Keeping Connected 16

KEEPING CONNECTED Number 16 October 2020

A message from the Development office

COVID-19 seems to have dominated our lives for so long now that many of us are finding our ‘new normal’. However, there are many people who are finding the length of isolation, working from home or general lack of contact with extended family members, very wearing, lonely and/or stressful.

As we appear to be on the brink of further restrictions, please remember we remain, as always, here for our community – if you are an Old Truronian finding this strange new world hard to adapt to, or you are feeling lonely or isolated – please get in touch. We might be able to reunite you with old friends, create a ZOOM reunion, or find other ways to offer a little cheer.

Please email tsa@truroschool.com or telephone 01872 246094.

Jayne, Nicky, Amanda and Jo.

Professor Trevor Drew CO72 - OBE, PhD, MSc, CBIOL, FRSB Director - Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness

We recently published an article (Keeping Connected Edition 12) featuring Old Truronian Professor Trevor Drew CO72, Director of the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP).

Professor Trevor Drew is a world renowned expert in the field of infectious diseases and animal health. He is leading a team of dedicated scientists at CSIRO’s* Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong who are working around-the-clock to understand and fight the virus which causes COVID-19.

Trevor Drew was born in Cornwall and attended Truro School from 1966 – 1971.

Following his undergraduate studies in microbiology, he studied for his Masters in applied immunology at King’s College and Brunel University, London. He completed his PhD in molecular virology, as part of a research collaboration between the UK Veterinary Laboratories Agency and the Central Veterinary Institute, the Netherlands, completing in 1995.

Professor Drew continues the fight against the Coronavirus – you can read a recently published research article on the fascinating work being carried out at the Australian research laboratories.

“The new coronavirus may remain infectious for weeks on banknotes, glass and other common surfaces, according to research by Australia’s top biosecurity laboratory that highlights risks from paper currency, touchscreen devices and grab handles and rails.

Scientists at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness showed SARSCoV-2 is “extremely robust,” surviving for 28 days on smooth surfaces such as glass found on mobile phone screens and plastic banknotes at room temperature, or 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). That compares with 17 days survival for the flu virus. Virus survival declined to less than a day at 40 degrees Celsius on some surfaces, according to the study, published in Virology Journal.

The findings add to evidence that the Covid-19-causing coronavirus survives for longer in cooler weather, making it potentially harder to control in winter than summer. The research also helps to more accurately predict and mitigate the pandemic’s spread" the scientists said.

"Our assay (process) was very sensitive and it is likely that, after two weeks or so, the amount of virus that would be left, would not likely be enough to infect someone. But it does highlight the importance of washing your hands regularly and not touching your mouth or eyes” says Trevor.

Read the full research papers: The effect of temperature on persistence of SARS CoV 2 on common surfaces by: Shane Riddell, Sarah Goldie, Andrew Hill, Debbie Eagles and Trevor W. Drew. CLICK HERE. Trevor is also co-author on another paper which indicates there is likely to be no need for a new vaccine against a variant strain of SARS CoV2 which now seems to dominate in Europe and America. CLICK HERE.

Amelia Grigg CO14 Marries in the School Chapel Having had to postpone her long-scheduled wedding due to lockdown restrictions, Amelia grasped the window of opportunity when 30 guests were allowed to weddings earlier this year. She was married in the School Chapel

by Reverend Aubin de Gruchy and celebrated with close family and friends in the garden of her family home.

Amelia kindly shared with us some photographs from the day.

Amelia and brother Robert Grigg CO16

Kiani Pay CO13 and Amelia

Class of 64 Reunion 2021 Truro School are delighted to be hosting the next reunion in October 2021 (Covid-19 restrictions permitting).

An open invitation from Richard Stevenson CO64: Hello all, I hope that you are coping with this dreaded coronavirus and remain optimistic for the future of your families, the country and indeed the world. Certainly Nicky Berridge and the new Headmaster Andy Johnson remain optimistic as we have been invited back to Truro School next October with our wives and partners for our reunion when we will be 75.

