TH FO R S|L M AT S 2024 3 W H I T G I F T F O R A L L N E W S L E T TW E RH I T G I FW I TRG IAFLTL FNOERWASLLLE TNTEEW E TI C TH E RA E| LLM EN
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Message from the Headmaster I look forward to providing a IWelcome would like take this Term toto the Trinity also delighted to see the return further update in the next edition opportunity share a For All edition of thetoWhitgift of the History Festival in the of WFA News. In the meantime, communication from The you John Newsletter, which I hope second half of term, before we I hope you enjoy this issue of Whitgift about continue Foundation to enjoy. I hope allmy celebrate with the Upper Sixth WFA News and I hope to see you moving an International School readers to have enjoyed an Easter at their Graduation and Leavers’ at one of the upcoming alumni in September 2024. the I have been break. Predictably, Trinity Ball. Something completely new is events during the Lent term and Term has started in weather Philanthropy Week. The concept honoured to serve as Headmaster beyond. which not quite summery, of philanthropy week is simple: of this is extraordinary school for though those in public exams we talk about the importance the last seven years and this has may prefer hot weather later in of Whitgiftians giving back, in included meeting and engaging Chris Ramsey the year! whatever ways they can, and with a large number of OWs Headmaster At the end of last Term we we have made massive progress during my tenure. re-instigated a Founder’s Day However, one of the joys of the in this. This will culminate in a tradition of giving boys and staff term is already in play. On the Whitgift Gives, the School’s first a white flower with the day second Monday afternoon back I ever giving day where we bring culminating in David James giving watched a super season-opener all members of the Whitgift an inspiring address to staff on for our Dear 1st XIOWs, against Epsom on a Community – OWs, current pupils, memorable moments. Well, this beautiful afternoon: North Field current parents, former parents, I hope had an festive period your NewofYear has started The reason term will alsoand have plenty at its best. Andyou despite theenjoyable rain currentwell. and former staff for – together writing to last youSaturday’s is to let you know that the Headmaster,memorable Mr Chris Ramsey, will be leaving Whitgift chance to experience falling as I write, to support important community the aend this academic year to take up a new postduring as Head at anprojects. International The about moments, much missed fixturesat were joy,ofthe day’s More School. information opportunity runI an as a linguist he has always wanted Covid.school Beforeoverseas, half termwhich we have games unfolding in atoway stillinternational this will follow. to do, has come unexpectedly, and it is a great for the school, but we know that this is an the Summer Artsshame Festival. After find irresistible – cricket uniquely move for internal Chris and one we have agreed exams, and ‘hand backhe should allowingenormously spectating,attractive chatting and Intake. the meantime, I look forward week’, there will be opportunities appreciating our good fortune. I to meeting many of you at the know that Chris superb has hugely for enjoyed being Head, and the for school hasvarious been fortunate to have something a bit different say thatWe because in having events we have his coming exceptional leadership in settingeach a vision, us through Covid andup, continuing to develop year guiding group, ranging from grounds, great coaches and boys not to mention the and Gala Golf improve the school. There laterperformance to thank him properly, the meantime, is fully matinée of the but inDay enthusiastic to play the game, wewill bea time later in theChris month. committed to leading schoolschool until the end Summer Term. play to of anthe Entrepreneurship are, as parents often remark,the very Week for the 2nd Form run by the lucky. So let’s hope for a long and Chris Ramsey Weseason. have already started the permanent recruitment process earnest and whilst it is a competitive Economics Department. Weinare enjoyable Headmaster market, we are confident that we will have a number of very strong candidates who will want to lead the school through its next phase. Given normal notice periods in the education sector, a new permanent Head is unlikely to be able to start before the Summer Term of 2025, so we are very pleased to be able to tell you that the Governors have appointed Mr Andrew Halls as Interim Head from September 2024 until the new permanent Head of Whitgift can start. Andrew has enjoyed a distinguished career and was the Headmaster of KCS Wimbledon for 13 years until 2021, and before that was the Headmaster at Magdalen College School for nine years. Both schools won the Sunday Times Independent School of the Year award under his leadership. He was also Deputy Head of Trinity and an English teacher at Whitgift for four years earlier in his career. Andrew was awarded an OBE in 2020, for services to education. We believe him to be an outstanding school leader, and that he will be a superb addition to our rich history of excellent headmasters.
Yours sincerely Christopher Houlding Chairman, The John Whitgift Foundation
Rehearsal images from the Summer Arts Festival
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Nick Edwards Chairman, Whitgift School Committee
EVENTS News OW ANNUAL DINNER – CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE, OXFORD 30 September 2023 On a late summer’s evening and undeterred by yet another train strike, 35 OWs joined together in the magnificent surrounding of Corpus Christi College to catch up with old school friends.
The Headmaster and Director of Development were delighted to be joined by past students spanning a wide range of year groups from the class of 1956 right up to recent leavers. It was a super evening with a pre-dinner drinks reception, followed by a three-course meal and speeches by Mr Ramsay and Lord Freud. These events offer an opportunity to stay connected with OW friends and network with the wider community. We will be running a variety of events in 2024 (please see the back cover of this issue for details) and we’d be delighted to see many more Old Whitgiftians over the coming year.
1596 SOCIETY Named after the School’s founding year, the 1596 Society recognises our donors who give over £1,596 a year. To find out more, please contact alumni@whitgift.co.uk or call 020 8633 9922.
HONG KONG DRINKS 17 October 2023 Thomas Northcote, Director of Development, Will Chaloner, Boarding Housemaster and Jae Chang, Deputy Boarding Housemaster were delighted to welcome 30 members of the OW community to The China Room at The Hong Kong Club for the annual OW Drinks Reception. The staff were pleased to catch up with alumni and their parents at this very enjoyable reunion and were grateful to Tim Hancock for arranging such a wonderful venue. Later the same week, Faye Carter, Head of Sixth Form joined parents of current and past boarding students for dinner at The Art of Canton Restaurant. Again, it was a super evening. These events coincided with Whitgift’s annual attendance at the Academic Asia UK Education Expo in Hong Kong. We very much look forward to seeing OWs based in the region during our visit next year.
Lawrence Tang, Will Chaloner, JB Rioual and Jae Chang pictured at The Hong Kong Club
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EVENTS News UPPER FIFTH 1952-53 REUNION LUNCHEON 17 OCTOBER 2023 Peter Warren (OW 1947-56) Yes, we are still around, albeit, alas, having bade a final farewell to two of our number during the last 12 months – John Trott and Ronald Bernard. Our complement now stands at fourteen, and such as could manage assembled chez moi, on 17 October 2023 to celebrate our 71st ‘Birthday’. We have never been given to overly looking back, quite the reverse. Despite being between 86 and 88 years old, this was no exception. Topics included ‘Where on Earth is English cricket going? ‘Has rugby football a future’ and ‘How will the Middle East crisis of Hamas and Israel pan out?’ We also
CAROL CONCERT Croydon Minster 14 December 2023 On the last day of the Michaelmas term parents, OWs, staff and Second Form students gathered to enjoy a glorious evening of music at Croydon Minster.
reflected on holiday destinations nearer home, such as the Isle of Man and the Isles of Scilly. Overall, an occasion of good spirit rather neatly encapsulated by Kenneth Rokison’s account of how he had been pressed to display his Thespian talents to an audience of fellow Betchworth citizens for the local church fundraiser. He chose
Guests were welcomed by The Whitgift Brass Ensemble playing a selection of well-known carols in front of the Minster before the service began with Once in Royal David’s City. The lessons were beautifully read by students from each year group from Lower First
to mimic Frank Sinatra, singing ‘You Make Me Feel So Young!’ It is in that frame of mind we intend to soldier on, still believing we could not have ‘chosen’ a better 90-year period in which to live and only sorry that, it seems, we are not bequeathing the same to our succeeding generations.
up to Sixth Form, with additional readings from staff and the Headmaster. The concert concluded with a rousing rendition of Oh Come All Ye Faithful providing a wonderfully festive end to the term.
