Chronicle 2013

Old

MILLFIELDIAN SOCIETY

CHRONICLE 2013

OLYMPIC HEROES

OM gold medalLists Helen Glover and Peter Wilson honoured on commemorative stamps

2 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

Contents 2013 RONICLE OMS CH

E 2013 L IC N O R CH

Old

IETY IAN SOC MILLFIELD

INTRODUCTION

reunions and events

4 Letter from the Chairman

46 Coming Home to Joan’s Kitchen

5 Secretary’s Report

47 First Summer Tea Party

6 News from the Headmaster

48 Class of 2007 and 70s Hop

7 Diary Dates

49 Chairman’s Summer BBQ and

society news 8 OM of the Year 2012

The Nissen Club

51 18th Annual Golf Day and

Millfield Golfing Society

11 Distinguished Old Millfieldians

53 Squash: Marian Speed Day

12 Millfield Olympian Dinner

54 Hockey: Chris Mantell’s

14 Old Millfieldians at the 2012

56 Millfield 21 Club

London Olympics

Retirement Match

16 Millfield International

EROenEgSlOver and PeateMrPs PICllH st Hel OLYOM Orative a ists ld Med cOMMeM OM g red On HOnOu WilsOn

Cover picture: OM Olympic Gold Medallists Helen Glover and Peter Wilson were featured on commemorative postage stamps following their victories. Full story on page 14

Association Overseas

millfield memories

Branch Reports

57 Late Night Tea and Charcoal

19 UK Branch Reports and UK

58 The Tucker Interview with

Branch Officials

Roland Rudd

20 Overseas Branch Officials

60 OMS in the Early Days

22 OMS Careers Convention

62 Edgarley Hall:

23 Leavers’ Presentation

24 Trust Fund Reports

63 Millfield: the Swimming Pool

Facts Behind the Faces

Editor: John Davies

26 Millfield Professional Groups

Assistant Editor: Michelle Edwards

27 Millfield Foundation – Letter from

sports clubs

Office Manager: Marion O’Neill

64 Old Millfieldian Cricket Club

Archivists: Roger Parsons, Dick Shilton

30 Births and Marriages

65 Old Millfieldian Golfing Society

Design and Production: Richard

31 OM News Directory 2012

66 Old Millfieldian Squash Club

Charnley

36 Obituaries

67 Millfield Old Boys

39 Serving the Millfield Community

Contributors: John Graveney, Craig

the Chairman

Rugby Football Club

Worldwide OM News

Considine, Ian McLean, Rebecca Walker-Jones, Amy Taylor, Gary

millfield update

70 The Arts

Shayler, Louise Lang, Professor RKF

41 Bursar’s Report

74 Sporting News

Clark, Piers Denning, Edward Finley,

42 News from the School

81 Millfield Miscellany

Lawrence Selby, Duncan Goodhew

MBE, Barry Hobson, Isabelle Westbury,

44 Two Schools’ News

Development Office OMS SHOP

Mark Suddaby, Claire Thompson, Kate

88 Old Millfieldian Society Shop

Brown, Mike and Lynsay Mills, Nicola

Walther, Marie-Louise Manly, Lizzie Coates, Peter Martin, Jonah Barrington, Richard Champion, Rod Speed, Simon Mantell, Bruce McLean, Malcolm Tucker, Laura Boardman, Nick Brothers, Steve Illingworth, Alan Burns, John Brake, Tom Acland, John Mallett, Giles Legg,

and Photo Service

OMS Office Staff (left to right): Dick Shilton, Michelle Edwards, John Davies, Marion O’Neill and Roger Parsons

Andrew Bunbury, Ian Cole Old Millfieldian Society, Millfield, Street, Somerset BA16 0YD Tel: +44 (0) 1458 444368 E-mail: office@omsociety.com Website: www.omsociety.com Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 3

Introduction

Letter from the Chairman John Graveney (1961*-67; Hollies)

I

took over as the Chairman of the OM Society in March last year and, firstly, would like to thank Rod Speed for his sterling efforts, time and continued enthusiasm in this role over the past three years. It was an incredibly hard act to follow, due to his extensive knowledge of the school and OMS, but I have enjoyed the task immensely and hope that I can continue in the same vein in this privileged role, and I am very much looking forward to the remainder of my three-year term.

The first year has been a very busy one and I have been extremely happy to have attended many events in my capacity as Chairman. The first event was probably the largest, with the

Olympian Dinner on 30th March, where considerable monies were raised for the Millfield Foundation which will enable us to provide scholarships for underprivileged children. My grateful thanks go to Laurence Davis and Louise Lang, and their compatriots, for organising such a wonderful night and to the 15 Olympians who attended. The last year has also seen the setting up of several professional groups – Legal, Marketing and Communications and Property, and the reinstatement of our Midlands Branch.

I would like to thank the Headmaster, the Bursar and the Development Director for their continued support of the OMS, especially with our attempts to increase funds in the RJOM Fund for scholarships for the children of OMs. Indeed, we were able to assist a sixth former in the past year and this is something we would like to do on a regular basis.

The summer’s Olympics and Paralympics were spectacular events and congratulations to Duncan Goodhew, the Foundation Chairman, who played a pivotal role in organising the games. Congratulations to the eight Old Millfieldians and one current pupil who took part, especially Helen Glover and Peter Wilson on their gold medals.

Finally I would like to thank Marion O’Neill and Michelle Edwards for their hard work in the office. Special mention needs to be made of John Davies, whose dedication and passion to spread the wings of the OMS never fails to amaze me.

I look forward to seeing you at some of the many forthcoming events during 2013, details can be found on page 7.

Millfield Governors Sir John Reith, KCB, CBE, Chair

Mr Marc A L Simon (1970-75; Holmcroft)

Mr William J Bushell (1971-73; Walton)

Mr Rod Speed (1964-66; Day)

Mr Richard J R Clark

Mr Oliver Tant

Mrs Clare Cripps (née Swindall) (1965-68; Ashcott)

Mr Timothy Taylor,

Mrs Christobel Flood

Former Headmaster, Millfield Prep School

Mr Christopher H Hirst, MA

Mr Robert P Thornton

Mr John H Jackson

Mr Roger S Trafford

Mr Atul A Patel (1962-67; Shapwick)

Mr David S Williamson

Mr Michael W Roulston, MBE Mrs Anabel Sexton (née Lewis) (1980*-87; Oaklands),

Mrs Rachel Summerhayes

Deputy Chair of Governors

Secretary and Clerk to the Governors

4 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

Members of the OM Society Board and Advisory Committee 2012: left to right, John Davies, Amy Taylor, Vince Douglas, Louise Lang, Nikki Della Valle, Sarah Bailey, Andy Kemp-King, Rod Speed, John Graveney, Sarah Champion, Andrew Jackson, Bob Clark

Secretary’s Report

Board and Advisory Committee BOARD Directors John Graveney

(1961*-67; Hollies)

John Davies Judith Balding

(1970-73; Southfield)

Robert Clark

(1960-65; Etonhurst)

Andy Kemp-King

(1963*-71; Day)

Rod Speed

(1964-66; Day)

Malcolm Tucker

(1961-65; Millfield)

Chairman/Treasurer Former Staff/Secretary

Governor Representative

Officials Jonathan Ebsworth

(1977-79; Walton)

Andrew Jackson

(1982-86; Day)

Louise Lang

(1995-97; Day)

Chair, London Branch

Ex Officio Craig Considine

Headmaster

Ian McLean

Development Director

ADVISORY COMMITTEE Sarah Bailey

(1974-76; Day)

Chair, South West Branch

Julia Burton

(1970-74; Johnson’s)

Chair, Midlands Branch

Sarah Champion

Former Head, MPS Chairman, Scottish Branch

Stuart Crawford

(1972-73; Day)

Laurence Davis

(1974-77; Hollies)

Nikki Della Valle

(1986*-94; Day)

Vince Douglas

(1975-81; Day)

Duncan Goodhew

(1970-75; Walton)

Kate Griggs

(1974*-79; Day)

Amy Taylor

(1992*-99; Oaklands)

Hayley Thompson

(1997*-2005; Warner)

Tony Williams

(1958-61; Day)

H

aving completed my 21st year as Secretary of the OM Society, I am pleased to report that 2012 has been a very busy year indeed.

In March we held an Olympian Dinner in London and, in the summer, we watched as eight Old Millfieldians and one current pupil competed at London 2012. We continue to be in touch with more OMs than ever and have held many successful reunions and events, both at home and abroad, where old acquaintances have been renewed and new friendships have been made. A full diary is planned for the coming year.

In my various travels on behalf of the OMS, I have taken an enormous delight in re-engaging with so many OMs, some of whom I knew when they were pupils here at Millfield. As is the fundamental objective of the Society, we continue to maintain our support in every possible way for OMs and Millfield School.

With the help and experience of Richard Charnley (1968*-77; Etonhurst), this publication has a fresh and eye-catching contemporary design and I hope very much that you enjoy reading it.

We look forward to seeing you at one or other of our reunion events in 2013.

Ex Officio Anabel Sexton

(1980*-87; Oaklands)

Shirley Shayler

Deputy Chair of Governors Head, MPS

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 5

News from A School for All

Millfield 2016

Looking Forward Without Losing Sight of What Has Come Before

2

012 has been an incredible year for the Millfield community with much to celebrate. It was wonderful to see so many Old Millfieldians at the Olympic Dinner in March, heralding a special year. It is impossible to refer to 2012 without first mentioning the Olympics and Paralympics.

They saw outstanding achievements

by Old Millfieldians and current pupils with Millfield as the most represented UK school participating at the Olympics.

Millfield 2016 Our Strategic Vision sets out the changes we want to see within the Millfield community by 2016, the year of the Rio Olympics.

The plan has seven goals (see diagram, right) that provide the framework to achieve our Mission statement.

Driven by clear principles of nurturing life-long learners, our ambitions are:

Embracing Learning

Millfield has always been an innovator in education and over the summer 2012 we embarked on a ‘Mobile Learning Project’ that involves the delivery of high-bandwidth Wi-Fi across the campus.

6 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

Full Wi-Fi has been in place at the Senior School boarding houses since September 2012 and is already being used by pupils on their own devices. The on-campus installation of Wi-Fi in classroom areas is almost complete and teaching staff have a programme of training and technological familiarisation.

Introducing mobile devices in the coming year will connect Millfield with the local and global community, ensuring our continuation as an exciting learning provider, realising the potential new technologies bring to learning.

1 Pastoral

In helping each pupil to discover and develop their potential we will introduce a Positive Education curriculum which will be fully in place by 2016. This programme will help to develop emotionally aware and astute young people, promoting character strengths while developing leadership skills.

Sport, Music, Drama and the Arts complement a rigorous academic framework in developing the whole person. Our Director in Residence programme and the increase of staff 3 accommodation on campus Community provides the opportunity for access to facilities during evenings and week-ends for the Millfield community. In January 2013 we look forward to welcoming our new Director of Sport David Faulkner.

2 Academic

Discover and develop the potential within each pupil

5 Co-Curriculum

Developing Positive Relationships

Personal Best

7 Management, Governance & Support Services

6 Global

Age appropriate initiatives and differentiation of learning motivate future developments at Millfield. These include a unique educational Year 9 Programme specifically designed to meet the academic and developmental needs of 13-14 year olds.

Following comprehensive consultation with staff and MPS parents in the Autumn Term, Governors have approved the introduction of the programme from September 2014. We propose to create a Year 9 neighbourhood at the heart of the campus, with Year 9 boarders living in three Year 9 houses.

In preparing our Sixth Form pupils for a changing life of study and work, we will continue to develop our bespoke programme supported by professional and social networking opportunities with the Old Millfieldian Society.

4 Sport

the Headmaster A British School in a Global Context

The need to be globally aware and culturally adept has never been stronger. Our network of Old Millfieldians brings benefit to both staff and pupils, providing a worldwide society to connect with. I have greatly appreciated the warm welcome received from OM Society Branches during overseas trips this year to the Middle and Far East.

For some time we have been exploring the possibility of opening a Millfield school overseas and during 2013 we will continue to develop a feasibility study for this project.

Building for the Future

To ensure that Millfield continues to be at the forefront of contemporary education Governors have approved a number of major projects outlined in our Campus Master plan.

These include: • The Millfield Centre, a £5m project to build a new and striking building providing additional classroom space. This is planned to commence in 2014 • Indoor Cricket and Golf Centre at Millfield • A sports pavilion at Millfield Prep, to be built in 2013/14 • Replacement of the astro turfs on campus (2013) and at Butleigh (in 2015/16) • Annual green energy investments Fundraising for the Millfield Centre, Indoor Cricket and Golf Centre and the Millfield Prep Sports Pavilion will be undertaken during 2013. If any members of the Millfield community would like to discuss any of our ambitions in more detail, I would be delighted to provide more information on how we can all work towards continuing to provide outstanding facilities for young people at Millfield.

I look forward to seeing you when you next visit the school or at an Old Millfieldian function.

Craig Considine

OM Society 2013 Diary January

Shapwick House Reunion* (to be held in the Spring Term)

February Saturday 2nd SW Branch visit to Stratford upon Avon to see ‘The Winter’s Tale’ March Sunday 3rd

Wednesday 6th Saturday 16th

Rugby: Old Millfieldians v Millfield Leavers 12.00 noon at Millfield Rugby: Old Millfieldian Vets v Butleigh Vets 1.15pm at Millfield “Nissen Club” Luncheon at Millfield Warner House Reunion

April

Friday 19th

Abbey House Reunion* Class of 2008, Hotel Russell, London

May Saturday 11th Sunday 19th Tuesday 21st

Class of 2003 – Ten Year Reunion, London Mill House Reunion, Windsor OMS Presentation to School Leavers at Millfield

June Saturday 15th

OMS Careers Convention at Millfield OMS Summer Tea Party at Millfield OMS Major Summer Reunion at Millfield

July 10th-14th Saturday 13th

OMCC Festival is a six-a-side cricket competition with six teams competing.

Interested? Contact Nick Brothers

October Friday 25th

OMS 19th Annual Golf Day, Castle Combe

November Friday 22nd

Old Millfieldian of the Year Awards 2013

*Note: Some of the above dates are still to be confirmed and several other proposed events are under consideration

Shapwick, Warner, Abbey and Mill House are all arranging reunions during the year

Leo Charmantas (left) will host the Mill House reunion at his Windsor restaurant

OMS Summer Tea Party on 15th June, 2013; all OMs and their families are invited

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 7

Society News

OM of the This award was instituted in 2000 to acknowledge and reward Old Millfieldian excellence of achievement in a wide range of fields: service, academic, business, the arts, sports, etc in the UK and abroad. There are 20,000 OMs on the OM Society database and in 12 years only 43 OMs have received this honour: authors, international sportsmen and Olympic winners, media personalities, West End and film directors, gardeners, musicians, national and industrial leaders, politicians, entrepreneurs, pioneering doctors and charity and humanitarian workers. The list is long and impressive, full details of which can be found on our website, www.omsociety.com

Awardees in 2012 Ali Allawi – Iraq’s first post-war civilian Minister of Defence in 2004 Mary Bignal Rand – in 1964 became the first ever British female to win an Olympic Gold Medal in a track and field event. Lifetime Achievement Award Pam Cookey – Captain of England Netball Team which won World Netball Series in 2011 Helen Glover – Great Britain Olympic Gold Medallist 2012 – Women’s Rowing Pairs Paul Lister – Founder of Alladale Wilderness Park in Scotland and eco-projects in Carpathian Mountains Chris Robshaw – Captain of England Rugby Team 2011/12 and Aviva Premiership Player of the Year Peter Wilson – Great Britain Olympic Gold Medallist 2012 – Men’s Double Trap Shooting

8 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

Ali Allawi (1961-64; Etonhurst)

After leaving Millfield in 1964, Ali attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from which he graduated with a BSc in Civil Engineering. He went on to obtain an MBA from Harvard University in 1971.

Following a period as a consultant to the Arab Fund in Kuwait, he cofounded in 1978, Arab International Finance, a merchant bank in London.

Between 1999 and 2002, he was a Senior Associate Member at St. Antony’s College, Oxford University, at its Centre for Middle Eastern Studies. In September 2003, Ali was appointed to be the Minister of Trade of Iraq under the Iraq Governing Council. In April 2004, he was appointed to be Iraq’s first post-war civilian Minister of Defence.

In January 2005, he was elected to Iraq’s Transitional National Assembly as a member of the United Iraqi Alliance. In April 2005, he was appointed to be the Minister of Finance in the Transitional Government, holding that post until May 2006 when he returned to private life.

He has served on a number of international political and economic panels including at the World Economic Forum in Davos, at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, and at the IMF and World Bank annual meetings. In February 2007, the Independent newspaper, devoted its full front page in presenting Ali’s plans for a comprehensive settlement for Iraq.

As an author, he has published two books (see “Authors” section), both of which have been well received by critics and the reading public. In January 2007, he was presented with the Robert and Joanna Bendetson Global Public Diplomacy Award by the Institute for Global Leadership, Tufts University.

Ali is affiliated with St. Antony’s College, Oxford University, where he is a Senior Associate Member.

He is an Honorary Fellow of the Institute for Arab and Islamic Studies at Exeter University. In 2008-09, he was elected a Senior Fellow at Princeton University. In June 2009, he was elected a Senior Visiting Fellow for the 2009-10 academic year at the Carr Center, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

Year 2012 Mary Bignal Rand (1955-58; Day)

In 1957, Millfield boys and girls were largely instrumental in Somerset winning the Bradford Cup, the athletics championship for smaller counties, which was presented to Mary Bignal and Jack Archer by Countess Mountbatten. Their photos reached a few papers and Mary was noted as having set a new record in the Senior Schools’ high jump. She was then aged 17 and a half.

Coached by “Brom”, EJC Bromfield, Mary had moved to Millfield from the local school, her family having been encouraged to approach Boss, when she was 15 years old.

Concentrating on the high jump she was selected to represent Great Britain at the end of the 1957 season against Germany and Poland. She won the event. Subsequent publicity noted that she also, from time to time, had taken part in sprints, hurdles, relays and the long jump, as well as playing hockey for the Somerset Junior XI.

Tony Williams (1958-61; Day) presents the OMS ‘Lifetime Achievement’ Award to Mary Bignal in the Millfield Library

Leaving school the following year she turned to long jumping as her main event with such success that she travelled to the Rome Olympics in 1960 carrying Britain’s highest hopes for a gold medal. A series of “no jumps” ruined her performance but encouraged her to train for the Olympics in Japan in 1964 with even greater determination. The long jump remained top priority, but she now added the pentathlon to her training schedule.

As in Rome, she took part in three events, but this time she won the gold medal in the long jump while setting a new world record, the silver medal in the pentathlon, and a bronze in the 4 x 100 metres relay. At the end of 1964, Mary was named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Pamela Cookey (2001-03; Martin’s)

Netball was an integral part of Pamela’s life from an early age and, at Millfield, she was a surprise inclusion in the England squad for the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games – as an uncapped 17 year old. Sadly, Pamela had to withdraw from the squad two weeks before the Games suffering an injury whilst training with the England team. Pamela showed determination to battle her way back into the senior England set-up, making her international debut against Australia in 2004. She was a member of the University of Bath team that won the British Universities Sports Association (BUSA) title for the first time in 2005,

and she helped England under-21s win silver at the World Youth Netball Championships in Florida in 2005.

Rated as one of England’s most exciting young attacking netball players, Pamela played a key role in helping Team England to win bronze at the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games. She also played in the Australasian ANZ Championships in 2009. She gained a second bronze medal in the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games, and later that year won a silver medal at the World Netball Series. She was a member of the England team which won the World Netball Series in 2011. In May 2012, Pamela captained the England team who were crowned champions of the Netball Europe Open Championships.

In domestic netball, Pamela has played with Team Bath in the Netball Superleague since the competition’s inception in 2005, and has featured in all four of Team Bath’s winning Superleague campaigns. In September 2011 Pamela left Team Bath to join Surrey Storm, but has returned to Team Bath for the 2013 campaign.

Pamela now has to balance her netball with a full-time career.

She gained her degree in Business Administration at the University of Bath and now works for Airbus as a Site Services Manager.

Helen Glover (2002-04; Martin’s)

On leaving Millfield, Helen went on to the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, where she studied Sport and

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 9

Society News OM of

the Year

2012 Exercise Science, and then studied for a PGCE at University College Plymouth St Mark and St John, intending to teach PE to infant school children.

As a junior she ran cross-country internationally, and was part of the England Satellite Squad for hockey.

Helen only began rowing four years ago when her mother saw an advertisement in a newspaper calling for “tall people” to take up the sport.

Despite her lack of experience, she was fast-tracked by UK Sport’s landmark “Sporting Giants” programme, which groomed the “future giants of British sport” to compete at the London 2012 Olympics.

While teaching PE in Bath, Helen began competing having “never picked up an oar or sat in a boat before” and, two years later in 2010, earned a place in Team GB where she won silver at the World Rowing Championships in New Zealand, with her rowing partner Heather Stanning.

In 2011, they won the British rowing trials. They then went on to become World Cup winners and achieved a further silver medal in Slovenia. On 1st August Helen and Heather won the Olympic gold medal for the women’s coxless pairs.

This was Team GB’s first gold medal of London 2012, and a first ever Olympic gold medal for British women’s rowing. Royal Mail printed a stamp depicting the rowing pair and painted a post box gold, in Helen’s home town of Penzance, to commemorate the event.

10 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

Paul Lister (1971*-1977; Keinton)

After 20 years in the furniture business, Paul Lister, whose passion is the environment, conservation and education, founded and endowed The European National Trust (TENT) in 2001 and purchased the Alladale Wilderness Reserve in the Scottish Highlands – all 23,000 acres of it – in 2003. His vision for the reserve is a unique and pioneering ecological and social regeneration programme that benefits local wildlife, landscape and communities.

The Reserve has received much coverage on television and in the press.

Paul’s longer term vision for the Highlands is to see wolves, bears and possibly lynx living within a 50,000 acre fenced reserve allowing for natural processes rather like those which have evolved in South Africa. TENT has bestowed many grants on projects designed to address the protection of the wilderness. Their recent, high profile co-venture was the production of “Wild Carpathia”, a documentary highlighting Romania’s beautiful yet deeply threatened landscapes and cultural heritage.

Prince Charles was interviewed as part of the programme which was shown in 110 countries in 20 languages worldwide. Paul remains deeply involved in his international ecoprojects and especially in Romania.

See www.alladale.com Chris Robshaw (1997*-2004; Butleigh)

Chris began his rugby journey at the age of seven when he started playing for Wallingham RFC, before going to Millfield Prep. At Millfield he captained the 1st XV.

Chris played for England Schools U18s and subsequently England U21s.

At the start of the 2007-08 season, he made his Premiership debut against London Irish where Harlequins were victorious 35-27. Since then he has gone from strength to strength, winning the Guinness Premiership Player of the Year in 2009 and being awarded his first England cap versus Argentina later that year.

As the current captain of Harlequins, when he was named as England captain for the 2012 Six Nations tournament, few outside club rugby had heard of the flanker. However, by the end of the tournament he had made the position his own and was seen as a key part of coach Stuart Lancaster’s rebuilding after England’s poor showing at the 2011 World Cup. He was awarded the Aviva Premiership Player of the Year.

Peter Wilson (2000-05; Holmcroft)

On leaving Millfield, Peter went on to study Graphic Design at The Arts University College at Bournemouth.

Initially, at Millfield, he took up shooting at his father’s suggestion after he suffered nerve damage to his shoulder in a snowboarding accident which left him unable to play squash and cricket.

Within four months of trying shooting at the Bisley Ranges, Peter became the 2006 European Junior Champion. In 2008 he was invited to the Beijing Games as part of GB’s Olympic Ambition Programme.

As a result of his early success, Peter benefitted from UK Sport funding until that was cut in 2008. He tried to raise money himself by working as a waiter, but that affected his training.

Fortunately his parents supported him financially until he was back on the funding programme.

Distinguished Old Millfieldians 2012 The following were made Distinguished Old Millfieldians in 2012 in recognition of the excellence of their achievements across a wide range of fields.

Galahad Clark

Arthur Lanigan O’Keeffe

(1983-94; Shapwick)

(2008-10; Holmcroft) Ireland Olympic

Co-founder and

Modern Pentathlon 2012

Director of Terra Plana Tobias Mews (1990-95; Orchards) James Disney-May

Top British finisher

(2005-10; Butleigh) Great Britain

in the 26th Marathon

Olympic Swimming 2012

des Sables

Jennifer

Chutima Durongdej

Carl Myerscough

Barraclough, OBE

(2002-04; Abbey)

(1996-98; Georgian Cottage)

(1954-55; Billet)

Miss Thailand Universe

Great Britain Olympic Men’s

Film and Television

2009, Miss Photogenic

Shot 2012

Producer, Chairman of

2009 Christina Schutze

LEPRA and the Grierson Trust Julian Fryett

(1999-2000; Southfield) German

Jon Bentley

(1977-81; Joan’s Kitchen)

Olympic Hockey Team 2012

(1972*-78; Day)

President, Ricoh

Television Producer,

(Thailand) Limited,

Sophie Williams

Presenter and

Director, Ricoh Asia

(2007-09; Martin’s) Great Britain

Journalist

Pacific Region

Olympic Fencing Team 2012

Russell Chambers

Helen Glover

Peter Wilson

(1971*-79; Millfield)

(2002-04; Martin’s)

(2000-05; Holmcroft)

Senior Advisor, Credit

Great Britain Olympic Gold Medallist

Great Britain Olympic Gold

Suisse UK

2012 – Women’s Rowing Pairs

Medallist 2012 – Men’s Double Trap Shooting

Charles Godfray, William Chang

CBE, FRS

Andrew Wright

(1970-74; Kingweston)

(1969*-75; Shapwick)

(1986*-91; Day)

Technology, Sports

Professor of Biology at

Theatre

and Entertainment

Oxford

Choreographer;

Entrepreneur, General

Olivier Award Nominee

Partner/Owner of DC United, Tokyo

Ian Haley (2001-02; Keen’s Elm)

Machida FC and San Francisco

South African Olympic Hockey

To view a full list of DOMs please go

Giants

Team 2012

to www.omsociety.com

rankings, before excelling on the international stage with gold medals in the World Cup. He collected team silver in the European Championships last year, and in 2012 set a new world record in the double trap with a remarkable score of 198 out of 200 at the

World Cup held in Arizona. On 2nd August 2012 Peter won a gold medal in the double trap; it was Britain’s first Olympic shooting medal since 2000.

As with Helen Glover, Royal Mail printed a stamp depicting him shooting and painted a post box gold, in his home town of Sherborne.

His fortunes then took a turn for the better when, in 2009, Athens gold medallist Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Hasher Al Maktoum agreed to coach him without charge.

The results began rapidly improving in the years that followed. Peter finished the year top of the British

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 11

Society News

Millfield Olympian Dinner Where: InterContinental London Park Lane When: 30 March 2012 Who: Hosted by Lord Coe, Chairman of LOCOG and Duncan Goodhew, MBE,

(1970-75; Walton), Chairman of Millfield Foundation. This amazing evening brought together Millfield’s Olympians, OMs, parents and friends to celebrate the school’s sporting heritage and to raise valuable funds for scholarships. The

Photos: Bill Bradshaw

evening raised approx £80,000. Thanks to all who attended and gave generously.

Auctioneer Guy Bennett (1987-89; St Anne’s), above, oversaw the bidding for lots, including a signed England rugby apron from captain and OM Chris Robshaw (1997*-2004; Butleigh)

12 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

Left: Olympic medallists Duncan Goodhew, MBE (1970-75; Walton), John McFall (1994-97; Orchards) and Mary Bignal Rand, MBE (1953-58; Day) with Millfield parent Lord Coe Below: Compere Michael Hayman (1983-88; Joan’s Kitchen), with Sir John Reith, KCB, CBE, Chairman of the Governors

Above: Sue Woods, Senior Mistress, bidding for Lionel Ritchie tickets, with Jeremy Hallows, Senior Master, willing her on Left: Event Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Millfield Foundation Laurence Davis (1974-77; Hollies) with OMS SW Branch Chair Louise Lang (1995-97; Day)

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 13

Society News

Old Millfieldians at the 2012 London Olympics After just one week at the Olympic Games in London, Millfield had the distinction of having been awarded more gold medals (2) than Australia (1)!

