouth?”

Ben: “The big shift came when I took the plunge and started spending on Google Ads to increase traffic in tandem with offering a newly released fitness band. The business has grown ever since fuelled by increasing traffic and online awareness.”

Mr Ewart-Smith: “The internet has obviously been instrumental in the business. Can you talk about this.”

Ben: “Other than the obvious points what has struck me is that the internet creates opportunity for anyone who has an idea. For instance, potential harmful preconceptions of suppliers and customers about my age do not exist.”

Mr Ewart-Smith: “In this highly competitive world, you must have a unique selling point. What is it?”

Ben: “It is a mix of fast delivery and customer service both of which is notably absent from the Chinese competition. For example, I have two live chat agents giving customer service from the Philippines.”

Mr Ewart-Smith: “What advice could you give to any other budding entrepreneur lurking in the confines of Sherborne School?”

Ben: “Take a risk and have a go. You will make mistakes but while this can cause stress it is also part of the fun and strangely once the solution is in place it is highly rewarding.”

Mr Ewart-Smith: “What is the future of The Solution Shop?”

Ben: “I am going to spend the next six months post-school really ramping up the business full time. I then have a big decision to make over how best to keep the business going while Oliver Dudgeon and I complete a driving adventure from Alaska to Argentina. But keep going it will – not least because I intend to fund my university life out of the profits.”

Mr Ewart-Smith: “Finally, now your school life is over please come clean as to how much of a distraction the business was to your academic commitments.”

Ben: “It actually has not been as distracting as some might think and shows what can be done and that people should not wait to start an enterprise.”

“Shameless Plug” – Go to www.thesolutionshop.co.uk for all your electronic needs.

| 51

Tom Bradby (b 85) After studying at Edinburgh University Tom joined ITN as an editorial trainee

in 1990 and subsequently became

producer for Michael Brunson, ITN's political editor, in 1992.

He spent three years (1993-96) as Ireland correspondent, during which time he covered the peace process, the IRA ceasefire and Bill Clinton's visit to Ireland in November 1995. From 1999-2001, he was ITV's Asia correspondent. In October 1999, he was injured whilst covering the riots in Jakarta against the newly-elected President, Abdurrahman Wahid. He was hit in the leg by a flare attached to a chain as demonstrators clashed with armed police in the Indonesian capital.

After recovering from his injury and returning to the UK, Tom became Royal Correspondent for ITV News, covering a number of key stories, including the Queen's Jubilee year, as well as the deaths of the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret. He was subsequently ITV News' UK editor, and then political editor. On November 16 2010 he carried out the first official interview of Prince William and

Kate

Middleton

following

the

announcement of their engagement at St James's Palace, reportedly having being specifically requested by the couple due to Tom’s friendship with the Prince. He also attended the Royal Wedding as a guest on the 29th April 2011.

Tom is also a novelist and has written six novels to date including Blood Money (2009).

In August 2013, Tom presented an edition of News at Ten for the first time; and in May 2015, he presented ITV's main coverage of the 2015 general election. In October 2015, Bradby took over as the sole main newscaster of the flagship News at Ten. In June 2016, he led live coverage of the EU Referendum 2016 for ITV News.

who’S in blueS?

52 |

boarding “prepares you for life” few experiences serve as a better grounding for adulthood than boarding at Sherborne, as countless pupils attest THOUGHTS ON BOARDING FROM THE THIRD FORM…

“Boarding has made me more

his first year, Alex Warland (3m)

mature and grown-up,” George

admits he is now better organised,

Flint (3m) says in an assured tone.

and it has “made me work out a

“It prepares you for life.”

way to do things which works for

Away from home, George is sure

involves being punctual, thinking

that the boarding experience is incredibly positive and he reassures With a teary wave and a heavy heart, you send your beloved

little one away to board for the

first time. In the fading autumnal

the questioner with a confident and honest smile. This life preparation

me.” This sense of organisation more logically and not forgetting instructions.

“Boarding has shaped me,” agrees

involves an emphasis on personal

Pere Seriake Dickson (3m), because

organisation, not always the

“you become very independent in

strength of teenage boys, and an

your work and every-day activities.”

light, the huge stone school

aura of being well-rounded,

buildings look magnificent, golden

touching on sport, music and

blocks of security and comfort, and

drama, learning to use your time

the Housemaster seems very

wisely and seizing the varied

welcoming and reassuring. But you

opportunities which the boarding

are hovering in a zone of

community offers.

uncertainty. Was I right to choose

“It brings you closer to your friends”, George continues, “as you share experiences at a critical moment in your adolescence and life-long friendships can be comfortably forged in the snug

boarding for my son? What have I

Absolute agreement comes from

surroundings of the Common

done? Am I making the right

the armchair next to George.

Room”.

decision?

Reflecting on all he has achieved in

| 53

“But it’s more than that. It has taught me how to get on with people I don’t really get on with,” Alex carries on. In other words, even with those where there is not so much common ground, reliability and maturity come to the fore.

“

“

Boarding has made me more mature and grown-up,” George Flint (3m) says in an assured tone.

“It prepares you for life.

“Exactly,” agrees Digby Matron

The world George, Alex and their

Patsy Wooldridge. Given a choice,

friends inhabit is one that leads

you might choose who to work

fluidly to the world beyond school.

alongside. But once boys are

“It is an amazing opportunity,

thrown in together, unlikely

experiencing boarding life,” their

connections are made, strong and

Matron suggests. “There is so much

long-lasting ties are built up, and

on offer and each has the

each student realises he has an

opportunity to flourish in his own

important role to play in a thriving

way and discover his own identity.”

community. It is a means towards boys bonding together and growing together, individually and as a group. “They move through as a cohesive unit, building life-long friendships along the way.”

Being part of a team enables you to

William Ashton (3m) agrees: “There

be aware of the plethora of tasks

is always someone there to talk to

others must carry out and act co-

about any problems you may be

operatively and selflessly, so that

having,” he suggests. Or perhaps it

boys are able to live alongside one

is even better than that. William

another.

Usher (3m) is to the point: “It’s like a sleep-over every night.”

54 |

| 55

maTronS’ GuiDe To boarDinG MATRONS SHARE THEIR ADVICE FOR SETTLING INTO THE RHYTHM OF BOARDING SCHOOL LIFE Starting at boarding school can feel like a daunting prospect for parents and pupils alike. To ease the transition, here are our top tips for settling in. Read them, and your House will feel like home in no time at all.

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOUSE – YOU’RE NOT ALONE! When you join a House, the whole community makes an effort to welcome you. The key thing to remember is everyone else was new once, so they understand what it feels like. Listen to what they say. Our prefects are all there to welcome you and help you. The other new boys will be keen to make friends too.

Don’t forget to bring photos of your family, friends or animals to put up on your pin board and make it feel more like home, including a favourite teddy bear or cuddly toy if you have one.

JOIN IN WITH ACTIVITIES is to keep busy with lots of

ASK PREFECTS FOR HELP – GET TO KNOW THE ROUTINE

different things to do. You

Everywhere you go there

The trick to settling in well

will find there are a lot of activities put on for you including lots of delicious food and snacks. And when it comes to bedtime a hot chocolate and toast with Matron is not to be missed.

are smiling faces to look out for you and to point you in the right direction.

If you think you may be lost don’t hesitate to ask someone for help. Very quickly, you’ll feel like an old hand with the School’s routines. You’ll start to

DON’T ALWAYS STAY WITH THE SAME PEOPLE It is essential not to stick to the same people all the

know everyone’s names

NAME EVERYTHING

and find it easier to get around. You’ll be nice and busy, with loads of friends,

Home clothes, uniform,

and you’ll know that you’re

quickly at School. This can be wonderful, but it is good

personal belongings,

in for some very happy

to meet as many new boys as you can.

sports kits – absolutely

times in the months and

everything including your

years ahead.

time. Close-knit friendship groups often develop very

teddy needs a nametape with your House initial as well as your name.

56 |

Life in the Having attended Sherborne

From my time here I have been

Preparatory School, Sherborne

increasingly impressed with the

School was not completely new to

opportunity to be involved in so

me when I started five years ago.

many enjoyable activities: countless

My sister was already at Sherborne

music groups, multiple sports

Girls and I was also used to

options to choose from, yet still

boarding.

being able to maintain the drive to do well on the academic side.

But even with this familiarity, starting a new school was daunting. I had

It was in the Sixth Form, though, that

been at co-ed schools before at

I really began to focus on my core

both the British School of Brussels, a

interests, enjoy academic

large multinational environment,

discussions with my teachers in the

and Sherborne Prep. So, although it

subject areas that I had chosen, and

was a change coming to a single-sex

consider career options. I also had

school, it didn’t make a huge

to balance how I could continue to

difference to me, particularly given

play rugby, football and water polo,

the close links with Sherborne Girls nearby.

The extensive social programme pairs boarding houses (from the two schools) in the early years and then develops into discos, formal dinners and live pop concerts later on.

build on my leadership and teaching

Ben Orton (U6a) talks about enjoying the best of both worlds in Sherborne’s senior year groups

skills with the school CCF, maintain membership of the Sherborne School Wind Band, Swing Band and the joint schools Symphony Orchestra, and ensure I was giving appropriate attention to my studies.

This all comes together with the

‘Concert in the Courts’ always

support of like-minded friends in

proves to be one of the highlights of

House, superb music tuition and

the academic year!

| 57

Sixth Form the joint-schools' Chemistry

coaching and fantastic tutor

Symposium and Turing Society as

support.

well as lectures from inspirational speakers at both schools. This

The Sherborne Schools are set in a

doubles my exposure to thought-

lovely Dorset town and we value

provoking and interesting

that we are trusted to enjoy what the

opportunities.

local environment has to offer and experience normal daily life in the

I don't share any lessons with girls

wider community around us.

but there are subjects that are taught jointly in the Sixth Forms at

The Sixth Form opportunities at

each school, enabling us to have

Sherborne are endless but when

more choice.

those are added to the shared opportunities with Sherborne Girls,

As I look ahead to my last two terms

what we experience equates to so

at Sherborne School, I am sure I will

much more than one school is likely

always look back with fondness on

to offer. In an all-boys environment

my school days, appreciating both

we can kick a football around the

the opportunities that I feel I have

'Barge Yard' on a weekday evening,

made the most of, and the lifelong

and then as the Upper Sixth, enjoy

friends that I have made at both

our joint social each week with

schools.

Sherborne Girls at 'The Stick' on a Saturday night.

Academic studies are certainly enriched by the opportunities to work with Sherborne Girls. I attend

“

The Sixth Form opportunities at Sherborne are endless but when those are added to the shared opportunities with Sherborne Girls, what we experience equates to so much more than one school is likely to offer.

“

ensembles, excellent sports

58 |

Gus Johnson (U6d) and Ally Collins (U6f) Head Boys 2016/17

| 59

60 |

brownsea island

leadership and Teambuilding by rob le Poidevon The Leadership and Teambuilding Course saw the 5th form jump from exams to Brownsea Island. The course started with an inspirational address from double Paralympic medallist Ian Rose whose message of ‘practice makes progress’ really struck a chord with the boys. Ian

for the National Trust. This year they

spoke passionately about learning

chopped enough wood to fuel the

make the transition into Sixth Form

to cope with setbacks and the

bio-mass boiler and ensure the

and beyond. The boys then have the

importance of perseverance in

island had enough hot water for

option to study for an award in

achieving success. The boys then

over a month. Returning to the

Leadership and Management. The

went to Brownsea Island to

School they discussed the results of

staff accompanying the boys on the

complete a series of leadership and

their communication and leadership

course this year were hugely

teambuilding tasks. The team

styles questionnaires and gave each

impressed with their calibre and

dynamics were fascinating and the

other powerful peer-to-peer

attitude. They are a fine year group

boys learn a lot about themselves.

feedback. We ask the boys to

and should they adopt a similar

celebrate the positives each

mind-set for life in the Sixth Form,

They cooked their meals and

individual displayed on the course,

that will provide a firm foundation

continued the fine annual tradition

but we also ask the boys to ‘look in

for success.

of performing a conservation task

the mirror’ and identify areas that

they should seek to address as they

Inter faith dialogue at Sherborne School When Edward VI refounded Sherborne School in 1550, the Royal Charter, peculiarly, made no reference to religion or its instruction. Given his religious leanings and the oversight provided by the Bishop of Bristol, it is perhaps safe to assume that religious instruction was a given and probably doctrinally similar to the 1552 Book of Common Prayer. Through the Statutes of 1592 however, we know that, by the reign of Elizabeth I, boys were instructed by the Headmaster and Usher “in the knowledge of the Christian Religion” as well as the “use and benefits of the Sacraments”.

Sherborne has remained a Christian School since its foundation and now seeks to provide “an outstanding allboys boarding education in a community based on Christian values”. At the same time, it seeks to “nurture the spiritual health” of the boys as well as developing “a deeply held respect for the needs of others, recognising the importance of empathy, co-operation and collaboration associated with living in a community and the wider world”. But the reign of Edward VI could have known little or nothing of the religious picture that would emerge over 450 years later. In our “community based on Christian values”, the wider faith community is now fully represented at Sherborne. There are Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant students (with Catholic boys now making up nearly 15% of the School). At the same time, there are Jews, Muslims, Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist students. We welcome those of all faiths.

However, this inter faith community is a considerable challenge for an Anglican School. In a sense the issue is not new. Indeed, one of the first problems for the early Church was to try and define its relationship with Judaism and the Graeco- Roman world. The author of the Acts of the Apostles seeks to address this issue (Acts 17) and is the first Christian writer to espouse an inclusive approach to other faiths. The nineteenth and twentieth centuries have seen a much deeper engagement with the issue of inter faith relations. Since Vatican II, the emphasis has been on inter faith dialogue in which there is a “truth seeking conversation” based on respect and integrity for each faith. It is this inclusive and pluralistic approach to the inter faith community that has been pursued at Sherborne.

Over the past year, there has been a conscious effort to promote this fuller understanding and dialogue between different religious traditions. In the Lent term, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s former adviser on inter faith relations, Canon Guy Wilkinson, came to visit to preach at Sherborne. The visit was made into a Christian Muslim dialogue where Canon Wilkinson was joined by Mustafa Field, the Director of the Faiths Forum for London and Former Director of the Mosque and Imams National Advisory Board. Members of the sixth form took part in a lively debate which included discussions ranging from

terrorism to same sex relations. In the Trinity Term 2016, the School hosted a visit from Buddhist Monks from the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Tibet. Our worship was enriched with Buddhist chanting and prayers at Junior Chapel and afterwards, the monks gave various presentations on Buddhist meditation, chanting, dance and debating. Our understanding with Buddhism was also further enhanced with a recent visit from John Bayley who is the Buddhist Chaplain at HMP Verne. Next term, the Reverend David Gifford, the former CEO of the Council for Christians and Jews will be visiting and preaching and will further mark a continuation of the interfaith dialogue at the School.

Nurturing spiritual health is another part of the Sherborne vision. Although not defined, it can be understood in a number of ways. Spirituality can be a lived experience and pattern of life and, at Sherborne this is particularly reflected in the liturgical rhythm and discipline of School life. In an inter faith setting, it can also mean an ability to respond to the realities of different faiths and their spiritual insights and horizons. Indeed, despite the very obvious theological differences, behind the institutional religion, the common encounter with the divine is a potential meeting place for all faiths.

This also develops what has been termed “responseability” and, although we confess our Christian faith in our worship, spiritual

insights from all faiths are shared at the same time.

The other strand of Sherborne vision namely the “empathy, co-operation and collaboration… associated with living in a community and the wider world” is also part of the inter faith dialogue and spiritual nurture. Boys in their first year at Sherborne study the great world faiths namely, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism. The chosen GCSE syllabus now specialises in Christianity and Buddhism. As well as the academic challenge, this inter faith study fosters empathy, co-operation and collaboration between boys at the school and, hopefully, each student will leave Sherborne with a greater understanding of other faiths. At the same time they will be far better prepared for the workplace and wider society in which they will live out their lives An inter faith community in an Anglican setting is always going to be a challenge.

Christianity and the Christian faith remain at the heart of our school life and central to our worship. It is remarkable that the instruction “in the knowledge of the Christian Religion” continues nearly five hundred years later. It is an even greater testament that this is a central vision of the School two thousand years after Christ - but in an inclusive and pluralistic setting. In this troubled age, it is perhaps one of the greatest unsung benefits we can provide to boys at Sherborne School.

Reverend Nicholas Mercer

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b 62 |

All the wor

James Foulger (L6e) reflects on what he gained from his experience as stage manager for Sherborne’s charity fashion show.

One Wednesday evening at the start of January, I was asked if I would be prepared to be the stage manager for the forthcoming Charity Fashion Show. Of course, I agreed on the spot to do the job. It never crossed my mind to say “no” and I never for one moment regretted my decision.

Being a stage manager incorporates so many different types of jobs. You have to be something of an extrovert, you have

How positive can you be? As a stage manager you must always believe that the show will be a great success. Even

to be particularly good with people, especially in dealing with prima donna types on their big day and you have to be mellow enough to feel everything will go fine in the end. This only happens if you work hard as part of a team, where everyone is pulling their weight. This was certainly the case with the Fashion Show, where so much work went on behind the scenes to ensure a successful final performance.

when you doubt it yourself, your faith in your own hard work and the huge efforts you see others putting in must convince you that the show cannot fail. As the Fashion Show approached, the various strands came together nicely, the filming of Mr Einarsen, Mrs Drake’s design of the show, the fashion tips from Dr Wild and the logistical work of Mr Byrne all dove tailed to create the show which the public saw. At 7.30pm on the Saturday, as the audience filed in and the show burst into life, all the hard work seemed worthwhile.

I can be determinedly eccentric when I want and I can focus on my work as required. Being outgoing enables you to bring the very best out of those around you. In dealing with others, some older than me, others younger, all showing great talent in a variety of ways, you need to be aware of how every individual feels. Some hide a great deal of misery behind their exterior face, others are stars waiting to shine, while there are always those who surprise all around them in what they can achieve.

My ability to come across as an extrovert proved especially useful in ensuring that my role went well.

The noisier a person is, the more they may be hiding deeper emotions. I find that backstage work, and particularly stage manager work, enables you to be at the heart of how people feel. The emotions run raw and you get the chance to deal with the very essence of other people. This is a very exciting prospect for a stage manager, harnessing the energy around him and channelling it in positive ways. You need to keep the bouncier members of the cast in check and you need to allow space and privacy for the more thoughtful and delicate.

People have said to me that the evening itself must be hard work. Well, it is, but it’s simply the end of the hard work. It’s the weeks beforehand that take up so much of your energy, thinking through ideas, working out how best to resolve issues, planning carefully and avoiding pitfalls. The show itself is simply the culmination of this, when all the strands come together. I find it strangely exhilarating and liberating to see the action come to life and know that my job is done. Perhaps this is also true for A level courses, where the strands eventually merge to create a situation where you are ready for exams; perhaps this is also true for university applications, where the rest of your life can be decided for you. Working alongside girls was a rewarding and exciting experience. Girls in general are so much easier to deal with, especially on the stage, as they are striving for the best, looking at detail and attempting to make things work as effectively as possible. Too many boys rush through what they are doing without planning properly and the result can be a slipshod and half-baked final performance.

| 63

ld’s a stage

When I came to Sherborne School, I came to learn Maths and English, to pick up a foreign language, to learn about the Sciences and to enjoy the Humanities. I knew I would try to be in the choir and I was sure that I could take part in sport, especially on the rugby field. I also hoped that I could become a key part of a successful boarding house,

contributing in my own way in various activities. An event such as a Fashion Show proved to be right up my street, exactly the sort of event where I could use my skills in organisation, design and creativity, as a means to help other people.

There are so many aspects of this work which I can now take on with me. It proved a great experience

and I have learned a great deal about myself and about what I can achieve when the opportunity arises.

So, would I do it again?

What do you think?

School house

S

hiSTorY in The maKinG

itting one either side of the room are Mrs Tricia Cant and Mrs Mel Tobin. The former is in a coat with trim, ready to brave the wintry elements as Storm Doris descends on Dorset. The latter is in a large cardigan, clutching a white coffee mug with sporadic blue dots. School House is clearly in caring, capable and committed hands. Alongside Rachel Thacker and Isa Breddy, these are the matriarchs who enable School House to prosper.

“It’s our house too,” says Mrs Cant. “That’s why the boys feel comfortable. They feel at home.”

Once you are part of an enormous family, an outrageously large team of teenage boys all in it together, the community can celebrate each individual’s talents and skills, be they academic, dramatic, musical, sporting or even something else.

Vuk Mijatović (U6a) is a living example of this: a young man from a very different cultural background, who has entirely found himself and become loved as an integral part of a thriving community.

Head of House Finnbar Blakey (U6a) is eager to ensure to put his visitor at ease. He clearly loves the boarding house where he has spent a devoted five years, and the House has clearly benefited from his care, skill and leadership. It is, he insists, entirely true to say that School House enables all the qualities you possess to be shown and for you to develop into the person that you really are.

It may initially appear slightly bizarre but the house motto is “School House is what you are.”

In reality, this is not even remotely bizarre, for this boarding house allows space for each individual passing through the doors to develop his individual personality, his own ideals and dreams and his own future. This is an environment where students can engage in opportunities that may otherwise pass them by and where curiosity is cultivated.

A vastly impressive jewel in the school’s crown, the building was constructed in 1860 as the first purpose-built boarding accommodation. But the house’s origins are much older; Old School Room has existed since 1660 and its desks reflect generations of teenage graffiti artists, whose inscribed names have long succeeded their earthly time.

Even when you go, Mrs Cant concludes, you forever have a place in School House. You may have left physically, but you remain in memories, in traditions, in ways of life. Stories will be told about you long after your departure.

Beyond her office, further down the corridor, team groups from late Victorian times and house photos of men who laid down their lives a hundred years ago on Belgian battlefields bear witness to the extraordinary journeys of School House students who are, in truth, in many ways still with us today.

abbey house

Y

ShiP ShaPe anD Sherborne FaShion

ou can rest assured that Abbey House is in the hands of someone accustomed to setting a course and sticking to it.

Before becoming a teacher, Housemaster Michael McGinty spent many years in the Royal Navy as a navigator aboard submarines.

A listed building, Abbey House was built as a school rather than a boarding house, but has housed boys at Sherborne School since the Rev Thomas James (17941866) took them in during 1835, using a building initially rented from a local well-to-do confectioner. As the clouds of revolution swept across Europe in the late 1840s, dropping numbers at the School led to the boarding house being temporarily disused, but this was the first school building outside the school gates. A bridge leads through to New Block, an extension which allows for the number of boys housed in comfort today.

For the past six years, Mrs Catherine Neave has served as Matron in Abbey House.

Eager to talk about the boys in her care, she says

approachability and respect are the cornerstones on which the boarding community is built. Keen not to replicate concerns she experienced in her own boarding years, she has introduced the idea of a central space at the heart of the community. This is the Laundry Room, slightly misnamed although still serving as the title suggests, a social environment where year groups mix under her watch.

Toby Jones (4b) and Victor Cairns (4b) are there, discussing, interacting, developing, maturing, focusing, being enabled and becoming emboldened. Just back from a few days back in South Korea, Aaron Kim (4b) is feeling just a little jetlagged but still waxes lyrical about Abbey House. This is the place where he can thrive, where his dreams can come true.

It is clear that Abbey House’s size, relatively smaller than other houses, facilitates high levels of friendship and respect. Matron’s focus is on creating a homely kitchen feel at the centre of the boys’ lives, alongside a staff team

who are always available, willing to help and who subscribe to her can-do approach. “There are so many pressures on teenagers today,” she says, but the boarding environment can help boys deal with all that is expected of them.

Downstairs and with an impressive vista across the road to the Sherborne Arch and practically within touching distance of everything at school is the Oak Room, added in 1935.

This low-ceilinged parlour room has served so many roles through the years, from meeting place to diningroom. It is now a focus for house meetings and a bank of memories of former students. The name of Jeremy Irons jumps out at the visitor from the wooden panels on the ancient walls.

Alongside this room are two television rooms and the ubiquitous space for football, critical to the welfare of the twenty-first-century teenage boy.

Mr McGinty’s sea-faring days may be behind him. But it’s clear his crew are still being kept ship-shape and Sherborne fashion.

The Green

T

STanDinG ProuD

here is a degree of freedom in sitting at the top of the hill. Green House stands at the head of Hospital Lane, geographically above the rest of the school and looking down towards the foot of the valley.

An impressive drive opens into a sizeable common room and wooden handrails lead the visitor up the stairs. “Matron’s office is in the middle of the house,” Housemaster Mr Ali Hatch announces. “That’s quite right. Exactly where it should be”.

As it happens, The Green is served by a veritable army of Matrons. Mrs Nicky Tayler is Matron, but few would agree that Miss Hilary Wilson is “just” an assistant, as she introduced herself, and Mrs Sue Mitchell also works alongside them both.

No, the teamwork is a critical feature: each Matron serves the house well and they have come to define the care and consideration offered to residents.

What the Matrons have created in The Green is a special environment that enables each individual to become himself. There is a palpable sense of allegiance to the House, and the Matrons ensure every boy feels at ease. Ironing, cookery and shoe-polishing workshops cover off the simpler tasks. Cooking in Matron’s kitchen has become a cult activity, with students arriving at particular points in the day to heat up pizzas, cook noodles or even attempt a steak.

Friendships are at the heart of all that goes on in The Green. Jack Tucker (4c) is quickly at hand to steer the unexpected visitor through the House.

He flicks back his dark Sherborne fringe, indicating the smart wooden balcony and the warm stone floor, clearly proud of his home away from home and revelling in the authentic interest that true Shirburnians show. His eagerness to help is a fine indicator of how the boys have been brought up and how they respond to the world around them.

The facilities here are excellent: two television rooms, two games rooms and a common room.

And the vastness of the garden and hardcourt sports areas bear witness to the extraordinary provision available. With the present building opened in September 1999 by Lord Robert Iliffe, The Green had previously occupied from 1865 the site of the former Angel Inn, which existed from 1750, and had been re-opened on 31st August 1865 by Rev. Osborne Tancock (18391930) as a home for 12 boarders.