© Fergus Burnett
The service was sung by the Chamber Choir of Whitgift School, under the direction of Mr Justin Miller, Director of Choral Music and skilfully accompanied by the Minster’s Sub-Organist, George Inscoe.
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HIGH PROFILE SPEAKERS BOOST ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME Adam Jones Deputy Director of Learning & Innovation With a number of high-profile academic speakers coming to Whitgift in the Michaelmas term, both students and the wider Whitgift community have been treated to some diverse and engaging lectures. Two events in particular, Dr Stuart Lawrence and Professor Brian Cox, were opened to Old Whitgiftians and proved to be very well received. Dr Stuart Lawrence spoke to both students and subsequently parents about his personal grief at losing his brother, Stephen Lawrence, in a racially motivated attack, and outlined the incredible work he now does to help move society forwards and to tackle societal inequality. Current parent Professor Brian Cox interacted with students
at the School’s very own STEM Fair, at which the various STEM societies presented what they had been working on during the term, and then addressed massed ranks of students, staff, parents, OWs and local partnership schools,
speaking about his research into black holes and their role in our universe. With more exciting speakers lined up for 2024, the Academic Enrichment programme at Whitgift is set for another year of exciting lectures.
REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE
We were pleased to offer visitors refreshments in Big School, before the Corps of Drums started the service. Alan Bayes, the School Chaplain, lead the service, with readings from the Upper and Lower School Captains. The wreaths were laid by Paddy Calvert on behalf of the Staff and Whitgift Parents Association; Ross Munro on behalf of the Old Whitgiftian community and Iain Stevenson on behalf of the students.
On a cold and wet morning on Friday 10 November it was a privilege to welcome so many OWs and residents from Whitgift House to the Remembrance Service.
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EVENTS News WHITGIFT CHORISTERS AT THE GORING Simon Beck Registrar On 15 December the Whitgift Choristers were invited to sing at the prestigious Goring Hotel in the heart of Belgravia. The Goring’s iconic Lounge, Bar and Conservatory offered an elegant setting for the performance which entertained hotel guests, Whitgift parents, staff and OWs whilst they enjoyed an exquisite Afternoon Tea. The popularity of the Choristers’ performance was evident as newly arriving residents also squeezed in to appreciate the festive spectacle.
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It was a wonderful opportunity for the Whitgift students to sing at the 5-star hotel and both guests and the hotel management were delighted by the performance. Huge thanks to all at The Goring for their warm welcome and generous hospitality.
We hope to return in 2024. Once the date is confirmed, early booking is highly recommended. All money raised from The Choristers’ performance will go to the WFA Bursary Fund.
Networking News Innovation Meets Experience NETWORKING ACROSS THE WHITGIFT COMMUNITY After a successful launch last year, we are looking forward to the new series of Innovation Meets Experience.
Each month this initiative will give a Sixth Form student valuable presentation practice and an opportunity to connect with parents and OWs with experience relating to their project.
The Innovation Meets Experience programme can be found below. If you have knowledge on any of the topics, or would just be interested to hear more, please support the students by joining a session. Book your place here
Each presentation will be held online and will include time for Q&As and constructive feedback and advice.
DATE AND TIME
INNOVATION MEETS EXPERIENCE SESSION
TUESDAY 30 JANUARY 2024, 4.15pm
BUSINESS AND RETAIL: ‘GEDRA’ WITH SAM Sam introduces his unique clothing brand, inspired by his love of music. Discover his brand’s inception, his current efforts, and future business development plans.
TUESDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2024, 4.15pm
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES: ‘ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE THROUGH MICROEVOLUTION AND GENE PLASTICITY’ WITH QUENTIN Explore organism adaptation to changing environments and their survival prospects.
TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2024, 4.15pm
WEB3 AND BLOCKCHAIN: 'SYNETICX: THE WORLD'S COOLEST PLATFORM' WITH RO AND ALEX Join Rohan and Alex as they unveil their project building an online sci-fi metaverse. Dive into their plans for the integration of blockchain technologies and NFTs into their virtual world and future plans for creating a second 'virtual' reality.
TUESDAY 30 APRIL 2024, 4.15pm
ENGINEERING AND HEALTHCARE: ‘VR IN THE WARDS’ WITH NICHOLAS Explore the potential of cost-effective VR technology, specifically cardboard headsets with mobile phone apps, in hospital patient care.
TUESDAY 21 MAY 2024, 4.15pm
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, MECHANOBIOLOGY AND MEDICINE: ‘BIOMATERIALS: COLLABORATION ON THE ATOMIC LEVEL’ WITH SCOFIELD Discover the rationale behind designing biomaterials for healthcare and how evidence-based medicine enhances treatments.
TUESDAY 18 JUNE 2024, 4.15pm
POLITICS: ‘THE POLITICS OUTLOOK’ WITH VATSA Vatsa has been running workshops under the brand ‘The Politics Outlook’ to help young people break through echo chambers, fostering critical thinking skills to understand all sides of political issues.
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NEWS THE WHITGIFT CATERING DEPARTMENT Interview by Emma Helbert Alumni Relations Officer Chartwells Independent has held the catering contract at Whitgift for almost 30 years and for the last 17 years Sarah Harvey has led the team. Producing over 7470 meals per week is no mean feat, so I went behind the scenes to ask Sarah what life is like for the unsung heroes who keep the school fuelled. What does the average day look like? The catering staff are on site seven days a week keeping day students, boarders, staff and visitors fed. The first shift starts at 5.30am preparing over 300 breakfasts and getting lunch started for 950 people. In the evenings 120 evening meals are served on a daily basis, plus catering is often required for the many events held at School. Which dishes on the menu are the biggest hits with the boys? Curry is a real crowd pleaser, with Chicken Shawarma, Mac n Cheese and Sausage and Mash also very popular. Have tastes changed amongst students since you joined? Definitely. Boys are experiencing much more ‘street food’ as part of their social time, and they are looking for similar food from us. Regular pop ups celebrating different cuisines from around the world are proving very popular. Whitgift students and staff enjoy a varied menu of dishes. Where do you get inspiration for new recipes?
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I get most of my ideas by visiting vendors at food markets such as Borough Market or the food market near The Royal Festival Hall. Some dishes can transfer easily, some not so easily when you are dealing with the numbers we cater for. We are fortunate to have an ethnically diverse school which is also reflected in our kitchen staff. We have colleagues from all over the world including Poland, India, Ivory Coast and Jamaica, all of whom bring recipe ideas and help us create truly authentic dishes. For example, we recently held a Diwali event in Big School and Linda used her traditional recipes to prepare the delicious chai enjoyed as a symbol of community and connection during the festival. Have you had any catering mishaps you’re prepared to share? There have been a lot over the years! Our team mantra is ‘Planning and preparation prevents poor performance’, but sometimes there are factors out of your control. As I mentioned, we love to celebrate cultural events and Chinese New Year is no exception. I try to theme the events with decorations, and I was really pleased with my design one year, until a boarding student from Hong Kong kindly pointed out that instead of displaying the traditional red lucky envelopes, I had mistakenly adorned the room with donation boxes usually used at funerals! I was so grateful that he told me before the dinner began.