Helen

Peter

Glover

Wilson

(2002-04;

(2000-05;

Martins)

Holmcroft)

Helen,

Peter won

alongside

Team GB’s

partner

fourth

Heather

gold

Stanning, secured Team GB’s first

medal of the London Olympics in

gold medal of London 2012 in the

the double trap shooting, scoring

women’s rowing pairs. The pair

188 out of 200. It was Britain’s first

set a new Olympic record time

Olympic shooting medal since

in their heat. The favourites then

Sydney 12 years ago. Peter went

dominated the race to kick start

into the event as world record

the British gold rush, the first ever

holder and was ranked world

medal of any colour for British

number two – he was the youngest

women’s rowing at an Olympics.

man in the final.

previous om olympians Cortina 1956

Nigel Johnson (1969-72)

Chris Law (1967-71)

Rob Hill (1981-86)

Nick Shackell (1991-93)

Peter Torrens (1947-52)

Sue Jones (1970-72)

Michael Mumford (1969-74)

Paul Howe (1983-86)

Ed Sinclair (1994-99)

Rome 1960

Peter Marsh (1967-71)

Amin Shahin (1978-82)

Jason Laslett (1982-87)

Sarah Winckless (1990-92)

Mary Bignal Rand (1953-58)

Montreal 1976

Seoul 1988

Hilary Wells (née Dresser)

Athens 2004

Michael F S Bullen (1950-54)

Joanne Atkinson (1973-77)

Stephen Batchelor (1975-79)

(1981-86)

Tom Bertram (1987*-95)

Adrian Jardine (1945*-52)

Robert Bruniges (1974-75)

Helen Bewley (1982-85)

Simon Wainwright (1985-89)

Julie Dibens (née Ricketts)

Stuart Jardine (1945*-52)

Duncan Goodhew (1970-75)

Suki Brownsdon (1982-84)

Atlanta 1996

(1986*-93)

Gordon Miller (1952-56)

Peter Lerpiniere (1972-76)

Andrew Castle (1976-81)

Caroline Foot (1979-84)

Amir Shah (2002-04)

Tokyo 1964

Lake Placid 1980

Caroline Foot (1979-84)

Mark Foster (1983-86)

Ed Sinclair (1994-99)

Mary Bignal Rand (1953-58)

David Cargill (1963-67)

Mark Foster (1983-86)

Jason Laslett (1982-87)

Sarah Winckless (1990-92)

Michael F S Bullen (1950-54)

Moscow 1980

Neil Harper (1979-84)

David Luckes (1980*-87)

Tim Collins (1990-93)

Adrian Jardine (1945*-52)

Robert Bruniges (1974-75)

Paul Howe (1983-86)

Nick Shackell (1991-93)

Beijing 2008

Stuart Jardine (1945*-52)

Duncan Goodhew (1970-75)

Dominic Mahony (1977-82)

Nick Jones (1977-81)

Gemma Simpson (1997-2002)

Giorgio Jegher (1954-56)

Los Angeles 1984

Leslie-Anne Skeete (1983-85)

Sydney 2000

Richard Mantell (1992*-99)

Gordon Miller (1952-56)

Stephen Batchelor (1975-79)

Kirsty Wade (1978-82)

Tom Bertram (1987*-95)

Simon Mantell (1994*-2002)

Mexico 1968

Suki Brownsdon (1982-84)

Calgary 1988

Sian Brice (née Pilling) (1985-88)

Euan Dale (1997*-2004)

Adrian Jardine (1945*-52)

Robert Bruniges (1974-75)

Hugo Allen (1974-78)

Julie Dibens (née Ricketts)

Mark Foster (1983-86)

Stuart Jardine (1945*-52)

Ian Collins (1977-81)

Barcelona 1992

(1986*-93)

Andrew Hunter (2002-04)

Yvonne Tobis (1956-67)

Bill Davidson (1980-81)

Stephen Batchelor (1975-79)

Joanna Fargus (1992*-97)

Julie Dibens (née Ricketts)

Munich 1972

Neil Harper (1979-84)

Martin Bettum (1986-89)

Mark Foster (1983-86)

(1986*-93)

Ford Dennis (1965-70)

Paul Howe (1983-86)

Mark Foster (1983-86)

David Luckes (1980*-87)

John McFall (1994-97)

14 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

How our other Old Millfieldian Olympians did…

Malaysia started competing in the Olympic Games in 1956, their national

James Disney-May (2005-10; Butleigh)

sport being badminton. For the country, the last 56 years of the sport had

Golden Incentive for Malaysian Team

GB, Swimming: swam

yielded two silver and two bronze medals. During the London Olympics,

a good time in Heat 1

the Daily Telegraph reported that “Andrew Kam, a badminton lover and

of the Men’s 4x100m

gold producer in Kuala Lumpur, offered the enticement to the team of a

Freestyle Relay but

12.5 kg gold bar”. This was for “Olympic Gold and to be the best in the

Team GB failed to qualify for the final

world” as Andrew (1979-81; Holmcroft) explained. The gold bar was worth

after finishing sixth.

£400,000. Alas, in a thrilling 3-game men’s singles final, Lee Chong Wei fell agonisingly short at Wembley Arena, to win a silver medal. The search for

Ian Haley (2001-02; Keen’s Elm) South Africa, Hockey:

gold goes on for Malaysia, Andrew’s gold incentive being unlikely to roll over to Rio!

South Africa went out of the Olympic competition at the group stage.

Christina Schutze (1999-2000; Southfields)

OMs Presenting at the London Olympics

Germany, Hockey:

Michael Absalom (1993-98; Hollies)

Germany bowed out of

Millfield has been represented at every Olympic Games since Melbourne

the competition at the

in 1956, boasting a total of 54 Olympic athletes among its alumni. Our

group stage.

school was the highest represented British school at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with a total of nine representatives spanning seven

Sophie Williams (2007-09; Martins) GB, Fencing: went out of

sports, a massive achievement which made me incredibly proud to be an OM. But here’s another Olympic tale, from a slightly different perspective.

the Women’s Individual Sabre in the first round.

During the Olympic Games, I and fellow TV presenter Abi Griffiths (1992-97; Southfields), were lucky enough to be working at a couple of the venues. I was based at the Riverbank Arena, which was the home of Hockey for two

Carl Myerscough

weeks. Abi popped in occasionally to keep me company, but spent most of her

(1996-98; Georgian Cottage)

time posted at Horse Guards Parade for the Beach Volleyball. Nice!! Our main

GB, Shot: went out of the

role was to ensure the crowds at our respective venues were having the time

Men’s Shot at the

of their lives.

qualifying round stage.

It was a total pleasure to be involved and to have the opportunity to interact and interview so many wonderful people. My personal highlight was getting Arthur Lanigan O’Keeffe

the 16,000 crowd down at The Riverbank Arena involved in a ‘sing off’. Stand

(2008-10; Holmcroft)

versus stand, then all four stands joining in together. WOW! It’s probably the

Ireland, Modern

closest I’ll every get to becoming a rock star!

Pentathlon: finished an excellent 25th out of 36

In true Millfield style Abi and I were both incredibly competitive about finding

competitors.

celebrities and sports stars to interview, but I have to say Abi absolutely rinsed me by chatting to the likes of Torvill and Dean,

… and our current pupil Morgyn Peters Team GB Paralympian in the L6 at Millfield, Morgyn finished fifth in the S9 100m backstroke final.

Dame Kelly Holmes and Lord Coe, just to name a few. It was a wonderful experience.

Abi Griffiths (far left) and Michael Absalom (right) pose pitch-side at The Riverbank Arena with Sebastian Coe and Phillipa (one of the 70,000 volunteers at the Olympics) Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 15

Society News

Millfield International Association: Overseas and UK Branches USA A series of OM drinks parties was held just before Christmas 2011 at splendid venues and these were encouragingly well attended. Headmaster, Craig Considine, Director of Development, Ian McLean, and OM Society Secretary, John Davies, attended – the trip being the Headmaster’s first visit to America.

At all three events, John welcomed guests, speaking briefly about the OM Society’s expanding overseas branches (the Millfield International Association) and introduced Craig, in his fourth year as Millfield’s Headmaster, who brought everyone up to date with current developments at Millfield.

Southern California

In Los Angeles on 16th December, the Southern California Branch event was held at Shutters on the Beach, in Santa Monica, a wonderful hotel nestling against the sand and just a few hundred yards from the famous pier.

A total of 37 OMs and others enjoyed a lively reunion, in a dedicated room, which was continued, later, in the hotel lounge bar into the early hours.

persuasions to become Secretary of the new “Northern California Branch”.

Liz, with husband Bill, had organised the evening wonderfully well so that canapés and drinks were enjoyed in the fire-lit lounge as well as linked dining-room. There were 27 present, including Sidney Lanier (1968-70; Mill House), who had come from Big Sur, and Ruwan Punchihewa (196974; Kingweston) and Martin Squibbs (1980-82; Butleigh Wootton) both from San Jose.

New York

In New York, on 20th December, in the sophisticated environment of SoHo House, 47 OMs and friends enjoyed a dedicated room, a splendid buffetmeal and first-class service. A very good time appeared to be had by all, with Old Millfieldian contemporaries reunited, some not having been in touch since they left the school many moons previously. Chairman of the Branch, Behdad Alizadeh (1975-79; Holmcroft) is now in discussions regarding the future of the East Coast Branch, with more reunions and events planned.

Return to California

Following the restructuring of both branches, enthusiastically led by Tania Anderson (1966-70; Ashcott) and Elliot Lewis (1959-63; Shapwick) in Los Angeles, and Elizabeth Monnet (196770; Grange) in San Francisco, John Davies and Ian McLean made a special trip to help host September reunions in both cities.

On 9th September, Old Millfieldians met at Duke’s restaurant in Malibu, where guests were serenaded by a traditional Hawaiian lap steel guitar player, whilst overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This reunion took place in a unique venue, in a most beautiful spot.

Northern California Branch reunion took place at the University Club in San Francisco

Northern California

The Northern California Branch’s San Francisco venue, on 18th December, was even more special, the prestigious Sausalito Yacht Club, thanks to the membership there of Liz Monnet (1967-70; Grange), who, on the night, succumbed readily to John Davies’s 16 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

The Headmaster with guests at SoHo House in New York attended by 47 OMs and friends

Reunion at Duke’s restaurant in Malibu overlooking the Pacific in September 2012

On 12th September the University Club in San Francisco was the venue for another splendid Northern California Branch reunion. A committee has now been established to plan future events, and a number of good ideas were suggested to cater for a variety of interests.

The enthusiasm from within both Californian Branches bodes well for the development of a most active programme and continued link with the school.

Southern States Reunion Rebecca Walker-Jones (née Curl) (1980-82; Kernick)

The Ritz Carlton at Reynolds Plantation in Georgia was the sublime setting for our December 2011 Southern States reunion. Set beside Lake Oconee with a stunning championship golf course it was the perfect venue. I had decided to organise the reunion because I found out that there are more than 40 OMs living in the Deep South and OM events are usually held on the East and West coasts.

The festivities began on the Friday evening with Justin (1972-77; Keinton) and Andrea Wilson hosting drinks at their lakeside home at Cuscowilla followed by dinner at Justin’s golf club.

The next evening, after a round of golf (for the men) and a visit to the spa (for the ladies) we all enjoyed a glass of bubbly in the hotel lounge followed by dinner at Gaby’s by the Lake.

OMs told stories of their time at Millfield and by the time dessert was served we all felt like we’d known each other for ages. The whole evening was really lovely and we agreed to meet up again for breakfast the next morning before more golf and, for a few of us, a four mile hike around the plantation.

Later that afternoon we lingered over drinks at Justin’s home and none of us was eager to leave the tranquillity of the lake to return to our everyday lives.

Arabian Peninsula Ian McLean Director of Development

With a number of current Millfield pupils from both Saudi Arabia and Oman, my June 2012 visit combined meetings with parents and also OMs.

Saudi Arabia

In Jeddah, Sheikh Al Maamoun Zahid very kindly hosted a dinner. We were treated to very fine hospitality and a wonderful meal. It was most generous of Maamoun and his wife Mona and the very enjoyable evening provided a good blend of OMs, parents and friends. My visit was very much appreciated and the feeling was unanimous that such visits and gatherings of OMs should be more frequent. There was an overwhelming sense of loyalty to Millfield and it reaffirmed the strength of our OM community in Saudi Arabia.

provide the group, of a dozen or so, with an update of news including the possibility of a Millfield international school in the Middle East and the development of a Business, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship programme at Millfield. Everyone was enthused by these proposed developments and it was clear that there remains a great sense of pride for Millfield.

As in Saudi, they look forward to regular visits and contact from the school and future OM reunions. OMs who attended were, Basim Habib (1998-2003; Keen’s Elm), Salim Mohammed Saud Bahwan (1976-80; Joan’s Kitchen), Said Al Wahaibi (2009-10; Joan’s Kitchen), Hani Al Zubair (1978-81; Butleigh), and Nick Cartwright (1983*-87; Holmcroft).

Sultanate of Oman

In Oman, Paris Norriss (2001-03; Walton) and Qais Al Said (1993-97; Ivythorn) were equally motivated by the thought of a Millfield visit and they arranged drinks and dinner at the Shangri-La Hotel with the support of Hani Al Zubair. I was able to

Left to right: Mohammed Bin Laden (199093; Shapwick), Bakheet Aldosari (current parent), Sheikh Al Maamoun Zahid (196769; Glaston Tor), Jihad Iqbal (1997-99; Shapwick), Ian McLean, Sultan Ghalib AlQu’aiti(1962-66; Shapwick), Amr Al Amawi (1977-80; Shapwick), Ahmed Mehelmy (former parent), Ali Hashim (current parent)

For those of you that weren’t able to make it this time around I sincerely hope that you can come to our next event. It was amazing to me how being an OM in the USA gave us all a shared history and united us in friendship.

Thanks to everyone who helped make the event so special, especially Justin and Andrea Wilson for being such gracious hosts, and also to John Davies, Secretary, Old Millfieldian Society for his encouragement and help in getting connected to everyone.

Left to right, standing: Carolyn Kiss, Julian Morton, Christopher Jones, Rebecca Walker-Jones, Christopher Quist, Anita Kauka, Craig McIntyre, Stephanie Morton.

Seated: Justin Wilson, Emmy McIntyre, Joe Conn, Andrea Wilson Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 17

Society News Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia In November, John Davies visited Brunei and went on to meet the Headmaster, Craig Considine, and Development Director, Ian McLean, at events in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Together with Colin Atkinson, Millfield’s then Headmaster, John had visited these three countries in 1988, 24 years earlier, to hold reunions and establish the very first overseas branches of the Old Millfieldian Society. There are now 39 of these in 31 different countries worldwide.

These OMs were all over 60 years of age and, thus, qualified for the OMS’s newly formed “Nissen Club”, exclusively for those of that age. JHD suggested that the “Brunei Nissen Club” could become the first overseas branch of this popular group.

A most convivial evening was enjoyed by all and thanks were given to Ewa Selamat (1992-94; Warner) who had organised the memorable event so very well.

Brunei

Two evenings later, at the China Club in Singapore, over 70 OMs, current and prospective parents met at a stunning venue, the room overlooking the port area of the city with a spectacular vantage point.

Quite unnecessarily, John let all present know of early problems with

In Brunei Darussalam, on 19th November, 20 Old Millfieldians, several with their children, now also OMs, joined John at the splendid Dynasty Restaurant for a reunion dinner, the first in Brunei for a great many years.

All ‘first generation’ OMs present had been among a group of young Bruneians selected to attend Edgarley and Millfield by the Government in the 1950s and 1960s. Subsequently, just about all of them had enjoyed extremely distinguished careers in their country. For example, present were the former Attorney General and Minister for Health, as well as the Brunei Ambassador to the United States and members of the royal family.

Singapore

Headmaster Craig Considine addresses more than 70 OMs and parents at the China Club in Singapore

his thinning hair and how this was almost resolved by “potent Chinese medicine” in Singapore 24 years earlier and with the connivance of Branch Chairman, Beng-Tat Tan (1967-69; Etonhurst) who, alas, was unable to be present. John refused to divulge as to whether the treatment had been effective!

Notwithstanding all this, he gave way to the Headmaster who spoke about the Millfield of today and of ambitious plans for the future. Exciting stuff! Rizvan Ali Baig (1988-90; Georgian Cottage), Branch Secretary, had organised the get-together and he was thanked warmly for doing so and at such an exciting venue.

Malaysia

Finally, on 23rd November, 30 or so attended another get-together on the 23rd floor of Traders Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, another spectacular venue, open to the air and with a magnificent view of the Petronas Towers which loom over the city.

Again, there was a mixture of OMs and current and prospective parents and, again, a most convivial evening was much enjoyed. In attendance was Andrew Kam (1979-81; Holmcroft), President of the Branch, who had put up for any Malaysian winning a gold medal at the summer Olympic Games a 12half kg ingot of gold, worth £400,000.

His most generous incentive to the Malaysian Olympic Team received much publicity, from the New York Times to Britain’s Daily Mail. (See report in Olympic section on page 15)

Australia

20 Old Millfieldians, some with their children (also OMs), attended the November Brunei reunion 18 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

Meanwhile, more than 30 OMs attended a reunion in Sydney, Australia, organised by Peter Breed (1958-62; Orchards) and attended by Ian McLean.

UK Branches London Amy Taylor (née Groves) (1992*-99; Oaklands)

The branch has hosted a variety of events over the last year and numbers attending have been very pleasing. I do thank all the OMs that support us at our three events a year and a massive thank you goes to the Stirling brothers, Duncan (1992*-99; Etonhurst) and Max (1998*-2003; Holmcroft), who have encouraged us to use their array of fantastic venues around London.

Moving forward and from 2013, we are looking at exciting new venues – yet to be used by us – that will hopefully entice many more of you to come back and support these enjoyable reunions, which are open to all OMs in and around London. Do keep checking the Old Millfieldian Facebook page (where we have well over 3000 members) because all details are posted here. As my circumstances have changed somewhat recently, Louise Lang will be taking over as Chair from me in January.

Midlands Julia Burton (née Gregory) (1970-74; Johnson’s)

The first Midlands OM reunion took place on Friday 9th September at the Forest of Arden Marriot Hotel near

UK BRANCH OFFICIALS London Louise Lang (1995-97; Day).................................................................................................... Chair South West Sarah Bailey (1974-76; Day).................................................................................................. Chair Sarah Champion, Former Head MPS........................................................................ Committee Nikki Della Valle (1986*-94; Day)....................................................................................... Committee Vincent Douglas (1975-81; Day)......................................................................................... Committee Midlands Julia Burton (1970-74; Johnson’s)........................................................................................ Chair Scotland Stuart Crawford (1972-73; Day)......................................................................................... Chairman

Solihull. John Graveney (1961*-67; Hollies), OMS Chairman, and Julia Burton, Chair of the new branch, hosted the event which took the form of a drinks reception and a buffet dinner in a private room. It was an informal evening of chat and nostalgic reminiscences – everyone knew at least one other person who was at school at the same time as them and a great deal of catching up was done. The evening was hugely enjoyed by all and there is great enthusiasm for another event in the spring when a game of golf would be included for those interested. Watch this space for dates!

South West Louise Lang (née Gillett) (1995-97; Day)

Having moved to London, I have handed over the reins of the South West Branch to Sarah Bailey (1974-76; Day), and I am about to take over from Amy Taylor in London in January. The branch hosted a very well attended Dinner – over 40 – at the Red Lion in Babcary, on 17th November. It was good to see so many OMs and their guests enjoying a relaxed evening.

There are more events in the planning, so do keep an eye out for further details from Sarah.

John Graveney and Julia Burton hosted the Midlands reunion at the Forest of Arden Marriot Hotel Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 19

Society News

Overseas Branch Officials Arabian Peninsula

His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan bin

Mabarak al Nahayan

1968*-75; Kingweston

President

Simran Gandhi

1990-95; Portway

Honorary Secretary

Hayley Thompson

1997*-2005; Warner

Honorary Secretary

Australia East

David Prestwich

1970*-80; Orchards

Honorary Secretary

Australia West

Richard Notley

1962-68; Shapwick

Honorary Secretary

Bahrain

Hala Hajjar

1974*-81; Lakes

Honorary Secretary

Bermuda

Alan Gamble

Former Parent

Honorary Secretary

Brunei

Nuralia Abdul Rahim

1992-94; Walton

Honorary Secretary

Sita Ewa Selamat

1992-94; Warner

Committee

Canada

Richard Glanville-Brown

1956-57; Chindit

Honorary Secretary

Channel Islands

Michael Kenney-Herbert

Former Parent

Chairman

Sandra Beaton

Former Parent

Honorary Secretary (Guernsey)

Cyprus

Kratinos Socratous

1978*-86; Butleigh

Honorary Secretary

Egypt

HRH Prince Abbas Hilmi

1957-61; Millfield

Honorary Secretary

France

Charles Turner

1989*-97; Etonhurst

Honorary Secretary

Germany

Michael Cole

1968-73; Mill House

Honorary Secretary

Greece

George Pothitos

1978*-86; Holmcroft

Honorary Secretary

Hong Kong

William Louey

1972-77; Chindit

Chairman

Chung Shing Ho

1982-86; Holmcroft

Honorary Secretary

India

Ajit Singh

1957-59; Chindit

Chairman (Mumbai)

Mukul Raja

Former Parent

Honorary Secretary (Mumbai)

Vinu Baig

Former Parent

Honorary Secretary (Delhi)

Indonesia

Dennis Sakiris-Korompis

1985-87; Joan’s Kitchen

Honorary Secretary

Ireland

Mark Jeffries

1990-92; Millfield

Honorary Secretary

Japan

Orlando Faulks

1985*-89; Orchards

Honorary Secretary

Jordan

Feda Al-Yousef

1968–72; Southfields

Honorary Secretary

Kenya

Yolanda McIntyre (née Brooke-Edwards) 1970-75; Southfields

Honorary Secretary

20 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

Malaysia

Dato Andrew Kam

1979-81; Holmcroft

President

Tengku Reza S Shah

1987–90; St Anne’s

Honorary Secretary

Nigeria

Chuka Mbanefo

1965-67; Kingweston

President

Seni Williams

1968-73; Tor/Ashcott

Chairman

Abimbola Ogunbanjo

1977-81; Etonhurst

Honorary Secretary

Ebele Nduka-Irabor (née Egbarin)

1979-84; Acacia

Honorary Treasurer

Dr Richardson A Ajayi

1980-83; Etonhurst

Committee

Pakistan

Aftab Adamjee

1978-83; Shapwick

Chairman

A Sattar Pirazada

1994-96; Orchards

Honorary Secretary

Saudi Arabia - Jeddah

HRH Prince Turki Bin Saud Abdul Aziz

1968-69; Etonhurst

President

HRH Prince Alwalid Bin Saud Abdul Aziz 1970-75; Etonhurst

Vice President

Abulaziz Q Kanoo

1949-52; Kingweston

Chairman

Sheikh A Al Maamoun Zahid

1967-69; St Anne’s

Honorary Secretary

Sultan Ghalib Al Qu’iaiti

1962-66; Shapwick

Committee

Sheikh Ghassan Abdul Jawad

1966-70; Tor/Ashcott

Committee

Saudi Arabia - Riyadh

Farid A Khalifeh

1975-77; Joan’s Kitchen

Honorary Secretary

Singapore

Beng-Tat Tan

1967-69; Etonhurst

Chairman

Rizvan Ali Baig

1988-90; Georgian Cottage Honorary Secretary

South Africa

Nicola Heger (née Imrie)

1991*-2001; Day

Honorary Secretary

Spain

Richard Golding

1966-68; Chindit

Chairman

Elena Polo Aguirre

Former Parent

Honorary Secretary

Sri Lanka

Ana G G Punchihewa

1967-71; Kingweston

Chairman

Simon Lourensz

1984-86; Etonhurst

Honorary Secretary

Sultanate of Oman

Ahmed A Al Araimi

1978-84; Ashcott

Honorary Secretary

Thailand

HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajirolongkorn 1966-70; Millfield

President

Greg Pitt

1968-71; Rotherslade

Chairman

Nuanlaong Choochai

1998-2000; Overleigh

Honorary Secretary

Turkey

Sashah Khan

1982-86; Butleigh

Honorary Secretary

USA East Coast

Michael Partington

1981-83; Butleigh Wootton

Honorary Secretary

1959-63; Shapwick

Honorary Secretary

1966-70; Ashcott

Committee

USA Northern California Elizabeth Monnet (née French)

1967-70; Grange

Honorary Secretary

USA Southern States

Rebecca Walker-Jones (née Curl)

1980-82; Kernick

Honorary Secretary

USA New York

Behdad Alizadeh

1975-79; Holmcroft

Honorary Secretary

USA Southern California Elliot Lewis

Tania Anderson

Branch officials list as at November 2012

* denotes dates at Edgarley Hall/Millfield Preparatory School Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 21

Society News

OMS Careers Convention 2012

Left to right: James Brittain, Ruth Pell, Mr Pell, Rupert Gibbings, Sarah Gibbings, Sandy Strallen, Piers Doggart, Martin Stevens, Naomi Djnomski, Richard Exley, Tim Decamp, Samuel Clague, Duncan Wilde, James Keeton, Alison Bradburn, Dr Elizabeth Fielder, Chris Lord-Smith, Nick Ames, Emma Christie, Neil Marshman, Laura Zaky, Simon Whitehead, Harriet King, Rachel Cole, Jane-Catherine Stanhope, Major Bayard Barron, Dr Emma Berryman, Lisa Rendell, Oliver Thomas, Gary Shayler and John Mallet Gary Shayler Former Head of Careers and Higher Education

T

he highly successful fifth Lower Sixth Old Millfieldian Careers Convention took place in June with the participation of 28 OMs who had generously given up their weekend to give presentations on a range of careers. Before giving their seminars on Saturday morning, most of them attended a social evening in the Cricket Pavilion on the Friday evening – a valuable opportunity to make new friends and catch up with old acquaintances.

The students were able to choose from such diverse areas as: Psychology, presented by Rachel Cole (1990-95; Day), the daughter of current Head of Lower Sixth Steven Cole, and Jane-Catherine Stanhope (1993*-99; Portway); Media by Duncan Wilde (1988*-99; Holmcroft) and Alison Bradburn (1985-87; Day); Engineering explained by Elizabeth Fielder (198692; Johnson’s); and Banking by Naomi

22 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

Crawford (1994-96; Acacia). Diplomacy and Government was illuminated by Harriet King (née Lewis) (1992-97; Warner) and Tim Decamp (1991*-2001; Day), son of the current Deputy Head.

The money laundering and corruption investigation seminar proved a popular choice for some students who learnt about this area from Emma Christie (1987-92; Abbey) and Neil Marshman (1974-77; Walton). Piers Doggart (1983-87; Millfield), now making his fifth appearance, teamed up with former Chair of Governors, Judith Derbyshire (1968-73; Day) to explain Law and how he was trying hard to extradite Abu Qatada. Nicholas Ames (1997-2002; Orchards) and Samuel Clague (19992004; Holmcroft) also teamed up to present aspects of Law and recruiting good lawyers.

Oliver Thomas (1997*-2004; Day) and Emma Berryman (1996*-2004; Warner) invited potential medical students to guess the possible uses of a range of sharp objects. Sarah Gibbings (1972-74; Great House) challenged

budding journalists to write attractive articles and invited them to discuss ideas on how to gain entry to celebrity parties in order to get the hot gossip.

Ruth Pell (née Posnett) (1981-83; Kernick) returned again to invite a group of students to try their hand at designing and improving their UCAS statements. Laura Zaky (1977*-83; Oaklands) returning for a fourth year, demonstrated how to create an interesting portfolio of pictures and how to publicise work. Sandy Strallen (1969-71; St Anne’s) gave an energetic description of the tough opportunities in the dance and entertainment industries.

James Keeton (1984*-92; Day) appearing for the first time enthralled his audience with the importance of becoming a chartered accountant and how this linked into becoming an MD of a top 100 FTSE company. Chris Lord-Smith (1966-73; Old Rectory High Ham), fielded questions on how to take advantage of the renewable energy market. John Mallett (1983-88; Orchards) and Lisa Rendell (1983*-

87; Grange) worked together to help stress the importance of an agent and a comprehensive contract in professional sport and how to run a personal development coaching business.

Major Bayard Barron (1984*-95; Holmcroft) gave a robust account of serving in the armed forces and the amazing opportunities it presented.

Simon Whitehead (1984*-93; Keen’s Elm) and Martin Stevens (1987-90; Day) shared a seminar on Architecture and Urban Design.

The enthusiasm of OMs for this event and their desire to give something back to Millfield continues to be very striking. Most OMs enjoyed making new business contacts; Duncan Wilde and Alison Bradburn also discovered that they lived in the same street in Bristol! I am exceptionally grateful for all the offers made and have thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the OMs over the past few years.

