July 2026. CONTENTS
04. 2026 Summer Reunion
08. Visits to Wells
09. Meet the Foundation Office Team
10. ISI Inspection Report
11. Symphony Orchestra
11. Cricket Week
12. A Week of Celebration
13. Wellensian Welcome
14. Giving Day
16. Old Wellies Meet for Drinks in London
17. #WhereAmIWednesday?
18. The WCS First XI v The Old Wellensians
20. Horizon Awards
21. Mike Wills
22. An Interview with Tak Kwan
23. Cian Ducrot
24. From the Archives
26. Announcements
28. Dates for your Diary
29. Play Your Part
Pictured on the cover: Bill Leggett (OW 1976) with his son Will (OW 2006). Bill managed to get a huge group of the class of 1976 together for their 50th reunion, while Will rallied a table for his 20th reunion. Read more on page 4.
A letter from Jayne Obradovic.
Dear Friends,
Having been part of Wells Cathedral School for more than 30 years, I have come to appreciate that being a Wellensian is something that lasts a lifetime.
While pupils may leave our School, they remain part of a remarkable community whose friendships, shared experiences and affection for our School continue through the Old Wellensian network and The Foundation.
One of my highlights of the past year has been the opportunity to catch up with so many Old Wellensians. Whether at Foundation events and concerts in Wells, at RCM gatherings in London, or through unexpected encounters overseas, it has been a genuine pleasure to reconnect with former pupils from different generations.
Every meeting has brought back memories, sparked new conversations and reinforced just how strong the Wellensian community remains.
These connections matter. They remind us that the School is about far more than the years spent here, it is about belonging to a lifelong community.
I hope this magazine encourages you to stay in touch with one another, with the Foundation and with our School, so that those connections continue to flourish for many years to come.
Jayne
Jayne Obradovic Head of Percussion Studies
2026 Summer Reunion.
Old Wellensians from across the generations returned to School for this year’s Summer Reunion, enjoying a relaxed evening of friendship, memories and celebration.
The glorious summer weather provided the perfect backdrop as alumni gathered to reconnect with former classmates, explore the School and catch up with old friends. Many guests took advantage of the popular guided tours, led by current pupils in the afternoon, as well as the OW vs The School cricket fixture that was played on Cedars field.
The evening began with a warm welcome from Penny Bridges (OW 1976), who reflected on the importance of maintaining connections with the School and with fellow Old Wellensians. Guests were also treated to a special tribute to departing Head Master, Alastair Tighe, delivered by Chair of Governors Robert Powell, recognising his contribution to the School and thanking him for his leadership and service.
We had a particulary strong turn out from the class of 1976 for their 50 year reunion as well as tables from every proceeding decade, with the youngest being the class of 2016. Former and current staff also showed out in full force with Martin & Anna Ashton, David & Sally Rowley, Jody Wells, Rebecca Edwards and Former cricket coach Alan Whitehead all in attendance.
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As the evening progressed, guests tested their School knowledge with the popular “Where am I in Wells?” picture quiz. Congratulations go to Table 8, whose determination and extra effort in searching out the answers secured them victory. Please go to page 17 to see if you know the answers!
Music played an important part in the evening, with current pupils providing a series of impressive performances. With excellent company, lively conversation, archive discoveries, cricket, tours, music and a little friendly quiz competition, the Summer Reunion once again proved to be a wonderful celebration of the Old Wellensian community.
Pictured:
1. The Class of 1976
2. The Class of 2001 celebrate their 25 year reunion
3. Head Master Alastair Tighe
Photos from this year’s Summer Reunion are now available on our website. Be sure to check out our Events page for what’s coming up and if you’d like to help organise a reunion or other OW event, we’d love to hear from you at alumni@wells.cathedral.school.
Pictured:
4. A Marimba performance by WCS pupil Ricky
5. Penny Bridges (OW 1976) gave us a very warm welcome
6. A group from the 80s and 90s
7. Guests enjoy the Archive materials on offer
8. Father & Son, Richard (OW 1975) & Andrew Shannon (OW 2006)
9. Alan Whitehead, former Cricket coach and his wife Marion
10. The class of 2016
11. Pupil jazz performance by Hester & Gavin
Visits to Wells.
