Dunstonian Association - The Notes Summer 2024

The Notes

Summer 2024

The official journal of The Dunstonian Association

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THE NOTES I SUMMER 2024

The

NOTES Committee 2023-24:

CONTENTS

Richard Fagg (Chairman) ‘85

Page

Welcome from the Chair

3

Introducing the Dunstonian Office Team

4

Dr Sophie New ‘01

Dunstonian News & Scrapbook

5

Zoe Moran ‘19

Insta News

10

Julian “Fred” Platford ‘88

A Big Dunstonian Thank You!

12

David Edwards ‘83 Dunstonian Officer

Albam Exorna Quiz Night

13

Welcome to the Class of 2024

14

Albam Exorna Award 2024

15

Celebrating 30 years of Co-Education

16

Dunstonians returning to their Alma Mater

18

Dunstonian Books (part 3)

20

The Stained Glass Windows of the Great Hall

22

Spotlight on...

24

OD Sports Round Up

29

Archives Corner

32

Announcements

36

SDC News

41

Upcoming Events

50

Michael Barling ‘96 Yanoulla Kakoulli ‘01

Isabelle Blake-James Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations at SDC Alex Brewer SDC Head of Sixth Form Rebecca Redding Director of Futures Danny Gower SDC Assistant Head (Co-curricular) Richard Risebro Director of Sport

Archives

Shea Hollis (née Luke) ‘01 Dunstonian Office & Archives: dunstonians@stdunstans.org.uk 020 8516 7308

dunstonians@stdunstans.org.uk SDConnect www.dunstonians.org.uk

The official journal of the Dunstonian Association

Welcome from the Chair As another academic year draws to a close, we wish all those leaving the College good luck and fortune in their lives ahead. As our Alumni registrations reach and surpass 2,000 members, we encourage you also to stay in touch.

Thank you to so many for contributing your own news of reunions, weddings, school visits and adventures to this Summer edition and please keep them coming - it brings a sense of real life and personality to its pages.

It is sad to read of the passing of a number of older members, including John Hobart at the age of 101. His mantle of the oldest Dunstonians now passes to Ted Hole ('40) and we wish you good health Ted, in the coming years.

Particularly poignant was the sad passing of Robin Austin, a huge character on the school staff. Just as I read of Douglas Dales' fond memories of the College and the impact Mssrs Norris, Hughes and Preston had on his education, I similarly warmly remember Robin for his contribution to my own College life but also that of our own boys many years later. A wonderful man who was so warmly remembered by so many at the memorial event held at the College in his memory.

Thank you to all those getting involved as mentors, offering careers advice or sharing industry insights as part

of a guest lecture programme. This all adds so much to the wider, longer term community of the Dunstonians, so please keep this up.

September 2024 marks the 30th Anniversary of St Dunstan's going co-ed. As the College still continues its inclusion, diversification and growth agenda, I hope many will join the numerous celebrations to mark the occasion but especially the event planned for 28 September 2024, and the re-creation of the photo you will see on page 16.

Indeed, we also look forward to the Festival and its celebration of the remarkable talent at the College and within the local community. So do please come along.

As my term as TDA chair draws to a close after three years, I see a period of change and opportunity ahead and want to thank the Dunstonian Office team, for their tireless work on our behalf to foster closer ties, share news and facilitate a broad range of events and celebrations.

As with so many aspects of our lives, the Team responds to your comments, ideas and ambitions. So please, get in touch and help shape the support your Dunstonian community wants.

Richard Fagg (’85) Chair of The Dunstonian Association

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THE NOTES I SUMMER 2024

Introducing the Dunstonian Office Team

The Dunstonian Office was set up in 2020 and is currently run by Isabelle Blake-James, Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations who has been at the College since 2018.

She is assisted on the alumni side

by Dunstonian David Edwards (’83) who took over from Iain MacDowall (’81) in November 2023. David runs all the communications for the Alumni including putting together The Notes and organising alumni events.

The Archives are looked after by Dunstonian Shea Hollis (’01) who has been key in organising the forthcoming 30th Anniversary Celebrations of the College becoming co-educational in 1994. She has researched extensively the archives held in the Dunstonian Office, in order to put together what promises to be a wonderful Commemorative Book.

On the fundraising side, Isabelle could not operate without Hannah who is instrumental in running the financial side of the department as well as masterminding fundraising and donors events such as the recent Fundraising Ball held at the College for current parents. As to Stephen, he is the brain behind the database, without which none of the above could take place.

Isabelle Blake-James Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations

David Edwards (’83) Dunstonian Officer

Stephen Micallef Database & Research Administrator

Hannah French Donor Engagement & Events Officer

Shea Hollis (’01) Archivist

The

Dunstonian Association

The official journal of the Dunstonian Association

NEWS DUNSTONIAN

& Scrapbook

Sir Geraint Evans Music Department plaque On Thursday 1 May 1973, Sir Geraint Evans CBE, the world famous opera singer and father of two Dunstonians, opened the new music block at St Dunstan’s. In 1980 Sir Geraint appeared in a College production of Noye’s Fludde by Benjamin Britten (above left).

As part of the recent redevelopment of that part of the College, that building was demolished but the memory lives on. On 12 March, Sir Geraint’s son, Alun Evans (’74),

St Dunstan-in-the-East Memorial Plaque The main church of St-Dunstan-in-theEast may have been badly damaged in WWII, but its connection to the College site at Catford was commemorated with the above plaque unveiled on 12 May 1983, Ascension Day. The plaque is situated in the peaceful gardens in St Dunstan’s Hill in the City of London, which are open to all to enjoy.

visited the College to help choose the site for the updated plaque (above) at the entrance to the new music department.

Nine Lessons and Carols The College’s annual Christmas concert took place at Southwark Cathedral on 14 December and Dunstonian and retired GP from Blackheath, Alan Thompson (’74) took one of the Nine Lessons.

Erratum: On pp10-11 of the Summer Edition 2023 of The Notes, John Nightingale should have been marked as a 1963 leaver, not 1964. Apologies to you, John!

To reinforce the special connection between the City of London and the College, a replica of the plaque has been commissioned with the assistance of Richard Kindersley, the sculptor of the original plaque. At the time of writing, Richard’s colleague, George Edwards, is busy working on the new plaque to be unveiled, we hope, in September this year, to coincide with the 30th Anniversary of St Dunstan’s going co-ed.

The (not inconsiderable) funding for this commission was generously provided by Dunstonian Philip Greader (’76), who lives in Sydney, Australia.

Thank you so much Philip!

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Dunstonian Ski Trip Dunstonian Association Chair Richard Fagg (’85) and a number of his contemporaries gathered at Serfaus in the Austrian Tyrol for four days of skiing and four evenings of apres ski.

From left to right, Mat Francis (’87), Richard Fagg (’86), Jonny Aucamp (’86), Mark Robinson (’87), Anthony Smith (’81), Mark Slade (’87), Fred Platford (’88), Rob Brophy (’87), Danny Langley (guest).

Private luncheon reunion On 23 March 2024, the Dunstonian Office organised a private lunch for Andy Roland (’61) and his friends from the early 1960s. Thirteen Dunstonians attended the St Dunstan’s experience which comprised a tour of the College led by David Edwards (’83), a glass of prosecco followed by a delicious sit down lunch. Andy summarised the day as follows: “ Your hospitality was amazing. Your organisation was perfect. Your innovation was sensational. The tour was mind blowing. A very big thank you to all three of you.”

Yanoulla Kakoulli (’01) wins award Yanoulla Kakoulli, who works as a family lawyer for solicitors firm Judge & Priestley in Blackheath, was named “Highly Commended” in the Lexis Nexis 2024 Award for Diversity and Inclusion.

Thank you also to Judge & Priestley for sponsoring the Catford Weekender organised by St Dunstan’s in June as part of its wider Festival, all thanks to Yanoulla.

Visit of Reverend Douglas Dale (’70) and seminar in March 2024 Author of several books and authority on Saint Dunstan himself, we were delighted to welcome back to the College Dunstonian Douglas Dale, who kindly delivered a superb seminar to all our Religion, Philosophy and Ethics students on the connectivity between religion and ethics.

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My final day at SDC by Adrian Delso (’64)

Rupert Evenett (’81) returns to St Dunstan’s

Visit to Dunstonian and Poet Jeremy Prynne (’55)

“My memories of my final day 60 years ago are, of necessity, somewhat hazy, and while l definitely do not recollect an organ, l do recollect hitting Peter Cox-Bisham, the Head Prefect, on his prefect’s tie with an accurately-thrown paint bomb. Not a bad shot from the Gallery, l think you’ll agree.

“Thanks for coffee and for a generous tour of the school, which certainly brought memories from the old 1A classroom with Simon Thorogood; to school basketball matches in the old gym; to the sixth form history tutorial in the basement and history lessons with Peter Thompson - in what was then the Sixth Form Library annexe.

Director of Philantropy and Alumni Relations, Isabelle Blake-James, and Head of Sixth Form and English Teacher, Alex Brewer, travelled to Cambridge in February 2024 to visit acclaimed poet and Dunstonian Jeremy Prynne.

As l left the Hall l saw two prefects grilling John Ledger (Lane) about the bombthrowing. I went over to them, owned up and strolled out to catch the 160 bus to freedom!”

James Miller (’98) “I'm pleased to mention, I'm going to employed by an American school in Taiwan. The path is teacher of English to people who speak it as a second language."

Graduated Queen Mary and Westfield College, London 2001

I was hugely impressed with the bursary achievements and impact plans to continue to be a beacon of life chances for students in south east London.

Having not visited for 40 years I certainly saw St Dunstan’s in a new light! The fantastic new STEM building is quite envy-making, especially when compared with facilities when I was there like the old “craft” workshop!”

East Sussex reunion lunch ('63-'65) Attended by messrs Michael Brooker, Tom Elliot, Neil Geddes, Pete Toll.

Dr David Jefferys becomes Bromley Mayor Congratulations to Dunstonian Dr David Jefferys ('70), who was appointed Mayor of Bromley on 15 May 2024. David is also Chairman of Bromley's Health and Wellbeing Board and he has 40 years of residency in Bromley in his various roles in medicine and science.

The newly instated Mayor announced his chosen charities for the year, namely Alzheimer's Research UK,

Bromley Youth Music Trust, and Welcare in Bromley. Raising funds for these organisations will be a key activity throughout his term.

David came back to the College to deliver an inspiring lecture to all our aspiring medical students last Autumn and he was also present at this year's Commemoration Day service at Southwark Cathedral on an official basis, as newly appointed Mayor of Bromley.

J.H. Prynne is Britain's leading late Modernist poet. His austere yet playful poetry challenges our sense of the world, not by any direct address to the reader but by showing everything in a different light, enacting slips and changes of meaning through shifting language. Not since the late work of Ezra Pound and the Maximus series of Charles Olson have the possibilities of poetry been so fundamentally questioned and extended as they are in the life work of J.H. Prynne.

Jeremy writes: “A very special friend at the School was Eric Dickens. Principal German Master: but I suppose that by now he will be deceased, I went on school trips with him and I still remember German songs that he taught us: tunes and words together! Some teachers that I remember include Mr Maslin, craft and woodwork teacher. and Mr Gillard, his assistant. The Senior English Master was Basil Harvey who launched me into writing poems.

I revered him deeply; he successfully organised several School Plays and in particular directed the performances of Harry Woodings, a brilliant actor. Harvey’s wife was a highly talented drama teacher; she taught me the skills of speaking verse.”

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THE NOTES I SUMMER 2024

Archives Open Afternoon On 18 April 2024, we held our first ever Archives Open Afternoon at the College.

Half a dozen Dunstonians made the journey to spend an afternoon beautifully led by our very own Archivist and Dunstonian, Shea Hollis ('01): in attendance were Richard Cuthbert ('71), Nic Jay ('77), Pritesh Patel ('98), Roy Payton ('55), Michael Randall ('53) and Tim Allardyce ('98).

Some arrived early for a tour of the College with Shea whilst others focused on getting the most out of the Archives. Boxes were opened, research carried out, photos unearthed, photos taken, photocopies of school cards made, stories were told and retold.... All enjoyed our new Archives Wall outside the Dunstonian Office which has been a labour of love for Shea and was just finished the day before the Archives Open Afternoon.

New Year’s lunch with Peter Jackson ('68) and friends Peter Richardson visited from Toronto for a few days, and lifelong friends assembled for lunch at The King’s Head, Bessels Green to enjoy Pete’s (and each other's) company. Front bottom to top, we have Dave Foster, Pete Richardson; Pete Jackson, Pat Thomas and Martin Garwood. All Dunstonians (‘68) - friends for life! Great fun - most enjoyable. Come again soon, Pete!

Our Archives are fabulously rich but we obviously do not have everything. For instance we discovered that school photos did not seem to have been taken during the 1970s as we simply do not have any.

As Michael Randall said on the day: "I certainly had a lovely time today - it is always such a pleasure to come back to the College!"

Alun Evans ('74) Reunion in Blackheath From left to right, Colin Sinclair, me, Chris Morris and Stan Holt.

Unfortunately, Rob Gentle and Phil Ubee, regular attendees, could not attend this year.

This reunion has taken place for many many years, the only gap being Covid. We meet as we all played rugby together at school and afterwards, including the Old Dunstonians, with Stan being our rugby coach at school.

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Ted Hole ('48) The oldest Dunstonian on our records at 94 years old In May 2024, Isabelle Blake-James, Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations at St Dunstan's College met with Ted Hole ('48) for lunch at Sundridge Park golf club. Ted is now the oldest Dunstonian on record after John Hobart ('40) passed away earlier in 2024 at the age of 101 (and 3/4).

