Old Barnardians Newsletter - March 2013

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Old Barnardians NewsletterPresident: Alan Stevens, Vice Presidents: Kenneth King and Gerry Camozzi. March 2013

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Dear Old Barnrdian

There was an audible “yeuch” in Chapel at the start of this term when I described how the touching love of Lady Dervorguilla of Galloway for her late husband, John

Balliol of Barnard Castle, led her to have his heart embalmed and housed in a highly-decorated casket. Therein, his heart accompanied her everywhere until her death when both she and her husband’s heart were laid to rest together in Sweetheart Abbey near Dumfries.

The reaction of youth to stories of pathos and passion can leave some of us in a state of despair, usually those among us who do not choose to become teachers. Those of us who do, treasure the moments when the same boys and girls disgorge from Chapel and look at John Balliol’s image in the stained glass of the porch as though seeing it for the fi rst time; the urgent questions from a cabal of young enthusiasts who want to know just how old the Balliol coat of arms really is and the balanced judgement of the more mature adolescent who pronounces that “Sir, that was a bit gross, but really nice actually.”

As the School this year makes an unprecedented investment in its ICT infrastructure and looks towards an ambitious programme of capital developments which will introduce some state of the art facilities, it is important that we and the boys and girls who will be the next generation of OBs remain grounded and true to the School’s values.

Our individual and collective history and experience are what give us character and meaning. In a School that values openness, altruism, hard work and friendship, an awareness of 800 year-old tales of love and generosity have their place, just as does knowing how to connect your ipad to the wireless network.

Over the coming months there will be numerous opportunities for Old Barnardians to re-acquaint themselves with friends, former teachers and with the School. I warmly encourage you to join us.

Alan Stevens, Headmaster.

A Message from the Headmaster

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This year sees the third year of my tenure as Chairman and as with the previous two years, I have enjoyed the

opportunities afforded to me to meet many Old Barnardians throughout the year. Some of these occasions have been informal ones, with old boys or girls just dropping in to look around the school. Others have been more formal like the London Dinner or Barnardian Day, but whatever the situation it is always heart-warming to see the importance that the school holds for its former pupils.

As ever, though, the Club is always looking to prosper and organise relevant events and so I invite all Old Barnardians to join in with these occasions or make suggestions for future ones so as to make the calendar year as interesting and relevant as possible.

This year there have been several signifi cant events. Firstly the London Olympics was brought closer to the School as it hosted the start of one of the Olympic Torch relay legs. The

whole School spent an hour watching the procession along with staff member Mr Andy Woodward, who had run one of the legs earlier in the itinerary. Not to be outdone an Old Barnardian, Angela Whiting (nee Spark) also took the torch later on its journey through Barney.

Secondly the Club said goodbye to Graham Ratcliffe, who had served as a committee member, Chairman and also as the Club Representative on the School’s Governing body. I would like to thank him publically for all he has done for the Club and wish him well with his life in France.

Lastly I had the very great pleasure at the Club’s AGM in July to make offi cial the invitation to Gerry Camozzi to become a Vice-President of the Club. Gerry’s enthusiasm, dedication and loyalty to the Club over many years have been outstanding and it was fi tting to acknowledge his service.

The Club, as ever, is only as good as its members. Our Secretary, Dorothy Jones, works tirelessly on our behalf and she, too, deserves our gratitude for all she does. Finally I would like to thank all the committee members for their time and effort throughout the year.

I look forward to meeting more Old Barnardians in 2013.

Stuart Everall, Chairman

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A Message from the Chairman

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A Message from the Head of School

When I was appointed Head of School in July of 2012, I felt nervous. Perhaps this anxiety was understandable,

since becoming the student representative for one of the most important schools in the North East is a scary yet exhilarating prospect. Possibly my fears were grounded more in the worry that I would not live up to my headmaster’s, my peers’ my and teachers’ expectations, which I have found at Barney is no easy task! Equally possible was the terrifying prospect of completing four A-Levels, alongside playing rugby, singing in the Chapel Choir and organising my university application, again all part and parcel of a Barney education. However, now having completed the winter term and settled comfortably (I hope!) into my role within school, I think I appreciate what caused my apprehension back in July 2012; I felt worried that I may not be able to give back to Barney everything it has given me over the last 7 years here.

I still remember vividly arriving at Barney on my fi rst day aged 11, frightened by the austere grandness of Big School and the swathes of what seemed to me giant pupils striding confi dently around. My fi rst experience of rugby didn’t go altogether well either, with the main memory that persists today being the experience of lying crumpled, wet and muddy at the bottom of a pile of boys fi rmly entangled together. Latin wasn’t too fun at fi rst as well, with looming prospect of learning the dreaded ‘noun table’ invariably leading to me and my friends chanting “Latin is a language as dead as dead can be…” Yet over the years due to practice, determination and largely the patience and generosity of staff, the tasks and work I used to so loathe, have instead became the ones that I now greatly enjoy and value. Going to Chapel in the morning, freezing Games lessons in the snow, the rush for biscuits at break time, the ordeal of the Barney Run, and of course all the prep. While I admit many of these do still present slight challenges today, what Barney seems to have really taught me is to roll my sleeves up and get on with the job, which often turns out in the end to be pretty good fun!

I feel privileged to represent Barney as Head of School, and I try and employ all the skills I have learnt here to aid its daily running. Yet these experiences are not only applicable to school life, I’m confi dent that my Barney education will have thoroughly prepared me for the world of university and then work. And although I am saddened by the prospect of leaving the school in the summer, I know in reality that an education at Barney never really leaves you and I have the OB Club to turn to remind me of what Barney instilled in me.

Calum Matthews, Head of School

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Review of the School Academic Year 2011-2012

The School reconvened in September with pupil numbers remaining healthy. Of course some pupils had already begun their year by attending pre-season hockey training and hosting a four team rugby tournament at School.