It’s always a pleasure to welcome Old Wellensians back to School. Whether returning for a trip down memory lane, taking part in musical events, celebrating school life, or saying farewell to a much-loved teacher, it’s wonderful to see former pupils reconnecting with our community. We hope you enjoy this collection of photographs - and to all our Old Wellies, our doors are always open. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
OW Oboists return for Liz Fyfe’s leaving party – Fergus McCready (OW 2018), Ella York (OW 2018), Poppy Webb-Taylor (OW 2017), and Daisy Middleton (OW 2023)
Alex Curtis (OW 2009) and David Rowley enjoyed a Wellensian road ride
Jamie Walton (OW 1992) visited School to record during the Easter holidays
Team
The Foundation team are always on hand to provide a warm welcome to all OWs wishing to take a stroll down memory lane. You can get in touch to arrange your visit by emailing alumni@wells-cathedral-school.com or calling 01749834419
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Pictured Left to right: Lindy Hacker, Foundation Admin assistant, Jess Newman, Director of Development and Head of the Foundation, Sophie Dunn-Nail, Development Officer.
Simon Baggs (OW 1973) took a trip down memory lane to his old house
Sarah Andrew (OW 1994) hosts bassoon masterclass at School
Oscar Ho (OW 2023) and Tracey Leung (OW 2023) to present Mr Grinsell with a graduation cap for his retirement
Wells Cathedral School given highest accolade available in latest ISI Inspection Report with rare Significant Strength recognition
Following an inspection visit in April of this year, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) has confirmed that Wells Cathedral School has met all the standards required of independent schools, including all compliance regulations.
In addition, the School has been recognised for a Significant Strength – a rare accolade awarded to fewer than one in ten independent schools inspected under the current framework.
The Significant Strength acknowledges not only the exceptional quality of the School’s musical provision, but also recognises the wider positive impact that its musical excellence has across the entire school community. It identifies that the School’s creative culture benefits all pupils, whether they are musical or not, in terms of how its musical excellence raises the educational experience, aspiration and levels of attainment of all its pupils.
Inspectors noted that: “…pupils encounter high expectations, disciplined rehearsal processes and outstanding performances, which raise aspirations and enhance the intellectual, spiritual, personal, social and emotional development of all groups of pupils.”
Wells Cathedral School occupies a unique position within UK education, offering pre-professional musical training for those who wish to access it, but within an all-round academic and holistic educational environment in which all pupils, including those who are not musical, can thrive. The inspection report recognises the distinctive way in which this environment benefits all pupils, regardless of whether they pursue music at an advanced level.
The report highlights strengths throughout the School, from Pre-Prep to Sixth Form, including academic achievement, leadership opportunities, boarding provision, pupils’ personal development, and how the School supports its pupils.
Head Master, Alastair Tighe said: “We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of this inspection. While the recognition of a Significant Strength is a tremendous achievement, what is most affirming is the detailed evidence throughout the report of the exceptional education our staff provide and the remarkable qualities demonstrated by our pupils every day.
Read full report here: https://wells.cathedral.school/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Wells-Cathedral-SchoolISI-Inspection-Report-April-2026.pdf
News from School
Symphony Orchestra
The last week of term included a spectacular end of year concert performed in Wells Cathedral from the School’s Symphony Orchestra.
Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music created a wonderful atmosphere, with the Chamber Choir including an array of soloists performing superbly alongside the orchestra. Emma S’s performance of the Sibelius Violin Concerto was a tour de force: assured, compelling and full of character.
Cricket Week
Cricket Week 2026 certainly lived up to expectations! Across eight days, 18 matches were played, with more than 80 pupils representing the School in at least one fixture. There were plenty of memorable team performances, some outstanding individual achievements, and near-perfect Cricket weather before the heatwave arrived.
Congratulations to all players who represented the School throughout the week. We have a full report from the OW match on pages 18/19.
The evening concluded with Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances, played with drama, colour and real intensity.
