OS
RECORD
2023
127
th
AnnuAl RecORd cOntentS President Headmaster Chairman Secretary Thoughts from Sherborne Music Sport Articles Events and Reunions Pilgrims and OS Sport Engagements, Marriages, Births & Deaths Obituaries Old Shirburnian News
01 02 04 04 06 10 13 18 27 33 39 42 48
Editors: Anne Macfarlane and John Harden Photographs: Josie Sturges-Mills, Sarah Tobin, Rob Gosling (a 01), Kiran Patel, Fiona James, Anne Macfarlane, John Harden and others
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 1
MeSSAGe FROM the PReSIdent Having recently recovered from
my first, highly entertaining Past
Presidents’ luncheon, I feel blessed
to find myself amongst such
august company 12 months into
my post. But what really strikes me
Sherborne in the 30s? Jon Pertwee
Those living close enough can now
is the number of rising stars,
(f 34), I’ll wager, is not a well-
benefit from the fantastic new
successful entrepreneurs and high
known old boy, as he attended
Sports Centre, equipped with some
achieving professionals who
several schools (some of which are
of the latest kit; as we approach
regularly appear in the alerts I
reported to have expelled him).
Christmas, one needs to be sure
receive from Sherborne Connect.
Scanning just the last three
there’s a counter-balance to the
This is a useful resource for Old
months’ feed, we see a finalist for
festive season’s over-indulgences.
Shirburnians, not only to keep up
the Earthshot Prize, news of
I look forward with great
to date with events and reunions,
exciting start-ups, a gastronomic
anticipation to the coming year of
but also to connect with the OS
go-getter, up-and-coming elite
OSS events. Vivat!
community on all manner of
rugby players and the excellent
subjects. What talented people
achievements in music, thanks to
have attended Sherborne School!
the brilliant Director of Music. I am reminded of the privilege we
We often celebrate and sometimes
enjoy being part of this School and
even bask in the reflected glory of
I heartily recommend Sherborne
famous Old Shirburnians, but how
Connect to those of you not
many people reading this of my
already signed up. Thank you to
generation (b 71) were aware that
John Harden and Anne
the actor playing the third Dr
Macfarlane for all the work that
Who, 1970 to 1974, was at
goes into running the OSS. JeFFReY cAReY (b 71)
FROM the heAdMASteR One of the strange concomitants of age is that each year seems to pass more speedily than the last. As a child, I well remember the feeling of utter desolation that set in at bedtime on my birthday as the dark realisation dawned that it was a whole year until the next one. It is much the same with each new intake of Third Formers. At our first meeting, I always tell them how quickly their five years at Sherborne will pass. Their faces betray complete bafflement. Only as they approach the end of their Sherborne journey do some of them sheepishly acknowledge that it has gone by in a flash. And such is it with life. Some days (invariably the tougher ones) feel as though they will never end, and an hour in the wrong company can seem interminable. Yet the months and years somehow fly past with increasing rapidity. I am sure that one of the reasons why the boys feel, in retrospect, that their time here has gone so swiftly is because they are so busy. Academic lessons, games, music, CCF, clubs, and activities compete with eating, relaxing and sleeping to fill the unforgiving minute. It is for this reason that they (and the staff) feel so tired at the end of each term. It is also why they achieve so much. This year has seen the usual panoply of accomplishments: outstanding academic results, sporting and athletic success; and accolades including places at the most prestigious universities; ATCL performance diplomas and grade 8 distinctions; LAMDA speech and drama diplomas; Army scholarships; a frustratingly close second place in the Royal Marines’ Pringle Trophy; a plethora of Duke of Edinburgh Awards; and an appointment as Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for Dorset.
We have seen outstanding School and House plays; a magical joint schools’ musical (Legally Blonde); sublime choral performances in the Abbey; and some extraordinarily fine instrumental and vocal concerts. Were that not enough, the boys have continued to show kindness, consideration and practical support to others in both small ways and on a broader canvas through determined charity fundraising and volunteering. To support the boys in their endeavours, we have continued to invest in our estate, through both our rolling programme of maintenance and improvement and a number of more major projects, notably the creation of our magnificent new Sports Centre complex. Many OS gave very generously in order to help fund the project. I am most grateful to them all and look forward to thanking them in person at the opening event which we are planning for early summer 2024. Another significant development has been our first tentative engagement with Artificial Intelligence. Whilst AI has been around for a while, the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022 marked a watershed. With its ability to understand and generate sophisticated text, music, computer code and graphics, ChatGPT has the potential to revolutionize the way we live,
learn, collaborate, and navigate the world. One of the most significant impacts we can anticipate is the customization and personalization of the learning experience. With AI’s capabilities, schools can offer tailored resources, feedback, and support. By analysing individual learning patterns and preferences, it can identify areas of strength and weakness, allowing teachers to provide targeted intervention and guidance. AI will also allow the automation of many administrative tasks, resulting in more efficient use of time and resources. It can also contribute to an enriched and augmented learning experience. Through intelligent algorithms and machine learning, AI can curate and recommend educational resources that align with pupils’ interests, learning profiles and goals. Of course, the AI revolution brings with it a host of practical and ethical challenges. These could be used as an argument against embracing the technology. Any attempt to try to keep it at arm’s length would, however, be not only foolish and in vain but also an abnegation of our duty as teachers. AI is not only here to stay but will inevitably become ubiquitous as it grows exponentially more powerful. Our job is to teach the boys to understand the technology, to appreciate its strengths,
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 3
dR dOMInIc luckett Headmaster and Chief Executive
limitations and dangers and thus to use it intelligently and with discernment. As the School that nurtured Alan Turing’s early genius, we can hardly do other than help our pupils become worthy and wise beneficiaries of his legacy. What AI does not and cannot ever do is replicate the unique power of humanity. However much technology may serve to make our lives less effortful, people need people. No machine can convincingly generate the warmth of true friendship, the joy of companionship, the thrill of sporting competition, the artistry of musical interpretation or the power of dramatic performance. And it is for that reason that we
at Sherborne need have no fear of the AI revolution. As a community of kindness where nothing matters more than the happiness of the individual and the wellbeing of the collective, AI will serve us well as it relieves us of much of life’s drudgery, freeing us to focus ever more on the personal interactions that make Sherborne the very special place that it is and that it has always been. As a final word, please accept my sincere thanks for your continued support for Sherborne. Because of you, together with our boys, parents and staff, we can face the future with confidence and ambition.
Vivat Shirburnia!
P.S. One of the paragraphs above was written by ChatGPT. I have no intention of telling you which one.
S e c R e tA RY ’ S letteR
chAIRMAn’S MuSInGS Amidst a global backdrop of turmoil, disorder, and conflict, life at Sherborne carries on in its usual positive and confident stride. the School remains in robust health, and plans to reopen Westcott remain on the table. Our next step likely hinges on the outcome of the upcoming election and the new challenges this may present. I would like to bring to your attention the availability of bursaries provided by the OS for the children and grandchildren of fellow alumni. These bursaries are discreetly accessible for those among us who may be facing challenges with the current fees or who are somewhat constrained in considering Sherborne as an option for our sons or grandsons. The fund is in place to provide support, so please don't hesitate to reach out. As usual, there are numerous events on the OS calendar that I strongly encourage you to participate in. They promise memorable moments and a fantastic chance to reconnect with the School and old chums. If you're feeling adventurous, the OS team is ready to assist you in planning a brand new event that you believe should be added to the calendar! I would like to extend my gratitude to John and his dedicated team for their unwavering enthusiasm and for the School's continuous support in creating an environment that consistently fills all of us old boys with pride to call ourselves Shirburnians. StePhen ReeS-WIllIAMS (h 81)
As I write, it is six years since we launched Sherborne Connect. I was notoriously cautious in my estimate of how the Sherborne constituency would embrace the concept of an online platform and predicted a ceiling of 1,000 members. I was proved so wrong that, within a couple of months, I was literally obliged to eat my hat. We now have over 4,000 members but, far more importantly, Sherborne Connect is proving vibrant in so many ways. This is especially true of the Careers Mentoring section where so many OS and parents have given their time and expertise to help younger OS become established in their chosen careers. Feedback tells us that this is not only resulting in good advice but is stretching to improved interview technique, work experience and sometimes to jobs themselves. The Events Board gives members easy access to the OS Calendar and allows members to plan well in advance, whilst the news feed keeps one informed of news of others. If you are not already a member do please sign up to Sherborne Connect – there really is something in it for everyone. It was lovely to be able to hold a full programme of events this year. For the first time since 2019, our programme remained unmolested by lockdowns and rail strikes. Although the last named still hovered, our schedule was luckily enough set up to avoid the bad days. We were therefore able to catch up on year group reunions that had missed out previously. Hopefully the report and the array of pictures on the Events page 28 in this Record will give you a sample of the joy that we experienced at hosting such a wide range of events for OS of all ages. Especially enjoyable in the last few years have been the series of House Dinners that we have held on the eve of successive OS Days. We celebrated Abbeylands in 2023 and hope that we shall have an equally enthusiastic turnout for the Harper House Dinner on 10 May 2024. There have been changes within the OSS structure in 2023 and our Honorary Treasurer, Robin Brown, is retiring. It seems an age ago that Hugh Archer and I cornered Robin in Richard Morgan’s garden and somehow persuaded him to take on the role. What a success he has made of it over the last sixteen years. Under Robin’s stewardship the OS Charitable Trust has trebled in value with a resultant increase in income which allows us in 2023 to provide a record level of bursary support to the sons and grandsons of OS. In the current school year, we are giving meaningful help to ensure that eight boys are reaping the benefits of a Sherborne education. The OSS General Fund has also been the beneficiary of Robin’s wise handling of resources and is in a position that we are able to offer considerable promotional help at OS events.
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 5
especially those that concern the
young. Robin is to be succeeded as Hon Treasurer by Martin Humphrey
(h 81) who has already demonstrated a firm grasp of the workings of both the OS General Fund and the Charitable Trust. I know that our fiscal affairs remain in safe and caring hands.
It is now over a year since Adrian
Ballard left the Sherborne Foundation and a detailed programme was put in place to find the right successor to
the post of Head of Foundation.
Richard Hunt, who was previously at Lady Margaret Hall in Oxford, was appointed and started here in late
August and in the short period since
then and now, Richard has really hit
the ground running attending OS
functions and setting up one to one
meetings with key supporters. He is
going to prove a huge asset to The Foundation.
Every year our list of deaths add a sad note to the OS Record and 2023 has
been no exception. Peter Lapping and
ensuring that Q events held in
Sherborne and London in alternate
years not only continued to thrive but
also increased in popularity. My
predecessor, Richard Warren also
passed away in 2023. It was Richard
who really took the Society forward
from a rather moribund organisation,
hosting a mere scattering of events into the vibrant entity that I was fortunate enough to inherit.
A large percentage of the events that
we hold would not be possible
without the help that we receive from
The OSS is also indebted to so many
unsung heroes here in Sherborne who
do so much to ensure that the Society
runs smoothly. We are so lucky to
work with a School where the
importance and value of maintaining
links with Old Boys and Past Parents is
appreciated. Thank you all.
Anne, Marie and I wish you all a very
happy 2024 and hope to see you soon
Thanks to them we find venues for Business Breakfasts, pubs and
restaurants for events, rooms for
committee meetings – the list is a
Q (OS who left the School over 50
would not be able to do without
years ago) and did a wonderful job in
their help.
volunteers, be they OS or parents.
Rob Key were both outstanding OS
Presidents. Ian Scott was Chairman of
pleasure to host our regular
Volunteers Lunch to thank them for
long one and I thank them all. We them. For our part, it is always a
JOhn hARden (g 70)
chAPlAIncY I charge you never to forget the truths and values upon which this School was founded. endeavour to put them into practice. Remember that you are called to be young men of purpose and integrity, exampling to others the christian values of love and forgiveness, justice and mercy. learn adventurously, serve with humility and love unconditionally. May Almighty God bless you as you leave this School and keep you in the knowledge of his love now and forever. Amen.
It is our normal practice at the moment that a new boy beginning his career at Sherborne in the Third Form and staying until the end of the Upper Sixth will hear The Headmaster address them with the words above in a September service of welcome or a July service of thanksgiving in the School Chapel. The words themselves, whether spoken in September or July, represent a charge, a challenge, a duty, a task to be undertaken and fulfilled to the very best of one’s ability. The Headmaster expresses in those old and familiar words the values which lie at the very foundation of this School, but also of many others like it, all of which set out to embrace those values and to inculcate them in the lives of those entrusted to them for their education, well-being and nurture. Those who hear the words, who understand their meaning, and who accept the implications of those meanings, are thereby encouraged to consider and then to put them into practice in their own lives throughout their career as an individual at Sherborne. And then well beyond it as they go out into the unknown future in which such values may at times appear to be in considerably short supply. There are those who upon the hearing of such words, no doubt,
It would of course be obvious to note that such a status quo is a
will take them to heart and try to apply them, but perhaps more
particularly gloomy vista for some to see in our current state of
who will reject their very basis and the language in which they
affairs, to consider that the nation(s) has gone to hell in a
are couched. The more astute will perhaps see and hear in them
handcart. But, more happy to report, this is not a position which I
a culture and way of life which belongs to another era. To a time
attempt to espouse in the current expression of my vocation as
when Britain might have been understood as the very bastion of
the Chaplain of this School. To me it is not sufficiently optimistic
Christianity, almost a new Jerusalem, or even the last outpost of
to think in such a way, but rather to see in The Headmaster’s
Christendom which everywhere else is sinking and expiring in the
Charge an inclusive re-statement of values and standards and
rabid tides of secularism and secularisation which are now the
aspirations to which people of all outlooks, belief traditions and
hallmarks of the global family.
none may look and consider to be a reasonable set of values to which to aspire and to claim as the guiding principles for a life worth living and indeed worth living well for that matter.
t h e R e V d R d AV I d c A M P B e l l Chaplain
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 7
FIRSt IMPReSSIOnS My first term at Sherborne has been a whirlwind. I have
great sympathy for our third formers as we have both been navigating our way in a new and exciting environment.
Sherborne is an incredible place. It is staffed by passionate, knowledgeable teachers who care deeply about the boys entrusted to us. When I have asked staff what is the single most important thing, they think Sherborne represents, there tends to be a pause before the most common response is ‘individual care’. This pause isn’t because they are trying to remember what the manual says they should say (Sherborne staff are too independently minded to do that), it is because it is genuinely how they feel. When I ask the same question of OS, the response in almost all cases is a version of ‘the School produces decent and interesting people’. Many parents I have spoken to are looking for a school that doesn’t encourage sharp elbows. Our boys still excel academically and on the sports pitches. And, they excel in music, drama, art and a myriad of co-curricular activities, wherever their strengths lie. The final prize at Commem is the Bow Award, given to the boy who had made an outstanding contribution to the pastoral welfare of others in the School or in other words been the most supportive to his peers. The metaphorical roof was raised in support in the Courts as last year’s award was announced. Kindness links all this. In a working world that often seems to require those sharp elbows, Shirburnians still get to the top without leaving havoc or a wasteland behind them. What’s my evidence for saying this? Well, granted it’s not hugely scientific, but the number of OS who want to lean in and support is noteworthy, whether that be supporting other OS, sharing careers advice with sixth formers or supporting the School philanthropically to help it be even better. As the School and the Foundation work together to chart the next Campaign, I am hopeful that together we will enable this School to double down on creating decent, interesting people who care.
RIchARd hunt Head of the Sherborne School foundation
cAReeRS theRe ARe thRee keY AReAS OF FOcuS OF SIxth FORM lIFe In the cAlendAR YeAR. The first lies in supporting the Upper Sixth boys with their applications to a whole range of Post-18 destinations. Many of the boys apply through UCAS to study at a range of UK based institutions. Several boys look to join other Shirburnians at various exciting global locations. Some boys apply for conservatoires and drama schools. Others apply for competitive degree apprenticeship courses. Many choose to take a gap year and a break from full-time education. The Careers and Pathways Team seek to support our boys and their families with all of these potential pathways. The second area of focus lies in welcoming the new Lower Sixth boys to the Sixth Form and helping them explore and prepare for potential applications in the year ahead. We create a culture in which the boys are informed about a whole range of possible global outcomes and give them the time and space to discuss their own potential destinations with each other, their Tutors, their Housemasters, their parents and the Careers and Pathways Team. Lastly, the third, and arguably most important, area of focus is on helping the boys develop in a holistic sense. In order to help the boys progress in the three areas above, we provide a wide range of events and experiences to help stimulate thought and cultivate vital skills: • In addition to our weekly Sixth Form
• We have also hosted another
• In January we host our Sixth Form
assembly programme, we have
International University Fair, with
Leadership Conference, along with
launched a monthly Business Breakfast
representatives from universities from
Sherborne Girls. The aim of the event
event, welcoming local professionals,
the USA, Canada, France, Italy,
is to support our pupils in gaining a
parents and alumni into School to
Switzerland, Germany and Spain
leadership toolkit to support them in
share with the boys insights into a wide range of businesses and careers • We continue to forge a close relationship with the British Armed Forces, inviting in military personnel to provide careers talks • We have hosted another Gap Year Fair, exposing the boys to a wide range of global ideas and opportunities. This was accompanied by a Gap Year Webinar for pupils and parents, led by Milly Whitehead from The Leap
• In addition, the U6 boys were taken to a University & Apprenticeship Fair at the Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol • Our Oxbridge, Medicine, Vet. Med and Law applicants were all provided
the future • The boys and parents receive a talk from the University of Bath on how to apply to universities in the UK • The boys are offered the opportunity
with bespoke preparation for
of working with Amplify Trading,
admissions tests and interviews
experiencing Finance simulations to
• Our Weekly Careers and Pathways Bulletin is packed full of opportunities, including work experience, summer
help them bridge the gap between them and future employers • Those interested in apprenticeships
courses and insight days and is added
receive bespoke support from the
to the School website each week
Careers and Pathways Team through regular lessons, talks and visits
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 9
• Our Lower Sixth Careers Convention
We are so grateful to the many Old
happy, knowing themselves and knowing
involves up to 50 professionals from a
Shirburnians who continue to provide
that the life they live is a good one.
diverse range of industries, talking
such generous support to our Sixth Form
Achieving these goals is at the heart of
with the boys in small groups, followed
programme. We are proud of our offer,
everything we do. Achieving these goals
by coffee and networking
but we could not provide such a
is eminently possible with the wonderful
comprehensive programme without the
support of Old Shirburnians.
• The Upper Sixth boys receive Professional Network Training, with particular focus on setting up their own professional LinkedIn account • We guide the Upper Sixth boys through the journey of their Post-18 offers and decisions • Finally, when Results Day comes along,
undying support of the OS fraternity. We always welcome offers of support with providing talks and mentoring and so, if you have not yet reached out, and would like to do so, please do contact us at careers@sherborne.org We want our boys to be well prepared for life after Sherborne. We want them to go
we are there, along with our
on to make a positive difference to the
colleagues to support the boys and
world. We want them to continue to
their families with whatever the
connect with the School and to continue
outcome of their respective A Level
the altruistic and vital work of the OS
and BTEC results
Society. Ultimately, we want them to be
Alex BOYd-WIllIAMS
deputy head (Sixth Form)
MuSIc
As the summer holidays draw to a close each year, most school-aged musicians around the country return to their musical instruments, after a period of inactivity, in readiness for the new school year—though some, of course, return to them only once the term has begun. A small handful of them—though growing in number each year as time pressures increase at School and the cost of the “extra” of music lessons is of concern to their parents—decide whether or not to stop and focus on other things. Others have attended summer courses and maintained their practice routines almost throughout the break, as part of a process of preparing to take their ATCL or LTCL performance diplomas, or perhaps their Grade 8 exams—often on more than one instrument—in readiness for university application forms; or perhaps just as part of their musical pathway.