Although I shall still be attached to the department I am stepping down as Head of Careers. James Brittain will be running the 2013 convention which will be on Saturday 15th June. Please contact him at jjb@millfieldschool.com or 01458 444338 if you are interested in taking part.

Leavers Presentation Louise Lang (1995-97; Day)

O

n Tuesday 24th May 2012 the OMS gave its annual presentation to school leavers, explaining to pupils, primarily in the Upper Sixth, about how the Society continues to support OMs once they leave Millfield.

After a welcome from Headmaster, Craig Considine, and introduction

by Head of Year, Steven Cole, Louise Lang (1995-97; Day) spoke about the benefits to OMs of being part of the ‘OM network’, and the positive impact that this can have on careers and future personal and professional development.

Being an OM confers a privileged status, and means that we can tap into a network of individuals who have shared the same formative experiences;

that’s a very powerful thing, regardless of age, class or ethnicity.

As an added bonus – and example of OM networking in action – Adam Norris (1980*-89; Day), entrepreneur and angel investor, offered one audience member the chance to spend a couple of hours at his HQ in Somerset.

This opportunity was ‘won’ by Oliver Rashid (2010-12; St Anne’s) from Bath who used his time with Adam to pick his brains and gain some insight into the world of this hugely successful self-made Millfield businessman.

If you would like to attend next year, offer mentoring to a leaver or even speak at next year’s presentation, we would love to hear from you.

Please email office@omsociety.com

The RJOM Scholarship Fund Appeal Professor R K F Clark

TEN QUID A MONTH CLUB. For

(1960-65; Etonhurst)

further information please contact

The RJOM Scholarship Fund was set

office@omsociety.com For every 100 of us that join in

up in tribute to Boss at his funeral. Its purpose is to provide scholarships

at £10 a month, an amount that

for the children of Old Millfieldians

approximates to the annual cost of a

to study in the sixth form at Millfield.

50% scholarship would be collected.

Although some scholarships

Beyond that we can give immediate

have been awarded in the past,

be built up so that it can do justice to

help, and start to build up the capital

unfortunately, there have never

the name and benevolent reputation

of the fund. Of course, some may

been sufficient funds to operate as

of our school’s founder. As a result,

wish to give more than a tenner a

originally hoped.

the Old Millfieldian Society has

month and some may wish to help

re-launched the RJOM Scholarship

but only be able to afford less. Every

fund appeal by establishing the

penny will help!

The Old Millfieldian Society Board is determined that the Fund should

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 23

Society News

Trust Fund Reports The OM Society has a small fund to assist young OMs, fundamentally those seeking ‘to do good deeds’ in third world countries or elsewhere under the auspices of responsible organisations. It is not available for the extension of educational studies.

Cycling the Cape

in South Africa

CHARITY BIKE RIDE Piers Denning (2000*-11; St Anne’s)

T

he Western Cape of South Africa has a wealth of incredible views from its many hills, all set against the incredible backdrop of Table Mountain. So, in retrospect, when in an offhand comment I mentioned to a friend at university we should cycle 300 miles of its coast in five days for charity, I probably should have taken a second to actually gain a bit of perspective on what I was undertaking – the biggest physical struggle of my life to date. Nonetheless I began the task of raising £2,400 for the charity Hope for Children.

We arrived in Cape Town with a day to rest and at 7.00 am the next day my feet clipped into the pedals for the first stage of this 300 mile, five-day journey along one of the most scenic routes in the world. Averaging 60 miles a day and up to 9 hours in the saddle on the longest day, morale soon drained from the 20-strong cyclists undertaking the challenge. The pain provided by the high cadences and never-ending roads was nothing in comparison to the astonishing views and towering mountains we witnessed as we weaved

24 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

Piers with the Boardman Team road bike that carried him through five days of serious climbing on rough roads, including an ascent of the dreaded Robinson Pass, before returning to Cape Town

through the intricate passes at their feet. This was highlighted by the infamous Robinson Pass, a dreaded 900m vertical climb tackled on the third day. However, the family of baboons providing their support did offer a brilliant photo opportunity and a very much welcome break.

Five days, 300 miles, two punctures and a lot of unwanted inclines later we rolled into Cape Town. While the expectation of a grand finishing line

and thousands of cheering fans could be considered slightly optimistic, being greeted by a slightly disgruntled bus driver exclaiming that ‘we were 20 minutes late’ after cycling 75 miles after four days of hell was possibly not the most idyllic finish.

These three weeks in South Africa proved to be the most challenging, yet rewarding, experience of my life – and money was raised for my worthy charity, www.hope-for-children.org

Kili for Kids 2012 FUNDRAISING ascent of mount kilimanjaro Millfield Challengers: Michelle White (1994-99; Grange), Anna Cooper (1991*-99; Day), Laura Mantovani (1997-99; Grange), Emma Bandara (née Boyle) (1994-99; Abbey), Sasha Handover (1997-99; Johnson’s) and Georgina Hayes (1991*-97; Acacia)

I

n February this year, these six OMs took on the challenge of scaling Mount Kilimanjaro for charity and managed to raise an incredible £25K for Kids Company in the process.

Our flight from Nairobi to Tanzania provided us with our first glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro. It was a spectacular sight and punctured the sky high above the cloud level. At 20,000ft it towered 2,000ft above our plane. Our route gave us eight chilly nights on the mountain.

The first few days went smoothly, as we walked up through rain-soaked foothills, mossy forest and onto the Shira Plateau. Going to bed under a carpet of stars and waking to spectacular views of the mountain at sunrise, our spirits were high. We were part of a large group of 20 walkers (17 fundraisers), accompanied by more than 60 porters, guides and chefs.

We needn’t have worried about the food as we were spoilt with nutritious three-course meals, hot chocolate and popcorn whilst enjoying our evening games of Uno in the mess tent.

Day four brought with it our first realisation of the seriousness of our adventure. Two members began suffering from AMS. Thankfully, as we were circumnavigating the mountain the next day and since our route gave us plenty of time to acclimatise to the high altitude, they both managed to continue.

Day seven was summit night, and whilst sleeping at 4,700m an electrical storm raged overhead showering us in snow, and postponing our midnight departure. Finally, at 3.00 am, we set off in the pitch dark, wearing almost

every piece of clothing we had with nothing but head torches to light our path through the snow and rock. Our incredible guides sang traditional mountain songs to motivate us, and we marched along in rhythm with them.

Finally about seven hours later, after beating the battle against the ‘hill of hell’ (a seemingly endless slope with a zigzag pathway), we were standing on the edge of the crater of one of the most famous dormant volcanoes in the world. There are three summits on the Kilimanjaro Crater; Gilman’s Point at 5,681m, Stella Point at 5,739m and finally Uhuru Peak at 5,895m.

When we finally reached Uhuru, it was an amazing feeling. Laughing, crying, hugging each other, taking photos and a few swigs from a hipflask, we had made it to the ‘Rooftop of Africa’! After a gruelling two-day descent, we treated ourselves to a welldeserved luxury safari retreat... except Coops, who flew home early to get to a hockey match... crazy girl!

For most of us, summiting Mount Kilimanjaro has definitely been the most memorable and incredible experience of our lives. But our adventure was not only life-changing for us, since, as a group of 17, we raised over £80K for Kids Company, a UK charity which supports over 17,000 children in Greater London alone.

Our funds will be going towards the construction of a new rehabilitation centre called Heart Yard, which will be a much needed safe haven for many abused, underprivileged and troubled children.

how to help To find out more please visit www.kidsco.org.uk or sponsor us at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ team/GirlsOnTopOf Kilimanjaro Are you up for the challenge? We

Six OM girls were among a group of 20 walkers, accompanied by more than 60 porters, guides and chefs, who raised £25,000 for the charity Kids Company by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

can thoroughly recommend it.

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 25

Society News

Millfield Professional Groups Property Edward Finley (1993-97; Butleigh)

Following its launch in December 2011, the Millfield Property Group (MPG) is celebrating its first birthday. In the past year we have welcomed 144 members from all over the UK and abroad. The primary purpose of the group is to generate business among MPG members.

However, the group also enables members to recruit, look for jobs and support students and graduates to tap into our members’ experience.

The MPG operates through our LinkedIn group, organising breakfasts and evening drinks. In addition, the LinkedIn group is a forum for open discussion between members debating topics and pushing out business.

We are pleased to say that the group is extremely well represented by different players in the industry and includes the following: commercial and residential property agents, architects, surveyors, insurance

brokers, lenders, investors, developers, builders, designers, lawyers and stone specialists, to name but a few!

In addition, we have students and graduates who are considering their career options, and MPG is delighted to be able to support them.

If you would like to join the MPG the criterion is simple – it is open to all OMs who work in, or would like to be involved in the world of property. If you are interested please send a request to join our Millfield Property Group on LinkedIn, or get in touch with Edward Finley edward.finley@ mapleandblack.com or Steven Thomas steven.thomas@coreco.co.uk

Legal Lawrence Selby (1983-88; Keen’s Elm)

The Millfield Legal Society (MLS) was established with dual objectives, the primary being to establish a means whereby OM lawyers are able to give something back to Millfield in recognition of the role which the school

played in getting them to where they are today. It is envisaged that this objective will take several forms, including career advice, work placements and sponsorship.

The secondary objective, in keeping with the entrepreneurial and innovative ethos of the school, is to provide a platform from which members have the opportunity to develop relationships, network and socialise within the Millfield community itself.

The MLS held its inaugural meeting on Thursday 6 September 2012, at 9 Bedford Row, London. Headmaster Craig Considine and Development Director Ian McLean were in attendance to meet OMs spanning the generations, from the time of “Boss” Meyer right through to more recent leavers. Unsurprisingly, given the common bond, there was much talk and laughter as perspectives and stories of school life were shared. Regrettably, I’m reliably informed that, for legal reasons, these cannot be printed. If you want to find out more, you’ll just have to attend the next meeting!

It is anticipated that gatherings will be held once a quarter, with notifications being posted on LinkedIn (Millfield School Alumni group), Facebook (Old Millfieldian Society group), and members being directly emailed. To guarantee inclusion to our e-mail group, please register your interest with Claire Thompson, Development Officer clairethompson@millfieldschool.com Whether you are a former, existing, or potential OM lawyer, we look forward to welcoming you.

The future of Millfield Professional Groups Millfield Professional Groups are fantastic forums for

Moreover, the Development Office is keen to support the

networking, socialising and re-connecting. Following

needs of our community, and welcomes all OMs who

the success of the Legal and Property groups, plans

would like to discuss the Professional Groups, their future

are in place to see the expansion of the Marketing and

and any additional groups which could be established.

Communications Group, and the launch of Banking and

To get in touch, please find my contact details on pages

Finance, and Sports Management.

42-43, Claire Thompson, Development Officer.

26 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

Millfield Foundation Letter from the Chairman Dear Old Millfieldian, I am still basking in the glow of Millfield’s Olympic successes. London 2012 was inspirational in so many ways, with Mark Foster (1983-86; Millfield) pairing up so brilliantly with Clare Balding as the BBC’s dynamic duo fronting the swimming coverage, to Helen Glover’s (2002-04; Martin’s) and Peter Wilson’s (2000-05; Holmcroft) gold medals; the crowning glory of our school’s incredible Olympic heritage.

The Millfield Olympian Dinner, held as a precursor to ‘The Games’, was a wonderful evening of celebration and generous giving. Thank you to all who attended, pledged or supported by donating a gift to our fabulous auction led by Guy Bennett (1987-89; St Anne’s) – himself a great supporter of scholarships through the Bennett Family Art Scholarship Fund.

I was honoured to be chosen as a Games Ambassador and Deputy Mayor of the Olympic Village; two amazing experiences, both of which I will never forget.

However, it was the chance to nominate a young sportsperson to light the Olympic flame which I will cherish. Jordan Duckett is an extraordinary young man who will contribute massively to the world of sport, and who will, as a Sports Leader, inspire others to achieve and strive for the best.

Striving for the best – that metaphorical gold medal – is something that OMs continue to do, and I am proud of the support that Millfield Foundation gives to talented and driven individuals, allowing them to realise their dreams. We are committed to creating opportunity for future young Millfieldians, and continue to seek your help and determination in enabling us to do so.

This year we look forward to hosting a range of events that we hope will engage and inspire, and raise money for scholarships for our fantastic school! We plan to run an internship scheme for young OMs, giving opportunity after leaving the classroom. Details of this programme and how to apply will be available shortly. If you’re able to offer an internship, or know someone/a company who can, then please do contact the OMS Office on +44 (0)1458 444368 or email: office@omsociety.com. We would love to hear from you!

To borrow a phrase from London 2012, we want to ‘inspire a generation’ of supporters of Millfield Foundation. Thank you for being part of this.

With every good wish,

Duncan Goodhew, MBE (1970-75; Walton) Chairman of Millfield Foundation

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 27

Pick the right team for your next construction project “As an Old Millfieldian and former Wales and Lions scrum half I know that having the right team around you is crucial for success. And it’s no different in the building industry. I highly recommend Euroclad and Eurobond to anyone involved in construction.

Both companies manufacture and supply leading products for applications as diverse as residential developments, schools and stadia, to name just a few.

And their customer service and product quality are second to none.

Pick a winning team and be sure of success; select Euroclad and Eurobond.”

Gareth Edwards CBE

High performance, cost effective metal roofing and cladding systems Euroclad is the UK's home-grown, independent supplier of metal roof and wall products which provide exceptional acoustic and thermal performance for the life of a building.

Products are sustainably credible with proven routes for recycling and disposal. Euroclad listens to the needs of its customers and offers high performance, cost effective solutions.

029 2079 0722 www.euroclad.com

28 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

The UK's No.1 supplier of non-combustible cored composite panels Eurobond is the leading designer and manufacturer of non-combustible cored internal and external wall and ceiling solutions in the UK. Manufactured using a fire resistant stone wool insulant with a low environmental impact, the Eurobond range of composite panel solutions offer the specifier complete assurance in the event of exposure to heat or flames.

029 2077 6677 www.eurobond.co.uk

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 29

Society News Births

Peter Hildreth (1996*-2005;

To Amy (née Groves) and James Taylor, a son, Jack William Anderson Taylor on Wednesday 19th September 2012.

Coombes (2000-05; Martins) were married on 10th February 2012.

Marriages Amy Groves (1992*-99; Oaklands)

married James Taylor on 23rd October 2011 at the Church of St John the Evangelist, Heron’s Ghyll, East Sussex and afterwards at Barnsgate Manor Vineyard, Heron’s Ghyll, East Sussex.

Amy is the former Chair of the OM Society London Branch.

Nicola Imrie (1991*-2001; Day)

married Warren Heger in West Lydford Church, Somerset on 3rd January 2012 (below). Nicola is the Secretary of the OM Society South Africa Branch.

Shapwick) and Kimberley Anne

Wout Kalis (1970-71; Glaston Tor) married

Patricia Clare Morgan on 25th April 2012 at Gretna Green, Scotland.

held in a marquee in a field opposite their house in Hundleby.

Cathy Fang (1998-2003; Abbey) and Stephen Kwok (2000-02; Etonhurst)

Hannah Croft (1997-2002; Abbey)

married Richard Clark on 16th June 2012 at St Mary’s Church in Longnor, Shropshire with the reception in a marquee at her parents’ farm. Jennifer

were married at The Four Seasons Hotel in Hong Kong on 12th August 2012.

Martin

(1997-2002; Day) was one of her

bridesmaids and wedding guests included former member of staff

Nicola (Nik) Hawkins (née Kightley). Hilary Attfield (née

Vince) (1997-2000; Day) was also going

to be a bridesmaid but as she was eight and a bit months pregnant, she was unfortunately not able to make it at all!

Clare and Malcolm Tucker (1961-65; Millfield), on the steps of Chelsea Old Town Hall Register Office, following their wedding ceremony on 22nd September 2012. Best Man, Robin Balding (1960-66; Millfield) is on the right of the picture.

James Hopkins (1995*-2002; Day)

married Kasia Pisarska (they met as students at Lancaster University) on 16th June 2012 at St Mary’s Church, Hundleby, Spilsby, Lincolnshire. The reception was

Births and Marriages 30 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

OM News Directory 2012 Please help us to keep up to date with your own activities and the achievements of fellow Old Millfieldians by completing the enclosed questionnaire and returning it to us here at the OMS office. Contact the OM Society online at www.omsociety.com or send us an email to office@omsociety.com with the details.

1940-1949 JAMES, Peter Manley (1948-49; Resteholme)

After Millfield, he completed his education at RMS Sandhurst and joined the Gloucestershire Regiment. He was invalided out of the army at 26 and was a stockbroker for a while; he went on to become a Director of Personnel.

PHILLIPPS, Brian Douglas (1943-44; Millfield)

Millfield was his seventh school and he remembers working on the threshing machine near Millfield House. He joined the Royal Marine Y scheme and from there 42 RM Commando, before taking a diploma in Horticulture at Reading University. He went on to develop fruit farms in Sussex and Surrey before retiring to Jersey in 1978.

RUTTER, John Fenton (1939-40; Millfield)

From school he went to Cambridge University, where he graduated in Law. During the war he served in Europe, the Far East and the Pacific. A solicitor, he was County Coroner for Somerset for thirty two years: two sons, Kelvin and Charles, are also OMs.

1950-1959

of Friesian cows and heifers over thirty five years. Now retired, he is a campsite owner, has been a jazz musician all his life, and plays the organ at five Masonic lodges.

BROUGHAM, Michael 5th Baron Brougham and Vaux (1952-1957; Walton)

Succeeding to his father’s title in 1967, he has been Deputy Speaker of The House of Lords since 1995 and is currently Vice-Chairman of The Association of Conservative Peers.

He has been President of The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, President of Safety Groups UK, and Chairman of the Tax Payers Society. In 1995 he was awarded the CBE. GODFREY, Nigel (1956-57; Millfield)

From 1965 to 1997 he served in four departments in the Canadian Civil Service, the last eighteen in the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, receiving a Merit Award in 1998. He now lives on Vancouver Island, doing volunteer work, taking on business projects overseas, gardening and enjoying sharing the lives of his children and grandchildren. In 2001 he was awarded the Vice-Regal Commendation for Service to the BC Office of the Lieutenant Governor.

BLANCH, James Roger (1953-55; Edgarley)

After studying Agriculture at Hartpury College, he built up a 200 strong herd

HOLLOWAY, John Patrick CBE (1948-50; Restholme)

He has devoted a life of great Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 31

Society News OM News

Directory

2012 distinction to the police service.

He served in the former Northern Rhodesia, and the Solomon Islands, being appointed Commissioner in 1975; from 1983 to 1987 he was Commissioner to the Vanuatu Police Force, before becoming Police and Security Adviser to the government.

Having received several medals for distinguished service, he was awarded the OBE in 1977 and CBE in 1989 before retiring to Queensland in 1993.

MATTHEWS, Michael (1954-57; Millfield)

After a career in the luxury end of the hotel business on four continents, he is now semi-retired in Tucson, Arizona.

He has written a regular column on hotels for www.joesentme.com and is a contributor on CBS radio. In 2010 he sailed a 42-foot sailing boat from San Diego to Honolulu, a journey of 28 days.

RAMUZ, R William (1950*-53; Millfield)

Retired from Sheringham Social Services, he now lives with his wife in Norfolk where he enjoys cruising the Broads and playing the mandolin.

SMITH, Robert J M (1959-62; Shapwick)

After qualifying as an architect, he commenced working in his own practice in 1970 and has remained so ever since – he will continue until no-one wants him! Both his daughters have presented him with grandchildren in the last two years.

32 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

SPICER, Martin Glyde (1952-56; Walton)

After three years in the RAF, he became an articled clerk and qualified as a solicitor in 1965. Later he moved into horticulture for 16 years then ran a small care home with his wife before retiring. He now lives in Somerset.

first phase of Canary Wharf before setting up his own practice. In 1999 he moved to Oman as project manager on a palace for the Sultan and later was lead architect on the Shangri La Resort. After 14 years in the Gulf he is planning to retire to New Zealand.

HADFIELD, Tim

TWADDLE, Mike (1958-59; Abbot’s Leigh)

He spent years in the hotel industry, both in the UK and abroad, but is now retired, enjoying gardening, painting, salmon fishing and his grandchildren.

He remembers “Brom” with affection.

1960-1969

(1963-65; Orchards)

After four years in advertising in London, he spent the next 35 years in South Africa. In 2002 he and his wife, Lorraine, moved to New York before he retired to coach tennis and play golf.

MAWER, Simon (1964-67; Shapwick)

Married to Elwyn, with four children and four grandchildren, he studied at Victoria University, Wellington and Trinity Theological College. He spent three years at sea in the Merchant Navy and 20 as a primary school teacher before becoming an Anglican priest in Auckland.

OM of the year in 2010, he published his most recent novel, The Girl Who Fell From The Sky, in 2010, his eleventh since Chimera in 1989. In 2003 The Fall won the Boardman-Tasker Prize, and The Glass Room was short-listed for the Booker Prize in 2009. For 30 years he has also taught biology at St George’s International School in Rome: he is married and has two children.

CHARLTON-WEEDY, Michael

NORMAN, Victor

BARNES, Christopher Charles (Rev) (1966-69; St Anne’s)

(Maj Gen) (1963-68; Walton)

In 2010 he completed the privatisation of the Cabinet Office Emergency Planning College, relinquished the post of Chief Executive, and is currently Director UK Resilience Training and Doctrine in the Cabinet Office Civil Contingencies Secretariat. He is also advisor to the national emergency services interoperability programme and is responsible for the promotion of resilience in the six GCC states.

(1961-64; Etonhurst)

He fell in love with his wife, Anne, went to Chelsea College of Aeronautical Engineering and started a Ferrari dealership. From 1970 to 1980 he raced vintage cars and then became a professional air display pilot. He is now MD of Aero Superbatics Ltd, the only formation wing walking aerobatic team in the world. His three children, Zoë, Nina, and Sam, are all OMs. RICHMOND, Anthony (1961-63; Old Rectory High Ham)

DUGGAN, David (1963-66; Old Rectory High Ham)

An architect, he worked in London from 1979 until 1998 on major commercial projects, including the

He has variously been a schoolmaster, civil servant, college bursar at Durham University, and, since 2007, Master of Abbot’s Hospital, an almshouse in Guildford.

1970-1979 BRANDON, Ian Karl Robert (1971*-80; Northfields)

After working at GCHQ and The Welsh Office, he joined Gemini Ernst and Young in 1996 before leaving to work as a freelance IT Consultant in 2002. In October 2011 he made British legal history at the Court of Appeal, winning against Mishcon de Reya in Brandon v American Express Services Europe Ltd.

Married to his second wife, Cathy, he has two daughters and one stepdaughter, plays golf off three, and is a long-time MCC member.

MARSHMAN, R Neil (1974-77; Kernick)

He graduated in Philosophy at Southampton and is now a selfemployed Insolvency Practitioner.

A keen photographer, he is married to Martine and has two children, the younger of whom is in the Upper Sixth at Holmcroft.

CLARKE, Christopher (1975-80; Joan’s Kitchen)

He is Chief of the Employment and Compensation Policy at the IMF after “stumbling” into a summer job there after graduating, since when he has forged a career in “one of the most rewarding places”. Married to Niglun, he has three children, is a youth soccer coach, an inexplicable Spurs supporter, and has a passion for road cycling: the family lives in Maryland, USA. EVERETT, James (Kenny) (1971-75; Shapwick)

Married to his second wife for 25 years, he has two brilliant children and one grandchild. A teacher for 32 years, he lives in a beautiful part of the world – Nempnett Thrubwell – where he also has horses, chickens, dogs, and a goat.

HALL, Vivian (1970-71; Chindit)

He has spent his life in the wine trade, first a small company in London, then Fortnum and Mason, and lastly Champagne Krug in France. He met his future wife while running a wine bar in London and has a wine consultancy, “Cherchez le Vin”– he has a passion for Jaguar cars.

HUTCHINSON, Stephen (1978-80; Keinton)

Now an airline cabin manager, he has worked in the industry for 25 years.

POWER, Matthew (1973-77; Millfield)

After graduating in Graphic Design and Print Management, he pursued his passion for sailing, teaching young children and sailing his own restored yacht single-handedly to the West Indies and back. Matthew settled on the Isle of Wight, worked as a studio manager for a large printing company but in 2010 was diagnosed with cancer and made redundant. Now fully recovered, he is a self-employed graphic designer, is married and has a son.

SPEDDING, Simon (1968-72; High Ham)

He has spent his life in teaching, specialising in Special Needs, in Solihull, Norfolk, and latterly in Hayes, retiring from his post of Assistant Headteacher in 2010. Nowadays he works for a film location support company in the London area.

THOMPSON, Charles Anthony (1969-73; Hollies)

A self-employed wine merchant, he has worked in the wine trade, mostly in the champagne industry, for 38 years.

For 10 years he was in charge of Krug Champagne for the UK and recently created “Les Grandes Favorites Champeroise”. He shares an office with fellow wine merchant and OM, Philip Slocombe (1972-73; Orchards).

WILLS, Anthony J V (1970-75; St Anne’s)

He worked in the wine trade until 1992, before changing to whisky. In 2005 he founded Kilchoman Distillery on the Isle of Islay and remains its MD. He has three boys.

YOUNGHUSBAND, Jan (1970-72; Southfield)

After being a freelance producer and author, in 1999 she became Commissioning Editor for Music at Channel Four, adding arts and animation to her “slate” in 2005. During her ten years, over 300 awards were won, including Emmys, Oscars and Baftas. In 2009 she joined the BBC as Commissioning Editor for music and events.

1980-1989 ANDERSON, Steven (1982-83; Joan’s Kitchen)

Initially he trained in Hotel and Food Management at Boston University and then worked in some of the world’s top hotels. His passion for cooking saw him focus on being a chef, which has given him the opportunity to work with some of the great leaders in the industry.

ASHWORTH, Paul (1984-86; Holmcroft)

He gained his MBA in Paris and then worked in the wine industry, with luxury goods conglomerate LVMH in Argentina and, as vice president of marketing, at Terlato Wines. He moved to the US, holding senior positions at Moët Hennessy. In 2012 he became President of Bernina of America, the premier manufacturer of sewing, embroidery and quilting machines.

AUSTIN, Sian (née Ricketts) (1977*-84; Southfield)

Operations Manager for Tom Conran Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 33

Society News OM News

Directory

2012

Restaurants, she lives in Chiswick, is a “foodie”, loves car boot sales, travelling, and her friends and family – she has two boys.

BANKS, Liz (1982-86; Day)

After film school, she worked as an assistant editor for the BBC before directing her own documentaries and short films. She is now Senior Lecturer in Film Studies at the University of the West of England, and outside work enjoys time with her partner and children, renovating their house in Spain – and learning Spanish.

COOPER, Laura Catherine

(née Dickinson) (1985*-93; Day)

She graduated in Chemistry at Oxford, is married to Jonathan and has three children – during her maternity leave she was a school science technician.

The family now lives in Hertfordshire.

JUPE, Lucy (née Smith) (1989-91; Walton)

She is Retail Manager with Majestic Wine, is married to Christopher, and has two girls – the family lives in Petersfield.

LYNCH, Anna (1988-91; Day)

After graduating in Social Policy at Newcastle, she trained as a nurse in London and is now a senior manager in the NHS. She was Deputy Mayor of Tower Hamlets from 2010 to 2011 and completed the London Marathon in 2009.

34 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

MARKS, Vicky (née Becker) (1983-87; Kernick)

Vicky worked as an early years’ teacher, then for the NHS as a school nurse, alongside bringing up three children. She has now set up her own stationery company and lives in Barnet with husband, Howard, and would love to hear from any contemporaries.

MNATZAGANIAN, Jessica Emma (1983*-91; Day)

She graduated in Natural Sciences at Cambridge and for 10 years worked as a journals production editor at The Royal Society. She returned to live in Somerset with her partner and two daughters in 2011 and has achieved her goal of working as a freelance scientific editor and proof-reader.

THOMAS, Julie (née Foster) (1986-88; Orchards)

With degrees from the universities of Florida and Swansea, she has lived for the past six years in Shanghai with her husband, Andrew, and their two children. She is Head of Mathematics at Dulwich College, Shanghai and a former captain of the Welsh Ladies’ Golf Team.