New pupils enter their Houses and very soon they start to practise for the House Singing competition. Whilst the girls’ houses invariably sound better, the boys’ houses certainly sing with gusto. This year was no exception; York House won the junior section singing “Rock around the Clock” and Bowes House took the senior section. Paul Harrison, a former member of staff had the unenviable task of adjudicating, whilst the staff, as ever, made fools of themselves singing one of Mr Bishop’s lyrically altered songs.

As the new Director of Drama, Mr Scott Edwards fi rst production was “The Royal Hunt of the Sun”. This hard-hitting piece of drama was enjoyed by many and had lead performances from Martha Moore and Imogen Ridley. Also signifi cant was the fact that pupils led by Andrew Bussey and Ben Jeffrey took on the responsibility of all the technical side of the production.

Slightly less formal but just as enthusiastically undertaken was a new competition – House Drama. Juniors, Inters and Seniors all had to participate and each House produced contributions of varying quality! Durham House, directed by Chris Robinson and Neil Stanwix were the victors.

Two adventurous trips were held during the October half term. The fi rst was an U14. girls hockey and boys rugby tour to the Netherlands. Each played two games, whilst also visiting the delights of Amsterdam. The second trip was longer and possibly more educational with Mrs Jackson taking 41 pupils to Iceland. Here they visited volcanic landscapes, walked on glaciers, went to towering waterfalls and enjoyed lava tubing. This incredible experience was recorded on a daily blog enabling friends and family to follow events.

On the sporting front, the rugby sides all performed creditably with the 1st XV winning 10 out of 14 but, crucially and disappointingly, they went out of the Daily Mail Cup to Woodhouse Grove, losing in the last play of the game. The U16 side won 8 out of 9 games and from the senior section of the school three boys played international rugby. Guy Van den Dries (Head of School) and Alec Clarey played for England 18 Group and Jonny Coser played for the England A team at U16 level.

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The girls’ hockey teams all had successes with the 1st XI quite a young side. They won 5 out of 12 games with the U16s having the best record with 5 wins out of 8. Not to be outdone on the representative front, Emma Peat played for the North of England at U21 level. “Nailing Up” saw Northumberland win the rugby and Marwood the hockey.

Equally adventurous and energetic are the CCF activities. With numbers fl ourishing under the leadership of Major Hall and SSI Lewis, they had a great deal of success. Section Commander, Cadet RSM Sam Hunter led the Colts’ Canter team to a very creditable second place but this team were surpassed by the Jarvais Cup team, who shot their way to victory. The Contingent played a full part in the Town’s Remembrance Day Service and they enjoyed a successful Biennial inspection, when Wing Commander Richard Turner saw a variety of activities. He was also able to

promote his daughter, Emily, to Colour Sergeant. The usual CCF activities also occurred throughout the year such as Adventure Training, Summer Camps and the House Shooting Competition. Tees were the victorious house with Charlie Naseby being the “best shot”.

The Duke of Edinburgh award scheme is very popular. This year twenty boys and girls successfully completed the demands of the Silver award, with the expedition being assessed by former Headmaster, David Ewart. Seven

managed to complete their Gold award and these are valuable achievements to possess. Equally valuable to have on one’s CV is an involvement with World Challenge. Nine pupils from the upper and lower sixth, accompanied by Mr Brettell, spent two weeks in August in Ghana. Not only were they able to sample the different culture but they were also able to make meaningful contributions to the local community by helping to build and repair the facilities of a local school.

The Chapel is arguably the hub of our school. Much emanates from this building. The Chapel Choir are an integral part of what occurs in the Chapel and this year they were led by Ivy Lai as Head of Choir. They performed to their usual high standard not just in the various school celebrations like Remembrance Day, the Services of Nine Lessons and Carols and Confi rmation but also at Newbiggin Methodist Chapel, York Minster and the Bowes Museum. The Confi rmation candidates were confi rmed by the Bishop of Durham, Justin Welby, who has now moved on to higher things!The Chaplain also links the work of the Charity Committee to the Chapel and this year, through various activities and jaunts, the pupils have raised in excess of £10 000. But the most important event of this year was the fact that the Chapel was celebrating its centenary year. A picture was taken of all the pupils in the shape of the number 100 on Chapel Lawn and a new stained glass window was commissioned to celebrate this historic anniversary.

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Music, of course, is not just confi ned to the Chapel. The school has a thriving music community. The Wind Band played at Darlington Arena, the Jazz Band at the Summer Evening of Jazz and the Junior Orchestra and Chamber Choir performed with distinction. Individually musical skills abound. Lucy Parkinson achieved grade VIII in violin, whilst Hannah Robertson, Zak Day, Whizzy Gorman and Lucy Parkinson, again, all achieved grade VII with their respective instruments or skills. The Music Festival in March showed the full range of talent at the school with Esther Lee being crowned “Musician of the Year”.

The Squash V were young and inexperienced and won 6 of their 15 games. The Hockey 1st XI were also quite young and managed to win 3 out of 10. The girls’ Netball had slightly more success with the 1st VII winning half their games and the U16 team being County runners-up. They could not quite progress in the national competition but had in Thea Thompson an England U17 trialist. Tori Richardson with her Lacrosse skill represented the North of England.

Other notable house events in the Spring Term include the Barnard Run and the Public Speaking Competition. The “Barney Bash” for the Butterwick Cup was won by Durham and Marwood but

in the Barnard Run itself Tees House prevailed in the boys’ competition and Bowes House in the girls. Individual wins were recorded by Ellie Shannon, Zak Day, Katie Body and Sam Leeming and the senior events were won by Thea Thompson and James Watson.

