OW Bulletin December 24

DECEMBER 2024

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CONTENTS

December 2024.

04. Bristol Social wraps up the Wellensian Association’s 100th Year 05. Hong Kong Gathering 08. Wells Remembers 13. Wellensian Paths: Where are You Now? 16. Musicians Perform for Royalty 19. Announcements 20. Dates for your diary

Featured on the cover is Maddie Perring, OW 2019. Maddie was a chorister at Wells Cathedral and received financial support to attend the School. Now training to be an opera singer and studying towards her Masters at the Royal College of Music. Maddie recently returned to School to perform at the Rising Stars concert. She commented that Wells “set the course for everything that has come since.”

Find out more on page 12.

A letter from the President.

Dear All, Welcome to the latest edition of the OW Bulletin!

As always, we’re delighted to bring you stories and updates from across our incredible Wellensian community. I hope you enjoy reflecting on the fond memories of your own time at School as you enjoy this issue.

The past few months have been especially busy and filled with moments that truly celebrate the spirit of Wells. We’ve had several wonderful get togethers, formally and informally, bringing together old friends from across the Year Groups.

These gatherings always remind me of the lifelong connection we all share, and it’s heartwarming to see how those ties continue to flourish over the years and span continents. Martin Ashton hosted drinks in Hong Kong and I saw some of you in Bristol last month.

In November, the School Remembrance Day commemorations were deeply moving, with pupils, staff, and OWs joining together to reflect on the sacrifices made by so many.

As we approach the festive season, I’d like to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your continued support. Whether through attending events, sharing your stories, or contributing in other ways, your involvement truly makes a difference.

I look forward to seeing many of you in 2025. You can find all the upcoming dates on page 20.

Finally, I’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Charlotte Sheaf, OW 2007 President of the Wellensian Association

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Bristol Social wraps up the Wellensian Association’s 100th Year.

Rounding off the Wellensian Association’s centenary year, Old Wellensians from across the Year Groups met for nibbles and a pint at the annual Bristol Social. The Whitmore Tap, in the heart of Bristol, once again served as the venue for OWs to raise a glass together. Wellensians agreed that it was fantastic to catch up with old friends and former teachers. The evening was full of memories and in the words of one attendee ‘the appropriate amount of casual banter’. Thanks to Miranda Little, OW 2007 and George Bunting, OW 1970 and Chair of the Wellensian Association, for sharing their photos.

CENTENARY 1924 - 2024

Hong Kong Gathering.

In October, we had the pleasure of reconnecting with many of you at an informal Wellenisan gathering in Hong Kong. Hosted by Martin Ashton, Deputy Head (Pastoral), at The Sheraton Hotel the evening was filled with laughter, conversations and many, many shared memories.

"I spent the evening with a wonderful group of OWs – from a 1988 leaver to a 2021 leaver. It was fantastic to see the school spirit thriving across the globe, and I look forward to another trip soon.”

Don’t forget to keep your details up to date by emailing alumni@wells.cathedral.school

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Your reunions.

In September, OWs in Singapore gathered for their first meet-up. Spanning leavers from 1974 to 2015, the event brought together Wellensians of all generations.

Jason Dalby, Steve Ducket and Shirley Coe, all from the Year Group of 1985 also met recently and we’re looking forward to seeing them at their 40th Reunion on June 21st 2025.

For more details about the 2025 Summer Reunion or to book tickets to our upcoming London Dinner please visit https://community.wells-cathedralschool.com/events

Above: Jamie Halligan OW 2015, Farrah Djohan OW 2000, Mark McGeoch OW 1974, and Lyn Kang OW 2004.

Jason Dalby, Steve Ducket and Shirley Coe

WNO Wellensians.

Three Wellensians had a different kind of reunion recently; they performed Opera Favourites from the Musicals together with the Welsh National Opera at Plymouth Theatre Royal in October.

