WCS_OWBulletin_Summer2025_ISSUU

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July 2025. CONTENTS

04. Summer Reunion

08. Visits to Wells

10. A fond farewell to a familiar face

12. Archives and Afternoon Tea

20. Play Your Part

22. Horizon Awards

23. #WhereAmIWednesday

24. A Week of Celebration

26. Obituaries

27. Dates for your diary

Pictured on the cover: Jo Chalmers, OW 1975 with her son Ed, OW 2005. Jo was among the first girls to attend the School, making it especially meaningful to welcome them both back for their 50th and 20th reunions. Read more on page 4.

A letter from the editor.

Dear Old Wellensians,

Since joining Wells Cathedral School earlier this year, I’ve been struck by the extraordinary warmth I’ve received from staff, parents, and OWs near and far. The energy and enthusiasm that surrounds all we do here is infectious, and it’s no surprise that so many have said to me, “Wells really is like a family.” I can honestly say I feel like I’ve joined that family and look forward to the years ahead, and to getting to know many of you.

That sense of belonging was evident at the Summer Reunion in June. A wonderful celebration of reunions, shared memories, enduring friendships, and the deep affection held for the School. It was a joy to meet such a wide range of OWs in person, with some travelling remarkable distances to be there. The sight of embraces exchanged by those reuniting after many years was genuinely moving and captured beautifully by the photographer, Anna.

The Reunion also gave us the opportunity to thank George Bunting (OW 1970), who recently stepped down after an incredible 15 years as Chairman of the Wellensian Association, along with the Committee members who have supported its work so generously over the years. As we look ahead, the Wells Cathedral School Foundation team is now your main point of contact for all things Old Wellensian. We’re excited to build on the strong foundations already laid and to continue growing the community with the same care and commitment.

In the coming pages, you’ll read about our growing Ambassador Programme, designed to help OWs stay connected in ways that work for you – from sharing professional insights to hosting a gathering or supporting School events. We hope you’ll be inspired to get involved.

Finally, I’d like to thank those who already Play Your Part, through bursary support, attending events, or offering time and advice to current pupils. Every contribution helps shape the School’s future, and we’re always glad to hear from OWs looking to reconnect or get involved. You can find out more here: https://wells. cathedral.school/foundation/ and on pages 20 and 21.

Until then, I hope you enjoy reading this edition.

2025 Summer Reunion.

The sun shone on the 2025 Summer Reunion, held on 21st June, and we were thrilled to welcome back over 80 Old Wellensians to what proved to be a very special occasion.

Guests joined us from all corners of the UK and even further afield. Among our international attendees were Simon Baggs, OW 1973, who made the journey from Australia; Claire Fripp, OW 1975, all the way from Canada; Sonya Legg, OW 1985, visiting from the USA; Tim Story, OW 1985, who came from New Zealand; and Victoria Creighton, OW 2015, who joined us from France.

Before dinner, 30 OWs enjoyed guided tours of the School conducted by some of our enthusiastic Lower Sixth pupils. During the evening we were treated to wonderful musical performances by current pupils. Sunny played Au Matin by Tournier on the harp and Zuzannah, who sang a rousing rendition of The Girl in 14G.

Christopher Stott, OW 1969, one of our longestserving Old Wellensians in attendance, led us in grace. Melissa Potter, OW 1985, kicked the evening off with a warm Wellensian welcome as she celebrated her 40th Reunion with the rest of her Year Group and in her role as Trustee of the Wells Cathedral School Foundation. Her words were full of a shared history.

We also took a moment to thank George Bunting, OW 1970, for over 15 years of dedicated service as Chairman to the Wellensian Associationa remarkable contribution to the Wellensian community.

We were equally delighted to see familiar faces from our teaching staff return to School, including Alwyn and Anne Gillen joining us for bubbles on Cedars Lawn.

