OLD BLUESPRING 2016

TWO NEW YEAR KNIGHTHOODSFormer Lord Mayor of London Alan Yarrow has been knighted, in the New Year Honours, for services to international business, inclusion and the City of London. A member of the Council of Almoners, Sir Alan’s most recent visit to CH was in November, with his wife, Gilly, when he sealed a time capsule to mark the opening of the Language and Resource Centre. Former chair of the Pensions Regulator and current chair of Pensions First, the Family Justice Board and the Low Pay Commission David Norgrove (ThB 59-67) has been knighted for his services in the latter two areas. David was Senior Grecian and then read history at Exeter College, Oxford. He gained a diploma in economics at Cambridge University and studied for a master’s degree at the London School of Economics. His career began at the Treasury, where he was an economist; he spent two years on secondment to the First National Bank of Chicago. From 1985 to 1988 he was a private secretary to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. He then joined Marks & Spencer, taking on a range of posts.

He joined the board of the British Museum, and retired as a trustee in 2012. David was the first chairman of the Pensions Regulator, from 2005 to 2010. He became chairman of the Low Pay Commission in May 2009, and is a member of the finance committee of Amnesty International UK. He chaired a review of the Family Justice System from 2010 to 2011.News, page 3

THE

CONTENTSCHOBA NEWS 1-3, 16New Year Honours, Change of governance at CH, Carol Concert (right), CHOBA Office and Board reports, Blue Fund champions, Hong Kong OBs host the former Lord Mayor of London, Miss Tucker’s news

REUNIONS 4-5Official and unofficial gatherings in the UK and across the globe

FOUNDER’S DAY 6-8Dinners for the 2015 celebration were held in at least 11 locations, from London to Chicago (right)

UPDATES 9-10News collected from the media, Old Blues, friends and families

CREATIVE 10-12OBs in literature, history, art and music from

Ernest Giles and Edmund Blunden to 2015 leaver Myrddin Rees Davies (left)

SPORT 12Golfing Society report, and an OB's journey of fives

REMEMBERING 13-15Obituaries of Old Blues and CH Staff

Honoured: above: Sir Alan

Yarrow at the LARC opening in November;

right: Sir David Norgrove

BY OLD BLUES FOR OLD BLUES

As part of Christ’s Hospital’s business planning for September 2017 onwards, when the long-term plan is due to be renewed and the current Head Master is due to retire, a number of changes are planned to ensure that the governance and management structure are fit for purpose. At the heart of the proposals is the desire to create a governance and management structure that enables CH to provide the maximum support to beneficiaries, both present and future, and to fulfil our shared charitable mission more effectively. Greater clarity and integrated working, together with reduced duplication of function, will be achieved through a new, single board and management structure. It

will be responsible for managing the School and Foundation, both of which will remain separate charities. The unique role and ethos of Christ’s Hospital will be preserved, and the endowment protected through a series of checks and balances. These include controls over the financial management, spending plans and admissions policy, and a strong risk-management process. Details of the proposed changes and an update of the full-fee-payer topic, on which a number of Old Blues have recently expressed views, are set out on the enclosed letter and available on the CHOBA website: www.choba.org.uk/news.Greg Andrews, Clerk and Chief Executive of the Foundation

CH GOVERNANCE CHANGE

support and publicity via the CHOBA office. New events at new venues are planned for 2016/17. We currently offer a range of annual reunions from 10 years after leaving, then for every 10-year cohort up to 60 years after leaving CH.

TechnologyThe CHOBA office has continued to

upgrade the technology available to Old Blues, in addition to our presence on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. A new supporter’s portal, launched in March 2015, allows alumni to update their details, book events, buy merchandise, make donations and search for fellow Old Blues online.

SectionsCHOBA has continued to improve and support the existing groups of Old Blues known as “Sections”, both in the UK and internationally, as well as co-ordinating and assisting with the start-up of groups, including those in the United Arab Emirates, Thailand and Germany / Benelux. Margaret, Gina and other members of the Development team have attended a number of events over the past year with the purpose of creating bonds of friendship within the Old Blue Community and to revive affinity with the School.