It was a huge privilege to meet Ted at his home in Petts Wood where he has been living for 50 years. Although he only stayed at the College for a couple of years, he has very fond memories of his time there - even on the occasion when he was late for assembly and ended up in detention as a result, having to write an essay on "How well the College was being run". His Headmaster was Mr Hecker and Ted was really pleased never to have to go to his office, which really means he kept out of trouble during his time at school. He remembers the tramline outside the College on the South circular, being taught English by Mr Harvey and taking the 160 bus to the College.

Rivoli Ballroom

Ted lived for 7 years in India where his father who was serjeant major in the Royal Artillery was posted. Ted had 2 sisters and 2 brothers and he was the eldest.

Ted used to dance at the Rivoli Ballroom (pictured right) and his favourite dance was the foxtrot. He met his wife Pam at the Rivoli and he later married her after WWII. They had two children, Jane and Martin. He is now a proud grandpa to four grandchildren and "Poppop" to seven great grandchildren.

Chris Russell (’64), son of Art Teacher John Russell Thank you for the reminder regarding the CCF DINNER. Unfortunately I am committed on that day but should very much liked to attend. I was an Under Officer in the Corps and went on to do a Short Service Commission in the RAEC and TA with 10 PARA and 5 Queens before cricket took over ! I played for the Army and Combined Services and captained the Army in the championship winning sides of ‘72 and ‘73. 1972 was the last time the OD Interservice was played over 3 days at Lords. Strangely at the end of my career as CEO of an Educational Trust of five establishments , I was asked by the Adjutant General to be Executive Principal and Commandant of The Duke of York’s Royal Military School. I ran the Trust ( unconnected) from DOYRMS ( 24/7 Full time boarding ) for 4 1/2 years. So I treasured my time in the Corps and learned so much which helped me a lot in my future careers. I was President of the British Torch of Remembrance for five years before resigning to accept the post of President of The NSB/ FNC U.K. The Royal Federation of Belgian Veterans. If any future dinner is open to OD’s I should enjoy attending.

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THE NOTES I SUMMER 2024

NEWS INSTA

From Recent Alumni Shay Wellmann (’21)

Christmas Drinks 2023 A group of young Dunstonians who left between 2013 and 2023 gathered around the Christmas Tree outside the Great Hall on Wednesday 13 December. Thank you to all who came to enjoy a glass of prosecco and some canapés!

Fundraising Ball Piotr As reported in more detail on page 43, the inaugural Fundraising Ball took place on Saturday 27 April to raise funds to provide a bursary for a deserving pupil from the Lewisham area to attend the College in September 2024.

During the evening former Head Boy Piotr Burda-Zwolinski (’21) addressed the guests recounting his personal experiences of life at St Dunstan’s and in particular how transformational his bursary proved to be.

“

“I am delighted to confirm that in September 2024, I will start as a Sports Graduate Assistant at Colfe’s in the PE Department after graduating from Loughborough University.”

“

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The official journal of the Dunstonian Association

“

Zoe Moran (’19)

SDCONNECT

After leaving the college in 2019 I started my BA degree at the University of Exeter in Drama, graduating with first class honours in 2022. In the summer of that year, I co-wrote and codirected a musical that debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

YOUR PROFILE: Your profile activates

Following a successful run, my co-director/writer and I formed a theatre company together in London and began our funding application to the Arts Council England.

We hope to perform a run of our show Show Me What You’re Maid Of at a London venue in the future, with the aim of collaborating with London Friend, the longest running queer charity in the UK.

after the Sixth Form Ball.

After graduating from Exeter I began performing stand-up on the open mic circuit in London, around the same time I was also part of an eco-theatre initiative at the Omnibus Theatre in Clapham, a series of cabaret nights that used poetry and song to hold space to process the impacts and anxieties surrounding the climate crisis, titled Songs for Scattered Times.

reunion in the UK or abroad.

Currently I work as a freelancer, providing lessons in acting and musical theatre at the college and various other schools in South London, as well as directing the first ever all-female production of Songs For a New World, at the Union theatre this summer. Navigating freelance work can be tricky and uncertain but I’m grateful for my connection to the college. I’ve been fortunate to use their dance studio as rehearsal space that has really helped me in beginning my career as a young creative.

EVENTS: Find out about the

“

Rachel Evans (’19) “I have finished my degree at Cambridge in Classics in 2022 and am now in the second year of a three-year training programme at a church in Central London, St Helen’s Bishopsgate. I train in studying and teaching the Bible, and in leading congregational music. This is with a view to doing ministry work in the future (women’s ministry, youth and children, music)."

UPDATES: Monthly email updates and alumni magazine.

DIRECTORY: Find old friends or invite new connections to join you for a CAREERS & WORK EXPERIENCE: Connect with other alumni who are offering work experience or advertising jobs. increasing number of events taking place at the College or at the Jubilee Ground.

CLUBS: The Dunstonian Association runs various sports clubs which you are most welcome to get involved with.

ARCHIVES: Access to the College’s digitised archives.

MERCHANDISE: Why not buy a branded tote bag or coffee flask?

SUPPORT US: Check out our fundraising page for our ‘Help Shape Young Lives Campaign’.

SDConnect will allow you to connect or reunite online with the wider St Dunstan’s Community at: www.dunstonians.org.uk

We were also delighted to hear from Rachel that on 7th October 2023 at St Andrew the Great in Cambridge she married Isaac Dixon. Many congratulations to the happy couple!

ONGOING SUPPORT

Jess Woburn (’03) Jess (left) recently came back to the College for a tour and a lunch in the Refectory. She appeared in the 2023 series of reality TV show “Survivor” and she loved every minute of it!

We now have nearly 300 volunteer Dunstonian career mentors, CV reviewers and career advisors. Please reach out to any one of them directly via the Career tab on SDConnect. We also recommend you start following The Dunstonian Association on its Linkedin page with 250 alumni already following.

The regular online career talks organised by the Head of Careers at the College are open to young alumni and links are regularly shared in the half termly online newsletter for all under 25s.

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A BIG DUNSTONIAN Thank you!

We are delighted to report that we currently have over 400 Dunstonians who have volunteered on SDConnect to act as mentors, give lectures, take part in online career events with the College’s students etc. We are SO grateful:

DUNSTONIAN

CLASS OF

SECTOR

INVOLVEMENT

John Woolman

'76

Finance

Blue Badge Walk

Sam Cornelius

'14

Finance

Careers chat to 3 students

Michael Grade

'60

Media

Gave a lecture to all scholars

Georgios Zarkos

'20

Oxford Student Volunteered as part of an online HE panel

Katie Hulland

'98

Engineer

Douglas Dales

'70

C of E Reverend Lecture given at the College

Jake Taylor

'08

Barrister

Mock Interview

Jaideep Israel

'93

GP

Offers work experience every school holiday

Matthew Witt

'76

Entrepreneur

Online Q&A with students

Stephen Laws

'68

Lawyer

Lecture Year 11-13 History/Politics students

Anna Lloyd

'01

Charity

Talk to charity student group

Robert Earing

'82

Engineer

Workshops with Physics A Level students

Thomas Hyde

'96

Composer

Music workshop

Ralph Salmins

'82

Musician

Drumming Workshop

Michael Grade's lecture

Robert Earing's workshop

Sixth Form Symposium Judge

Stephen Laws' talk

Thomas Hyde's workshop

INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING? Whether you left St Dunstan’s in the past few years or several decades ago, we encourage you to get involved and give back by sharing your knowledge and expertise with the next generation.

We are always interested in hearing from Dunstonians who have something to offer to the Dunstonian community, so why not register your interest on sdconnect at www.dunstonians.org.uk. Thank you in advance.

Ralph Salmins' Drumming workshop

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Albam Exorna Quiz Night The inaugural Albam Exorna Quiz Night took place in the Johnson VC Room at the College on 23 February.

Fortified with fish and chips and the odd glass of wine, teams of various ages answered seven rounds of questions inspired by Dunstonian history, buildings and personalities.

The seven rounds included the following questions. How many would you get right?

"The College Centenary took place in 1988. Which Cliff Richard song was the UK’s bestselling single of that year?"

"1909 was the centenary of St Dunstan’s birth. That year one of London’s great museums opened. Which one?"

"Old Dunstonian Ralph Johnson competed for Great Britain in fencing in no less than four Olympic Games, 1968, 1972, 1976 and 1984. He also won a gold medal for England in the team epee event at the 1970 Commonwealth Games. Apart from the epee what are the other two types of sword used in Olympic fencing?"

And continuing the Olympics theme, turn to page 24 to read Ralph’s memories of his four Olympic Games in our 'Spotlight on' pages.

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Welcome to the class of 2024 A warm Dunstonian welcome to our newest members, congratulations to the Class of 2024: Rufus Natasha Mahieka Mia Izzy Will Saskia Eleanor Livvy Bram Sam Adam Peter Ruby Susannah Isabel Daisy Maia

Jack Lily Keira Nicole Mariandie Gray Oscar William Jack Jamie Thomas Ariene Emily Bakarina Jude Oliver Kieran Frank

Ronan Rio Victoria Sami Maya Eoghan Mirabelle Graínne Calum Natasha Samual Poppy Abigail Luke Chloe Aley Charlotte Luc Charles Ella Una Dita Deebha Carys Nina Inaya Benjamin Amanda James Ayano Oliwia Bella Ciaran Julia Shangeetha

Graduation Day Graduation Day for St Dunstan's College's Year 13 students is always a very special day.

This year was no different. Apart from the fact that we were thrilled to welcome back as guest speaker Dunstonian Yanoulla Kakoulli ('01) who spoke very eloquently about her time at the College as one of the first girls joining in the 1990s, what had been a boysonly school for decades.

She credited her time at the College with making her who she is today and for giving her the confidence which has since led to many awards in her field: Yanoulla Kakoulli is a successful family lawyer in the Blackheath Office of Judge & Priestley and she was recently named as a key lawyer in the Legal 500 as well as Highly Commended at the 2023 Lexis Nexis Awards.

She encouraged all young adults present to "continue to harness the sense of individuality, diversity and difference that is built, celebrated and supported at the College".

Thank you Yanoulla for your inspiring words and wisdom!

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Albam Exorna Award 2024 Winning entry from Livvy, Year 13 The leadership skills and resilience gained from being part of the CCF made me certain that the Duke of Edinburgh Awards would appeal to me. I completed the Bronze and Silver Awards and I am currently working towards achieving Gold Award. DofE has taught me so much about teamwork and problem-solving in the face of adversity: struggling with low temperatures and high winds in a remote area of Exmoor was certainly character building.

Throughout my time at St. Dunstan’s, I believe I have embraced every opportunity to ‘Adorn the White’. It has been an incredible journey and has left me with so many memories, from Beating the Bounds in Year 7 to playing the ‘The Last Post’ at the Remembrance Service in Year 13. There has always been something in the calendar to look forward to, from music concerts, sports tournaments and CCF training weekends, to field trips and adventure weeks. It was all made possible by inspirational teachers, great friends and the unique learning environment at St. Dunstan’s that encourages individual expression and development.

The Combined Cadet Force has been one of the most influential parts of my college experience. I joined the Army Section in Year 9, and from the very first lesson I loved every aspect of being a cadet. Over the past five years I have worked my way up the ranks to Warrant Officer 2, whilst also serving as a member of the Corps of Drums as Lead Bugle. There have been so many memorable CCF experiences: Rifle Drill Competitions and Range Days, Guard of Honour at Mansion House, The Lord Mayor’s Parade, Remembrance Services and the WWI Commemoration event in Ypres. I have learned so much and I appreciate the discipline and resilience that I have developed through these mental and physical challenges. Now, as a Cadet Instructor, I am enjoying training and encouraging the next cohort of cadets.

Sport has been a vital part of my time at St. Dunstan’s, I have represented the college in hockey, netball, cricket and cross country. I discovered a particular passion for hockey, always striving to improve my skills and was awarded the prize for Most Promising Hockey Player.

I am now Vice Captain of the 1st XI team, and was awarded Full Colours in recognition of my commitment. Hockey has been a central part of my life for the last seven years, inspiring me to play in the South London League and volunteer as an assistant coach for children at a local club.

I came to St. Dunstan’s with a Benson Award Music Exhibition for playing trumpet. Over my seven years at the College I have contributed significantly to the Music Department as a committed member of the Brass Ensemble, Big Band and Senior Orchestra. Under the guidance of Mr Oldfield, I have developed as a musician and made many of my best friends. Some of my fondest memories are of the Arts Week concerts, being inspired by the older students and being part of something celebratory, even when the trumpet section had 100 bars rest and had to wait for what felt like hours to play.

As part of the Forder Programme, I volunteer as a reading and play assistant at Kilmorie Primary School. Getting to know the children and seeing their excitement when I arrive has been such a valuable experience, and giving them individual attention noticeably boosted

their confidence as the weeks went by. I also undertook voluntary work experience at two London hospitals this year. I learnt that doctors and nurses routinely go beyond what they are required to do in terms of helping families who are going through incredibly stressful situations.

I have always enjoyed the academic side of college life and appreciated being encouraged by my teachers to research beyond the curriculum content and to always ask questions. GCSE examinations were the first official test of what I could achieve, I was aiming high, and with so much support and feedback from teachers I felt well-prepared, this culminated in a brilliant results day. I was awarded a Diploma Scholarship for the Sixth Form and have benefitted from the many enriching Opening Minds lectures and study trips. I am also a prefect and run Student Parliament for Year 10. I am now preparing to take my A levels and I have two offers from Russell Group universities to study medicine.