Overseen by a caring and supportive Upper Sixth, year groups work closely together, enabling the quieter boys to get their voices heard too. Hilary Wilson looks out of her window across the extensive garden and reflects on those in her care. “I often stand here whilst I am ironing,” she says, “and it is heart-warming to see a mixture of boys from across the year groups playing together, often games the boys have created for themselves.” Beyond the lawn is a beautiful commemorative area in memory of a former House Tutor, an area of contemplation and meditative thoughts where boys revise calmly during the exam season.

harper house

T

here is a real gem down Hound Street. As you turn off the main thoroughfare through town, passing buildings with exotic names like Dolphin Cottage and Fernside, you eventually reach Harper House. Set back behind a small concreted area, this home boasts a smart façade that masks a number of wonderful surprises.

In a warm and inviting office, resplendent in a smart blouse and a multi-coloured scarf, Mrs Priscilla Horsey is only too happy to extol the virtues of Harper House to her visitor. The rabbit warren of corridors and well-loved and much-used spaces indicates a boarding house full of contented young men. Two smaller rooms have been replaced by an enormous Common Room, a real jewel in the crown of this boarding house, with a pillared area complete with large-screen television, and a high-ceilinged section with tables, chairs and an eclectic mix of newspapers and magazines. Then there’s the wonderful vista to the Abbey beyond. This is a room to dream about.

an archiTecTural TreaT Fresh-faced and eager to please, Louis Lindsay (3d) is delighted to have made his home in Harper. The friendship between year groups particularly impresses him and he feels that he has arrived in an environment where he can thrive and develop.

Since 1873, Sherborne School has housed boarders here, in a private residence initially built around 1814 as Britain began to recover from a decade of wars against the French. Rented at first, it was bought outright by the school in 1931.

Named after the iconic Headmaster, Daniel Harper, who ran the school between 1850 and 1877 before taking over as Principal at Jesus College, Oxford, the house boasts one of the town’s most eccentric additions. In the garden lies the Shell House, a summer house constructed in 1791, which contains a shell and seaweed ceiling and a conical thatched roof. Every shell used is indigenous to the United Kingdom. It really is an astonishing gem, hidden in the midst of the town centre and yet harking to different cultures, traditions and heritages.

Looking out from this architectural masterpiece, you see across the unmistakable square of an erstwhile Victorian vegetable garden to the town beyond. It is difficult to imagine a more perfect spot to enjoy your teenage years.

Where would any boarding house be without those stalwarts whose years and knowledge hold everything together? Mrs Horsey has served the School in many capacities and yet has been in Harper “only” 18 years. Upstairs in the sewing-room, hard at work and yet always willing to engage in conversation, are Mrs Rita Whittaker and Mrs Joan Butcher, who have worked in Harper for a combined total of 67 years. Matron Mrs Ursula Grundy-Wheeler has left her keys in the fridge again and the women’s hilarity is palpable.

So many boys have depended on these pillars of the establishment for so many years, so many rely today on all that they do and so many future Harper students will come to learn from them. Communities are shaped by such marvellous characters whose work enhances all around them.

wallace house

J

a blenD oF olD anD new

ames Foulger (L6e) is under no illusions as to why Wallace is such a close-knit boarding house. “It is so well-rounded,” he states, with boys excelling in particular at music and drama.

Through its very compactness, it is easy not just to know everyone, but really feel that you connect with those around you. With the distance from School being perfect (a few minutes on foot, but still so close to the heart of the school), you have a retreat from the hurlyburly of everyday life.

Once a day house only, Wallace House now bears the name of a distinguished former Headmaster of the school, the celebrated English priest and author Alexander Ross Wallace who served from 1934 to 1950. The Old Block, previously Lord Digby’s hunting lodge to house the landed gentry as they arrived by train and prepared to head up to Sherborne Castle, retains aspects of the Victorian school it once served, while the New Block includes an extension built in 2009. As if to echo the mixture of old and new, the diversity of talents and interests on show brings the boys ever closer, such that they feel more like brothers than schoolmates.

The old is of vital importance. In September 1930 the School rented the property, which had been built as a private house in 1897 by the local ironmonger Isaac Trevett (1842-1925) and used it as a waiting house for eight boys. As Elmdene, it housed those waiting patiently to progress upwards, largely to School House, but became a boarding house in 1977, when the

property took on the name of Wallace and further extensions in 2005 render it a highly prized home nestled at the end of Cheap Street.

Of course, the new is of equal value here. Each individual to pass through the doors is nourished and cherished, his individual talents and skills honed and developed, his potential unleashed. Karl Li (5e) and Brandon Bray-Sackey (5e) pass me as I head towards Wallace, two highly intelligent young men with the world at their feet. This multi-cultural backdrop is of critical importance for any true and honest citizen of the modern, ever-moving world.

On the welcoming walls of Matron Mrs Lin Rochester’s tidy office are photos showing Wallace boys in every facet of life. Oscar Leach (L6e) is on the rugby field, Tom Hoare (L6e) ready to show his prowess once more in the swimming pool and Matthew Cann (U6e) smartly attired, no doubt about to head off to the Music School.

There is little hesitation when Matthew is questioned about the reasons for his fondness for Wallace: its proximity to the supermarket and the railway station. Yet, of course, he also appreciates the house’s cross-cultural links, its all-inclusive nature, and the warmth created in such a homely environment.

Andy Nurton (m 95) will be taking over as Wallace Housemaster as of September 2017, commenting that “It is without doubt a great privilege to be taking on the role.”

abbeylands

a

s the intrepid explorer meanders down Abbey Road, past Abbey House and away from the heartbeat of Sherborne, he reaches the corner of Cheap Street. Here, amid the bustle of market town life, which will appear tame to the city-dweller but does evoke a certain aura of Hardy’s Dorset, an ancient door is visible on close inspection, with a stone lattice and practically hidden behind ivy-clad walls. Finally the explorer has uncovered the entrance to Abbeylands.

Inside, an impressive corridor is painted in pale pastel colours, and the sense of a real “home away from home” is quickly discerned. Corridors swerve to left and right, stairs appear to head away almost in “Hogwarts fashion” and cupboards run endlessly on both sides. A highly informative notice-board includes details of some very distinguished men of very different eras, who all spent their formative years in this very building, receiving an education that enabled them to excel in their chosen fields.

a Place To be haPPY It is certainly worth exploring.

Previously dilapidated monastery farm buildings were renovated and reopened in 1872 as a boarding house, initially rented and finally bought by the school in 1919. Elizabethan work competes inside with fine domestic wood carving, one of the ancient beams intriguingly and mischievously bearing the date 1649. Yuriy Belykh (3f) leads the explorer through a few more bends to find welcoming staff and a glimpse of the modern world in a hugely inviting historical domain.

ensures that it feels exactly like home for those who come, without exception.

Any explorer worth their mettle would be keen to establish once and for all why Abbeylands is synonymous with “Happylands”. Surely this is not a misnomer? Henry Davies (U6f), pacing down Abbey Road, heading for a snack in the dining-room, is sure he knows why. “It’s the sense of community,” he says.

“As simple as that, but, if you want to know any more, you should ask our Head of House, Alex Copinger-Symes (U6f)”.

Matron Mrs Sharon Burden is in her office, ensuring that the boys’ world is ready for them.

An array of mugs waiting to be washed up suggests a happy environment, a tidy desk implies a careful mind and watchful eye, and the ornamental fireplace serves as a legacy of Abbeylands’ earlier inhabitants. It is so important that the boys are happy and relaxed, as this will inspire them to push their frontiers in academics as well as in sport and other pastoral and social fronts. Matron

Alex is as fervently fanatical about “Happylands” and its ability to inspire and protect.

So, too, is Henry Le Cornu (4f), who pauses outside the bursary to explain that ‘Happylands’ is a home that allows you to be yourself, to enjoy life to the full, and to explore avenues that otherwise may be inaccessible. It is, in other words, a place to push yourself to the limit academically and to open doors to your future. A happy place indeed.

lyon house

S

warmTh acroSS GeneraTionS

tanding apart from the heart of the School, Lyon House offers a buffer zone from the hurly-burly of school life. As you head west along Richmond Road, the purposebuilt red-brick mansion calls you in from the road, suggesting a warmth of spirit that complements the warmth of the corridors.

Opened in January 1912 on what had been Sherrin’s Fields, it initially housed a handful of boys previously living in South Street and took on the name of Ralph Lyon, Headmaster from 1823 to 1845. This is a real home from home for students.

Comfortable in his pale blue rugby top, knees still messy from a well-spent afternoon’s ventures, Archie Denholm (U6g) is eager to offer his views about Lyon’s merits. It is easy to see how he, eagle-eyed and aware, has been able to benefit from the opportunities offered in such a community. The atmosphere is certainly conducive to hard work and the comments about this being a house for genuine all-rounders ring true.

This is genuinely a boarding house where close bonds exists across year groups, and Archie glows with the warmth that defines this house.

He is very enthusiastic about how much he has been able to learn from this role as a former Head of House.

Throughout the academic year, Lyon House has been raising money towards the Great Ormond Street charity. It is aiming to generate £20,000

as well as a huge degree of awareness. This is the brainchild of James Dixon (L6g), whose brother was diagnosed and treated at the hospital. He feels it is a worthwhile way of supporting others through his brother’s memory.

Just after Commem 2017, narrowly beyond the deadline for this magazine, a group of 10 boys and two staff head off to cycle from Lyon House to Lyon, France, to supplement money raised through doughnut sales, an imaginative pizza production line at the Six Nations rugby and the ongoing tuck shop profits. One superbly original idea was a staff sumo wrestling contest.

James is delighted at the support he is receiving, enthusiastic about the atmosphere among his fellow students and hugely encouraged by the strength of relationships between year groups throughout the house, much down to the leadership of Ben Sunderland.

Outside the office is a detailed display of mountaineering escapades carried out by Peter Oliver (g 25), the Old Shirburnian who tackled Everest in 1938. This is a legacy of Everest veteran Miss Serena Brocklebank, whose stint as Lyon Matron came to a close at Christmas 2016. In her place is energetic Miss Sue Young, who brings a wealth of boarding experience to her role. There is such a warm feeling about an environment where everyone’s heart is in the right place and shared positive experiences are the expectation.

The Digby

a

s they reach the end of their time in The Digby, Ben Nokes (U6m) and Ciaran Johnston (U6m) are happy to wax lyrical about their home away from home. The Digby, they proudly report, is a unique place that instils in you a sense of pride. It is a setting where you can enjoy others’ company and where a healthy camaraderie is actively encouraged. Being “out of town”, it feels apart from the School and the sense of coming home at the end of a school day is palpable.

Mentioned in passing as “The Earl of Wessex” in Thomas Hardy’s The Woodlanders (1887), the four-star Elizabethan-style hotel close to the station became one of the school’s boarding houses in 1964. It now holds more boarders than the other seven houses. This makes the extensive gardens all the more important, as a lack of immediate neighbours allows exuberant teenagers to enjoy noisy games of rugby or football in the warmer months. “It’s great to let off steam during the exam

a claSS aParT season, even if only for 10 minutes,” says Ben Nokes.

A relatively new addition to The Digby is House Matron, Patsy Wooldridge. After 16 years working in a variety of educational environments, she is clearly proud of the boys in her care and the place of The Digby within the School. It is, she says, a “homely” house, full of happy students. “There is pride in what we do, from the top down”, she says, “with staff encouraging mixing between year groups.”

Mrs Wooldridge says the boarding house lives up to her expectations. The geographical detachment of The Digby lends it an air of a home, rather than an extension of School, and allows boys to feel more relaxed than they might otherwise. Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald took lunch here in 1932 in the Assembly Room, added at great expense in 1878. The house, the grounds and the town all exude historical relevance and allow individuals to express themselves through their

academic work, music, drama and sport.

The Digby House charity for 2016-17 is featured elsewhere in The Shirburnian, but it is worth mentioning how the boarders rallied for the Fashion Show in January 2017 in aid of the Kenyan charity TCP. Alex Everett (U6m) made contact with an old friend who supplied some of the clothing, Alex McNair Scott (U6m) made some of the films himself and the entire Lower Sixth featured in a Digbythemed section on the catwalk. It was an excellent example of how a group of young men can work together for a common goal.

As Mr Martin Brooke approaches the end of his memorable tenure of the position of Housemaster, Mr Rob Le Poidevin has been appointed as his successor.

He finds it impossible to hide his excitement at this new opportunity. His enthusiasm will surely enable The Digby to continue thriving. Exciting times lie ahead.

72 |

As you may already have heard,

last year’s A level results were

rather good. In fact, they were the best ever, tumbling numerous

school records with well over a half

of the results graded A or A* and a jump to over 78% A*to B – up 6%

on last year.

that’s a great achievement in its own right, but the excellent exam grades also had a direct impact on the boys’ university successes. With 430 offers already on the table (another record), it was wonderful to see droves of grinning boys accepting places at Bristol, edinburgh, exeter, durham and ucL (our most popular russell group destinations) as well as a range of other prestigious institutions, including oxford and cambridge. Well done, boys. that said, lots of schools do well and, as a friend from one of the other all-boys independent boarding schools archly reminded me, last time he checked Sherborne was not top of the league tables. So what is all the fuss about? that comment, although made in jest, sums up some of the problems with league tables. for example, what should be recorded? Should we count aS grades (some performance tables do, others don’t)? What about exams taken early or, for that matter, GcSes taken in the Sixth form (astronomy and Geology GcSe form part of the Sixth form enrichment programme in 2017-18)? What about schools that do different post-16 qualifications like the IB and Pre-u: is an a* at a level the same as a 7 in IB and a d1 in the Pre-u? does it vary with subject, or is it the same for all (very much not the case for a*s in a level as the modern foreign linguists

aDDinG value For The FuTure

academic review

Deputy head (academic) Dr Tim Filtness

celebrates the achievements of last year’s a level students a recent change in the tariff system, tend to weight performance quite differently from other measures. on top of this we have the new dfe performance systems – the Progress 8 and the attainment 8 – which state schools are currently wrestling with. and, while they do now recognise International GcSes and a levels, you need to have completed Sats in Year 6 and the eBacc in Year 11 order to qualify, neither of which applies to us. aside from analysing raw results, one concept that is fairly commonly used by schools – chiefly because it levels the ability playing field and neatly sidesteps many of the issues identified in the previous paragraph - is that of ‘value added’. In essence, durham university designed this system to compare how well pupils do in their public exams with the results achieved by boys and girls of the same ability who took the same exam course in previous years: if they do better, they have ‘added value’, and, if not… well, let’s not dwell on that. the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) has been using this measure for a number of years to gauge performance. So when our 2015 ISI Inspection report said, “the quality of the boys’ achievement and learning is excellent” it was assessing the value Shirburnians add compared to other boys. Indeed, the evidence that justifies this choice of adjective (there is a sliding scale – ‘excellent’ is the top category) is taken directly from our value-added data, which schools release to ISI a few days before the inspectors come knocking. no league tables are published that rank schools by their value-added data, because durham university prefers for its data not to be used in this way.

will be quick to point out)?

However, it is possible to infer from the statistics approximately where in the

then there’s ucaS points, which

pecking order one’s school is. So, in the article it published on us in June,

incorporate a range of qualifications like the ePQ, level 3 diplomas and aBrSm music grades and, due to

the Good Schools’ Guide reported: “Sherborne… is proud of the fact that the school is in the top 1% in the country for value-added scores at GcSe and a level”.

| 73

So how does a school add value? this is the million dollar question and, while there are obvious contributors in the form of excellent teaching, good facilities, small class sizes, positive behaviour management, robust academic tracking, regular testing, out-of-class help and rigorous revision, I would choose to highlight two things that may be what placed our boys at the top of the pile last year: i) When the chips are down, Shirburnians are not afraid to work hard. I know that’s true of lots of boys in lots of schools, but when you see them mid-match on the upper, trekking up a mountain, or sprint cycling to Lyon, it is very obvious that Shirburnians have more grit than most ii) When our pupils push the boat out, they do so as a team I think this latter feature is one of the most powerful and least obvious secrets to our success last year. no-one got left behind and boys supported each other, revised in teams and literally worked hard together until the last man crossed the finishing line late in June. that’s a fantastic achievement, of which we can all be proud.

Lecture review:

“Modifying Humans: Where does generic stop?” v

Peter foLKeS (L6a) rePortS on an IntrIGuInG, and tImeLY, Lecture BY one of tHe uK’S LeadInG ScIentIfIc fIGureS

Genetic research is an ever more useful tool in the challenging fields of medical diagnosis and treatment. In March of this year, members of the Bio Society and DocSoc gained an insight into this exciting field when we attended a lecture entitled “Modifying Humans: Where does genetics stop?” by Lord Professor Robert Winston.

I must confess that, like others, I was slightly sceptical of the lecture since I thought that Professor Winston, one of the country’s leading IVF researchers with more than 300 scientific publications to his name, would focus on complex genetic methodology. But nothing could be further from the truth: instead, he gave us a brief insight into his beliefs and how scientific research has been moulded and influenced by human imagination and creativity.

Our genetic code enables us to become complex organisms, with no small finesse. This was illustrated when Professor Winston showed a memorable video clip of the Wiener Philharmoniker playing the 4th movement of Haydn’s Symphony No 88. It was conducted by Bernstein, who did so using facial expressions alone. The clip illustrated how human expression and emotion can be conveyed through music. Professor Winston linked this to genetics, as he suggested that musical talent and musicianship could be rooted in our genetic code.

It is clear that some people have a genetic code that enables them to perform at a higher level than others within a particular discipline. By the same token, there are some individuals who are afflicted by a genetic mutation. This was evidenced by Professor Winston via historic works of art, since examples indicated how people with certain genetic afflictions were treated by society. This was used to help answer the initial question: “Where does genetics stop?”

With references to the Victorian polymath Sir Francis Galton, and the three giants of the American eugenics movement, namely Charles B. Davenport, Harry S. Laughlin, and Harry C. Sharp, Professor Winston explained how eugenics was widely used in the early 20th century. It wasn’t just the Nazis who tried to manipulate the human race. As Professor Winston showed, there is evidence of such activity in countries including the USA and the UK. Professor Winston also touched upon the next exciting phase of genetic study, namely epigenetics. This is where the environment has been shown to effect the phenotype of an organism, without a change to the genotype. Therefore there is no change in the DNA sequence, but rather the cell interprets the code differently when it is read. He briefly described how some genes are turned off and thus do not cause conditions such as heart disease, obesity and certain types of cancer. However, environmental factors can contribute to these genes being switched on with potentially detrimental effects.

To summarise, historical examples used alongside modern-day case studies kept us engaged throughout. The lecture was incredibly fascinating, hugely inspiring and greatly appreciated by all who attended.

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arT The

he

tWo SHIrBurnIan cHemIStS refLect on tHeIr entrY to tHIS Year’S cHemIStrY SYmPoSIum

oF The maTTer

Each year, the Chemistry Department runs

“Aerogel is a super light substance that has some very distinctive

a special symposia that give the boys an

physical properties. We discovered that Aerogel starts off as a

opportunity to undertake research into a

mixture of a solid (a silica component) and a solvent (an alcohol),

particular area of interest. They then

and then in order to extract the aerogel from the mixture, it is

present their findings to upper school

super-critically dried. Supercritical drying is when hot and

members from Sherborne, Sherborne

pressurized carbon dioxide is passed through the mixture,

Girls, Leweston, Millfield, Clayesmore and

removing the solvent and leaving behind an Aerogel. This specific

King’s Bruton.

Topics discussed this year included: the use of isotopes, electron transport chains,

drying technique is essential because it avoids the structure collapsing through capillary action.

The product (Aerogel) is composed almost entirely of air (99.8%),

chemical weapons, terraforming Mars,

something that is only possible because of its intricate structure,

non-steroid, anti-inflammatory drugs,

which allows it to be solid and porous simultaneously. This

“nitro - not just for blowing up stuff”, cold

structure gives it a cloud-like or ghostly appearance which has led

plasma, is global warming real, the

to it being described as frozen smoke. It has also broken several

chemistry of emotions, the oxygen

records in chemistry for being, until recently, not only the lightest

paradox, physics in chemistry, the science

substance known to man, but also the best insulator to date.

of smart materials, super acids, urea in car

Furthermore, Aerogel is known to have the rare characteristic of

exhausts, the heaviest of the elements,

having a lower heat conductivity than the air within it due to the

cryogenics, vantablack (the blackest

fact the pores slow down the air particles, thus lowering the heat

manmade substance), and metallic

transmission rate through the substance.

hydrogen.

Not surprisingly, Aerogel is widely used around the world. It is

Another presentation was by Felix Storer

mainly used in space exploration, where it helps insulate satellites

(L6g) and James Dixon (L6g), who focused

and Mars rovers, as well as collecting dust from passing comets. In

on Aerogel. In what follows, they share

addition to this, a number of scientists argue that it should be a

some of their learning.

potential alternative to keeping homes insulated. Although it is still

Will Buckley, Head of Chemistry

very expensive, many believe the average person will be able to afford it in the near future. In other words, your house could soon be installed with some superlight super-insulating Aerogel, or you may be wearing it to keep warm.

76 |

• Archie Tennant (5d)

| 77

a launch pad to success StudYInG ancIent LIterature SetS

You uP for LIfe,

rePortS retIrInG

cLaSSIcS teacHer PHILIP roGerSon

“I could’ve been a judge, but I never ‘ad the Latin…I never ‘ad the Latin to get through the rigorous judging exams.”

I was reminded of Peter Cook’s satirical sketch, in which a miner contrasts his career with what it might have been, when I noticed a few months ago that one of my first pupils in Yorkshire, who came from a mining village near Barnsley and whose father worked at a colliery, had just been appointed as a High Court Judge. He was one of a triumvirate of Oxbridge Classics successes that year. One of the others went on to get a doctorate in Late Roman History before becoming Chief Executive of the Rugby Football League.

Studying Classics has been a launch pad for a wide variety of careers for those whom I have taught during the last 35 years, from ambassador to

army officer, Oxford don to professional sportsman. The rigour of learning highly inflected languages has helped to develop these students’ mental discipline and acuity, but there is much more to it than that.

For example, my A level sourcebased course in Ancient History taught me to be cautious in drawing conclusions from fragmentary material. When I lived in Palestine, Israel and Jordan in the 1980s and wrote about social and political issues there, this training was invaluable.

Moreover, reading ancient Greek and Roman writers gets us to challenge our own cultural preconceptions by entering a different world. At the same time, we are introduced to themes that still preoccupy our own culture: Thucydides on the brutal realities of civil war and whether harsh punishment acts as a deterrent; Tacitus on “spin” versus reality in politics; Sophocles on whether it is right to contravene the laws of a dictator.

Great literature has an ability to affect us differently at different stages of our life. Aged 16, I struggled to translate, with the aid of a commentary and Penguin translation, the first lines of The Odyssey, but persistence took me

into a wonderful adventure expressed in evocative language.

Reading thousands of lines of Homeric Greek was a highlight of my time at university. But I view Odysseus’ pain at being separated from home very differently now, after meeting refugees who were uprooted from their homeland.

There are so many aspects of the ancient world to be studied that there is something for all tastes: different genres of literature, philology, ancient history, archaeology, art, philosophy. And for those who do not want to grapple with ancient languages, much can be gained by reading in translation.

Now that my pupil has become a judge, I am reminded of the final comment by Peter Cook’s miner: “Being a miner, as soon as you’re too old and tired and ill and sick and stupid to do your job properly, you ‘ave to go. But the very opposite applies to judges.”

My retirement from the classroom is not for me a retirement from Classics. I am looking forward to reading more Greek and Latin and to exploring new pathways, such as “progonoplexia” (the obsession with ancestors), and the influence of the ancients on modern Greek literature and song lyrics.

78 |

Drama a Year of HIGH

Drama has a long history at Sherborne School.

This year added to the annals in impressive fashion as Head of Drama Ian Reade explains...

| 79

This year has seen some incredibly exciting drama at Sherborne School, with the Upper Sixth A level Drama students directing some fantastic pieces in the Powell Theatre

Ben Dickins (U6c) was first out of the traps for Green House with a beautifully directed piece entitled “Bull” that was both highly comic and thought-provoking.

Next up was the charismatic Sam Hambro (U6d) directing for Harper House, with the Powell’s first devised piece, “Your Decision”. This took a leaf out of Mike Leigh’s book with a collection of naturalistic characters reworking an event from different angles.

The Senior Production featured both of the above boys and the remaining Upper Sixth Drama student, Alexandra Warren (U6g), in “Our Country’s Good”.

The production was staged using both Brechtian and Stanislavskian concepts, with a stunning composite set designed by our brilliant John Hill and painstakingly constructed by Jim Donnelly. The performances by the boys were very well-crafted and observed, with Ben Dickins again shining in the Powell but this time as an actor in the part of the ill-fated Harry Brewer. Harry Gibbs (U6c) did a wonderful job in the lead role, the fragile but charismatic Ralph Clarke (L6m), which was wonderfully off-set by the indelicate comedy of Henry Foreman’s performance as a Glaswegian Captain Campbell (U6d).

The Junior Play all happened in a whirlwind of lastminute devising energy. With only a six-week window a highly-talented collation of dynamic young minds from the Third and Forth Forms worked with me to put together a musical and irreverent version of “The Odyssey”, complete with rednecks and songs from the YMCA, alongside some complex, eye-catching physical theatre set pieces.

The curriculum drama has produced a series of fantastically devised plays this year from the Fifth Form and the U6, with candidates once again achieving at the very highest levels. The Fifth form produced a wonderful series on “Grimm’s Tales” and the U6 created a very intense piece based on James Joyce’s “The Dead”. Both year groups were highly commended by the examiners for their skill and for creating certain specific moments in their piece that they said were among the most impressive they had seen from examination students.

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82 |

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84 |

these performances were followed by the abbey House play, a pantomime directed

by Peter Ward. next came School House’s “Yes Prime Minister”, with fred

downham (L6a) producing a wonderful performance as the highly-strung lead.