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 11
The role of the Music School in 2023, then, is to add enrichment to, and to stretch and challenge, those who have stayed with their practising and who are inevitably ‘better’ than they were just weeks before; to build new ensembles or rebuild previous ones for those who became musically ready just in time for the term to begin (or possibly just after it had begun); and to provide opportunities for those who had wanted to drop their music altogether or who perhaps had yet even to try it. Inclusivity of all musical standards is the order of the day, as is flexibility within the aim to produce truly productive musical opportunities. Whether through links with other schools, through charitable ventures with the Choir at Christmas, involvement with Festive Shopping Day, or performing weekly on Fridays in Cheap Street Church, the ethos of a music department needs to be, and Sherborne School music is, allinclusive. In its huge 112-strong choir, its 70-strong Wind Band, its 22-strong Swing Band with its Dinner and Jazz events, and its almost legendary congregational singing in services held in the Abbey twice a week, the Music School is a collection of teams, from the staff team (there are 28 specialist Visiting Music Teachers) to the pupil teams (there are about 20 established ensembles). Whilst our well-established groups are often crowd-pleasers and essential building blocks in a pupil’s musical pathway, our smaller chamber groups are specifically chosen for a
particular competition or concert—often
and in the BSR, and administrates all of
order to maintain high standards. Music
with great success—and these projects
the events: external and internal
Technology plays a big role in the
run over a specific number of weeks
competitions with external adjudicators
process: composers beaver away at their
rather than over the three terms. Over
that challenge the most gifted and able;
composing work-stations for fun, for
350 instrumental lessons take place each
choral Evensongs in Bath Abbey,
competition entry, and for GCSE and A
week, there is an ensemble for every
Salisbury and Winchester Cathedrals;
Level coursework submissions. They then
pupil’s ability level, and there are
and short-term collaborative projects
collaborate in the performances of their
performance opportunities for
with Sherborne Girls involving orchestras,
music. At the same time rock music
everyone—whether playing to full-time
piano duos, string quartets, musicals and
flourishes as pupil-led activity—also joint
members of the music staff, or to
rock music. In February 2023 the first
with Sherborne Girls, and the Clapton-
friends in informal concerts that are not
“Musical Showcase” took place as a
style ‘Unplugged” was particularly
open to the public, or in the well-
specific event highlighting the musical
popular as a collaborative exercise this
established concert series of lunchtime
collaboration between the two schools.
last year.
recitals.
Collaboration and team spirit is key to musical success. Shirburnians are
During the year there really was, and
At the heart of the Music School is a
encouraged to make a choice and then
indeed continues to need to be, music
manager who pulls everything together
to be committed, because most
for everyone in the Sherborne Schools.
in co-ordinating and administrating the
ensembles rehearse on a longer growth
very full Music Diary. Laura McCormick
basis than just one of the three terms—
welcomes audiences to Cheap Street
and being a member of the team then
Church, to concerts in the Music School
involves individual practice sessions in
JAMeS hendeRSOn E x e c u t i v e D i re c t o r o f M u s i c
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 13
the SheRBORne SchOOl cOMMunItY eAGeRlY AntIcIPAted the unVeIlInG OF the neW SPORtS centRe thROuGhOut Much OF 2023. WhIle the InItIAl PhASe, PARtIculARlY the exPAnded SPORtS hAll, WAS Met WIth delIGht, the FInAl PROJect delIVeRY MARked A SIGnIFIcAnt MIleStOne FOR eVeRYOne InVOlVed In SPORtS.
Navigating through the Lent and Trinity
extended runs in the National Cups
Athletics Championships, with one
Terms presented challenges, with winter
during the Michaelmas Term. Success
participant advancing to the English
weather introducing wet and cold
stories were not limited to football, as
School Championships in high jump.
conditions. Nevertheless, the boys
badminton now boasts both junior and
Unfortunately, rain returned to dampen
persevered, engaging in activities on
senior squads, while golf has a
the excitement of Sports Day at the
Carey’s, The Upper, and various off-site
developmental team geared towards the
term's end.
venues. Sherborne, both indoors and
future. The senior rugby squads faced
outdoors, offers an extensive array of activities for boys to explore and commit
The summer term showcased notable
challenges over the past couple of years,
to, providing opportunities for sport and
events, including the end-of-term cricket
with the XV experiencing a disappointing
recreation throughout the week and on
week featuring a Ruth Strauss Day and
first half of the Michaelmas Term. Injuries
Saturdays.
the hosting of the Mini Colts festival with
and a lack of depth played significant
Cheltenham, Stowe, and Haileybury.
roles, impacting confidence. On a more
Football asserted its dominance in
Sherborne's senior golf squad qualified
positive note, junior age group teams
January, February, and March, reflecting
for the HMC Foursomes final, and
found success, and several Bath Academy
its prominence in the media and the
commendable performances were
attendees harbour realistic aspirations for
country at large. The sport's standard
observed on various tennis surfaces.
success beyond school. Tracking the
witnessed improvement, evident in
Athletes represented Dorset at the SW
progress of individuals like Tom James
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 15
(c 12), Will Homer (m 14), Ed Coulson (m
inclusion of a golf simulator has
full boarding school, Sherborne remains
14), Arthur Green (g 22), Will Parry (b 22),
generated considerable interest and
committed to supporting the boys and
and Tom Carr-Smith (m 20) exemplifies
enthusiasm among the boys.
open doors for boys.
ensuring they have access to crucial and enjoyable opportunities.
the potential and determination that Despite these positive developments, challenges persist, particularly in September marked the opening of
securing external fixtures and
Phase 2 of the new Sports Centre, a
competitive opportunities with other
substantial step forward in enhancing
schools. The trend of schools, primarily
facilities for the boys. The new gym and
day schools, fielding fewer teams in
performance area are central to the
major games poses a growing challenge.
School's athletic development
This shift may be attributed to the
programme, aiming to build resilience,
impact of the Covid years, where
prevent injuries, and enhance
students and parents grew accustomed
performance across sports. While there
to "free" weekends for non-sporting
are ongoing snags and unfinished areas,
activities, or it may reflect a broader
the facility promises to yield rewards in
change in preferences toward less
the months and years ahead. The
mainstream activities. Nevertheless, as a
d AV I d G u Y D i re c t o r o f S p o r t
SheRBORne SchOOl SPORtS centRe M At c h R e P O R t: A G A M e O F t W O h A lV e S … Following several postponements, the game was finally rescheduled to kick-off in the Trinity term in 2021. Sherborne made a few signings in advance of the whistle to bolster their squad, with various professionals brought in to strengthen the team, particularly in the areas of project management, design and quantity surveyance/cost management. The starting XI appeared strong and Sherborne looked sharp whilst warming up before kick-off. Given the stiff headwinds, the School decided to employ a “design and build” formation (sorry, this analogy will get stretched from time to time!) with a contract subsequently being let to Amiri Construction to both reconfigure the existing Sports Centre as well as build and extend the new facilities. As a result of the excellent efforts of the
associated bouldering rooms) installed
exponentially and sub-contractors/trades
Sherborne School Foundation in raising
and the swimming pool given a much
were failing – all of which were putting
funds for the project, the team started
needed refurbishment, resulting in the
increased pressure on the home team.
quickly, bossing much of the early play.
School going in broadly on schedule at
Despite this, the School maintained the
The site was cleared, and we soon settled
half-time.
determination and resilience for which it is
holes were drilled down into the Ham
The gaffer made a few changes to sure up
and budget. Full time came and went,
Stone beneath the site that underpins
the line up for the second half. Lucy
with the referee deciding to play a period
(both literally and metaphorically) so much
Mackenzie was brought in as Operations
of injury time to allow for the final phases
into our agreed game plan. Over 300
known and continued to play within scope
of the School. Indeed, so strong were
Bursar in Michaelmas 2022 to strengthen
of the match (principally the squash
those foundations that three auger bits
the midfield and ensure a greatly
courts) to be completed, before the final
were broken in drilling through the Stone
improved pass completion rate between
whistle was blown.
before the slab for the new Sports Hall
and across the team. She was also
could be poured. It was at that stage that,
specifically charged to defend against the
The Centre re-opened to boys, staff and
as with so many sporting fixtures held in
risk of any own-goals that might affect the
public members from the Michaelmas
Sherborne, the weather started to play a
result as the final whistle approached! As
Half-Term. To date, more than 650
meaningful role in proceedings (yes it
the headwinds strengthened over the
members have signed up, accessing a
does still occasionally rain from time to
course of the second-half the manager’s
thorough range of activities from aerobics
time), which began to hamper the School’s
decision to follow a design and build
to pickleball. For the boys, there’s now an
excellent start. Despite this the new
formation was proving increasingly
additional Sports Hall (dedicated to Mike
Sports Hall was built, climbing walls (with
prescient – materials costs were rising
Davis) large enough to house a full size
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 17
SheRBORne In the cOMMunItY It has been a busy year for Sherborne in the community. In addition to supporting Depaul
International, the tenants at Sherborne House, with their ongoing work with young homeless people, we provided grants to the following charities working with young people in London: Eat Club, Grief Encounter, Ministry of Stories, Sal’s Shoes and Welcare. We have also visited a number of these charities and taken part in some of their activities. On 26 October, SITC held our first Charity Day at Sherborne House, when we welcomed representatives of 11 charities that we have supported over the past few years. The day was a great opportunity for those attending to compare experiences and explore opportunities for collaboration. Following the Charity Day, we launched our next annual grant application process. We expect to decide which charities to support in March 2024. One of our trustees, Graham Shaw (a 98), has helped to establish a link between Depaul
indoor hockey pitch or four full length
Fitness, so important anyway but even
cricket nets; a state of the art
more so in a full boarding setting, go
International and the Met Police Rugby team
Foresight GC Hawk golf simulator (the
from strength to strength for
(where he is head coach), which will lead to
first to be installed in a School in the
generations yet to come.
fundraising and publicity for Depaul during the coming year.
UK); a competition sized climbing wall and adjacent bouldering facility; a
With thanks to all that have
Strength and Conditioning gym for
contributed to the project, be that
We were very pleased to welcome Chris
the boys sole use (additional and
time/money/expertise or
Thompson (f 76), who joined as Treasurer in
separate to the main fitness gym); two
blood/sweat/tears, it has been so
March 2023. Nick Ware (e 85) and James
new studios and four brand new
worth it. If you get the chance do
McKillop (m 01) both stepped down as
squash courts (due to open in early
come and visit us, I promise you will
trustees during the year, following many years
February 2024) with separate
not be disappointed.
of service. We are very grateful to both of them for all their work. We have had several
changing amongst much, much
expressions of interest from OS and others
more!!
and hope to welcome some new trustees early in the new year.
Feedback from the boys thus far is that they can’t get enough of it and
JAMeS nuRtOn (m 92) Chair
parents (past, current and potential) see it as an amazing asset for the School that will see not just sport (in its many forms) but also Health and
d AV I d c O l e Bursar
A n G u S c At e R ( c 7 0 ) O S S E x e c C o m m i t t e e R e p re s e n t a t i v e
I n c O n V e R S At I O n W I t h JIMMY AdAMS (c 99), AAdel kARdOOnI (c 87), And nIck GReenStOck (c 92) In addition to being old boys of The Green, Jimmy, Aadel and Nick have several other things in common. They all pursued successful sporting careers post Sherborne. Jimmy played for and captained Hampshire County Cricket Club, Aadel played rugby for Leicester Tigers and Nick played for Wasps and England. All three played first class sport throughout their university careers and all three have now embarked on successful second careers. Jimmy is now coaching cricket at Hampshire, Aadel is now a global foreign exchange consultant and Nick is the Co-Founder and CEO of Gatehouse Advisory Partners. They were interviewed by Ed Brooke (U6b) and Freddie Fineman (L6e) about the influences of School and sport on their lives.
Although these Old Shirburnians have experienced vastly different career paths, it was striking to see the similarities they faced, both during their time at Sherborne, and as they continued their journey outside of school. All three discussed making the most of the array of opportunities they were presented with. When placed in a boarding school environment, Nick emphasises the importance of politics, and opportunities that are presented in developing interboy relations. Similarly, what Jimmy first thought to be an ‘alien space’, led him to find commonality with others quickly, teaching independence in ‘an extremely unique way’. Aadel also discusses how, whilst at the School, Sherborne created a family environment, a home away from home. When you live with boys you have only just met, you gain the opportunity
to develop lifelong friendships and, as Jimmy explains, a sense of community. Opportunity was a continued motif throughout these interviews. Trying all of these, no matter if students think they will enjoy them, is a factor Nick believes to be crucial. In order to fully take advantage of the seemingly endless possibilities that are on offer, we need to put aside our preconceived judgements and throw ourselves at every opportunity we get.
This ability to get along with other people proved highly beneficial for Aadel whilst playing professionally for Leicester Tigers. Through his experience at Sherborne, he understood how to build a ‘good team’ with attention to detail and an ability to listen, something Jimmy reiterates in his own coaching. His focus on primarily building relationships with players and pushing positive reinforcement before challenging them aligned with Nick’s view that a good
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 19
leader is not just competent in their role, but also exemplifies warmth and charisma. He believes ‘leadership has to be carefully curated’, a skill Sherborne helped him nurture as captain of the 1st XV and as Head of House for The Green, 1992. Aadel says that his general understanding and life skills came from sport, noting that he was the first 3rd former ever to play 1st team Hockey. We found Jimmy’s discussion of vulnerability profound. It may come as a surprise to hear that he felt he needed to have more confidence in himself considering he was Captain of the 1st XI and then went on to play for England U19s, but it is refreshing to hear how Sherborne helps to shape, as Aadel says, ‘well rounded’ individuals. On a similar note, Sherborne’s focus on adaptability was something all acknowledged. Nick discussed the importance of ‘accepting change’ and learning to adapt, recognising that what is good today may not be in ten years’ time. He stresses that the School helped him to develop curiosity and promoted an ‘entrepreneurial push’. For Jimmy, this push, particularly in academics, taught him to multitask, enabling him to grow in confidence whilst at the School, inevitably aiding him in his shift from player to coach. Often, people can get caught up in the notion of success, but for Nick, success is being confident in what you love and in your own ability. As Jimmy recognises, in order to progress in your endeavours, you will undoubtedly have to make sacrifices. In spite of this, it should not come at the expense of letting your ‘passions become a chore’ or, as Nick
says, preventing you from spending time in the present rather than constantly looking ‘forward to the horizon’. Of course, these individuals would not have got to where they are today without a significant number of others to help them along the way. Aadel in particular wanted to express his gratitude to the highly influential Mike Davis, a man who has helped shape the lives of so many Old Shirburnians.
If you enjoyed some of the themes discussed in this article, please feel free to have a listen to our podcast, Talking to the Top, where we interview individuals such as the President of the Royal Academy of Arts, Rebecca Salter, and Actor, hugh Bonneville. It is available on all streaming platforms, so we hope you enjoy listening!
t u k t u k WA l l e R S JOuRneYS AcROSS cAMBOdIA And SRI lAnkA A n t h O n Y WA l l e R ( a 9 3 )
In October 2022, father and son team Anthony (a 93) and Edward Waller (a 22) drove 1,000 km across Cambodia in a tuk tuk, the three wheeled vehicles emblematic of Asia. This is becoming something of a habit for Anthony after he travelled across Sri Lanka by tuk tuk in 2018 with his father, Richard Waller (a 65).
Frequent travellers to Asia will know well the four-stroke engine buzz of the mighty tuk tuk, weaving in and out of traffic across city streets. These motorised rickshaws act as the backbone of city transport throughout the region. They have three wheels, motorbike like controls, an open frame with a canvas roof and drop-down canvas doors. There is room inside for one to drive, two small ones in the back and not much else. Would you drive one of these flimsy little vehicles 1,000 km across the Asian countryside, surely that’s insane? Yes, it probably was, but we did it anyway, twice. In 2018, in honour of Richard’s 70th birthday, my father Richard and I took “The Lanka Challenge” and for two weeks drove a tuk tuk across the wild beautiful, lush landscape of Northern Sri Lanka. When I returned from Sri Lanka, I
was full of the adventure and enjoyed many hours hogging the conversation with tales and photos of elephants, strange food and dodging mine-fields. For my son Edward, then 14 and enjoying Fourth Form at School House, a seed was planted. I am very lucky to have a son who wants to spend a couple of weeks of his precious gap year with his dad. It was a quick yes when my eldest son Edward suggested that we go to Cambodia and take up the reins of a tuk tuk again. As a family, we had been going through a tough time. My daughter had been sick for several years. Two of those terrible years were spent in the care of the incredible Great Ormond Street Hospital and they saved her life. As a family, we decided we wanted to raise some money to ensure others could benefit from the
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 21
incredible things that GOSH does every day for so many families across the UK and beyond. We never imagined how incredibly generous people would be and were humbled to raise more than £15,000 for this wonderful cause.
capable over almost any terrain and you can park just about anywhere!
Size is everything on many an Asian road. An unwritten rule but the larger the vehicle, the higher priority it takes. Huge haulage trucks need stop for no-one, cars move out of the way for buses and no-one pays any heed to a little tuk tuk. Driving one of these little vehicles through the streets and on the highways, you need your wits about you to avoid being swatted into the side of the road by nearly any other vehicle.
We started our twelve-day journey visiting the extraordinary Angkor Wat, the largest temple complex in the world and on many traveller’s bucket list. We then drove across the country to the vast Mekong River, witnessed the raging rapids at Khong and the last of the Mekong dolphins (just 92 of these extraordinary animals are thought to be left). We then drove down the length of the Mekong all the way to the country’s largest city Phnom Penh, the site of the horrifying holocaust museum S-21 and the Killing Fields. Along the way we attempted to dress like locals (we failed), ate crickets and Snakehead Fish, avoided snakes and scorpions and got stopped by the police. We managed to avoid breaking down too often but when we did, it was often a chance to stop and take in our incredible surroundings whilst we waited for help. On our journey we stayed in local people’s homes, slept in temples, shopped in local markets, ate with the locals and visited schools. Two Westerners driving through local villages and across open country raised many curious local eyebrows but we were welcomed with a laugh and a warm smile everywhere we went. Our trusty tuk tuk never let us down and both decided that we would be back for more sometime.
The tuk tuk is not fast, with a top speed of 35 km per hour, getting out of danger quickly can be a challenge. They are not a forgiving ride, a full day of driving leaves you rattled and rolled. For all that, however, I think there is no better way to experience a country, its wildlife and its people. Tuk tuks are agile, remarkably
We ended our journey feeling blessed to not only have been able to spend all that time together but to share such an extraordinary journey. The Cambodian people were unfailingly generous, kind and we felt an enormous debt of gratitude to this wonderful country. It truly was the adventure of a lifetime.
Cambodia is a country with an extraordinary history both ancient and modern. Its tragic modern history has left the country significantly less developed than its richer neighbours, Thailand and Vietnam. In the late seventies roughly onethird of the country died, either killed or starved to death, by the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. Inevitably that has left Cambodia with deep scars and a broken infrastructure. Tourists rarely venture beyond the main points of interest and certainly not by road. Sri Lanka was undoubtedly a challenge, but Cambodia was another level.
If you are looking for an adventure and a tuk tuk journey sounds up your street, we strongly recommend contacting the team at lARGe MInORItY www.largeminority.travel You can also see more about what we got up to on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/2tukw allerscambodia?utm_source=qr
thRee OS And the BARtS 900
SIMOn PhIllIPS (a 60)
In
2023, the city of london bore witness to two significant
events: the coronation and
the 900th anniversary celebration of
1546. As well as the Dissolution it has
procession led by notable figures,
survived the Great Fire of London, World
including the Bishop of London and
War II’s Blitz, and even a recommendation
Dame Sarah Mullally, herself a former
for closure in the 1993 Tomlinson Review.
the Royal and Ancient hospital of St.