Huge congratulations and thanks to our guest conductor, Jess Hoskins, and to everyone involved in what was a truly memorable evening of music. Judging by the reaction at the end, the audience were thrilled!
A week of celebration.
June is always one of the busiest and most enjoyable months in the Wells calendar, and this year was no exception. The School was full of activity from the Art Exhibition, a packed programme of concerts, including the Jazz Picnic and Opera Scenes, to the Prep School’s wonderful production of Seussical Jr. The final weeks of term were filled with fun too, culminating in the End of Year service.
Attendees leave the end of year service
Above: Prep School Sports Day Right: Seussical Jr.
Year 11 celebrate with a Leavers ball
Wellensian Welcome.
We were delighted to welcome the Upper Sixth, Class of 2026, into the Wellensian Association during our Leavers’ Lunch in July, marking the beginning of their lifelong connection with Wells Cathedral School.
The afternoon also featured inspiring reflections from two Old Wellensians. David Buckley (OW 1994) spoke about the connections made at Wells having a lasting impact, sharing how relationships formed through the School and community have opened doors and created opportunities throughout his career.
Eva Donoghue (OW 2022) reflected fondly on her own experience at Wells and encouraged the newest members of the Association to embrace the journey ahead with an open mind.
As our newest Old Wellensians embark on their next chapter, we look forward to welcoming them back for future events and following their achievements in the years to come. Congratulations to the Class of 2026. We wish you every success and hope you’ll always feel part of the Wells community. A true celebration from Hester and Zuzanna
Welcome to our newest Old Wellies!
Giving Day: a celebration of Wells
In April, we held our inaugural Giving Day, a 36hour period of fundraising and celebration for our School. Our aim was to bring the Wells whole community together to raise essential funds for the Quilter Bursary fund, as well as our School wishlist projects. We were absolutely thrilled to reach nearly £70,000!
Throughout the two days, the running theme was that of warmth and affection for Wells Cathedral School. Our donor wall was full of wonderful messages of encouragement and nostalgia. We were so blown away by the messages, we wanted to share them with you here:
“We are both incredibly grateful to Wells for the bursaries that made our time there possible. The education, opportunities, and sense of community we experienced shaped who we are today. We wouldn’t be where we are today without it, and we are so proud to be Old Wellensians! The Tauntons 2017 & 2019.”
Katie and Tom Taunton (OW 2017 & 2019)
Some of my happiest memories are from my time at Wells Cathedral School. Very happy to make a small gift to help the younger generation. You’re very lucky to be a Wellensian.
David Trew (OW 1953)
“Good luck with the day! I think back very fondly of my years at Wells, a great place to learn the ropes of life!”
Edward Cromwell (OW 2008)
“A fantastic school environment that gave the steppingstones for everyone to see their potential. As a parent of two now, I can only hope that my boys can establish the similar friendship’s that I made during my fantastic time at WCS.”
Pete Heselton (OW 2006)
“A gem of a school in my day, and just as special to our children who are current pupils.”
Clive Hanks (OW 1995)
I feel very lucky to have been a pupil at Wells Cathedral School all those years ago. Many wonderful memories of music,friends, staff and adventures experienced in an environment of tremendous history and architecture. Grateful for this opportunity to help keep things going for future generations.
Philip Sudron (OW 1976)
I have always felt that my time at the School were the most enjoyable days of my life. There were so many possibilities open to me. I was not that great at sport; however, I excelled at science thanks to the most inspiring Masters.
Anthony Moon (OW 1966)
Wells Cathedral School has been part of our family life for the last 35 years. It’s more than a school, a fantastic, caring community where there is a space for every child. We need this more than ever in difficult times, and we are forever grateful to Wells for support and guidance.
Caroline LowndesNorthcott, Former Parent
Roddy and Willy Downes choristers 1960 - 64 in the time of Denys Pouncey. Great school thenbut even greater now.
Rod Downes (OW 1968)
“What a wonderful initiative, like so many old wellies, I can also say that these were some of my happiest days.”
