OS Newsletter - July 2009

July 2009

N0. 55

OLD SUTTONIANS

NEWSLETTER

Heads of School Garden Opening Paul Atkinson, Head Gardener at Sutton Valence came up with the brilliant idea of creating a Heads of School Garden. All previous Heads of School were contacted and given the option of a permanent plaque or a bench, along with their choice of plant. Out of the 86 approached, 53 responded positively and now have their permanent place within the garden. Over 30 people attended the opening held in June with Tim Booer (1952 M) and Hannah Selway (2002 V) officially cutting the ribbon.

In this issue:

Girls Reunion Page 2

Choir 1997 Page 4

Headmaster’s Cricket Page 9

OS News Cricket News Awards Letters

Page 5 Page 9 Page 4 Page 3

Information A member of the United Westminster Schools’ Foundation Registered Charity No. 309267 Founded in 1576 by William Lambe

Old Suttonians Newsletter July 2009

For information about Sutton Valence School, please contact:

• the Admissions Office at Sutton Valence on 01622 845206 or email enquiries@svs.org.uk • Sutton Valence Preparatory School on 01622 842117 or email enquiries@svprep.svs.org.uk 1

Old Suttonians Newsletter

Twenty-fifth anniversary of Girls to join SVS reunion On Speech Day, held in June, the first girls where invited back to the school for a reception and lunch with the Joe Davies, Headmaster and Mr Haywood (Headmaster 1980-1984). Seven girls attended.

Back row: Tracey Little, Louise Gaston (n e Knagg), Emma Isherwood (n e Pickard), Emma Palmer (n e Pearce), Stella Haywood, Charlotte Houlihan (n e Browning), Amanda Fowler

Front Row: Mr Grindlay, Mr Haywood, Mr Davies

William Lambe Society Six members of the William Lambe Society attended an orchestral concert held in the music school followed by supper in the Headmasters’ house.

Where are they now?

Please go to the ‘Missing OS’ link on the school’s web site. We would be delighted to hear from any Old Suttonians who have not been receiving regular communication from us. We would also like to hear all of your news and suggestions, so please keep us up to date by emailing Rebecca Riggs: riggsr@svs.org.uk

Benefits of OS Membership 1.

Networking opportunities

2.

Complimentary invitations to Reunions

3.

Invitations to Hockey, Cricket, Golf and Netball matches and tournaments

4.

Access to the school’s web site

5.

Regular publications – The Suttonian, OS Newsletter, Sutton Views

6.

Careers and mentoring – access to over 100 contact names of OS who have expressed their willingness to provide advice.

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July 2009

Reunion Saturday 12th September 2009 The next reunion shall be the ‘Middle Aged Spread’ Group (leavers 1961 to 1980) with 1981 and 1982 given the option to attend ‘Yuppies’ reunion to be held next year or to attend ‘Middle Aged Spread’ this year. There shall be champagne for the year group with the biggest attendance.

Emails Required To help to keep our posta control it would be ve ge costs under ry helpful if you would ensure that we have your current email address. We are intending to send out as much as we can electronically, including this newsletter and Sutton Views; so please send an up to riggsr@svs.org.uk with date email to your name in the subject line so that we are able to update our records.

Letters and excerpts received from Old Suttonians We receive many letters with kind words from Old Suttonians such as the following:

“It was a most nostalgic and wonderful return to SVS for me and to meet up with `chums’ whom I had not seen for forty two years was tremendous and remarkable in that none of them had changed that much and were instantly recognisable! The anthem performed by the Choir was beautifully sung and brought a lump to my throat. I look forward to 2009”

“The School st ill retains the same wonderfu l atmosphere it had 50 years a go, but with th e new wonderful facilities and improved the o pportunities offered to the p upils. The school is obvio usly in good heart and han ds.”

Russell Lister (1962

F)

Adrian Ford (L 1964)

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Old Suttonians Newsletter

Where are they now?

Choir 1997

Top row: E Rothwell, E Mahrabian, E Midwood, B Harper, D Willdridge, A Mansfield, E Bailey, V Day, K Barker, H Ho

Middle Row: C Davey, S Knowles, G Saunders, Mr P Horley, Mr R Rothwell, Dr A Cruttenden, Mr A Leang, E Adams, M Meredith, C Best

Front Row: C Coltella, C Jasper, J Coltella, L Ross, Mr C Parkinson, J Jones, E Doorey, C Piper, J Masson.