Foundation Fellow Meeta Raval Smith, OW 2001, posting on Facebook said: “I couldn’t be happier! This evening I performed with Welsh National Opera and was elated to have

Wellensians Rosie Biss (Principal Cello) and Oliver Galletta (bassoon) performing with me in the orchestra. Warm hugs all round ❤️❤️❤️” Picture courtesy of Meeta Raval Smith, pictured with Rosie Biss, OW 1995 and Oliver Galetta, OW 2000

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Wells Remembers.

The School marked Remembrance Sunday on 10th November with a parade led by the CCF through the city, in addition to services at Wells Cathedral. The procession was accompanied by the Drum Corps and, for the first time, three newly-introduced bagpipers - two of whom are pupils - which added a moving new element to the tradition.

That afternoon, the Choristers and Chamber Choir offered a deeply reflective performance of Fauré’s Requiem, a fitting tribute to those who gave their lives in service.

On Remembrance Sunday, the Heads of School laid a wreath during the School’s Remembrance service for boarders at the Cathedral. The accompanying card read, “With gratitude for the sacrifice made by former pupils to secure the future of successive generations of Wellensians.”

On Armistice Day, the whole Senior School gathered for a service, during which Neil Bowen, Head of English, shared Wilfred Owen’s solemn and stirring poem Dulce et Decorum Est, adding to the service’s gravity.

From Year 6 to Upper Sixth, 11 pupils performed the Last Post on Sunday and Monday - not only at School but across the city and in the wider community - ensuring that the memory of the fallen resonated far beyond Cedars Lawn.

The School’s wreath

From the archive we found this 80 year old photo showing the Cadet Corps of the time in front of Cedars House. The photo depicts Bill Whittle, OW 1946 who was later Choir Master as well as Richard Dudden, OW 1948 and one of our first Foundation Fellows, Gordon Jacobs, OW 1946. Who else can you spot?

Above, left to right: Neil Bowen, Head of English, The Pipers, and Revd Tom Handy, OW 1994 and School Chaplain

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Susannah shines at the House of Lords.

Susannah, Year 11, recently performed at the House of Lords as an ambassador for Future Talent. Susannah was the youngest of three advanced instrumentalists supported

by Future Talent, handpicked to perform a solo programme at an event for trustees and distinguished guests. She played in the magnificent River Room with stunning views of the London Eye and the Thames as her backdrop.

Susannah then participated in a live Q&A with Future Talent’s Chairman and Co-Founder, Nick Robinson, confidently addressing the distinguished audience. This memorable occasion was a part of the lead-up to Future Talent's 20th anniversary celebrations.

Future Talent supports gifted musicians from low income backgrounds from across the UK and was co-founded by The Duchess of Kent in 2004. Susannah is supported by the charity and also receives an Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) grant to attend Wells Cathedral School, so it was a great opportunity for her to showcase her talent.

“It was amazing! It was an opportunity I could never have dreamed of.

I’m kind of in denial that it happened.”

- Suzannah on performing at the House of Lords

Colva awarded OBE. Colva Roney-Dougal, OW 1993, Professor of Pure Mathematics at St Andrews University, has been awarded an OBE for her exceptional contributions to Education and Mathematics. This prestigious award, given on October 18th, is a testament to Colva’s remarkable dedication to her field.

Her work continues to inspire future generations, and we are incredibly proud of her outstanding achievement. This honour not only celebrates her personal success but also shines a spotlight on the vital importance of mathematics in education and research.

Rising Stars.

We were delighted to welcome back two talented OWs for the inaugural Old Wellensian Rising Stars concert.

The stage was set in Quilter Hall, previously known as the Music School, for a fantastic evening of music. This first concert in the series showcased the talents of two OWs at the beginning of their careers, soprano Maddie Perring, OW 2019 pictured on the cover and pianist Sejin Yoon, OW 2021.

The Rising Stars series is supported by the Wellensian Association. Everyone is welcome and OWs in particular, as well as partners and friends are warmly invited to attend.

