The Old Suttonian 2016

Issue 62, 2016

THE OLD SUTTONIAN

Acknowledgements Editor: Will Radford Sub-editors: Helen Knott and David Pickard Interviews: Richard Harvey (1963 C) Design: Will Radford Front Page Image: Jordan Davis (2016 M) Additional Photography: Don Clarke and Jonathon Lockwood Printed by: Andy Stagg - Stagg Creative

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Contents Features Michael Darling (1979 L) Interview

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William Timothy Addison (1970 C) Interview

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OS Reunion in Nairobi

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Arthur Paul Pedrick (1935 M)

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Events ‘Middle Aged Spread’ Reunion

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Portsmouth Regional Reunion

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Sutton Valence School Car Show

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London Drinks and Pétanque Night

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Sport Squash Team Reunion

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OSA Shooting

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OSA Cricket

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OSA Hockey

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Updates General Updates

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Births

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Marriages

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Deaths

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Welcome for New OS Leavers of 2016

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Common Room Valete

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Headmaster’s Review Review of the Year

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Honorary Secretary’s Welcome

by David Pickard (Staff 1977-2001)

“Thank Heavens School’s over – now for a good life as an OS!” The 2016 leavers in the previous photograph might be saying this, but I doubt it!

It is seldom anyone’s intention when leaving the School to immediately become embroiled in the machinations of the OSA. What they are looking forward to, and celebrating, is their entry into the world beyond Sutton Valence. I believe that the School has given them a thorough training to make a success of this next journey in their lives as confident, but not arrogant individuals. Based on the updates included later in this publication, we hope they follow many of you in making a success of that journey.

As journeys go, the OSA is on one of its own; the old ‘Newsletter’ is gone and in its place, the first edition of ‘The Old Suttonian’. If it contains rather too many articles by me, this is because we have been rather slow to take advantage of the potential of your contributions to the publication. That said, I hope you find my recording of Henry Hunting’s contribution to the School a strong illustration of the benefit of mutual support amongst the Old Suttonian ranks. Equally, in the article about Arthur Pedrick (1935 M), we see someone who was strong enough to stand by his own principles and refuse to be knocked-down by ‘the establishment’.

Plenty of you have shown me, in your correspondence, a skill in recording thoughts and adventures and I shall be contacting you shortly for permission to replace my articles with those of yours – so much more likely to entertain.You should not be passive readers of this magazine but you should feel that you are all potential contributors. In that vein, I commend to you the article from Nairobi, and the article about the opening of the Library as exemplars of how future editions might look.

You will find, hidden away in one of the articles, a dig at King’s Rochester. This is largely to keep Will Radford, who has so magnificently put together this magazine, on his toes – for he is an alumnus of that ‘other place’. In our aspiration to expand our ambitions with our communications he has been a leading light and his enthusiasm to involve himself in the alumni relations of a proper school has been so strong. Despite his ‘improper’ bringing up, I have great pleasure in commending to you this magazine for which he, along with Helen Knott, has had such a considerable input.

Our Chair of the committee, in a later contribution, reminds us that ‘what we all have in Common is that we are all Old Suttonians’. Where we formed a strong community at the School there is no reason why we cannot maintain those bonds afterwards. The OSA serves to provide opportunities for just that. We also like to think that we provide the sort of support that is needed to smooth journeys through the world that follows SVS via mentoring and work-experience, but, above all, what we want to provide is a strong sense that everyone still belongs to a vibrant and caring community, maintaining the values that were instilled during our School years.

David Pickard Honorary Secretary, OSA

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OSA

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OS FEATURES

Michael Darling (1979 L)

by Richard Harvey (1963 C)

W

hen Michael Darling (1979 L) ran out onto the Upper rugby pitch as full back for the 1st XV, it was usually in front of an enthusiastic, if small, crowd of fellow pupils and parents.

Fast forward a couple of years to America, where Michael’s penalty kicking skills had been recognised by his university in Indiana - and he found himself playing in front of a 50,000 capacity crowd.

The stark contrast between public school rugby and American college football is just one of the episodes that Michael recalls in a life which has taken him from his birthplace in Bermuda to New York, as an executive director for Morgan Stanley’s wealth management division, via five years in Lambe’s at Sutton Valence School.

However, when he first arrived at the School, it was with a sense of disappointment. He had sat Common Entrance for Charterhouse, his father’s alma mater, but didn’t pass. “To be fair, I wasn’t the most academic of boys”, he recalls “but I was good at sport, and the head of my prep school knew Michael Ricketts (Staff 1967-1980).

Disappointment soon grew into enjoyment, as the young Michael fully embraced life as a boarder. “I count my time at SVS as five of the happiest years of my childhood”, he recalls. “There was always something to do. I loved weekends in particular: coming back from an away match, the camaraderie of being with friends, and going on expeditions for my silver Duke of Edinburgh award.”

He recalls with affection the masters who helped shape his school career - Colin Shaw, (1955 W, Staff 1971-1998) his housemaster; tutor Graham Able (Staff 1969-1983) “a great chap, and I still keep in touch with him”; David Pickard (Staff 1977-2001) “a really good influence”; Roger Douglas (Staff 1953-1988), who helped him trim his golf handicap; and Michael Beaman (1952 W, Staff 1963-1992) “tough as nails - you didn’t mess with Michael!”.

While his sporting career flourished - he was a first team player in rugby, cricket and squash - he also markedly improved in the classroom, gaining eight ‘O’ levels, and two ‘A’ levels.

As joint RSM, with Toby Smith (1979 W), of the

cadet corps, Michael’s first instinct was to join the army and, although he was accepted on a short service commission at Sandhurst, he discovered that his eyesight fell short of 20:20. So instead, it was off to the United States (Michael’s mother is American), where he spent part of his gap year in the company of Neville Miles (1979 C), travelling across the country in a Greyhound bus “wowing beautiful, blue eyed, blonde American girls with our English accents!”. He also teamed up with Richard Nichols (1978 L), who had also won a place at Indiana University to play on the university’s track and soccer teams.

After spending four years at university, where apart from being backup kicker for the American football team - Michael gained a BSc in business, setting him on a career in commerce and, ultimately, finance.

This has resulted in increasingly senior positions in blue-chip finance houses including Kidder Peabody (ultimately UBS), the Oppenheimer brokerage,

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Credit Suisse, Citibank and Smith Barney. Today, he heads a team of six at Morgan Stanley, advising more than 200 clients and managing $1.5bn of client assets.

He pays tribute to former Headmaster Joe Davies (HM 2001-2009) for helping reunite cohorts of Old Suttonians, and each December he joins up with a

“It was the esprit de corps I enjoyed most. I vividly remember my father taking me to lunch with some friends, and afterwards he said he’d never met a more friendly, eloquent group of young men who really loved their school.

“I value those friendships today. Life is about friends, and friends are for life”.

Late Seventies Leavers’ Reunion Langan’s, Brasserie, Mayfair - 18 December 2015

Pictured: Paul Burton (1977 C), Grahame Chilton (1977 L), Richard Fetherston (1978 W), Guy Hart (1975 C), Mark Hart (1976 C), Rupert Humphrey (1978 L), Neville Miles (1979 C), Richard Nichols (1978 L), David Rothman (1977 C) and Christopher Wait (1976 L) Tim Addison (second from the right on the front row)

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He still keeps fit, plays golf regularly, and has run six marathons in New York, New Jersey and London, with a best time of 3hr 41m. Married to Mary, with two children, 20-year-old Annabel and James, 17, whose Godfather is Neville Miles, Michael maintains strong links with the School.

party of his contemporaries for dinner at Langan’s in London (see photos from the December reunion below).

Adds Michael: “I have always believed that Sutton Valence gave me a great education, certainly no less than my American contemporaries who attended Harvard or Yale.

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Henry Hunting (Staff 1885-1920) FEATURES

by David Pickard (Staff 1977-2001)

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f it is true that, today, we can suggest there is something of a ‘style’ or ‘ethic’ that is special to this school, then I feel sure that Hunting was one of those who helped create it. The bonds that bind together the pupils of this school are those of an extended family. At a time when strict discipline was imposed by the cane, liberally used no matter how trivial any offence, Hunting was an avuncular mentor to his charges, one who commanded respect by his undeniable command of his subject and his Christian ethic. He was a willing and expert participant in the games that boys played and he was also very active in other non-academic social events that littered the calendar of a boarding school in those days. He led by doing. He set standards, and he was generous in his praise of those who aspired to emulate his standards.

Henry Hunting 1886 Henry Hunting was born in 1855, the son of the landlord of ‘The Eagle Tavern’, Benet Street, Cambridge.

He went to The Perse School in that illustrious city, from which he obtained a classical scholarship to Downing College. In the years immediately before Hunting went to The Perse the school had a very poor reputation.

It failed to educate in the traditional way and the discipline of its pupils was giving serious cause for concern.

A new headmaster arrived at roughly the same time as Hunting, and the changes at the school were immediate, and significantly for the better. There is no doubt that Hunting’s attitudes

to education were shaped by the well-ordered and rigorous academic spirit instilled by Heppenstall, the new Headmaster. For Hunting to obtain a classical scholarship attending a school where the study of Latin had been at such a low ebb he must have received close attention from Heppenstall, a renowned classical scholar.

After graduating from Downing, Hunting took up his first teaching post at Bishop Gore Grammar School, Swansea before coming to Sutton Valence in 1885. There is no obvious reason why he should have moved; but Sutton Valence had just acquired GL Bennet, as Headmaster, a notable classics scholar and strong proponent of ‘muscular Christianity’. The school was also closer to Cambridge and his mother, who was quite elderly.

Hunting made a strong impact, right from the start. He had very black, curly hair and a large and striking beard. Throughout the passage of time his nickname of ‘The Bear’ softened to ‘The Bar’ and affectionately, ‘The Old Bar’. He had captained Cambridgeshire at cricket and was a more than useful three-quarter at rugby football. Inevitably, he took a major part in games and the ‘golden period’ of both rugby and cricket that existed from 1885-1900 was down to his coaching skills in which he was ably assisted by the likes of Victor le Fanu, an Irish international rugby player and JC Wilson who played cricket for Norfolk.

As a master he had the gift of imparting his very considerable knowledge.

Working in tandem with Bennet, a steady flow of scholars to Oxbridge was maintained right up to the First World War. He was strict, but everyone always knew where the boundaries of good behaviour lay – and the penalty for crossing them, and the rewards for not pushing too hard at the confines.

Accordingly, he was much respected.

Not content with advising the boys at School, he continued to play a very active part in their lives once they had

left, through the medium of the Old Suttonians’ Association. He attended just about every annual dinner of the Association both before and after he retired. He usually spoke, and the record says ‘…when he was always received with acclamation’.

Throughout his career at Sutton Valence, Hunting took an active part in the debates, held three or four times a term in the two winter terms. He was very willing to take the opposite view to that expected, the better to demonstrate the art – but perhaps he was not always as persuasive as the most adroit debater could be, since often his side lost. It is surprising how many of the debates held between 1885 and 1920 could just as easily be reproduced today, the topics are so relevant: •

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It is the opinion of this house that the muzzling of dogs is an unnecessary cruelty – carried despite Hunting’s opposition; It is the opinion of this house that free education should be conceded to the ‘lower orders’ (my inverted commas, one would never be able to use these words today) – carried despite Hunting’s opposition.

It is fitting that when the debating society was reformed in March 1946 after World War II it should be named ‘The Hunting Society’ in his memory, and that the whole organisation and management of the debates was left in the capable hands of the boys, just as Hunting would have wished.

Always keen to participate in sport, Hunting played alongside the boys in fixtures against club sides. This was common before the transport network was sufficiently robust to allow speedy travel to distant parts, there not being much opposition in the immediate vicinity. As master in charge of sports he made the most significant contribution in his effort to improve the playing surface of The Upper. Immediately after the United

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In October 1912 he wrote in the School magazine that he was undertaking a major overhaul of the cricket ground and the estimated cost of the work was £25, and additionally, he wanted to lay a spur from the water pipe that ran along the road to Maidstone. This would cost another £15. He could find some money himself, and the games fund might also contribute £10. He proposed that the rest be found by OS contributing a shilling each – a shilling fund. He requested only 300 shillings (£15 pre-decimal). This would be insufficient but would get the work started.

Amazingly, he was able to report only three months later that the fund had received well over £40. Water was delivered not only to the pavilion, but also the middle of the field. Shrubs were planted, manure bought. What is seen, today, as one of the best school cricket grounds in the South-East of England began, for the first time – in 1912 – to be a decent surface.

The OSA’s gift will be available to the fund, as part of the capital, for the duration of the campaign. Once the capital reaches the threshold for investment management, the money may be used by the School for other projects, with the agreement of the OSA Committee.

Douglas Horner (1962 M), OSA President is seen here giving the cheque to Bruce Grindlay. ‘I am enormously grateful for the wholehearted support the Old Suttonians’ Association is giving this exciting initiative’, said the Headmaster. ‘It is my hope that as many of you as possible will take pride in donating. Collectively, we will be able to make a difference to the education of more deserving children. Thank you.’

Since October, The 1576 Fund has gone from strength-to-strength, and at the time of print, the total raised is just over £215,000. The figure is almost entirely as a result of the generous support of Old Suttonians, with over 80 donors contributing to the fund.

Hunting’s contribution to this School was truly massive; thirty-five years of excellent service – and no reduction in effort. Even after retirement he took a very active interest in the School and the OSA. When he died in September 1942 his colleague, who had become Headmaster stated, “A grand innings; without a chance; and good to watch until the last ball.”

His ashes, uniquely as far as we know, are embedded in the south-east wall of the Chapel.

Douglas Horner (1962 M) and Bruce Grindlay (HM 2009-)

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Henry Hunting 1932 Westminster Foundation took over the governance of the School was not the time, Hunting thought, to ask that they dig into their pockets for such developments.

The benevolence of the Old Suttonian community is as strong now as it was for Henry Hunting in 1912. In October last year, the School launched its new bursary appeal entitled The 1576 Fund, and the OSA was proud to kick-start the fund by donating £70,000. The fund is designed to offer a significant increase in the number of bursaries, up to the value of 50 per cent of the fees, for bright, deserving children whose financial circumstances would otherwise mean they are unable to attend the School.

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OS FEATURES

William Timothy Addison (1970 C)

by Richard Harvey (1963 C)

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t’s often been said that one of the benefits of a Sutton Valence education is its gift for coaching pupils in one of life’s most important skills - the ability to get on with people. Certainly it’s a talent which has helped Tim Addison (1970 C) become an extremely successful financier, influencing some of the leading business figures in Britain and, for the past 35 years, the Far East.

By his own admission, Tim wasn’t an academic star when he attended SVS, but he did excel at sports, playing 1st team cricket and hockey, as well as fencing for the School.

While considering his post-SVS university options, Tim was persuaded by Edward ‘Tubby’ Craven (1924, Staff 1928-1969), to go into business. “I’d always been fascinated by the business world”, recalls Tim. “I loved reading the Financial Times and The Economist, but it was probably the fact I played 1st X1 cricket which persuaded Tubby to take such an interest in my future!”

As a result, Tim found himself joining the apprenticeship scheme run by Metal Box, then one of Britain’s biggest companies with 25,000 employees worldwide. The scheme involved further study, and Tim subsequently won a BA in Business Studies, specialising in finance and law.

It was while working on a company acquisition at Metal Box that Tim first came into contact with the City, and he moved to distinguished merchant bank Samuel Montagu as a corporate finance executive.

He became a trusted adviser to the bank’s chairman Sir Philip Shelbourne, not least by digging out some vital information influencing the successful takeover of the Lyons cakes-andcornerhouse conglomerate by Allied Breweries, at that time the biggest merger and acquisition deal in UK history.

When Margaret Thatcher appointed Sir Philip to take BNOC, the nationalised oil industry, into private ownership, Tim joined his team, but in 1979 he was offered a job by Hongkong & Shanghai Bank, and by 1987, aged just 35, he was appointed a director of its investment banking division.

It launched him on a highly successful 35-year career in the fast-paced world of Far East finance, including helping Hong Kong billionaire Vincent Lo raise US$ 877m to float his Chinese property company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, at

that time a record in China’s corporate history.

Vincent Lo appointed Tim as his chief financial officer, before he joining James Tan, one of the brightest stars in China’s emerging corporate finance sector, as his business partner.

Tim is now chairman and CEO of their company, Shanghai-based Theron Capital, which provides investment banking, corporate finance and consultancy.

His expertise - and talent for getting on with people - has meant that Tim has provided advice and finance to some of the region’s leading companies, including the Peninsula & Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O), Hong Kong Electric Holdings, Swire Properties and Whampoa, companies which employ tens of thousands of people in the Far East.

Although now retired from cricket, Tim was skipper of the Hong Kong Cricket Club - which plays on one of the world’s most picturesque grounds - and comes to OS matches on his return visits to the UK to see his daughter Lucy and son William. And while much of his time in Shanghai is spent on heavyweight business matters, he also has another interest in the city - as owner of the DR Bar, a meeting place where ‘East Meets West’ in the fashionable Xin Tiandi quarter.

So, if any OS is in China and would like a cooling cocktail with Tim - you know where to go!

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“The Old Suttonian community remains at the heart of the School and its future. Whether your journey has been marked by success, like the stories here of Tim and Michael Darling, or you are just setting out on your career, the OSA offers a lifelong network and connection to other Old Suttonians, the School, and, therefore a wealth of opportunities.�

Bruce Grindlay (HM 2009-)

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NAIROBI REUNION A

n unusual Old Suttonian meeting took place in Kenya November 2015 when Willie Knocker (1977 C) and Ian Licence (1977 C) met up for the first time since they both left Sutton Valence.

Ian and his son Sammy were on a trip together and, having spent three weeks in Borneo, they stopped off to stay with Willie before they headed off to Madagascar. Sammy picks up the story.

“We had planned to be with Willie for dinner but the vagaries of the Kenyan

Immigration process meant that it was midnight before Willie and Ian finally met up again. Over a quick meal and beer it was obvious that there were many memories to uncover and stories to be told. Life at Sutton Valence seemed to be a relatively innocent time compared to today, a balanced mixture of work and play – Willie’s seemed to be work whilst Dad’s seemed to be play.

Stories of Willie’s first experience of snow and Anthony Moony’s (1977 C) cry of “form a phalanx” in an interhouse snowball fight on the old lower

rugby field made them both smile and remember days gone bye. Housemates Gordon Milligan (1977 C), Bryan Boese (1977 C), David Foster (1977 C), Dave Rothman (1977 C), Paul Burton (1977 C) were all fondly mentioned in dispatches and, where either Willie or Dad had information they exchanged the latest news.

Teachers seemed to play an important part in their story telling – Bob Chance (Staff 1961-1993), Ian Martin (Staff 1972-1978), Bernard Warburton (Staff 1954-1980), Frank ‘Pill’ Ball (Staff 1956-1985), John Feltwell (1966 W,

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Staff 1973-1979), Graham Foulkes (Staff 1952-1989), the teacher who always read from the St James version of the bible in chapel and so many more were all held in high esteem and varying degrees of fondness.

Willie’s imitation of Michael ‘Bertie’ Beaman (1952 W, Staff 1963-1992) came after a few sundowners had flowed and so was highly amusing even to me and I never knew him. Sport, and in particular the halcyon days of their last summer when Cornwallis held most (if not all) of the Interhouse Cup for that year were a source of pride and fond memories.