Bartholomew, affectionately known as
nurse, culminating in a special Eucharistic service at Barts the Great. A grand
Simon Phillips (a 60), Tony Edelsten (h 59),
banquet in the Guildhall, attended by
Barts. Founded in 1123 by Rahere, a
and Ed Dorrell (g 60) share a unique
Barts-trained medical professionals,
multifaceted individual described as a
bond—they all studied at Barts and went
followed the ceremony.
jester, musician, poet, and monk, Barts
on to qualify as doctors in the academic
stands as the oldest hospital in Britain still
year 1965/1966. This synchronicity
Alumni Day, held on 4 May, commenced
operational on its original site.
extended to their attendance at another
with a service in Barts the Less to honour
Rahere’s vision, inspired by a pilgrimage-
ancient institution, Sherborne School,
departed friends, followed by a splendid
which started around 705, nearly a
lunch in the Great Hall. The restoration
induced illness and a divine encounter
millennium before Barts began training
efforts, including the famous Hogarth
with St. Bartholomew, led to the
monk-physicians. Barts obtained its Royal
paintings, showcased the hospital’s rich
establishment of a priory in Smithfield,
Charter from Henry VIII, while Sherborne
history.
which included a church in the hospital.
obtained its Royal Charter from his son. View Day held on the second
The dissolution of monasteries by Henry
Wednesday in May, a tradition dating
VIII in the 16th century resulted in the
The Barts 900 celebrations unfolded in
closure of the priory but spared the
three main segments: Founders Day,
back nearly 500 years, presented an
church, allowing the hospital to carry on.
Year-cohort celebrations, and View Day.
opportunity to share the hospital’s work
Henry VIII later refounded the hospital in
Founders Day, on 24 March, featured a
with the community and conduct a formal
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 23
inspection. In 2023, View Day took place
through the hospital’s enduring legacy,
on 10 May. It included a service at St.
providing a beacon of medical care for
Paul’s Cathedral and a reception in the
generations past and those yet to come.
Guildhall. Noteworthy attendees, including Tony, Simon, and Simon’s wife Jenny (ex Barts nurse), enjoyed a memorable service featuring chaplains from various faiths and a procession led by the Lord Mayor of London. The post-service festivities at the Guildhall encapsulated the City of London’s tradition and its enduring connection with its oldest hospital. The celebration, a testament to Barts’ resilience and commitment to medical service, marked a fitting end to a magnificent day. As Barts embarks on its next century and the first year of its millennium, the echoes of Rahere’s vision continue to resonate
unIVeRSAl lAnGuAGeS: BRIdGInG the GAP BetWeen ARt And e d u c At I O n I n n e PA l tOM WheeleR (m 19) And FReddIe GRAhAM (c 19) We spent a month in the mountainous district of Solukhumbu, nepal, teaching combined classes of english, Music, and drama to children aged five to eighteen. nepali schools don’t include the arts in their syllabus, so children aren’t exposed to it in education, posing initial challenges in persuading the teachers of arts’ educative importance. despite this, we communicated our strong belief in art’s ability to build emotional and creative intelligence, encourage active engagement, build confidence and communication skills, and to energise, all whilst in a fun, dynamic, and inclusive environment. the schools used traditional teaching methods, such as verbal and textbook sources. Our lessons were the antithesis, suggesting new possibilities for engaged learning. Its successes taught us so much. We began our journey in Kathmandu and were immediately transfixed by Nepal’s rich religious roots and fascinating cultural heritage. Kathmandu’s spiritual essence permeates its detailed architecture, powerful religious art, and, most noticeably, the generosity and openness of Nepali people. We met the lovely Stay At School Nepal team, who explained the practicalities for the onward journey and supplied musical instruments and solar power equipment for the schools. Stay At School, based in Winchester, builds accommodations near isolated rural schools so that children spend less time walking long routes to school and more time on their learning and friendship-building. Consequently, they
receive a better education and brighter futures after school. Our first stop was Nele Bazaar, a small town tucked away from Nepal’s main routes. This meant that as drum-wielding, long-haired foreigners, we were particularly intriguing to many of its inhabitants! We knew we were in a special place; enthusiasm burst from the walls, playing fields, and voices of Nele school. We delved into teaching rhythmic exercises, polyrhythms, dynamics, songs, new English words, tricky tongue twisters, and how to control emotional responses. The children particularly enjoyed ‘call and response’, where the leader plays or shouts a rhythm that everyone else imitates. We left having established a new and equipped music room, which was great news! Our second stop was the historic Sherpa village of Junbesi. Sir Edmund Hillary passed through Junbesi on his route to summit Everest and never forgot it, later founding a school there. One of his oxygen tanks still serves as the school bell. Again, our lessons were very well received. We quickly engaged the teachers and children to get involved in class, teaching more musical and dramatic fundamentals and teaching songs such as ‘I Can See Clearly Now’. We had the pleasure of teaching a very young cohort, at about age five, who were particularly amusing and enthusiastic, quickly picking up the art of improvisation and mime. The ‘Dead-Pan’ theatrical exercise was central to this; one of Ian Reade’s many marvellous creations - a memorably enthusiastic mentor to us both. The
universal language of comedy was radiant! From Junbesi, we repeatedly visited the surrounding Buddhist monasteries above the clouded forests, absorbing the lessons, sounds, and visual art of the Lamas, many of whom had fled Tibet, seeking refuge in Nepal. For our final week of teaching, we trekked to the beautiful village of Bhakanje, over the crumbling monsoon-beaten tracks, falling trees, swarms of leeches, and (just about) keeping up with our tenacious Sherpa guide with all but one musical instrument intact. Once more, the arts weaved their way through the language barrier, allowing for a fully immersed learning experience. At this school, polyrhythms were the favourite, often resulting in spirited whoops and shouts spilling out over the valley, with everyone fully immersed in the music. Afterwards, we had time to explore some incredible treks, ascending above Mardi Himal Base Camp and spending time around Pokhara before finally returning to Kathmandu. We’re immensely grateful to have had such an incredible experience: to the schools, the children, Stay At School, and the friends we made along the way, all of whom treated us as brothers rather than Western outsiders. The sense of community was so strong, and we were openly welcomed to be a part of it. We’d strongly encourage anyone reading this to combine their passions with charitable work; it can bring so much light to others and yourself.
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 25
SWIMMInG the enGlISh chAnnel
huGO MOSS (m 14) On 4 August 2023 I started my
english channel solo attempt at 2am from dover.
After a long summer of training, my
As we got to the halfway stage in between
window for the swim opened on the 31
the two shipping lanes, I managed to swim
July. I had a week to do the swim
into a large group of jellyfish, they were as
otherwise I would move to the back of the
far down as I could see and about 50m in
queue and have to wait until the following
front of me on the surface. My coach gave
year. I had a call from my boat pilot on the
me no choice but to swim through them!
evening of the 3 August that the following
Luckily, they weren’t too painful and felt
evening was going to be our only chance
more like stinging nettles. I found out later
to go. The conditions weren’t ideal with
on that the wake from all the tankers
some big waves expected at points
pushes them towards each other and they
throughout the swim. I got the last train
tend to settle in between the two shipping
from Clapham down to Dover that night,
lanes along with other weird items such as
with the swim set to start at 2am the
doors and tree stumps!
following day. My crew, including Ollie
Sale (m14) came down from London the
Once France was in sight it became all the
night of the swim and met me at the boat
more believable that we could make it.
just after midnight. We set off to a beach
The ideal place for a channel swim to
just round the corner from Dover Harbour
finish is a point on the French coast called
and the swim began!
Cap Gris-Nez. For the last five hours of the swim we were aiming for this point, but as
The start of the swim was fairly uneventful;
the tide changed and I tired we were
however, it was strange swimming for over
swept past this point and there were
two hours in the pitch black, something I
moments that I thought it was not going
had not done for that length of time
to be our day. But beyond the Cap there
before. My hand would touch things
was a lull in the tide, and we managed to
below the water that I still don’t want to
slip in behind and make progress into
know what they were! After around four
the beach.
hours I started to get very cold, the coldest I had ever been when swimming.
Just after 5pm, local time, we arrived at
This I suppose was down to spending
Wissant, France. Greeted by the locals on
so much of it in the dark, but after
the beach! The swim took 14 hours 48
some strong words from my crew we
minutes. A three hour journey back across
pushed on.
the Channel in the support boat and a car journey straight back to London, brought to an end a very special but knackering day.
the swim was in aid of children with cancer uk, and we ended up raising just under £10k.
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 27
eVentS And ReunIOn There seems to be an increasingly familiar theme to the OSS events calendar, playing catch up! We threw ourselves in to the New Year rescheduling the 30 Year Reunion (1991 and 1992) , 20 Year Reunion (2001 and 2002) and the 5 Year Reunion (2017) that had had to be postponed the previous autumn due to rail strikes. Happily, by the end of February we had caught up on these events held in The Clarence in Dover Street and Cokey Sulkin’s (m 97) South London pub, The Black Dog. In the middle of these events, along with Fiona James from Sherborne Old Girls, Anne and I embarked on our annual round of university visits during which we also grab the opportunity to hold a lunch for OS living in the area. First stop, Manchester where we hosted a lunch for OS and Sherborne Old Girls living in the Northwest and in the evening were joined by around 30 OS and Sherborne Old Girls for drinks and a bite to eat with the Manchester undergraduates at The Red Lion in Withington, which proved a popular venue. The next day after a scenic drive over Snake Pass, we were in Nottingham for a lively lunch with local OS and SOGs, followed by drinks for those at Nottingham universities. The following week we visited Bath, Bristol and Exeter in quick succession and our visits culminated in the Young Alumni Drinks for OS and SOGs in London. Quite a month! The Clarence in Dover Street has proved a central and easily accessible venue for the Sherborne community. 2023 saw us host four further year group events in June as well as a joint finance careers event in September. Thanks to Fiona James and SOG, Lucy Jameson, we held a joint event for those interested in a media career at Uncommon Creative Studio. That month it was also a pleasure to host the five year reunion for the 2018 leavers at a great new location for us, The Lockhouse, in the refurbished Paddington Basin. Sherborne itself also saw more catching up. Due to the putting back of the Westcott Centenary to 2022,
we fell a year out with the 150th Anniversary of the opening of Abbeylands in 1872. However, the Abbeylands OS are far too resilient a bunch to worry about a trifle like that and they celebrated in style with a dinner on Friday 12 May. This was the eve of OS Day, which once again gave OS both the chance to reminisce and see the excellence of today’s Sherborne. Business Breakfasts continue to draw OS and parents from a wide variety of career sectors and 2023 saw us host events at Hill Dickinson LLP and SMB both kindly hosted by OS. The OSS is so lucky to have the help of so many willing volunteers like this, be they OS or parents. It is always a pleasure to have the chance to thank them which we did this year by hosting a Volunteers Lunch at Dirty Bones in Shoreditch in March. The Cavalry and Guards Club in Piccadilly proved a popular venue for several events including renewals of both the Military Dinner and the Property Dinner. The Club was also the venue for the Quinquagesimal (known as Q) London Lunch held in alternate years to the Q event held in Sherborne. We filled all 70 places rather quickly and regrettably had to close the list early and turn later applications down. The LGBTQ Group held a successful reunion in September whilst OS overseas were not forgotten and a good bunch of OS and parents based in Hong Kong attended an event kindly hosted by our admissions team in October. The annual Media Lunch at the Groucho Club was held in its usual late November slot. The lunch is now in its 22nd year and continues to attract OS from a refreshingly diverse range of media careers. It always seems extremely appropriate that the OS calendar year concludes with our climactic carol service at St Olave’s, Hart Street in the City of London. All attendees were in great voice!
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 29
FutuRe eVentS F e B R u A RY Monday 12
Tuesday 13
Wednesday 14
Tuesday 20
Wednesday 21
Thursday 22 MARch
Thursday 7
Thursday 21
Scottish Regional Lunch
University Visit, Edinburgh
University Visit, Newcastle
University Visit, Leeds
University Visit, Oxford
Regional Lunch, Marlborough
University Visit, Cardiff
25 Year Reunion (1999)
Cadiz, George Street, EH2 3EE
All Bar One, George Street, EH2 2PA
Pitcher and Piano Bar, Quayside, NE1 3DX
Salvo’s, 115 Otley Road, LS6 3PX
All Bar One, 124 High Street, OX1 4DF
Rick Stein, Lloran House, 42a High Street SN8 1HQ
Browns Marriott, Mill Lane, CF10 1EZ
The Clarence, Dover Street, W1S 4LB
30 Year Reunion (1994)
The Clarence, Dover Street, W1S 4LB
1986 Reunion
The Clarence, Dover Street, W1S 4LB
Friday 10
Harper House 150th Anniversary Dinner
The Upper
SAtuRdAY 11
OS dAY
the uPPeR
35 Year Reunion (1989)
The Clarence, Dover Street, W1S 4LB
TBA
Property Networking/Careers Drinks
Savills, Margaret Street
Saturday 14
5 Year Reunion (2019)
APRIl
Thursday 18 M AY
Thursday 16 June
Thursday 6
SePteMBeR Thursday 12
Thursday 26 OctOBeR Thursday 3
nOVeMBeR Thursday 28
deceMBeR Monday 2
Jersey Reunion
10 Year Reunion (2014)
20 Year Reunion (2004)
15 Year Reunion (2009)
40 Year Reunion (1983,84,85)
TBC
The Clarence, Dover Street, W1S 4LB
The Lockhouse 3 Merchant Square W2 1JZ
The Clarence, Dover Street, W1S 4LB
The Clarence, Dover Street, W1S 4LB
The Cavalry & Guards Club, W1J 7PX
Media Lunch
City Carol Service
St Olave’s, Hart Street, EC3R 7NA
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 31
P u B l I c At I O n S JeRRY hAIGh (d 59) Reindeer Reflections: Lessons from an Ancient Culture Publisher: Rocky Mountain Books ROB kItSOn (g 82) Around The World in 80 Minutes, in Search of Rugby Greatness Publisher: Bloomsbury MIke RuGG-Gunn (g71) Managing Talent: A Short Guide for the Digital Age Publisher: Routledge AndReW StOck (b 78) The Call of the Running Tide Publisher: Mascot Media
henRY MORe (a 67) Sherborne at War Publisher: Sherborne Museum MAuRIce POPe (a 44)
Edited posthumously by his sons
hugh (a 78) and Quentin
The Keys to Democracy: Sortition as a New Model for Citizen Power Publisher: Imprint Academic AntOnY thOMAS (a 59) In The Line of Fire Publisher: Unicorn RIchARd tRAhAIR (g 70) The Organist and The Magistrate Publisher: The Book Guild
OS MeRchAndISe
PRIntS OF the SchOOl And cOuRtS
These items may be purchased from:
WILLIAM ANSTICE BROWN (g 47, Staff 53-67) Port of Sherborne – Print: £10
the Old ShIRBuRnIAn OFFIce, SheRBORne SchOOl, SheRBORne, dORSet dt9 3AP 01935 810558 oss@sherborne.org Prices exclude P and P
FRANCIS PHILIP BARRAUD (1824-1901) Small Print (watercolour) of the Courts: £10 • Large Print: £15
cuFFlInkS (town and country colours)
£35
OS SOckS (town and country colours)
£10
OS tIe (town and country colours)
£22
OS BOW tIeS (town and country colours)
£18
PIlGRIMS tIe
£22
MAnYAttA.cO OSS BeltS
£85
(town colours/Pilgrims/OSGS) (handmade Kenyan beaded belts) Order direct: https://manyatta.co/products/old-shirburnian Enter Shirburnian10 at checkout to receive 10% discount on all belts
JOHN WESTERN Print (pen and ink) of the Courts (signed): £10 JOCELYN GALSWORTHY The Upper - Sherborne v Winchester (Signed limited edition print unframed): £50
BOOkS
SHERBORNE REGISTER 8th Edition 1925-2015: £20 PAtRIck FRAncIS’S BOOkS VIVAT SHIRBURNIA, SHERBORNE SCHOOL AND THE GREAT WAR, 1914-18
OLD YET EVER YOUNG, A NEW HISTORY OF SHERBORNE SCHOOL can be purchased from the School Shop https://sherborneschoolshop.com/collections/souvenirs
ADVENTUROUS APPETITES LTD
SEAGLIMPSE LUXURY SEASIDE APARTMENT Extensive Fish & Shellfish, Farmyard and Wildlife designs on ceramics, textiles, boards and tablemats by artist Richard Bramble (h 86). These can be seen and purchased at his London Borough Market stall, Sherborne working studios or his website. 20% reduction (excludes existing offers) for all OS and family, just quote code: OS22 when ordering. All ceramics can be personalised by the artist making unique gifts.
Beautiful ground floor apartment, looking down to the sea. Perfect for a couple’s coastal getaway, just steps from Swanage Bay’s gently sloping white sand beach on the Jurassic Coast. Dog permitted Beach - 100 yards Easy walk into town Garden and parking
info@richardbramble.com www.richardbramble.com
www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Seaglimpse-1120129.html
ARE YOU SITTING ON A STORY? Do you need a hand telling it?
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I am a professional ghostwriter and editor, and have helped clients with over 40 titles, both fiction and non-fiction. Email benjeapes@gmail.com for a no-obligation, confidential chat about writing and editing services. www.benjeapes.com
HOUSE TO RENT NR ST TROPEZ La Bergerie is a magical stone-built house, set in 11 acres, 2 kms, from La Garde Freinet, St Maxime and St Tropez are a short drive away. It has stunning views, overlooking the vineyards of St. Clement, and onto the Mediterranean, in the distance. A new swimming pool and pool house/bar have recently been built, with a fridge, ice making machine and BBQ, next to the boules court. We have our own website, www.villasinprovence.net. Please take a look as ‘pictures are better than words.’ Rental times are between early July and late August O.S./and friends will receive a discount. Any enquiries please contact Ali Holding-Parsons (g 70) on 07970 010 512 or hp@stocksandchairsantiques.com
Jock Fraser (c 94) runs a tourist service in Madrid taking people off the tourist track to experience the authentic, local ambience. Adventurous Appetites will take you to sample traditional Spanish cuisine in some of the hidden corners of central Madrid, helping with language difficulties, advising on local specialities and imparting interesting local facts about the tradition, history and myths of this beautiful city. Their Madrid Tapas tour was named the 12TH BEST FOOD EXPERIENCE IN THE WORLD 2022 by Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice® Award series. 0034 639 331 073 adventurousappetites@yahoo.es www.adventurousappetites.com
SKI INSTRUCTION IN COURCHEVEL Rob Sewell (g 72) has been living in the French Alps near Courchevel for over 25 years. He is an internationally qualified and much respected ski instructor who would be very happy to ski with or simply meet up with any OS who may be taking their winter holidays in the area. 0033 610144762 rob.sewell@orange.fr
O S S c h A R I tA B l e t R u S t The OSS Charitable Trust continues to award means-tested bursaries to the sons of Old Shirburnians. Details and application forms are available from the OSS Hon Treasurer Martin Humphrey at martin.humphrey@sherborne.org. The Trust has been greatly helped over the years by generous bequests and we remain indebted to our many supporters who have kindly left a legacy to the Trust thus enabling sons of OS to follow in their fathers’ footsteps. The OSS Committee advises that, if you would like to leave a legacy to this worthwhile cause, the following wording is suggested:“I give free of all tax and duty to the Old Shirburnian Society Charitable Trust 1975 (Charity No. 271592) the sum of £… (…..... pounds) and declare that a receipt from the Treasurer or other proper officer of the said charitable body for such gift shall be a sufficient discharge to my Trustees who shall not be bound to see the application thereof.”
