Events and Reunions

Remembrance Sunday

14th November 2021

Some four years ago when the nation was commemorating the 100-year anniversary of WWI, The Old Berkhamstedians decided to mark that occasion by renovating and improving the Remembrance Garden that lies between the Library and the Chapel. Covid-19 hindered progress, but eventually each of the four walls was enhanced with a set of wrought iron railings as well as a commemorative brass plate placed in the Garden.

Early in 2021 the Acacia Tree in the Gravel Quad was declared unsafe and had to be felled. The Old Berkhamstedians paid for a replacement tree and, because of its link with Armistice Day, it was formally planted on Remembrance Sunday by OB President Brigitta Case. The Principal, Mr Richard Backhouse, then unveiled the Remembrance Garden commemorative brass plate.

The history behind the Remembrance Garden and the Acacia Tree is described below.

In the closing stages of WWI, schools all over the country began to contemplate the erection of War Memorials. There was much discussion on whether these should be purely commemorative or utilitarian. At Berkhamsted the two rival principles were combined: a list of names of the fallen on bronze tablets in the cloisters and a stained-glass west window in the Chapel representing one principle and a War Memorial Library and Museum the other. The new building with its Library on the first floor and a Museum on the ground floor was in use by 1925. As time passed, however, there was little enthusiasm for the Museum and it never caught on.

The Library was linked to the Chapel by the Remembrance Garden, which is a prominent reminder of all those Old Berkhamstedians who have lost their lives in the service of their country. A second bronze plaque was placed in the cloisters to commemorate those Old Berkhamstedians who fell in WWII. During the two World Wars, 391 former pupils and staff of Berkhamsted School were lost. The Old Berkhamstedians decided that after nearly 100 years the Remembrance Garden was in need of further renovation and have worked with the School to place railings on each of the four walls with the simple message: ‘We Remember’.

The brass plate within the Garden reads:

‘The Remembrance Garden was created after the First World War in memory of those who gave their lives in that conflict. The Old Berkhamstedians renovated it in 2006 and added the railings in 2021. The message reminds us of Old Berkhamstedians, in all walks of life, who have lost their lives in the service of their country.’

The Acacia Tree

This photograph of the School taken in the early 1900s shows the original Acacia Tree in the Gravel Quad. Because of its decaying state a decision was taken in 1919 to replace the tree on Armistice Day, and it was planted by masters who had served at the Front, headed by Major AG Coombs, DSO. The plaque reads:

The following is from the recollections of a schoolboy 1873 –

We could play rounders and stump cricket on the green in front of the school buildings and “prisoners’ base” on the gravel, with the acacia tree for ‘home’.

An acacia tree has been the focal point of the Gravel Quad for at least 200 years. The original was replaced in 1919 on Armistice Day by masters who had served at the Front. 102 years later, that tree had to be felled but the tradition will continue with the planting of its replacement, generously funded by The Old Berkhamstedians.

The Acacia Tree was felled on Monday 16th August 2021. It took the whole day to fell the tree down to the stump. The next day the stump and root were ground out to a depth of about three feet and the hole filled with topsoil. During the felling it could be seen that the heart of the Acacia Tree had rotted and at one stage during the felling a section of the trunk just fell over. It was obvious that it was becoming a safety hazard and needed to be removed. The men felling the Acacia were very good in following my suggestion of producing sections of wood which could eventually be used for turning, although owing to the state and size of trunk this was not easy. A large amount of the wood was transported to Haresfoot where it was stacked to allow to dry.

In the July 1909 edition of The Berkhamstedian there is an article entitled ‘A Sketch of the School in the Sixties’. That is the 1860s. There is a reference to the Acacia Tree, namely, ‘The Acacia still stands below the terrace’. It also refers to two wings added to the original School building which we knew as Uppers and Lowers. In the June 1912 edition there is another article entitled ‘Some Random Recollections of Berkhamsted School, 1873-1875’ which includes the following lines: ‘The greensward in front of the School buildings was at this time very much less restricted than it is now, and we could play stump cricket as well as rounders, while “prisoners’ base” on the gravel when the grass was sodden, with the Acacia Tree for “home” was popular even with the swells.’ The 1910 photograph shows the original tree, which looks as if it could also have been more than 100 years old. The December 1919 edition states, ‘In addition to the observation of Armistice Day, the occasion was made the opportunity for planting in the quad, a young acacia tree, which is hoped will be a worthy successor to the old tree, now decaying. The tree was planted by masters who have served at the front, headed by Major AG Coombs, DSO.’