In addition, this year has once again seen a large number of boys taking Speech and drama with Barbara darnley as an extra-curricular subject, fitting it in after school, at lunchtime and break, in Study periods and Q-time. 53 boys are taking Lamda grade exams this summer in acting, Speaking Verse and Prose and Speaking in Public. malhaar Shah (5a) deserves particular mention gaining a distinction in Grade 8 Speaking in Public in december.

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86 |

DESIGNS ON THE

future n o t H I n G B e at S m e e t I n G r e a L - L I f e c r e at I V e S W H e n I t c o m e S t o P L o t t I n G a c a r e e r Pat H , S aY S H e a d o f d e S I G n a n d t e c H n o L o G Y P e t e r c H I L L I n G W o r t H

o

ne of the challenges of boarding school life is to make sure that what we do is firmly linked to the world beyond the wonderful cloisters of

the courts. across the year the pupils have the opportunity to hear

from past pupils who have been through university and are now in the world of work, and this often has a great influence on their career choices.

Hearing practising designers explain their work helps the

by ripping away sections as a wood carver might do,

boys appreciate the link between their school-based

covered with adhesive and have millions of tiny fibres

design education and a professional context.

electrostatically aligned and applied. The final effect is

The talk that generated the most discussion this year was given

by

Patrik

Fredrikson

and

Ian

stunning.

Stallard

In the course of the year, the boys also heard from

(www.fredriksonstallard.com ). Patrik and Ian have been

Professor Daniel Charny, a director from “Now On” who

collaborating since the mid-nineties and their work

teaches Design at Kingston University. Professor Charny’s

together has evolved to create sculptural furniture and

2011 V&A exhibition “Power of Making” was the

installations that sit somewhere between Art and Design.

museum’s most visited free exhibition since 1950. His

They spoke with great passion and enthusiasm. They work with “generous” budgets and combine materials in a highly experimental way to elicit emotional responses.

inspiring talk challenged our students to step outside the curriculum and engage in a world of design beyond the classroom.

The boys were fascinated, for example, by the notion that

The boys have also been fortunate enough to work with

a sofa can be conventionally moulded from expanded

Carson Einarson this past year. Carson is a recent

polyurethane foam, crafted to resemble mountain ranges

graduate from The Savannah College of Art and Design

| 87

(SCAD) and was sponsored by The Sherborne School

working Super8 camera. During Commem Carson and

Foundation to spend a year based in the Art and the

the boys ran screenings of the great films that they had

Design departments. His brief was to work across the

written, directed, cast and filmed across the year. The link

whole school community using his passion for film-making

the school has established between SCAD and Sherborne

to inspire the boys.

has proved to be a great success and now sets up the

Carson’s background in working with young people helped him instantly to engage and his weekend work with groups of boys to use the laser cutter to build a large,

possibility of having a series of young graduates help our students lift their heads beyond their studies and start to really explore their creativity.

f

88 |

A estival of writing

the Sherborne Sessions once again provided an eclectic mix of experiences for students, as Head of english, rebecca de Pelet reports Between 11 and 15 October the school hosted 26 writers and hundreds of students from every secondary School in Sherborne for The Sherborne Sessions. It was thrilling to see pupils running across the Courts, hurrying down Cheap Street and queuing outside the Powell to hear the writers talk about why and how they do what they do.

Robert McCrum (b 71) (Associate Editor at The Observer) launched the festival at a dinner in the OSR, hosting pupils from Sherborne School, Sherborne Girls, Sherborne International, Sherborne Prep, The Gryphon and Leweston. His warm support of the festival centred on his desire to encourage students to be aware that there is such a thing as good and indeed bad writing, and that having taste (in the 18th century sense of the word) is now paramount in the face of so much writing that purports to be both intelligent and true but is in fact neither.

Prior to the dinner, The Oliver Holt Gallery hosted a thought-

provoking exhibition of image-and-text work by pupils from all the participating schools. Immediately after it the inaugural production of Radio 4’s Just a Minute took place, with contestants from here and Sherborne Girls. The show’s creator Ian Messiter (a 37) and his son Malcolm kindly came to the event and awarded the winning team a prize of attending a future recording of the real show at Broadcasting House. The event was brilliantly hosted by James Crawford (Head of

| 89 'What it's like being a Journalist' with Viv Groskop, comedian, actor, Journalist and Writer: 'Being more margo', her award-winning, post-Brexit stand-up tour.

Theology and radio producer) and proved so wildly popular that it is hoped it will become a regular fixture.

The festival properly then began with writers as varied as Evie Wyld, Christopher Reid, Rory Maclean, Viv Groskop and Sam Swallow of The Hoosiers talking about their work. Many of the sessions are in the form of an interview, enabling students to get a genuine sense of what the life – and indeed the childhood – of a writer is actually like. Speakers explored how to write travel pieces, plays, documentaries, novels, film scripts, jokes, translations, slam poetry, journalism, radio scripts, history, advertising copy, biographies, film reviews and lyrics: an extraordinary range.

In addition, every writer offered the chance to work with them for an hour, and so the most passionate students gathered in English classrooms to write and learn from the best in their fields.

These opportunities are some of the most important of the festival and mean that pupils from different Sherborne schools wrote poetry with Seamus Heaney’s and Ted Hughes’s editor, wrote film reviews – and recorded them for Sherborne School Radio – with Radio 1’s film critic, and performed their own song, on stage in front of two hundred of their peers, with a bona fide popstar (who also has a degree in Music from Cambridge).

The festival, launched in 2012, has benefitted from the kind sponsorship of The Charles Skey Charitable Trust, Justin Douglas, Flotilla Media and Rodney Short. The Sessions show that writing is not only a way of making a living, but is also a central component to making a life.

'telling real Stories' with rory macLean, author, Historian and fellow of the royal Society of Literature: 'Beneath the carob trees; the Lost Lives of cyprus' chronicling the work of the committee on missing Persons.

90 |

'BeInG funnY' WItH JameS raWLInGS, actor, founder and dIrector of Hoot comedY James rawlings started out as a comedian and formed comedy sketch act the consultants in 2001. they went on to win the Perrier newcomer award at the edinburgh festival and had 4 radio series on BBc radio 4. as a comedy actor he’s worked with most of the uK's leading comedy stars including chris morris (in nathan Barley), rob Brydon, Steve coogan and developed several sitcoms with Bill Bailey. He has starred in films such as the Best exotic marigold Hotel, St trinians, and Bridget Jones.

James started directing when he set up Hoot.

He’s directed over a 100 comedy, cinemas tV and digital spots for brands including tesco, Philips, Paddy Power, KLm, diet coke, asda, first direct, netflix and the Guardian.

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exPlorinG The unFamiliar

The Geography syllabus encourages students to develop detailed knowledge of key places in the world. Here, a fourth former explores India’s

Many economic factors played a part in developing India and making it the 10th largest economy in the world today. Globalisation has led to a shift in India’s industry: its economy has changed from relying on

economic development

industries such as farming and mining to importing

The new Edexcel GCSE course is not only more

Middle East, and exporting petroleum products

primary products, especially crude oil from the

rigorous and challenging in scope than its predecessor. It has a real emphasis on a detailed

extracted from the oil.

This has led to increased trade between India and other countries, shown by its exports going up 20

understanding of places.

times over the last 27 years, and a 500% increase in

This year, the fourth form boys have concentrated

GDP per capita.

on India, considering the impact of globalisation

Much of this development is thanks to India’s

on the country, the legacy of its caste system, and

government. In 1991, it began a programme of

the success of its economic independence. In what

This encouraged Foreign Direct Investment from

follows, Alexander Mewett (4a) examines India’s changing economic picture over recent years.

Tom Mason, Head of Geography

economic liberalisation, making a ‘market economy’. footloose companies, such as BT, because a market economy usually comes with lower tax on businesses.

These footloose companies came to India as it had a highly skilled working population and a low living wage, providing a huge amount of jobs for people living in urban areas of the country.

The result for was an increase in Rural-Urban migration and the rapid expansion of Indian cities. By 2014, 58% of India’s economy was made up of tertiary industry, and this

After all, six out of the top ten outsourcing cities in the world are situated in India! The big question that

number is still increasing.

India now faces is: has economic growth benefitted the country as a whole?

Alexander Mewett (4a)

| 93

MATHS Team Challenge The juniors took part in the Mathematics Team Challenge this year. Kai Miles (3d) and

Nicholas Morris (3a) teamed up with two other pupils from Sherborne Prep and came fifth in a strong field of 29 schools on a day full of puzzles and challenges.

The Seniors made a trip to Poole, with Will Shardlow (U6m), Hiroki Ogawa (U6e),

Lazar Lukic (L6e) and Ben Lock (L6g) representing us in the Senior Team Challenge. They did well and came fourth out of another strong field of 23.

Our best achievement this year is in the Y10 Maths Feast where our fourth form boys,

Aaron Kim (b), Henry Le Cornu (f), Nathanael Fagerson (c) and Harry Harvey (b) came top in the competition in Castle Cary.

Individual Mathematics Challenge It has been an outstanding year in this competition – probably our best result so far.

In the 2017 Intermediate Challenge (Third to Fifth form), we were awarded 16 Gold, 20 Silver and 22 Bronze medals. In the 2017 Senior Challenge, we managed 9 Gold, 21 Silver and 10 Bronze awards.

Most of the Gold award boys went on to the Kangaroo Challenge, a competition taken by

pupils worldwide. Jaroslav Maksimovs (U6e) and Hiroki Ogawa (U6e) gained merit in Senior Kangaroo, Aaron Kim (4b) in Pink Kangaroo and Kai Miles (3d) in Grey Kangaroo.

In addition, the school’s top Mathematician, Will Shardlow (U6m), was selected for the British Mathematical Olympiad.

if 94 |

The dir of langu IF YOU HAD TOLD MAX PURCHASE (U6b) THREE YEARS AGO THAT HE WOULD ONE DAY EMBARK ON A UNIVERSITY COURSE INVOLVING SPANISH, HE WOULD HAVE BEEN SURPRISED. “I QUITE ENJOYED LANGUAGES BACK THEN,” HE ADMITS. “BUT IT IS SO CUMULATIVE AND IT TAKES A WHILE TO UNDERSTAND WHERE IT CAN TAKE YOU.”

Now, Max is set to study Spanish in the UK or go to Madrid for a degree

in business. “Having a second language will make me more employable,” he states. “Knowing Spanish well is enhancing my

development. Speaking a language allows you to work systematically

and is a special gift.”

Reaching the end of his time at Sherborne, Antony Henderson (U6e) is planning to head out to Aachen University in Germany. Fluent in Portuguese, he now hopes to build on his increasing ability in another

language while studying engineering. “Learning German to A level has

shown me how many doors open through an awareness of other languages,” he observes. “Clearly, knowing another language well enables you to branch out in whichever direction you choose.”

rection uage

| 95

Studying languages at school and university lays important foundations for the future, says Stephen byrne, modern languages teacher

Max and Antony are by no means the exception at Sherborne School. Indeed, statistics covering the period 2008-2016 show that a degree incorporating a modern language is the second most common option among Shirburnians.

Moreover, one in every 12 boys leaving the school continues studying a modern foreign language in some capacity at university.

Over the last 10 years 121 boys have left the School and taken on a tertiary course involving languages, often going to top-rated universities like Leeds, Bristol Manchester and Cardiff.

What attracts these students to courses of this nature? According to careers advisors, the year abroad is a major factor. Taking 12 months out of a degree in a chosen subject to assimilate the culture, language and lifestyle of a European neighbour broadens students’ minds and opens doors to opportunities.

Kim Dunning in the Sherborne School Careers Department also comments that language courses are so varied in that they cover topics as diverse as literature, linguistics, culture, cinema, lifestyle, and

politics. She says this makes language learning at university very appealing.

From what the School knows, the majority of boys with degrees incorporating a linguistic aspect go on to work in city jobs, many in insurance or even the services. A handful of these are now working in the United States. So language isn’t necessarily an end in itself. It is, rather, a useful tool in enabling potential careers to be followed: having Spanish, French or German as part of your degree course opens doors and broadens horizons.

Ah, and then there is Brexit. How will this affect whether or not students continue to take up the option of studying languages at university? The answer is probably that the importance of languages will increase. Several major UK companies have already suggested their financial centres will now be in mainland Europe. The European Union has also hinted that English will play a far less significant role, implying that we will need to rely on other languages to communicate.

The age in which even the hard-nosed Little Englander will need to learn foreign languages to a higher level is about to dawn.

96 |

whaT i love abouT PhYSicS

T

Ben Fuller (4f) explores the inspiration of Physics...

he English word ‘physics’ comes from the

mass. Rock is nearly four times denser than water,

Greek ‘φυσις’ (phusis), meaning nature.

so if you go into the middle of an ocean, the force

Hence physics is the study of nature, and it is

acting on you is weaker than in the middle of Asia,

easily the most diverse discipline in academia: dealing with the tiniest parts of matter itself to the unimaginably large universe. Physics is ubiquitous in every part of daily life, not only behind how phones, GPS, cars and lights work, but also why the sky is blue, why the Earth is a sphere (nearly) and why you aren’t flung off it despite its surface speed of over 600 miles per hour in Sherborne. It can be astonishingly beautiful, such as in rainbows; it can be astonishingly counterintuitive, such as in Quantum Mechanics, where, according to one interpretation, anything possible happens in another universe, and according to another, a particle can be in two places simultaneously, but only if you’re not looking!

In physics, there are four forces governing the way matter can interact. One of these is the electromagnetic force, without which, electrons would not be attracted to nuclei and no compounds could form: life would be impossible.

The most familiar of these forces, gravity, we often take for granted as being a strong, omnipresent force - but it is strangely weak compared to other forces. One of Newton’s biggest breakthroughs was his Universal Law of Gravitation. It is, at heart, a beautifully simple equation which says that the strength of gravity is directly proportional to the product of your mass and the object’s mass, and inversely proportional to the distance between you squared. This means that the further away you are from something, the weaker the force between you and it. Consequently, if you climb a mountain the gravitational force acting on you is weaker than if you go down into a valley; albeit by a very small amount; you are further from the Earth’s center of

for example, since there is more mass on the land.

Einstein’s Special and General Theories of Relativity tell us that gravity and speed can affect the passage of time. Thus if you go to a place where gravity is weaker (eg. up a mountain) time runs slower for you. Moreover, the faster you go, the slower time moves for you, relative to not moving at all - so if you spend your life in a plane, but your twin stays at home, you will become younger than your twin. Of course, few of us are able to get far enough away from Earth or go fast enough for long enough for these effects to become noticeable. But if you do go and stand next to a black hole (an activity which I do not advise), or travel at speeds close to that of light, the effects will be immense. These effects are explored in the film Interstellar, although they are somewhat exaggerated. You can even download an app which will calculate how much older you are relative to a hypothetical person standing still at the equator, based on your location and movement: Time Warper (https://www.timewarperapp.org/). I’ve had it for a few days and I have aged more by 594 picoseconds (0.000 000 000 594 seconds)!

To conclude, physics can explain many phenomena with elegance. That’s what I like about it: I want to know the answers to the big questions - what is everything made of? How did the universe start? and physics is the subject which tries to find these answers. On the other hand, most physicists agree that everything we know about accounts for less than 5% of the universe!

Faith seeking understanding

For the new GCSE the boys have been contrasting the beliefs and

practices of Christianity and Buddhism. While the boys have

plenty of knowledge about Christianity from chapel and abbey

services they attend, Buddhism has been new territory for many of them. They have responded well to the meditations we have held Head of Theology, James Crawford, looks back on a year of exploration and discovery in Theology and Philosophy.

It has been a tumultuous year in the Philosophy and Theology Department.

We have seen the implementation of a new GCSE and A level qualification, as well as a new Enrichment option on pure Philosophy. However we appear to have weathered the storm and are in a good position, ready for new challenges ahead.

in class (with some of them losing themselves to such an extent that I wasn’t sure we’d ever get them back), and seem to have understood its central tenets well. In fact one boy, after he lost his folder, said, “We shouldn’t be upset I lost it sir; we should be grateful for the time I had it.” A very Buddhist attitude.

We have enriched this new course with a couple of visiting speakers, including Alison Berry, a representative of the Yeovil Street Pastors, who spoke very entertainingly about her work with the Saturday night revellers, and Buddhist prison priest John Bayley, who enlightened us with his stories about helping violent prisoners find their inner calm through meditation.

Our annual Philosophy debate was well-received with Mr Crawford taking on the head of Sherborne Girls’ Religious Studies Department over the problem of free will. We were also treated to a Q&A session with one of the Head Examiners at OCR, Michael Wilcockson. The members of the Lower Sixth who are studying the new A level asked him some particularly provocative questions.

Next year we will be taking the new qualifications, which is a moment of great uncertainty for all of us. We have tried to alleviate it by developing close links with the exam boards and it seems that the training we have received from them has paid off.

The teachers are as clear as they can be that they know what level the boys are working at.

Sadly we say goodbye this year to two members of staff: Rev Lindsay Collins and Peter Ward. They have worked very hard for all the boys they have taught and contributed greatly to the department. They will be sorely missed.

| 97

one hundred

98 |

years on

by Giles reynolds

| 99

Reactions from the Third form to

the war home. I was actually able

the Battlefields trip of 2017

to smell what mustard gas was

showed that History has the

like and then went underground

power to stimulate the

into a dugout – before this I had

imagination: the writing below

never been able to picture how

speaks for itself. The photo does

bad it was underground and that

the same.

was without the damp, smell and

‘One of the things that was hard to grasp about the countryside

Talbot House was a place where

around Passchendaele was how

soldiers could rest and relax in

this peaceful scene could be the

their days of leave from the front

scene of the largest massacre in

line and forget the horrors of war’

European History. It was impossible to transform the tranquil and green scenery into the muddy quagmire of hell that the men of both sides fought and died in one hundred years earlier.

The one thing that gave you a hint of the slaughter was the vast cemeteries, the endless rows of headstones, each one belonging to a man who had family and friends, each one a tragic loss for his loved ones.’

friends from the same regiment.

When we moved to the German cemetery there were thousands of bodies underneath one grave.

I thought to myself that this was sad and that everyone has the right to their own grave. They were innocent, some were just

respect.’

‘It is sad to think that this sea of white gravestones may be there for nothing, but this shows us what the cost is if world leaders

‘The Ring of Remembrance at

don’t come together and settle

Notre Dame de Lorette was

their differences.’

interesting as it contained names from different backgrounds such as men from African countries who rarely have memorials and women who died as nurses; this made the suffering from war appear inclusive as all the names

long, confusing and

from different places were put

as the Second World War.

honourable death with their

every cemetery or memorial

War can be a challenge: without as obvious a cause

their lives and died an

out of school. Everyone who dies

Great War’.

instant results, the Great

how these young men risked

to save others deserves proper

grave just says ‘A Soldier of the

media savvy and used to

the British cemetery; I thought

impression on me was that at

couldn’t be identified so whose

early twenty-first century,

‘I looked at the cap badges in

‘The thing that made the biggest

there were graves to people who

For the generation of the

rats.’

together.’ ‘The Passchendaele Experience Museum used clever techniques to bring the impact of

‘Being able to see my great-great grandpa’s name was emotional: I thought that our lives might be very different without their contribution.’

100 |

| 101

Sherborne

Sport

102 |

Even before the 2016-17 season had started, 120 boys attended pre-season training sessions which involved matches against development sides from both Millfield and Queen’s, Taunton. 26 players participated in the 1st XV’s pre-season trip to Carmarthen, training at the University of Wales and on Pembray Beach, as well as touring Llanelli’s home ground. This side, led by captain Ciaran Johnston (U6m), was able to claim two draws and a narrow win from three matches.

Rugby

| 103

The cornerstones of rugby at the School: hard work, commitment, pride and a desire to be ‘the best that you can be’ ensures Sherborne player’s stand out from the crowd, as this sporting year has testified.

104 |

It was by no means a vintage season for a relatively inexperienced 1st XV, with five wins and two draws to show for the 12 competitive inter-school fixtures played before Christmas.

The largest victory was a memorable 43-14 victory against Marlborough, a game in which both young débutant Max Harrison (5m) and well-motivated captain Ciaran Johnston (U6m) scored two tries. However, a 27-23 win in a first ever fixture with Hampton School was also of a high calibre, Douglas Hickling (L6c) provided two tries on that occasion. Gabriel Healy (U6m) was a pivotal figure in the scrum, combining pace and power and the sheer height and strength of Max Ayling (U6m) was sufficient to put off some opponents. On the flip side, the heaviest of the five defeats was a 53-7 mauling against Wellington. Rafe Yewdall (U6g) capped an excellent season by being selected for the England Lambs rugby squad.

Bright and breezy in their aspirations, an able 2nd XV enjoyed a successful season, recording eight wins and a draw in their ten matches, the solitary defeat being a narrow one, 24-21 to Abingdon. Captained by Kit Delamain (U6c) and Ben Heber (U6f), the team chose flanker Archie Maclean Bather (U6f) as its Player of the Season and scored 368 points (57 tries) to only 94 points conceded, managing nine tries against Bryanston and eight each against Radley and Bishop’s Wordsworth. Memorable moments included a 61-0 victory against perennial rivals Bryanston, Henry Carr-Smith (U6a) scoring a hat-trick of tries, and a 46-0 win against Bishop’s Wordsworth. Douglas Hickling (L6c) scored two tries both in that fixture and against Radley, whilst Dominic Prest (L6d) did likewise against Marlborough.

Large wins were secured in the final two

| 105

matches, as frost greeted the

largest victory was by 75-5 against

the final match was an entertaining

arrival of December, Alex

Bishop’s Wordsworth, in a match in

19-17 win away to a previously

Copinger-Symes (U6f) scoring two

which eight different players

unbeaten Cheltenham side, Clark,

tries in the opening fifteen minutes

scored tries. There were also

Deverell and Harry Taylor (L6c)

and Carr-Smith and Fin

scores of over 40 points against

scoring the three tries which

McLoughlin (L6g) also scoring

Marlborough, with six different try

brought victory.

twice as Hampton School were

scorers, and at Bryanston, where

defeated 52-10, before the side

Teddy Knollys (U6f) crossed the line

won 40-5 at Cheltenham. Twenty-

three times. Seven tries marked a

five different players scored tries

45-12 victory over Hampton School

for the side, Copinger-Symes

in the penultimate fixture, Guy

topping the list with nine in all.

Deverell (L6m) scoring twice and Key, Jimmy Martyr (U6m), Harry

In nine matches, an ambitious

Clark (U6a), Billy Slim (L6m) and

3rd XV recorded seven victories

Alex McNair Scott (L6m) one

and just two defeats, against

apiece. However, this side was built

Radley and Wellington. Ranked

on a strong defence, with the

amongst school 3rd XVs, this team

tackling of lock Tommy Lane (L6d)

came ninth in the country. Led ably

and talented winger Tom Crinks

by captain Seb Key (U6a), the

(U6b) proving highly effective and

A powerful and potentially strong Despite playing just four inter-school matches, the 4th XV performed with real commitment and dedication. Two victories were forthcoming, one being the dramatic 17-10 victory over Abingdon, secured through Oscar Norris (U6m) from captain James Pyman’s (L6e) intelligent kick through, after Louis Down (L6m) and Jonathan Natterer (U6f) had scored earlier tries. A brace of tries from the powerful running of Ben Wood (L6d) secured a 29-20 win against Marlborough, but there were also defeats at the hands of Radley and Wellington. Giles Cook (L6g) held the side together in the pivotal position of scrum-half, with Bill Shelley’s (L6c) relentless tackling of primary importance. Prior to injury, Milo Stampa Orwin (L6a) was dominant in the pack, whilst Archie Macintosh (L6a) and Jasper Jones (U6m) also played important roles for the team.

Colts A side won and lost six of their 12 fixtures this season under the astute captaincy of Hunter Strand (5b). These statistics were distorted by a run of five successive defeats which included a 57-point loss at home to Wellington on The Upper, but the side otherwise enjoyed relative success by running hard lines and always looking dangerous in attack. The season opened with a 38-12 victory over Bishop’s Wordsworth, a game which included a hat-trick of well-worked tries from full-back Will Westmacott (5c).

Barney Stannah (5m) ran in a brace of tries in the 48-19 victory at

They may have lost four games, but the 5th XV enjoyed victory when they recorded 12-7 at Radley, a magnificent stage for their solitary success. On that occasion, tries from Archie Macintosh (L6a) and Travis Parker (L6d) brought the win. Defeats came against Marlborough 4th XV (after their match against Sherborne 4th XV), Wellington, Clayesmore, despite a farewell try from inspirational captain Toby Trumper (U6d), and Cheltenham, this final game in December featuring a drop goal from inside his own half from Ben Besse (L6b). Henry Jones (L6g) and Cameron Bowden (L6g) were effective runners, the fearless Tom Hoare (L6e) dictated many of the rucks, Tom Irby (L6g) was a force in the loose and Seb Woodhouse (L6b) used his pace to good effect.

Abingdon, whilst Westmacott, second row Sam Lawson Johnston (5b) and centre Max Harrison (5m) scored twice each as Budmouth were defeated 45-12 in the County Cup; Harrison was to score two tries again, when the side played Radley, and enjoyed his promotion to the 1st XV. Max Mayer (5a) epitomised the character of this lively side, with Alex Colville (5m), Yanis Hammick (5m) and Wynn Thomas (5m) effective in the pack, Charlie Moss (5d) hard to contain and Petch Pibuldham (5a) always to the fore, whilst Tom Hague (5c) proved continually effective with the boot and with ball in hand.

| 107

Two victories in eight encounters was an imbalanced return for an enthusiastic and determined Colts B side. The two victories came before half-term, a 7-5 victory over Bishop’s Wordsworth coming as a result of a very late Bryn Jones (5e) try, ably converted under pressure by Finn Whitehead (5g) and a 33-14 win against Bryanston featuring two tries from hooker Tom McCaig (5b) and one apiece from Brian Tshivhase (5b), Niki Dembinski (5c) and Yuri Hashimoto (5g).

There were heavy defeats to Marlborough and Wellington, but also three incredibly close games at the end of term, all ending in defeat on the road at Abingdon, Canford and Hampton School.

This final fixture featured two tries from Whitehead in a narrow 17-15 loss. Charlie Peele (5a) was a force to be reckoned with in a pack brought to life by flankers Richard Crane (5b) and Hector Hamilton (5c), whilst Jonty Walliker (5g) and Harry Case (5g) held the backs together.