AGM And AccOuntS The minutes of the OSS Annual General Meeting held on 13 May 2023 and the audited accounts are published on the website, www.oldshirburnian.org.uk and hard copies are available from the OSS office on request. The 127th AGM of the Society will be held at the south end of The Upper marquee on OS Day, Saturday 11 May 2024 at 3.30pm. All OS and their guests are most welcome.
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 33
PIlGRIMS
t
he Pilgrims reached an unbeaten century this year, celebrated in March at the Royal Automobile club in Pall Mall in suitably joyous fashion. While sport is its reason for being, the social element is its lodestar - and to see many Pilgrims, old and young, renewing friendships and reminiscing about past glories was heartening and satisfying. Tom Bradby (b 85) gave the main address, speaking fluently and without notes, taking the guests through a series of anecdotes from his distinguished broadcasting career and elsewhere, which kept the mood light. He finished with a few observations and recollections from his period at Sherborne in the mideighties, which predictably raised some of the loudest cheers of the night. Rob Rydon (m 83), the President, paid tribute to those key men in the Club’s history, with two in particular remembered: G.M. Carey, the founder, who was such an inspirational figure in the School’s sport in the first two decades of the 20th century; and Charles Eglington (g 56), who served the Club for more than half a century with dedication and devotion. There were those who had been present at the Golden Jubilee dinner in 1973, sprightly still despite the advancing years. To give some idea of what has changed in the Pilgrims’ first hundred years, when the Club was founded, the
only sports under consideration were rugby and cricket. Members were elected and life membership was £6 (around £250 in today’s money). The Pilgrim of today can join for achievement across a range of sports, many of which he could play for the Club. It is a different world for sure, but the camaraderie and friendship are constant - and may those endure for another hundred years and more. While the centenary was a core focus for the year, there has been plenty of action on the field too. The fixture list has regenerated in the post-Covid world across a range of sports. The cricketers have managed the balance of different ages in the XIs on the pitch better, even if one or two games got away, while the Cricket Week continues to attract young Pilgrims to represent the Club. With many Pilgrims based in the capital, both the hockey and the rugby teams are trying to focus their attention around London. The hockey side plays in a league in Battersea Park, which is sometimes where the rugby team are to be found. The footballers continue to ply their trade in the Arthurian League, where the team are in their second season in Division Three. And of course there are the teams put out for tennis, squash, fives, cross-country, not to mention the golfers and sailors with their societies. Speaking of tennis, this year the Club awarded the Eglington Cup (to be awarded to an individual who has made a notable contribution to Pilgrims sport) to James
Sewry (d 14) in recognition of his dedicated work in sustaining the Club’s tennis team over recent years. Finally, a tribute from the Club to another of its great stalwarts, who left us this year. Harry Brewer (a 46) will have been known to many OS, of multiple generations, if perhaps more by sight than by name. For my generation of Shirburnians, he was the genial and always apparently blithely unconcerned impresario of the JCR bar, attending to the source of beer with a light touch and handling adolescent insobriety with insouciance. His lived-in look belied his youthful approach to so many things, chief among them collecting Pilgrims memorabilia, which he kept proudly in my time in the annexe room upstairs in the Upper Pavilion (created in 1984). He was a Dorset man through and through, born in Dorchester and then sent to Sherborne Prep before ascending to School House via Elmdene (now Wallace). The Club, and the School, owe him much. A reminder, as ever, that you do not have to be a Pilgrim to represent the Club. If you are an OS, you will always be very welcome – and there is a subsidy system for younger members. Please contact Jonathan Powe at jonathanpowe56@gmail.com. The Club enters its second century in good health because of participation at the junior end of the age range: no matter whether you were 1st team standard or a stalwart house player, the door is always open. ROBeRt hAndS (b 92)
OSSS
After the heatwave of 2022 it seemed almost fair for this year to be the year of the wind and rain. the wind was
certainly there this year with many an
event cancelled so we were fortunate
with the events we did run to have ok weather.
The year started with the traditional pub meet in January, with a warming roast and yarns about sailing plans for the year ahead. Those who could fit into the School dinghies did some fast laps of Sutton Bingham reservoir vs the current hot shot team. Thankfully on this occasion the Old Shirburnians were able to win the Stanger Leathes Trophy. It was an absolute pleasure to go down and start some of the races at the School parent and pupil event at the start of the summer and see 20 boats full of competitors on the water! While there wasn’t much wind it was certainly a fiercely competitive day. Old Shirburnian
weekend. However, the British summer
were predicting very light airs. There was
Sailing presented Michael Ewart-Smith his
seemed to still be going surprisingly
only one thing for it - another bottle for
OSS bobble hat in recognition of all his
strong and on Saturday we woke up to a
the table!
great works.
steady 18 knot breeze in 22 degrees. A cautious start in the first race meant the
As expected, at the delayed Sunday race
September gave us quite a windless
boat was last over the start line. However,
briefing competitors were told racing was
weekend for the Late Summer Madness
eager sail trim and some sporting
over and crews were free to return their
in Yarmouth, but it was a truly beautiful
hoisting of the spinnaker meant they
chartered boats that afternoon. This left
evening and who’d have thought we
clawed back a few spaces and made 6th
plenty of time for a picnic and October
might end up wanting to be outside on a
out of 10 yachts - a result held in race
swim before heading back to the
two. It seemed as the team plateaued
Hamble.
September evening!
after lunch the competitors continued to On the weekend of 6-8 October, seven
improve and we then got 8th place in the
All in all our members had a good year
Old Shirburnian Sailors descended on the
final two races of the day.
with our events escaping the worst of it
crack at yacht racing as a team. The
Alas, the day wasn’t over after the racing!
some pretty incredible weather. We’re
weekend was kicked off by the traditional
As the sun set over Shepards Marina in
looking forward to some more varied
‘Dark and Stormy’ hour at the Royal
Cowes, we discussed tactics and weather
events next year. So do get in touch if
London Yacht Club, our hosts and race
forecasts as the light winds of the
you are up for getting involved on or off
organisers for the weekend.
following day meant racing would likely
the water and join our OSS Channel16
make the fleet much tighter. However, at
Whatsapp group.
Hamble in the Solent for their annual
The weekend has a reputation of either
and out of the main season actually had
the regatta dinner that evening the
being a blowout in an early autumn storm
organisers announced a postponement
ROBeRt GOSlInG (a 01)
or experiencing a windless still winter
to the Sunday briefing as all forecasts
commodore Old Shirburnian Sailing Society
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 35
FOOtBAll A period of transition for the
Pilgrims football sees the average age of the starting 11 decrease
from 29 to 24. this ‘youth’ policy has been critical in building the
long-term future of the club as we look to get promoted out of
division three of the Arthurian league.
After five consecutive losses at the
start of the 23/24 season, an
impressive 3-1 cup loss to Premier
Division side Old Bradfieldians gave
the newly assembled squad the
confidence to start picking up
points. Now, with three wins on the
bounce, the boys turn their eyes
towards a top half finish, with a view
to promotion in to division two next
year.
JAck BRIdGeR (c 14)
OS GOlFInG SOcIetY
the SOcIetY IS OPen tO All Old
ShIRBuRnIAnS ReGARdleSS OF AGe
We are extremely thankful that we play our fixtures at some fabulous golf clubs
And GOlFInG PROWeSS! We
incl: Aldeburgh, Ashridge, the
tO YOunG MeMBeRS WhIch MAkeS
Berrow, deal, Gatton Manor,
AFFORdABle:
Zealand, Prince’s, Royal Ashdown
PROVIde VeRY GeneROuS SuBSIdIeS PlAYInG MultIPle FIxtuReS hIGhlY
Those under 27 pay a max of £40 per day for any match/meeting which includes all green fees and lunch/catering costs (which is approx 25% of the real cost). Those 27-U32 years of age pay a max of £70 per day (approx 45% of the real cost). Most matches are 8-10 man teams playing
Berkshire, Blackwell, Burnham &
hunstanton, huntercombe, new Forest, Royal St George’s, Rye,
Saunton, tidworth Garrison, West hill, West Sussex, Woking, Woodbridge, Wrotham heath.
We entered a scratch team in the following prestige golf tournaments: halford hewitt (5 pairs) (30 March to
2x18 hole competitive yet convivial
2 April) — Sherborne began Hewitt week
foursomes off handicap with an excellent
full of hope. Statistically our best team
3-course lunch and refreshments in
ever, with a combined handicap of just 2
between. We also have a few fixtures
over 10 members! Our hopes were
playing 4-ball-better-ball. Matches and
dented when Hugh Williams (c 15)
Meetings offer a great opportunity to play
reported he had broken his shoulder
with/catch up with your friends and renew
three days before mountain biking. With
old sporting rivalries.
Ed Fricker (e 13) stepping in for Hugh,
This year we played 17 fixtures against
first round at Deal, on a calm afternoon.
Sherborne encountered Blundell’s in the other Old Boys Golf Societies/Golf Clubs
In theory an easy opener, proved to be
between March and October. Founded in
somewhat difficult. We won 3.5 - 1.5
1929, we continue to thrive with 296
unconvincingly.
playing members including 26 who joined the Society when they left School this
Tonbridge in Round 2 awaited… Friday
July.
was a miserable day weather wise. 70mph
We hold 3 Open Meetings a year: At
levelled the playing field and made it
gusts, cold and rain blowing sideways Sherborne Gc in May (we need more
numbers playing in this in 2024), the Berkshire in June and Rye Gc in
September. All great fun and popular
more a game of attrition than skill. While the weather may have played into the hands of the experienced and canny Tonbridge side, it was a performance
events with sumptuous lunches, historic
Sherborne could not be proud of. It was a
silver trophies and numerous other prizes.
shame as the week had promised a lot,
This year we had 32 players who enjoyed
but the future still looks bright as this
our premier event, The Berkshire Meeting
team has bags of potential! Pairings:
on Wednesday 8 June, it was a glorious
Rhys Francis (a 74)/Ed Kelly (b 05),
day for 36 holes. Twenty people came
Toby Couzens (c 94)/Stuart Gillett (m 92),
down to Rye for the Autumn weekend
Ed Fricker/Tom Stagnetto (a 19),
meeting, a great ‘buzz’ with most staying
Jos Pralle (g 11)/Tom Rotheroe (f 22),
over and we are looking to build up
Gordon Curtis (f 06)/Zai Zakaria (f 09).
numbers even further…
Capt: Peter Martin (a 79).
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 37
In 2024 the Halford Hewitt is being
Blackwell Foursomes (3 pairs) (8-9 June)
played from 11-14 April at Royal St
— we beat Oxford/Cambridge Society,
George’s (Sandwich) and Royal Cinque
but lost to Hoylake and to Wigorns
Ports (Deal), more supporters are encouraged to come along. We have a
Jonathan Godfrey (d 99) was OSGS
very good team who enjoy playing
Captain 2022/23 and Richard Parsons
together, you will see some great golf
(e 91) has taken over for 2023/24.
right up close and experience the unique HH atmosphere!
Alistair hatch (Master in charge of golf) reports that golf has really taken off at
Grafton Morrish (3 pairs) - played at
the school since 2020. Over 70 boys are
Hunstanton, 6-8 October (See OSGS
now junior members at Sherborne GC.
Website for full report)
The new golf simulator in the Sports Hall
Brent knoll Bowl (3 pairs) - played at
superb addition to the golfing provision
Burnham & Berrow, 25-26 March - we
at the school.
opened in early November and is a
beat Blundell’s and Marlborough, but lost 2-1 to the Army in the semi-final
Sherborne Prep is now part of the ‘Sherborne Golf Plan’, the objective is to
Gl Mellin Salver (Over 55) - played at
get the younger boys playing and being
West Hill, 29-30 June - we beat Loretto
coached at golf so by the time they are
and Felsted, but lost to Oundle in the
14 they are already emerging golfers.
semi-final For more information and our fixture list Peter Burles Salver (Over 65) - we beat
see the OSGS Website - where you can
Felsted then lost to Oundle in the semi-
put your name forward to play in any
final
matches/meetings you are available for.
Bunny Millard Salver (Over 75) - we beat
https://osgs.wildapricot.org
Bedford, then Haileybury in the semifinal, but lost to Oundle in the final (for
tgglaw@aol.com
07767 007495
the 3rd year in a row!) t e R RY G O R d O n (h 78) OSGS hon Sec
c R O S S c O u n t RY
A
fter winning the
at the front (and at the back!) but our
twenty and we would have won it. The
chataway cup (over
middle rankers had been hit by injury and
vets did not really feature in the cups this
illness (Peter Woodburn (b 85), Lloyd
year in spite of good running from Tim
high expectations of
Collier (d 90) etc). The course went up by
Pearce, and Robert Goldsmith (a 82), but
50’s) in 2022 we had the 5-mile Alumni
race on Wimbledon
common in September 2023. this was
the second year that the race had been held in September, to fit around the
the golf course, around Telly Tubby Hill
to our surprise we won the Denstone cup
and back down to the Bumps,
for the over 60’s, the team comprising
culminating in a sprint finish. There were
Tim Love, Simon Barker (m 81) and the
a few runners who tripped over roots,
author. The fact that the author was
including Tim Love (b 80) and the author,
nearly last didn’t matter – he finished and
thames hare and hounds busy
but all serious injuries were averted.
therefore counted in the scoring, which is
disappoint – it started hot and got
The final result was excellent but still
calendar, and the weather did not hotter, getting up to 28 degrees
celsius by 3pm. We were in flats rather
than studs or spikes as the course was bone dry.
all-important at the senior end of things. slightly disappointing. In the Open race
It is anticipated that we will have a team
we came fourth in the Henry VIII Trophy.
for the Sherborne Trophy, in the Lent
Tom Hole (b 12) was third, Harry Reynolds
term, and the Hyde Park Relays. The date
(e 16) was fifth, and Hugo Potts (e 14) was
for the 2024 alumni race is 14 September.
eleventh. However, we needed four to
Anyone who is interested in running in
The race started with the usual frantic
score and the next man was Tim Pearce
any of these events should contact Harry
sprint by the 185 runners for the lead, so
(e 92) in 75th – who nevertheless ran an
Reynolds at htgreynolds@gmail.com.
as to be in a strong position when the
excellent sub 40 minutes in the 45-50 age
There is a WhatsApp group you can join
path narrowed. We were well represented
range. One more fast man in the top
as well.
A n G u S c At e R (c 70)
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 39
d e At h S
AttWOOd, John Antony (b 39) 12 June 2023
BeAZleY, Richard Basil (c 64) 29 December 2022
BeRtRAM, Anthony David Weguelin (d 58) 6 May 2023 BOISSeAu, David Edmond (c 62) 5 September 2021 BRAkSPeAR, Paul William (g 52) 2021
BReWeR, Harold William Menos (a 46) 27 April 2023
BROWn, Kenneth Edward Lindsay (f 59) 17 October 2021 BuRnS, Geoffrey (g 49) 24 February 2021
cARR, James Henry (b 47) 5 February 2023
cAVeRhIll, John Colin (c 61) 27 March 2022
chORleY, Giles Thomas Julian (h 84) 25 May 2023
clARke, John Owen (f 65) 20 May 2023
clOuGh, Richard McKenzie (d 50) 26 April 2023
cOldReY, William Gerald (b 50) 5 October 2022 cOOke, Robin Millar (h 49) January 2023
cOOPeR, Geoffrey William (f 61), 10 January 2023 cOVInGtOn, John Stenton (d 45) March 2022 cOWARd, Bruce Gordon (a 47) 26 April 2023
dAunt, Timothy Lewis Achilles (d 54) 5 August 2023 dAVIS, Warren Edward (a 54) 11 November 2021
deVeReux, John Howard Percy (a 54) 20 July 2022 dIxOn, David James (c 52) 25 October 2021
dRAPeR, Richard Donald (a 52) 8 September 2023 elleRtOn, William Mark (m 68) 2 January 2023
ellIS, Philip Marcus (f 51) 14 November 2020 eVAnS, David (f 55) March 2022
FAceR, George H J (staff 1969-1990 and 1995-1997, School House Housemaster 1983-1990) 26 October 2023
hOPkInS, Michael John (h 52) 17 June 2023
huMPhReYS, Nigel Craven (b 56) 4 August 2023
keY, Simon Robert (a 63) 3 February 2023
knechtlI, David Cranstoun (a 48) 22 April 2023
lAnkeSteR, Charles John (d 56) 17 January 2023
lAPPInG, Peter H (Headmaster 1988-2000) 15 May 2023
lAtteR, John Hemphill (d 51) 31 August 2022
MAcGIllYcuddY, Michael Richard Neill (b 41) 23 April 2020
MAcnAIR, John Miles (d 55) 18 March 2023
MARkIeWIcZ, Lothar Hermann (a 42) 12 July 2014
MARtIn, Anthony Norman (h 61) 21 August 2021
MOntAGu, Robert Drogo (g 66) 30 March 2023
nItSch, Christopher John Bowstead (a 53) 16 December 2022
nORtheY, Anthony John (c 48) 17 January 2023
PARSOnS, Jose Charles (f 66) 2020
PettIt, Peter Charles Fenton (c 54) 7 April 2023
PhIllIPS, Timothy Paul Harvey (h 65) November 2022
PReStOn-JOneS, Geoffrey William (d 48) 9 November 2023 PRInG, Thomas Neale (g 54) August 2022
RentOul, James Woods (g 46) 16 January 2023
RIckFORd, Christopher Richard Keevil (a 60) 5 July 2023
ROBSOn, Robert Michael (g 52) 29 December 2023
ROOMe, Geoffrey David Roome (b 69) 17 July 2022
Rudd, David Sutherland (d 52) 7 October 2022
RuSSell-BROWn, Jonathan William (h 74) 3 October 2023
SAMuel, Jeffrey Alan (b 43) 21 December 2023
SAYReS, Edward Armstrong (d 52) 10 September 2023
ScOtt, Ian Russell (g 61) 19 June 2023
FARRAnt, Philip Canning (f 43) 22 March 2022
ShIllInGtOn, John David (h 51) 10 February 2021
FISheR, James Albert Patrick (a 47) 10 August 2022
tARVeR, Mark Ransom (c 56) 15 March 2023
GARRett, Barry Neville (a 55) 25 May 2023
tuRneR, Lee Brian (g 57) 15 June 2022
GOOdden, Stephen William (d 68) 25 August 2023
WAlkeR, James Stewart (c 60) 3 October 2023
hAAReR, William Stephen (b 68) 13 January 2021
WARRen, Richard Laird (g 58) 10 March 2023
heAZell, Simon Thomas Scarth (m 81) 17 March 2023
WOOd, David John (f 51) 24 June 2022
FISh, Brian Howard (a 47) 3 July 2023
FRY, Howard Tyrrell, (d 38) 14 August 2023
GOdFRee, John Martin (f 54) 17 December 2022 GORSt, John Roger Sykes (f 49) 23 August 2022
hARdY, John Campbell (b 51) 16 November 2023
heMAnS, Simon Nicholas Peter (a 59) 17 December 2021 heWeR, John Hiatt Radbourne (h&m 65) 15 May 2023
hOldInG-PARSOnS, Beresford Graham Crispian (g 67) 18 December 2023
SIMMS, Philip Charles (a 49) 6 September 2022
tOROntOW, Raphael John (h 56) 28 November 2023
VAuGhAn, David John Dalrymple (c 49) 18 March 2022
WAlkeR, Robert Ian (g 50) 29 October 2021
WAY, Nigel Carlton Hugh (a 44) 26 March 2023
WOOttOn, Timothy Paul (h 66) 21 November 2020
enGAGeMentS BeRtIe, Julian Charles Tristan (c 13) to Miss Poppy Mthrll JenkInS, James Oliver (c 09) to Miss Imogen Wilson leAcOck, Jonathan David (m 08) to Miss Chau Le PeAtFIeld, William Alexander (c 09) to Miss Sarah Lacey 1.
