Cross Keys Old Peterite Magazine 2019

A MAGAZINE FOR ALL OLD PETERITES

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Not to be missed

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JOHN COLES Meet the new OP President

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OLD PETERIES Around the world

SPRING 2019

www.stpetersyork.org.uk

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CrossKeys a magazine for all Old Peterites

Welcome It is a pleasure to write my first ‘Welcome’ for Cross Keys and to say thank you for the warm and generous welcome I have received since my appointment last March. St Peter’s is in extremely good heart and good shape with excellent examination results last summer and thriving excellence across sport, music, drama and the full range of activities outside the classroom.

T

he success of St Peter’s was justly recognised by The Sunday Times last autumn with the title of North Independent School of the Year. This award is a fine testament to Leo Winkley’s time as Head Master and I am grateful to him for all he has done for St Peter’s and the supportive handover given to me over the past months.

primarily designed for Modern Languages and Mathematics, is in full use providing fantastic spaces for independent study and group work alongside modern classrooms. It provides a host of additional options and has already been used for events such as regional debating competitions and interactive displays at the recent Stargazing event which saw hundreds of people from the local community enjoying one of the many public lectures hosted at the school.

In making the award, the judges noted that the breadth and depth of education at St Peter’s “develops determined all-rounders capable of contributing to society once they leave, confident in the skills they have acquired at this historic school”. In a fast moving and occasionally uncertain world there can be no better aim of education than this and it certainly makes St Peter’s a vibrant and exciting community in which to live, work and learn.

At the Boat Club Dinner I was also able to announce that the decision has been made to proceed with the long-anticipated new Boat House. The tenders came back in shortly before writing this piece and, all being well, construction will begin in late spring with completion in the autumn. This is a good opportunity to thank the many people who have already made donations to the appeal. Rowing has a long heritage at St Peter’s and the new building will enable us to develop the sport still further with a large number of pupils, staff and parents taking part in rowing. With this publication there is information on how further support will make a significant difference to the project and all contributions will be warmly welcomed.

While exam results are very important in a qualificationdriven society, the range of activities outside the classroom is something which sets St Peter’s apart from other schools. With excellence across all sports, music, art and drama are flourishing alongside CCF and the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme. There is an increasing range of clubs and societies, a diverse lecture programme and the Debating Society is at its strongest for several years meaning that there truly is something for all while the increasingly busy Careers Department keeps our eyes firmly on future destinations.

Holding on to timeless values does not always mean staying still and there has been much to celebrate in recent months. The newly completed Pascal Building,

I am fortunate to inherit St Peter’s in such a strong position and already feel settled and happy thanks to the great teams around me and the positive support I have experienced from OPs, colleagues, Governors, pupils and parents.

There is a tremendous sense of community at St Peter’s and I was very aware of that on Old Peterite Day last September where there was a large gathering of OPs across the ages enjoying a chapel service, tours of

Cover photography credit Andy Falconer, Master of St Olaves Taken on Remembrance Sunday

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School News

North Independent School of the Year St Peter’s School, York, has been named as North Independent School of the Year. The honour was announced in Parent Power, Sunday Times Schools Guide on November 25, following The Sunday Times’ designation of York as Best Place to Live 2018 in March of this year, making St Peter’s officially the best school in the best UK city.

Exam Results the school, and competitive sports fixtures played in positive spirit.

There are a variety of events for OPs in the coming months and I look forward to meeting more of you either in York or further afield – you can be assured of a very warm welcome from your school.

Jeremy Walker Head of St Peter's School

A Fond Farewell In July 2018, after eight years Leo Winkley left St Peter’s School with his family to take up the post of Head at Shrewsbury School.

Leo’s legacy includes a nationally regarded Independent State Schools Partnership Programme, the magnificent Maths and Modern Language building, as well as other campus developments, and a strong bursary programme offering opportunities to all.

The School’s strong reputation and firm financial footing, not to mention the memories, experiences, successes and relationships formed by the pupils, teachers and support staff Leo brought into the St Peter’s community are just some of the reasons that we have to be grateful for the part Leo played in the history of St Peter’s.

Pupils at St Peter’s can now choose whether to take A Levels only, or combine A level examinations with the esteemed Cambridge Pre-U examinations, which are benchmarked to A Level standards but offer an extended scoring range to reward high achievers.