We have no valid address for the names of pupils in italics. If you are in touch with any of these Old Suttonians, please let us know.

OS - OS Marriages Below is a list of Old Suttonians who have gone on to marry each other. If you could be one who should also be on this list, please let us know: Simon Palmer (1987 W) married Natasha Page (1987 V) Nicholas Haywood (1988 M) married Simmone Page (1988 V) James Roberts (1994 L) married Felicity Lynes (1996 V) James Evans (1996 L) married Madeleine Gear (1996 V) Fred Baumhardt (1995 W) married Kelly Frost (1996 V) Spencer Theobald (1998 F & M) married Alexandra Pugh (2001 V)

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Awards 2008/09 Atchison Award Hayley Cooke (2007 S & G) Jack Field (2007 Cl) Bennett/Hunting Wesley Jackson (2007 H) Gabriella Roberts (2007 L) Sonia Tarczalowicz (2007 S & L) Georgina Baker (2007 S & H) Enterprise Award Caroline Woods (2001 S)

July 2009

News of Old Suttonians BROWN Ben (1978 F) has published a book entitled “Sandstealers”, a modern war thriller.

BURTON John (1949 DB), has recently completed the Bruce Trail (nearly 900k) and remains fairly active with various voluntary organisations.

COBBOLD Louise (1991 S), recently sent an email updating us. She has been working in Theatre Stage Management for the past 12 years. Recently finished working with French and Saunders on their UK tour “Still Alive” which finished at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. She is due to start work shortly as a Stage Manager on the upcoming tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Louise would like to ask if any previous school friends would like tickets then to get in touch with her.

HARMAN Nicholas (1998 W), has been in touch to let us know that after 4 years of study (receiving both a BA with Honours and a Graduate Diploma) and 5 years of working in both private and public practice, that he has attained his status as a fully Chartered Landscape Architect and Member of the Landscape Institute; which has been a Royal Chartered body since 1997.

Births BROOKS on 26th August 2008, to Rebecca Brooks (nee Stene) (1991 S) and husband Martin and second son, Toby.

EASTER on 21st July 2008, to Gilly Easter and Rupert Easter (1981 W), a daughter, Dorothy Diane Easter.

FRANCE on 7th September 2008, to Sophia Lenton-Brook and John-Paul France (1992 W), a son, Hugo John Lenton Brook France.

TEMPLETON on 13th December 2007, to Rebecca Templeton (nee HEAD) (1995 V) and Neil Templeton, a daughter, Katie.

HORNE Edward (2005 G). Ed, who is a University of South Carolina Aiken Senior, won the Intercollegiate Tennis Association NCAA Division II Arthur Ashe Sportsmanship Award for the Southeast Region. Only one male and one female from each region acquire this prestigious sportsmanship award per year. Horne was nominated by an anonymous regional coach and voted the winner by the ITA regional Committee.

LOVELOCK Julian (1967 W). Article in the Daily Telegaph on 29th September 2008.

“Two books were published in 1936 – The Head Master Speaks and The Head Mistress speaks – featuring essays by heads of leading public schools. In the latest edition, Julian Lovelock, Buckingham University’s Chief Operating Officer and a former headmaster of Akeley Wood, approached the same schools again to gauge the educational landscape 70 years on. Ten heads contributed to the book, released this autumn by the University of Buckingham Press.”

MERCHANT Zaheer (1984 W) updated us on his career. Since leaving SVS he returned back to Singapore and served in the army for 2½ years then went off to University, graduated with a LLB (Hons), was called as a Barrister (Middle Temple) and went back to Singapore into practice with

then the largest law firm. He then went into private practice for about 15 years, thoroughly enjoyed it and in the last 2½ years has become head of legal affairs for a large Multi National Corporation.

MORRIS Phillip (1981 L) recently updated us. After 10 years of living in the Middle East his work is now taking him to South Africa for 6 months or so and then on to Australia. His wife Shirley and 2 children are looking forward to their next adventure and another new culture.

RICHARDS Neil (1967 F) recently appeared in the ‘Taylorian 2008’, having just retired. He has left the Merchant Taylors’ after 21 years service as Biology Teacher and subsequently Head of Biology.

ROBERTS Tristan (2005 H) signed for Gloucester Rugby for 2008/09 season. We wish him well.

VOELCKER Thomas (1970 C) continues to work as a full time orchestral player at the Opera House in Zurich.