MARRIAGeS Allen, George Christopher (c 09) to Miss Emily Lowe on 29 July 2023 BlAZeBY, Harry James Crispin (m 05) to Miss Freya Jane Sanders on 11 May 2023 BOuRne, Benjamin Alfred Charles (h 97) to Miss Kerli Jukham on 28 January 2023 2. Buck, David Sebastian (m 13) to Miss Alys Higgins cARR, Thomas Henry Grainger (f 10) to Miss Emma Lidström on 7 July 2023 3/4. dAWSOn, Robert Warwick Paver (m 04) to Miss Hannah Nicholson 12 August 2023 dReW, Francis Harry (f 01) to Miss Hannah Maskell on 12 May 2023 FIndlAY, William Edward (a 12) to Miss Clarissa Rozel Blake on 2 June 2023 ISleS, Phineas Edward Stanistreet (g 08) to Miss Phoebe Trousdell on 14 May 2022 5. lee, Oliver Charles (c 13) to Miss Alexandra Lock on 10 June 2023 lInGARd, Charles Alexander (a 09) to Miss Rebecca Anne Flynn on 15 July 2023 6. PRAlle, Jocerand Bruno Demainbray (g 11) to Miss Lisa Dunkley on 10 June 2023 VOn WAldBuRG, Lorenz Thomas Paul Maria (g 10) to Miss Luisa Trauttmansdorff-Weinsberg on 10 June 2023 7.
BIRthS To Indie and James cochrane-dyet (b 08), a daughter, Artemis (Artie) Avril on 12 April 2023 8. To Jennifer Casken and Oli cooper (g 07), a son, Tobias Oliver Casken on 17 May 2023 To Pip Street and Charlie hoare (b 02), a son, Finn on 6 February 2023, a brother for Willow born 10 February 2020 To Chau Le and Jonnie leacock (m 08), a son, Sebastian Lai Philip on 14 November 2022 To Natasha and Charlie Quick (c 03), a son, Vincent Sam on 15 May 2023 To Sitara and Charles timmis (a 91), a daughter, Louisa on 8 March 2023
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 41
2. 1.
3.
6.
8.
4.
7.
5.
OBItuARIeS R I c h A R d WA R R e n ( g 5 8 )
12 AuGuSt 1940 tO 10 MARch 2023 h O n S e c R e tA RY O F t h e O l d S h I R B u R n I A n S O c I e t Y 1 9 9 8 – 2 0 0 3
Richard’s first appearance (a phrase he
diploma in mechanical engineering.
used) was on 12 August 1940, a first
Whilst studying, he ensured he continued
child to Pelham and deirdre. His
to find time for his love of the outdoors,
childhood, for the most part, was spent in
rowing for the Navy Eight, leading a
Surrey, with early memories of him
Dartmoor Rescue Team, as well as
dressing up in sailors’ suits, sailing boats
becoming an assessor of DofE Gold
on ponds and generally cajoling his sister
Awards.
Pennie into doing what he wanted to do, whilst looking out for her too. They spent
He then went on to serve in HMS Albion
many happy days outside, cycling on the
for two years and helped out not only
lawn at Nevin, building camps, and
with the Nigerian Crisis but also with the
rowing or punting on the River Wey. He
final withdrawal of troops from Aden, following the seven year conflict, before
boarded at Allen House Prep School, before heading to Sherborne, following
distinguished career in the Royal Navy.
the ship went on to the Far East. Having
on in the footsteps of not only his father
On passing out in 1960, he was deployed
spent two years in the engine room
but also his grandfather. Holidays as a
to the South Atlantic Station serving on
aboard Albion, Richard then headed back
teenager were spent outdoors, walking in
board both HMS Lion and HMS Leopard.
to HMS Sultan for four years where,
the Lake District and Austria cementing
In 1961, he was part of the relief mission
amongst other things he helped design a new course for trainee mechanics.
his love of the outdoors, a passion that
that was sent to the remote volcanic
was a constant throughout his life.
island of Tristan da Cunha, when it
Pelham and I have many a fond memory
erupted. Soon after Richard was in South
It was during this time that Richard met
of family holidays in the Yorkshire Dales.
Africa and spent nearly a year working as
Jill, at a party in the sisters’ mess at RNH
Perhaps his childhood experiences, along
an Instructor at the Veld and Vlei outward
Haslar. Apparently, neither wanted to go
with the fact that Richard’s father and
bound school for teenage boys. During
but were persuaded by friends that they
uncles all fought in the war, his paternal
his time teaching, Richard also had time
should, and a life-long partnership was
great grandfather was consul general in
to enjoy the Kruger National Park and
formed. It was not the most romantic or
China whilst his maternal great
perhaps this is where his passion for
auspicious start for Jill however, as she
grandfather founded Dr Barnardo’s, goes
photography really started. Always eager
had to compete with Richard’s retriever
some way to explaining his sense of duty
to capture the moment, a camera was
Saffie. Saffie was clearly higher in the
and helping others meant a career in the
never far from his hands, something his
pecking order in the early days as Richard
Navy was inevitable.
grandchildren can testify to!
used to have a convertible Triumph Spitfire. He had removed the front seat
On leaving Sherborne, Richard went on
In 1962, Richard went to the RNEC
and replaced it with a board and blanket
to Dartmouth, the start of a long and
Manadon for four years and gained a
that Saffie could lie on. Jill was relegated
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 43
“
I had the greatest admiration and someone one would wish to emulate. Most delightful and charming man I’ve had the good fortune to meet.
“
to the back seat for those first few
20 years, began in 1974 whilst he was still
was not going to put his feet up. Living in
romantic breaks. She knew she had won
in the Navy. Richard was elected as a
Sherborne, Richard put his skills of
Richard’s heart when the seat was put
governor of the Foudroyant Trust. The
communication and organisation to good
back into the car! They married on New
Foudroyant, a frigate launched in 1817,
use. He became Secretary of the Old
Year’s Eve 1971.
was first captained by an ancestor, a
Shirburnian Society, turning it into a more
certain Richard Warren. In the 70s, she
active and social society, with regular
He also served aboard HMS Antrim and
was being used for activity holidays for
events now taking place and creating
was based at Haslar, overseeing
under privileged children, in Portsmouth
networking opportunities that have
numerous projects, including introducing
Harbour. Keeping the Foudroyant, the
helped many an OS. He continued to
steam atomisation into HM Royal Yacht,
oldest British warship afloat, required
enjoy sailing, once being part of the crew
Britannia, as well as being an Engineer
significant funds and many weekends
of an OS yacht across the Atlantic as well
appointer at Whitehall. In 1979, Richard
were spent selling souvenirs from a
as making many an expedition on Sea
was assigned as the Senior Officer during
caravan at various shows. This was a
Biscuit with his great pal Rob Walker.
the build of HMS Southampton, a Type
family affair with Jill, Pelham and I all
Apparently, anecdotes, whisky and advice
42 destroyer. He saw her through her sea
pitching in, although how much help
(not sure in which order) were bountiful,
trials on to seeing service in the Falklands
Pelham and I were, is up for debate. On
and these happy adventures only ceased
Campaign. The white ensign you see in
one notable occasion, we went off to
when Rob and Richard could no longer
the church (St Mary’s Cerne Abbas) was
explore. We had to be rescued having
climb over the guard-rail.
worn by Southampton during the
become stuck in the mud in
campaign and was presented to Richard
Southampton Waters.
His love of classical music saw him
By 1988, Richard had become Trustee of
Festival, being the Honorary Secretary to
involved in the Bath International Music
on the ship’s return to Portsmouth in recognition of his service.
the restoration fund. The ship, taking its
the Friends of Dorset Opera and more
Returning from the Falklands saw the end
original name of HMS Trincomalee, was in
recently help to co-ordinate the Cerne
of Richard’s naval sea going days and he
need of a complete overhaul. The key
Abbas Music Festival. His willingness to
spent the last 10 years of his career in
was to secure lottery funding and through
dedicate himself to these events, his
Bath overseeing a variety of projects,
Richard’s tireless work with the rest of the
positivity, his ability to help pull everyone
managing budgets and even editing
committee, a grant was finally secured
together meant these events were hugely
marine engineering manuals.
taking money raised to over £12million.
successful and were enjoyed by many. A
Somehow, during his career, Richard
Work began in earnest and the
legacy he will be proud of.
found time for other endeavours, a
Trincomalee was opened to the public in
theme that would continue into
2001. She now takes pride of place in the
There were many other ways in which
retirement. Perhaps one of his greatest
Maritime Museum in Hartlepool. Once
Richard was involved in the community,
achievements, a project that lasted some
retirement came, it was obvious Richard
one of the driving forces behind the re-
meant many an hour for Mum and Dad
others first. After his passing, Jill received
wiring in this church, volunteering in
watching and dissecting the games I
so many thoughtful cards which all bore
recent times to help with the roll out of
played. He took a great interest in my
testimony to this. Words repeatedly used
Covid jabs, working as a welfare officer
teaching career, always trying to better
were:
for the Royal British Legion, as well as
understand how the education system
being Chairman of Governors of Charlton
has changed in recent times. He was so
Horethorne C of E Primary School, all
supportive to us both and never once
roles he took seriously, managing to do
when we sought advice did he not help.
so with a cheerful disposition. Then there were the grandchildren. On
warm, kind, generous, caring, cheerful and welcoming and two snippets really brought home the high degree in which he was held:
Alongside all these achievements,
first hearing he had become a
I had the greatest admiration and
Richard also took huge pride in his family.
grandfather to a little girl, a trip was
someone one would wish to emulate
Jill was his rock. She supported him in
undertaken into the village. Unsure if he
Most delightful and charming man I’ve
many of the events mentioned already
liked the name Anna-Viktoria and I had
had the good fortune to meet
and her love and devotion allowed
decided upon, Pops, as he was affectionately known, conducted an
He will be sorely missed not only by his
impromptu opinion poll. Fortunately,
family, but by all his friends and the local
Together they enjoyed many pastimes:
Mia’s name got the thumbs up. From that
community here in Cerne, a place, after
visiting churches, museums, gardens,
moment, Pops was a doting grandfather.
all the constant relocating throughout his
photography and country houses, whilst
He loved seeing and hearing about Mia,
career, he would have been proud to call
also bringing up Pelham and me.
and William and took huge pride in both
home. RIP Richard, dad, pops.
Following on in the family traditions, we
their academic and sporting
Richard to flourish in everything he did.
were both sent to Sherborne and were
achievements. He was often to be found
J A M e S WA R R e n
encouraged to seek our own paths.
supporting at the side of a hockey pitch,
(g 93)
Pelham seemed to inherit the practical
his camera at the ready, to capture their
genes and has a very successful career in
progress. More recently, in his late 70s, he
the events industry. His early passion was
found himself once again becoming a
re-building classic cars, something Dad
“pops” to another little girl when Pelham
and Pel spent many an hour bonding
and Rebecca gave birth to Alice – more
over. Many of you here may remember
room was found on the fridge for his
the Austin, Dad loved to take for a drive.
favourite pictures of the family.
My path was different. A love of sport
All through his life, he really did put
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 45
PeteR lAPPInG 1941 – 2023
heAdMASteR 1988 – 2000, OSS PReSIdent 1994 – 95
It was an honour to be present at the Service of Thanksgiving for Peter’s life at a packed Minchinhampton Church in June. Tributes were given by Mark, his son, and Tony Beadles, former Headmaster of King’s Bruton and Epsom College to both of whom we are indebted in sharing their insights into Peter’s life as a family man, a friend, a cricketer and, of course, a headmaster.
Born on a tea plantation in Assam in
sport, including the rowing. Peter was, of
1941, Japanese aggression necessitated
course, hugely helped by Diana in
evacuation to the UK whilst his father,
offering a close and welcoming
Douglas, remained to fight. When the war
partnership. Diana’s charm and practical
in the Far East ended, the family were
approach were invaluable, especially in
reunited in Burma where the civil was
her part in planning improved boarding
prompted an escape to Natal. Peter
accommodation.
boarded for eleven years at St Johns, Johannesburg where he developed a
Peter carved out a reputation and
lifetime love of history which led to a
became an obvious candidate to lead a
degree from the University of Natal.
larger school. In 1988, he was chosen by
Following a Rotary scholarship to arctic
Sherborne School to be its new
Norway, Peter spent two years studying
Headmaster. In his first year he had to
PPE at Lincoln College, Oxford during
weather the loss of the Chairman of
which time he met Diana whom he
Governors and the Bursar. The early
married in 1967.
1990s recession created further pressures.
After a spell as Head of History and
Peter believed that, above all else, it was
Housemaster at Loretto in Musselburgh,
the people that mattered – encouraging
in 1979 Peter was appointed to the
staff at all levels and giving pupils
Headmastership of Shiplake College. He
confidence and the right values. He
developed Shiplake, a school only
took care to get to know all the staff well
founded in 1959, considerably in his nine
and be informed about their families. He
years there, improving the boarding and
made good appointments. Members of
educational accommodation, recruiting
staff were encouraged to develop their
good staff and gaining a strong
careers even if that meant losing them
reputation for outstanding pastoral care
from Sherborne. He worked hard to get
and individual encouragement. The
to know the boys, helped by his excellent
numbers rose, the school was full and he
memory for people and detail. New boys
was able to improve the academic
were welcomed in groups to the
standard. Peter’s warm personality and
Headmaster’s House, Abbey Grange, and
skill at interacting and talking to pupils,
all those leaving were invited to lunch in
staff and parents produced a very friendly
fours, an amazing number of lunches
community. He greatly encouraged the
organised by Diana. Peter was assiduous
in supporting the sports teams and
Peter had a lifetime love of cricket. Whilst
attending drama and music events.
enthusiastic about all sports, especially
Whilst he could be sympathetic with a
rugby, cricket was his major passion. A
miscreant, he could be tough for the sake
fine wicket-keeper/ batsman himself, he
of the community, and liked to say that
loved supporting Gloucestershire CCC
when he had made a decision, he would
especially at the Cheltenham Festival.
not change his mind. Diana was a great
Cricket was a game that emphasised his
support in all this, especially in
great gift for friendship wherever he
entertaining staff and pupils – and indeed
went.
retired staff once a year – at Abbey Grange in warm, welcoming and elegant
When he retired in 2000, Peter became a
style.
Governor at Christ’s College, Brecon, King’s School, Gloucester and Sherborne
Peter pushed the School forward in
Prep. He later became Chairman of
important areas. During his time at
Governors at the highly successful
Sherborne, all three separate sciences
Pinewood Preparatory.
were made compulsory. He knew that Sherborne, as with other schools, needed
Peter’s leadership of Sherborne was
to spend a considerable amount of
marked by care and kindness and vision
money in modernising its boarding
but, as many have stressed, also humility.
facilities. The ‘new’ Green was built and
‘I am deeply conscious,’ he once said,
study wings were added to Abbey and
‘that I am the custodian of this great
Harper Houses. The highly successful
School for merely a small blip.’
International College was established at Newell Grange. He realised the importance of a professional development office and oversaw the set
JOhn hARden
up of the Sherborne School Foundation
OSS Secretary
as well as playing a lead role in transforming the Old Shirburnian Society from a quiet backwater into a leader in its field of Alumni Relations.
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 47
ROBeRt keY (a 63)
2 1 A P R I l 1 9 4 5 t O 3 F e B R u A RY 2 0 2 3 OSS PReSIdent 1996 – 1997
Simon Robert key (known as Rob) was born in Plymouth on 21st April 1945.
After Clare he taught first at Loretto and
Trust, Salisbury Chairman of Magna Carta
from 1969 at Harrow. He sang in the
800 in charge of celebrations in 2015, a
He attended Salisbury Cathedral School
Saltarello, the Thomas Tallis Singers and
Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and a
and on his tenth birthday was taken to
the Monteverdi Choir as well as the
Freeman of the City of Salisbury.
see the Cathedral Librarian who told him
Chorus of the Academy of St. Martin in
he was going to remember this moment
the Fields, featuring in the soundtrack to
For many years he was a steward in
for the rest of his life as she placed the
the film Amadeus.
Salisbury Cathedral, then a Lay Canon and active in the Diocesan House of Laity
Magna Carta onto his outstretched hands.
In 1974, following strikes and the three-
and in the General Synod where he was
day week he became active in politics
an early supporter of women priests.
Later in that same year he was in a group
and in 1979 contested the safe Labour
of boys on Swanage beach when one
seat of Holborn and St. Pancras South for
Once retired he lectured on politics and
found what was thought to be a tin of
the Conservatives. In 1983 he became MP
history on board Cunard cruises which
spam and tried to open it with a metal
for Salisbury and in 1984 became PPS to
allowed him and Sue to explore new
shoehorn. After a few fruitless minutes,
Ted Heath and found Ted his last home at
parts of the world. He died on 3 February
Rob and a friend walked off. Seconds
Arundells in Salisbury Close.
2023.
later there was an explosion. It was not spam; it was an anti-personnel mine and
In 1989 he became PPS to Chris Patten
five boys were dead.
and was promoted to junior minister at the Department of the Environment. He
Rob and his friend were blown across the
then moved as a founder minister to the
beach and into the sea. As a colleague
new Department of National Heritage
wrote following his death “For the rest of
where he shepherded the National
his life, he had to justify why he had been
Lottery Bill through the Commons – an
spared. Parliament and public service
enterprise which has since donated over
were his answer”.
£45 billion to good causes.
Rob followed his brothers John and Tim
His final ministerial position was as
to Sherborne in 1957 and then Tim to
Minister for Roads and Traffic where he
Clare College, Cambridge as a Choral
was known throughout the department as
Exhibitioner in 1962, reading first
the “Colossus of Roads”.
Geography before switching to Economics and adding a Dip.Ed. He
A devoted constituency MP, Rob retired
married Susan Irvine at St. John’s
before the 2010 election but found plenty
Episcopal Church, Perth in July 1968.
to do, becoming a trustee of Trussell
AdAM keY
( R o b ’s s o n )
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OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 49
nOte FROM edItOR: correction to the OS news of 2022. Our sincere apologies to denzil Bury (c 50) and tony everett (a 48). We mistakenly printed denzil’s news under tony’s name and omitted tony’s news entirely. they are now included.
1930s ROGeR VennInG (f 35) see Philip Venning (f 65).
1940s MAuRIce POPe (a 44) see hugh Pope (a 78). tOnY eVeRett (a 48) After spending two years on my National Service with the Royal Artillery, mostly in Germany in B. A. O. R, I went to Birmingham to learn all aspects of the clothing trade. In search of some social life, I joined the Young Conservatives and served as treasurer, press officer and secretary. I became engaged and after our marriage we moved to my home city, Bristol, where I took up the post of buyer in a large department store selling baby and children’s wear. We set up home and were blessed with four children and finally 10 grandchildren.
celebrations planned for my 90th birthday as did my family with two parties arranged. My wife died 6 years ago so on my birthday I sat all alone on my front lawn, opened a bottle of champagne and said, “Happy Birthday me!” In 2018 I suffered a stroke which badly impaired my eyesight. I then joined an NHS project studying this condition. They have now made a 15 minute film A Small Mouse In A Huge World. I have a significant part in this, being interviewed, doing some mime and much of the talk-over. It has been distributed round all the hospitals in the UK in the hope that it will offer some therapy to fellow sufferers.
1950s denZIl BuRY (c 50) Since retiring from the grain trade in 1995 my interests have been my shoot, fly fishing and gardening, now only gardening.
