Worth Society Blue Paper 2009

The

blue paper Magazine 2008/09

Andy Carroll and Aaron Firth’s 1,200km Alpine Cycle Challenge Worth Society Life

A Mission and a Vision Life and Times of Worthians

Neil Laughton’s adventures in a flying car Robert Bathurst takes centre stage The Old Place

Community Outreach Arrival of the Girls!

The

blue paper

Contents Worth Society Life

Rensburg Sheppards have been successfully navigating the world’s financial markets for over 200 years.

Chairman’s Report 2009 Nick Butterworth (G’76)

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A Mission and a Vision for Worth Society Ben Babington (G’96)

The Golden Era of British Television Michael May (StB’67)

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Message from Olivia Henley Ben Babington (G’96)

Theatre “Alex” Starring Robert Bathurst (R’75) Reviewed by Tony Tyler (C’73)

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Careers Fair in Ace Week Duncan Pring

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Worth Society Events: City Lunch – Julian Kirk (StB’75) The Australian Chapter – Andrew Caillard (C’78) Welcoming the Abbot to Hong Kong – Marc McAlister (G’98) Sniffing out the Bluffers – Eddie Robinson (B’89) 2007 Leavers’ Reunion – Sam Swadling (C’07) 1998 Leavers’ 10-Year Reunion – David Micallef-Eynaud (B’98) 1988 Leavers’ 20-Year Reunion – James Little (G’88) 1978 Leavers’ 30-Year Reunion – Mickey Morrissey (R’77)

Books Finding Happiness

By Abbot Christopher Jamison; Reviewed by Dennis Roberts (G’88) Christian Martyrs for a Muslim People

By Fr Martin McGee; Reviewed by John MacWilliam (StB’66)

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Announcements – Births/Engagements/Marriages/Deaths

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Global Action Awards: Year 8 Olivia Henley

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GAA: The Warm Heart of Africa Luke MacWilliam (R’07)

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We manage funds for private clients, charities, trusts and pension funds while incorporating all aspects of financial planning.

Supporting Good Causes: Project Peru Benedict Kelly (StB’78) Worth Society Sport: Rugby (James Madsen - B’02; Des Calnan - R’69) Cricket (Simon Jones - StB’98) Golf (Ken Ross - G’65) Worthians versus 1st XI football match Tennis (Crispin Hayhoe - StB’82) Calling All Sailors

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News in Brief

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Obituary – Ambrose Bristow Mike Robinson

The Old Place 53

The Girls Have Arrived!

Jessica (Year 12) and Christopher (G’73) Coffin

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Message from the Headmaster Gino Carminati

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Community Outreach at Worth James Forte (C’72)

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Worth 75 and Worthians Fr Luke (C’71)

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WS: Second Generation at the School Sons of Worthians Registered at Worth University Places Gained

Life and Times of Worthians 25

Worthians Caught on Camera

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Plane Speaking with Tony Tyler (C’73) Julian Gairdner (StB’89)

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Kidnapped in Bolivia Sam Swadling (B’07)

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Adventures in a Flying Car Neil Laughton (C’82)

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Where Are They All Now?

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Promoting Blenheim Palace through Music Tom Hammond-Davies (C’03)

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Working with the Ice Team James Forte (C’72)

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Alpine Cycle Challenge – I Blame Rutherford!

Aaron Firth (C’81) and Andy Carroll (R’81)

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Funnelly Enough Dr Vincent (C’71) and Giovanna Forte

Worth Society Directors Nicholas Butterworth, Simon McMenemy Worth Society is a not-for-profit limited company (number 06506005)

For further information on our services contact Mark Henley: Rensburg Sheppards Investment Management Limited 2 Castlefield Court, Church Street, Reigate, RH2 0AH Tel: +44 (0)1737 224223 Fax: +44 (0)1737 224197 Email: mark.henley@rsim.co.uk

Desert Worthians in Iraq Malachy Doran (B’83), Hugo Clarke (StB’87), Tom Holloway (C’91), Ben Stokes (StB’96)

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We provide high quality professional advice, fostering long term personal relationships with our clients to help achieve their financial objectives.

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Worth Old Boys’ Society Patron Fr Christopher Jamison, The Abbot of Worth Trustees Nicholas Barnett, Nicholas Butterworth, Julian Gairdner, Crispin Hayhoe, Fr Luke Jolly, Simon McMenemy Worth Old Boys’ Society is a charitable trust (registered charity number 1084948)

We would like to extend our thanks to the following advertisers: Rensburg Sheppards NJB Jewellery Consultants Gordon’s Wine Bar

www.rensburgsheppards.co.uk

Magazine designed and produced by Green Lizard 01892 619888

Member firm of the London Stock Exchange. Member of Liffe. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Rensburg Sheppards Investment Management Limited is registered in England.

Registered No. 2122340. Registered Office: Quayside House Canal Wharf Leeds LS11 5PU. Offices at: Belfast Cheltenham Edinburgh Farnham Glasgow Leeds Liverpool London Manchester Reigate Sheffield.

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A Mission and a Vision for Worth Society

Chairman’s Report 2008/9

Every organisation has a mission, a purpose, a reason for being. Often a mission is why the organisation was first created – to meet a need identified years ago.

Dear Worthians When I introduced the 07/08 issue of The Blue Paper, I commented on the widespread problems facing many as a result of the global economic turmoil. In the subsequent year, amidst what has been a very difficult period for so many, there has been a succession of significant events centred on Worth which have provided both a welcome distraction from the economic problems and a cause for immense celebration.

to say that for the first time the Society will be supporting the School in providing a scholarship for a student entering Year 12 (the 6th form) this September 2009. Our funds do not enable us to offer a full scholarship at present, but our partnership with the School ensures that a student whose parents do not have the means to provide such an education, will be offered the experiences and opportunities shared by us all.

The celebrations marking Worth 75 started last September 2008 with solemn vespers held in the Abbey Church, 75 years to the day when monks from Downside sung vespers at Worth for the first time. Many wonderful events have followed including, for the first time in history, an entire Benedictine school gathered for Mass in Westminster Cathedral with the monks, teachers (past and present), Worthians and others from the Worth community to celebrate St Benedict’s Day. Our Society contributed to the celebrations in May with a ‘Picnic Pops’ concert on the sunken lawn, and we are organising a reunion lunch for the founder members of the school to mark fifty years of the senior school this coming September 2009.

In the last year we very sadly heard of the loss of three Worthians, Justin Gorman (G’78) who died in 2006, Angus Husband (R’68) and Johnny Hoyle (C’65). From the teaching staff, Ambrose Bristow and Anne Powys-Lybbe who each made significant contributions to the lives of so many of us, also died during the year. Please remember each of them in your prayers.

Throughout the year the Committee has worked hard to increase the Society’s charitable work by arranging opportunities for business, social and spiritual purposes for our members, as well as support for the School. On the charitable side, we were able to provide more financial support than ever to Worth students and Worthians undertaking voluntary work, we helped students and recent leavers find work experience with a number of Worthians and continued our support for careers’ education at the School.

I am delighted to report that the School continues to thrive, despite these challenging times, under the superb direction of Gino Carminati, assisted by the deputy headmaster, Dr James Whitehead. The entry of girls to the School this academic year has been a wholehearted success, and it is pleasing to see that the girls chose Jessica Coffin, the daughter of Worthian Christopher Coffin (G’73), as the first head of the girls’ house, St. Mary’s. The Monastery continues to be an immense centre of influence and was featured recently on the BBC news channel for its initiative in offering short stays for those wishing to experience monastic life – ‘a try-before-you-buy’ concept as described by one individual.

Links were also maintained with Worthians overseas during the year with Abbot Christopher meeting Worthians when he visited Hong Kong and Australia.

One of the principal objects of our Charitable Trust is to further Catholic education and the Committee has for some time considered how we might help those less fortunate than ourselves to benefit from an education at Worth. I am delighted

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One of the most rewarding aspects for those of us who serve the Society through the Committee, is seeing the desire of so many Worthians to maintain contact and to re-connect with others from Worth. Our Secretary, Olivia Henley, was able to provide much help in that respect over the last year by assisting with the organisation of 10-, 20- and 30-year anniversary reunions, as well as other social gatherings. There has also been considerable enthusiasm from our members in providing news and stories for The Blue Paper, which once again offers an insight into the extraordinary lives and experiences of a number of our members, as well as the wonderful contribution so many Worthians make towards improving the lives of others.

As ever, there has been a great deal of work behind the scenes of the Society, with much time devoted by Committee members to developing the benefits for our members, as well as our charitable work. On behalf of you all I would like to thank each Committee member for his continued support and hard work over the last year. We are particularly grateful to Fr Kevin and Fr Luke who contribute very significantly to the Committee, and very special thanks are due to our most superb Secretary, Olivia, whose hard work, efficiency and helpfulness is an inspiration to us all. The bulk of the work in producing this issue of The Blue Paper is due to Olivia, most ably assisted by the first class design and production team at Green Lizard – Michael (C’85) and Simon (C’90) Gabriel – and I hope you enjoy what follows.

With 50 years having passed since the monks of Worth first opened their doors to establish Worth School, more than 3,300 boys have passed through Paddockhurst and graduated from pupil to Worthian. Most take up membership to Worth Society (formerly Worth Old Boys’ Society) and, through a range of social, sporting, spiritual and business activities, play an active role in maintaining and developing the Society to ensure both its effectiveness and longevity.

But like any organisation, the Society needs to continually adapt and develop to meet the needs and desires of its members as well as those other individuals, groups and organisations which come into contact with it. With this in mind, the Committee is looking to pen a new Mission Statement, to set out a renewed Vision – both of which will provide a focus and guidance for the development of the Society over the coming years.

The new Mission Statement must encompass the underlying values of both the school as well as Worthians (soon to encompass girls!), the wishes of current pupils, staff and Society members, and the service that the Committee and crucially, the members, can provide.

The Society is only as effective as the level of involvement from its members and hence the Mission Statement must also renew enthusiasm, increase participation and heighten association through our network.

For this reason, we would love to hear from anyone reading this issue of The Blue Paper – an active stakeholder in the Society – to hear their views on what the Society currently means to them, and areas that they feel should be developed to further enrich their lives and contribute to their successes. Your comments will be used to shape the new Mission Statement, and hence the future of the Society.

As you will see from this issue of the magazine, the Society currently offers a variety of business and social networking events, a wide range of sporting societies, an increasing stock of memorabilia, assorted charitable activities and an important link to the School. Over the next few years the Committee will be working to improve each of these services, your access to them and promote greater member participation.

The new website, www.worthsociety.org.uk, has already greatly improved communication through our network and soon new features will be added to help Worthians to network, promote their businesses and to share and gain knowledge, expertise and contacts. Other changes will make it even easier to get involved with sporting societies and social activities.

Please email your views to ben@thebabingtons.net to take part.

We would especially like to hear from current members and former members of Worth Society.

Ben Babington (G’96) May 2009

A note to non-Direct Debit Subscribers A plea from our Secretary! If you do not currently subscribe by direct debit, can we please urge you to take this opportunity to do so – it makes a huge difference to us and

Nicholas Butterworth (G’76) June 2009

helps relieve the significant administrative burden relating to the collection of annual

Nicholas Barnett (G 1968-73) WOBS Trustee 020 7404 4022 (W) nicholasbarnett@fsmail.net Robert Bodnar-Horvath (B 1969-74) 07788 754337 (M) robertbodnarhorvath@blueyonder.co.uk Nicholas Butterworth (G 1971-76) Worth Society Director; WOBS Trustee 020 7664 6644 (W) nbutterworth@jackson-stops.com Gino Carminati, Headmaster 01342 710 200 (W) gcarminati@worth.org.uk James Forte (C 1968-72) 01753-651658 (H) james.forte@vision40.com Julian Gairdner (StB 1984-89) WOBS Trustee 020 8652 4084 (W) julian.gairdner@rbi.co.uk Crispin Hayhoe (StB 1977-82) WOBS Trustee 07718 339802 (M) crispinhayhoe@hotmail.com Olivia Henley Worth Society and WOBS Secretary 01342 710241 (W) worthsociety@worth.org.uk admin@worthsociety.org.uk Abbot Christopher Jamison WOBS Patron 01342 710320 (W) cjamison@worth.org.uk Father Luke Jolly (C 1966-71) WOBS Trustee 01342 710308 (W) ljolly@worth.org.uk

Duncan Pring 01342 710239 (W) dpring@worth.org.uk Edward Robinson (B 1984-89) 01628 637 600 (W) eddie@robinsonestateagents.co.uk

subscriptions. You will find a direct debit form to complete and return to the Worth Society office on our website at www.worthsociety.org.uk under ‘About Us’ in the Membership section.

Life and Times of Worth Old Boys

Ben Babington (G 1994-96) 020 7664 6644 (W) benbabington@jackson-stops.com

Simon McMenemy (R 1984-89) Worth Society Director; WOBS Trustee 07717 746535 (M) simon.mcmenemy@charlesrussell.co.uk

With best wishes to you all.

Worth Society Life

Worth Society Committee Contact Details

The Old Place

Dominic Strickland (C 1976-81) 020 7937 1776 (W) dominic@antiquecanes.com

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Lost your password and e-mail address for the website?

E-mail Olivia at admin@worthsociety.org.uk and ask for them

Message from Olivia Henley

This issue could have extended to considerably more pages, and I’d like to say a very big thank you to everyone who has contributed to its content. I hope you enjoy reading the magazine and would very much like to hear from anyone out there who has something interesting to contribute to future issues (including advertising!). So please don’t be shy about getting in touch.

And compiling The Blue Paper marks the end of my second hectic year at Worth Society. As you will read in the pages that follow, we had a record number of Events

When I arrive at the office in the morning, I never quite know quite what awaits me – anything from news about what some of you are up to, to requests to arrange work experience, for information about events that we are organising, for sponsorship support, for contacts providing careers advice, to be put in touch with Worthians that you have lost touch with, or Worthians living in another region or part of the world; as well as organising events, processing new membership applications, applications for the Global Action Awards, or merchandise orders (the new extended range is proving to be very popular), updating details on the database, compiling the annual accounts, sourcing material for The Blue Paper, posting information and news on the website…

Always guaranteed are e-mails in abundance, as there are many more of you who are communicating and re-engaging with the Society – so, if you don’t get a response by return please do bear with me, it’s not because I’m ignoring you, but at times things do get pretty hectic.

One thing’s for sure – there’s never a dull (or a quiet) moment!

Right: Worthians who supported Worth School’s 2008 Careers Fair during Ace Week. From left to right, Je-Hyung Ahn, Jack Harrison, Chris Agius Ferrante and Jon Tibbs

in Sports management, and Chris Agius Ferrante (G’98) spoke about the technical side of a career in film and drama.

This sort of input – from real people in real careers – provides far greater impact than any literature or text book case study can ever hope to do. I am repeating the exercise this year during week commencing 29th June 2009 – and have once again requested help and support from our invaluable Worthian resource!

Duncan Pring, Head of Careers

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A motley crew (or is the collective noun, a plummeting?) of bankers and other currently better regarded professions – ranging from James Forte (C’72) to Alex Podbury (C’04) – gave up their desk-based Prêt a Manger sarnies to check out what ghastliness or delights the intervening years had inflicted on their former schoolmates.

the same as they all were 30 (or whatever) years ago.

It was great to see people like Hugh Easterbrook (R’76), unchanged after all that time. Although I have to say that his profession of my insanity at still playing football was a bit rich coming from such an excellent sportsman! The Madsen cohort must be commended for turning up with three of their number covering two generations – showing admirable long term commitment to the ‘old place’.

Our glorious leader, Nick Butterworth (G’76) – still as smart as when a school prefect – gave a usefully droll and informative speech. Then, with some bravado and descriptions befitting a man in the property world, quite rightly endeavoured to sell us some of the excellent new Worth Society cufflinks and ties and then, accompanied by much heckling, a type of tankard which he claimed was unique – which may well be true. Appropriately, for a venue in Hatton Garden, our resident master jeweller Nick Barnett (G’73) kindly sponsored the pre-lunch drinks for which we were all grateful.

We must thank Nick Barnett and Olivia Henley for arranging the lunch and, as with all Worth events, I walked away in the sun feeling far better than on arrival – which I imagine is the aim of our Alma Mater in all matters.

Julian Kirk (StB’75)

The following Worthians attended the City Lunch:

The programme followed the previously very successful formula of inviting speakers to talk to the boys about life in key careers that the boys had selected themselves.

Each student attended four talks during the morning, which involved a brief outline from the speaker followed by an extensive question and answer session. The careers selected included accountancy, advertising, architecture, engineering, general management, insurance, film and drama and sports management.

The feedback from the boys was very positive and I am personally extremely grateful to the following Worthians who gave up valuable time to give some inspiration to the younger generation! Je-Hyung Ahn (R’01) is an established architect and gave some very useful insights into that profession. Jack Harrison (G’00) works for Accenture and he talked about a career in general management.

Jon Tibbs (B’78) discussed his extensive and varied career

And so to the Worthians City Lunch, which took place on Thursday 26th February 2009 at the Bleeding Heart Restaurant in Bleeding Heart Lane, London EC1; home of much action in Little Dorritt and on a more personal level, the location for one or two fairly long lunches and dinners over the years! In case you are worrying about a spiritual connection (hurriedly thinking…) the estimable owner, Robert Wilson, also runs the Crypt of St Ethelredas at Ely Place next door (the oldest Catholic Church in England) as a wedding and events venue; thus aiding the churches revenues.

An excellent lunch and wine was served amidst refectorial babble, and if the same is true for others as for myself, there was a comforting surprise that the guys are much

Once again, the Careers Fair was a highlight of the School’s ACE (Advanced Curriculum Extension) week for Year 12 students at the end of the Summer term in 2008.

Above: Jon Tibbs talks about his extensive and varied career in Sports Management

The City Lunch

I was sitting next to Father Kevin, which was something of a shock as, although I see him from time to time at these type of events, he still appears to look the same as when I left Worth around 30 years ago. I told him I was convinced that there is a portrait lurking in the monastic attic somewhere. Though come to think of it I am not sure I started the ageing process until l left Worth…

Careers Fair in Ace Week

We would be delighted to hear from any Worthian who would be willing to help us arrange an event or get-together – within the UK, or overseas. If you contact Olivia at admin@worthsociety.org.uk, she will give you all the administrative support you need.

Events

While sourcing the material and editing this latest issue of The Blue Paper I have been struck by the vast range of interesting and varied activities and careers in which Worthians are involved, and also your enthusiasm and willingness to share these experiences and give us all a glimpse into your work and lives.

FUTURE EVENTS

taking place during 2008 and my thanks must extend to those of you who have volunteered to act as event coordinators. Without your support these events simply could not have taken place, and it was particularly heartening to record two reunion events taking place in Australia and Hong Kong. I hope these will be the first of many more overseas events in the future.

Worth Society Life

Life and Times of Worth Old Boys

The Old Place

Ben Babington (G’96)

Julian Kirk (StB’76)

Nick Barnett (G’73)

Chris Madsen (B’04)

Richard Breen (StB’75)

James J Masden (C’77)

Nick Butterworth (G’76)

James P Madsen (B’02)

Tom Calnan (R’95)

Simon McMenemy (R’89)

Paul Cattermull (StB’73)

Danny O'Connell (R’02)

Chris Coopman (R’02)

Alex Podbury (C’04)

Rob Cottrell (R’97)

Tom Podbury (C’02)

Hugh Easterbrook (R’76)

Mark Simpson (StB’76)

James Forte (C’72)

Steve Whyte (B’98)

From left to right : Mark Simpson, Ben Babington, Richard Breen, Hugh Easterbrook, James Madsen (senior)

From left to right : Danny O'Connell, Chris Madsen, Tom Calnan, Alex Podbury, Chris Coopman

From left to right : Danny O'Connell, Chris Madsen, Tom Calnan, Alex Podbury, Chris Coopman, Steve Whyte, James Madsen, Rob Cottrell, Tom Podbury

From left to right : Charles Gerada, Simon McMenemy, Nick Barnett, Hugh Easterbrook, Julian Kirk, James Madsen (senior), Crispin Hayhoe, Edward Horgan-Goumas

Charles Gerada (R’90) Crispin Hayhoe (StB’82)

Fr Kevin

Pete Hilton (G’98)

Olivia Henley

Edward HorganGoumas (C’85)

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Welcoming Abbot Christopher to Hong Kong

The Australian Chapter

On the 22nd July 2008, Abbot Christopher attended a small dinner, held in his honour, where he was welcomed

by Worthians living in Hong Kong. The Abbot was travelling through Hong Kong for a few days, having attended The World Youth Day celebrations with Pope Benedict in Sydney. In true VIP fashion, Tony Tyler kindly ensured that the Abbot was well looked after, and he was whisked straight from his flight in time to attend dinner at the Yung Kee Restaurant in Hong Kong Central.

Dinner was a memorable affair, and it is etched in my memory for the remarkable vocational diversity of Worthians as well as the sheer wonderment of a shared child to adulthood journey. For many of us Worth gave us a profound spiritual roadmap that would underpin our lives at home and at work. Inevitably some of the faces of yesteryear have returned to England or have moved elsewhere. However, it is surprising how many Worthians do live in Australia (indeed there are probably a few that we don’t even know about) and it was a pleasure to have the excuse to re-unite a few of them during Abbot Christopher Jamison’s visit to Australia for World Youth Day in July 2008.

Unfortunately it was not possible to get everyone along to dinner – perhaps because Sydney airport was strangulated by the hoards of happy-clappy pilgrims! Sydney hasn’t seen such a huge corroboree of excited and joyful people since it waved goodbye to the Beatles in 1964. Abbot Christopher – late of Melbourne and who we like to claim as our own i.e. Australian! – managed to jet in without too many problems. However, a few people bailed him up on Glebe Point Road having recognised him as the ‘Australian Idol’ of “The Monastery” – a programme which was televised on the ABC at around midnight on Sunday evenings. This is amazing but true, and shows that there is, after all, something to do after late night shopping on the Sabbath.

The Caillard family make up a large proportion of the Australian chapter. Bernard and Anthony Caillard were both at Worth when it was a prep school in the 1930s, and they both married Australians. Anthony Caillard (who shares a birthday with the Pope – same day, same year, same country!) and sons Richard (C’74) Andrew (C’78), David (R’79), and John (R’81) met in a rare complete family get together. They made up 50% of the Worthian contingent who got together with Abbot Christopher for dinner on that July evening in Balmain.

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Joe Hurley (C’82), Anthony Ringrose-Voase (C’77) Cormac Stanford (StB’98) and Rob Burroughs (R’82) together with their wives and partners, also managed to make it through the road blocks. Although it was a smaller meeting than the group who met up a decade earlier, it was still another memorable night. Our guest of honour, Abbot Christopher, gave us all the news and developments at Worth. For many of us it was a very nostalgic evening; a time to reflect on our school days and to remember the monks and old friends.

Nine Worthians attended the evening; all from different age groups and careers; ranging from banking and finance through to consultancy, law, and recruitment – as well as some fresh-faced university graduates. The evening’s conversation was dominated by the Abbot’s recent Sydney trip, where the Pope faced a tough anti-Catholic audience and protests, as well as news that Worth was about to welcome its first cohort of girls in the sixth form.

Abbot Christopher also reminisced about his early PR trips to Hong Kong back in the 90s, with the aim of attracting more pupils to Worth from Asia – a trip that had clearly paid off as several from that original recruitment drive were present that evening. By coincidence, there was a healthy representation of Gervase boys, as well as two exHead Boys – Quinton Choi (G’03) and Jack Harrison (G’00) – present. Jack Harrison deserves a special mention, as he

managed to swing an important ‘business trip’ and flew down from Beijing in order to attend the evening!

Events

Events

It is almost ten years ago now that a WOBS (as Worth Society was known) dinner was held in Sydney to coincide with a Worth rugby tour and theatrical tour of Australia.

The Joeys (St Josephs) score board revealed that a team of elegantly proportioned and porcelain coloured ‘poms’ was certainly no match for a side weaned on a diet of steak and fresh air (not to mention the additional Pacific Island genes!). Not even the presence of Glenn Robertson – that erstwhile head of Worth Rugby and International coach – could rally the troops.

Above all, we all had a thoroughly enjoyable evening and it was a great opportunity to meet a good cohort of Worthians who are based in Hong Kong. It is evident that there are a significant number of Worthians who now live in Asia, and I hope we can start to develop a stronger network here.

For all those who are reading this article and are living in Hong Kong, please do make yourselves known by getting in touch via Olivia Henley at Worth Society on admin@worthsociety.org.uk.

Marc McAlister (G’98)

The following Worthians attended the Hong Kong dinner: Richard Ahmed Bates (G’98)

Quinton Choi (G’03) Vallois Choi (B’05) Jack Harrison (G’00) Osvaldo Kwan (StB’03)

Brandon Chau (StB’03)

Marc McAlister (G’98)

Gabriel Cheng (R’04)

Ai Yoshino (StB’03)

Standing from left to right – Osvaldo Kwan, Ai Yoshino, Brandon Chau, Vallois Choi, Marc McAlister Sitting from left to right – Gabriel Cheng, Jack Harrison, Richard Ahmed Bates, Fr Christopher, Quinton Choi

The following day thousands of pilgrims hugged the foreshore to watch the “Stations of the Cross” under a glorious cold cerulean Sydney sky. It was a day when a city of all creeds stopped and pondered the ideals of faith, hope and charity.

Unfortunately, Matt Preston (C’79), Angus Gaunt (G’77), Duncan Curry (StB’72), Charlie Haynes (G’84), Barley WardThomas (B’84), Michael Marr (C’83) were sadly unable to join us this time and sent their apologies – but we hope it won’t be another ten years before we all meet up again.