The reunion will be held on Saturday 9th October or Saturday 16th October and unless anyone has a preference for one of those dates I will leave it up to the School to choose.

We will follow the same successful format as in previous years: we meet at midday at the School Chapel followed by buffet lunch and then a guided tour of the school. In the afternoon we will watch a 1XV rugby match if one is scheduled for that day or we can go on a guided tour of the City of Truro. In the evening we return to Truro School for dinner in the Dining Room.

If you know any guys from our year who haven't attended our reunions previously and would like to attend please do make contact with them and put them in touch with me or Nicky Berridge on tsa@truroschool.com.

Looking forward to meeting up again next year.

With best wishes, Richard

CO62-64 at the October 2016 Reunion

Class of 64 Reunion History, by Richard Stevenson In 1995 my wife Catherine and I holidayed on the Isles of Scilly and met up with old school friends: Andrew Julian CO64, Keith ‘Kat’ Low CO64, Francis Hicks CO64 and John Bourdeaux CO64 for the first time since I left school in 1962.

While we were there we also found the site of the Scout Camp that our troop attended with Mr Penna (TS 19451979), Geography teacher and our Scoutmaster.

We met James Vage CO75 in his Truro jewellery shop when we called in to buy a watch for our son's 21st birthday and we got chatting about the boys from our year who were still living in Truro and the rest of Cornwall and considered the possibility of holding a reunion the following year when we would all be 50. James said he would track down those he knew in Cornwall and I would track down those from the Scillies, the rest of the country and indeed the rest of the world. I spoke to the late Mr Dodd (TS 1992-2001), Headmaster at the time, and he invited us to hold the reunion at School using the Chapel and the dining room.

Between us we tracked down seventy-three from our year complete with names, addresses and phone numbers (this was before the use of the internet) of which forty-nine, many with partners, attended the reunion.

At the dinner Mr Dodd officiated and former Headmaster Mr Burrell (TS 1959-1986) was the guest speaker. I was able to tell Mr Burrell how he introduced us, through his Cinema Club, to interesting films like Battleship Potemkin and Wages of Fear, resulting in an enduring love of the cinema.

The reunion was such a success it was suggested we hold another in 2006 when we would all be 60. Unfortunately, James Vage died tragically a year or so after the first reunion.

Steve Floyd, then Development Officer, took over much of the administration at Truro School and I rounded up the troops. About forty-three Old Truronians and six teachers sat down to dinner on 14 October 2006, many with their

partners. It was again regarded as a great success, in spite of the fact that Mr Weeks who was to be our guest speaker was unable to attend as he was poorly: fortunately, Headmaster Paul Smith (TS 2001-2012) stepped up.

When I suggested that we all meet up again when we all reached 70 in 2016, Kat Low said that we might not make it to 70! We decided that we would hold another reunion when we turned 65 and that is what we did in 2011. Fifty-one of us sat down to a dinner including four of our teachers: Mr Jackson, Mr Keam, Mr Monks and Mr Taylor, twenty-seven Old Truronians from our year, together with many partners. We all enjoyed another delicious Dinner of Cornish Fare. Bert Biscoe CO71, also an OId Truronian, was a first-class speaker and Headmaster Paul Smith proposed the toasts.

And that brings us up to 2016 when we all turned 70.

We met as usual in the Chapel and after an excellent lunch we were shown around the School and our old haunts by a group of boarders, followed by, either a trip to the sports field to watch the rugby 1st XV playing Blundells School, or an excellent tour of Truro led by Bert Biscoe CO71.