2018 Upper Sixth Form pupils received excellent exam results with 83% of grades awarded at A*-B for A Level, or at the Pre-U equivalent grades.

More than one in five - 22% - of all exams were passed at A* or at the Pre-U equivalent grades. Over one quarter of pupils – 34 from a cohort of 120 - passed every exam at A* or A, or at the Pre-U equivalent grades.

Fifth Form pupils also celebrated their exam results securing 44% of all GCSE and iGCSE grades at A* or 9-8. Changes this year saw seven subjects assessed using the new 9-1 scale, and more than a quarter of all grades awarded in those subjects were at 9, equivalent to a high A*.

The national percentage of Grade 9s awarded was 4%.

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CrossKeys a magazine for all Old Peterites

School News

Pascal Building Five minutes with Paddy Stephen Mr Stephen (or as he is more commonly known, Paddy) has been a familiar face around the school for over 30 years and has taught generations of Peterites. He has, by now, become somewhat of a staple to pupils both old and new, and so we took the opportunity to interview him about his life at St Peter’s.

What is the naughtiest thing a pupil has ever done?

Many years ago, I think probably working at The Exhibition pub, whilst they were still a student, running the lock-ins. We suspect that he had been working in the pub for several months whilst he was doing his A-levels before he was ever found out.

How has St Peter’s changed whilst you have been here? Was it for the better or worse?

Immeasurably for the better.

When it went fully mixed in 1987 it was very much a boys’ school, but over the last decade or so it has become a proper co-educational school.

It is by far the best thing that has ever happened to it.

Named after Blaise Pascal, the French inventor, mathematician and physicist (1623–1662) the new Maths and Modern Foreign Languages building brings a fantastic new addition to the site that once housed the Scott and Grove buildings.

The building opened for use for pupils in September 2018 and has already transformed the classroom and teaching spaces for the pupils and teachers.

The addition of a sixth form learning centre has created additional space for pupils to work both collaboratively and independently, as work demands, in a purpose built space.

What would you like to be remembered for?

I think being honest. I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve and just be honest about what I feel is very important to me.

What advice would you give to anyone leaving St Peter's?

Pupils and staff are delighted with the new addition which has lighter and brighter class rooms and brings a contemporary addition to the campus.

Clifton Dining Room

Remember your friends.

It’s a wonderful place to be educated, you make great friends and I think that staying connected is very important.

Probably the biggest thing is to use the opportunities you’ve been given; just don’t leave it all behind.

With thanks to Anna Geddes and Georgie Lawrence (current pupils)

The addition of a new dining room has brought the dining facilities in line with the rest of the fantastic buildings at Clifton.

Work took place over the summer holidays of 2018 to create a more open and flexible space for cooking, service and eating and was opened to pupils in February 2019.

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Debating A highlight of the debating calendar is the annual debating dinner, this year’s Valentine’s Day theme gave rise to the opportunity for a spirited debate with the motion ‘This House believes that romance is dead’, which, I am delighted to report, was decisively rejected. The dinner also provided a great opportunity to celebrate recent achievements such as reaching the regional final of the English Speaking Union’s MACE and Churchill debates, and the final of the Oxford Union Society's annual schools' competition, the largest British Parliamentary school-level debating competition in the world.

With thanks to Anna Williams (current pupil) *Don’t miss our new event for 2019 – School vs.

OP debate on Saturday 4th May at 1pm*

Top Schools for Cricket

St Peter’s School and St Olave’s School were nationally recognised in November as two of the top schools for cricket in the country. The Cricketer Magazine selected St Peter’s and St Olave’s as one of the ‘Top 100 Secondary Schools’ and ‘Top 50 Junior Schools’ respectively. The inclusion of both schools follows a thorough process with schools being judged for the quality of coaching, the range of fixtures, the extent of facilities and the overall quality of cricket.

Public Lectures The St Peter's Public Lecture Programme has been a staple part of the school environment for many years with Old Peterites, current students and many people in York enjoying opening their horizons to a wide array of speakers.

It has been a pleasure to speak with Ben Fuller, the organiser of the public lecture series. Of all the lectures, his personal favourite is Iby Knill (Auschwitz survivor); she’s the most memorable person he’s invited to speak as her story is utterly amazing and traumatic. Some of his other favourites as a politics teacher are not surprising. We’ve had Sir Vince Cable, leader of the Liberal Democrats, and we’ve had Alan Johnson, a leading labour cabinet minister from the Blair era. The future could be exciting: a former prime minister, perhaps David Cameron after he’s finally finished his book.