Andrew Caillard (C’78)

Worth Society Life

Life and Times of Worth Old Boys

The Old Place

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Sniffing Out the Bluffers

The format is very simple – the audience has to ‘sniff out the bluffers’ from the esteemed panel – this year comprising Julian Gairdner (StB’89), more at home with a pint of bitter; Mel Carson (B’90) a lover of flaming Zambuccas; and Shane Allin (B’89) who is a highly respected allrounder when it comes to drink i.e anything goes!

The five bluffers (world experts at the end of the tasting) took the audience on a tasting experience of six wines (three whites and three reds) and sought to convince our 32 onlookers that they could accurately describe the wines. It sounds so simple! But not when the panel was in full flow with descriptions like “peachy, toasted almonds, cocoa, jasmine” for a simple bottle of Pinot Gris Viognier!

Needless to say, as the evening progressed the bluffers became more and more flowery in their approach, while the audience became more and more confused.

Far left: from left to right: Gordon Moore, Michael Gabriel, Charles de Viggiani and Jamie Dunster Centre left: Julian Gairdner and Mel Carson Centre right: Ben Babington and Andrew Micallef-Eynaud in the foreground Far right: from left to right: Mark Lane, Julian Gairdner, Simon Gabriel, Mel Carson and James Madsen

At the end, all of the event objectives were achieved.

Namely, money for the WOBS Global Action Awards and an eclectic mix of Worthians, from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 00s, who had a great time catching up with old mates and meeting some fresh-faced recent graduates. I would like to thank all those involved in the organisation and those who donated wine. We received very constructive and, in the main, positive feedback from everyone who came along. Having listened, we are sure that our next event in 2009 will be as successful as that held in 2008.

So, if you haven’t tried sniffing out the bluffers, then we recommend that you join us next time and find out for yourself what it’s all about!

Due to the miracle of social networking that is Facebook, and Olivia Henley’s efforts, early September 2008 saw a good cohort of Worthians from the 2007 crop gathered at The Antelope pub in the heart of London for their inaugural reunion. I always felt that ours was an excellent year – ‘naughty but nice’ was how Janine Forbes-Kiely (Gervase House Matron) described the 1988-1989 harvest!

And true to that description we enjoyed a nice – and naughty evening.

The following Worthians attended: Our esteemed panel: Eddie Robinson (B’89) Simon McMenemy (R’89) Shane Allin (B’89) Julian Gairdner (StB’89) Mel Carson (B’90) Attendees: Robert Bodnar-Horvath (B’74) Richard Breen (StB’75) Nick (G’76) and Geraldine Butterworth Simon Gordon (StB’74)

All of the 40 or so Worthians present had stories to tell – from all night raves at the Full Moon Party in Thailand, to scaling the heights of Machu Picchu in Peru. And there were even those who had already braved the world of higher education, and had expert advice on how to deal with university life for those of us about to embark on it.

Invaluable information included: “Just remember that you

Mark Collini (StB’89) Piers Connolly (R’88) Charles de Viggiani (B’85) James Dunster (B’85) Michael Gabriel (C’85) James Maxwell-Scott (R’89) Gordon Moore (G’85)

only need 40% to pass”; “Fresher’s flu is unavoidable” and “I wish I’d done less work last year!”

Events

Events

Worth Society’s “Call my Bluff” Wine Tasting evening was held on Thursday 9th October 2008 at the Inns of Court & City Yeomanry, Lincoln’s Inn in London. This was the second such event organised by Worth Society – although the first under its new name. And if the audience was not confused at this point they certainly would be by the end of the evening! Such was the fun had by all.

2007 Leavers’ Reunion Personally, and I think that all present would agree, I had a great evening and it was lovely to see an eclectic mix of my colleagues from school and have an opportunity to catch up with old friends. Unfortunately the evening became a little raucous, as certain members of the group took ‘naughty’ to heart with a performance of their favourite Australian drinking games.

Despite this, there was very positive feedback from all those involved and hopefully we’ll be able to have a repeat of the event soon. Thanks must go to Nick Butterworth, Andrew Taylor and Father Kevin for joining us, and to Olivia Henley for organising the evening.

Sam Swadling (C’07)

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Ben Babington (G’96) John Concanon (B’96) James Burt (R’98) Simon Douglas (B’90) Simon Gabriel (C’90) Angus Gairdner (StB’96) Peter Hilton (G’98) Nick Lobb (C’90) Andrew Micallef-Eynaud (B’96) Richard Morgan (StB’97) Charlie Bellm (R’04) Sam Burman (B’03) Chris Coxall (R’02) Oliver Ingram (B’04) Mark Lane (F’03) Ed Long (G’03) James Madsen (B’02) Rorrie Mars (R’03) Alex Podbury (C’04) Nick Rush (R’03)

Eddie Robinson (B’89)

1 Tom Woodman, Sam Swadling and Warwick Symcox 2 Joshi Eichner, Charlie Beecroft and Luke MacWilliam 3 Warwick Symcox and Tom Wood 4 Sam Swadling, Ed Hall-Smith and Florian Shacker 5 Ed Armstrong, Tom Mitchell and Will Palmer-Brown 6 Andrew Taylor, Gervase Housemaster talking to Nick Butterworth, Worth Society’s Chairman 7 Francesco Manzi with friend 8 Charlie Beecroft, Matt Pierce, Tom Wood, Francesco Manzi and Ed Armstrong

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Worth Society Life

Life and Times of Worth Old Boys

The Old Place

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The Event was attended by the following ’98 Leavers: Peter Hilton Dermot O'Connor Hector Au Ollie Barnett Phil Holmes Will Pasquali Andrew Bayles Daniel Hughes Seb Perry Simon Jones Oliver Quinn Matt Chan Richard Gairdner Edward Keelaghan Damian Reynolds Pete Gibbon David Micallef-Eynaud Edmund Ryan David Nolan Ramon San Juan Phil Harwood

Hugo Terry St John Tyrwhitt William Walder Luke Windle Stephen Wolseley Anthony Woodward

Monastery: Fr Luke Fr Martin Staff: Glenn Robertson Nick Robinson

1998 Leavers’ 10-Year Reunion

The date was set for November, and planning got underway over the summer months, with the ‘committee’ convening in various locations around London. Unfortunately, not a lot could be recalled on what was actually agreed at these meetings; nonetheless, after a rigorous selection process, The Sugar Reef in Piccadilly was chosen as our favoured destination. And so it was, on the 15th November 2008 – just after England had taken a hiding from the Aussies at Twickenham – the ‘98 leavers and four teachers

It was especially good to see some who had been in our year group but who had left in Junior House – Pasquale D’Arbella was a very close friend to many back in the early 90s, so it was just brilliant to see him again.

It really was very rewarding (and a slight relief!) to see so many people make the effort to come along, not least the teachers and monks – Nick Robinson, Glenn Robertson, Father Luke and Father Martin. It was great to see them again, albeit slightly strange calling them by their first names.

(I’m sure I heard David try to attract Glenn’s attention by shouting “Sir” across the bar!). James Williams and Alan Mitchell sent their apologies, and The Sugar Reef was understandably dismayed at this loss of significant income.

It was great to catch up with everyone again and, although things do change at the ‘old place’ with the building of a new sixth form house, conversion of the main school and the introduction of girls – some things never do change.

Worth boys always know where to find the bar and how to have a good time!

The greatest measure of the success and relevance of the night was that everyone who attended said it had been too long since we had all seen one another, and that we could not possibly let another ten years pass before we arrange something similar. I totally agree – and have already delegated responsibility for our next ‘do’ to Stephen Wolseley!!

However, on a serious note I would be very happy to make such an event an annual occasion, and open it to a wider audience of Worthians.

The end of a very good evening Luke Windle, Peter Gibbon, Hugo Terry, Damian Reynolds, Phil Holmes, Hector Au, Pasquale D’Arbella, Will Walder, Ed Ryan, Ramon San Juan, Simon Jones, Ed Keelaghan, St. John Tyrhitt, Steve Wolseley, Ollie Barnett and Richard Gairdner

From left to right: David Nolan, Ollie Barnett, Nick Robinson, Richard Gairdner, Fr Luke, Simon Jones and Steve Wolseley

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From left to right : Fr Martin, Glenn Robertson and Nick Robinson

Left to right top row: Robert (Doug) Sanday, Charlie Dunster, Nial Joyce, Nick Pond, Rob Tye Left to right middle row: Martyn Sullivan, Keith Owers, Dennis Roberts, Father Christopher, Paul Radziwill, Paul McGarry, Jason Pavry, Giles Coghlin (bending down) Jeremy Dowling, Alex Buckley, John Denham, Steve McDermott, Simon Walshe Left to right front row: Guy Stagnetto, Jim Little, Tom Garrigan, Jason Juden, James Canepa, Jon Kelly

descended on central London to re-kindle old friendships and share some great stories about ‘parades’, ‘blues’ and ‘long dorms’.

David Micallef-Eynaud (B’98)

Life and Times of Worth Old Boys

The years had clearly been harder on some than others, with knee injuries cited as the root cause of the all too visible signs of declining fitness (Charlie Dunster, Tom Garrigan and James Canepa). However, for those still in training, The Cowdray Arms provided a useful muster point before the final push up the drive to Worth. Having checked that the beer was still drinkable, and watched in disbelief as the eternally fresh-faced Guy Stagnetto finally managed to buy a pint without being asked his age, we departed.

Selfless as ever, Giles Coghlin, Rob Tye and Nick Pond valiantly volunteered to hang on at the pub lest there be any late arrivals. Arriving at the Abbey Church we were met outside by a shiny-headed gent in glasses whom nobody recognised. After introducing himself, and being awarded the prize for ‘most changed in appearance’, Dennis Roberts led us into the church to be greeted by the unmistakable Father Christopher.

Mass ensued in the Lady Chapel with prayers said for departed friends – Ambrose Bristow, Russell Coleburt, Alex and Rory Duncan, Mark Petre and John Stanton.

Our thoughts extended to Dom Osborne who was in our year and is suffering from a brain tumour at present.

The 10-year reunion co-ordinators from left to right, Ollie Barnett, Richard Gairdner and David Micallef-Eynaud

Worth Society Life

On a sunny Sunday morning in early November 2008, 21 members of the class of 1988 returned to Worth to mark 20 years on the ‘outside’.

The Old Place

A quick tour of the new and extremely impressive performing arts facilities was followed by drinks and lunch in the refurbished Cowdray room (formerly the master’s dining room). Joined by Father Stephen, Keith Owers, Jeremy Dowling and John Denman, with cameos from Fathers Charles, James and Luke, lunch was a wonderful opportunity to catch up and re-acquaint. Twenty years is a long time, but it has passed oh so quickly. Worth has clearly moved on, and now boasts facilities that we could only have dreamt of back in our day – en-suite bathrooms, I ask you! We have all clearly moved on too and have the wives, children, responsibilities and boys toys (Simon Walsh and his sports car) to show for it. However, judging by the way that everyone reverted so quickly to type, we haven’t changed that much – clearly the humour has not developed!

Events

Events

When Worth Society suggested a reunion for 1998 Leavers’, they naturally asked for Richard Gairdner’s assistance, and he enlisted the help of myself and Ollie Barnett. With that not proving quite enough of a draw – we entered the IT space age in a way that would have made Father Christopher proud! And it was through Facebook and an email barrage that numbers began to rise.

1988 Leavers’ 20-Year Reunion

The following ’88 Leavers attended: Alex Buckley James Canepa Giles Coghlin Charles Dunster Tom Garrigan Nial Joyce Jason Juden Jon Kelly James (Jim) Little Stephen (Steve) McDermott Paul McGarry

Having re-grouped back at The Cowdray Arms, it was universally agreed that the day had been a great success.

Many thanks to Olivia Henley of Worth Society for putting us all back in touch, and for Father Christopher for hosting the day – next time we won’t leave it so long!

Jason Pavry

James (Jim) Little (G’88)

Guy Stagnetto

Nick Pond Paul Radziwill Dennis Roberts Robert (Doug) Sanday Martyn Sullivan Rob Tye Simon Walsh Marc Wiehe

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1 Worth reunion dinner – the class of 1973!

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2 Roger Stokes and Eamonn Shanahan (headboy) 3 Keith Owers talks to Benedict Kelly with Robert Lindsell looking on 4 Nicholas Beazley (right) speaking to Justin Goodbody 5 Paddy (Patrick) Renouf with Andy (Andrew) Rome in the background 6 Justin Goodbody (left) and Tom Gordon 7 Roger Stokes, as eloquent as ever!

8 Keith Owers

1978 Leavers’ 30-Year Reunion It all started on the playing fields of Downside in the autumn of 2006. I was supporting my son in his first season of representative rugby for Downside, when I spotted a familiar face in the ranks of the opposition spectators – none other than that of Charlie HamshawThomas. Weeks later, after some discussion, we agreed to try and organise a 30-Year reunion dinner for those who had been at Worth between 1973 and 1978. I was spurred on by the experience of attending the wonderful Rugby Reunion Dinner that Matthew Wood organised at the Travellers Club that same year, as reported in the 06/07 issue of The Blue Paper.

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Events

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Charlie had remained in contact with some of our year, for example Murray Shanks and Eammon Shanahan, whilst I had been in touch with Worth Society. This proved to be an invaluable combination when tracking down some of our old friends and we are indebted to Olivia Henley who was such a great help.

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We agreed on a date for the dinner – Thursday 15th May 2008. Telephone calls were made; emails and letters were sent out. We made contact with around half of our year, as well as a number of the staff who we thought would add some credence to the whole affair. Sadly, neither Father Stephen nor Father Kevin were able to attend, the latter having an important prior engagement with a golf course!

However we were delighted that both Keith Owers and Roger Stokes accepted our invitations to join us for the dinner.

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With the help of Murray Shanks we decided to hold the dinner at The Groucho Club in the centre of Soho. We had over 20 acceptances from our year, many of whom had not set eyes on one another for 30 years! One by one we gathered, and such comments as the one made by Eammon “This is quite surreal” were commonplace. Roger Stokes, looking resplendent in his black tie, soon joined us – Charlie had forgotten to inform him that the dress code was casual! Nevertheless Roger was on wonderful form and had travelled to London all the way from his home in Shropshire. Our concern was that both Keith and Roger looked exactly the same as when we left them all those years ago. This was in stark contrast to the rest of us – fat, thin, tall, balding and grey (sorry, distinguished). We mostly looked our age! I had arrived armed with a photograph of the new Worth intake taken in September 1973. Much enjoyment was had as we tried to spot and name old friends. We were somewhat confused at not being able to find one of our team, Hugh Laughton – until he admitted that he had actually failed his Common

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The Global Action Awards: Year 8

Entrance Exam and thereby entered Worth the following January for the Easter term!

We continue to encourage Worthians to apply to the Trustees

experiences and those of his ten year-old son, Joseph, in

of the Worth Old Boys’ Society for a Global Action Award

‘Project Peru’.

The evening was an enormous success. Roger and Keith spoke of their time at the school (both taught there for over 30 years), as eloquently as they did when teaching us in the 1970s. Wonderful stories were recounted of our experiences during the time since we had departed Worth.

Most arrived that evening with some trepidation as to how it would all turn out; but all agreed we would not wait another 30 years to repeat the exercise. This will not please one or two of the wives who were somewhat surprised at the state in which their husbands appeared during the early hours of 16th May 2008! In particular we would like to know if Simon O’Donnell and Errol Flynn have respectively kissed and made up?!

(GAA) or for sponsorship support if you are participating

Thank you to all who made the effort to attend.

For those of you contemplating undertaking your own reunion – do persevere – it should prove to be a wonderful and thoroughly memorable event. Worth Society was immensely helpful to us, as is the invention of email.

The evening would not have been possible without the efforts of both Charlie and Murray who made it all happen.

Also our grateful thanks go to Keith Owers and Roger Stokes, who were simply fantastic. Hopefully at our 40-Year Reunion, we will be joined by Father Kevin and Father Stephen!

Mickey Morrissey (R’77)

in events for good causes.

And last summer saw the return from Africa of Luke MacWilliam (R’07), as Tom McMurray (B’08) embarked on a

To reiterate once again, the Global Action Awards are

very different kind of African adventure. Luke worked at

available to any Worthian who is proposing to spend time

an Eco-Tourism Lodge in Inkwenkwese Game Reserve in

in unpaid work for the good of people, the community or

South Africa, and then moved on to Malawi to teach

the environment, either at home or abroad. The table below

school children with Lake Malawi Teaching Volunteers;

lists the GAAs we have awarded, and clearly demonstrates

while Tom enrolled on a year-long nature guide training

the depth and breadth of projects considered.

course in South Africa. You can share Luke’s experiences

Over the last eight years we have awarded a total of £9,330.

So, if you are thinking about taking a sabbatical and utilising your time for the benefit of others, do consider getting in touch with us. It would be great to see more mature Worthians taking advantage of the support offered through Worth Old Boys’ Society – as Benedict Kelly (StB’78) did in 2008.

Benedict approached Worth Society when he was offered a three month sabbatical from work. His plan was to raise funds during his time off, and to use this money to help struggling children in the mountain communities near Cuzco in Peru. Having run 2.5 marathons between his family of six, they all travelled to Peru together to visit the

by reading his article – ‘The Warm Heart of Africa’.

We are looking forward to hearing from our other successful 08/09 applicant, Fridolin Steinbeis (R’08), who has been in Mexico with ‘Projects Abroad’ working with Aids orphans before volunteering in a hospital in Guadalajara, Mexico’s second largest city.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Global Action Awards, then please do visit our website at www.worthsociety.org.uk and go to the ‘Activities’ section.

If you would like to apply for a GAA, donate to the Worth Old

Ben Wintour pictured with Nick Butterworth at Worth.

Ben successfully applied for a GAA in 2009 and will be going to Kenya after completing his ‘A’ levels this year

Boys’ Society GAA funds, or find out about any projects in need of volunteers, then please do contact me on admin@worthsociety.org.uk for more details.

communities and identify the projects where their funds

Olivia Henley

could best be used. You can read about Benedict’s own

June 2009

The following ’78 Leavers attended:

Simon McDonagh

GAAs Awarded

Hugh Miles

Nicholas Beazley

Mickey Morrissey

2008-09 Benedict Kelly (StB’78) – fund-raising for communities in Peru £500

Patrick Flynn

John Murphy

Tom McMurrary (B’08) – nature guide training course in South Africa £500

Elliott Webber (R’04) – teaching in Nepal £500

Justin Goodbody

Joseph O’Donnell

Tom Gordon

Patrick Renouf

Fridolin Steinbeis (R’08) – working with aids orphans and as a hospital volunteer in Mexico £780

2003-04 Andrew Welsh (B’04) – teaching in Galagapos Islands £500

Charlie HamshawThomas

Andrew Rome

2002-03 Francis Binney (G’00) – conservation in Indonesia £200

Hugh HamshawThomas

Murray Shanks

2006-07 Luke MacWilliam (R’07) – eco-tourism in South Africa; teaching in Malawi £750 Rob Carson (G’94) – camp for disabled children, Ireland £500

2001-02 James Powys Lybbe (B’02) – carer in Romanian orphanage £500

Benedict Kelly Christopher Kelly

Eamonn Shanahan Alex Schouvaaloff

2005-06 Dominic Moor (StB’00) – elective in Uganda £500

2004-05 Daniel Grace (F’05) – teaching in Chile £500

Mark Haden (G’03) – building nurses homes in Zambia £250

Alex Tyrwhitt (G’02) – teaching English in China £250

Luke Kisielewski

With ex-Staff members:

Hugh Laughton

Keith Owers

Rob Carson (G’94) – camp for disabled children, Ireland £850

2000-01 Nick Smith (C’01) – teaching in Uganda £500

Rob Lindsell

Roger Stokes

Edmund Chedgy (G’00) – elective in China £500

Ed Bonn (G’01) – teaching in Kenya £250

Tim Maile

Michael Burr (F’06) – conservation in Cambodia £500

Johnathan Craik (C’00) – elective in China £500

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Rather than just visit the place, I wanted to live and breathe it; to have a positive impact on a very fragile continent.

Far left: Practising on the village’s football pitch Left: The full team

The Warm Heart of Africa

G

ap years are often a topic of hot debate. Should I take one? Should I go straight to University? How will it benefit me long term? Am I wasting a year?

It‘s an important decision to make, and easier for some than for others. I knew from a very early stage that I wanted to take a gap year – I believed it was something that I was destined to do. I’d had enough of education for the time being and wanted to broaden my horizons before going on to University feeling refreshed and full of vigour.

Luke ring-barks a Black Wattle tree at Inkwenskwese Game Reserve, on South Africa’s Eastern Cape Below: Football training provided a focus for the boys during the long afternoons when school was over

I was keen to travel, and Africa was the place that beckoned.

Rather than just visit the place, I wanted to live and breathe it; to have a positive impact on a very fragile continent. So, with financial support from the WOBS Global Action Awards, I targeted two projects. The first involved spending a month on South Africa’s Eastern Cape – the Wild Coast – working for an Eco-Tourism Game Reserve.

For the second project, I spent three months living in a rural village on the shores of Lake Malawi, coaching sport and teaching in two local schools. To raise the necessary funds, I worked at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships before getting a full time job as a waiter in a local restaurant.

So, on the 1st March 2008; having had all sorts of injections and said my farewells, I was ready to embark on my journey. What I was about to experience will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Work on my first project, at Inkwenkwese Game Reserve, started on the 5th March 2008, after a day travelling, a day meeting my fellow volunteers and a two-day tour of the local Transkei region. Inkwenkwese is running a conservation initiative that aims to return the land within the reserve to its original, natural state. This primarily involves the removal of alien plant species, mainly of Australian origin, to allow the natural African bush to take over once again.

Our main enemies were the Black Wattle tree, capable of leeching the ground of 100 litres of water per day, and the Port Jackson Willow, a smaller plant that spreads quickly.

Removal of the Willow was relatively simple as they are a relatively small plant, but the Black Wattle required a lot more effort as they are much bigger trees. We used a method called ring-barking – literally stripping the bark in a ring around the tree which cuts off the xylem and phloem, so the tree cannot feed. If even a thin strand of bark is left the tree will survive. When done properly, the tree dies within eighteen months, falls over and rots, thereby fertilizing the soil.

Over the next four weeks we spent much time ring-barking, and removing old fences left there from the days when the land was farmed which, in their current state, were capable of trapping game. The wood was used to build a hide for bird monitoring. An added bonus was the presence of three rescued lion cubs whom we cared for, fed and played with – it was magical – as well as about thirty horses, both wild and tame, that roamed the reserve.

It was not all work! – we did have the opportunity to travel around the area at weekends, and we were able to try some of the Reserve’s activities such as abseiling and horse riding. One of the highlights of my whole trip was the day we decided to brave the buffalo and spend the night out in the bush with our sleeping bags, a fire and the stars. We took it in turns to keep watch for animals and stoke the fire – my slot was between 3 and 4 am. With no lights for miles around, no man-made noises, no phones or TV, no news, no hint of any existence other than the people sleeping around me – I was at complete peace with the world during that hour.

So, the time came for me to leave Inkwenkwese, and as much as it was sad to bid farewell, it did mean that the next part of my journey was about to begin. I made my way by train and bus to Johannesburg, stopping off to catch a Super 14’s Rugby game in Bloemfontein. From Johannesburg I caught a plane to Lilongwein Malawi, where I was met by the Project Co-ordinator from Malawi

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Worth Society Life

Life and Times of Worth Old Boys

The Old Place

Volunteers Organisation (MVO). He took me, and two other new volunteers, to the house in Namakoma Village (about half an hour from Monkey Bay) right on the shores of Lake Malawi, which is Africa’s third largest lake. It was dark when I arrived, so the delightful view of the lake had to wait until the morning. I met the other volunteers and settled into the house and learnt a bit more about the projects.

I spent the next three months attending and running football sessions every afternoon in a nearby village with Stevie Mbewe, an ex-Malawi youth player who suffered a career-ending ankle injury at the age of 22. In view of the fact that I played for the mighty 6ths at Worth, I saw my role as a motivational and inspirational figure rather than as a coach! When I arrived, the team had just lost to some local rivals. As a result, there was considerable friction among team members and, with many of the older players giving up on training, their morale was really low. I was able to reignite the fun that is engendered in playing team sport for these deprived boys. They were all keen to see my Mzungu (white man) skills, they believed that all Europeans were amazing at football, I soon proved them wrong! I did manage to hold my own and improved my own game and fitness; and the older players soon returned to training with the news that a local league was about to start. I was even considered a hero after one game, when I managed to poach an equaliser before one of the better players scored a stunning winner! More boys turned up for training and results on the pitch got better and better.

By the time I left, the team had been undefeated with just one draw and they were at the top of the group, ready to play in the semi finals.

This work, whilst fun, was hard and very important for the boys. By playing football they had a focus during the long afternoons after school, which kept them out of trouble.

With their success, I like to believe that their eyes were opened to their individual skills, as well as their ability to achieve good things both on and off the football pitch.

Whether they do better at school or at work (some of them had jobs as builders and on local transport) I hope that the skills, such as teamwork and leadership, which they learned through sport, will stand them in good stead for the future.

I also helped to start up a new project aimed at combating Malaria in Namakoma, and it is my hope that this project will be extended to cover all of the surrounding villages.

The project involved recording a census of Malaria history in each household before distributing new nets or washing, repairing and impregnating existing nets with World Health Organisation-approved chemicals, as well as educating residents on how to take preventative measures against this deadly illness.

At weekends we were able to travel around Malawi, and even made it down to Mozambique for a quick fishing trip.

Right at the end of my stay Stevie had his first child, a baby boy, who he asked me to name. I could not decide on just one name, so gave him a shortlist of 10 and from that list he chose Jimmy. Jimmy’s full name is Jimmy Luke Mbewe – this gesture made me feel incredibly proud of what I had achieved during my time at Namakoma, and the fact that I had had such a positive impact on Stevie’s life that he will now always remember me through his son.