The next concerts will be on Saturday 8th February 2025 and Saturday 17th May 2025.

Tickets will be available from the Cedars Hall website, cedarshallwells.co.uk, in the new year.

So save the date!

Image: Sejin Yoon pictured in 2021 11

Wellensian Paths.

Where are you now?

Rebecca Carrington and her cello Joe, photo by Anja Mey

Rebecca Carrington, OW 1987: a fusion of music and comedy.

Rebecca is one half of the acclaimed musical comedy duo, Carrington-Brown, alongside her husband, Colin Brown. She has performed with some of the UK’s most prestigious orchestras but it was after the success of her sell-out onewoman shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2004 and 2005 that she made the transition to full-time music comedy.

Born into a family of classical musicians, Rebecca attended Wells Cathedral School before winning a scholarship to the Royal Northern College of Music as a cellist. She later moved to the US to complete her Master of Music. It was during her time in America that she discovered her love for comedy and, creating her unique blend of music and comedy, began performing in comedy clubs.

As a freelance cellist she has recorded for the silver screen on films such as Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and Gangs of New York as well as performing and recording with prominent musicians including Kanye West, Paul McCartney, Aretha Franklin and David Byrne.

Rebecca and her husband Colin have been performing together as the duo Carrington-Brown for two decades but an honorable mention should go to the third performer in the duo (or should we say trio): Rebecca’s 18th century cello called Joe. He was discovered at her grandmother's home her grandmother was one of a handful of female cellists to study under Emmanuel Feuermann - and says she has been in love with him ever since!

Looking ahead, Rebecca continues to innovate.

One of her most exciting upcoming projects is the family-friendly show Klassik Rockt Kinder, which she performs with Colin and fellow artist children’s singer-songwriter Suli Puschban. This show, set to take place with the Berlin Philharmonic in March

2025, promises to introduce a new generation to classical music through their unique brand of comedy, making it accessible and fun for all ages.

Rebecca’s journey - from her early days at Wells to performing in comedy clubs, and now, as one half of the internationally acclaimed Carrington-Brown has been one of constant evolution. She has woven her passions for music and comedy into a career that is as entertaining as it is inspiring, touching audiences across genres, geographies and age ranges with her infectious sense of humor.

You can watch a documentary about the Carrington-Brown duo, CHEERS! The CarringtonBrown Story, on Youtube (featuring the voice of actor Simon Callow) here: carrington-brown.com/ movie/. For more information about CarringtonBrown or to find out where you can see them perform next check out their website: carringtonbrown.com/home/#shows.

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Daniel Tuite, OW 1991: From Percussion to Privates on Parade.

Since leaving School Daniel’s career has been as dynamic as it has been diverse. He’s pursued theatre, film, music, and is a two-time Global Whistling Championship finalist. He spoke to us about his highlights to date.

Daniel studied percussion at Wells Cathedral School with Jayne Obradovic and he was a founding member of the Ferio ensemble. A highlight from his time at School was the Cathedral Brass tour of Scandinavia almost 25 years ago in 1990.

After Wells, Daniel attended the prestigious Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama, earning an Honours degree in Theatre on the ActorMusician course. After graduation, he delved into small-scale touring, a handful of TV commercials, and community theatre in South-East London.

His breakthrough came with the role of Eric Young-Love in the acclaimed Donmar Warehouse production of Privates on Parade.

Daniel's career highlights are as varied as they are impressive. He appeared in A Prayer for Owen Meany and His Dark Materials at the National Theatre, and at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre performed as Boo Radley in the award-winning To Kill A Mockingbird. Another notable achievement was his impressive 275-show run in The 39 Steps in London's West End, where he played eleven men, three women, and seven inanimate objects, with

forty-two costume changes packed into just an hour and a half!

Beyond the stage Daniel has worked under the direction of celebrated filmmakers including Armando Iannucci and Steven Spielberg. He also landed parts in major productions such as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and Game of Thrones.