You must have met some interesting people during your career in catering, who stands out to you? Sadly, I wasn’t here when the Queen visited Whitgift in 1996, but I did have the pleasure of meeting her during my time at Sport England before I took up my role here. Princess Anne was always a good guest too, with a great sense of humour. She was always so well prepared and showed genuine interest in everyone she met. Catering is very much a team effort. What’s the secret to a happy, productive team in the kitchen? Whilst what we do is very hard work, you must have fun and a sense of humour to survive. I make a point on my arrival and throughout the morning of finding each member of the team to say good morning, ask how they are. I find that by doing this check in, I very quickly get an idea if anyone needs support, or if there are any issues. Working as a team is vital for the happiness of all, if anyone is slacking, this can cause bad feeling very rapidly, but it is usually resolved by the team. At our Friday meeting I acknowledge staff who’ve done particularly well that week. I think it’s important to recognise when people have done a good job. What’s the best part of your job? The boys. Seeing them pass through the different stages of their school life right through to their graduations.
Any hidden talents in the catering team? Tell me something that will surprise our WFA News readers. Head Chef, Leszek Kapinski has over a hundred medals for his competition work and won Compass Group Chef of the Year, with a holiday to South Africa as his prize. He has been particularly successful showcasing his dessert skills as well as with the ‘Mystery Basket’ category. He can create a spectacular menu on the spot with no prior preparation. It’s impressive. Tell me about Richard Allison or ‘Richie’ as he’s known to many. Richard has been at the school for 20 years and is part of the fabric of Whitgift. His engagement with the boys and his ability to remember their names and what they are doing is remarkable. He takes a real interest in them and has high expectations of behaviour and manners, which they respond to. He is such a positive male role model. Your readers might not know that away from Whitgift he and his Mum also provide foster care for teenagers. Lastly with the recent hikes in food costs do you have any tips for cost effective family catering? When it comes to family meals, for me, planning what we are eating for the week and sticking to the shopping list, with no impulse buying. Bulk cooking and freezing of meals also helps. The trap for me, is not knowing what we are eating that night and then relying on a takeaway!
Sarah Harvey and Chef Leszek Kapinski
The Catering Department in Numbers
46
staff
1100–1200
360
meals produced per day on weekdays during term time
meals produced per day at the weekend
The weekly shopping list includes:
150
Kilos of Rice
150
2500
Kilos of Pasta
Eggs
1000
Kilos of Meat
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News ONE LIFE Francis Charig (OW 1970-1978) recently appeared in the Daily Telegraph recounting the story of his mother and aunt, who were two of the 10,000 Jewish children who escaped continental Europe on a series of miraculous train journeys known as the Kindertransport – the subject of One Life.
The film celebrates the work of English stockbroker Nicholas Winton, played by Anthony Hopkins, who rescued 669 Jewish children on a similar journey from Czechoslovakia. The full article can be read here One Life is currently showing in cinemas nationwide.
SIR ANTHONY SELDON TALK FRIDAY 8 MARCH 2024 We are delighted to welcome leading contemporary historian, educationalist, commentator, and political author Sir Anthony Seldon to School on Friday 8 March for an insightful talk on ‘Why did Liz Truss fail? Will Keir Starmer suffer the same fate?’ Sir Anthony started his teaching career at Whitgift as Head of Politics and came to national prominence as a thinker on education as Head of Brighton College and then Master of Wellington College. He is currently Head of Epsom College. He is author or editor of over 40 books on contemporary history, politics, and education, was the co-founder and first director of the Centre for Contemporary British History. He is co-founder of Action for Happiness and is honorary historical adviser to 10 Downing Street. His many other activities include being on the First World War Centenary Culture Committee, established
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by the Culture Secretary in 2013, and Governor of The Royal Shakespeare Company.
Tickets cost £25. All proceeds will go to the Whitgift For All bursary programme.
The event will be held in Big School. Drinks reception at 6pm. Talk starts 6.30pm.
To book tickets click here
Spotlight INTERVIEW YVAN BOLLET-QUIVOGNE (OW 2008–2015) and Consultant for Delta H – a consultancy dedicated to accelerating the transition to zero carbon energy systems Interview by Emma Helbert Alumni Relations Officer You arrived at Whitgift in 2008. What were your first impressions? The scale of the school and the opportunities had the most striking impression. My primary school’s frog pond which was the occasional home of a duck was transformed to a flamingo enclosure with peacocks roaming the site; a single French lesson in a year from a substitute teacher was replaced with regular classes in French and Mandarin. The school itself was gigantic and from my first day through to the last I had the sense of passing through a looking glass on the walk up the drive – the bustle of London was replaced with space to think, grow, and explore. Each week held a new
opportunity. Whitgift felt outside the real world in many ways, but it was a world which I was quickly made to feel a part of by many, and particularly Simon Beck. How has your time at Whitgift influenced your life? In innumerable ways which I am still discovering. The biggest influence has likely been an approach to challenges and opportunities - Whitgift taught me to embrace these and to have the confidence to drive my own path. I was initially unsuccessful with an application to the University of Cambridge in my final year of school. Not only was I given the support to excel with my academic results and put myself in a position to reapply the following year, but I was given my first ‘real’ job by the school, working in the School Admissions Office and as assistant editor to the Whitgiftian magazine in 2016 all while given support for my reapplication. You went on to study Natural Sciences at Cambridge. When did you discover your love of science? Was there a teacher who particularly inspired you? My love of science pre-dates Whitgift and goes back to growing salt crystals in the fridge with my dad aged 6 but was definitely encouraged by my time at Whitgift. All my teachers were fantastic. From Year 7 through to Sixth Form, we were always engaging in conversations with teachers inside and outside of class. They gave us space to explore ideas and keep learning which I am very grateful for. Ms Fifield, my Year 7 science teacher, had a big influence early in
refocussing me on my academics with the many opportunities available. She took me aside when I had failed to top the class in a couple of mid-term exams for a mild-grilling / encouraging peptalk which carried me all the way to a first-class degree from the University of Cambridge. Mr Biddle and Ms Poole were fantastic English teachers for my IB and I do not know if they realise how very close they came to swaying me into an English degree. They transformed my approach to reading and I’ve had 3-4 books on the go ever since. Additionally, an inspirational member of the Physics Department was integral in supporting my successful application to Cambridge. He took time out of his schedule after work to run through physics problems and mock interviews with me and was always ready to discuss a tricky physics concept. What were your other interests at School? I was an avid rugby player when I joined the School and was given an opportunity to captain a team to the quarter finals of the U15 Daily Mail cup under the fantastic coaching of Nick Martin. I played some of the best rugby of my life with the School; we had a great team. Alongside rugby I also discovered a love of the stage at Whitgift and was part of some fantastic productions, including West Side Story, Little Shop of Horrors and A View from the Bridge. I particularly enjoyed the free rein Miranda Merritt gave us in our Edgar Allan Poe themed Sixth Form drama and the opportunity it gave us to direct and perform in our own production.