Willie’s home is Silole Sanctuary on the boundaries of Nairobi National Park and from our cottage we watched giraffe and deer walk past. We heard hippopotamus and lion wander past no more than 20 metres away and then spotted them as they reached the brow of a hill above the eye line of the bush outside our veranda.

Willie expertly guided us around the National Park and we breakfasted by some hippopotamuses and a crocodile sunning themselves in the early morning warmth. Rhino, lions,

buffalo, zebra and so many more of Africa’s wildlife was on show and easily seen with Willie’s experienced eye and knowledge.

It was a wonderful few days and for me (Sammy), who has just finished his Masters, the story of their school days and their lives after SV was an eye opener. Listening and learning about their experiences was an interesting and inspiring experience – school days and life as young adults back in the late seventies and early eighties was such a fun time; long may their memories live on.

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Meeting a Hero - Library Opening FEATURES

by John McCormick (Staff 1964-2005)

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uring the summer break in 1992 construction and rearrangement in the Lambe’s building created the beautiful Lambe’s Library in what had once been the school Dining Hall and it came into use in the Autumn Term.

One morning in early 1993 Stella Haywood (Staff 1983-1994) said to me in a casual way ‘He’s coming, you know, - William Trevor – to open the Library.’

I imagined this was a ‘wind-up’, as I was well aware that she knew me to be a devoted, long-time fan of William Trevor, always keen to introduce others to the wonderful work of this award-winning novelist and shortstory writer.

I discovered that Michael Haywood, (HM 1980-1994) – he had not mentioned this to me – had written to several noted writers (the only other one I can remember was A.S Byatt) and, thrillingly for me, William Trevor had accepted. He was later to say ‘If a writer is asked to open a library, he should not refuse, if it is at all possible’.

Although Irish by birth and, in his own words ‘Irish in every vein’, he has lived in Devon since 1954, but it turned out that he could combine an evening visit to Sutton Valence with a pre-arranged trip to London.

The prospect of meeting a person for whom one has great admiration is likely to cause considerable misgivings.

Confronted with the ‘hero’, will one become tongue-tied and unable to maintain conversation? Equally, will the ‘hero’ turn out to be all that one secretly hopes?

I had recorded a radio interview between William Trevor and the journalist John Tusa some time before and listened again to this several times before our meeting. However, this hero lived up to all my hopes: an utterly charming man, an easy conversationalist – he was for a short time a teacher himself – he officially opened the Library with a short speech, signed copies of his books (there is still one in the Library) and mixed with guests and pupils.

Although no arrangements had been made for official photos – a missed publicity opportunity – I was determined to have a visual memento of this meeting, so my wife,Vivien, took the photo below and an enlarged copy hangs in the Library balcony alongside the commemoratory plaque.

There are touching and revealing postscripts to this tale, which all reinforce admiration and respect for this ‘hero’. Soon afterwards Michael Haywood sent William Trevor a cheque

for his travelling expenses (he was accompanied by his wife, Jane) and fee for his visit.This he returned, repeating his words about a writer’s obligations and asking that this money be used for buying books for the Library.

I have written to William Trevor with a greetings card, wishing him well, from myself and the School, for each of his three landmark birthdays of 70, 75, and 80 (he will be 88 in May this year and is not in good health) and on each occasion have received in reply a handwritten letter of acknowledgement and thanks: on the last occasion there came also a signed copy of a tiny Penguin paperback containing his stories that remain treasured possessions.

At the time of the opening William Trevor was an Honorary (since he is an Irish citizen) C.B.E, but in 2003 he was made K.B.E for his services to literature. He has won the Whitbread Prize for Fiction on three occasions and there has been frequent press speculation suggesting he could be a candidate for the Nobel Prize.

A perhaps noteworthy statistic about the School Library is that in over fifty years there have been only four people in charge: Len Harvey, Michael Fairbank, John McCormick and Christine Carter.

There have been two part–time Library Assistants, serving at the same time as Common Room secretarial helpers, Bridget Dilnot and Margaret Knowles, but Christine Carter (Staff 2005-) has been the first full-time Librarian who is not a member of the teaching staff.

Left: William Trevor, John McCormick (Staff 19642005) and John Harcourt (Staff 1977-) Opposite Page: Current Librarian Christine Carter (Staff 2005-) and the Library photographed this year.

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Over a light lunch in TC’s, it was interesting for staff to catch up with the Old Suttonians who are all currently enjoying life and building their careers in such an interesting variety of ways. Our thanks to all those who gave of their time to make this such an informative and motivating morning.

NEXT STEPS CAREERS EVENT

As well as being the School’s Librarian, Christine Carter also serves as the Head of Careers, looking to foster opportunities for the current pupils from the wider community of Old Suttonians. This year, nine recent leavers took part in a “Next Steps” careers event, aimed at the Sixth Form. The Old Suttonian panel, comprising of Tom Hurrell (2010 G), Harriet Johnson (2010 S), Oliver Parker (2010 C), George Hughes (2011 C), Tom Oldfield (2011 L), Joel Smith (2011 G), Bethany Webb (2015 F), Lydia Davies (2015 H) and Charlie Gellett (2015 F), were in School to speak about their range of very different experiences since leaving Sutton Valence.

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SVS, Libya and Beyond

by Professor Issam Hajjaji (1977 M)

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n 1984, I completed my medical studies at Trinity College, Dublin and returned to the UK to do my rotations and obtain Membership of the Royal College of Physicians. My first post was at a large A&E department in Merseyside, where I got exposure to emergencies in all specialties. It was by chance that I worked as a Registrar for a senior diabetologist for whom I had great admiration, thus leading me to specialise in that field. I sat my last exam aged 30.

The plan thereafter was to move to the U.S. and set down roots with my Irish fiancée, Anne-Marie.

However, my life took a different course when my dad indicated that he was expecting my return.

were frequently short of medicines and facilities.

The modern hospitals built in the 80s were not being maintained and corruption was rampant in all government departments.

Returning to my home country in 1990, after some 20 years, the first impression was a place just out of civil war, even though there wasn’t one. For the first 6 months, I worked at the Military Hospital, in an old U.S. airbase in Tripoli, but moved to the Diabetes & Endocrinology Centre in Tripoli on appointment to teaching staff at the Medical School of the University. I was flattered that on arriving late to invigilate the final exam, the doorman stopped me, saying candidates are not allowed in after 8 am.

Like other countries in the Middle East and Africa, diabetes incidence in Libya was on the increase and the work load was heavy. There was only one other consultant diabetologist at the centre, a non-Libyan.

Healthcare under Gaddafi, however, was rapidly deteriorating. Though free, hospitals and clinics

I remember on a trip to an Arab Summit in Cairo, security asked what I needed from his mobile intensive care unit, to which I replied ‘everything’.

So they simply loaded it onto an Antonov cargo plane, unloaded it onto the tarmac at Cairo airport, and said ‘here are the keys’ (to the vehicle).

On a newspaper picture, Gaddafi & President Mubarak were walking the red carpet whilst in the background, one can see myself arguing with security about incomplete delivery services.

In 1993, I married Azza. She was a lawyer involved in a number of international cases and thus life was busy. Shortly after our first daughter, Danya, arrived I was put on a rota of doctors accompanying Col. Gaddafi. During this time I was incommunicado for stretches of a week or more. Though he treated doctors with respect, I was very unsettled with those around him.

In 2004, together with a group of Libyan diabetologists working abroad, I set up a National Diabetes Association, with annual conferences and various activities to tackle the growing epidemic.

Also, with local professors in various specialties,

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a Postgraduate Medical Council was founded, for training and examining junior doctors in those specialties. I have been conducting various research projects all this time, the most significant being the multinational A1chieve study, the largest on insulin in the world. I also co-authored a book on diabetes for patients and their relatives. After our second daughter Yasmine was born, we moved to the Netherlands for a year as my wife was one of the defence lawyers in the Lockerbie case. There, our third, Miriam, was born. Our fourth, Rund, arrived in 2008.

When the Revolution started in 2011, my family left for Canada, where my in-laws lived. I stayed behind to look after an unmarried elderly aunt who was living with us. She had a phobia of explosions from the Allied bombing of Mussolini’s forces in Libya in the Second World War. Tripoli was virtually cut off from the rest of the world (see ‘Old Suttonians meet up in a war zone’, OS Newsletter July 2012). Unfortunately, Libya has slid into economic and political chaos since Gaddafi’s demise to the detriment of the healthcare services. Large numbers of its citizens have left, including doctors, and crucially, most Filipina nurses, on which hospitals heavily depend.

The outlook for Libya in the near future is unknown. Presently there are four governments, two in Tripoli alone and on average an ineffective one every six months. Because of security concerns, our annual conference has been suspended and external examiners from the UK will not come anymore. A followup to a nationwide survey on the prevalence of diabetes that we did in 2009 was supposed to done in 2014, but it is just too dangerous in many parts of the country.

Reflecting back on my early memories of SVS, I recall my first visit to the school with my

Opposite Page: Issam at the Arab Association for the Study of Diabetes, with Sir Michael Hearst.

Above: St Margaret’s House photograph from 1973. Issam is sat on the floor in front of the Matron.

Right: Issam and his parents and sister at the School Swimming Pool during Quatercentenery Week in 1976.

parents on a dull and grey day. I saw a dark chapel at the entrance with an equally dark sign that said ‘founded 1576’. The first year was tough, everything was different: food, language, weather, daily life.

My housemaster, Keith Smith (Staff 1968-1991) and Chemistry master Graham Able (Staff 1969-1983), as well as my classmate James Lebon (1977 L), were most supportive. I was more the scientific academic than sports person, though I was on the same cross country team as Ben Brown (1978 F) and had the pleasure of meeting up with him 35 years later in Tripoli, post revolution.

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Arthur Paul Pedrick (1935 M) FEATURES

by David Pickard (Staff 1977-2001)

T

oday’s world of ever amazing and rapidly developing technology constantly amazes those of us who lived a much more simple life only a couple of decades ago. One OS, however, was no stranger to mindboggling inventions; he even took to proposing a few himself.

In 1966, Arthur Paul Pedrick proposed that he could irrigate virtually all of the central desert area of Australia with the equivalent of 30” water per annum. The water would be provided by the arrival, through a tube, of large snow balls originating from Antarctica.

His patent application for this idea is based on the facts that central Antarctica is a plateau at about 9000’ and that gravity alone would allow the balls to transport through the tube to the Antarctic shore and under the sea (itself a very cold body of water for most of the distance between Antarctica and Australia).

Somehow the spin of the earth about its axis would help speed the progress of the balls. He envisaged (and was supported by mathematical equations) that the balls would reach speed of over 500mph. As an ‘insurance’ against failure he further proposed that pumps, driven by the wind, located in the Southern Ocean would remove air from the tube thus lowering the pressure and keep the balls moving.

That Australians have an increasingly tenuous hold on the periphery of their lands and suffer increasing desertification and forest fire is testimony to the apathy that greeted Pedrick’s discovery of a way to utilise the land much more fully than before!

Pedrick was no fool, and even he had no illusions that his very workable (in theory) idea would be adopted.

Submitting an extraordinary large number of patents cost him a lot of money, and he was not a wealthy man.

After leaving the Patent Office he had managed to find work operating a printing machine for the Britax engineering company in Chichester for £6.00 a week. He was overqualified for the job, being BSc AGCL DIC (Aero) AIMechE.

He made this proposal to illustrate that the world was moving very rapidly towards a situation where population increase demanded a very large increase in food supply, and unless we began to think of ways to achieve this Mankind’s survival would be threatened, but also in all of his patent applications he craved publicity for his strongly held view that the inefficiency of the patents system was in itself a threat to the speed of development of innovation.

Pedrick had worked for the Patents Office for several years before becoming disillusioned. After leaving in 1961, he bombarded the office with a great number of weird and wacky patents, all of which had sufficient theoretical merit that they had to be pursued by the office. In the world of inventors and of scientists seeking patents for their ideas he is seen as a folk hero and anti-establishment character, embarrassing the authorities.

He was unquestionably a visionary.

According to Niels Stevnsborg, writing in the ‘World Patent Information’ magazine, 2011, “The ideas in his patents were often an expression of being way ahead of his time: re-designed sailing ships…energy generation by the combustion of household waste, flat screen televisions, off-shore wind powered electricity generators, airbags for automobiles, near-space supersonic aircraft and ‘doubledecker’ commercial aircraft…3D television and much more. His idea of a vacuum underground subway has recently been taken up by a team of Swiss engineers and tunnelling experts.”

What made his patent applications so special, however, was the great length of commentary within the body of the text on the current affairs that had stimulated his thinking. Often, a single event would seem to make him file a patent with an ingenious solution to the issue at hand. For example, the showing of the film. ‘Towering Inferno’ caused him to invent a curtain system that would envelop a high-rise building

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in the case of fire and prevent the ingress of oxygen and help reduce the flames.

Lambe’s Lamb?

FEATURES

As he outlined his thinking he always acknowledged the significant contribution of Ginger, his pet cat, in helping him to develop his ideas.

Perhaps it was the cat who encouraged him to invent a golf club that prevented both hooking and slicing – a club whose invention produced a welcome vote of approval from Henry Longhurst, doyen of golfing commentators in the middle part of the last century. Longhurst also approved of the metal mesh that was contained within the ball which allowed it to be found by a hand-held metal detector carried in a golf bag.

If we do not know exactly what Pedrick looked like, we do have a picture of ‘Ginger’ as drawn by Pedrick to help illustrate one of his patent applications.

T Pedrick’s patents provide a delightful, informative and amusing read for the technologically gifted and his name is regularly brought out whenever an alleged dysfunction of the patent system is being discussed.

In this respect he achieved his aims. But the legacy of his genius is strong. They are frequently used in providing the basis for rejection, and sometimes acceptance of modernday applications. He recently, 2010, ‘appeared’ in an episode of Wallace and Gromit’s World of Inventions, broadcast by the BBC. …And how much more might he be (in)famous if one of his patents had actually been adopted by the world community; ‘the 1,000 Megaton Earthorbital peace-keeping bomb’.

he School has always held its founder in high esteem, but as the years have passed some students of the history of the place have thought his contribution was not fully appreciated. By all accounts, William Lambe, was a modest and God-fearing man. From his lofty position in Heaven, however, he must have looked on with increasing pleasure, and guilty pride, at the achievements of the little school he founded in the village of Sutton Valence. For, why else would he conjure a likeness of a lamb to appear on a door lintel of the quadrangle in front of the Lambe’s building?

The less romantic will say that the symbol is the work of an artisan, or a pupil looking to while-away a few boring minutes. If this is the case then the manufacturer has been extremely modest for there is no record of it having been done, no anecdote passed down of the admission of inserting such a memorial. Just like a modernday ‘Banksy’ it was not there one minute and definitely there the next. We do have records of past pupils scratching graffiti onto walls high in the roof space of the tower and in the boarding houses. About the School there are a number of memorials to individuals and to events in our history. All are carefully recorded.

There is nothing to be found concerning this lamb though.

The recent discovery of this symbol by a group of First Form pupils has provided us with a mystery. Is it the unearthly work of Lambe? When did it first appear? Is it linked to the ghostly events that have occurred frequently down the ages; are the spirits telling us we ought to have more respect for our past? Is it the work of a modest ‘wannabe Banksy’ – who might be persuaded to own up on reading this article? Answers on a postcard.

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Margaret Horn (Staff 1951-1997)

Margraet Horn with Bennett House, 1958

FEATURES

An extract from Margaret’s eulogy

M

argaret was born on 30th September 1931 in Shortlands, Bromley. Fifth surviving child of Hew and Molly Scott-Wilson and younger sister to James, John and Mary. When she was seven, the family would be completed with the arrival of Barbara, and they enjoyed a happy childhood together at their home in Shortlands, which would always remain a special place for her.

as matron of St Margaret’s, thus beginning her long association with the School, that was to last nearly 50 years. Sometime after she arrived, a new modern languages teacher, Richard Horn (Staff 1953-1985), arrived to take up position of house tutor in St Margaret’s. Meetings after lights out ensued, romance blossomed and they went on to be married in 1955 at St Mary’s Church, Bromley.

During the war years, she lived at home, never being evacuated, but she did spend the last summer holidays of the war in Calverton, Nottinghamshire. She finished her School Certificate, then left to go to college to study domestic science, which included a placement at Roedean. Her older brothers James Scott-Wilson (1943 M) and John Scott-Wilson (1946 M) had previously gone to Sutton Valence School and, ever since, Margaret had been determined to go there to work.

After their first son David was born, they moved to Bennett’s, then a junior boarding house, as house master and matron, where Nicholas was born a couple of years later.

After a year or so, the family moved to Westminster where Richard was housemaster for 17 years, with Margaret returning to her role of matron, when the children were older. Family life was School life and Margaret was involved in just about everything. Music played a major part and her love of singing led to her being heavily involved in many School performances, particularly Gilbert and Sullivan. Notable roles included Iolanthe and Mad Margaret!

So it was at the age of 19 that she arrived to take up her first job

In 1976, Richard and Margaret’s time at Westminster came to an end and they moved to College Farm on the edge of the village, but still with that amazing view of the Weald that she loved so much. Although no longer a matron, she continued working at the School as domestic bursar, later moving on to managing the tuck shop and then lastly running the second-hand clothing store. In 1985, Richard became ill and quickly succumbed to leukaemia at the untimely age of 57. In typical stoic fashion, she determined her life should carry on unchanged, as far as possible. She continued to push her energies into family, friends and ongoing work at School, for as long as she was physically able.

She was a major figure at Sutton Valence School for many years and impacted the lives of generations of staff and pupils. She is fondly remembered by many for her kindness, particularly to new arrivals, her humour and often mischievous sense of fun, and her warmth and friendliness to the School community.

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The Times,They Are A-Changing

by David Pickard (Staff 1977-2001)

Sutton Valence School Refectory, 1952

FEATURES

A

s the School continues to develop its spaces, currently we are about to build a new reception area and modify the entrances and exits for better traffic management (see page 20), it is sometimes good to remember what those spaces looked like before ‘modernisation’.

This photo of the old dining room will bring back fond memories to many of the older generation of OS and some amusement to younger ones who only know this space as the library (please see John McCormick’s article on page 12 about the Library’s opening).

“I have good news and bad news for you” allegedly said by the Headmaster of King’s Rochester at a Speech Day there some years ago. “The bad news is that Sutton Valence School library has burned to the ground... the good news is that all three books were saved!”

It is certainly true that when this picture was taken in the 1950s the library was housed in a much smaller space, but there were more than three books.

Underneath this room could be found the kitchens and the food was brought up by a dumb waiter; not an employee, I hasten to add, but a mechanical lift used for the purpose of vertical transfer of goods. In the picture you can see Margaret Horn (Scott-Wilson, as she then was) serving the food to less than dumb waiters to transfer the food to their tables for themselves and their companions to eat.

Coincidentally, just as the library lost its stained glass, so the hall in Centre Block has lost its three stained glass lights hidden from view by the necessary staging to support the lighting in the theatre. Gladly they can still be seen from the quad, at night, thanks to being back-lit.

The eagle-eyed amongst you will also spot Colin Shaw (1955 W, Staff 1971-1998), long serving master at the School, but then just a senior pupil in the right foreground looking at the camera over his right shoulder.