Outside of my home responsibilities and working life I increased my interest in politics, left the Conservatives and joined the Liberal Party. I soon became chairman of Bristol N.W and after three years I became constituency agent for 15 years. I widened my social life by joining the Junior Chamber of Commerce. The rules decreed that membership lapsed at the age of 40 so in order to keep contacts alive, on approaching that age I founded the 39 Club which celebrated its Golden Anniversary in 2018.
Sadly, following a stroke in 2012, my wife of 64 years died in 2016. Since then, I have visited my daughter in New Zealand where she is studying global warming, first in 2018 and then in 2020. In between I made a trip with my other daughter to explore South Africa and stay in the Game Reserve of Amakhala, the best holiday ever. Two years ago, before lockdown my partner Judy moved in with me. We have been friends for 50 years and I can’t believe how lucky I am as I am coming up to 90 in November (2022)!!
In 1985 I joined the Bristol Commonwealth Society and became their treasurer. In 1999 their Executive wanted to sell the fine building they owned and move to the newly formed Empire and Commonwealth Museum and rent a couple of rooms there. I did not think the Museum would last and was bitterly opposed. Fortunately, most of the membership agreed with me and the proposition was voted down. In due course the Museum collapsed, the Society has flourished, and the value of their building has soared. I am now 93 and am still busy. I am the oldest member of the Bristol Rotary Club where I run their skittles functions. I am also active in the Gordano Probus Club. They both had
A plan to build a Swedish style house in the meadow was turned down by the planners, so Judy has designed a plan to convert an old piggery which will be easier to live in than our old listed thatched cottage. On 2 February we started planting a new wood. It took one month, and we planted 600 trees, 28 different varieties by ourselves. chRIStOPheR WOOdS (b 53) My news is the celebration I enjoyed for 60 years ministry on 2 October in Bradfield Church. The Bishop of Colchester presided with some of my former parishioners choosing the hymns and readings.
ROGeR duFFett (a 53), PhIlIP MORGAn (d 54), ROGeR MOWll (a 54) In the past year, our reflections took us back to 1953 when Alan Turing graced a meeting of The Alchemists. This year, amidst the challenges of Minor Cognitive Impairment affecting our memories to varying degrees, we delved into the scorching summer of 1959, recalling an event six years after encountering Turing. In 1959, John Kendrew enlisted Roger Mowll and Roger Duffett to analyse RNA’s structure at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge. Kendrew, Duffett’s Director of Studies, later won a Nobel Prize for his work on globular proteins. Mowll, an organic chemist, and Duffett, a physical chemist, collaborated, with RNA—unlike DNA—as a single, folded strand. While Crick and Watson received a Nobel Prize in 1962 for discovering DNA’s double-helix structure, Rosalind Franklin, a crucial contributor, was overlooked. A recent ‘Chemistry World’ article sparked Roger Mowll’s response, challenging the narrative. In 1959, the challenge was proving the double helix. We, both now 87, were part of the Cavendish Laboratory team led by Perutz, working alongside Crick, Kendrew, Bragg, and others. Franklin’s role was pivotal, as she produced RNA crystals for X-ray photography. Our task involved measuring X-ray diffraction patterns, processed by the EDSAC 2 computer. It operated on valves, required significant power, and was housed in a heat-generating building. Climbing steel ladders to feed and collect tape in a disused Nissen hut was our routine. The EDSAC 2 results unequivocally confirmed the double helix. A model of the proposed structure sat beside
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 51
our desk, and within two months, our work was done. Philip Morgan, unaware until now, found the story intriguing, having read extensively about Rosalind Franklin. Our concern extended to future generations. How do we convey our involvement in such ground-breaking work to our grandchildren? Will they appreciate the details from a vastly different era? As we ponder this, we recall that the impact of encountering Alan Turing was not fully realized until one grandson saw Turing on a £50 banknote. Undoubtedly, our discussion will persist at our next meeting, fuelled by the enduring question of how to pass on the legacy of our remarkable experiences.
Wildlife Trust, having two Allotments, fishing the chalk streams in Hampshire and singing in a choir in Winchester where I am very involved with Winchester College.
MARk cAnnOn BROOkeS (h 58) This year Roger Mather (m 83) on the left in the photo is the Treasurer of The Berkshire Golf Club I am the President and Mark Gidney (g 68) on the right of the photo is the Captain. I do not expect three Shirburnians have done that before especially as there was no collusion.
as GBS said, “they haven’t spoken English for years!” This year my visits have been to Singapore, Australia (10 weeks), Morocco, Turkey, and six EU countries, but I have to admit that travelling can be tiring at my age! I look forward to this year’s ‘Q’ lunch… JeRRY hAIGh (d 59) After graduating from Glasgow Veterinary College in June 1965 I returned to my country of birth, Kenya. I spent the next ten years there, increasingly engaged with wildlife work. I was involved in the translocation of some 100 rhino, and worked with elephants, other members of ‘the big five’, and many other species. In 1969 I married Doctor Joanne van de Riet who graduated from the famous Christian Medical College in the City of Vellore that is in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
JeReMY edWARdS (a 54) During my working life I was a Chartered Accountant working in small practices. Now that I have retired, I am in demand for charities, either as treasurer or examiner. There are probably a dozen in Sunbury, Spelthorne and around that I have been involved with, as well as being a member of Rotary and helping with community projects. My wife, Moira, and I have been given Civic Awards on behalf of our local Spelthorne Borough Council. ShAun WIlkInSOn (g 54) We celebrated our 65th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday 26 August! We emigrated to New Zealand in 1968 and brought our family of two girls here. Now have one living here with three sons and the other is living in the UK with two sons there and one here in New Zealand. And we now have our first great-grandaughter. ROBeRt edWARdS (a 57) and his wife Barbara have just celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary. JOhn PARRY-JOneS (b 57) My last job was Director of Medical Services in the Solomon Islands and I now spend my retirement working for the Hampshire
JOhn WARd (b 58) The year (2022) really started with the Q lunch at the School. A first for me, as living abroad it is seldom possible to participate in a “lunch”. I was delighted to finally return and see so many familiar faces. We participated in a service in the Chapel and I realised that I had never sat in the congregation before, having always been in the Choir! All my years at Sherborne I sang! Music was important, but I was even a member of the Headmaster’s Choir and we were only a small number of ‘boys’ together with some masters and of course both The Headmaster and Mrs Powell. All that singing gave me a very good “ear” and I used that, before my three years at the Lausanne Hotel School, to learn the other four main European languages that I still use daily. I am told that I speak French with a Swiss accent, Italian with a Sicilian sound, German with a Swabian lilt and Spanish like a South American. My English is difficult to place, having lived in several countries where,
s
University of Saskatchewan. (The citation is on the home page of my website). I have written 5 non-fiction books about experiences with wildlife and am working on a 6th (see website) A few years ago I came to the school after contacting Adrian Ballard and gave a talk to the boys titled A WildlifeVet in Africa. huGh MelleR (a 59) In August a 6th edition of my book, London Cemeteries was published by the History Press. As a diversionary activity at the weekend I can recommend a visit to one of the Magnificent Seven London cemeteries. Each encompasses a fascinating variety of buildings, sculptures, memorials commemorating royalty and rogues, unusual fauna and flora and even, these days, a cafe. All is described and illustrated in the book, together with over 100 other London cemeteries. Price £25 at Waterstones or less as an e-book. RIchARd RYdeR (a 59) After three years helping to run the RSPCA, I stepped down as President this year. I modernised the RSPCA and saw through some 56 legislative reforms in the EU and UK that will reduce the sufferings of our evolutionary relations. I coined the philosophical terms speciesism and painism (now in dictionaries) and campaigned around the world. In 1975 we came to Canada where I joined the faculty at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. For a further 33 years I worked as a full-time wildlife vet, not only In Canada (polar bears, moose etc) but in six other African Countries, New Zealand, Australia, Mongolia and the tiny island of Rota in the Pacific. A highlight of my career was annual trips with final year vet students to Uganda for one-month externships to study the complicated nexus between humans, livestock and wildlife. I was elected as Fellow of The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1992 for ‘meritorious contributions to learning’ and in 2005 received the JW George Ivany Internationalization Award.
I had a tough time at Sherborne but maybe that made me more sensitive to the sufferings of others.
AntOnY thOMAS (a 59) I am enjoying a wonderful time of relaxation after completing my book In the Line of Fire. Happily, it has received great reviews, but sadly, no mention is made in any of these of the early chapters which cover those nine formative years (1950 – 1959) spent at Sherborne, before returning to South Africa.
PhIlIP WRIGht (g 59) After 22 years in the Grenadier Guards followed by 22 years as Assistant Serjeant at Arms in The House of Commons and as a Guards Magazine contributor for 60 years, most of the past year has been spent sitting in an armchair.
1960s
chRIS cOPelAnd (a 61) Whilst in the Army as a young officer, I used to be in the Parachute Brigade and did a number of free fall parachute jumps, to be exact 702 jumps. After retirement and now living just north of Sherborne, I became Chairman of the Sherborne Branch of the RNLI as I am a very keen sailor (was Captain of the sailing team in 1960/61.) I soon realised that persuading volunteers to carry out Tandem Parachute jumps was a good way to raise funds for the RNLI, in particular if I jumped with them. So, I took up free falling again, jumping from 15,000 feet. I was aged 71 when I did this nine years ago.
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 53
On 12 July this year I held my 80th Birthday and by this time I had jumped a further 97 times. Very shortly after my birthday party, I jumped with my 16 year old granddaughter and achieved my 800th jump. In total after nine years, I have raised £92K for the RNLI and I have a further four jumpers coming along to jump this weekend. My aim is to raise £100K for charity, mostly for the RNLI. MIchAel du PRe (b 61) I am enjoying my 26th year of retirement and in my 81st year and still busier than when I used to work! A lot of my time is spent teaching refugees from various parts of the world English and befriending their families in the hostile environment that our Tory government is increasingly providing for them. Having been fortunate enough to inherit a house from my Jersey resident father, I live there in the summer months and in Marlow during the winter. In Jersey, I am Chairman of Amnesty International (Jersey) and Save Our Shoreline Jersey (which fights to prevent the destruction of our beautiful island’s environment from an unregulated and supine environmental civil service). I am also on the Council of the Jersey Society in London www.jerseysocietyinlondon.org (shortly to become the Jersey Society Overseas) which publishes a bi annual Bulletin to Jersey ex-pats and Island lovers wherever they live for an annual sub of £10. Although bitterly opposed to private education which continues to divide our society, I am very pleased to know now, 60 years after leaving the School, that the School is a benign institution and does provide an excellent service to those few privileged boys who attend it. (When relating my schooldays to my grandchildren and others, I don’t think
that they believe what I tell them (ie almost exactly the same as the first half of the film If and stories that make Tom Brown’s Schooldays seem like an enjoyable experience). Although, being very good at sport, I had a very easy ride at the School, I and a very few of my year ( including my close friend David Spedding MI6’s ‘C’) did not follow in the intended direction of the armed forces or the Church etc and I apologise for not keeping up with a school of which I have such bad memories and enjoying spending my time, in general, with really needy people outside the realms of privilege. I hope you understand. I don’t think that I am alone in this and would only be too happy to keep in touch with those who have similar memories!
chARleS cOllInGWOOd (h 62) I have sent you a photo that Judy took of me and cokey (Sulkin m 97) at the RAC Country club, Woodcote Park last week where Judy and I were celebrating our joint 80th with Cokey, Jane and Sam. On Monday morning Sam came rushing in from outside to say there was an aeroplane in front of the clubhouse! In disbelief we all went outside to look and lo and behold there was, and it was the very one that Mack Rutherford (b 23) had recently flown round the world. Apparently, that morning, before we were up, he and his sister had landed it on the 1st fairway and now it was on display for all to see. What a coincidence that we two OS should be staying at the club at the same time!
keIth hARdInG (f 63) I continue to enjoy retirement in Minorca and to learn more about the tangible British legacy on the island.
RIchARd dunStAn (b 64) pictured at Gravetye Manor on 7 July (one of those rare, glorious summer days) celebrating his Golden Wedding Anniversary with his wife, Tessa, “with four children and eleven grandchildren to show for our pains!”
PeteR MeRedIth (a 64) During my lifetime, I’ve travelled through or lived in 32 countries. In England in 1971 I embarked on a career in journalism that continued for the next 50 years. Since 1980 I’ve lived and worked in Australia. I’m happily married and have two grown-up offspring. From 1986, I wrote articles on science, environment, climate, wildlife, technology, farming, history, architecture, people, travel and human geography. Over the years my articles have appeared in more than twenty international and Australian publications. I also wrote and published seven books and edited another eight.
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In essence I was advocating the need to care for our increasingly vandalised planet. I feel privileged to have been able to do this by combining my professional interests with my personal and recreational pursuits. From early childhood I was fascinated by things that fly, initially aircraft but later birds and other creatures. As an adult I came as close as it is humanly possible to fly like a bird—I took up hang-gliding. So it was that I was able to describe in an article what it’s like to fly with wedgetailed eagles nearly a thousand metres above the ground. In another article I explained the exceedingly complex aerodynamics of flight in birds, bats and insects. Sea-kayaking became a later recreation of mine. For an article about a national park on Australia’s south-east coast, I explored the coastal environment by kayak and mingled with an inquisitive herd of seals for a whole day. When at one point all those seals vanished suddenly, I remembered park rangers saying such behaviour might signal the presence of sharks. So, I hastily took refuge in a shallow cove. As part of my work over the years, I explored rivers, spent time with scientists in wild landscapes, had close encounters with cane toads, dingoes, owls and other birds of prey, hiked through national parks and met many fascinating people. As well, during our leisure time, my wife, Sue, and I did a number of exploratory campervan trips in the country’s east. I couldn’t have asked for much more.
MIck O’GORMAn (h 65) was the Sound Designer for The Chieftains and Riverdance, The Show. SIMOn PuRSeR (f 65) Having qualified as a Chartered Accountant I worked on the Flying Scotsman’s 1970 exhibition tour of the USA before moving to the City of London. I have long since retired as a director of an investment bank and a number of subsequent non-executive directorships. I now run a 9,000 sq. ft. antique warehouse on the banks of the river Exe but manage to spend most of the summer living on my motor yacht in Dartmouth. PhIlIP VennInG (f 65) In 2022 after 24 hugely satisfying years I retired as a member of the Westminster Abbey Fabric Commission. This is the statutory body that controls all works to the Abbey. I was fortunate that during my time there was an extensive programme of exemplary repair, conservation and new design. The highlight was the conversion of part of the triforium (a large high level gallery) into a museum of the Abbey’s breath-taking treasures. Previously only accessible by a narrow spiral stair the extensive space became open to the public for the first time thanks to a new access stair turret, designed by the Surveyor of the Fabric, Ptolemy Dean. I was pleased to have played a small part in his original training in building conservation. Other works completed in recent years include the conservation of the 13th century Cosmati pavement; and the Retable, a great but damaged Mediaeval work of art which spent many years built into a cupboard. I also welcomed less glamorous works such as adapting drains and downpipes to cope with ever heavier downpours. It was a huge privilege to have been involved in a modest way. The photo shows me outside the D Day Museum in Southsea by a newly installed memorial brick to my father Major Roger Venning (f 35). He landed on Sword Beach with the 3rd Division. MIke cAnnOn-BROOkeS (g 66) It has so far certainly been a year of contrasts. On the plus side Helen and I had an amazing trip to deep Antarctica in February - our second visit to the icy continent - where for the first time we crossed the Antarctic Circle and sailed to the most southerly point that a Silversea Expedition ship had ever been. Then on the negative side, we were meant to be up in Greenland and the High Arctic right now (August 2023), but we had to cancel this expedition cruise and rebook for another visit to Greenland in 2024. The reason was that out of the blue, I suddenly had to have a quadruple heart bypass operation here in Sydney, from which I am now well on the way to a full recovery. Meanwhile we keep busy, really enjoying our three children and ten grandchildren, who now range from 22 down to six years old; how fast everyone grows up!
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edWARd cOOPeR (f 67) I’ve been living in the U.S.A. since 1979, working first in postdoctoral biomedical research, then as an attorney and in real estate, in Buffalo, New York. I now spend most of my time in rural Vermont with my partner, the photographer Suzanne Opton. Over the past two years I’ve recorded an album of original folk/folk rock songs, now released under the title Dogs Without a Home and under my name as E.G. Cooper (available as a CD via Bandcamp, and for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, etc.). I have one son, Sam, who is now living in Buffalo, New York with his wife Kaya, after spending several years in Thailand, Taiwan and China.
RIchARd BeASleY (h 68) Here is a photo of a reunion lunch held on 5 October near Hook, Hants. of Messrs. James Bridge (celebrating his birthday, son of Derek), david Barry (f 67), over from Victoria BC, Robert Innes-ker (a 64), Michael Beasley (h 66), John Jordan (a 66), Michael French (a 66), Peter Innes-ker (a 66), tim Stubbs (f 66) and Richard Beasley. Since the beginning of Covid, we have continued a fortnightly Zoom call (missing are Jeremy Watts (g 64), Martin thomas (a 63) and Jim Reid (Prep.).
keVIn deSMOnd (g 68) has set up an association, GaronneAgend2029 to purchase and put into operation on his local Garonne River, upstream from Bordeaux, a 22-pasenger electric catamaran called the PolyBoat, so named because it will be giving a polyvalance of silent cruises - to wine lovers, history lovers, pilgrims, schoolchildren, musicians etc. Kevin believes that this type of electric boat will fill a gap in the steadily growing worldwide fleet of electric boats, from 4-seat hireboats to RORO ferryboats and that PolyBoats could be envisaged on rivers and lakes worldwide. Anyone wishing to join the PolyBoat team as part-sponsor or Business Angel should please contact Kevin on polyboat@proton.me or via LinkedIn. MARk GIdneY (g 68) see Mark cannon Brookes (h 58)
ROBeRt PetO (a 68) Following a life changing three years at Cambridge, I trained as a commercial chartered surveyor in the City. This led to an immensely varied professional life largely based in London but with a two and a half year stint in the Middle East, based in Bahrain. My professional activities also enabled me to travel the world, ending up as the RICS Global President in 2010/11. Following that, I developed a portfolio of Non-Executive Director roles including chairing the boards of two publicly quoted REITs. I have also had the privilege of holding a number of real estate pro bono appointments such as being a member of the Bank of England Property Advisory Group, an external advisor to the British Museum and a non-executive Director of Bath & West Enterprises which manages the Bath & West Showground. In 2002 Sue and I moved to a 50-acre small holding in Somerset where we created a performance and meeting space. It has hosted parties, friends’ weddings and wakes, conferences, yoga, Pilates, a male voice choir, concerts and theatre performances. Increasing age and a few medical hiccups have led to a decision to downsize and in May this year we moved to a smaller house in the same village. We have started a substantial renovation and extension project, which should be finished in late summer next year. In recent years I have involved myself in the conversion of a Somerset charity, PROMISEworks, into a fully operational organisation which recruits, trains and supports volunteers, to provide one-toone mentoring to improve the mental health, resilience and well-being of some of Somerset’s most vulnerable young people, aged from 5 to 25. It costs about £2,000 pa per relationship and we currently have 130 active mentor/mentee relationships with plans to increase capacity to 250 in the next three years. We are always looking for volunteers and money! ww.promiseworks.org.uk One should not dwell too much on the past, when there is still much to do and experience in the future, not least the enjoyment of two lovely grandsons, but I count myself privileged to have had a very full life to date, grounded on a sound and rounded Sherborne education.