PersonnelIn February, Gina Skillings joined the CHOBA Office and took on responsibility for the e-newsletter, sections, reunions and events. Many Old Blues will already know Gina from having attended reunions and events over the past eight years. The CHOBA Board said farewell to Andrew Howgego (BaA/ThA 70-78) in November as chair for the past two years and thanked him for his work on the board over the previous six years. We are pleased to welcome former vice-chair Jo Sidebottom (5s 67-75) as chair and look forward to working with her in continuing CHOBA’s work with the Old Blue community. Harriet Bellenie (née Weller ThA/GrW 07-09), who represents young Old Blues has taken up the post of vice-chair. We also said goodbye to Georgina Martin (LHA/GrE 02-07) who had served on the board for almost two years. A new face on the CHOBA Board is Bob Judson (MaB/ColB 73-80), pictured, the new Board of School Governors’ Representative, taking over from Stephen Harrison (BaB/ColB 71-78).

ReunionsReunions remain a key area of our focus. Recent successes have included two gatherings at the National Gallery, in London, in addition to those held at CH. Other popular events have been co-ordinated by Old Blues themselves, with

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THE OLD BLUE TEAMThe CHOBA Board thanks all those who help produce The Old Blue, in particular Natalie Cox (LHB/GrE 02-09) for co-ordinating the proofreading team for the past few years, for her commitment and hard work. Natalie graduated with first-class honours in language and literature in education, with the highest mark in the course, from the University of York, in July 2014. She is now studying for a master’s degree, at Cardiff, and is planning her PhD. We wish her well.

THE OLD BLUE BY POST OR EMAILWe hope you enjoy receiving The Old Blue through the post. If you would prefer to receive the publication by email only, and access news and information online, please contact the CHOBA office by email: administrator@chassociation.org. Please do ensure that the office has your up-to-date contact details.

We are delighted to have three Develop ment Link Grecians working with CHOBA. Onyinye Udokporo (BaB/GrW 09-16), Iona Popat (LHB/GrE 09-16) and Georgia Koronka (ThB/GrW 09-16) are supporting us with their ideas and assistance; their help on tours and visits has been invaluable. Onyinye and Iona joined us, in full Housey, at the Carol Concert, while Georgia sang in the choir. The Grecians’ working with CHOBA strengthens the links between the School and OBs, and gives them networking opportunities prior to leaving CH.

Links: left to right: Georgia, Onyinye and Iona

GRECIANS NETWORK WITH OLD BLUES

NEW FACES, TECHNOLOGY AND VENUES FOR OLD BLUESCHOBA Officer Margaret Wadman reports on the developments in 2015 and plans for 2016

BECOME A BLUE FUND CHAMPIONBlue Fund champions are Old Blue volunteers who represent their peers, and are particularly loyal and supportive of the School. They encourage their peers to join forces with others, to raise the full funds for a seven-year boarding education at Christ’s Hospital, thus providing a life-changing opportunity for a child in substantial financial need. We are currently looking for Old Blues to volunteer and join our team of champions who work through a number of activities including reunions, events, phone calls, emails, letters and social media. Becoming a champion is a great way to give something back to Christ’s Hospital, to build on current relationships, and create new relationships, within the CH community and to connect, or re-connect with your peers. Blue Fund champion Harriet Bellenie (née Weller ThA/GrW 07-09) says: “I became a Blue Fund champion in response to The Charge. It enables me to give back finacially to CH by supporting a future Old Blue, with the support of my peers. Together we are creating something that would be

impossible alone, and gives a chance for reflection and celebration of that which CH provided for us.” There is not a “one size fits all” approach to the role – it can be what you make of it. Our champions have different styles, and we encourage their ideas on a regular basis. To find out more, please contact the Development Office on 01403 247519 or email development@christs-hospital.org.uk.

Blue Fund champions: L-R: Matt Tilbury (BaB/MdA 80-86), Tim Hackshaw (MaB/ThA 68-75), Jenny Thompson (parent), Susan Mitchell (1s/7s 47-56), Oliver Sayers (MdB/GrW 01-07), and Dominic Roberts (PeB/MaA/MaB/GrE 95-02)

HOW YOU CAN HELPDo you know an Old Blue who we have lost touch with? Would you like to get involved?

• Offer your experience to the careers network

• Organise an event• Support CH

To find out more, please contact the CHOBA / Development Office on 01403 247665 / 247619

of Old Blues who consent to help, and especially those who have been able to provide tangible assistance. It really is valued and appreciated at the School. Please continue to look out on Facebook and LinkedIn for news of the Old Blues’ Business Network, which exists to provide practical support to the main careers activities based at CH.

The CHOBA BoardSince its inception in 2004, the CHOBA Board has operated to a written Constitution, and this was reviewed, rewritten and signed off by the Board in September. The Board reports to the Council of Almoners, and Council has

given its approval of the revised Constitution. The CHOBA Board has continued to develop, with more young Old Blues on the Board than ever before. Some of them are involved in other aspects of giving back to CH, such as membership of a Blue Fund. That young people can do this when they have life’s usual pressures put on them is highly commendable.