Thanks must also go to those who helped rally their Year Groups including Becky Stott, OW 2005, and Sam Betley, OW 2015. A particular highlight was the presence of Jo and Ed Chalmers, a mother and son duo, celebrating their 50th and 20th reunions respectively, pictured on the cover. An incredible cross-generational milestone that captured the spirit of the day.

As we reflect on what was a truly joyful event we’re already looking forward to another memorable reunion on Cedars Lawn next year, as well as a calendar of events still to come. Pictured:

1. Martin and Anna Ashton

2. 1975 Year Group

3. 1985 Year Group

4. 2000 Year Group

5. 2005 Year Group

6. 2015 Year Group

7. Victoria Creighton, OW 2015

8. Becky Stott, OW 2005

9. Melissa Potter, OW 1985

10. Alwyn Gillen and Claire Fripp, OW 1975

11. Rachel Carberry, OW 2000

12. Alfie Scott, 2015

13. Christopher Stott, Christopher Nicholas, both OW 1969, with Nicholas Pickles, OW 1968

14. Nina Amedzro, Linda Francis and Emma Tinker, OW 1995 Year Group

15. Oliver Galetta, OW 2000

Pictured:

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.

Visits to Wells.

“A priceless nostalgic experience” said Allan Banks, OW 1972, of his visit to School in September. A keen sportsman during his time at School we were delighted to uncover a photo from his school days, along with a rather wonderful poem he wrote.

Welcoming Old Wellensians back to School is always a joy. Over the last 12 months we have welcomed over 75 back for visits and tours of the School. Ranging from some of our longest-standing Wellensians like Richard Newton, OW 1951 and Bernard Jackson, OW 1953, to our more recent leavers, including Oscar Ho and Tracey Leung, both OW 2023, and Sophie Harbridge, OW 2024. We love hearing your stories and sharing your memories!

In October, Stephen Barton, OW 2000, visited for the first time in almost 25 years bringing along his Grammy and Ivor Novello Award. One pupil, spotting the Grammy gleaming from across Cedars Lawn, rushed over and asked excitedly, “Is that a Grammy?” It’s not every day you see one on School grounds and it’s only in a place like this that such a moment could happen. We like to think it speaks to what makes Wells so unique.

“A priceless nostalgic experience”

April saw Liz Robinson, OW 1984, travel all the way from Australia, her first visit back to Wells in decades.

In June, Samantha Law, OW 2010, came back to visit her former percussion teacher Jayne Obradovic and Jacqueline Leung, OW 2001, journeyed from Hong Kong to give a piano masterclass to current pupils - she’s come a long way from her days in Claver Morris and Plumptre!

And finally, at the end of the School year five friends from the 1983 Year Group, as part of their big birthday celebrations, came to visit their old boarding houses. Pictured outside Edwards, left to right, Emma Jarman, Liz Hill, Ruth Griffiths, Mandy Stephens and Amanda Ayliffe. Happy birthday from all of us here at Wells.

These are just a few examples from this past year. Who will feature in our next edition?

The Wellensian, Summer 1965

Jaqueline

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 or calling 01749 834419.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Allan Banks, back row, third from right.
Pictured from left to right: Sarah Purdon, Development Officer Jess Newman, Director of Development and Head of Foundation Lindy Hacker, Foundation Admin Assistant
Samantha Law
Stephen Barton

A fond farewell to a familiar face.

For over 40 years, Wells Cathedral School has taken pride in its warm, family-like Pre-Prep. Among its very first pupils was Melanie Thomas, OW 1996, who would go on to become not only a parent at the School but also, until this summer, a much-loved Teaching Assistant in the Pre-Prep. As she prepared to say goodbye, Mel shared her reflections on her time at the School: as a child, a parent, and a member of staff.

“I loved the School,” Mel says, “and in particular the Pre-Prep, or Junior School in my day. I had the best time.”

“I always wanted my children to come to the School. It was going to be here and nowhere else,” she continues. “I wanted my children to have this experience.”