After a run of defeats, victory is all the sweeter and so it was for a spirited Colts C side.

Losses at Radley, Marlborough, Wellington and Abingdon preceded a 47-17 triumph at Clayesmore.

Powerful runner Jacky Zheng (5e) and nimble winger Charlie Sutton (5f) scored two tries each, whilst Freddie Graham (5c), Harry Springett (5d), George Hutchinson (5c) and captain Nick van Kan (5b) all crossed the line to secure victory. The final game of the season was subsequently lost, to leave the side with one victory in six matches. Ben Carter-Savigear (5d), James Atwell (5f) and Angus Tett (5a) all scored in the defeat at Radley, with Jasper de Pelet (5e) and Robert Kennedy (5f) effective in the pack, whilst Johnny Stanford (5c) was a useful play-maker at scrum-half.

Ten victories in twelve games is a hugely positive return for any team and a talented Junior Colts A side achieved precisely that. Despite narrow losses against Bishop’s Wordsworth and Wellington, large victories were recorded on several occasions.

Marlborough were defeated 41-0, with Hal Little (4a) celebrating his call-up to Bath Academy by scoring a hat-trick of tries, Radley were seen off 49-0, with Felix Connolly (4e) recording three on this occasion, and Connolly and Ollie Noble (4m) both scored twice in a 35-0 success against Canford. In addition, inspirational captain Sam Reynolds (4c) crossed the line three times as Abingdon were defeated 38-10 and Lorcan McLoughlin (4g) scored twice in a 22-14 victory over Hampton School.

This side owed a great deal to the forceful scrummaging of Nathanael Fagerson (4c), Tom Carr-Smith (4m) and Toby Jones (4b), arguably unsung heroes in a successful side. A determined 29-3 victory at a wet and windy Bristol Grammar School saw the side through to a January round-ofsixteen cup-tie away to Ivybridge, where they fell to a narrow 29-21 defeat.

108 |

Although in the shadow of the illustrious A side, the Junior

Colts B played with enthusiasm and spirit, recording six victories from their nine fixtures, the largest win being 50-0 against Bishop’s Wordsworth, and remained undefeated at home. Two Christian Johnson (4d) tries secured a 29-5 win over Canford, whilst a 40-5 win against Bryanston featured tries for Andy Zheng(4e), Felix Chillingworth (4m), Toby Whigham (4c), Luke McLaughlin (4c), Freddie Williams (4a) and Charlie Culver (4f). There were three defeats, all by narrow margins, and in spite of a great comeback against Wellington, before Alex Norton’s (4b) try led the side to a 19-12 victory over Hampton School in the final fixture. This final score was the result of the continuous improvement in a pack which featured an impressive back-row duo of Chillingworth and Will Gower (4a), whilst Joe Heber (4f) was an ever-present.

Eager and committed, the Junior

Much promise was to be found in

Post (3a) scoring twice. A 46-13

the Mini Colts A side, who played

victory over Radley featured no

of their six fixtures. Ben Beach (4c)

with exuberance, skill and pace

fewer than five tries from

will have been delighted with his

and their coronation as County

Thompson, with Charlie McCaig

try against Clayesmore, although

champions is recorded elsewhere.

(3b) crossing the line twice and

the match was lost narrowly. The

Five matches out of nine were won

Olly Westmacott (3c) once.

solitary victory was a memorable

by this side, which gives indication

However, the going was not always

one, secured by a 14-12 margin

of providing a number of players

so easy and narrow defeats

against Radley, with Toby Whigham

to the top school sides in years to

followed against Marlborough and

(4c) and Tom Dubois (4a) scoring

come. Bishop’s Wordsworth were

Bryanston, both Usher twins, Sam

the side’s two tries that afternoon.

defeated 52-7 with the speed of

(3m) and Will (3m) scoring in the

winger Jai Thompson (3m)

latter, a 17-18 loss, before the side

supplying three tries and Jonathan

crashed 47-5 to Wellington.

Colts C side won one and lost five

| 109 Eight victories in nine games was an excellent return from the against four different sides: Canford were seen off 45-5, with Sean Buckley (3a) scoring a hat-trick of tries; a 47-12 win over Clayesmore featured tries from seven separate players; and Buckley and Harry Tyrer (3e) scored two tries apiece in a 46-0 success against Bishop’s Wordsworth. In addition to scoring a hat-trick in the 36-5 win against Cheltenham, Tyrer also scored three times against Hampton School, a 47-7 victory being enhanced by two Myles Harrison (3f) tries. Charlie Cunningham (3f), the outstanding player on the field against Cheltenham, was a productive and keen member of the side, whilst Max Pugsley (3d) held the pack together and captain

rugby Sevens

Mini Colts B side. More than forty points were recorded

Will Brown (3c) provided strong leadership.

In winning two of their seven fixtures, the Mini Colts C side played some entertaining rugby. There were two heavy defeats, 44-0 at Wellington and 31-0 to Bryanston, but other losses were narrow and the two victories were well-deserved.

Canford were defeated 34-5 in an expansive show of what the team could offer, whilst a memorable 26-22 victory over Radley featured two tries from Edouard Bale (3g) and one each from Archie Hunt (3a) and Edward Eve (3c), with Hunt supplying a master-class in how to kick for victory.

Of seven matches played, the Mini Colts D side was able to win one. Sure, there were defeats, four of the six by large margins, especially against Abingdon and Wellington, but the side did not give up. The victory was worth waiting for; an enthralling 31-24 success against Bryanston which included four individual tries from Jack Leaf (3b) and one deserved try

Fourteen boys attended pre-season training

from the side’s captain Hugo Dalley (3b). The final game of the

sessions ahead of the Rugby Sevens season

season was also a tight affair, as the side went down 34-27 to

in the spring of 2017, school sides entering

Marlborough, with Leaf scoring a hat-trick of tries before

six competitions with the 1st VII winning the

William Ashton (3m) powered over for a last-minute score.

Bryanston tournament and the Under-15s the Sherborne Sevens. The Under-14 side won the plate at the prestigious Dean Close

It is rare for a school to be able to put out a Mini Colts E side,

Sevens event in February; having lost in the

but this was the platform for many eager, enthusiastic boys to

group stages of the cup to the eventual

start their Sherborne rugby career. There were three matches

winners, Bromsgrove, the side stormed

played and although all three were lost, the opportunity to

through the plate competition and defeated

represent Sherborne was taken well. Bertie Wilson (3a) was an

Cheltenham College 24-12 in the Plate Final.

effective scrum-half, whose kicking earned his side ample time to regroup. There was a 52-0 defeat at the hands of

At the Reigate Grammar Tournament in

Wellington and a 40-10 loss to Radley. However, the closest

March, the Seniors defeated Judd School,

encounter came against Bryanston, in a match lost by six tries

Hurstpierpoint, Culford and the hosts, before

to five, with William Ashton (3m) and Jackson Shine (3m) both

losing to Epsom College in the semi-finals.

crossing the line twice and William Eykyn (3e) once.

Later the same month, whilst an impressive Under-14 side reached the semi-finals, the

In the House matches, The Digby won the round-robin

Under-15 team won the Sherborne Sevens,

tournament amongst Third Year and Fourth Year teams, but

Tom Carr-Smith (4m) scoring the critical try in

were defeated by a last-minute try from The Green in the

the final.

Senior competition.

| 111

Keeping it in the Family

there is nothing like stepping in the footsteps of

illustrious siblings. nathanael fagerson (4c), a

critical member of the Junior colts a forwards,

was selected as a prop for the Scotland under-

16 rugby squad and played in a tournament in

north Wales. a music Scholar for his work with

bassoon, cello, piano and voice, he had to catch

an early morning flight to the trials after fulfilling

his musical commitments on the bassoon at the

Scholars’ concert the night before. Just fifteen,

nathanael is following a career path already

trodden by his two elder brothers, who were

both educated at Strathallan. Zander, an

accomplished singer as well as a prop with

Glasgow Warriors, won his ninth cap for

Scotland during the Six nations tournament this

spring, whilst matt plays back row for Glasgow

Hawks and has made a few appearances for the Warriors, representing Scotland at both under-

16 and under-18 level. “I will say I’m inspired by

my brothers”, nathanael says, “in that it makes

me want to become better and it’s a bit of family

rivalry”. So, will we see three fagerson brothers

in the Scottish side together one day? “to be

honest, I don’t see myself going down

a professional rugby career. my brothers are

both a lot more dedicated than I am and seeing

them do all the hard work for something they

love is great, but not something I see myself

doing in a few years.”

Barbados

Just prior to christmas, thirty-five boys took part

in an eleven-night cricket and hockey tour to

Barbados, staying on the west coast of the island

at Holetown. the hockey team was able to play

four fixtures at the usain Bolt Stadium against a

selection of sides representing the Barbados

development Squad. Having won the first two

fixtures narrowly, a 3-2 defeat in the third set up

a tense final game, which was drawn 2-2 to

ensure a series win. meanwhile, the cricketers

took part in five matches against club and school

sides, playing on two occasions against an

olympic sprinter. despite collapsing to 9-4 in the

opening game, there were three victories as

opposed to just two defeats in an encouraging

warm-up ahead of the season. the group was

also able to enjoy a catamaran cruise on the final

day, which took in swimming with sea turtles and

the chance to snorkel on the site of a shipwreck.

112 |

academy rugby On-field success with Sherborne enabled nine students to receive invitations to pre-season training camps with Bath Rugby Club. Douglas Hickling (L6c) and William Bailey (L6e) represented Bath in Under-17 matches against Exeter Chiefs and Bristol and featured in the Under-18 Bryanston Sevens No school had ever retained the Bryanston Sevens, but Sherborne, captained by Archie Bourne (U6g), did so this year in exciting circumstances. Group victories over Wellington School, Bryanston and Bristol Grammar preceded a 40-14 win

pre-season training squads. Will Westmacott (L6c) was included in the Under-17 pre-season training squad, whilst Sam Reynolds (4c) gained selection for the Under-16 squad at the Wellington Festival a year young.

He is joined for pre-season training by Hal Little (4a), Nathanael Fagerson (4c), Ollie Noble (4m), Tom Carr-Smith (4m) and Archie Walwyn (4m). Sherborne 1st XV lock Max Ayling (L6m) was retained by London Irish Academy, Felix Connelly (4e) by the Harlequins Academy and Charlie McCaig (3b) at the new Premiership Champions Exeter Chiefs’ Junior Academy.

over Kingswood, Bath in the semi-final. The exceptional moment of this run had been

Hal’s Hat-trick Try Towards the end of the Junior Colts’ emphatic 41-0 victory over

Patrick Reynolds (L6c) chasing,

Bishop Wordsworth, Hal Little (4a) completed his hat-trick of tries

gathering and covering forty

with the best-worked move of the opening Saturday of the rugby

metres to elude Bryanston

season. Marcus Prest (4d), Tom Carr-Smith (4m), Nathanael

defenders and score in a 19-12

Fagerson (4c) and Felix Connolly (4e) scored a try apiece, but it

win. In the final, four tries

was the impressive Little who stole the show. A break down the

appeared to have secured

short-side from Jamie Hart (4e) led to an off-load to Lorcan

victory, only for Portsmouth

McLoughlin (4g), who side-stepped and off-loaded to Little who,

Grammar to overturn a twelve-

having been everywhere on the pitch all game, burst through off

point deficit and force sudden

an excellent support line to score under the posts. “It was a great

death, in which time Nick Jonas

try to score because we had been working on off-loading and it

(L6f) casually kicked a drop goal

felt like a real team try”, said Hal.

to secure the title.

National Schools Sevens

County Champions

Max Harrison’s Try

Thirty-seven boys represented

As a term of exciting rugby drew to

His two tries in the Colts A’s 26-16

Sherborne at the National Schools

a close, the Mini Colts A travelled

victory over Radley in September

Sevens tournament at Rosslyn Park

to Bryanston to face Canford in the

earned a call-up for the 1st XV

in March. The week opened with

County Cup Final. The game

match against Bryanston for centre

the Under-16 side winning their

started positively, with Theo Irving

Max Harrison (4m). Coach Rhidian

group before losing to the holders

(3g) running excellent lines in attack

McGuire’s match report for the

Brighton College in the following

and the defence looking strong,

Colts A match effused: “following a

round. An Under-14 side also won

and Olly Westmacott (3c) bursting

break and offload in his own half by

their group before being eliminated

through early on to open the

Charlie Moss (4d), Max Harrison

from the competition on the second

scoring. There were four first-half

raced 60m, beating five defenders

day, after three defeats in four

tries and three more after the

to touch down in the corner and

second-group matches.

interval, with Frey Hopkinson (3f),

bring Sherborne back to life”. This

captain and fly-half Charlie McCaig

dramatic try turned the game in the

With two wins and two defeats, the

(3b), Pere Seriake Dickson (3m) and

home side’s favour. Max was rightly

1st VII were eliminated at the group

Harry Tyrer (3e) all scoring before

very proud of the try, but praised

stage, the pick of their games being

two late tries from Jonathan Post

Charlie’s part, as the offload came

a bruising encounter with

(3a) sealed a memorable 41-7

out of the back of his hand. “I just

Llandovery College. The outbreak

triumph. As far as the School is

ran away towards the line”, he

of emotion at the end of the final

concerned, the County Cup has

repeated, “twisting past the fullback and then stepping the winger

game was an indication of the levels

been retained; for this talented and

of pride and focus shown towards

exuberant bunch of young men, it

to score over to the right of the

their school rugby over the past five

may prove to be the first of many

posts”.

years.

honours on the rugby field.

| 113

Peach of a Kick Drawing 10-10 against Abingdon with just three minutes remaining, the 4th XV won a penalty on the half-way line. With the opposition believing the kick would go to touch, James Pyman (L6e) caught the eye of Oscar Norris (U6m) and played a delightful kick in the opposite direction, where his team-mate collected the kick and ran unopposed under the posts.

“It was a great feeling when the plan worked”, said James. “I didn’t think the opposition would see what we were doing.” Oscar was elated with his try – “it was great to score it”, he said.

The Four-Leaf Clover Not an enormous degree of rugby success came the way of the Mini Colts D side this season on the rugby pitches of south-west England.

However, a major highlight was an exciting 31-24 victory over a Bryanston C side, this win featuring four tries from

Golf

Jack Leaf (3b). Pleased with

In addition to three defeats, the School’s golf side enjoyed a win before

his own performance, Jack

Christmas. This 3-2 victory against King’s College Taunton came as a result of

said he was pleased to score

great play from Charles Stagnetto (4a), Charlie Symonds (L6c) and Johnny Page

as many tries in one match, a

(L6f) and saw the team though to the next round of the cup where, despite the

feat he had also achieved at

return from injury of captain Thomas Stagnetto (5a), King’s Taunton A were

a junior age group. Having

victorious.

scored twice before halftime, he added two more

Five boys represented the school at the England Public Schools’ Invitation

after the interval and was

tournament in March at Burnham and Berrow. In losing 3 ½ to 1 ½ against

most pleased with the

Marlborough, who were to lose the final to Radley, Sherborne were indebted to

fourth. “I took a pass from

Charles Stagnetto, who won his match 6 and 5, and to Thomas Stagnetto, who

our fly-half Cosmo

came back from three down with four to play to tie his match. Receiving a bye

Henderson (3e) after a

into the consolation final, the team lost 2 ½ to 1 ½ against Monmouth on the

defensive scrum”, he

Channel course, with Giles Cook (L6g) and Tom Chatwin (L6d) playing alternate

related, “and I had a long

shots in the fourth match, and Will Loughlin (3d) losing by just one hole. In the

way to run, but it was all

Trinity Term, there was a 2-2 draw with Sherborne Golf Club.

worth it”.

114 |

Athletics Despite dominating the sprinting events, the Seniors came third at the Bryanston relays, the Juniors simultaneously retaining their trophy with something to spare.

At the King’s Bruton meeting, the home school defeated Sherborne by just two points, after we had won eleven events

Basketball

in all, both schools being more

Prior to Christmas, two basketball

the field. Iranola Folorunsho

matches were played and both

(5b) won the 100m at the May

were lost narrowly to Sherborne

Bryanston meet, with Alex

International. Captain Mark Yuen

Warren (U6g) winning the discus

than a hundred points clear of

(U6e) scored fifteen points in a

and the junior 4x100m securing

33-22 defeat and James Cordery

victory too, on the same day

(L6e) and Theo Li (L6g) scored eight

that high-jumper Oscar Jones

and five respectively in a 36-21 loss.

(5m) and sprinters Jai

Arthur Stickland (4a), Josh Paveley

Thompson (3m) and Jonathan

(5f) and Leif Reedy (5f) all made

Post (3a) were excelling at

their first appearance for the side in

Millfield.

the latter fixture. The January term started with a resounding 38-11

The first half of the summer

victory over Sherborne

term is always a busy one for

International, Jason Henderson (5e)

the school’s athletes with

contributing a personal best 19

squads competing at

points, the side having been 11-0

Bryanston, Bruton, Yeovil,

ahead inside the first quarter.

Millfield, Marlborough and

Following this, however, came six

Canford in the early weeks of

consecutive defeats, including a

term.

75-39 trouncing at Winchester, Yuen scoring twelve points. These

However, the story of the season has been Charlie Hickling (U6d) who is now the fastest Shirburnian in history breaking the 100m and 200m records, with times of 10.70s and 22.00s, beating times that have stood since 1987 and 1978 respectively.

Dorset Athletics Championships Billy Slim (L6m) Harry Boulton (4m) George Case (4m) Toby Jones (4b) Will Westmacott (5c) Bertie Miller (4f) Oscar Jones (5m) Jai Thompson (3m) Jonathan Post (3a) Charlie McCaig (3b) At South Wests in Exeter in June, nine boys competed and four won selection for the Nationals, to be held in Birmingham in July: Charlie Hickling 100m, Jonathan Post 300m, Charlie McCaig javelin, Will Westmacott 100m hurdles.

Clay Pigeon Shooting

There were excellent team

Cameron Cooper (4d) proved his skill

defeats did, though, include three

results with wins at King’s

in this discipline by winning the

very close encounters, Cordery’s

Bruton and Bryanston, while on

Individual Shooting Trophy at Millfield

eleven points coming in a 30-27

an individual level the squad

in Sherborne’s first-ever inter-school

defeat to Dauntsey’s, whilst a 32-28

has also met with much success.

Clay Pigeon match, coming top out of

loss against Canford featured

Fourteen boys have been

72 competitors. The team came fifth

eleven points from Tanapat

selected to compete at the

at this event, with Harry Le Maistre

Tanachaisukij (U6e) and six apiece

County Championships in June,

(5g) also shooting well. Equally, the

while school records have been

side ended up in fifth place again at

from Yuen and Karl Li (5e).

tumbling on a regular basis.

Marlborough, Tom Pope (L6m)

Tantalisingly, the side then lost

Will Westmacott (5c) now holds

finishing up in fourth place overall. In

33-32 to Clayesmore, Henderson

the U17 hurdles record outright

a friendly event held at the Mendip

(13.8s) and also broke the U17

Shooting Grounds in June, faced by

scoring half the side’s points.

However, the run ended with an

200m record which has stood

various Millfield teams, Cameron and

encouraging 57-54 victory over

since 1975 (23.30s).

Tom came first and second with 32

Wells Cathedral School to leave the

and 30 points respectively, ahead of

team with two wins and eight

Tom Wood (4f), in third place with 28

defeats to its name.

points.

| 115

crossgham Hilly nnual Gillin a e fifth th t a gory nishing in der-18 cate yre (L6a) fi n E U e e it a th w h in Crost cond cond in 6a) came se rse, William m) came se u (L (4 y co rr se e a ile B C -m n e lf rg Jorda -a-ha where Geo seven-and Downside. ore event, ce, over a sm ra ye y la runners at tr C n u ve e fi co th yft in fi d f ir o t th o nth ou an was als d) came te place. Jord z Meaker (3 Je . ce ra ediate the Interm

untry Cross Co

Subsequently, the team came fourth out of ten

In the inter-house Cross Country event held in March

schools at Bryanston Relays, Jordan Berry coming

at Sherborne Castle, the day after the Sherborne

seventh of forty runners, and second to Bryanston in

Trophy run, Jordan Berry was the fastest boy home

the Sherborne Trophy, Will Shardlow (U6m) coming

and won the Harding Trophy. Frey Hopkinson (3f),

seventh and joined in the team by Berry, Crosthwaite

George Case, the afore-mentioned Freddie Baker and

Eyre and Guy Purbrick (L6g). Freddie Baker (5d) came

Harry Clark (U6a) won their respective year races, with

eighth in the Intermediate event.

The Digby winning overall both at Intermediate and also at Senior level.

116 |

Skiing Prior to the DHO British Schoolboys’ Championships held in Wengen in January 2017, the Sherborne Ski Racing team was trained by Olympic coaches in both the slalom and giant slalom, and enjoyed a successful training session on the glacier at Tignes. At the championships themselves, there was a repeat of the success enjoyed in the spring of 2016. First, a team of Ben Nokes (U6m), Ben Pugsley (U6d), Tom Perkins (L6a) and Frey Hopkinson (3f) finished as runners-up in the plate competition, whilst a junior side of George Case (4m), Will Perkins (5a), Ignacio Rivero Anglada (4a) and Toby Jones (4b) came second in the cup. Subsequently, the slalom event saw George Case finish in seventh place and Will Perkins eleventh, the latter becoming in the process the first unregistered skier to finish; Will won the Under-16 title as a result. A team of the two Bens, Pugsley and Nokes, and the Perkins brothers then secured second place in the championships behind Dulwich College.

| 117

118 |

Football An enthusiastic 1st XI side won three and lost three of their six inter-school fixtures before Christmas. This record included an impressive 4-1 victory over Taunton School, Louis Stannah (U6m), Harry Fisher (L6m), Iranola Folorunsho (5b) and captain Dan Kendall (U6f) scoring the goals. A 9-1 victory over Downside also featured Jason Henderson (5e), Harley Cairnes (U6m), Brandon Bray-Sackey (5e) and Henry Davies (U6f) on the score-sheet. After Christmas, a further fourteen fixtures led to six wins and five defeats. The largest of these victories was a 7-0 triumph against Gryphon, in which Kendall scored a hat-trick and Harry Fisher (L6m) scored two before missing a penalty. This exceeded the 4-0 triumph over Taunton, Tom De Wesselow (L6c) scoring twice, the first a rising shot into the roof of the net, with Xandy Dembinski (U6c) adding the third and Harry Clark (U6a) the final goal, after Fisher’s shot had bounced back off the post.

There was also an exciting 4-4 draw

at the final whistle.In ten fixtures,

season ended with a 4-0 thumping

with Shaftesbury, Clark completing

the successful 2nd XI recorded

at Millfield.

a hat-trick. Cairnes and Stannah

eight wins. Led from central

offered a potent force on the wings,

midfield by the mercurial Henry

Unbeaten before the two losses to

whilst dominant centre-half Luke

Davies (U6f), who is able to strike

Millfield, with four victories and

Watson (L6a) coupled defensive

the ball with real technique and

three 1-1 draws to their collective

strength with an attacking power at

power, comfortable victories were

name, the 3rd XI built its success

corners, as witnessed by his goal

assured against both Canford and

on a solid defence in front of the

against QEH. Rory Millar (U6m) was

Taunton. The latter were beaten

ever-dependent goalkeeper

a more than able goalkeeper, Will

both home and away, the more

Cameron Bowden (L6g). Captain

Gracia (U6f) reliable in defence

decisive score being a 5-0 victory

Henry Carr-Smith (U6a) was a

alongside Rupert Chetwode (L6d)

away from home, in which Johnny

dominant force, ably supported by

and Hugo Pralle (L6a), Gabriel Healy

Page (L6f) scored twice, Ally Collins

the calm, decisive Horatio Byrne

(U6m) forceful in back-up play,

(U6f), Will Gracia (U6f) and Alan

(L6a) on the right and the roving

whilst the pairing of Hiroki Ogawa

Hughes-Hallett (U6a) once each.

Chris Kloster (L6e) on the left, with

(U6e) and Dominic Prest (L6d) in

Hughes-Hallett (twice), Collins,

swift-footed Ben Nokes (U6m) in the

central midfield added tenacity and

Page, Jake Jackson (L6a) and Xandy

middle alongside Jonathan

creativity to the side. From younger

Dembinski (U6c) all scored as

Natterer (U6f), best remembered for

year groups, Charlie Millar (5c), Rob

Canford were beaten 6-0. Harley

his thunderous volley, which

Hoare (4c) and Jamie Hart (4e) all

Cairnes (U6m) contrived to score

ricocheted off the bar against

played for the 1st XI this year. The

with a rabona to secure the 1-0

Sexey’s. The midfield were masters

season closed with a 2-1 victory

victory over Malvern, whilst Ali

of the counter-attack, Charlie

over The Pilgrims, in the final

Nathan (L6a) and Jackson, two

Symonds (L6c) racing up the left

Sherborne match refereed by the

creative players who contributed

and Harry Taylor (L6c) rampaging up

retiring Mr Don Cameron, who was

hugely to the side, both managed

the right, both able to supply

given an emotional guard of honour

to score against Downside. The

decent crosses into the danger

| 119

forgotten as Warminster were defeated 5-1. Captain Christian Robson (U6b) scored the opening goal before disappearing through injury, with James Dixon (L6g), Max Verschoyle (L6b), Tom Hoare (L6e) and Toby Hobbs (L6c), from a penalty, adding further strikes. Four goals ahead at half-time, the side was dependent on Louis Down (L6m) in goal and Ben Atwell (U6f) was named as man-of-the-match. A veritable goal-fest ensued against Millfield, with Sherborne eventually crashing to a 7-3 defeat, next season’s captain Ben MacLean (L6b) scoring the best of the goals in this match, before the season ended with a six-goal draw at Millfield.