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Spotlight to adopt electric school buses, you could invest any savings or pensions into environmentally focused funds, even an informed conversation with friends and family can have a huge influence. If any WFA News readers are interested in the low-carbon hydrogen sector, please reach out for a conversation!
You’re working for an organisation dedicated to accelerating the transition to zero carbon energy systems. Are you hopeful that global net zero targets can be met? I am enormously proud of the work we are doing with Delta H; it’s enabled me to bring to bear many of the skills I learnt at Whitgift and at the University of Cambridge to a real-world issue - global climate change. Transforming our energy systems to zero-carbon is essential to achieving national and international emission targets and, with Delta H, we are supporting cutting edge projects across the UK and Europe in bringing about the energy transition.
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There has been a step-change in the last few years of ambition across industry and governments in achieving the energy transition which is accelerating us towards our global net-zero targets. This has been fantastic to see unfold and does make me more optimistic for the future. The work is by no means done though and I’d encourage all of your readers to rethink about the influence they have to drive our acceleration towards net zero. A lot of emphasis is put on personal action (turning the heating down at home, reducing consumption of meat, flying and driving less, etc…) but your influence exists everywhere. You could encourage your school
What role will nuclear energy and low carbon hydrogen play in reaching net zero carbon emission targets? Both nuclear power and low-carbon hydrogen as an energy storage form important components of the UK’s decarbonisation strategy. Nuclear power is set to be expanded massively by 2050 and is a pre-existing reliable source of low-carbon heat and power. The UK already produces around 700,000 tonnes of hydrogen per-year primarily through a carbon producing process called Steam Methane Reformation for use in the chemicals industry. Replacing this process alone will be hugely important to achieve the UK’s carbon emission targets. In addition, making hydrogen from water and renewable electricity (what we call green hydrogen) offers a fantastic technology alongside batteries for low-carbon energy storage. Hydrogen has a high energy density (megajoules of energy per kilogram) compared with batteries making it an economical method of transporting renewable energy from areas of high renewable production (e.g. Scotland with its world-leading supply of wind power resource) to areas of high energy demand (e.g. London or exports to European countries reliant on energy
imports for their energy transition, such as Germany). There are many more applications of lowcarbon hydrogen and, excitingly, Europe and the UK have adopted ambitious production targets for low-carbon hydrogen by 2030 which is driving ambitious projects, thousands of new jobs and greater energy independence. You are also involved in volunteering. Tell me about the organisations you support and why they are important to you. I’ve always been aware of the incredible privilege I was afforded, not only by attending Whitgift and subsequently to be fortunate enough to study at the University of Cambridge but by having a roof over my head and food on the table while growing up; it has been important to me to make the most of these opportunities and to support communities which have not been afforded the same chances. Under slightly different circumstances, we could all be born with different fortunes, and I think we often take it for granted. There are many people who do far more in this regard than I do. I’d enjoy a world where we all strive to do a little more to help those around us each year, month, or day. Two charities I choose to support are: Crisis. There is no need for anyone in the UK to be sleeping on the street. The narrative around homelessness is often one of blame; those living on the streets have made choices in life that have led them to their position and, if they chose to, they could find a job and a home relatively easily. Would any of us choose to live on
the street? Can we imagine the difficulties of a job search while in need of a warm and dry place to sleep tonight? Is kicking an addiction not hard enough without worrying about having a safe night’s sleep? I do not see a scenario in which rough sleeping should be tolerated and while we should expect our local and national governments to step in and end homelessness, for the moment Crisis’ work offers a chance for some to get the support they need.
the world, all while tirelessly advocating for further action in the House of Lords for intervention, celebrates the best way I have yet to see of leveraging privilege for the greater good. Each project coordinated by HART is unique to the needs of the region in which it works, and I would urge all your readers to read into all of them and support Baroness Cox’s work.
Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART). Baroness Cox is the most impressive person I have had the privilege to meet. Her work developing impactful small-scale projects to support people in the centre of conflict zones across
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SPORTS NEWS OWGS NEWS – AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2023 Peter Gale, Hon. Sec. (OW 1963-1969) Our August open meeting was the Hornsey-Walker Cup, looking resplendent having been polished, and with the base now firmly fixed to the cup, by 2022 winner Andrew Winterbotham. The cup was first presented in 1927 and so it is approaching its centenary; we shall have to plan an appropriate celebration. The fixture was held at Royal Ashdown Forest GC, and this time we played the Old Course, with players having the choice of using the yellow or red tees. Whichever choice was made, the key for all players was to keep the ball on the fairway, since the slightest deviation either side meant playing the next shot from the prevalent heather, which was in full and lush condition. So much so that many a ball was lost, and many a 3-minute spell spent foraging in the purple heather for a glimpse of white (or yellow). Noone completed their round in less than 5 hours.
Having finished as runner-up on his last two outings, Nigel Huxtable (photo below) was due a win, although his victory speech afterwards suggested that he had miscalculated, since he said that he wanted to avoid the consequent cut to his society handicap! Nigel’s winning score of 32 points, very creditable in the conditions, was also achieved by David Absalom, who lost out on countback by the narrowest of margins, scoring one less than Nigel on the last six holes. Third was David Hughes (29 points) who also finished ahead on countback, this time at the expense of Mike Berners Price (also 29).
We welcomed three new members, Daniel Emkes, Trevor Watkins and Ben Rudall, all making a debut appearance on probably the most difficult course of the summer! We also played a match against Croham Hurst GC in August. All very enjoyable in lovely weather, but a 4-0 win for the hosts.
Jerry Hamley hits the green on the 249yd 11
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The late summer hot spell may have been winding towards its end when we visited Piltdown in September, but it was still very
good weather and, much as at Royal Ashdown the previous month, the heather was in fine shape! It all goes to show that a good golf course doesn’t need bunkers to make it challenging and interesting. Piltdown had just sanded the fairways so we were granted ‘preferred lies’ on the mown stuff; in fact, the sand provided a useful clue as to where the ball had landed, puffing up as it did when struck. The greens were a little slow, but were not themselves sanded. We had four guests in our number, and the results put them front and centre. David Bedwell, of Reigate Hill, showed everyone else how it should be done, and scored 34 points, a total which most of the OWs present considered a very good score on a difficult course. Second prize also went to a guest, this time Suffolk resident Gary Seaman, who scored 31. After that, there was a cluster of members vying for third place (and the Autumn Cup, which could only be won by a member). Alan Scovell, Mark Haswell and Nigel Huxtable all carded 30 points, and all scored 14 going out and 16 coming back. The need for too much scrutiny of the countback position was avoided however, because David Hughes, who had considered scrapping his card after a poor start over the first four holes, recovered (and surprised) himself to such an extent that he scored 11 on the front and a highly commendable 19 on the back, which trumped the others’ 16, and so won him the Cup (pictured with President Pip Burley).
local courses compared to some visited over the last 12 years. Seaford was windy on top of the hills overlooking the English Channel, but in fine condition; Eastbourne was considered a little ‘quirky’ by those who played it; and Crowborough was as tricky and tiring as ever, but beautiful
David Hughes with President Pip Burley
Never give up! All were comforted by Piltdown’s evening curry and so much choice of dessert that some felt compelled to sample more than one. Mark Chatham emerged as the ultimate winner of the society’s Challenge Cup, a knockout tournament played by members throughout the summer months; he overcame Nigel Huxtable in the final, played at Wildernesse.