Linda Uren (OW 1996)
Fantastic school, unique in so many ways. The setting, the academia, the music, the art, the sports, all superb. Founded in 909AD - before William the Conqueror and during the reign of Edward the Elder. That is just incredible. 1117 years and still going strong.
Sean & Sarah Donoghue, Former parents
I have so many happy memories from my time at Wellswonderful friends, great teachers and a beautiful environment. I hope this gift helps someone else to have a similarly rewarding experience.
Nicola Taylor (nee Ham) (OW 1980)
Fond memories of a grant aided education at Wells.
Anonymous
I have some great memories of my time at Wells and was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship. Hopefully many more young people get to experience WCS.
David Meredith (OW 2000)
WCS gave me seven wonderful years of schooling, I hope this helps someone else have the same.
Emily Hogarth (OW 2007)
Investment in education is vital for humanity, Investment in education in Wells also helps the continuation of what was set in motion by King Edward the Elder, son of King Alfred the Great in 909.
Simon Baggs (OW 1973)
Old Wellies meet for drinks in London.
On Sunday 10th May, the Wells Percussion Department enjoyed an outstanding and memorable day at the Royal College of Music Festival of Percussion.
The celebrations continued into the evening with a wonderfully warm Old Wellensian gathering, bringing together former pupils, staff, parents, and friends of the School. The evening provided a fantastic opportunity for generations of musicians to reconnect, share memories, and celebrate the Wells music community.
Altogether, the day was a tremendous success - a celebration not only of percussion and musical excellence, but also of friendship and the lasting connections formed through music at Wells.
We intend to make this an annual event so please get in touch with alumni@wells-cathedral-school.com if you would like to come next time!
#WhereAmIWednesday?
For those of you who are in the OW Facebook group, some of these pictures might look familiar as part of our #whereamiwednesday series!
Can you identify where they are?
1. Back wall behind Jocelyn play area
(now entrance to maintenance department)
2. Chapel door on Vicars’ Close
3. Cedars House - reception
4. PJ Building (old IT block)
5. De Salis Gardens (Looking
6. Edwards House
7. Cedars House - Dining Hall 8. Stable Yard
9. Polydor (now Music Department)
The WCS First XI v The Old Wellensians.
Match Report.
Leaving Wells can be a time of mixed emotions. Excitement for the future, of course. Nostalgia too. But also a tinge of bittersweet happiness as leavers prepare to say goodbye to a school that prides itself in creating lifelong friendships.
Cedars cricket ground, overlooking the leavers’ marquee, has of course seen it all. It was officially opened in 1996 – the inaugural game was the WCS First XI v the Willows. Now thirty years later the pictures of that match had made it onto the Old Wellies Facebook page with a request from the skipper George Laing. He needed players for the Old Wellies game against the Firsts. And so the Wellies answered his call. Saturday, 20 June was the date. The Wellies had not won in years.
Rain had flirted with the start of the day, but it was a fine June morning by the time the Wellies went into bat. They started well enough. Openers George Laing and Harrison Ashwell were steady in the opening overs. But a burst of two wickets from the Firsts’ strike bowler Zak M, backed up by another from Noah R, saw a Mini collapse. Three down and with barely forty on the board after 10 overs, it felt like no one would be late for their Saturday evening plans. The Firsts sensed their moment and were vociferous in the field, chirping and sledging. ‘What’s on the menu, boys?’ came the cry as the new batters walked out. ‘Duck!’ came the wellrehearsed response. The Wellies were in trouble, and the Firsts knew it.
As it turned out, however, the Wellies number four, Harry Connock, had not read the menu, the wine list or even bothered to check the specials board. What came next was a master class in fearless power hitting, smashing 100 off 79, including 11 fours and 4 sixes. At the other end was Max Lemanski an OW 1996 leaver and the only player on the pitch to have played in that sepia-tinged game against the Willows thirty years prior. Lemanski refused to acknowledge his age and supported Connock with a powerful 63 off 73, with 9 fours. It was a stand of over 150 and the game was quite changed. By the time Connock retired on 100 the Firsts were quiet.