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1970s heRRY AShBY (h 70) I finally retired from NHS General Practice after 40 years to enjoy time with grandchildren and resume travelling in UK and cruising after Covid. chRIS dAVId (a 70) After an exciting career mixing sound and music for over 250 films in Los Angeles, including an Oscar nomination for Legends of the Fall, participation in Best Picture Oscar winners and nominees such as Moonlight, Milk, Hell or High Water and an Emmy nomination for the HBO series Euphoria I have finally retired to southern France at the wonderful Mas de Bauzon outside Alès and beside the beautiful Cevennes mountains. This year, after two Covid postponements, we finally hosted the wedding of daughter Tana. Here we are, outside the house and just about to be led out to the “altar” by our wonderful dog Masa.
employing a specialist fundraiser. To make the cause tangible for potential supporters unfamiliar with World War II, I proposed a quarterly Newsletter. This publication featured an introduction from a senior military officer emphasizing the importance of remembering the ‘Forgotten Army’ and a section called Veteran’s Corner, sharing reminiscences of those who had served in Burma. Still enjoying the great outdoors especially Scotland and Norway as initiated by Sherborne CCF, Dartmoor adventures with pain and suffering, and Geography classes! Less windsurfing, more paddle boarding these days!
The book became a rewarding and humbling experience, especially as twelve of the veterans passed away shortly after sharing their stories. Beyond personal fulfillment, the initiative successfully raised approximately £150,000 for the BSMF over eighteen months. While my fellow Trustees and a professional fundraiser also contributed, there remains a considerable ongoing challenge. Despite the accomplishments, the overall objective of supporting Burma Star Scholars and preserving the legacy of the ‘Forgotten Army’ requires sustained effort.
SteVe RAFFe (a 70) After leaving the UK in 1971 I have finally returned to live in Canterbury. As much as I enjoyed living in the Caribbean obtaining long term residency became an issue. As I sit here watching the cold rain lashing my study window I feel homesick for the warmer climes. Perhaps I will get used to it. nIGel hAll (h 72) Enjoyed keeping up with Simon keeble (d 75) and still doing voluntary work with the National Trust having joined my wife after two years three months apart due to covid travel restrictions.!!! Gosh.
Creating the Veteran’s Corner proved more complex than anticipated due to the lack of a functional contact list for surviving Burma veterans in the GDPR era. After extensive efforts, I located and interviewed thirty-one veterans, gathering rich and detailed accounts of their experiences. What started as a segment for the newsletter evolved into a comprehensive book titled “The Final Curtain: Burma 1941-1945,” exceeding 100,000 words with over 100 images contributed by the veterans.
JeReMY ARcheR (d 73) During the challenging lockdown period, my focus was on the Burma Star Memorial Fund (BSMF), where I served as a Trustee. The BSMF aimed to urgently raise funds for sponsoring one-year post-graduate MAs at University College London (UCL) for Burma Star Scholars from Allied nations. These scholars would study subjects relevant to the Burma Campaign, such as Global Health and Engineering for Global Development. The fundraising challenge involved various approaches, including seeking grants from charities, reaching out to contacts with charitable inclinations, and
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MIchAel hAtchARd (c 73) Following a career in law, first with Theodore Goddard 1978-1994 and then with Skadden Arps 1994-2017, am now a member of the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers, a senior adviser at G3 and a consultant on corporate challenges, transactions and governance. Proud to have been a founder trustee of the Sherborne School Foundation and currently president of Restore Hope Foundation which has been busy helping Elbow Cay in the Bahamas recover from the devasting force 5 hurricane that struck the island in September 2019. We are lucky to share a house there and to have had a hand in the remarkable revival of the community. When not travelling or working, we spend a good amount of time on a woodland project in Devon. All guidance on that front welcome, especially timber management.
cOlIn FORBeS (f 74) Currently in north Herefordshire, but expecting to move to Wiltshire / Gloucestershire in the near future, where mains gas and good broadband enable me to continue my remote working contract role in educational and professional publishing, with a focus on project management , communications and content strategy. I am currently working with a non-profit developing and implementing a content strategy for the organisation. Over the past decade or so I have spent time working with ed-tech and publishing services companies, the International Baccalaureate (twice), a religious publisher in Oxford, Comic Relief and the Open University - a varied and somewhat eclectic mix. And Hilary continues to create amazing watercolour landscape paintings as well as putting up with me. RIchARd JAckMAn (a 74) Having left the Royal Navy after a 35 year career a dozen years ago, I have now formally closed down my one-man consulting company and am prepared to admit that I am retired. With seven grandchildren ranging from 8 to 18 months and
volunteer commitments to village organisations (Churchwarden, School Governor, Village Hall trustee and Newsletter) as well as being Chair of the Salisbury Diocese Forces Welfare Fund, life is still very busy. Though living far from the sea, I remain a keen sailor and have kept a boat in the Baltic to which my wife, Woody, and I escape for 2 ½ months each summer.
been working hard to build up the Old Shirburnian Golfing Society chapter in Aix. So you can imagine my joy when Jos Pralle (g 11), a scratch golfer and long-standing bastion of the OS golf team, announced that he had decided, with his lovely new wife Lisa, to move to Aix in order to join the OSGS Aix chapter. On a personal note, the fact that Jos is my godson and son of my old Sherborne friend and best man Anthony Pralle (g 76), is an added bonus. Any other OS golfers in Provence are welcome to join!
OlIVeR dOWdInG (a 75) Oliver’s apple juice and cider business www.dowdings.co.uk is going from strength to strength, piling up awards one after another, at the Somerset and the National Championships, with Taste of the West and the latest from The Great Taste Awards. The orchards have expanded, new ideas are being mulled over and gradually enacted, but all against the inevitable backdrop of a challenging economy. There are lots of footpaths through the 14 acres of trees all visitors welcome, but ring or email first if you want some nectar! SIMOn keeBle (d 75) I’m now teaching as a Teaching Fellow Real Estate at the University of Portsmouth having retired from Harper Adams University having been there 27 years and course manager on the REALM courses for 21 years. PeteR lAne (a 75) is now Master of the Mercers’ Company. MYleS RIPleY (b 75) I’m, at long last, fully retiring and will no longer be an employee of Sedbergh School. To celebrate, I am voyaging for two months mid Nov to mid Jan on the Bark Europa from Uruguay to the Antarctic Peninsula via the Falklands and South Georgia. chARleS dIehl (c 76) Since moving to Aix-en-Provence two years ago I have
AnthOnY PRAlle (g 76) After 36 years at The Boston Consulting Group (the original plan had been for two years after leaving university), I retired from the partnership in 2017. However not to the golf course, which I do not play, but to a ‘Chapter 2’ which combines a Senior Advisor role at BCG, various boards and time to travel, and paint and draw for the first time since 3rd form art class at Sherborne. We live between London and Madrid, though the latter is really home as we put down roots there over 30 years ago and enjoy the easy pace of life, the climate and the many friends we have made over the years. I am involved in a regenerative agriculture and landscape restoration programme in eastern Andalucia, focused on Europe’s largest rain fed almond growing region. Though no longer linked to Sherborne as a parent, I enjoy seeing the School progress as a trustee of the Foundation. neIl FORBeS (c 77) left Specialist Veterinary Referral practice in 2017, moving to rural Worcestershire to be equidistant between ailing parents/parents in law. Neil continues to provide Consultancy services in the fields of avian/zoo/exotic veterinary practice. In leaving full time clinical work, he resigned his RCVS and EBVS Specialist Status, but was awarded RCVS Emeritus Specialist Zoo and Wildlife (avian) in 2022. Neil became a founding Trustee of the Manfred Horstmann Vulture Conservation Trust in 2022 and continues to provide voluntary assistance in various other vulture conservation projects.
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MIleS GeldARd (m 77) At Oxford I read Oriental Studies; then spent 35 years in finance, most as an investment manager, including three years in Botswana as an adviser to the central bank. After many years in Asia I returned to UK, where I was Chief Investment Officer and Head of the Global Multi-Asset Group at JP Morgan Asset Management, and Head of Strategy Multi-Asset and Fixed Income at Jupiter Asset Management before retiring from full-time employment to focus on charitable activities. I began by spending three months as a human rights monitor in Hebron in the West Bank, and then moved to East Africa, where I focused on a charity that helps street children. I have also been active in conservation, particularly elephants, where I was a trustee and pilot for Save The Elephants. I am currently a Non-Executive Director at Brunel Pension Partnership in Bristol. I have three children.
A group of 11 School House OS, Ben Bourdillon (77), chris croft (77), david cronk (77), Jon devitt (78), henry Glasse (77), James Glasse (80), Peter Goldsmith (77), charles Gregory (77), William haly (77), hugh Pope (77) and Julian thomas (77) met for lunch in London on 27 October 2022.
nIck thORPe (b 78) is still the BBC Central Europe Correspondent, based in Budapest, a position he has held since 1996. He is the author of three books, with a fourth on the way, and a documentary filmmaker. ’89 The Unfinished Revolution (Reportage 2009), The Danube - A Journey Upriver (Yale UP 2013), The Road Before Me Weeps On the Refugee Road Through Europe (Yale UP 2018), precede a new book on the Carpathian mountains, to be published in 2024. The films include The Danube - Against the Flow, an eight-part documentary series (2021), and a series on the Roma communities of East and West Europe The Travels of a Gadjo in Romanistan (2015). He is married to Andrea Weichinger, a breathwork therapist and artist. They have five sons: Sam, a yacht skipper based in Indonesia, Máté, a traditional carpenter based in Scotland, Daniel, a video-journalist based in Istanbul, Caspar, a professional guitarist based in Budapest, and Jack, studying World Philosophies and Hindi at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London.
SIMOn keABle-ellIOtt (g 78) In July 2021 I retired after 25 years as a Politics teacher and Director of MUN at Royal Russell School. I am now working as a writer and lecturer. My first book Utterly Immoral, Robert Keable and his Scandalous Novel was published in November 2022, It tells the extraordinary story of my grandfather - and Old Shirburnian (Lyon House 1938-1943) Tony Keable-Elliott’s father - who wrote the 1920’s scandalous bestseller novel Simon Called Peter. Robert Keable led an extraordinary life as a Cambridge scholar, curate in Bradford, missionary in Africa, WW1 chaplain to the SANLC in France and finally as a writer in Tahiti where he lived in Gauguin’s house and married a Tahitian princess. More details robertkeable.co.uk huGh POPe (a 78) My main news is the posthumous publication in March 2023 of an amazing, long-lost book by my late Dad Maurice Pope (a 44). It’s called The Keys to Democracy: Sortition as a New Model for Citizen Power. He wrote the book in the 1980s, but it was too far ahead of its time, he couldn’t find a publisher, and after a decade or two, none of us could find the text either. After my dad’s death in 2019, however, my Mum found the typescript in his library. When I started re-reading it, I realised that his account of random selection was now a more fashionable thesis to fix the broken politics of our elections-based systems. I started editing it with my brother Quentin, found prominent academics who endorsed it, and eventually got a serious academic publisher to put it out. It’s done very well since then, and its progress can be followed here: www.bit.ly/thekeystodemocracy.
JOnAthAn PePlOW (f 79) was selected to play for the England Masters Over 60s (Hockey) team that played in the European Championships in Valencia in July. Wins over Spain, France, Belgium and Germany in the Group games were followed by a 5-0 victory over The Netherlands in the final.
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1980s SIMOn BOund (h 80) retired from Morgan Stanley in 2023 where he was latterly Global Director of Research. He is studying for a master’s in history at Yale University and intends to teach history at his local high school. PeteR MeSSeRVY (a 80) see charles timmis (a 91) WIlluM RIchARdS (m 80) Continuing to work in the marine insurance field whilst living in Wānaka in the mountains of the South Island of New Zealand. Volunteering for the local lakes search and rescue whilst enjoying the wine, tramping, fishing and skiing which the region has to offer. nIck SAndAll (c 81) After 33 years at Deloitte and Andersen as a partner with six years now of executive coaching and leadership development for next generation of leaders, I have now set up a fly fishing company focussing on the mental health of veterans and senior business leaders dAVId St MAuR SheIl (b 81) David is currently living between East Sussex and Hong Kong and is making a living as an artist and also designing and developing community gardens. A keen gardener, he also hand-makes his own paints from natural soils that he collects from his garden and the countryside close to where he lives and uses his paintings to raise awareness of soil care and protection. www.davidsheilstudio.com
AnGuS BOGle (f 82) has now moved in to the world of semi-retirement but seems never to have been busier! He is Chair of local charity Home-Start South West Kent, continues to be heavily involved in his local rowing club, Bewl Bridge RC, where he seems to spend an inordinate amount of time, and does other volunteering locally. He dispatched daughter number 2 into marriage last year, exactly a year and a day after daughter number 1’s wedding. Two down, one to go! He has embarked on building a house, which some might say is a touch brave in these challenging times. And unsurprisingly, he has become a grandfather! ROBeRt kItSOn (g 82) has written another book. This one is called Around The World In 80 Minutes: In Search of Rugby Greatness (Bloomsbury) and features interviews with many of the most significant figures in rugby union over the past 50 years. His previous book, Exe Men, won the Telegraph’s Rugby Book of the Year award and he has been rugby correspondent of The Guardian since 1999. PAtRIck MIllS (a 82) This year I retired from advertising after 35 years. I am now focussing on photography and writing. We are planning to move out of London in the next twelve months, back to my roots. I keep up with Jon Garrett, Rob Goldsmith, chris Weir and Will churcher, recently we had a visit from Mike nolan (all a 82) all the way from NZ. Ben JeAPeS (h 83) had fame and fortune within his grasp, until a proposed TV adaptation of his novel His Majesty’s Starship was turned down on the personal decision of Seth MacFarlane as being too difficult to make due to the complexities of the pandemic. But if he got that far once, he can do it again. Meanwhile he continues as a ghostwriter for other people whose work annoyingly earns him more than his own. His ad in the 2022 OS Record brought a couple of very interesting nibbles from other OS and he would love to hear from anyone else who might have need of his services!”
www.benjeapes.com
ROGeR MAtheR (m 83) see Mark cannon Brookes (h 58) ed SuGden (b 84) After I left Sherborne I went to The Royal Agricultural College Cirencester and qualified as a land agent, before becoming an estate agent with John D Wood & Co. (Top 40 UK Agent - The Times August 1996!) Joined Property Vision and advised buyers of country estates and houses for 14 years before joining Savills in 2013, where I am now selling super prime country houses across the south of England. Married with three boys, living happily in the Berkshire Downs.
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tIM dAVIS (d 85) After an enthusiastic start with HS2 developing land next to new stations, I quickly realised that working with certain HM Govt bodies associated with homes and levelling up was definitely not for me! It was something of an insight and I made some lasting friendships, nevertheless. I am now Development Director for Hargreaves Properties based in Sussex, a medium sized nicely understated family property company. Bizarrely it was one of the companies I had approached when I was leaving The Crown Estate so perhaps it was meant to be i.e. God does exist and he also recommends The South Coast!
RIcO tIce (h 84) organised a reunion of the 1984 1st XV on 11 November. Nine members of the 1984 team returned to Sherborne and after lunch at the Plume of Feathers, owned by nick lamb (d 94) they returned to The Upper to watch the current XV beat Marlborough 17-11. The photo shows left to right Fred Foreman (h 85), harold Paul (c 85), tonka Brown (c 85), Ian horseman Sewell (f 84), Rico, Aadel kardooni (c 87), Ben emley (c 85), Giles Pilbrow (m 85), tom Bradby (b 85). They called tim Waddy (b 84) in California and Paddy Plewman (c 84) in New Mexico at half time and dick Sirley (c 85) called in at full time. Rico says that “The 1984 XV won the Douai 15 aside. There were 20 teams from southern public schools and that was our biggest achievement.”
Earlier this year, I enjoyed helping an OS on the mentoring programme and am looking forward to the Harper House 150th Anniversary Dinner next Spring. I heard The Green and Abbeylands' dinners were excellent so I am sure Harper's will be even better! JOn leneY (c 85) I am a Creative Director in the advertising industry, and while for most of my career I have created ads for brands such John Lewis, Virgin Media, Rolls-Royce and Audi, I am currently Executive Creative Director at MSQ Sustain, an agency dedicated to accelerating the change to a more sustainable world. We are working with international NGOs and brands such as Patagonia. I live in west London with my wife Milly and sons Arthur and Fred, though I find myself in the Sherborne environs from time to time – most recently playing cricket on a tour of Dorset with my team, The Rhinos. We played against local sides that included a number of current Sherborne boys and masters, all of whom were a lot fitter than I am! neIl BulStROde (e 86) It has been a very busy and challenging few years at Great Ormond Street Hospital, where I continue to be head of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and in my cosmetic private practice in south west London. All signs are that the workload will continue to be high. I have also been able to publish two new textbooks about plastic surgery and have been operating and lecturing internationally. www.neilbulstrode.com
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chRIStIAn MuRRAY-SMIth (b 90) I am still a TV editor, pictures and sound, working in London and living in South West London. I am just now editing the opening episode of the Netflix series behind the scenes of the 2023 rugby Six Nations. Plenty of fun and sadly I can’t make England win in the edit. Always happy to help those with an interest in pursuing a career in the media with my advice!
chARlIe hOFFMAn (g 87) is happily married to Georgie, has two children, Milo who is going into third year at Winchester and Minty who is off to Marlborough. Charlie started his career doing M&A at Freshfields, before moving to film finance, then becoming a photographer, living in Kenya, returning to do an MBA in the UK before becoming a private banker 20 years ago. He is Managing Director at HSBC Private Bank, and looks after family offices, and has received a number of industry awards. Charlie did formation skydiving and played polo for 30 years, as well as choosing to travel in conflict zones around the world as “they had fewer tourists”. He now lives in West Berks with the family and ‘eased off the adrenaline pedal’ a little he says, although still enjoys both scuba diving and skiing on snow and water with Milo and Minty. JAMeS AlexAndeR (e 88) was appointed an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List.
1990s llOYd cOllIeR (d 90) older but clearly no wiser! There really aren’t many life experiences that compare to Ironman. It’s something that almost anyone can accomplish if they are able put the training in, but at the same time is so extreme – total distance 140 miles – that it’s beyond most people’s consideration. However, and as Ironman themselves say: Anything is Possible. You have to be able to swim front crawl in the sea with 2,000 people climbing on your back for 80-90 minutes, and then go on a 5-6-7 hour bike ride while somehow eating enough
to then “run” a marathon immediately afterwards. Absolutely bonkers. In fact, while you have to be bloody-minded and persistent, you don’t have to be “fast”. The cut-off is 16 hours meaning you have until midnight. Part of the joy of Ironman [as well as the tattoo!] is the huge field, and the citycentre venue with laps for the run. There were thousands of supporters out on the course all day yelling encouragement, holding signs, giving high fives, blasting tunes and urging the runners on. There is a symbiotic relationship between the competitors and supporters where both whip each other into a frenzy of endorphins – like the London Marathon. My favourite sign this year read “Pain is just the French word for Bread” which made me laugh all eight times on the run when I passed it in both directions! Here are the numbers: • 5,400 - Miles cycled in training • 1,937 Finishers • £700 Entry fee
• 28 Weeks off work to train given serendipitously timed redundancy
• 5 pro toilet breaks [turns out it’s easy to pee while cycling. Far easier than it is to get the smell out of your shoes afterwards] • 4 laps on the run
• 3 days before I got my legs back
• 2 days before starting to plan the next one and going faster And • 1 day of swearing Never Again • 11:14 finish time
Get involved team, I can’t say enough what a life-changing experience it is!