Reflecting on everything that I have participated in during my time at St Dunstan’s I have realised that the greatest change I have experienced is in my attitude towards others. I have built strong relationships with my teachers and come to appreciate all the effort they put in outside of the classroom; driving us to sports tournaments, staying after school to run Forder clubs, organising amazing trips and coming in during the holidays for revision sessions. Recognising this has inspired me to teach and support others, rather than just take up opportunities for my own benefit, and it has become the most fulfilling aspect of being a reading volunteer, hockey coach, cadet, musician, and prefect.

Ultimately, my decision to apply for medicine has been inspired by this experience, as it is a career that brings the highest level of human knowledge and skill to improve people’s lives, and thus I believe, is the most rewarding vocation of all. St Dunstan’s has been vital in my journey towards this, and I couldn’t be more grateful to everyone that has helped me, allowing me to discover my passion and develop self-motivation and resilience, teaching me to strive to do my best in everything that I engage in now, and in the future.

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e will be celebrating the College’s 30th Anniversary of going co-ed throughout 2024 and we hope you will join us at the many events which we will unveil in the New Year. The highlight for Dunstonians will be a special reunion on 28 September 2024 when we will aim to recreate the now famous picture of all the original girls joining the College.

You made your mark and blazed trails for future generations of girls and young women – you were pioneers and we need you to reconnect with the College!

We anticipate the event to be the biggest ever reunion of Dunstonians to date as we already have around 100 registered attendees at the time of going to print. Many past members of staff will also be attending such as Rick Bodenham, Jane Davies, Anthony Seldon and many more.

YOU ARE INVITED! 28 September 2024 1130-1500 Come and celebrate 30 years of St Dunstan’s College becoming co-ed in 1994 Tour - Lunch - Group Photo

REGISTER ASAP ON SDCONNECT AT: www.dustonians.org.uk/events In order to join the many alumni and members of staff who have already registered.

The official journal of the Dunstonian Association

Welcoming back the first Head Girl in 1994

Nadia Zachary (’03) (née Messina), leads an assembly As part of our year long celebrations of turning co-educational 30 years ago in 1994, we were delighted to welcome back to the College St Dunstan's first ever Head Girl, Nadia Zachary (née Messina). You can watch the assembly as well as enjoy our new co-ed video where Sophie New ('01), Yanoulla Kakoulli ('01) and Shea Hollis ('01) talk about what it felt like being trailblazers.

You can listen to Nadia’s assembly on SDConnect at: First Head Girl returns | News & Photos | The Dunstonian Association (dunstonians.org.uk) Nadia led this week's assembly and reflected on how much the College had shaped her outlook on life, her thinking and her resilience to name but a few things. After a coffee with the Head, Nick Hewlett, she toured the College with Shea Hollis ('01) our archivist before meeting with the Red Ties and Head of School Rio (pictured left).

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THE NOTES I SUMMER 2024

DUNSTONIANS

RETURNING to their alma mater

The College’s doors remain wide open at all times to welcome you back for a tour and a lunch and a chat with our students. We have recently enjoyed welcoming back the following Dunstonians: •

Rupert Evenett ('81)

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Tony Trinick ('62)

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Ronnie Patel ('07)

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Paul Thompson ('84)

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Jaideep Israel ('93)

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Suzanne Li-In-Oy ('02)

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Douglas Dales ('70)

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Alun Evans ('64)

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Nadia Zachary ('03)

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Constantine Levoyannis ('04)

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Jess Woburn (’03)

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Paul Stanley ('84)

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Sean Malone ('83)

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Scott Tyler ('86)

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John Nightingale ('64)

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Mark Jeffcoat ('83)

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Alex Grant ('92)

Paul Thompson ('84)

Alex Grant ('92)

Rupert Evenett ('81)

Tony Trinick ('62)

Ronnie Patel ('07)

Jaideep Israel ('93)

Suzanne Li-In-Oy ('02)

The official journal of the Dunstonian Association

Douglas Dales ('70)

Alun Evans (’64)

Lord Michael Grade ('60)

Constantine Levoyannis ('04)

John Nightingale ('64)

Scott Tyler ('86)

Nadia Zachary ('03)

We are grateful to Mark Newton (’76) for bringing to our attention a recent interview with Lord Grade featured in The Daily Telegraph. Mark’s father, John Newton (’44), is the English master mentioned in the following extract from that interview - as well as being a previous editor of “The Notes” (or “OD Notes” as it was called in his day!).

“I got into a day school in Catford called St Dunstan’s College, which was and is still a fabulous place. It’s a fee paying school, somewhere between a grammar school and a public school.

It was a rugby school and I enjoyed playing scrum-half, although I wasn’t very good at it, and I loved cricket although I wasn’t very good at that either, and didn’t make any teams, but I just loved sports. And the school had amazing facilities. All in all it was such a liberation after Stowe.

There were some lovely teachers, Colonel Robertson, the Latin master, was good fun, a great raconteur – and very easy to get off the subject. Before class, we’d always think of things to ask him. “Sir, before we start can you tell us about….?” And he’d ramble on and we wouldn’t have to do any work.

Mark Jeffcoat ('83)

Paul Stanley ('84)

Jess Woburn ('03)

Sean Malone ('83)

The English teacher, Mr Newton, was a great communicator. We studied Antony & Cleopatra, and he really made the play come alive; the language is just extraordinary and the characters are so interesting, Enorbarbus and Cleopatra herself. But also it’s a great story. I suddenly realised the value of Shakespeare and great literature, he opened up a whole new world to me.

When you read a script or novel, the great thing is to try and work out why it’s good or why it's bad, and he was brilliant at doing that, and it helped me do all the things I’ve had to do in my career.”

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THE NOTES I SUMMER 2024

DUNSTONIANS'

BOOKS

part 3

Here we include a further selection of literary and academic works written by SDC alumni

THE BROKEN CEO by CHRIS PEARSE ('00), Turn struggle into flow and stress into ease. Discover how to be the leader you have always wanted to be.

Leadership was never meant to be a struggle. In this “perfect guide to the human side of leadership”, Chris Pearse shifts the focus from the outer, operational world of process, to our inner worlds of perception, thinking and feeling, where the real levers of change lie.

The book is packed with realistic and relevant case studies, punchy chapter summaries and practices that help you cultivate a leadership mindset to navigate adversity, change and uncertainty. Vision, Purpose, Culture, Delegation, Integrity and Resilience are explored as fundamentals of leadership.

BRITAIN'S BUTTERFLIES by DAVID TOMLINSON ('68) “It was a colony of small heath butterflies on Hayes Common that kindled my interest in butterflies. I was 14 at the time, so still at St Dunstan’s, though I can’t recall noting any butterflies in the college grounds. Subsequent summer holidays were spent cycling deep into the Kentish countryside with my butterfly net and sandwiches in my saddlebag, often accompanied by Martin Garwood (’68). Among our prime hunting grounds were the North Downs at Down, close to Charles Darwin’s house. Here the unimproved grasslands held an abundance of butterflies, with the handsome and fast-flying dark-green fritillary the greatest prize. I still have some of the butterfly specimens I caught all those years ago.

At the turn of the century I was invited to write the text for an innovative new guide to Britain’s butterflies. The idea was to use the latest digital techniques to show a photographic montage of each of the 59 butterflies that breed in Britain. The result was the WILDGuides Britain’s Butterflies, first published in 2002. The guide proved remarkably successful, and four editions on, remains in print today. It is now published by Princeton University Press. Though I have had no input to the revisions, my name remains on the front cover. I hope that the book has helped inspire many people to take an interest in butterflies. I remain an ardent butterfly watcher, and still go butterflying with fellow-enthusiast Martin Garwood. We now carry cameras rather than nets…”

The official journal of the Dunstonian Association

THE WHITE STONES

by JEREMY PRYNNE ('55)

WHAT IF....? by ROY PAYTON ('55) What if....? is a book of revelation. It tells the story of a young lad who after World War II had nothing but a rusty old bicycle as his best friend and played songs with his spoons.

Having incredibly won a scholarship to a public school he realised what an opportunity had opened up in his life.

Through sheer grit and determination he survived and prospered. He learned the true value of " When the Going Gets Tough-- the Tough Get Going".

(Roy presenting his book to the Mayor of Eastbourne)

SEX, SPIES AND SCANDAL - THE JOHN VASSALL AFFAIR by ALEX GRANT ('92) In September 1962, John Vassall, a clerk at the Admiralty in London, was unmasked as a Soviet spy. After being photographed in compromising positions while working at the British embassy in Moscow, Vassall was blackmailed into handing British defence secrets over to his Soviet handlers for seven years.

J H Prynne has published 41 collections of poems between 1968-2015. The White Stones was written in the early 1960s, at the time he was working with students studying a range of English and European poetry, as well as the more modern American poetry of that period.

(Jeremy recalls his time at St Dunstan's, in the article on page 7, when Isabelle Blake-James and Alex Brewer visited him at his home in Cambridge, earlier this year.)

RUNNING AWAY FOR BEGINNERS

by MARK ILLIS ('81) Jasper, 15, has cancer. His treatment starts in a week, and in the meantime his parents want him to carry on as normal. Jasper thinks that’s a terrible idea, and also impossible. So he decides to run away with three of his friends.

They all have secrets. Jasper’s is that he’s not coming back. He’s fixated on finding his mysterious, estranged Uncle Universe.

Hardly anything goes as planned, but Jasper finally finds his uncle. And the meeting is not at all what he expected.

Jasper’s journey is surprising, scary and heart-warming, and by the end he’s ready to face the future.

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THE NOTES I SUMMER 2024

The Stained Glass Windows of the Great Hall Researching the origins and makers of the stained glass windows of St Dunstan's College The stained glass window in the Great Hall will be as familiar to Dunstonians as the school crest and motto Albam Exorna. Yet how many of us have ever appreciated the details and what they signify?

The window was installed in 1888 at a cost of £250 by Lavers & Westlake, a renowned stained-glass firm at the time but now defunct. While there is no record of who was responsible for it, the design is quite a simple one.

Starting at the top, we have the arms of the City of London, emphasising the College’s links with the City. Below the arms is St Dunstan, represented as both a monk and as the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Flanking St Dunstan are the arms and

mottos of some of the Governors of the Foundation who had been prominent in getting the new school built – Sir Reginald Hanson, Sir Owen Roberts, Alderman Sir James Ritchie and Mr Legge, subsequently the Bishop of Lichfield.

Below these are six pictures depicting the work of the blacksmith, the printer, the woodcarver, the stonemason, the goldsmith and the potter, the kinds of activity of which, it was thought, St Dunstan would have approved.

Finally the small portrait heads are those of some of the world’s most creative individuals - Dante, Giotto, Chaucer, Raphael, Shakespeare and Beethoven reminding us of St Dunstan’s College as a source of innovation and progressive education.

The official journal of the Dunstonian Association

Stained glass conservation and repair work The window is now over 125 years old and is starting to show understandable signs of wear and tear.

To ensure that the window will continue to be a source of pride and inspiration to Dunstonians for at least another 125 years, some specialised repairs are required. We are indebted to Dunstonian John Nightingale (’63) who is generously funding the repairs to the stained glass window, so familiar to all Dunstonians.

John says: “I am delighted to be able to support the College in this way especially as the Great Hall holds so many memories for me, becoming a favourite place during my time as a student, and as the site of so many of the activities (both musical and otherwise) in which I was fortunate to be involved.”

Thank you John from the whole Dunstonian community for your generosity!

The repairs proposed are centred around the Chaucer and Raphael stained glass: An extract from the report:

The damage caused to the Chaucer and Raphael panels has broken the face and dislodged the glass. There's a risk that this glass could fall out of the lead and where at present the glass exists and could be conserved. If it falls, the glass may break and be lost. Red lines are cracks that have been identified and red crosses are actual holes where glass is missing. The blue lines are previous repairs undertaken and show earlier intervention. It would also be recommended that the external guards are straightened and refitted to give better protection to glass going forward.

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THE NOTES I SUMMER 2024

Ralph Johnson ('66) Lane House

Spotlight on...

“

My Olympics As you can imagine I am very proud to have competed in Fencing at four Olympic Games.

To be part of the Olympics is a wonderful experience, for about 3 weeks you feel you are the centre of the universe. For those weeks you live like a celebrity, signing autographs and being chauffeured everywhere. Don’t be fooled, years of hard work has gone into it.

In my last Olympics, Los Angeles 1984, because of the risk of terrorist attack when you went to the opening and closing ceremonies as well as to training facilities, your transport was escorted by police cars front and rear and when there was an Israeli athlete on board we had a helicopter overhead.

We all know that the Olympic Games is about sporting achievements but these days it is more associated with politics, cheating, corruption and drugs.

I started fencing at St Dunstans when I was 13. I suffered from asthma and the outdoor winter sports did not suit me. We had a very good coach, Steve Boston.

My first Olympics was after I had left St Dunstans and in 1968 I won the National Epee title which put me in the running for being chosen for the Olympics in Mexico City.

Mexico City 1968 Mexico City is at an altitude of 2240 metres so we went a month before the games started to acclimatise. Our training facilities were in the University campus but that abruptly stopped and we were sent elsewhere. We only found out after we returned home that there had been a massacre of 44 students at the university carried out by

Government soldiers.

I recall watching the men’s sabre final won by a Polish army colonel Jerry Pawloski, one of the best fencers I have ever seen. He was a National hero but there was a darker side to him not revealed until 1975 when he was exposed as a spy in the pay of the CIA , and also a spy for his own government. He was disgraced and sentenced to 25 years in prison.You never know who you are mixing with at the Olympics!

Munich 1972 I will recall Munich for the horror of the massacre of 11 members of the Israeli Olympic team killed along with a German police officer by a Palestinian terror organisation.