But Old Wellies are just older versions of the same die-hard WCS spirit and the Firsts also rallied. More disciplined bowling in the final overs saw Bland and Balderson pick up wickets and, more importantly, stem the runs. The Wellies finished 244-6 off 40. It seemed competitive. But the Firsts had batted deep all season. What could they do in response?
They started off in a blaze, openers Oli S and Zak M crashing the Wellies bowlers to the boundary over and over again. It felt more IPL than WCS. Both made 50s with strike rates of well over 100. Both batted with fine technique and poise. The game momentum had swung again. 246 suddenly felt a little light.
It was quite the puzzle for the Wellies’ skipper, George Laing. But Laing has a cool head and, aided by his tactically astute vice skipper Josh Betley, he rotated his bowlers well and both openers fell. The run rate started to creep up, but still the Firsts fought with Zak M hitting one six clean over Cedars Hall before the ball finally came down, taking the run rate with it.
Some athletic, running catches in the deep from Connock and Harrison Ashwell, kept the pressure on the Firsts and the momentum ebbed and flowed between the teams. The energy in the field was fantastic. Ashwell in particular responded well to the moment, taking three wickets in a feisty, hostile spell, aided by some nimble glove work from exFirsts skipper Dougie Sharp. Runs came but wickets continued to fall. Neither side could land the killer blow.
Old Wellensians XI:
Josh Betley (OW 2013)
Harrison Ashwell (OW 2026)
Sam Winsley (OW 2001)
Will Harrison (OW 2016)
Captain, George Laing (OW 2007)
Max Lemanski (OW 1996)
Dougie Sharp (OW 2024)
Jacob Potts (OW 2020)
Leo Boot (OW 2016)
Harry Connock (OW 2016)
Ali Mufti (OW 2001)
And then the end. The Firsts needed seven off the last over. The pavilion was rammed with spectators, rammed, the tension palpable. Nobody wanted to leave their seat. Who would win this tussle for the ages? Neither team could contemplate losing. And then it was three of the last. A tie? A super over? A Firsts’ win? No! They could only muster a single. The Wellies had won by two runs.
Then it was handshakes and a speech from Laing, looking forward to selecting some of these excellent Firsts for the Wellies in the years to come. Because the Firsts become Old Wellies and Old Wellies, well, they are always welcome back. And come back they do. There was nothing bittersweet about the emotions that evening. It was just the glorious afterglow of an excellent game at a school that will forever feel a little bit like home to all that go there. It was a match that will live long in the memory. Who knows, perhaps this one will also be remembered in another thirty years.
With special thanks to the teachers, the ground staff and the fantastic catering team for making it all possible.
Max
Match result
Saturday, 20 June 2026
l The Old Wellensians 244-6 off 40
l WCS First XI 242-9 off 40
The OWs won by two runs.
If you would like to be involved with the OW cricket in 2027, please get in touch with alumni@wells-cathedral-school.com for more information
Lemanski OW 1996
Above: The Old Wellensians team enjoy lunch
Horizon Awards.
Zuzanna
One of last year’s Horizon Award recipients, Zuzanna, used the generous support of the Wellensian Association to undertake a fascinating trip to Poland. Inspired by her passion for music and her Polish heritage, she explored how Poland’s rich and often turbulent history has shaped its musical traditions. In the report below, Zuzanna reflects on her experiences, the people she met, and how she plans to share her learning with the local Polish community.
Through the Horizon Award, I aimed to explore the impact of culture on the music and performance industry in Poland, as well as gain a deeper understanding of my own heritage and develop my skills to take with me into higher education. I also hoped to give back to the Polish community in the UK and to inspire Polish (often immigrant) children to learn to sing in Polish and engage with music.
During my time, I had consultation lessons with teachers at the Grazyna and Kiejstut Bacewicz Academy of Music in Lodz, Poland (e.g. Professor dr hab. Przemysław Rezner, dr hab. Anna WereckaGryć, Professor dr hab. Brian Fentress) and observed other people’s lessons. With them, I worked on language skills and developed my ability to communicate effectively across languages.