WYSOCKI Stefan (2003 M), emailed with news that he has received a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Edinburgh.

Engagements BILLS (DE LUCY)-BASHAM on 21st February 2009, Nicholas Bills (de Lucy) (1992 W) proposed to Charlotte Basham (1992 S) at the Twickenham Stoop at half time in the middle of the pitch. They are getting married in Weybridge on 5th December 2009.

Marriages

HAYZELDEN-JOHNS on 10th May 2008.

Charlie Hayzelden (1999 L) and Claire Bryony Johns at St Mary’s Church, Martlesham in Suffolk. Anna Blest (1999 V), David Baillie (1999 L) and Oliver Hayzelden (1993 L) were present.

LYON-FOREMAN on 30th August 2008.

Andrew Lyon (2001 F) and Charlotte Foreman (2001 S). Over 100 Old Suttonians attended the service in Lydd.

DYKE-FORD on 27th September 2008.

Simon J Dyke (1991 F) and Catherine Ford.

Desmond High (1973 F) and David Bunker (1954 M) were present.

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Old Suttonians Newsletter

Deaths ASPINALL on 10th June 2008, peacefully in hospital, Phyllis Mary Aspinall, aged 89, widow of Briant Aspinall (Headmaster 195053).

ASPINALL on 12th January 2009, Harry Michael Aspinall (1943 W), died suddenly at home aged 82. Husband of Avril and adored father of Beccy and Mark and grandfather of seven.

BARROW in September 2008, John (1956 W).

BEACON on 3rd August 2008. Peter Beacon (1945 W). Father of Christopher Beacon (1973 W).

BUTTIFANT in January 2008, Alan (1939 DB).

CROSS on 7th April 2009, Lionel (1948 W). He had been in hospital for several weeks and was going home when he died.

Lionel and his wife, Pat, attended the Oldest and Boldest reunion last year. It was the first time he had been back to the school since he had left. It was a great pleasure to meet such a charming man – Rebecca Riggs, Development Office.

farm. A keen meteorologist he collected weather data for the Met Office and for more than 30 years was Hon. Director of the Kent Show. Many years on Headcorn Parish Council, sometime as Chairman. In 1950s was selected for Kent shooting team. Described at his memorial service as ‘One of the last yeomen of England’.

EVENDEN on 17th December 2007.

Peter Evenden (1940 W). Born a farmer’s son in Egerton. He attended Sutton Valence School until he was sixteen when he returned home to help with the war effort. Although his first instinct was really towards engineering he followed in the family tradition and after his marriage moved to a farm near Maidstone. His first wife died prematurely and shortly after that he moved to Wales and subsequently built a successful landscaping business. He was unusual in that he was talented working with both wood and metal, creating some stunning bespoke garden ornamental statutory and framework. In retirement, he moved back to Hampshire close to his family where at the age of 70 he started a successful Pick Your Own business on his son-in-law’s farm. His great joy during these later years was the proximity of his family, especially his two grand daughters. He died as he would have chosen as he remained fit and active to the end and just ‘stopped’ one morning.

FAIRBANK on 12th January 2009, Michael H Fairbank (ex-staff 1955-1984). A memorial service was held at the school on 26th March 2009 and was attended by over 80 Old Suttonians and friends.

DAVIDSON on 28th July 2008, Rosa (2005).

DAY on died 24.October 2008, Alfred Edward Alan Day BA MBE DL(1937 W).

Member of shooting VIII, King’s Scout at School. After leaving Cambridge with 1st Class degree in Argriculture joined his father, Alfred, (a governor of SVS) on family

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FERMOR on 12th December 2008, Michael Fermor (1951 M). Father of C D Fermor (1976 L) and R F Fermor (1981 F).

After leaving Sutton Valence, Michael went into farming and built a good reputation winning many prizes at the Marden Fruit Show, now the National Fruit Show. A keen supporter of his local community, he was instrumental in raising the money to extend the floodlit tennis courts of his local sports centre and he was also a member of the East Farleigh Parish Council.

GOODWIN on 29th March 2009, Anne (ex Matron, Cornwallis), sadly died from leukaemia.

HALL Peter, Ex Bursar from 1969-1987 has died.

HARRISON on 9th January 2009, at the Heart of Kent Hospice after a long battle against cancer, Edmund David Harrison (1954 F), aged 72. David, as he was always known, was the eldest of five brothers who were at Sutton Valence School. He was followed by Jonathan (1958 F), twins Peter and Noel (both 1960 F) and the late Philip (1965 F) who sadly died in Canada 24 years ago.