One of the people killed was the team's fencing coach Andre Spitzer. It certainly cast a shadow over the games but with all the planning which goes on once a city has been awarded an Olympics the show must go on.

Montreal 1976 I was selected again and this was shortly after I met my wife to be, Rosalind. She was amazed that I left work (I was a solicitor) and went straight to the airport to fly to Canada.

We were truly amateurs. Other foreign teams had been at training camps for many weeks. As a member of the Olympic team you did get given some freebies and I remember 3 pairs of pants in red white and blue suitcase and of course, the suit and tie for the Opening ceremony. I wonder what this year's team will wear?

Montreal was again famous for another disgraced fencer but this time as a member of the Russian Pentathlete team. His name, Boris Onichenko, who had added an extra couple of wires to the handle of his epee which he could cross at will by squeezing the handle in a certain place and thereby make the electrical apparatus register a hit. The handle was bound by leather strips to hide the wires.

While fencing a friend of mine, Jim Fox, Onichenko accidentally triggered a hit when he was nowhere near Jim. His epee was confiscated, dismantled and now known to us as Disonichenko was in disgrace on the next plane back to Moscow. We won the gold medal in Pentatathlete.

I was selected again for the British epee team but you may or may not, depending on when you were born, remember the Russian invasion of Afghanistan. If you do not, ask your parents or grandparents.

I chose not to go along and found my name on the front of tabloid newspapers and being interviewed on the radio.

The Games went ahead without me of course but I am proud of the stance I took particularly with the benefit of hindsight.

Los Angeles 1984 America had boycotted Moscow and it was payback time. Fourteen Eastern bloc countries boycotted, led by the Soviet Union. I was more relaxed in LA although as well as competing I was team captain.

The Beach Boys came to the Olympic village to entertain us and how can I put it this…..of California girls! I heard of the extra-curricular activities of some of my team mates and had to insist that for the 3 nights before their events they slept in their own beds ALONE. I never won an Olympic medal but I have been World Veterans Epee Champion 3 times so a consolation in my older age, but the Olympics were the pinnacle It was a good decision to take up the sport of fencing and the support I received while a pupil at St Dunstan's left me in a good position to progress to National and Olympic level. I shall always be grateful, it has given me so much world travel and opportunities I could never have dreamed of in those early days.

“

I was born in 1952 and grew up initially in Sydenham and then in Beckenham, and followed in my father’s footsteps by coming to St Dunstan’s, followed some years later by my late brother Martin.

We both flourished at the College, and I owe much to the then Chaplain, Martin Preston, as well as to R. O. D. Hughes, who was an inspired teacher of History, and to David Norris who taught English.

The College was truly a very happy, lively, and stable place, offering great opportunities, in terms of a wide and compassionate social vision, and a genuine love of learning, music, and art.

I obtained a scholarship to Christ Church, Oxford to read Modern History and obtained a First in 1974. I went on to read a Theology degree there under the direction of the Dean and also the Regius Professor of Divinity, while being attached to Cuddesdon theological college outside Oxford. I was ordained in 1977 as a curate in Shepperton in Middlesex before moving in 1980 as curate to the parish church in Ely in Cambridgeshire. From there I went to Marlborough College as Chaplain and Head of RE where I remained for 28 years, before moving to my current part-time work as a parish priest in the diocese of Oxford in 2012. I was married to Geraldine in 1977 by the former Archbishop of Canterbury and we have three married children and six grandchildren. I am also a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

Teaching Christianity to young people was the central part of my ministry, in the two parishes, and then for many happy years at Marlborough College, where we developed our own RE course as part of the work of the Chaplaincy. Chapel was not compulsory, however, and we prepared around 80 pupils each year for Confirmation in the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches on a voluntary basis. The ethos of Marlborough was very similar to that of the College with a strong charitable outreach, a breadth of liberal education, and a rich artistic and musical life, so I was well prepared for my work with the young people there, both boys and girls, which I hugely enjoyed. Our three children were also educated there very happily.

Working at Marlborough gave me a third of each year in vacation with ready access to the University in Oxford, so I was able to pursue an active programme of academic research and writing over many years, which began with my first published book in 1988 – a definitive study of St Dunstan to mark the millennium of his death. This event prompted international interest throughout the Anglican and Catholic communions, with a major pilgrimage to England and a lecture tour by me in 1989 across the United States. The book has recently been published in an updated third edition to mark the coronation of King Charles III in 2023, as St Dunstan was the principal architect of the Coronation Order that is still in use today.

The significant vacations also permitted extensive foreign travel, some of which took me to Russia, Ukraine, and the Baltic states as Communism was collapsing in the years around 1990. I was often the first Western visitor to universities, churches and monasteries in Latvia and Lithuania, contacting a variety of Christians – Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran, and Old Believers. In that troubled part of the world and at that highly significant moment, the traumatic history of Europe in the twentieth century felt keenly apparent. Although the Communist system was in ruins, one of its most impressive legacies was in education. I met some very fine educators in all four countries, and gained a great deal from the warm hospitality, intellectual stimulus and kindness that was offered to me.

When I was ordained by the Bishop of Kensington in 1977, he told me that

Reverend Douglas Dales ('70) Wilson House

Moscow 1980

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THE NOTES I SUMMER 2024

I enjoy writing and have been blessed with sympathetic and congenial publishers. My main focus of interest historically has been the Church history of the Anglo-Saxon period. I published in 1997 a major study of mission in and around the British Isles to mark the 1400th anniversary of the coming of St Augustine to Canterbury and the death of St Columba on Iona in 597. Later I prepared an extensive study in two volumes of the life and work of Alcuin, who grew up in York in the eighth century, and went to be the brains behind the great revival of Christian culture, learning, and education on the Continent during the reign of Charlemagne. I also produced a study of the spiritual theology of Archbishop Michael Ramsey, whom I knew well in his retirement, to mark the centenary of his birth in 2004. More recently I have embarked on a series of studies of the spiritual theology of St Bonaventure, who lived in the thirteenth century and taught alongside St Thomas Aquinas in the University of Paris before becoming Minister General of the Franciscan Order. Three of these studies are now being translated into Korean for the life of the fastgrowing Church in that country.

I have been fortunate to enjoy a rich and varied ministry, and to be a Christian priest is a privileged existence in terms of the great range of people and pastoral situations that come one’s way; and this is why I continue to work as a part-time parish priest in eight rural parishes. Our growing family is a great delight, stimulus, and support, and I know that I have always been able to draw on many deep and happy memories of my time at the College, which laid such a sound foundation for all that has developed since I left in 1971. I am delighted to see the way in which St Dunstan’s continues to maintain its distinctive Christian ethos in the service of young people and their families of every background in South London. It is a privilege to be associated with such a fine school and I wish all involved every blessing.

Revd Douglas J. Dales, BD, MA, FRHistSoc

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Reverend Douglas Dales ('70) Wilson House

I was being ordained as a priest in the Church of God, whose duty it would be to serve in the Church of England, but also to respond to openings elsewhere. This prediction has cer tainly proved true, with strong friendships and collaboration with Catholic Camaldolese monks in Italy, with Carthusians and Benedictines in England, and by extensive visits to monasteries on the Holy Mountain of Athos in Greece. I was for a while and until recently Chairman of the Friends of Mount Athos. These visits have certainly deepened my own understanding of Christian theology, the nature of the Church, and its mission to modern society. It is also highly instructive to engage with people from south-eastern Europe, Ukraine, and Russia itself in that fascinating context of monastic renewal and growth.

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I was born in 1936 in my father’s public house in West Wickham, called The Railway Hotel. We had a live-in Cellarman and a Manageress who were husband and wife plus six daily staff and life was very different from a normal house. We lived on the first and second floors above the Bars. The first floor also had a full-sized billiards room, on which I learnt to play at a young age, and a clubroom that was used as a Masonic Temple. One of my early duties was to lay out the chequered carpet and assemble the pedestals for their masonic meetings, little did I appreciate their significance at the time.

After the War broke out, I was evacuated in 1941 to stay with my relatives in Dedham on the Suffolk/Essex border, where I attended the local primary school, returning home in the school holidays.

I was taken by train to Liverpool St Station and put on the train to Marks Tay where I was met by a taxi driver who delivered me to the home of my aunt, uncle and cousins; I was aged 5! During the holidays, I experienced the full effect of the War, particularly as we were so close to Biggin Hill aerodrome. The fighter pilots frequented my father’s pub on return from their sorties; sadly, many did not reappear. I also watched the dog-fights overhead and the lights of the VIs calculating where they would descend after the lights extinguished. The dreaded VIIs were another matter.

At the end of the War in 1946 I gained admission to St Dunstan’s College on their return from evacuation. On the day I arrived, I was confronted by a hook-nosed teacher who looked very formidable and initially scared the pants off me, but I soon learnt that he was the kindest master in the school, it was of course Mr Toller. I gained a scholarship the following year and spent 9 wonderful years there, leaving at the end of the Spring term 1955.

Sport was always a strong interest and initially we played lacrosse and rugby but lacrosse was soon dropped as it was considered too dangerous. I also enjoyed fives and eventually used the fives courts to practice my tennis in the lunchtimes, which greatly improved my volleying. I enjoyed the Corps Band where I learnt to play the bugle before being taught the trumpet to a proficient level. One of my proudest moments was to parade the whole Corps across Tower Bridge to Southwark Cathedral twirling and tossing the mace throughout the journey and never fortunately dropping it.

I did not have any real idea of what I wanted to study after leaving the School, consequently I gained a selection of 9 ‘O’ levels and studied 3 ’A’ levels. To bide my time whilst considering my future I attended the Bromley Art College for a term at the end of which I had decided to be a Building Surveyor. I took myself off to the Prudential Offices in London to apply for a job. When asked why I wanted to be a Surveyor, I replied because I liked drawing. His response was if you like drawing, you should consider being an Architect. I asked best way to achieve this and he redirected me along the road to the RIBA where I enlisted at the Regent Street Polytechnic for an 8 year Diploma Course in Architecture and the rest is history. I remained an employee until 1973 when I bought a

Prior to moving to Folkestone, I was the Group Architect for the Rush & Tompkins Group responsible for the creation of a Development Company. It was here that I set up a housing division that was developing and building 500 houses a year; before I joined the Group they were only building 10 houses a year! It was during this period that I obtained three Ideal Home ‘House of the Year’ awards, furthermore, I was requested to represent the Group on the NFBTE study committee for the metrication of the building industry. The results of which led to the sole use of millimetres and metres - centimetres were out.

Eventually I ended back up in London, but not before I had gained another design award for an Old Person’s Home in Ham Street and planning permission for a Theme Park in Florida, called Little England. Sadly, only the Preview Village was built from seven barns that we had purchased and deconstructed in England then reassembled in Florida to form the village before the developer sold on the site of 1,350 acres at an enormous profit. We did not receive our share of the profit.

Our second Folkestone practice had plenty of commissions, but we had run out of capital, so I joined the practice with another in Richmond, D Y Davies, who needed the work and resolved our financial difficulties. All went well for the first six months, but architects receive stage payments. And because most of the commissions were large there were very few payments due in the second six months, which did not suit the Market and to placate them all staff who were not on a drawing board were requested to leave and that included me. However, the senior partner, found me another position with a practice in Charing Cross Road, Sargent & Potiriadis, who welcomed me as their Managing Director at the same time informing me that they were £100,000 the wrong side of the balance sheet.

I immediately set about redefining the roles of the partners and staff and after two years they were £200,000 the right side of the balance sheet. Sadly, they were bought out by another developer who had their own MD and I was dismissed on Christmas Eve with no redundancy as at that time I had been employed by them for just under two years. After a short period kicking my heels I obtained a management consultancy for two years with a practice in Orpington, Watkins Gray, who specialised in Hospitals, but they eventually could no longer afford me, at which point I decided that I had had enough of architecture and reverted to a sole practitioner concentrating on churches. Whilst licking my wounds, I started to write and illustrate books.

My first book, ‘A Personal Record’ consisted of a series of watercolour illustrations of the 18 holes at Royal Cinque Ports GC giving a three-dimensional record of the holes as they existed at their Centenary, with a text in verse describing the fauna and flora on each hole that existed at that date. My second book, ‘Golf on the Kent Coast’ was an illustrated history of all

courses within half a mile of the Kent coast. It was to be one of a series I had intended to produce on like courses around the UK, but my second publisher, Fore Golf Publications, had just purchased a monthly Golf magazine entitled ‘The Golf Club Secretary’ and he invited me to be his Editor. I remained his Editor for the next 8 years and Assistant Editor for further 11 years.

In the meantime, I had researched and self-published my third book, ‘The History of the Club Professional’ as depicted by the Whiting family’s four generations of Club Professionals extending to Australia and the USA. I have also written my Autobiography for the benefit of my family and two books of poems entitled ‘Reflections 1 and 2’, 34 of which have been published in various publications. My sixth book, ‘England’s Finest Links’ published by Broadside Publications, is the authentic history of Royal Cinque Ports GC, which was shortlisted for the ‘Sports Book of the Year’ in 2012 and we were invited to the prize-giving at The Savoy, gaining third place in our group. My seventh and latest book is ‘The Conduit’ that was due to be published this year by Austen Macauley. Unfortunately, I have been unable to obtain the necessary copyrights from three authors who have died and have therefore withdrawn the publication and sent the text to the R & A for use as a reference document for future research. However I have revisited the text and rewritten the offending paragraphs in my own words and resubmitted it for publication. The outcome is awaited.