The School’s musical was “The Little Shop of Horrors” with Martha Moore, Dale Keogh and Euan Hobson playing their lead parts with great enthusiasm and talent. The rest of the cast both front and back-stage contributed to a fi rst class performance. Later in the year both the Junior years with “Sparkleshark” and the Inters with “Uncle Vanya” performed admirably and this bodes well for drama in years to come.

The most important aspect of the summer term is, of course, the undertaking of external examinations. The results revealed in August that much hard work had paid dividends with at GCSE a pass rate of 92% (A*-C), which was a slight improvement on last year. At A

level the school had a 97% success (A-E), which was in line with last year’s results. One notable achievement (amongst many) was the success of Imogen Ridley, who secured her place at St. Peter’s, Oxford to read Theology just like her father and grandfather before her.

Sports’ Day was held on May Day Bank Holiday and typical bank holiday weather ensued. Iain Swall broke Rory Underwood’s long standing distance in the shot. Overall the senior girls’ competition was won by Marwood and in the boys’ event Dale were the winners. The Victrix Ludorum was shared by Thea Thompson and Caitlin Bainbridge, whilst Finlay Tait and Anthony Harrison shared the Victor Ludorum.

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Summer sports took something of a battering from the weather. Athletics, cricket, rounders and tennis all suffered many cancellations. The 1st XI did beat the Durham Pilgrims but ultimately had a record of winning 4 out of 13. Northumberland won the House cricket and Marwood the rounders competition. At the end of term the Barnardian weekend enabled the school to play against Old Barnardians in a variety of sports. Cricket, football, tennis and netball were all undertaken and the honours were shared.

At the end of a school year there are always good-byes to say and events to mark the passing of an era. The Year 11s had their “prom” at the Morritt and the U6 had their “Leavers’ Ball” at School. At Speech Day Old Barnardian, Frank Whatley had kindly agreed to be the guest speaker. He presented 60 prizes to the outgoing year and spoke eloquently to the audience. Teachers Rachel Mitchell and Miles Hudson left for pastures new, whilst Jane Hirst and Gina Wilson retired. Senior Mistress and ex Housemistress of Bowes House, Mrs Bernadette Ellison, retired after 19 years of loyal service. She was wished a happy retirement not only at Speech Day but by former members of Bowes House who came to a surprise barbeque. In the Summer holidays there was cause for celebration when Mr Nick Connor and Miss Caroline Hall, both teachers at School, married in the School Chapel. Sadly not long after this happy occasion the funeral of Mr Alan Chadwick, former Headmaster of Prep School and Chemistry teacher also took place in Chapel.Many OBs and former members of Staff attended.

The summary of the school year can never be totally comprehensive, so many activities, some more formal than others occur, all of them important in their own right. What this review shows is a thriving and busy school with keen and enthusiastic pupils. Whether it is cake decorating or selling mugs for Young Enterprise or a cricket match between the staff and the international pupils there is always something going on, that’s how it should be!

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Alan Wilkinson 1928-2013

It is with deep sadness that the Old Barnardians Club Committee announces the death of its Vice President, Alan Wilkinson, on Sunday 3rd March, at home after a short period of ill health.

Alan is pictured here at the launch of his book ‘Dotheboys and Beyond’, at School in May 2012.

At the time of printing the Old Barnardians Club Secretary has received over 70 messages of condolence and has produced a booklet to give to Alan’s family. Any further messages or cards may be sent to her at school.

A more comprehensive obituary will be included in the next Newsletter.

Rest In Peace

Our Congratulations to these recent Graduates:Rhys Adams (‘05), Marketing BSc Honours, Newcastle.Luke Kelly (’08), Architecture BA Honours, Newcastle University.Rachel Farrar (’08), MMathStat Honours, Newcastle.Tom Walshaw (‘05), Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, University of Aberdeen, Adrian Denham (‘07), BSc Hons Degree in Geoscience , University of Aberdeen, July 2012Jane Lowes (‘07), BVMed Sci(Hons) BVM BVS MRCVS, from Nottingham.Andrew Moss (‘08), 2.1 from Manchester University and is due to start his PhD at Bath in October.Ginny Lau (‘09), 2.1 from Goldsmiths College, University of London. We wish her much success in her new position as Gallery Assistant at the Saatchi Gallery working on shows in London, Paris and Helsinki.Helen Farrar (‘06), Medicine and Surgery MB BS Honours from Newcastle University.


Your News 2012/13

Charlotte Parker (2000) celebrated the baptism of her son, William Oliver in the School Chapel Feb 2013. Charlottes brother Matthew, also an Old Barnardian, has his own photographic business.

David Hamilton (‘97) David’s baby daughter, Amber May-Rose, was baptised in the School Chapel in January this year. Stephen Gorman was Godfather.

Tim Visser (‘06) is currently playing rugby for Edinburgh and Scotland. In 2012 he married OB Laura Davy (‘06)

Dominic Heald (‘91) has welcomed a new baby to the family. Caitlin Jayde was born on April 28th 2012 in Perth, Western Australia. Her big brothers, Luke and Jake are besotted. We wish them all lots of fun together.

The daughter of John McGuinness (’92), Eliza, was baptised in the School Chapel in June. John wrote the following: ‘We chose the School Chapel primarily because it is somewhere personal and special to both of us. It’s a beautiful building and setting with so many fond memories associated with it. My wife and I (Sarah Cliff, ’92) are both Old Barnardians as were so many of the guests - Sarah’s brother Hamish, my sister Clair (now Barbour), Robin Elliot, Nick Brown (who were both Godfathers), Jeff Foster and Ralph Foulds. Martin Forna couldn’t make the service because he was rehearsing with the Castle Players but came along later to join us at the party in Weardale.

Karl Dickson (‘00) was called up to the England Squad for the 6 Nations in 2012. He played in the autumn series against SA Barbarians, where he replaced his brother Lee.