SAM RutheRFORd (a 90) Zara and Mack (b 23) are now both at Stanford University (Zara in second year, Mack since September) and both now have their commercial pilot licences. Sam is busy writing an autobiography as a cure for insomnia. He was hugely honoured to be asked to present the Sword of Honor to the best USAF Officer cadet of 2023, at The Pentagon in Washington DC. He and Beatrice will be spending this winter in Crans Montana, if anyone is in the neighbourhood? ed hOlMe (b 91) Graduate of both Imperial College (BEng (Hons)) and RMAS (2nd Lt RHF now 2SCOTS); Ed saw active service in numerous theatres (Europe, Middle East, Africa) spanning a decade fortunately spent mostly in command roles, whilst also including a stint as Adjutant of 1RHF. Following the tempo induced increase in separation from his wife and two young sons he moved his family from Hereford to Sherborne (2006) and ‘civvy street’ into a role in the Security and Risk space, focusing mostly on the African continent after the usual spell on ‘the circuit’ in Middle East and Central Asia. Ed and Kirsty then later settled back in their country of birth, Zimbabwe (2010), in order to raise two resilient sons whilst patiently preparing a business platform built on the cross roads of regional trade corridors in what would inevitably be a resurgent Southern Africa - minerals, agriculture and tourism leading this anticipated growth in interconnectedness and trade. He is now increasingly allocating his time to his charitable endeavours focusing on the overlap of mental wellbeing, for veterans and first responders, and conservation, which provides the best natural conditions for
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recovery and self-discovery based activities. Ed’s family continues its relationship with Sherborne through the nephews/cousins currently enjoying their later years at the school and he tries to visit Sherborne whenever he is in the UK on business or charity work. Zimbabwe is increasingly a place well worth a visit do! chARleS tIMMIS (a 91) I am currently in my fifth year in Hong Kong working for the Hong Kong Jockey Club, after nine years in Singapore. Have hugely enjoyed both Hong Kong and the Jockey Club, the latter being an extremely interesting insight and reflection of the former. Sitara and I married in 2022, and our daughter Louisa was born this year, which has been a fantastic change and new chapter. We all very much enjoyed visiting Sherborne in the summer. I see a lot of Peter Messervy (a 80) and his wife Christine, who also live here in Hong Kong, he working for China Light and Power.
dAVe cAeSAR (m 92) I did the entire route of the Tour de France, 3,500km and 60,000m of vertical ascent over the 21 stages, in support of the William Wates Memorial Trust, for whom we raised £545k.
tOBY clAY (c 92) is serving at the Royal Navy’s Headquarters in Portsmouth, working on the development of future naval aircraft. He still tries to stay competitive in triathlon and enjoys sailing in Chichester Harbour with his teenage boys.
ed tAYlOR (h 92) I am now head of Business and Finance Communications at Mercedes-Benz Group AG, the Stuttgartbased manufacturer of luxury cars. After being recruited by the chief executive in February of 2021 I played a key role in shaping communications as the inventor of the motorcar rebranded itself from Daimler AG and spun off the company’s Trucks business. I helped to shape subsequent strategy updates including the announcement for Mercedes-Benz to go all electric and another strategy to shift the carmaker upmarket further into the luxury space. My wife and I continue to live in Frankfurt, Germany since my wife works at the European Central Bank as a press officer.
nIck cOPelAnd (h 92) has been based in Miami for the last nine years, having been relocated from Buenos Aires. After a spell as regional security director: Latin America for a US corporation he took the plunge to found his own consultancy team: Above Ground Risk (AGR). This gamely advises client operations to be secure and retain social license in remote and challenging parts of the Americas. He even managed to get on CBS News for work in Nicaragua and deployed to the Bahamas in support of CNN in the aftermath of a Cat 5 hurricane. When not busy buccaneering, he juggles fatherly and family duties and struggling to build a ‘tropical modern’ house in the pleasant neighbourhood of Coconut Grove. It should have a little more space for guests so all Westcott class of ‘92 welcome!
nIck dAWSOn (f 93) Spears 500 Highly Recommended Property Advisor, Buying Agent and Partner at Garrington acting for HNW, Celebrity, Media, Sports, TV, Film, and Music. Soon to become independent and have individual rights across London, the home counties, and the UK. JAMeS nISBet (g 93) In 2022 I graduated from HEC Paris Executive MBA, ranked global number 1 EMBA programme. I have subsequently been promoted General Manager of the Camus Cognac Luxury Division where I’m defining and leading the transition to the company’s luxury business model. JOhn ROWe (h 93) We returned to the UK in 2022 after 3½ years working in the States for Procter & Gamble. We enjoyed our time on the other side of the pond, especially the scenery and wintertime blue skies, but were glad to feel less nomadic and avoid another toxic election cycle. Proximity has also enabled me to see my son Guido more often, who is now in his final year at LSE. After a year’s sabbatical I left P&G, for whom I had worked for nearly 24 years, and now work in local government in Devon. We are in the process of finishing off the conversion of our barn, which is a very hands-on affair and continue to bat away questions about when it will be finished.
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 63
ABBeYlAndS 1993 30 YeAR ReunIOn dInneR
JOhn ShAW (f 93) organised a dinner for the class of 1993 Abbeylanders on 23 November. In the photo from left to right, Jon casely, tom hartigan, John Shaw, Guy Shirley, Geoff husaunndee at Bar Cuabana.
SchOOl hOuSe 1993 30 YeAR ReunIOn dInneR
AndY cROuch (m 95) After Sherborne I bounced about experiencing a mix of lifestyles and locations. I ended up in Bude, North Cornwall, about 20 years ago where I met a bloke who was “Off to meet the Russians in Cuba with $90k, cash” and I became involved. Working as an expeditor for a niche oil and gas company meant one month I was in Central Africa, the next Northern Alaska. Such gallivanting became untenable after marrying my environmental scientist wife Alice and having two kids, Isla and Huxley. Instead, I started a more sedentary lifestyle working for a defence contractor developing weapon systems for the Royal Navy. Then I met a bloke with a hybrid-AI company, and we worked together developing clever software providing new intelligence about human behaviour for global companies and governments. I then founded two technology companies. Started with a friend in August 2020 from our ‘bedrooms’ in the height of lockdown, ‘JET Connectivity’ built and launched the world’s first floating 5G-enabled buoy in Lulworth Cove 10 months later. In October 2023 we launched a 33 ton, 22m high version to support maritime safety, security, and environment.
AnthOnY WAlleR (a 93) organised a reunion for the School House leavers of 1993 on 10 November at The Royal Thames Yacht Club. Nine out of the 13 leavers attended, which is a great turnout. Anthony wrote “We all agreed we hadn’t laughed so much in years! From left to right at dinner: Fergus Llewellyn; Anthony Waller; Duncan Reynolds; Geoff Garrett; Charlie Scott-Malden; Simon Giles; Jamie Barnard; Alex Mills; and Richard Gribbin.
In 2021 I founded ‘Ripl’ to design revolutionary engineering technology, currently funded to develop a highly efficient rotary combustion engine. Other developments include an electromagnetic railgun for defence and nuclear fusion applications, graphenebased armour, and a marine battery powered by ocean thermals. I also deliver copywriting services to interesting clients as ‘Bearson’, through which I provided work experience for a couple of smart L6. And I’m an army reservist. I’m lucky enough to still be living near Bude in a field close to the sea. Despite realising at 15 in the Digby library that I wanted most to be an author, I still haven’t finished a book. But I’m working on it.
Stu endAcOtt (c 95) In the small and not-so-sleepy village of Ashwell in North Hertfordshire I organise a charity event called the Ashwell Banger Challenge. Following a postponement due to covid uncertainties, the long-awaited third edition finally took place in April 2023. The event involved 40 chaps forming 10 teams, with each team buying a car as cheaply as possible, pimping it up and then completing various Top Gear-like challenges in fancy dress over a weekend. As well as a few silly videos and photos to earn precious points to beat rivals, the teams competed at paintballing, an ultimate ninja obstacle course and racing various watercraft. The ultimate destination for Saturday night was kept a secret so puzzling clues were solved to work out the route taking us from North Hertfordshire to Saffron Walden, Colchester, Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich. We managed to raise just over £32,000 for the British Heart Foundation and Happy Days Children’s Charity. Included in the total were the sales profits from auctioning the cars on eBay. Not bad for what some may think was just a glorified stag party! If you see any pirate, Barbie, Austin Powers, Ski Sunday, Scooby Doo themed-cars driving around then they may be one of ours!
AndY JAMeS (g 95) I have been promoted to Commodore Royal Navy with effect from July 2023 and I have taken up a new role in the Ministry of Defence in London on promotion.
AlAStAIR BuSh (h 96) In a triumphant display of follicular flair, Alastair secured victory at the annual Mulletfest in Australia, earning the prestigious title of Best International Mullet. Alastair, who initially cultivated his mullet during the lockdown but chose to maintain the distinctive hairstyle, eliciting
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amusement from the young soldiers he interacts with as an army doctor. His decision to enter the Mulletfest international category was not merely a quest for glory but a noble endeavour to raise funds for Testicular Cancer UK. Before claiming his title, Alastair shared with the local newspaper, the Newcastle Herald, that in the event of his victory, he planned to symbolically bid adieu to his mullet by burning it and dispatching the ashes to Australia in an urn, a humorous nod to the traditions of the Ashes cricket competition. With a playful spirit, he remarked, “There’s a certain hilarity, I believe, in an Englishman making his mark in Australia by clinching a mullet competition. While the Aussies may have retained the Ashes in cricket, mark my words, 2023 will witness the UK outshining them in the arena of competitive mullet growing.” For the uninitiated, a mullet is a distinctive haircut characterized by short hair at the front, top, and sides, juxtaposed with longer locks at the back. JOhn ARcheR (c 96) My news is that in January I moved to Shanghai for a work assignment at SECCO Petrochemicals and would be glad to hear from any other OS in Shanghai or China. My wife Alexandra and Wilma the basset hound are enjoying exploring Shanghai and making new friends. AMhAd ShAFI (h 96) I became the CEO of The Crescent Textile Mills on 1 June 2023, having started here 23 years ago as a Management Trainee. In July I took a holiday in the Scottish hills, near Tighnabruaich.
cokey Sulkin (m 97) see Charles Collingwood (h 62).
chARlIe WAlSh (d 99) ned Gammell (d 99) and I decided to head off to the Alps for a long weekend of motor-biking. After first meeting nearly 30 years ago, it was wonderful to spend time together in this beautiful setting! I’m pleased to say our kids also catch up regularly, although we’re trying to keep them off the bikes!
2000s JOe PRInGPOnG (b 00) , I have recently graduated and got a Ph.D. in Finance from Thammasat University, Thailand. I have a son, Neo, who is now 6 years old. As for my career, I am still working at the Ministry of Finance Thailand, as I have been for the past 17 years since the start of my career. chRIStOPheR chOW (m 01) It’s been another incredible year which I’m very happy to share with you all. Personal lifewise, our son Arte is approaching the infamous terrible twos and is developing a strong personality, bossing us around as if we were his little minions. Send help please. Work-wise I’m still very busy editing films and tele. Last year I edited the reboot/continuation 4th series of Bad Education for BBC starring Jack Whitehall and Layton Williams who is slaying on Strictly. I’m team Williams obv. Right now, I’m finishing the 5th series which includes a Christmas Carol musical. I LOVE MY JOB! I also edited another independent feature film called Raging Grace, which to our surprise won the best debut and grand jury awards at the world-famous SXSW Film Festival, it’s the
first British film ever to win. We are also proud to have been nominated for 2 BIFA awards. Raging Grace will be released in selected cinemas on 29th December. Hope you can see it on the big screen. hARRY teR hAAR (c 01) I’m still a comedy writer/actor and this year I had my first feature film How to Win a Prince produced, which will be released later this year. I had a comedy pilot called The Chosen Ones optioned with Yellow Door Productions and also made an appearance as “Dr. Forde” on Eastenders. But my main project this year has been my lawyer comedy series called Barred which I created, wrote, produced and starred in. You can find the series on Instagram: @james_somerset_barred or on my Youtube channel: @harryterhaar . RIchARd BROOk (a 02) My big news is that since 2021 I set up my own standup paddleboarding coaching and touring business called Long Mountain Paddleboarding www.longmountainpaddleboarding.com and I offer a range of standup paddleboarding courses and tours on the Powys/Shropshire border.
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chARlIe hOARe (b 02) is an Executive Coach, working with leaders and teams from large organisations to start-ups. He is married with two kids, and lives in East Wittering, West Sussex. He is always up for a beach walk with an OS. GeORGe MAY (d 02) Following the sad demise of bio-bean, I have joined a small asset finance and investment business, Horizon Energy Ventures https://www.horizonev.co.uk focused solely on low carbon technologies (solar, battery, heat pumps and EV infrastructure) – continuing my focus on all things green. In May I managed to crash my road bike (pedal not motor) and broke my neck (double unstable fracture of C2) and am now held together by two titanium plates and four screws. By some miracle I avoided any long term damage and should make a full recovery, although may not be seen on a bike again for a while! lOuIS hOldInGPARSOnS (g 03) After an eight-year career in banking, finishing in private wealth management, which took in time at the Bank of England where he had a (very!) small involvement in the Northen Rock, Lehman Brothers and Greece bailout debacles, Louis started his own company. Taking a leaf out of his Sherborne days, where he was more
interested by what was going on in sports than the classroom, his company sells sports equipment in 16 countries over four continents. Competitive sports seemingly being his ubiquitous passion (along with a little military history and financial markets), Louis has completed Ironman triathlon and somehow even performed a Salsa dance routine in front of 200 people. He now plays noncontact(ish) American football and lives in Putney but will be emigrating to Catania (Sicily) in September 2023. ed dAle-hARRIS (d 07) Since leaving Sherborne in 2007, Edward Dale-Harris has trained to become an ARB Architect. He believes we must look beyond sustainability and take the shift towards learning how to live in line with nature as part of a regenerative culture. We have to change our destructive behaviour patterns and to heal the soils and become a steward of the land. He has realised that when we learn to heal the land, we soon learn to heal ourselves. He realises the importance of a mindfulness approach to regenerative design, using nature as our teacher, and valuing a collective and collaborative decision-making process for a grounded and successful project.
You can see one of Ed’s recent projects, a Roundwood Organic Farm Workshop in Hastings here, www.instagram.com/p/chk5zfOsJih/?u tm_source=ig_web_copy_link and you can read more about Ed’s career here: https://sawa-architecture.org/contact/ GeORGe BeRthOn (a 08) I have just returned to Europe from seven years working on conservation projects, safari guiding and Lodge management in Southern Africa. I am starting a wildlife monitoring and experimental design educational experience for students in the South of France with my wife, Beatrice Engstrom, who is from the South of France. We have bought a small plot of land and are trying to live as low impacting lifestyle as possible, completely off grid for the next five years. Our efforts on this lifestyle experiment will be recorded on our blog that we are soon to start. For this project, we will be trying all kinds of different methods of low impact living such as water recycling/filtration, develop and experiment with different food preservation techniques, electric free methods for various modern-day necessities (fridge, washing machine, showers, filtering, subsistence permaculture farming etc).
the dIGBY 2008 ReunIOn 11 out of 16 members of the The Digby class of 2008 met in London in November ; their largest reunion in over 15 years. clockwise from centre Crispian Poon, Nat Kerr, Theo Jenkins, Jamie Pearmund, Max Hobbs, Bertie Herrtage, Tom Hussey, Harry Cullis, George Welby, Rollo Skinner, Charlie Whitcombe.
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2010s BeAnIe ISleS (g 08) Phoebe and I got married on 14 May 2022. Phoebe Trousdell was at Sherborne Girls so an all Sherborne affair! louis da costa (g 08) was my best man! Phoebe was in East and left in 2010.
JOS PRAlle (g 11) see charles diehl (c 76)
chARlIe MAnSFIeld (g 13) I enjoyed my time at Sherborne, I was lucky to have some great teachers and people around me over the years. Most notably Guy Briere-Edney and Rob Hill. After school, I went to the University of Edinburgh. I graduated in 2017 and went to work at a start up for a few years in the US. After Covid I went back to school to get my MBA at SMU in Dallas, I graduated May last year and started work at Google in the Cloud team.
hARRY lAne (b 13) After I left Sherborne I spent six months in Kenya as part of a gap year, working for a term at Pembroke House School as a classroom assistant/sports coach and then spent 6 weeks running training at the High Altitude Training Camp in Iten in the Rift Valley. I returned to Sherborne during my gap year to work as a marketing assistant for 3 months and it was interesting to see the School, I had left so recently from the other side of staff room door.
WIll PeAtFIeld (c 09) It has been a good year so far! I got engaged in May to Sarah in Tuscany, and I was also asked to play cricket at Lords in April for MCC South of England vs MCC North of England, and there’s a photo and scorecard attached.
I had a very enjoyable four years at Loughborough University, reading Psychology, and rather surprising myself by getting a First. While at university I focused my sporting pursuits on running and was proud to be Chair of the prestigious Athletics Club in my final year. Loughborough encouraged everyone to do a year out in industry during their degree and I spent mine as a marketing assistant at Saucony, the global running brand making technical shoes and clothing. They offered me a job after I left Loughborough and I spent nearly 4 years there, progressing to be their Digital Marketing Manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa. At the start of 2022 I was honoured to have my work recognised and was included in the Drapers 30 Under 30: Rising stars in fashion retail. I have recently moved on to be the Marketing Director of Shackleton, the luxury performance brand that also delivers polar expeditions. I continue to run competitively, training with the Cottage Group in Battersea Park, and recently did the London Marathon coming 27th in a time of 2:26.
Last year I got married in Washington DC, we’re living in Austin Texas and thoroughly enjoying newly wed life.
BentlY cReSWell (a 19), JORdAn BeRRY (a 18) and henRY dIxOn-cleGG (d 18) photographed outside No 10 at a Conservative Party Staffer’s Reception in July.
2020s MAck RutheRFORd (b 23) see Sam Rutherford (a 90) and charles collingwood (h 62).
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY / 67
OSS cOMMIttee 2023/24 PReSIdent Jeffrey Carey
tRuSteeS
John Hargrove, Richard Green, Michael French
executIVe cOMMIttee chAIRMAn
SecRetARY
OSGS RePReSentAtIVe
heAdMASteR
StAFF RePReSentAtIVe
OSSS RePReSentAtIVe
Stephen Rees-Williams Dominic Luckett
hOn. tReASuReR Martin Humphrey
John Harden
Matthew Jamieson
PIlGRIMS RePReSentAtIVe
Stephen Rees-Williams
Patrick Macintosh Angus Cater
SheRBORne In the cOMMunItY RePReSentAtIVe Angus Cater
chAIRMAn OF FInAnce & BuRSARY SuB-cOMMIttee Angus Cater
cAteGORY A RePReSentAtIVe Edward Bridges
cAteGORY c RePReSentAtIVe George Densham
cO-OPted Robin Brown
F I n A n c e A n d B u R S A RY SuB-cOMMIttee Angus Cater (Chairman) David Cole (Bursar) John Harden (Secretary) John Hargrove (Trustees’ Representative) Martin Humphrey (Hon. Treasurer) Matthew Jamieson (Staff Representative) Robin Brown (Co-opted)
Robin Price (a 83), Old Shirburnian lodge secretary in masonic regalia
the Old ShIRBuRnIAn lOdGe
As part of the united Grand lodge of england and as a member of the Public School lodges’ council, the Old Shirburnian lodge is open to Old Shirburnians and staff of Sherborne School who may be interested in becoming freemasons. We meet twice a year in london and twice in Sherborne, for masonic business, for fellowship and to dine well! the lodge supports Sherborne School by sponsoring the Foundation and charity Prizes at commem and by broadcasting the good name of the School. the lodge was founded in 1908 and receives a mention in A. B. Gourlay’s A History of Sherborne School. If you are interested in joining or just interested in finding out about freemasonry, please email the lodge secretary via www.OSl3304.org.uk
OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY
THE OLD SHIRBURNIAN OFFICE SHERBORNE SCHOOL SHERBORNE DORSET DT9 3AP T: 01935 810558 or 810557 E: oss@sherborne.org www.oldshirburnian.org.uk www.sherborneconnect.org
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