And finally. . . It has been my pleasure to serve on the CHOBA Board since November 2008 and as chair for past two years. I wish the new chair, Jo Sidebottom (5s 67-75) and the team that supports her all the very best.

EventsThe two main events for all Old Blues took place in the Michaelmas term. The Carol Concert, held for a second year at St Stephen Walbrook, London, was an evening of full voice, mulled wine and company. We look forward to returning to the Wren church near the Mansion House in 2016. A varied programme of activities was offered on Old Blues’ Day, on 12 September, just a couple of weeks into the start of the new academic year. I toured the Museum for the first time, I’m ashamed to write, and found it highly informative, with plenty of insight into CH and Old Blue life that I was not aware of. Mike Barford and his team do a painstaking job to maintain and refresh the Museum, which was very popular on the day. The presentation of the Old Blue Special Recognition Awards has become a familiar part of the day. I hope that more Old Blues will feel engaged with the nomination process. Look out for the nomination criteria that will be reissued by CHOBA officer Margaret Wadman in due course.

CareersAs readers will be aware, CHOBA has invested considerable energy in bringing together Old Blues who at any stage of their careers feel that they could benefit from advice or mentoring from the Old Blue community. Helping with careers advice is very rewarding, especially when the assistance is requested by a young Old Blue or current Blue. Considerable progress has been made in providing the means necessary to enable good networking – a good database to work from and a variety of media through which those in need of help can be put in touch with appropriate contacts. In 2016, Development and CHOBA Co-ordinator Gina Skillings will be spending time to ensure that the services offered by the Careers Network remain relevant and that how it operates is consistent between the various social-media types. I would like to thank the small army

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OBs FORGE LINKS FOR BUSINESS AND PLEASUREOutgoing CHOBA chair Andrew Howgego (BaA/ThA 70-78) rounds up the activities of the last six months of 2015

VIPs in Hong Kong: above: Sir Alan Yarrow and Old Blues call "Housie!"; below: the group with Chairman and Treasurer of the CH Foundation Guy Perricone

HONG KONG OBs HOST FORMER LORD MAYOR OF LONDON AND CH TREASURER

Links: left to right: Georgia, Onyinye and Iona

New CHOBA chair Jo Sidebottom (5s 67-75) writesI am grateful for the opportunity to serve as chair of the CHOBA Board during my final year of Board tenure. CHOBA has a “friend-raising” role, and the Board advises on and agrees with the CHOBA office (part of the CH Development office) its annual plans for engagement and involvement of Old Blues in a variety of ways. Andrew, my predecessor, has already outlined some of the activities undertaken by CHOBA over the past year, and we look forward to continuing to engage Old Blues in a variety of events and networks during 2016 and onward into 2017. In particular, there will be an emphasis on developing the activities of the Careers Network, the usual series of “decade” reunions throughout the year, and continuing support for the wide range of domestic and ever-increasing international Old Blues sections.

Following a quiet but hot summer for the group, the Hong Kong Old Blues received two CH VIPs in the autumn. The group jointly hosted a cocktail reception for the then Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Alan Yarrow (knighted in the New Year Honours) on 17 September. The theme of the event, held in conjunction with the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI), was “The importance of Education and Lifelong Learning”. The longest-serving Almoner of CH, Sir Alan is also the chairman of CISI; so he was wearing three hats that evening. About a dozen Hong Kong OBs were able to attend, and were honoured to have photographs taken with the Lord Mayor, with a shout of “Housie!”. The next week, Chairman and Treasurer of the Foundation, Guy Perricone, met the group. OBs participated in a lively discussion about how they can further develop ties between Hong Kong and the School. All OBs in Asia are welcome to join the Hong Kong group, be they working or travelling in the region. Debbie McGowan (née Rice 2s 72-80)

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Christ’s Hospital Old Blues Association @CHOldBluesREUNIONS

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10 YEARS ONLONDON, 25 SEPTEMBER 2015 A vibrant group of 45 Old Blues met at the National Portrait Gallery for an evening drinks reception. Andrew Wines (Staff 97- present) spoke about what had changed at CH in the past 10 years and what remained the same. Oli Sayers (MdB/GrW 00-07) and Dominic Roberts (PeB/MaA/MaB/GrE 95-02) spoke about the Blue Funds initiative and their involvement as Blue Fund champions of the 2000s. A good night was had by all!