Lee Dickson (‘03) now has 7 England caps. He called in to School with his wife and 2 sons in Jan 2013, tweeting afterwards how good it was to be back!

Giles Deacon (‘88) was named ‘Designer of the Year’ at the World Fashion Awards in Moscow, April 2012. Victoria Beckham wore a Giles design for her appearance at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Olympics. He has also successfully launched a jewellery line on QVC

Paul Kane (’94) was married on July 21st 2012 to Leanne Bellamy

Edward Bishop (‘08), James Ritchie Bland (‘08) and Jonathan Stanwix (‘08) recently visited Las Vegas where they met up with Marcus Bately (’91) who lives there and runs a waste removal business - Burly Mini Dumps.

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David Grainger (‘85) recently wrote: After 22 years with Cambridge University, as student, Research Fellow at Magdalene College and Princill time on my commercial roles with the various biotech companies I have founded as spin-outs from my University lab, including Funxional Therapeutics – a Cambridge-based drug development company that has taken drug molecules we designed a decade ago as academics and taken them into a successful clinical trial programme. I am hoping that this big change in my career will leave me a little less busy (I was previously trying to be both an academic AND a company director; now, at least, I have hung up one of those two hats which should free up a little time). If that proves to be the case, maybe I will be able to join in an OB event or two and remake some old acquaintances from my school days at Barney.

Adam Ingram (‘03) is currently in the 4th year of his PhD in Astronomy at Durham University. We wish him well with his thesis.

Lizzie Neville (‘03) was married in July 2012 to Daniel Grogan (Pictured left) and is now expecting her fi rst child.

Antony Clark (‘86) after leaving school Antony became a Gemmologist and is a Fellow, and Diamond Fellow, of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. He is also the proud father of Finley and lives with his partner and son in Cheshire. He owns a Narrow Boat and enjoys spending his holidays cruising along the canals of England.

Peter Carroll (‘56) has just published his book on the history of Letton Hall which he has spent 30 years setting up as a conference and activities centre. Read more about the centre at http://www.lettonhall.org

Having lost contact with each other after leaving school Jon Anderson (‘89) and Richard Jopling (‘89) reconnected after Richard saw the piece about Jon in the newsletter. They were able to Skype each other and said that it was like they had seen each other yesterday! Richard is working with Graham Abraham (‘71) as crew on a private jet.

Keith Gordon (‘71) and Simon Arnold (‘71) are in touch with each other once more. Keith saw the article in the newsletter about Simon and they were able to make contact again with the help of the OB Secretary. Keith’s son is off to Australia and will be in contact with Simon’s son who plays rugby for Manly. Keith’s son is playing scrum half for Durham University and came across Nick Willings (‘64) who is coaching the backs there!

Gemma Hodges (‘00) married Clive Pearce in the School Chapel in May 2012 (Pictured right)

John Morgan (‘96) is a Lawyer at Dickenson Dees in Newcastle. His sister Eleanor (‘99) is Deputy Head at Repton Prep School in Derbyshire and younger sister, Rosalind (‘02), a Housemistress at a school in Perth & Kinross.

Matthew Robinson (‘10) called in for a quick visit in July. He is now in his fi nal year at Oxford.

David Orr (‘09) has been in touch recently and is now in his last year at the University of Sheffi eld where he is studying Mechanical Engineering.


Mike Woodhall (‘78) Mike has continued with his motorcycle travels, visiting Northern and Southern Ireland this year (photo shows his bike and that of his travelling colleague outside the Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast). Very sadly he attended the funeral of his school-friend Mark Chenoweth earlier in the year, where he met up with John F Moore, former schoolmaster and Roger Betterton, former pupil who played opposite Mike in the school productions of Dido and Aeneas, a Purcell opera, and also in Trial by Jury by Gilbert and Sullivan. Further travels on two wheels planned for 2013.

Rory Graham (T, ‘93) was recently ordained as Deacon at Chichester Cathedral, a special occasion made even more special when he discovered, at his pre-ordination interview, that the Bishop

conducting the ceremony was an OB. Mark Sowerby (Y, ‘80), the Bishop of Horsham and Acting Bishop of Chichester, asked Rory which House he had been in at School! From this point on they had fun comparing notes and reminiscing about those who had taught them. Both men spoke with fondness of their time at School.Although aware of his Christian values whilst at school Rory hadn’t quite appreciated the relevance of giving up one lunch time a term to attend communion service meetings. Rory has had a varied career since leaving school and graduating from Southampton University

including working with street children in Mozambique, children in residential care in Romania and as a Youth Worker in East Sussex. It was during this last role that his employer suggested he should consider being ordained in to the Ministry.

2012 was a big year for Ken Allinson (T’dale, ‘76) as he was awarded the MBE in the Queens Jubilee Birthday Honours for ‘Services to Young People’ and then in September celebrated his marriage to Debbie. Ken has been involved in the YMCA since 1981. He has a BA Hos in Sociology/Philosophy and an MA in Housing Studies. Congratulations Ken.

Walter Goundry (‘50) attended the 80th birthday of Dr Russell Hopkins (‘50) OBE LRCPMRCS TDS in Pembrokeshire where Russell has lived since his retirement and wrote the following: ‘Russell has had a distinguished career in Medicine. After leaving school he read Dentistry at Durham Medical School and was a facial injury consultant at the RVI, Newcastle. He then read Medicine.Russell left Newcastle to set up a new dept at the hospital in Cardiff where he eventually became Head of the Department. He was particularly instrumental in persuading doctors to become involved in, and responsible for, management. Forthright as we northerners tend to be he was mentioned in a House of Commons debate following an address to the BMA. Russell was a visiting examiner to Hong Kong hospitals and visiting Professor to a Venice hospital. His career was crowned when he was awarded the OBE by the then Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.