Royal Eastbourne
with it. Seventeen players played on the tour, and Don Anderson emerged on top over the three days, playing with his trademark touch and tidiness. Thanks are
due, as ever, not only to John for his organisation, but also to Tony Harris for managing the finance, and to Alan Scovell for keeping track of all the scores and the sundry awards of prizes for just about everyone that moved – and one or two who didn’t (Dave Mason won the Worzel Gummidge award for fashion choice without even turning up!). The close season is now upon us, but there is planning afoot for our events next year, not least of them the Halford Hewitt in its centenary year. Whitgift will have a new captain, Matt Webster, who will be putting his squad of scratch golfers through its paces in order to establish the five pairs who will represent Whitgift in the 2024 competition. Watch this space for more details, or look out for news on oldwhitsgolf.com.
The season concluded with the Autumn Tour, started in 2011 and managed ever since by John Gould, with his customary precision and bonhomie. This year we played, or tried to play, Seaford, Royal Eastbourne and Crowborough Beacon, relatively Crowborough Beacon
Seaford
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OW NewsNEWS SPORTS OW RUGBY Chris Hall (OW 2001-2008) The sport of rugby has been under huge pressure of late. That is no less true of the OWRFC. However, despite uncertainty around the future of rugby, both globally and more locally, Old Whits continues as a beacon of Old Whitgiftian and rugby values in the local area. The senior men’s team has a challenging start to the season but created a significant turning point during the battle of Chipstead. Although the result was a defeat, the physical challenge brought the players together and ignited their fighting spirit to go unbeaten in December, raising them far out of the relegation battle that may have threatened in the opening few weeks. Retaining the Ian Watson Trophy against Old Freemans and a commanding win over local rivals Warlingham have set the ambition for more jazz in the second half of the season. There has been much to celebrate elsewhere. The minis section hosted the inaugural Seb’s Fest in memory of Old Whitgiftian Seb Adeniran-Olule. Over 1,200 people supported the event at Croham Road. Thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors that made the day a success. Almost all sections have grown thanks to events like these with OWRFC minis, juniors, women’s and walking touch sections all swelling their ranks. In the last act of the year an OW invitational team won back the Spicer Cup for the first time in
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10 years. The Boxing Day fixture against Old Alleynians is one of the oldest in the rugby calendar. It was great to see so many fans leaving the warm comforts of Christmas leftovers to support the teams which included both Jack and Harry Spicer representing opposing sides. We have widened our community outreach, strengthened links with local schools, been chosen as a RFU Rugby United Club, and established partnerships with a number of charitable organisations, who recognise the value of rugby clubs in transforming lives. Awards and grants have come our way, in recognition of our growing female representation at the club, and we have launched our secondhand kit shop ‘Whits Boots with Stories’. We look forward to a great second half to the season including a senior tour, touch rugby competition and end of season celebrations. To get involved with our fantastic club, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE Leaving a gift in your will is one of the most personal ways of supporting the School. We will recognise your generosity by inviting you to membership of the Founder’s Circle. To find out more, please contact alumni@whitgift.co.uk or call 020 8633 9922
SCHOOL FROM THENews ARCHIVES NEWS FROM THE SCHOOL – MICHAELMAS TERM 2023 Dominic Edwards (OW 1988-96) Teacher and Housemaster (Mason’s)
enjoyed onis over the past few years. As with playWhitgift like Swallows andsuccess Amazons two fronts duringatrugby tours previous years, the Whitgift incredibly necessary a place like to South in August. The Community showed its annual Whitgift, as inAfrica an ever-changing first was individual success on support for the Young Minds modern, screen-dependent world behalf of year’s First XV charity ‘Hello Yellow’ campaign it is the important forthis us as students captain Jamie Miller, who on Tuesday 10 October to mark to remember In the aftermath of the Covid and reflect uponwas childhood and of U18 selected tothe playadventure for England the occasion. Students and 19-instigated school closures and it.” Three packed out audiences in in an international series involving staff rallied together to raise lockdowns, much has been written the Performing Arts Centre were France and South Africa, the funds and awareness for this about the supposedly declining agreement! hosts.inJamie played against both important cause by adding a pop certainly mental health of young people. countries, with England defeating of yellow to their attire as a way Obviously, this is something we February also saw the long and losing the former convincingly of reminding all young people take very seriously at Whitgift standing (I played a mean Oberon narrowly to the latter. What makes that their mental health and and in addition to the stimulating 1990!) Second thisback moreinimpressive is that Jamie wellbeing are important. A varietymyself curriculum we provide and Evening is Shakespeare very young for the year group of events took place across the Form plethora of co-curricular Secondthe Form and soEvery was playing fixtures School and one of the favourites go ahead. activities on offer to cater for English class put on a 20-minute at the tender age of 16: what was the photo booth, where the boys’ physical and emotional production a Shakespeare makes itofeven more impressive students had the opportunity needs, over the past few years, play, meaning that every boy in is that Jamie’s position is prop to be photographed with their we have set up a few other yearyet gothe thewas opportunity to able to more peers and pose with an array of the and initiatives to help in this regard. experience the bard not as a text than hold his own against South playful, yellow-themed props. The classroom, but as a almost living, two behemoths One of these is an annual personal Founder’s House also set up the in a African breathing dramatic production. years older than him! If the recent infamous ‘Robert’s Your Mother’s development workshop, titled Therugby performances world cupwere has ashown us Brother’ coffee shop, a playful ‘Who am I?’, for the First Form. resounding success, with parents anything, it is that England need rival to South Croydon’s popular This happens each October on the exceptional a new generation of front-rowers local business ‘Bob’s Your Uncle’, remarking and is run by a company called quality and funthe they witnessed. to combat South African where tea, cakes and coffees Humanutopia, who come into the parent said, such a in “It thiswas area: hopefully could be purchased, contributing Onehegemony School for a day to run a series treat to see them having such Jamie will be at the forefront of to the funds raised for Young of dynamic, vitalising sessions for – and my son talked nongeneration! By coincidence, Minds. All in all, the School raised fun this the boys in Big School. The day stop on the way home – which the rest of the School’s senior almost £350 for the charity on consisted of three workshops, wasrugby so much fun.”found Another players themselves in the day. The philanthropy did each offering valuable insights and Swallows and Amazons wasAfrica thoroughly impressed South in August too, with not stop there, though, with the parent opportunities for self-reflection. With Michaelmas What set thisForm play apart thestudents, new Firstcommenting, and Second team ever-popular Sixth Charity by the The boys startterm off inculminating the morning camping. “Congratulations fantastic withwith the the Sixth Form play, The others which had squads going on atheir biennial marking itsgone return to Comfort Zone activities, fromConcert performance...I was impressed Caucasian Circle (commented before, though,on was the fact it 15 southern hemisphere tour to the Big School Wednesday before Chalk progressing onto the withcountry. the boysFrom of allallthe classes they upon in the Zone previous directed not by a member of accounts, Highlights of this Stretch and edition), culminating withwasNovember. on and off the stage. Very Lentthe term sawZone! the younger but by a Sixth Form student, enjoyed a superb tour, making year’s extravaganza included Panic This concluding staff, professionally done.” Tragedy, thespians take their turn with the Oscar Robinson. Directing a junior lifelong memories and being a Bollywood Dance, the First session of the day might sound comedy… thisambassadors is an eveningfor that Junior School play, Swallows andfar castXV is abelting hard enough proposition fantastic the out a light-hearted anxiety-inducing, but it was has it all and an event that is Amazons, and the annual Second for an experienced member of School. They also played some rendition of the Backstreet from it, with boys having the becoming Form Shakespeare staff, let alone a Sixth pretty decent rugbyintertwined too, with the Boys’ I Want It ThatFormer Way, and the increasingly opportunity to evening. envision their with Whitgift’s history! Thefuture formerselves was aand charming preparing for his A-Level mocks, Seconds winning all their matches infamous staff band getting the discuss their and dreams, nostalgicaspirations, look at childhood Oscar took challenge and the Firsts winning two and onthe its feet to a mash-up and goals. It but audience Not to be two, outdone, the Music adventures that evoked fond on with aplomb. He commented losing including a narrow 19of Stand By Me by Ben E. King and was a thought-provoking exercise also put boys Paarl memories for students, staff, and I saw 21 loss against thethe fearsome Made You the Lookopportunity by Meghanto Trainor.Department that stimulated discussions about “When through their paces in a series of parents alike. A large cast ranging direct a Junior Years production, Boys, widely regarded as one With a sold-out crowd of 400 and their ambitions and hopes. competitions. To from Lower First to Third Form I seized it immediately. I knew of theand strongest rugby schools just under £3000 raised for Youngconcerts give you an insight into just how played out the action involving I was never going to get an in the world. Unfortunately, Minds, the evening undeniably The School has also started to much music staff do of with thea pirates, sailing Health and Day opportunity this ever again. A anthe unwanted legacy such achieved like massive success. marktreasure, World Mental