Together we worked on Polish songs, my favourite being Chopin’s ‘Piosenka Litewska’. This one was particularly helpful as there are two different characters - the Mother and Daughter. Trying to navigate performing the text in a way that is still entertaining and for non-Polish speakers was interesting and reminded me that I should be bringing that clarity to music in English as well. They also introduced me to the repertoire of the Polish Opera, such as those by famous Polish composers e.g. Stanislaw Moniuszko (‘Halka’, ‘Straszny Dwór’) or Zygmunt Krauze’s ‘Bona Sforza’. In that time, I also made a connection with a very inspiring Polish soprano, Alina Adamski and her husband Adrian Kelly (he runs Opera Studio in Zurich, Switzerland). They encouraged me further and emphasised the need to engage with my own heritage, language and culture. Everything I learnt I made sure to bring to my performance at Polish Heritage Day in Bedford.
I also attended theatre workshops where we explored the works of Shakespeare, but in Polish. It was interesting to see how the text’s meaning seemed to change through translation. Together, we worked to tackle this whilst still maintaining the natural flow of the language. As someone who is going on to study classical singing and performance in the future, this was incredibly valuable. I was also able to attend a Gala concert with some of the biggest musical theatre performers in Poland and a special guest, the Broadway star Ramin Karimloo.
At the end of what was an amazing performance with Broadway hits sung in both Polish and English, there was a Q&A. During this, the performers discussed the differences in musical theatre in Poland and the US and the reasons why the Musical Theatre industry in Poland might be considered underdeveloped. They discussed the lack of funding for the arts and the country’s historical links to communism, which naturally oppose this very American Genre.
Moreover, I watched some concerts with music written by Polish composers, some older, but some modern as well. I was able to discover new composers and expand my list of “pieces to learn
in the future” list. One composition that really stood out to me was from a student at the Academy of Music in Lodz. They effectively created a piece of choral music with the famous nursery rhyme ‘Abecadło’ by the poet Julian Tuwim. The composer used many overlapping ostinatos and repetition to create a familiar sound, just like this is a familiar rhyme to many Polish people. This piece really highlighted the importance of music within the community and challenged the notion that music has to be overly complex to sound interesting. I commend the composer for their word painting and unique use of vocal techniques and body percussion.
Finally, I took my learnings and performed for Polish Heritage Day in Bedford, an event made to bring out the community with music, dancing, and food. Together we celebrated Polish culture, which I think is so important for so many people who may have moved here to the UK, not because they necessarily wanted to, but for financial and economic reasons.
I believe events like this are important because they create spaces for people to express their culture in a world where people often don’t feel safe to do so. I then had a chance to speak to the children from Promethidion, a Polish folk singing and dancing group that I used to take part in when I was younger. Naturally, all of the children there were new, as the ones I used to perform with had grown out of it like myself. I answered questions that they had about singing and performing, and encouraged them to stay engaged with the creative arts.
Mark Wills (OW 1977) receives King’s Birthday Honours for supporting veterans
We are thrilled to announce that Mark has received a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours, published on 13th June, in recognition of his work supporting the Armed Forces community.
Mark Wills was a trustee of Royal Star & Garter for 21 years, until he stepped down in 2026. The charity provides loving, compassionate care and support for veterans and their families, living with disability or dementia, through care homes and services reaching into the community.
Following his service in the Royal Engineers, Mark worked in investment and financial management. During his time as governor, his experience informed the charity’s evolution, moving from its historic home in Richmond, Surrey, in 2013, and building three modern care homes, completing a merger and greatly expanding its services for the veteran community.
Mark commented on his award, saying: “I accept this MBE in recognition of the sacrifices of all those who serve and have served in His Majesty’s Armed Forces and am very humbled to be the recipient of this prestigious honour. Having served in the Armed Forces myself, giving back to the military family as Governor at Royal Star & Garter for 21 years has been a massive privilege and hugely satisfying. Working with fellow Trustees and the senior team has helped the charity care for members of the military family, honouring the military covenant and expanding our range and breadth of services in preparation for the charity’s future challenges.”
Congratulations from us all at Wells Cathedral School Mark!