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In the Newsletter last year I informed you of Kenneth King’s poor health but I am delighted to say that he has made a fabulous recovery and is now managing to get out and about locally and is able to do some minor jobs around the house. Unfortunately however, Kenneth’s very long Christmas card list proved too big a task to attempt so he has asked me to convey to all of his friends his good wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2013. We wish him and Yvonne continued good health.

Ian Nuttall wrote to let me know of his extremely long bike ride! ‘I’ve just committed to educating a very good/valued friend of mine to the delights of the north of England. We’re catching the train from Bath to Carlisle, with our bikes, and then cycling back south....it’s all downhill apparently (dream on....) via the Settle-Carlisle (I’m modelling Dent Station as a retirement project; does this make me a ‘Saddo’?).....

followed by the Pennines, Peak District, a signifi cant detour of Birmingham (described by Lancashire comedian, Mike Harding, as “Danger, hole in the world”) and fi nally through the delights of the Cotswolds. 330 miles in four days; I shall arrive back home a day before my 65th birthday; do I merit a medal if I succeed???.....maybe not. I’m only sorry our route doesn’t take us through Barney, but at least we’re close, and I will ensure that my cycling partner, Stu, a Prep School Headmaster in his own right, is aware of the proximity of our wonderful school...........’

OBs at the Opera

Alan Fairs (‘65) (centre) opened in the 2012 English Touring Opera season as Don Basilio in Rossini’s Barber of Seville. Present at the fi rst night at the Hackney Empire were Kevin Whately (‘69), who was there to see and hear his daughter Kitty starring as Rosina, and Dick Davison (‘65) (right). The after-performance drinks brought the three together for the fi rst time in exactly 47 years, the last time being the 1965 Barney production of Marlow’s The Jew of Malta, which Dick produced and directed and which was one of Kevin’s earliest appearances on stage.

This photo was sent in by Rory Underwood who wrote ‘A few of our gang managed to meet up with Chris at Twickenham the Friday night before the French game at the weekend’. The gang included Rob Andrew, Dave Leonard, Richard Coulthwaite, Ashley Cooke, Rory Underwood, Neil McCallum, Simon McKean & Michael Graham. Great to see them all having such a great time together.


Chapel Centenary WindowAs many of you know the school Chapel celebrated its Centenary in 2012. There were various services from the Prep School children performing an up-to-date version of the school song to a fabulous Choral evening in November when the Chapel was packed with invited guests, including OBs married in the Chapel, former Headmasters, local dignitaries, former Staff and the new stained glass window was blessed. I am sure you will be interested to read the following press release:

A SCHOOL CHAPEL WITHHISTORY AND MYSTERYBarnard Castle School is celebrating the centenary of its Chapel with the installation and double dedication of a new stained glass window which traces the growth of the school from an all boys boarding school to the co-educational, day and boarding, local and international community which it is today. However the window contains mystery as well as history and associations which pre-date the school to a more ancient international connection with the crusades and Jerusalem itself, as well as with the Lords Barnard of Raby Castle.To the casual observer the new window is a colourful modern picture – a rainbow set against a globe and a starlit sky, with the “Pepperpot” landmark of the school spire, centre stage, with the historic school coat of arms. When you look closely, however, you can see that the rainbow is not true rainbow colours. In fact it starts with three colours of red, blue and gold signifying the colours of the three houses, York, Northumberland and Durham – the three counties which gave the school its original name of the “North Eastern County School” at its foundation in 1883. As the rainbow broadens out into a spectrum of colours and shields you can trace the progress by which boarding expanded to include day boys in Teesdale house (subsequently Tees and Dale Houses) and both boarding and day girls’ houses (Longfi eld, Marwood and Bowes). Further expansion included the reach of the school into other countries, hence the globe in the background. The original design for the window came from a sixth former, Erica Lee, who is one of the Hong Kong community at the school.So much for the history but what of the mystery? Near the foot of the rainbow, commemorating their early association with the chapel, are the twin emblems of Freemasonry (the familiar dividers) and the Coat of Arms of the Knights Templar of Durham Province. At the top of the window lancets, amongst blazing stars, are set the red cross of the crusaders and the cross of St John familiar to many who know the St John’s Ambulance Brigade. This reminds us that one of the charities whose funds helped found the school in the 1880s was St John’s Hospital, tracing its origins to a 13th century crusader, John Baliol. The Knights Templar are a branch of Freemasonry who still help fund St John’s Hospital

in Jerusalem and more signifi cantly were part of the wider fraternity of Freemasons who funded the Chapel in the 1900s, under the then Provincial Grand Master, The Lord Barnard. In 1910, Freemasons from the three counties were given discounted train travel to Barnard Castle, changed into their Masonic regalia in Bowes Museum, and then processed to the School to lay the foundation stone of the School Chapel. The Knights Templar of Durham have kept the connection ever since – funding various projects in the Chapel over the last 100 years and contributing generously to the centenary window, culminating in their own dedication of the window at the annual church service of the Provincial Priory of Knights Templar of Durham on October

28th , ahead of the school’s dedication on November 9th. Provincial Prior, Alan Hall commented after the Dedication that his Knight Templar members were delighted to be associated with the splendid new window marking not only the centenary of the chapel but also the long connection between Barnard Castle School and the Freemasons of County Durham.