I urge you to look at this term’s Public Lecture Program and do go as all the speakers are enthralling and there is always something for everybody.

With thanks to Ellen Storey (current pupil) For a list of all coming public lectures and to join the mailing list please visit: www.stpetersyork.org.uk/public_lectures

Netball Teams Celebrate Success

Tennis Coach Wins Lifetime Achievement Award

St Peter’s netball teams celebrated successes in November qualifying for Regional Rounds of the National Schools Netball Competition- a tremendous effort out of season. On Saturday 10th November three netball teams, the Under 14s, Under 16s and Under 19s secured their places to represent St Peter’s at this stage of the national competition – the first time all three age groups have secured Regional representation at any one time.

Margaret Whitehead has been announced as the winner of the 2018 Yorkshire Lifetime Achievement Award from Yorkshire Tennis and the Lawn Tennis Association. She will now represent Yorkshire in the regional finals in March, with the winner going on to the Nationals at Wimbledon in 2019.

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CrossKeys a magazine for all Old Peterites

Who we are

Development & Alumni

Philippa and Sue make up the Development and Alumni Team at St Peter’s. Their role is to support the activity of the wider St Peter’s Community including Old Peterites, former staff and the friends and supporters of the School, running a programme of events designed to help members of the community stay in touch with the School and each other.

They also carry out fundraising work on behalf of the School. Fundraising helps to support our vital fee assistance programme and development of our beautiful campus and outstanding facilities. As recent generations of pupils have benefitted from the historic generosity of others, we hope that our community will help us to pay that generosity forward, and support projects for current and future generations.

What we do • Tours and visits of the School, available throughout the year • Support organising events or reunions • Contacting Old Peterites or former staff to reconnect • Update your details • Share your news with the Old Peterite Community • Contact us to make a gift to support the School • Help with how to leave a gift in your will • Contact us for other ways you can support the School e.g. careers talks

The Marlene Sandor Bursary Award Thanks to the generosity of those of you who supported our appeal, in February 2019 we were able to award The Marlene Sandor Bursary Award to an 11-18 day pupil, who will start at St Peter’s in September 2019. Without your support they wouldn’t be able to attend St Peter’s and this bursary is a fitting tribute to the years of service and dedication Marlene showed the School and our community.

The Boathouse We are delighted to announce that work will begin on the Boathouse at Easter. Final approval was given by the Governors in February for work to commence on the lower boathouse, which will significantly improve the facilities and improve the experience of rowing for our pupils.

There is still the opportunity to ‘sponsor a brick’ and make your mark on St Peter’s School history, or indeed make a larger donation to the project. You can complete and return the donation form included with this magazine with your preferred inscription. To make sure your brick appears on the new boathouse you need to have confirmed your donation no later than Monday 27th May 2019. If you have any questions about the Boathouse or making a donation, please contact Philippa using the details on the back page of this magazine.

The 627 Society was established to recognise our generous donors who have committed to supporting Help with Fees on a regular basis. Each year the School is able to support around 30 students with the funds raised by 627 Society and support from the School.

Each year the number of requests for support of Help With Fees increases, and we cannot meet the demand. Our aim is to increase the support we are able to offer and we need your help. If each Old Peterite reading this magazine was to commit to £6.27 each month, we would be able to raise over £300,000 in support of Help With Fees.

Your donation can help transform the life of a pupil who otherwise wouldn’t have access to a St Peter’s education.

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Events

The Rise 100 We were delighted to be joined

by Old Peterites, parents, current and former staff and pupils of The Rise on Sunday 13th May 2018 to celebrate the centenary of the House.

Old Peterites travelled from near and far, all over the UK and even all the way from New Zealand, to join us for this very special occasion.

The occasion was marked with the planting of 'The Rise Rose' by our oldest Risite in attendance, Ian Warrington (1945 - 50) and our youngest, Monica. The Rise cake, in the shape of the House, was cut by Charlotte, who celebrated her birthday on the same day.

Thank you to all who attended.

Remembrance Sunday 2018 St Peter’s School held a service on 11th November 2018, to mark the centenary of the end of WW1 and to remember those who gave their lives in service to our country.