It will live on

The Acacia Tree is being turned into bowls and other items which should be on sale in 2022. All the money received will be split between The Old Berkhamstedians, to be used for war memorial projects, and the Old Berkhamstedian Masonic Lodge. The drying can take about three years, but the process can be speeded up by part turning and then drying using a microwave before final turning and polishing. Some of the tree was dead and is dry enough to turn. The wood is beautiful to turn and there are some sections of burr wood with amazing growth patterns. Below are a few samples that have been produced so far. Keith Goddard (Ad ’62)

On 13th November, the Class of 2011 celebrated its 10-year anniversary. The evening took place in the Nash-Harris Dining Hall at the Kings Campus with welcome drinks served on arrival. At the start of the evening, after 10 years and returning to school, there were slight nerves felt among all, but these quickly faded away and we slipped back into our familiar ways. From then on there was a happy buzz in the room the entire evening – and with a strong turn-out of more than 75 pupils, there was a lot of catching up to do. Not only with our fellow classmates but with some of our old teachers too, which really was a delight after so many years.

It felt particularly special to be celebrating this milestone, all together, given the last year we have had. As someone in the evening succinctly put it, ‘We were a good year and we’ve always just wanted the best for one another’. So, on that note – here’s to the 20-year reunion!

Anna Dixon (SG ’11)

2010 Leavers’ 10-Year Reunion

On 25th September 2021, the Class of 2010 celebrated its 10-year anniversary (delayed from the previous year). Always a tight-knit year group throughout school, we enjoyed an evening of catching up on both our time at school and the decade. Mr Webb, a true fan-favourite, gave a wonderful speech on his memories of the Class of 2010, and we also had a moving tribute to Will Cousins (Sw/Ch ’10), who we lost in 2018. After 18 months of restrictions and cancellations, it was pure escapism to spend the evening reminiscing about happier times. Laura Kirk (SG ’10)

2000 and 2001 Leavers’ 20-Year Reunion

On Saturday 16th October 2021, we welcomed back the Years of 2000 and 2001 for a joint 20-Year Reunion, one of the first reunions back on site since March 2020. With 40 attendees across the two years, there was a great atmosphere in Old Hall as everyone caught up on all the news and events since their last reunion, 10 years earlier. The former students were joined by current and former staff and our thanks go to them for joining us for the evening. As the meal drew to a close – and after a quick tour around the old building – the party headed off to The Kings Arms for a few late-night drinks! Vicky Rees (Hon)

After 50 Plus Years

Golf Club Lunch, 19th August 2021

The 2021 Lunch for ‘Boys’ who left School 50 or more years ago was held at Berkhamsted Golf Club on 19th August 2021.

This was the first time we had been able to meet since May of 2019 and the occasion had been very much looked forward to by both regulars and new participants. We were not disappointed. We all had a chance to catch up and reminisce and the service provided by the Club was excellent. Many OB ties were present and also a number of School ties – and even a School Colours blazer had been unearthed and worn with pride.

Covid had not only caused the long delay but also forced a change of format as the Golf Club were not providing buffet meals, and so we met for a sit-down lunch with waiter service and even had waiter service in the bar. We also found that our usual photographer had decided on a change of career, but here we were saved by Jon Culverhouse (Ad ’63), who brought along his trusty camera and took some excellent photographs.

After lunch we had a talk from Sir Christopher Hum (Be ’63), who entertained us with his experiences in the People’s Republic of China, both as a young diplomat and also, later, as Her Majesty’s Ambassador.

Thirty-two of us were present (one missed the photo) and their names can be found in the Attendees lists at the end of this section.