WALKER, Deborah (1984*-88; Day)

Having worked in Event Management and been involved in charity work for Battersea Dogs Home, she now works in Corporate Development at Intertek

Group, Savile Row. In 2012 she set up www.thechelseanetwork.com WALLACE, Mark (Dr) (1980-84; Joan’s Kitchen)

At UCL he captained the men’s tennis team, graduated in Physiology and Medicine, and became a GP. Married to Natalie and with three children, he is now senior partner in his practice in Oxford: he also teaches Oxford University students, trains qualified doctors, and is involved in the Oxford Medical School admissions process.

1990-1999 KING, Harriet (née Lewis) (1992-97; Warner)

After graduating in German at Edinburgh, she is now a diplomat at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Married to William, she was due to give birth a second time in 2012 and looking forward to some time off work.

BARRON, Bayard (1984*-95; Holmcroft)

18 months after leaving school, he joined the army, and, as an officer in the Royal Irish Regiment, he has served across the world for 15 years: he is currently Infantry Company Commander with his regiment.

KNOWLES, Tamara (1994-97; Chindit)

After working as an au pair, she met Deborah Walker (1984*-88; Day) set up social networking company The Chelsea Network in 2012

her future partner, a vintner, and lives on their vineyard in Alsace with their three trilingual children: she also teaches English to businesses.

MACEY, James

(1993-98; Millfield)

Since graduating at Loughborough, he returned from a ski season in Canada to join the Somerset family business, Sandpits Heating Centre and is now a partner in it: he is a member of the first team at Oake Manor Golf Club.

MACEY, Kate (1993*- 2000; Day)

She worked as executive assistant for both the CEO of Chelsea Football Club and for property developer Nick Candy, but has now fulfilled her dream of running a teashop in Somerset. It is called Living Pretty, and she runs it alongside the family business.

MASON, Jennifer Sally (née Slocock) (1999-2001; Portway)

Married to Peter in 2010, she is now a National Hunt racehorse trainer after a successful eventing and racing career, which included a winner for Her Majesty the Queen in 2006.

NEVILLE-CLARKE, Michelle (1992-94; Abbey)

After studying Law at Kingston, she was called to the Bar both in England and the Bahamas in 1999.

Since 2006 she has been a director of the Bahamas Financial Services Board and is a partner in Lennox Paton Legal Solutions.

PALAZUELO, Lucie (1997-2000; Warner)

She trained as a nurse and has worked for charitable organisations in India, notably in a hospital helping tsunami victims. Now living in Madrid, she works at the city’s hospital in the surgical ward.

PALLIS, Mark (1994-96; Butleigh)

He has been a barrister, the founder of a legal aid charity, an author, the policy director of APPG on genocide prevention in Africa and, more recently, a writer and director of film, TV and commercials.

2000-present DEAKIN, Jack (2002-04; St Anne’s)

After graduation at Loughborough, he worked in corporate events management, then sales and marketing, before setting up his own gardening company, Pro-tidy, in Bristol in 2010.

TAYLOR, Phineas

HANCOCK, Daniel Matthew

(1996-2000; Orchards)

(2009-11; Walton)

In 2012 he was invited to join the photography agency, DMB Media, after finishing his third campaign for Nike, making images for store fronts in India and the image for the Warsaw Stadium for Euro 2012. He has also contributed portraits to The Guardian’s weekend magazine.

UZUNOVA, Baran Can (1989-94; Shapwick)

He is Executive Vice President of Nurova Construction and lives in Istanbul, where he enjoys attending auctions, sailing and tennis.

A year playing cricket in Brisbane has been followed by county trials at Northampton and Gloucestershire.

HATTON, Edmund (2002-04; Walton)

Although possessing a marketing degree and a Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) qualification to teach English as a foreign language, he has a great job as Business Development Officer with Sator Regulatory Consulting in Jersey.

LAY, Stephanie (2004-08; Day)

WILLSTEED, Edward (1991-96; Millfield)

After graduating in Oceanography with Marine Biology at Southampton, he has pursued a maritime career – as skipper’s mate, managing a cetacean research centre in Tenerife, and has had two stints with MacAllister Elliot, an international fisheries consultancy, where he is a director and marine biologist.

WRIGGLESWORTH, Helen (née Lewis) (1989*-96; Oaklands)

Now a full-time mother of two boys, she has had a busy career: she worked for a Cambridge firm on products as varied as coffee machines and scientific telescopes before moving to Hong Kong with her future husband, Thomas, to complete an MBA. Back in the UK she tries to find time for her other “baby”, a fledgling baby products company.

She initially studied International Hospitality and Finance but is now at Wolverhampton reading Interior Architecture and Property Development: she also works part-time as a model.

SINGHANIA, Raghaypat (1999-2003; Millfield)

Married three years ago, he is Special Executive with J K Cement, runs a charitable trust providing support and education for the poor, and has recently started an in-house journal for his company in New Delhi.

WALTON, Olivia Dulcie (2006-08; Warner)

In 2012 she completed her degree in Economics and Business Studies and is embarking on a diploma in Interior Design: she lives in the Channel Islands.

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 35

Society News

Obituaries

Compiled by Barry Hobson (Former Tutor and Archivist). Please see obituaries section on our website, www.omsocietycom, for more information.

Bob (“Plunk”) Dickens

in memoriam

Bob Clark (1960-65; Etonhurst)

It is with deep regret that we report the deaths of the following 40 Old Millfieldians and former members of staff.

Dr Louis T Adhihetty Brian Armfield Andrew P Blinman Mrs Joan Brooke Count Gianfranco Cicogna Mrs Margaret J Cockburn (née Beaty) Malcolm H A Collingridge Hannah L Combes John J Cronk R G “Bob” Dickens Gary R Dudman Rob Ellis Richard H Finzel Nicholas St John Fordy Marian M Gibbs Dr Neil W Glendinning Lloyd S Green John J N Grimshaw J S “Syd” Hill Robert W Holmes Maha Kalaji Elizabeth J King Nigel H Marshall Anthony J Matthews Thomas L Maynard Joseph C Morland Mrs Maggie Neukomm Peter W W Nolan Richard Norris Nathan G Penney Eileen Percy (née Caulfield) Carole Plowman John R de Quincey Michael J Robinson Dr David W A Rosser Charles Sankey Rupert M Stevenson I Anthony O Watkins Robert J “Bob” Watson Mrs Catherine A I White (née Brandon)

36 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

(1956-57; Millfield) (1987-93; Former MPS Staff) (1975*-81; Joan’s Kitchen) (1977-89; MPS Former Staff) (1977-80; Northfield) (1958-60; Day) (1949-52; Millfield) (1993-96; Walton) (1975-80; Day) (1957-1989; Former Staff) (1969-70; Orchards) (1990-92; Former MPS Staff) (1953-56; Joan’s Kitchen) (1974-77; Joan’s Kitchen) (1969-83; Former MPS Staff) (1948-50; Kingweston) (1971-75; Hollies) (1952-53) (1950-87; Former Staff) (1935-37; Kernick) (1971-75; Ashcott) (1992-94; Southfield) (1966*-76; Hornblotton) (1955*-63; Shapwick) (2002-07; Walton) (1945-49; Edgarley, 1955-56; Day) (1995-2009; Former Staff) (1963-66; Kingweston) (1971-72; Former Staff) (1936-39; Millfield) (1945-46; The Cottage) (Former Staff) (1945-49; Millfield) (1960-62; Kingweston) (1949-52; Orchards) (1946-49; Orchards) (1981-85; Etonhurst) (1960-63; Orchards) (1950-54; Orchards) (1972-74; Ring O’ Bells)

remembers his old housemaster with a great deal of affection.

Bob died in February 2012 aged 88.

He worked at Millfield from 1957 until he retired in 1987. As a Housemaster and Department Head he played an important if typically modest role in Millfield’s development.

When Bob and Madge first started at Millfield, they lived in Shapwick whilst looking for a house of their own. Unfortunately house hunting did not endear him immediately to Boss because unknown to each of them they were both bidding against each other at auction to buy Hill Home. Perhaps the price for winning at auction was billeting the six of us lucky enough to live with them until in the spring term of 1961 when they moved as founding house-parents to Etonhurst which they ran for 12 years. Etonhurst was a happy house with its own identity. We enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere away from the main school campus.

Bob was of a slightly nervous disposition and did not like sudden or loud noise. This was attributed to his distinguished naval service. He was called up at age 19. At first he was involved in escorting convoys across the Atlantic and then served in midget submarines, including training in twoman craft known as ‘human torpedoes’.

In Hill Home when we were too noisy, which was often, he would charge up the stairs to our common room in three giant strides. The effect of this was a loud plunk, plunk, plunk sound echoing

Housemaster and Modern Languages teacher Bob Dickens, with wife Madge on his left, and the boys of Etonhurst in spring 1961. Writer Bob Clark is standing in the centre of the back row

from the stairwell, which as well as giving us warning of his imminent arrival, also gave him the nickname “Plunk” by which he was affectionately known throughout his service as a Housemaster.

Houseparenting was not the only string to Bob’s bow. He was Head of French and then Director of Modern Languages. When he retired in 1987, he launched into a whole range of activities including gardening, Scottish dancing, singing and leading the local branch of ‘Talking Newspapers for the Blind’.

He gained much enjoyment from these activities, but his last few years were sadly affected by the premature and sudden death of his youngest son Colin (1965*-75; Day) and then not long after that tragedy, Madge died.

He took both deaths very bravely, but inevitably they must have taken a toll on him.

Bob moved over to Essex to be near his elder son Anthony and his family.

When his own health faded he moved into a care home where he sadly died.

Following a service in a packed church, his ashes were interred alongside those of Madge and Colin in the Churchyard of All Saints Church in Aschott where Bob had been a Churchwarden whilst at Etonhurst.

Our condolences go to Anthony and his family.

a gifted tutor, as Housemaster of Joan’s Kitchen and also as Senior Housemaster subsequently, and as an officer in the Army section of the CCF. He had previously had military experience with the anti-aircraft rocket batteries manned by the Swansea Home Guard in the defence of the city while he was studying at the university there and doing his National Service in a local mine as a “Bevin Boy”.

This colourful background, he looked after a pit pony (called Dolly) which gave him useful experience for dealing with recalcitrant JK boys, was appreciated by his listeners when he was in good voice and good company.

Born and bred in Morriston, just outside Swansea, and married there to the delightful Yolande, his venture to work outside the principality, at Millfield in 1950, showed a determination to be different. He was one of a number of young men

brought in by Boss to help drive the dramatic changes to the school as it expanded after the end of WW2. His life changed dramatically in 1959 when, after the tragic death of Walter Gluck in December 1958, Boss invited him to become Master i/c Rugby, and later to take over Joan’s Kitchen. His instructions were to improve the fixture list of the 1st XV. Using his knowledge of South Wales to his advantage, he persuaded several grammar schools to invite Millfield across the Severn.

Such was the impression the school made there in Cardiff, Neath and Llanelli that the parents and teachers of promising young players approached Syd about the chances of their charges transferring to Somerset, Gareth Edwards and John P R Williams among them.

He shared the success with Herbie Davies, fellow Welsh coach and tutor, who produced wonderful results at 7s,

Syd Hill

Syd Hill will be remembered by OMs

especially for his leadership of the Rugby Football department, but they should be reminded that he gave wonderful service to the school as

Master i/c Rugby, Syd Hill, with the 1st XV in winter 1965. In the front row, third from the left, is ex-Director of Sport, geography teacher and past OMS Chairman Rod Speed Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 37

Society News Syd having persuaded Rosslyn Park RFC to invite Millfield back after the debacle of 1956. The foundation had been completed for Millfield to be recognised as one of the top, if not the top, rugby playing schools in Britain, when Syd stood down in 1969.

Joan’s Kitchen was still there and Yo and he kept it going until 1987, when they retired to their home at the other end of Street, within easy calling distance of their two children, Nigel and Verity, and “the old school”.

Tom Maynard: a life too short Isabelle Westbury (2006-08; Martin’s) reflects on the achievements and tragic death of England cricketing prospect, Tom Maynard.

A week is a long time in sport. In life, however,

a week is simply taken for granted and often forgotten over a lifetime.

It has now been two weeks since Tom Maynard tragically passed away. His death on Monday, 18th June 2012 hit home hard; a young cricketer of prodigious talent and huge prospects, his exciting future was prematurely ended in just a few fatal minutes.

Although his cricketing talent is what most will remember Tom by, the outpouring of emotion and grief from childhood friends, school friends, team-mates and many more bear testament to the engaging and likeable young man that Tom was. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; if anyone truly embraced the ethos of carpe diem, it was Tom. In the days following Tom’s death, his popularity won by his infectious personality has been validated by the scores of people expressing their sorrow at his death.

At Millfield, Tom was one of those superstars: a sporting hero with a hint of mischief. He was someone who lived life to its fullest extent and I don’t 38 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

think I’d be the only one to admit that he epitomised both who and where we wanted to be in life. To me, just starting out on the cricket scene at one of the biggest and most daunting sporting institutions in the country, he was a sign of what could be achieved. Too often the sporting superstars, or ‘jocks’, as we used to call them, at schools across the country carry about them an air of arrogance and superiority as a result of their talents. Not Tom. Confident of course – he had every right to be – but coupled with that was an approachability and warmth rarely seen among the sporting elite and these things truly set him apart.

Tom’s death is a tragedy and it may seem churlish to try and seek any good that has resulted from such sorrow.

But it only seems right, for both Tom and for his family, that we should acknowledge that the last few days have brought everyone that knew Tom – be it through his time at Millfield School, or simply through being part of the greater cricket community – closer together, united by the strength of the bond that was and is Tom. I only crossed paths with Tom through our cricketing circles at school, but in sharing many mutual friends, it is clear that he was both admired and adored by those of us lucky enough to have met him. It is for these qualities he must be remembered.

A life lost is always a great tragedy, but of one so young, so affable and with such sheer potential is a tragedy beyond compare.

Nathan Penney

Nathan Penney, “Nate” to his friends, came to England on a visit from Canada with his parents in the summer of 1936, met a teacher called RJO Meyer in their hotel in London, and found himself pupil No 7 in a small educational establishment 140 miles away.

That teacher certainly impressed his parents. Nate did not see them again until 1939, though he kept in touch, partly via his elder sister who was an undergraduate at Cambridge.

Communications over long distances was to be one of his main interests.

During WW2 he kept in touch by transatlantic post with Grace, a local girl by whom he had been smitten during the many school holidays he had had to spend at Millfield, even to the point of joining the church choir in which she sang. They were married after the war ended, by which time he was involved with radio.

Otherwise, wherever help was needed Nate was there, building the first cricket pavilion, clearing out the mud from the Clark’s boating pond to convert it into a swimming pool which he was first to enter each day, sometimes having to break the ice first, playing rugby for Yeovil because there were too few Millfieldians to form a team, and joining the Territorial Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry along with Bob Barr-Smith, an Australian. In 1939 he was appointed Head Boy for his final two years.

Returning home to St John, expecting to go to college, he was enrolled for defence service in the Newfoundland Rangers who had been banned, after disastrous losses in WW1, from serving overseas. His son, Frank, described his father as a “joiner”, this included remarkable woodworking, he was a dedicated Freemason, in which he held the highest offices, was a founder member of the Millfield Lodge, and an active member of Rotary International, whilst he was President of the Canadian Amateur Radio Foundation.

During the last 20 years or so of his life he paid a number of visits to the school. Sadly Grace died in 1999, but Nate was able to keep his interests going until a very short time before his own departure.

Serving the Millfield Community Worldwide OMS CHRONICLE 2013

Old

MILLFIELDIAN SOCIETY

CHRONICLE 2013

OLYMPIC HEROES

OM gOld Medallists Helen glOver and Peter WilsOn HOnOured On cOMMeMOrative staMPs

Yes, there’s plenty of nostalgia overflowing from its pages, but www.omsociety.com is also a dynamic resource for keeping informed about the activities of the OM Society, maintaining contacts with school friends, forging connections with Millfieldians old and new, enriching your social life and an invaluable tool for global business networking.

T

he OMS website now welcomes more than 2,000 visitors every month, who can find out virtually anything they want to know about the numerous activities of the Society and its members, including: • Who’s who in the Society and where OMs are (About us) • Sporting and social events for OMs around the world (Events) • The achievements of OMs in all walks of life (Old Millfieldians) • Photos from the past (Gallery) • The latest Chronicle magazine online – and previous editions (Chronicle) • The services we offer, particularly to younger OMs (How we can help) • What you can buy from the OMS

shop, including photos (OMS Shop) • Rugby, Golf, Cricket and other OM clubs (Sports Clubs) • OM Business Groups (Networking) • The website allows you – by using the interactive My Society link at the top of the page – to access and

how we can help Please also use us to remind you of your log-in details – vital for the My Society facility – and to act as go-betweens when you want to get

amend your own Profile (such as changes of address). You’ll need your Username and Password for this – do ask us for these if necessary • My Society also enables you to search for friends by name, house, year or even town, country, postcode or profession – then perhaps to email other OMs directly if they have made their address public.

The OMS website www.omsociety.com is always there, so please log-on, explore, and send your feedback and ideas to: office@omsociety.com

in touch with an OM whose contact details you do not know. We look forward to hearing from you!

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 39

40 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

Millfield Update

Bursar’s Report Mark Suddaby Bursar

T

hroughout Millfield’s 77-year history, the school has evolved at a rapid pace and been able to survive and prosper by adapting quickly, whilst never deviating from its core principle of discovering and developing the potential within each pupil. The last couple of years have been no exception. I am pleased to report that Millfield remains in sound financial health.

We have improved our IT infrastructure by installing wireless networks throughout the school in preparation for the introduction of mobile learning technology over the next year. There have been a number of major upgrades to boarding and day houses, including the relocation of the two girls’ day houses from the old Cottage to newly refurbished and extended accommodation on the former site of the EAL department (which has relocated to the former girls’ Cottage), and a refurbishment of St Anne’s. We have also built four new staff residences on the campus. This has enabled more staff to live on site which has resulted in a significantly enhanced programme of activities for our pupils. The physics laboratories have been refurbished and additional accommodation provided in the PE department. Our sports facilities have been enhanced by a refurbishment of the squash courts, resurfacing of some

Day girls move into their new home on campus

centre, upgrading the teaching facilities in A and B blocks and replacing the remaining portable classrooms with more permanent buildings, developing a new science department at the Prep School, improving the sports facilities, and a continuing programme to make all our buildings more energy-efficient.

It will be a challenge to fund these, and other, developments and we will need to continue to manage the school’s finances in a prudent way. We benefit enormously from the contribution made by Millfield Enterprises, our trading company, which runs a variety of courses and events, including “One of the challenges is to continue to the summer fund scholarships and bursaries to enable Millfield English Language Holiday as many talented children as possible to Course, which this benefit from a Millfield education” year gave 1051 young people from 58 countries the forward to the school’s centenary in opportunity to experience Millfield.

2035 and sets out the development One of the other challenges we face priorities over this period. Short-term is to continue to fund scholarships and plans include the construction of the bursaries to enable as many talented “Millfield Centre”, a striking new children as possible to benefit from building to accommodate our business a Millfield education, irrespective studies and economics departments of background or financial means. and which will act as a focus for We are proud of our long tradition of entrepreneurship and internationalism; supporting large numbers of pupils and a new sports pavilion at the Prep from a huge variety of backgrounds.

School. This year we will build three We do not have a large endowment new staff residences to enhance our fund but despite this, we provide more boarding programme and resurface scholarships and bursaries than many the campus astro hockey pitch. Future schools and this enables us to maintain plans include an indoor cricket and golf the “Millfield Mix”. We are delighted that the Millfield Foundation, which has been established to raise funds for scholarships and bursaries, continues to develop. We are extremely grateful to the OMs who have supported this and we remain enormously grateful for the huge support provided to the school by the OM community.

Solar panels fitted to the roof of the dining hall netball courts and better changing facilities. We have installed solar PV panels on the dining hall roof (having ensured that they would withstand bombardment by rugby balls from the adjacent Gareth Edwards Pitch!), and this is supplying a significant proportion of the energy needs of this building while reducing CO2 emissions by 44 tonnes per year. At the Prep School, we have refurbished the languages and junior departments, extended Edgarley Manor boarding house, and upgraded the dining hall.

We have developed an exciting campus master plan which looks

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 41

Millfield Update

News from the School ince its establishment in November 2010 the Development Office continues to nurture relationships with OMs; from the ever popular Nissen Club lunches to the dynamic professional groups in London. The Development Office strives to meet the needs of our community, and to build opportunities for collaboration and connection. I am sure 2013 will see these groups continue to grow, complemented with the establishment of two new groups representing those in banking and finance, and sports management. To register your interest in joining any of these groups, please contact Claire Thompson, Development Officer.

I believe the positive outcomes of our work are only made possible by the enthusiasm and generosity of those around us. We are committed to working creatively and flexibly, ever keen to listen, and to shape our strategy to be in tune with all that makes Millfield so unique. In 2012 we have witnessed energy building within our London parent body, and are excited to see these connections mature into 2013, as ideas begin to turn into events and projects.

The Development Office is delighted to be supporting our fantastic music

S

department in its first concert at Cadogan Hall in London. ‘Millfield at Cadogan’ will be a unique showcase celebrating our very finest young musicians in collaboration with Stewart Copeland (1967-69; Orchards). This event will bring together members of the whole Millfield community and will truly represent our mission statement in practice.

In October 2012 the Headmaster publicised the school’s plans for the future in ‘Millfield 2016 – Our Strategic Vision’. Proposed long term projects include a Millfield Centre for Enterprise and Internationalism, Indoor Cricket Centre, and a Millfield Prep Sports Pavilion. To ensure the school remains at the forefront of contemporary education, the campus master plan pursues a sustainable future for Millfield, demonstrating long term stewardship of our environment.

Infrastructure needs always outstrip the school’s financial capacity to develop facilities, and as such the support of the community will prove essential to our future. Philanthropy in all its forms has been a hallmark of Millfield’s character throughout its history, and the Development Office looks to the future with enthusiasm and vigour.

In partnership with the Old

• OMS international reunions

Communications

Millfieldian Society, the

• Nissen Club lunches – exclusively

• Quarterly e-newsletter of the

Ian McLean Development Director

Claire Thompson Development Officer

“The Development Office advances the aims and ethos of Millfield by strengthening ties between the school and its OMs through a variety of activities, including career networking, reunions, regional events and fundraising. In partnership with the Old Millfieldian Society, the Development Office offers a range of opportunities for OMs to give back to Millfield and to reconnect with one another.”

Development Office coordinates…

for OMs over 60 years of age • Current parent and OM relations:

Alumni Relations

we enable connections and

• Professional groups – Legal,

collaborations in celebration and

Property, Marketing and Communications: an opportunity for those within a shared field to network and socialise.

42 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

support of the school, through events and projects • Unique special interest events and future event planning

Development Office and Old Millfieldian Society • OM social networking including LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter • Private business lunches – small groups hosted for introductions and relationship building

Development Office Marc Quinn hosts London parents In October 2012 the celebrated ‘Young Brit Artist’ Marc Quinn (1978-82; Ivythorn), opened his private studios to Millfield parents in a unique event which enabled current London parents to socialise, build relationships, and discuss how the school may be supported. Music was provided by a pupil string quartet, accompanied by Head of Strings Clive Hughes. Parents, several of whom are OMs, were treated to a personal tour of the studio, viewing Marc’s current works in progress. This event exemplified the diverse ways in which members of our community can contribute to the life of the school. In September 2012, talented young artist Caitlin Blight-Anderson, joined Millfield in the lower sixth, thanks to ‘The Bennett Family Scholarship for the Arts’, and since September has impressed the art department with her commitment and ambition. An example of her work is illustrated. Sincere thanks go to both Marc Quinn and Guy Bennett (1987-89; St Anne’s).

Millfield at Cadogan Hall, London Saturday 23 March 2013, 7.30pm A unique showcase of outstanding musical talent, at this prestigious venue

Millfield students perform the world premiere of a newly commissioned work ‘Jumping the Rhynes’ by composer and

former drummer of the Police, Stewart Copeland (1967-69; Orchards).

Also featuring Millfield’s String Consultant, international violinist, So-Ock Kim, and our acclaimed, award winning choir, Camerata.

Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 9DQ Tickets £15 - £25 l Box Office: 020 7730 4500 or buy at www.cadoganhall.com

Fundraising

Contact us

• Millfield Foundation – for

Ian McLean,

scholarships and bursaries • RJOM Fund – for bursaries to assist the children of OMs

Development Director +44 (0)1458 444577 ianmclean@millfieldschool.com

• Development Fund – supporting projects dedicated to improving

Claire Thompson,

the pupil experience

Development Officer

• Legacy and Bequest programme

+44 (0)1458 444517 clairethompson@millfieldschool.com

O

ver £1.6 million was raised and pledged between 1st September 2011 and 31st August 2012 for the Millfield Foundation, RJOM Fund and Development Fund. Enormous thanks is extended to all our donors, from Europe to the Middle East and from the Far East to the USA. Your generosity and support creates life changing opportunities for our pupils.

Your commitment to Millfield is appreciated by our community, and realised in the success and happiness of current Millfieldians.

The Development Office thanks the Millfield Foundation for the glittering Olympian Dinner in March 2012 – see page 14. Laurence Davis (1974-77; Hollies), Duncan Goodhew MBE (1970-75; Walton) and their committee provided a wonderful evening which not only celebrated Millfield’s 54 past Olympians, but also raised funds for scholarships and bursaries.

In August 2012, 12 young OMs mounted a telephone campaign from the school, calling nearly 1,000 OMs to share Millfield news and to seek support. The result was £70,000 pledged in support of the school, scholarships and bursaries. This will enable Millfield to continue to offer an outstanding education to talented children who otherwise would be unable to access it. A big thank you to all OMs who responded so positively, and of course to the calling team: Bruno Banks, Megan Hill, Sophie Allin, Georgina Allin, Chloe Warren, Max Harris, Ben Frederick, Josh Lawlor, George Lavallin, Eden Hawkins, Leo Bailey and Laura Bracher. The campaign recaptured the philanthropic heart of Boss Meyer’s Millfield of which we are all so proud, and a second campaign is planned for summer 2013.

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 43

Millfield Update

Two Schools’ News Kate Brown Publicity Manager

I

n an Olympic year, Millfield celebrated its association with the Games in spectacular style. 2012 began with pupil Jazmin Sawyers winning a silver medal for bobsleigh at the inaugural Winter Youth Olympic Games, with OMs Ollie Biddulph and James Lelliott finishing fifth in the boys’ event.

Ahead of the Games, four pupils carried the Olympic flame in the Torch Relay and during the Games Millfield was acknowledged as the highest represented UK school. In total, eight former and one current pupil participated, with OMs Helen Glover and Peter Wilson winning gold medals.

The school’s facilities were used in the run up to the Games by the Russian Olympic swimming squad and Team GB’s Modern Pentathletes.

The cultural Olympiad also ignited creativity at both the Prep and Senior Schools. Year 6 pupils decorated a giant swan for the City of Wells’ Swans of Wells Festival. The Millfield swan was named ‘Mary’, after Mary Bignal Rand, the former Millfield pupil and Wells resident who won gold, silver and bronze at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Mary was able to view her namesake in Wells and attended a ceremony at Millfield where she was

given a lifetime achievement award by the Old Millfieldian Society.

In a first for the Millfield community, the Pre-prep, Prep and Senior Schools, led by the senior prefects at the Senior School, joined together to support Sport Relief 2012 by completing 2072 miles and raising an outstanding £21,542.19.

MPS Year 6 pupils decorated Mary the swan

Almost £22,000 was raised for Sport Relief

44 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

Pre-Prep and Prep School At the youngest end of the Millfield age spectrum, Millfield Minis have increased their provision of outstanding pre-school parent and toddler groups and sport clubs this year and Pre-Prep held their own Jubilee Tea Party to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, taking the opportunity to learn about the monarchy and designing their own crowns.

Year 5 pupil Rory Nicholson exhibited his artwork at an exclusive gallery when his flag design was unfurled at the North Pole by polar explorer Alan Chambers.

Sport at the Prep School has once again thrived this year with many pupils being selected for regional and national development. Twenty

Right: U13 Girls became cricket National Champions after a stunning season Below: Year 9 pupils designed and constructed BOLT in the grounds of the senior school as part of their Year 9 Programme

Former Head Boy Ross Westgate gave a fascinating account of his career as a broadcast journalist

at Lord’s. Sixteen pupils were picked to play cricket for Somerset County agegroups teams.