Saying goodbye to Malawi was incredibly hard. The people are unbelievably friendly. They lead their lives in such a relaxed way – we certainly need to take lessons from them!

Even though they have little in a material sense, they have happiness and warmth in abundance. Malawi is often described as the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ and until you experience it for yourself – either on a gap year, career break or a holiday – you’ll simply have to take my word for it.

At Inkwenkwese Game Reserve we had three rescued lion cubs to care for and feed

Luke MacWilliam (R’07) January 2009 Biking at Namakoma Village on the shores of Lake Malawi

My mornings were spent teaching maths and science to 10-17 year olds. I also spent some time in the local orphanage, where children whose parents have fallen victim to AIDS and Malaria, get a glimmer of hope for the future.

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Far left: Benedict counts in the new toys Far left below: Marcus, Humphrey, Elena, the Wawacha teacher and Elizabeth survey the side access at Pucarune Left: Example of a proposed new loo at Pucarune Below: The existing loo at Pucarune

Project Peru

L The school children showing off their new football kit Right: Pucarune football pitch at 4,100 metres Below: Benedict, Humphrey and Marcus Kelly pictured in the back row with some of the school children who benefitted from their support

ucky me…three months paid sabbatical for ten years hard labour …now where to go?

In true Kelly tradition, it had to include Peru. Peru is not just Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. It has 29 million people, many of whom – especially the children – go hungry every night. Dominic, my eldest brother (StB‘70), spent time in the Apurimac valley back in the 1970s when Worth had its mission there; and his daughter Celina, a Woldingham old girl, travelled to Cuzco in 2006 when she raised money for, and helped in, local orphanages. She continues to keep up with them and it made sense to keep the link going.

So, having decided on our mission – to raise money for the children of struggling mountain communities near Cuzco in Peru – it was time to fundraise by running a few marathons.

Well, that is a bit of a cheeky way of saying that as a family – myself, my wife Elizabeth and our four boys (Thomas 18, Humphrey 15, Marcus 13 and Joseph 10) – would run the equivalent of 2.5 marathons with four of us participating in the Reading 2008 ASICS half marathon, and Marcus and Joseph running a quarter (6.5 miles) of a marathon each.

We raised US$18,000 including a generous contribution from Worth Society. So, reading The Blue Paper does make sense after all!

On arrival in Cuzco, we set to work purchasing supplies from local markets and visited our three chosen centres: WaWacha, a day care centre for under 5s in Cuzco; Huayacocha, a village which is one hour’s drive east of Cuzco; and Pucarune an even more isolated village which is over 3 hours drive north-east of Cuzco, with the last half hour on mud tracks. At Pucarune we were at 4,100 metres and the school we visited was particularly desperate. It was run down and severely under-resourced – corruption is rife in Peru. The children had long walks to school everyday, experienced a constant shortage of teachers, as well as dilapidated classrooms and a very limited supply of books. In addition to this, they were hungry and malnourished from families frequently suffering from alcoholism and its concomitant problems.

Having visited the three centres; where we did some teaching and played football with the children; we identified two projects where the remaining money could be used. Wawacha needed a bigger play area, made possible by renovating a side access, and Pucarune desperately needed a new loo and cess pit.

Plans are a good starting point and we were well organised.

However, we knew that we could not just turn up with our money and expect to buy all the necessary food, clothes, toys etc that the children needed; then build a classroom and do some teaching – all in a week. After all, US$18,000 is a lot of money – especially in Peru – and things move very slowly.

So, having established some good and trustworthy contacts in Cuzco, we have put in place the necessary financial arrangements to make the money available for the two projects. Another niece, Rebecca Arkwright, an old girl of St Mary’s Ascot, has recently been to Cuzco and she went to visit some of our contacts and projects.

Things are progressing slowly but surely and the local families and parents are being encouraged to get directly involved in the projects. We expect the imminent GAP years of my many nephews, nieces and sons should also help us keep in close touch and to see how things are progressing.

Benedict Kelly (StB’78) April 2009

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Humphrey started to play football with the older boys.

Then we all played against the 11yr old team – they beat us 4 -0! We gave them the football shirts and they looked so happy and put them on straight away. TK went around shaking their hands. We visited the classrooms and Mummy gave an English lesson to the oldest class. We showed them where England was on a globe. The loos were so dirty the headmaster wouldn't show them to us.

There were no dictionaries and not many books. With the money we are going to build new loos and they will have food and warmer clothes and toys. Elena will get a doctor to visit every month to give the children injections.

With our plans in place to travel to Peru, we agreed as a family to give one week of our time, and give the US$18,000 that we had raised to specific projects. No money would be wasted and we planned to stay with one of Celina’s charity contacts in Cuzco.

Worth Society Life

Life and Times of Worth Old Boys

The Old Place

Then we went and lit a huge fire and cooked all the condensed milk and gave a huge queue of children a milk drink and biscuits. Lots of the children had swollen tummies from parasites and bad coughs because the air was so cold because it was so high. Their feet were very dirty and their skin and their faces were very sore. Their shoes were made out of old tyres.

Papa and Marcus and Humphrey went to another village later which was 4,000m high but I couldn't go because I was ill.

10 Year-old Joseph Kelly’s account of his family’s visit to Cuzco Last summer I went with my family to Cuzco, Peru. Because lots of people had sponsored us very generously we raised US$18,000 to buy things for children in two remote mountain villages in Peru.

We arrived in Cuzco – a very dirty city with loads of beggars on the floor and children under five selling things to people. With Elena, who was our friend there, we went shopping for things like rice, clothes for children, condensed milk, school books, toys – but the best thing was the football shirts which we got printed with the local team's name. The shops were in a market with wet dirty floors and all the things were scattered around. It was dark and horrible. We saw people selling black bugs to eat from the jungle and lots of raw meat.

One day I would like to go back there and see the children I played football with.

Left: Joseph delivers supplies to the school at Pucarune Below left: Humphrey teaches the older children, while Marcus (right) looks on

We drove 3 hours in a really old landrover. We could see the Andes mountains covered in snow but the land was very dry, brown and barren. On the way up we saw men sitting by the road drinking, because alcohol is very cheap there.

The kitchen at the mountain village when we arrived had goats and cows roaming around it. The floor and walls were made of mud. We went on to the school playing field and all the children came running up to us. Thomas and

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WOBS RFC Rugby 08/09 Season

This season has seen the appointment of James Madsen (B’02) as Captain. The new impetus has been provided in large measure by James who has been tireless in his organisation on and off the field, and his total commitment to training, playing and week-in week-out team management. James has had a tough job this year, integrating the old players with the new squad members, having taken advantage of the surge of commitment and enthusiasm coming from the recent Leavers. As a firm believer that teams are built off the pitch as well as on, James has seen the WOBS team develop as a very close group with a great team spirit. Seeing the boys gel so brilliantly, reinforces his conviction as to the importance of a team playing, training and drinking together!

At the start of the season WOBS RFC made the decision to invest in a proper training ground, which was found at the Battersea Park Millennium Arena Athletics Track – a ground the team has used in the past. Sharing this ground on a Wednesday evening with London Exiles and Old Amplefordians has provided us with a floodlit area, enabling us to get in some proper training mid-week. The team has responded with wholehearted enthusiasm.

Top right: James Madsen stealing the ball in an opposition lineout Below: The WOBS RFC Team sporting their new kit after beating Reigate away 47-0

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WOBS RFC continues to play in Surrey League 3, battling against old enemies such as Mitcham and the all South African Raynes Park RFC. Joining the League this year has been Old Blues RFC (Christ’s Hospital School’s old boys’

team) who are bitter rivals of many of the players – bringing back memories of lining up against them during their years at Worth.

While the team is currently pushing towards the end of its League run with just three games to go as we write this summary, the first half of the season saw WOBS RFC putting in a strong performance in the National Junior Vase Cup. A string of wins, including a hard fought victory against London Exiles, saw the boys heading out of London for a three hour coach ride to Lowestoft and Yarmouth. Once there, we competed in the 6th Round knock out – the furthest the team has ever got in this tournament.

Arriving as the underdogs – with an opposition who assumed we would be easy game! – WOBS RFC set the tone in the first half with the backs showing some heroic running on the ball, putting a number of points on the home side in the first half and knocking initial expectations off the field. The team fought hard and put their opposition under a lot of pressure throughout.

However, despite a great effort, the game went narrowly to Lowestoft and ended our 08/09 Cup run.

Special recognition goes to all the boys who trained and worked so hard this year, both on and off the field, to get the team as far as the 6th Round. A victory would have meant being a mere three wins away from playing in the final at Twickenham. Needless to say that Lowestoft RFC is still in the Cup, giving the boys an added hunger for next years national tournament!

The team retains a number of familiar faces from years gone by, with the ex-Captain James “the bosh” Burt tirelessly picking up from the Number 8 position, Tom “TC/VC” Calnan continues to prove that working and partying hard all week has no impact at all on his ability to deliver frightening counter attacks all Saturday afternoon!

And Rob “I provide the gas” Cottrell demonstrates his versatility at Scrum Half, Fly-Half and Inside Centre. The season has also seen veterans, Pete Hilton and Phil Myles, return to the forwards after the summer break. Hilton adding to the effectiveness of the WOBS’ ability to get round the park, while Mark Wilson remains a solid and regular member of the back line in his remarkable 16th year at the club (playing every season since WOBS RFC began in 1993). However, while the seasoned players remain strong, WOBS has also had a number of new faces who have joined the club’s regular playing squad in both the forwards and the backs.

Worth Society Life

Life and Times of Worth Old Boys

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These new recruits have helped to develop the team both on and off the field. An increased level of training and consistency has ensured that the forwards have become a very tight group, something they have demonstrated admirably in matches. While Steve Whyte and Mark Lane have provided sniper-like accuracy in throwing into the line, Danny O’Connell has proved a formidable jumper against every opponent. Additions to the back row have included Chris Madsen, Alex Podbury, Dan Pring and Tom Middlehurst, coming in to join existing players James Madsen and James Burt. As a pack the WOBS’ forwards have proved themselves against opposition in both the League and the Cup, hunting and competing aggressively for the ball and matching every rival in the battle for physicality. Chris Coxall and Dave Osborne joined the front row, the latter bringing some much needed bulk and, with the season starting to draw to a close, the level of commitment and camaraderie with the pack has had a massively positive impact on the game.

Among the backs, the addition of Tom Podbury at Outside Centre, Simon Hawkins in the Wing / Full Back position, and Kevin Danagher on the Wing has meant the WOBS have produced a devastating back line, which has the ability to beat all opponents for pace. A key ingredient this season has been the tempo provided by Jamie Bruce at Scrum Half, which has allowed WOBS RFC to play the game at the fast pace they have aspired to. Jamie has been the team’s ‘Duracell bunny’ – never tiring, and providing the key link between backs and forwards.

As in previous years, the club continues to extend its invitation to non-Worthians to play alongside Worthians.

This year, we are delighted to welcome two forwards, Rohan Wilson and Big John McArthur. Both Rohan and John have joined the front row – making a big impact to the WOBS’ scrummaging – and providing the necessary bulk in defence, while Big John has also played in the Lock and Back Row, he has been invaluable in drilling the players week in week out at training. In the backs we’ve retained the services of our resident Scotsman, Ed Gordon-Stewart, in the Number 10 jersey. Despite being around 100 years old, he has been a key play-maker for

the team and offers some great banter on post match nights out! The team has also welcomed Jamie Garratt into the back line. Jamie has been a fearsome runner at Inside Centre but unfortunately had to leave us for an operation following a wrist injury. But we look forward to welcoming him back soon. Lee Howard has also played in some key games – his ability to make vital ground in his dangerous counter-attacks from deep in defence is a great asset to the game.

Left: Dave Osborne Centre: James Burt and Jamie Bruce breaking off the scrum Right: Pete Hilton receiving the ball in a Worthian lineout

All in all the 08/09 season has been a great one for WOBS RFC. The heightened level of commitment adopted by the boys – who have the attitude needed for training on the pitch and in the bar afterwards – has given me great confidence in looking forward to the 09/10 season, and the opportunities it will bring to build on the successes of this season.

Des Calnan (R’69) James Madsen (B’02) April 2009

The 08/09 WOBS RFC Squad Forwards: Rohan Wilson, Mike Goodall, Mark Lane (F’03), Dave Osborne (R’04), Ben Holloway (C’93), John McArthur, Chris Coxall (R’02), Steve Whyte (B’98), Richard Hammond, Phil Myles (G’02), Tom Lewis, Pete Hilton (G’98), Danny O’Connell (R’02), Alex Podbury (C’04), James Madsen (B’02), Chris Madsen (B’04), James Burt (R’98), Dan Pring (R’03), Tom Middlehurst (R’03), Giles Heather (F’03), Otto Blom (R’02), Lorenzo Belpassi (B‘04), John-Henry Wicks (G‘00), Paddy Scott (B‘01), Joe Green (B‘05) Backs: Jamie Bruce (R’04), Paddy Forbes, Ed Gordon-Stewart, Rob Cottrell (R’97), Jamie Garratt, Mark Wilson (B‘87), Tom Podbury (C’02), Andy Slater, Simon Hawkins (R’01), Lee Howard, Kevin Danagher (B’03), Mark Proctor, Rob Rooney (G’01), Ben Calnan (R‘97), Tom Calnan (R‘95), Frank Osborne (R‘00), Tom Mitchell (F‘07), Ed Bishop

If you are interested in joining WOBS RFC, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with either James Madsen or Des Calnan on: James Madsen, WOBS RFC 1st XV Captain Tel : +44 (0) 7738 324 438 James.Madsen@capitalmsl.com Desmond Calnan, WOBS RFC Chairman Tel : +31 6 1097 2976 Desmond.Calnan@shell.com

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Sport

Sport

The WOBS RFC is now well into its 08/09 season and has developed fantastically since the boys got back together in September. There have been a number of new additions to our team this season, including a core of key players from the Leavers of ’02, ’03 and ‘04. This contingent has helped concentrate the regular squad to around 25 – with many more on the list of less regular players.

WS CC Worthians Cricket Club Report for 2008/09 full advantage of the new ball, managed to pick up a cheeky wicket. Then came a procession of tight bowling from the Bilbe brothers who dominated the 'red road' end. James Holt rattled through the top order, with support from an energetic off-side field that seemed impenetrable with the lively ball handling by Mitchell and Burrill. It was Jonny Smyth who stole the show though with his perfect scoring and faultless bowling – he was unlucky not to achieve a hat-trick.

The competitive Worthian side were even warming up before the boys turned out – and the boys were certainly unprepared for the barrage of punishment that was to head their way later on that day!

The final score recorded was Worthians 182-7; Worth School 1st XI 106 all out.

A superlative opening partnership from Tom Woodman and James Innes (48) set the trend and the Worthian team quickly reached a grand total of 182. Following a quick turnaround and great captaincy, Messrs Allport and Jalie opened the bowling for an over each – Will Allport, taking

The day was thoroughly enjoyed by all, and it was followed by matches against the Worth Occasionals and the Old Theonians, as well as a new fixture against St Chad's College Durham Old Boys XI. This fixture was orchestrated

by Worthian, Richard Gairdner (StB’98), and we are all set for a repeat match again in 2009. Unfortunately, the win against the school was to be our only victory of the year – despite coming very close in most of the other games.

As well as repeating all the above fixtures in 2009, we are adding a new match against St Hugh's College Oxford Old Boys XI. We are often short of players and always welcome Worthians who would like to get involved. The ground at Worth is a great pitch both for the players and any enthusiastic spectators.

The fixtures for 2009 are as follows:

Bowl with 34 points, with Peter Gottelier (R’70) and myself in close pursuit with 33 points. Aly Milne Home (C’93), Patrick Davey (F’01) and myself picked up prizes for nearest the pin, whilst Simon Ross (G’98) ‘nailed his driver’ to win the longest drive.

In May, as usual, we entered a six-man team for the Grafton Morrish Public Schools Scratch Foursomes event, but again failed to qualify. Unfortunately we don’t have a depth of good players in the Society and, as such, the team was not as strong as it could have been with several low Handicap players being unavailable to play.

I am pleased to report that the Worthians Golfing Society continues to be supported by a core of members, and this year we have welcomed some newcomers in the form of recent Leavers who have joined our ranks.

Fr Kevin continues to preside as President, and Glenn Robertson has kindly agreed to become Vice-President.

It was good to see him at both the Spring and Autumn meetings.

Once again the Golfing year started with the Annual match against The Old Gregorians at Royal Ashdown Forest, and my optimism expressed in last year’s report bore fruit, when we recorded our first win in this event. I am sure that now, having tasted victory, we will see many more in the years to come!

Once again the Spring Meeting was at Moor Park which has proved to be an excellent venue for us. James Blake (B’77), a long standing supporter of the Society, won the Rose

Saturday 23rd May Worthians v Worth School 1st XI

The Russell Bowl event at Woking was again dominated

by Ampleforth, who have won the event for several years in succession. However, the 36 hole foursomes, with an excellent lunch was greatly enjoyed by the team members.

The year culminated with the Autumn meeting at Mannings Heath – a new venue for the Society. Sixteen players competed with Rupert Pridham (G’80) – again a stalwart of the Society – winning the Worth Salver with 36 points off a handicap of 5. Stuart Hiscocks (B’95) was a close second with 35 points, and James Robertson (B’89) in third place with 33 points. Will Kelly (F’02) – playing in his first event – and yours truly won the nearest the pin prizes; with Stuart Hiscocks (B’95) achieving the longest drive.

The Spring meeting at Moor Park on 13th May 2008: Front row from left to right: Ted Tracey (R’94), Peter Gottelier (R’70), James Blake (B’77) with cup, Ken Ross (G’65) and Glenn Robertson (former staff)

Sport

Sport

The 2008/09 season started off well, on a beautiful Bank Holiday Saturday in May 2008, with a good win over the Worth School 1st XI. The Worthian team and guests – comprising Tom Woodman (F’07), James Innes (C’06), Ed Burrill, Max McAlister (G’02), Will Allport, Louis Mitchell, James Holt (StB’97), Michael Bilbe (StB’06), Jonny 'Yips' Smyth (R’70), Tom Bilbe (StB’06) and Jeremy Jalie (C’02) – stood up to the challenge of a 30-over game. This was the day where the men could do no wrong!

WS GS Worthians Golfing Society Report 08/09

Back row from left to right: Simon Ross (G’98), Simon Millward, Alastair Milne Home (C’93), Patrick Davey (F’01) centre back, James Ambrose (G’75), Hugh Maguire (R’77), Matthew Wood (B’77). George Ross (G’95) also attended but had to leave early for his son's third birthday party!

2009 will see us returning to Moor Park in the Spring, with Worth again represented in the Grafton Morrish and Russell Bowl events.

Ken Ross (G’65) Secretary – Worthians Golfing Society April 2009

Sunday 19th July Worthians v Worth Occasionals Sunday 9th August Worthians v St Hugh’s College Oxford Old Boys Sunday 16th August Worthians v St Chad’s College Durham Old Boys So, if you are interested in getting involved, please contact Simon Jones at skjones@reedsmith.com.

We are always actively seeking, and welcome any new players that would like to join our team.

Simon Jones (StB’98) Max McAlister (G’02) April 2009

Left: Scenes from the Worthians victory over Worth School’s 1st XI on Speech Day which took place on Saturday 24th May 2008

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Worth Society Life

Life and Times of Worth Old Boys

The Old Place

Worthians versus 1st XI football match Our first annual Worthian football match took place on Sunday 4th January 2009. In spite of the inclement weather conditions (snow was the order of the day!) a few stalwart Worthians came along to play the School 1st XI at Worth School. Andrew Taylor, Gervase Housemaster hosted the afternoon and organised an indoor 5-aside match, followed by some well deserved beers and a match tea.

We plan to make this Worthians versus Worth School 1st XI football match an annual fixture, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Olivia Henley at worthsociety@worth.org.uk if you would like to get involved in future matches.

Pictured back row from left to right are Andrew Taylor, Alex Williams (R’06), Ed Wiggins (C’06), James Innes (C’06), Andy Morris (R’06), Ben Oakley (F’08), Andrew Talty (StB’08), Chris Cheeseman (C’07) and Oliver Wright (StB’08) Front row from left to right are Stefan Humphries (C’05), James Cheeseman (C’05), Charlie Forbes Year 13, Worth School 1st XI Captain, Graham Hutchings (G’05), Jack Rackham (R’05), Nick Hopkins (G’05) Worthians XI Captain, Yohan Theodore Year 13

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Caught on Camera

WS Tennis Tennis Review Sport

Above right: Back row – Oliver Taylor (G’03), Tom Corstjens (C’07), Neil Laughton (C’82), Crispin Hayhoe (StB’82) and Alex O’Mahoney-Zed (Year 12) Front row – Giles Sacarello (Year 13), Alex Neville Smith (Year 11), William Neville Smith (Year 10)

The summer of 2008 is unlikely to be remembered for its long hot days when the sun beat down mercilessly on a landscape gradually turning brown and dry, but rather for torrential wind and rain. I am afraid that, while the Worthians tennis match on Speech Day 2008 was spared the rain, it certainly was not spared the wind – which blew and blew and blew (and blew and blew and blew).

of action was to aim for the service box in the adjoining court, and then we would watch as the ball initially appeared to be dropping well wide, only for the wind to hold it up and carry it back into play. Conversely a slice serve with the wind needed to be aimed at the service box on the server’s side of the court, whereupon it was dragged by the wind into the service box. It was quite bizarre.

The Worthians team of Crispin Hayhoe (StB’82), Neil Laughton (C’82), Tom Corstjens (C’07) and Oliver Taylor (G’03) contained the rather unusual mixture of age and experience combined with youth and vigour (in previous years youth and vigour in the Worthians team has usually meant the fielding of one player under the age of 40!).

This year, with two players under 25, the Worthians fortunes looked all set to turn the tide of recent losses and we were lined up to defeat the school pairings of Will Neville-Smith with Alex O’Mahony-Zed, and Alex Neville Smith with Giles Saccarello.

I suspect that Neil, conqueror of Everest, will have experienced winds of similar force before (but probably only at heights above 6000 metres). The rest of the team were, I’m afraid to say, left floundering. Indeed short of preparing for the match in British Aerospace's wind tunnel, I don't think that the Worthians team was ever going to have much of a chance given the atmospheric conditions.

Unfortunately the Worthians plans were disrupted by the wind which blew with storm force ferocity throughout the afternoon, thereby making the game virtually unplayable.

It was one of the most bizarre games of tennis I have ever played. When we hit the ball hard crosscourt against the wind, the ball would more than likely land in a spot more appropriate for a down the line shot. A ball hit with the wind down the line, would more than likely end up as a crosscourt shot or be carried out of play. When we attempted a slice serve against the wind, the best course

This year's Arrow Trophy Regatta will take place on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October 2009 on The Solent. Yachts are collected from Port Solent (Portsmouth) on Friday 2nd October and sailed or motored over to Cowes Yacht Haven, ready for the start of racing on Saturday.

The boats used are Sunsail 37's, needing a crew of seven people, and are chartered from the Sunsail base at Port Solent in Hampshire. The race is an annual weekend Regatta. On the first day (Saturday) five short fleet races are staged back to back and the top 4 teams from day one go forward to match race each other on the Sunday for the Arrow Trophy. Meanwhile, all of the other boats continue to race as a fleet for a separate prize - the Charterhouse Bowl - with the results of both days counting.

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Fr Peter and Fr Kevin take a well-earned rest on the last phase of the Worth 75, 150-mile Pilgrimage Walk

Jeremy Brooks (StB’72), Fr Stephen Ortiger, Andrew Stewart (B’72) and Dominic Bexon (C’72) met up for a mini-reunion in November 2008

Regrettably the adverse weather conditions killed off the match as a contest, as the Worthians were deprived of any of the delicate and subtle touches which are hallmarks of its game. The bare facts of the match are that Will and Alex defeated Tom and Oliver 6 v 1, and Giles and Alex defeated Crispin and Neil 6 v 2. In the reverse pairings Tom and Oliver lost 0 v 6 to Giles and Alex, while Crispin and Neil went down 3 v 6 to Will and Alex.

Fresh-faced and ready to go – the Worth 75 Pilgrimage Walk team set out from Downside School.

Together with Fr Peter, centre foreground, two Worthians completed the entire 150-mile walk from Downside to Worth. They were Jonathan Rollo-Walker (R’08) 3rd from left back row and Matthew Doggett (F’07) 3rd from right back row

Ah well, there is always next year. Did I mention it was quite windy?

Crispin Hayhoe (StB’82) December 2008

Calling all Sailors...

Worth hasn’t competed in The Arrow Trophy Regatta since 2004 – and we are hoping to change all that and put a team together for the 2009 event. So, if you’re interested in sailing, please don’t be shy – come out of the woodwork and get in touch with us!

Tony Saunders (C’72) works for Kuwait Petroleum International and is photographed here shaking the hand of the Oil Minister on a visit to Kuwait City

Three Worthians discovered that they are all working for Alliance Bernstein in Hong Kong - from left to right : Richard Gairdner (StB’98 ) Richard Lynton Jones (StB’97) and Max McAllister (G’02)

The Worthian band Flashguns, which was established by Sam Johnston (StB’08), Ollie Wright (StB’08), Olly Scanlon (G’08) and Giles Robinson (StB’08). Photograph by kind courtesy of L Hini

Worth entered a sailing team in the Arrow Trophy Regatta in the four consecutive years from 2001 to 2004. Our best placing was third overall out of eleven boats in the fleet series in 2001 and 2002.

Rupert Stutchbury (StB’69) as ‘the baddy’ – de Guiche – in his upcoming college production of Cyrano de Bergerac

The event is great fun to participate in and includes a prize-giving dinner at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club in Cowes. So, if you fancy the idea of competing in the 2009 Regatta, or if you know of any other Worthian or 2009 school leaver who might be interested in participating, then do please get in touch with Olivia Henley at Worth Society on admin@worthsociety.org.uk or Giles Turton on gilesturton@hotmail.com.