Christ’s Hospital Old Blues Association @CHOldBlues

The planned reunion programme had to be amended at short notice, due to a health alert at the school. A tour of the school IT department proved very popular. The group was invited to inspect the server room, and then given a demonstration of the IT available for teachers to use in their lessons in the new Language and Resource Centre (LARC). The school librarian hosted a visit to the library on the top floor of the LARC, showing its resources and benefits for pupils. Feedback from the day included: “It was my first return visit in 25 years. The Chapel service was an especially magical moment for me. Many of those wonderful Frank Brangwyn paintings are ’burned’ into my brain. I spent so many hours gazing at them 50+ years ago!”

“The Hertford Old Blues put the Horsham Old Blues to shame by their greater resolution in persevering to attend the event.” “How interesting it is to see first-hand the wonderful updates and facilities offered at the School now. We do appreciate the time taken by each person who gave us a tour of their respective areas of jurisdiction”. “It was great to see all the different parts, old and new, of Housey; this was very much a closed book to us at Hertford, as any mention of boys was firmly discouraged!” “The lunch was delicious, and the cakes at tea time looked delicious, too, although I was still too full to sample those!” “We were all hugely taken with the catering.”

50 YEARS ON CH, 10 OCTOBER 2015

50 Years On

Following the health alert at CH in October, a number of Old Blues, who were unable to come to the CH event, organised their own reunion. It brought back memories of the great flu epidemic that hit the Horsham site in the 60s, when many of the house dormitories became temporary infirmaries. Andrew Harding (ThA 58-65), Geoff Byham (ThA 58-65), George Spradbrow (ThA 58-65), Rod Stuart (PrepA, ThA 58-65) and Peter Duff (ThA 58-65) had already arranged to meet for a meal in Horsham on Friday evening, and to stay overnight. This went

UNOFFICIAL THORNTON A / 50 YEARS ON

SYDNEY18 OCTOBER 2015

Three generations of Old Blue ladies met in Sydney at the reunion organised by Leo Vesey (PeB/PeA/GrW 94-01) and Greg Colton (LaB/LaA 89-96). Jane Baker (6s 49-56), right, met with Nicky Curtin (née Hemming 3s 71-78), centre. Nicky has lived in Sydney since 1991; she married Lionel in 2002, and has two daughters, Josephine (aged 13) and Rosie, who is 11. A former Coleridge A house captain, Harriet Greater-Johnson (née Droogleever ColA 91-98), left, is a visual art teacher in Sydney, and is married to Lyndon.

HONG KONGThe Hong Kong Old Blues (above) met for a Christmas Dinner at British Western restaurant The Globe. Future events are in the pipeline for 2016.

Gathering: L-R: Paul Mackie, Roger (George) Spradbrow, Chris Holmes

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ahead, and they had a thoroughly enjoyable get-together with a pub lunch at the Bax Castle on Saturday, followed by a visit to Brighton in the afternoon and a further meal on Saturday night. A good time was had by all who joined. They have decided that they should come together for a reunion celebration more frequently; perhaps annually, with a venue to be decided. For more details do be in touch.Peter Duff (ThA 58-65) dianneandpeter@hotmail.co.uk

Fifty members of the OBRFC attended a reunion dinner at Brown’s, in Covent Garden, to remember their playing days at Fairlop, which the club left at the end of the 1981/2 season when it moved to its current ground at Motspur Park, south-west London. Three members present were in their 80s – of whom two played in the CH team that won the Public Schools’ Sevens in 1951 – many in their 70s, a good number in their 60s and a few in their 50s. It was a most enjoyable evening, held the night before the England and Wales Rugby

World Cup game. It was great to see some familiar faces that have not been around the Old Blues’ scene for a while. David Matcham (MaB/PeB 66-73) flew in from Australia, Peter Donaldson (PrepB/ColB 57-63) flew in from Dubai so he could celebrate his 69th birthday with us, and Jeremy King (PrepA/PeA 64-72) took a few hours off from running his restaurant empire to be with the group. There were at least five former club captains attending, and best wishes from those who could not attend. It was a welcome coincidence that the

room in Brown’s (above) was formerly the Westminster County Court, in which OBRFC president Andrew Cosedge (PeB 60-66) made his debut as a barrister, and David Hughes (MaB 67-74), a former 1st XV captain, made his second appearance as a barrister.