Twenty five Old Truronians were joined for dinner by Mr Jackson (TS 19541994), Mr Keam (TS 1962-1998), Mr Monks (TS 1960-1992), Mr Taylor (TS 1960-1967) and Mrs Weeks (representing Mr. Weeks). The then Headmaster, Andrew Gordon-Brown (TS 2012-2020) and Nicky Berridge, Development and Alumni Relations Manager also joined us, together with many of our partners resulting in a seating plan for fifty-five.

The Headmaster proposed the toasts and made an address and instead of having a guest speaker there was an opportunity for guests to stand up and to reminisce about the "Old Days" We are looking forward to the next five year reunion hosted by the new Head, Andy Johnson, when, with a bit of luck and a following wind, we will be 75.

Class of 64 Reunion History, by Martin Wilmhurst CO64 Prior to 1996 - our first reunion - I had only visited Truro School once since leaving, the main reason being that I was either at sea or overseas.

However, I did make a visit in the 70's or 80's but that was very much a solo visit when I was taken around by a prefect. I did manage to meet up once or twice with the late Nigel Terry CO64.

By 1996 I was married and employed in the Role of Accommodation & Catering Manager on a large project in Australia. It was then that I received a letter from Richard Stevenson CO64 advising of the first reunion.

I jumped at the idea and managed to get some days off which in effect was an extended weekend.

I flew over on the Wednesday, hired a car, drove down to Truro, stayed in some B&B and attended the reunion then flew back on the Monday. What a weekend! To catch up with everyone after all those years which seemed just like it had been yesterday - except for some hair changes - colour and volume! Then to repeat it later on a regular basis was fantastic. I took delight at being able to take my kids and Colombian wife to show them what a real boarding school was. The kids still associate Truro School with Hogwarts, the only other boarding school they know of!

Big thanks to Truro School for mentoring us and providing a great start to our future lives and also a big thank you to Richard Stevenson, without whom this would not have happened in the way that it has.

These reunions have resurrected friendships that have continued onto Facebook so that we are still that one great Class of 64!

Truro School Announces Partnership with Saints Southwest

Truro School is pleased to announce a new partnership with leading football development centre, Saints Southwest. Saints Southwest is an official club partner of Southampton Football Club and provides education, community, football and sporting provisions across the South West.

As an official Saints Southwest partner, Truro School pupils will benefit from the club’s commitment to ‘developing potential for all’ both on and off the pitch.

Building on an already high standard of coaching at Truro School, which last year saw the school’s Under-16s team crowned joint winners of the Independent School’s FA National Shield, the programme will provide pathways for boys and girls, taking them to the next level, as well as opening doors to a wide range of roles within the industry, such as coaching, performance analysis and research.

New Chair of Governors, Richard Thomas, said, “This is an exciting announcement to begin the new academic year with and further demonstrates Truro School’s commitment to providing a strong sporting legacy, and finding new ways to expand sporting opportunities for all pupils.”

Mark Titchard, Director of Saints Southwest added, “It’s with great pleasure the Saints Southwest join forces with Truro School; a proactive partnership built on key values, attention to detail and professionalism.”

Truro School will also be the hub and heartbeat for all Saints Southwest community provisions and programmes across Cornwall.

Best of… School Buildings In the latest School House Magazine, Alex Bloom-Davis rolls out the blueprints of some staggering new developments, including Truro School Cookery. He writes: MICHELIN STAR – Truro School, Cornwall 'Rick Stein would be proud of Truro School Cookery, which within 18 months of opening was one of four finalists at this year’s Food Reader Awards for the Best Cookery School, and the only finalist in Cornwall. A professional team guide pupils through all aspects of cooking through clubs, classes in ‘cooking from scratch’, ‘cakes and bakes’ and ‘street food’. Sixth formers can even take the Leith’s Certificate in Food & Wine.

Truro School Cookery is also available for the community to hire or to join courses as the cookery school is a ‘unique blend of academic and commercial use,’ says Maria Taylor, head of cookery. ‘The money from the commercial operation helps fund the academic side of the cookery school,’ says Ms Taylor.

‘It’s a match made in the kitchen.’'