A skilful Colts A side was restricted to two inter-school fixtures early in the term and both were lost by a 3-2 score. Against QEH, Brandon Bray-Sackey (5e) produced a skilful run and finish for the opening goal, before Charlie Millar (5c) added a close-range consolation goal late area, with the creative maestro

twice in each half of a 6-2 win at

on. An identical defeat at

George Clifford (L6a) and the

Malvern and David Arnal (U6d) and

Marlborough saw Barney Stannah

flamboyant Toby Trumper (U6d) in

captain Thomas Brooke (U6d)

(5m) score with a delightful free-kick

the centre. The highlights of the

scored three each at Warminster.

and James Atwell (5f) add a close-

season must be the well-earned 3-2

This fixture proved the zenith of a

range volley. The third fixture was to

victory against Warminster, grit and

remarkable season, a two-goal lead

end in a 14-1 victory over Mark

determination characterising the

at the break being converted, with

College, Bray-Sackey scoring a hat-

Sherborne spirit, with two strikes

some help from the spring wind,

trick in the opening ten minutes and

from Olly Minchin (L6g).

into a monumental 13-0 win, with

Oscar Jones (5m) scoring the pick of

Marlborough proved another nail-

the Purchase twins, Fin (U6b) and

the bunch from the half-way line

biting game, with two great goals

Max (U6b), both getting on the

and this was followed up by a

from Taylor and Toby Smith

score-sheet alongside captain Ben

comfortable 5-0 victory over Clifton

(U6c). The final 5-2 win against

Pratt (U6a). Henry Dixon-Clegg

and a narrow defeat against

Canford proved the strength of a

(L6d) chipped in with three goals of

Millfield. Meanwhile, an

roving attack, led by top goal-scorer

his own during the term, supported

amalgamated Colts and Junior

Sam Hambro (U6d).

by Harry Gibbs (L6m) and Guy

Colts A side beat Malvern 8-0, Bray-

Pybus (L6m). The unbeaten run

Sackey scoring the first of the four

Apparently undefeatable, the

ended in a 3-2 loss to Clifton,

goals in each half.

4th XI team recorded comfortable

Brooke heading against the

victories in all four of their early-

crossbar with the last action of the

season fixtures, scoring twenty-nine

match and the final game was lost

was a 3-1 home victory over

goals in the process through twelve

by the same score-line at Millfield.

Sherborne International. There were

different players. Ben Besse (L6b)

The highlight of the Colts B season

two goals in this game for Max

scored all the goals, two in each

Just four fixtures came the way of

Mayer (5a) and an incredible left-

half, as Marlborough were beaten

the 5th XI this year. A 2-1 defeat

footed shot from all of thirty-five

4-1. Toby Smith (U6c) also scored

against Wellington was swiftly

yards from Niki Dembinski (5c)

120 |

which shot into the net and provoked the loudest cheer of the football term. A second victory was recorded in March, when Brian Tshivhase’s (5b) first-minute goal led to a 2-0 victory over Sherborne International and there was a 1-1 draw with Dauntsey’s. In addition, the side lost 4-0 at Marlborough

proud record of a Junior Colts side

Clifton. The season ended with

and by 5-3 to Malvern, where

rapidly acquiring the reputation of

defeats at home to both Gryphon

Hosanna Serukenya (5c) gave the

being one of the best sides in the

and Millfield. To this win, draw and

team a first-half lead and Barney

school. The highlight was the

defeat can be added an enthralling

Trumper (5d) and Tshivhase added

comprehensive second-half display

4-3 loss at Marlborough, a topsy-

headers after half-time.

up the hill at Marlborough, when

turvy game involving Junior Colts B

Subsequently, goalkeeper Alex

five goals in rapid succession sealed

and Mini Colts A players, which saw

Vardon-Cardy (5f) was man-of-the-

a 6-2 win, Monty Westall (4c), Rob

Jack Tucker (4c) score his first two

match in a 2-0 defeat against

Hoare (4c), Max Nicholas (4e),

goals for the side and Jordan

Clifton. The eight fixtures were

Lorcan McLoughlin (4g), Ollie Noble

Mwangola (4e) curl home a

completed by two victories in the

(4m) and Harry Boulton (4m)

delightful right-footed strike. Toby

final week of term under the astute

claiming one apiece. William

Whigham (4c) proved an acrobatic

captaincy of Tom Wheeler (5m), the

Andrew (4d) maintained his position

goalkeeper, Aaron Kim (4b) and Ed

former win against Sherborne

as the outstanding junior

Jones (4g) were a dependable

International owing much to a last-

goalkeeper, with Toby Jones (4b)

central defensive pairing, Ben

ditch tackle from Harry Ollis (5a) and

and Louis d’Abo (4g), who scored

Beach (4c) a force to be reckoned

some creative play in midfield from

against Shaftesbury, proving solid

with at the heart of midfield and

Archie Fairclough Wood (5m). The

defenders in front of him. Jamie

Freddie Wilson (4a) a power-house

latter win, 3-2 at Millfield after

Hart (4e) is the focal point of a side,

at left wing-back.

having been two goals in arrears,

which was enhanced this season

spoke volumes for the character

through the addition of Nathan

Ben Beach (4c) captained the

and battling qualities of this side,

Sideso (4e) on the left. Marcus Prest

Junior Colts C in their first fixture, a

team-work being a critical feature;

(4d), having forged a crucial role for

7-1 defeat at the hands of Malvern,

this left the team with four winds, a

himself in midfield, was rewarded

with Freddie Durlacher (4a) playing

draw and three defeats to its name.

with the final goal in the

exceptionally well on the right of

The Colts C lost their first game 8-0

Shaftesbury match.

midfield. A second match resulted in a 3-2 victory at Millfield, Guy

against Dauntsey’s, having trailed 6-0 at the interval; a second fixture,

An exciting 7-2 victory over

Romilly (4m) scoring the winning

level at the interval following Alex

Sherborne International proved the

goal after the side had trailed 2-1 at

Colville’s (5m) “fearsome strike”,

highlight of the Junior Colts B

the interval and Ollie Dixon (4g)

resulted in a 3-1 defeat to Millfield.

season, Lorcan McLoughlin (4g)

scored a hat-trick as the same side

The best was saved until last, Jack

scoring four times and midfielder

was defeated 4-3, the Junior Colts

James (5d) scoring early against

Finlay Cooper (4d) twice. Joe

C thus winning all three of its

Sherborne International, whose

Watson (4a) scored twice in the 3-3

fixtures. Some of this team had also

equaliser came in the final minute

draw with QEH and a hat-trick in

featured in a Junior Colts B/C game

of the match.

defeat, when Shaftesbury won 5-3

at Millfield earlier in the term, a 4-3

on Carey’s in early March, whilst Ben

loss which also featured several

Five wins prior to an exciting final-

Wadham’s (4m) last-minute

Colts B players; James Atwell (5f)

day draw with Millfield was the

equaliser earned a 1-1 draw with

scored twice and captain Billy

| 121

including a last-minute goal, whilst Edmond Farhat (3e) came on as a substitute to score a fifteen-minute cameo hat-trick. This undefeated side, captained by Harry de Montfort (3a), owed a great deal to the vision of Frey Hopkinson (3f), man-of-the-match for this game.

Cripps (5c) struck home a delightful

February. That apart, there were

This was followed up by a 3-2 win

long-range right-foot half-volley.

defeats for this side against

against Malvern, recovering a two-

Shaftesbury, Sexey’s, Millfield and,

goal deficit to win, and an

despite Pere Seriake Dickson’s (3m)

encouraging 7-2 win against

Colts A side offers real promise for

goal, QEH. Captained by Herbie

Sherborne International. Misha

the future. This season, though, did

Godson (3m), this side depended

Tabachnik (3g) was a determined

not go quite to plan, a 2-2 draw

on the staunch defensive line of

goalkeeper, David Kim (3b) cleared

with Gillingham being added to by

Charlie Cunningham (3f), Eddie

the ball with power and the wing-

defeats against QEH, Malvern, King

Fowle (3c) and Yuriy Belykh (3f), who

backs Alex Warland (3m) and Zach

Arthur’s, Millfield and Shaftesbury.

also contributed a great goal from a

Thomas (3m) offered options. Left-

corner against Malvern. Belykh

back Eudo Ashbrooke (3g) was

The draw featured goals from striker

scored again as the season drew to

named Player of the Season. Ciaran

Frey Hopkinson (3f) and man-of-the-

a close, heading home from

Smith (3b) was forceful on the left,

match Raef O’Brien (3c). QEH

another corner against Millfield;

top scorer Jai Thompson (3m)

scored three goals before half-time

Leaf’s four goals that afternoon,

likewise on the right and Josh

and four more afterwards, whilst the

including a first-half hat-trick,

Bowers (3f) offered cohesion and

Malvern game featured two first-

helped secure a 7-2 victory, with

strength in midfield.

half goals in defeat from Hugh

Jake Paveley (3f) scoring twice and

Despite the results, the Mini

Ridgway (3a). Victory was finally

Zach Buchanan (3g) controlling the

achieved when Gryphon were

midfield. Dominic Timmis (3m)

defeated 3-1 in March and this was

performed reliably in goal. The

followed up by a 4-0 victory over

margin of this victory was exceeded

Millfield, O’Brien capping another

when The Park School was defeated

man-of-the-match performance with

12-2 in the final week of term,

two fine goals, giving a seasonal

Paveley scoring five goals this time

tally of two wins, a draw and five

and Leaf four, Archie Cripps (3c) two

defeats. Ludo Davies (3m) was a

and Harry Macintosh (3a) one. With

pivotal captain in a strong defence

the tireless Zach Buchanan (3g)

boasting Dominic Halliwell (3m) at

excelling in midfield, a 4-1 defeat to

full-back and Max Pugsley (3d), with

Millfield was brought to life when

the reliable Alex Huntbach (3a) in

goalkeeper Michael Chen’s (3f)

goal. Cosmo Henderson (3e) was a

wind-assisted goalkeeper bounced

constructive right-sided midfielder,

twice before hitting the opposition’s

whilst Harry Tyrer (3e) gave options

crossbar.

up front.

In an inspired display, the Mini

Jack Leaf’s (3b) two goals earned the Mini Colts B side a 2-2 draw with Sherborne International in

Colts C side defeated QEH 7-2 in their first match for the school. Jake Paveley (3f) scored four times,

The Digby were victorious in

both the Junior and the Senior house matches, Zach Thomas (3m) performing miracles in goal for the junior victors.

Germany defeated England 1312 in the annual German

exchange fixture; the English, with Ollie Noble (4m)

dominant, recovered from 12-3 down before losing when Ben

Franke scored his fourth goal

of the game to secure victory

for our visitors from Berlin.

Tennis

Sherborne’s tennis coach, Jeremy Priddle, retained the Sherborne Club singles title for 2016, by defeating Nick Lamb (OS, 1994) 6-2 6-3. A series of hotly contested rallies characterised an evenly-matches final, which concluded a season in which Sherborne Tennis Club finished second in the Yeovil and District League. “It was an extremely hard match and an honour to win again”, the victor said. “Over the coming year, we need to work towards encouraging junior players to take part in competitions on the new courts.” Jeremy followed this victory up by securing the Sherborne School Grade 5 Adult tournament in November.

There was just one tennis fixture prior to Christmas 2016 in which, having won a tournament at Wey Valley, Sherborne lost a play-off for the Team Tennis Senior Students’ championships to Bishop’s Wordsworth. Although Seb Szapary (U6e) and Archie Cripwell (U6c) both won their matches, the team lost 42. The tennis term opened with a convincing 9-0 victory for the 1st VI against Clifton College, with Hugo Pralle (L6a) and Ben Liebenberg (L6a) as opening pair, captain Szapary and Daniel Kelly (U6b) as second pair and Cripwell and Hector Hohler (L6a) as third pair. However, the team lost at Bishop Wordsworth’s in the opening tie of the Senior Students’ National Schools Tennis Championship and crashed 8-1 to Millfield before losing to both Sherborne Tennis Club and Salisbury Tennis Club. With Szapary and Cripwell beating the opposition’s first pair, Bryanston were defeated 6-3 before a narrow win, 5-4, was secured over Marlborough, third pair George Clifford (L6a) and Jake Jackson (L6a) sealed a 7-2 victory over King’s Bruton but the team lost 8-1 to a powerful Millfield set-up.

Great enthusiasm lay at the root of the 2nd VI’s success this term. With George Clifford (L6a) retrieving base-line shots and his partner Jake Jackson (L6a) firing home first serves, the first pair was strong; Patrick Creamer’s (U6m) all-round strength complemented Alan Hughes-Hallett’s (U6a) efficient tactical play; and George Vandeleur (U6m) applied his mature approach to the game to Columbus O’Donnell’s (U6g) fluid and deft net play. The opening game was won 8-1 against Clifton College and the next 6-3 against Millfield and Bryanston and Marlborough were both comfortably seen off 8-1 to secure a 100% success rate for the season.

The 3rd VI defeated Sherborne Tennis Club 6-3. Jasper Jones (U6m) and Leo Sollohub (U6b) won all four of their sets and they were aided by support play from Oliver Dobbs (U6a) and Henry Dixon-Clegg (L6d), as well as the enthusiastic pairing of Angus Gantlett (L6c) and Alex Vydra (L6c). This final pair was undefeated in the encouraging 7-2 victory over Bryanston, before this side stumbled to a late-season 5-4 defeat at the hands of Clayesmore.

Finn Whitehead (5g) and Freddie Baker (5d), having battled all afternoon, won the decisive game as the Colts A VI defeated Millfield 5-4. This was followed by an impressive 10-2 victory against Blundell’s, Tom Hague (5c), Wynn Thomas (5m) and Richard Crane (5b) all excelling. It was the second pair which performed best against Bryanston, Barney Stannah

(5m) and Niki Dembinski (5c) leading the charge to a 6-3 win.

Previously unbeaten, the side lost its final fixture in the heart of exam season, going down 6½-2½ to Kingswood. The Colts B team recorded a 5-4 victory against Clayesmore, with the pairing of Alex Vardon-Cardy (5f) and Freddie Graham (5c) remaining undefeated.

William Andrew (4d) and Sam Hutchinson (4d) made up a talented and efficient opening pair for the Junior Colts A VI, with Rob Hoare (4c) and Monty Westall (4c) a talented second pair and Oscar Buxton (4a) and Tom Talbot (4c) a highly efficient third pair, the team recording six victories in nine matches. The opening fixture resulted in a comfortable 8-1 victory over Clifton College, whilst Oscar and Tom were superb in a 5½-3½ victory at Millfield, before the team lost to Sherborne Tennis Club. Gillingham were defeated 9-0, Canford 7-2, Bryanston 8-1, Kingswood 5-4 and Poole Grammar School 12-0, but the game with Marlborough (a 6-3 defeat) was much closer. Dorset League matches were drawn 3-3 on successive days in June against St Peter’s and Bournemouth, Sherborne securing victory in both cases through a tie-break, and there were two heavy losses, 8-1 to Millfield and 12-0 against Bournemouth Collegiate, leaving the team as runners-up in that league.

Jamie Rawlings (4m) and Ralph Loveys Jervoise (4m) were the heroes of the Junior Colts B VI which secured a 3-1 victory over Millfield, winning all four of their sets. This was followed by a comfortable 6-0 success against Shaftesbury, with Charles Stagnetto (4a) and Fred Pettifer (4b) performing well and a comfortable victory over Bryanston after Rawlings and Loveys Jervoise had sealed a nerve-wracking tie-break. However, the game with Marlborough was much closer, ending in a 5-4 win, whilst Stagnetto starred alongside Freddie Wilson (4a) in a 5-4 victory over Sherborne Tennis Club.

An enthusiastic Mini Colts A VI started the season with an 8-1 victory over Clifton College at Leweston, Gus Whitehead (3g) and George Flint (3m) playing especially well, but then lost 7-2 to Millfield. Sherborne Tennis Club gave a close game, but Sam Vincent (3g) and Bertie Wilson (3a) won the final game to secure a 5-4 success, before the team recorded an 8-1 victory over Gillingham. Marlborough proved too strong, this fixture resulting in a 7-2 defeat. Two players really excelled this season and offer real hope for the future – Ollie Westmacott (3c) and Nick Morris (3a) show real work ethic, commitment and competitiveness.

Meanwhile, the Mini Colts B VI recorded a 7-2 victory at Leweston against Clifton College, with Max Fraser (3c) and Angus Macdonald (3g) opening the season in style. This was followed up with a 6-3 win against Millfield, Bertie Wilson (3a) and Herbie Godson (3m) remaining undefeated, supported by the infectious enthusiasm of Jackson Shine (3m) and Dominic Timmis (3m). Thereafter, a 6-3 win was recorded against Shaftesbury, but there was a 0-9 whitewash against Marlborough. Ben Liebenberg (L6a) won at the Wincanton Grade 5 tennis tournament, one of three major tennis events at which he was successful in the autumn of 2016.

124 |

Fencing

Fives

Squash

As Easter approached, an

During this academic year,

Three victories, one over

embryonic Sherborne fencing

Benedict Mercer (4b) became

Millfield and two against

squad travelled to Totnes for a

the first Shirburnian ever to win

Sherborne Girls, and a heavy

Sunday tournament. During this

the Colts title in the South West

defeat at Bryanston prove a neat

competition, boys were paired

Schools Regional Fives

summary of the first term of

with some of the regional British

Tournament. At the same event,

team squash. Columbus

cadet fencers, supported by the

Harry Harvey (4b) won the Colts

O’Donnell (U6g) managed to

Devon Fencing Club. Max

Plate competition and Will

win 3-0 in the 10-1 loss.

Scheuner (L6f), using his prior

Shardlow (U6m) was the winner

However, David Martyr (4m),

experience to great effect,

in the Senior Plate. School

Simon Rose (L6b), Hugo Hurrell

finished third, whilst Lucas King

fixtures resulted in one victory

(5g), Toby Grammaticas (L6f),

(3e), fighting epee, and Ed

and six defeats, though all four

Sam MacDonald (L6c), Harry

Brooks (3f), fencing sabre, both

losses against Blundell’s were

Gibbs (L6m), Matthew

made an impressive bow in the

close. Shardlow and Toby Smith

Hetherington (L6b), Seb Carty

sport.

(U6c), as final pair, secured a

(5a) and Alistair Johnson (L6e) all

dramatic 131-125 win over the

also scored 3-0 victories in other

Jamie Buckley (4f) and David

Rugby Fives Association in

fixtures. On the penultimate day

Reuveny (4b), who were teamed

January.

of term a side captained by

together in the initial pools,

Hector Lea (L6d) drew 4-4 with

fought hard and ended with a

A heavy defeat by the score of

Canford; Hector captained the

good result, Jamie then

227-138 at the hands of

side during the second term,

achieving gold at an Under-16

Winchester College in January

recording a 6-0 victory over

competition in Bristol involving

came despite the top pair of

Sherborne Girls in which Charlie

three south-western fencing

Harvey and Mercer winning

Roberts (U6a), Archie Tennant

clubs. Courteous, supportive

every singles and doubles

(5d) and Will Eykyn (3e) all won

and well-mannered throughout,

match, and Harry Le Maistre (5g)

3-0.

as befits fencers, Brooks and

also securing victory in his

Archie MacWatt (3b), despite

singles game. Josh Cook (4f),

Thereafter, though, the final five

their age, rose above

Henry Haywood Smith (3d), Sam

games were all lost, despite a

convention to be the School’s

Vincent (3g), Charlie Bond (4e),

competitive performance

competitors in the senior event.

Eddie Fowle (3c), Cassian

against the Jesters Club. In

A competition at Wellington in

Blackburn-Enever (4e) and Will

defeat, Edmund Botes (L6m)

May saw four of these young

Barker (5m) all featured

won both his games against

fencers return to the fray.

prominently in the ten school

Sherborne Girls and away to

fixtures. A junior side lost 134-71

Canford, and Sam Vincent (3g)

to Marlborough. Harry Harvey

and Theo Irving (3g) featured

and Benedict Mercer travelled

prominently in the side, which

to London for the Fives National

played, in the words of their

Schools’ tournament at the end

coach, “hectic, quick-fire, big-

of March.

hitting, near-miss squash”. The season was to end with a 5-0 defeat against The Pilgrims.

| 125

Hockey

Hugely successful on the field of play, the 1st XI won twelve and lost three of their sixteen fixtures. These statistics include an impressive run in the England Hockey National Plate, where the side led by captain Lewis Tyrer (U6c), Josh Evans (U6d) and the experienced Sebastian Szapary

(U6b)

reached

the

Regional Final, only to lose 5-2 to Millfield.

126 |

Having lost 4-0 at home to a very

which featured a golden patch of

strong Queen’s, Taunton side in the

seven unanswered second-half

in the 7-2 victory over Blundell’s.

cup, the largest victory had come in

strikes. With Tom Pentreath (U6m)

Defeats came against Canford,

the resulting plate competition,

scoring twice, King’s Bruton were

Taunton and, in an astonishing goal-

when eight first-half goals led to a

defeated 4-1. One rare defeat, 4-3

fest on the final Saturday of the

resounding 13-0 win at West

to King’s Taunton, came in a match

season, 8-6 at home to Millfield. An

Stagnetto (5a) completed hat-tricks

Buckland, Will Mann (U6a) and

level at 3-3 after an exciting first-

additional fixture saw the side lose

Peter Folkes (L6a) scoring hat-tricks.

half. Brothers Tom (L6a) and Will

6-4 to an Exeter University XI. The

This was followed up by a 5-2

Perkins (5a) were prominent in this

tough-tackling of Tom Pentreath

victory at home to a strong Prior

side, as were the dependable

(U6m) and Kit Delamain (U6c) was

Park side, Evans scoring twice,

Jimmy Martyr (U6m) and the tireless

critical to the success of this side,

before the side lost to Millfield. The

Leo Sollohub (U6b). Having beaten

with Charlie Savage (U6f), Sid Gray

cup route had begun with Barney

England Masters 5-4, the season

(L6f), Joe Bruce (L6f), Jasper Jones

Humphrey’s (L6m) brace securing a

closed with a 6-2 loss against The

(U6m) and Oscar Norris (U6m) all

2-0 victory over Monkton Combe.

Pilgrims.

key figures in the side.

Equally starting out with a draw

Eight victories and a draw in nine

match notable for Tommy Paines’

against Bristol Grammar, this due to

matches proved a hugely healthy

(U6m) remarkable last-ditch goal-

George Vandeleur’s (U6m) lastminute equaliser, the 2nd XI won

return for a lively 3rd XI, whose only

line clearance, large victories

With the season underway through a 1-1 draw with Bristol Grammar, a

lack of success came in the 3-3 draw

followed. Both Bryanston and

five and lost just three of nine

with Canford. This undefeated side

Blundell’s were defeated 7-0, Ben

fixtures. Caspar Ormrod (U6b)

scored four times before the

Rainbow (L6c) scoring a hat-trick in

scored four times as Clayesmore

interval both against Bryanston and

the former and seven separate

were defeated 11-0 and both he

also against Taunton. In the former

scorers contributing to the latter,

and man-of-the-match Thomas

game, a satisfying 5-0 victory

| 127

resulted, whilst the latter game ended 9-1, with Felix De BrettonGordon (L6m) registering four goals. Ollie Palmer (L6d), who had scored twice in that game, scored a hat-trick in the 4-1 win over Blundell’s and both boys scored three as Millfield were defeated 11-1 on the final day to complete a goals-for tally of 45. Ben Clark (U6c), Jack Baker (U6d) and the tireless Tom Pertwee (U6b) were also important members of the team.

Finlay Rose (L6f) was man-of-thematch in the narrow 1-0 victory over King’s Bruton.

Not to be outdone, the 4th XI

twice, although tellingly Alex

this time around, scoring seventy

recorded four wins in their eight

Vardon-Cardy (5f), who held the

goals in the process. The largest win

fixtures. The most comprehensive of

back four together so neatly, was

was a 10-1 thumping of Clayesmore,

these was a 7-2 victory over King’s

named as man-of-the-match. Tom

in which Luke McLaughlin (4c)

Bruton, in which Angus Gantlett

Hague (5c), a goal-scorer in the

scored eight times. He also scored

(L6c) scored four goals and Matthew

Bryanston game, was the best

a hat-trick in the 8-1 victory over

Hetherington (L6b) three. There was

player in the County Cup defeat

Bristol Grammar, in which Felix

also a 3-0 triumph over King’s

against Canford, whilst goalkeeper

Connolly (4e) also scored three

Taunton, in which man-of-the-match

Robert Kennedy (5f) received the

times, in a 9-3 success over

Oliver Soanes (5g), Toby

plaudits even though the side

Blundell’s, Tommy Boylan (4c) also

Grammaticas (L6f) and Gantlett all

slipped to defeat against King’s

scoring a hat-trick even though the

scored. The heavier of their two

Taunton. Tadgh Patten (5m) proved

sides had been locked at 2-2 at half-

defeats was by the score of 8-2 at

a constant in this side, allowing the

time, and in the win over King’s

Canford, whilst high-scoring draws

team to retain its shape.