You can find more detailed information about the event on the Arrow Trophy website at http://www.arrowtrophy.org.uk. The closing deadline for a boat entry is at the beginning of September 2009.

Worth Society Life

Life and Times of Worth Old Boys

The Old Place

The ‘three Sirs’ from 1964 Caught on Camera by Fr Kevin when they attended Solemn Vespers at Worth Abbey Church on the 28th September 2008, to celebrate the time 75 years ago to the day that monks first prayed together at Worth. From left to right : Sir John Chisholm (G’64), Sir David Bell (C’64) and Sir Peter Jonas (G’64)

James Grieve (StB’70) blames Fr Kevin Taggart for passing on the love of the white stuff to him – even when he is covered in it! Here he was captured on camera by his daughter during a ski-ing holiday in 2009

Clive Bayne (G’65) with his wife Terry in Mexico in 2008

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Eddie (Dobbo) Robinson (B’89) receiving two awards at the 2009 Estate Agent Awards from Phil Spencer During his spell in Baghdad during 2008, Nick Mifsud’s (C’87) home for six months was the US Embassy – formerly Saddam Hussein's Presidential Palace

The maiden voyage of Shane Bisgood’s (StB’70) Brazen Hussy now at home in the west of Ireland Hugo Douglas (G’81) pictured with his two boys, Digby 15 and Lorian 12, after a fishing trip in Kilifi, Kenya

Joe (G’92) and Sarah Delaney took off on a four month honeymoon adventure across South East Asia between September and December 2008. Here they are pictured in Laos, with a backdrop of the beautiful landscape that is so typical of this country

David Mansell (C’05) successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in July 2008 and successfully raised £2,500 for two charities that support education in Tanzania – EdUKaid and the Windle Trust

Charlie Gerada (R’90) and Dom Floyd (G’90) pictured in May 2008 while spending a weekend in Dorset with a group of 1990 Leavers Olly Donaldson (R’96) with his wife, Leni – sister of Guy Hoogewerf (G’90), and their daughters, Rosie and Maggie

A good gathering of Worthians attended the wedding of Stephen Wolseley (R’98) to Mary-Kate Quinlan on 25th May 2008 in Malta. Pictured from left to right are Mark Esdaile (StB’98), Luke Kenny (B’98), Colin Rowton (R’98), Stephen Wolseley, Will Pasquali (B’98), Bobby Acworth (C’81), James Burt (R’98) Peter Gilbert (R’68) meeting Dr Hohinder Singh, Sikh leader in Birmingham, prior to a workshop on Mental Health and Faith

Father Luke preached at the wedding of Paddy Lynch (C’92) to Geraldine Coleman on Saturday 11th October 2008 in County Mayo, Ireland. The newly married Paddy and Geraldine are pictured above with Worthians (from left to right behind) Ben Nickell (B’94), Rob Carson (G’94), Peter Cole (C’92), Matthew Sullivan (B’94), Jon Smith (StB’98), James Lynch (StB’94) and Will Loden (C’93). Of the seven Worthians present, three were married – Ben Nickell, Peter Cole and Will Loden – and all, including Paddy, had met their wives in Lourdes on the Order of Malta Volunteers Pilgrimage

Above left: During 2008, Neil Leach (G’76) met up with Julian Dare – his Latin teacher and Athletics master from Worth Above right: Neil Leach (G’76) and Tim Hutchings (StB’77) met up at the Olympic Games in Beijing during 2008, where Tim was commentating on the Athletics events for Eurosport and Neil was curating an exhibition for the Architecture Biennial Beijing

Tom Ellis (C’87) pictured with his son, Toby, at New Year

Michael (C’85) and Simon (C’90) Gabriel with presenter, Aled Jones, on BBC’s Escape to the Country

Simon Douglas (B’90) and his classic Volvo P180

Three Worthians caught on camera at the baptism of Sophie and Ben Nickell’s (B’94) daughter Alice. From left to right, Rob Carson (G’94) – looking worryingly beardy – Ben Nickell and Matthew (Scotty) Sullivan (B’94)

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The installation of Freya's Cabin, a permanent design installation at Kielder Water which was designed by Studio Weave, the design company established by Je-Hyung Ahn (R’01) and his wife

Worth Society Life

Life and Times of Worth Old Boys

The Old Place

Tom McMurray (B’08) right, helping to dart a buffalo during his year-long nature guide training course at Entabeni Nature Conservancy in South Africa; for which he was awarded a WOBS Global Action Award

Please send us photos of great events in your life so that we can include them in future issues of The Blue Paper

Ed Found (G’90) standing in front of the house he is building in Symondsbury, Dorset

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Plane Speaking Worthian Tony Tyler (C’73) has had a distinguished career with Cathay Pacific culminating in landing the top job in 2007. Julian Gairdner (StB’89) caught up with him recently…

Can you pick one good and one bad “incident” in your career that you would advise to follow/advise against!

Rugby, music and drinking!

Most of the good decisions I’ve made just look obvious in hindsight, although often they didn’t at the time. I’ve learned that you don’t always have to have the last word in any argument, and that it’s usually a good thing to give other people the credit when things go well.

Do they still feature in your life now?

All three! I played rugby quite seriously until my late twenties, and I’m still a keen follower of the game and spectator. I gave up the trombone when I left Worth, but later on took up the guitar. I play and sing in a rock band in Hong Kong.

What are your fondest memories of your time at Worth?

How did you come to work in the airline industry and where did you work?

Friends. We had a lot of fun just messing around. I also enjoyed playing trombone in a jazz band, and acting, particularly in a couple of revues which I also wrote some sketches for. The rugby was great, too. I was a slow developer but made the first fifteen in my Oxbridge term having captained the thirds the year before. House matches were always fun - a chance to biff a few mates, and some lads you weren’t particularly fond of too!

I intended to become a lawyer after Oxford, but realised that it wasn’t what I wanted to do. Most of all I wanted to live and work away from the UK. It was a pretty dreadful place in the mid-seventies which was when I was making my career decisions.

What are your least fond memories?

In my first term I broke my collarbone playing rugby and was really miserable. Struggling with those stiff collars was a real menace until Fr Kevin spotted how unhappy I was and told me to wear an ordinary shirt and not bother with a tie. I don’t have fond memories of the food either frankly it was pretty foul. It’s given me a lifetime aversion to porridge and custard! When the biggest culinary treat was getting some fresh toast at breakfast from the prefects, you can get an idea of the general standard.

How did your experiences as a pupil at Worth influence the paths you have followed in your life?

Wow - that’s a big question. Worth must have had a massive influence on what’s happened to me, as any school would for anyone. It got me to Oxford, which in turn got me into the commercial group I’ve worked for ever since. That’s taken me to a career and life based in Hong Kong, which in turn has had a big impact on my personal and business life.

I suppose many Worth values have stuck. I like being part of a community. I think I learned respect for others and how to be a team player. I certainly had my first taste of leadership at Worth which I’ve had quite a bit more of since! I’ve always been very comfortable talking to large groups, which I put down to being in debating teams from the age of 13, and later having to address school assemblies and so on.

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Did you have any particular hobbies / interests outside work at school?

So I applied for any job which would get me overseas, preferably a long way away. I joined the Swire Group which is a large conglomerate with operations all around the world but based mostly in Hong Kong and Asia. It consists of some family-owned private companies and some listed enterprises, one of which is Cathay Pacific Airways. Swires sent me to Australia first to work in a road-transport and cold storage business, then posted me to the airline, where I’ve been ever since.

I gained experience in a number of different roles which took me to the Philippines, Canada, Japan, Europe and finally Hong Kong. In 1996 I joined the Board as Director Corporate Development which covers a broad remit of commercial and strategic issues and is really the number three job in the Company. I stayed there for about eight years during which we had to weather the Asian financial crisis, a couple of major industrial disputes, SARS, the 9/11 air traffic crisis and other interesting times. I became Chief Operating Officer in 2005 and then was handed the top job in 2007.

Why did you choose to work in the Asia Pacific region rather than stay in the UK? I was very lucky to go to Asia at a time when it was really starting to boom. I got there in 1977, and only two years later China started to “open up”. The changes in South East Asia, Greater China, Japan and Korea in the last 30 years have been astonishing. It’s been fun to be here all this time.

Having said that, the UK changed a lot too in the Eighties, and became a much better place. But I never really regretted leaving it.

Worth Society Life

Life and Times of Worth Old Boys

The Old Place

My Australian colleagues – actually one in particular – taught me early on to show respect for others’ work. I was being persistently flippant about what she did day-in, dayout, and she did the Pommie upstart a big favour in the long term by putting me firmly in my place!

What particular challenges have you faced during your first year as Chief Executive of Cathay?

I took over in mid-2007 which turned out to be our best year ever. Although fuel prices had started to climb the levels of demand for both passenger and cargo services was very strong indeed, so we did very well. Things continued to go well into January last year although we started to worry a lot about the fuel price. Then until August oil went through the roof and although demand was still strong we started to lose money. There was no way we could keep up with the fuel costs. In September came Lehman Brothers and the acceleration of the economic meltdown we are now in.

airline. Success will be built on exceptional service which will drive strong and profitable relationships with our customers. We’ll be flying to all major cities and hubs around the world, and will continue to cover the whole of Asia very comprehensively.

Our people will all be really proud of working for the airline, and Hong Kong will be proud of our success and reputation. We’ll be seen as leaders in social and environmental responsibility, and it goes without saying that we will continue to put safety first in everything we do.

I won’t be around to see all this happen because our retirement age is 57 and I’m about to turn 54. But much of it’s already in place, or will be soon.

Left: At A PR shoot in Paris in 2006 Above: As a young boy aged 11 Below: Strumming the night away at Planet Hollywood in 2001

Does the emergence of low cost carrier airlines pose a threat to Cathay Pacific within Asia?

Yes, but it’s one we can manage. We’ve seen what can happen if you don’t take the threat seriously. For various reasons the network carriers in Asia like ourselves, can compete better with the no-frills airlines than the Europeans could when Ryanair and Easyjet got going. But the well managed new airlines in Asia will survive. So will the ones owned by governments of course. Government ownership is one of the curses of our industry.

So roughly speaking I’ve had six great months, then six months of huge cost problems, then six months and more to come of a serious collapse in revenues. Plenty of challenges ahead!

Have you had to change the organisation as a result of these challenges? If so, how has it changed?

The organisation itself hasn’t had to change much, at least not yet. What has had to change has been the message.

It’s really important in our company that everyone understands the commercial environment we are working in. I’ve spent a lot of time communicating about that.

I also commissioned a complete strategic review when I took over. The results have confirmed much of what we’ve been doing for a while, but also identified some things we need to do better or do differently. We are going to push on with these despite our current difficulties because they are so important to winning in the long term.

Where do you see Cathay Pacific in five years time?

Well, first let's assume there is going to be a recovery in the world economy some time in the next two years.

I see us achieving our goal of being the world’s best

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If you’re greedy, jealous or proud you’ll usually be found out and come unstuck, certainly in a company like ours.

Kidnapped in Bolivia How do the Christian values that you were taught at Worth find a place within a global company such as Cathay Pacific?

Most Christian values are common to any civilised society.

Respect for others, honesty, integrity and so on are important to the sustained success of any enterprise anywhere and they are certainly how we run Swire businesses. If you’re greedy, jealous or proud you’ll usually be found out and come unstuck, certainly in a company like ours. We operate in many different cultures and don’t espouse specifically Christian values, but good business ethics are common to most religious belief systems.

Graduating from Oxford University in 1974 with a degree in Law Below: Tony (right) jamming with son, Andrew (left) who left Worth School in 2000

How did the British handover of Hong Kong in 1997 impact on Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong and your everyday life in Hong Kong?

Well, the change meant a lot of preparatory work to protect our traffic rights, which are the lifeblood of any airline. It meant renegotiating all Hong Kong’s Air Service Agreements with every country we flew to; having said that, the changes have only been positive for us as a business. It took us a while, but eventually we’ve been able to get a comprehensive network in mainland China which we could never have had as a colonial carrier.

Everyday life in Hong Kong has not noticeably changed.

It’s nice not having to answer the question on what’s going to happen after the handover! More seriously, Hong Kong people have become more self-confident, I think.

It’s made them nicer to be with, and the place itself a better one in which to live and work.

Has the work ethic within Cathay Pacific changed as a result of the influence of the Chinese regime?

No, because the direct influence of mainland China on how we do things has been negligible – The Central People’s Government has generally adopted a ‘hands-off’ approach to Hong Kong and has been very supportive when Hong Kong has needed an economic boost from time to time. It’s now more than 10 years since the British left and Hong Kong has, of course, changed in that time.

Cathay Pacific has too. But the changes are mostly to do with things like the Asian financial crisis and SARS, and the impact of the internet and globalisation. And in our specific case the new Hong Kong airport.

If you were to offer advice to any Worthian who is just starting out and looking for a job during these difficult economic times, what would it be?

Good luck – rather you than me. This has to be about the most difficult time to look for a job that anyone can remember. But it’s not a hopeless situation. Work hard to get yourself qualified in a way your preferred employer or profession will value, and be persistent and patient.

Remember the world doesn’t owe you a living. Think about and look for opportunities outside the UK – Asia in particular. The whole world is struggling at the moment but Asia will bounce back first and highest. You are going to have to work for it, but while there’s a lot of competition out there, there’s also going to be a lot of opportunity once our current economic problems are over. And they will be before too long, I’m sure of that.

Julian Gairdner (StB’89)

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ince returning home from travelling in South America, George Gwilliam (StB’07) and myself have often found ourselves answering the “So how was travelling?” question with “Absolutely fine, best six months of my life” rather than saying, “Well actually, myself and a school friend were kidnapped and held hostage for two days at gunpoint in La Paz, Bolivia!”

So, here follows the story that both of us are now able to recite in our sleep!

We’d arrived in northern Bolivia, via Chile, Argentina and Brazil, having seen some amazing places and met some fantastic people. On the 10th May 2008 (a date neither of us will forget in a hurry!) George and I arrived at the cemetery district bus terminal in La Paz, but we needed to transfer to the central bus terminal in order to take a bus to Ruenembaque. The taxi – and for the 100th time I apologise to George for choosing this particular taxi! – looked a whole lot like any other around the continent namely, white car with taxi written on the side. The driver – like so many others who fancy a large tip – was friendly and we talked pleasantries in Spanish.

So, 10-15 minutes passed with the driver being sociable but driving slowly and ‘struggling’ to get the car moving, when three men flagged us down. Communal taxis are common, with the driver hoping to make more money.

Despite my protests, our driver slowed and asked the men where they wanted to go. George and I soon found ourselves flanked by two of the men, with the third in the front. We drove into an extremely run-down part of the city with the men saying they had just a little further to go before they got out to play football (with hindsight, I realised that people don’t tend to wear jeans to play football!).

Suddenly a shout of “Casa, Casa, Casa” (House, House, House) was followed by the taxi doors being locked and George and I were driven up a side street. At this point the thought of ‘fight or flight’ kicked in – and as you can’t run from the back of a locked cab, we wrestled with the captors on either side of us and attempted to grapple the driver. The bottom right-hand section of the house was a garage into which our ‘taxi’ drove. Inside it were four more Bolivians, armed with guns, who locked the garage behind us, bundled George out of the cab, handcuffed and blindfolded him and forced him upstairs. After a pistol whipping to the side of the head, I too was led up the stairs.

The gang was, without doubt, a professional outfit and quickly searched our bags, found the hidden compartments

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and secret wallets, sorted valuables and took down our PIN numbers. Frequently we’re asked why we didn’t just give fake PINs but, in a situation where death seems inevitable, there’s nothing I wouldn’t have done to stay alive for a little while longer. We were completely helpless and compliance seemed the best policy to adopt.

Left: George and Sam pictured on ‘death road’ in La Paz, Bolivia Centre: La Paz, Bolivia Right: Sam, James and George silver mining in Potosi in Southern Bolivia

We were victims of ‘express kidnapping’, a term to describe rich Westerners who are taken hostage for two or three days to allow use of their credit cards to empty bank accounts up to their maximum limit each day. No political or religious motivation – simply a way for people who earn $3-a-day to get ‘rich quick’ in a country where inequality is rife. However as gap-year travellers, George and I didn’t have credit cards with $10,000 limits – I had $500 in a student account!

We’d been promised many times during the episode that we’d be released once our captors had received $10,000.

When it became apparent to them that this was not going to happen, we were released. Having given us 200 Bolivianos, (just over £10), our passports and a few possessions, we were dropped off somewhere in La Paz and told to make our way to the Central Bus terminal by taxi. Apparently we’d be killed if we went to the police station or Embassy, so we went straight to the terminal and took an eight-hour bus ride to Cochabamba, a town southeast of La Paz in Bolivia. Here George and I meet up with Maggie, a British Embassy official, who looked after us for a few days and helped us buy a flight to Lima, Peru.

Looking back – it was a truly terrifying ordeal, but there were some mildly amusing moments. Trying to pee into a small bucket, to eat and sleep on the floor with our wrists firmly handcuffed (and George snoring!) … was not easy.

Trying to persuade a man with a loaded gun that Tresomme is not hair gel but conditioner; being given a choice of pizza paid for with the first haul from our bank accounts; attempting to prove that neither a Nectar card nor an AA card have PIN codes or are passports to pots of gold!

I’d like to emphasis – and I’m sure George feels the same way – that we had an amazing time travelling and I would hope that this article wouldn’t put anyone off wanting to travel. However – a word of caution – do heed the advice given in the guide books and keep your wits about you. If for any reason you do feel threatened or uncomfortable, change hostel, get off the bus, or don’t get into the taxi – better to be safe than sorry hey!

Sam Swadling (B’07)

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Adventures in a Flying Car “I began to check over in my mind the sequence for ditching at sea.”

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s soon as the wheels lifted off the sandy beach at Tarifa, I realised that something was terribly wrong. I was at the controls of SkyCar, the world’s first ‘road legal flying car’, and was attempting to cross the Straits of Gibraltar from the southern tip of Europe to the most northerly point in Africa.

At 50 ft above the Atlantic Ocean she was barely making headway in the stiff onshore breeze and our

climb rate was marginal. Worse still, the car – which was slung under a specially designed paraglider wing – was swinging some 45º either side, just like a monkey in a tree. I was completely out of control, and as I fought to regain some sort of influence over our direction and height, I began to check over in my mind the sequence for ditching at sea.

I levered myself clear of the seat, glanced at the toggle on my life vest, took a grip on the outside roof bar, put my feet on the seat and swung my head and body outside the aircraft – waiting for an opportune moment to jump. As the experimental aircraft continued to cavort across the sky, I hesitated – only because at each pendulum swing I appeared to be 60 or 70 ft above the waves rather than my preferred jumping height of between 40 or 50 ft. Without any pilot intervention, the car suddenly veered 120º to starboard and started flying downwind back towards the beach. I decided to try once more to gain control, dropped back into my seat and placed my feet onto the foot pedals.

Flying with the wind seemed to accelerate the SkyCar past its critically unstable stalling zone, and I dared to believe that with a bit of luck I’d bring her back to solid earth without losing the £150,000 prototype or my life.

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The concept of designing and building a flying car was hatched a few years earlier, when I was sharing a tent, on the side of a mountain in the Himalaya, with engineering boy genius, Giles Cardozo. He said he knew how to do it, and that all I needed to do was find the money!

Later on, I thought what a great opportunity we had to organise an extraordinary maiden voyage from London to Timbuktu in our new flying machine.

By the autumn of 2008, I had selected an expedition team of 14 including support truck drivers, off-road motorcyclists, a couple of vehicle mechanics, logistics manager, administrator, PR lady, para-motorist, film crew and trainee doctor. Sponsorship was going well with over £200,000 given or pledged to the mission, and Giles had developed the car sufficiently for a test flight up to 40 ft on a deserted beach. With only a few weeks left until our scheduled departure date, final preparations were underway, which included the collection of our African visas from Belgium and France, vehicle livery applications, team crisis and medical training, press launch and send-off party.

The SkyCar Expedition got underway on the 14th January 2009 from central London, and proceeded to head for Dover where we had hoped to fly across the English Channel. Unfortunately our attempt was thwarted by the aviation authorities (for failing to obtain a certificate of airworthiness) despite many months of negotiations and arguments. It seemed to me that they simply could not decide in which category our aircraft should be placed.

Unfortunately, our successful PR campaign proved to be rather a hindrance, as the story of our illegality to fly swept across the UK and through France – although we did manage to ‘disappear under the radar’ in Spain and throughout Africa. When passing through France we suffered electrical failures due to torrential thunderstorms, and as we crossed the Pyrenees temperatures dropped to minus 9ºC. So, our first opportunity to fly the car to any respectable height came in northern Spain at a friend’s local

Worth Society Life

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airfield. The weather was perfect and it was now or never! I strapped myself into the car, gunned the throttle and the canopy came up and stabilised above me. The runway was not long – a mere 160m – and I wasn’t airborne at the threshold. I dropped off the end and headed down into the valley below; causing me, my team-mates and random spectators a heartstopping few seconds; before sufficient speed gave us enough lift to eventually reach 2,000 ft. The car was nicely balanced, and after twenty minutes I began to relax a little (although I couldn’t quite stop myself from gripping the steering wheel, even though this had absolutely no influence on any steering in the air!).

Everyone was very relieved when I landed safely on terra firma and we celebrated that evening at a local tapas restaurant and nightclub.

The terrifying Tarifa flight ended when I dumped the car onto the sand having fought the controls all the way to the ground. Giles came running up, and it is the first time in the five years that I have known him that he wasn’t smiling or laughing. He looked very tense, serious and white as a sheet. We agreed that adjustments made to the rear riser lines after our maiden flight a few days earlier were at fault, so we quickly made the necessary adjustments, and I got back into the car for a second attempt to cross the 35km stretch of open sea across to Africa.

Just before take-off, my mobile rang. It was the team over on the other side who had taken up position in a deserted car park (our chosen landing site as the authorities had forbidden us to land at the heliport in Ceuta). The army had started an exercise and there were an ever increasing number of green six tonne trucks being parked on ‘our airstrip’. This was bad news – but given the camera team had hired a helicopter and was hovering nearby, we had a Royal Navy patrol boat on standby, and this was my final chance after four days of frustrating delays; I decided to risk the wrath of the authorities and go for it.

as pretty. I broke the windscreen with my helmet; burst a rear tyre and sheered off the steering rack pin.

Despite being detained on landing by the authorities for questioning and having my passport confiscated, I was delighted that we had made it and I was released after an hour without charge.

Our journey continued on through North Africa, every day throwing up new challenges for the SkyCar and the expedition team. At the Moroccan customs post, after eight unsuccessful hours of negotiation, we were forced to chop the external frame off the car to disguise it from being an aircraft, before they would allow us through.

Main photo far left: Skycar over the Sahara Top left: Skycar over Tarifa Top right: Skycar over the Straits Below left: Giles Cardozo, left, engineering boy genius who designed and built Skycar, the world’s first road legal flying car and right, Neil Laughton, Skycar Expedition Leader Below right: The support trucks for our Skycar adventure

In the Western Sahara we were advised to hire a local guide to ensure safe passage through a two-mile long minefield (I counted over 70 blown up cars either side of the unmarked winding track!). In Mauritania, the heat and sand of the Sahara desert was a true test for our vehicles. Every hour our convoy was experiencing breakdowns, blown tyres and getting bogged down in sand during our ten day, 2,500km crossing of the Sahara. We met local camel traders, goat herders and tribesmen who were intrigued by our rather strange machine. I landed near one village and a local man came up to me explaining that he had a satellite dish and had seen the film footage of our London departure. He told me in French that he “had been expecting me”.

Despite our best efforts to destroy the SkyCar – including hitting a tree on take-off, landing in two feet of water and jumping off a 20ft high sand dune – she kept going thanks to her tough pedigree and the skills of our mechanics. 43 days after leaving London, having driven over 9,000 km (27% off-road) and making ten flights, our convoy drove into Timbuktu (Tombouctou) – much to the surprise of the local population!

Neil Laughton (C’82) April 2009

The take-off and the flight over the water as we passed over ferries and ships below was just amazing. I couldn’t stop myself from grinning. I headed for the heliport – a short stretch of tarmac was my landing spot with water on three sides and a few parked helicopters. I had to swoop low over houses, roads and the odd telegraph pole to execute the right approach, and there was a strong cross wind, so my landing could not be described

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Where Are They All Now? Pictured front row from left to right: John Cryer, Rupert Stutchbury, John Butterworth, David de Stacpoole, James Atkinson Back row from left to right: James Grieve, Nicholas Segrave RIP, James (Jim) Cryer and Peter Pejacsevich

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ohn Butterworth (G’69) kindly passed on to the Worth Society office this wonderful photograph taken at Worth School at the end of a wet afternoon’s Pheasant Shoot in November 1967.

For me it has been a delight to be re-introduced to those Worthians featured in the photograph with whom we had lost touch, and who I have managed to track down over the past few months. I can only thank everyone for their willingness to participate, and to share with us their lifetime’s experiences in a brief 250 words! I hope that we can welcome all of you to Worth Society events in the future, now that you are back in the fold.

The following from James Grieve (StB’70) adds a little insight into the experiences shared on that wet afternoon 42 years ago: “When you rang your call evoked immediate memories when you said ‘blue paper’. How many others remember filling in those blessed pieces of blue! Three in a week = 1 parade.

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Then the pheasant shoot. I remember a wet afternoon decades ago being conned into going for a walk to beat for pheasants. I recall the first beat which occurred after Rupert saying, “Let’s try that kale field, there'll be plenty in there!” In we went, wading waist high through sodden brassicas which had mastered the art of transference of surface water onto the beaters’ jeans. Nothing came out of that field apart from some sodden beaters! The rest of the day was much the same, as we wandered around the Worth estate in hopeful expectation.