Choristers on BBC3 The Sixth Form girl choristers recorded and performed on this fantastic production by The Gesualdo Six, which also featured on BBC Radio 3.

The Gesualdo Six is a vocal consort comprised of some of the UK’s finest young consort singers, directed by Owain Park. Formed in March 2014 for a performance of Gesualdo’s Tenebrae Responsories for Maundy Thursday in the chapel of Trinity College, Cambridge, the group went on to give over 150 performances around the United Kingdom and abroad in its first five years.

During this time, The Gesualdo Six further strengthened a passion for ensemble singing that for many of them stemmed from formative years as choristers in churches and cathedrals around the country. The Gesualdo Six regularly perform at festivals around Europe, and will tour Australia, Canada, Mexico and the USA in 2020.

Some of the performances have sadly been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Find out more about what they’re getting up to on their website.

CLICK HERE to watch the performance.

Harvest Festival

During the Harvest Festival week, each year group made food donations which were organised in the School Chapel. Three Sixth Form students led an assembly at the beginning of the week with information about the charities and encouraged donations.

On charity day, money was donated digitally to All We Can. On 12 October representatives from Truro Foodbank collected the food donations. There was so much they needed help from the caretakers to load it into the van!

View From The Chamber I really didn’t think that October 2020 would see me having to try and answer more questions and make more predictions for the future than I was doing back in March, but with the end of furlough and the B word withdrawal period fast approaching, a lot of businesses are feeling uncertain and want answers.

At Cornwall Chamber of Commerce we’re finding it increasingly difficult to draw an accurate picture of the quantum of jobs at risk in the Duchy versus factors that might offset job losses. There were more jobs advertised in Cornwall in August than in any previous year on record, but the level of layoffs in hospitality, retail, manufacturing and business services when furlough ends is still very worrying.

We are lobbying Government to listen to business intel over the month and implement further measures if the Job Support Scheme doesn’t look enough to save thousands of jobs.

Believe it or not, there’s a lot to be positive about at present. In some sectors turnover is up, and South West Investment Group (SWIG) approved a record number of Business Start-up Loans in August. Chamber itself is recruiting for seven new positions across Marketing, Events and International Trade. There are things happening that will benefit the Duchy in the longer term and Cornwall Chamber of Commerce continues to work on exciting projects. Just this week, we got the go ahead from Google to put forward 10 local companies to be permanently featured on their Arts & Culture app, which has a global audience.

We’ve also collaborated with Truro & Penwith College on three new Peer Networks; Construction, 30 Under 30, and Growth Business Chief Executives.

Peer Networks is national programme designed to help solve Britain’s productivity problem. Individuals on the Cornwall programme will have a fantastic opportunity to access relevant support and network with their peers.

I’m thrilled that the perils of 2020 haven’t restricted the Chamber’s ability to

select a Charity of the Year 2020-21. The vote was unanimous for St Petrocs; the charity’s aim is to end street homelessness in Cornwall – what a fantastic cause.

The bumper summer has put Cornwall at the forefront of many people’s minds, and some of those people are the movers and shakers who have the power to help the county capitalise on its resources. I am confident that the pandemic has been a catalyst for positive change in Cornwall in many ways and I am excited to see what the future holds.

By Kim Conchie Chief Executive Officer, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce & Foundation Trustee

Click here to visit the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce website

Fond Farewell

Trevor (Frank Bertram) JAGGAR 02/09/1925 - 27/09/2020 TS 1937-1943 Trevor, aged 95 years, died at Michael Sobell Hospice in Northwood on 27th September 2020. 65 years of happy marriage to Eiry. Loving father of Sian and Rhys. Trevor returned annually for many years to Tanzania during retirement following colonial service in the 1940s and also holidayed every year in Cornwall for many years. He worked in teaching and Schools Inspection for 25 years, and regular accompaniment of the Secretary of State when visiting educational establishments in London. The family hopes to have a celebration of Trevor's life at a later date.