Bruton. Millfield were defeated 8-1

Likewise, although also generally

much more, though, than a goal-

in the final fixture. This side is so

with Bryanston and Bristol Grammar, 3-3 and 4-4 respectively, certainly kept the spectators

used in the 3rd and 4th XIs, the

scoring machine. Tom Carr-Smith

interested. Edward Davidson-

Colts B side did enjoy two fixtures

(4m) is “a rampant centre-half”,

Houston (U6g), who scored twice

of its own, winning and losing 9-0.

apparently omnipresent all over the

against Bristol Grammar, and Ollie

Working hard at the heart of

pitch, Hal Little (4a) and Charlie

Lethbridge (5g), made skilful runs,

defence, George Hutchinson (5c)

Culver (4f) are accomplished

Tom Dudgeon (L6d) and Joss

was the pick of the side in a 9-0

defenders, Nathanael Fagerson (4c)

Nelson (L6e) were tough in the

defeat at the hands of Canford, but

is creative and dependable, whilst

tackle and Josh Paveley (5f) and

victory was secured by the same

the pace and trickery on the wings

Alex Vardon-Cardy (5f) both

score-line against Bryanston. Eight

of Sam Reynolds (4c) and Felix

impressed, although the side often

goals ahead at the break,

Harvey (4f) created numerous

owed a great deal to the skill of

Sherborne won through five goals

opportunities for others.

goalkeeper Conrad Cowan (U6m).

from Freddie Baker (5d), with Ollie Lethbridge (5g) and Jonty Walliker

Almost as successful as the A side,

There were only three fixtures for a

(5g) proving creative and

Colts A side, who otherwise

the Junior Colts B team won seven

constructive team-mates.

and lost just two of their nine fixtures. Nathanael Fagerson (4c)

featured prominently in the senior teams this season. Victory came in a

An exceptionally strong side, the

scored four times as the side racked

7-1 success against Bryanston, in

Junior Colts A team continued its

up nine second-half goals in a 13-0

which Tom Carr-Smith (4m) and

form from 2015-16 and recorded

drubbing of King’s Taunton, and

Thomas Stagnetto (5a) both scored

nine victories in its nine matches

added all the goals as King’s Bruton

128 |

were defeated 3-0. The team was seven goals to the good by halftime in defeating Clayesmore 10-1, Bertie Miller (4f) and team captain Christian Johnson (4d) scoring three apiece. Tommy Boylan (4c) scored all three goals, the final one coming ten minutes from time, in a closelyfought 3-2 triumph at home to Canford, whilst David Martyr’s (4m) three goals plus an astonishing solo goal from Joe Vandeleur (4m), who was able to weave past three opponents before striking home, helped the team defeat Blundell’s 4-1. Oscar Buxton (4a) was a dominant force in defensive midfield, with Max Findlay (4d), Oliver Lampert (4g) and Hugo Longrigg (4m) producing powerful displays alongside him.

George Lewis (4d) was man-of-thematch in the Junior Colts C side’s only fixture. This game resulted in a 5-1 win against King’s Bruton, the best goal being the fifth, which

McCaig (3b) led to him scoring in

involved some swift inter-passing

successive fixtures. The season

the side managed to find sufficient

down the right wing between four

drew to a close with an open-ended

energy to follow this up by

different players before David

7-3 defeat at the hands of Millfield,

defeating the Clayesmore C team

Martyr (4m) applied the final shot.

after this talented side had lost to

5-3. Team spirit was epitomised by

Dean Close in the semi-final of the

Charlie Wills (3c), with Harry Hurrell

B side; following on from this game,

With nine fixtures fulfilled by the

Nationals to equal the feat achieved

(3g) and Tom Pettifer (3g) also

Mini Colts A side, the seasonal tally

by last year’s side. Edouard Bale

crucial members of the side.

resulted in five wins and three

(3g) held together a defence

There was just one fixture for an

defeats. Olly Westmacott (3c)

featuring the reliable Max Fraser

embryonic Mini Colts C side.

scored a hat-trick in the 7-1 victory

(3c), James Barker (3c), Will

Despite going two goals down, the

over Taunton and contributed five

Loughlin (3d) and the hugely

team defeated Clayesmore 5-3 in

of the goals through which

impressive Gus Whitehead (3g), as

January, Billy George Mutoti (3e)

Blundell’s were defeated 10-3,

well as Charlie Wills (3c), who had

and Ed Clarke (3d) both scoring

Archie Hunt (3a) somehow

never picked up a hockey stick

twice, with man-of-the-match

contriving to complete a reverse-

before January.

Fergus Burtt (3c) also getting his

stick hat-trick in this match and

name on the score-sheet.

Sean Buckley (3a) starting to

Despite losing five of their nine

contribute regular goals. Always a

fixtures, the Mini Colts B side

reliable figure in the side, Will

enjoyed victories over two Taunton

Brown (3c) scored twice in the 7-1

sides. Taunton themselves were

success against King’s Bruton, Will

defeated 5-2, with captain Will

Usher (3m), playing alongside his

Loughlin (3d) and Sean Buckley (3a)

twin brother and captain Sam (3m),

amongst the goals, whilst King’s

adding a goal with a flick from an

Taunton were beaten 2-1, man-of-

apparently impossible angle.

the-match Lawrence Nemi-Clover

Jonathan Post’s (3a) pace down the

(3b) scoring one of the goals and

right wing was a feature of this side

goalkeeper William Ashton (3m)

and he scored both goals as Bristol

prominent. Harry McGinty (3a) was

Grammar were beaten 2-1, whilst

the best player on the pitch for the

the physical presence of Charlie

exciting 3-3 draw with a Clayesmore

Inclement weather could not

dampen the enthusiasm for the strongly-competitive inter-

house hockey tournament in

March, which was won in the

Juniors by School House and in

the Seniors by The Digby. Of

103 school fixtures played in 2016-17, 66 were won,

Sherborne sides scoring 432 goals and conceding 198.

| 129

Judo There were two gold medals for Shirburnians at

the HMC National Judo Championships in Buckinghamshire at the end of February 2017. In the senior category, Conrad Cowan (U6m) secured a gold medal, whilst Freddie Williams (4f) did likewise at intermediate level. New to the sport at this school, Max Fraser (3c) performed exceptionally well to receive a silver medal at the junior event as a very small Sherborne side nonetheless secured an impressive second place at the championships.

Sailing Captain Harry Guy (U6b) led his team to three wins in eight matches at the British Schools championships. Oliver Dudgeon (U6d), Ollie Croft (3g), Freddie Last (3f), Nick Burt (L6f) and Tima Malikov (5f) proved essential members of a strong team. With the influential Ben Childerley (L6f) in the side, there was an encouraging 3-0 victory over Millfield in March and a comfortable 2-0 victory over Milton Abbey at the Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy. Clifton were also defeated 3-0 at Sutton Bingham whilst, undistracted and focused, a youthful team beat both Millfield and Canford at Arne in May. The fixture with Bryanston at Rockley Point was abandoned at one race apiece, as the outgoing tide left the water too

shallow, but the side responded to win the Plate at the Thames Valley championships, Rugby and Oundle both being defeated as the sailors won their four final fixtures.

A mixed team representing both Sherborne Boys and Sherborne Girls came a commendable fifth overall in a fourteen-school British Schools Dinghy Racing southern area final in April, which was won by Winchester. The aforementioned Guy, Childerley, Burt and Croft were joined for this venture

by Amy Hopkins and Jenny Guy. Guy, Childerley, Dudgeon, Croft and Last were joined by Ben Fuller and Sam Talbot-Williams (4a) for the Old Shirburnian fixture, which was won comfortably 3-0.

With the Wind in his Sails Undoubtedly the School is privileged to have amongst its number as skilled and talented a sailor as Ben Childerley (L6f).

He has brought expertise, interest and enthusiasm to the sport and his ability is inspiring younger students to take up the challenge of participating on the water.

Ben comes from sailing stock, for his father, Stuart, competed in the 1988 and 1992 Olympics, won world titles and is a well-respected coach and race officer.

Nonetheless, Ben is a most able sailor in his own right, finishing third in the XOD class at Cowes Week in 2016 before winning the 420 class at Itchenor alongside Nick Burt (L6f). This year he has continued to go from strength to strength, helping the school’s sailing team to success.

130 |

Swimming Swimming continues to play a focal role in the lives of

many boys, with galas being held against a variety of other schools. After a fourth place in the first gala, behind

Canford, Milton Abbey and Winchester, the team came first or second in all remaining galas. Second place at

Canford was secured when captain Tom Hoare (L6e) stormed home to win the 50m backstroke. At the

Sherborne Girls’ gala, Canford were defeated comfortably, with captain Tom Hoare (L6e), Daniel Berry (5a), James

Atwell (5f) and both Gower brothers, Will (4a) and James

(3a) winning a race each and Petch Pibuldham (5a) winning

two. Guy Purbrick (L6g) has performed strongly all year and Milo Stampa Orwin (L6a), the self-appointed vicecaptain, must be credited for volunteering for the

Individual Medley, everyone’s least-favourite event.

Abbeylands dominated the inter-house gala, winning two of the three age groups as well as the overall cup.

| 131

Calmness personified, George

Whipple (L6m) took 5-6, as Canford were defeated by nine wickets in a first-round tie in the School Sports Magazine U17 National Cup.

George’s off-spin combined flight

and pace, totally bamboozling the Canford batsmen. Cheltenham

were defeated by 44 runs, Harry Fisher (L6m) hitting form with a

score of 53, whilst James Pyman

(L6e) and Conrad Fish (U6c) took

four wickets apiece. Whipple and Fish both took three wickets as

Taunton were defeated, but King’s Taunton and Bryanston both

secured victory over the side in the space of a couple of days just

before half-term. Later in the term, Clifton were defeated by six

wickets, thanks largely to Patrick

crIcKet

Reynolds’ (L6c) undefeated 62, but

the fixture against Canford was lost by five wickets. Although there

were final-week defeats to MCC, Sam Hambro scoring 64, and the touring South African school, St Andrew’s of Grahamstown, Ben Heber taking four wickets,

Blundell’s were defeated by seven

wickets, Fish claiming four middle-

order scalps with his quick, straight deliveries.

The Under-18 National T20 Cup

tournament placed Sherborne in a tie against South Dartmoor

Community College on a bitterly cold Devonian strip, our 1st XI

winning by eight wickets. Losing in

a dramatic final over to Millfield left the side having to beat King’s Taunton to progress in the

tournament, which proved a step too far.

King’s Taunton were beaten by

three runs by the 2nd XI, Harry

Gibbs (L6m) taking three wickets in his first four overs, all caught

match with a casual leg-side flick for

six. Gibbs then took three wickets

again in the second match as the

side, captained by Sam Hambro

(U6d), beat Marlborough by 45

runs, Man of the Match Josh Evans

(U6d) scoring 46, whilst Tom Pope

(L6m) hit 52 as Milton Abbey were

defeated by 69 runs.

An eager 3rd XI lost their opening game by thirteen runs to King’s

Taunton, despite Harry Clark’s (U6a)

first fifty for the school. He then

took figures of 5-12 as Marlborough

were defeated by 41 runs and Ben

Orton (U6a) top-scored with 44 in a

five-wicket defeat at Cheltenham. It

was James Hague’s (U6f) turn to

score freely in the 28-run defeat to

Millfield, hitting an impressive 56

and Archie Maclean Bather (U6f)

and Harry Clark both took three

wickets as Bryanston were defeated

by seven runs just before half-term.

behind by new wicketkeeper Will

A twenty-seven-run victory over

unbeaten 33, Ollie Palmer (L6d)

extraordinarily brash 62 from

Mann (U6a). On his way to an

produced the best shot of the

Canford was secured through an Hague, who hit six consecutive

sixes in a brave show of batting,

with Tom Crinks (U6b), in the words

of his coach, “captaining with his

customary inventiveness and

aplomb”.

Impressively, the 4th XI, captained

by the calm Paddy Kerr (L6g),

defeated Canford in their final

match by thirty runs to maintain

their 100% record for the season.

Tom de Wesselow (L6c) hit 52 as

King’s Taunton were beaten by 51

runs in the 4th XI’s opening game

of the summer. Not to be outdone,

Ollie Minchin (L6g) scored an

unbeaten 51 as Marlborough

succumbed by 88 runs, Ben Besse

(L6b) finishing with figures of 4-22

and Minchin then scored 64 not

out, ably supported by 47 runs from

Toby Grammaticas (L6f) as Millfield

were defeated by 107 runs. Victory

over Cheltenham was secured by

eight wickets, Kerr’s 64 and a hit of

50 not out from Johnny Hinde (L6g)

earning the win. Against Taunton

School, Seb Key (U6a) hit an

unbeaten 75 and Grammaticas 51

134 |

not out in a 111-run victory, whilst

The Junior Colts A side beat

Thereafter, Tommy Boylan’s (4c) 51

Ben Besse scored 33 and took four

Canford in June to become county

not out helped defeat Cheltenham

wickets as Canford were defeated.

champions, Hugo Longrigg’s (4m)

by 24 runs, there was a three-wicket

score of fifty not out leading the way.

victory over Canford and, on

They may have only played once,

At Ferndown Wayfarers, the side had

Election Day, Tom Carr-Smith’s (4m)

but the 5th XI made up for lost time

defeated Winton in the semi-final,

unbeaten 53 secured a seven-wicket

in defeating Marlborough away by

before meeting perennial rivals

victory over Clifton.

an impressive margin of 210 runs,

Canford in the final; Louis d’Abo (4g)

Alex Everett (U6m) hitting an

bowled the final over successfully to

impressive 115. Both Louis Stannah

secure the win. This took the team to

B side opened their campaign with a

(U6m) and Toby Hobbs (L6c) were

a regional match against the winners

win, defeating King’s Taunton by

out for 31 before Alex really got

of the Hampshire/Isle of Wight

eight wickets. Charlie Culver (4f) took

going and then Marlborough were

group, where they were defeated by

two wickets and, after both openers

skittled out for 37 in thirteen overs,

Portsmouth Grammar School.

had been out to their first ball of the summer, an unbeaten half-century

Tommy Paines (U6m) finishing with figures of 3-5 and Henry Foreman (U6d) completing the innings on 2-5.

Hunter Strand (5b) hit an unbeaten

Not to be outdone, the Junior Colts

Despite a score of 136, Marcus Prest (4d) impressing with 33, the Junior

from Tommy Boylan (4c) saw the side home. Clayesmore were defeated by

Colts A XI lost their opening game

49 runs, but Marlborough defeated

by two wickets to King’s Taunton;

the team by 153 runs, despite Finlay

52 and Charlie Millar (5c) 49 as the

Luke McLaughlin (4c) took figures of

McKie (4d) taking 4-55 and Oscar

Colts A side opened their season

4-18, including a top-order hat-trick.

Chandler (4c) hitting a courageously

with a convincing 108-run victory

This was followed by a 41-run victory

defiant 22. They were swiftly back on

over Sherborne CC, Will Perkins (5a)

over Thomas Hardye’s in the cup,

their collective feet, though,

taking figures of 4-12. However, the

Henry Marriage (4g) taking figures of

defeating Cheltenham in the next

subsequent fixture was lost by thirty

3-17 with Felix Harvey (4f) being

fixture by ten runs, led by captain

runs to Marlborough and, despite an

named man-of-the-match, before

Christian Johnson (4d). Despite a 45

impressive 44 from Seb Carty (5a),

McLaughlin’s 96 not out helped

from Matthew Allen (4g), 48 extras

Cheltenham also won by 44 runs. At

defeat Clayesmore by 56 runs. Luke

contributed to the defeat by seven

Marlborough, the Colts B side lost

was determined to compile a

wickets to Millfield, whilst Nathanael

heavily by nine wickets, Bryn Jones

century and did so in the following

Fagerson (4c) took wickets in

(5e) scoring 29 in the total of 114 all

game against Marlborough, his 108

successive balls in a four-wicket

out before the opposition reached

not out including fourteen fours and

defeat to King’s Bruton.

the target for the loss of just one

a six; ably supported by Louis d’Abo

wicket.

(4g), who scored 47 and took 2-19,

Despite a six-wicket defeat against

Luke helped his side win by 67 runs.

Marlborough, the Junior Colts C

| 135

team featured wicket-taking from Joe

Clayesmore and struck the winning

Heber (4f) and Ben Beach (4c). This

run off the final ball against Millfield

Millfield in a narrow loss. Irving then

was followed by success against

after Charlie Wills (3c) had hit two

surpassed his prior achievements,

Millfield, Ollie Lampert (4g) striking

enormous sixes on his way to a score

hitting three sixes and fourteen fours

an impressive 43 as victory was

of 31. Their cup run having ended in

on his way to an undefeated 100 off

half-century for the school against

secured by seven wickets. Despite

the county semi-finals against

54 balls against Bryanston, Alex

Michael Heyman’s (4c) impressive 45,

Canford, the team gained their

Hobbs (3c) taking 5-14 with his away

the side finished 48 runs short in

revenge by beating the same school

swing and off-cutters to reduce the

defeat at the hands of Taunton

by five wickets, Meaker hitting 44.

opposition to 30 all out. Raef O’Brien

School. Heyman again impressed,

Archie Hunt (3a) hit six boundaries on

(3c) took 3-15 as Clifton were

seeing the side home to a five-wicket

his way to 36, as Cheltenham were

defeated, but Davies’ 4-9 could not

victory at home to Blundell’s under

defeated by two wickets and

prevent a loss to King’s Bruton.

the watchful eye of captain Freddie

Bournemouth were also defeated,

Edouard Bale (3g) hit three sixes in

Woolgar (4d), in the final match of

this time by eight wickets in the

his eighteen-ball half-century against

the season.

thirteenth over.

Gillingham before Jake Paveley’s (3f) impressive 5-9, which included a hat-

An enthusiastic Mini Colts A team

Victory came the way of the Mini

trick, secured an eight-wicket victory

lost only twice all season and

Colts B side away to King’s Taunton

over Canford, with Bale following up

recorded victories, amongst others,

in their opening game and they were

his high scores with twenty-five runs

against Marlborough, Millfield and

to win nine out of eleven fixtures.

from one over.

Canford. The team lost their opening

After Tom Pettifer (3g) had taken 4-

fixture in the final over away to King’s

21, Sherborne struck the necessary

An enthusiastic Mini Colts C side

Taunton, despite Jez Meaker’s (3d) 64

130 runs for the loss of two wickets,

lost by six wickets to Marlborough.

and bowling figures of 4-24 from

Theo Irving (3g) ending up on an

However, led by captain Matt

captain Fergus Burtt (3c). Victory

unbeaten 65 with Archie Hunt (3a)

MacDonald (3c), Michael Chen’s (3f)

came, though, against Marlborough

undefeated on 37. However, defeat

bowling figures of 4-15 earned

where, after a struggle, the team was

by 54 runs followed against

victory by three wickets over

carried home by a defiant

Marlborough before James Barker’s

Cheltenham. With Chen as captain,

partnership from Will Usher (3m) (57

(3c) unbeaten 30 helped defeat

Millfield were almost beaten, Harry

not out) and Charlie McCaig (3b) (43

Cheltenham by three wickets. Pettifer

McGinty (3a) taking wickets in

not out). The Dorset County Schools’

and Irving again excelled, scoring 43

successive balls before victory

Cup campaign started with a

each, as Glenmore and Winton were

eluded the side. Captained by the

comfortable ten-wicket victory over

defeated by seven runs in the cup,

calm Alex Warland (3m), the team

Sir John Colfox. Burtt took three

Ludo Davies (3m) captaining with

completed its season with a 31-run

more wickets in a victory at

aplomb and Pettifer scored his first

defeat against Clifton.

136 |

Unorthodox Batting

Six Sixes

An Eighteen-ball Fifty

The Tracer Bullet

You hear of centuries for

Last academic year we

An impressive display of

Sometimes it can just be

the 1st XI, but rarely for

were privileged to

flamboyant batting saw

a shot which is

the 5th side and yet, on

welcome Sir Garfield

Edouard Bale (3g) reach

remembered for years to

the sleepy terraces of

Sobers to school. Few

his fifty in just eighteen

come. The cricket cup

Marlborough’s pitches,

cricketers apart from him

balls against Gillingham.

competition pitted

Alex Everett (U6m)

are associated with

The opposition had

Sherborne Junior Colts A

compiled the first century

scoring six consecutive

amassed a reasonable

against Thomas Hardye’s

of his cricketing career

sixes, but we should now

150-6 and Sherborne

in May. Sherborne’s tally

over the April Bank

add James Hague (U6f) to

knew some decent

of 146-6 included a strong

Holiday to lead his side to

the list. Against Canford

batting was required;

partnership between Tom

victory. A self-styled late

in June, playing for the

what followed was a

Carr-Smith (4m), who

bloomer on the cricketing

3rd XI, on his way to a

display of hard-hitting

scored 43, and Marcus

scene, his style is

score of 62, James hit the

which secured victory by

Prest (4d) on 36. It was

unorthodox and yet he hit

final five balls of the over

three wickets. When both

Marcus who provided the

a series of sixes after

for sixes. He then had to

openers were out, the

shot of the game, the

coming in at number five.

wait a few balls before

Gillingham bowler

match report suggesting

“I knew I had a century in

clubbing the next ball he

claiming three wickets in

that, in striking an on-

me”, said a calm,

faced over the boundary

an over, Edouard stepped

drive to the boundary,

collected Alex, “and it

rope to complete a

up to the mark, his brisk

“the ball screamed from

was great to get it for the

memorable performance.

59 ensuring that the

Marcus’ bat like a tracer

school”.

The innings eventually

game was won with four

bullet”. “I watched it on

include nine sixes in all

overs to spare. With a

to the bat”, Marcus said,

and Canford were

mixture of drives, pulls

“and it just flew”. Inspired

defeated by 27 runs.

and cuts, he added three

by his batting display, the

sixes and nine fours to set

Junior Colts A won by 41

up the win.

runs and progressed to the next round.

| 137

Tetrathlon In June, George Case (5m) set a world record at Under17 level for laser sprints; in Bath, recognised as the home city of GB Pentathlon, he completed a combined run and shoot, covering four laps of 400m and firing a laser shot over 10m after each lap, in a record time of

Rowing

Water Polo

As the school academic year started, Claude Hopkins (5m) took part in his fourteenth Thorpeness Regatta on Meare Lake; it was also his last, as this event is for those under the age of sixteen only. He had won competitions there before, but Claude enjoyed enormous success on this occasion, taking home four trophies, one of which was the Cox Cup for the Best Oarsman on the Meare, the most prestigious award on offer. In so doing, he emulated the achievement of his father, Mark Hopkins (m1976), who also won the Cox Cup at that age. The names of both father and son are prominent on the awards board at the Meare Lake clubhouse.

A gallant Sherborne

six minutes four seconds. Following this, he learned of his selection for the GB Modern Pentathlon team to compete in the Under-17 European Championships in Bulgaria. A talented sportsman, George won gold at the British National Tetrathlon championships in September and secured bronze medals at both the World Triathle championships in Florida in October and the British Under-17 Biathlon championships the following month. Following an event at the start of March, George attained the number one position in the United Kingdom at Under-19 level for the Pentathlon and, in April, became the Great Britain Under-17 Tetrathlon champion

Water Polo side played four times in the first term of this academic year, losing twice each to Marlborough and Winchester. Sam MacDonald (L6c) was an inspirational captain and there was good play from Lleyton Sweeney (5f), Wills Wyatt (5e), Angus Gantlett (L6c), Zac Gantlett (3c), Bertie Miller (4f), Seb Baldwin (4b) and Yuriy Belykh (3f). A January victory over Taunton Deane Swimming Club (18-13) featured ten goals from James Atwell (5f), with captain MacDonald, Will Bond (5b) and Angus Tett (5a) scoring in a 10-3 loss against Marlborough.

Angus Macdonald (3g), Matt MacDonald (3c), Charlie Sutton (5f), goalkeeper Finlay McKie (4d) and the Banks boys,

Karate

Will (5b) and Freddie (3b),

A regular member of the Sherborne club, Milo Clesham (5f) was involved in his first karate nationals in Birmingham in the spring of 2017, coming an impressive fourth in the kumate (sparring) section and sixth in the kata (a sequence of moves) out of twenty competitors in his age group. “I’m really pleased with how I have done this year and I am really enjoying karate”, Milo said. Over the summer of 2017 he will be competing in Ireland in the World Tournament and we wish him well in this venture.

this team and Max

all had key roles to play in Findlay (4d), Daniel Berry (5a) and Batyr Serikov (5a) were also vital members of the squad. The interhouse final was an exciting affair, 4-4 with moments to go before James Hague (U6f) scored two very late goals to enable Abbeylands to defeat The Digby 7-4.

138 |

The bes Shot of the Season

Although the Junior Colts A side was victorious in six of its nine fixtures, the Dorset League game against an incredibly strong Bournemouth side, ranked number two amongst UK schools, proved a game too far, Sherborne losing 12-0.

Amid such high-ranking opposition, though, several players lifted their game and played their best tennis of the season. This enabled William Andrew (4d) to play what was adjudged the best tennis shot of the 2017 season, sending one outstanding whipped crosscourt return wide of his opponent off a short ball.

The Hero of the Hour

When the 4th XI recorded a 4-1 victory at home to Marlborough at the start of March, the side was indebted to the sharp finishing of Ben Besse (L6b), who scored all their goals. “Going into the game, we wanted to focus on the unbeaten season and maintaining our current form”, the goal-scorer said. Two goals in each half came Ben’s way, but “my favourite goal was the second when Thomas Brooke (U6d) played through a soft, lobbed ball where I ran onto it and took it past the keeper, finishing with an easy tap in. This was my favourite as it showed the quality of football that we can play, from the defence to the attack.” Undoubtedly the man of the hour, Ben was humble in his praise for those around him: “I feel that I was just lucky to finish the hard work of the team; I was just there to put them in the net.”

What a Shot!

Midway through the secondhalf of the fixture at home to Sherborne International in February, Colts B captain Niki Dembinski (5c) received a pass near the halfway line from his skilful bag o’tricks midfield team-mate Hosanna Serukenya (5c). Looking up, he struck a perfect longrange strike with his left foot, which sailed over the visiting defence, curled past the goalkeeper and hit the net with force. The cheers were heard across Carey’s and a cascade of eager team-mates converged on the ecstatic central defender. Having fallen behind shortly after a goalless first-half, the Colts B side won the match 3-1.

Goal of the Season

“I just hit it right and it was great to see it go in”, said Barney Stannah (5m), after his thirty-yard swirling free-kick flew into the top corner of the net away to QEH in January.

The Failand pitches are notoriously cold and recent rain had left them muddy.

At three goals down by half-time, the Colts A side needed a response. At the start of the second period this was what this freekick offered. Within minutes James Atwell registered a second goal, but the equaliser proved elusive, the side losing 3-2 at the hands of their hosts.

Pope Strikes Twice

Every footballer worth his salt dreams of scoring a screamer, a long-range goal from nowhere which sails into the net. During the 2nd XI home game with Marlborough in March, Sam Pope (L6m) managed to achieve this feat twice, his two sensational goals earning Sherborne a narrow 2-1 win. Sam modestly takes up the story with Marlborough having controlled the first-half: “in the second-half we grew in confidence and the goals I guess were made from a great deal of pressure on the goalkeeper through the game. The first was a free-kick around the centre of the pitch and really just a lob towards goal and luckily the keeper couldn’t quite get to it in the top corner. The second was really just a clearance, which wasn’t meant to go in. The ball bounced outside the box and over an oncoming keeper, this was from our own half around about the circle.”

st bits... | 139

Clever Joe

Everyone else at the Junior Colts B hockey match against Blundell’s marvelled at the excellent goal scored by Joe Vandeleur (4m), to secure a 4-1 victory. Modest as ever, the goal-scorer was a little surprised by the attention. “I dribbled from a long corner to the top of the ‘D’ and hit the ball just to the left of the goalie, who semi-hit it with his stick before it hit the backboard”, he said. Not so, responded his coach and team-mates. Joe beat three defenders on his run, weaving between them, before striking the ball home, low and hard.