I have an abiding memory of walking up among a rather strung out group which was approaching the ha-ha below the Library, suddenly there was a shout of “pheasant”. Five guns turned and one after another let fly both barrels.

Needless to say the bird continued nonchalantly on its way to fly another day.

You have a picture of a wet and bedraggled group with that day’s bag!”

Olivia Henley

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Life and Times of Worth Old Boys

The Old Place

John Cryer (G ’70) Shooting is still my passion. I manage to shoot every week during the season, sometimes twice; plus the occasional trip to the UK from the Isle of Man which has been my home since the family moved here in 1972. I was among a number of Worth boys to attend Bristol University in 1971 – Edmund Lee (G’70), Mike Metcalf (R’70), Mike Swift (R’70) and Robert Vasquez (G’70) – some of whom I have kept in touch with (more or less).

During the long summer holidays from college I undertook the obligatory student treks overland to India, Sri Lanka and down the Nile to Kenya. I continued to play rugby for a further seven years and the old school rugby shirt (and socks) served me well. When I qualified as a Chartered Architect (and subsequently as a Chartered Surveyor) some 30 years ago, I set up in private practise and continue to enjoy every minute of my professional life, working as I do in a listed building on an enormous range of commissions from wonderful people. My best design yet – as I like to think of her – is my free-spirited 21 year old daughter Alannah who shares with me a love of shooting. I live quietly with my wife Rebecca and our two Labradors.

I went back to Worth in 2000 for a celebratory dinner and Pickering, my first dormitory, was represented by about ten of us from the 1965 intake. Anyone visiting the Isle of Man should not hesitate to contact me and will find a warm welcome awaiting them. My contact details are marchitects@manx.net.

James Grieve (StB’70) I left Worth in 1970 and tried the city for a couple of years and tourism for another year, before doing a degree with a year out presiding over the local Student Union. After that year out I took up with Margaret who has now put up with me (bless her) for 30 years this summer. She introduced me to her parents’ home in Mid-Wales. We moved here in the early 1980's after I was admitted as a solicitor, where I am still going in a small market town practice. Looking forward to retirement to enjoy more of this oh so pretty part of the UK. We have two children, both now in Cardiff – one a teacher and the other in PR. The only old boy I am in contact with amounts to an exchange of Christmas cards with Chris Salberg (StB’70) who is based in Somerset. He is married with four children and a number of grandchildren. If anyone is interested my email addresses are james@bwmsolicitors.co.uk or margaretgrieve@hotmail.com

Rupert Stutchbury (StB’69) I still live near Skibbereen in County Cork, Republic of Ireland, though have sadly given up keeping my adored Dairy Shorthorns. Instead, I attend the highly regarded Kinsale Further Education College, as a very mature student, on a full time two year Drama and Theatre Performance course. I decided to do this, despite the prior knowledge that most of my fellow students would be in their early twenties while I am in my late fifties(!) – because I have finally got round to doing what I have always wanted to do, which is to write.

I have now, breathlessly, and in amazement, completed two full length plays and become quite ambitious; in my own little way; to succeed as a playwright.

I thought that if I knew more about the craft of acting and worked with a professional director over two years, I was more likely to write a really good play next time round, instead of the 'OK’ offerings thus far.

I quote – “For any of you ancient Worthians out there contemplating the idea of going back to school I would say, without hesitation, do it!” My fellow students have been wonderfully supportive and I am completely knackered most of the time, but wouldn’t miss this experience for the world!

Nicholas Segrave (StB’67) RIP. John Butterworth (G’69) I still shoot occasionally, although my main passion is collecting and researching antique firearms and gunpowder flasks – an interest developed from the early days of Dom Edward’s Clay Pigeon Club and reading David de Stacpoole's copies of “Shooting Times”. Dom Kevin married Angela and I at Worth 32 years ago, and our son Phillip (G’01) 26, went to Worth and enjoyed it. Our daughter, Caroline, 23, has just graduated from Exeter University. I am still contracting in the building industry! In the past few years I met David de Stacpoole for lunch, John Cryer when he came over from the Isle of Man and Robert Vasquez (G’70) on a flying visit from Gibraltar. I still exchange Christmas cards with Stephen Gough (C’69), Francis Drake (G’70) and Chris Anthony (G’70), and am looking forward to finding out how the rest of the shoot has faired over the years. We were all saddened at the early loss of Nicholas Segrave but he remains in our thoughts. He was an excellent beater on the shoot.

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Promoting Blenheim Palace through Music James (Jim) Cryer (B’72) June 1972 – as I drove away from the 6th Form Block for the last time I thought I knew exactly what I would be doing, and where, long term. The big plan – four years of Articles to train as a Chartered Accountant in Worthing. How wrong I was! At least as far as the location was concerned! Come mid-summer my family decided to ‘up-sticks’ and went to live on the Isle of Man – TT races, kippers and cats with no tails – and I had only ever been there in my pram! A brief visit and a 20 minute interview got me a new four year contract with what is now PKF – and I’m still here after all those years – as one of five partners and a staff of about 80. I married in 1978 and have two ‘big’ girls. I still shoot, fish, play rugby and golf and am now the proud owner of a new right hip soon to be joined by the left!

David de Stacpoole (G’70) On leaving Worth I returned to Ireland for a short while.

Then I set off on the equivalent of a ‘gap year’ to Africa.

A short, but wholly unproductive time followed in the City of London as a Lloyds Broker in Fine Arts. I then joined the Army, leaving Sandhurst in 1974, and saw service around the world for 15 years. I left the Army as Second in Command Ist Battalion Irish Guards. Shortly after that I joined the United Nations as the Security Co-ordinator in Mogadishu, Somalia to UNOSOM 11, 1993. After 18 months living in and out of the Horn of Africa, I joined a small but emerging Private Security Company called Defence Systems Ltd. Married and with children, we lived in Uganda for two years with my role as business development for Sub Sahara Africa.

Since 2000, I have been working for ArmorGroup based out of London as Director of Government Services focusing mainly on Foreign & Commonwealth Office contracts in Afghanistan and Iraq. I live in North Norfolk married to Jane (nee Bratby) and we have four children, Rosanagh 1983, Tom 1985, Thady 1988 and Hugo born at sea on the Ist April 1992!

Peter Pejacsevich (C’72) Under the guidance of Roger Stokes I left Worth to read Economics at Pembroke College, Cambridge. This led to entry into the City where, after five years I went to the US in search of fame and fortune. I returned to England and married. My love of the countryside and my wife’s Scottish roots led us to buy a farm in Perthshire.

The bag of early shoots often resembled that of the photograph but now, despite the keen attentions of the local raptor, population has reached more respectable numbers. More importantly, my pride is swelled by my son Alexander, currently reading Theology at Oxford, and my daughter Anastasia whose scientific bent takes her down the Darwinian route. I now work for myself with close friends at Crossborder Capital, an investment house with strong traditions in economic research and fund management.

James Atkinson (StB’68) After leaving Worth in 1968 I moved to Devon with my family and, apart from a couple of spells working in London, have gravitated back to the West Country (although I shall be relocating to Somerset later this year). I have a son, Luke, who is now 24 and a new partner, Wendy (hence the move 70 miles up the M5 to Axbridge). I have my own mortgage and finance brokerage (don’t you just love this credit crunch!) and will be relocating the business as well. I don’t shoot much nowadays but still have the same 16 bore shotgun that I used whilst at Worth – which is always the source of much amusement when I produce it at the occasional clay pigeon shoot we organise. I have developed a passion for pretty much everything to do with the sea – whether it is in it, on it, or just being close to it. I have dived in many locations both here and abroad but unfortunately, due to a bad accident several years ago, now have to restrict my activities to shallow waters. I would love to hear from anyone from my era at Worth.

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hat more could the man who has everything possibly want? It would seem that the 11th Duke of Marlborough has it all: expensive cars, large spacious living quarters in a luxurious World Heritage site, 2,100 acres of landscaped parkland, loyal house staff and a never-ending source of income from healthy tourism. It’s a perfect location with breathtaking vistas, sweeping lawns, a magnificent lake that sources own-brand water, and a mini-railway for transport to the Pleasure Gardens.

Blenheim Palace is his home. It was a handsome gift from Queen Anne to the First Duke of Marlborough in gratitude for his magnanimous victory over the French at the battle of Blindheim (Blenheim) in August 1704.

Three hundred years on, the exquisite Baroque Palace still sits proudly in the middle of Oxfordshire, beautifully adorned with intricate detail and delicate carvings, hand-painted ceilings, porcelain collections, tapestries and paintings; a trove of treasures. One of these treasures is an impressive 3-manual organ in the Long Library built by one of the greatest English builders of the recent past, ‘Father’ Willis.

In the summer of 2006, it was by happy chance that I met a young man called Stephen Duckett, the Under-Butler to the Duke of Marlborough. Duckett was searching for organists to come and play the famous ‘Father’ Willis in a new series of lunchtime recitals – ‘Sunday Music at Blenheim Palace’. A keen organist and composer himself, Duckett was searching through some of the local talent at the University of Oxford, and began by contacting the college Organ Scholars. The aim of the game – to get the organs played regularly, and to (eventually) attract necessary attention to the somewhat deteriorated state of the ‘Father’ Willis and its companion in the Chapel; a beautiful Victorian ‘Postil’ organ.

The singers’ debut was Handel’s much-loved Messiah in the chapel at Blenheim Palace with a baroque chamber orchestra. They proved extremely popular with the unprecedented crowd that had gathered to hear this new choir, and the environment was suitably resplendent and lush for the performance.

Three years on, and the critics have dubbed the yearly performance of Handel ‘The Blenheim Messiah’, the crowds have risen to 350 in the Long Library to hear the singers, and the group is in demand for performances both in and out of the Palace. They are available for hire at functions offered by corporations like Cancer Research UK, and for the more private occasions like weddings, both in and out of the Palace. Plans are also in place to make a recording in 2010. These are exciting times for The Blenheim Singers.

For me, the greatest satisfaction has been in providing an opportunity for gifted young singers to enjoy and benefit from a professional choral experience. In founding The Blenheim Singers, the singers have been able to embrace the industry of consort and ensemble singing with confidence. Many of them have gone on to win scholarships to the best of the British music colleges, studying opera and voice. In founding The Blenheim Singers, the Palace has been able to boast a unique resource that not many country homes can claim to own.

So, the man who has everything has been given something more that he did not expect: the luxury of resident ‘court’ musicians at his disposal. This, alongside the many other features of quality craftsmanship in the Palace, the picnic walks, and its fame as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, attracts a steady flow of pilgrims who come to soak up the English tradition in ‘Britain’s Greatest Palace’ – the tradition which Blenheim Palace stands for, and the tradition which The Blenheim Singers continues to promote through music.

Above: Blenheim Palace Below: The Blenheim Singers outside Blenheim Palace – from left to right Esther Brazil (soprano), Simon O'Malley (alto), Ed Goble (tenor), Jonathan Howard (bass), Tom Hammond-Davies (C’03), director, Jon Stainsby (baritone), Dominic Burnham (alto), Alastair Little (tenor), Roya Ziai (soprano)

To find out more about The Blenheim Singers visit www.blenheimsingers.com.

Tom Hammond-Davies (C’03) March 2009

After several organ recitals and concerts, Duckett’s efforts had not been in vain, as he saw steps being made to repair the Willis, and the complete overhaul of the chapel ‘Postil’ organ. And if this wasn’t enough, he had also made some strong friendships with other young musicians in Oxford.

Duckett’s vision and youthful energy soon formulated the idea of having a professional choir at the Palace. A year into my degree in Music, I was very keen and took the opportunity with alacrity. And thereby, in December 2006, The Blenheim Singers was born – its mission was to “Promote English music at Blenheim Palace”.

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Worth Society Life

Life and Times of Worth Old Boys

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I 37

Working with the Ice Team

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t’s a sunny Saturday afternoon in March 2009. I am on the train, returning from an afternoon in London spent at Westminster Cathedral for the Worth 75 Mass on the Feast of the Passing of St Benedict – a memorable event. The train begins pulling out from Paddington Station and my mobile buzzes.....it’s Pen Hadow, the Arctic Explorer. Pen was the first man to travel from Canada to the North Pole solo and without any resupply during the journey.

Far left: James Forte and Pen Hadow at the expedition send-off Party in February 2009 Left: Ann Daniels on top of a pressure ridge - Catlin Arctic Survey Copyright Martin Hartley: www.martinhartley.com

Above: The ice team from left to right, Martin Hartley, Ann Daniels and Pen Hadow, on the 73rd and final day of the expedition Copyright: Pen Hadow Consulting

In 2003, Pen was the first man to travel solo from Canada to the North Pole without any resupply during his journey.

The Ice Team – namely Ann Daniels, Pen Hadow and Martin Hartley – set out on the 28th February 2009.

Over 73 days they travelled northwards and covered 434km braving temperatures anywhere from 0ºC down to -50ºC, on occasions reaching -70ºC with the wind chill factor. The three experienced explorers braved blizzards, whiteouts, fog and ice rubble-fields; and had to don immersion suits when faced with open water and thin ice crossings....all this while pulling fully loaded sledges weighing 120kg each. Pen, Ann and Martin returned from the Arctic sea ice late on Wednesday 13th May 2009.

This marked the end of a scientific expedition to help researchers determine how long the Arctic Ocean’s sea ice cover will remain a permanent feature of the Earth.

During their time on the ice, the team captured approximately 16,000 observations and took 1,500 physical measurements to determine the thickness and density of the ice and snow. That’s a very valuable set of data that they’ve collected for scientists.

Pen Hadow was able to reveal that the average thickness of the sea ice over the course of the Survey was 1.774 metres and explains : “This seems to suggest it was almost all first-year ice.

Our science advisors had told us to expect thicker, older ice on at least part of the route, so it is something of a mystery as to where that older ice has gone. It’ll be interesting to see what the scientists make out of this.”

This data will be analysed by the Catlin Arctic Survey’s scientific partners, including the University of Cambridge and the US Navy’s Department of Oceanography. The

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conclusions drawn from this analysis are expected to be presented at the UN Climate Change Conference to be held in December 2009 in Copenhagen, where negotiating teams from nations around the world will meet to attempt to replace the Kyoto protocol agreement.

My own involvement – and the reason for that rather surreal telephone call from Pen whilst on the Arctic Ocean – started in March 2007 when I was introduced to Pen by my sister, Giovanna (see article titled ‘Funnelly Enough’!). At that time, I worked with Pen to help position the enterprise in order to attract corporate support and build partnerships with organisations such as The Prince’s May Day Network, Business in the Community and WWF, among others.

The £2.6m Survey had been several years in the planning, and has involved pulling together an experienced and dedicated support team since the spring of 2007. At its core lies a five-person Operations team, as well as virtual team-members responsible for Online Communications, Media Specialists, a Technical Engineer, Cinematographer, Team Chiropractor, Personal Trainer, Kit Specialist, Exercise Physiologist, Consultant Physiologist, a dedicated three-person Floating Ice Base Support Team (they lived at a temporary base camp on the Arctic Ocean); not forgetting the skilled and experienced pilots flying re-supplies to the Ice Team. Funders included title sponsor Catlin Group, a quoted insurer and reinsurer, Panasonic, Nokia, Hill & Knowlton, Brother, Cotswold, the European Climate Exchange and also Sussex-based lawyers, Rix & Kay among others.

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Life and Times of Worth Old Boys

More recently, I have worked with colleagues to conceptualise, develop and deliver “Arctic Survey Education” – a programme that provides a range of family and Schools educational tools, inspired by the Catlin Arctic Survey. Arctic Survey Education is an initiative to promote climate change awareness, and to inspire and engage young people with new facts and knowledge. The materials cover Geography, Mathematics, Science and Citizenship. Some are aimed at the under 12s and others at the over 12s, including contributions by the University of Cambridge’s Millennium Mathematics Project. Take a moment to look at the range on www.catlinarcticsurvey.com/education.

The Old Place

Main picture: Pen Hadow and Ann Daniels sledgehauling across the Arctic Ocean – Catlin Arctic Survey Copyright Martin Hartley: www.martinhartley.com

A typical ‘real’ maths problem might be to calculate how far from the Geographic North Pole our Ice Team was when I was telephoned by Pen, based on their then position (82 degrees 4 minutes North, 129 degrees 45 minutes West (or 82° 4’ N, 129° 45’ W)) – see below for the answer!

One thing I do know for sure is that the entire team – The Ice Team, The Floating Ice Base Support Team and Operations – has made wondrous efforts at making the Catlin Arctic Survey ‘happen’. It’s been a unique life experience for me working within a tremendous, multi-skilled, multi-talented team and one that I have really enjoyed.

James Forte (C’72) www.vision40.com May 2009 The Pole sits at 90º North. Each complete degree of latitude is comprised of 60 minutes. Each complete degree of latitude is also 60 nautical miles in distance. Therefore, one minute = one nautical mile.

If the team are at 82º 04 mins, they have another 56 minutes until they reach the 83rd degree of latitude, and from there they have a further 7º to go until they reach 90 deg N. So they have 7º and 56 minutes still to travel.

7º = 420 nautical miles (7 x 60 nautical miles) 56 minutes = 56 nautical miles Total = 476 nm from the Pole.

1 nm = 1.1516 statute miles 476 nm = 548.16 statute miles.

They are therefore 548 miles from the Geographic Pole.

Pen is not at his home in Devon but, thanks to the marvels of satellite technology, he is telephoning me from 82º 4 minutes North, 129º 45 minutes West (or 82° 4’ N, 129° 45’ W). For those readers who, like me, are not Arctic Explorers, Jungle Expeditioners or Mountaineers, the co-ordinates are somewhere in the Arctic Ocean, about 30 nautical miles from the start point of the Catlin Arctic Survey.

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Alpine Cycle Challenge – I Blame Rutherford!

Above left: The beginning stages of another long and extraordinary ascent Above right: Cycling above the cloud cover was an experience we shall never forget Below: Plenty of snow remained at the top of Col Du Galibier

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very Christmas, Dominic Strickland (C’81) organises for us to meet for supper somewhere in London at a venue that is always close to his work – Dominic is practical like that. The same people turn up and as we get older, less changes, the 12 months pass more quickly, things are beginning to congeal into a pattern – hopefully unique to us, but increasingly similar to one reminiscent of our parents’.

I cannot remember whether it was a throw-away remark or if there was a challenge hidden somewhere in his smile but Andy Carroll (R’81) announced that he was going to ride across the Alps on a bicycle for charity. Andy’s adult life has been punctuated by the unusual – possibly remarkable – but even with a profound ignorance of cycling, this seemed to us a project fraught with hardship for someone over 40.

Secretly, I think we all thought he would discreetly pull out and nothing more would be said.

I had recently bought a hybrid bicycle to commute from Clapham to Knightsbridge; while the three miles wasn’t difficult, my naive enthusiasm allowed me to line myself up metaphorically with all cyclists because I sat on a saddle and used pedal power. The following morning I rang Andy and told him that I was in.

Funnelly Enough Six months later, at 7.45 in the morning, astride an aluminium road bike in the car park of a small hotel in Geneva, I am watching the other riders in the cold air. I barely know them, although they all seem to know one another. We are riding for Leuka, a charity which supports leukaemia sufferers at the Hammersmith Hospital in London. The Fireflies mantra is “For those who suffer, we ride”. A short speech by one of the Fireflies founders reminds us of the dangers of riding in the Alps and the inevitable pain that we will have to endure. But whatever our pain, it is nothing compared to that which is the life of leukaemia patients.

The statistics of the ride from Geneva to Cannes are relatively simple; the route is 1,200km, there are 18 Tour de France mountains to climb, the overall height climbed is three times the height of Mount Everest. All this in eight days!

The first day riding in real mountains is a revelation; the air is thinner, the distances seem longer, the climbs are all steeper but the beauty of the scenery is a fillip and the camaraderie helps with the astonishment at having to ride for nine hours.

The second morning is another first; despite months of training, you are not prepared for the total body-ache experience. This is almost exquisite until you remember that yesterday has to be repeated today. The cols are sounding famous, Roseland, Iseran, Val d’Isere and this is ominous. Every challenge will have a setback; mine was on day 2. As a novice, my mistake was to be expected, but the consequences were severe. The combination of a late lunch, unfamiliar sports supplements and insufficient hydration meant that at 8.30pm I was unable to continue the final climb. I had run out of energy. Highly emotional, completely depleted, I got into a support vehicle.

The Fireflies have an unspoken rule; the van is not an option. There is a deep sense of failure, even a perceived ostracism when this mantra is broken.

Despite exhaustion, I slept little and decided to call it a day. This was all too difficult.

The following morning was bright sunshine; I expressed my fears to the team doctor who, shrewdly, advised staying for one more day and then seeing if I wanted to leave.

Day 3 – Col du Telegraph and the Col Du Galibier. Either you buckle or you retaliate; I learned to harness the

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Life and Times of Worth Old Boys

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fear, to tolerate the pain and to enjoy the solitude. The mountains are silent; the only sound is the hiss of the tyres on the hot tarmac. The cols rush by, eventually, and you begin to fret that the tour is coming to an end.

Climbing mountains is solitary; if your cadence is fractionally faster than someone else’s, you will pass them and be 10 minutes ahead of them at the top of the mountain. You will be childlike at the frozen summit because exhaustion robs you of the ability to zip up your windstopper. You have learned to eat every 15 minutes, to sip fluids constantly, to listen to your body’s needs. You know that a banana at the beginning of the day gives you slow release carbohydrate and one that has browned in your jersey pocket will give you sugar at the end of the day. You know every detail of the handlebars, you know the exact pressure to exert on the brakes, you know every gear and you use every sprocket efficiently. You will have been on your bike for over 70 hours in eight days and it will become a part of you. Right then, you are a rider and everything else in your life is secondary. You have put aside your family, your work, your whole life for this intense moment.

The ride into Cannes is both triumphant and sad; I couldn’t work out whether I was relieved the tour was finished, or despondent that the adventure was over.

Over £100,000 had been raised for the charity that year by the ride, enough to buy vital equipment for isolating contaminated blood.

For the riders there was the inevitable loss of fitness to look forward to, a return to normal life. The glow of the ride stays with you for two weeks, the memories forever.

Epilogue I rode the Fireflies the following year, this time on a Tour de France carbon bike. The year after that, I took a team to the Dolomites and followed the 2004 Giro d’Italia mountain stages. This year, at the end of May, I have organised an eight day tour to the Pyrenees.

We are crossing 14 mountains.

Last year, I decided to change my job; I now work in the bicycle industry and have designed a collection of cycling jerseys.

Andy Carroll probably doesn’t realise it, but that remark has completely changed my life!

Aaron Firth (C’81) Andy Carroll (R’81) April 2009

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ne rainy evening in 2000, at the end of a busy day in surgery, GP Dr Vincent Forte (C’71) rang me to muse over the number of women patients who had berated him that day for requesting a urine sample – and giving them a very narrow, standard Universal Container to ‘do it in’.

“They all complained, saying that the idea of delivering a sample into such a narrow bottle came from a man,” he worried. “I’m fed up – there must be a solution to this.”

“You were always making things when we were children,” I replied. “Go on, make something – sort it out!”

So Dr Forte spent a few hours cutting up bits of paper and sticking them together in funnel shapes. He made one that he liked. It worked with the Universal Container that his women patients didn’t like. Pleased, he called it the Female Freedom Funnel.

Private sectors, with agents generating sales in Europe, South East Asia and the Middle East. Moves are afoot to enter the USA, Australia and Eastern Europe.

“The spirit of invention and enterprise is in our family,” says Dr Vincent Forte, who left Worth in 1971 to study Medicine at Peterhouse, Cambridge and St Mary’s Paddington. “My sister Giovanna and I fought tooth and nail to bring Peezy to market and it ‘s now so rewarding to be selling and winning more Awards.”

Peezy recently won two prestigious accolades at the Design Week Awards; Best Industrial Product and Best of Show (over the Apple MacBook Air), it has also been shortlisted for the Design & Art Direction Product Design Award to be announced in June 2009.

Peezy has received investment funding through the E-Synergy Early Growth Fund and continues to raise money for sales and marketing development.

Then he put it in a drawer and forgot about it.

You can find out more by visiting www.peezy.co.uk.

Fast forward to 2009, and Peezy is a revolutionary new product that improves infection control and enhances patient care; the device collects only the ‘gold standard’ midstream and eliminates urine spillage and splashing. The result is a much lower risk of bacterial substrate being left on toilet seats, floors and users’ hands, thereby reducing the risk of cross-infection and improving hygiene and infection control in medical settings. PeezyTM also reduces the need for costly retests required because of contamination from “first burst” urine which, according to NHS PASA, can lead to a saving of over £2 per patient experience.

Giovanna Forte – sister of Dr Vincent (C’71) and James (C’72) Forte March 2009 Top: Dr Vincent and Giovanna Forte receive the ‘Best in Show’ Award for Peezy at the Design Week Awards which took place on the 3rd March 2009 at the London Hilton Park Lane. Pictured from left to right are Kate McLeod UK Director of Streamtime Total Studio Management, Giovanna Forte, Dr Vincent Forte and comedian, Stephen K Amos.

Below: After a few hours cutting up bits of paper and sticking them together in funnel shapes, Dr Vincent Forte came up with the design he liked for Peezy back in 2000

Funnelly Enough, the company founded

by Dr Vincent and myself, Giovanna Forte, is selling into the NHS and

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Desert Worthians in Iraq

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ith a collective and unbroken chain of experience from Worth School spanning 17 years, four serving Army Officers found themselves in Iraq during the summer of 2008. Each reports on his different experiences.