The Wellensian, 1984

Rebecca Perdrix, Head of Pre-Prep said

Happy memories

“My best memories were the productions and the sports side of it too. The teachers were lovely. The friendships that you make, everything. It was great.” Mel also remembers a very special moment, presenting a bouquet to the Queen Mother on 9th July 1984 and reported in The Wellensian that summer.

Throughout her journey, one thing has remained constant: the School’s strong sense of community. “The School is such a big family community, and I had an amazing time.” she continues, “My mum would come to all the netball and hockey matches, she helped with the productions - everything she could possibly come for.”

Years later, that same sense of belonging drew Mel back to the School as a member of staff. She returned 16 years ago to work in Little Wellies nursery, and later moved into the Pre-Prep team as a Teaching Assistant where her bubbly personality and experience has become an integral part of daily life.

“It still has a family feel, the parents are our family as well,” she creflects “I love meeting families, finding out what people do and why they want to send their children to Wells. Why this School? Because it has something really special about it, it really does.”

Magic in the everyday Mel’s passion for her work and for the ethos of the School is infectious.

“Wells teaches those soft skills, like being able to talk to people. You don’t mind who or why, what generation, it doesn’t matter.”

Mel is particularly animated when talking about Pre-Prep. “It’s magical. We make magic down here and children know we make magic, and parents are astonished by it. We’re very lucky. We’ve got a fantastic team, and I’m going to sorely miss them.”

Mel leaves behind more than memories and we’re sure her legacy and legend status will continue to inspire the next generation of Wellensians.

is a legend of Pre-Prep, she is truly irreplaceable and will be deeply missed.”

Archives and Afternoon Tea.

Sunlight streamed into Cedars House

Drawing Room on 20th March as 30 old friends gathered for Wells Cathedral School’s first-ever Archive Afternoon. An afternoon full of memories, music, and a few surprises.

Archives set out in the Drawing Room, formerly the Dining Room

Archives and Afternoon Tea.

Old Wellensians were treated to a wonderful Lunchtime Concert in Quilter Hall, formerly the Music School, featuring talented pupil performances on violin, French horn, and cello. The programme included pieces by Wieniawski, Strauss, SaintSaëns, Rachmaninov, and Ravel - each played with skill, expression, and real stage presence. An absolute treat for all who attended.

Earlier in the day, Old Wellensians enjoyed tours of the School, swapping stories and exploring old haunts. Later spotting familiar faces among the archive displays. A particularly special moment was showing Charles Holme, OW 1964, around his former home, now home to Little Wellies nursery, for the first time in nearly 60 years. We were also delighted to welcome back Ann Cohen, OW 1976, one of the first 27 girls to join the School back in Michaelmas 1969.

Nigel Hyslop and Alan Bartlett, both OW 1973, were also surprised to discover a 1966 rugby photo featuring them both when they were just 11.

To top it all off Bill Leggett, OW 1976, was reunited with the hare mascot his mum made for him during his school days, an unexpected reunion after almost 50 years that brought smiles all round.

The Archive Afternoon reminded us all of the friendships and stories that make Wells such a special place. We look forward to hearing even more of your stories at the next event.

Copies of The Wellensian and old school photos

Pictured from top to bottom:

Nigel Hyslop speaking with one of the Schools first girls, Ann Cohen

Philip Sudron, OW 1976, with brothers Michael, OW 1973, and Richard Stubbings, OW 1977

Mike Hatch, OW 1962, and his wife Christine searching through old copies of the Wellensian

1967 Rugby photo featuring Nigel and Alan

Bill Leggett and the Hare

Hooray for Hockey.

This year’s Old Wellensians vs. School hockey match proved to be a competitive and well balanced fixture on Sunday 23rd March. The final score at the end of the second half was 2 - 2, with both teams demonstrating a strong and evenly matched competitive spirit throughout. The game was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout, where the Old Wellensian team secured a narrow win by a single goal, earning them the Shield for this year.

Our thanks go to all players on both sides for contributing and a special recognition goes to Mike Murton, OW 2013, for his efforts in putting together a well prepared OW team.