David’s two children, Elizabeth (1995 V) and Ian (1997 L) as well as his nephew, Robert (1987 L) and his nieces Kate (1989 V) and Fiona Sneddon (1989 V), his sister Margaret’s daughter, were also at Sutton Valence. David thoroughly enjoyed his school days spending much time with the boarders even though he was a Day Boy and inviting them to his home in Hawkenbury. He gained his Football Colours and was a member of the Scout Troop and the School Choir.

On leaving school he did his National Service in the East Kent Regiment, the Buffs, at Canterbury, before joining the family firm.

His love of the outdoor life and young people was fulfilled by his involvement in the Scout movement; he became Scout Leader of the Sutton Scouts and later turned down the opportunity to become a District Commissioner so that he could continue his work at the grass roots. His love of sport was centred on soccer as he founded the Sutton Saints football club and developed this over the years. He met his future wife, Joan, on a Scout expedition to Scotland and they settled in Bearsted where he was a pillar of the community. He was a family man who was looked up to by his younger brothers and sister. He was delighted when his daughter Elizabeth married and had two children whom he adored. David was a big man in every sense, but he was a gentle giant and a gentleman who will missed by all who knew him.

July 2009

Deaths HATCH on 24th March 2009, Alex G Hatch (2001 F), sadly died unexpectedly.

Alex played and enjoyed the OS v School hockey tournament on the Sunday prior to his death. Alex was a ‘star’ at all sports and won a Sports Scholarship to Sutton Valence.

He obtained a degree in Business Economics and Business Law and had a successful career in the commercial world. A website has been set up by Alex’s MD and friend raising money for the Pituitary Foundation: www.justgiving.com/alexhatch. The Old Suttonians’ Association have agreed to purchase a memorial trophy in memory of Alex to be awarded to the winners of the OS v School Hockey.

serving as Secretary to Duchy of Lancaster among other important posts. He retired as Deputy Under Secretary of State with a CB and a passion for community and charitable work.

LEBON on 22nd December 2008. James (1977 L). Video director and graphic artist who epitomised fashionable London of the eighties and nineties.

maths and running the department on two occasions, coaching hockey, master i/c sailing, commanding the CCF, assessing the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, playing in the orchestras and ensembles and singing in the Chapel Choir. David was also licensed to assist the Chaplain at the Eucharist and was master i/c university applications and careers. The funeral was held on Wednesday 6th August at Lympstone Church, Devon.’.

NAPHTALI on 20th December 2008, Michael (1946 W).

NEVILLE on 15th September 2008, the Revd Dr Graham (Ex-staff 1968-1973); Chaplain of the University of Sheffield (1953-58); Rector of Culworth (1958-63); Eydon (1958-63); Rural Dean of Culworth (1962-63); Chaplain and Lecturer at Christ Church College, Canterbury (1963-68); Principal Lecturer at Eastbourne College of Education (1973-76); East Sussex College of Higher Education (1976-79); Brighton Polytechic (1979-80); Diocesan Director of Education, Lincoln (1980-87); Canon and Prebendary of Lincoln Cathedral (1982-89); aged 86.

Obituary and photograph from The Independent

HILLS-JOHNES on 23rd September 2008. Bryan (1939 DB). Passed away in his sleep at Maidstone Hospital.

HOCKING in 2007. Francis C Hocking (1939 M).

HYDE on 31st December 2007, Charles Hyde (1970 L). Former Head of School.

Please see below cricket report.

JAMES on 17th September 2008, Richard Austin James CB MC (1933 DB) aged 88.

Richard was the younger son of Headmaster T M James (1932-50). During the war, he was evacuated from Dunkirk and then after service in the Middle East where he was awarded his MC and twice mentioned in despatches he was captured and held in several concentration camps. He returned to the UK weighing six stones and, after graduating from Cambridge he went into the Civil Service through whose ranks he rose rapidly

LYNCH on 17th November 2008. Kieran Lynch (1980 F). Kieran joined Sutton Valence School from Eylesden Court in 1974.

A keen, committed and able pupil, he completed a promising year of A Level studies.

Tragically, illness forced him to leave school and consequently prevented him from pursuing a career. He was very proud of having been at the school and maintained regular contact with several of his former teachers.