Finally, Millfield Prep was extremely proud of the review it received from this year’s Good Schools Guide which states “Millfield Prep provides a top notch experience in almost every sphere… a happy school with genuine excitement at every level.”

pupils qualified for National Athletic Finals and Prep swimmers finished the year as Top Junior Swimming Club for the County. Tennis saw two U12 champions, Luke Hammond and Finn Bass, and in cricket U13 Girls became National Champions after a stunning season culminating in a fantastic game

Year 5 MPS pupil Rory Nicholson’s flag was unfurled at the North Pole by Alan Chambers

Senior School At the senior school, 176 of the Upper Sixth leavers this year proceeded to higher education including 14 pupils taking up places at American universities and 56 pupils taking up places at Russell Group Universities, to study a wide range of subjects from Business to Engineering.

Two new academic mentoring clubs were created; Eureka! and Think Tank for strong academics in Years 9-11 and Sixth Form respectively.

Lively discussions have included the concept of nuclear deterrence and conceptualism in art.

Pupils across all years have engaged in numerous lectures and workshops by visiting speakers, including returning Old Millfieldians. Former Head Boy Ross Westgate (1980-85; Butleigh) gave a fascinating account of his career as a broadcast journalist and Tobias Mews (1990-95; Orchards) enthused pupils with his life as an extreme athlete.

Millfield enjoyed a world class musical year in 2012. A highlight of the International Music Concert Series

was a performance from VOCES8.

The a cappella group also provided a workshop for Millfield Camerata, and Paul Smith, leader of VOCES8 said “conducting them is like driving a finely-tuned Porsche.”

Sport remains at the heartbeat of life at the Senior School and this year has seen no exception. Millfield cricketers have enjoyed a tremendous season, including claiming their fourth National Schools T20 title in six years. In Squash, the Girls’ 1st VII won their tenth consecutive National Schools’ title and the swimmers achieved a record breaking year with 14 Millfieldians past and present competing at the British Olympic Trials in March.

Fencing enjoyed a vibrant year with trophies galore, and in Athletics the Girls’ 4x100m hurdles team set a record breaking performance at the Achilles Relays in Oxford.

Staff Leavers There have been a number of significant retirements this year.

At the Senior School we wish a happy retirement to Chris Mantell (37 years), Maurice Godfrey (36 years), Marian Speed (30 years), Rupert Bullock (28 years), Robert Harper-Holdcroft (25 years) and Christopher Coates (24 years).

At the Prep School we say goodbye to Ali Mantell (10 years prior to the Senior School) and Mary Webb (27 years).

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 45

Reunions Coming Home to JK Mike and Lynsay Mills Current Houseparents

A

gloriously sunny Saturday 24th March was the backdrop for the most recent reunion of Joan’s Kitchen former pupils. It is 10 years since JK relocated to its purposebuilt home on the main campus, and a selection of old boys, and some even older staff, met to mark the occasion.

The guests were greeted by several of the current JK sixth-form who served tea and coffee before leading tours around the house and the wider school. Pupils old and new used this as an opportunity to compare the original Joan’s Kitchen with the current building and to share anecdotes. Joan’s Kitchen started out as a café next to a transport yard on Glaston Road in Street and it was used to provide meals for the school. In the 1950s it became a boarding house with eight or nine pupils and has since expanded to 60.

The boys are now accommodated in modern single or twin rooms and enjoy luxuries such as Sky TV, DVD players and a pool table. Sadly, they are no longer allowed to cycle to school; in the old days, JK boys used to race boys from other houses to and from lessons!

The old boys spanned the generations. Daniel Vines and Oliver Tomsett were the most recent leavers, having finished in 2011, but others left a good deal before that – David Bridges was in JK in the 1950s.

46 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

Facebook and Twitter allow OMs to stay in touch but there is nothing quite like catching up in person. Everyone enjoyed the occasion and will, we hope, go away and spread the word.

Current assistant houseparent and photography teacher Jon Clements caught the moment (see photo, below).

For the former JK houseparents, amongst them Dick and Jean Shilton and Rob and Ali Mylne, this was a chance to reminisce and to catch up with former pupils. Rod Speed was in attendance as a representative of the Old Millfieldian Society and to help ensure that the buffet lunch did not go to waste (he was very successful in both roles). Other guests included Verity and Nigel Hill, the children of long-serving former houseparents Syd and Yo Hill, who had grown up in Joan’s Kitchen.

Ian Kindon, a one-time liaison tutor, took time out from his hectic teaching timetable (despite being officially retired) and helped to raise the average age significantly. The Headmaster, Craig Considine, Jeremy Hill, a former assistant houseparent and current liaison tutor, and Marian Speed, Head of Year, squash coach and long-suffering wife of Rod, were also present.

Our thanks go to the OMS for organising the event, particularly to John Davies, Marion O’Neill and Rod Speed, as well as to Dick and Jean Shilton who worked tirelessly in contacting their former charges.

First

Summer Tea Party Nicola Walther (née Oddie) (1987-92; Acacia) Marie-Louise Manley (née Spencer) (1985*-92; Oaklands)

T

wenty years ago when we and almost 200 others left Millfield full of enthusiasm and with our futures ahead of us, it was hard to imagine what we, and the school, might be like two decades later. This summer some of us decided to find out when we returned to catch up with old friends at the first Millfield Summer Tea Party. It was a great opportunity for children as well as partners to experience Millfield in an informal and relaxed way.

When we arrived the familiar face of Dr Shilton greeted us. At one time or another he had taught us all. He took us on a tour of the school where many Caitlin Manley, daughter of Marie-Louise Manley, née Spencer, (1985*-92; Oaklands) makes sure the brownies are up to standard

of our school memories were re-lived.

We had the most fantastic day.

Our tour was far longer than planned as Having tea next to the Gareth Edwards we were side-tracked at almost every Pitch, in the sixth form common room, stop noticing things such as photos allowed the children to race about and of ourselves in the fencing salle (how play together while we were treated young we looked!) or spotting our to the school’s best brownies (which names and those of our friends on the disappeared in minutes!). One of my boards in the dining hall. friends said later that her four-year-old While some of us “It was great to go back to see all the had visited Millfield so-familiar places next to the new regularly with our children, in other additions. We used it as a class of ‘92 schools competing reunion to catch up with old friends.” against Millfield, Piers Lavan (1985*-1992; Orchards) others had not been back for more than 10 years and were son had now been inspired to take up amazed by the new buildings. Gone rugby and plays with his ‘Millfield were the draughty huts, replaced by mini rugby ball’ all the time at home. state of the art buildings. The new With a bit of luck we will all be library, science buildings, dining hall, able to make it to another Summer concert hall and theatre are fantastic Tea Party and see even more of our examples of the recent investment in contemporaries before the next 20 the school’s infrastructure. years have passed!

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 47

Reunions and Events Class of 2007 Lizzie Coates (1997*-2007; Day)

T

he eagerly anticipated Millfield Class of 2007 reunion took place at the Hotel Russell, London on 23rd March 2012. We had shared so much at school, but what would have happened to friends we had not seen for five years? Who knew!

Meeting former schoolmates was a real pleasure and the evening was a wonderful opportunity to share five years of news and add new numbers to our phones. There was such a range of experiences; people who had spent gap years abroad, those still studying, such as Sophie Williams training to become a doctor and entrepreneurs like Skye Higgins with her range of clothes for horse riders. It was great for networking; Gareth Cotterstone has a business called Zoo Productions which does club nights in Aura; I am lucky that he is planning my birthday party there!

It was funny to see everyone slip back into their friendship groups from school when choosing where to sit and it was a pleasure to see some of the staff – especially our head of year, Mr Jones, circulating around the room.

The night carried on in various locations such as bowling alleys and clubs but, when saying goodbye to everyone, there was a determination not to leave it another five years until the next reunion.

48 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

70s Hop Peter Martin (1973-77; Joan’s Kitchen)

D

o you remember the famous Millfield hops of the 1970s?

They were full of gorgeous girls, smartly dressed chaps, cool dancing and great music. The second OM 70s hop was just like the originals.

Following the outstanding success of the first OM 70s hop two years previously, Mathew Stonehouse (197378; Shapwick) once again expertly organised another wonderful reunion.

On 9th June, 58 of us descended once more on San Lorenzo Fuoriporta, Ghigo Berni’s (1975-80; Kingweston) delightful restaurant in Wimbledon, for an informal reunion. With a disco pumping out the best 70s hits, we drank, ate wonderful food, drank, danced and drank the night away before imposing ourselves on a nearby hotel to continue the party

long into Sunday morning – very long in some cases.

OMs came from all over the world just for the event including the lovely Mimi Silk (1972-77; Ashcott), whose birthday coincided. There was an incredible atmosphere as old friendships were instantly re-kindled. Somehow the intervening years vanished as memories came flooding back. It was not just about nostalgia, though, as new friendships were formed between mere acquaintances and created between OMs who had never met before.

The fun continued into Sunday afternoon, as those who were not suffering too much from the night before gathered at Covent Garden to keep the party going. As headaches cleared in the cold light of day, we all vowed that we would be at the next OM 70s hop in 2014 to recapture the 70s magic once again.

Chairman’s Summer BBQ

I

n July, once again, Leo Charmantas (1972-76; Mill House) generously hosted a gathering of some 45 OMs for the annual Old Millfieldian Society Chairman’s Summer BBQ. We managed to find one of the few sunny days of the year and enjoyed lunching al-fresco in a relaxed atmosphere with convivial company.

Next year, ‘Mill House boy’ Leo has kindly agreed to host a Mill House Reunion at his restaurant in Windsor, details of which have been sent to those Mill House OMs with whom we are in contact. If you are a ‘Mill House boy’ reading this, and have not received an invitation, please get in touch with office@omsociety.com, as there are a few names on our “missing” list. The reunion promises to be a grand affair.

The Nissen Club (for over 60s) Ian McLean Director of Development

T

he Nissen Club had already met on two previous occasions in 2012. The first reunion was in January at the East India Club, London, when the guest speaker was Cleve West (1974-77; Orchards), pictured bottom right, who gave a very entertaining talk. The Club met again in May, this time at Millfield, when Jonah Barrington, Millfield’s Director of Squash, was the guest speaker.

In September the Club gathered for a third occasion, again at The East India Club. Guests were delighted to share a host of memories, largely from the early days of Millfield through to the late 1960s. The guest speaker, Michael

Michael Foyle (1959; Kingweston), Damian Norton (1956*-62; Day), Bob Clark (196065; Etonhurst) at the Club meeting in May

nissen club meetings and events The Nissen Club meets three times a year, and is open to all OMs aged 60 and over. To register your interest in attending forthcoming lunches please contact the OM Society office to ensure you will receive invitations office@omsociety.com The OM Society and Development Office look forward to meeting new and current attendees of the Nissen Club again soon.

Foyle (1959; Kingweston) told many stories on behalf of himself and his wife Margaret (1945-49; The Cottage) with heartfelt enthusiasm, and to the great appreciation of the room.

The most senior guest present, Gerald Hirst (1943-45; Millfield) was pleased to recall his time at Millfield House with Boss Meyer, noting that his era was pre-Nissen huts! Fellow guest, Sir Roger Gibbs (1952-53; Kingweston) wrote to the Development Office following the gathering: “What a lunch!

I so enjoyed being with you all. Musa Dudhia (1950-52; Kingweston), I hadn’t seen for 60 years. He was the creative wing-half of the Millfield 2nd XI and I played behind him. When Dudhia got promoted to the 1st XI, I was left horribly exposed! I just wanted to say that I am so grateful for such an enjoyable occasion.”

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 49

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54 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

Reunions and Events

18th Annual Golf Day Left to right: OM Society Chairman, John Graveney, with the winners of the Atkinson Cooler Team Award – Gareth Cosker, David Standfield, Nick Brothers and George Morris

Ian Cole (1974-78; Day)

T

raditionally, this annual fixture coincides with the change of the season. Forecast: a cold front arriving in the UK. Net result: a full blown polar drift. The wind bit through the best of the designer windjammers and even David Attenborough would have considered a vest for this occasion. The Manor House Golf Course at Castle Combe was, once again, to host this popular annual fixture that saw all the usual suspects return for the competitive challenge of both the Stableford team and individual competitions. The briefing from John Davies (JHD) was so brief I missed it while changing my shoes but I was comforted to learn he had only said “welcome, winter rules apply and enjoy your day”. As much

as the driving wind with occasional spots of rain did their best to steal the show, the enjoyment of being back out with old friends and playing the old enemy, that is this challenging course, kept us sufficiently motivated to enjoy ourselves. It was due, in part, to the presence of the tea buggy that had never seen so much trade during one

day of golf. In addition it is hard not to be struck with awe at the setting of this course and the exclusivity we enjoy of owning it for one day.

There was much talk afterwards of the good and bad spells of golf played in the height of the breeze that dominated the first half of the competition and we all felt we had

The Millfield Golfing Society Rod Speed (1964-66; Day),

Although we have a relatively

Jug, for the lowest scratch score,

Former Tutor and Captain 2012

large society, many are not active

being won by Fran Davies, the first

The MGS, inaugurated in 1989 by

members and it was not always

time that a lady had won the award.

the Headmaster, Colin Atkinson, and

easy to fill up the team sheet and

a group of colleagues, continues to

I must thank the hard-core of

of previous MGS club captains in

uphold the spirit of light-hearted,

members in the society who were

allowing most of our opposition to

sociable golf so dear to its founders’

“regulars” in the team. The away

beat us, and in that respect I have

hearts, its membership being drawn

days are a response to the fact that

definitely been successful. However,

from former and current members of

some of our traditional fixtures have

in the process I have met some

the Millfield staff.

disappeared and, although numbers

very interesting people and, almost

were sometimes low, those that

without exception, I have enjoyed

year. During what was a pretty

attended agreed that they were very

the company of the people I have

indifferent summer, weather wise,

enjoyable occasions and perhaps

played with.

we managed to play in ten matches,

we should have more of them.

as well as the Spring Meet, Club

Our Club Championships were

who remains the driving force

Championships, President’s Day and

quite well attended and as usual

behind the Millfield Golfing Society

three away days. The Marlborough

we were very well looked after by

and to Marian my wife, for all her

fixture was unfortunately cancelled

Cumberwell Park GC. On the day,

support and in particular for her

by the opposition who could not field

the nett prize for the CRMA Salver,

amusing match reports.

a team.

went to Dick Ransley, with the Claret

2012 was another very enjoyable

I have tried to follow in the footsteps

My thanks must go to John Davies

Happy golfing!

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 51

Reunions and Events annual golf day Results Special Individual Winners Richard Caring Scratch Trophy.................Martin Reed (1968-72; Glaston Tor)..................................................... 35 pts Richard Caring Ladies Cup.......................Julia Burton (née Gregory) (1970-74; Johnson’s)............................... 35 pts Individual Prizes 1st and winner of the Meyer Trophy.........Matthew Condren (1993-98; Millfield)................................................ 40 pts (back 6) 2nd .................................................................John Feaver (1967-70; Millfield)........................................................... 40 pts 3rd .................................................................George Morris (1995-2000; Day).......................................................... 40 pts 4th .................................................................Alex Gibbs (Friend of OMS)................................................................ 39 pts 5th .................................................................Richard Ford (1970*-76; St Anne’s)...................................................... 39 pts 6th .................................................................Robert Needham (Former Parent)...................................................... 37 pts 7th .................................................................Lewis Casserley (Current Pupil)......................................................... 37 pts 8th .................................................................Dean Cosker (1991-96; Millfield).......................................................... 37 pts 9th .................................................................Matthew Cousens (1991-96; Ivythorn)................................................ 37 pts 10th .................................................................Alan Phillips (1983-87; Day)................................................................. 37 pts Team Prizes 1st Nick Brothers (1994-2001; Shapwick), Gareth Cosker (1995-2000; Millfield), George Morris, David Standfield

(1994-99; Butleigh)

2nd Simon Stowell (1966-69; Millfield), John Feaver, Kevin McCollum (1963*-70; Orchards), Max Muirhead

(1967-70; Millfield)

3rd Neil Rowlands (1973-75; Keinton), Peter Corrigan (Former Parent), Neville Mignott (Guest), Alex Gibbs 4th Kevin Marshall (1972-74; Chindit), Simon Stokes (1972-75; Chindit), John Radford (1970-73; Chindit),

Julia Burton

Special Prizes Nearest the Pin Ladies................................Juliet Suddaby (Guest) Nearest the Pin Men.....................................Richard Champion (1977-82; Day) Longest Drive Ladies...................................Grace Hill (2007-09; Warner) Longest Drive Men.......................................Dan Needham (1992*-2002; Day)

battled sufficiently to fully deserve our supper. The bar was open and the dining jackets were on – many accompanied with leavers’ ties. It was easy to spot the difference between the quality of the nylon ones of the 70s and the modern day silk, the former looking far superior!

Almost all were able to stay and socialise to enjoy a magnificent meal and the compulsory mild humour, sarcasm and entertainment from JHD that comes with the day’s package.

He was expecting some high scores to be returned but requested that no one should enquire after his own score.

John thanked all those for supporting 52 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

the event, along with the club and the caterers for an excellent day.

Tribute was paid to Rod Speed who had stood down as Chairman of the OMS (though pronouncing “we have finally got rid of him” is not much praise for many years’ service!) and John Graveney welcomed as his successor.

John emphasised how very strong Millfield golf was right now, “despite Phil Cookson being Master i/c”, and we were able to welcome one scratch player to the occasion; current pupil, Lewis Casserley.

There were other references to OMS activities: four OMs named in

the current 32-man England Rugby Squad; Barry Clayton, organising the London to Paris bike ride to raise funds for OM Tom Maynard’s Trust; Richard Champion, expanding on the OM Golfing Society. Recognition came at a price though. Barry Clayton scorned for not wearing a tie at a formal dinner and Richard Champion for not apparently fully standing up when asked to do so for others to recognise him... he just happened to be short in stature. Most embarrassing was someone reporting the loss of a pair of trousers. Even I thought we were getting too old for those sorts of schoolboy pranks!

Squash: Marian Speed Day Jonah Barrington Director of Squash

W

e were of course well aware that Marian Speed, our squash department rock, would at some stage withdraw from the lists, but we were still quite disturbed by her departure at the end of the academic year after 30 years of dedicated service to the cause.

Little could be done at relatively short notice, but during the long summer break it was noted that there was an official World Squash promotion on October 20th and that seemed an ideal cover for a “Marian Speed Day”!

After much debate we determined to name the main court after her and to gather a goodly group of OM girls and boys to celebrate the occasion, to link with our current pupils, department staff et al, and to enjoy an informal squash fiesta in the afternoon and complete the day with a dinner.

Secrecy was of course paramount and emphasised to higher management; although an early internal global e-mail detailing the day seemed to blow the cunning plan to smithereens, yet it is good to report that the exceptionally canny Mrs Speed still seemed unaware of the naming of the court – her worthy husband, Rod, was of course party to the devilish deception!

Marian was duly received at the courts by a multitude of mavericks with a huge round of applause, and Craig Considine provided a fine introduction with Anabel Sexton (OM and Governor) in attendance, Marian cutting the ribbon and then removing the neatly placed Millfield shirt from the inscription ‘Marian Speed Court – Inspiring and Caring Teacher, Tutor i/c Girls Squash 1982-2012’ + “Mother Hen” underneath.

Director of Squash Jonah Barrington, Marian Speed and Headmaster Craig Considine

Perhaps a tear or two, and then, as always, a swift recovery, some suitable words, and a quick reminder of her specific skills as she won a decisive rally against Jonah Barrington, who hastily withdrew in mental anguish and humiliation!

Many young and rather older bodies then took to the courts. There was much enjoyment in seeing the ageing two-handed maestro, Peter Marshall, battling with our young Israeli star, Roee Avraham and a return to the fray of Zoe Shardlow – altogether a most entertaining and enjoyable afternoon.

The dinner was broken up in the

nicest possible way by the reading of just a few of the many emails received, and flowers were presented to Marian

by Zoe (for OMs), Fiona Murphy (Pupils) and Sian Lewis-Williams (Staff) with eulogies from Steven Illingworth (1978-80; Chindit), David Carr (Staff) and Ian Thomas (1986-90; Day), current Head Coach.

We were delighted to have the Head with us for the first course (hockey also demanded his presence), thrilled that the very spritely Ann LloydWilliams (i/c Girls Squash pre-Marian) could join us, and that we also had the pleasure of the presence of Sue and Andy Woods. Flowers were duly presented to Ann and Sue. Jonah Barrington then spoke and emphasised how Marian had held the squash department together for all those years, and that the words “loyalty to the cause of Millfield School” ran through her veins. Marian, as always, came up with the right words in reply.

We do now feel that some justice has been done to those 30 years of dedication and friendship, and the department continues to look forward to Marian’s involvement as our archivist – indeed, on occasion, as a coach!

OMs at the marian speed squash day included: Steven Illingworth

Jeanae Dumas (2004-06; Martin’s)

Ross Bryant (1984-88; Keen’s Elm)

Ellie Wright (2006-11; Kernick)

Joss Hargrave (1988-93; Millfield)

Matthew Peakman (1988*-95; Day)

Toby Marcham (1992-94; Orchards)

Peter Creed

Peter Marshall (1986-87; Shapwick)

(2001-05; Joan’s Kitchen)

Andrew Marsh (1992-93; Day)

Tim Richards (1995-97; Day)

Rhodri Hughes

Theo Woodward (1998-2004; Day)

(1998-2003; Keen’s Elm)

Amy Douglas (1998-2002; Martin’s)

Kim Eccles (1988-93; Warner)

Posy Frederick

Zoe Shardlow (1990-92; Acacia)

(1999*-2012; Overleigh)

Stephanie Coombs (2002-06; Abbey)

Tavy Stead (2006-11; Martin’s)

Natalie Coombs (2003-08; Abbey)

and a veritable raft of e-mails from

Emma Chorley (2004-06; Day)

all parts of the world.

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 53

Reunions and Events

Hockey: Chris Mantell’s Simon Mantell (1994*-2002; Day)

S

aturday 20th October must have been very strange for my parents. For the first time in 37 years they did not have to be back in Somerset for the start of term at Millfield. To commemorate their retirement, school coaches Paul Rolf and Reggie Keates, my brother Richard, and I went about arranging a final fixture. We wanted to field an International OM side to play against an invitational XI. We ended up with an OM team of seven full internationals and five junior internationals. Seven of the current GB squad players kindly agreed to play for the invitational XI even though some of them hadn’t picked up a stick since the end of the London Olympics!

Given that my dad Chris Mantell played in one competitive match last year and broke his leg, we thought it best to play the game on the campus Astro, because of its proximity to the medical centre. Remarkably, there were no injuries to the old men, despite their best efforts.

Highlights include CAM’s attempt to strike a crossed ball first time that resulted in him hitting his own foot. It would have been a wonder goal but I think the crowd enjoyed the resulting calamity. Not to be outdone, Jo Morgan-Hughes’ diving shot saw him leap horizontally through the air but his glorious effort was fittingly saved by Nick Brothers, JM-H’s captain of the legendary Millfield Prep school side of 1996, who had come out of recent international retirement for one last game.

The game ended in a well-fought 4-4 draw, with stand-out performances from the spritely Rupert Welch (England 1989-1993) and the typically

54 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

Brothers Richard (left) and Simon Mantell (right) with their father Chris at the match to mark his retirement

competitive former Head of Hockey, David Hacker (Wales and GB).

We were helped out by two current 1st team players; Aaron Anderson and Fraser Henderson, who were supposed to “make up the numbers” but ended up making myself and some of the other internationals look very stupid by repeatedly tackling us.

Thank you both!

The day was a great success and saw not only the showpiece hockey

match that was supported by a capacity crowd, but also a coaching session, for local junior hockey players, taken by the seven current internationals who were down for the event.

This was followed by the unveiling of the “Mantell Pavilion” with some kind words from the Headmaster, which was a very touching gesture from the school. The day finished with a brilliant three-course dinner where old stories were recounted

Retirement Match Team list for the match OM Internationals Player

Represented Olympics

1 Ian Haley (2001-02; Keen’s Elm)

(South Africa)

2012

2 Nick Brothers (1994*-2001; Shapwick)

(Eng & GB)

3 Nick Page (1995*-2005; Day)

(Eng U21)

4 Simon Mantell (1992*-99; Day)

(Eng & GB)

2008

5 Richard Mantell (1994*-2002; Day)

(Eng & GB)

2008

6 Gareth Cosker (1995-2000; Day)

(Eng U21)

7 Tom Bertram (1987*-95; Millfield)

(Eng & GB)

8 George Farrant (2005-10; Walton)

(Eng U21)

2000, 2004

9 David Bell (2006-08; Butleigh) 10 Josh Smith (1992*-2002; Day)

(Eng U18)

11 Rick McCollum (1988*-95; Millfield)

(Eng U21)

12 Rupert Welch (1976-81; Orchards)

(England)

International XI Player

Represented Olympics

1 James Bailey

(Eng U21)

2 Adam Dixon

(Eng & GB)

3 Alastair Wilson

(Eng & GB)

4 Stuart Loughrey

(Ireland)

5 Glenn Kirkham

(Eng & GB)

6 Shaun Mathews

(New Zealand A)

7 Chris Cargo

(Ireland)

8 Ken Forbes

(Eng & GB)

9 David Hacker

(Wales & GB)

10 Jo Morgan-Huges

2008, 2012 2008, 2012

2000

(Eng U21’s)

11 Joe Lyes 12 Martin Jones

and the many friends, colleagues and OMs that couldn’t make the day were remembered.

Even though they are retired, I’m sure they will regularly be seen on the Astros (or in the Pavilion) for years to come. I think something my dad said on the day shows how they feel about the school; “You never really leave Millfield, it always remains part of you.” This is evident from the strength of the OM hockey.

(Iain Lewers) injured

2012

(Ashley Jackson) injured

2008, 2012

Scores of Millfield hockey players lined the Astro pitch as OM internationals took on a team containing seven of the current GB squad in a match to commemorate Chris Mantell’s retirement

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 55

Reunions and Events

Millfield 21 Club Bruce McLean Former Tutor and Chairman 2011-12

E

vents this year have taken their predictable course and we have had three most enjoyable and well-attended gatherings. There have been no surprises. The frisson of excitement that followed the Chairman’s announcement, at the Christmas Dinner, of an extra event intended to be held on April 9th was not followed by any suggestions as to what it might be, and so it failed by default.

Shirley Shayler, Head of Millfield Prep School, had once again extended an invitation to the Club to hold our Christmas Dinner in Edgarley Dining Room, and we had accepted with alacrity. A good time was had by all, despite the absence of John Davies, unavoidably in America, preparing the way for the arrival there of the Headmaster, who, being about to fly

56 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

out, was also unable to attend the evening’s function.

David Trevis entertained us hugely with his Confessions of a Libraryman; whoever would have thought that such things went on at Millfield? It was a most enjoyable, and revealing, afterdinner speech.

Membership of our club is offered to all members of staff who have served for 21 years, full time, at Millfield.

New members welcomed in 2012 were: Chris Crivelli (Finance), Nick Gabb (Languages), Jennifer Jones (Art, MPS), Chris Lane (Geography), Karen Nicholls (Director of Golf), John Rix (Mathematics), Pascale Rouprich (Languages), Caroline Saunders (MPS), Adrian Simcox (Director of Tennis), Kay Strain (Admin, MPS), and Simon Wynn (Mathematics, MPS).

Summer term drinks this year were not held on the Headmaster’s lawn for

weather-related reasons, but the event was a great success, nevertheless, inside and warmly hosted by Craig and Penny Considine.

The final gathering of the year saw us in a new venue, Mendip Golf Club. Despite fears that it might be too remote for the taste of some of our members, a remarkable number attended. I am sure they felt it was worthwhile, for we were looked after very well by the staff and enjoyed an excellent meal.

Finally and sadly, I have to record that in the course of the year we had to note the passing of the following members of the Club: Jean Wilkinson, Anne Duncan, Syd and Yo Hill, Bob Dickens, Marion Gibbs and Fred Crossman.

I now hand over the Chairman’s reins to Kevin Cheney and wish him well for the year ahead.

Millfield Memories

Late Night Tea and Charcoal Laura Boardman (2000-02; Grange) recalls what life was like for a sixth former at the turn of the century.

I

was given a warm handshake by Mr Woodhead after my interview as he announced that I was his last appointment before retiring from the school and that he would like to say there and then that I had a place. His judgement may have been exhausted or I might have been an ideal candidate but, either way, he was exceptionally friendly and I was very pleased.

I was desperate to escape the girls school in Devon I was holed up in and go to a school with many more international pupils and a headcount in one year that exceeded that of the entire school I was about to leave.

I moved into Grange and loved being off campus. As a sixth former I had a room in the annex with another girl, Bex, from Devon who became a great friend. Late nights became a ritual as we all swapped stories of our lives to date over mugs of tea. Tsana and her sister Reiss were fantastic story tellers and I sat in awe listening to anecdotes of post-apartheid Zimbabwe.