An interview with Tak Kwan (OW 1989)
We recently caught up with Tak to hear about his life as a professional Violinist, Teacher, Concertmaster, Performer & Grammy Award Adjudicator since leaving Wells.
What impact did your time at Wells have on you and your subsequent career?
I arrived at Wells from Hong Kong in 1988 as an overseas student, entering a completely new world, both personally and musically. I came with a love of music and the expectation of beginning a new chapter in my Life. Wells became an important starting point in that journey. I found an environment where I was encouraged, challenged and given opportunities to grow. I still remember an early violin lesson when, after hearing me play, my teacher asked what I wanted to be in the future. I replied that I wanted to be a violinist. His answer was, “You already are.” Those words stayed with me. They gave me confidence at an important stage and, over time, became part of a deeper understanding: believing in one’s ability is only a beginning. Growing into the musician one hopes to become requires discipline, experience and a willingness to keep learning. Throughout that year, my musical experience expanded through individual study, orchestral playing and chamber music. Together, these experiences taught me personal discipline, communication and the responsibility of making music with others— all important to my growth as a musician.
I also had the opportunity to represent Wells as a violist in a chamber music project with visiting students from West Germany. Rehearsing and performing together taught me the value of collaboration and shared responsibility, leaving a lasting impact on me early in my development. I felt genuine pride in representing the School, and the experience strengthened my connection with Wells.
My time at Wells also changed me
personally. I arrived feeling uncertain and far from home, but by the time I left, I had gained confidence and a genuine sense of belonging. Although I was at Wells for only one year, that connection to the School has remained with me and, in many ways, grown stronger with time.
My studies and career continued in Canada and beyond, but with the perspective of many years, I can see more clearly what Wells gave me: encouragement, opportunity, trust and a strong foundation for the future. For me, Wells marked the beginning of a deeper musical journey, one that I continue today.
Your career has taken you across the UK, Canada, the United States and beyond, as a performer, conductor and educator. Looking back, was there a lesson, teacher or experience at Wells that you found yourself returning to as your career developed?
I would not say there was one particular lesson or experience that I consciously returned to throughout my career. For me, the influence of Wells was broader.
The School gave me an early understanding that musical development is a continuing process of learning, discipline and discovery.
At Wells, music was part of everyday life. Through lessons, rehearsals and performances, I experienced an environment that encouraged commitment and high standards. At the same time, intensive musical training was balanced by school life, friendships and experiences beyond the practice room. Looking back, I value that balance more than I understood at the time. A musician needs
discipline and focus, but also the opportunity to experience life, because those experiences eventually become part of what we bring to our music.
As my studies continued in Canada and my career developed, the demands became greater and so did the challenges. Yet what I had begun to learn at Wells remained relevant: recognising my strengths, understanding where I needed to improve and remaining open to growth and new experiences. Those principles continue to influence the different parts of my work today. As a soloist, I strive for a deeper understanding of music and greater depth in musical expression. As a conductor, I value listening, communication and the responsibility of bringing musicians together. As a teacher, I encourage my students to continue learning and developing their potential.
After many years in music, I have come to appreciate that the strongest foundations evolve with us. The discipline, balance and openness to learning that I first experienced at Wells have taken on new meaning at different stages of my career and continue to shape the musician I am today.
You’ve enjoyed success as an international performer, conductor and award-winning teacher. If you could give one piece of advice to a current Wells musician hoping to build a career in music, what would it be?
Looking back on my own journey, I have learned that being a musician is not defined by one success, one failure or one moment of recognition. It is something built over time through experience, commitment and the courage to continue becoming more of who you are.
My advice would be to believe in yourself, be willing to learn and not give up. A career in music is unpredictable, but that uncertainty is also part of the adventure. Success and failure will both come along the way. What matters is the patience to learn from experience, the honesty to understand yourself and the commitment to keep developing.
To the young musicians at Wells today, I would say: value the opportunities around you, learn from your teachers, enjoy making music with others and allow yourself time to grow. Make the most of the wonderful facilities and opportunities available to you, and enjoy the experience as fully as you can. Take pride in being part of Wells while continuing to discover who you are and develop the musician you hope to become.