We look forward to seeing the School players return in future years as Old Wellensian participants, continuing this enjoyable and valued sporting event.

If you would like to take part in upcoming Old Wellensian hockey, cricket, or netball matches, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

South East Asia in April.

Martin Ashton, Alex Laing and Simon Smith were pleased to reconnect with Old Wellensians during their recent visits to South East Asia as part of their itinerary to build relationships with prospective families.

At the beginning of the month Simon, Head of Strings, visited Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Percussionist Ian Chow, OW 2025, gave a memorable performance at Bentley Academy and talked about his experience at Wells. On the evening of 5th April, Simon met Michelle Fung, OW 1999, and Lee Jae Phang, OW 2012, at The Sphere Lounge in the One World Hotel, KL.

Later in the month Martin, Deputy Head Pastoral and Alex, Director of Music visited Hong Kong and caught up with James Hall, OW 2006; Wallace Yip, OW 1998, and Cecilia Chan, OW 2012, pictured.

Our next Hong Kong Meet Up is scheduled for October. Keep an eye on the Events page of our website for more details. We hope to see you there!

Old Wellensian Rising Stars.

In the third and final installment of the academic year’s extra special recital series, two more Old Wellensians were welcomed back to School. Quilter Hall was once again filled to capacity.

Fergus McCready, OW 2018, who was appointed Principal Oboe with the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House last year and recently named one of Classic FM’s Rising Stars for 2025 gave a remarkable performance.

We were also thrilled to welcome back awardwinning Malaysian pianist Bridget Yee, OW 2022. Bridget, winner of the Windsor International Piano Competition and the Beecham International Piano Competition, began her musical journey at Wells on a full scholarship aged just 11. While at School, she studied both piano and double bass. Reflecting on her return, she wrote on Facebook: “Beyond grateful for the memories and the people of this place. I’ll never forget last night’s concert.”

It was a joy to see so many Old Wellensians in the audience, including recent leavers and school friends of Fergus and Bridget. This memorable evening was a fitting celebration of over 50 years of specialist music education at Wells Cathedral School.

We look forward to welcoming even more Rising Stars in the next academic year.

Above: Bridget returning to Vicar’s Close

Below: Director of Music Alex Laing, Fergus and Bridget enjoy a quick pub stop

Chorister Association Annual Reunion.

On Saturday 26th April, Wells Cathedral echoed with familiar voices as Old Wellensians returned for the Choir Association’s annual reunion and dinner.

A highlight of the day was Evensong, sung beneath the Cathedral’s arches by past and present choir members. Afterwards members reminisced over dinner. It was a moving reminder of the lifelong friendships formed through music at Wells.

Hugh Goodgame, OW 1983, shared: “My first time venturing into the quire for, I think, 47 years! Full of trepidation but what a great day… Huge thanks to everyone involved.”

The Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust and the Association hope to grow the event next year.

Thanks to the WCCA for sharing this photo of Old Wellensians singing in the Choir.

In the Pit.

The pit is often the place for mini Wells Cathedral School reunions. Connie Tanner, OW 1996 and current bassoon teacher here at Wells, shared this fantastic photo. She wrote on Facebook ‘Five Old Wellensians in the orchestra of the Royal Opera House, on stage, moments before the curtain went up for Act 2 of Royal Ballet And Opera’s “Ballet To Broadway”.’

From left to right: Hetty Snell OW 2006 (Cello Principal), Sarah Andrew OW 1994 (Bassoon Sub Principal), Connie Tanner OW 1996 (Bassoon extra player), Anna Blackmur OW 2006 (2nd Violin Section Principal), Nikki Gleed OW 1999 (Violin extra player).

It’s always inspiring to see Old Wellensians making music together at the highest level. We love seeing your photos, keep sharing on Facebook or by emailing alumni@wells.cathedral.school.

From start to finish line.