We are all looking forward to meeting again next year. Dates will be announced soon. John Hilsden (Ad ’62)

OB Reunion in Perth, Western Australia

Here’s a photo from the OB get-together that occurred in Perth, Western Australia in September 2021. A wonderful night was had by all, with a fascinating array of school/life stories, as well as the obligatory (for 2021) West Aussie moans about being in the remotest city on Earth, cut off from the rest of the world owing to our shut borders. From left to right: Jerry Hart (In ’81), Andrew McLean (Be ’81), Moyna Harland (Martin) (SH ’58), myself, Simon Tilley (SH ’86), Brett Howard (Ad ’92), Andrew Lambert (SH ’93). James Fairbairn (Fr ’89)

London Steak Dinner

1st December 2021

Our December 2020 dinner had to be cancelled because of Covid-19, and so we were particularly delighted to gather on 1st December at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Southampton Row, undeterred by the recent emergence of the Omicron variant. It was great that the event benefi tted from the largest attendance in many years, with 30 OBs gathered from in and around London with leaving dates ranging from 1960 to 2020. It was therefore perhaps not surprising that, as well renewing friendships, many unexpected links and connections were discovered. With tales of adventures at school and catching up on lives since leaving, the evening soon fl ew by. With such a great atmosphere, it is perhaps not surprising to hear several OBs remarking that it was a great way to start off the Christmas season.

Many thanks to Brigitta Case, our President, for welcoming us all; to Peter Willson, our Deputy President, for ensuring the continuation of this event and keeping its more than 60-year history alive; and to the DoubleTree staff for providing such a super venue and excellent food. Richard Case (Be ’79)

The first Wednesday of December is a momentous and exciting day that Old Berkhamstedians look forward to all year long. Speaking as a three-time Annual Luncheon-Dinner attendee, I can report without equivocation that the annual meet-up improves year on year!

The evening started with pre-dinner drinks, seeing a number of familiar faces from prior dinners, but also meeting siblings of school friends. During a delicious dinner, it became apparent that regardless of age, many stories could be shared, especially discussing teachers that have spanned multiple generations.

Coffee and port rounded off the evening, with many new attendees to the Annual Luncheon-Dinner remarking that they were excited for what next year brings, along with further new faces! Michael Parsey (SG ’16)

Attendees

2011 Leavers’ 10-Year Reunion

Georgie Andrews Charlotte Ashby Matt Barnes Marguerite Boyle Graham Burchnall (Hon) Ellie Chiang Hannah Cohen Jamie Collier Sarah Cox (Hon) Charlie Creasy Tom Diamond Anna Dixon Emily Ellis Guy Fountaine Joanna Frame Hannah Gaunt Andrew Gilbert Liam Gordon George Green Ed Green Emilia Gyles Sam Highfield James Holroyd Enzo Iacobucci Rowan Jonas Stephen Jullien Isabel Kokuti Louis Little Alice Liveing Ben Marsden Hannah Martin Matt McGrory Francesca Mears Grace Mills Natasha Mok Chris Moore Rebecca Nagle Bob Newport (Hon) Jonathon Nice Katie Nice Chris Nicholls (Hon) George Nisbet Charles Noakes Amber Olley David Omid Andrew Parmar-Yee Nikki Pasturel Sarah Persov Florence Pett Martin Pett (Hon) Dominique Preston Vicky Rees (Hon) Taya Riabkova Ed Roberts Amanda Rosenhagen Jonny Shell Toby Shevlane Jamie Shone Jonathan Simblett Emily Smith Jordon Smith Kate Sophoclides Toby Sylvester Rachel Trawicki Helen Tilley Jordan Turner Leila Watson Andrew Webb (Hon) Robert Wells Ed Whately-Smith Steve Wiggill Imogen Wignall Clementine Wood

2010 Leavers’ 10-Year Reunion

Angus Abbott Sam Adamson Tom Arch Elise Bailey Peter Bird Rob Boulter Georgia Brown George Brundrett Jerome Cant Olivia Chan Patrick Cowie Ed Creak