I married Lesley in 1967 and moved to Tonbridge where we had two daughters, Anna and Elizabeth. We subsequently moved to Jarvist Place in Kingsdown in 1973 but we were flooded by the sea in 1978, so in 2002 we moved to Spring Cottage in The Avenue. Being an architect, I naturally extended the property soon after we purchased it.

As a young man I purchased a flat in Walmer, Deal, in 1962 that allowed me to play golf at RCPGC at the weekends and have been a full playing member ever since and still play twice a week. I have been their archivist and historian for the last 23 years. Since living in Kingsdown I have also been an active member of the local church, setting up many fund-raising vehicles for the maintenance of the church and as the eco-church administrator for the last 4 years obtained a Bronze Award for the church in 2021.

Freemasonry has been another strong interest. I was initiated in 1970 into a London Lodge, St Ethelburga No 7767, which met in Baker’s Hall in the City. I joined a local Lodge in Deal in 2003 and have been their Director of Ceremonies for 13 the last 15 years. I gained London Grand Rank whilst in London and have since received Provincial honours. I have been Worshipful Master of both lodges on more than one occasion.

“

share in a practice in Folkestone. My achievement here was the design of the two velodromes at Tripoli and Benghazi, breaking the code held by the Germans for the transitional curves that I did geometrically. I also designed the 9-hole golf course at Benghazi which was part of the complex. Sadly, the day that the two sports cities were due to be opened in 1967, the six-day Arab-Israel War is declared and the two sports cities were taken over by Gaddafi’s armies and the golf course reverted to desert.

I have been very fortunate to have led such a full and varied life and long may it continue.

David Dobby ('55) Thomas House

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Paul Colbert ('74) Griffiths House

THE NOTES I SUMMER 2024

“

It was my first job interview after leaving St Dunstan’s – Summer 1973, and I was applying to become a trainee reporter at a local newspaper.

I was waiting nervously as my interviewer scanned through my A Level certificates: Maths, Physics and Chemistry. Not exactly the combination you would expect for someone wanting to enter journalism, or any remotely literary field. Eventually he nodded. “Excellent.” I must have looked puzzled. “Well, it proves you can take good notes! More important than being able to quote Shakespeare, eh?”

Over the past 50 years, that ability to take good notes has seen me through a varied journalistic career, from that first trainee reporter’s job, to being Editorial Director of one of the world’s largest magazine publishing companies. But much of it – and perhaps the most enjoyable years - was spent writing for and editing music magazines; interviewing and touring with bands from U2, The Police, Genesis, and Simple Minds, to Talking Heads, Tears for Fears, The Eurythmics and…er… Motorhead. I was on Melody Maker in the 1980s, then was Editor of Making Music in the late 1980s and VOX in the early 1990s.

In the 1990s and 2000s I broke away from music to edit and launch about a dozen newsstand consumer magazines on subjects as broad as men’s lifestyle, popular science, tv, and food. In the mid-2000s I became Editorial Director of John Brown Media, and now I advise businesses on how to make technical, scientific subjects interesting and understandable to non-technical readers (so the Maths, Physics and Chemistry did finally come in handy...)

But who knew back then that jotting down the results of test tube experiments in the sixth form chemistry lab could get you so far? Looking back at St Dunstan’s days now, I realise it’s less about what you learn, as how you learn it; the ability of a school to nurture an enquiring mind. Get the education right, and you’re just as capable of enquiring of Sting why he’s attracted to Yoga, as enquiring why Oxygen is attracted to Hydrogen (though with less requirement for a fume cupboard).

My most formative years at St Dunstan’s were those of the early 1970s, which turned out to be a decade of enormous change in pop music, from stack-heeled glitter pop, via heavy rock and prog, to sullenly rebellious punk at its end. Probably not surprising then that music gripped me, and most of the other Dunstonians around me. (I remember a music appreciation lesson when our teacher relented and agreed to play a piece of Led Zeppelin, only to have one otherwise modest and reserved student suddenly leap from his chair and

Paul interviewing Andy Summers of The Police in 1983 scream “yes, yes, YES!”. The room went a bit quiet after that.)

So, after a few years working in local newspapers, I eventually joined Melody Maker as a writer (on the very last day of the 1970s, as it happened). The 1980s were years of big hair and big stadium acts, but some of the most fun was had discovering the small bands that would go on to do amazing things.

Interviewing an unheard-of Depeche Mode at one of their very first gigs, or asking a young German keyboard player – a certain Hans Zimmer – whether he’d consider writing film music one day. (‘Do you think I’d be any good at it?’ was his reply. How many awards is it now?)

There were plenty of embarrassing moments too. For example, interviewing the hugely missed talent of Frank Zappa, who asked me if I could read music. Wanting to impress, I foolishly said yes (though my limit was Every Good Boy Deserve Favour).

Reaching into his bag he pulled out a 200-page orchestral score for an opera he’d been working on, threw it across, and said ‘So, waddya think?’

One of the questions people ask when they know you’ve worked on music magazines is what’s it like interviewing your heroes. Well, every one of them is different, but what all truly successful musicians share is that they would have been successful at whatever job they did. It’s something about personality and commitment. Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland of The Police were to a man charming, funny, professional, and generous with their time, even while they were the biggest band on the planet. Mark King of Level 42 one of the nicest men you could ever wish to meet. Phil Collins permanently enthusiastic and interested. Keith Emerson, one of the greatest rock keyboard talents to have ever lived, not just modest but genuinely baffled as to why anyone would listen to his astonishing early ELP albums ‘I mean, they’re old’.

Though the later decades of my career have been more about managing the practical elements of magazines and making them successful and profitable, it’s the music days that I associate with St Dunstan’s. Perhaps it’s that, in the space of a decade, I went from listening to those Led Zeppelin records we’d snuck past the music teacher, to actually sitting in front of Robert Plant and asking him about those very songs we once quietly celebrated at the back of the classroom. An incredible leap of fortune. I just wished I’d taken more notes about it at the time.

“

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The official journal of the Dunstonian Association

Sport

ROUND UP CRICKET Cricket Report 2024 OD Cuaco CC enjoyed a productive winter ahead of an exciting 2024 season. Over the last few years, the club has become heavily involved with the Kent Indoor League and for the third consecutive season, the A team won the Metropolitan league at the Beckenham County Ground (going unbeaten), and qualifying for the Kent finals at Canterbury. After a comprehensive win in the quarter finals, ODs were defeated narrowly

by University of Kent who in turn lost to a Broadstairs side that would go on to win the national competition at Lord’s. There was success for the B team, which won its division, while the club continues to enter a junior side too.

The annual awards dinner was held in March as the traditional curtainraiser for the season. Chris Webester received Player of the Year trophy while Peter Foale (’73) donated his father’s ODCC cap to the Chairman Andy Rouse (’83) for the Club’s archives.

The social side of the club remains in full flow while a Tour is being planned for July, alongside a series of events on weeknights throughout the season.

As is customary, winter nets were held at Langley Park Girls School from January, with promising attendance levels that bodes well for the summer. At the time of writing, the 1st XI has won 2 of its first 3 league games in Division 1 (tier 3) of the Kent League, with wins for all other senior sides already registered.

Sunday morning coaching sessions are well attended by juniors, which implies a promising pathway of talent through the colts section and into the senior sides. The junior teams have posted impressive victories over traditional local clubs such as Hayes, which bodes well for the future.

Although these are challenging times for cricket clubs, with general participation levels under threat, OD Cuaco CC continues to field 4 Saturday sides and multiple junior teams. Nonetheless, the club is well aware of the need to continue actively recruiting and attracting members to ensure the club can continue to serve as a hub of cricketing activity for the coming years.

Andy Rouse Chairman OD CUACO Cricket Club

Above: David Edwards (’83) presenting the Player of the Year award to Chris Webster Below: Peter Foale (’73) presenting his father’s ODCC cap to Andy Rouse (’83) for the Club’s archives

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GOLF ODGS Spring Meeting at Bearsted Golf Club

Dunstonian Golf Society

An extremely encouraging turnout of 18 players met at Bearstead Golf Club for the inaugural ODGS event of 2024.A hearty breakfast was enjoyed by all followed by a very brief talk from the captain of the day extolling the virtues of early preemptive screening for bowel cancer. As a reward, for listening patiently and quietly, all attendees were presented with some highly desirable branded caps to wear on the course.

With Tee times booked from 10am we set of as 6 three ball groups playing individual Stableford and hoping to relieve a very confident, possibly even cocky, Sean Malone, of the Heaton-Caffin Cup. The sun was shining, and the recently strong winds had dropped to a cooling breeze, perfect weather for golf.Everyone got away on the par three first without troubling the platforms of Bearsted Station. Considering two weeks prior the course was almost under water and closed for play, the greenkeepers have done fantastic job, and the course was in great nick with the green running fast and true and proving quite a challenge for all levels of player.

Groups 1 through to 5 were safely back in the clubhouse after four hours or so of play, for a late ham egg and chips lunch, Group 6 returned for an early supper having thoroughly enjoyed the course for an hour longer than anyone else.

Having reassured him we are a friendly lot, Rick Bridges, Class of 86, first time out with ODGS was still quietly relieved that no one had given him a dead leg or a Chinese burn.

Once our final group was settled we got down to the business of the day’s results and prizes. Longest drive was one by Neil Kerr on the 5th hole with a great effort that just hung on to the left side of the fairway, unmeasured but I would estimate anywhere between 200 and 400 yards if that’s informative.

On the 10th hole, the short par 4 Clive Carpenter took the honors for the nearest the hole in two shots competition, with a second shot that came to rest maybe eight feet past the pin.

Whilst attendance was highly encouraging for our society, our performance on the Nearest the Pin was far from it. And representing a first for everyone in the room on any society day they had attended, all 18 participants missed the green on the 171-yard par 3 (Stroke index 14), possibly highlighting our increasing need for some young blood to join the ranks. After totting up the scores there were three contenders for the HeatonCaffin Cup, Mike Rogerson, Rick Cosgrove and Harvey Raybould all on 32 points and at least two points clear

of the rest of the field.

After lengthy consultation with the serious golfers in the group, the dark art of countback was invoked, and this eventually spat out a winner with Harvey Raybould being handed the trophy for 2024. Congratulations also to Trevor Smith who successfully remembered to take his phone and wallet with him back to North Devon this time. I think pretty much everyone there reminded him at some point during lunch.

We also now have three clear frontrunners for the 2024 Champion Golfer of the Year competition.

To have 18 players when many of our regular attendees were unable to attend really is a very welcome and encouraging change from the norm and it would be amazing if we could try to build on these numbers. Please do consider who else would enjoy and could be invited to future events. Everyone is welcome.

Congrats to our winner Harvey Raybould.

Dates for the Diary Devon Tour 3-4 September Xmas Fayre 3 December Knole Golf Club

The official journal of the Dunstonian Association

RUGBY ODRFC Report 2023-24 Season

The 2023/4 season arrived in the blink of an eye. Pre-season came and went like the sunshine in the UK and we were underway.

Unfortunately we got off to a very tough start with lack of availability and further injuries plaguing the squad. We then had a run of matches that we seemed to be just on the wrong side of the scoreboard. Last season these were the games we were managing to win.

While the sprit in the squad remaining high we struggled to put together any significant winning streak. This has resulted in the 1st Team being relegated to Counties 3 Kent.

Credit must go to all the players that turned out for the club and continued to be up beat and buoyant in a difficult season. This was also back up by the coaches and other individuals involved. We are all looking to have a well earned rest over the summer, re-group and come back and contest in the league we now find ourselves in.

The social side to the ODRFC however continues to remain a highlight all season with a number of very well attended league lunches and many evenings of entertainment for all to enjoy. This is especially important when things on the pitch are not going according to plan.

ODRFC 88th Tour of Cornwall Easter 2024 Our 88th Tour occupied an exceptionally early Easter, which meant challenging conditions both on the field and touchline.

Nonetheless it was greeted with the usual eager anticipation by players and supporters alike.

It is no secret that it has been an unprecedentedly difficult season, with the unheard-of embarrassment of forfeited fixtures due to player shortage. If not for the tireless heroics of the irrepressible Anthony Smith, it would undoubtedly have been an even bleaker scenario. Despite this, the playing squad, depleted though it was, travelled west in high spirits, buoyed no doubt by the prospect of a break from these weekly struggles. No sympathy

was expected at Penryn, and duly none was received, the Borough running out winners by an emphatic scoreline. The mood remained buoyant, however, and the cardinal school, ably organised by club captain Michael Ubee, provided the usual Friday evening entertainment.

Saturday, as so often, brought a lighter and more festive atmosphere, in no small part due to Falmouth’s 150th anniversary celebrations, an upturn in the weather and a large, buoyant crowd. An entertaining and closely fought game, in which the lead changed hands constantly, finished with the scoreline of 45-33 in favour of the home team.

History was made that evening when we welcomed our first female entrant to make her case for acceptance into the Papal Society. Lydia Hackwood had no lack of supporters and well-wishers as she took on the challenge, not least due to her pedigree as a first-rate tourist of twenty one years’ standing, alongside her undoubted technical ability and appreciation of the papal tradition.

There were a reasonable number of Popes in attendance over yet another wonderful Easter weekend, including several who had covered the miles to play their part, most notably Mic Cole, from Australia and Chris Reeves from Bermuda, the latter arranging the Run with his usual combination of shrewdness and gusto.

As the club reassesses its health and digs deep for resources and resolve, the prospect of renaissance and rejuvenation is a genuine one: all hope is not lost. The weekly drudgery of a torturous season was forgotten, and morale dramatically lifted, by the Easter Tour magic which remains as potent as ever it was.

Certainly it was agreed amongst all Popes present that, despite changing and challenging times, in Cornwall we witness the best of OD spirit, traditions and indeed aspirations (and in those we might well include the prospect of a female Pope).