Annabel Stephen, OW 2023, crossed the finish line of the London Marathon in April, completing the iconic 26.2-mile race in an impressive 5 hours and 25 minutes. Despite the heat, she described the experience as “an incredible day!”

With an “amazing support crew” cheering her on throughout the route, Annabel pushed through every mile, inspired by the overwhelming encouragement from friends and family.

Her journey wasn’t just about running - it was about making a difference. Thanks to the generosity of the School community and supporters, Annabel exceeded her original fundraising goal, raising an outstanding £1,885 for Save the Children.

Annabel wishes to thank everyone involved, saying, “The atmosphere was immense and I loved every minute of it.”

Josh Hale: an icon of design.

Designer and Old Wellensian Josh Hale, OW 2012, has been named in House & Garden’s annual list of 25 Rising Stars, which highlights emerging talent across furniture, garden, floral and interior design. Rising Stars celebrates individuals making a mark either by pushing boundaries or refining their craft.

Josh credits his time at Wells with giving him the confidence to pursue a creative career, saying: “Wells not only gave me the educational framework to learn about a creative world, it gave me the confidence to apply my life to it.”

To find out more about Josh’s work visit his website. www.joshuahale.co.uk

Josh Hale with his copy of House and Garden

How can I play my part?

Since launching our Play Your Part campaign in September 2024, we’ve been thrilled by the response from OWs asking how they can get involved and ‘pay it forward’. Here are just a few ways you can Play Your Part.

Become an Ambassador

At the end of the academic year Olly and Camilla, pictured, transition from being Heads of School, previously known as Head Boy and Head Girl, to taking up the baton as Year Group Ambassadors for the 2025 cohort. Year Group Ambassadors have been appointed on their departure from School since 2013 and from September the Ambassador programme will be expanding into the following areas:

• Industry and Profession

• UK & International

• University

• Activity

Whether you love sport, or want to represent OWs in a particular field or region, we want to hear from you. If your Year Group is currently not represented, make sure you get in touch too!

If you’re interested in joining the Wellensian Ambassador programme, whatever your passion, please contact alumni@wells.cathedral.school.

Join Wellensian Connections

Our Connections program offers an exciting chance for OWs to share their stories and insights with both current and former pupils.

You don’t need to be an expert! Sometimes, asking the right questions is just as valuable as having all the answers. Communication is typically through email or phone chats. It can also include recommending further contacts or offering work experience, depending on the situation. We also invite OWs to speak to groups of pupils either in person or via remote link as well as preparing our Sixth Form for interview.

To sign up or to find a mentor visit: www.community.wells-cathedral-school.com/ careers.

Did you know

The Ambassador Programme is expanding?

Did you know

You can become a mentor to the next generation of Wellensians?

Attend events

In the 2025-2026 we’re expanding our events offering and hope to welcome even more of you to Old Wellensian gatherings. From intimate and informal afternoon teas to black tie dinners there’s something for everyone! Whether you regularly attend OW events, have never been to one, or have just left the school, you are all very welcome.

Keep up to date with what’s going on by visiting our events page https://community. wells-cathedral-school.com/events

Give the gift of education

Around one in six pupils at Wells currently receive means-tested financial support, and demand continues to grow. This life-changing support is made possible thanks to those who give to bursaries, including our growing community of regular donors to the Quilter Fund.

Pupils like Maddie Perring (OW 2019), who features on page X and in the video above, have benefitted directly from this generosity.

To watch the Play Your Part video featuring Maddie, visit: wells.cathedral.school/foundation

Horizon Awards.

Five pupils received a Horizon Award this summer. The panel, which included Hannah Wheeler, OW 1988, were impressed with all the applications and we all look forward to hearing about the pupil’s experiences. Horizon Awards are awarded to pupils in order to broaden their horizons beyond the usual Wells Cathedral School curriculum. Two pupils share their experiences below.