Paul COLLENETTE 29/08/1950 - 29/09/2020 Former Teacher TS 1974-2010 Originally from Guernsey, Paul Collenette studied at Aberystwyth University before joining the Geography and Geology department at Truro School in 1974. In the late 1970s he was appointed Head of Department. Retiring in 2010, after 36 years at Truro School, he was fittingly described as a 'true rock', and that 'the place simply won’t be the same without him'. The school has certainly lost one of its real characters.

Full tributes will appear in the December issue of the Truronian magazine.

Where Are They Now?

We have discovered that we are missing cross-country reports and team photos from the late 70s and early 80s. Were you in the cross-country team during this time? Maybe you have some old photos stored away? Or even if you weren't in the cross-country team but have some fond memories, then please get in touch.

Cross-Country Report from Terraces 1973

If you would like Jo to see if she can find anything in our Archives which might be of interest to you, please email: jvw@truroschool.com or tsa@truroschool.com

An Unsual Request We recently received an e-mail from Jon Pritchett, patron of the Staffordshire Pirates Cricket Club with an unusual request. A former secretary of the club, Cyril Repper (TS 1938-42), donated a ruby and ecru coloured Old Boys’ blazer, which has been used as a man-of-the-match award since the late 1970s.

"The jacket has become very tatty and threadbare, more akin to a waistcoat now, and we would dearly love to source a replacement to carry on our tradition in future years".

If anyone, by chance, might have an unwanted red and cream school blazer looking for a new home, Jon would be delighted to hear from you at jon@ cpbuk.co.uk.

The blazer in use about 25 years ago

The Old Boys’ blazer was produced from the 1920s to the 1940s, and supplied by Collett and Seymour, outfitters in Truro.

Ruby and ecru used to be the school colours before the blue, chocolate and white stripes were introduced.

Old Truronian Memories Steve Burrows CO69 Steve recently got in touch after discovering a letter dated from 1963 from the school about fees Whilst sorting through files the other day, I came across the attached that I thought you may wish to put in the next Keeping Connected. That is what my parents would have paid for my year at Poltisco in 1963!

I still see and keep in contact with several old boys, in particular, David Pascoe CO71, Peter Friend CO70 and Greg Mewton CO72 (Peter and Greg pictured right with Steve) and after several pints realise that we never really grew up!

I have recently retired as Director of Falmouth Golf Club and am now embarking on mastering the guitar that I have been attempting to play for the past 30 years, hey ho!!

Online Cultural Events 10 Museums You Can Explore Right Now https://artsandculture.google.com/ story/10-museums-you-can-explore-right-here-right-now/igKSKBBnEBSGKg Take a virtual journey to breathtaking museums all around the world. Get inspiration for which museums and galleries to visit this weekend and warm up for some culture.

Street View - Tour Famous Sites and Landmarks https://artsandculture.google.com/project/ street-view Go behind the scenes of famous sites and landmarks from iconic monuments such as the Taj Mahal and Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Search the Royal Academy Collection https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/art-artists/search/search-the-collection?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIv8emkeWz7AIV0N_tCh3T7gzqEAAYBCAAEgIEW_D_BwE Look for people, works of art, books, archive materials, exhibition catalogues and frames from within the RA Collection.

Culture in Quarantine https://www.bbc.co.uk/arts Bringing arts and culture into your home

Maria’s Recipe Pork and Apricot Sausage Rolls

Method Heat the olive oil in a medium sized pan on a low heat and gently fry the shallots and garlic for 10 minutes.

Stir through the sage and cook for a further 2 minutes.

Set aside to cool slightly.

Empty the sausage meat into a large mixing bowl and add the shallots, apricots and grated apple. Season well and mix until well combined.