As the 89th Tour approaches, there now appears to be a few tricky hurdles between us and the holy grail of the 100th – a distinction no other club in the history of the Game can lay claim to – it can only be hoped that better times are ahead. The Popes remain at the heart of the club. A strong Papal presence through the season and on tour will ensure not just survival but a healthy and flourishing future.

Jeremy Scott Chairperson, ODRFC

Alas it was not to be a fairytale ending, her valiant effort falling short at the first hurdle. But it was unanimously agreed – even by those who had been less than enthusiastic at the prospect of this groundbreaking innovation – that Lydia made an impressive candidate, and will, in the company of other OD women, bring strong credentials to the run in future years.

1st XV Appearances (max 24) (3+)Ubee M (21); Jebb L, Mann J (20); Booth A (19); McCulloch A (18); Ajiboye J (17); Nagel J, Palmer R (16); Fraser T*2 (15); Pecorella J*1, Scott T (13); North J*8 (12); Evans O (11); Nagel C (10); Deane R, Fisher N*1, Fisher S, Mills J-P*4 (9); Angell M*2, Bozier R (8); Connolly M, Laker A*1 (7); Sawyer B*5 (6); Burgess S (5);

The Truro fixture on Sunday served principally as a fond memorial tribute to our dear friend Billy Hunter, the fixture being two invitation Vets’ selections, representing how far within Cornwall and beyond, Billy’s influence extended.

The traditional clubhouse conviviality was even warmer than usual, it being such an emotional day. Whilst several ODs proudly took part, in reality it was a blessing that we were not called upon to field a full side, as this simply would not have been possible.

Ajiboye J (13); Nagel C (6); Connolly M, Palmer R, Pecorella J (5); Evans O, McCulloch A, Ubee M (3)

1st XV Try Scorers (3+)

* Replacement + Tour Guest A fundraising page has been set up in memory of Lee Clements who died earlier this year.

Lee was only 49 years old, a super fit man and an amazing person and his death from an undetected heart condition was a total shock to everyone. https://donate.giveasyoulive. com/fundraising/chasing-the-sun-for-lee

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The Archives Corner Our Archivist at the College, Shea Hollis (nee Luke, '01) with updates on the latest additions to the archives collection at St Dunstan's College

Ian Fugeman (‘67)’s donations to the Archives...

In February we spent a great morning with Ian Fugeman of the class of 1967.

Ian asked to visit as he had many items to donate to the Archive as well as a stunning Classical Guitar, a 1964 Hofner, bought while a student at the college in the 60s. Before a tour, Ian met with Christopher Rawley, Director of Instrumental Studies at the College to present the guitar. Mr Rawley was delighted by the piece, and it has already been used by guitar students, deepening

their understanding of the instrument.

We in the Archive were also thrilled by the huge selection of 1960s artefacts Mr Fugeman brought in; original entrance examination papers, rule books, calendars, CCF and DofE badges and much more. Chris Rawley, Head of Instruments at the College says: “The instrument continues to hold a very special place within the department.”

Thank you Ian!

New Cabinet in the Sixth Form Café We are delighted to announce that a beautiful glass cabinet was recently purchased to display artefacts from the Archives as well as news from the Dunstonian Association. It is positioned outside the Sixth Form Café in the Atrium of the STEM block.

The official journal of the Dunstonian Association

Casebow (’40)

Deryck Breakspear ('38) We welcomed back to the College Debbie Breakspear, daughter of Deryck Breakspear who attended the St Dunstan’s for two years in 1937 and 38 before leaving at the age at 16 to start a career at private bank C Hoare & Co. This is the moment Mrs Breakspear found her father aged 16 on the 1938 school photograph.

Alun Evans (‘74)

Donated ties, caps and team photos

Just before Christmas, we were contacted about a bequeathment of beautiful books from the estate of Dunstonian Late Reverend Ronald Philip Casebow ’40.

The books originally belonged to Rev’d Ronald’s father, himself also a Dunstonian, A.R. Casebow (’13), who left prize giving books his father received at the College in the 1910s.

The exquisitely bound books were prizegiving awards and were bestowed on the elder Mr Casebow for personal attributes and far-reaching academic subjects and including Spanish and Mathematics.

They are now on display in our new Dunstonian Cabinet in the STEM building outside the Sixth Form Café.

Furthermore, we have since discovered a whole family of Casebow Dunstonians who all seem to have made quite a mark during their time in the college.

If you think you recall any of them or are indeed a Casebow or relative yourself, please do get in touch with our Archivist.

Farmer Giles of Ham - narrative from David Norman (’80)

Donation of centenary glasses

by Mike Rogers ('70) (from the estate of Maurice Feltham)

It is with some concern – about how time passes so quickly! – that 2024 is the 50th anniversary of the 2nd year (Y8) production of Farmer Giles of Ham. A rock opera based on JRR Tolkien’s short story about a framer who repels both a giant and a dragon from his village. It was written by a sixth former, Martin Dales, with book by teacher Mr. J. Pallot.

A record was produced one Saturday (see photos attached) – the Great Hall was transformed into a recording studio – and the cast was invited onto a Radio London show.

I played the farmer’s dog, Garm, in full furry onesie and mask, with a mic inside to catch my short contribution to proceedings!

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Brian James Eley ('42) Born December 1924 Research for granddaughter of William Edward Tallents Teacher at the College during the 1940s -1960s Mrs Michele Calverly was researching the life of her Grandfather, a Mr Tallents who was a teacher at the school. She told us, “We have no alumni connection as students, but my grandfather taught at St Dunstan's for many years, retiring as head of the junior school, probably in the late 1950s or early 1960s.

I am researching our family history & was hoping to find out more about his time at the school & if there were any photos of him there - we have a few, but not many. My grandfather's name was William Edward Tallents and he taught at the school during the years of the Second World War and for some years either side (so I understand), including during the period of the school's evacuation to Surrey - where my mother, his daughter, and her siblings were born.”

We were able to give Michele access to the Digital Archive and some documents from his time at the College and she subsequently sent us some fabulous photographs of Mrs Tallents, colleagues and pupils during his time at Reigate during WW2.

The Class of '71 Richard Cuthbert ’71, was one of the Dunstonians who visited the college for the first Archive Open Day. Returning for the first time since he left the college more than fifty years ago, Richard was inspired to share some of his own artefacts and images for the archive. As well as bringing some wonderful pieces of uniform and sports kit, Mr Cuthbert also sent this brilliant photograph pf 1971's ‘Art Upper Sixth’.

Richard says “Those included are, from left to right: Paul Merkley (now deceased), Robert James (seated at the front), Richard Cuthbert, Peter Fishpool, John Russell (responding to some banter from behind!), Michael Patey-Ford, Robert Colover, Alan Hughes and David Comper.

There is one absentee: Chris Clode, who I think may have taken the photo. John Russell was massively popular, and very much my mentor, making sure I applied to join St Martin’s School of Art on leaving St Dunstan’s. His encouragement overcame my natural inclination to underestimate my artistic talents, setting in motion my career in graphic design.”

Mr Tristan Eley contacted us about his Grandfather, Brian James Eley, ‘42. Tristan said “While I haven't had the privilege of attending myself, my family ties to the College run deep.

My paternal grandfather, Brian James Eley (born December 28, 1924), was a student at St Dunstan's for an impressive seven years and two terms, ending his journey in July 1942."

We were delighted to be able to give Mr Eley access to the Digital Archive to support his research and he was thrilled with the results, saying, “I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks for you invaluable assistance and access to the archives, which have greatly aided my heritage research. I am eager to further explore the details and photos in the archives. I am particularly grateful for the efforts you made in providing a photo of my grandfather's physical Pupil Record Card. I am looking forward to delving into it to gain a deeper understanding of his time at St. Dunstan's College.”

Thank you, Richard, for sending this marvellous piece of 1970s nostalgia and for bringing the other pieces for the Archive. We welcome all donations and are especially lacking in artefacts and images from the 50s-80s - do get in touch on archive@stdunstans.org.uk if you have anything you would like to share.

The official journal of the Dunstonian Association

On the trail of Arthur Laurie Thomas It is a delight helping people with practical and emotional requests, and sometimes we get one that is both. In January, we got a request from a Mr Robert Waterhouse, asking if we knew the plot number of the war grave of Dunstonian War Hero Captain Arthur Laurie Thomas (whom the former Thomas House was named after). Mr Waterhouse was planning a visit to the grave, in Peronne, France, with his namesake son, Thomas. We gladly helped with the request but also couldn’t help asking a bit more about their connection. Robert shared:

Mini Archivists Two young students at the College recently got in touch with the Archivist to ask if they might be able to come and spend some time doing some research and exploring the artefacts and documents related to the history of the College.

“Over the years I have been compiling/ storing much past history on A L Thomas and his equally talented older Dunstonian brother, F E Thomas, who along with my siblings were entertained by as young boys.

You asked where’s the connection….my father aged three went to pre-prep Wadham House School with ALT's elder brother’s son ‘Bill’. Bill was my godfather and much time was spent with Bill at his parents’ house.

He had no children so my brothers and I became their ‘surrogate' grandchildren, and Bill was always Uncle Bill to us. In 1966 after the birth of my parents’ second child, they made a promise that their next son would be named Thomas to keep the family name alive. In 1967 I was born and was named Robert Thomas and the Thomas family were very happy. In 2010 our second born was a son - Thomas family name continues.”

Sessions, just 15 minutes a week for now, were arranged and Zoe and Violette have quickly become adept at the role of Archive Apprentices! Initially, they were interested in finding out about college societies through the years, especially the more ‘secretive’ ones, but this then led them to helping with a big organisational task.

The girls, both in Year 7, have been sorting and grouping a whole range of documents loosely related to the Society theme after discovering the box of programmes, menus, tickets and more was in quite some disarray, all the while marvelling at the treasures they find. Curators of the future perhaps?

Robert Waterhouse and his son Thomas did make the trip to Peronne and did find A.L Thomas’ grave and sent these wonderful images of the trip. The gentlemen retraced Thomas’ steps as documented in his diary, including trying to find the six cafes in Hardifort that he mentioned served the most excellent coffee. They discovered that there is now just one, but enjoyed a drink there nonetheless.

This is only a small extract of the incredible journey and research Robert and Thomas are undertaking into the lives of Arthur Laurie Thomas and his brothers and whilst not a Dunstonian himself,

Robert has generously agreed to continue sharing his findings with us, and possibly even help with a project celebrating the life of A.L Thomas for Remembrance Day. Watch this space for updates!

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Announcements Weddings

Bruce Cresswell-Jones (’48)

Rachel Evans (’19)

married Isaac Dixon on 7th October 2023, at St Andrew the Great, Cambridge.

Obituaries

1940s John Hobart (’40) We are saddened to report that John passed away peacefully at home in St Loy near Penzance on 9 March 2024 at the age of 101.

Some of you will recall that Isabelle BlakeJames went to meet him in October 2022 in Cornwall and spent the day with him and his wife, Sally at their cottage near the sea. He was for many years our oldest living Dunstonian we knew about.

Bruce passed away on 21 December 2023 aged 94. His daughters whom we met on Remembrance Day 2023 at the College write: Our father, Bruce, who died at the magnificent age of 94 last December, remembered his days at St Dunstan’s College very fondly. Indeed, his colours blazer and school cap, which he also treasured, have just been donated to the school archive. Perhaps some of the current cricket team will relate to the story he told in his Unreliable Fragments of Memory, a copy of which is also now in the archive…

My clearest memory of this period is a cricket match - our 1st team v the MCC. This sounds improbable, but at that time (the late 40s) various schools had an MCC fixture - with elderly players, probably in their 50s+, and this was a prestige match.

We batted first, and were soon facing

disaster. After about six wickets, I think we were barely in double figures. The damage was done by two slow/spin bowlers, who looked harmless enough as I watched them, waiting for my innings at No. 7.

As I walked up to the wicket, I was thinking “If I can catch it on the bounce, or even on the full toss, perhaps I can break the monotony”. The bowler ambled slowly up, about 5 steps, and the ball looped towards my favourite spot - one step ahead and outside the off stump. I swung to connect on the bounce. There was a truly satisfying clunk. The ball rose high and long, cleared the sports field and landed in the headmaster’s garden - for six. There was a roar from the spectators.

For a few moments the mood of the match was transformed, and, recalling it now, it felt like I might have qualified, for the second time in about 10 years, for the Warhol effect. However, it was barely 15 minutes, and I was soon dismissed, I think by the same bowler, for a total score that may well have been about six.

Returning to the Pavilion I found that my boundary was still the focus of attention and even the headmaster was beaming. I think we lost the match.

The official journal of the Dunstonian Association

1950s Bill White (’50)

Perry White has advised that his father William “Bill” White passed away on 5 January 2024 at the age of 93. Bill was a past Hon Secretary of the Old Dunstonian Association.

“At Bill’s funeral on 28 February, his son Peregrine (’75) delivered the following eulogy:Good morning For those that don’t know me, I am Peregrine, one of Bill's sons.

Saying a final farewell to my father today is difficult but I take heart from the fact that he led a full and enjoyable life spanning ten decades and I was lucky enough to share seven of those with him.

My father was born in 1930 in Bermondsey, London, he was a true cockney, “Bow Bells” in Cheapside could certainly be heard south of the Thames in the 1930’s.

He often mentioned this, and I think it was his way of saying that his life was a long, exciting journey from his origins.

Most of his childhood he lived with his parents and his sister Pearl at Humber Road in Blackheath but during the second world war he was forced to evacuate, first to Reigate in Surrey and then much further afield to Devon.