He died in the Heart of Kent Hospice after a very courageous fight against cancer.

by John Harcourt (Staff 1977-2003) MOSS-GIBBONS on 25th July 2008, David (1967 F), aged 59. Bradfield College obituary: ‘David was a member of the Senior Common Room between 1971-2005. During this time the positions he held included Housemaster of G House, Deputy Headmaster (School Master) and Housemaster of Stevens House. His contributions to the College were endless ranging from teaching

NEWBERY on 23rd October 2008, Peter (1946 W). His widow wrote “He was always very proud to have attended Sutton Valence and he felt that the school had moulded him into the well-respected gentleman that he was throughout his life”.

NORTHOVER on 24th September 2008.

Christopher (1956 W) aged 75.

SLOAN in December 2008, Colin Hannington Sloan AFC (1944 W). After leaving Sutton Valence School, where he has been Head of School and an outstanding sportsman, he entered the RAF where he attained the rank of Squad Leader and was a member of the aerobatic display team in 1950-51. He later became a commercial pilot captaining Viscount aeroplanes for Cambrian Airways.

Brother of W R Sloan (1946 W) and A M Sloan (1943 W).

STEPHENS at Christmas 2007, Ernest (1947 W).

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Old Suttonians Newsletter

Deaths STEPHANY-WEDDELL Michael (1959 W).

Old Suttonian Association Annual General Meeting

TIPPLES on 8th January 2009, Stuart Tipples (1940 M).

Saturday 21st March 2009 TURK in March 2009, Patrick R Turk (1944 W).

Present: Mrs Nicki Ellis, Chairman of OSA, and 12 other members of the Association.

Apologies for Absence from 38 members of the Association.

The minutes of the 2008 AGM were approved and signed by the Chairman as a true and accurate record.

The Hon. Treasurer George Horton sent his apologies. Philip Higgins, standing in as Hon Secretary for the meeting in the absence of Colin Shaw, reported to the meeting that the OS finances were healthy and the Accounts would hopefully be ready for the next OS Committee meeting in June.

In the absence of Colin Shaw the Hon Secretary, Philip Higgins read out the secretary's report. Colin reported that he had recently moved house to Hampshire and after 32 years on the Committee, 23 years as Keeper of Records, nearly 20 years as Archivist, and Hon Secretary for 13 years he had decided that this would be his last year and he would stand down from 2010. Colin thanked Helen Knott, Rebecca Riggs, David Bunker and David Pickard for their assistance.

WALLACE on 8th March 2009, William Wallace (1945 DB). Otherwise known as ‘Ali Bongo’ – British comedy magician and president of The Magic Circle who performed an act in which he was known as the ‘Shriek of Araby’. He won a scholarship to Sutton Valence, leaving at 16 to begin his career as an entertainer. He created his Shriek of Araby character after his time in the National Service. The character had sung a song which began: “My name is Ali Bongo and I come from Pongo, pong-tiddley-pongo land”.

Among his later magic catch-phrases were “Hocus Pocus Fishbones Chokus”. He wrote many books on magic and acted as magic consultant for many plays, opera, ballets and TV shows including David Nixon’s Magic Box and The Paul Daniels Magic Show.

WILCOCKSON on 6th April 2009, Ian Wilcockson (Wilco) (1951 M) on 6th April 2009, brother to James (1955 M) and father to Patrick (1982 M).

WOODERSON on 15th December 2008.

Stanley J Wooderson (1933 W). Brother of Sydney (1933 W), Alfred (1930) and father to Richard (1961 L) and Jill.

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David Bunker reported on sporting activities of the OSA. Rupert Humphrey reported that 77 were attending the Annual OSA Dinner.

David Bunker was re-elected President, Colin Shaw was re-elected for one more year as Secretary, the post of Treasurer was left vacant with the Committee to look for a replacement for George Horton, Rupert Humphrey was re-elected as Dinner Secretary, David Pickard was elected as Keeper of Records, Nigel Swaffer was elected as a new Trustee and Jonathan Evans was elected on to the Committee. Rodney Stubblefield was elected to be a Vice President for his services to the OSA.