Malachy Doran (B’83) When Tom Holloway asked me to contribute a few words for an article for The Blue Paper to mark the simultaneous presence of several Worthians in Iraq, and sought a ‘Baghdad perspective’, I wondered how to capture succinctly the rollercoaster ride of the last six months. As the Multinational Division Southeast Senior Liaison Officer to the Multination Corps-Iraq (MNC-I), I have been able to observe closely the exponential growth in confidence of the Iraqi Government and many of its institutions, and the resultant changes to Coalition strategy. Tom Holloway, Hugo Clarke and Ben Stokes have been in Basra, as part of the UK’s military contribution to Operation Iraqi Freedom, whilst I have represented them (and more accurately their General) in the operational heart of the Coalition in Camp Victory in Baghdad. I also came across Tim Tyler (C’71) and Jonathan Brasher (R’83) as well. MNC-I comprises 150,000 troops throughout Iraq (US 140,000, the UK 4,000, alongside 30 other nations) who, put simply, are engaged in underwriting Iraqi security, developing the competence of the Iraqi security forces and building civil capacity.

At the time of writing, my six months in Baghdad are almost over. Participating in the ebb and flow of IraqiUS, US-UK, UK-Iraqi relations, at the political and military operational level, has been an all-consuming privilege.

I will take home many lessons – the patience and tolerance ingrained in me from my education at Worth 25-30 years ago has been inordinately valuable (the Airborne variety of the US Army, currently the lead group in Baghdad, are collectively hard work; and the Iraqi’s behaviour sometimes beyond comprehension).

An inability, or perhaps unwillingness, to see one’s environment from another’s perspective leads to huge friction and jeopardises success. Iraq is the most fabulous country with awe-inspiring potential borne out of vast natural resources, with truly brave people who have immense national pride – but it is beset by corruption and by external interference from both East and West. A current metaphor for post-war Iraq ‘being like a child learning to ride a bicycle with great parental

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help and angst’ is most apt. I just hope that as we all let go of the saddle, the little blighter doesn’t pedal off and rob the nearest sweet shop!

Hugo Clarke (StB’87) For the last six months I have been employed as the Military Assistant to the General Officer commanding Multi-National Division South East in Iraq. Amongst my other duties I was asked by the General to run a cultural heritage project with the British Museum. It is important to highlight that, although the kinetic operations undertaken achieved significant tactical successes, it was the non-kinetic operations – such as the building of schools and hospitals, the repairs to electricity and sewerage systems – that ensured these successes were multiplied and built upon. Operations within Iraq have been centred on four lines of operation – military, economic, social and political – and it is imperative that these lines work in unison to achieve the desired end state, ‘for if one is nil, the product will be zero’. In such a vein, the cultural heritage project focused on the social strand – by seeking to assess the state of important archaeological sites in southern Iraq and to build a museum in Basra by developing one of Saddam Hussein’s Palaces – but was directly affected by the other three.

The historical significance of Iraq should be evident to all. Mesopotamia (named from the Greek ‘Land between the rivers’) is termed as the cradle of civilisation with its history emerging from the first urban societies in the 5th century BC. Early links with the Bible include the Tower of Babel, the Garden of Eden, the birthplace of Abraham, Daniel’s tomb and Jonah. It was also the setting for the epic of Gilgamesh and the tales of Sinbad the Sailor. Whilst later in its history we see the influence of Gertrude Bell, T E Lawrence and Sir Leonard Woolley.

The culture of any country is critical to its identity and in the case of Iraq; this is an identity which spans many

thousands of years. This project is still ongoing, and the 3rd (United Kingdom) Division is working closely together with the British Museum and the Iraqi Ministry of State for Archaeology and Tourism to ensure that the heritage of such a proud nation is maintained for the future.

Tom Holloway (C’91) For the past six months I have been in charge of Media Operations in Multi National Division (South East), MND(SE) in military parlance, or SE Iraq to everyone else. In stark contrast to my last tour here – when I commanded a squadron of armoured vehicles in the desert close to the Iranian border – I have become immersed in the ‘media-lovey business’. Well aware of the military frustrations caused by a perceived lack of understanding by the UK population, I thought my challenge was to explain to an apparently apathetic domestic audience what we were still doing in Iraq and why. With precious little media or marketing background I ran a small office of similarly gifted amateurs whose job it was to raise the profile of the British military mission in Iraq.

My pre-conceptions of the domestic understanding were ill founded. Over the course of the past year the British population has rallied behind Tommy Atkins and Co – at home as well as overseas. I cannot describe how much this means to the men and women serving out here. The fifth anniversary of the start of Operation TELIC, the name for the UK’s military mission, provided a grandstand opportunity to tell the UK what was being done in their name. Shortly afterwards, operation “Saulat al Fursan”, the Iraqi name for the Operation Charge of the Knights began.

As the British military spokesman in southern Iraq I was blessed that events here during my time have captured the imagination of the world. That we had a good story to tell made my job significantly easier. The past four months have completely turned around the situation in Basra, and indeed within Iraq as a whole. The British effort down here has often been overshadowed by the global media outlets’ desire to score political points of one kind or another.

British servicemen continue to serve in extreme conditions, to support the Iraqi Armed forces whose progress has impressed everyone. The Military Transition Teams (MiTTs) live and work with their Iraqi

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Army partners, sharing the same risks. The result of this effort is a vast improvement in the security of Basra, which has allowed the resilient people of this city to pursue normal lives. Markets are flourishing, the streets are filled with people dressed as they wish – not as the religious extremists dictate – there is hope, and with it, expectation. Basra’s legacy of 35 years of underinvestment and systemic neglect cannot be understated.

Basic and essential services are decrepit : mains electricity is on for about a third of the day, provision of piped clean water is minimal, and the sewerage system can best be described as inadequate. Together British and Iraqi troops have brought security to the area; allowing investment, reconstruction, and resumption of normality in a city famed for its art and culture. There is a saying here that Iraqi problems need Iraqi solutions, and that is precisely what has happened here in the past four months.

Far left: Lieutenant Colonel Malachy Doran with General Petraeus Below left: Hugo Clarke (centre) with the helicopter pilot (left) and Dr John Curtis from the British Museum (right) Top left: Major Tom Holloway being interviewed by the BBC Top right: Captain Ben Stokes sitting comfortably on Saddam Hussein’s throne

Ben Stokes (StB’96) In June 2008 I found myself in Iraq about to embark on a six month tour as part of the Psychological Operations (PsyOps) team. It was my job to help plan and implement ideas to promote our message and deliver it to the local audience. Iraq is a long way from leafy Hampshire where I am based now. The stifling heat and dust took some getting used to, as did working in a busy headquarters. The challenge, as always, was to learn the job fast and to be flexible and able to deal with whatever was thrown at you. A very different sort of busy from home, where looking after three children has its own challenges!

Whilst a visit from Senator Barak Obama was a definite highlight, the situation in Iraq changed dramatically during my time. Basra has improved security, is free from militia and priorities can now change for the local population from primarily a security focus to demanding improved public services, water, electricity and sewerage.

The PsyOps job changed into marketing the regular good news stories within Basra, and highlighting the progress that is being made. Long may it continue!

Returning back to the UK is, of course, a relief and it is great to be back with my family. I learnt a lot from my tour and had many new experiences – some of which I could live without! Saying that, I am about to start my new job in recruitment, and would certainly recommend that any current Worth pupil considers a job in the Army!

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Right: Rostron and May worked for Top Gear a couple of years ago Below: Recent examples of work that Michael has undertaken at Rostron and May – the Moulin Rouge and jungle cloths were painted for an Events Organiser

Alex – Starring Robert Bathurst

The Golden Era of British Television

On leaving Worth I secured a job in London, at the BBC Television Centre in the Graphics department, and then went to Byam Shaw School of Art to do a foundation year, before going on to Edinburgh University to study for a Fine Arts degree. Six years of tuition later, I returned to the BBC Graphics department to the same job.

Top: Michael ‘on location’ and looking quite at home at the ruined Cistercian monastery at San Galgano in Italy Above: The ruined Cistercian monastery in Italy was the location for Michael’s backdrops used for a game show called "The Quest".

This involved projecting circle shapes and filling them in with special paste and paper, so that the fabric of the building was left undamaged once they were removed at the end of the shoot

Soon, however, I discovered the Scenic Artist’s Studio where 14 Scenic Artists were involved in painting backcloths and all manner of scenery for countless BBC productions. I spent 13 years there, the last three as Head of Department. It was wonderful to be given training as a Scenic Artist at that time – now seen as a golden era for British television. One of my first jobs was to paint the ‘weather map’, a metal board on which magnetized clouds and rain showers were stuck (west coast being more tricky than east!). On the back of the very traditional tuition at Edinburgh, I learnt the skills of a Scenic Artist as much from watching the ‘old hands’ as from the training – how to cover large areas of scenery as quickly and effectively as possible with brushes, rollers and spray guns using all sorts of tricks and techniques. Even in those days budgets – pretty generous then – dictated how a job might be done. One had to paint ‘for the camera’ and now in colour rather than black and white. This was very different from the old theatre style of scene painting. Unless it was a Light Entertainment show, some of the best scenery was never noticed. The backcloth outside the window didn’t look like a backcloth, it looked like outside!

All eight of the television studios at the Centre then seemed to be busy, both day and night with sets for “Dad’s Army”, “I Claudius”, “The Borgias”, “Pennies from Heaven”, “Fortunes of War”, “Last of the Summer Wine”, “Hi Di Hi”, “Fawlty Towers”, “Black Adder” and “Top of the Pops” to mention just a few! It was a rich period and a time when the BBC employed and trained various craft skills in construction, make-up and costume. All that is sadly a thing of the past, now that both the BBC, ITV and independent producers all buy in freelance effort for just the duration of a project. This might satisfy the accountants but, in my view, ultimately weakens the industry as a whole and lowers standards.

In 1987 I moved to Thames TV to run their Scenic Artist department at Teddington – a smaller unit than the BBC but challenging times given the changes taking place. We were busy working on shows like “Rumpole of the Bailey”, “Mr Bean”, “The Des O’Connor Show”, “Miss World” and of course “Benny Hill”. He was a great local character and an outrageous eccentric as well as a star of TV. He once ‘mooned’ from the banks of the Thames at a reception I was attending on the company boat moored by the Studios, but nobody seemed to bat an eyelid! It was shocking that he should have died so tragically and suddenly, shortly after being dropped by Thames in the run up to the franchise bids in 1993.

Thames of course lost that bid to Carlton and I was one of 2000 employed by the company to be made redundant. With a colleague, I set up my own business called ‘Rostron and May’ and have been trading under that name for the last 15 years. Until a couple of years ago we hired the artist’s studio from Thames and remained at Teddington. Setting up and running a business (albeit small) was both the most challenging and rewarding time of my career. The management training I had received at the BBC and at Thames certainly helped – but the learning and developing of new skills happened very quickly and was all-absorbing, especially in an industry constantly affected by new technology. Digitally printed backings

and translights have replaced much previously done by hand, and generally the volume of production has declined.

The studios are less busy as more is done on location; sometimes in dilapidated sites called ‘four wallers’ to save money. The catch phrase is “Just In Time” which means that only the most flexible and versatile can prosper in a world marked by less comfort and more adrenalin.

It is sometimes bewildering to look back at the variety of projects I have been involved in over the last few years – TV shows such as “Mock the Week”, “Rory Bremner” (a lovely guy who actually phoned to thank me personally for some work I had done), “Top Gear”, “Mitchell and Webb”, “Might Boosh” and “Big Brother” (some Banksy style murals for the House). I have worked on a few films including “Billy Elliott” and “Hot Fuzz” and a host of pop videos from Robbie Williams (charming) to Van Morrison, plus murals in Jonathan Ross’s house (generous with the champagne!). My biggest client now is an events organiser, for whom I have both designed and painted more than 500 themed back cloths and other scenery over the years.

In recent years I have also painted three sets of Gucci windows, some of those projects involving around 100 canvasses each to be sent to their stores worldwide .

The world of a freelance is very different from the camaraderie and support of a large studio team that I experienced at the BBC and Thames. With the exception of the National Theatre and the Opera House, such places no longer exist. I now do most of my work in various London-based construction workshops alongside other craftsmen such as chippies, painters, metal workers and sculptors. RADA and the Central School offer training courses in theatre scene painting, but not for TV or film.

I have done training at both the National Film School and London Film School but usually just on specific projects so nothing comprehensive.

My work has therefore changed so much that, as I approach retirement, I am glad not to be just starting up. There will more changes and challenges facing the industry – especially with Digital and High Definition broadcasting.

But I will be 60 next year. Time for a change of scenery!

Michael May (StB’67) December 2008

Tony Tyler (C’73) reviews Robert Bathurst’s (R’75) one-man stage version of the Daily Telegraph cartoon “Alex” when the show visited Hong Kong during its 2008 international tour.

“Never work with children or animals!” Actors usually regret ignoring this advice, but what of acting with cartoons? It's been done on screen before, often with unfortunate results, but on stage?

Robert Bathurst has made a resounding success of it, in the play of “Alex”, the cartoon from the Daily Telegraph. The eponymous investment banker is a shallow, lazy, sexist stereotype of the species – but Robert somehow invests him with a likeability and charm sufficient to have us rooting for him, as his personal and professional lives fall apart and are restored. In the process we are treated to a gloriously politically incorrect commentary on wives, clients, bosses, colleagues and French management trainees.

“Alex” visited Hong Kong in September 2008, the week after Lehman Brothers went bust, Merrill Lynch was rescued by Bank of America, and AIG was taken over by the US Government. It’s hardly surprising that the audience of shell-shocked bankers and brokers – and their wives – were captivated by its clever and cynical script. Many probably identified with Alex’s obsession with preserving his job at all costs, for fear of losing the perks and lifestyle that job enabled. But the laughs were enthusiastic and genuine, and the whisper “That’s so you” could be heard in the audience on more than one occasion.

“Bathurst 2” has lost none of the skills some will remember seeing first in the Worth Revue 1972! In this one-man show he commands attention for some eighty minutes. The technology is clever, but not intrusive: cartoons are projected onto several screens around the stage and Alex talks to them, listens to them and tells us what he hears, and sometimes talks direct to us. It sounds laboured but it isn’t, and the technical tricks – such as picking something up from a cartoon – are clever, but are not used to the point of becoming distracting.

Before coming to Hong Kong, “Alex” had performed in Melbourne and Sydney. The show went on to Singapore and then Dubai before returning to tour the UK. By the time you read this Review, the play will have done its time in London, and Robert is considering taking it on to New York. As life in the City and the world’s other financial centres continues to imitate art, a ready audience is being created for this wonderfully funny show and its charming star. If offered the opportunity, Worthians should join the lines at the box offices – whether or not they are also shuffling forward in the City’s dole queues!

Tony Tyler (C’73) September 2008

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Theatre Review

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lthough it took place more than forty years ago, a vivid recollection from my time at Worth is being given a verbal ‘duffing-up’ by Tony Renouf in an art class – then held in a dark, damp but warm and nice smelling room off the back quad. He had caught me with ‘his’ brushes pretending to ‘improve’ a painting he was working on – and was rightly angry. I loved that place though, with its smell of turpentine, paraffin heaters and tobacco smoke and Tony’s tuition set me on the path to becoming an Artist.

Finding Happiness: Monastic Steps for a Fulfilling Life

By Abbot Christopher

Book Reviews

In his second book “Finding Happiness: Monastic Steps for a Fulfilling Life”, Abbot Christopher shares with his readers some of his own experiences of monastic living.

He remarks how he, as a novice, was on the verge of leaving the Abbey because of the challenges posed.

Are monks happy?

Abbot Christopher says they aren’t unhappy!

This really is the premise to the book; as the Abbot goes on to shed some light on the key to finding happiness in our consumerist and materialistic world. He says that we are bombarded in our modern world with many things that offer ‘false happiness’. Also, that these things are bogus, and still leave a void in our spiritual life. We are not fulfilled, and have lost some sense of purpose to this world. The modern world is too ready to equate happiness with the things that bring us pleasure. In life, we all have ‘demons’ to confront; these are the things that lead us to unhappiness. Abbot Christopher says that alcohol is one

such pleasure. He notes that it has been known as the “demon drink” – too much dependence on it can lead to alcoholism. He refers to the AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) which has a twelve-step programme to help to beat the demon. Those that lead a monastic lifestyle, themselves have to face their demons but do so with the help of monastic steps – in our author’s case, the Rule of St. Benedict.

Abbot Christopher takes you on a journey, from the early monastic tradition of the Desert Fathers to his own time.

It was illuminating to learn of the influence of St. John Cassian on the Benedictine rule. I was unaware of the ‘eight mortal thoughts’, precursor to the seven deadly sins (lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride).

The mortal thoughts include ‘acedia’, which is apathy or despondency. What the Abbot is referring to is the biggest source of unhappiness – that our culture is generally spiritually apathetic. The Abbot goes on to show how spiritual discipline can help to overcome these eight demons and give some sense of direction to our lives.

Don’t forget to e-mail Olivia on admin@worthsociety.org.uk with any announcements – engagements, marriages, births, major wedding anniversaries or distinctions

Announcements Births To Sophie and Ben Nickell (B’94) a daughter Alice Charlotte Mary on 4th December 2007 To Ian George (C’01) and Jennifer, a daughter Aimee Mendes on 22nd April 2008 To Tania Letts and Richard Lynton-Jones (StB’97) a son Jacob Dylan on 15th May 2008 To Tori and Christopher Martin (R’85) twin girls, Isobel and Stella, on 31st May 2008 To Caroline and Neil Laughton (C’82) Scarlett, a sister for Oscar, on 23rd June 2008 To Sue and Alastair Ferraro (G’91) James, a brother for Dan, on 18th July 2008 To Patty and Tom Holloway (C’91) a son, Bertie, on 15th October 2008 To Magda and Paul Collini (StB’91) Matthew, a brother for Joseph, on 17th January 2009

In “Finding Happiness : Monastic Steps to a Fulfilling Life” – the Abbot offers us some much needed self-assistance in the modern world!

Dennis Roberts (G’88)

Finding Happiness: Monastic Steps for a Fulfilling Life

by Abbot Christopher Weidenfeld & Nicolson 2008 ISBN-10: 0297 8527 79 pp208 Hardback £12.99

Engagements Andrew Bayles (B’98) to Maeve Mulcahy Tom Calnan (R’95) to Angela Butterworth Mel Carson (B’90) to Ashley Seffernick Angus Gairdner (StB’96) to Kate Schaafsma Daniel Garrigan (G’99) to Frances Mathieson Peter Hobbs (G’78) to Sarah Barnes Richard Lynton-Jones (StB’97) to Tania Letts John Mocatta (B’80) to Nichola Wood Ed Paget (G’96) to Lucy Lowes Olly Parry (StB’00) to Kate McCutcheon

that they were there out of love. Out of fidelity.

Christian Martyrs for A Muslim People

by Dom Martin McGee OSB Quite a number of Worthians will have already experienced terrorism in one form or another. But I doubt many of us have lived through the sort of experience that the Algerian people suffered during the 1990s when tens of thousands were killed. Some of you might remember reports of the overnight door-to-door massacre of over two hundred men, women and children at Bentalha on the night of 22nd September 1997.

It was in this context that the nineteen ‘martyrs’ of our Church gave their lives in those dark years. Dom Martin McGee’s book is a witness, not so much as to how the nineteen died but as to why they were there and why they stayed, knowing the risks.

The moving accounts given in the book, the intimate writings of some of the monks of Tibhirine and others who were witnesses of those who lived close to them – especially of Archbishop Teissier of Algiers who was their spiritual ‘father’, seeing his children perish – tell us how differently each one faced the possibility of a violent death. But not one of those who died, or the others who might so easily have joined their number, had any doubt

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Love for whom? As the book unfolds we see different nuances in answer to that question. For some it is love of Algeria and of its people – and their love for us. Others would rather say for love of the poor and the suffering – and their love for us. Or the love shared with that particular people – Algerian, Muslim – among whom they were living.

But deep down, all would say that it was for love of Christ, who himself died out of love of us.

Those of us who know Worth and have lived something of the ‘Benedictine ethos’, can appreciate the links that the book makes between the Rule of Saint Benedict and the self-giving vocation of those martyrs. Dom Martin tells us how surprised he was to discover that similarity at first.

But, on reflection, he realises that it is because there is only one Spirit, one Christ, present in every one of us.

Finally, we should note that this book was ‘conceived’ out of an act of charity. Some boys at Worth – back in 1996 – on hearing of the sufferings of the Church in Algeria, felt drawn to write and say “we are with you in spirit and in prayer”. From that act of awareness and solidarity was born the Worth-Algeria link, and thus this book. May those who read it be touched by the same Spirit.

From top to bottom: Richard Lynton-Jones (StB’97) with his fiancée Tania Letts and son Jacob Dylan born on the 15th May 2008

John MacWilliam (StB’66) January 2009

Mel Carson with his fiancée, Ashley, in front of Haytor – the spot where Mel proposed – in Dartmoor, Devon

Christian Martyrs for a Muslim People

by Martin McGee OSB New York: Paulist Press 2008 ISBN 978 0 8091 4539 3 pp192 Paperback $18.99 Amazon UK £11.99

Ian George (C’01) with his partner, Jennifer, at the baptism of their daughter, Aimee, which took place at Worth with Father Bede officiating

Fr Luke (back row, far right) preached at the wedding of Paddy Lynch (C’92) to Geraldine Coleman on Saturday 11th October 2008 in County Mayo, Ireland

From top to bottom: Patty and Tom Holloway’s (C’91) son, Bertie, who was born on the 15th October 2008

Marriages Angus Gairdner (StB’96) proposed to Kate while on holiday in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt Dan Brookman (G’97) to Naryelle Lamounier on 9th February 2008 in London Joe Delaney (G’92) with his new wife Sarah at their Philip Barrett (C’90) to Sande Hamilton wedding on Friday 29th August 2008 – with Sydney on 24th May 2008 in America Opera House as the backdrop Stephen Wolseley (R’98) to Mary-Kate Quinlan on 25th May 2008 in Malta Darren Khodaverdi (B’00) to Laura Roger-Holmes on 12th July 2008 William Walder (C’98) to Sofie Bennett-Baggs on 20th August 2008 at St. Benets Church, Kemerton Joe Delaney (G’92) to Sarah Marsh on 29th August 2008 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Watsons Bay, Sydney, Australia Patrick (Paddy) Lynch (C’94) to Geraldine Coleman on 11th October 2008 in Foxford, County Mayo Ben Hancock (G’90) to Linda Henrysson on 30th November 2008 at St Thomas More Church, Dulwich with Father Stephen Ortiger officiating Deaths Justin Gorman (G’78) 01/11/59 to 26/07/06, aged 46 Angus Husband (R’68) 10/07/50 to 29/06/08, aged 57 Johnny Hoyle (C’65) 12/04/47 to 01/06/09, aged 61

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years with British Aerospace and travelled the world. Enjoy shooting, stalking and game-fishing (salmon, sea-trout, etc)

News in Brief David Barder '63 Still working in Aviation Insurance in South and Central America, plus Alaska (I must like it hot and cold!). With an adopted seven year old will never be able to retire. My email address is davidbarder@comcast.net Clive Bayne ’65 In August 2009 it will be 25 years since I moved to Mexico. I did originally plan to return to England after a year, but that became difficult when I realised that the sun shone everyday in this part of the world! Also met Terry, my American wife, in Mexico and the rest, as they say, is history. Both of us work together in our own Human Resources consulting company: www.plp-mexico.com. A few months before turning 60 in 2007, I decided to spend a few days at Worth over Easter, and it was marvellous to be able to greet Father Abbot and the members of the Community who were around in the 1960s. Now, please don't delete this out of modesty, but I want to use this public space to thank you, Olivia, for the wonderful work you do to keep all of us connected and stitched together around the world.

Your contribution is much appreciated by this bandido Worthiano (you can tell ‘Worthian’ in English sticks in the gullet a bit, but I'm stumped for an alternative) Mike Clarke ’63 Although my health has not been too good over the last few years, I am still very active both outdoors and socially. I completed most of the Kennet and Avon canal walk before Bradford-upon-Avon sank in the flood! I am looking forward to doing some more long distance hill walking in the summer. My wife is Italian and I love Italian food which is just as well. I also speak fluent Italian these days Peter Gilbert ’68 I’m continuing to work on the Spirituality agenda nationally and recently published some guidelines for staff and gave a talk on 'Dignity and Suffering' at the recent Blackfriars (Oxford) Collegium. Have just been appointed as Visiting Professor, University of Worcester and Chair of the National Development Team for Inclusion and I am still running retreats at Worth. I ran the London Marathon in April 2008 in 3hours 56 minutes Anthony Hayes ’67 I am now retired after a full career in the Royal Navy and living in Leigh on Sea, where efforts are being made to improve my golf handicap! My daughter Phillipa is a GP, and my son Paul is in HR Claude Keith ’69 Having become ‘unemployable’ in 2001, I have been busily (read slowly/diligently) pursuing my love of ballet, horse racing, playing tennis and writing. This year I hope to complete a book which is technically memoirs and anecdotes in the form of letters to my daughter, Sophie. It is titled ‘Daddy, Why Don’t You Work?’ Sophie is 15 and at Sherborne Stephen Kittoe ’66 I turned 60 in March – heaven forefend! I am married to Mila from Latvia and we live in Eastbourne. I have just completed a contract which involved assembling a virtual Data Room for Esporta Health & Fitness, a chain of health clubs, and am now looking for a replacement contract! I have two children; Peter, who has a mechanical engineering degree and works for Delphi Diesel; and Rosie, who has just graduated with an MSc (with Distinction!) in BioScience at Leeds Peter Knyvett ’62 Now retired from gainful employment, but still keep my hand in as a consultant in the defence industry. Spent many

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Nick Barnett ’73 Recent mid-life crisis resulted in a change of career to full-time jeweller. Still working in Hatton Garden and sometimes earning enough money to race my historic Formula 3 car. My wife, Margaret, is running her own successful framing business and our daughter Emily – now 9 – is thinking about coming to Worth!