REUNIONS

A good-numbered crowd of Horsham and Hertford OBs enjoyed a range of activities at CH on a slightly wet and windy day. The tube tour kindly organised by the Building and Maintenance department was a huge success, such that the bookings far outnumbered the places that were available on the day. The other very popular activity was the visit to the science department, where Head of Science Dr Marcus Medley teamed up the Old Blues with pupils to conduct an experiment on which the students would be assessed. Complete with lab coats and goggles, a great deal of fun and serious work followed with the Old Blues not wanting to leave for the next activity! Feedback received included: “This was my first visit to Horsham – what an amazing place. Hertford really was the poor relation. Thank goodness financial constraints finally forced the powers

that be to see sense and combine the two schools.” “Home after a long but very enjoyable day catching up with old school friends. It was never 40 years ago –- we all look too fabulously young for that! Great to see everyone.” “Thank you for organising an enjoyable day for us oldies.” “My thanks to the delightful Grecians and the girls in Barnes B for their time, company and insight into life at CH today. They were so positive, confident and eloquent, thank goodness educational attitudes have moved on from the 60s and 70s.” “I really enjoyed the tube tour, though when I booked it I had no idea what it was. It was fascinating and really well led.” “It may have been wet, but what a great day we had at CH today. So many people to meet, so much to catch up on, so many memories.”

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40 YEARS ON CH, 7 NOVEMBER 2015 40 Years On: Hertford and Horsham OBs gather in Court Room (above, left); at work in a science lesson

OLD BLUES’ RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUBLONDON, 23 SEPTEMBER 2015

HORSHAM, 9 OCTOBER 2015 ThA Old Blues: L-R: Rod Stuart, Peter Duff, Geoff Byham, Andy Harding

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BRITISH COLUMBIA VANCOUVER, 22 OCTOBER

FOUNDER’S DAY 2015

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Twenty-one Old Blues and guests gathered on 22 October, a warm and sunny autumn day, to celebrate Founder’s Day at the home of Janet and Terry Bate (ColA 45-51) in West Vancouver. An excellent meal was finished with a special and delicious Old Blue cake (a multi-layered chocolate delight) complete with an edible Housey logo. This may be the first time that the crest has been on a cake and eaten! The group was joined for the occasion by Michael Sessions (PrepA/ThA 51-58) and his wife, Elke, who were visiting from Edmonton, together with new BCOB member Will Satterfield (MaB/GrE 01-08). Congratulations were extended to Terry Bate, who was awarded the 2015 Old Blue Special Recognition Award for Achievement in a Chosen Career. Chris Johnson (LaB 52-59) was elected, for the 20th time, as BCOB secretary and hopes to carry on for at least another decade. David Taplin (LaB 51-57) takes over as president from Peter Cook (ThB 39-46).Chris Johnson (LaB 52-59)

British Columbia: L-R: Roger Blackman (ColB 51-58), David Taplin (LaB 51-57), Chris Johnson (LaB 52-59), Peter O’Boyle (MaA/GrE 03-10), John Stanger (ColA 39-46), Terry Bate (ColA 45-51), Will Satterfield (MaB/GrE 01-08), Bob Johnston (MdB 50-58), Jerry Fitzpatrick (MaA 45-52), Michael Sessions (PrepA/ThA 51-58), Beryl Mitchell (née Jarvis 8s 46-53), Graham Riches (ThB/MaB 52-60), Juliet Eastman (née Averay 5s/8s 44-50)

HONG KONG24 OCTOBER The Hong Kong Founder’s Day dinner took place at the Football Club on 24 October with James Swatton (LaB/GrE 98-05) in the chair and Vicky Launchbury (LHB/GrE 00-07) as chief steward. We were delighted that the Deputy Headmaster, Tom Lawson (Staff 13-present), joined us as our responder, together with Marcus Medley (Head of Science 09-present) and Digby Don (International Pupil Co-ordinator and English teacher 14-present), who were in Hong Kong for the School’s regular attendance at the Academic Asia Convention. With a total of 32 OBs, CH staff, parents and guests at the dinner, a great time was had by all. Particular thanks are due to Sophie Lindsay (née Gimber LHB 89-95) who arranged the event.Debbie McGowan (2s 72-80)

WESTERN AUSTRALIAPERTH, 21 NOVEMBERSeven Old Blues and five family members and guests celebrated Founder’s Day, slightly late, on 21 November at a lunch hosted by Elizabeth and Sam Williams (ThA 43-51) in Perth, Western Australia.Sam Williams (ThA 43-51)

Western Australia OBs: L-R: Patrick Guiton (BaA 44-52), Peter Blades (MdB 43-49), John Trewin (MdB 44-50), Christine Norman (née Candler 5s/3s 49-56); Chris Ridley (ColB 52-57) and Bruce Morrin (MdB 51-60)