Golf News After qualifying for the finals of the Grafton/Morrish in 2007 and winning one match in the Finals, the OS Golfing Society again qualified for the Finals in 2008. This time they won three matches in the Finals, beating Ipswich, Shrewsbury and Aldenham before losing 1-2 to Haileybury in the Quarterfinals. This is a splendid achievement and they have again reached the finals in 2009, finishing 5th out of 19 in the South Area Qualifying Round at Knole Park in May, beating King's Canterbury, Christ's Hospital, Brighton, Hurstpierpoint and St Dunstan's amongst others. The Finals take place at Hunstanton at the end of September 2009.

July 2009

Annual Golf Tournament Friday 9th October 2009 Friends, Parents and Old Suttonians’ are invited to make up a team at Prince’s Golf Club in Sandwich. A mailing shall be sent out within the next couple of months with further details.

Cricket News Headmaster’s Cricket On 30th June a team of OS, all of whom have been at one time captain of the School XI, played a match against the School. A further 15 attended as spectators, a really good response from captains for the last 60 years. The occasion marked the departure of Joe Davies after his years of excellent service to the School and also to be the first appearance of a book detailing the history of cricket at the School – details to be found elsewhere in this newsletter.

Group of Past-Captains and Bob Chance (Past Master i/c Cricket) at lunch

This is the second of such ‘Past Captains’ v School fixtures. The first was supposed to mark the centenary of cricket on the Upper – but was played more than 15 years too early to be an accurate anniversary. One of this year’s players AW Dixon (1966 M) also played as a past captain in the previous match in 1971 and some of the present day’s spectators also played alongside Dixon in that game. The School won by 7 wickets.

Andrew Dixon (Captain of Past-Captains) and Tyler Griffin (Captain School 1st XI)

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Old Suttonians Newsletter

Report on OS Cricket 2008 After the 100% record in 2007 a return to reality in a dismal summer, although we only lost the one game to the weather. A drawn game against the School was followed by wins against Peter Davies XI and The Dragons, but losses to Roffensians. Marden and Blair Hart's East Kent Allstars. The Scorpions match suffered the same watery fate as 2 years ago with no play possible after lunch.

The year had not started off well with the news of the untimely death from cancer of Charles Hyde (1970 Lambes) on 31st December 2007. Charlie was a fine schoolboy cricketer and played a number of games for the OS whilst still at school and just after leaving.

He was a top class fast medium bowler and good middle order batsman and at a time when University cricket was of a very high standard was considered a safe bet for a blue at Cambridge.

Comparisons between generations are always difficult but he would probably be bracketed with Robbie Joseph, now playing for Kent, as the two best fast bowlers to play for the School in the last 40 years.

Sadly from an OS perspective he never really got around to playing University cricket and more or less gave up the game until he played a few matches in recent years for his village side.

The second piece of unpleasant news was the disappearance of Michael Hetherington on a walking holiday in South Africa in February 2008. That name might not mean much to most OS but Michael was a master at Aldenham School and was responsible in 1972 for the creation of the Brewers Company Cup, in which the OS participated throughout its existence. Michael wrote to contacts at a number of Schools of comparable size and Tubby Craven was apparently the first to respond (by return). We regularly encountered him either at games against Aldenham or at the finals of the competition. Michael was very much the old style schoolmaster and gentleman, and the several OS who attended a memorial service at Aldenham in September 2008 found themselves part of a huge congregation who were paying their respects.

The third sadness was the death of Keith Davies in March. Keith was younger brother of Peter Davies who had been landlord at the Queen's Head for much of the 1970s and was very much part of SV village life. He played the odd game for the OS when we were short and against us for the Village and subsequently Peter Davies XI, and

over the years was variously on duty behind the bar at the Queen's, King's or Swan.

As to the games themselves, the match against the School was a high scoring draw, with OS setting the School an unreasonable (in the eyes of the School coaches) target of 259, Wes Jackson top scoring for the OS with 88. As it happens, a young school side got to 2328 and in fact faced 2 more overs than the OS, so honours were about even. Michael Coles followed his 7-41 for the School in 2007 with 564 for the OS. In recent seasons the OS side has comprised players who have left in the previous couple of years and the standard of fielding from both sides was depressingly high in the eyes of some slightly more mature OS spectators!

The week itself was a mixed bag, dogged by dull weather (although only the Scorpions game was wiped out). We were given good hidings by Roffensians and Marden, but the second weekend was a bit more positive, finishing with two wins, the latter match with the Dragons being won with a ball to spare for the second time in 3 years. Pat Stileman was the pick of the players (and even found time to captain Marden against us and score 43 not out. Other good performances included a maiden OS 50 from Simon Higgins, and runs and wickets from Jack Field.