John Armstrong, St Peter's Archivist, has to date identified 67 known pupils who fought, where they served and the circumstances of their death. Named crosses were laid in the horseshoe as a tribute to those known Old Peterites who gave their lives and the 67 names were read out in the chapel to remember them.

Pupils and the School Community were invited to send photos of their relatives who have served in the forces, which were used to form a display in the ante-chapel.

The Archives Team also put together a display in The Memorial Hall, including more detail on those Old Peterites who served in the Forces.

OP Day 2018 We were delighted to welcome back Old Peterites and their families, as well as current pupils and their parents, to School to celebrate all things St Peter's on Saturday 1st September 2018.

The day was packed full of activities with tours, including a first look at the Pascal Building, our new Maths and Modern Foreign Languages facility, our Chapel Service and an afternoon with the annual hockey, netball and rugby matches between the retiring captains’ teams and current School teams.

Photography credit John Armstrong

To commemorate the end of the Great War, Giles Nightingale piped out all our players on the 1st XV rugby pitch, as we remembered those who gave their lives for our country with a minute's silence.

As the rugby drew to a close, School took the trophy again for the fifth consecutive year. Dr Alastair Dunn made the 2018 award to the School Team Captains and all the players were rewarded for taking part with a St Peter's School OP Day medal.

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Old Peterite Events 2019 Saturday 4th May OP vs School Debating Lunch St Peter's School

Tuesday 5th November Fireworks St Peter's School

Saturday 10th May 1st VI vs OP Tennis St Peter's School

Friday 8th November OP Newcastle Dinner Café 21

Friday 17th May 60th Annual East Riding Dinner Bell Hotel, Driffield

Monday 2nd December Advent Service Chapel, St Peter's School

Sunday 19th May Donor Garden Party St Peter's School

Sunday 13th December Nine Lessons and Carols followed by mulled wine York Minster

Thursday 4th and 5th July School vs OP Cricket St Peter's School Thursday 4th July Wine and Strawberries St Peter's School Saturday 31st August OP Day and Class of 1989 Reunion (Other reunion years welcome!)

St Peter's School Tuesday 8th October OP Pub Quiz The Earl of Pitt Street, Newcastle

Golf

Saturday 21st December OP Drinks (Now open to all OPs!) York Further details for the events, including how to register can be found on the website at: www. stpetersyork.org.uk/foundation_ alumni/alumni_events Details of all our events including how to sign-up are sent regularly by email.

Biggest Event of the Calendar Saturday 31st August OP Day St Peter's School OP Day sees the whole School Community come together for tours, our Foundation Chapel Service, sports matches, the OP AGM, Year group reunions and fun for all the family with activities for the children, including a family swim session (new for 2019!) bouncy castle and with a variety of refreshments served throughout the day. Why not take this opportunity to come back and revisit the School…

Everyone welcome!

Hockey

Sunday 12th May Grafton Morrish Northern Qualifying Fixby Hall Golf Club, Huddersfield Wednesday 26th June Old Peterites vs Old Giggleswickians Moortown Golf Club, Leeds Friday 12th July Old Peterites vs Old Ashvillians Oakdale Golf Club, Harrogate Friday 30th August Old Peterites Golf Day York Golf Club, Strensall Thursday 3rd – Sunday 6th October Grafton Morrish Finals Hunstanton and Royal West Norfolk Golf Clubs Players wishing to take part can contact Andrew Miller (Queens 2000 – 2005) at ajmiller1986@ hotmail.co.uk

The Pandas had a great 4 – 1 victory against the City of York Hockey Club on Boxing Day 2018 with over 17 Pandas playing including three generations of the Todd Family.

Fixtures The Pandas will be playing at Skegness in the annual Easter Hockey Festival from 19th – 22nd April. All spectators will be welcome.

The annual Pandas Dinner will also be run The Pandas run men’s, women’s and in May. mixed teams. New players and supporters are warmly welcomed. Contact the Nick Kay Alumni Office to be put in touch with the Pandas.