Sadly, both he and Margaret are now deceased and our habitat is diminished by the loss of their wisdom and companionship.

On being introduced to two members of staff from Sutton Valence, the Headmaster of King’s Rochester is reputed to have said, whilst making a sign to ward off the devil, “Agh! The enemy. We are always talking about you lot in our Common Room”. Speaking truth, as always, one of the Sutton Valence men replied. “Headmaster, it may be that you speak about us in your Common Room, but I can assure you we never bother to talk about your lot in ours”. Not everything changes!

The photo also shows what wonderful stained glass windows were to be found in the room, as befits a place that was used for assemblies before the area that is now the theatre was adapted for the purpose a few years later than the picture was taken.

If anyone is still reading this note, and can identify themselves in the photo, please get in touch and, if willing to do so, contribute some anecdotes of this time at the School. I have been told that the food was not always good to eat...

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The Changing Face of the School FEATURES

by Helen Knott (Staff 2004-)

O

ver the past four years, the School has gone through a period of development to enhance key elements that are at the heart of the School community. In 2012, the Refectory was redecorated to provide a bright warm and welcoming place for all in the School to eat together. To create a sense of place and history, the headmasters’ portraits and the honours boards were hung around the walls.

Last year, the Chapel had a major redecoration, restoring it to its formal classic simplicity as the place where every students’ journey through School is marked by celebration, reflection and commemoration.

During last summer, the four senior day houses (Lambe’s, Cornwallis, Holdgate and Founder’s) were moved to the Cornwallis building to give a sense of unity. At the same time the Sixth Form Study Centre was created under the Library, to encourage independent study within reach of staff support.

The final phase of enhancing the heart of the School community has started this summer. The old School Shop, in the Quad, is being turned into a striking Reception, providing a focal point and fitting welcome to all who visit.

Above left: Chapel postredecoration in summer 2015.

The previous reredos has been replaced by new curtains behind the altar, and ceiling has been repainted in its original colours.

Above Right: New staircase connecting the Library in Lambe’s to the new Sixth Form Study Centre (pictured on the left).

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FEATURES

Above: New Reception building (redevelopment of former School Shop) together with the new canopy to be erected in the area between the Reception building, the Refectory and Groves Hall.

Left: New exit road being added between the Medical Centre and Refectory - this includes a drop-off point along the left-hand side of the road.

Below: New trees will be planted to mirror those on the Chapel Garden side of the entrance road.

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Michael Bugden and Redford James Old Suttonians return to the School with their new venture - The Drone Company

I

n April, the School welcomed back Michael Bugden (2009 C) and Redford James (2009 C) who last year set up their own aerial photography and filming business.The Drone Company has already accrued an impressive portfolio of clients including Channel 4,Tesco, ITV and Sky Sports.The Old Suttonians returned to the School to kindly provide some drone photography of the site.

In the past year, the boys have worked on Channel 4 shows such as Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast and Great Canal Journeys. They also spent three weeks filming in Petra, Jordan for a new TV series produced by the US Smithsonian Channel. Non-film based work has included work with Savills estate agents, producing marketing videos for their high-end properties.The company also provided an aerial survey of the sprinkler system of the thatched roof on the Globe Theatre, which meant that a job that would have taken a month to complete with scaffolding, was able to be completed in less than four hours by using the drone.The success of the company in such a short period of time is phenomenal and we wish them all the best as the business continues to grow.

Redford James (L) and Michael Bugden (R)

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EVENTS

OSA

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‘Middle Aged Spread’ Reunion Groves Hall, SVS - Saturday 28 November 2015

I

t was great to see so many of you at the ‘Middle Aged Spread’ reunion back in November. The expansion of this reunion to include a number of those who either pre or post-date the ‘Middle Aged Spread’ worked well, and may herald a change going forward in how we structure these gatherings.

In addition to the fantastic meal, the Chapel service beforehand included an insightful sermon from David Pickard (Honorary Secretary, Old Suttonians’ Association) and the opportunity to see the newly-refurbished and restored Chapel.

Whilst we look to reinvigorate the reunion programme, we are grateful to those who continue to attend the existing events, providing their resolute support to the School, and offering such enjoyable company.

Banner Image: Douglas Horner (1962 M) Above left: Richard Bedford (1980 M), Alistair Shaw (1982 L) and Alan Reeve (1978 M) Above Right: Iain Crump (1967 C) and Richard Mant (1961 M) Right: Timothy Stiff (1971 M), Robert Sinclair (1967 M) and Heather Stiff

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EVENTS

Above: Michael Beaman (1952 W, Staff 19631992) and John McCormick (Staff 1964-2005) Right David Pickard (Staff 1977-2001), Desmond High (1973 F), Bruce Grindlay (HM 2009-), Nigel Swaffer (1971 F) and Andrew Scott (1971 F) Below: Ian Kay (1941 M) and Nicholas Gray (1982 F)

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OSA Annual Dinner EVENTS

Holborn Bars, Holborn - Saturday 05 March 2016

T

his year’s Old Suttonian Annual Dinner was held at Holborn Bars, the former Prudential Assurance Building. The black-tie event saw 64 Old Suttonians and their respective guests attend for a three-course meal underpinned with the theme of celebrating the considerable careers of Annie Wilkinson (Staff 1984-2016) and Kay Andersen (Staff 1988-2016). With a number of farewell events planned for the summer (see page 33), this would provide a warmup for them both as they looked towards their departures from the School in July.

Rather than the traditional after dinner speaker, which had featured in previous Annual Dinners, the night instead offered a question and answer session with the departing pair, as other guests regaled tales from their combined 60 years at the School. The impromptu nature of the questions may have caused some early trepidation, but once they had warmed up, the stories and recollections began to flow. Highlights included Richard Young (1990 M)’s heartfelt thanks, and more light-hearted tales from Mathew Wooderson (1998 W) and Richard Wooderson (1993 W) who took full-advantage to coerce Annie into agreeing to spend her summers preparing cricket lunches for the OS team. All-in-all it proved a fitting send-off from the OSA to two stalwarts of the School. We hope they enjoy their retirements and look forward to welcoming them back as Old Suttonians for future events.

With next year’s Annual Dinner moving back to the School, the format of the event will change slightly from 2017, and we would welcome any suggestions or feedback as to positive changes that could be implemented.

Top Left: Ian Grimshaw (1968 C) and Meryl Wiggins Above: David Pickard (Staff 1977-2001), Mary Parkinson, Frank Oliver (Staff 1996-2006), Don Taylor (Staff 1969-1993), Bob Chance (Staff 1961-1993), Bill Wilson (Staff 1984-2003), Ros Dines (Staff 1970-2007) and Christine Pickard (Staff 1978-1985) Left: Jennifer Morris (née Lovelace) (2007 S), Christine Lovelace (Staff 2006-), Anthony Moony (1977 C), Nina Memmott, Richard Memmott (1963 L), Helen Knott (Staff 2002-), John Lovelace (1977 W) and Anne Sarony

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OS Early-Sixties Reunion The Old Bell, Oxted and The Old Bottle Inn, Penshurst

Top Photo: At the end of 2015, the group met up for a Christmas reunion at the Old Bell in Oxted for lunch with wives and partners. In attendance that day were James Grafton (1961 M), Richard Mant (1961 M), Miles Shepherd (1962 C), Peter Hunt (1962 C), Douglas Horner (1962 M) and Bob Dockerty (1960 M).

Bottom Photo: Following on from that, in April this year, they met at the Old Bottle House Inn at Penshurst (pictured) and invited two OS guests with their wives to join them: Graham and Pamela Horner, and Keith and Christine Gilham. In the photo from left to right are: Jane Mant, Douglas Horner (1962 M), Pamela Horner, Bob Dockerty (1960 M), Richard Mant (1961 M), Graham Horner (1957 M), Keith Gilham (1959 M) and just out of the photo, David Manook (1961 M). Christine Gilham took the photo. Miles Shepherd (1962 C) also attended but is not in the photo.

OS Mid-Fifties Reunion Royal Automobile Club, London - Thursday 26 May 2016

Willy Ellis (1956 M) reports that over the last few years, a number of Old Suttonians from the mid-Fifties arrange to meet a couple of times per year at the Royal Automobile Club in London.

The group meet in the Long Bar followed by lunch in the Brookwood Restaurant. The most recent reunion took place on Thursday 26th May with guests including Rodney Stubblefield, (1955 M), James Croft, (1955 M), Mark Grundy (1955 W), John Andrews (1956 W), Clyde Britton (1954 W) and Willy Ellis (1956 M).

“Whilst we try not to discuss health matters, the group was in good spirits and, true to form, was the last to vacate the room after a generous amount of port!”

EVENTS

T

he OSA is fortunate to have a number of small groups who meet up with one another regularly, supplementing the existing reunion structure offered by the School and OSA. One of the most active is a group, mainly from St Margaret’s, who left the School in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The group meets up once or twice a year and has done so for the last sixteen years.

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Portsmouth Regional Reunion Historic Dockyard - Saturday 14 May 2016

I

n the middle of May, an intrepid bunch of Old Suttonians, partners, children and friends made the trip down to Portsmouth for this year’s Regional Reunion. With the range of activities and sights in the Historic Dockyard, the day promised to have a varied programme, while at the same time offering the OS a chance to catch up with one another in an informal non-traditional reunion format.

Having had lunch in the Dockyard (to mixed reviews), the group headed off to HMS Victory for a self-guided tour. After a period of restoration and conservation over the last few years, the ship was well worth a visit, with some fascinating talks and exhibitions dotted around the various floors. With the top deck bathed in early summer sunshine, those not keen on navigating around the bowels, could enjoy the views across the Solent.

With the tours complete, the group went on to enjoy a harbour tour, focusing on more modern naval history and the future of the Dockyard. Once back on dry land, the day concluded with a trip up the Spinnaker Tower, offering stunning views out towards the harbour, while the group also enjoyed a late afternoon cream tea. While the trip unquestionably benefitted from the glorious weather on the day, the OS attendees made the trip down the A3 all the more enjoyable.

An excellent mix of fifties, sixties and seventies leavers worked well, and we are most grateful for all of those who came along.

As we start planning for the 2017 Regional reunion, we are always keen to hear suggestions on possible venues, so please get in touch if you have a good recommendation. We look forward to another successful day next year.

Left: Richard Hunt (1954 L) and Clyde Britton (1954 W) Opposite Page Top: Jennifer Morris (nĂŠe Lovelace) (2007 S), Nicholas Timms (1978 W), Christine Lovelace (Staff 2006-), Donna Timms, John Lovelace (1977 W) and Richard Lovelace (2009 W) Opposite Page Right: Clive Cawthorne (1962 M), Angela Britton, John Garthwaite and David Harveson (1956 M) Opposite Page Centre: Richard Hunt (1954 L) and Lucas Hunt

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EVENTS

Hong Kong Reunion Sunday 15 May 2016

Dr Alfred Chan (1969 W) reports that a group of late sixties leavers recently met up for a reunion.

Top row: Brendan Lai (1967 W), Felix Pao (1969 L) and Alfred Chan (1969 W) Bottom row: H.F Yip (1969 M), Gary Ma (1969 L) and Joseph Crow (1970 L)

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EVENTS

T

he day after Annie and Kay’s party (see page 33), saw an early start as the School prepared for its biennial Car Show.

Over 40 vehicles had registered, with the large proportion coming from the Old Suttonian community. As was the case with the corresponding event in 2014, the day was managed by Richard West (1964 L), whose knowledge and enthusiasm for the vehicles on show provided some much needed energy for those still suffering from the previous night’s exertions.

The entry field was broad with vehicles ranging from a 1908 Riley 2 Seat V Twin (Gordon Thomas 1968 L) all the way through to a 2016 Jaguar F-Type Project 7 owned by Mel Streek, parent of Max Streek (2016 W). If cars weren’t of interest, there was also a classic 1968 Nuffield tractor (Henry Edwards 1960 M) as well as a variety of bikes including a Velocette Venom (Eric Dines) and a Triumph TRW500 (Charlotte Thorman 1988 V). With the vehicles in place on Warmlake field, adjacent to Upper, the 1st XI versus Old Suttonians Cricket match (see page 38) started, and the day was quickly in full flow. Benefitting from a rare day of June sunshine, Upper was quickly bedecked by groups enjoying the various activities.

The highlight, and finale to the day’s proceedings, was the lap of honour for all 43 entries as they circumnavigated the cricket boundary during tea. A second lap was afforded to the ‘Car of the Show’ which had been voted on via a text poll throughout the day. That honour fell on the 1933 Petersen Blue Train Speed Six owned by current parent Andrew Streek, who received a bottle of champagne from the Headmaster. It was a great day, with some stunning vehicles on show.We are most grateful to everyone who participated, or who simply came to see what the fuss was about. Here’s to the 2018 event!

Top Left: David Freeman (1977 C) in his Aston Martin 2 litre Speed Model Top Right: Roger Balchin (1968 C)’s Buick Roadmaster Bottom left: David Pickard (Staff 1977-2001) with Eric Dines on his Velocette Venom Bottom Right: Gordon Thomas (1968 L) in his Riley 2 Seat V Twin

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London Drinks and Pétanque Night Hay’s Galleria, Southwark - Thursday 30 June 2016

A

t the end of June, an enthusiastic group of OS attended a reunion at the Balls Brothers venue in Hay’s Galleria for the OSA Summer Drinks. As well as drinks, Old Suttonians made good use of the venue’s boulodrome, for the ‘highly’ anticipated OSA pétanque tournament. What was at times lacking in knowledge of the rules, was undoubtedly made up for in effort, with a number of competitive matches.

The final would eventually be contested between the team of Ed Moore (1992 F) and Charlotte Bills (1992 S), and the team of Douglas Horner (1962 M) and Richard Young (1990 M). Tightly fought throughout, time constraints eventually got the better of us with a magnanimously agreed tie being the eventual result.

Given the popularity and success of this event, a repeat will undoubtedly be on the cards next year and we look forward to hopefully expanding the entry field.

Thank you all for an excellent evening.

Banner Image: David Pickard (Staff 1977-2001), Jonathan Evans (1992 M, Staff 2008-), Charlie Jones (2007 L) and Paul Wiggins (1967 M) Above: Helen Knott (Staff 2002-), Charlotte Bills (1992 S) and Ed Moore (1992 F) Left: Tim Waters (1978 M), Richard Young (1990 M), Douglas Horner (1962 M) and Rupert Humphrey (1978 L) Opposite Page: Charlie Jones (2007 L), Paul Wiggins (1967 M), Rupert Humphrey (1978 L), Richard Young (1990 M), Tim Waters (1978 M), Douglas Horner (1962 M) and David Pickard (Staff 1977-2001)

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EVENTS

Annie Wilkinson and Kay Andersen Leaving Dinner Refectory, SVS - 18 June 2016

Ahead of their upcoming retirement (see pages 64 and 65), the Common Room organised a fitting send-off with a gala dinner in the Refectory towards the end of the summer term for Annie Wilkinson (Staff 19842016) and Kay Andersen (Staff 1988-2016).

Old Suttonians were invited to attend, with a number of past pupils and staff present to bid farewell and show their appreciation for Annie and Kay’s 60 years combined service to the School. Attendees included recent leavers Luke Ellmers (2010 C, Staff 2016-), Harriet Johnson (2010 S), Tom Hurrell (2010 G), Ellie Oliver (2011 C, Staff 2016-) and Elena Sagrott. (2013 F) as well as a group of nineties leavers including Charlotte Bills (1992 S), Nick Bills (1992 W), Catherine Mills (1995 V), Hannah Wood (1992 V, Staff 2012-) and Samantha Evans (1996 S).

SWINLEY FOREST GOLF CLUB Monday 04 July 2016

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As well as their annual pilgrimage to Langan’s, the group of late seventies leavers recently met up at Swinley Hill Golf Club with Guy Hart (1975 C), photographed third from the right, as the group’s guest of honour. Other attendees included Paul Burton (1977 C), Michael Darling (1979 L), David Rothman (1977 C), Christopher Wait (1976 L) and Richard Fetherston (1978 W). Grahame Chilton (1977 L) also attended, but is not in the photo.

Upcoming Events Sunday 25 September 2016 – OSA Family Day The OSA will be hosting a family day at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford. The park offers a number of trails, play areas and picnic spots and we intend to keep the gathering largely informal. To register an interest in this free event, please visit www.svs.org.uk/osafamilyday2016.aspx

Friday 30 September 2016 - School Golf Day Old Suttonians are invited to join the Headmaster and parents for a day of golf at Chart Hills followed by a three course luncheon. Online registration is currently open with tickets costing £25 for Chart Hills members and £65 for nonmembers. To book, please visit www.svs.org.uk/golfday2016.aspx

Saturday 15 October 2016 - OSA Michaelmas Luncheon and AGM This is a new event in the calendar and will consist of a three course luncheon in Groves Hall, followed by the chance to watch either the 1st XV Rugby team or 1st XI Girls Hockey team (both are playing at home).There will then be the choice to either attend match tea or the OSA annual general meeting. Invitations will be distributed in due course.

Tuesday 13 December 2016 - School Carol Service As with last year, the School will be holding two carol services, with old Suttonians invited to attend the second service, held on Tuesday evening. As is traditional, there will be a reception in the Refectory afterwards. Friends, family and guests are most welcome, and registration will be available online.

Old Suttonians are also welcome at a number of School events. To be included on the mailing list for the School Calendar (produced termly) please contact development@svs.org.uk

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SPORT

OSA

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Squash Team Reunion

by John McCormick (Staff 1964-2005)

S

oon after the photo of the 1977/8 Squash team (below) appeared in the 2014 Old Suttonian Newsletter, I was mailed by Alan Reeve, Captain of the team, whom I had lost contact with many years ago and we exchanged several messages. When the ‘Middle-aged Spread’ reunion was announced for 28 November last year Alan discovered, that, on an extremely rare visit to the UK, he would be arriving at Heathrow that very morning and decided to head straight for Sutton Valence to attend. He contacted me suggesting we meet there. I had not otherwise intended to go, but having agreed, we then proposed that we try to persuade the other members of the team to come.

The picture shows the Shaw brothers, Nick and Alistair, Richard Bedford and Alan, all of whom were Captains of Squash during that Golden Age of late Seventies/early Eighties, with me. I had met Nick and Alistair on several occasions over the intervening years, but I had not seen Richard or Alan since they left school and neither had visited Sutton Valence since then.

This was a memorable, delightful reunion, filled with happy reminiscence and catching-up. Unfortunately, Shahid Adamjee (1978 L) , who lives in Pakistan, could not attend and attempts to trace Duncan Clark (1978 F) and Wade Kirkaldie (1979 C), both committed 1st V players of that era, were unsuccessful.