Chaplain and Deputy Head Academic, Rev Stephen Ridley added “Every member of the school community can fi nd himself or herself in the centenary window. The local and international fl avour of the community and the diversity of day and boarding, boys and girls is celebrated here, alongside a proud association with the Masonic movement which perhaps goes back to the crusader John Baliol and the St John’s Hospital Charity on whose land the school

stands. This is a window of many parts. The Masonic fraternity will recognise the rich symbolism of crosses and stars and others

will fi nd in the cross keys, not only a reminiscence of the Universal Christian Church going back to St Peter of Rome and Canterbury but also a fond memory of the Art teacher Suzanne Cuthbertson, whose ability to lose her keys in class became legendary enough to be included in Erica Lee’s original design, in the days after Suzanne’s tragic death from cancer last year. We are hugely grateful to all those who backed the

centenary project and applaud the skills of Cumbrian stained glass makers “Northern Lights” in bringing it to completion. Unusually the School Chapel is oriented North/ South, so the new window lets in the eastern sun which speaks of resurrection and casts rainbow colours which remind us of God’s eternal covenant with humankind”.

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Around a 100 or so OBs from all eras turned up for a fabulous fun day on Sunday. The weather, although not as glorious as last year, didn’t halt proceedings at any stage thank goodness. As usual the day began with a Chapel Service which was well attended and very special since it was part of the celebration of 100 years of worship in the building. The Choir was in fi ne voice (as were the congregation), the House Flags were fl ying and at the back of the Chapel there was an exhibition of it’s history. There then followed a day of sport, refreshments and storytelling which was enjoyed by all. The Chairman and Secretary would like to publically thank all those who organised teams for the day and those who came to support – we are already looking forward to the next one!This year we welcomed Mrs Iris Cutler and her daughter to the Chapel Service. Mrs Cutler made the long journey up from Kent to be part of the service where her husband would be remembered in special prayers. Barnard Castle School holds a special place in Mrs Cutler’s heart as her husband was always very proud of his school. On sports day the fi rst Cutler Cup was presented to the Intermediate Boys Overall Winner and fi ttingly it went to a Durham House boy as John had also been in Durham House.

Barnardian Day 2012

Friends from far and wide gathered at the East India Club in October 2012 for the Annual London Dinner. A special guest was Calum Matthews, the Head of School. Calum was

thrilled to be there and mentioned afterwards that he met some very interesting and fun OBs who had some ‘amazing stories to tell (best not to ask!).

London Dinner 2012


Olympic Torch Relay

There was great excitement in June 2012 when the whole school poured down to the bottom of the drive to line Newgate as the Olympic torch relay began its journey through Barnard Castle. The journey began at the bottom of the Prep School drive and during the morning the torch bearers spent some time in Prep school. I think OBs will be thrilled to see the photo of Angela Whiting (nee Spark) with Mrs Sue Seddon.

Old Barnardians Golf 2012

The Old Barnardians Committee would like to thank Mr Graydon Parkin for his efforts in organising the golf tournament this year (and last year). His report follows.‘We had a very succesful day. 18 players and a wonderful blend of old, old boys, new old boys, retired staff and present members of staff. Everyone really enjoyed themselves and thankfully many passed this on to the fi xtures secretary (and to me) before leaving. The results are as follows:

Gradon Cup Andrew Robson, Stuart Everall (2nd),Tony Craig (3rd)

Tony Parkinson Trophy for the Longest Drive Kevin AtkinNearest Pin 18th Steve Kean

Others playing in the event: Andy Moorehouse, Daniel Parkin, Graydon Parkin, John Urquhart, Mike Wilson, Martin Ince, David Austin, Nick Seddon, Stephen Ridell, Tom Hatfi eld, Dick Stevens. We have gone from 9 last year to 18 this year. The response was very positive. We look forward to even more joining us next year’.

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Obituaries

The thoughts and prayers of the whole Barnard Castle School community are extended to the family and friends and of those Old Barnardians no longer with us. May they rest in peace.

C A R (Bob) Johnson (‘86) - suddenly in Feb 2013. Bob leaves a wife, Samantha and two sons, Chris and Isaac.

Richard Ridley Reay - passed away in July 2011.

Keith Rochester - passed away suddenly on March 10th 2012. Keith had 2 sons who are doctors and fi ve grandchildren. He was married for 43 years.

Alan Chadwick - Much loved Prep School Headmaster, Chemistry teacher and polymath, Alan Chadwick, died this year, aged 73. His funeral was held in the School Chapel, 31st August, 2012. ‘A grammar school boy from humble origins, Alan’s early achievements as Head boy of his school, then Cambridge graduate, were conventional enough but he had a life-long suspicion of pomp and ceremony, leant towards radical left-wing politics, regarded religion and most grand narratives of human existence as a weakness and forsook his fi rst teaching post in Hull for a more grounded educational approach, which he found in Tanzania then Zambia. Married to Barbara (whom he had met as a lab technician in Hull) with small children, David and Nina, he returned from turmoil in Zambia, to be offered the headmastership of Barnard Castle Prep School. Here the legend grew. With a photographic memory and an ability to learn new skills at any time in his life (he produced the fi rst timetable programme in the school), Alan was an engaging conversationalist but, above all, an eccentric with explosive tastes – literally! To the delight of staff and children, terms would often end with a march to the top of the school fi eld and extraordinary pyrotechnics which would prob-ably have failed any modern health and safety procedures. The most memorable was a bomb, built along IRA lines, which left a crater in the fi eld and cracked windows in the Bowes Museum. His skills were put to good use in more conventional ways, in the garden, where he was an expert on fertiliser compounds and, in retirement, tended a garden full of fl ora which bulked the arrangements in School Chapel on the day of his funeral.