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Old Peterites Reconnect

Reunions

Classes of 1988 and 1998 As part of the OP Day Celebrations we were delighted to welcome back the Classes of 1988 and 1998, who enjoyed many of the matches and activities throughout OP Day, followed by separate reunions in the evening with drinks and a buffet in the Library for the Class of 1998, and festivities in ‘The Ex’ and to Kennedy’s Bar in York for the Class of 1988. *If you want to enquire about holding a reunion for your year group, house or club, Philippa and Sue are on hand to help!*

Reunion Tips Whether you fancy getting together with Old Peterites from your year group or Old Peterites with a shared interest, we can help you put together an event either at the School or in another location.

Part of our role is to support OP activities, we can contact Old Peterites, send out invitations on your behalf, and support you with the logistics of organising your event.

Ingredients of a successful reunion: • Invitations have a better response from fellow Old Peterites – It's great to have a point of contact who people recognise • Consider possible dates and contact School for availability • Set up a group via WhatsApp or Facebook to get people on board • Look for old photos and share with the group (we are always happy to set up a display!)

• Generate lots of excitement and announce your date and plans for your event • Keep sharing who is attending, it's always nice to know there will be familiar faces there • Create new memories with old friends at your event

Invitation to the 1989 Reunion “Dear Class of ’89 (and ’87 for those of you that left in the 5th form of that year).

I have been trying to get together as many of us as possible for the OP day this year (Saturday 31st August). It will be a great opportunity to catch up and reminisce about the fun we had at Peter's, the great evenings at the Exhibition and perhaps revisiting the “Monkey Cage” to pretend we are all young again.

If you plan to attend, please contact Sue Jenks at s.jenks@stpetersyork.org.uk so that she can get a feel for numbers. I will coordinate with her, chase people up as well as contacting you with some options for the evening and we can take things from there. I hope you will come – it will be a great day and evening.

Look forward to seeing you there.

Mark Mutter (The Manor 1984 – 1989)”

• Take plenty of photos!

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CrossKeys a magazine for all Old Peterites

Passings We are very sad to inform you of the death of these members of our Community. Obituaries are published on our website where available; we welcome your submissions and memories.

Mr Geoffrey E Sherwin 2016 (Fellow 1991)

Mr Ian R Pullan 1958-2018 (School House 1971 – 1976)

Mr Gordon C Norris 1926-2016 (School House 1939 – 1945)

Mr David G Senior 1955-2018 (Queen's 1969 – 1974)

Peter D R Gardiner

Mr John A Dent 1920-2017 (The Rise 1932 – 1937)

Mr Ian F Bartlett 1957-2018 (Queen's 197o – 1973)

1927 – 2019

Lt Col Anthony A Camfield 1930-2017 (The Rise 1942 – 1948)

Miss Katherine M Hannah 1991-2018 (Queen's 2004 – 2009)

Mr Noel D Welford 1927-2018 (School House 1942 – 1944)

Dr John R Maxwell 1940-2018 (Grove 1953 – 1957)

Mr Roger F Coates 1937-2018 (The Rise 1951 – 1956)

Mr William J Burdass 1933-2018 (The Rise 1946 – 1951)

Mr Frederick E Dennis 1928-2018 (Temple 1939 – 1944)

Mr Alexander Brining 1945-2018 (Temple 1958 – 1962)

Mr Guy E King-Reynolds 1923-2018 (Temple 1937 – 1942)

Mr Robin C Groves 1930-2018 (School House 1945 – 1949)

Mr Geoffrey H Dodsworth 1928-2018 (Temple 1940 – 1945)

Mr Derek Welford 1927-2018 (School House 1942 – 1944)

Mr John C Hilton 1929-2018 (School House 1942 – 1947)

Mr William P Anelay 1927-2019 (The Rise 1940 – 1945)

Mr David A Haxby 1934-2018 (The Rise 1947 – 1953)

Mr Peter DR Gardiner 2019 (Head Master 1967 – 1979)

Dr John D Swale 1928-2018 (Temple 1943 – 1946)

Ms Georgina Terry 2019 (Former Staff)

Mr David M Raymond 1946-2018 (Temple 1960-1963)

Mr James R Hewitt 1962-2019 (The Grove 1975 – 1980)

Mr Ernest G Brown 1930-2018 (The Rise 1943 – 1948)

Mr Richard T Middleton 1944 – 2019 (School House 1957 – 1960)

Mr Frederick B Hudson 1937-2018 (The Rise 1950 – 1954)

Mr Sheldon Bonner 2019 (Former Staff)

Mr Peter R Sykes 1928-2018 (The Rise 1942 – 1947)

Mr William R Ibberson 1936 – 2019 (The Rise 1949 – 1954)

Head Master 1967 – 1979 “It has sometimes been said that it is impossible to be both a gentleman and a good headmaster, but at St. Peter's the dilemma has not existed: we remember him as both.”