Banner Image: Alistair Shaw (1982 L), John McCormick (Staff 1964-2005), Nicholas Shaw (1979 L), Richard Bedford (1980 M) and Alan Reeve (1978 M) Left: Shahid Adamjee (1978 L), John McCormick (Staff 1964-2005), Alistair Shaw (1982 L), Abdelfattah Abou Taleb, Nicholas Shaw (1979 L), Richard Bedford (1980 M) and Alan Reeve (1978 M)

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The Sergison Trophy

by Annie Wilkinson (Staff 1984-2016)

All four teams shot well, with the parents in fourth place with an average of 77.29, the pupils picking up bronze with 81.38, and the Old Suttonians narrowly beating their younger rivals with a respectable 82.8.The winners, this year were the staff, who surged ahead with an average of 85.75. This was largely thanks to the efforts of Phil Horley (Staff 1990-) who scored an impressive 94 out of 100. Notable mentions should also go to Old Suttonians Chris Dale (2007 C) and Harry Percival (2014 W) who scored 94 and 92 respectively. From the School team, Reuben Hodson (Third Form) scored 91.

The OS in attendance expressed an interest in starting an OS Shooting Team that would meet regularly at the .22 Range.

Several OS also came to support the Shooting Team at Bisley (even though they were unable to enter a team this year because of the new regulations) and they also expressed an interest in taking up .22 Shooting again. To take this suggestion forward please can you email development@svs.org.uk with a date and time that is convenient and these can then be discussed with Major Glen Millbery (Staff 2001-) and Major Prem Ale (Staff 2011-). Maybe with the extra practise the Sergison Trophy will be won by the OS next year!

OSA Shooting - Bisley 2015 The Veterans Shoot at Bisley took place on Thursday 9th July 2015 with the OSA once again fielding a strong team consisting of Anthony Bromley (2014 H), Chris Dale (2007 C), Dean Luce (2007 C), Roger Baker (1968 F) and Keith Clement (1961 W), with Tom Fermor (2009 L) as wind coach. Together the team scored a total of 206.9 out of a possible 250.25.

It was great to see such a range of ages represent the OS team, from Anthony Bromley who had just finished his first year at university, to Keith Clement, a 1961 leaver, whose company the younger shooters very much appreciated. Once the team competition was over, Tom and Anthony then stayed to shoot in the individual competitions.

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t was great to see so many familiar faces and some new ones to compete for the Old Suttonian team in the annual Sergison .22 Shooting Competition. Four Sutton Valence teams took part - OS, staff, parents and cadets competing against one another in a winner-takes-all shoot off.

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Cricket Honours Boards Unveiling

by David Pickard (Staff 1977-2001)

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he cricket pavilion suffered a dramatic fire in the late 1980s. It was almost totally destroyed. Despite its swift re-building it has taken thirty years to decide upon, and then put in place, a replacement for all the wonderful team photographs that adorned the walls and were destroyed. Appeals for pictures were made, and the response was good, but the pictures were of variable qualities and sizes. The interim photographic collection of the best players making a ‘world XI’ became outdated with the emergence of great players of the first 15 years of this century, and anyway not everyone agreed that the view of the Master in Charge of Cricket in 1989 was a valid one in the first place. (it did contain three Yorkshiremen – and had, deliberately, omitted any from Australia) The new wall covering,however,does not consist of pictures, rather, it is a set of honours boards commemorating past captains from 1881 to the present. Additionally, there is to be a library of sporting (predominately cricket) books for

players to borrow – and add to, and a section of wall that is to be covered with OS XI memorabilia.

The whole kit and caboodle was revealed in an opening bash that coincided with the annual fixture between the School and the OS this year. All living past captains were invited to the event, several playing for the OS team.

Abdullah Adil (2016 M), the present captain, and Robin Hearn OBE (1945 W), our oldest, cut the opening ribbon together. Reminiscences were heard together with the usual sort of wise and witty comments that attend such functions – then a super buffet – a suitable sandwich between the morning and afternoon’s play. During the afternoon other guests came to look at the splendid new installation – and during the tea interval all the cars from the adjacent Classic Car Show paraded in front of the pavilion and paid their respects.

Banner image: Paul Anderson OBE (1952 W) and Robin Hearn OBE (1945 W) Right: Harrison Wells (2013 C), Toby Withers Green (2006 W), Tyler Griffin (2010 H), Abdullah Adil (2016 M), Wesley Jackson (2007 H), Andrew Barr (1964 W), Robert Sehmi (2014 H), Paul Latham (1973 C), Miles Henslow (2012 C), Alastair Hudd (1992 L), John Thyne (1954 M), Philip Goddard (1956 L), Andrew Scott (1971 F), Paul Anderson OBE (1952 W) and Robin Hearn OBE (1945 W)

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he OS batted first and made a good score of 226-5, Ben Price (2010 F) making 88 from only 61 deliveries. Robert Sehmi (2014 H) made a good contribution, scoring 51.

The pick of the School’s bowlers was Abdullah Adil (2016 M) who took two wickets for only 28 runs from his 8 overs. William Edwards (Lower Sixth) took 3 wickets conceding 64 runs from 11 overs in the process.

The School made an uncertain start in the chase, losing their first wicket in the first over.

Adil and Ryan Jones (2016 M) steadied the ship with a good stand but both lost their wickets when the score was slightly shy of 100. After their departure a mini collapse followed and the game looked lost with the School 108-6. However there was still some fight left. Elliot Aiken (Lower Sixth) and William Edwards pushed the score on to over 150 quite rapidly, but then another collapse – and the School were dismissed for 160.

There was some stand out bowling from Richard Nicol (2013 M) who bowled 5 overs for 22 runs taking 4 wickets and Alex Newport (2014 W) bowling 2 overs conceding only 1 run and capturing 1 wicket.

In the end with the mix of the cricket and the car show the day was a great success, The Old Suttonians winning by 66 runs.

Dan Hammond (2014 C)

Banner Image Philip Goddard (1956 L), John Thyne (1954 M), Paul Anderson OBE (1952 W), Abdullah Adil (2016 M) and Robin Hearn OBE (1945 W) Below: Neville Harrison (1956 L), David Bunker (1954 M), Desmond High (1973 F), Blair Hart (1982 C), Chris Vernon (2010 H), Guy Hart (1975 C) and Neil Richards (1967 F)

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OS Cricket Review

by Desmond High (1973 F)

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fter a rather soggy 2014 OS cricket did not fare much better in 2015 and in fact only two were played (apart from the game against the School in June), with OS winning one and losing one. Chris Vernon (2010 H) captained the side in both games and did a great job, also scoring 120 against the Old Roffensians. He is the stand out player of his generation and completely committed to OS Cricket.

We had to cancel games because of lack of numbers. As it happens we would have lost a couple to the weather anyway, but that’s not the point. Several regulars were unavailable this year and that did not help. We are in the throes of building a new generation of match managers, but it also remains harder than it should to get players on to the field. For instance we thought we had a full side for our first match against the Dragons but five dropped out in the week beforehand. Unfortunately this doesn’t seem to be a cricket specific problem and makes being a match manager a rather unattractive task. There are a lot of things we need to do differently and better and over the winter we have made a few changes with Mathew Wooderson (1998 W) taking over as secretary, Chris Vernon as official

captain (albeit not committed to captain every match) and, I’m delighted to say, Mark Benson (1977 M) the former Kent and England player, and latterly Test match umpire, as Honorary President.

So a few challenges, but OS love returning to play on Upper.

We just have to make sure they commit to doing so, and it is time for the playing generation to make that happen. A while back, after the “infestation” in the pavilion had been dealt with, I discussed with Vince Wells (Staff 2008-) and David Pickard the possibility of reintroducing something permanent there to mark both School and OS cricketing performances (honours boards and photo montages). I’m pleased to say that in June 2016 the first step along that road happened with the unveiling of boards showing all the School cricket captains since records began. The plan is to add a library of Wisdens and other cricketana as well as photos of prominent OS cricketers.

The 2016 fixture list remains relatively short, and sadly, Peter Davies XI have been unable to raise a side for our traditional Saturday fixture. Their long standing players are retiring, and younger ones are committed to club cricket on Saturdays, a problem we have long experienced.

However, we have been approached by Cranbrook Lynxes to renew the fixture which was lost some years back when they moved their cricket week to July. It is their 70th anniversary in 2017 and maybe this will be the renewal of a long-standing but friendly rivalry.

22 June 2015 vs Sutton Valence 1st XI OS 238-8, School 210-9 Match drawn 9 August 2015 vs The Dragons OS 127 (Patrick Stileman 65*), Dragons 131-8 Lost by 2 wickets 16 August 2015 vs Old Roffensians OS 229 (Chris Vernon 120), Roffensians 167 Won by 62 runs

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Old Suttonian versus School Hockey Tournament

Following a brief hiatus this academic year, the traditional Old Suttonian versus School Hockey fixture will return at the start of 2017. We are hoping to attract sufficient numbers to allow both a 1st and 2nd XI Boys team to compete.

With next year marking the 30-year anniversary of Girls Hockey at the School (the first year they played a full calendar of fixtures), we are also hoping to be able to arrange a girls match, so would be especially grateful to hear from any alumnae who would be interested in playing.

If you are interested in playing, please contact the Development Office. As always, we would welcome non-players to attend on the Sunday; there will be refreshments and lunch available. All fixtures will be played in the Sydney Wooderson Sports Centre and we expect the day to begin around 10am.

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Sunday 8th January 2017

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Susannah Townsend and Ashley Jackson SPORT

Old Suttonians prepare to compete at the Rio Olympics

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ongratulations to both Ashley Jackson (2005 M) and Susannah Townsend (2007 G) who have been selected for the Great Britain Hockey teams at this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

For Ashley, this will be his third games, having featured in the group stage at Beijing 2008, and then at London 2012 when the team finished fourth. Having broken into the international team over ten years ago, Ashley has amassed nearly 250 caps across England, Great Britain and indoor matches. He is also the record English goalscorer with 86 goals to his name.

He has twice been named in the FIH World All Stars Team (2009 and 2010) and was named the FIH World Young Player of the Year in 2009.

Ashley will be looking to make up for the disappointment of last summer’s Unibet Euro Hockey Championships when the English team lost in the semi-finals to a strong German team.

For Susannah this will be her first Olympics and follows on from her silver medal winning appearances with the England team at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Last month, Susannah reached a century of international caps and her inclusion in the GB setup comes off the back of last summer’s successful Unibet EuroHockey Championships which saw England ladies come out victorious beating Holland in a nail-biting final.

Old Suttonian Football

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e are delighted to announce that after careful consideration from the esteemed board of the Amateur Football Association, Sutton Valence School has been accepted into the Arthurian Football League. An amateur old boys football league played in London.

As of September this year we will be looking to field a side of young, enthusiastic and sociable Old Suttonian footballers that can commit to playing around 12 games per season in London. For all the fancy footballers out there, you will be pleased to know that the team’s home pitch is a 3G surface in Barnes, Richmond. Kick off times will vary between 11.00am and 3.00pm on a Saturday.

There is a small administrative fee to join for the season and each player will be expected to pay £10.00 per game to cover the cost of the referees and hospitality after the game.

This will be a great opportunity for all alumni to stay in touch with friends, enjoy playing some quality football across London and have a few drinks after the game. If you would like to find out more then please email Charlie Jones (2007 L) on oldsuttonianssvfc@gmail.com.

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UPDATES

OSA

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General Updates WRIGHT, Gordon (1933 W)

MOORE, James (1947 M)

Dr Gordon Wright was honoured at the end of last year at the Clare College Vets and Medics Dinner for his distinguished career teaching Anatomy and Medicine at Cambridge.

James recently reconnected, having not had any contact with the School or OSA for over sixty years.

Having left Sutton Valence in 1933, Gordon went on to serve in the Royal Army Medical Corps during the Second World War. In 1946 he joined King’s College Cambridge as a supervisor in the Department of Anatomy before he was offered a Fellowship and Tutorship at Clare College in 1958, where he was also Director of Studies in Medicine. Some 57 years later, Dr Wright continues to have a strong association with the College.

Upon leaving the School in 1947, he attended St Paul’s School and then became an articled pupil whilst studying to become a Graduate Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers. He served his National Service with the Royal Engineers, joining 17 Ghurkha Division in Malaya, where he was attached to 410 Independent Plant Troup, carrying out heavy earth moving through thick jungle.

Dr Gordon Wright

He then continued his career as a civil engineer, firstly involving municipal/ county engineering and then latterly the planning, design and construction of large scale motorway and trunk road projects such as the M1, A2, M20 and M25. His later life has been spent in quality assurance and finally as an antiques dealer. In retirement, he and his wife try to spend as much time as possible with their three children and eight grandchildren. James recently visited a friend in Biddenden and made time for a brief return visit to the School.

James Moore

BURNS, Robert (1941 M) Robin, now 93, lives a quiet life but one that he still very much enjoys. Until recently he made extended visits to Chile every second year to visit his daughter living in Santiago.

He has three children living in Vancouver who he says are “very good to the Old Man.” Apart from genes, he attributes much of his good health to Norman Bentley who introduced him to the mountains in North Wales in 1937. He has continued this enthusiasm in the Pacific Northwest, where he is surrounded by mountains.

He adds that ‘my latest addiction is my laptop which provides endless education and entertainment!’ Robin regularly communicates with the School through email and our various social media channels.

LONGFORD, Ulrich Dalzell (1947 W) Following his time at Sutton Valence, Dalzell studied medicine at Trinity College, Dublin before performing his national service with the RAF in Malaysia (the final year of national service). After his 18 months in the RAF was over, Dalzell was in private medical practice in Malaysia for a year, before working as a physician for the Stanvac Oil Company in Segamat for some years. He volunteered to

run the local leper colony, where he succeeded in preventing further cases through the use of the TB vaccine (TB having similarities to leprosy under the microscope).

Having married prior to leaving for Malaysia, Dalzell raised his family there before returning to England for a year to intern as an anaesthetist. Following this, he and his family relocated first to Port Colborne, Ontario before settling in Orillia, Ontario, where Dalzell set up as a general practitioner and also worked as an anaesthetist at the local hospital.

In the 1980s Dalzell remarried, and is a grandfather many times over. He retired about five years ago following a stroke, having served the Orillia community as a physician for decades.

He is now living with his stepdaughter and her young family. Dalzell’s ability to recite poetry and historical details is unsurpassed, and he remains in good health. He was a good friend of Michael Scott (1945 M), who also served as a doctor in Orillia, though he sadly died some years ago.

LONSDALE, Peter (1950 M) Peter writes that his life is fairly static having retired from a multinational investment group in 2004.

2017 will mark the 60th year he has been living in Durban, South Africa. He describes it as ‘a beautiful sub-tropical city on the east coast with wonderful beaches.’ Due to poor eyesight, the only sport he now plays is bowls, having previously been a keen tennis player while at Sutton Valence. He plays with the Blind Bowlers association which organises competitions worldwide for totally blind and partially-sighted bowlers.

HARVEY, George (1952 W) George Harvey tells us that he was sorry to have missed the OS Cricket and SVS Car Show in June, but he was celebrating his 80th birthday with a Tiger Moth flight and observed the goings on from above! Having not been back to the School for a while,

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he visited at the end of last year, together with his brother Stephen Harvey (1951 W) and also attended the School’s Carol Service.

BATTEN, Roger (1953 W)

Roger is a Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, a Fellow of the Association of Cost Engineers, a Fellow of the Associazione Italiana d’Ingegneria Economica and an Emeritus Member of the American Association of Cost Engineers. He has been a Liaison Officer since 1995, firstly at the Institution of Structural Engineers, then at the British Computer Society and more recently at the Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management.

Roger Batten WALL, Jeremy (1954 M) Jeremy and his wife, Nanci, are in the process of moving back to England, and are currently house-hunting in the area between Oxford and Hereford.

Having previously lived out in Cyprus, they are now looking to sell both their house in Paphos and another property in the Philippines. While those sales go through, Jeremy will be renting near Banbury.

DOUGLAS, Richard (1955 F) Long retired, Dick now lives in Newbury with his wife. Although only five minutes from the town centre they feel as if they are in the countryside – just like Sutton Valence.

His children and grandchildren all pursue their different careers, and he

is looking forward to a visit later in the month from his daughter who lives in Western Australia.

five years of his working life served as a judge’s associate (judge’s clerk in UK).

DOVETON-GERTY, Christopher (1955 L)

He has been retired for 14 years, playing bowls and golf, bush walking, tending to his garden, taking part in a singing group and travelling overseas occasionally. He has a son and a daughter and spends a lot of time helping them with his six grandchildren.

Chris’ first wife, Anne, died from a terrible illness in 2002, but we are happy to report that he re-married last summer in Bath Abbey. He added that “it is a unique achievement to be married twice in the Abbey!” Pauline, his wife, is a lawyer and partner at Linklaters.

In addition to being a Steward and Guide in the Abbey, Chris has also been made a Deputy Warden.This role involves being in charge of services and carrying out pastoral duties. If any Old Suttonians are planning on visiting Bath, he would be delighted to give a personal tour of the wonderful Abbey.

Chris’ family is growing and he now has three grandchildren, Sophia (nine) Otto (six) and Xavier (three). His second book titled “In the World’s Shadows” an ‘essay on life’ will be published in time for Christmas.

LEWIS, Keith (1956 M) Keith has been retired for 19 years and now spends most of his time involved with gardening. He has been an assistant county organiser for Surrey on behalf of the National Gardens Scheme - an organisation whereby private gardens open to the public to raise money for charity. The scheme raises over £3 million per year in England and Wales and distributes about £2.8 million annually. Keith has been opening his garden for the scheme for close to 30 years.

As well as gardening, Keith also plays golf twice a week and bowls, outdoors, with his wife in the summer. He also assists where required with his four grandchildren.

SAUNDERS, Hugh (1956 L) Hugh worked in the shipping industry in London from 1956 to 1967 (apart from two years National Service). In 1968 he and his wife emigrated to Australia and have lived in Melbourne nearly all the time since then. He again worked in shipping and container terminal management but, for the last

BAYAT, Mostafa (1957 L) Mostafa is married, in his own words, to a Turkish Delight and is living in Istanbul. They have two sons, Bahman, 36 years old, and Kerim, 30 years old.

For the past 10 years, Mostafa has been looking after the family foundation in a town called Arak in Iran, about 260 kilometres south of Tehran. One of the foundation’s interests, which is 120 years old, is a school. Bahman is manager of their trading in steel office in Istanbul, and Kerim has been working as a lawyer for the past seven years in a very big law office in Istanbul.

He got his master’s degree in Geneva last year and is now studying to see what can be done between the Irani and Turkish governments to assist foreigners who want to set up offices in either country.

He is in contact with Neville Sarony (1958 M) in Hong Kong, but would be very happy to hear from or to see any Old Suttonians.

PARKINSON, Ian (1958 L) Ian retired as Honorary Consul for the Netherlands three years ago and was made a Ridder van Oranje Nassau (a Dutch Knighthood). He will also be retiring as Deputy Lieutenant of Kincardineshire in October this year.

He will celebrate his Golden Anniversary with his wife Delyth (nee Lewys-Lloyd) in September this year.

Together, they have three children, a son in the RAF (a few years ago he was RAF solo aerobatic champion) and two daughters (one a partner in Deloitte).

All of the children are happily married with two children each. One grandchild is a very competitive swimmer and hopes to become an Olympian for the 2020 Tokyo games.

Ian currently lives just outside Aberdeen, where he describes ‘the

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Below is a photo of Roger receiving a ‘Certificate of Recognition’ from Jon Pritchard, Chief Executive of the Engineering Council, at the Engineering Council Volunteers Seminar held on 5th June. The citation reads ‘With thanks and in recognition of the valuable contribution made to the work of the Engineering Council in his capacity as a Liaison Officer’.