This period of his life introduced him to agriculture, livestock farming and rural life in general, perhaps that is why he gravitated to the meat industry for a career and later settled happily in the Kent countryside in Lamberhurst.

Towards the end of the war Bill returned to Blackheath to be with his family and complete his education at St Dunstan’s College, he matriculated in 1947.

Two years later he passed the required three subjects for his Higher Schools Examination, now familiar as A levels.

This included a “Special Credit” for Russian, the subject that he went on to study at university.

Around that time, he was recruited to

The Army Intelligence Corps for his National Service that he served in Malaya during the “Anti British National Liberation War” who knows, maybe he received overtures from the KGB as well.

Malaya (now the Malaysian Peninsula) turned out to be a strong influence, it introduced him to Nasi Goreng and other Asian cuisine, a world away from the food of ration era Britain.

He developed a love of cooking, always experimenting and refining dishes, and was in his element when entertaining family and friends. I have always said that in another life he could have been a chef.

He met my mother while he was at university and was still completing his National Service when they were married in October 1953. Initially they lived in Greenwich until with much excitement they purchased their first house in Orpington.

Children followed this move, the first in 1961 and my father, now the sole bread winner worked hard to provide for his young family.

Originally on his return from Malaya he had taken a job as a clerk with a meat packing company but by the 1960’s he was working as an international meat trader, travelling quite regularly for business to the USA, South America & South Africa.

I recall a trip he took to the USA in 1966, he returned with so many presents for us that it felt that Christmas had arrived early. This was typical of his generosity and thought for others.

I know he enjoyed his career with its travel and sometimes lavish entertaining, but it was more than that. The London meat trade was a close knit community, he formed many friendships at work, some of which lasted throughout his life, certainly, well beyond his retirement in 1993.

He was a fit man who loved sport. He played rugby for The Old Dunstonians until he was 38 and then took up

squash. When that became too much, he turned his attention to golf and outdoor bowling.

Eventually arthritis in his shoulders meant that he ceased participation in these sports. He did however still maintain his fitness as best he could, pedalling away at home on an exercise bike while watching cricket, rugby, tennis, F1 or any other sport that had caught his interest.

My father’s adult life was full, he would never let the grass grow under his feet and he rose early to greet each new day.

His young family had expanded to include seven nephews and nieces (most of whom are here today). In 1993 he became a grandfather for the first time when Samantha was born. He always had time for her, he taught her to bake, helped her to read, attended all her rugby matches. They shared many happy memories together and Samantha provided him with a great grandchild for the first time in October last year. He is pictured with little Oliver in the order of service.

He was a charitable man and a natural volunteer, finding the time to be Honorary Secretary to the Old Dunstonians Association, where for years he maintained their membership records.

There was also a 30 year stint as a director of the management company for his block of apartments and he dedicated 5 years of his life looking after my mother as she succumbed to Alzheimer’s Disease.

By then he was no longer married to her, but she was and remained the only romantic love of his life. He was a steadfast man.

You might think that that would be all, but it’s not, there was a second love to his life and that was Freemasonry.

My recall is that he became a mason sometime in his forties, it is a secretive society and I never sought to pry information from him.

I therefore know nothing about this, except that for more than half his life freemasonry was extremely significant to him. He often mentioned the charitable work of this organisation, I believe that

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helped motivate his attendance.

Whatever it was, he was active at his lodge and regularly attended meetings in London until he was forced to give this up aged eighty-eight, as that year, in common with Prince Philip he stopped driving. He did however remain in contact with his masonic colleagues by email up until his final illness last December.

Finally, I would like to share with you what my father meant to me.

He was a loving, interested and attentive figure who believed strongly in the importance of education at home. I remember him regularly reading books and comics with me and well as spending hours playing scrabble, cribbage and chess.

As I grew older, we played squash and golf together, drank together and often travelled to France to shop for food and enjoy meals out as a family.

I could always talk to him, and frequently asked for his opinion or advice. Freely given, sometimes followed, I valued him.

He was a rock and a guide in my life, I will miss him.

John Francis Andrews (’53)

John Francis Andrews came to the College in 1945 on the return from evacuation, and after two periods only in Form 1A was moved up a year to 2C, on account of overcrowding in the first year.

John won an Open Scholarship to read German and French at Jesus College, Cambridge, and went up in 1955 after National Service, having been commissioned into the Royal Artillery and also qualifying as a parachutist.

John’s professional career (34 years) was in the field of TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and after a spell in Bournemouth as a teacher, he became, successively, Principal of the three London schools of the Eurocentres organisation at Forest Hill, Victoria and at Lee Green.

John trained for the Anglican priesthood with the Southwark Ordination Course and after ordination in Canterbury Cathedral by Archbishop Runcie in 1981, he served three honorary curacies in the Norwood and Dulwich area.

John was co-opted a Governor of St Dunstan’s in 1988, and his two sons were Dunstonians, S J (Stephen) becoming Deputy Head of School in 1983, and J P (Jonathan) (’85).

Eccentrically, on retirement at age 60, John qualified as a bus driver, and drove regularly for Metrobus of Orpington for over 4 years, in the Bromley and Beckenham area.

In 2000 John retired to Wareham in Dorset, and assisted in the ministry of the Corfe Valley churches, based on Corfe Castle.

John leaves a widow, Janet (née Lyddon) and two sons and a daughter.

John Hewstone (’53)

We have been advised by Jack Wade (’54) that John Hewstone (’53), born 11 March 1937, passed away on 17 November 2023 in his adopted home town of Nelson NZ. Another contemporary, Paul Douglas writes: “John had a long and colourful life, with friends and family in various parts of the world.

John went on to become Captain of Thomas House, Secretary of the Modern Languages Society, the first cadet W.O.I. (RSM) in the CCF, and in the Coronation year of 1953 became Head Boy, two years after his brother Stuart held the same office.

His time at St Dunstan’s was interrupted by a temporary family move to Australia.

He is remembered by classmate Jack Wade, who associated this sojourn abroad, by John sending back parcels containing butterfly specimens for his collection. He left school in 1953

and later undertook a course in hotel management at Battersea College. A fellow student in a house share with John, recalls him even then as a doyen in the kitchen. He impressed as a mix of immaculate sartorial style and independence, with an edgy bohemian outlook.

John had a real sense of adventure and travel in his psyche, which combined with his enduring love of sailing and seafaring.

There was an early dramatic start to this, insofar that in 1962, the modest yacht on which he was cook, almost foundered in storms during a voyage to Australia.

The ensuing recue drew national press coverage.

Soon after he made his way to New Zealand, where he settled for the rest of his life. He worked at The Royal Oak Hotel in Wellington and later cowrote a book about the history of this establishment. A period in Rotorua was followed by a move to Nelson, where he settled for many years in retirement.

John was always interested in the grape, enjoyed the bottled product and was an active member of his local wine club.

Another long term interest was local artisan pottery and he did much to promote interest in this craft.

He was a man of personal bravery and on one occasion rescued a small child who had washed into the sea from a yacht.

Many folk have attested to John’s charm, wry sense of humour and generous hospitality. Some of his friends and family lived far from him and he was a great correspondent with us over the years.

These communications were entertaining and really brought us into the ebb and flow of his world.

His ashes were scattered by friends into the sea, where he could roam the oceans forever. One of those present commented that in that early morning there was a magnificent rainbow, the colours showing much contrast with a dark sky and green sea.”

Clive Harmson (’54)

We were advised by Clive’s daughter, Clare Roadknight that he passed away in January 2024.

Charles “Charlie” Reed (’54):

We were advised by his son, Chris Reed, that Charlie died in 2022.

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1960s Peter Tyler ('64)

Previous Head of St Dunstan's 1993-1997 David Moore

We have been advised by Peter’s son, Alex Tyler, that his father passed away at the start of January 2024.

Andrew Alexander Young ('69)

We have been advised that Andrew, born 11 September 1951, died on 28 November 2022.

2010s John Lister ('56)

We were advised by John’s daughter, Rachelle May, that he passed away just before Christmas, on 23 December The family of John Anthony Lister, of Barrie, is saddened to announce his sudden passing on Saturday 23 December 2023. He is predeceased by his loving wife, Edna (2023) of 55 years.

Loving father to his daughter Rachelle (Jason) and grandpa to his grandson Charlie, with whom he always had a special bond. Also loving father to Mark (Maria) and grandfather to Jordan and Zachary. Dear brother to Ed (Karin) and Marian (Rodger); and uncle to his niece and nephews and extended families.

George Howlett (’12)

We were very saddened to learn that George Howlett died on Tuesday 27 February 2024. Hie parents write: “He had seven happy years at St Dunstan‘s. He was captain of the 1st XI Cricket team, including captaining their team on tour in Barbados, and played 1st XV rugby and also fives for the College.

He left to study for a geography degree at Newcastle University.

He achieved a First Class degree before qualifying to be a Chartered Surveyor specialising in big regeneration schemes.”

John was born in England, was an RAF pilot in his younger years and then, when in Canada, became Senior Vice President in Marine Insurance.

In accordance with his wishes, there was no funeral or memorial service and his ashes will be scattered at St Philips Cemetery this summer.

A special thank you to the staff at Victoria Village, who took such great care of him.

We offer George’s family our sincerest condolences.

Pictured above, George’s family visiting the College in his memory on 14 June 2024.

Although David Moore’s tenure as Head of St Dunstan’s was relatively short, it marked a most significant period in the history of the College.

It was under David Moore that coeducation was introduced and that the Pre-Preparatory Department opened in what had previously been the Headmaster’s House. It says much for Moore’s calm and level-headed leadership that not only were these major developments brought to pass, but that they happened smoothly and with remarkably little controversy.

Moore’s management style was rational, consensual and open. He consulted widely before taking decisions, trusted his colleagues implicitly, and was happy to be advised as well as to give advice. Although he spent less time in the classroom than his predecessor, he understood the needs of his pupils and he dealt with them with care, sympathy and firmness.

An extremely sociable man, David Moore will also be remembered for the hospitality which he and his wife Ann dispensed at their home in Bickley.

His passing will be deeply mourned by those who recall him.

Martin Blocksidge Head of Sixth Form, 1990-1996; Director of Studies, 1996-2001

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ST DUNSTAN’S COLLEGE LEGACY FUND Help Us Shape Young Lives

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or many, the years spent at school are some of the most significant and life-changing of times. This is particularly true at St Dunstan’s College whose vibrant community of past students, parents and teachers remain connected to the school, and are passionate about its continued success.

By giving a legacy gift to St Dunstan’s in your Will, you will be helping us to continue to give the best education to future students, and you will continue to be part of the St Dunstan’s story.

There are different types of gifts you can make in your Will, including giving a specified amount or the remaining part of your estate after providing for your family and other responsibilities. Gifts that are free from restrictions are particularly helpful, allowing the College to invest wherever our need is greatest. Or you may wish your gift to support our bursaries programme to give opportunities to those would otherwise be unable to benefit from a St Dunstan’s education.

Whatever you choose, your Will is an important and personal document and we recommend you contact your solicitor, either to draft your will or a codicil to your existing Will.

Please download a Legacy Pledge Form from the College's website at: www.stdunstans.org.uk/development

THE ALBAM EXORNA LEGACY SOCIETY For those who wish to join us and be recognised publicly, you will become a member of the Albam Exorna Society. An annual lunch for all members will be a time to celebrate your generosity as well as share memories from your time at the College with like minded Dunstonians. You will also receive regular updates on how legacies are making a significant difference to the life of students at the College as well as be invited to special events such as Commemoration Day and Remembrance Day. Membership of the Society is entirely optional - we understand you may wish to keep your intention private.

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SDC NEWS News from the Head

in their GCSE and A Level results this summer, hopefully matching or exceeding those record-breaking results secured last year.

The summer term is always a whirlwind affair. As I write this, we are nearing the end of the public examination cycle for this year, the students are away enjoying their Adventure Week activities and then our whole community will turn to the delights of the annual St Dunstan’s Festival, now such an established part of the calendar and ending our year on a great high. Those preparing for public examinations have worked exceptionally hard this year, and we are confident that this will be reflected

It was a particular delight to see so many Dunstonians at our annual Commemoration Day service at Southwark Cathedral, and afterwards at the reception for benefactors and donors at The Mansion House. The Mansion House also played host to our most recent conference for educators, this year on the theme of Adolescent Addiction, which offered an insightful opportunity for teachers to hear from experts and share their experiences in this everevolving reality.

This year more than ever it has been wonderful to see such momentum in the engagement of our alumni community, including St Dunstan’s very first fundraising ball! This was a stellar event, held in conjunction with the Friends of St Dunstan’s and generously supported by many of you – my thanks to everyone

who donated prizes for our silent auction. The development of our bursary fund remains an absolute key priority if we are to widen access to a St Dunstan’s education. The current political and economic climate makes this an even greater challenge, so events such as this are of huge benefit.

The final total raised came to over £20,000 which will allow one extra pupil from Lewisham to attend the College in year 7 this September.

Finally, I must pay tribute to Isabelle Blake-James and her office for the exceptional work they are doing. It is wonderful to see such a groundswell of support from the Dunstonian community as evidenced in this edition of The Notes, and I am so grateful for every pledge, every offer of support, every visit, or reconnection with the College. I wish you all a very relaxing summer.

Nick Hewlett Head

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St Dunstan's Fundraising Ball On Saturday 27 April 2024, St Dunstan's held its first ever Fundraising Ball in the Great Hall of the College.

Organised by the Friends of St Dunstan’s and supported by the Association, one hundred current parents gathered for an evening of fun and serious bidding both on our silent auction website and in the room itself. We were lucky to be joined by professional auctioneer and current parent James Hasler with his compere (also current parent) Esther Stanhope. James and Esther not only entertained our guests all evening through fundraising games and live bidding but they also helped us raise over £10,000 on the night alone.