The above sentence, penned

by Leslie LeTocq (Deputy Head at St Peter’s for many years) is taken from his tribute to Peter in The Peterite, published in 1979, the term after Peter’s departure from the school.

Peter died on 5 February 2019, leaving behind Juliet – his wife for nearly 60 years – children, grandchildren and a great grandchild. He will be sadly missed by many generations of Peterites.

The family plans to hold a memorial service for Peter, further details will follow from the Development and Alumni Office.

A fuller version of this obituary prepared by Barry Creasy (The Manor 1971–1976) and Howard Gatiss (Queen's 1971–1976) is available on the School website.

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OP Club

Meet the new OP President...

John Coles (School House 1959 – 1963) I was born in 1946 above Barclays Bank in Kettering – my Father worked for Barclays Bank all his life – we were ultimately moved to Peterborough where the family came to rest and I was advised by my parents that it would be a good idea to ship me off to York at the age of 7, where my brother David and my cousins were educated, the three Baker boys, to board starting in Alcuin and concluding my period of time in School House at St Peter's.

M

y life at St Peter's was ruled rather than in the academic sense, more by the sporting facilities and participation – rugby was my main love but I also enjoyed the cricket. In those days you had to play hockey in the Easter Term if you had opted to play cricket.

When I left St Peter's in 1963, I am delighted to say I managed to equip myself with 4 ‘O’ levels, one of which was Maths. However, the one missing in order to pursue my career as a chartered surveyor, was English Language – I took this three times the following year, on three different examining boards and I am pleased to report I achieved two passes!!

I attended Norman, Wright and Partners auctioneers and property advisors in Peterborough, as an articled clerk for three years then I left to go to college in Bournemouth. After three wonderful years at Bournemouth, I came to Newark following my dream of being a cattle auctioneer!! Coming to Newark meant that I was quite near to York and therefore was able to attend the odd Old Peterite event and also accompany my brother, David, (who sadly passed away last year) who would give me a lift to school events.

investments and that has been my life since then and now own my own portfolio.

My brother was a president of the Old Peterite Club a few years ago and I am delighted to have kept the family tradition going by serving the OP club this year. I feel it’s a great honour to be OP President and I look forward to continuing attendance at dinners and events.

One of my aims, as it has been of some of my predecessors, is to try and encourage young Old Peterites to join and participate. With the help of the School, I am engaging with all Peterites in the latter stages of their school life to see what they want out of an Old Peterite Club and in particular the reunions with the friends they have gained whilst being at St Peter's and hopefully maintain that relationship through the OP Club.

I am very grateful and honoured to be president of the Old Peterite Club but I would like to see more Old Peterites at Dinners and functions to ensure that the club continues to prosper.

John Coles OP Club President

I ceased my auctioneering career to advise on residential/commercial property

The OP Club All Old Peterites are members of the Old Peterite Club. The Club is run by a committee which consists of Old Peterites, the Head Master and the School’s Development & Alumni Manager, who acts as the Secretary to the Club. The Club holds three meetings a year, and it works with the School to support a programme of OP events, including annual OP Dinners in Newcastle, and the East and West Riding. Committee members also volunteer at events such as OP Day.

The OP Club needs you!

Do you have the drive to make a difference and create the future from your past?

We are looking for Old Peterites who want to create the future of the Old Peterite Club by giving something back.

A volunteer is being sought for President of the Old Peterite Club. This term is a two year commitment commencing from 2020 – 2022.

You must have the willingness to commit to attending regional dinners and key Old Peterite events as well as termly Committee meetings and the AGM. Please register your interest with the Honorary Secretary of the OP Club, Philippa Dunford-Jeffs; p.dunfordjeffs@stpetersyork. org.uk or on 01904 527 363.

The deadline for applications is 30th April 2019.

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CrossKeys a magazine for all Old Peterites

Alan Mak (MP)

OP news

A Return to School

Jess Fox

Adventures on the High Seas

Sixth Formers were delighted to welcome back Old Peterite turned MP Alan Mak (Clifton 1997 – 2002) for lunch in September 2018.