Ingredients Makes 6 large sausage rolls 1 pack of puff pastry 1 tbsp olive oil 2 shallots 1 garlic clove 1 tbsp freshly chopped sage 500g sausage meat 15g dried apricots, roughly chopped 1 Cox apple, grated 1 tsp fennel seeds

Remove the chilled pastry from the fridge and roll, on a floured surface, to a large rectangle. Trim the sides to 23cm x 30cm and then divide the pastry into two long lengths, each 35cm x 15cm.

Divide the sausage meat in two and shape into two long ‘sausages’. Place in the centre of each pastry length and brush the edges of the pastry with a little beaten egg.

Fold the pastry over the sausage meat to cover, trim with a sharp knife and cut each length of pastry into 3. There should be 6 sausage rolls in total. Gently press the join of the pastry with a fork to secure.

Place the sausage rolls on waxed paper on a baking sheet and brush with beaten egg. Put in the fridge for 15 minutes to chill completely.

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with fennel seeds and cook for 20–25 minutes until puffed up and golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before serving.

Brand new cooking courses have just been released for you to book on for.

Find out more on the Cookery School website.

The main Cookery School café is now open every Saturday during term time from 10 – 3.

Truro School Connected Truro School Connected aims to provide a lifelong networking community consisting of Sixth Form students, Old Truronians, and current and former members of the Truro School Community to assist with careers advice, guidance, work placement opportunities and networking links.

A network for life... This extends beyond school - one that not only helps our Sixth Form but also enables our younger alumni to access contacts across the globe who can, in partnership with Truro School, assist and advise with future career planning.

Our network for life... The programme has many facets – for example our younger alumni continue to seek advice and mentoring from members of Truro School Connected but can also offer advice about their experiences of university to Sixth Form students about to make their first big decision.

Get involved... We appreciate that not everybody can visit the school to chat to our students about their career but there are other important ways that you can get involved. Perhaps you could offer to assist our careers team by: • • • • • • •

Reviewing CV's.

Conducting mock interviews.

Hosting a table at one of our business lunches (remotely).

Attending post-18 options days.

Becoming a delegate at our Careers Convention.

Presenting at our lecture series.

Offering work experience or an internship.

Or just chat with a student and explain what your role entails by coming to one of our Truro School Connected social events.

If you can help, or would like to receive help and guidance yourself, in any way, big or small, please complete the online form.

CAREERS

2020

Support

FUTURES

Careers Clinics

Virtual remote sessions throughout term

Aspiring Healthcare Professionals Virtual remote sessions every Wednesday from 7.30 - 8.30 pm

There are also other ways in which you can support, for example: mock interviews, CV reviews or by providing meaningful work experience.

The world of work is changing dramatically as businesses adopt new technology, ideas, and working patterns.

Through the Careers Service and Truro School Connected, this network for life, we assist in fostering links with Old Truronians and creating a plan for Sixth Formers’ future education and career.

Sarah Finnegan, Co-ordinator of the Medical Pathways Programme particulary wants to hear from anyone in the allied heath sector. Do you work in healthcare?

Are you passionate about promoting your profession? Please e-mail Sarah at sef@truroschool.com if you are able to help.

Allied Healthcare Professional Sessions Coming soon 23.09.20 Kirsten Leslie CO88 - Nurse and Psychotherapist 30.09.20 Luke Cunningham - Dietician 18.11.20 Chris Smith CO14 - Paramedic 23.11.20 Healthcare professional wanted 30.11.20 Healthcare professional wanted 02.12.20 Healthcare professional wanted

Search 'Truro School Community' on LinkedIn to join the conversation

Truro School Development Office Truro School - Working together with our communitiy Email: tsa@truroschool.com Polite Notice: Charity Advertising

Unfortunately, we will no longer be able to advertise 3rd party charity information within our communications. We are receiving an increasing number of requests and therefore, a policy decision has been reached as we do not wish to cause offence to any of our readers and to maintain fairness to all. We thank you for your understanding in this instance.