The seven-mile journey onto campus remained daunting for the first term. Though desperate to leave my previous school, Millfield was a culture shock that I was keen, but not quick, to acclimatise to. My attitude to my wardrobe was probably the most immediate shift – from one of “that’ll

on the door just took my name, added it to the list, handed me my booze tokens and let me in.

The bar was far superior to the sticky pubs with a loose handle on underage drinking that we hung out in outside school, but the best part was the opportunity to socialise with the year above in such an intimate environment.

I enjoyed moonlighting as a first do” to “I have nothing to wear!” batch prefect for the entire last term Mornings at Grange fell quiet at 7.30 of lower sixth and much of the upper. when the bus left and I often found I loved chatting to potential pupils myself running after it. The driver was and showing their parents around the unpredictable in his willingness to stop school while avoiding more mundane and my taxi bill was high that first year. responsibilities. However, I was found As a vocational art student I didn’t out by a peer who told everyone of mix as much with the purely academic my fraudulent alter ego and I was no pupils and teachers and my outfits were longer trusted with the responsibility of rarely fully compliant with the uniform charming prospective parents. Come to code. This, on occasion, resulted in think of it, it was around this time that me doing laps of the playing fields Ms Harkness’ interest in regulating my before breakfast, particularly once Ms dress code gathered pace.

Harkness learnt my name.

I remember with unashamed Art lessons involved sitting on the romanticism, the camaraderie of floor, standing and walking around the lazy Sunday mornings, crunchy sketching and discussing ideas. It Marmite rolls and fighting over, didn’t matter that my fingers were then sharing, the newspapers. I’ll charcoaled or I had paint on my shirt, always remember the quality of light sometimes genuinely and, being 16, and feeling of freedom from being sometimes for effect. allowed to go jogging in the summer Around this time the school opened a evenings as the sun set over the fields new dining hall with a café-bar for the in Somerton. I cemented “It didn’t matter that my fingers were friendships during charcoaled or I had paint on my shirt, the final term over optimistic discussions of sometimes genuinely and, being 16, our plans for immediate sometimes for effect.” and distant futures.

Most of my friendships got stronger. upper sixth having, most impressively, I shared a house with Lucy from my art a licence. Being young for my year class and I now live in North London and with no ambition to become a with Tsana, my after-hours tea drinking prefect, I didn’t see inside the bar in companion from Grange. my lower sixth, until the first batch My two years at Millfield influenced of prefects were rewarded with an invitation in their final term to join my life immeasurably. As I write this, in. My room mate from our first term, I’m about to embark on a new job as a Bex, was bright, beautiful and highly result of a conversation with Louise at accomplished and was among those the Old Millfieldian Society that sparked invited. She was reluctant to go alone an introduction to another OM and an and, as a good friend, I thought I ought opportunity that is more of a calling than to tag along. To my delight the teacher a career.

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 57

Millfield Memories

The Tucker Interview with Roland Rudd Roland Rudd (1970*-79; Holmcroft) founded Finsbury in 1994. The company, now RLM Finsbury, is a global leader in strategic communications and an advisor to many of the world’s most successful companies. He worked previously as a political policy organiser for Lord Owen and as a financial journalist.

58 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

MT Were you good at games, the arts

or academic subjects?

RR No! I played rugby, then switched to cross-country and athletics. I was captain of the U17 athletics team. I still go for long jogs in the countryside.

MT How did you do scholastically?

RR I loved doing English Literature for A-level, those books have stayed with me. I liked History and Theology, but was terrible at Sciences and Maths.

MT Did you go to Millfield because you suffered from dyslexia?

RR Partly so, yes!

MT Did Millfield mould you or did it awaken your own strengths and beliefs?

RR I suspect a mixture of both, I directed my energy into debating and acting.

MT You have three children, Rory 18, Issy 17 and Ollie 14. Have they gone to Millfield?

RR Two have, and loved it. It’s a brilliant school. One of the important things is that society is made up of different people from different backgrounds and creeds; Millfield reflects that.

MT You attained a 2nd at Oxford in Philosophy and Theology. What happened next?

RR I worked for David Owen, leader of the SDP. Once he asked me to find 10 facts for his new book. I researched in the House of Commons Library, and gave them to him. In a meeting he screamed that six of the 10 facts were wrong! I was about to say where I had found them, when it dawned on me why did it matter to him where I had got the facts, all he knew was that six were wrong; my fault. I try to teach the people at Finsbury that you are responsible for what you do.

MT What of your career as a journalist?

RR I worked at The Times as a labour correspondent, at the Sunday Correspondent with Robert Peston; we were known as ‘the Rat’ and ‘the Pest’. Also at the Independent On Sunday and the Financial Times.

MT Why did you decide to start

your own business in a whole new field?

RR At the FT, I was thinking seriously about whether there was a place in the market for a financial communications company that could do things differently. I decided there was and set Finsbury up at the end of ’94, on my own.

MT How did you spot that gap in the market?

RR Around 40% of the FTSE 100 companies were using financial PRs, and only one was doing it well.

Typically, if you asked somebody in PR a question the response was “I’ll get back to you”. I couldn’t understand why they hadn’t prepared.

MT Lucy Caraway wrote in the FT “Rudd became a life coach and trusted friend to CEO clients.” True?

RR Perhaps that’s right. It was certainly what drove me philosophically. I try to understand what the visions of CEOs are for the future. Help them develop it and articulate it.

MT What is the reason for you holding regular dinner parties for the movers and shakers in British life?

RR I hope to generate an interesting

debate, with a mixture of people with different views across different walks of life.

MT So you can learn or change your own mind after one of those parties?

RR Definitely!

MT You do much charity work.

Is this for networking or altruistic reasons?

RR Neither! It’s because I just love doing the work.

MT Are there any charities you would like to mention.

RR Yes, I’m a patron of the NSPCC because I love helping kids. I am now on the Great Ormond Street Hospital Board for Children’s Rare Diseases.

MT How important to your success has your wife Sophie been?

RR Immensely! She has been tremendously supportive and understanding of the demands on my time; especially the risk of starting Finsbury.

MT Many have said: “Whatever I have achieved would not have been as much without the Millfield experience.”

RR I totally and utterly concur with that.

MT Do you have some advice for Millfield leavers?

RR I think that the most important thing is hard work and when I look at potential recruits, if you offer me talent or hard work, I’ll always take hard work.

THE TUCKER INTERVIEW This is the first interview by Malcolm Tucker (1961-65; Millfield) of an Old Millfieldian for Chronicle. The intention is for Malcolm to interview a different OM annually.

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 59

Millfield Memories

OMS in the Early Days Former tutor and current OMS Secretary John Davies recalls a world of Chicken Runs, duck ponds and an inflatable Barracuda.

O

n Sunday July 19th 1959, a committee, 14 strong, was set up and Boss Meyer, Headmaster, was invited to be President, other officials appointed and a constitution agreed. At that first meeting was Wyndham Bailey (193845; Resteholme), Ian Balding (1957-59; Chindit), who has spoken at many of our functions, and Margaret Foyle (née Macmillan) (1945-49; The Cottage).

The Millfield Society was on the map. I arrived at Millfield eight years later.

In the first place, my interview was an unusual introduction to Millfield. It took place in stages. It started in Boss’s study.

I then waited in his car outside Lloyds Bank in Street for 10 minutes. I then waited in his car for 20 minutes outside the Street bookmakers. We concluded the interview back in his study. What was I letting myself in for?

I came to Millfield to be Director of PE and Games, on a campus bereft of covered sporting facilities, though there was a small, galvanised iron, indoor riding school, which I thought was an unusual priority. When I got to know Boss better, it seemed quite logical.

There was also a galvanised iron lean-to against the walled garden. It had a dirt floor and was called the “weights shed” in which Gareth Edwards, Mary Bignal, Rod Speed and others had done their

60 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

Gimblett ran the sports shop and Mr Bradbeer, the golf pro, sat all day on a shooting stick watching boys hit balls into a net in the shed by the duck ponds.

He never moved from his stick or the shed. The duck ponds were a maze of interlocked wire cages for Boss’s exotic water birds and the ponds themselves looked like cess pits. The school ended at the bottom of the slope below Millfield House at the duck ponds. weight training – and that was it. There There was nothing beyond. Oaklands was a swimming pool with a blow-up was a house for Joyce Meyer’s mother cover. Most mornings, Paddy McArdle and, where Oaklands now extends to could be seen at the bottom of the golf Acacia, was an idyllically peaceful course retrieving it from where it had archery field. Captain Hern and then either been blown or moved by pupils.

Paddy Burke, i/c of Riding, reigned Later, we were delighted to have the supreme on what we now call the Barracuda Sports Hall, like the pool, Gareth Edwards Pitch and is our air pressure keeping the dome upright.

Alas, we never had a stand-by generator, show piece first team pitch. I taught gymnastics, with Norman Parker, in so that, after every frequent power cut in Crispin Hall down in Street, where Peter the 70s, the dome collapsed, in a series Turner taught fencing and Ted Bullard of spectacular lurches, in its death throes judo. Brian Lancastle taught basketball smashing all 40 fluorescent tubes into in the Drill Hall at Glastonbury. Clive the asphalt surface. All this was before Thomas was i/c of Rowing – and that’s official health and safety considerations a story in itself. and it is amazing to reflect that, The staff never really met at the same although the cricket ground served time and communicated by pigeon holes for both top class cricket and athletics in what was nevertheless called the Staff simultaneously, no cricketer was ever Common Room, what is today part skewered by a javelin or an athlete of the OM Society Office. In that tiny damaged by a cricket ball. space was also Alice Dennis’ state of Although I taught PE, I also made the art Gestetner duplicating machine. my mark teaching high level English Poor Alice. After “By 1967, I was too late to enjoy treats like a couple of years the entire staff being bussed to Wincanton I was given a secretary. It Races to watch the Head Boy, Ian was Alice. She Balding, ride the Headmaster’s horse.” promptly resigned.

I don’t think she had ever been so and Maths, the latter in “Chicken Run insulted. Formal staff meetings took 4”. In fact, I remember teaching long place in the “PS Hut” at the beginning division and multiplication of £sd to and end of term. At the end of the winter young Falcon Scott, grandson of Scott term, Boss introduced word puzzles, of the Antarctic, and not a natural encouraging staff to compete there and mathematician, any more than I was. then for Christmas hampers, children Alan Mills, the Wimbledon referee was and staff had 7/6d vouchers for the local a tennis coach, these days, of course, toy shop. All staff got a bottle of sherry Andrew Jarrett (1969*-75; Millfield) and houseparents received Fortnum & has taken over the Wimbledon role.

Mason Hampers.

Somerset cricket legend Harold

By 1967, I was too late to enjoy treats like the entire staff being bussed to Wincanton Races to watch the Head Boy, Ian Balding, ride the Headmaster’s horse. Every morning pupils received their sticky buns, through a Millfield House window, from Pam Warner and Mrs Hooper. Pupils were allowed – even encouraged – to smoke pipes and there were “tutors’ discretion” sunshine periods. This shocked me. I had just taught for three years in Jamaica and there hadn’t been any sunshine periods there! In the next few years, I gradually moved into administration. It was a wrench to give up teaching. However, I realised that money wasn’t everything.

Millfield was an extraordinary place 45 years ago. However, notwithstanding the quirky nature of some aspects of the school, and virtually no facilities, there were 700 pupils and 160 staff, so that good quality teaching took place in remarkably small teaching units.

The mix of pupils was splendid and the curriculum was imaginative and ambitious. It was a very fine school then – the most expensive in the country of course – and Boss was the most able and charismatic of Headmasters.

This was Millfield nine years after the founding of the Millfield Society.

It has been argued that the Society lost a degree of support with Boss’ departure from the school in 1971, but the organisation kept going with new

The Society has moved a long way, and in the right direction too, since its fumbling start 53 years ago. We are now an independent company with autonomy to run our own affairs. However, I don’t suppose we should remain independent for long if our “I remember teaching long division of activities weren’t £sd to young Falcon Scott, grandson of clearly in support of the school. Our Scott of the Antarctic, and not a natural new constitution mathematician, any more than I was.” covers this as an overall objective, as you would expect.

Headmaster Colin Atkinson’s support We are now more realistically funded and, in 1973, was rewarded with its first by parents of current pupils. We have official home. The wooden hut, tucked a Board of Directors and a Society in beside the Bursar’s offices, was just Advisory Committee. There are 15 large enough to hold the then Secretary members of the governing body at John Bromfield and his secretary Mrs Millfield. At present five of them are Carol Green. Our present society office OMs. We have several Society Branches is still in the same area and is still a in the UK with more in prospect this wooden hut. In fact, from all those year. We have 35 other branches around Nissen and other huts that were the only the world and we aim to service most of teaching facilities 50 years earlier, ours these on a regular basis. is the last remaining one on the campus.

Millfield itself is fabulous, of course.

When money permits, the intention is If Boss and Colin could have looked for the Society to move into Millfield forward and seen the realisation of House and nothing could be more their dreams, they’d have been over appropriate. Furthermore, there is a Nissen hut on the cards that will serve as the moon. For me, it’s been a thrill and a privilege to have been here our Millfield Museum. through a period of dramatic change, on several fronts, including facilities. From the most modest of starts, the facilities built here over the lifetime of our Society are the envy of most universities.

However, one thing hasn’t changed.

That’s the remarkable educational philosophy that Boss Meyer introduced so long ago. I won’t describe it here as you all know what I am talking about.

It remains at the heart of everything that is done. It is what makes Millfield, Millfield – a unique educational establishment. The OMS looks forward to marching ahead with the school to face whatever challenges lie in wait and, no matter what, to support Fresh from three years in Jamaica, a newly-arrived JHD poses with the 1968 Millfield Millfield in every way we can. I am volleyball team.Standing: Prince Jigme W Yapshi-Pheunkhang, HRH Prince Asem Abu-Baker sure that both school and Society face Naif Abdullah Alhashimi, B T Tan, C H Nachampassak, B Salmanpour. Sitting: R Taherzadehvery bright futures.

Malmiri, Mazen N Kal’aji (capt), J H Davies Esq, H H Prince T Ben Saud, Munther N Kal’aji Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 61

Millfield Memories

Edgarley Hall: Facts Behind the Faces Roger Parsons Former Tutor and Edgarley Archivist

1957

1957

This section of the 1957 school photo has EJA Steavenson, teacher and avid Times crossword solver, and Edgarley stalwart from 195684, Douglas Glover, on either side of young art teacher, Jo Bolt, wife of the playwright and screenwriter, Robert Bolt. Robert, of A Man For All Seasons and Lawrence of Arabia fame, taught English at Millfield from 1952 until 1957. Jo only taught briefly at Edgarley and they divorced in 1965 after 17 years of a marriage.

1972

62 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

We also see at either end of this particular row, the Indian lady known to all as ‘Nanny’, who had arrived as a pupil’s nanny and had somehow stayed on, and Anthony Kerr, an eccentric history teacher, who fell out this same year with Boss Meyer over his lucrative participation in the TV quiz game, Double Your Money.

Kerr left the following term.

George Petherbridge, second on the left in the standing row of staff in this 1972 photo, became head groundsman at Edgarley in 1969 after a career in local football, playing for Bristol Rovers for 17 years. Petherbridge Way, midway between Bristol Rovers’ former home at Eastville and their current ground, the Memorial Stadium, is named after him.

more archive pictures Would you like old school pictures including team and house photos?

See page 89

’ ts is iv r h ne rc r A Co

Millfield: the Swimming Pool Dick Shilton Former Tutor and Millfield Archivist For the past 17 years Millfield swimmers have enjoyed the luxury of training in a 50m Olympic standard pool, but in the past conditions were more primitive.

In the 1940s the pond at the bottom of what is now the pitch and putt course was converted into the swimming pool (inset: under construction by pupils!). It has now reverted to being the pond, but the sides and the steps can still be seen as you walk over the bridge.

1940s The present pool was opened in 1995. As well as being used for school training it is used regularly for swimming meets and it has hosted the swimming section of the Modern Pentathlon World Championships and World Cup, as well as being the training centre for the Russian swimming team before the London 2012 Olympics.

1960s

The pool used by generations of swimmers at the back of the Cricket pavilion was originally open and then had a sliding cover which later became permanent. Those who used it regularly will remember the dash, in all weathers, in the open air from the changing room to the pool!

1990s Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 63

Sports Clubs

Old Millfieldian Cricket Club Back row: Phin Page, Craig Kieswetter, Mathew Webb, James Elliot-Square, Jordache Rawson, Edward Fromson, Neil Goodman, Tom Dann, Chris Hellings Seated: Henry King, David Standfield, Nick Brothers, George Morris, Gareth Cosker

OMCC Honorary Secretary Nick Brothers (1994-2001; Shapwick) reports on a season that went remarkably well considering the restricted pre-match preparation.

T

he old adage goes that the second season proves to be more challenging than the first.

Thankfully this rule did not apply to the OMCC. Losing half of the 12 game fixture card to the weather was disappointing. Conversely the remaining six fixtures embodied everything that the club set out to achieve. Winning 4, losing 1 by a narrow margin and the other by a not so narrow margin implies that we performed with a decent level of consistency – however that would probably require some more diligent pre-match preparation which we want to be careful not to encourage.

We recruited wisely over the winter, with 26 players representing the club and notable contributions coming from

64 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

Chris Hellings behind the stumps, Mathew Webb for bowling too well to take any wickets and James Macey for not scoring a run but offering invaluable encouragement from the slip cordon. News of the OMCC cricket week made its way into the England dressing room, the night before our fixture vs King’s Taunton Old Boys, with Craig Kieswetter making himself

available with a phone call coming from what sounded mysteriously like a Taunton nightclub and leaving the selection committee with a not-sotough call to make. Craig didn’t disappoint and took the King’s attack apart to finish on 70 after nine overs until the rain set in.

Other season highlights included playing against former Test bowler Mike Smith from Gloucester Gipsies and other seasoned professionals from Old Boy opposition.

A final mention to this year’s colours winners: Tom Dann for scoring a wonderfully crafted 100 at Bradfield which saved us from a complete annihilation, Mathew Webb for being ever present and bowling much too quickly for any slip catches to be caught and also to Michael Absalom for accepting a position on the Committee.

OMCC CRICKET WEEK Next season’s cricket week will run from Wednesday 10th to Sunday 14th July, 2013 at the school. We would like as many OMs as possible to return on Saturday 13th July when, as a distraction, we will host a six-a-side tournament but more importantly use it as an occasion for old friends to return and socialise on the school’s grounds. If anyone plans to attend please contact me: secretary@oldmillfieldiancricketclub.com

Successful Second Year for the Old Millfieldian Golfing Society OMGS Secretary Richard Champion (1977-82; Day) reports on a number of closefought matches against the Millfield Golfing Society and the school team during 2012 and looks forward to an equally fruitful season next year.

T

he Old Millfieldian Golfing Society (“OMGS”) was launched at the beginning of 2011, and has enjoyed a second successful year. Approaching 100 Old Millfieldian golfers are now registered with the Society through its website, and there have been various golfing events staged during the year.

The summer meeting in June was held at Denham Golf Club in Buckinghamshire. Some 30 OMs enjoyed a fabulous day, and they were joined by a few representatives of the Millfield School golf team that had recently won the HMC Schools golf foursomes which were held at Burnham and Berrow Golf Club.

Everyone very much enjoyed the hospitality afforded by Denham, which included Denham’s usual fine three-course lunch, one of the best available at any golf club.

In August, the OMGS played its inaugural match against the Millfield Golfing Society at The Bristol Golf Club. The fixture had been initiated

The Old Millfieldian Golfing Society, gathered outside the Denham clubhouse

by JHD, and will hopefully continue on an annual basis. John Graveney was Captain of the OMGS team

Join us in the OMGS We are keen to hear from all Old Millfieldian golfers, young or old, male or female. So, if you are reading this issue of Chronicle as both an OM and a golfer, then the OMGS is for you, so please do sign up and join the OMGS at www.omgs.co.uk or contact me secretary@omgs.co.uk

and successfully led the OMGS to a convincing 4½ - ½ victory. One of the highlights of the day was a hole in one by Jane Rees on the 9th hole. All enjoyed a delicious meal afterwards, with Jane kindly contributing the wine to celebrate her ace.

In October, the OMGS played the annual match against the School Team at Burnham and Berrow Golf Club, the school’s home club. We were fortunate to be playing on a fine sunny autumn day, and the course was as magnificent as ever. The match was 12-a-side, with the OMGS keen to avenge last year’s defeat.

All the matches were very close, and the OMGS held on to win by 4½ to 1½, with many gritty performances over the closing holes. There followed an enjoyable meal in the Clubhouse, and several of the school team are already signed up to play for the OMGS in next year’s fixture.

There will be a comprehensive programme of golfing events for 2013, including competitive golf, golf days, and matches.

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 65

Sports Clubs

Old Millfieldian Squash Club Steve Illingworth (1978-80; Chindit) Captain

World Squash Day

A

nother very enjoyable season saw the squad expand and the season culminate in a festival of squash at Millfield on World Squash Day where we helped to celebrate the achievements of Marian Speed who retired after 30 fantastic years.

Cup Games On court in the Londonderry Cup, we had matches against Uppingham in the first round, winning by a 4-1 margin, with 3-0 wins for Tim Richards, Matt Peakman, Stuart Farrar and myself. That was followed by a quarter-final against Old Merchant Taylors at our home venue at Lords, where we lost 3-2.

There were wins for Theo Woodward (who has moved from England Squash to the USA to take up a role as a squash pro) at number 1 and myself at number 2.

Stuart Farrar, recovering from an injury, played at number 3, but his movement was hampered and his opponent too quick. Despite some great nicks and shot play from our former England veteran the match went against him.

Zoe Shardlow joined the squad this year after a break from the game, and put in a great performance. Zoe stepped in as a late replacement to play at number 4 but sadly couldn’t get the better of her opponent on the day.

The deciding string was played by Nick Brothers who was in the middle of international hockey training and had swapped his goalkeeping stick for a squash racket. Despite heroic efforts his opponent was too consistent and the match went against us.

66 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

Marian Speed and Jonah Barrington on court during World Squash Day

The season finished with a great

The school is also looking to build

day at Millfield in October on World

up its archive of school squash team

Squash Day, to celebrate Marian

photos (some were damaged during

Speed’s achievements for school

a period of restoration) so if anyone

squash over the past 30 years, and

has any old team photos please

to say thanks, particularly for the

send them in to school. Marian will

help she gave when we set up the

be pleased to see them!

OM squash team five years ago.

This season the OM team will

See “Squash: Marian Speed Day”

be led by Joss Hargrave who has

report by Jonah Barrington in the

taken over the captaincy, aiming for

Reunions and Events section.

our third cup win. We are always

As a result of the success of the

looking to add to our squad so if

day we are hoping to have an OM

any OMs are interested in playing

match against the school every

please let me or Joss know by

year on the same weekend, and to

dropping either of us an email -

continue to develop links between

Stephen.Illingworth@lawcol.co.uk

the school and the OM team.

or Joss.Hargrave@twobirds.com

Millfield Old Boys Rugby Football Club Alan M Burns (Chairman) rounds up another good year for MOBRFC in which some of the strongest ever squads were assembled and went on to achieve a number of memorable results.

A

s a result of rationalising our reporting sequence we have been particularly squeezed for space for this edition, but these heavily edited reports again reflect another vigorous and rewarding period for the Club. As usual, complete unexpurgated versions can be found in the MOBRFC Newsletter.

I would like to make just two further observations: first, what a bonus it was to have the company of Craig and Penny Considine for the Amsterdam Vets Tournament. This was the first

time in the Club’s history that we have had the pleasure of the Headmaster’s support, and it was appreciated by everyone in the party.

Secondly, I would like to pay tribute to all those supporters who have contributed to this – and every other season’s success. Without Angela, Rod Speed, Paul Hockedy and Mel Chalke in particular, and others behind the scenes, like Mac Grant, the Millfield tutors and the OM Society Office, we would find life very difficult, and I sincerely thank them all.

Amsterdam 7s John Brake (1998*-2006; St Anne’s)

On day one of this annual international event we defeated an Italian side, Pessini, comfortably, then overwhelmed Diok, a local team, 49-7. Sam Showering distinguished himself with a hat trick of tries and Fred Gabbitass gave a fantastic kicking display. In our third game, we encountered the Nike Beaverton Academy (Saracens), a very skilful and physical team. Behind 14-0 at half time, we pulled back 7 points through a Tom Bellak try, but a late disallowed try brought a 14-7 defeat.

On day two our first opposition in the Plate was Impact Sevens,

Rod Speed

John Brake, Coach Tom Bellak, James Driscoll, Sam Showering, Jack Bentall, Tom Williams Fred Gabbitass,Yared Ketema, Jo Shimizu, James Tiarks (Capt), Kelston Stark, Tom Parker

France. This was another physical went on to win the Plate.

encounter but after conceding an

was settled by James Driscoll slicing

early try we rallied; Tom Parker and

through to score, leaving us 19-14

James Tiarks created a vital score,

winners. This was, sadly, the highlight

fantastic occasion for us all and

followed by a crash over try by Jack

of our campaign; we lost our next

one we hope to repeat with greater

Bentall. An intense second half

game 28-0 to Newitts Centurion who

success next year.

The whole weekend proved a

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 67

Sports Clubs Amsterdam Legends

Old Boys v School XV Match

Tom Acland (1989-91; Day)

2012 will surely go down in MOB rugby history. First we gathered our largest ever squad of healthy players; uniquely, we enjoyed the support of Craig and Penny Considine, and we ultimately achieved our finest result on record.

Day one started with a comfortable win, including a hat trick of tries by Nick Buoy, followed by a sterner test marked by two tries by James Naylor, then a convincing third win to end the day. We continued to cope efficiently in the first two games of day two to reach the semi-finals against the Scottish

John Mallett

the charge down law. Once the

Silverbacks. A tense game, marshalled

(1983-88; Orchards), Director of Rugby

Old Boys had adjusted to the tempo

calmly by Richard Dix, went to sudden

In glorious spring sunshine a

of the game they were a match

death extra time, the climax of which

healthy crowd gathered to see

for Alex Gale’s team, striking back

was another dominant effort from our

the strongest Old Boys team of

with some electric back line attacks

scrum, followed by a rumble down the

recent times contest the Gareth

with Ketema, Lane, Kilmartin and

middle for Dinos Alexopoulos to make

Edwards trophy.

Gabbitass all threatening.

the score that put us into our first final.

The School XV opened the

The second half saw the lead

We met old rivals Marauders, but,

game with some direct rugby,

change hands three times with both

sadly, injury and fatigue took their toll

characteristic of their style this year.

teams showing a healthy desire for

and we ran out honourable losers to a

Their reward was two tries, the

victory. A Kilmartin try put the Old

better team.

second being a result of referee Mr

Boys 39-34 ahead with two minutes

Whiskerd’s creative interpretation of

remaining but the school mustered a

Next year we will return fitter and stronger to finish the job.

Middlesex 7s Rod Speed (1964-66; Day)

The squad this year included three talented boys from the School 1st XV to cover late losses.

Our day did not start well when Chiswick failed to turn up; eventually we did join the competition, beating Ruislip comfortably, then crushing Tabard 57-0.

John Mallet, Tom Acland, Coach Rod Speed, Kevin Cayley Nick Buoy, James Kindon, Mike Hudson, Patrick Chenery, James Nicholas, Doug O’Gorman, Paul Spencer James Haste, Bayard Barron, James Naylor, Richard Dix (Capt), Geraint Evans, James Lalley, Dinos Alexopoulos, Charlie Openshaw 68 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

Sadly, the semi-final against Eton Manor brought us down to earth and we were well beaten 36-10.

The squad were obviously

Leavers Squad: Coaches: George Smith, Freddie Chalke. Jake Slade, Julian Wakeford, Hamish Malone, Will Twigden, Charlie Davies, Freddie Gabitass, Ryan Fraser-Roe, Richard Lane, Toby Goar, James Downing, JJ Kilmartin, James Byfield, Josh Warburton, Henry Littlewood, George Morgan, Monty Powell, James Lelliot, Freddie Avis, Miles van den Berg and Yarad

From left to right: George Cayley, Giles Legg (Capt), George Cooper, Kevin Cayley, Ben Pothecary, Caddy, Alan Burns

School Squad: Alex Gale, Nick Wilmott, Smith, Jack Owlett, Andre Sidorov, Rufus Slim, George Harvey, Matt Lovell, Will Radford, Jack Caldwell, Robert Gilroy, Dan Kilroe, Hwyl Ford, Ed Poynter, Hani, Sam Gregson, Jack Haines

MOBRFC at the oms golf day

sustained attack and unsung hero

Giles Legg (1998*-2006; St Anne’s) Captain

George Harvey crossed to bring the

Playing at Wentworth in the 2011 event, the team, Giles Legg, Kevin Cayley,

teams level, Ed Poynter converting

Ben Pothecary and George Cooper, started well with Ben cracking two

on the final whistle. School XV 41 –

hybrids on the difficult Par 5 12th. George, our secret weapon off 12, won

Millfield Old Boys 39.