Alan moved from Queen Anne’s Grammar School (now St Olave’s) to St Peter’s in 1997 and went on to read Law at Peterhouse, Cambridge. Ten years in law and business followed, combined with charity work, before becoming MP for Havant in 2015 and winning re-election in 2017.

Jess Fox (School House 2011 – 2016) has done a great job of keeping the School updated with her adventures, and her latest travel plans – which happen to complement her studies of ‘Marine Biology and Oceanography’ at Bangor University - are no exception.

Jess’s passion for sailing started in 2012, whilst at St Peter’s School, when she had the opportunity to join the tall ship ‘STS Lord Nelson’.

Since then she has also sailed on the ‘SV Tenacious’ – where she took this fantastic picture of the ship anchored in Fiji. Her most recent voyage was between May and July last year on board ‘Bark EUROPA’ during which she sailed as one of the three marine research scientists for 56 days.

There are many more adventures to come as Jess is currently preparing to round off her second year at university and join ‘Bark EUROPA’ again this year for another summer full of seafaring discoveries. You can read about Jess’s adventures in more detail at: www.stpetersyork.org.uk/old-peterites

Sam Dickinson

There was a wide range of questions from students who wanted to know Alan’s thoughts on Brexit, the Conservative Party leadership and the future for young people in an age of technological change.

Alan is working as part of the team at the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and about to write a book about the Fourth Industrial Revolution so energetically outlined a positive vision of opportunity for the next generation, backed by training.

Greg Wise

Visit and Public Lectures Old Peterite Greg Wise (Queen's 1979 – 1984) returned to St Peter’s to take part in the popular public lecture series at St Peter’s School.

Greg touched briefly on his life since leaving St Peter’s and his acting career in TV, film and theatre. The main focus of the lecture was on the blog he completed for his sister Clare, published after her death as ‘Not That Kind of Love’. Greg brought a realistic outlook to an often taboo subject, with humour dropped in to all the right places. Greg followed the lecture with a book signing and a popular photo session in the Dining Hall with some of his former teachers!

World Triathlon Silver Old Peterite Sam Dickinson (The Manor 2011 - 2015) earned the first British Elite medal of the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final Gold Coast in September 2018, with Silver in the 2018 ITU Triathlon U23 World Championship. His victory, just four years after his introduction to the sport, follows a series of medals, including silver at the ETU European Championships in 2016. p 11

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Chris Burn

The Three Bears Foundation Old Peterite Chris Burn (Clifton 2008 – 2013) along with 8 of his friends from St Peter’s School and University (Will, Nick and Eddie Stephen, Joe Swales, Teddy Hustler, Emma Hargreaves and Will Booth) ran in a variety of races in 2018, including the Great North Run, Cardiff Half Marathon and finally the TCS New York City Marathon: all to raise awareness and funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

The Three Bears Foundation is currently being set up in memory of his mother Jane Burn and wife of OP Mark Burn (Temple 1973-1978). To date Chris, Mark, fellow Old Peterites and friends have raised almost £65,000 for the foundation and for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Our newest Old Peterites

Welcome to the Class of 2018

How do you Wear Yours?

OP Harry Gration (Queen’s 1965 – 1969) Receives honorary doctorate from York St John University in November

Lorna Wood & Charles Marshall

OP chance meeting in Tikli Bottom!

Lorna Wood (Dronfield 1986) and Charles Marshall (Grove 1983) met in Tikli Bottom, south of New Delhi, India. Lorna lives in New Delhi and Charles had been visiting whilst volunteering with a group of Scouts, helping to build a classroom for a local school.

Don’t miss the chance to purchase your very own Old Peterite socks, along with other exclusive St Peter’s School merchandise available only from Sue Jenks, in the Development and Alumni Office.

You can view the merchandise available online at: www.stpetersyork.org.uk/OldPeterites/ OPmerchandise When your socks arrive don’t forget to send us a picture!

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CrossKeys a magazine for all Old Peterites

OPs Around the World Read profiles online at www.stpetersyork.org.uk/aroundtheworld Christine Kelly Age 47

Year you left St Peter's 1989 Industry/Profession Entrepreneur Length of time in Canada 10 years

Laura Eastwood Age 32

Year you left St Peter's 2005 Industry/Profession Grocery Buyer

Paul Thompson

Length of time in the UK 32 years

Age 47

Year you left St Peter's 1989 Industry/Profession Neuroscientist Length of time in the USA 26 years

Louise Morales (Adams) Age 58

Year you left St Peter's 1978

Keep in touch Our community continues to grow each year and you are part of an amazing global network of Old Peterites.