Anton and members of the orchestra

Morgan, 2024 Horizon Award recipient

Trombonist Morgan, one of last year’s Horizon Award recipients, spoke animatedly about the impact of the award on his musical journey. Thanks to the funding, he was able to attend the world-renowned Järvi Academy Youth Symphony Orchestra (JAYSO) Course, founded by conductor Paavo Järvi and his family.

While there, Morgan studied under the acclaimed German trombone teacher Jonas Bylund, who teaches at the Academy of Music in Hanover. “Every evening there were concerts that were free to attend,” Morgan shared. “My favourite was the Estonian Festival Orchestra performing Bizet’s Roma Symphony.”

The week concluded with JAYSO’s performance of Dvořák’s Seventh Symphony, which received an enthusiastic response. “The trip has been an incredibly useful and interesting experience. Thank you for your support!”

Anton, 2025 Horizon Award recipient

One of this year’s Horizon Award recipients, Anton, will begin his final year at Wells Cathedral School in September. Aiming to become a concert pianist, Anton used his award to organise and perform in two professional concerts in Taunton and Totnes, where he played Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with a full orchestra.

Working alongside conductor Andrew Gillet, Anton collaborated with a mix of professional musicians and fellow pupils from Wells. He was also responsible for every element of the project, from venue booking and scheduling to assembling the orchestra and promoting the concerts.

“I am deeply passionate about sharing music,” Anton said. “I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity.” We wish him every success for the future.

Four other Horizon Awards were granted this year, supporting projects in areas such as marine conservation and environmental sustainability.

#WhereAmIWednesday?

In April we kicked off a new hashtag on the Old Wellensians Facebook Group, #WhereAmIWednesday.

It has been lovely to hear all your memories about different parts of the School. Here are just a few of the snaps.

Give it a go yourself. Can you tell where these photos are taken? Answers at the foot of the page.

A“I used to climb the I-beams on the side of the sports hall. Up was easy, but down was tricky.”

“Sports hall .. spent many a long hour hitting tennis balls against that wall!”

“As a sixth former, I used to park my Vauxhall Chevette then Renault 5 there often next to Mrs Bolger’s sports car! I remember a few fellow sixth formers cars too!”

Answers

A. Sports Hall

B. Cedars Hallway

C. Ritchie Hall (formerly the Bernard Building)

D. Shooting Range

E. Edwards

F. Science CH 5 Classroom

G. De Salis

H. Shrewsbury

I. Quilter Hall (formerly the Music School)

A Week of Celebration.

The hustle and bustle of the last week of term was, as always, a lovely experience. Highlights include Sports Day, the Wellensian Welcome for the departing Upper Sixth, OW vs School cricket and, of course, Speech Day.

Sports day then and now

Speech Day and Reflections

Speech Day welcomed another glorious day of sunshine. From Stable Yard to Wells Cathedral to Cedars Lawn, and from percussion to brass to bagpipes, music could be heard all around the School. A highlight was the Reflections of School led by the School Prefects. They created a moving and amusing montage of their very happy memories at Wells.

Later in the day, at the End of Year Service, there were tears as the 2025 Year Group processed out of Wells Cathedral and they gathered on Cathedral Green for a whole year photograph. The School Chaplain, Revd Tom Handy, OW 1998, led the service and the Very Revd Toby Wright, Dean of Wells, preached. Prayers were led by outgoing Head of School, Camilla Haule. The day was rounded off with a game of cricket and we were delighted to see so many OWs in attendance.

Departing Heads of School and Deputy Heads of School Oliver Coling, Camilla Haule, Tabitha Heaselgrave and Key Heng Chan

Joining the Wellensian Community

Earlier in the week, we welcomed the 2025 Year Group into the Wellensian Association. Camilla and Oliver take up the baton of Year Group Ambassadors. Hearing Maddie Perring, OW 2019, talk about the strength of the OW community was particularly powerful. She advised the outgoing Upper Sixth to ask for help when needed and to keep in touch with their peers: “wherever you go, there will always be an OW”, she said - highlighted by the fact she is now living with another attendee Katie Sherratt, OW 2018. We’re also grateful to Harriet Perring, OW 2021, Hazel Rigby, OW 1993 and George Bunting, OW 1970, who presented pupils with their Year Books and Wellensian Association Membership token. It should be noted that it was a real family affair as Maddie and Harriet welcomed their youngest brother William, part of the 2025 cohort.