Quick off the Mark

Gentle and polite in demeanour, Charlie Hickling (U6c) can be fairly rapid on the athletics track. At the North Dorset Trials at the start of May, on the Bill Whistlecroft Athletics Arena at Yeovil, he lined up for the 200m final and stormed home in a time of 22.08 seconds, to shave two-hundredths of a second off the school record which had stood since 1978. Not content with that, he dusted himself down and took his place in the 100m just half an hour later, before winning this race too, in a time of 10.80 seconds, beating a thirtynine-year-old school record. “It felt really fast”, said Charlie, “I am so proud to have done this”. Our Head of Music’s younger brother, Crawford Henderson (m1982), had set the previous 100m school record of 10.84 seconds back in 1987.

Will Westmacott

Not content to sit back on his laurels after a couple of impressive summers of Shirburnian athletics, Will Westmacott (5c) broke two school records in a day at Millfield early in May. He surpassed his own school record of fourteen seconds over 100m hurdles, running home in 13.8 seconds, before taking one-tenth of a second off a longstanding school 200m record, set back in 1975, completing the course in 23.3 seconds. “I had more in the tank”, he said afterwards. “If I had run the corner more effectively, I could have gone even faster”. This infectious spirit is driving Will forwards and his is a name we stand to hear again in years to come.

Oh, brother!

Wet and windy in late February, Warminster School proved the setting for a rare goal from a Purchase boy. Not just one, mind you, but the identical twins were both on the score-sheet and both from their trusted defensive positions, from where goals are unlikely. Two goals ahead at half-time, the 4th XI ran away with the match in the second-half. Fin Purchase (U6b) found himself in space to set up his brother Max Purchase (U6b) for a goal and then found the net himself late on to complete a rare brotherly double. “I set him up first”, said Fin, eagerly pointing out his beaming brother, “and then I got one myself.”

Irving’s Game

Every batsman dreams of a century. As the rain threatened to hit Bryanston in May, Theo Irving (3g) achieved precisely what he wanted, scoring one hundred runs for the Mini Colts B side before being retired.

His tally, accumulated mainly on the leg side, included seventeen boundaries, three of them towering sixes, and came off just 54 balls. “I scored 89 not out once before so I was very pleased to complete my century”, he said after reaching the ton with a characteristic six off a full toss. “I played well and hopefully will score some more centuries”. A left-hander, he possesses a powerful pull shot and enjoys driving the ball back over the bowler’s head. Not content with a hatful of runs, Theo took an outrageous catch over his shoulder, one-handed and running backwards, as the opposition was dismissed for just thirty runs, to secure a notable victory.

140 |

FOR GENERATIONS OF BOYS, THE FIRST MEMBER OF THE SHERBORNE STAFF THEY ENCOUNTERED WAS CHRIS HAMON. FOR MOST OF THEM, THIS WAS TWO YEARS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL, AT THE LEGENDARY SMELLS AND BANGS EXPERIENCE AT SHERBORNE AT WORK. HIS UBIQUITY REFLECTS A HUGE RANGE OF INTERESTS AND ALSO OF TALENT. HE IS THE EPITOME OF ADAPTABILITY, AND HIS WILLINGNESS TO NEVER COUNT THE HOURS ENSURED THAT HE HAS BEEN CONSTANTLY BUSY FOR THE PAST 29 YEARS. IT WOULD BE INVIDIOUS TO SAY THAT HE HAS CONTRIBUTED MORE TO ANY ONE AREA THAN HE HAS TO OTHERS, BUT I WILL ATTEMPT TO CONVEY AN IDEA OF BOTH HIS BREADTH AND HIS DEPTH. He has taught Chemistry, but also Physics and Biology,

chris hamon

by Don cameron

living in the boarding

involved with the School’s

so we must see him as a passionate scientist who

house, and he was a huge

musical and religious

demands the highest standards of his pupils and who

support to Geoff Fisher

activities. A stalwart of the

has always gone the extra mile for them in terms of

and myself respectively,

School Choir, he has

individual support and help. His eye for detail and his

and I tried not to show my

played the Chapel organ

inherent concern for the safety of others made him the

frustration when he could

for hundreds of services,

ideal person to advise on the layout of the Chemistry

never do a weekend’s duty

and was a vigorous

laboratories as they are today. His ability to think

in Trinity because he was

encourager of Third

rationally and logically under pressure stood him in

always away sailing with an

Formers to go to mid-

good stead when he took on the Herculean charge of

assortment of novices and

week concerts in

organising the timetable and the meticulous task of

experienced hands. It was

Bournemouth. One of his

running public exams.

a logical step to ask the

greatest attributes is that if

master i/c Sailing to head

he sees a problem, he will

Pastorally, Chris has been in huge demand. He tutored

up the School’s naval

try and fix it himself, rather

in seven houses, including being Senior (and therefore

section of the CCF and the

than telling someone that

Resident) Tutor in two for three years each: Wallace and

extension of that was to

there is a problem and

Westcott. If he hasn’t tutored in School or Lyon, he has

make him the overall

then expecting them to do

nevertheless been involved with both of those houses as

contingent commander.

something about it.

the director of one of their plays, or as a make-up artist

Even then he found the

Therefore, when he

for them. It was typical of his sense of irony that he

time to run the Shooting!

noticed that some of the

chose ‘And then there were none’ as Westcott’s

Ever since he arrived, Chris

hassocks in the Chapel

dramatic swan song just before its closure. He loved

has been interested in and

were looking frayed and

STAFF FAREWELLS

142 |

threadbare, he set about repairing them. He then turned his attention to the Chapel linen, and embroidered vestments and the altar frontals. It is this sort of unnoticed devotion to the School that will suddenly be missed once he retires. There will be countless instances of somebody noticing a glitch, asking who is responsible for fixing it, and receiving the reply ‘Doc Hamon used to do that’.

Is there a trip which he has not been

“a jack of all trades’ is a fitting epithet for chris, and he has mastered all of them.”

on? Whether it was as a member of the choir, or in his capacity as master i/c skiing, or as unofficial tour organiser for the Modern Languages and History Departments (Cologne, Berlin, Salzburg, Prague), he has been indefatigable about getting boys out of Sherborne in order to

might recall his dreadful jokes in his

classroom was the quaintly named

broaden their education. Chris

lessons, the presence of a black or

Master i/c of Bicycles. You may have

believes very firmly that education

brown lab in the lab, you may have

watched a radio-controlled model

happens everywhere, but most

seen one of his mind-blowing

which you made under his guidance

especially outside the classroom. It

pyrotechnical displays in early

crash and burn! Without any doubt,

was inevitable that he would one

November, you may have toured

every single past or present

day be asked to become the

Europe with him, and wondered

Shirburnian will have attended a

Educational Visits Co-ordinator and

how he has the energy to be up late

social which Chris will have organised.

he has excelled in that role. His first

at night patrolling the hotel

premise is that a trip is going to

corridors, waking everyone up the

happen, so he will move heaven

next morning and scampering away

‘A jack of all trades’ is a fitting

and earth to ensure that it does. No

at the front of the tour party in

epithet for Chris, and he has

aspect of a trip is too major for him

order that you could get to the next

mastered all of them. This School is

to confront (hosting boys and girls

destination on time. You may have

highly unlikely to ever find someone

from Qatar must have provided him

featured in pictures he took as the

else with such an astonishing array

with a few challenges) nor too

recognised photographer in the

of skills, or with such a limitless

insignificant for him to ignore.

School, snapping away at plays,

capacity to give aeons of their time

When a colossus of the Common

matches, concerts, Sherborne at

in order to educate the whole

Room goes, everyone has their own

Work. It could be that you attended

person. We’ve all heard retired

memories of him or her, and I’m

the Commem Ball as you left

people say that they don’t know

sure that everyone reading this

Sherborne, because Chris was its

how they ever found the time to

valediction, be they parent, current

organiser in the early years after he

work because they are so involved

pupil, colleague or OS will

launched it in 1989. Perhaps he

with so many activities. That will

recognise that their time at this

tested your bicycle for its

certainly be the case with Chris

School has been touched and

roadworthiness, because the first

Hamon.

enriched by Chris Hamon. You

job he undertook here outside the

STAFF FAREWELLS

BRIAN ARKLESS

By Rob le Poidevin Brian Arkless joined Sherborne twelve years ago, after serving a full career in the Royal Artillery. Brian joined the British Army’s Junior Leaders programme just after his 16th birthday, much to the displeasure of his mother.

Just 17 years old, he was posted to Germany to serve in a locating regiment for heavy artillery and remained there until retiring in 2004.

Brian specialised in air defence and served all over the world with the British Army. He saw operational service in multiple tours of Northern Ireland, with the UN in Cyprus, and served in the Gulf War. Brian has served Sherborne School with great distinction since joining in 2005 and has used his legendary negotiating skills to save the School thousands of pounds, whether through purchasing vehicles or buying tents.

Brian is held in enormously high esteem by the boys who have served in the CCF. Old Shirburnians often go out of their way to look him up. He has been an inspirational figure for many boys and indeed staff. Brian is one of our great characters, often joking his way through the day, but doing his job with complete professionalism. Brian’s compassion, integrity and his care for the boys have been evident to all who have had the privilege of working with him. He epitomises selfless commitment - this was demonstrated when he drove through the night from Dartmoor to Sherborne, and back again, to ensure a boy had his correct footwear before embarking upon the Ten Tors challenge. We will miss Brian’s larger than life personality and many a Shirburnian will be familiar with answering ‘up and down for yes, left and right for no, and round and round if you haven’t a clue’. We wish Brian and Heike all the happiness for their retirement in Turkey.

“we will miss brian’s larger than life personality and many a Shirburnian will be familiar with answering ‘up and down for yes, left and right for no, and round and round if you haven’t a clue.”

144 |

DAVE MUCKALT

GEORGIE FREE

Dave Muckalt comes under the category of a

Georgie joined the Classics Department at Sherborne in

proper northerner. He joined Sherborne in 2012

September 2015 from Brentwood School, having spent time

from spells at Manchester Grammar School (Head

in both the army and the FCO. Making an immediate

of Rugby) and Giggleswick (Director of Sport). His

impact on the school, she has possessed relentless drive

early teaching career was in Reading whilst he

and determination to pursue the highest standards, of

pursued semi -professional rugby with London

behaviour, of dress and of academic achievement,

Welsh and then Manchester. Dave captained the

accepting nothing below this and unafraid of standing up

RFU amateur side England Counties and was also

for what she believes in. As a Classics teacher, she upholds

prominent on the early professional sevens

the traditional values of a thorough and rigorous

circuit.

grammatical study, but alongside this Georgie also devises innovative and imaginative teaching and learning strategies

At Sherborne, Dave took up the post of Deputy

that bring a sense of fun and energy to her classroom. I

Director of Sport, alongside the Head of Rugby

remember watching her recreation of the sanctuary of

role, and latterly combined these with that of

Olympia in her classroom and some colleagues nearby may

senior tutor in Harper House. He revolutionised

recall hearing her re-enactment of the sacrifice of a piglet in

the midweek games programme and streamlined

the Courts. Primarily, she seeks to enthuse her students and

the options process after countless hours of

equip them for the future, encouraging them to think for

negotiation with Housemasters. Under Dave's

themselves, to reach their own reasoned conclusions and to

management the Rugby club has gone from

write fluently. Precision and accuracy is at the heart of all

strength to strength both in the 15 a side game

she does.

and sevens. His coaching prowess was recognised by the RFU who appointed him as the

Outside of the classroom, Georgie has been a committed

England U16 forwards coach in 2014, and

member of the CCF, Duke of Edinburgh and Ten Tors

enabled him to take his UKCC Level IV coaching

training teams. She has regularly spent her Wednesday

award which he completed in 2017.

afternoons cajoling recalcitrant 4th Formers to march rhythmically, but she will be remembered and appreciated

As an unwavering schoolmaster Dave gave his

by many, staff and pupils alike, for her tireless willingness to

time willingly to any boy who needed help, and

give of her own time, accompanying school trips both

was always keen to provide his opinion when

locally to Dartmoor and Exmoor, but also abroad to America

asked, and sometimes when he wasn't! He taught

and Greece, to name but a few. I wish Georgie the best for

A level PE and also Business Studies, bringing a

her future.

BY STEPHEN HEATH

no-nonsense approach to preparing boys for their external exams.

He moves on to become Director of Sport at St Bedes College in Manchester, swapping the egg for the round ball game, and returning to his roots in an area where he where he still has strong family ties. We wish him and his family the very best of luck.

BY DAVE GUY

WILL CHADWICK Will Chadwick has made an excellent contribution to Modern Foreign Languages. He completed his PGCE and NQT years at the School and the MFL Department has benefited from the wealth of ideas and strategies arising from his studies that has shared with colleagues. As an exlawyer he likes to question the purpose of education and thus has provided valuable input into new initiatives in MFL. Always professional and generous of his time, Will has brought much to all areas of school life. Although we are sorry to lose him, we wish him the very best in his promotion to Second in Department at Cranleigh.

BY JUDY THURMAN

STAFF FAREWELLS

JONATHAN SALISBURY In the past nineteen years Jonathan has contributed to

to technical challenges in whatever form they come in.

School life in myriad of ways. When I first met Jonathan

His passion for Twentieth-century design and his love of

the internet was a relatively new tool, but he had

a challenge saw him buy a historic Citroen DS car and

already developed considerable desktop publishing

this, for a number of years, became part of the

skills to design print and individually perforate

department. When we started to teach Design History

numerous tickets for the School’s RocSoc concerts. His

Jonathan’s deep interest and passion meant that he

fastidious attention to detail and design excellence

took his teaching well beyond the confines of the

typified so much of what Jonathan would achieve in his

specification, providing a rich education for all of our

time here.

pupils.

Jonathan has been a valued member of the Careers

Johnathan’s skills, abilities and talents could now take

staff, helping to prepare countless potential

him in any number of directions and he is right to think

Architecture and Design students and acting as the go-

broadly about his next steps. I would personally like to

to ICT expert for the careers department as they moved

thank him for all the support he has given me and all

from a paper base to an on-line process for university

the many Shiburnians across the years. We will all miss

applications. More recently he has been found at the

his dry wit, his reverence for anything from Japanese

weekend making time for the pupils with aspirations to

culture, his eye for and insistence upon detail, and his

apply for American Universities. Many will value the

love of making good strong espressos.

sessions he set up so that they could have this process

BY PETER CHILLINGWORTH

explained to them and so that they might receive some assistance with passing their SAT exams.

Over the years I have seen Jonathan work one-to-one with countless tutees before lessons in the morning, at lunchtimes and early evening, helping them with work and organisation issues. This has always been done with typical discretion and many boys have expressed their thanks for the individual help that Jonathan has provided and the time he has given them - time that will have made a positive change to their futures.

In Design and Technology Jonathan has applied his real passion for design to so many areas of the department.

When I first arrived a good deal of our timetable was given over to ‘non-examined’ D&T. Here was an opportunity to do ‘fun’ technology and Jonathan started to video the competitions we developed together and editing them to music. This was something rather new and exciting for the boys. He ran a video-making club for a number of years before the iPhone when suddenly everyone caught him up and became a film maker.

His intuitive use of the laser cutter has often found many of us standing there in awe. You need look no further than The Hub cake selection to see the result of the press he developed with Phil to create sugar coated round Sherborne Penny shortbread. Jonathan is drawn

PETER WARD In the last two years Peter Ward has been a very positive force in the Theology Department. His experience as Head of Department in his previous school has helped guide us through some tricky times when choosing new A level and GCSE syllabuses. He has proved resolute in the classroom too, challenging all students to reach his high expectations, but devoting a great deal of extra time to helping them if they struggle to do so. His lessons have been stimulating and fun, and his results excellent.

Away from the classroom Peter has devoted much time to the Debating Society and has been a great pastoral force in Abbey House. Those of us who watched the pantomime he wrote and directed for the house play, will not forget it in a hurry, as it brought out some extravagant performances from some unlikely students.

His kindness, positivity and willingness to go the extra mile have all been appreciated by many boys in the School. He will be sorely missed.

BY JAMES CRAWFORD

146 |

Don cameron

by Philip rogerson

STAFF FAREWELLS

DON IS ONE OF THE OUTSTANDING SCHOOLMASTERS OF HIS GENERATION, AND IT IS SHERBORNE’S GOOD FORTUNE THAT THE LAST THIRTY-SIX YEARS OF HIS CAREER HAS BEEN ENTIRELY DEVOTED TO THE BOYS IN THIS SCHOOL.

Sport has been a dominant part of his life. He grew up in the rugby heartland of Gloucester but football was an early passion, and at The Queen’s College, Oxford he was a member of a team that won the inter-collegiate cup competition twice in a row. At Sherborne he has coached generations of rugby and football players in his image: highly competitive but scrupulously fair. In rugby he has coached the 3rd XV, including an unbeaten side in Michaelmas 2006, the 4th XV and the 5th XV, as well as the Colts B and Junior Colts B and C teams. He contributed as much as anyone to establishing football as a major sport: he coached the 1st XI (1983 - 1994), the 2nd XI, the Colts A and Junior Colts A and B teams. His proudest moment was the unbeaten 1st XI season in 1990. In summer his focus was coaching sprints and jumps in athletics. Although some teachers of a certain

v

His teaching style was lively and informal. On one occasion, as German possessive adjectives were being practised by pairs acting out disputed book ownership (“Das ist mein Buch.” “Nein, das ist nicht dein Buch.”), several books were flying across the room just as the Registrar and prospective parents came by. The parents, pleased to see boys enjoying learning, signed their son up on the spot. Moreover, Don’s incisive wit played a vital role in keeping the boys’ engaged and, occasionally, in coaxing the half-hearted. In one memorable report he wrote: “He has not yet learnt that a passing interest in French is not the same as an interest in passing French.”

... as German possessive adjectives were being practised by pairs acting out disputed book ownership (“Das ist mein buch.” “nein, das ist nicht dein buch.”), several books were flying across the room just as the registrar and prospective parents came by. The parents, pleased to see boys enjoying learning, signed their son up on the spot.

v

As a teacher of French and German he arrived equipped with an Oxford degree, a teaching qualification from Bristol, and – characteristically for such a practical man – a gap year partly spent in a French factory. He set the highest standards for himself as well as his pupils. One year he taught the top two Fifth Form French sets, in which all the boys achieved the highest grade. He was prepared to go that bit further with boys of all abilities, packing in as many extra practice sessions as possible in the run up to orals or an Oxbridge interview, no matter how long the list of other demands on his time.

age are happy to pass on more energetic duties such as refereeing to younger colleagues, this was never the case with Don, who officiated most Saturdays and would be first to volunteer to cover a match, if extra help was needed.

Efficient and empathetic in administration, he combined a meticulous eye for detail with an awareness of school dynamics. After a stint in charge of Parent/Staff Meetings he became Examinations’ Officer. Ever one to rise to a challenge, he undertook this demanding role just as he

was asked to take on a house a year earlier than expected, after Paul Carling was offered a headship in India. He had had a distinguished apprenticeship as tutor in The Green from 1982 to 1994, for all but the first year as Senior Tutor to David Oldham and Mike Cleaver.

Don was an outstanding housemaster in Westcott.

As one of his tutors, I was staggered by his seemingly limitless energy and constant enthusiasm, his unwavering concern for both an individual boy and the community as a whole.

The result, in the words of

148 |

the final poem in the last edition of the house magazine, The Executioner was “a home, not a show-home”. He never seemed to be off duty, always available to offer help to those confused about French grammar or games commitments, as quick to congratulate as he was to commiserate. He could be relied upon to be frank, including his disappointment that no member of his general knowledge quiz team knew that Ashton Gate was the home of Bristol City. Here, as elsewhere in his career, Alison was a vital support and contributor, and to her, Drew and Jackie, the school also owes an incalculable amount.

For me there was no greater testimony to the respect and affection felt for him than on that horrible day in October 1998, when he had to announce to the boys that, through no fault of boys or housemaster, the school was to close Westcott the following summer.

House identity is such an integral part of being a Shirburnian, and four year groups had to contemplate having this stripped from them and moving to another tribe. However, amidst the shock and tears it was not long before one of the boys asked, “But what’s going to happen to you, Sir?” Needless to say, as a consummate professional, he oversaw the boys’ change of house with great care and went to tutor in School House. He resumed his role as Examinations’ Officer at the dawn of Curriculum 2000 and the advent of AS examinations, and was then promoted in successive years: Academic Coordinator (2005),

‘if you ever have any problem, find me as soon as possible and i will help you resolve it.’ and i think that sums up mr cameron: he is a generous, selfless man who will always do his best to put everyone in the school’s priorities ahead of his.

Director of Learning (2006) and Head of Sixth Form (2007). I was delighted that this last appointment also included having his base in The Careers Department, for during the last ten years he has been an invaluable asset to us and has developed the annual OxbridgeMedicine Interview Evening into a model of “outreach” work: it now involves about 80 students from a dozen schools. Whenever I was about to interview a boy whom I did not know, I could always rely on him to provide me with important academic and pastoral information.

He really did know every Sixth Former, and his supervision of most Saturday nights in The Stick allowed him to build a multi-dimensional picture of each individual. Moreover, I often suggested to colleagues that, if they wanted to see best practice as a tutor, they needed to look no further than Don: informed, interested, supportive and challenging. For us as colleagues, his friendship and irreverent humour (in Don’s universe there are no sacred cows and he abhors pretence) have

been hugely appreciated. Nothing was too much trouble: if boys had to be driven to Bristol Airport mid vacation to fly to the Edinburgh Festival, he would be the first to offer.

As a member of the Senior Leadership team since 2011, he has had a vital role as mentor to new colleagues in a variety of senior positions. He has been the corporate memory, but, far more than that, he has put huge efforts into making transitions of personnel as seamless as possible for the individuals and the School. I know this because I have sat at the next desk and seen the demands he has put on himself. However, he has at the same time not lost his ability to relate closely to both colleagues and boys.

I cannot think of anyone who has been more respected in the School community. And in case he disputes, with typical modesty, this last comment as well as my first, perhaps he will believe one of his last tutees, who wrote: “I fell out with my tutor and realised that I would have to change tutor. I had not known Mr Cameron very well, but within the first tutor meeting he welcomed me in as if I had been his tutee for the last four years: he was so kind, helpful and proactive about helping me. My first meeting with him he ended by saying, ‘If you ever have any problem, find me as soon as possible and I will help you resolve it.’ And I think that sums up Mr Cameron: he is a generous, selfless man who will always do his best to put everyone in the school’s priorities ahead of his.”

STAFF FAREWELLS

One of the many joys of coming to Sherborne was the opportunity to work with Lindsay Collins. In the months before my arrival, the Rev (as I soon found her to be universally known) was unfailingly solicitous and helpful.

Thereafter, she has proved to be the most loyal, supportive, encouraging and insightful of colleagues, her willingness to proffer advice on matters both sacred and profane matched only by her refusal to be offended when (on rare occasions) it was not acted upon.

The breadth of her Sherborne responsibilities has been vast. An outstanding teacher of Religious Studies, she has also managed the Health Centre and overseen our counselling provision with consummate skill Above all, though, it has been as a chaplain and a priest that she has shone. Her sure touch with matters of worship combined with an

lindsay collins

by Dominic luckett

ability to deliver lively, witty and yet profound sermons meant that her services achieved the perfect balance between formality and warmth.

She has always been tremendously impressive on the big occasions, such as Carol Services and Commem, but also capable of nurturing a wonderful sense of prayerful intimacy,

something perhaps best seen at Friday night Eucharist and Sixth Form voluntary prayers. In these ways and many others, she has been the guiding force behind the further strengthening of the School’s deep, abiding and vigorous spiritual life.

Perhaps her greatest gifts to the School, however, have been her kindness,

her generosity and her rare ability to show understanding and compassion for human weakness and frailty. It has been these things that have made her such an approachable figure and one in whom all manner of boys and staff have been able to confide in and draw strength, succour and a fresh and brighter perspective when times have been hard. At the same time, her ready smile, her infectious laugh and her flashes of liturgical colour have brought much joy to all who have spent time with her.

We shall all miss Lindsay very much, as a chaplain, a teacher, a colleague, and, above all, as a generousspirited and warm-hearted human being. She has done great service to our School and our community and we wish her well for her adventures in Canterbury.

150 |

Patrick Francis

by Giles reynolds

STAFF FAREWELLS

PATRICK FRANCIS WILL NO DOUBT BE REMEMBERED IN YEARS TO COME FOR HIS TWO BOOKS ON SHERBORNE SCHOOL: VIVAT SHIRBURNIA AND HIS YET TO BE TITLED HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL. Patrick is a man who, on the surface, appears genial and mild-mannered, but who has a steel and determination to get things done. Having joined the staff in 1976 after a History degree and PGCSE at Oxford, he swiftly established himself as a teacher in love with his material, especially the USA. This love for Americana was sparked by a year’s exchange to Texas in 1981. Countless Shirburnians (although if anybody were to know how many, it would be Patrick) have been skilfully guided

knew that Patrick was a

to Old Shirburnians, or

through their Sherborne History careers by Patrick’s

deeply caring figure and, if

gives present Shirburnians

precise, thoughtful and clear teaching. Patrick’s

he held the tiller lightly in

advice about how to

organisational skills were shown in his years as Head of

terms of discipline, when a

become a good OS!

History where he knitted together a team of young Turks

boy was struggling with

and middle-aged academics into a happy and successful

life at the school, Patrick

department.