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plants suffer depredation by deer, our small wild animals suffer from pine martens and buzzards but our wild orchids are proliferating in the damp atmosphere of the East coast of Scotland. How long we stay here will depend on the status of the Union, but it is unlikely we will move to Kent.’

WATKINSON, David (1958 L) Having left school, David joined his father on the family farm in Swanley Village growing vegetables which were sent up to Covent Garden. His father retired in 1974 and David joined a partnership with three brothers, and started serving vegetables to the supermarket.

David Watkinson He then started out by himself in 1980, purchasing another farm in Swanley Village and renting land where possible. He finished up growing salads and vegetables from around 240 acres, serving all the major supermarkets, before retiring in 2000.

He married Jill in 1966 and has been happily married for fifty years this coming September. They have four daughters and nine grandchildren. The two eldest, Katie Vernon (2014 S) and Emily Vernon (2016 S) both attended Sutton Valence and David describes them as being much brighter than himself!

His main recreation has always been golf, having been first taught the game while at the School by Len Job. He has been a member of Knole Park golf club for 58 years, and served as the Club Captain in 2011.

KOJECKÝ, Roger (1961 L) Last year, Roger gave classes and lectures in English Literature at Xiamen and Fuzhou Universities in China, and this year at a university in Xi’an. Meanwhile he has also been

organising the next annual conference of the Christian Literary Studies Group at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, There are to be five papers under the title ‘Shaping Ends: Aspects of Apocalypse’.

Geoff Vickerstaff

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PARKINSON MBE, Malcolm (1961 L) Malcolm has retired from the chairmanship of Capel Manor for which he was awarded an MBE, and a number of public and private companies and has just one nonexecutive directorship left, which he will relinquish at the end of the year.

His daughter has given him a grand daughter who will be two in August. His son is getting married in September in the South of France, where Malcolm now spends most of his time. A number of other Old Suttonians will be present for the wedding, including Malcolm’s brother Ian (1958 L), his godson Piers Catt (1996 W) and Piers’ mother, the wife of the late Anthony Catt (1963 W).

FAY, Julian (1963 F) Julian reports that he retired for the fifth time in October last year. He has lived in Kenya for most of the last 32 years, working mainly in shipping, but he has also branched out into a variety of other businesses such as property development and the production of coco-peat for the flower industry.

His most successful venture to date remains his casino business, which he started up twenty years ago when he opened the Golden Key Casino in Mombasa.

SHEPHERD, Miles (1962 W)

HOPPE, Michael (1963 W)

Miles still lives in Salisbury, running a small project management consultancy advising government agencies in the UK and USA.

Michael and his wife live in San Miguel de Allende, in central Mexico, He continues to write music (available on YouTube) as well as recording and producing albums.

He is standing down from his role as Chair of ISO’s project management committee but will still be supporting the British Standards Institute – and is currently looking for more people to join the project and programme committee.

VICKERSTAFF, Geoff (1962 W) Geoff writes to report that he is still in South Africa (Johannesburg), working with an alternative energy company as a consultant. ‘There is big growth in the industry here and it is also extremely dynamic, with South Africa also being an ideal country for solar and wind energy’.

He says he is too energised to retire at present and, fortunately, is still in good health. He plays tennis three times a week to keep in shape, and plays on the South African ‘Vets’ tour - which has some 14 tournaments a year, though he doesn’t play in them all.

He adds that ‘music continues to be my life, ever since playing piano in the School’s practice rooms all those years ago...’

ROSS-LANGLEY, Richard (1963 M) After graduating in Natural Sciences from St John’s College Cambridge in 1967, Richard married his Swedish girlfriend. They had a son, Martin, now living in Stockholm with his own two daughters, Amanda and Emma and grandchild Nova. His second wife, a “Yorkshire lass” with her two daughters Joanna and Beverley, moved with Richard from St Albans to Finland in 1973 and then to Mexico, where their son Ben was born in 1975.

Ten years later, after his second divorce, he decided that parenting was preferable to marriage! With an Irish mum of two, who thought along the same lines, their daughter Amy was

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born; she now lives in Germany with her Scottish husband and two boys Zachary and Arran.

DICICCO, Stephen (1965 L) Stephen is still living in Rhode Island, working as the President of Educational Directions Inc., an educational consultancy firm.

His oldest son, David, is the Assistant Headmaster of Marianapolis School in Connecticut and his youngest is a technology guru for the CIA! (The Culinary Institute of America in New York state). His wife of 39 years, Harriet, heads for her fourth trekking trip to Scotland in August.

GRIEVE, Robert (1965 W) Robert has recently retired, having spent most of his career in the hotel and catering Industry. He still lives in Folkestone, Kent, and is expecting his first grandchild in August.

As a licensed Reader in his local church, he is very much involved with pastoral work with older people. This includes visiting residential homes, taking home communions, organising social events for active retirees, as well as preaching and conducting services at church.

PEPLOE, Anthony (1966 M) After leaving Sutton Valence in 1966, Anton attended the University of Southampton. After a varied career, his final employment before retirement was working in the NHS as a mental health patient advocate.

Living just outside Sevenoaks, he is married, and has a grown up son and daughter, who are his pride and joy.

His key interests are cycling, having just returned from a cycling trip around northern France, and music making, being the owner of a range of flutes and saxophones of various shapes and sizes.

The family spend much of their time in Powys, Wales, where they have a second home.

Anthony Peploe

Among his retirement projects, he is trying to learn to play the piano, travel abroad and catch up on all those books not yet read. He adds that he enjoys catching up with Old Suttonian and School news and was sorry to learn of Margaret Horn’s’ death recently.

“Both Richard Horn and his wife were wonderful house parents in my day and their Gilbert & Sullivan parts (and singing) were legendary.”

The 999 Club runs a centre in Deptford to provide daytime shelter and support to those who have become homeless or who are in danger of becoming homeless. They provide advice, key workers and learning activities with the aim of helping our service users re-build their lives.

FRANKL, Michael (1966 W) Mike’s paid employment ended in 2011 and since then he has been heavily involved in a number of charities.

The two most important are the Red Balloon Learner Centre Group in Cambridge and The 999 Club in Deptford, South East London.

Buckingham, where he lectured in English Literature and became Dean of Arts and Languages and Pro ViceChancellor.

He has now retired for the second time but admits that he seems to be as busy as ever. His next book Swallows, Amazons and Coots: a Reading of Arthur Ransome will be published by the Lutterworth Press in September 2016.

He also chairs a charity, The Pace Centre, which supports children with cerebral palsy and their families. With his retirement he also hopes to have a bit more time for messing about in boats!

NELSON, David (1967 C) David lives in Naples, Florida having been a resident there for three years.

He initially started working in one of the ‘Big Box’ DIY stores, but in November last year started working as the Education Assistant at the Holocaust Museum and Education Center of South-West Florida, one of a handful of Holocaust Museums in the USA. His wife, Kathy, is a supervisor at Artis-Naples, the home of the Baker Museum and Naples Philharmonic Orchestra.

THOMAS, Alastair (1967 L) After a most interesting career as an engineer in the defence industry, Alastair is now fully retired. He is making the most of retirement by travelling the country visiting his wife’s and his dispersed family.

He can also now give full rein to his lifetime’s hobby of playing with old cars. In 2014 he brought his 1948 Riley RMD Special to the School’s Car Show and this year he brought along his 1934 Riley Mentone (see report on page 12). As well as these two, he also has two more old cars to complete (including a 1911 Renault) and a World War II truck.

FROGGATT, David (1968 L)

LOVELOCK, Julian (1967 W) Julian retired ten years ago after twenty-six years as Headmaster of an independent school in Buckingham.

Then, unexpectedly, he began another career at the University of

Following on from his early musical exploits at Sutton Valence, David continues to be a successful musical writer/player/producer in Australia.

He adds that ‘as far as I know, there’s no compulsory retirement age!’

In between times he had a son, who

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He is now happily settled with his American wife (married in 2008) in Knebworth, near her only daughter Jacquelyn and extended British/Sicilian family.

Red Balloon supports young people who self exclude from mainstream education as a result of severe bullying or some other major trauma.

They run small Learner Centres in Cambridge, Norwich, Harrow and Reading to recover these young people, re-building their self esteem and confidence, providing focussed teaching with the aim to move them back into school to complete their education.

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lives in Los Angeles, and a daughter who lives in New York. He spends his time flitting between the two continents and is currently in New York where his daughter is about to give birth to her third ‘little bundle of joy’.

WARD Merlin (1968 W) Merlin Ward left Westminster House in 1968 at the age of 16 and, within a few months, was on the West End stage in Alan Bennett’s Forty Years On. He later appeared in several more theatre productions including Child’s Play starring Rupert Davies and Laurence Harvey.

On TV he went back to school again in Please Sir! and worked with both the Ronnies and Dick Emery, appearing in several situation comedies and dramas culminating in a regular role in the TV soap Crossroads. In more recent years he wrote and directed the feature film Out of Bounds, a thriller set in a girls’ boarding school which screened three times on BBC One.

SCRAGG, Christopher (1969 F) Chris got remarried last September to Valerie. At the same time he handed over the reins of The Spa Hotel, Tunbridge Wells to his son, Ant. He has also retired from racing historic Aston Martins and Jaguars, and divides his time now between Australia (where his twin grandchildren live), Mallorca, the Cotswolds and Sutton Valence.

GOLD, Stuart (1970 W) Stuart continues to live and work in Ghana running a social enterprise called Trashy Bags. Life in the country is not easy, with so many obstacles to manufacturing and especially export.

For 18 months’ electricity has only been available for 12 out of every 36 hours and, despite a few months of respite this year, the situation is steadily getting worse again. The company’s overworked generator gave up the ghost a few months ago, so they have taken to working through the night when the power is more generally available.

Trashy Bags’ products are made from reclaimed plastic drinking water sachets and billboards, using very little energy to add value to material that would otherwise be dumped or burned. In addition, by incorporating the original and complete sachets into the products, it demonstrates in a very visible way that it is possible to increase the life span of plastic packaging and so help to tackle the very serious problem of environmental pollution in Africa and elsewhere.

CLOUGH, Richard (1968 L)

Merlin has been married for 28 years and has two grown-up sons. He adds that ‘I cannot say that I enjoyed my time at Sutton Valence School but I am

Richard still practises at the Family Law Bar and sits, occasionally, as a Deputy District Judge in the civil and family courts in Kent and London.

He reports that his wife, Catherine, took early retirement in 2013 as Head of History and Politics at the Harvey

Grammar School in Folkestone and they have moved to London to be closer to their family - 2 sons and 2 grandchildren.

WOOLVERIDGE, Richard (1970 L) Richard continues to live in Avalon Beach, New South Wales. He reports that he is no longer editing The Sydney Morning Herald, but enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle as a journalism training consultant, golfer, writer and regular looker-afterer of his three “beautiful and demanding grandchildren”.

WILKINSON, Andrew (1972 W) After being a widower for 20 years, Andrew will be marrying Celia Fagg this summer at Chelsea Old Town Hall.

After their wedding and a “mini moon” in the Dordogne, they will be living just outside Newbury where Celia is an NHS Physiotherapist. Andrew continues to work in his own lighting business.

Desmond High

In 2014, his first play The Widow set in a haunted house, opened at the Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne.

In 2016, he wrote his first novel called The Old School Boarding House - back to school again! and is currently polishing it and hoping that it is good enough to get published.

very pleased to see, more than fifty years on since I first arrived and fagged for Kenneth Stewart (1966 W), Head of House at the time, that the school is a warm and welcoming second home to gifted boys and girls who do not live in fear of the beatings and utter physical cruelty that existed in my day.’

HIGH, Desmond (1973 F) In October last year, Des and David Bracey (an ex-Sutton Valence School parent) walked 150 miles from Birmingham to London along the Grand Union Canal to raise money for 5 deserving causes: Orchid - Male Cancer Charity, The Primary Club, The Quest School, Lupus UK and Fields of Life. In completing their challenge, they succeeded in raising over £20,000.

SHAW, Niall (1975 F) Niall has now retired after 35 years in the sugar industry. He spent 16 years with sugar beet in the UK working for British Sugar (part of Associated British Foods) in various jobs and sites with factory operations. He then spent two years in Poland before becoming an Operations Director in China, a job he went on to hold for seventeen years.

THE OLD SUTTONIAN

Alan Reeve Alan has now retired and lives in San Narciso, Zambales, Philippines in a house by the sea. He spent his working career as a banker specializing in Foreign Currency Trading for 14 years and then spent the last 23 years travelling around the world teaching English as a Foreign Language, visiting 80 countries and every continent.

ROWE, Jonathan (1978 F)

Jon’s son, Tom, is 21, and in his third year at the University of Hertfordshire studying Film & TV Production. His daughter, Kirsty, is 16 and has just finished her GCSEs. Now divorced, Jon lives overlooking the River Medway in Kent and, despite all the challenges, has a positive outlook on life. He is a member of the MCC, and just about manages Lords for major match days.

Jonathan Rowe SAREMI, Kaveh (1978 W) Kevin and his wife, Debbie, retired from Consolidated Health Plans (a company

ABOUL-HOSN, Najib (1979 W)

Tony has been living in the United States for 27 years and is currently a global director of software engineering at Genesys. He is about to celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary to American wife Nicole and has two children, Quinn 22 and Max 16, both maths and technology whizzes.

When not working out of his home in Traverse City, Michigan, Anthony is head coach for a world level US highschool robotics team which, from his time at SVS, is of no surprise to anyone who remembers him.

Having left Sutton Valence and studied at the American College in London, Najib now lives in the Lebanon. He has one child, who is seven years old, with the family living in Falougha. For work, he is self-employed, trading stationary and dabbling in property management in the local area.

CHAU, Simon (1985 C)

ROCHANAPRUK,Thevarak (1979 L)

He had a late diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis at age 40, and now spends his time searching waves in Australia and Bali surfing.

Thevarak now lives in Bangkok, and for the past 27 years has been working in the petrochemicals industry. His last position was Vice-President for the Thai state firm PTT Global Chemicals PLC. He retired from the firm in January 2016 and set up his own consulting company dealing with chemicals and energy projects.

In addition, for the past three years he has been appointed as the Associated Judge for the Central Intellectual Property and InternationalTrade Court of Thailand, member of the Thai Royal Institute committee for Petrochemicals and Polymers and director for strategy and administration committee of the state owned SRT Airport Rail Link Company Limited.

He adds “I had a very memorable time at SVS and I managed to get together in 2012 with my former housemate Michael Darling (1979 L) in New York and in 2013 with Sam Tseng (1979 L) in Hong Kong. I truly miss my housemaster Colin Shaw (1955 W, Staff 1971-1998) and all the masters that taught me all the subjects that were second to none. The School’s motto shall forever be in my heart and mind.”

Having left British Telecom as Head of Marketing for Asia Pacific, Americas, Middle East and Africa (Global Telecom Division) in 2007, Simon got happily divorced in 2009, then was appointed as Justice of Peace in 2010.

Simon Chau

Following a thirty-five-year career in the banking industry, Jon is now semi-retired on a long term disability scheme. For several years he has fought a progressive muscle condition, Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, which affects not only mobility but also the heart and lungs. He adds that “Every day is a challenge, but I am driven by the love for my family and the fantastic friends who make sure I don’t feel sorry for myself.”

Kevin’s younger son, Tyler got married in May last year, and they have now moved to Springfield, Massachusetts from California. Kevin says he hopes to make a return visit to Sutton Valence next year.

MCGINTY, Anthony (1983 M)

CHAN, Chung (1986 M) Chung is now living in Hong Kong, working as a building services engineer for the construction of a new metro line of MTR Corporation. He is married with two children, the eldest is sixteen and the youngest is eleven.

WONG, Gratiano (1989 W) Gratiano is still living in Hong Kong, running his small artiste management company, formed last year. The company serves a number of singers and actors (including Gratiano himself) from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Malaysia.

With his own production teams, stylist, and photographer, he also works as a producer for various commercial and non-commercial productions (movies,

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REEVE, Alan (1978 M)

he had started back in 1992, and sold to Berkshire Hathaway in 2011).

Retirement didn’t last long though and they started a new company called Future Health, which focuses on health education. As well as the two of them, the company also now employs both of his sons.

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micro-films, YouTube videos). On the non-commercial side, he has made videos to heighten awareness of issues in the region, such as pet abandonment.

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GOODALL (NÉE Louise (1990 V)

CORDERY),

Louise has been based in the West Country for the past 12 years, interspersed with an 18 month stint in New Zealand. She is married and they have three lively sons, aged 12, 10 and 7.

She has been in academic admissions for the past six years and became the Admissions Registrar at Bryanston School in Blandford in September 2015.

DYKE, Simon (1991 F) Simon Dyke worked as the Cricket Operations Manager for the Ireland Under 19 team at the ICC Under 19 World Cup in January. Having previously worked at Lord’s, Simon started working for Cricket Ireland in 2013.

HICKS, Christopher (1991 F) Chris has recently accepted the position as an equity partner of Fisher German LLP, based in Market Harborough. Nationally recognised in many fields, Fisher German are leading rural estate agents, property consultants, and chartered surveyors in the UK. Outside of work, he spends a lot of his time on the water rowing with various rowing clubs, a sport he picked up in his mid-twenties.

Family time consists mainly of junior rugby at Stoneygate Rugby Club and other leisure pursuits as time permits!

JONES (NÉE KOHLI), Sujata (1991 S) Sue is working for Bank of America

Largely driven by James’ work commitments, the family are spending an increasing amount of time in America and he adds that ‘he feels privileged to work in an industry that has been my passion from an early age’.

STRONG, Warwick (1992 W)

He has been working in Antwerp for the past eight years for NYK Line, one of the largest global ship owners. He currently looks after the commercial activities of dry bulk carriers - Panamax size vessels, in the Atlantic basin.

Warwick reports that ‘the last three years have seen dramatic changes to the lifestyle with which I had become accustomed, having spent a large part of the past decade working in Africa for NGOs and multi nationals. ‘ Two years ago, Warwick married an American woman and they now live in Washington D.C where he works for a large development agency.

SANDOM, James (1993 W) James is continuing to run Red Light Management’s UK office based in Shoreditch. Red Light Management is the world’s largest wholly independent artist management company in the music business, This year represents James’ 18th year in artist management, and recent successes for his company include multiple Grammy award winning blues rock band, Alabama Shakes, and British indie band, Bastille. These are in addition to the ongoing success of the likes of Lionel Richie, Kaiser Chiefs, The Vaccines, Interpol and Tiësto.

James Sandom

Chris currently lives in the village of Hallaton on the Leicestershire/Rutland border with his wife, Alex, a landscape gardener, and their two boys. His youngest son, Theo (aged 5), starts year 1 at primary school in September and his oldest, Oliver (aged 12) is now at secondary school.

Merrill Lynch in London and manages several business functions across Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Her areas of responsibility include Ground Transportation, Corporate Hospitality & Event Ticketing, and Corporate Meetings & Events. She also supports Corporate Travel and works closely with airline and hotel partners across her regions.

She divorced several years ago and is now happily living in Charing, Kent with her new partner.

Outside of work, James lives in Tufnell Park, North London with his Danish wife of 15 years Nanna, oldest son Linus (six) and younger son Rufus (three), both of whom are at school in Kentish Town.