Nearest the Pin on the 2nd but Kevin, having had a lesson days before,

The match was played in good spirit with a fierce competitive

Despite a lack of form following golf lessons and an unfortunate run of count backs going against us, it was a great day out at Wentworth.

wasn’t himself.

The results were a sorry tale of count backs: our team total of 84 - lost on

rivalry and the day ended with

count back; individually Ben’s 34 also missed on count back, Giles fell from

lunch and a well received speech

fourth to eighth for the same reason and, unbelievably, he also lost the scratch

from MOBRFC rugby supremo

prize on count back.

Alan Burns. Thanks must go to Paul

Nevertheless it was a fantastic day of golf with great company, all made

Hockedy for assembling the Old

possible by the generosity of OM Richard Caring (1962-66; Millfield), owner

Boys Team.

of the famous Wentworth Club.

disappointed but the young players in particular would have gained a lot from their first experience of men’s rugby.

Many thanks again must go to the usual suspects (see Chairman’s Report, page 67).

Back row: Rod Speed (coach), Tom Bellak, James Downing, Dan Masters, James Driscoll, Huw Jones, Tom Hockedy, Paul Hockedy (manager) Front row: Rauri Hadlington, George Chalke, Kelston Stark, George Smith, Sam Saunders

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 69

OM News

The Arts Art Selfridges and Marc Quinn

Pioneering artist Marc Quinn (1978-82; Ivythorn) took over the Orchard Street windows of Selfridges London for the 2011 festive season.

The result was a snow globe installation coming from a giant white orchid, creating a white Christmas in the heart of London’s busiest shopping street. The project was quite a departure from his previous works.

Do you remember Norman Parker?

Norman taught Biology at Millfield between 1963 and 1993, also coaching gymnastics and trampolining to an extremely high, national standard.

As an artist, Norman also illustrated

Biology textbooks, as well as working as a surrealist artist. Long retired, his paintings are imaginative and thoughtprovoking, a great many of them based upon Glastonbury Tor, very well known to all readers. Do have a look at www.normanparker.com

Zac exhibits his art in New York

Zac Greening (1982-87; Keinton) has worked as an artist since 1996. He has designed and manufactured window displays for the likes of Monsoon, Jigsaw, Viyella and Kookai. He has also been involved with advertising and worked with Audi, BMW, Jaguar, T mobile and Sony.

In recent years, Zac has been commissioned to create pieces for BP and Speedo as well as working with a host of architects and interior

The Left Hander by former tutor Norman Parker

designers. In 2006, he won the Green Award and was runner-up for ‘Best of Show’ for his illumination of wind turbines at Delabole wind farm in Cornwall, also setting up The Earth Energy Project. Last March he held an exhibition at Artexpo New York, the world’s largest fine art trade show, showcasing thousands of innovative works from artists and publishers. www.zacgreening.com

Authors Ali Allawi (1961-64; Etonhurst)

Ali, former post-war Minister of Finance, Defence and Trade of Iraq, Senior Visiting Fellow at Princeton University and author http://www.aliallawi.com/ has written two books: The Occupation of Iraq (2007) and The Crisis of Islamic Civilization (2009), both of which are available to buy online. See OM of the Year, page 8.

Sefi Atta (1978-82; Southfield)

A former banker and chartered accountant, Sefi is now an established writer. Her short stories have appeared in literary journals and her debut novel Everything Good Will Come was published in 2005. Also a playwright, her radio plays have been broadcast by the BBC. She has won many awards.

She has another novel and a stage play in the offing and also has a film based on one of her plays in development. www.sefiatta.com In 2011 Nick Monu (1979-85; Joan’s Kitchen) directed two of her plays.

Nick has enjoyed much success in television, film, radio and theatre. www.nickmonu.com 70 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

Pat Benham (Former Tutor)

The Avalonians Pat, long-time guitar teacher at Millfield and Edgarley, has written an intriguing account of the life and times of the extraordinary characters that were drawn to Glastonbury, the Isle of Avalon, at the turn of the 20th century. The book is now in its second edition.

Paperback: 316 pages Publisher: Gothic Image Publications; 2 edition (10 July 2006) ISBN-10: 0906362687 £10.99 Mark Davis (current staff)

Bowling (Wisden Coaching) and Batting (Wisden Coaching) Mark Davis is Head Cricket Coach at Millfield, and a former professional cricketer who, together with Mark Collins, a cricket writer, has written two books – for all cricket coaches, teachers and players looking for ways to improve play.

Paperbacks: 144 pages Publisher: Wisden ISBN: 140814655X (Bowling) 1408146541 (Batting) £14.99 Kirsty Fergusson (1970*-77; Day)

Slow Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Kirsty is a garden writer who has spent the past seven years living and working in south-west France. She now divides her time between France and Cornwall. Slow Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly is an entertaining armchair read and a practical guide; this is a personal, slow tour of Cornwall and Kirsty was delighted when her book made it to the final shortlist in the British Travel Press Awards 2012 as Travel Guide Book of the Year.

Paperback: 272 pages Publisher: Bradt ISBN: 9781841623924 £14.99

Sultan Ghalib Al-Qu’aiti (1962-66; Shapwick)

The Call of Shaykh Muhammad bin Abdal-Wahhab and the Three Saudi States: The Emergence of Modern Saudi Arabia The last Sultan of Hadramaut (the Qu‘aiti State), Ghalib’s book gives a comprehensive account of the history of the Saudi policy in the Arabian Peninsula, and explores the role played throughout these events by Shaykh Muhammad bin Abdal-Wahhab and his ‘Call’ for religious and social reform.

Hardback: 456 pages Publisher: Medina Publishing Ltd ISBN: 978-0-9567081-6-8 £25.00 Sheila Jeffries (née Chapman) (1959-61; Day)

taken him to every region between the Shetland Isles and the Southern Borders. Landscapes, wildlife, culture, portraits and his abstract textures fill 300 pages with his painterly style, quirky details and wry humour.

Hardcover: 288 pages Publisher: Quadrille Publishing Ltd ISBN: 1849491178 £40.00

Solomon’s Tale Sheila has had a successful career as a children’s writer. Her latest book Solomon’s Tale is the story of a cat chosen to care for a struggling family. Aimed at both adults and children, it can be ordered online from www.sheilajeffries.com

Proceeds go to The European Nature Trust – protecting and ‘re-wilding’ Europe’s last wilderness areas – founded and run by Paul Lister (1971*-77; Keinton), see Old Millfieldian of the Year, page 8.

Simon Mawer (1964-67; Shapwick)

Michael Ridpath

The Girl Who Fell From The Sky Marian Sutro is recruited from her desk job by SOE to go undercover in wartime France. Trained in sabotage, dead-drops, how to perform under interrogation and how to kill, Marian parachutes into south-west France, her official mission to act as a Resistance courier. Note that in America, the book is titled Trapeze.

Hardback: 302 pages Publisher: Little Brown ISBN: 978-1-4087035-0-2 £16.99 Max Milligan (1974*-1983; Holmcroft)

The Soul of Scotland For his fifth ‘coffee table’ photographic book, Max has chosen his native Scotland, where his journeys have

(1973-78; Mill House)

Meltwater This is the third book in Michael’s “Fire and Ice” series. Operation Meltwater: FreeFlow, a group of internet activists committed to the freedom of information have video evidence of a military atrocity in the Middle East and have chosen Iceland as their HQ. Hardback: 320 pages Publisher: Corvus Books ISBN: 9780857896445 £16.99 Bev Robitaille (1965-68; Day)

Bev is a writer/photographer living on North Shore, New Zealand. Her photography has featured in advertising campaigns and magazine articles in NZ Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 71

OM News The Arts

2012 and the USA, as well as on calendars and postcards, and her non-fiction writing on travel and photography has been published in newspapers and magazines in NZ and overseas.

Her first crime novel Murder in the Second Row was launched in June 2010. Bev is now working on the sequel. www.bevrobitai.co.nzor

Film/TV Bafta success for Dan Dan Winch (1996-98; Day) is an

assistant director whose latest project Tyrannosaur, won a 2012 Bafta film award for its director Paddy Considine in the Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer category.

Dan’s cv is most impressive and includes: The Mark of Cain, Boy A, See No Evil: The Story of the Moors Murders, Unforgiven, Worried About the Boy, Poppy Shakespeare, Funland and The Crimson Petal and The White.

New roles for Nicollette Sheridan

Rose Leslie moves to Hollywood

Show rather than Sergeant for the hardbitten reporter for BBC News.”

starred in the TV hit Downton Abbey as a housemaid, was in fact brought up in a castle, living with her parents in Lickleyhead Castle near Aberdeen, their family home for more than 500 years. Rose won a Scottish Bafta in 2009 for the TV film New Town and earned superb reviews for her poignant portrayal of the schizophrenic May in Bedlam at the Globe. She is now in Hollywood, performing in the medieval fantasy drama Game of Thrones.

Magic for Alex

Rose Leslie (2000-05; Warner) who

Sergeant follows in the footsteps of Frith

Britain’s First Photo Album was the title of a series on the BBC in March and April in which John Sergeant (1957-62; Kingweston) followed in the footsteps of pioneering Victorian photographer Francis Frith, to find out more about his second half of the 19th century photographs. In pottering up and down the UK, John began his journey in London, visiting Chelsea Pensioners and the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and going on to all corners of England as well as slipping over the Welsh and Scottish borders. As the Daily Telegraph put it on 11th March: “It’s thoroughly gentle lateafternoon fare is a vehicle for Sergeant the pratfalling humourist for The One

Alex Pettyfer (2003-04; Butleigh)

stars in Steven Soderbergh’s latest film Magic Mike, in which he plays Adam. Professional stripper Magic Mike takes 19-year-old wastrel Adam under his wing and introduces him to the world of getting paid to strip! As the youngster is seduced by the world of easy money and easier women, he starts using drugs, much to the horror of his sister. It is up to Mike to dig him out of trouble with the local dealers.

Alex’s next film, with Kristen Stewart, is a chiller-romance called Call.

Music Mumford & Sons “Wow the White House”

This was the Daily Telegraph’s claim when the group was invited to perform at the White House dinner in honour of David Cameron’s visit to the USA in March. According to the newspaper “Mr Cameron is a fan and has their award-winning album Sigh No More on his iPod.” This particular album sold more than 2 million copies in America.

Drummer, Ted Dwane (1997-2002; Joan’s Kitchen) is a member of the quartet, “a middle-class folk band who

Nicollette Sheridan (1980-81;

Kernick) is the voice of Zenna for

Noah’s Ark: The New Beginning, an animated film featuring an ensemble voice cast. It is a retelling of the Biblical story of Noah’s Ark, told from the point of view of the animals on the ark. She also stars in Jewtopia, a film adaptation of one of the longest offBroadway plays, a romantic comedy centred on a gentile who pretends to be Jewish in order to win the affection of his love interest.

72 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

Chloe Warren’s band South Divide released their first EP in October

play the banjo and dress like gentlemen farmers despite hailing from west London”. Recently they wrote a piece for Andrea Arnold’s film adaptation of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights.

They released their second album, Babel in September which became the fastest selling album in the UK and the USA. www.mumfordandsons.com

Lucy Bailey (1973-78; Day), seen above in rehearsal, left Millfield to study

English at Oxford University where she directed the world premiere of Lessness by Samuel Beckett in consultation with the author.

From 2007 to 2012 Lucy was co-founder and co-artistic director of The

South Divide

Print Room, a new theatre in Notting Hill Gate. She put the theatre on the

Chloe Warren (2000*-11; The Lakes)

map directing exciting productions of rarely performed plays by Tennessee

formed South Divide last year whilst at university in Bristol. During their first year together they performed at lots of gigs and are gaining interest from various people in the music industry.

In October they released an EP Play the Game which is widely available. Have a look at their website: www.southdivide.co.uk

Williams, Alan Acykbourn, Henrik Ibsen, and Pier Paolo Pasolini. Her last production of Uncle Vanya with Iain Glen in the title role, won enormous acclaim.

Recent theatre credits include: Taming of the Shrew, Julius Caesar (Royal Shakespeare Company, Courtyard Theatre, Stratford, Roundhouse in London and The Armoury in New York) Beggar’s Opera (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Macbeth, Timon of Athens, Titus Andronicus, As You Like It, The Maid’s Tragedy (Shakespeare’s Globe); Private Lives, Glass Eels, Comfort Me with Apples (Hampstead); The Night Season (National Theatre); The Lady from the Sea (Birmingham Rep); Don’t Look Now (Crucible,Sheffield/Lyric

Theatre Theatre choreographer; Olivier Award nominee

Andrew Wright (1986*-91; Day) may have missed out on an award at the Olivier Awards ceremony in April, where he was nominated in the Best Theatre Choreographer category for his work on Singin’ in the Rain, but he has achieved the life-changing goal he set himself seven years ago to make it as a choreographer by the age of 40. www.andrewwrightchoreographer.com

Another drama production by Katrina Wood in Los Angeles

Katrina Wood (1969-73; Johnson’s) is

a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and owns therapy centres in and around Los Angeles. Her clinics specialise in adult patients with post-traumatic stress syndrome and she has written several books on psychology.

However, as the daughter of wellknown former British character actor Percy Herbert (Bridge on the River

Hammersmith); Tonight at 8.30, Stairs to the Roof (Chichester Festival); The Postman Always Rings Twice (transferred to West End starring Val Kilmer) Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Manchester Royal Exchange).

In 1999 Lucy directed and adapted the first British stage version of Tennessee Williams’ screen play Baby Doll which opened at Birmingham Repertory Theatre, transferred to the National Theatre and then to the West End. Opera credits include: Jenufa (English National Opera); Cheryoumushki 1958 (Lyric Hammersmith); Noyes Fludde, Triptych, Mary of Egypt (Aldeburgh Festival); Mitridate, Il Barbiere di Siviglia (Wexford Opera Festival); adaptation of Pasolini’s Teorema (Maggio Musicale Florence/Munich Biennale/Queen Elizabeth Hall).

Lucy was co-artistic director of the Gogmagogs (1995–2006) a music theatre company comprising seven string players. She has devised and directed seven shows with the company which have been performed at the Royal Court, Royal Festival Hall, Lyric Hammersmith, Greenwich Theatre, Battersea Arts Centre, and have toured through the UK and Internationally.

Kwai, Guns of Navarone), she also has a keen interest in the theatre. In December 2011 in LA she produced the musical Cratchit with a large cast.

In July and August, Katrina composed the original music for her production of the play Farm Boy, the sequel to War Horse – with her son, a third generation Herbert thespian, taking a leading role.

A win at the Fringe Richard Marsh’s (1983*-92; Day)

two-person romantic comedy, Dirty Great Love Story, has won the 2012 Fringe First Award for innovation and outstanding new writing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The one-act show, which Richard co-wrote and in which he co-stars with Katie Bonna, was debuted in August.

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 73

OM News

Sporting News In addition to their welldocumented Olympic glories, Old Millfieldians enjoyed a number of other outstanding sporting successes during 2012.

Sporting Hero of 2012

In October Tony Williams (1958-

61; Day) was judged “Sporting Hero

of 2012” at the Heart of Somerset Community Awards, in conjunction with a local series of newspapers.

The Olympic year was a very special one for Tony. January saw the announcement that he had been successful in his bid to get Mary Bignal (see Old Millfieldian of the Year 2012 section) the Freedom of the City of Wells. He then carried the Olympic Torch (not in Somerset but in South Wales), his whole family was featured in a sporting exhibition in Wells and Mendip Museum and, to cap it all, he then received the Sporting Hero award. A former PE teacher, Tony has just become a most welcome member of the OM Society Advisory Committee.

Bobsleigh Fifth at Winter Youth Olympics Olly Biddulph (2007-11; Walton)

was the driver in the two-man sled with brake man James Lelliott (2006-11; Etonhurst), finishing fifth, just one-tenth of a second outside of the medal positions and 0.27 seconds from a gold medal. Olly 74 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

Tony Williams (front row, fourth from left), captain of the 1961 athletics team was judged Sporting Hero of 2012 at the Heart of Somerset Community Awards

was delighted with the result in that a top-five finish was more than he could have dreamed of competing at such a high level. He was part of a 24-strong GB team who competed in Austria last January.

Boxing Leslie is boxing chairman Charlotte Leslie (1995-96; Acacia)

is Conservative MP for Bristol North West and chairs the All-Party Group on Boxing. On the heels of the Olympics, in September the Group launched an inquiry to examine the impact of boxing, specifically to help clubs find ways to raise funds and to demonstrate that every penny from social intervention funds that goes on boxing clubs is a penny that could not be better spent. There is no doubt that

Nicola Adams’ Gold Medal in London has helped considerably the cause of women’s boxing.

Cricket Millfield pupils playing cricket for Somerset Andrew Bunbury (1959-62; Day)

On 20th July 1966 former Millfield pupil, Graham Burgess (195961; Day), started his first county championship game for Somerset County Cricket Club. Thus began an astonishing sequence of 921 CC matches up till the end of the 2012 season, 901 of which (97.83%) have featured former Millfield pupils (not including any who may have played for the opposing sides). Burgess was not the first Millfield boy to play for Somerset, Herting (1954-56), Pearson (1959-60; Day) and Paull (1960-63; Day)

having made a total of 15 appearances between them from 1960 to 1964.

Millfield has been represented in a sequence of 316 CC matches running from 12th August 1993 until the end of 2012, broken only by a single match in August 2003. In all, 24 Millfield pupils have made a total of 1830 CC appearances for the county. Roebuck (1968-73; Day) (285), Denning (1962*68; Millfield) (236) and Burgess (236) have appeared most often so far, while of those appearing more recently the leaders are Hildreth (1995*-2003; Shapwick) (137), Suppiah (1996-2001; Millfield) (88) and Kieswetter (2006; Orchards) (76).

Burgess played in the final match of Somerset’s Gillette Cup campaign in 1968 and the sequence of List A matches from that match until the end of 2012 consists of 911 matches, in 892 of which (97.91%) Millfield pupils have played. Twenty pupils have played in List A matches for Somerset, making 1813 appearances between them, with Roebuck (308), Denning (280), Turner (1982-86; Day) (224) and Burgess (207) heading the list. Of current players Hildreth (144), Suppiah (82) and Kieswetter (70) are the leaders.

Somerset have played 118 Twenty20 matches from their first in 2003, including Champions League matches in the West Indies and India as well as in the English competition. Millfield pupils have appeared in every one of these matches, seven players making 317 appearances between them.

Hildreth has played in 108 of the matches, followed by Suppiah (81).

None of the above includes noncompetitive matches, such as those against international touring sides or pre-season friendlies, or matches abandoned without a ball bowled.

Others may wish to calculate the total appearances of Millfield pupils who have played both for Somerset and for other counties, including

Durston (1988*-99; Day), Felton (1977-79; Butleigh Wootton), Ian

Fletcher (1982*-89; Shapwick), Sutton (1986*-95; Holmcroft) and Giles White

(1985-90; Keen’s Elm) who moved on from Somerset and Holloway (1982*-87; Keen’s Elm) who started with Warwickshire and Graveney (1965*71; Kingweston) who spent one year at Taunton between longer stints with Gloucestershire and Durham. There are also numerous former pupils who have played senior level cricket for other sides but not for Somerset.

A remarkable feat occurred on Saturday 12th May 2012. First class centuries were scored by four former pupils, Durston for Derbyshire, Hamilton-Brown (2001-05;

Kingweston) and Maynard (2002-07;

Walton) for Surrey, and Powell (2004-

06; Walton) for the West Indies. That same day Kieswetter was left stranded on 96 not out for Somerset when he ran out of partners. Tragically, that was to be Tom Maynard’s last century before his untimely death a few weeks later.

Millfield is currently represented in the Somerset side by Hildreth, Kieswetter, Suppiah and Waller (1996*-2006; Shapwick), but should not

be complacent, taking note of King’s College Taunton, three of whose recent pupils, Barrow, Buttler and Meschede, played for Somerset in 2011 and 2012.

It is, however, greatly to be doubted whether any other school can equal Millfield’s remarkable record, even in the high and distant days when Gentlemen used to play Players, and the record is a fine tribute to the inspired endeavours of R J O Meyer and C R M Atkinson, both captains of Somerset in their time, and the long sequence of dedicated cricket masters and coaches and, of course, the players themselves.

Arul now has British Citizenship Arul Suppiah (1996-2001; Millfield)

was granted British citizenship before this year’s cricket season, more than 15 years since he first came to Millfield from Malaysia. In 2011, Arul set a new Twenty20 world-record taking 6-5 in a victory over Glamorgan. However, his stronger suit is batting where he has now scored more than 4,000 firstclass runs for Somerset, mainly as an opening batsman. He has been granted a benefit year in 2013.

DA Graveney (seated, far right in the 1970 1st XI) played for Somerset, Gloucestershire and Durham Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 75

OM News Sporting News

2012 Cricket success for Qais with Oman

Qais Al Said (1993-97; Ivythorn) is

not only a key playing member (one of only two Omanis) in the Oman cricket team, but also the vice-president of the Oman National Cricket Board.

He hopes to popularise the game and attract more Omani players and was with the team in Nepal when they qualified to play in the T20 World Cup qualifier in Dubai last March. He was in the 1996 and 1997 School 1st XIs, opening the bowling alongside former England pace bowler, Simon Jones (1995-97; Georgian Cottage), who enjoyed Ashes success against the Australians in 2005.

County Cricket Averages 2012

In the LV County Championship Division One, 11 OMs were involved:

Derbyshire Batting Wes Durston (1988*-99; Day)

M I No Runs HS Avge 100 50

16 25 2 801 121 34.83 2 4 Bowling

Wes Durston

O M R W Avge Best 5w 10w 175 25 569 22 25.86 5-34 1 0

Essex Batting Adam Wheater (2003-08; Shapwick)

M I No Runs HS Avge 100 50

11 13 2 391 98 35.55 0 3 Bowling

O M R W Avge Best 5w 10w 4 0 86 1 86 1-86 0 0

Glamorgan Batting Dean Cosker (1991-96; Millfield)

M I No Runs HS Avge 100 50

14 17 3 243 49 17.36 0 0

Simon Jones (1995-97; Georgian Cottage) M I No Runs HS Avge 100 50 1 2 0 5 4 2.5 0 0

Bowling

Simon Jones O M R W Avge Best 5w 10 22 2 70 2 35 2-70 0 0

Dean Cosker O M R W Avge Best 5w 10 337 72 945 11 85.91 3-59 0 0

Kent Batting

Daniel Bell-Drummond (2004*-11; Orchards) M I No Runs HS Avge 100 50 1 2 0 33 33 16.5 0 0

Somerset Batting

Craig Kieswetter (2006; Orchards) M I No Runs HS Avge 100 50 11 17 4 654 152 50.31 1 2

James Hildreth (1994*-2003; Shapwick) M I No Runs HS Avge 100 50 16 25 3 946 120 43 3 5

Arul Suppiah (1996-2001; Millfield) M I No Runs HS Avge 100 50 16 25 0 728 124 29.12 2 5

Max Waller (1995*-2006; Shapwick) M I No Runs HS Avge 100 50 2 3 0 24 17 8 0 0

Bowling

Craig Kieswetter O M R W Avge Best 5w 10w 3 0 3 2 1.5 2-3 0 0

Arul Suppiah O M R W Avge Best 5w 10w 73 18 211 3 70.33 1-8 0 0

Max Waller O M R W Avge Best 5w 10w 19 2 83 1 83 1-78 0 0

Football

Surrey Batting

Tom Maynard (2002-07; Walton) M I No Runs HS Avge 100 50 7 14 1 525 143 40.38 1 2

Lawrie plays against Spurs in FA Cup

Rory Hamilton-Brown (2001-05; Kingweston) M I No Runs HS Avge 100 50 8 16 1 555 115 37 1 4

Bowling

Rory Hamilton-Brown O M R W Avge Best 5w 10w 13 0 38 1 38 1-14 0 0

Kieran claims back-to-back centuries

West Indies opener, Kieran Powell (2004-06; Walton), scored two centuries in a test match against Bangladesh in November, which the West Indies won.

Tom Maynard

One of the most promising young cricketers in the country, Tom Maynard (2002-07; Walton), died, tragically, in June. Please see page 38 in the obituaries section.

In March, Lawrie Wilson (2001-04; Etonhurst) played for Stevenage in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, his 76 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

team gaining a commendable 0-0 draw. They were beaten by Spurs in the replay. Lawrie has since signed for Championship side Charlton.

Coaches Across Continents

This is an international organisation that educates local communities to design and implement social development programmes using soccer as the teaching tool. The organisation is the brainchild of Nick Gates (198385; Day), and to illustrate the nature of Nick’s dedication to the task here is an extract from a message from him which can be seen in its entirety on www.coachesacrosscontinents.com “The past 23 months have been the most demanding, most testing, and most rewarding of my life. I’ve visited 11 African countries. I’ve worked in the slums of Nairobi, where I sat with drug lords and talked about Chelsea,

I’ve worked with former child soldiers in Northern Uganda and discussed Torres, and I’ve organised teams of volunteer coaches to work in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. I’ve slept in more than 500 beds, (none as comfortable as my own at home), and I’m advised that it has personally cost me more than $750,000 to fund, work and develop this fantastic organisation.” His mission was to raise more than $4 million for his cause by the end of 2012.

Golf Sarah becomes a Sky Sports Golf presenter

Sarah Stirk (1994-96; Warner), who

plays off 7, now has a job which must be the envy of many. She joined Sky Sports Golf presenting team in January.

Do look out for her.

Sarah’s route to Sky Sports took her from Millfield to the USA where she won a tennis scholarship although subsequent injury redirected her to a serious golfing interest. She began her broadcasting career working for Manchester United Television, going on to work extensively for the BBC across the BBC News Channel in the UK and also on BBC World. She then spent two years covering the PGA Tour, and has also reported on the Open Championship on radio for Talksport. In 2010 she was also part of Radio 5 Live’s presenting team covering the PGA Championship and the Scottish Open. In addition to her broadcasting career, Sarah contributes to several publications including Golf International and A Place in the Sun. She also runs her own company, Xclusive Golf, which specialises in creating bespoke golfing holidays. www.xclusivegolf.com

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 77

OM News Sporting News

2012 Joanna wins first professional tournament Joanna Klatten (2000-01; Southfield)

claimed her first professional tournament victory in January after winning the Women’s Victoria Open in Australia. She scored an impressive five under par 68 final round, including three birdies and an eagle; her last 25 holes were completed in an astonishing 11 under par.

When at Millfield, she became Somerset Schools Girls’ Champion, going on to reach the final of the Todd Bowl in 2003, only losing to Alex Marshall (1998-2003; Martin’s).

She graduated from Institut de l’Assomption in 2004 before attending Georgia State University in America.

We hope that this is the first of many future golfing successes.

Joanna Klatten celebrates her victory in the Women’s Victoria Open in Australia

Burnham and Berrow course record for Becky

Last year, Becky Gibbs (2005-09; Kernick) retained the Ladies’ Club Championship, when she also broke the course record in the process with 78 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

a round of 70 (4 under par). As part of her degree course at Bath University, Becky worked at Millfield during the Autumn and Spring terms.

Horse Racing No concrete for Newmarket

In March, barrister Rachel Hood (1970-71; The Cottage), and her horsetrainer husband, John Gosden, won an historic, four-year battle against the Earl of Derby, who had proposed concreting over a large greenfield area of Newmarket.

Delighted with the decision, Rachel, President of the Racehorse Owners’ Association, received congratulatory messages from all over the world, including from the racing fraternity in Lexington, Kentucky, where a similar proposal had also been rejected.

goal-kicker. As the pinnacle to his career he represented the Barbarians.

Can anyone beat that?

OMs selected for England’s Elite Squad

In October, four Old Millfieldians were selected for England’s Elite Squad of 32 players: Chris Robshaw (retained as Captain), Anthony Allen, Jonathan Joseph and Mako Vunipola.