Former Head Boy at the College and Bursary Recipient, Piotr Burda-Zwolinski ('21) made a personal appeal to the audience by recounting his own story and how transformational receiving his bursary was. Peter Jackson (’68) also spoke about his time at the College and stressed the importance of establishing a self-sustaining Bursary Fund so that future generations of pupils

- and also society as a whole - are able to benefit from a Dunstonian education.

In total, thanks to the generosity of parents and Dunstonians alike, the Ball raised over £20,000. This will enable one extra disadvantaged pupil from Lewisham to attend the College in year 7 in September 2024.

We are particularly grateful to the following Dunstonians for donating prizes: Richard Fagg ('85), David Edwards ('83), Chris Potts ('75), Sam Lewis ('76), Ralph Salmins ('82) and Peter Jackson ('68).

The Association looks forward working with the Friends of St Dunstan’s going forward to make this an annual event open to current parents and alumni alike.”

The official journal of the Dunstonian Association

Combined Cadet Force Contingent Dinner 2024 The Combined Cadet Force was delighted to welcome Lt Col (Rtd) S R Stanford-Tuck to this year's CCF Contingent Dinner as guest of honour (above left with Head of School). Lt Col Stanford-Tuck is the son of Dunstonian and WW2 RAF fighter pilot ace Robert Stanford-Tuck ('33).

With 100 officers, cadets, parents, and guests in attendance in the beautifully set up Great Hall, we enjoyed celebrating both individual cadet success and the yearly highlights of the contingent. The cadets enjoyed a wonderful meal in the Great Hall of St Dunstan’s College. We hear the evening ended with the firing of the cannon! Dunstonians present on the night enjoyed sitting at the top table in truly excellent company.

St Dunstan’s College and Chelsea FC Foundation announce groundbreaking partnership We are delighted to announce a new groundbreaking partnership, which will widen access to high-quality sporting experiences across Lewisham and south-east London.

As part of the partnership, Chelsea FC Foundation will have a full-time officer based at the school to develop the new programme working closely with the St Dunstan’s team and to reach out and build relationships across Lewisham.

Speaking about the announcement, St Dunstan’s Head, Nick Hewlett said: ‘We are delighted to announce this new partnership with Chelsea FC Foundation. Sport at St Dunstan’s has been on an incredible journey in recent years, and this is the next exciting chapter in our history.

Teacher Luke Golding receives accolade from LYLA I gratefully received LYLA's Marcus Garvey Award, acknowledging my sustained dedication to the students of LYLA. The recognition was specifically for the Saturdays devoted to tutoring math, a commitment that would not have been possible without the unwavering support from each one of you. I want to share this award with all of you, as your kindness and willingness to support LYLA students have been the foundation of this initiative.

We are passionate about our local community, and I am particularly pleased that this new partnership will not only benefit our pupils, but young people across the whole borough. It really does have the potential to transform football across south-east London.’

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Beating of the Bounds Beating of the Bounds is an ancient tradition going back to Anglo-Saxon times when parishes re-affirmed their boundaries by processing around them, stopping at each boundary mark and beating them with willow or birch wands. Maps were uncommon at the time and this was therefore an important way of ensuring that knowledge of boundaries was handed onto the next generation accurately.

Once again this year, St Dunstan's College was delighted to be part of the annual Beating of the Bounds of All Hallows by the Tower whose parish was linked to the one of St Dunstan in the East which is the College's original City connection dating back to 1446.

Students of the College happily obliged and "beat the bounds" as hard as they could - this involved boarding a boat to the middle of the Thames. Head Nick Hewlett led a reflection on Boundary 4 in the gardens of St Dunstan in the East. Thank you also to Dunstonian David Edwards ('83) for going on the walk with other curious Dunstonians.

The official journal of the Dunstonian Association

Celebrating Oxbridge news St Dunstan’s College is delighted to announce six students have been offered places at Oxford and Cambridge.

Speaking about the Oxbridge success, Head Nick Hewlett, said: ‘The whole College is delighted with this news, and many congratulations to the students for their hard work and commitment throughout the application process and as they prepare for their final examinations next term.

‘I also want to thank the Futures team for their support during this period, and we look forward to celebrating all our Sixth Formers’ offers as they come in over the coming weeks. I also look forward to recognising Year 13’s achievements at the Sixth Form Graduation Ceremony next term.’

Samuel, who has been offered to read Classics at Balliol, Oxford, said: ‘I am absolutely thrilled, I cannot wait to immerse myself in Literae Humaniores and be taught by the hefty names that populate my bookshelves.’

He added: ‘My thanks to the school are vast and absolute: without the generous bursary and scholarship that have allowed me to attend St Dunstan’s, I would have never stepped foot in a Latin classroom nor be in a position to apply to Oxford, let alone receive an offer.

‘I am especially grateful to Ms Butryn and her wonderful Classics department - who have unfalteringly shared their passion, encouragement, and support throughout all my time here - as well as the Oxbridge team for being a steady tiller in the deadline sea.’

Dita, who has been offered a place to read English Literature at Corpus Christi, Oxford, said: I was really happy to receive an offer, the interviews had been so enjoyable and so I was just excited at the prospect of being able to continue discussing and learning from these academics.

‘The school has been really thorough in helping us at every stage of the application. Everything was always prepared and thought out well in advance, and we were given lots of guidance for all aspects of the process, from personal statements, to interviews and entrance exams.’

Fiddler on the Roof For nearly 60 years the classic musical 'Fiddler on the Roof' has entertained millions and introduced them to Tevye and his family of daughters. The show explores a world of ethnic cleansing and deeply seated tradition, Tevye has to navigate a changing world for the sake of his family and village. With many themes that still resonate today this musical will be stage in an immersive setting to bring the audience closer to the action than ever before.

Superbly interpreted by a terrific cast, the Great Hall was transformed for a few nights into a village scene with balls of hays, a cart and of course a fiddler…

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COMMEMORATION DAY SOUTHWARK CATHEDRAL Reverend Colin Boswell officiated alongside the Dean of Southwark Cathedral last Friday during our Commemoration Day service at Southwark Cathedral. Newly appointed Mayor of Bromley and Dunstonian Dr David Jefferys ('70) was also in attendance together with his deputy, Dunstonian Peter Dunn ('78).

St Dunstan's College's Commemoration Day was instituted in 1901 by the College's first Headmaster, Charles Stuart, and the Reverend HR Redpath, rector of St Dunstan-in-the-East, to honour the founders and benefactors of the College who donated the land and the funds to set up St Dunstan's College in Catford in 1888.

For many years it was held on St Dunstan's Day which is 19 May, but more recently it has been held on the Friday before the May half-term. Prior to WWII, Commemoration Day was held at St Dunstan-in-the-East where

the College has its roots but sadly the church was very badly damaged during a bombing raid in 1941. The College's CCF contingent also used to march from Cannon Street station to Southwark cathedral, across London Bridge. The tradition lapsed in the 1960s but the tradition of commissioning a special train from Catford Bridge train station to London Bridge station for all students still stands to this day.

Over 100 current benefactors and donors gathered for the service duing which the choral piece especially commissioned by the College from composer and Dunstonian Thomas Hyde ('96) was premiered for the occasion. The Dunstonian who generously funded the commissioned piece, John Nightingale ('64), was also present.

A drinks reception was then held at Mansion House for all benefactors and donors of the College, as is now customary.

The official journal of the Dunstonian Association

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Robin Austin’s memorial service Over 200 members of the Dunstonian community gathered in the Great Hall at the College on Friday 22nd March to celebrate Robin's full and colourful life. Memories of Robin as a teacher, partner, family man and friend abounded, accompanied with much laughter and a few tears.

Ozoemena and Safia RiebSmith, the latter perfroming "Far From The Home I Love" from Fiddler on the Roof, one of Robin's favourite musicals.

Ken, Robin's partner, Naomi, Robin's niece, Rick Bodenham (ex-staff) and Sean Ming ('96) all spoke of Robin's warmth, his wicked sense of humour and how he lit up the lives of everyone he met. The service also included poignant musical contributions from the College's Barbershop Group, Jamie

Although he may not have wanted any fuss, Robin would surely have been proud that his life was remembered in such a fitting and happy way.

Robin, Rest In Peace

Change to Organisational Structure It has been recognised for many years that St Dunstan’s Educational Foundation, as an unincorporated charitable company, presents several strategic and operational limitations.

Given the merger with Rosemead last year and ambitions for further domestic and international growth, as well as to ensure we are better equipped to respond with agility to the upcoming political and economic headwinds, the executive have been working with their legal and financial advisors to undertake a structural review of the organisation.

From September 2024, governors have agreed that a newly incorporated charitable company – St Dunstan’s Education Group Ltd – will be created. It will be governed under articles of association that largely replicate the current arrangements and the governing body will remain the same. There will be some necessary changes to the structure of the executive to allow the Head of the St Dunstan’s Group to push forward our strategy for growth and diversification.

New Chair to the St Dunstan’s Education Group At the end of the 24/25 academic year, Paul Durgan will be stepping down as Chair to St Dunstan’s Educational Foundation after 10 years of distinguished service as a governor, and at

the end of his term. This is a pivotal moment in the history of St Dunstan’s and an opportunity for the incoming Chair to help shape a particularly exciting next phase for the St Dunstan’s Group as it continues to garner a reputation for being one of the leading educational thinkers in the Sector.

The Chair will also be fundamental helping steer the organisation through the financial challenges ahead and the concurrent commercial opportunities.

The recruitment agency, Nurole, has been charged with undertaking this search and we very much hope that Dunstonians will help lead the conversations to find an appropriate successor.

The official journal of the Dunstonian Association

OUR BURSARY CAMPAIGN Help Us Shape Young Lives

It takes just over £20,000 per annum to support a bursary student in the Senior School. Since the launch of our fundraising efforts in 2020, we have raised nearly £1.5m and have a further £250k pledged to us. Our first Telephone Campaign in August 2023 alone raised £100k thanks to the generosity of parents and alumni.

The College’s Development Board, made up of twenty committed alumni benefactors, is funding a full bursary every year and our recent Fundraising Ball in celebration of the College becoming co-educational 30 years ago, has been a resounding success.

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Navdeep Sheera (‘85)

As a student at St Dunstan’s College between 1975 and 1985, I benefited from Bursary support throughout my Middle School and Sixth Form years.

It is the primary reason a child, son of immigrants, from a council estate in Charlton, went to Cambridge University.

I am now back at the College as a Governor and Chair of the Development Board. I would like to pass the baton, so that other students can benefit from the Bursary Fund.

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How to make your gift...

Will You Help Give A Talented Child The Chance Of A St Dunstan’s Education?

Our aim is simple: to raise £5m by 2028 which will coincide with the College’s 140th anniversary.

In this context, large gifts will be transformational, but a collective effort can be just as meaningful

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Cameron (‘23)

For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of becoming a doctor and I am extremely proud to say I have achieved a place at Liverpool Medical School.

Whilst at St Dunstan’s, I was a recipient of an Academic, Music and Sports scholarship alongside a Bursary award, and this huge financial help gave me an entrance to an environment where I could succeed,and which otherwise would not have been available.

The Bursary Fund has been a catalyst for the increasingly diverse student population at the College, allowing bright students from all social groups to experience an environment supporting them to reach whatever aspiration they set their mind to.

St Dunstan’s pledge to provide financial support to any student who reaches the required academic attainment level, shows clearly that the school is committed to the local community and diversity in education. It fills me with pride to know that other children like myself have an institution committed to them, from the day they start, to the day they graduate.

All donations, large or small, are precious and meaningful regardless of the amount.

You can give in a number of ways: • By donating your deposit when asked by the Development Office • By setting up a Direct Debit (top right QR code) • By Match Funding through your place of work - please enquire through your HR department or email Mrs Isabelle Blake-James at: iblakejames@stdunstans.org.uk • By making a single gift, using the QR code, bottom right.

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ducation transforms lives. Expanding the funds we have for bursaries has been a top priority for St Dunstan’s in recent years, as bursaries at the College give academically able children from lower income families the chance of an excellent, and often life-changing, education. Widening access through bursaries is also a key vehicle for improving social mobility and a route towards a more inclusive society.

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UPCOMING EVENTS 28 September 2024 30th Anniversary of becoming co-ed - a Dunstonian Celebration (College) 5 October 2024 South West Reunion Lunch (Exeter)

7-9 March 2025 Battlefields Tour (Ypres)

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29 May 2025 Beating of the Bounds (All Hallows by the Tower) 6 June 2025 Sports Dinner (venue tbc) 21 June 2025 CCF Dinner (Great Hall)

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The official journal of the Dunstonian Association

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Editorial & Design Team: Isabelle Blake-James David Edwards Shea Hollis Jo Langthorne Thank you to all Dunstonians who have generously contributed to the Summer 2024 edition. If you would like to contribute to the Winter edition of The Notes 2024, please send your story or announcement by 1 October 2024 to: dunstonians@stdunstans.org.uk We are particularly interested in receiving items for the scrapbook as well as announcements of engagements, weddings or births – even going back a few years.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin. The Dunstonian Association has bespoke pages with weekly postings.

www.stdunstansenterprises.org.uk 020 8690 1111

Online Shop...

Thank you to everybody who has already ordered a print, some cufflinks or a tote bag from The Dunstonian Association’s online shop. The range will grow in accordance to demand and we are more than happy to add items to the range when needed. All profits are reinvested into The Dunstonian Association, so that it can run a growing list of events.

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