Daniel’s musical skills have taken him on tours across Europe, the USA, and Japan, playing a variety of instruments with the band Aqualung, contributing to three albums along the way.

Perhaps most impressively Daniel is a two-time finalist in the Global Whistling Championship and runs a YouTube channel, Whistling Inferno, where he performs his own musical arrangements.

Whether through music, theatre, film, or his unique whistling talent Daniel continues to captivate audiences. Whilst he now lives with his family on the Sussex coast he says his cricketing allegiance “will always lie with Somerset County Cricket Club”.

Daniel’s latest work includes playing Major John Howard in the BBC's D-Day: The Unheard Tapes, available on BBC iPlayer, and a role in the lowbudget thriller Fright, currently streaming on Amazon Prime. (With thanks to Daniel Tuite for the photo)

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Musicians Perform for Royalty.

HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh visited Wells Cathedral on the 25th September in her capacity as Patron of Wells Cathedral Choristers Trust.

The Drakensberg Boys Choir were joined for this special performance by the Choristers of Wells Cathedral Choir and musicians and singers of Wells Cathedral School. They performed an eclectic repertoire, blending classical and Afro-Pop music.

Below: The Duchess with School Governor and business owner Robert Powell, OW 1981.

Photos by Anna Barclay.

“There was a fabulous community spirit for the whole evening. Friends were made quickly and easily. It truly was an evening which proved how much music can unite people, cultures and countries.”

- Alex Laing, Director of Music.

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Let’s get ready to sparkle in London.

Get ready to sparkle and dazzle!

Following a sell-out Summer Reunion, planning is well underway for our annual London Dinner at London’s RAF Club on 7 February 2025. Old Wellensians from across the Year Groups are invited and we’re especially looking forward to welcoming those OWs from the Year Group of 2020 who are celebrating their Five Year Reunion.

We can’t wait to see you!

Tickets are already selling fast, get yours now: community.wells-cathedral-school.com/event/ london-dinner-2025

Tickets are £59 per person. If you’re celebrating your Five Year Reunion then you can save a third off the price and pay just £39.

Dates for your diary.

7 February

London Dinner: including 5 year reunion for 2020 Year Group. RAF Club in London.

8 February

Old Wellensian Rising Stars Concert featuring prize-winning Catalan cellist Gerard Flotats and acclaimed pianist Julian Chan

1 March

Event in the Halls, previously known as Event on the Lawn. Live music, food stalls, kids zone and more! Proceeds go to the Sierra Leone Project.

23 March

WCS v OW Hockey, both mens & ladies

26 April

Wells Cathedral Choir Association Reunion

17 May

Old Wellensian Rising Stars Concert, programme TBC

21 - 22 June

Wellensian Weekend! Summer Reunion including dinner, School tours, Wellensian Road Ride, OW cricket

3 July

Symphony Orchestra concert in Wells Cathedral

4 July

Speech Day Cricket

Keep an eye on our website for information about upcoming events here: https://community.wells-cathedral-school.com/events

Hockey on Mundys Meadow in the eighties, do you recognise anyone? Let us know by emailing alumni@wells.cathedral.school

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Congratulations.

Kieran White, OW 2008 and Verity Wingate, OW 2011 were married in a beautiful ceremony in the Cathedral this past September. The setting was made even more special by a choir composed of many former choristers - Keiran was previously Head Chorister - adding a personal and very memorable touch to the day. It was wonderful to see so many Old Wellensians and staff gathered to celebrate.

If you have an announcement you’d like to share with the OW community please get in touch by emailing alumni@wells.cathedral.school

Stars like Eli can only shine with the help of a bursary.

Give the gift of a Wells education this Christmas!

To donate:

bit.ly/WCSShine or call 01749 834251

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Wells Cathedral School Foundation 01749 834251 wells.cathedral.school/foundation Registered charity number 1118159