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BATH AND WEST WELLS, 18 OCTOBERThirty-eight Old Blues and partners met at Wells Cathedral School for an excellent lunch. This was followed by three very entertaining speakers relating “Their memories of life at Hertford”. There was much reminiscing and laughter throughout as we listened to Rachel Bowers (née Green 7s 71-78), Janet Loines (7s 71-77) and Omega Mehrabi (née Brown 7s 71-74). Also in attendance were: John Beer (PrepA/MdA 38-45); Alastair Campbell (MaB/ThA 89-96); Simon Davies (LHB/PeA 68-75); Elizabeth Cairncross (Staff 86-00); Judy Evans (1s/6s 62-69); John Eyles (BaA 52-58); David Farrar (BaB 52-57); Liz Foy (nee Stone 1s 64-73); Bruce Gauld (MaB/ColB 66-74); Bruce Heywood (PrepB/LaA 51-60); Richard Hoey (PrepB/ColB 60-67); Anthony Hurst (MaB 48-55); David Meyrick (MaA 42-49); John O’Neill (MdA 46-52); Christopher Redwood (PrepA/MdB 49-57); Ron Rudd (MaB 39-45); Anita St John Gray (related to the late Hugh St John Gray (ThB 50-56) and Tom St John Gray (LaA 91-97)); Nick Sebright (PrepB/ThA 57-66); Dennis Silk (PrepA/MaA 42-50); John Springbett (PrepA/LaB 56-65); Tave Springbett (ColB 89-96); Fiona Stevens (6s/BaA 77-86); Jenny Williams (Staff 97-09); and Peter Wornell (LaB 45-52). The next lunch is planned for 16 October 2016.David Farrar (BaB 52-57)

EAST MIDLANDS LOUGHBOROUGH, 10 OCTOBERThirteen Old Blues and spouses attended a lunch at the Quorn Grange Hotel near Loughborough on 10 October. In the chair was John Flory, who was a junior housemaster in Lamb A from 1960 to 1964. CH was John’s first teaching post, and he told the assembled guests how much he had been influenced by the Head Master, George Seaman, and the Head of Science, Gordon van Praagh. He then gave a chemistry demonstration, using van Praagh’s heuristic method of teaching, pictured above. Wyn Parry (ThB 55-64)

The 2015 annual dinner took a legal theme. The chairman was the Right Honourable Sir Rupert Jackson QC (MdB 58-66), Member of the Court of Appeal in England and Wales. In his speech, he reflected on his time at CH and the grounding it gave him for his future career in law and at the bar. Requiring neither microphone nor notes, he provided some witty and interesting anecdotes. The responder was David Green CB, QC (PrepA/ThB 64-71), director of the Serious

Fraud Office. He, too, reflected on his time at CH, and had long-standing favourable memories of his time. The chief steward, and host for the evening, was Robert Muir (LHB/ColB 66-72), at whose suggestion the dinner was held at Middle Temple. It was a magnificent venue, admired by the 133 guests. Robert welcomed the principal guests, and read out a letter from HRH the Duke of Gloucester, who was unable to attend.A J G Bewick, Hon Secretary

Magnificence: Middle Temple Hall (left) was the venue for the 2015 Founder’s Day dinner

LONDONMIDDLE TEMPLE HALL, 9 OCTOBER

FRIENDS OF CHRIST’S HOSPITALCHICAGO, 24 OCTOBERThe FCH (US Old Blues) Founder’s Day Dinner, held this year in Chicago, was well attended by Old Blues from across the country, including one of our most senior Old Blues, Kenneth Northcott (BaB 34-39). Every decade from the 1930s to the present day was represented, and our guest of honour this year was the Clerk and Chief Executive of the Foundation, Greg Andrews. We were also delighted to host the Senior Grecian and Second Monitor, Isobel Pelling (BaB/GrE 09-16) and Elliot Riley (MaA/GrE 09-16) respectively, who took full advantage of the trip and had a cultural immersion that included a day at a public high-school and sampling many of Chicago’s culinary delights.Belinda Reiser (4s/ColA 79-86)

THAILANDBANGKOK, 22 OCTOBERNot nearly as well-established as some other parts of South-East Asia, there is, nonetheless, a burgeoning Old Blues’ community in Thailand. Oliver Derbyshire took more than three months to realise that “Ken” with whom he was sharing an office was better known to him as “Mr Grimshaw, Housemaster of Maine B”. Since then they have discussed Housey memories at great length and located some more Old Blues to discuss the demise of the ashphalt running track, the rise of the Grecians’ houses and everything in between. They met for an inaugural Founder’s Day Dinner at the British Club, Bangkok.Olly Derbyshire (ThB/MdB 90-97)