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SCHOOL FROM THENews ARCHIVES gruelling tour was the sheer amount of injuries sustained during and after it, meaning the First XV had to tackle a brutal start to the season (the first two fixtures are against Sedbergh and Wellington College!), with only half their full squad available. In addition to losses in the opening friendly fixtures, the team also got knocked out of the National Cup in the first round, something that had not happened in quite some time. A fired-up Judd School
proved just too much for those left standing by the time of the fixture and triumphed 34-24 against a dejected bunch on their Swallows and Amazons home turf, Big Side. Whatever Withsaid Michaelmas term culminating was by captain Jamie in the with the Sixth Form play, The huddle that followed that game Caucasian (commented must have Chalk stuck,Circle though, because upon in the previous edition), the side subsequently went on Lent terma saw younger term, to enjoy reallythe successful thespians take their turn Fisher, with the beating the likes of John Junior School play, Trinity, Dulwich andSwallows St Paul’s.and Amazons, and the annual Second In other age groups, the U16 A FormB Shakespeare evening. and teams finished the term The former a charming having won was all their matches, and nostalgic look at childhood which bodes extremely well for adventures that evoked fond the senior sides next year, and memories students, staff, to and the U15 A for team are through parents alike. A large cast ranging the quarter-final stage of their from Lower national cup.First to Third Form played out the action involving pirates, sailing andhockey In other treasure, sports, the school
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sides enjoyed the indoor season by doing what they do and winning every tournament going. That’s correct, the U13, U15, U16 and 1st XIs all won their national cups and for good measure, the U14s (who do not have a national cup to enter) also went unbeaten throughout the season! Their frankly ridiculous success does not come easily: it is the reward for hours and hours of practice overseen by an outstanding group of coaches, and a little dose of esprit de corps thrown in too! The Whitgift swimmers also achieved success by qualifying for the National Team Finals for the first time in a while which took place in Birmingham on Saturday 18 November. They finished the day in fifth place which is an extremely creditable performance given the quality of opposition on show. Two boys who have camping.inWhat set this play apart excelled the pool individually from others which had gone have been Jeremiah Carnegie before, though, wasAlex theCorver fact it (Fourth Form) and was directed not by a member of (Lower Sixth Form) who have both staff, but by a Sixth Form student, been selected to compete at the Oscar Robinson. Directing a junior Swim England Winter Nationals cast is a hard enough proposition in Sheffield over the Christmas for an experienced member holidays. Alex is the current of U17 staff, let alone Sixth Former Freestyle 100ma British champion, preparing for high his A-Level mocks, so hopes are for success. but Oscar took the challenge on withI was aplomb. He commented When at Whitgift as a boy, saw the opportunity I“When alwaysI remember my music to direct a Junior Years saying production, teacher, Mr Vincent, I seized I knew that oneitofimmediately. the best things you Ican wasdonever going to get an to make yourself feel opportunity likeThe thisSchool ever again. good is to sing. has A
aplay strong choral tradition, with is like Swallows and Amazons the senior necessary choirs having incredibly at asung placeatlike The Ritz and the BBC at Whitgift, as inlive an on ever-changing Christmas in recent years, regular modern, screen-dependent world performances it is important of forwell-known us as students musicals, and and modern rock / pop to remember reflect upon childhood and the adventure of getting an airing annually during it.” Three outand audiences the charitypacked concert House in the Performing Arts Centre were music. Therefore, it was quite certainly agreement! fitting thatinthe music department got its programme for the year February also saw the long up and running with a singing standing (I played a mean competition in the ConcertOberon Hall. myself back 1990!)featured Second This year, theinevent Form Shakespeare Evening guest adjudicator, baritone, go ahead. Every Second Form and Old Whitgiftian, Mr Hugo English class put on a 20-minute Herman-Wilson. He awarded a production of a Shakespeare number of prizes to boys from play, meaning that boy in all age groups, but every the most the year gotone, the the opportunity prestigious Anthony to experience the bard notwith as a text Strong Cup for a singer in a classroom, but as awent living, outstanding potential, to breathing dramatic production. Upper Sixth former, Matthew The performances were a really Lee. The music department resounding success, parents hit its stride towardswith the end remarking on the of November withexceptional its annual quality and fun they witnessed. Autumn Collection concert at OneFairfield parent said, wasevent such a the Halls.“ItThe treat to see various them having such showcased Whitgift fun – and my son talked ensembles, including the nonCorps stop on the way home – which of Drums, Whitgift Brass, was so much fun.” Another Chamber Orchestra, Whitgift parent was thoroughly impressed Strings, Symphony Orchestra, by the students, commenting, Concert Band, Chamber Choir, “Congratulations on a fantastic Jazz Band, and First Form Choir. performance...I was The repertoire of theimpressed evening with the boys of all the spanned a diverse rangeclasses of on and off the stage. Veryclassical musical genres, featuring professionally done.” Tragedy, pieces by composers such as comedy… this is and an evening that Vivaldi, Strauss, Von Weber. has it all and an event that is Alongside these, Whitgift Brass increasingly becoming infused energy with anintertwined upbeat with Whitgift’s history! rendition of Don’t Stop Me Now, while the Jazz Band got everyone Not to beto outdone, Music grooving Uptownthe Funk. The Department put off thewith boysa evening was also finished through rendition their paces a seriesof of rousing of in a medley concerts and competitions. To songs from renowned musical, give you an insight into just how Oliver!, delivered by a massive much featuring the musicallstaff do with choir of the First the
Form, plus Year 6 pupils from Cumnor House School for Boys and Elmhurst Prep School for the first time, fostering and reinforcing the strong sense of community that Whitgift values: “FOOD! GLORIOUS FOOD!” “If music be the food of love, play on…” And so, in the penultimate week of the term, we did, with three joyously uplifting performances of Shania Taub’s highly lauded musical version of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. The famous opening lines of this comedy are repurposed as a rip-roaring opening number in this version that brought a verve and energy to Big School that had not been seen since the summer. Indeed, such was the immersive nature of the whole experience - the backstage team worked their usual transformative magic, turning Big School into the ultimate party island of Illyria,
replete with a Bandstand in the centre of the stage and a chic, summery cocktail party set-up greeting the audience as they arrived into the hall, where they could sip wine and munch on popcorn whilst being serenaded by a Hawaiian shirt-wearing jazz trio – that one could have been forgiven for thinking you were attending a performance during the opening run of the show in Central Park during July 2018! The show was a breezy 90 minutes with no interval and by the end of this joyous whirlwind of colour, dance, uplifting tunes and the odd bit of cross-dressing here and there, the audience were up on their feet clapping and tapping along. The show was a final hurrah for three stalwarts of Whitgift Drama over the years (Bakari Leon, Alex Braglewicz and Luke Ward), who all lit up the Big School stage for one final time respectively in their
roles of Orsino, Toby Belch and Sebastian. Arguably the standout performance from the opening night when I watched, though, was that of Lucia Mayorga, who headlined as the cross-dressing Viola. Lucia was one of several girls from Old Palace who gave up their time and considerable expertise to make our show the success it was. Director, James Hammond, paid homage to contribution of Old Palace girls to Whitgift drama over the years in the programme: “Old Palace pupils have been essential to the success of many Whitgift productions in the past, and tonight they will once again bring their talent, dedication, and spirit to our stage. We will have to embrace the real challenge of mounting successful productions without them in the future but celebrate their long and storied contribution tonight.”