KAMPANIS, Leonidas (1994 W) Leonidas married Christina in July 2008 and they now have two daughters, Violetta (7 years old) and Amaryllis (6 years old).

Leonidas writes “A couple of years ago I visited the School with my family having not been back for over ten years.

I actually saw and talked to Mr Pickard - funnily enough he was also the first person I met at the School back in 1989 when we visited the school for an interview with Mr Haywood. My daughters loved it - I wish they could join their father’s beloved school!”

LLOYD-BENNETT, Graham (1995 W) Graham and his family are currently living in Herne Hill. He works as the club manager for BAFTA members club in Piccadilly. He and his wife Karla welcomed a son, Mickey, last summer (see births).

HAYMAN, David (1995 M) David was recently featured at the University of New Zealand’s ‘Defining Excellence Awards 2016’. Dr Hayman started at Massey University, NZ, in 2014 and is considered a rising star in the field of infectious disease epidemiology and ecology.

He has attracted considerable international attention for his work on Ebola and other related diseases.

Only four years post PhD, he has already had 40 peer-reviewed publications in high-ranking journals, and was the single author on a paper in Proceedings of the Royal Society Series B on modelling bat viruses.

This is of enormous importance internationally given the role played by bats in emerging infectious disease.

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Jane has lived in London since graduating from the University of Leeds in 1999, and has worked in the content marketing industry for most of that time. Over the last year she has been working with a content agency to merge with a digital agency.

Jane and her boyfriend have a little girl, born in October 2013, who she describes as a chip off the old block (bossy!)

WILLDRIDGE, Daniel (1997 L) Dan has recently been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Army Medical Corps and appointed as a consultant paediatric anaesthetist at University Hospital Southampton, where he hopes to be working for the foreseeable future. He adds that he would be delighted to hear from any OS, especially as the 1997 leavers approach their 20-year anniversary of leaving the School next year.

HOLMES, Christopher (1999 F) Chris and his wife Emma are now living the country life in Haslemere, Surrey. Chris is now on the Executive Board at KFC, which he describes as a far cry from his vegetarian days at the School. They welcomed their first child, Theodore earlier this year (see births).

PARHAM,Thomas (2002 L)

Jane Ludford

Tom is currently living in Rochester and working for the Port of London Authority. He got married two years ago, and he now has a five-year-old daughter and a one-year-old daughter.

He is a keen squash player, and explains “I didn’t really get the chance to play at school, although years of playing fives did help me get started”.

REVEST (NÉE LE GRYS), Phillipa (1995 V)

SCHMIGE, Maximilian (2002 M)

Having worked in the media for over ten years, Phillipa now runs the UK Film Marketing Team at The Picture Production Company in Central London.

After leaving the School in 2002, Max moved to the USA to pursue a career in film and television. He completed his studies at University of California Santa Barbara and the American Film Institute in cinematography.

She and her husband live in Ladbroke Grove and are due to welcome their first child this August. She will be taking a year’s maternity leave, but will be back working in Film and TV Marketing next summer.

He frequently visits the UK and Europe for work and pleasure and hopes to connect with other Old Suttonians working in the film and TV industry.

For more information on his work, refer to www.dpreel.com.

MERRY (NÉE MOORE), Helen (2003 S) Having graduated from the University of Reading with a degree in Theatre Arts, Education and Deaf Studies, Helen in now working as a sign language interpreter based just outside of Bath. She married in June 2014, swiftly followed by little bundle of joy called Martha in March 2015!

Helen Merry

David Hayman LUDFORD, Jane (1996 V)

Most recently she worked on titles such as Deadpool, The Girl with all the Gifts, Grimsby and Spectre. Should anyone be looking for work experience in the industry, please feel free to get in touch with Phillipa via LinkedIn, as she would be more than happy to arrange work experience placements at The Picture Production Company.

SKINNER (NÉE HUTCHINSON), Sophie (2003 H) Sophie now lives in East Sutton with her husband, Jack. She has recently become a partner in the farm and has taken on an administrative role, as well as organising a few events on the land (most recently her sister Rosie’s wedding!). She has two children; Esme, five, who has finished her first year at SVPS; and Jake, three, who will soon follow in his sister’s footsteps.

KONG, David (2004 M) David is now a Music Technology teacher and part time music producer in Hong Kong. In October 2015 he revisited the School and was keen to see the Music department, where he had many fond memories as a violinist in the School orchestra.

LEAHY, Aled (2004 H) Aled is now working as part of a new project within HSBC providing mortgage advice via video link (like Skype) to 40 branches in the UK. As part of a team of four advisors, he is testing this platform for national and international roll out for the overall HSBC Group.

TOBIN, Jake (2004 M) Jake got married in March 2015 (to a Caterham School girl) and takes pleasure in reminding her of Sutton

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Having left Sutton Valence, David studied at the University of Edinburgh, before undertaking a Masters at the University of Kent, and a PhD at the University of Cambridge. Prior to his role as a Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Public Health at Massey, he also did a considerable amount of work in the USA as a Fellow at Colorado State University.

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He continues to live in South London, working in Mergers & Acquisitions, and splits his time between New York and London. He plays golf when possible during the summer, and continues to ski frequently in Austria during the winter.

SMITH, Gregory (2005 G) Greg was featured on ITV News in February having won the opportunity to train with Russian cosmonauts at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Star City.

After leaving Sutton Valence, Greg went on to the University of Kent, where he is currently studying for a PhD in Theoretical Physics.

BRUNGER, Benjamin (2010 G) Benjamin is graduating from the University of Portsmouth this summer with an MSc in Geographical Information Systems (GIS). He has been working at Enterprise Rent-aCar on their graduate scheme for the last four months HEWETT, Frederic (2010 W) Freddie now lives in Ashford and has recently opened his own coffee shop business, called Stag Coffee, in the heart of the town. Three months into the enterprise, he reports that it is going well.

He opened the shop with his partner, Serena, who he met two years ago in his previous job running Costa Coffee shops in Kent.

Greg Smith

TIMMONS-DRAUDE, (2010 G)

Dominic

Dominic graduated at the beginning of July with a First Class Honours degree in International Relations from Durham University and is now trying out a career in finance in Birmingham for the summer before travelling in Asia.

MAPLE, Kathryn (2007 C)

BOOER, David (2011 M)

Kathryn has been nominated for the second year in a row in the Sunday Times Watercolour Competition.

Last year Kathryn won the top prize of £10,000 for her alluring work, Fat Boy’s Diner, a café near where she works, in Trinity Buoy Wharf.

Having completed an MSc in Astrophysics at Cambridge, David is now working as a chorister in Durham Cathedral.

DE HAAN, Elodie (Staff 2001-2008)

Ellie’s product design was featured at the New Designers showcase at the Business Design Centre in London.The product is an innovative hydration aid for the elderly. She recently completed her BA (Hons) in Product Design from Bournemouth University.

For the last year, Elodie has been working as a teacher of French at Marlborough House School in Hawkhurst, and is due to start as a teacher of French and Spanish at Clarement Senior School from September this year.

KEEP, Tiffany (2009 C) Tiffany has just graduated from the University of Bristol with a degree in medicine. She will be starting her new job as a doctor at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow at the end of July.

Michael Hammond

Valence’s superiority over Caterham on the rugby pitch when he was 1st XV Captain back in 2003.

VAN LEEUWEN, Eleanor (2011 L)

HAMMOND, Michael (2011 G) Michael’s company Property TV (a TV channel dedicated to home improvement shows) was featured in the Kent Messenger. The company has recently moved into new studios in Ashford and has gained a daily viewership of 250,000 since it launched in June last year.

ALLSEBROOK, Alexander (2013 F) Alex has a place on the Initial Officer Training programme as a pilot in the RAF. Since leaving the School, Alex has been an active part in the RAF Spitfires Choir and this year featured alongside the BBC Singers for a BBC Radio 3 concert at Milton Court remembering the Battle of the Somme.

REID (NÉE DRAUDE), Tanya (Staff 2005-2013) Tanya left the School three years ago after marrying William Reid, a farmer.

She has recently started a business, Comphurst Cross Country, on their farm in Windmill Hill, East Sussex.

It is a cross country training ground with over 100 professionally built cross country jumps in a training facility designed by Scott Brickell, who also built the London 2012 Olympic course at Greenwich. The facility is proving to be extremely popular with event professionals, regularly being used by Olympic and Badminton riders as well as Grassroots people and beginners.

MCGANNAN, Sophie (2013 S) Sophie has just passed her first year at Lille university studying Economics and Politics. The French university system differs from higher education over here, as the first year is designed to be the toughest and only around 15% of students on her respective degree actually go on to complete the course.

She has two more years to go and then hopes to stay in northern France to find work.

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Old Suttonian Births

BRITLAND on 06 July 2016, to Thomas (2008 L) and Sarah Britland, a boy, Oliver Thomas.

COLLINGS on 03 December 2015, to Natalie (née Marsh) (1994 S) and Christopher Collings, a girl, Daisy Bella.

EDWARDS on 28 September 2015, to John (1988 F) and Catherine Edwards, a boy, William Sebastian.

FONG on 28 September 2015 to Melissa (née Yeung) (2003 S) and Matthew Fong, a boy, Lucas.

HESTER on 14 May 2016, to Thomas (2004 W) and Karla Hester, a girl, Matilda Emilia.

HOLMES on 17 April 2016, to Chris (1999 F) and Emma Holmes, a boy, Theodore Christopher.

KILBY on 17 June 2016, to Elizabeth (née Piedot) (2000 V) and David Kilby, a girl, Rosanna.

LLOYD-BENNETT on 16 July 2015, to Graham (1995 W) and Karla Lloyd-Bennett, a boy, Mickey.

MOYCE on 11 July 2016, to Jonathon (2005 C) and Kirsty Moyce, a boy, Jack William.

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BLACKMAN on 25 September 2015, to Daniella (née Jennings) (2007 H) and Peter Blackman, a girl, Harriet Louise Darcey.

The Kilby Family

Matilda Hester

The Lloyd-Bennett Family

Oliver Britland

The Fong Family

The Blackman Family

The Moyce Family

The Holmes Family

The Collings Family

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DOHERTY-HUTCHINSON on 28 May 2016, Daniel Doherty married Rosie Hutchinson (2005 C) at Boughton Monchelsea Place.

Jack and Sarah Field

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Old Suttonian Marriages

Rosie was joined on the day by her father, Andrew Hutchinson (Staff 1995-2001, Governor 2013-), mother Alison Hutchinson (Staff 2005-2011) and sister Sophie Skinner (née Hutchinson) (2003 H). Other Old Suttonians present included Charlotte Parkes, (2005 L), Hannah Chitty, (2005 G), Alexandra Leckie (2005 L), Stephanie Dove (2007 C) and Charlotte Horne (Old Underhillian) The reception was held at Friday Street Farm which is owned by Sophie and her husband Jack.

Rosie and Daniel look forward to continuing their celebrations on honeymoon in Bali, The Gili Islands, and Singapore in September.

HODSON-RECORD on 29 August 2015, William Hodson (1998 W) married Emilie Record in the Languedoc in the south of France, in the village of Moureze where Emilie grew up.

The best man was Dr Bijan Shahrad (1998 F), and among the ushers were Thomas Hodson (1992 W), Richard Hodson (1994 W), Martin Slattery (1998 M) and Andrew O’Donovan (1998 M).

Other Old Suttonians who attended were Andrew Johnson (1999 W) who flew in from Sydney, Kendrick Watts (1998 M) who flew over from Nashville, and Simon West (1996 W).

Will and Emilie Hodson

Old Suttonians in attendance included Peter Mattinson (1980 F), Callum Atkins (2001 C), Peter Sargent (2001 L), John Wheatley (2006 H), Benjamin Richards (2007 M), Jessica Fermor (2007 L), Adrian Chung (2007 M), Max Grossmith (2007 M), Jennifer Morris (née Lovelace) (2007 S), Hannah Simmons (2007 G), Daniel Kitchen (2007 C), Michael Coles (2007 M), and Oliver Pascall (2008 C).

Matthew and Melissa are also celebrating the birth of their son, Lucas, in September last year.

Matthew Fong and Melissa Yeung

Daniel and Rosie Doherty FIELD-RUTHERFORD on 01 August 2015, Jack Field (2007 C) married Sarah-Jane Rutherford at Horsmonden Church.

FONG-YEUNG in March 2015, Matthew Fong married Melissa Yeung (2003 S) at the Harbour Grand Hong Kong Hotel.

THE OLD SUTTONIAN

In attendance were Jenny’s father John Lovelace (1977 W), mother Christine Lovelace (Staff 2005-) and brother Richard Lovelace (2009 W).

Other Old Suttonian attendees included Nicholas Timms (1978 W), Payal Patel (2006 S), Benjamin Richards (2007 M), Jessica Fermor (2007 L), Max Grossmith (2007 M) and Jack Field (2007 C).

WITHERS GREEN-TOPPIN on 06 June 2015, Toby Withers Green (2006 W) married Louise Toppin (SVPS) at Langley Church.

Other Old Suttonians present included Martin Taplin (2006 W), Henry Coyle (2006 C), Hannah Knott (2007 H), Stephanie Dove (2007 C) and Hannah Ife (SVPS)

Hodson Wedding

The best man was Matthew Dodd (2006 W) and the ushers were Barnaby Withers Green (2002 W), Wesley Jackson (2007 H), Samuel Holmes (2006 W) and Frederick Fulford-Smith (2007 W). The bridesmaids on the day were Louise’s sisters, Olivia Toppin (SVPS), Eleanor Toppin (SVPS) and Sophie Toppin (SVPS).

Withers Green Wedding

Bijan’s best man was his brother Cyrus Shahrad (1997 F). Other Old Suttonians in attendance were Spencer Murphy (1996 F), Stephen Collins. (1997 L), Martin Slattery (1998 M), Andrew O’Donovan (1998 M), William Hodson (1998 W), Matthew Walker (1998 L) and John McCormick (Staff 1964-2005)

Toby and Louise Withers Green

SHAHRAD-HARRIS on 25 July 2015, Dr. Bijan Shahrad (1998 F) married Pamela Harris at the Elmley National Nature Reserve on the Isle of Sheppey.

Jonathon and Kirsty Moyce

MOYCE-STRANGWOOD on 07 August 2015, Jonathon Moyce (2005 C) married Kirsty Strangwood in Henley-in-Arden in Warwickshire.

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Luke and Jennifer Morris

MORRIS-LOVELACE on 04 July 2016, Luke Morris married Jennifer Lovelace (2007 S) at All Saint’s Church in Lydd.

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Old Suttonian Deaths study Electrical Engineering at Imperial College before starting a graduate apprenticeship with the BBC.

Carl was born in 1935 and attended the School from 1947 to 1952. He then went on Strathclyde University to study Mechanical Engineering before moving to British Columbia, where he took a job with Alcan Canada.

He moved to Vancouver in the early sixties working for MacMillan Bloedel (a large forest products company) as the Manager of Maintenance. He finished his career self-employed at his own consulting company – CNA Engineering Ltd which ran until 2004.

Michael has been kind enough to donate one of his prized pianos to the School’s Music department, for which we are most grateful.

2015.

He retired to the small community town of Gibsons and built a house.

Once building was complete, he became an active member of the local yacht club and was happiest cruising with other boat lovers on the club’s annual expeditions. He leaves his wife Sue and children, Ian, Corky and Daphne – all of whom are married with families.

Living in Beckenham, Brian worked as a Computer Programmer for Norwich Winterhur Reinsurance Company (later NW Reinsurance Corporation).

CANDY, Michael (1952 W) died on 22 December 2015.

As a pupil, Michael played the chapel organ at Sutton Valence, which led on to a lifetime’s interest in the instrument. He was also an active member of the Magic Society during his time at the School. He went on to

CARTER, Robin (1949 W) died on 31 December 2015.

Having finished his studies at the School, Robin followed his brother William ‘Jack’ Carter (1944 W) into the Fleet Air Arm. He was given the name “Dan” after undertaking the “commissioning” of a new latrine block with mock seriousness. His fellow crew then painted “DDLM” – Desperate Dan the Lavatory Man – on the side of his aircraft! Carter was a 20-year-old sub-lieutenant when, on May 19 1952, he joined 802 Naval Air Squadron to fly the Hawker Sea Fury fighter-bomber from the carrier Ocean, while she was berthed at the naval base at Sasebo, Japan. Ocean sailed on May 28 and Carter was soon in action under his flight leader, Lieutenant “Hoagy” Carmichael, their tasks being mainly “bridge-busting” to halt the advance of the North Korean army.

On August 9, however, Carmichael became the first pilot of a propeller driven aircraft to shoot down one of the Soviet-piloted, high-performance MiG-15 jets . The next morning, with Carter as Carmichael’s wingman, four Sea Furies bombed a bridge at Chaeryong and they were carrying out photo reconnaissance along the North Korean coast when Carter spotted two MiGs, and then six more. The

Sea Furies released their drop-tanks and, for the second time in two days, Carmichael and his flight engaged in an aerial dogfight. During ten minutes’ desperate twisting through the sky, Carter fired two bursts at 600 yards at two separate MiGs, without visible result, and as the MiGs were seen to be to be heading northwards, one of them trailing smoke, the Sea Furies entered cloud.

He served in 807, 802, 771, and 808 Naval Air Squadrons before leaving the Navy to fly for Airwork. In the mid1960s Carter left Britain and immersed himself in the world of flying. He flew for the Saudi Arabian Air Force (196667) , the Abu Dhabi Defence Force (1970-73) and the Sultan of Oman’s Air Force between 1973 and 1979.

Carter married, first, Georgia Plummer in 1959, who died in 1965 during a routine operation in hospital, and, second, in 1984, Rita Wilson, who survives him. There were no children from either marriage.

Robin ‘Dan’ Carter

Carleton Armstrong BLYTH, Brian (1946 M) died on 08 August 2015.

Michael Candy

ARMSTRONG, Carleton (1952 W) died on 07 December

CARTER, Walter Brian (1941 M) died on 15 September

2015.

Within 8 months of leaving school, Brian found himself as a 1st Lieutenant of a heavy tank landing craft. He sailed on D-Day to Omaha Brach landing at Point de Hoc ten times before being broken up in the great storm.

Transferred to Asian waters, he was scheduled to be on the invasion of Japan, but the dropping of the bomb on Hiroshima prevented that. His book, Saved by the Bomb, is an account of his naval life, and is a welcome addition to the School library.

THE OLD SUTTONIAN

After the war he started up a small marina and boatyard in Norfolk, and semi-retired, worked as a marine surveyor. In 2010, fully retired, he began mending watches and repairing antique clocks.

Alastair Grierson-Rickford

Head of Westminster and a School Prefect, Michael went on to join the Royal Engineers as a junior officer doing National Service. He followed that with a career as a Quantity Surveyor.

Bluff and hearty on the exterior, ANGR had an acute understanding of boys and people generally. He gave up much of his time to counsel boys with problems. He had strong Christian values and he played his part in village Parish life, epitomising a willingness to contribute to the community.

FURNISS, Robert (1937 W) died on 17 May 2016.

After School, Robert went into the RAF during World War II and then into the family business. He had a major interest in the ‘Lest we Forget’ Association and he was a sidesman at St Clement Danes, the RAF Church.

GRIERSON-RICKFORD, Alastair (Staff 1972-1980) died on 19 November 2015.