OM Rugby Players Currently Compiled by Paul Hockedy, former parent

Name

Anthony Allen James Bailey Tom Bellak Richard Birkett John Brake Adam Clayton Chris Cook James Currie

Rugby Can anyone compare with RAMW’s record?

Roger Whyte, long retired from

teaching and who now lives in Lyme Regis, was Master i/c Senior Games, i/c Engineering Drawing and the Royal Navy Section of the CCF, at Millfield between 1965 and 1989.

He was also Master i/c Rugby. What many pupils would not have known was his personal rugby playing record, which must be unique. Before playing for Harlequins, Roger played for Clifton, then Bristol – only two games for BRFC, one propping and one at fly-half!

He started in county rugby selected at scrum-half by Gloucestershire and ended by hooking for Somerset.

He played 219 games for the Quins – in 14 different positions from the pack to full-back. He was also the

Jon Golding Will Harries Robert Hawkins David Howells Ed Jackson Jonathan Joseph J J Kilmartin Richard Lane Ollie Lindsay-Hague Dante Mama Marco Mama Miles Mantella Anders Mogensen Chris Morgan Olly Morgan Ben Mosses Mark Odejobi Tom Powell Chris Robshaw Rhys Ruddock Tom Standfield Henry Thomas Matthew Turner Mako Vunipola

Rugby 1st XV – Winter Term 1970 Standing: BA Dovey Esq, NW Pugh, A Whittle, PS Hawkins, JN Hayes, ROL Dudley-Jones CCD Tokeley, D Protheroe, A Brown, TC Tweedie, RAM Whyte Esq Sitting: SD Marrable, EDG Panayotopoulos, RM Harding (capt), JS Hill Esq, DA Hill, CJ Law, JJ Maclaren

in the Professional Game 2012/13

Years/House Position Club League

2003-05; Kingweston

Centre

Leicester Tigers

Aviva Premiership

1999-2001; Kingweston

Wing

London Wasps

Aviva Premiership

2004*-12; Great

Wing

Leicester Academy

Aviva Premiership

1997-98; Georgian Cottage

Lock

Wasps

Aviva Premiership

1995*-2006; St Anne’s

Scrum Half

England Sevens

-

1997*-2006; St Anne’s

Back Row

Cornish Pirates

The Championship

2004-09; Joan’s Kitchen

Scrum Half

Bath

Aviva Premiership

2006-08; Kingweston

Prop

Worcester

Aviva Premiership

1998-99; Walton

Prop

Newcastle Falcons

Aviva Premiership

2000-05; Orchards

Wing/Full Back

Newport Gwent Dragons

Rabo Direct Pro 12

1994*-2001; Day

Hooker

Leicester Tigers

Aviva Premiership

2001-06; Etonhurst

Wing

London Scottish

The Championship

2002-07; Day

No 8

London Welsh

Aviva Premiership

2007-09; St Anne’s

Centre/Wing

London Irish

Aviva Premiership

2006-11; St Anne’s

Wing

Bath Academy

Aviva Premiership

2006-11; Keen’s Elm

Wing

Bath Academy

Aviva Premiership

2004-09; Kingweston

Wing/Full Back

Harlequins Academy

Aviva Premiership

2007-09; Shapwick

Centre/Wing

Doncaster

The Championship

2007-09; Shapwick

Back Row

Bristol

The Championship

2005-10; Shapwick

Wing

Harlequins Academy

Aviva Premiership

2008-10; Shapwick

Wing

Northampton Saints Academy

Aviva Premiership

1999-2001; Day

Flanker

Cornish Pirates

The Championship

1999-2004; St Anne’s

Full Back

Gloucester

Aviva Premiership

2005-10; Keen’s Elm

Centre

Bath Academy

Aviva Premiership

2004-06; Kingweston

Utility

England Sevens

-

2002-04; Holmcroft

Forward

England Sevens

-

1997*-2004; Butleigh

Back Row

Harlequins

Aviva Premiership

2007-09; Butleigh

Back Row

Leinster

Rabo Direct Pro 12

1994*-2005; Day

Hooker

London Scottish

The Championship

2005-10; St Anne’s

Prop

Sale

Aviva Premiership

2004-05; Kingweston

Centre/Wing

England Sevens

-

2007-09; Kingweston

Prop

Saracens

Aviva Premiership

England Honours 2011/12 England

England

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 79

MEMORIES OF MILLFIELD, STORIES OF YOUR LIFE Remember your days at Millfield? The sporting triumphs, funny escapades and the interesting personalities you came across. Then all the joys of family life and career achievements. These experiences shape who you are.

Now you can capture your memories or those of a loved one forever.

LifeBook captures all of your life’s story through six months of weekly interviews and with the help of a professional ghost writer who will write in your voice. Each LifeBook is a detailed, elegant and well- crafted autobiography – a celebration of a lifetime of memories and a treasure to be handed down through the generations.

The final result is 10 beautifully presented hardback books with a personalised cover, including up to 100 photographs over 24 pages and 126 pages of text – the result of 110 hours of interviewing, writing and editing.

LifeBook is a gift for a loved one or a celebration of your own life to be shared with future generations and can be produced anywhere in the world. There is an initial deposit of £850, followed by six monthly instalments of £350 each.

We’d love to hear from you.

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Call us now on or visit lifebookuk.com to find out more quoting reference code agm/1

80 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

OM News

Millfield Miscellany Prestigious prize for Damian

The Zayed Future Energy Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in the field of sustainable energy development with total prize money of up to $4 million.

Orb Energy, of which Damian Miller (1987-88; Holmcroft) is CEO, came first runner-up in the small to medium scale enterprise category, and won a $1 million dollar prize while significantly raising the company’s profile.

Honouring Robert Falcon Scott’s memory

November 2011 marked the 65th anniversary of the Slimbridge Wildfowl Centre in Gloucestershire.

It was founded by the son of the Antarctic explorer, Sir Peter Scott, his children continuing to fly the flag in the organisation and running of the centre.

Last year, Dafila (1968-70; The Cottage) was sponsored by the Scott Polar Research Institute to go to Antarctica on HMS Scott and capture the wildlife and scenery on canvas, much of her life being devoted to making visual records of the birds that visit Slimbridge.

A Guinness World Record for Naomi Naomi Garrick (née Matthews)

(1983-87; Oaklands) participated in last

April’s London Marathon. Nothing unusual about that, lots of OMs participated. However, Naomi ran it wearing a wedding dress (beating her previous time in athletics gear by 7 minutes) and broke the bridal record with a most respectable time of 3h 41m.

With a goal of £1,000, she raised over £750 for her ‘Naomi Garrick Buturi Project’. See www.buturi-project.co.uk Naomi sent us a most amusing report.

Here are some extracts: “As soon as I got to the marathon I was being interviewed for various TV channels.

I was stood near Gordon Ramsay and Will Young, used the ‘celebs’ toilet and gave the oldest marathon runner in

Michelle’s deep involvement with “Mercy Ships” Michelle White (1986-88; Johnson’s)

resigned last year from her job as an NHS consultant in order to work fulltime as an anaesthetist for the above medical and humanitarian charity, with which she has been involved for many years. www.mercyships.org.uk

Naomi Garrick broke the world record for the fastest London Marathon in a wedding dress

the world a hug … aged 101! The run was amazing, such a laugh to do it in a wedding dress. I had great fun starting off ‘oggy oggy oggy’ in the tunnels. I managed to overtake the other bride also out for the title at mile 21 and felt strong for the ‘on on’ home. When I ran down from Buckingham Palace they announced me and played ‘Here Comes the Bride’ … Straight after I crossed the line I had to do a number of interviews for TV and radio. The price of fame! Was that really little skinny me at the end of the national BBC News on Sunday night? They even said my name.” To cap it all, Naomi’s wedding dress bridal record won her a place in the Guinness World Records!

Golden Girl Mary given the Freedom of Wells

Nearly half a century after she stunned the sporting world, long jump champion Mary Rand (née Bignal) (1953-58; Day) was honoured in February by the city of her birth. Wells City Council awarded her the Honorary Freedom of Wells. Mary was the first British female athlete to win a track and field Olympic gold medal, in the long jump at the Tokyo games of 1964; she also won silver in the pentathlon and bronze in the sprints. Mary flew from her home in California to attend the Millfield Olympian Dinner in London on 30th March. In July, at Millfield, the OM Society presented her with the “Lifetime Achievement” Award. See Old Millfieldian of the Year section, page 8.

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 81

OM News RNLI boat named in Toby’s memory Toby Rundle (1996*-2006; Etonhurst)

passed away in October 2009 as he was starting the third year of his classics degree at Oxford University.

In February, an Atlantic 85 lifeboat, to be based at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution station in Clovelly, North Devon, was named after him. Friends and family had raised more than £170,000 to enable this to take place.

Diamond Jubilee Medal

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals were issued on behalf of the Queen to honour the dedication and service of public sector workers as she marked 60 years on the throne. Nigel Godfrey

tube maker Vallourec. She has now become non-executive director of BG Group which, according to The Times, “is booming thanks to massive discoveries off Brazil.”

“Victor Chandler: Always Playing his Cards Right”

This was the heading of a lengthy article about Victor Chandler (1966-69; Hollies) in the Independent on 5th March. The article explained that Victor had made his money as a bookmaker but that it was away from the track that he had really lived his life. He regaled interviewer, Brian Viner “with tales of Lester Piggott, George Best and, er, the Queen Mother”.

The Volkswagen of the bread industry Jonathan Warburton (1971-76;

Millfield) claimed that Warburton’s

Nigel Godfrey (left) was awarded a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (1956-57; Millfield) was awarded one of these medals in Canada, for ‘volunteering and for services to the Office of the British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’.

Former OM of the Year becomes a director of BG Group

In 2005, Vivienne Cox (1975-77; Great House), became the UK’s Businesswoman of the Year. At that time she was Executive Vice-President and Chief Executive of BP’s alternative energy division and, in 2006, became an Old Millfieldian of the Year. Having left BP, she kept up her interest in alternative energy by becoming Chairman of Climate Change Capital.

She is also a non-executive director of Rio Tinto, Pearson and the industrial 82 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

sliced loaf was the above, in an article about him titled “Baker of the people’s bread” in the Financial Times in January. Jonathan is chairman of Britain’s biggest baker. Family is at the heart of the privately owned company, which is run by Jonathan and his cousins, Ross (1974-76; Holmcroft) and Brett, the fifth generation to do so after the company was founded in 1876 in Bolton, where the headquarters remain today.

The article explained “Having enjoyed himself rather too much at school, (he) failed to make the grades to get into university. So, he buggered about for a couple of years before joining Unilever as a sales rep.”

When he and his cousins inherited the business in 1991, it had diversified widely, leading them to refocus all their energies upon the bakeries. The company is one of the most successful in the country and continues to expand having just installed bakeries in eastern Europe.

Auctioneer Guy Bennett and his wife Rachael have donated a substantial sum to fund the Millfield Scholarship for the Arts

Guy sells a lot – and gives too

After only three of his 13 years at Christie’s, Guy Bennett (198789; St Anne’s) became Head of the Impressionist and Modern Art Evening Sales and the International Head of the department only two years later.

He earned his place in art marketing history books, when he headed the most valuable sale ever in the history of auctioneering – the Impressionist and Modern Art Evening Sale in November 2006 which totalled just below half a billion dollars, and which included legendary masterpieces such as four Klimt paintings restituted to the heirs of the Bloch Bauer family and Gaugin’s magnificent L’Homme à la Hâche. His track-record is rich in similar achievements – from the sale of Monet’s Le Bassin aux Nymphéas for a world record price of $80.4 million to the Collection of Yves Saint Laurent ($443.1m).

He then formed Pelham Holdings, a trading company based in New York, and in the year after it was launched it aggressively allocated funds in excess of $4 billion in all principal markets, including international real estate and art – and the firm has gone from strength to strength since then.

Guy and his wife Rachael have donated a substantial sum to provide a Millfield Scholarship for the Arts in perpetuity. Guy will take a personal

interest in the selection process of the recipients and will follow the pupils’ progress through their days at Millfield and at university. Once his scholars have left the school, he will support them with work experience and careers advice, and will assist with internship opportunities around the world.

James’s successful coffee chain

When he was at Millfield, James Shapland (1989-94; Joan’s Kitchen)

developed an interest in stocks and shares and started buying stocks. He graduated from Birmingham University in 2000 and, with his father, went into business by opening a coffee chain. He worked at Coffee Republic to discover how its business model worked and, then in 2001, Coffee#1 was launched.

Ten years later, there are now 15 outlets in South Wales and Bristol, a string

of awards, and last year he teamed up with Welsh brewer S A Brain to expand the business further.

OMs give inspiring lectures

A series of lectures was given in the Spring term to pupils at Millfield, and amongst the speakers were Ross Westgate (1980-85; Butleigh)

and Alexandra Lort-Phillips (1989-91; Southfield). Ross gave a fascinating account of his career as a broadcast journalist. Now an anchor at international business news channel CNBC, he talked about business, media and the EU. Humanitarian and aidworker Alexandra was imprisoned in Israel in 2010 after her boat attempting to deliver aid to Gaza was attacked by Israeli commandos. Her lecture was entitled ‘From International School to International Activism’.

Five Things I Can’t Live Without Duncan Goodhew (1970-75; Walton)

was the subject of this regular Daily Express feature, one of his five necessities being Laughter: “Being a bald, dyslexic made it crucial for me to develop a robust sense of humour and I’ve always been one to see the funny side of life. I lost my hair when I was 10. I’d been doing a daft impression of Tarzan swinging from a tree on a school assault course when I fell 18 feet and hit my head against a tree root. I knocked my teeth back, badly bruised my eyes and caused my lip to swell to double its size... I’ve always made a joke out of my hair loss and when my wife Annie sent out the invites to my 40th birthday she wrote: “Come and celebrate with the man who will never go grey.” Annie and I are always laughing, and the old TV classics can still have me in stitches.”

5% of any sale to be donated to The Millfield Foundation, with this advertisement

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04/01/2013 11:35 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 83

OM News King-Yu becomes a Vivienne Westwood Designer

At the end of his BTEC, King–Yu Yiu (1996*-2007; Cookson) moved straight to London with a few internships, following which he shadowed a pattern cutter at Vivienne Westwood until he was promoted to the design team for the MAN Japanese Licence. He has now moved to Mainline Menswear, carrying out graphics throughout various collections. We wish him all success in this interesting line of work.

Passing out parade

At the April 2012 Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Sovereign’s Parade, Christopher R Collier (2000-04; Etonhurst) was granted a commission into the Royal Signals, Anthony J Kirkham (2002-04;

Etonhurst) a commission into the Royal

Irish and William R K Pullen (200507; Etonhurst) one into the SCOTS.

Kate is Living Pretty in her Somerset teashop

Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant

London in September 2011 to return home to Somerset to follow her dream of running a tea shop. “Living Pretty” is a tea/home interiors shop, and is part of a long established family run business. Her rural upbringing has influenced her rustic country style and her passion for all things vintage and pretty. www.livingpretty.co.uk

Pell (1952-54; Orchards), “Sheemaun”

Kate Macey (1993*-2000; Day) left

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Luncheon

In May, the Queen played host to kings, queens and princes from almost all of the world’s monarchies at a Diamond Jubilee lunch in Windsor Castle.

Among those joining the Queen were the Crown Prince of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn (1966-70; Millfield)

and the Crown Prince of Yugoslavia, Alexander Karadjordjevic (1964-

65; Chindit).

Owned and skippered by Rodney

had the honour of being selected to take part in the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, representing National Historic Ships UK and as Flagship of the Little Ship Club, London.

Margot chairs new parliamentary group

Margot James (1970-75; Ashcott), MP

for Stourbridge, was appointed Chair of the new All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Trade and Investment in Parliament. This group was formed to research and inform debate over how best to support British exporters, particularly small and medium sized businesses, and encourage foreign direct investment into the UK. It also aims to promote trade and to enable links between parliamentarians, industry and government in the UK and

The Crown Prince of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn (1966-70; Millfield) and the Crown Prince of Yugoslavia, Alexander Karadjordjevic (1964-65; Chindit) were among the guests at The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee lunch in Windsor Castle 84 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

An exciting sideline!

abroad. Margot said, “I am delighted that this new All Party Group is now launched. Trade and investment is a crucial area for parliamentarians to focus on, especially in the current economic climate.”

In March, William Hulbert (1971*-77; Day), who by day is an architect, opened a Thai restaurant in the City of London. He is offering a free bottle of wine to any OM that can remember his middle name! www.srithong.co.uk

Human Olympic ring display

Following a dream

Sally Helvey (née Kent) (1973-78; Portway) took part in the Guinness

World Record attempt for the highest number of people in a human Olympic ring display. This took place in May on the Royal Crescent lawns in Victoria Park in Bath. They broke the record but, unfortunately a few days later, their record was broken by schoolchildren in Liverpool.

Lissa’s project in India Lissa Davies (1998-2002; Oaklands)

who visited Totopara, a small village in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, India almost 3 years ago, has set up a Cultural Heritage and Education Centre there. This centre will ensure that children from the community can learn English, Toto and Hindi for free, and will also preserve traditional items from the area. To learn more about Lissa’s project, see www.begap.org/headstart-totopara

“The Nissen Club” and perhaps “The Millfield Nissen Museum”?

For the last couple of years, a series of luncheons for OMs over 60 years, in London and at Millfield, has become increasingly popular and well attended.

After-luncheon speakers have included Cleve West (1974-77; Orchards), double-winner of “Best in Show” at Chelsea, and Jonah Barrington, former World Squash Champion, who has master-minded Millfield’s squash programme for many years. This expanding group of OMs, all from Boss Meyer’s early developmental era at the school, became known as “The Over

Headmaster Colin Atkinson, in his Somerset CCC sweater (like Boss, he had been Captain of the county team), knocking down the last Nissen hut on campus

60s Club” – generally acknowledged as being unkindly over-descriptive!

Headmaster Craig Considine came to the rescue with “The Nissen Club” as a more appropriate title. This received universal acclaim as it described graphically the collection of post-war legacy nissen huts in which all had been taught up to the mid-1970s.

In informing the group about the re-naming, John Davies received dozens of anecdotal responses describing the huts, the coke boilers and lack of insulation (freezing winters and over-hot summers) within and some pretty ancient associated tutors of beloved memory.

Another appropriate ‘nissen project’ is now underway: the establishment of a brand new nissen hut on campus in which to store the host of Millfield memorabilia, currently secured by School Archivist and former tutor and housemaster, Dick Shilton. Plans are in their infancy but a Millfield Museum is on the cards. Already, an OM has stepped forward to help fund the project and, when complete and secure, Mary Bignal (1955-58; Day) has offered her Gold, Silver and Bronze Olympic medals to be on display there.

Watch this space!

After 13 years as a Director of the Somerset-based dairy company Yeo Valley, Graham Keating (1973*-82; Day) is taking a career break to follow a long-held dream. He and his wife are setting off in their 38ft sailing yacht to cross the Atlantic in November 2012.

You can follow their progress on www.maunieofardwall.blogspot.com

Back to the wild

The Aspinall Foundation, founded

by Damian Aspinall (1972-77; Shapwick), has been working with the governments of Congo and Gabon to protect almost a million acres of forest and savannah, into which they plan to release Djemba, a baby gorilla, and ten of his relatives who have been living in captivity at Port Lympne Wildlife Park. The foundation, which runs a captive-breeding programme, has already released three black rhino into the wild in Tanzania. It is planning to release record numbers of animals bred in captivity into protected areas over the next year as part of its “Back to the Wild” initiative. www.aspinallfoundation.org/conservation

Damian Aspinall plans to release Djemba, a baby gorilla, and ten of his relatives back into the wild. Picture: Daily Telegraph Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 85

OM News OM brothers in the Libyan Civil War in 2011 We have only recently heard that brothers Khaled (1996*-2000; Day) and Ibrahim (1996-2000: Day) El Mayet

were both deeply involved in the conflict, committed to the overthrowing of Gaddafi and the establishment of a new government. Over 50,000 Libyans died in the fighting in late 2011. Both OMs were interviewed by the BBC and links are set out below. The first, “Battle for Tripoli” shows Khaled and the other, parts one and two; “The Long Road to Tripoli”, Ibrahim, a two-hour documentary following him to the frontline with two ambulances to help save the lives of those at the front.

Khaled conducted over 120 interviews with various international media organisations and, subsequently, both OMs lobbied government leading to Khaled working in parliament for a few

months as an advisor on international relations with Libya. Ibrahim helped establish a charity and was involved in organising the fundraisers and the logistical side of medical supplies’ distribution. Jointly, they also set up the Libyan Progress Initiative www.libyanprogress.org, a non-profit political humanitarian organisation, and influenced the production of a 60-page document outlining the constitutional options available to Libya, also establishing a debate in Westminster to discuss the paper. In August, they were hoping to arrange a series of televised debates leading up to the Presidential elections that would follow the newly established interim government. l “Battle for Tripoli” http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=7qllzyam2AE l “The Long Road to Tripoli” http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7c3WElYLY

Harry’s media strategy Harry Anscombe (1991*-99;

Orchards) was a national figure in

British broadcasting for 10 years.

Having cut his teeth as Assistant Producer to Chief BBC Correspondent Kate Adie, he became Producer for ITN and went on to become Producer and Presenter of the BAFTA winning Channel 4 News, where he created business, political and arts investigations from around the world.

He is now MD of Beagle Media – www.beaglemedia.co.uk

Cleve wins Best in Show at Chelsea 2012 Brewin Dolphin appointed Cleve

West to be the designer for its first

show garden at the Chelsea Flower Show. He was awarded Best in Show for the second consecutive year and yet another gold. This year’s design was

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86 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

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a departure from Cleve’s usual style – partly due to the unusual use of topiary, symbolic of the sponsor’s history, stability and creativity and it certainly made an impression on the judges.

We congratulate him on a second, consecutive and stunning victory.

Field of Dreams

In 2002, Brian Herrick and his wife Denise (1967-69; Day) bought Barcroft Hall in an 85 acre estate near South Petherton. The once unsightly and rubbish-strewn field in their Somerset estate is now Britain’s biggest wildflower garden and, last summer, burst into bloom with 60 different brightly coloured species carpeting the landscape. Their “Field of Dreams” masterpiece was inspired by visits to Kew Gardens, Table Mountain National Park and Kirstenbosch Gardens, both in South Africa. In 2011, the meadow drew more than 4,000 members of the public, with similar numbers in 2012, entry being free but visitors being requested to make a donation to one of the couple’s chosen local charities. The Field received much national publicity, especially in August in the Daily Mail. The couple’s two children, Claire (1992*-98; Day) and Robert (1992*-2001; Day) also attended Millfield.

David set for DEFRA

David Heath (1963*-72; Day), MP for

Somerton and Frome, was promoted to Minister of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs at DEFRA in the Government’s reshuffle in September. He was formerly Deputy Leader of the House of Commons.

Andrew brings back silver from Russia

Great Britain saw the six-person team ride into the silver medal position with outstanding skills and aptitude at the World Helicopter Championships in Russia in August. Andrew Taee

speed Wi-Fi, access to the premises around the clock, and a chauffeured Maserati is also available – to name a few. See www.dryland.com

Untap.it Andrew Taee (right) celebrates Silver in the World Helicopter Championships (1971-76; Day) and Mike Buckland, flying a Bell 206 Jet Ranger, became the highest ranked team in the Fender event.

Andrew said: “The British Olympic Team set the standard this summer and we had no choice but to follow their example. I am hugely privileged to have been a member of this outstanding group of aviators and to fly such a superb aircraft as the Bell 206.”

An interesting new appointment

In September 2012, Michael Gifford took up his appointment as British Ambassador to North Korea. Through the OM Society Office, his wife, Patricia (née Owen) (1972-76;

Portway) has tried to trace any OMs

in Pyongyang. Unfortunately, our records were of no help so it is unlikely that any reunions will be taking place during their stay! Please get in touch with the OMS Office if you know of any OMs in this part of the world.

Jon’s luxury offices

Jon Hunt (1967-70; Hollies), who made

£375 million when he sold his real estate brokerage firm Foxtons, has invested some of his fortune creating a line of luxury office properties across London. The first office of the Dryland Business Members’ Club opened on Kensington High Street in October. Jon is looking to appeal to entrepreneurs who do not necessarily want to commit to a commercial property lease. Membership in this Club has its privileges: top-end lounges, private dining courtesy of in-house chefs, high-

Kate Griggs (1974*-79; Day) will

launch Untap.it in 2013, a social enterprise that could become a leading digital platform for developing human potential. Untap.it’s key feature is a revolutionary profiler (PQ test), an alternative to the traditional IQ test.

The site will have celebrity and expert video content and a development tool kit tailored to each market as Untap.it develops globally. Untap.it has attracted the support of a number of OMs; Andrew Williams (1976-79; Edgarley) and Charles Denton (1973*-82; Hollies) as founding directors with the additional help of Roland Rudd (1970*-79; Holmcroft), Tom Alexander (1971-75; Day) and Laura Boardman (2000-02; Day).

Visit www.untap.it

Charity cycle ride Adam Vander (1987-91; St Anne’s)

completed a marathon cycle ride of 1,000 miles (in nine days) from John O’Groats to Land’s End, for the MacMillan hospice that nursed his mother before she passed away from cancer in the summer. He and his fellow riders, who included Simon Beal (1989-91; Keen’s Elm), and James Shenton (1985-90; Shapwick) raised over £20,000. A small diversion of their route brought them to Millfield, as can be seen from the photo. Adam was grateful for all the help afforded by his friends and contemporaries at school.

Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 87

Old Millfieldian Society Shop Enamelled Millfield unisex lapel/ sweater pin £5

Millfield: A School for all Seasons written for OMs by OMs, compiled by former Headmaster Christopher Martin £20

Victorian Edgarley: The fall of the House of Porch by Roger Parsons, Edgarley Archivist £3

Head Over Heels – in the Hot Seat at Millfield School Christopher Martin’s latest memoirs £20 Old Millfieldian Society pure silk tie £20

Old Millfieldian Society overseas student polyester mix tie £10 88 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

Old Millfieldian Society bow tie.

Silk traditional tie £20 Silk reppe ready tied £12

OMS mens lightweight, short sleeved sports shirt (chest size: small 38”, medium 40”, large 42”, extra large 44”) £45

Old Millfieldian Society golf cap – one size, navy blue with crest £12

OMS ladies lightweight, short sleeved sports shirt (sizes 10, 12 and 14) £45

Millfield leather key rings gold embossed with the school crest, green or black £1

OLD SCHOOL PHOTOS Would you like copies of your old school photographs? The OMS photo gallery has been drawn from our collection of pictures from the earliest years of the school right up to the 1970s.

Photos are being added all the time and we have a wide range of group photographs, including sports teams and Houses. If you have any photos of your own that you think might be appropriate for display, do please send them in to us (jpeg format preferred).

To order photographs, go to www.omsociety.com click on the Shop tab, then Photos and Paintings and follow the instructions on the Millfield Photo Service tab. The cost is £10 per photograph, which will be sent to you as a jpeg.

Prints of Millfield House, 23” x 16” £20, 16” x 12” £10 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 89

2013

Item

Description

Quantity

Unit cost

OMS tie

Pure silk

£20.00

OMS overseas student tie

Polyester mix

£10.00

OMS bow tie

Silk traditional tie

£20.00

Silk reppe ready tied

£12.00

Small – 38” chest

£45.00

Medium – 40” chest

£45.00

Large – 42” chest

£45.00

X Large – 44” chest

£45.00

Size 10

£45.00

Size 12

£45.00

Size 14

£45.00

OMS navy blue golf cap with crest

One size

£12.00

Print of Millfield House

23” x 16”

£20.00

16” x 12”

£10.00

Head Over Heels – In The Hot Seat At Millfield School by Christopher Martin

Hardback £20.00

Millfield – A School For All Seasons compiled by former Headmaster Christopher Martin

Hardback £20.00

Victorian Edgarley: the fall of the House of Porch

by Roger Parsons, Edgarley Archivist

Paperback

Millfield leather key ring

Green £1.00

Black £1.00

Millfield unisex lapel/sweater pin

Enamelled school colours

OMS mens short sleeved sports shirt

OMS ladies short sleeved sports shirt

✃

OMS Shop Order Form

All the articles illustrated overleaf may be purchased online by visiting www.omsociety.com and following the links to the OMS Shop page, or by completing the order form below and returning it to the OMS Office together with your cheque made payable to Old Millfieldian Society.

Total £

£3.00

£20.00

TOTAL COST Please detach this form and return it to: Old Millfieldian Society, Millfield School, Street, Somerset, BA16 0YD, UK

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90 Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013

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Old Millfieldian Society Chronicle 2013 91

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