Prep School Headmaster from 1979 to 1989, in the days when pupils and resident staff competed for space in Westwick Lodge, Alan was the driving force behind the gooseberry picking expedi-tions, the sledging in winter, cub camps and hiking, swimming and rounders – the very stuff of childhood memory. Taking up the cudgels of Chemistry in the senior school from 1989 to2001, I remember thinking the labs were ablaze, only to be told that Alan always lit every Bunsen burner in the winter to take the chill off the place. Retreating to part-time teaching between 2001 and 2003, Alan remained a fi xture on the Waddington walking trips for several years beyond this and was only robbed recently by illness of the sparkling intellect and humour which lit up his career and all those around him. His legacy? Top fl ight chemistry students from Africa and this country who were fi red by his thinking and personality, colleagues who found in him a counterweight to stifl ing educa-tional convention and, of course, his family – Barbara, his wife of over 40 years, children David and Nina and grandchildren Nina, Alison and Tom. His daughter’s concluding remarks at the funeral were “My father was a good man. We love you very much and hope you are now at peace”.’SJR.

The Old Barnardians Secretary received messages via email which were made into a booklet and presented to the family.


Olga Wilford on June 30th 2012. Olga, mother of Mark, David and Tim was the Headmaster’s Secretary from 1973 - 84.

Derek W F Zissler (1949-55) passed away on June 6th 2012 in New Zealand. After school Derek worked with his father in the family butchers in Darlington. After moving to NZ he worked in the meat industry for over 40 years as a supervisor. Derek’s twin brother George is a retired Bank Manager who lives near Wetherby.

Brigadier Ronnie Eccles, DSO (Du, 1942 – 1946) died on 18 May, 2012, aged 83. He played second row in the 1st XV and was awarded colours for the season 1945/46. He played cricket for the 2nd XI. He was a sergeant in the OTC and a troop leader in the Scouts.He was commissioned from the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst into the York and Lancaster Regiment in 1948. He served with the Battalion in Germany, Aden and Cyprus. He also served with the Parachute Regiment in Egypt from 1951 to 1954. He was an instructor at Sandhurst in the early 60s and attended the Army Staff College and the Joint Services Staff College. In 1968 he transferred to the Green Howards and in 1969 took over command of the Battalion. During his time as Commanding Offi cer the Battalion did two tours in Northern Ireland and following the second extremely demanding tour he was awarded the DSO for his outstanding leadership. After command he served in Oslo and then Northern Ireland as Deputy Commander of 39 Brigade. In 1979 he was promoted to Brigadier and became the Defence and Military Advisor to the British High Commissioner in New Delhi for three years. He retired from the Army in 1983 but was the Representative Colonel of the York and Lancaster Regiment for many years.On retirement he worked for Northern Telecom as Facilities Manager and fi nally as Clerk to a livery company in the City. His interest in sport continued throughout his life and he continued to play cricket and ski for many years. He is survived by his wife Glen and two daughters.

Mark Chenoworth (Y, 1973-80).

Jonathan Rhodes (Teesdale, 1965-74) on March 4th 2012. Jonathan had been in poor health for quite some time. Andrew Angus sat with him during his last few days.

James Douglas Hearnshaw (Y, 1935-39) passed away in Ottawa, Canada on 6th September 2011. A full obituary will appear in the next newsletter.

Peter C Firbank (1943-45) passed away on 29th March 2012.

Ian JD Naismith (Y, 1946-50). Ian’s brother Hugh informed us of Ian’s death and sent the following obituary. Like his father before him Ian was also a Barney Run winner and his life after Barnard Castle was a well run hard cross country. After studying agriculture and working in Aberdeenshire for Lady MacRoberts he, upon her death and the breakup of the estate, emigrated from Scotland to Canada in 1955. Arriving like a real pioneer he stepped off the boat to face his new life armed with a 410, a 22 rifl e, a bicycle, a change of clothes and twenty pounds in his pocket. Finding that the job promised was no longer available he cycled round until he found one and settled in St Andrews East. In Quebec he worked for a company making components for Canada’s far north early warning system. Working hard by day and successfully studying at McMaster University evenings he changed from a farmer to becoming a chemical engineer, married and settled in Dundas, Ontario: working there for Westinghouse as a quality control engineer. Here, he and his dear wife Shirley

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brought up two sons and threw themselves into community life.They founded the Dundas Scouts in 1969 and did extensive work with Meals on Wheels, The Canadian Cancer Society, The St George’s Benevolent Society, the boys soccer league and were very active in the Anglican Church life of Dundas. As a result both were awarded the Citizen of the Year award in 1992. For his services Ian was also awarded the Canadian Centenary Medal. In 1990 Ian suffered a severe heart attack and was given 24 hours to live. Luckily a suitable heart was quickly found and he became a heart transplant patient which did little to stop his active way of life: adding to his and Shirley’s work for the then new national organ donor awareness program. The two of them also managed to fi nd time to create a charming garden: a private nature reserve with raccoons, wild rabbits, squirrels of all colours, snakes, chipmunks and masses of beautiful birds including humming birds. Being handy around the house not only with so called masculine tools in the garage and garden but also in the house and kitchen he was rated as Houseman Ist class. Ian always had time to listen to other’s problems and to lend a hand, the sort of neighbour everybody needs. Speaking to him two days before he died he said that in 1990 he had done a pretty good deal with the grim reaper and was quite satisfi ed with the result, a gift of nearly 22 more years. Shirley described him as a very sweet guy, quiet, kind, helpful and generous. I can only agree. He was a brother I was very proud to have and whom I will sadly miss. Hugh Naismith. Keith R Johnson (1953-60). Frederick Robinson (1940-44). After leaving School Fredrick went to Fodens to train as a mechanic so that he could go in to the family business F & F Robinson of Stockton on Tees and Wear in Hertfordshire. He was in the Durham Light Infantry in the war in Palestine. After the war, following nationalisation, he bought the company back and ran it very successfully until he retired and sold out in 1988. Following retirement he and his wife, Sheila, travelled the world and enjoyed the love of their grandchildren. John Spencer Cutler (Du, 1942-46) passed away in June, 2009. Mrs Cutler wrote ‘John was a wonderful family man of great integrity. He was with the Prudential in London for more than 40 years and ended his career as the Company Registrar. His great love was cricket (he was a life member of Kent CCC) but also an ardent supporter of rugby and was very proud of Barney producing 3 great players to represent England’. Squadron Leader Keith Hopper (N, 1946-53). Mrs Hopper wrote to inform us of her husband’s death in 2011. In 1992 he was awarded a scholarship to Sydney Sussex College, Cambridge and did very well. He then joined the RAF as he had done his National Service and he enjoyed this until he left in 1975. The family then emigrated to New Zealand and Keith became a senior lecturer at two universities teaching computer science. After he retired Keith started to write a new, unusual programming language but unfortunately he passed away before fi nishing it. Thomas Russell Oliver (1940-47). Thomas passed away on 11th October 2011 in hospital in Aberdeen after a short illness, at the age of 81. Following a long career in the Film and Television industry he retired in 1990 to his home in Farndale, North Yorkshire running a small guest house and taking the opportunity to travel with his second wife, Shirley. Moving to Balatar, Aberdeenshire in 2007 they restored a large house and cottage on the edge of the Royal estate of Balmoral and set about receiving many visitors in this new guest house. They both fi nally retired for a second time on his 80th birthday. He leaves behind one son, Christopher Oliver MBE at school 1972 – 1977.