The match managers had a slightly tougher time getting teams out this year, or so it seemed. The lesson appears to be to plan early and get a written confirmation! Not sure how we can ever avoid late dropouts apart from “selecting” 13 and if more than 11 arrive on the day then leave out anyone who has pulled out at short in the past!

As ever thanks to Philip Higgins for umpiring most of our games.

Peter Wooderson is umpiring less than he used to but hope we will still see him regularly. Thanks to those who pitched in with scoring and to Kathy and Lorna High for the essential part of the day – the catering. It is something of a cliché to say that we are playing on one of the best grounds in Kent, but it continues to be the case. We remain grateful to the Headmaster for allowing use of Upper, and equally fortunate to have Ian and his team preparing wickets and generally looking after us.

Desmond High (1973 Founders)

2008 results in summary OS 258-8 dec (W Jackson 88)

The School 232-8 (Lawton 75 M Coles 5-64)

OS 94-2 v Scorpions OS 196 (P Stileman 55) OS 185-9 innings closed

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Match drawn

Match abandoned Old Roffesians 199-3

Roffesians won by 7 wickets

July 2009

“The History of Cricket at Sutton Valence” Now on sale - proceeds to help fund sports initiatives - this book covers the years 1800 to the early 2000s and relates the many ups and downs (mostly ups) that the sport has enjoyed here at the School. With a wealth of statistics, it allows comparisons of standards between the generations. Records of results against all our traditional opponents can also be found in the accompanying appendix as well as the names of all those who have played for the school at one time or another.

Who took over 100 wickets in one school cricket season?

Who scored 184 not out and found himself on the losing side?

How was the prestigious Brewer’s Cup competition won and what was the generosity of the match officials that made the victory possible?

Who was the School cricket star that made a name for himself as a luminary in the USA cricket scene?

What was ‘The Dunces Cap’ and when was it worn?

Who set fire to the pavilion?

When did a hot air balloon stop play temporarily?

These and many other questions are addressed in what, it is hoped, will be the first of a series of books detailing a variety of sports at the school – the next one will be about Rugby.

The book costs £8.50 (£10.00 inc. postage and packing) and is available from David Pickard at the School or pickardd@svs.org.uk or 01622 845271.

Photographs - Archives Played 11 won 6, lost 3 drawn 1 abandoned 1a great year.

Cricket – 1964

Ted Groves, Howard Evans, Adrian Ford, Chris Hayes, David Allaway, David Pakeman “Batty” Cant, Martyn King, Andrew Barr, Andrew Dixon, Trevor Goulden 11

Old Suttonians Newsletter

News from the School New Headmaster In September 2009, Bruce Grindlay MA (Cantab.), MusB, FRCO (CHM) will take over from Joe Davies MA (Cantab).

Mr Grindlay joins the school from his position as Director of Music at Christ’s Hospital, Horsham – popularly known as The Bluecoat School. Educated at King’s School, Wimbledon and Saint George’s Senior School in Vancouver, Mr Grindlay gained his MA and post-graduate qualification from Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he was also an organ scholar.

A keen sportsman with a single figure golf handicap, Mr Grindlay is married to Lilla, who teaches English at Christ’s Hospital, and they have two children, Jessica, nine, and Sam, seven.

Joe Davies’ Farewell Joe Davies is leaving at the end of the summer term after 8 very successful years as Headmaster. During his tenure the school has built several new facilities both at the Senior School and the Preparatory School, including the Baughan Theatre, the indoor swimming pool, the new Prep Dining Hall and the soon to be completed athletics track. Academically, the GCSE and A Level results have brought the school into close competition with the local grammar schools. Joe has been a great asset to the school and much of the credit for the school’s renewed and warm relationship with Old Suttonians and the OSA should go to him. We wish him and Ginny all the very best in his new appointment as Headmaster of Haileybury in Hertfordshire.

OSA Contacts President David Bunker (1954 M) 01622 845271

Honorary Secretary

Dr R J Maloney, Deputy Headmaster Richard Maloney is also leaving at the end of this academic year to take up his first appointment as Headmaster at St Bede’s, East Sussex. He will be replaced by Jeremy Farrell from Bedford School, who will be moving here with his wife Jane and their 3 small children in January 2010.

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Colin Shaw (1955 W) shawc@svs.org.uk

OSA Liaison Rebecca Riggs riggsr@svs.org.uk 01622 845271