Shane Bisgood ’70 A return to Connemara on our new catamaran, the Brazen Hussy, for Diving, Touring, Sea Floor Survey, Recovery and Salvage. She was built on the Isle of Wight and is now at home in the west of Ireland

Christopher (Chris) Cussons ’70 Still trying to find the time to be on the water as opposed to sharing the hot water in which clients find themselves. Still, business consultancy provides the cash to pay for the diesel for two large marinised engines …!

Ian Bowker ’75 I'm a chartered accountant (Deloitte alumni) in the commercial property business, trying to ride out the recession! I have also been involved, through sailing club committee duties, in the Olympic changes at Weymouth for the 2012 games and we have a boat down there. My wife, Kate, is still working for the FCO (Foreign & Commonwealth Office), now part-time trying to balance family and work life. Our oldest daughter, Rosie (15), is a specialist musician at Wells Cathedral School and member of the National Youth Orchestra, playing the flute. They finished their Spring tour at the Royal Festival Hall last weekend, conducted by Paul Daniel, and the concert was broadcast on Radio 3 during the week. The NYO will, as usual, be playing at the Proms in the summer. Our youngest daughter, Laura (14), started at St Anthony's Leweston this year, and was in the under 14 Dorset hockey squad – Worthian, Adrian Aylward (R’76) is headmaster at St Anthony’s. We live in Sherborne, Dorset and know Deborah and Nick (R’72) Bathurst well

James Forte ’72 Spent 07/08 advising Lovells LLP, the law firm, on their Corporate Responsibility strategy. Since October 2008 I have been working with Pen Hadow and the Catlin Arctic Survey team, with particular responsibility for the development of a wide-ranging education programme, Arctic Survey Education. Do visit www.catlinarcticsurvey.com/education to find out more

John MacWilliam ’66 Last year I wrote in The Blue Paper that I expected to stay in the Algerian desert, but… I have now been moved to neighbouring Tunisia where I am taking care of a library / studycentre for local schoolchildren in Tunis. It is still the same mission of ‘meeting’ with Muslims in North Africa, but possibly with more chance of meeting friends from Worth in this tourist destination Rupert Stutchbury ’69 See ‘Where Are They All Now’ for a brief resume on my life since leaving Worth!

1970s

Andrew Caillard ’78 Wine business set up in the 80s now acquired by Woolworths (the successful Australian firm!). I wrote the Sixth edition of Penfold's Rewards of Patience and hosted a dinner for Father Christopher at a Balmain restaurant in Sydney during World Youth Day 2008. The dinner was attended by all the Caillard brothers, as well as a few Worthians including Anthony Ringrose-Vose (C’77), Ben Burroughs (R’81) and Joe Hurley (C’82) David Caillard ’79 Karroo Capital continues to raise capital for selective private equity and hedge fund managers in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Australia. Despite the turmoil of 2008 business is still growing. My daughter is taking GCSEs at St Mary's Ascot this year Richard Caillard ’74 I turned 50 last year! Appointed as IBM project Manager for the QANTAS account amidst a particularly challenging time for the global airline industry Matthew Carter ’73 I am married to Camilla and we have three children. I am a Chartered Surveyor in private practice based in Herts; dealing mainly with rural property management for corporate clients.

I am living near Aylesbury and maintain contact with Andrew Bardot (G’73), Steve Hutchings (StB’74) and Bobbie Bodnar-Horvath (B’74).

I am a member of Aylesbury Choir and Ashridge Golf Club Kevin Clyde-Smith ’70 It took me 13 years before I met a wonderful girl, Sarra. We married and settled down and I found something I really enjoy doing – property management. I set up my own company after retuning to Jersey in 1988 and it is still going strong. We have had four children, three boys and a girl who are now aged 23, 21, 19 and 17.

Two of the boys went to Worth – Toby (G’03) joined in 1997 and George (G’05) in 2001. I still visit Worth which always has a deep hold on me, mostly for spiritual reasons

Worth Society Life

Life and Times of Worth Old Boys

The Old Place

Simon Gordon ’74 I have finally completed work on the Gordon’s wine bar outside terrace area (with seating for 80 people under awnings with heaters) just off Villiers Street, London WC2, and today a Worthian contacted me and is going to be booking several groups in for eating outside which was very nice! Do visit www.gordonswinebar.com for more information, or drop in for a drink!

Martin Green ’76 Having worked in the West End for six years, I have returned to the City to work for Cenkos Securities, looking at business development opportunities and corporate finance situations. My family is growing up rapidly, with a daughter at St Andrew's and a son in LVI at Marlborough (sorry Worth!). My wife, Fiona, has a second career as a school teacher at a girls’ prep school in Kensington. Anyone thinking of a City career (!?) is welcome to contact me via Worth Society Charles Grieve ’70 I now live in Hong Kong and am married to Leonie with two children, Rory and Sarah, and our two dogs. After 20 years in an accounting firm (London, Riyadh and Istanbul) I became a securities regulator, and found my experience as a prefect very useful in keeping an eye on listed companies! Summer finds us in our house in Turkey, near Bodrum. I would be delighted to see Worthians here in Hong Kong or in Turkey. Indeed our house in Turkey is empty for much of the year and we are delighted to make it available. My contact details are e-mail charlesgrieve@gmail.com and telephone + 852 2813 1385 James Grieve ’70 See ‘Where Are They All Now?’ for a brief resume on my life since leaving school! In addition to the news from myself and brother Charles (StB’70) above, my nephew Crispin Dawson Walker (StB’93) is housemaster at Oakham School and is married with two little ones. Crispin played for the U18 England team – Glenn Robertson was his Rugby mentor at Worth – and he was pleased to tour New Zealand with the team before staying there to work as a school assistant for a season. He returned, sans hair (removed during his farewell party!), then went on to Bristol before completing a teachers course in Cambridge where he met his wife, Sarah, who is from Wales Ben Hancock ’71 I am engaged to Linda and we are getting married in November 2009 Peter Hobbs ’78 After five turbulent years following Caroline’s death in 2004, the future now looks brighter. I have recently set up Vondel Professional Development with my fiancée, Sarah, and 2009 finds us juggling new business development with planning a new life for

ourselves and our five children. ‘Hectic but happy’ sums us up on good days! (‘Skint and stressed’ on bad days!)

Benedict Kelly ’78 I have been married for 21 years to Elizabeth (Eaglestone, Mayfield 1980) and we have four boys aged 19 down to 10. Sadly, we could not bear the commute to Worth from our home in Hampshire, so they are at Farleigh and Radley instead. I am working in fund management in Oxford for VenCap – but not a nasty banker! – and after ten years hard labour I was given a three month paid sabbatical which you can read all about in this issue of The Blue Paper in ‘Project Peru’ Neil Leach ’76 I met up again with Tim Hutchings (StB’77) at the Olympic Games in Beijing last year. I am now a professor of Architecture in Brighton and Los Angeles, and was in Beijing curating an exhibition for the Architecture Biennial Beijing, while Tim was there with Eurosport, as a commentator for the Olympic athletics events.

After a distinguished career as an international athlete, including 4th place over 5000m at the Los Angeles Olympics, Tim is now a commentator and sports administrator. While at Worth I introduced Tim to athletics. During 2008 I also met up with my Latin teacher and athletics master from Worth, Julian Dare. After graduating from Cambridge in Architecture, I translated a Renaissance treatise on architecture by L B Alberti from Latin. Both Julian and I were Olympic athlete trialists, but neither of us quite made the Olympic team. Fr Kevin came to my inaugural lecture at the University of Brighton in October 2008 Edward (Ed) Mannix ’78 Still living in Meribel with Diesel the dog.

Working hard as a tax consultant but skiing even harder! My son, Matthew, takes his A levels this summer (not at Worth, unfortunately) Mickey Morrissey ’78 I jointly organised the 1973 Worthian reunion at the Groucho Club in May 2008. My daughter Rosie has just left St Mary’s, Shaftesbury where she was head girl. She is going to Edinburgh this year. Hugo is at Downside and is the Colts Rugby scrum half and the Junior Colts cricket captain. Olivia is at Beaudesert Park in her final year, and Francesca is at Temple Guiting School John Murphy (B’77) I live near Camberley and am working as a psychiatrist in south-west London, Berkshire and Surrey. My brother, Steve (B’72), is a GP in Dublin and my son, Hugh, starts at Worth in September 2009 Anthony (Tony) Saunders ’72 I work for Kuwait Petroleum International out of Kuwait Andrew Stewart ’72 Jeremy Brooks (StB’72), myself (B’72), Dominic Bexon (C’72) and Fr Stephen met for lunch in November 2008 at my house in Rutland. We all left in 1972 and have all now retired!

Tim Tyler ’71 I have just left the Army after 36 years, finishing as a Major General and with a CB, and now I’m launching into a second career but not yet sure what form that will take! Johanna and I have been married 33 years and have nine children and a grandson. We live just east of Winchester. The family hobbies are tennis, sailing, riding and driving our ponies and singing

1980s George Adamson 89 It won't surprise old friends to learn that I went into computers. I am now a freelancer in Web Usability and Interaction Design. Most recent creations have been for the BBC Doctor Who website, HMV and Comet. I present on web stuff from time to time around the South, am married with three children and we live in Gloucestershire. Would love to hear from fellow Worthians : george@adamson.com Johnny Caillard ’81 I completed an Ironman in December 2008 at Busselton, Western Australia in 10hrs 56m 50s (3.8km swim, 180km bike, 42.5km run) coming 20/294 in age category and 334/1077 overall Rohan Cavaliero ‘81 I am still living in Kuala Lumpur with wife Aileen and kids Ella (10), Mia (8) and Charlie (2). I set up 99 East two years ago to develop a golf and resort community in Langkawi, an island off

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News in Brief

News in Brief

1960s

Tony Considine ’71 I left TNK-BP and Moscow in mid-September 2008 and moved back to Australia to join my family in Perth who had been there since earlier in the year. It looks as if I picked a good time to get out with all of the turmoil in the financial markets and the collapse in the oil price!! Our eldest son, Jonathon, is in his fourth year at University where he is reading Chemical Engineering. We managed to obtain a place for Lawrence, our youngest, who is 14, at Aquinas College where he has another two and half years. Annette and I have had a number of overseas trips including Vancouver, London, South Africa (twice) and the Middle East – including a wonderful five days in Jerusalem. Since our return in March 2009 I have taken some time to be with my family. I started to reach out to head hunters a few weeks ago, with a view to finding something permanent at a senior level in the Resources / Industrial sectors in Australia. Though things look to be slow right now, I have plenty to keep me occupied at home. It is amazing how many things have to be addressed after 13 years spent overseas! We are also planning to knock down our house on the river and build something more modern – so we have started chasing architects and builders which will keep us going for a while

Malaysia’s west coast near to the Thai border. The course should be ready to play by the end of the year – do visit www.99east.com.

Apologies for the shameless plug!

Mark Collini ’89 I have fulfilled two ambitions since last year. I can now say that I have been to the Outer Hebrides and can boast that I have skied the Hannenkahm. At work – Ofcom – I've been reviewing the state of Public Service Broadcasting as well as helping to design the new legislative framework for Video On Demand. Oh, and I've become an uncle for the second time (see Paul's update in the 90s section)

Hugo Douglas ’81 Myself, Antoinette, Digby (15, and at Michaelhouse school in South Africa) Lorian (12, and at Pembroke House School in Kenya) are all in good shape. Still living and working in Kericho, Kenya where I am technical director for East African operations for Finlays, a large tea company. In touch with Pete Cullinan (StB’82)) and John Shepherd (B’81), Pete (B’84) and David (B’85) Francombe, and the Hobbs family. Boys are seriously into fishing!

Tom Ellis ’87 I have one son, Toby, who is now two and a half. We live in the Cotswolds and I work in London Andrew Griffith ’87 Married Catharine in 2007 (Fr Stephen married us) and we have a son, Sam. Living in Newcastle, having been in the North since 2000, and I work for Sage (a software company) doing financial things William (Bill) Hurst ’86 Still attempting to make a living from acting with a role in "The Golden Compass" Mark Jenner ’81 Have worked as a Lloyds Broker specializing in oil and gas insurance for over 20 years. I am married to Rosie and we have four children – Tom (17), Hamish and Harry (15) and Sophie (12). I live in Frant, near Tunbridge Wells Benedict Kelly ’88 After ten years hard labour at VenCap, I was given a three month paid sabbatical. I went with my family to Brazil and Peru in the summer of 2008. We went with US$18,000 which we had raised for the poor in Peru, some of which was kindly donated by the WOBS Global Action Awards Nicholas (Nick) Mifsud ’87 I've recently returned from a six month spell in Baghdad where I managed the handover of Provinces back to Iraqi security control. Whilst there I encountered Malachy Doran (B’83) who was working in the US Embassy in the Green Zone, which was a fantastic experience. Sophie, Thomas (who is two years old) and I have moved to Tidworth where I'm currently second-in-command of 26 Engineer Regiment. We're about to pack our bags again, however, and move to Shrivenham to knuckle down to some overdue stability on the Advanced Command and Staff Course at the Defence Academy, during which time we hope that Tommy's first sibling will make an arrival later this year John Mocatta ’80 Married in December 2008, hopefully new Worth pupils to follow!

Paddy Morrissey ’84 Sheffield Haworth is now a leading International Executive Search firm with offices in London, New York, Dubai, Delhi, Mumbai, Hong Kong and Tokyo. I am always happy to hear form any Worthian if they are in the financial services world and looking for other career opportunities. Review our website at www.sheffieldhaworth.com.

William and Freddie, my two boys, are down for Worth, both play minirugby for Sudbury in Suffolk!

Paul Owers ’81 I am currently General Counsel at Actis (www.act.is).

Married to Helen with four children – the eldest, Sam, has just started in Year 9 at Worth. Life has come full circle!

Stephen Rhind-Tutt ’80 I live in Washington DC and run a publishing company called Alexander Street Press. I'm married with three children

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Victor Szudek ’84 Having left Worth with far too many O & A Levels, I ran my final marathon aged 18 with a 3.28 in London. After graduating from St. Mary’s College, Strawberry Hill, I went on to represent Western Cape Province and Stellenbosch University (The Republic of South Africa) at Cross Country in 1989. I retired from competitive running, aged 30, having posted times of 2.00 and 4.28 for 800m and the mile respectively and 56 mins for 10 miles and 79 mins for the half marathon.

I have lived in Sydney since 1995 and achieved my ambition of getting to the 2000 Olympics, as a Project Quality Manager. Since then I have worked, in Project Management, on a number of Sydney developments including the Star City Casino and a major Sydney nightclub – none of which has fallen down. For ten years, I also worked weekends as a nightclub DJ. After many years repulsing the ladies, I recently met the lovely Juliette. She is an American Baptist and very agreeable. I am currently in London, having been accepted to study at The College of Law and would like to specialise in Internet Content. If any Worthian can assist, materially or by dint of advice, please email me. Honesty and dedication are assured, because I was in St. Bede’s House. I would be delighted to hear from runners, Poles, Australians, South Africans, lawyers, MIDI Users and Worthians, even those from other Houses.

Colonel P A Szudek passed away in January 2008, a few weeks before that other great man, Fra’ A W N Bertie. A difficult year. A belated thanks to Glenn ‘GT’ Robertson for allowing me to skip games and go running instead: this huge concession helped me, later, to see Africa and Australia as a so-so club-runner, eventually putting down roots.

I managed seven years at Worth without playing a single game of rugby. Is this a record? Contact: victors_@hotmail.com / 0207 735 7457 / 07942 088 078 Henry Thornton ’80 Living in Hampshire with wife and four daughters and still mucking around in Asian equity markets – for better or for worse!

Max Walker ’80 Enjoyed a long weekend surfing and cycling with Ben Goodger (R’80), Simon Allen (StB’80), Ivan Macquisten (B’80), Jules McCarthy (StB’79), Mike Golton (R’80) and Richard Williams (B’80) down in Cornwall. They are all alive and well, as am I… Luigi Walters ’80 Where are Bruno, Max and all the others from St. Bede’s? Please do get in touch (via Olivia at admin@worthsociety.org.uk)

1990s James Albert ’93 I am studying for an MBA in Madrid for a year.

Loving the sunshine and taking time out from work to return to studies. Very much enjoying married life!

Simon Albert ’98 Still with the Army and enjoying a little bit of time in the UK. Completed a tour in Afghanistan in 2008, and now teaching armoured tactics at Warminster, but anticipating a return to Germany in the summer. Keeping up with a few familiar faces, despite missing the 10-year reunion Ollie Barnett ’98 Have been at C Hoare and Co for 18 months, and very much enjoying the new challenges. It’s very different from being an Officer in the Infantry! Play Worthians rugby occasionally

season, and I wish the boys all the best for next year's campaign (where I intend to turn up from the Middle East on various occasions for the odd cameo!)

Dominic Stobart ’90 I am married to Caden and we have two kids – William and Stella. Working as a TV Producer and living in New York

Mel Carson ’90 On Sunday 7th December 2008 I asked the love of my life, Ashley Seffernick, to marry me at the top of Haytor in Devon’s beautiful Dartmoor – thankfully she said yes, which made me very happy, and we’re getting married in Seattle!

2000s

Paul Collini ’91 Magda, Joseph and I were blessed with the arrival of a healthy baby boy, Matthew Stephen Collini, on 17th January 2009.

Meanwhile I am engaged in research on HIV and bacterial infections David Connolly ’95 My wife and I are expecting our first child in September 2009 Joe Delaney ‘92 I met Sarah in London in October 2002 and we married in Sydney, Australia on Friday 29th August 2008 before taking off on a four-month honeymoon adventure across South East Asia, between September and December 2008. Since the beginning of 2009 we have been living in Sydney. Sarah is from a farm near a country town called Cowra in New South Wales Oliver (Olly) Donaldson ’96 I have been married for six years to Leni – sister of Guy Hoogewerf (G’90). We have two children, Rosie and Maggie, with number three due in May. Keeping busy working as an Orthopaedic registrar in Wales Alastair (Fuzzy) Ferraro ’91 Our second child – James – was born in July 2008; a much loved and calmer younger brother for Dan (who is now three and very energetic!). I have now completed my training in Renal Medicine and start as an NHS Consultant in Nottingham in July 2009. Much looking forward to the challenge!

Dominic (Dom) Floyd ‘90 I have recently been appointed as Headmaster of Ashdown House School in East Sussex from September 2009. Looking forward to returning to Sussex!

Angus Gairdner ’96 I got engaged to Kate Schaafsma while holidaying in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt in early May 2009 Daniel Garrigan ’99 I'm working as an accountant in London and am getting married to Frances in July 2009 Benjy Hamilton ’91 Moved to Copenhagen six years ago on a breeding initiative (Karla 4, Billie 1) where I work as the editor of an entertainment supplement – The Copenhagen Post Entertainment Guide. I am also teaching English. Enjoying quizzes, football, scriptwriting, and have bizarrely ended up in the same city as two Worth contemporaries – Dave Barnett (B’91) and Al Cassoni (C’88) Ben Hancock ’90 2008 was a particularly busy year... I got married to Linda Henrysson, we bought a house together and I moved jobs! I am now working in the Financial Services Group at Aon and living a short bike ride away in Forest Hill Dan Harlow ’95 I manage the UK Smaller Companies Investment Trust at Montanaro. Still playing plenty of cricket for a team of University Old Boys called the Wessex Exiles CC Tom Holloway ’91 We are moving to Alberta in Canada for two years.

I will be in charge of safety at a British military training area about the size of West Sussex. Our son, Bertie was born on the 15th October 2008 Simon Jones ’98 I am currently working as a lawyer in London. Still also finding time to play a fair bit of cricket and golf

Philip Barrett ’90 Living in the US since 2000 where I work as a scientist for a US multinational industrial gases company. Married Sande in America last May

Alistair Myles ’99 I am a solicitor specialising in matrimonial law at Levison Meltzer Pigott Solicitors in London. Living in South West London and can’t quite believe that it’s ten years since we left!

Daniel (Dan) Brookman ’97 I married Naryelle Lamounier in February 2008 whilst we were living in London. Moved back to New York in September 2008 with Barclays Capital

Ben Nickell ’94 I married Sophie in December 2005 and we had a beautiful baby girl, Alice Charlotte Mary, in December 2007. We are enjoying life in the Essex countryside from where I run my business, GreenSteps. I'm still in touch with a great number of Worthians and am delighted to have Rob Carson (G'94) and Matthew (Scotty) Sullivan (B'94) as godparents to Alice

Tom Calnan ’95 I am still at Berwin Leighton Paisner law firm in the City, where I qualified in commercial property in 2003. This year is a big one – I'm marrying Angela in July, and then we are both heading out to Abu Dhabi in August where my firm is opening a new office.

I expect to be posted there for around 18 months or so. Aside from work, I have been playing for Worthians RFC acting as vice-captain this

Worth Society Life

Life and Times of Worth Old Boys

The Old Place

Edward Paget ’96 Currently living in Calgary, Canada working as an osteopath with fiancé Lucy Lowes. Wedding to be held at Worth on the 2nd October 2009

Je Ahn ’01 My wife and I started a design company that specialises in art and architecture about a couple of years ago and we have some good news to share. We are just about to complete our first permanent installation up in Kielder water, commissioned by the Forestry Commission, called ‘Freya and Robin’. Also this week we won a major international design competition in Blackburn to design a public space. We are very excited about these as we are a super young company and both of us are still under 30!

Cavan Fyans ’02 Still avoiding any real work and currently in the middle of a PhD research in interfaces, per formative interactions and new digital musical instruments at the Sonic Arts Research Centre (SARC), Queen's University Belfast. Recent publications include 'Spectator Understanding of Error in Performance' (presented at CHI'09, Boston ) and 'Where Did it All Go Wrong?' (presented at NIME'09 in Pittsburgh) Ian George ’01 Having just celebrated my daughter, Aimee’s, first birthday I am now pursuing my RICS accreditation at South Bank University. I have been working hard in the office, although the Golf Days are the hardest tests at work!

James Hunt ’03 I have just graduated from Engineering Officer’s Training with the Royal Air Force after passing out of Cranwell as a Flying Officer in August 2008. As my first posting, I will be responsible for Future capabilities identified from ongoing operations. I will be based at RAF High Wycombe Darren Khodaverdi ’00 After going down from Cambridge last year I am living near Newmarket with a small menagerie of pets and working at the West Suffolk Hospital as a junior doctor but am shortly off to Adelaide in Australia to live and work with the lovely Laura, who I married in July 2008.

Jack Lawless ’06 Currently enrolled on a nine month Sound Engineering Diploma at Alchemea in Islington, London and all set to work with the Worthian band, Flashguns, for some up and coming demos in June James McAdam ’05 I graduated from Birmingham University with a 2:1 in Economics and am working at KPMG in Birmingham Oliver Parry ’00 Working in quaint and picturesque Crawley as Sales Manager for a leasing airline called Astraeus Airlines. I have bought a house in Ripley, Surrey with my fiancé, Kate McCutcheon. We got engaged on the 27th of March 2009 and will be getting married on 10th July 2010 in Dollar, Clackmannanshire, Scotland Tristan Stutchbury ’01 (update submitted by father Rupert, with Tristan’s permission!) After leaving Worth, Tristan spent his gap year in South America working as a volunteer in Brazil and then travelling through the rest of the continent. He rather reluctantly came back to get a 2.1 in Archaeology at Exeter before setting off again to see more of the world. To fund his travels he armed himself with a suitable qualification in teaching English as a Foreign Language and set off.

To improve his CV and obtain some initial experience, he first went to several Schools of English in Europe taking up short contracts and found that he enjoyed being a teacher. He returned from a year in provincial South Korea and spent a well deserved Christmas at home before flying off in February 2009 to Uganda, where he is working for a year as a volunteer as an English language teacher with the charity Africa Initiative for the Needy Uganda (AINU) John-Henry Wicks ’00 I'm currently training to be a private client fund manager with Rathbone Brothers. I'm halfway through studying for my CFA exams - fun stuff!! I finally moved out of Fulham for the glorious Hampshire countryside (near Winchester), trying to live the life of a country gent but finding it prohibitively expensive – and the attractions of the bright lights are still pretty alluring

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News in Brief

News in Brief

Paul Cook ’87 Having notched up 20 years in the City, I have recently moved to work for Fidelity International in Surrey – a mere 20 minutes from Worth! I am thoroughly enjoying living in rural Buckinghamshire with my wife, two beautiful daughters and a big dog. When time / family allows, I also enjoy shooting and fly-fishing. Golf, however, remains a mystery

Thierry Sanders ’80 I am the director and founder of BiD Network which is the world’s largest sourcer of business plans for small and medium sized companies in developing countries. We prepare developing country entrepreneurs for investors

I The Girls Have Arrived!

Ambrose Bristow 30/12/34 – 13/09/08

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Obituary

am honoured to have the opportunity to express my gratitude in having known Ambrose Bristow as a friend, colleague and fellow conspirator since 1968 when I first came to teach at Worth School.

At that time – and for 30 years until his retirement in 1998 – Ambrose was a prime mover in Junior House; in the classics department; as a careers master for the armed forces; and in the extra curricular life of Worth school.

He will be remembered as someone who took endless pains to achieve the best from every one of his students: he preserved the popularity of both Latin and Greek amongst the young, engendered their respect for hard work, applied high standards of academic care and rigour, and, above all, sparked their curiosity for knowledge for its own sake. Illustrative of this was his teaching of Ancient History ‘A’ level. This subject was done as a purely optional addition to the students’ full programme of study, and was even taken up by many studying the sciences – just for the joy of learning and being taught by a brilliant teacher.

Ambrose’s running of the well known Worth phenomenon of Voluntary Service (now copied by so many schools but most unusual in the 1960s) was exemplary. His part in this was rapidly nicknamed the Flying Squad, with the boys’ usual perception (could this be a comment on his driving?). The task was to offer help to anyone in the community whose garden had become too much for them, and involved turning neglected ‘jungles’ back into neat and tidy gardens.