Inaugural dinner: L-R: Adam Matthews (MdB/GrE 01-08), Kit Fordham (ThB/PeA 91-98), Ken Grimshaw (Staff 73-91); Olly Derbyshire (ThB/MdB 90-97)

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For a second year, the Caledonian Society of Blues held its Founder’s Day lunch at The New Club, Edinburgh, overlooking Princes Street, and with magnificent views of Edinburgh Castle. The committee arrived early for its pre-lunch meeting on 10 October, at which the secretary, David Crompton (MaB/PeA 79-85), reported that he was working closely with the CHOBA office to maintain

accurate contact details for Old Blues in the group’s area. The accounts provided by Ian Torkington (Staff 72-07) were approved, and it was agreed that members’ donations to date would be supplemented from the funds; so that a donation of £250 could be given to the Benevolent Society of Blues. John Cugley (PrepA/PeA 64-73) chaired the meeting, and apologies had been sent by Brian Head (PeB 47-55) and the Revd Ian Atkinson (Staff 70-85). The latter had resigned from the committee for health reasons and he was thanked for his hard work. The chairman invited two long-serving masters, Ian Torkington, and John Shippen (Staff 66-04) to say the Graces Before and After Meat respectively. It was highlighted that they would both have heard Grace read on innumerable occasions at CH but would never have had the opportunity to say it themselves. After a splendid meal with fine wines, the toasts were proposed to our Founder, King Edward VI; the Queen; the Religious, Royal and Ancient Foundation

of Christ’s Hospital; and the guests. Proceedings became reflective as John Shippen gave a moving, yet celebratory, eulogy to Christopher Tambling (PeA 76-82) who had died after a short illness. Many present remembered fondly the Founder’s Day lunch in 2012 when – along with a guest ensemble of three other past and present directors of music in Scotland – he performed a close-harmony opening verse for the Votum that he had written. In the absence of a formal speaker, Noel de Jongh (ThA 40-49) volunteered his services, and recounted a short humorous tale about life at Housey during the Second World War. The lack of a full-length after-lunch speech did have the advantage of giving the members a longer opportunity to chat among themselves and catch up with life, the universe and everything. The afternoon was concluded with a solid rendition of the Votum/Carmen by all.David Crompton (MaB/PeA 79-85)Remembering, page 15

FOUNDER’S DAY 2015

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Christ’s Hospital Old Blues Association @CHOldBlues

CALEDONIAN SOCIETY OF BLUES EDINBURGH, 10 OCTOBER

VICTORIAN SOCIETY OF BLUESMELBOURNE, 22 OCTOBER Twenty-four Old Blues and guests, and an all-seeing dog called Ula, enjoyed a marvellous evening at the All Nations Hotel, Richmond, on 22 October. We had record attendance and the most comedic Housey contingent spanning the best part of a century. Everyone had made a huge effort to make the journey from near and far. Special mentions go to Jonathan Chasemore (BaB 47-54) who was with us from Tasmania, and Sydney OBs president Leo Vesey (MdB/MdA 88-93). I hope our new guests continue to make the pilgrimage across sky and sea next year, too. Those who have shown benevolence are truly an inspiration to the future of the Victorian Society, and the School itself. The leadership of Alan Naylor (ThB 46-53) and support of others who have contributed to the earnest and brilliance of the spirit of the group are most appreciated. Long may it continue. Thanks also to Robert Timms (ThA 50-59) for his wisdom and guidance in the planning and organisation of the event, and for inspiring the first full rendition of the Votum/Carmen for a long time. I am now looking into organising a mid-term BBQ for anyone interested. Also, we have received an account by the mother of Leila Drew, presentee of the group, who is in her first year at Christ’s Hospital. It is very empathic and awe-inspiring. She looks to have made the very best of starts at Housey. Ross Eden-Smith (LaB/ThA 89-96)

In the Housey spirit: OBs and guests enjoy dinner and the Votum/Carmen

NEW ZEALAND WELLINGTON, 10 OCTOBERIt was a glorious sunny day in Wellington for OBs to enjoy their Founder’s Day lunch at the Dockside, in Lambton Quay. We were delighted to have joining us Jan Williams, whose husband Graham sadly died recently. Graham was the OB NZ secretary for a number of years. Jan very kindly brought along a number of Housey items which she generously gave to the OB attendees who were delighted with their unexpected gifts. As always, it was a convivial gathering with much to talk about that transcended the generations. We look forward to next year’s lunch, and hope that some South Islanders will be able to join us again.Julia Stones (4s 66-73)