Of course when asked how

would be alert to it. Lyon

he would like to be

was a family house, with

remembered Patrick was

Not just a man for the classroom, Patrick was at his

the two Francis boys grew

far too modest to give an

happiest when taking boys to see History in action,

up as ‘younger brothers’

answer; it is this modesty

whether it were in the American Museum in Bath,

to the 70 teenagers

that marks him out: he is

abroad to the Battlefields of the Western Front,

beyond the green baize

an English gentleman in

Normandy or to the historic cities of Berlin and Prague.

door. The house concerts,

many ways, rather out of

In Prague, while we were having supper in a Czech beer

with Sue’s operatic

kilter with these times in

hall, having heard a beautiful rendition of a Norwegian

magnificence often

which everyone has to

folk song from some Norwegian choral group, Patrick

accompanying boys in

state an opinion on

was instrumental in maintaining the honour of the

duets, were memorable

everything, however

School by leading the singing of the Carmen by the

occasions.

fatuous. He is more interested in others than

boys to a group of bemused Japanese tourists.

There is no better place to

himself and at a recent

His thoughtful and moving account of the contribution

get on with people than

staff leavers’ dinner where,

of Shirburnians to the Great War stimulated a five-year

the golf course and it was

on grounds of 42 years of

series of Third-form trips to the Western Front, which

only appropriate that

longevity, he was entitled

unsurprisingly Patrick organised, skilfully linking visits to

Patrick’s conviviality and

to a good half an hour’s

events from his book. He persuaded David Ridgway to

ability to pierce the middle

reminiscence, he was

produce a series of stunning photographs which along

of a fairway with a drive

content to quote John le

with Patrick’s text made the book a wonderfully

should have made him the

Mesurier in saying: ‘It’s all

professional example of how to commemorate and

obvious choice for Master

been rather lovely.’

explain the way a school can be affected by war.

in charge of Golf once he

Pleasingly Patrick’s

came out of Lyon. Other

research for the book will

Patrick is not just a History wonk though. He has a great

Francis haunts include the

keep him close to

talent for getting on with people, and it was this pastoral

Upper, the Careers

Sherborne. His

ability that led Peter Lapping to appoint him to succeed

Department and the

contribution has been

Mike Hatch as Housemaster of Lyon in 1994. Patrick and

Beckett Room where he

huge and he will be

Sue’s time in Lyon was very happy: the boys in the house

either researches or chats

greatly missed.

152 |

THERE IS NO SUCH WORD IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE AS “UNPIGEON-HOLEABLE”.

THERE SHOULD BE THOUGH, BECAUSE THAT IS

Philip

WHAT PHILIP ROGERSON IS. HE HAS BEEN EXCELLENT IN EVERY AREA OF SCHOOL LIFE WITH WHICH HE HAS BEEN INVOLVED, AND THAT IS WHY YOU CANNOT PIGEON-HOLE HIM. THE RESULT IS THAT MEMORIES

How many hours has he spent on catch-up lessons with boys who have needed to miss a lesson for one reason or another? He has nominally been teaching them Latin, Greek or Classical Civilisation, but he has also taught them a huge amount about English, Religion and History.

Even in the twilight of his time as a teacher he spent as much time marking and preparing as he did when he first embarked upon his teaching career. Given his position as

OF HIM WILL BE TREASURED

Director of Higher Education and Careers, he could have

BY MANY BOYS, PARENTS

the School, but he was more than happy to teach the

AND COLLEAGUES, AND

been forgiven for asking to teach mainly at the top end of Third Form and positively relished the opportunity to do so. As those of us who have taught here a long time

FOR A MULTITUDE OF

know, boys’ abilities and skill sets have changed, and Phil

REASONS. THE

the way you teach, can you teach the way he learns?”

GENERATIONS OF BOYS WHOM HE HAS TAUGHT HAVE FOUND HIM INSPIRATIONAL, INNOVATIVE AND CHALLENGING; A HARD TASK MASTER, BUT SCRUPULOUSLY FAIR.

has adapted appropriately. The question “If he can’t learn could have been coined for Phil.

Other boys will remember being tutored by Phil. They were the beneficiaries of some of the best tutoring I have encountered. His knowledge of them as individuals, his support for them, his interest in things which interested them, his availability to them and his steadfast follow up of any issues mark him out as a much sought-after tutor.

An extension of this pastoral involvement was his appointment in 1999 as Child Protection Officer. Almost immediately he had to contend with an inspection, into which he ploughed many hours to ensure that we passed with flying colours.

STAFF FAREWELLS

rogerson

by Don cameron

Every boy who has gone through

from Phil’s encyclopaedic

satisfaction with their course and

the Sixth Form in the past 20 years

knowledge of the university scene.

the university.

will have encountered Phil in the

He has visited every university in

Careers Department and I cannot

this country (and a good number

believe that that has not been a

abroad), a featwhich goes from

at Open Days earn their corn. His

positive experience for each and

impressive to staggering when you

approach has ensured that

Phil ensures that ‘student helpers’

every one of them. In my opinion,

learn that he does not himself drive,

generations of Shirburnians have

fortunate indeed is the person who

and that he has been to many

been better informed than pupils at

finds his or her métier, and Phil

imitating the student experience by

any other school. The care and

certainly found his. He has always

using public transport. Perhaps it is

thought which Phil puts into every

approached conversations with

his lack of driving which gives rise to

boy’s application is reflected in the

boys about their future as a pastoral

his penchant for cycling when he

high level of returns of his 3 and 7

matter, and every boy has been

decides to (in his words) ‘commit

year surveys, which serve to

seen as an individual with his

exercise’? Any OS reading this will

supplement the knowledge we have

distinct blend of circumstances,

smile when they see the phrase

about the current university scene.

abilities and potential. The vast

‘evidence-based approach’,

It’s when you sit in on an interview

majority of boys in this School see

because that is a phrase I would

with a Lower or Upper Sixth former

university as the next step in their

associate with him. If I accompany

(if you’re really lucky you’ll hear the

life’s journey. Phil has made them

the boys to a university Open Day, I

immortal phrase ‘aspiration versus

pause, think and then make a

will happily spend time looking at

perspiration’), or when you ask Phil

decision before moving on. Many

the art gallery. Phil, on the other

about an OS who left a while ago

boys have been hugely relieved to

hand, will take his notebook and

and he tells you where he went and

find that there was no assumption

grill current students on their course

to do what, that you realise that he

that they would be going to

content, contact time with those

has fetched up in exactly the right

university, that there would be no

teaching them, the number of

place for him. No boy gets away

coercion for them to do so. If,

students in lectures and seminars,

without being interviewed, because

however, they did wish to go to

the frequency of assignments,

he gets hunted down like a Mountie

university, they were able to benefit

quality of feedback and their

after his man. UCAS forms, personal

154 |

The question

“if he can’t learn the way you teach, can you teach the way he learns?” could have been coined for Phil.

statements and references are

grateful are those parents whose

As a member of staff (and I use that

meticulously checked in their

sons have made a false start (some

word in its widest sense), Phil has

hundreds every year, and they are

boys do actually go against the

been an outstanding contributor to

not dispatched until Phil is satisfied

advice imparted!) and who return

the well-being of so many. He sees

that they are as ready as they can

for further consultation and counsel.

the person, not the role, and he is

be. Feedback from university

Earlier this term the mother of a boy

therefore as likely to be seen talking

admissions departments tells us

who was here in 2000 approached

to the most junior member of the

that our boys’ forms stand out in

me about her younger son who did

teaching staff, as he is talking to a

comparison to other schools. That is

not attend this school. He was not

Head of Department. He achieves

true because Phil has demanded

enjoying his university course and

that blend of solicitousness, interest

the highest standards from

wanted to explore his options. Phil

and sensitivity which means that he

everyone, but mostly from himself.

immediately agreed to see them,

enquires, but does not pry.

Characteristically, he attributes the

and an hour later they departed,

success of the department to Rob

delighted to have received a range

Lloyd, whom he describes as his

of ideas going forward. Time and

is judicious in passing on relevant

guru. Indubitably, Phil has out-

knowledge given by Phil for free,

information without every betraying

gurued the guru, and he has built a

because he is a higher education

confidences and makes an excellent

department which is the envy of any

evangelist. Unless you know him

confidant. It is very much to the

school in the country. Parents have

well, you won’t know that he works

benefit of every single person

been seen in their hundreds and

gratis for an educational charity,

associated with Sherborne that Phil

they have come away grateful that

something which he’ll no doubt

will be here in a part-time capacity

their sons are in the hands of

develop, once he finishes in the

in the coming year.

someone who is an expert in what

classroom.

can be a real mine-field. Even more

Steadfast and loyal, he hears much,

STAFF FAREWELLS

SARAH DRURY

By James Henderson Sarah Drury arrived at Sherborne in 2004 after having led a very distinguished professional life as a violinist in English National Ballet, the New London Orchestra and London City Ballet. After briefly teaching the violin at James Allen’s Girls’ School, Dulwich, she became interested in a move to Dorset following her first contact with Sherborne as a violinist in Patrick Shelley’s Dorset Opera orchestra. At that point the opera company was based in Sherborne for three weeks each summer and Sarah, who loves challenges and is always ready for a new project, commented to Head of Woodwind, Clare Jackson—who sat just behind Sarah in the DO orchestra—that it would be wonderful if a job at the School were ever to come up. Auspiciously Head of Strings at Sherborne, upon Ian Davies’ retirement, came up almost immediately and so Sarah and her husband Miles, their children Clara and Jamie, arrived in King’s Road—a Sherborne address which Sarah particularly enjoyed—for what would be a fourteen year stay. Those who worked with Sarah were quickly struck by her energy, her desire to get the very best out of strings players, and her sense of fun. Everyone was to have ‘a jolly time’ and they certainly did: the boys realised that Chamber Orchestra and strings’ rehearsals would be imbued with spirit and determination but they also knew that, in return, they needed to practise and prepare thoroughly.

Sarah’s very successful approach to strings teaching involved identifying those who had interest and skill— believing that all musicians have ability on stringed instruments if they are determined enough—and then encouraging and supporting them through the many hours of committed practice needed to perform in lunchtime recitals, orchestras, and particularly in the focused and scrutinised arena of chamber music. Many boys themselves practising much more than they had envisaged, and several took up the violin, viola or ‘cello again at Sherborne having initially dropped it on leaving Prep School. Sarah often reminded them that the key to their success lay in determination and commitment.

Sarah was the sole conductor of the Chamber Orchestra throughout her time at Sherborne, and variously conducted repertoire for the Joint Schools’ Symphony Orchestra, the Sinfonia and the Concert Orchestra, in addition to teaching GCSE and A level Music, tutoring in Abbey House, and teaching PSHE. Always keeping a firm eye beyond the immediate Sherborne environs, though, Sarah also did much for the School’s outreach programme in taking chamber music to primary schools and hospitals, and in leading a particularly successful collaborative project—from the earliest crucial

fundraising schemes through to musical activity days both in Sherborne and Bristol—with Ilminster Avenue E-Act Academy in Bristol.

In recent years there has been justifiable pride in the School’s chamber music and nobody has put more time and sheer rehearsal energy into it than Sarah, and so it was a wonderful celebration when, after five chamber ensembles had been entered into the 2017 National Pro Corda Chamber Music Competition, a Martinů flute trio which Sarah had coached made it right through to the Final. They were commended by the judges as being ‘outstanding’.

Most recently the lure of a return to London, with its greater professional links, led Sarah to accepting a position as part-time Head of Strings for Enfield Music Service and then additionally, as if to confirm that her move was being made at the right time, to a second part-time post as Head of Strings in the same locality at Latymer School. Sarah will be missed for her energy and commitment, and for the many friendships she formed here with her almost legendary dinner parties, and we wish her and the family every happiness and musical success in the future.

STAFF FAREWELLS

Seana cummings

Seana joined Sherborne School in September 2009 and quickly established herself as a formidable teacher within the department.

by will buckley

Rigor was told to straighten its backbone; tardiness was instructed to sort itself out and the services of slightly-sloppy-in-the-classroom

This is not, however, what the boys

Miss C’s sets always fared well at

were dispensed with altogether. A

will remember about her. They will

GCSE and A level, the former

noisy revolution was going on in

remember the warm and

having attended many a

P11 and everyone was aware of it.

approachable teacher who had

“voluntary” revision club. She has

And that is one of Seana’s most

their best interests at heart; the

also overseen the PSHE

obvious attributes, though by no

person who always considered their

Department, and devised a

means her most important one, the

welfare above all other matters and

thorough and commended whole-

capacity for decibel-age! From her

the truly excellent classroom

school approach to it; ran

purposeful stride to her speech, she

practitioner. They will remember

Community Service; and acted as

is both determined and loud. It is

how she went the extra mile for

Senior Tutor in Abbey House. She

not necessary to actually sit in the

them; how she supported them

has brought her trademark thoughtfulness and efficiency to the

classroom with her to benefit from

through difficulties both personal

her lesson; had she applied to be a

and academic and how, if they fell

areas she has touched and enriched

librarian or the pilot of a stealth

short of the mark, she tore a strip

those with whom she has worked.

bomber she would undoubtedly

off them.

have failed the interview, but as a broadcaster - wow!

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10/10 YEARS ON

dr toBY murraY JunIor doctor, cHeLSea and WeStmInSter nHS foundatIon truSt

ruPert WetterInGS InSurance BroKer

I have many wonderful memories of Sherborne, and the

being the happiest. Genuinely, my whole

happiest are with a racquet in my hand. I loved playing

experience was happy, with a wonderfully

squash and tennis, and will be forever honoured to have

eclectic mix of energetic people. Each event

I can’t single out one memory from school as

captained the Tennis First VI. Sport played a huge part in

cemented us together. We will always be best

focussing my mind on the challenges of studying scientific

friends.

A levels.

It can be a challenge to organise yourself and thrive in every area of school life. There are so many opportunities at a school like Sherborne, such as music, sport, education and CCF. All of them will improve you holistically. my route into medicine has been more tortuous than most. I first studied physiology and anatomy to Master’s level in Edinburgh, then went to Devon to read medicine and have just completed my BMBS degree, as well as an MSc by Research in Surgery in Edinburgh. I’m now moving to London to work as a junior doctor in an academic medicine foundation role under the umbrella of Imperial

the food served when I was at school was a challenge. It gave me a fear of English puddings. I hear it’s much better now.

Working in a difficult business environment ensures nothing is ever simple. My multinational insurance brokerage, AIB, operates in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Mozambique. I founded it in 2011 after completing my degree in business management and finance at Birmingham University.

College, London.

Sherborne taught me how to handle

a career in academic surgery enables me to continue with

relationships. You had to be tolerant of egos

my clinical responsibilities while also pursuing a scholarly path. So I can treat sick patients and help improve the clinical landscape across the country through research and clinical governance. I find this incredibly exciting.

Sherborne taught me the skills and qualities that have

and respect other people’s ideals. That’s an important part of my job now, and Sherborne prepared me well for it.

Good friendships keep the good days going and make the bad ones better. Even when

developed me into a well-rounded individual. Academic

failure seems inevitable, I find a chat with a

prowess can progress someone only so far, but it is the

school friend gives me the energy to turn the

ability to interact, listen and work collectively with others

tide. I’m grateful for the bonds I made at

that are the best qualities the school helped me to polish.

school, and retain to this day.

The biggest, and most important, lesson that Sherborne taught me was to never admit defeat and strive to prove doubters wrong. don’t give up on your dreams and aspirations. I have never regretted my path to becoming a doctor, despite the length of time it has taken to achieve it.

10 | 159

ruPert morGan BanKer

When it comes to my happiest memories from

school, I’m spoilt for choice. Overall, the endless

rIcHard SWorder f1 aerodYnamIcS enGIneer It’s amazing how I managed to ignore my

abject lack of sporting talent while at

hours in the Barge Yard and on the Sixth Form Green

Sherborne. But I loved everything sporting,

playing sport stick out. It was also great to walk into a

particularly running and hockey.

room and know it would be full of your best mates.

cambridge was a bit of a shock academically.

And belting out hymns in ‘Congo’ is a very fond memory!

I went there after Sherborne and specialised in

aerodynamics in my last two years. It was only in

Keeping your head down and being disciplined could

my final year that I realised working in F1 may

be a challenge at a school like Sherborne. There was

be a possibility. I chose relevant Master’s

always a distraction and temptation to do something

projects, got noticed by Lotus F1, and went

other than work.

from there.

Work experience enabled me to make an educated

It’s great to watch my work racing on the

guess about what I might enjoy and be good at.

television, and winning a Grand Prix is pretty

While I was at Durham reading politics, I spent time at

special. The following monday is somewhat

Ernst & Young, Northern Trust and Deutsche Bank,

unproductive, I can assure you.

then joined HSBC’s graduate scheme in 2011. I moved to Hong Kong in July 2016, where I’m responsible for a portfolio of clients in Hong Kong and Australia.

the main benefit of a boarding education is the

independence it gives you. You learn to

improve situations, without relying on the help

many of my clients have a great story to tell.

of immediate family.

They’ve taken significant risks to establish their

f1 rewards people who understand the science

business. They’re true entrepreneurs and are

extremely driven, making a positive contribution to

behind aerodynamics, but can suspend the

need for accuracy when getting something

the society they live in.

done is better than getting something right.

Sherborne School gave me “soft” skills that are so

We operate on short timescales, and have lower

vital for future life. For example, it made me

risk than aviation aerodynamics.

comfortable walking into a room full of strangers and

striking up conversation, or leading a presentation. It also provided me with a great circle of friends. We

taught each other how to take a joke, and hold your own in any forum, from pub to board room.

Be proactive and realistic when you start work.

You’ll be starting near the bottom, but by mastering

the basics, rolling up your sleeves and working hard, you’ll earn the respect of colleagues and clients and soon progress.

to pursue a career in my field, you need to:

get on a high-quality engineering course, and – crucially – learn to understand when you are wrong.

160 |

10/10 YEARS ON

Lt PaddY SeLfe trooP Leader, tHe KInG’S roYaL HuSSarS Summer evenings playing 1st XI cricket on the upper are among my fondest memories of Sherborne. The privilege of playing on

GeorGe macIntoSH Performance ImProVement conSuLtant my two clearest memories of Sherborne are

the hallowed turf with support from friends and parents – just one

running out onto the upper for the first time

example of the strong Sherborne community.

as a member of the 1st XV, and reading the

time management was a big challenge at school. You had to balance the number of school subjects with sport and all the other extra-curricular activities available in a typical day.

I knew I would regret not joining the army if I didn’t do it while I was still young and physically able. After graduating from Cardiff in 2011 and spending a couple of years travelling and in various jobs, I commissioned from Sandhurst in 2014. I now command a troop of four Challenger 2 main battle tanks.

Here’s some of what I’ve done in the last two years: Phase 2 Training onto Challenger 2, Biathlon and Nordic skiing in Norway and across Europe, cricket in Barbados, Army Polo at home and in India, freefall parachuting in Spain, Cresta in Switzerland, and working on the Staff at the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) in Canada for eight months during 2016. I have also completed career development courses over the past two years and will promote to Captain at the end of 2017.

It’s an honour to command soldiers in preparation for deployments at home and overseas. Whether or not I pursue a long-term career in the Army, the rest of my life will be positively influenced by these years.

Sherborne’s strong ethos to develop a pupil’s personality and character put me in excellent stead for officer Selection. That’s achieved through interesting classes, competitive sport and a myriad of other activities.

Simple disciplines such as personal turnout, manners and etiquette go without saying in daily life at Sherborne. Their importance should not be underestimated. They cause OS to stand out from the crowd, and come at no extra cost.

head boys’ speech at the end-of-year service. Both were a real roller coaster of emotions. Pride in the school and my classmates made them very special. everything seems so important when you’re young. It’s always going to be a challenge to get the right balance of activities while at school.

You don’t need to be too tied down by the choices you make at school. I read Ancient History at St Andrew’s, after A levels in Ancient History, English and History. I now lead a team of scientists who deal with the problems faced by UK infrastructure owners.

Prior to that I worked for BAE Systems, specialising in defence and aerospace.

I get to work with amazingly bright people who challenge me every day. I was in a meeting the other day and we realised that there were more PhDs in the room than people. It made my Master’s degree seem a little less than impressive!

Sherborne taught me to be interested in things. It made me inquisitive and exploring about the world. I think that has done most to shape my aspirations. my advice to anyone at school is: take time to consider what you want to do for a living.

Try not to be too limited by what you perceive to be challenges ahead. I’ve come a long way from ancient History!

10 | 161

caPtaIn edWard roGerS armY medIc Sherborne helped me to grow in

independence, with the support of a tight-

oLI cooPer SenIor drauGHtSman natIonaL tHeatre

the 45-mile ten tors is the thing I look back

knit community in my boarding house. I think

on most fondly from my time in Sherborne.

that’s a standout feature of the school, along

I wasn’t particularly academic, but there were

with the ideal balance between sport and

always loads of other activities for me to take

academic endeavours, and its fantastic

advantage of. And while the 35-mile Ten Tors

facilities.

was good, the 45-miler was even better.

I quickly developed self-sufficiency in relation

You need to balance academic requirements

to my studies. There’s an important transition

with extra-curricular activities. I found it easy to

at school from learning being taught by

get involved in the latter, but sometimes had to

teachers to it being facilitated by them. That

rein myself in and focus on academic work.

helps you mature academically.

my career so far has been a mix of freelance

I am currently serving a three-year post with

and contractor work. I studied at the Central

the Household calvary regiment in Windsor

School of Speech and Drama after leaving

as its assistant regimental Surgeon. This has

Sherborne, and became an assistant stage

come after six years at medical school in

technician at the Young Vic in my third year. I’ve

London straight from Sherborne, following by

since worked in venues such as the Duke of

two foundation years in London hospitals. I

York, The Globe, The Roundhouse, and the

passed out of Sandhurst after that, and am

Hampstead Theatre.

now training to become an anaesthetist

specialising in pre-hospital emergency care.

I didn’t get the job I applied for at the national

theatre. This was as a project draughtsman, but

the variety of my working life is endless.

they did offer me a three-month contract. Now,

I can provide medical care anywhere from the

five years later, I’m still there, working as a

comfort and ease of our medical centre to

senior draughtsman.

the austerity of a canopy in the jungles of

South East Asia. The military has a distinctive team mentality, and that works well for my personality.

Sherborne School instils curiosity among its pupils. That’s crucial to achieving your goals

in the working world.

Learn how to work hard and with

commitment early in life. That makes it so

much easier to stand on your own two feet

later. But also remember to have fun. Serious adult life is only getting longer for all of us.

Practitioners in my industry still produce high-

quality theatre and events that inspire people.

This is despite cuts in Arts Council funding over

recent years.

You get back what you put in. Sherborne

taught me to work hard, and that’s just like real

life. It seems no job is a nine-to-fiver any more.

the most important thing in the theatre is to

have a positive attitude and a willingness to

learn. This is a fast-paced industry, and you’ll never slow down.

10 162 |

10/10 YEARS ON

aLeX Le maY fInancIaL Pr conSuLtant

I cannot think of a time I was not happy at Sherborne.

cHrIS HoLdoWaY InVeStment manaGer

It is easy to take sport for granted when

I particularly appreciated the setting, which I think is truly unique.

you’re at school, but you miss it dearly in the

Being able to play sport several times a week, walk into town at

years that follow. I have never (nor ever will

your leisure and live with great mates makes for a very happy

again!) played as much sport throughout the

childhood.

year as I did at Sherborne. That and living

We had great teachers, who inspired us for the future. Both my

with friends were two highlights of my time

choice of university course and subsequent career were influenced by my A level teachers.

financial Pr is a stimulating profession. It has the rigour of banking, and requires people who can think on their feet,

communicate with clarity, and constantly multi task. I’m pleased I ended up in this world, after initially being drawn to investment

there.

You always need to strike a balance between

having fun at school and ensuring work is

done properly. I’m sure everyone finds it

difficult at some point. I learnt a lot about

managing priorities along the way.

banking. That was great fun, but I wanted a profession that didn’t

I love dealing with people for a living, and

involve staying in the office until 2am every day.

getting to know them on a personal level.

university was a chance to build my profile. I studied at Cardiff,

When I made the move to qualify as an

and used my summer holidays to try multiple internships. After

working with one firm over consecutive summers, it offered me a job as I entered the final year of my degree.

If you’re looking for a graduate job, make sure there is training for your whole career, not just at the start. I joined FTI in 2013

and have moved through the ranks from graduate consultant to senior director.

investment manager, it was from a

background in financial publishing, having

studied physics at Manchester. I now manage

portfolios for individuals, trusts, charities and

businesses.

Sherborne is one of the best schools for

producing all-rounders. That is to say it

encouraged a bit of everything, something

Sherborne gave me the life skills needed to succeed in the city.

that is vital in working life. Learning to adapt

To my mind it is very simple: you don’t need to be the most

and find a way to get things done was a great

intelligent person in the world, but if you find something that

skill to develop.

interests you and you are prepared to work hard, you will do well.

It doesn’t really matter what you study at university but you

need to get at least a 2:1 in your degree and if possible relevant work experience. We get over 500 credible applications for 10

roles on our grad scheme and finding a way to stand out from the crowd (while avoiding the temptation to be whacky) will give you a much better chance of success.

Be prepared to spend a few years after

university sitting professional exams.

That’s the key to success in the work place.

| 163

• James Allen (U6m)

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The

Shirburnian 2016/17

EDITORIAL BOARD KATE WHITLOCK STEPHEN BYRNE DAVID RIDGWAY (SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHER) FREDDIE CORRIE-DEANE (U6B)

WITH THANKS THE SHIRBURNIAN WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE OUTSTANDING CREATIVITY AND HARD WORK OF MANY PEOPLE IN THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY. WE ARE GRATEFUL TO ALL BOYS AND STAFF WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THIS EDITION

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER CHILLINGWORTH, BILLY CRIPPS (4C), GILLMAN AND SOAME, SOPHIE HARRIS, JAMES HENDERSON, JOSIE RICHARDSON, DAVID RIDGWAY

DESIGNED AND PRINTED BY SHELLEYS, SHERBORNE

SHERBORNE SCHOOL ABBEY ROAD, SHERBORNE DORSET DT9 3AP T: 01935 812249 E: enquiries@sherborne.org www.sherborne.org