A Historical KaleidoscopeRecently two events prompted me to recall memories of schooldays in the 1950’s, but fi rst, a mini personal introduction. I was at Barney School and graduated in 1960 obtaining my degree in Fine Art at the University of Newcastle. This was followed by a teaching appointment at Manchester College of Art and fi nally an appointment at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario from where I retired in 1996. Over the last 20 years I have travelled to Egypt every year with my wife Carolyn where we rent a studio and apartment in Luxor. The city of Luxor and the historical environs have inspired my creative works as well as providing fi rst hand interaction with the fascinating culture of Egypt both past and present. My website: http://www.nilehousestudio.com . This year by a wonderful coincidence a past classmate of mine, Keith Piggott, accompanied by his charming wife Margaret and daughter Philippa visited us in Luxor. We inevitably reminisced and refl ected on our days at Barney School and how it provided us with such a great grounding in the Arts and Humanities.Keith, like me, has always been interested in History and the Arts. He left School with a prestigious scholarship from Cranwell to train as a pilot eventually fl ying Hawker Hunters and later Harrier Jets. Interestingly after retirement he became involved, and somewhat of an expert, in 17thcentury Horology, although he likes to consider himself more as an antiquarian. (Keith’s website http://www.antique-horology.org/Piggott/RH/. This led our conversation as to what generated our interest in the Arts. Inevitably the name of Douglas Pittuck arose. For those of you who are not familiar with the name he was a master from the late 40’s to the early 1970’s who taught Art at the School. He was in every sense of the word a”gentle man” who had a perfect disposition for an Art Master. Not only was he accessible as a teacher but he also possessed a prodigious creative talent. Often he would quietly demonstrate his skill while working with students in a drawing class. If you were interested in art he would encourage you to join him on his frequent journeys into the landscape around Barney. However, perhaps his most signifi cant contribution as a teacher was the introduction to his students of the fi ne collection of paintings at the Bowes Museum. In the Upper years at the School he encouraged you to visit the Museum and study the extensive collection through drawing. Both Keith and I now appreciate the freedom we were allowed to explore and experience works of art of a world class standing. To Keith not only were the paintings signifi cant but also he was fascinated by the astonishing Silver Swan with its incredible mechanical movements.

Therefore, when we (Keith Piggott on the left and David Pickering on the right) shook hands across the block of Egyptian hieroglyph as seen in the photograph taken in Karnak Temple, Luxor last April 2012 we recognised our debt to Douglas Pittuck and the grounding he provided for us in the Arts.The second event which spurred a refl ective moment was a photograph I recently found of my classmates posing on Darlington Station in August 1956 before departing on a memorable school trip to Switzerland. The accompanying masters were G.C. Greetham and N.S. Fender.

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Diary Dates for 201320th April Committee Meeting 10.30am at School26-28th April Longfi eld Reunion Weekend, School29th-30th June Barnardian Weekend, School6th Sep Committee meeting 10.30am at School7th Sept Old Barnardians Golf, Barnard Castle Golf Club11th Oct London Dinner, East India Club

Further details regarding all events are available fromDot Jones, Old Barnardians Secretary

Editor: Miss D Jones

Please address all correspondence to her at:Barnard Castle School, Newgate, Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12 8UN

Email: [email protected] Phone: 01833 696025

I suppose it was one of the fi rst long distance excursions arranged by the School following the Second World War. We visited a number of popular places such as Berne and Lucerne but the most memorable was a small mountain village called Zinal near the Italian/Swiss border. It was a quaint unspoiled alpine village surrounded by meadows and towering mountain peaks. However, the attractiveness of the setting soon evaporated when we were faced with two climbs in three days. The second climb was particularly strenuous. I remember the incredible strength of our guide who just about carried everyone’s rucksack as we were so tired. He did however have a secret remedy for our revival, namely sugar lumps soaked in brandy!! It was a wonderful trip and an occasion to meet fellow students and staff outside a school setting.In the photograph:- top row from left to right. Myself, Johnson, Hume, Vart, Forrester and Atkinson. bottom row. George, Tarran, Moore, and Morgan. Three others joined the party later Brown, Freebairn,and Baron. An interesting footnote as to the magnetism of Barney. Although we have lived in Kingston, Ontario for the last forty years, our daughter and family now live just outside Barney so our visits to see them renew many old ties. Keith’s affection for the School is demonstrated by the past attendance of his two sons Justin and Marcus. Keith now lives in Hastings.David Pickering Aug 2012

Old Barnardians Newsletter

Documents

Old Barnardians Newsletter - March 2013