“Wherever you go, there will always be an OW”
Above: Katie, Maddie and Harriet

Obituaries.

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.

David Watkin, OW 1983, died 13 May, aged 60.

David was a celebrated British cellist, conductor, and educator known for his work in historically informed performance often using period instruments.

After Wells he studied at Cambridge and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He went on to perform with leading ensembles, including the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the English Baroque Soloists. He also taught at the University of Edinburgh and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, mentoring a new generation of musicians.

David was known for his warmth and wit. As well as playing in numerous ensembles at School he was remembered for his hair with David Tudway Quilter recalling in the Wellensian his ‘wild mop.’

David passed away after living with scleroderma. His legacy lives on in his recordings, his students, and his lasting influence on the music world. Our thoughts are with his family, especially his sons, Noah and Sandy.

Anne Mitchell died peacefully on 2nd June.

Anne was the wife of the late Neil Mitchell, former Housemaster of Ritchie House. Our thoughts are with their children Michael, Kate and Simon.

Anne’s son, Simon, shared this: “To all members of Ritchie House 72-82 I’m sorry to announce the sad loss of our mum who died peacefully aged 89. She stalwartly took on the un-paid and often unacknowledged role of ‘house mother’ when our father took on the housemaster-ship of Ritchie and was there through it’s halcyon days. She was also familiar to anyone frequenting the Cathedral shop and remained in Wells until about three years ago when no longer able to manage on her own she took up residence in Wallingford. She will be missed.”

A lasting gift.

We are extremely grateful to have recently received this beautifully crafted Salvi harp, generously donated by someone with a long-standing connection to Wells. Her legacy gift was made in recognition of “the School’s strong and keen interest in educating, supporting and developing pupils’ love and appreciation of music.”

We are thankful to all those who choose to leave a gift in their Will, helping to enrich the lives of future generations in lasting and meaningful ways. We look forward to hearing the harp in its inaugural performance soon.

Lower Sixth pupil Etty. A talented harpist, Etty attends the School with the support of the Music and Dance Scheme.

Anne Mitchell, centre with husband Neil

Dates for your diary.

SEPTEMBER

Thursday 4th September, 7pm

OW Melbourne Meet Up

OCTOBER

Early October TBC

Hong Kong Reunion

NOVEMBER

Thursday 20th November, 6.30pm

Bristol Drinks & UniMeet

Thursday 18th September, 7pm

OW Sydney Meet Up

Wednesday 15th October, Time TBC

Creative Collection Networking

Friday 28th November, 9.15am

St Andrew’s Day Eucharist

Saturday 20th September, 10am

Open Morning for prospective parents

AUGUST

Tuesday 12th August, 7pm

OW Auckland Meet Up

OCTOBER

Saturday 4th October, 7pm

OW Rising Stars Concert

NOVEMBER

Wednesday 15th - Thursday 16th October, 7pm

Symphony Orchestra Concert

Shakespeare in Love: High School Edition DECEMBER

Wednesday 3rd - Saturday 6th December

Wednesday 5th November, 5.45pm

PFA Firework Display

Sunday 7th December, 6.30pm

School Advent Carol Service

We hope to see you at one of our upcoming events. Further information can be found on the website: community.wells-cathedral-school.com/events

London

Dinner 2026

Save the Date!

We’re calling all members of the 2021 Year Group to save the date for your 5 Year Reunion, taking place in London on Friday, 6 February 2026. It’s a perfect opportunity to reconnect with classmates, catch up on one another’s journeys, and celebrate five years since leaving Wells Cathedral School.

Register your interest on our website to be the first to receive details and ticket information as soon as they become available.

Further details, including the venue, will follow in due course.

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