Industry/Profession Teaching/Architecture/ Interior Design Length of time in Paris (4yrs), London (4yrs), York (4yrs) and now Cabourg, Normandie (20yrs)

Remember to update your details to stay in touch with St Peter’s School, we always love to hear your news, and your stories, so do send on anything you are willing to share!

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Old Peterite Statistics

Did you know?

18 to 96

54

2,391

4,822

74% | 26%

Years of age

Countries covered

Known Professions

Total Contactable OPs

Male | Female

Ian Gray Age 64

Year you left St Peter's 1973 Industry/Profession Hospitality Length of time in UK (2yrs), Europe (3yrs), Middle East (2yrs), S.E. Asia (33 yrs working) and now Phillipines (retired since 2015)

Ben Oakley Age 41

Year you left St Peter's 1996 Industry/Profession Recruitment/ Executive Search Length of time in Australia About 15 years

Old Peterites by continent Africa

13

Asia

61

Oceania

71

Europe

4511

North America

92

Latin America & The Caribbean

3

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CrossKeys a magazine for all Old Peterites

Archives

Then and Now...

We interviewed some Old Peterites to gather their memories of times past, with a focus on the uniform.

Major Richard Emmett (Temple 1944 - 1949) attended St Peter’s during the Second World War and fondly remembered his days spent wearing the distinctive brown blazer. He spoke of how in a time of clothing coupons and rationing, uniform was received well and largely without complaint. He reminisced about the sporting life of St Peter’s, particularly rowing which he thoroughly enjoyed, even during the holidays.

Being a member of Temple House, Richard remembered the day and boarding pupils as being largely segregated, except during winter timetable – which he was surprised to learn we still endure - when all pupils would have tea together in school.

It was an honour speaking with Sophie Councell (Dronfield 1987-1991) who divulged what some of the first girls wore as a uniform. It was composed

of a flannelly cream blouse, dark brown skirt paired with brown shoes. Additionally, girls also had the pleasure of wearing a dark brown Guernsey cardigan which apparently was itchy, hot and not comfortable in any way. Charming!

Sophie also spoke of how it was school rules to keep your jacket on. Interestingly this tradition persists in some form today. At St Olave’s I remember asking permission to take my blazer off in a classroom and the school firmly wanted students to wear their full uniform when outside of the school grounds as to hold up the school image. The school, though evolving into 2019, still stands on age old traditions of a brown uniform and impeccably dressed pupils at all times!

With thanks to Clara Wright with Georgie Lawrence and Rosie McLeish (current pupils)

Tell us more...

Can you help us clarify when the Harris Tweed Jacket or brown blazers were worn throughout the school year? Varying reports indicate winter vs. summer, or the brown blazer being worn for more formal occasions.

Ian Lancaster and John Armstrong have continued their work as regular volunteers in the Archives. We are delighted to welcome questions and queries about the School and its history, as well as receive high quality copies or originals of photos, reports, essays, textbooks and also examples of uniform and memorabilia from our School’s past. Please also contact us if you would be happy for us to record any history or memories of your time at the School, which are hugely important to our archive.

Ian and John can be contacted at archives@stpetersyork.org.uk

York Civic Trust Awards, Yeld Blue Plaque

If you can help please email: archives@stpetersyork.org.uk

Contact the Development and Alumni team Philippa Dunford-Jeffs Development and Alumni Manager T: 01904 527 363 E: p.dunfordjeffs@stpetersyork.org.uk Sue Jenks Alumni and Development Officer T: 01904 527 322 E: s.jenks@stpetersyork.org.uk

An ongoing project at St Peter’s School culminated in the award of a blue plaque from the York Civic Trust on 7 July 2018 recognising the work of George Yeld, explorer and hybridiser of daylilies who taught at St Peter’s School for 52 years, retiring in 1919.

George Yeld lived in Clifton Cottage, which is now the music school, where the plaque now hangs. Plans are to populate the Music School garden with as many varieties of Yeld’s daylilies as possible.

For news, events and updates please like and follow: St Peter’s School OPs @StPetersOPs p 15

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