Cian Ducrot
Congratulations to Singer-Songwriter Cian Ducrot (OW 2017) who has recently been honoured with an Associateship for the Royal Academy of Music. Cian is currently touring Ireland and Scotland with his latest album Little Dreaming.
From the archives
When the records melted before the tarmac did.
In the long history of Wells Cathedral School sport there haven’t been many years when the School Sports Day was beaten not by Edwards, De Salis, Haversham, Cedars or Plumptre Houses (or their predecessors), but by the weather. Yet in 2026, discretion proved the better part of valour and the annual contest was unfortunately cancelled as the heatwave did what generations of young athletes have tried to do: stop the clock.
The archive, however, offers consolation. Sixty years ago in 1966, Sports Day was a day not of cancelled events and health warnings, but of records being broken with such enthusiasm that the School record book must have needed a new spine.
Four records fell on the day itself, with a fifth having already been broken in an event held beforehand. The headline act was Nigel Edwards (OW 1968) in the U16 Long Jump. His leap of 18 feet 3½ inches did not merely improve the previous record; it “smashed” it by 1 foot 5 inches. That is the sort of margin that suggests the old record was not so much beaten as politely escorted off the premises.
There was more. Michael Oram (OW 1971) set a new U14 Shot Put record with 27 feet 5½ inches, Nicholas Glass (OW 1972) took the U14 long jump to 14 feet 10½ inches, Ed Rhys (OW 1969) broke the U16 220 yards record in 24.6 seconds, and Barkley House clipped nine seconds from the U16 4 x 110 yards Relay record. Ian Bushell (OW 1968) also equalled the Open High Jump record with 5 feet 4 inches.
The Head Master, Mr Alan Quilter, introduced Captain D. Challis, Director of Marine Services at the MOD, to present the prizes. He stepped in at short notice for Vice-Admiral Sir Raymond Hawkins. One imagines that anyone hoping to coast through the afternoon was firmly out of luck: even the prizegiving had naval reinforcements.
The House Championship was won comfortably by Gaylard with 155 points, ahead of Mills on 109 and Barkley on 99, while Mills had the consolation of winning the House Standards Cup.
So, while the 2026 competitors were denied their chance to chase glory under a rather too enthusiastic sun, the 1966 report reminds us that Sports Day has always had its own drama. Some years bring records, some years bring relays, and some years bring an official decision that the only sensible race is the one towards the shade.
From the archive, at least, the result is clear: 1966 was a scorcher in the record book; 2026 was simply
Top: Inter-house Tug of War, 1966,
Left: Mason wins the Peter Henry Cup Challenge for Gaylard house.
Above: Prizes given by Mr Alan Quilter and Captain D. Challis
Announcements. Weddings.
Congratulations to Charlotte Brown (OW 2010 and daughter of current teacher Anna Brown) and her new husband Jack, on their recent nuptials!
Pictured l to r: Ollie Wainwright, Doug Whittaker, Ellie Brown, Emily Day, Harry Keevil, Charlotte & Jack, Annabell James, Lindy Neave, Miranda Pottinger, Simon Moss, Tom Morris, Matt Nancekievill all (except Jack!) OWs from the class of 2010
Keep in touch.
To keep in touch and share in our OW news please follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WellsCathedralSchoolFoundation And the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wellies
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldwellies/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/old-wellensian-network-77b142419/
Deaths.
It is always a privilege to share and celebrate the lives of those connected to Wells, and to reflect on the lasting contributions they have made to our community.
Frances Webb, Former piano teacher
Kathleen Thomas, Former Head of Pre-prep
Nick Wilson, Former Head of Prep
We’re thinking of the family and friends of Frances, Kathleen and Nick and wish them the very best.
Click here to read more
We have some exciting events coming up for 2026 & 2027. We would love it if you could join us! Or if you need help organising your own reunion, please get in touch.
All events can be found at https://community.wells-cathedralschool.com/events
November (date to be confirmed) Bristol
FEBRUARY
We are also in the planning stages of some career networking opportunities. Please get in touch if this is something you would be interested in. alumni@wells-cathedral-school.com
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