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FROM THENews SCHOOL ARCHIVES CULTIVATING EDUCATIONAL ALLIANCES IN THE CITY OF PEARLS David Bates Director of International Education At the start of October, Chris Ramsey (Headmaster), Asif Patel (School Governor and Chair of the International and Partnerships Sub-Committee) and David Bates (Director of International Education) visited Hyderabad, the capital of the state of Telangana and the fourth most populous city in India, also known as the city of pearls. They were attending the official launch of Sagebrook Academy as guests of Whitgift’s new international school partners in India, Symbiquest. This trip marked the official start of an exciting journey for Whitgift School as it begins a new chapter in international education. Having arrived in Hyderabad during the day on Sunday 10 October, the visitors were warmly welcomed to Praveen Raju’s family home for an evening meal which showcased produce from the family-owned farm. Praveen is the lead partner at Symbiquest, Founder of Suchitra Academy International School, and the previous Executive Director of Indus International School. He is also the Co-Chair of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Alliance for Re-Imagining School Education (FICCI ARISE). An accomplished snooker and badminton player, he has been a mentor and guide to Badminton World Champion, P. V. Sindu. A key part of developing sustainable international
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Chris Ramsey speaking with Deepa Kapoor (Suchitra Academy Principal) on arrival at Suchitra Academy (From left to right: Trisha Chakraborty [Director – Academics], Sunitha Deevela, Praveen Raju [Symbiquest], Asif Patel, Chris Ramsey, David Bates and Deepor Kapoor)
educational partners for Whitgift is the building of positive relations through informal communication, the meeting of minds and establishment of trust. The Raju family have clear values, including self-sustenance, tradition, religion and service to others and are very proud of their achievements and ongoing work, but always act with humility and a welcoming kindness. The next morning, after a breakfast briefing with Praveen and his Project Manager, Sunitha Deevela, all parties presented at a press conference at the Park Hyatt Hotel. This event had been immaculately organised by the Symbiquest team, and was attended by Gareth Wynn Owen, the Honourable Deputy High Commissioner of the UK in India, and Vipul Bhargava from GILT, who had introduced Symbiquest to Whitgift. The event started with the ceremonial lighting of a lamp to signify the start of the collaboration and was followed by presentations from Praveen and Gareth Wynn
Owen on the exciting prospects for this new educational venture. Following this, Chris Ramsey spoke eloquently on the history and heritage of Whitgift School, and its current values and vision. Attending journalists from The Times of India newspaper and local Hyderabadi press then had the opportunity to ask questions to the panel as a group, and during subsequent 1-to-1 interviews. This collaboration with a UK independent school was a relatively high-profile event in the region, with coverage appearing on local TV news that evening and in national press the next day. The rest of the day was spent in operational planning meetings for the new school, with current priorities being discussed relating to school building design, appointment of the Founding Principal and marketing. On the final day of the trip, the guests visited Praveen’s current school, Suchitra Academy. They were welcomed to the site by members of the Senior Leaders at
the school, the School Captains, and members of the CCF. On arrival, they were given flower wreaths and a tilak (forehead mark) by school pupils. Suchitra Academy was opened in 2011 with 41 students and 35 staff and has grown in size and reputation speedily during its first 12 years of operation. It now employs 210 staff (teachers and administration), plus 100 support staff, and educates almost
David Bates, Chris Ramsey and Praveen Raju reviewing the architects plans on the proposed site for the new school
2,050 pupils. The inspirational Principal, Deepor Kapoor, has been at the school since its inception. The School Captains led a comprehensive tour of the green campus which included dropping into sculpting classes, entrepreneurial projects, the
school TV production studio, and sports facilities. The visitors left the school reflecting on the politeness and keenness to learn demonstrated by the highly capable pupils and the excellent opportunities which they have to develop their skills. This new partnership in India will provide excellent opportunities for Whitgift pupils, and wider members of the Whitgift community, to benefit from collaborative projects, exchanges and links with India, and is sure to lead to mutual learning opportunities for both sets of communities. These links are becoming fruitful already. In November, Suchitra Academy, produced a series of wonderful videos for Whitgift School showcasing Diwali. During the afternoon, the party visited the proposed site for the new school, currently comprising of 3.5 acres of flat cultivated ground. As they were reviewing the architects plans and learning about the newly discovered onsite boreholes, they were pleasantly surprised to see wild peacocks roaming
the fields, surely an excellent omen for this collaboration! The site, to the West of Hyderabad, is located very close to a brandnew urban development under construction called Neopolis, set to be the largest IT hub in the city. It is approximately 15-20 minutes away from two financial hubs containing high profile global occupiers such as Amazon, Deloitte and UBS. In addition to its reputation for IT, for which it earnt the nickname ‘Cyberabad’, Hyderabad has also become a pharmaceutical centre in India, responsible for the production of 40% of the world’s vaccines. Overall, it had been a very successful trip. The project is now well and truly underway, but this is only the beginning of what we hope will become a longterm partnership. Involvement in international projects such as this, will provide the opportunity for a Whitgift education to a wider set of children across the world, enhance the possibilities for global collaboration for Whitgift pupils, and provide a significant income into the ‘Whitgift for All’ bursary fund.