Alistair was a master here from 1972 to 1980. He came after a short spell at Uppingham and made a strong impact right from the beginning. His academic subject was English, but his contribution went much further than that, being house-tutor in St Margaret’s, all-round contributor to teaching games, being master in charge of cricket for the last three years of his time here. He developed the old style Cricket Week, a residential week added onto the end of the summer term when we hosted five schools from all corners of the country, each playing the others here and at King’s Rochester. His enthusiasm for staff cricket certainly helped to create a good cooperative spirit in the Common Room. He could be a destructive bowler… He even found time to edit ‘The Suttonian’, and to encourage its content to be more than a school record, and he included literary and artistic contributions from pupils.

Alastair was both a producer of and actor in School plays. His ‘Toad of Toad Hall’ was particularly impressive by virtue of his ingenious handling of the crowd scenes. He was a big man, and tailor-made for the role of Bill Sykes in

GRIMWADE, Peter (1956 M) died on 20 January 2016.

Following in his father and uncle’s footsteps, Peter had a distinguished career at School, then, after studying Estate Management, he followed a long career in estate agencies and surveying interrupted by a two year spell as a National Serviceman in the Navy.

He played hockey to a very good standard at Sunbury, and was often seen volunteering his services at Ham House and Claremont Gardens, National Trust properties, close to home.

HEWITT, John (Staff 19871989) John Hewitt had a lively personality and a quick mind. His contribution to School theatre was magnificent, with vibrant sets for Wizard of Oz, Pericles and Cabaret. He could easily have been the first head of art to turn out (from time to time) in a three piece suit! He left us to pursue making a living by selling his own work – nonrepresentational designs, oil on canvas stretched on individually prepared

wooden frames. In later life he resumed some teaching in his beloved Lancashire.

HOLE, David (1963 F) died on 27 July 2015.

The son of licensed victuallers, David’s father ran the Blue Door at one time; he followed them into the hospitality trade and emigrated to the USA after working in the Middle East and Africa.

For many years he was in charge of the human resources department of a major hotel chain there.

HORN, Margaret (Staff 19511997) died on 18 June 2016 Please refer to the eulogy printed on page 18. Margaret’s funeral was held in the School Chapel on Tuesday 05 July 2016.

HOVELL, Dickon (1958 L) died on 28 June 2015.

Having spent his youth in the Weald of Kent, Dickon grew up to fully embrace the life and culture of the north east of Scotland. On leaving school he worked on a farm for a year before heading to the University of Reading to read Agriculture, shoot, row and preside over the Student Union.

After leaving Reading he started the trek northwards, spending three years in Leeds en route to a PhD in Aberdeen and from then on he became a ‘white settler’ (to use his own words) in the northeast. Dickon worked at the Rowett Institute from 1972 up to 1994 on nutrition, initially of pigs and then of ruminants, but still found time to row and also to glide. Many times he attracted a crowd around him when moving between buildings at the Rowett, as he stood looking up at the sky to judge whether it was good gliding weather, while those who joined him presumably thought there was something of more interest up there.

During his time in the employment of the Rowett, Dickon took two years off to work in the Dominican Republic with T R Preston (he of barley beef fame) and soon adapted to that culture, speaking Spanish, drinking rum and enjoying local music.That all stood him in good stead when he left the

UPDATES

EARP, Michael (1952 W) died on 04 July 2016.

‘Oliver’. In this, as in all things, he set and expected nothing but the highest of standards and wholehearted commitment to the cause.

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Rowett and went to work part-time for Aberdeen University and also the Autonomous University of Yucatan in Merida Mexico.

HUNTER, Jean (Staff 19751988) died on 04 February 2016.

We are sad to announce the death of Jean Hunter whom many of you will know was admissions secretary in the time she was here. She came, originally only to help out with the Quatercentenary, but her bubbly personality ensured she was asked to stay longer.

Jean and David Hunter

JELPKE, William (1950 W) died on 27 May 2015.

PEARLESS, Norman (1949 M) died on 31 May 2015.

After leaving Sutton Valence, Norman did his National Service as a Gunner with the Royal Artillery, in which he soon became commissioned. At the end of his two years, he immediately became articled to his family’s law firm and eventually became Senior Partner. During those years he joined the Rotary and became President of his club. He also became a Mason and rose to the rank of Master of the Lodge. He was described as a very family orientated man who gave up time during his retirement to help with the Samaritans and a local Animal Clinic.

SANDS, Mark (1990 F) died on 5 December 2015 It is with deep sadness that we announce the tragic and untimely death of Mark. He was 43 years old. He was a loving father and wellrespected doctor, who worked as a GP and clinical educator in Australia.

Mark Sands

After leaving Sutton Valence in 1950, William joined the bus industry, eventually becoming the General Manager of East Kent, Maidstone & District and Hastings & District bus companies in the early 1980s. He then moved to the municipal sector until retiring to the Ribble Valley, Lancashire in 1997. He leaves a widow, Jean and two sons.

one of his talents, he also painted and loved sculpting.

MACKENZIE, Nigel (1962 M) died on 29 May 2015.

After working for his father’s company, Nigel and his wife of 49 years opened their first restaurant in 1968: The Hungry Monk. It was here that Nigel, along with his head chef created the world famous Banoffi Pie. The pie’s recipe was published in multiple places, including Nigel’s own book; The Deeper Secrets of The Hungry Monk which sold over 100,000 copies.

Nigel’s creation was enjoyed by many well-known people; Margaret Thatcher and Queen Sofia of Spain being included in those. Cooking was only

loved arboretums and the feeling is that he would have approved of the idea of an arboretum spanning the world. So far 14 trees have been planted in both Australia and the UK. To record the memorial, the family have setup a closed Facebook group (by invitation only). To get involved, please contact Shirley Sands, Mark’s mother, at sands112@gmail.com.

SMITH, Raymond (1960 F) died on 22 January 2016.

Raymond left the School in 1960 and became a chartered accountant.

At School, he was prominent in the CCF, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He was also a keen athlete, representing Kent Schools in the UK athletics championships. He represented the school at Rugby, Fives and Swimming and maintained his sporting enthusiasms well after he left.

Raymond died peacefully, aged 73, after a short illness. He leaves his wife Peggy, children Andrew, Robert, Rosie and Charlie, and his grandchildren Reuben and Lyndon.

WHISTLER, Kathryn (2007 L) died on 5 April 2016.

Having left the School, Katie completed a course in animal care at Hadlow College and volunteered at the Big Cat Sanctuary at Smarden. An avid fan of science fiction, she was in the process of writing her own science fiction fantasy book under the pen name of Saudia Blackthorn. Katie’s sad death leaves parents Rachel and Mark and siblings Simon (2005 L), Hilary and Charlotte.

WRAGGE, John (1941 M) died on 18 June 2015.

Those who knew Mark will recall his adventurous streak, his ability to be both introverted and eccentric, and a very unique sense of humour. He leaves behind a son, and he will be sorely missed by his family, friends and work colleagues.

Mark’s family are promoting a living memorial to him and they are inviting people to plant a tree in his memory, and share the planting through a specially setup social media page. Mark

After leaving Sutton Valence in 1941, John served in the RAF. At the end of the war he completed a degree at Hatfield College of Technology and a subsequent teaching qualification at Durham University. He spent his whole life in education teaching initially in Scotland before finishing his career in Yorkshire at Terrington Hall Preparatory School. He spent his retirement in Malton, North Yorkshire.

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WELCOME

OSA

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Chairman’s Welcome For New OS

by Charlotte Bills (1992 V)

I

n September 1990, as I sat in the main hall in Centre Block listening to Michael Haywood (HM 1980-1994) welcome all the new pupils, I felt a little daunted. Not only was I starting at a new school, I was moving away from home to board in Sutton house.

So there I sat with a new home, new friends, new teachers and a new school, but I needn’t have worried at all. Sutton Valence School quickly became home, the next two years flew by and the friends, staff and school have etched themselves on my heart.

When I left in 1992, I never would have imagined that 24 years later that I would be writing this as Chairman of the Old Suttonians’ Association on how my time at Sutton Valence would shape my life. When my friends and I left school, social media didn’t exist and mobile phones were in their infancy, but we managed to keep in contact. Today it is easier than ever to stay in touch. Over the last five years on the committee I have attended a large number of OS and SVS functions and you can never tell how much time has passed since old friends have last met because the tales, stories and shared memories all come flooding back. The common thread that binds us all together is that we are all Old Suttonians.

Each year, the OSA Committee, together with the School’s Development Office arranges events and sporting fixtures for Old Suttonians to gather and this year is no different. For those of you who are keen on sport, we are hosting a hockey tournament in January, and a mothers and daughters Netball tournament in March. Other regular fixtures on our sporting calendar include the OS Golf Day in April, the Grafton Morrish golf tournament in May, the OS versus the School Cricket match in June and the School Golf Day in September. On the social calendar, we are arranging an OS family day at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in September, having a post Christmas networking drinks in London and repeating the highly competitive Pétanque evening next summer. In addition, we are also planning a Black Tie Ball at the School in May. We hope that we will see you over the next year whether you are home from University for the holidays, have a spare day at the weekend for a sports match, or want to meet up for a drink with some old school friends with a pint or glass of wine. We will keep you all updated with what is happening over the next 12 months.

Charlotte Bills (1992 S) Chairman, OSA

THE OLD SUTTONIAN

Tom Agu Benson (2016 F)

Charles Averill (2016 H)

Guy Backhouse (2016 F)

Patrick Backhouse (2016 F)

Eve Barclay (2016 H)

Ellis Beever (2016 M)

Jessica Bennett (2016 C)

George Birrell (2016 W)

JJ BlackmoreDrewett (2016 F)

Stuart Boltman (2016 W)

Jack Bonner (2016 W)

Henry Bonny (2016 W)

Matthew Bottle (2016 M)

Pip Bromley (2016 L)

Joshua Brown (2016 F)

Thomas Brunt (2016 F)

Jeremy Budd (2016 W)

Imi Catchpole (2016 S)

Fiona Chen (2016 S)

Lily Chivers (2016 L)

Daniel Clifton (2016 M)

Charlotte Copping (2016 H)

Joshua Craven (2016 M)

Jordan Davis (2016 W)

Adam Dawkins (2016 H)

Amber Delaney (2016 F)

Joseph Deveson (2016 C)

Praag Dogra (2016 F)

Freddie Ellis (2016 W)

WELCOME

Abdullah Adil (2016 M)

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Chloe Evans (2016 C)

Emil Evans (2016 C)

Graham Falconer (2016 W)

Jack Ferris (2016 L)

Richard Fullick (2016 M)

Amelia Gaston (2016 L)

Thomas Goodwin (2016 F)

Sushant Gurung (2016 M)

Sebastian Habersack (2016 W)

Daniel Harebottle (2016 M)

Paula Hensel (2016 S)

Vendula Hoppeova (2016 S)

Ryan Jones (2016 M)

BrontĂŤ King (2016 F)

Kornelius Klemm (2016 M)

Harry Lade (2016 M)

Katie Latter (2016 F)

Tom Lennard (2016 H)

Oli Lewis (2016 C)

Katie Leyden (2016 H)

Nabby Lian (2016 M)

Adela Liu (2016 C)

Rachel McDermott (2016 F)

Katie McKeating (2016 C)

Hannah Morris (2016 S)

Freddie Nelson (2016 L)

Verity Newman (2016 L)

James Owen (2016 M)

Toby Page (2016 H)

Freddy Parker (2016 H)

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Thomas Percival (2016 M)

Ellys Perry (2016 F)

Alex Presland (2016 F)

Ella Proctor (2016 H)

Praghat Rana (2016 W)

Saskia Roestenburg (2016 H)

Harrison Sharpe (2016 M)

Henry SpainWarner (2016 W)

Max Streek (2016 W)

Oliver Taylor (2016 F)

Mathias Thoresen (2016 M)

James Turner (2016 W)

Sasha Van Diepen (2016 F)

Emily Vernon (2016 S)

Stephanie Weir (2016 S)

Louisa West (2016 H)

Francesca Wheble (2016 C)

Bea Williams (2016 S)

Lucas Williams (2016 C)

Thomas Williams (2016 M)

John Wong (2016 M)

Alex Woodford (2016 M)

Yilin Xu (2016 S)

Christopher Youngman (2016 M)

Steven Zhang (2016 W)

Ramsey Zhang (2016 M)

2016 LEAVERS

WELCOME

Max Pelvang (2016 L)

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Annie Wilkinson

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nnie joined the senior part of the School in 1984 after working at the Prep School.

She started the Home Economics department as a survival course when it was an all-boys boarding school to help them cope when they went to university.

Annie always supported sport at Sutton Valence, particularly girls’ games. Even when she was not timetabled for it on a Saturday afternoon, she was out taking her beloved Thirds Netball team. You could often find her on the side-lines supporting the various year groups.

She spent many years as a tutor in Valence House and then in Sutton, the senior girl’s boarding house and, finally, Housemistress of Founder’s.

Annie joined the CCF in 1989 and made her way through the ranks to OC Army section, 2ic Contingent and then in 2004, Contingent Commander.

During this time, she also chaired Kent CCF and sat on SERFCA, raising the profile of the CCF in the South East. As Contingent Commander she has overseen significant growth in the CCF at Sutton Valence with over 60% of the pupils choosing to join. Throughout her 25 years of service, everything that she did had the cadets at its heart. Through her commitment, determination and desire for the cadets to do their best, Annie made Sutton Valence Combined Cadet Force one of the strongest establishments, for both cadets and officers, in the country. In September 2014 she received the accolade of the Lord Lieutenant’s Meritorious Award.

Throughout her last year she dedicated much of her time to helping the School raise the money to rebuild the Tanang Kharka Higher Secondary School in Nepal following the devastating earthquake. Though now

Annie Wilkinson

WELCOME

(Staff 1984-2016)

retired, Annie continues to be involved in the School through her role on the OSA Committee, supporting the sport sub-committee.

Abridged from valete by Kay Andersen (Staff 1988-2016)

Kay Andersen (Staff 1988-2016)

In her 28 years at Sutton Valence, she has excelled in a number of positions of responsibility, whether as Head of Home Economics, Head of Valence Girls House, Head of Year, Senior Mistress, Head of Professional Development, Head of the RAF Section of the CCF, Head of Holdgate and the residential visits coordinator.

Many OS will fondly remember Kay’s immaculately elegant and consistent presence throughout their time at School. She has the ability to have eyes

in the back of her head, and never misses a trick. Her focus on community and individual responsibility meant pupils learnt the important values of respect for themselves and each other, as well as the importance of community spirit. She has always supported team matches, music concerts and the School’s drama performances. It is no accident that Holdgate was top of the leader board for winning the most House competitions, and raising the most for charitable causes.

Kay spent many years on the CCF’s Easter Adventurous Training in the Lake District. Her organisation and calm practicality back at the Blencathra Centre ensured hearty meals for all those who spent long days out on the hills. She also organised trips to no less glamorous and potentially challenging destinations including Switzerland, York, Hockey Tours to Germany, ski trips to the Alps, two trips to Martinique and three trips to India.

Kay Andersen

K

ay joined Sutton Valence School in September 1988. She was appointed as a part time Home Economics Teacher when the School had only just become co-ed. She soon became a valued and well-respected member of the staff, not just because of her thorough professionalism or her Yorkshire dry wit, but because she always gave more of her time than was asked.

Sutton Valence is losing a very valuable colleague, but we hope that she will keep in touch as she enjoys her retirement.

Abridged from valete by Fiona Porter (Staff 1997-)

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Nick Gorman (Staff 2001-2016)

Little by little, slowly but surely, he turned the Art Department into the outstanding subject it is today.

A fabulously talented teacher, he has been absolutely committed to the job of inspiring and enthusing the many pupils who have made their way down to Gulland Hall. The department’s results have risen year-after-year and the quality of work on show at Speech Day Exhibitions is testament to Nick’s inspired leadership.

Nick was keen to be involved in every area of school life. He accompanied Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, coached rugby and cricket, organised arts festivals, plus ran umpteen trips to London, Cornwall, Whitstable, Dungeness, Camber, Bedgebury and Bewl Water.

Having been a tutor for some years, in 2011 Nick took over as Housemaster of Westminster House and he immediately set about developing

And he really is an incredible artist.

His drawing is phenomenal, but his paintings are truly gorgeous - stunning landscapes that are full of light, fresh air, space and beauty. There is no doubt that the work produced by his students is so very strong because he himself is a practicing artist of the

finest calibre.

We all wish him and Sylvia, Zoe and Tristan every happiness at Haileybury.

Abridged from valete by Sarah Collins (2004-2016)

Sarah Collins (Staff 2004-2016)

As well as being a brilliant art teacher, Sarah and thrown herself into a number of pastoral roles. Firstly, as an academic tutor and more recently her leadership strengths came into play when she was appointed Housemistress of Founder’s.

Under her guidance, Founder’s really started to blossom and there is now a great sense of ‘House Spirit’ within

the Founder’s community. She has nurtured a genuine feeling of pride where the pupils and staff clearly enjoy being a part of Sarah’s house, which has seen considerable success under her leadership.

Sarah Collins

S

arah joined Sutton Valence in September 2004 and her impact on the art department was both immediate and impressive. Over the years Sarah has been responsible for teaching our pupils to produce some of the most exciting, skilful, sophisticated and beautiful art work imaginable; encouraging them to explore the subject in great depth and in a highly personal manner. There is no question that much of the department’s long history of excellent results is down to Sarah’s outstanding teaching and her genuine passion for the subject and her pupils.

The Suttonian is an exceptional publication and is recognised not only for the quality of the articles in it, but also for its remarkably creative and visually stunning appearance.

This is entirely down to Sarah’s skills, imagination and dedication as editor.

Working alongside Sarah in the Art department has been an absolute joy!

Over the past twelve years Sarah has not only been a hugely supportive and reliable colleague but also an incredibly close and loyal friend.

She will leave a vast void in the Sutton Valence community but as she heads to the west country to start a new life with her husband Peter, I am sure that

we will hear plenty about her as she turns her focus to her own painting… which is, by the way, fantastic!

Abridged from valete by Nick Gorman (Staff 2001-2016)

WELCOME

the house spirit and creating a sense of pride in the house. The boys in Westminster are encouraged at all times to be the very best that they can be in all areas of school life and Westminster is especially renowned for its house spirit.

Nick and Sylvia Gorman

N

ick arrived at Sutton Valence in 2001, fresh-faced and full of exciting ideas. He immediately got to work and started to spread a little ‘Gorman magic’ about the place, first of all in the Art department and later as Housemaster of Westminster.

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Jacques Van Vuuren

J

acques came to us a graduate GAP student in 2004 and straight away showed himself to be a man of principle and one who had a natural affinity to teaching. His talents were quickly recognised and he was promoted within a couple of years to the full-time staff with responsibility for the managing of our sports facilities and coaching PE and Games across all sports.

He was also attached to a boarding house as a resident tutor, then assistant Housemaster, a position he has held to the present. Three years ago he was promoted to Senior Boarding tutor.

As we all know, however, his passion is his sport, particularly rugby. He has coached at various levels throughout the School honing his coaching skills

across all the age ranges. His knowledge and ability to take an ordinary cohort and turn them into a cohesive unit is a skill that cannot be learned on a coaching course. Of course this is all on top of his commitments to the County Ladies Rugby team, which he coached for a number of years.