Boarding schools have rightly been criticised for the fact that their emphasis on team games can leave a considerable number of ‘waifs and strays’ outside the camaraderie of the school and house. Ambrose’s management of Voluntary Service provided worthwhile (and strenuous) activities for many of these, helping to improve their physical strength, social skills and maturity.

Of course, the teas at Worth Hall Lodge were legendary – Jan’s bountiful food and the serious matter of Ambrose’s home brewed beer – perhaps followed by an even more ‘flying’ return to the school.

He was exceedingly generous in giving up his holiday time as well. His expeditions to the mountains of England, Wales and especially those of his beloved Scotland, remain in the memory of all who took part and, once again, contributed greatly to the education and development of many students. His success and the respect he engendered were well illustrated by the number of students who took the trouble to maintain

52 I

contact with him and who attended his funeral at Worth Abbey on Wednesday 24th September 2008.

All of these tasks were done with energy and those essences of a good teacher – care, inspiring enthusiasm and the capacity to lead by example.

These qualities were, as most of us will know, carried over into Ambrose’s life outside teaching, and it is his love of plants and gardening through which I first became close friends with him, and which will be my own enduring memory of him.

As I think, is the case with so many others, he introduced me to serious gardening and to the study of plants.

He demonstrated great skill at plant propagation – particularly growing things from seed, which is one of the most civilised pastimes of all. The pleasure of seeing things germinate, and then grow on to become stately trees or shrubs is indescribable.

One other result of all this that must be mentioned, is his contribution to local plant sales for charity, which was quite remarkable. He raided his own seedlings and garden to raise thousands of pounds, and always gave generously of his time and energy as well as of his possessions.

Of course his company came at a price – his corrections of one’s Latin pronunciation and use of English were unmerciful; his series of endless terrible jokes will be long remembered, and it is only now that I dare admit that I am completely useless at solving crossword puzzles (often not even able to understand the answer that Ambrose had worked out) but my opinion was always required.

It has been very sad to watch Ambrose’s slow decline over the past few years – the illness, the uncertainty about it, and its slow but inexorable progress. It has been painful and difficult for Jan, his family and all his friends.

But now he is at rest – free from pain and frustration.

If you want a memorial of Ambrose Bristow – look not only at his family and his magnificent collection of flowering trees, but also around the local gardens.

They are full of his plants, and it is more than fitting that he is at rest among those he planted in the Turners Hill Churchyard.

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ix months ago, Worth was an unknown world to me. It was a male inhabited land in the heart of West Sussex, seemingly far from urban civilization and female influence. Upon deciding to go to Worth, I was aware that history was, in essence, being created; the school was taking its first cohort of girls, although I did not fully appreciate what a fantastic experience this would be until I arrived on that first rainy day last autumn.

A huge change it may seem, for the school and ultimately the boys’ territory, to suddenly become full of high pitched laughter, the clicking of heels and the whispers of gossip. But in the true Benedictine way, we were immediately welcomed to the Worth community. From lessons, to hockey, to choir, to House events we have been fully included in everything (house rugby being an appropriate exception) and made to feel truly part of the school.

Being elected the first Head of House was a moment that will remain integral to my first term and a half at Worth. To be given such an opportunity was an honour and a privilege that took me to a leadership role that I had never experienced before. Despite not having the responsibility of controlling the wilder younger years, I had to organise the assembly and house events, although it has been nowhere near as stressful a job as that of the other Heads of House. The 32 girls of St. Mary’s were a pleasure to represent and they have made everything very easy for me.

Although I’m only half a year into my life at Worth, I can say with confidence that being part of the first year of girls has been a risk fully worth taking (forgive the pun) and one which I will never regret.

Jessica Coffin – Year 12 April 2009

t all began when we went down to Worth for Father Kevin’s golden jubilee. At coffee afterwards we were chatting to Father Kevin when Jess, who was clearly impressed by the look and feel of Worth, suggested – surprisingly forcibly – that Worth really ought to be thinking about taking girls. Rather to my surprise, the answer was “you never know”. So, when a year or so later we received a letter from the school announcing that girls would be admitted from September 2008, precisely when Jess would be moving into the 6th form, I had a strong feeling that somehow, this was just meant to be!

It was raining when we arrived at Worth in September 2008 – just as it had been in September 1968 – and Jess had the same green trunk, a little more battered now, that had been my own. The last time I had set foot in Austin House, sorry I mean St Mary’s House, was almost 35 years previously when the school prefects gathered there for a pre-term retreat – ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ was the theme, I think.

I was relieved to see that the very 1960s sunken pit in the common room has been kept. But how much everything else had changed! Stiff collars; chips with everything; cigarettes behind classroom 6 (or in the summer down by the junior school cricket pitch); forced runs to Turners Hill before breakfast; 6th form dances with Woldingham; pints of lager in the 6th form bar (or Father Roger’s home brewed beer if the real stuff had run out); Maltese wine and cigarettes supplied by Chev Bertie during my Russian ‘O’ level; the sight of some forlorn looking monks mixing cement and laboriously piling brick on brick in an attempt to build the Abbey (surely they would never get it finished); the smell of the Dom Thomas’ pipe tobacco drifting from his room next door to mine (the traditional head of Gervase’s room and the best room in the school!); the sounds of Led Zeppelin and Leonard Cohen; Chev Bertie’s ear piercing “call to prayer” in the morning.

Above: Two generations of Coffin’s – Christopher (G’73) and Jessica (Year 12) who is to be head girl at Worth School from September 2009 Girls group: Worth School’s first cohort of Year 12 girls arrived at St Mary’s House in September 2008 (Jesica Coffin is highlighted) Boys group: Christopher Coffin (highlighted) with Gervase House when he was a Prefect and Head of 6th Form

I could fill the whole of my allotted word count with these thoughts alone but they surely, belong to another world – the past. Nevertheless, when it truly registered with me that Jess was going to be among the first girls of Worth’s brave new world, it was these and so many other long forgotten memories that began to seep back into my mind. Those, and the knowledge that whilst some things are transient, the community of Worth is not (and Rev Kev and Fr Stephen have barely changed in the 40 years since I first arrived!), and that Jess was about to embark on the privilege of participating in all that Worth has to offer. This made me feel nostalgic, proud, curious and a little envious!

Christopher Coffin (G’73) April 2009

I honour his memory and I am proud to have known him – a kindly, graceful, generous, Christian gentleman.

Mike Robinson – Former member of staff

Worth Society Life

Life and Times of Worth Old Boys

The Old Place

I 53

Message from the Headmaster

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his academic year has been momentous and full of productive and positive results. Above all else, at a time when our national news is full of stories about doom and gloom, it is refreshing to report that life at Worth has been quite the opposite. The year has seen a reaffirmation and further blossoming of our core values, a year in which the School, as part of the extended Worth community, has contributed to the celebrations of Worth 75, its past, present and future.

The year has witnessed the start of our transition to coeducation, a transition whose success has exceeded all expectations. Our boys have warmly welcomed girls into the School and have enjoyed the new opportunities afforded them. As for the girls – they have been able to contribute to every aspect of School life and have quickly become involved in everything.

The greatest compliment I can give the pupils is that they have made it appear that co-education has been the norm. We have been able to take a great deal of comfort and pride in watching this process of change unveil itself with an ever-increasing degree of success.

This, of course, is not simply the result of the excellent attitude and high levels of commitment shown by the pupils, but equally the care and concern shown by our dedicated teaching, boarding and support staff, hard working and committed governors, and our ever watchful and prayerful Monastic Community.

The academic year again started with some very good summer examination results. At GCSE 97% of all students achieved a minimum of 5 A*-C grades, with 56% of all grades at A*-A and 24 members of last year’s Year 11 each achieved nine or more A* or A grades. At ‘A’ Level the school achieved a 99% pass rate with 73% of all grades achieving A-B. In the IB the School was ranked in the top 15 schools nationally, with an average score of 35 points compared to the world average of 27 points. This gave the IB students an average of 4 grade As at ‘A’ Level. The majority of pupils again secured their first choice University places, many at leading Russell Group Universities or their international equivalents.

Whilst it is always gratifying to see high levels of academic success as a measure of achievement, it remains true that the education that is provided is more than just a desire to teach to exams. Our role is to challenge the young to develop intellectual curiosity, a thirst for learning and a desire to seek meaning and

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understanding from their studies; to enable them to be independent thinkers and confident learners.

This aspiration is not peculiar to academic learning of course. It is a distinctive feature of the reflective nature of a Catholic Benedictine school. By emphasising ‘how to learn’ as opposed to just ‘what to learn’, we also challenge and encourage the young to reflect upon their individuality, how to live in a community and to discern what it is that God has in mind for them. Our remit is to educate each pupil’s mind, body and spirit and the wealth of success in the many areas of academic and extra curricular life is a testament to the rounded approach taken here at Worth in developing an individual’s whole being.

In this respect, Music continues to play a significant part and the Music department has once again had a very successful year delivering high quality musical experiences in the many concerts and services performed such the Carol Service, the Service of Lenten Words and Music, the annual Whisp’s concert (which pools the talents of five local schools), the weekly contributions of the School Choir, Scholar and Music Group at Thursday Worship and Sunday Mass. In addition we have seen a significant input from the School’s Jazz band and a flourishing set of performances from the School’s Senior Orchestra.

However, given the special role that Worth 75 has played this year, our Musicians and Choristers have also made demanding and very beautiful contributions to Solemn Vespers, to the Outreach Peru Concert and the highly memorable Westminster Cathedral Mass in celebration of the Passing of St Benedict.

The Drama department has also had an exceptional year under the leadership of our new Director of Drama, Matthew Boughton. The production of Sheridan’s “The School for Scandal” was brilliant from start to finish and it was wonderful to see our own girls taking the female parts and delivering their performances so eloquently and convincingly. I am also delighted to report that one of our boys has been selected to join the National Youth Theatre.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme continues to go from strength to strength with an increasing number of pupils taking part and completing their awards. This year 56 pupils have undertaken the Bronze Award, 32 Silver and 27 have started Gold. In addition 12 pupils completed the Gold Award, a new School record.

Worth Society Life

Life and Times of Worth Old Boys

The Old Place

The School’s Quiz, Debating and Public Speaking Teams have also had a very successful year, not only with in-house events but also in their achievements in regional competitions. The Schools’ Challenge Quiz Team were South East Regional Champions beating King’s School Canterbury, and the School’s Public Speaking Team also deserve congratulations for reaching the finals of the “Youth Speaks” competition.

In the area of charity and voluntary service work, the School continues to play a significant part in raising awareness of various causes, providing help and assistance to outside organisations and groups, and raising a significant amount of money for charities in the UK and abroad. This year the School has made a particular effort in helping Outreach Peru, the Cardinal Hume Centre in London, Empandeni High School in Zimbabwe and the establishment of a church run library in Algeria. In total the School has so far raised well over £11,000 for charitable causes. Furthermore, approximately 200 pupils have contributed to the voluntary service programme this academic year, and on average each pupil has given some 36 hours of service.

The School Chaplaincy has also seen some significant developments this year, firstly with the arrival of three Chilean oblates from the Manquehue Movement in Santiago. I hope this is the start of a repeated annual visit. Secondly, I am pleased to report that the number of pupils taking part in Lectio Divina is steadily increasing, as are the number of those serving at Thursday Worship and other Monastic offices.

The School was also privileged to have the company of His Eminence the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster at Solemn Vespers in September 2008 and the Papal Nuncio at the Westminster Mass.

In the area of sports, our girls have enjoyed a full sporting programme. One very sporty member of St Mary’s relayed to prospective parents at an Open Morning that she plays far more sport at Worth than she ever played in her all girls school! Of course, our expectations for sporting success were not high at the start of the year – given that we only had 32 girls and several of them had never played either hockey or netball before. However, sporting victories and respectable draws were achieved in many matches, and I was particularly delighted that the girls held Downside to a 1:1 draw in hockey in what I hope will become an annual sporting event.

As for the boys, our teams have performed admirably.

The Under 15 Rugby Squad reached the semi finals of the Sussex Cup; the Under 18 Rugby Squad were runners up in the Sussex Cup final; the School’s Rugby Sevens Squad reached the final stages of the National Sevens Competition at Rosslyn Park; and the 1st XV beat Downside 48–6 in what was an excellent all-round season. An Austin House 5-a-side team were Champions in the Phoenix Cup Competition; and the School Basketball team have won all of their matches bar one and became Champions of the Southern Independent Schools’ Basketball League.

Anne and Gino Carminati

Particular areas of individual achievement and success include representation to play rugby and cricket for Sussex; the Harlequins Sussex School U13 squad; a three year contract to play football with Brighton; participation at the English Junior Alpine Skiing Championships in Bormio, the British Championships in Meribel and the Inter-Schools’ Skiing Championships; selection to race in Formula Two motor racing; a South East England Champion and bronze award in the foil, leading to representation in the British Youth Championships. In fencing, we came 2nd overall in the Public Schools’ Fencing Competition and 3rd in the Master of Arms Competition; and 11 boys across the age range have been selected to represent North Sussex in the County Athletics Championships.

I offer these as a snapshot of the School’s many activities and achievements. Not only has this been a busy and successful year, but it has also been one that has truly lived up to our aspiration of educating the mind, body and spirit.

At Worth, our Benedictine ethos and values are strong and clearly evident in the very fabric of our being.

Worth has a sharp mind, a strong body and a generous spirit. In an age of uncertainty, we remain true to our traditions and core values. At a time of decline and decay in so many areas of life, we continue to grow, flourish and prosper. I congratulate and thank everyone who has played a part in making this a successful year and in supporting this School in its continued growth and success.

Gino Carminati, Headmaster May 2009

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Community Outreach from Worth Above: Kieran McKeown from Holy Family Church in Langley, Slough addresses a group of Confirmandi, Faith Friends and Catechists in the Unity Room at Worth Abbey Below left: The Confirmandi photographed together in the Quiet Garden Below right: The Confirmandi, accompanied by Fr Kevin O’Driscoll (standing in background), are given a tour of the grounds at Worth by Brother Gabriel (speaking in foreground)

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ince re-joining Worth Society’s Committee back in 2007, I have been vigorously pursuing an idea that I had – to make Worth’s very essence and spirituality more easily accessible to those who do not have the opportunity to experience it. My hope is that the pilot we have successfully launched, will prompt others in the Worthian community to think about ways of connecting their own local parishes to Worth.

My local church is Holy Family Church, in Langley, Slough. Over the years I have got to know Fr Kevin O’Driscoll and the parish worker, Kieran McKeown.

I introduced Fr Kevin and Kieran to my school contemporary, Fr Luke Jolly (C’71) at Worth. Following some brainstorming and discussions, we agreed to bring a group of 12-13 year old children who were preparing for confirmation, to visit Worth Abbey on Saturday 28th June 2008. Eight late teenagers, acting as Faith Friends and Catechists, would join the group of 50 youngsters. Our aim was to give these young people the opportunity to experience a different part of the church.

The group reflected the rich diversity of the Langley and Slough urban conurbation and the mix of backgrounds included youngsters from Italy, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Poland and Sri Lanka.

So, at 9am on the 28th June 2008, our party found themselves warmly welcomed by Fr Luke and Brother Gabriel with refreshments aplenty. The “Unity Room”, a large room off the Chapel, was to be the base for the Confirmandi during the day.

The young people were given a tour of the grounds and visited the farm and the Quiet Garden. Everyone enjoyed being together and appreciated the peace and beautiful scenery that we all take for granted at Worth.

12.30pm found the group in the Abbey Church where Brother Gabriel explained the structure of midday prayers. Everyone was invited to join the silence as the Community assembled. After midday prayer, the group had lunch and enjoyed some free time before embarking on music rehearsals for the Confirmation Mass.

Worth 75 and Worthians

Brother Gabriel then outlined his life-story to the Confirmandi, and explained why he felt called to his vocation; while, the Faith Friends and Catechists discussed ‘vocation’ with Father Luke. The rest of the day included a short liturgy and some time in prayer in preparation for the Confirmation Day, before the candidates were divided into three groups with each group taking a Gospel story which they communicated to the wider group. This was shared by way of a liturgy, worship and reflection.

Worth Society’s main contribution to Worth 75 was the presentation of a ‘Picnic Pops’ Concert on Saturday 9th May 2009 – a spectacular evening of music performed by current Worth students, Worthians and guest musicians.

Fr Kevin of Holy Family then brought the day to a close with prayer, a blessing and warm thanks to the Worth Community. At 5pm, we said our goodbyes and the return journey to Langley was made.

An audience of monks, Worthians, former parents, parishioners, school staff, students and current parents enjoyed an eclectic programme in a marquee on the sunken (Gervase House) lawn.

The visit to Worth for the Confirmandi from Holy Family Parish, Langley was judged a great success.

Many of the young people expressed to Fr Kevin and Kieran how much they enjoyed their day.

Compered and organised by Julian Gairdner (StB’89), the music was in perfect compliment to the venue. It covered a wide spectrum ranging from a double string quartet playing Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik; to a big band, conducted by Mike Matthews (B’99), playing a selection of Jazz and MoTown; and the Worth School Orchestra and guest solo pianist playing Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.

To reinforce the relationship, a Parish Theology Course visited Worth on the 27th September 2008 for a day of recollection. Kieran foresees different groups from Langley Parish visiting Worth – with a visit by local religious leaders being mooted for the future – while Fr Kevin is looking forward to building the relationship for the longer term.

But perhaps the best compliment to the 2008 group of young people, is that we are returning with our 2009 Parish Confirmandi in June 2009.

Brother Gabriel and Fr Luke are keen to replicate the idea with other parishes and develop a Worthian Community Outreach programme with the extended Worthian community. So, any Worthian who is interested in the concept, should not hesitate to contact James Forte on info40@vision40.com, or Father Luke at Worth Abbey on ljolly@worth.org.uk to find out more.

James Forte (C’72)

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orth 75 – the celebration of 75 years since the foundation of Worth – has united many aspects of Worth’s diverse life.

Between each of the performances the audience enjoyed their delicious picnics and mingled with old friends and new. While we would like to have seen more representation from the undoubted musical talent that exists among the Worthian alumni, this still proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying evening.

Worth 75 was also delighted to welcome fifteen Worthians, four with girlfriends, to Worth over the Easter Triduum for a Worthian Retreat – the first to take place after a lapse of over 35 years.

James Anthony (G’97), Livio Belpassi (B’04), Lorenzo Belpassi (B’04), Jamie Bruce (R’04), Tom Carew Hunt (StB’02), Thomas Cottrell (StB’04), Harry Fielder (B’03), Matthew Forster (F’03), Adam Fudakowski (G’02), Anthony Haggar (G’93), Chris Kelly (R’96), Patrick Long (B’94), Nicholas Palmer Brown (B’03), Alex Perry (R’99) and Giles Turton (F’02), stayed in the new Gervase House from Maundy Thursday until Easter Sunday. As well as attending the major liturgies and joining the Monastic Office, there were a number of talks and discussions. All participants found it a richly rewarding experience and are keen to open the opportunity to a wider group in future years.

We are therefore looking at forming an ongoing network of spiritual support and connection following on from the sense of engagement and enrichment that all attendees appreciated and enjoyed during this Worthian Retreat.

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Worth Society Life

Life and Times of Worth Old Boys

The Old Place

Worth 75 has been delighted to welcome a cohort of Worthians to every one of its events throughout this celebratory year – events which have been organised by different groups within the wider Worth community.

Scenes from Worth Society’s ‘Picnic Pops’ Concert

Fr Luke Jolly (C’71)

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Worthians—The Second Generation: May 2009 Pupil Surname

Christian Name

Current Year

House

(house, year left)

Bisgood

Thomas

13

Bisset

Oliver

13

Clyde-Smith

Benjamin

Coffin

Jessica

Marcos

Father’s name

Pupil Surname

Christian Name

Current Year

House

Father’s name

Rutherford

Patrick (G'70)

Noel-Hill

Michael

11

St Bedes

Steve (StB'74)

Butler

Niel (B'77)

Owers

Samuel

9

Butler

Paul (G'81)

11

St Bedes

Julian (G'68)

Pickard

Rory

11

St Bedes

Simon (StB'78)

12

St Mary's

Christopher (G'73)

Riley

Antony

13

Rutherford

Alastair (G'71)

Ferdinand

10

Rutherford

Ferdinand (R'74)

Rollo-Walker

Dominic

13

Rutherford

Damian (prep school)

Marcos

Joseph-Simon

8

Rutherford

Ferdinand (R'74)

Walford

Jaime

13

Rutherford

Juan (prep school)

Marcos

Vincent

7

Rutherford

Ferdinand (R'74)

Watson

Edward

13

St Bedes

John (StB'70)

Metcalf

James

10

Rutherford

Nicholas (R'75)

Wheeler

Ruan

8

Rutherford

James (C'68)

Neville Smith

Alexander

12

St Bedes

David (prep school)

Whelpton

Harry

11

Rutherford

Charles (B'74)

Neville Smith

William

11

St Bedes

David (prep school)

(house, year left)

Children of Worthians Registered to Join Worth: May 2009 Pupil Surname

Christian Name

Proposed start date

Year group

(house, year left)

Barnett

Emily

Bayles

Sebastian

Coffin

Madeleine

Elwes

Father’s name

Pupil Surname

Christian Name

2011

7

Nicholas (G'73)

Montgomery

Archie

2017

9

Simon (B'90)

Morrissey

Frederick

2010

12

Christopher (G'73)

Murphy

Hugh

Jasper

2009

9

Benedict (G'81)

Owers

Elwes

Samuel

2010

9

Benedict (G'81)

Elwes

Barnaby

2012

9

Harries

William

2010

Harries

Toby

McDermott

Robert

Proposed start date

Year group

(house, year left)

Father’s name

2010

9

Guy (C'83)

2015

9

Patrick (R'84)

2009

9

John (B'77)

Guy

2010

9

Paul (G'81)

Pickard

George

2010

9

Gregory (StB'81)

Benedict (G'81)

Quigley

Alexander

2014

9

Donal (R'81)

9

David (G'80)

Sharpe

Frederick

2011

9

Jonathan (B'84)

2012

9

David (G'80)

Spencer

Piers

2009

9

Peter (G'78) RIP

2011

9

Stephen (B'88)

Woolgar

Edward

2012

12

Dermot (G'83)

Worthians—University Places Gained Autumn 2008 Name

Course

University

Name

Course

University

Edward Armstrong

Sports Science

Aberdeen

James Matthews

Music Tech.

Queen’s University, Belfast

Peter Armstrong

Natural Sciences

Leeds

Dominic Maxwell-Lewis

English

Glasgow

Henrik Backer

Economics

Aberdeen

Thomas McMurray

Zoology

St Andrews

Charles Beecroft

Sports Business Management

Bristol University of West England

David Miles

History

Exeter

Fraser Moyle

Music

York

Matthew Blott

History

Newcastle

Rehan Mudannayake

Film Studies

Kent

Achim Bonsch

Management with Spanish

Bocconi, Italy

Thomas O’Hare

Economics

Aberdeen

Florentin Braunewell

Engineering

Germany

Enrique Onieva

History

St Louis University, Madrid

Tim Brenninkmeyer

Music

Liverpool

Peter Osborne

Engineering

Newcastle

Benedict Bridge

Building Surveying

Reading

William Palmer-Brown

Biology

Exeter

Calum Butler

Politics & Sociology

Newcastle

Richard Pannell

Engineering

Southampton

Daniel Cho

International Relations

LSE

Luke Pickering

Physics

Imperial

Harry Clancy

Philosophy

Trinity College, Dublin

Arm Pongpiriyakan

Engineering

Sussex

Nicholas Coleridge-Watts

History

Royal Holloway, University of London

Tom Priestly

Physiotherapy

Sheffield Hallam

Robin Rehm

Accounting & Finance

Bocconi, Italy

Jonathan Rollo-Walker

Economics

Exeter

Pedro Sanchez Monreal

Business Administration

Carlos III University, Madrid

Chemistry

Edinburgh

Edward Davidson

Maths

Glasgow

James Doyle

Media Arts

Royal Holloway, University of London

Matthew Fitzsimons

Natural Sciences

Birmingham

Constantin Scarisbrick

Patrick Forsyth

Computing

Kingston

Matthew Scotland

Accounting & Finance

Loughborough

Nathan Gower

Classics

Cambridge

Patrick Slevin

History

Edinburgh

Engineering

Aberdeen

William Gritten

Philosophy & Theology

Edinburgh

James Soulsby

David Guerrini-Nazoa

History

Exeter

Inigo Suarez De Puga

Spanish & German

RHUL

Christopher Hallam

Accounting & Finance

LSE

Sam Swadling

Economics

Exeter

Engineering

Princeton

Joshua Hardwick

Philosophy

Warwick

Philippe Thoemmes

Florian Heiss

Biology

Aberdeen

Gregory Tuck

Modern Languages

Bath

James Henwood

International Business

Loughborough

Adrian Vella

Business & Hospitality

Bournemouth

Derek Huang

Sports Science

Southampton

Hugo Volk

Management

Warwick

Film & Television

RHUL

Sam Johnston

Philosophy

UCL

Thomas Wade

Daniel Keefe

English

York

Alexander White

English

Exeter

Christopher Kelly

Physics

Bristol

Jonathan Whitehead

History & English

Aberdeen

Mathew King

English

Loughborough

Henry Winter

International Business

City

Gobi Lam

Media

Oxford Brookes

Nicholas Wong

Civil Engineering

Nottingham

Anthony Lamb

Theology

Bristol

Christopher Yim

Economics

Nottingham

Ki-Hyuk Lee

Economics

LSE

58 I

Please note these details were correct at time of going to press.

Worth Society Life

Life and Times of Worth Old Boys

The Old Place