Chris Ramsey speaking at the Signing Ceremony Press Conference (seated left to right: Asif Patel, David Bates, Praveen Raju [Symbiquest], Gareth Wynn Owen [UK Government], Vipul Bhargava [GILT]) W FA N E WS | 21
FROM THENews SCHOOL ARCHIVES
From The Archives
CHRISTMAS FOOD COLLECTION
PURE COINCIDENCE BILL WOODS
At the end of the Michaelmas Term 32 boxes of food were collected by the Whitgift community and distributed to deserving local families. This collection was organised by a group of local families (nearly all parents of OWs) to meet a need in the area. In collaboration with local foodbanks including Purley Food Hub, primary schools and other organisations, donations were matched to families who would benefit during the Christmas period. Special thanks to Ernest Wright (Fourth Form), Gilbert Wright (Upper Sixth Form) and family for their kind support with transportation.
One late afternoon, I had the pleasure of a visit from Richard Blundell, OW (1956-63) who always has the Archive and School at heart. He brought with him for our growing collection, a Whitgift Grammar School medal issued to J.F. Broadbent for the 440 Yards Handicap, Whitgift Junior Sports, 1931. What is the coincidence? Well, some while ago, I had put together a small display relating to the loss of an OW in WWII – the very same person – it was John Frank Broadbent whose father, also Frank, was a member of the teaching staff from 1926-53; John also had a sibling at Whitgift: Newton William, a pupil from 1928-36. The Whitgiftian Magazine of April 1933, stated that John had taken part in the School’s Christmas Concert of 15-16 December; it was noted that ‘J.F. Broadbent’s treble solo “Hark, Hark, the Lark” (Schubert) was easily the most popular; his confidence and mastery arousing the audience to enthusiastic applause’.
Sharon Lewis (Jonathan Lewis OW 2012-2019), Marilyn (not an OW parent), Verna Bhatt (Siddharth Bhatt OW 2012-2019), Evelyn Rice (Robert Rice OW 2012-2019), Val McCrea (Danny OW 2005-2012, Will OW 2007-2014, Ed OW 2010-2015 and Sam current student)
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John F Broadbent, Tail Gunner, Upper Hayford, March 1943 (possibly in a Wellington bomber). Photo: Unknown
In Memoriam WITH SADNESS WE REPORT THE PASSING OF THE FOLLOWING OLD WHITGIFTIANS APRIL 2023 David V Malempre OCTOBER 2023 (OW 1961-1968) Tony A Reddy (Staff 1977-2005) Died 2 7 October, April, aged 73 78 aged RobertGAGee L Phipps 1942-1949) David (OW (OW 1949-1956) 17October, April, aged 9085 Died 5 aged
Portrait of John F Broadbent in RAF uniform. Photo: Vandyke, London. RN Cadets, Royal Arthur, Classserving 241. Keith seated second row up, second from right. John entered the war; in the RAF he had risen to the Note: We are always keen to where stayed until retirement rank ofhe Pilot Officer (Air Gunner), obtain photographs of OWs beckoned and he was to become when he was sadly killed during who were in the Services in kindly gentleman who loved athe bombing raid over Germany in WGS Medal – Obverse and reverse with WWI and WWII – especially village life and was for many 1943. His aircraft, a Lancaster engraving. those wearing military uniform years Wenhaston’s (Suffolk) Local III, ED992 of 57 Squadron, – andafter those in the History Recorder and keen author until thewho war,were but it Bomber Command, had flown Korean War and conflicts – heofeven contributed to local had been shot down, in all out its base at RAF Scampton, since. Please do get in touch history websites. How fitting that probability by anti-aircraft Lincolnshire on the night of withcrashing the Archivist if you are he should to 653 Suffolk – the fire, at Rummelsberg, 10 August,retire one of aircraft interested in gifting name associated with the Navy Bavaria. All the crewsuch lie buried heading across the Channel to photographs in orDurnbach willing to War warship hecity served aboard all side-by-side bomb the of Nuremburg. provide high quality scanned thosewas years ago… John one of the eight crew Cemetery, Bavaria. images (300dpi/600dpi on board that fateful night. His TIFFs orinformation: JPGS). Email: Thank you to Claire and Nikki Squadron comprised 17 aircraft – Further whitgiftarchive@whitgift.co.uk for providing ED992 and itssome crewvery had happy already rafcommands.com memories of your late father and www.cwgc.org successfully completed a raid on for making the sureprevious that a part of his www.thegazette.co.uk Mannheim evening. life remains forever, Whitgift. The www.aircrewremembered.com Details of the loss of the aircraft donated wonderful and crewitems were are notafully known reminder of how much he enjoyed being at the School but also, of his brief Naval career.
MARCH 20232023 NOVEMBER John F Trott (OW(OW 1947-1956) Donald A Wright 1946-1951) Died 1 11November, March, aged 85 aged 89 AnthonyBernard M Burrage (OW 1946-54) Ronald (OW1948-1953) 14November, March, aged 86 87 Died 9 aged IanDavid A R Galer (OW 1960-1967) Dr R Blackmore Died 24 March, (OW 1949-1956)aged 73 Died 14 November, aged 84 FEBRUARY 2023 Rt. Rev. Colin O Buchanan John L Lowrie (OW 1961-1965) (OW 1944-1953) 15 February, Died 29 November,aged aged75 89
JANUARY 2023 DECEMBER 2023 Robert AJPBrown De Mestral Stephen (OW 1965-1973) (OW 1957-1959) Died 21 December, aged 69 Died 2 January, aged 76 Nigel H Cudlipp (OW 1967-1971) Died 4 January, aged 69 Keith B Harlow (Staff 1961-1994) Died January, aged 88 Stuart D Thomas (Denis) (OW 1948-1956) Died 25 January, aged 84
John’s Air Gunners Badge (Service No. 52829).
DECEMBER 2022 Alan P Perry (OW 1943-1948) Died 12 December, aged 91
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Forthcoming Events DATE AND TIME
VENUE
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Founder’s and 1596 Under 30s Circle OW Drinks Society Garden All leavers from Party 2011-2023 Saturday 17 June 2023 welcome | 6pm-10pm Wednesday 7 February 2024 Founder’s House Reunion 10 years Saturday 24 Seldon June 2023 Sir Anthony Talk 12 Noon – 3pm2024 Friday 8 March
Whitgift SchoolHay, The Alexander Hays Galleria, London Bridge SE12HD
By invitation For further details visit: https://www.whitgift.co.uk/my-whitgift/alumni/events
Annual Reunion Founder’s Day for the Classes of 2013, Friday 222003, March1993, 20241983, 1973, 1963, 1953, 1943 Sunday 10 September Telephone Campaign 2023 8-21 April 2024 Oxbridge Dinner Saturday 30 September 2023 OW Reunion Lunch for OWs who left in 2014, 2004, 1994, 1984, 1974, 1964, 1954, 1944 Sunday 19 May 2024
School Whitgift School/ Croydon Minster
Founder’s Circle and 1596 Society Garden Party Saturday 15 June 2024
Whitgift School
By invitation
OW Annual Dinner Friday 27 September 2024
London
Details to follow on website
Whitgift School Whitgift School
Whitgift School Corpus Christi College, Oxford School Whitgift
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FOUNDER’S CIRCLE Leaving a gift in your By invitation will is one of the most For further details visit: personal ways of https://www.whitgift.co.uk/my-whitgift/alumni/events supporting the School. We will recognise your By invitation Details to follow on website generosity by inviting you to membership of the Founder’s Circle. Details to follow on website To find out more, please contact alumni@whitgift.co.uk alumni@whitgift.co.uk For further details visit: or call 020 8633 9922 https://www.whitgift.co.uk/my-whitgift/alumni/events
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