He has been a true asset in every sense; he is a teacher, a counsellor, a valued colleague, a friend and a man whose loyalty knows no bounds.

The relationships he has developed over the years with the children and the parents have been first-rate and I know they truly value all that he has stood for and tried to achieve for the children, whether pastorally or on the sports field. Jacques has been the whole package.

Jacques Van Vuuren

WELCOME

(Staff 2004-2016)

Our loss is Ibstock Place School’s gain.

He has spent twelve years supporting the PE and Games Department and now moves on to run his own.

Abridged from valete by Graham Alderman (Staff 2004-)

Paul Webster (Staff 2008-2016)

Having lived in Germany for 11 years, he understands the challenges involved in living overseas. Our pupils would have lacked the opportunity to visit these locations without a knowledgeable local guide. I wish to thank him for everything I learnt from these visits, including the driving instruction he gave me, especially his advice on parking. Most importantly, it also meant that everyone from different boarding houses had the

opportunity to get to know each other quickly and practise speaking English amongst themselves as well as the public that we met. As each week passed, it was lovely to see how much more confident the pupils became.

Spoken English practice is not just needed for our overseas students. Paul was also a very keen public speaking coach running the “Speaking in Public” activity on Thursday afternoons. I am not surprised that the school public speaking teams have had so much success over the years competing in the Rotary Club competition, “Youth Speaks” since 2009, often winning more than one trophy. More recently Paul, with the support of Julie Manning, has also entered successful teams in the English Speaking Union competition.

Paul is a teacher with the highest of standards and expectations. Oxford educated, he has endeavoured to give our students the very best standards in the understanding and use of the

Paul Webster

P

aul joined the school in 2008 and I got to know him through his move to the Lambe’s building as Head of the ESL Department. His sharp humour and his appetite for cakes meant that we enjoyed a lot of warm laughter in the staff common room. Paul was always keen to give the overseas pupils the opportunity to find out more about the local area and learn the idiosyncrasies of our culture, history and traditions, aware that this is one of the reasons why you would choose to study abroad in the first place.

English Language. He is a true linguist in every sense of the word with a tremendous wealth of knowledge and experience, a unique and irreplaceable member of our school. I wish him and his wife Anne, who also tutored some of our pupils, a happy and fulfilling retirement.

Abridged from valete by Fiona Porter (Staff 1997-)

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Anna Kane (Staff 2008-2016)

Inset, Mrs Kane style, was stimulating and genuinely interactive in a natural way and invited us all to step inside the skin of students and walk around a little in them; a welcome reminder needed by us all every so often that each child we meet is an individual and must be treated and valued as such.

There is much talk of the SV community and Anna was firmly wedded to it. Her warmth and humour and care will be a huge loss to us all.

The School, not least grateful for the contributions made by Anna, has also been delighted by the Cambridge University successes of her boys. Her carrot cake was pretty killer, too.

Charlotte Westlake (Staff 2010-)

Luis Fuentes Olea (Staff 2009-2016)

Luis studied for his degree at the University of Granada, but it was on a year’s exchange in 1999, to study European Politics, that his love of England was kindled, and after teacher training at Goldsmith’s, London in 2003, he began his career as a teacher of Spanish. After a few years in the maintained sector, Luis took up his Head of Department position at Sutton Valence, and in his time here he has brought stability, direction and confidence to a part of the curriculum which, given the status of Modern Languages in the nation’s schools, has

been through a very challenging time.

He leaves the department in very good health. Whether it be the fun and profit of foreign travel or the daily slog towards a decent grade, it is enhancing the total pupil experience that motivates Luis, and this is something for which few will fail to remain lastingly grateful.

Luis was also a highly effective Tutor for the Fourth and Fifth Forms and House Tutor in Founder’s, and I am enormously appreciative of the help and support he gave me over several years. Unfailingly kind and considerate towards pupils, he was, nonetheless, always firm, but fair and was especially skilled in his dealings with parents, who held him in very high regard.

After such a happy and successful time here, it is, therefore, with very mixed emotions that Luis will be leaving us, and excitement will, no doubt, be mixed with trepidation as he looks forward to becoming Head of Spanish at Tonbridge School in September. We

Luis Fuentes Olea

L

uis Fuentes Olea, Head of Modern Foreign Languages for the last seven years, is the most encouraging and motivating of teachers, passionate about making his mother tongue accessible to all who have the good fortune to have him as their teacher and totally affirming of what each pupil succeeds in learning, whilst never relenting for a moment in expecting or urging the best from everyone.

can be assured that in Luis we have a doughty promoter and supporter of Sutton Valence and we wish him, Richard, Mollie and Bella every possible happiness and success in the coming years.

Abridged from valete by Annie Wilkinson (Staff 1984-2016)

WELCOME

First and foremost the pupils have thrived under her deft guidance and support and have been staunchly championed by Anna for the past seven years. She has helped, motivated and reassured hundreds of children in her time here and has succeeded in transforming the lives of so many by not only supporting them to gain recognition for their talents but by also focusing on their self-esteem: the key to so much.

The role of a SENCO is challenging and Anna responded by giving of her own time freely, going way above and beyond, and demonstrating complete dedication to the role. Ever the consummate professional, Anna always remained devoted to the children in her care.

Anna Kane

A

nna’s lilting Scottish tones and impassioned invitations to perform an eight-some reel in the riotous depths of the school’s creative hub, the Lambe’s staffroom, will be sorely, sorely missed - our cherished colleague and friend is moving on and we will all be rather the poorer for it.

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Claire Fordham WELCOME

(Staff 2012-2016)

C

laire joined Sutton Valence from Blundells School in September 2012, having acquired many teaching and directing skills from a very talented head of department there.

Claire quite simply breathed new life into the Drama department and has raised the standards of both the academic results and the productions, way beyond expectations. I have been lucky enough to learn the art of teaching and directing from Claire and her passion and commitment to the department is admirable. She always puts the pupils first and quite happily

gives up evenings, weekends and very early mornings to ensure that each and every pupil reaches their true potential.

Her talent as a director has been evident in the vast array of School productions that she has produced in her time here. We Will Rock You wowed audiences, she brought Shakespeare to life with her adaptation of Romeo and Juliet and her triumph as a director most definitely has to be Les Misérables.

Her GCSE and A Level practical pieces have emotionally impacted audiences and have even ended up receiving

four stars at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Claire is well-respected by both pupils and staff alike. She has become an integral part of School life and her work as a Junior and boarding tutor has been commendable. She will be extremely missed by everyone and Wellington School are exceptionally lucky to have such a talented teacher, director, tutor and colleague coming their way.

Abridged from valete by Emily Davies (Staff 2013-)

Sylvia Gorman (Staff 2013-2016)

P

aulo Coelho, The Alchemist once wrote “And, when you truly want something, the whole universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

This is one of my favourite quotes and I think it is very befitting as an introduction to Sylvia Gorman’s valete.

Her vocation to teach and work in education was deeply rooted and led her to study a university degree in Education in her beloved Spanish hometown of Alcalá de Henares… and then the universe conspired in the most wonderful way so she

could cross paths with Sutton Valence School, not once, but twice.

Back in 2004, she joined the School as a Spanish Assistant. It was meant to be a one-year work placement, that expanded on to three full academic years, led her to pastures new, only to return to SVS in 2013, following another universal conspiracy that was simply too strong to resist.

Working with Sylvia has been a real joy and she is an endless source of inspiration and motivation to everyone

she has come in contact with in the Modern Languages Department.

There is no question that her desire to make a difference is genuine and has always gone well beyond whatever role title she had at the time here at Sutton Valence. For me, her support, good advice and free flowing sense of humour have been indispensable.

Abridged from valete by Luis Fuentes Olea (Staff 2009-2016)

Naomi Moore (Staff 2013-2016)

O

ccasionally a gift from God lands in one’s lap. It happened to me, the moment I observed Naomi’s interview lesson; it fizzed and buzzed with enormous vitality. I expected a nervous whipper-snapper making her first tentative steps into the profession; what I got was a youthful Margaret Thatcher.

Naomi blazed a trail of success both inside and outside of the classroom.

She exuded class, diligence by the bucket-load, brought up-to-date ICT skills with her and fell into the role of Head of Junior Leadership with merry abandon.

pedagogy and illuminated a short chapter in the School’s history.

Naomi leaves us to explore Geography ‘podcasting’ with the BBC.

Naomi contributed hugely too, to the wider community. Her School assemblies showed a genuine love for Christianity and proved an inspiration to many. She gave generously of her time, reached very high standards of

Abridged from valete by Andy Bee (Staff 2002-)

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REVIEW

HM

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HEADMASTER’S REVIEW

Headmaster’s Review of the Year An extract from Bruce Grindlay’s Speech Day address

S

hakespeare is everywhere at the moment, and rightly so in this the 400th anniversary of his death.

Our language, our idioms and all of our lives are so much richer because of the Bard. His ability to encapsulate the human condition is exceptional; his writing is timeless and universally relevant which is why the British Council was keen to launch their government-funded “Shakespeare Lives!” campaign, a global campaign of events and activities marking this anniversary.

Before launching into my review of the year, I must mention Bryan Baughan, our erstwhile and much loved Chairman of Governors. In Act 2 of As You Like It Shakespeare penned: “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts.”

Bryan indeed played many parts in his life: loving husband, dutiful father, successful business man, friend, ardent advocate of education and a truly dedicated servant to Sutton Valence.

He will be missed by so many and we all owe him a huge debt of gratitude for caring so much and giving of his time so generously in making this School such a successful seat of learning.

Even though Shakespeare is studied by school children the world over, there’s some evidence in his plays to suggest that he didn’t enjoy being a scholar much himself.

In the aforementioned ‘All the World’s a Stage’ speech, Shakespeare talks of the ‘whining schoolboy, with his satchel and shining morning face, creeping like snail unwillingly to school’. No ‘whining schoolboys’ or ‘schoolgirls’ at SV! Instead, we are proud to have happy pupils – every one unique, with their own particular strengths and weaknesses, working hard to improve their chances and themselves.

For seven years now we have been trying to show that it is the distance travelled on each child’s academic journey that matters rather than

where they started from. To measure this we use Durham University’s value added system to show individual achievement against statistical norms.

This year we achieved our goal of being in the top 10% of all schools for adding value or, put another way, lengthening the journey every pupil takes. Yes, it was wonderful to be in the 70% A*-B bracket at A level again, but what really counts is that the pupils, irrespective of their starting points, are travelling on a virtuous and, we hope, life-changing journey. As a community we must recognise that we are not all the same and, therefore, we all bring something unique to the table but, of course, that can’t be A* grades for everyone. What is so important is that all in our community can see that they are making a difference, improving themselves and outperforming previous targets and predictions.

Having already reviewed our A level provision and developed our new Junior diploma, this year it has been the turn of the Middle School. From September we will introduce an innovative and instructive “Discovery Term” for all new Third Form pupils, intended to instil excitement for and a love of learning. It will address our natural fear of failure whilst attempting to develop a growth mindset, based on hard work and effort to underpin these difficult GCSE years. The Fourth Form begin new GCSEs and, as the government has reduced choice and certain subject areas, like the creatives, we are doing quite the opposite and have extended our GCSE curriculum to be more bespoke; a curriculum built around the individual, allowing flexibility in subject choice, the number taken and the ability to focus on particular areas of interest.

I look forward to reporting back to you next year on how these developments are bedding in and improving our academic provision.

Richard III is one of Shakespeare’s most terrifying villains, and earlier this year Benedict Cumberbatch

brought the nation to a standstill in his wonderful portrayal in the BBC production of The Hollow Crown.

I found one moment of his performance particularly chilling. When asked by one of his cronies for the lands and titles promised in return for his loyalty, Cumberbatch turned to the camera with such menace and quickly retorted “I am not in the giving vein today”. I am delighted to say that nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to our community and the generosity of heart, mind and giving it has displayed this year in raising over £60,000 in less than a year to rebuild the Tamang Kharka School in Nepal.

In particular, I must thank the Nepal Committee of parents and staff that worked so tirelessly and creatively in raising these funds and I look forward to the opening ceremony later this year. SV has certainly been in the giving vein!

Our community allows us all to feel supported and part of a larger family with high expectations and standards, but rooted in care and kindness to others. Of course teenagers get things wrong at times, we all do, but this year’s charitable achievement, along with the many daily acts of kindness we see, stand testament to our Christian foundation and this community.

Although we are one community we are also quite tribal and fiercely competitive when it comes to our House Competitions and it falls upon me now, after our final competition has finished to announce the winner of this year’s competition. I would like to invite Jo Baughan to come forward to present the Baughan Cup to the worthy winners, Clothworkers.

There was a lovely cartoon in The Times recently that depicted an Elizabethan courtier down on one knee in a puddle, rain falling all around declaiming Shakespeare’s famous Sonnet 18 to a beautiful lady standing in front of him: “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” The lady quips back: “Not in this bleeding country!”

THE OLD SUTTONIAN

The February Cricket and Netball tour to South Africa was a huge success.

Lulled into a false sense of security that sporting events always occur in the sunshine, we were looking forward to an action-packed term, but we have been somewhat challenged shall we say by the British weather. Having said that, the 1st XI, captained by Abdullah Adil, has managed to capitalise when able, with exceptional wins against The Forty Club, Colfes, Sevenoaks, Worth and Whitgift. The boys also managed a commendable draw against a strong MCC side. The first century of the season was scored by the U13A captain, Will Saltmarsh, closely followed by Abdullah Adil’s brilliant 101 not out against the Judd.

Girls’ tennis continues to strengthen and we can now boast ten teams playing a total of fifty six matches this term and very successfully. The U12 team qualified for the LTA Division 2 Schools’ Finals and the U15s first pair of Kate Woodford and Georgie Mancais have remained unbeaten throughout the season.

In Netball the 1st VII enjoyed a 64% win rate, ending a successful season with a 25-22 victory against Cranbrook. The U14As beat this with a 78% win rate only to be pipped to the post by the undefeated U12As who have a bright future indeed ahead of them.

Equally impressive were the undefeated seasons enjoyed by the Boys U13B, F and H squads and the Girls U13A Hockey squads. Whereas strong older teams (both boys and girls) struggled a little this year to really capitalise on their dominance and finish games off. The junior squads did very well, including the boys U16As being runners up in the Kent Cup and the boys U14s making the Quarter Finals of their county competition.

The Michaelmas Term saw our Rugby provision build across all year groups with teams playing a very distinct brand of Rugby that was both attractive and enjoyable for our players. This season individual players

have started to combine working hard on the training pitch with time being spent in the strength and conditioning suite to ensure that the fast and free style of play could also be matched with strength and power.

In terms of results, the stand out wins came in form of the 1st XV beating a Tonbridge XV away from home, the Under 16A team winning against Tonbridge and Whitgift and the Under 13A team beating strong Reigate Grammar School and Whitgift squads.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Alderman for all he has done for our Sports Department over many years. He now hands over the mantle of Director of Sport to Mr Howell as Mr Alderman takes up the Housemastership of Holdgate.

“If Music be the food of love, play on” is the opening line of Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night, and play on and sing up our musicians have done in abundance this year with a highlysuccessful Chapel Choir trip to Rome in October followed later in the same term with two wonderful Carol Services.

Masterclasses and concert trips took place as usual, but the highlight of the calendar was the Lent term concert with wonderful performances of Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, Finzi’s Prelude, Shostakovich’s Second Piano Concerto and even a Handel organ concerto with a slightly rusty and cantankerous Headmaster at the keyboards. The concert calendar concluded with a truly moving rendition by the Chapel Choir of Karl Jenkins’s Mass for the Armed Man. As well as these ensemble events, 33 pupils took individual music examinations, with an impressive 76% of all entries being awarded Distinction or Merit levels.

In 1864 Victor Hugo completed his book entitled William Shakespeare.

It was an unmitigated flop! Deciding there was more about Hugo in the work than Shakespeare, several critics suggested he should rename it: “Myself and me”. Two years earlier, Hugo had published the novel Les Misérables and 152 years later in January of this year, Sutton Valence audiences were treated to a truly professional and first-class performance of Schonberg’s musical adaptation of this work.

HEADMASTER’S REVIEW

And yet again we find ourselves in what we ironically call “the summer term”, blighted by the weather, but still witness to some wonderful sporting achievements and successes.

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HEADMASTER’S REVIEW

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THE OLD SUTTONIAN

In 2008, two American academics founded Movers & Shakespeares, a company designed to teach leadership to business through the language and lessons drawn from Shakespeare’s plays. First and foremost is, of course, Henry V’s motivational speech to his troops on the eve of the Battle of Agincourt: “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.”

Hopefully, we have not witnessed much bloodshed this year, but our Leadership journey continues to grow in size and importance. For many years independent schools have prided themselves on the leadership and service instilled in their pupils without really knowing how this happened. At SV we have been working hard to formalise and structure our Leadership journey so we can quantify and measure how we deliver these vital skills to our pupils and you will see next year that we have woven together a comprehensive curriculum stretching from Year 5 in the Prep right through to the Upper Sixth. Without doubt, employers are looking at these extras that make pupils stand out from the crowd and we intend, going forward, to provide lots of opportunities for pupils to gain these clear points of difference to enhance their CVs, hopefully giving them a competitive advantage.

Another busy year for the CCF has seen them engaged with the wider community at the village’s Remembrance Sunday observance, the Armed Forces Day and our continued support of Blind Veterans UK. This sense of service will continue for those cadets going on the Brunei Trip where, as well as jungle training and charitable work, they will be the first CCF to lay wreaths at the memorials for those who died on ‘The Death Marches’ in Malaysia at the end of the Second World War. It is now firmly established that all of our Third Form undertake their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards. With such a large number of participants, we have embedded the practice and training expeditions firmly into the last two weeks of this term and our Bronze groups are now a familiar site meandering their way through the footpaths of Kent.

In Gold we have seen a healthy interest with the Easter and summer expeditions being very well attended with groups doing a variety of routes and “explorations”. The weather always plays a part in the expedition and this April was no exception, with horrendous weather which tested the navigation, leadership and decisionmaking skills of the groups. Overall, we have 180 pupils registered to do their DofE and have awarded 51 Bronze Awards, 10 Silver and 18 Gold Awards this year.

It is incredible to think that Shakespeare was twelve years old and still attending Stratford Grammar School when William Lambe founded Sutton Valence School bequeathing an annual allowance of 20 shillings per year for the Headmaster and 10 for the Usher 440 years later, the Bursar’s stipend is going up to 11 shillings per annum and the School is gearing up for our own anniversary celebration: our 450th which will take place in 2026. In preparation for this, we are launching and developing an innovative and

exciting masterplan to further improve the School.

Work has been done over the past five years in strengthening the corporate spaces that house our community. The final part of this development is the new Reception build. Once finished it will truly enhance our site and its security.

We are establishing an exciting partnership with an Old Suttonian in China, to open a preparatory school for 600 pupils in Tianjin for September 2017. A recruitment campaign for the founding Head began at the end of June and, if all goes to plan, we will sign the full agreement with HIK, our Chinese partners before we return in September.

Finally, to mark the 450th anniversary in 2026, I am working with the governors and the senior staff to develop a tenyear masterplan that will see more academic developments both within the actual curriculum and through the physical development of our beautiful site, here and at the Prep School.

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