Alastair Crees Benjamin Deigman Steve Dight (Hon) Adam Diplock Lara Dunleavy James Duddy Georgia Entrican Tom Farmer Ed Ferneyhough Ed Foulgham-Levene Holly Franklin Elliot Gilder George Gilham Danni Gisbourne Katy Golder Bobbi Gosen William Grieve Tom Hadden William Hallan Georgia Harbison Isabel Hardy Charlotte Hawkes Leah Holt Anna Iacoponi Cameron Jones Ned Kilgannon Laura Kirk Alex Lay Jonathan Lister Ed Malcolm Charlotte May Cameron McPhail Thomas Metcalfe Imogen Nation Bob Newport (Hon) Rhea Patel Charlotte Petrie Martin Pett (Hon) Charlie Pollard Anthony Pritchard Luisa Ramirez Vicky Rees (Hon) Grace Roberts Greg Ruggles Jamie Russell Joe Shellard James Steadman Sophie Street Joseph Tang Victoria Tomlins Jessica Tomlins-Gill Matt Turner James Watson Andrew Webb (Hon) Megan Whittred Alexander Woodward James Young

2000 and 2001 Leavers’ 20-Year Reunion

Tom Amies Victoria Andersen (Bloggs) Jonathan Baldwin James Balker James Barron Ian Bartholomew Elizabeth Behan Steve Brown Frances Colyer Sarah Cooke (Rodwell) Steve Davis Stephen Dight (Hon) Ciaran Fields Charlotte Fields (Bolton) Adam French Christopher Hayward (Hon) Oliver Jobson Robert Jones Rob Jones Priya Kantaria Robert Marsden Richard Marshall Tim Martin Annick Mulcahy (Hon) Bjarni Nash Matti Nash Jon Neill Chris O’Brien Dan Olney Jay Patel Liz Richardson (Hon) Seb Roberts Ben Skinner Iain Southam Ben Story Nicola Walker Charlie Walker

After 50 Plus Years

Richard Biffa (Lo ’58) Jonathan Culverhouse (Ad ’63) Courtney Edenborough (Up ’45) Anthony Flack (Be ’58) Lance Free (Lo ’57) John Fry (Sw ’56) Keith Goddard (Ad ’62) Gilbert Grace (Sw ’52) Michael Harrison (Sw ’60) Roger Hill (Be ’45) John Hilsden (Ad ’62) Peter Hopes (Ad ’52) Jeremy Hopkinson (Ad ’61) Mike Horton (Sw ’64) Christopher Hum (Be ’63) Lance Kent (SJ ’57) Peter King (Co ’60) Michael Levitton (Sw ’56) John Linton (Ad ’57) Tony Lloyd (Ad ’53) Brian Norris (Ad ’52) Roger Roebuck (In ’59) John Rush (Sw ’59) Richard Smellie (In ’61) John Stevens (Ad ’53) John Tuff (Ad ’55) Derek Whitehead (Ad ’49) Gordon Whitehead (Co ’60) Peter Williamson (Be ’66) Tony Wolstenholme (Be ’57) Chris Wynne (Co ’64) David Young (Be ’60)

London Steak Dinner

Michael Abebe (SH ’93) Margaret Aitchison (OS ’61) James Brenner (’20) Susan Carpenter (Robinson) (OS ’64) Andi Case (Be ’85) Brigitta Case (Norris) (NS ’80) (President) Richard Case (Be ’79) Fred Charnock (Hon) Katy Craven (Altman) (Bu ’82) Mehul Desai (SH ’93) Guy Fountaine (As ’11) Sam Gaunt (Na ’12) Remy Horton (Bu ’99) Sarah Johnson (Bowden) (’79) Peter King (Co ’60) Andy McCreadie (Gr ’91) Robert Norris (Gr ’78) Olley O’Gorman (Ha ’12) James Parsey (SH ’17) Michael Parsey (SG ’16) William Parsey (Hon) Christopher Ptaszynski-Neophytou (Ch ’14) Steven Roberts (Ad ’73) Stuart Rosling (Gr ’95) Nick Shirley (Lo ’73) Corinna Whitfield (Drake) (SH ’68) Peter Willson (Co ’66) (Deputy

President) Angela Woodman (NS ’60) Inigo Woolf (In ’64)