Islanders meet: L-R, far side of the table: Val Ward, Martin Ward (PrepA/MdA 38-45), Graham Wiremu (ThA 60-67), Annabel Lush (6s 69-75), Julia Stones (4s 66-73); L-R, near side of the table: Jan Williams (widow of Graham Williams (ThA 43-49), former NZ OB Secretary), Mike Williams (Staff 79-90); Mike’s daughter Megan; Katherine Stephenson (daughter of Christine Stephenson (née Clemetson 5s/3s 61-68))

The scene is set: Founder's Day lunch overlooked Edinburgh Castle

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50s LEAVERS

DAVID TAPLINLaB 50-57

David celebrated Christmas with his tenth grandchild, granddaughter Ember Kim Taplin (left), born in Vancouver, Canada, on 27 September. President of the British Columbian

Old Blues, David is a visiting professor of structural integrity at Aston University (The Old Blue Spring 2014).

60s LEAVERS

MICK KIPPINPrepA/PeB 53-62

Having served in the army for 32 years after leaving CH, Mick has retired to the Royal Hospital, Chelsea; so he has exchanged his Bluecoat for a Scarlet Coat. He will be happy to see any Old Blues in the Chelsea area.

80s LEAVERS

NICHOLAS ALP & DAVID HALL-MATTHEWSLHB/LaA 78-85; BaB/LaA 78-85

Nicholas Alp and his wife, Rebecca, had a second son, Henry, on 2 September, a brother for William (right). By remarkable coincidence, David Hall-Matthews and his wife, Liz, had a second son, Gilbert (right), on 2 September, a brother for Barnaby. What are the odds of two close friends from the same senior house and year having sons on the same day, more than 30 years after leaving CH?

RICHARD TRENCHARDLHB/PeB 78-85

Richard is currently heading up a UN agency in Somalia. He and his family now live in Nairobi, Kenya.

00s LEAVERS

DANJUMA MSHELIA & OMOTOHUMOLA ODULAJAThA/GrW 01-08; PeA/GrW 04-11

Danjuma and Omo made the Nigerian national squad for the Rugby 7s Olympic qualifiers held last November. The team finished in eighth place at the Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park, Johannesburg.

SOPHIE WILLIAMSColB/GrW 97-04

Just over a year ago, Sophie marked 10 years since leaving CH with her Col B contemporaries. The time has flown and, despite seeing little of each other, they spoke continuously as if still at School. In 2015, Sophie received her membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (below right) and gained a place on the national general surgical registrar training programme, a six-year course and the stepping-stone towards becoming a surgical consultant. On leaving CH, she studied biomedical sciences at Queen Mary University of London, and secured a place at Bart’s and London School of Medicine and Dentistry. She completed

a compact four-year programme, had opportunities to practise medicine in both Nepal and Australia, and captained the university’s first XI hockey team. She became a junior doctor in the North East Thames deanery, in London, which gave her experience in general medicine, general surgery, intensive care and trauma. Following this, she began core surgical training in south-east England. She is now working as a general surgery registrar in the Kent, Surrey and Sussex deanery, and is based in Hastings.

SALLY BLAKEnée FORD ColA/ThB/GrW 01-08

A graduate at Zurich Insurance, Sally was awarded the Insurance Institute of London Award for Motor Insurance in October, having gained the highest score for unit P94 (motor insurance) of the Advanced Diploma in Insurance. She attained her diploma in June, having completed all units within one year, gaining three distinctions. Sally has now been nominated for the Southampton Insurance Institute Young Achiever of the Year award, and is undertaking a Fellowship project on cognitive computing in the claims function; her aim is to attain Fellowship status in 2017.She is also sharing her knowledge and experience by mentoring new candidates through the Insurance Institute of London’s Qualification Mentoring Scheme.

RECENT LEAVERS

MATTHEW COSTER MaB/GrE 05-12

Matt has a place to run in this year’s Virgin London Marathon on behalf of the Rainforest Foundation UK. To be able to run the course, he needs to raise £2,000 for the charity, which works to ensure the long-term protection of rainforests by securing the rights of indigenous communities to land, life and livelihoods. For more information, and to support Matt, visit his JustGiving page.

UPDATESCHOldBluesOld Blues

ColB girls: L-R: Lucy Figgis, Lucy Baxter, Helen Lyman, Ilona Motyer, Jade Harrison-Vincent, Rani Ghosh Curling, Thea Vernon-Jones, Sophie Williams (see below)

Award-winner: Sally Blake collects the Insurance Institute of London Award for Motor Insurance

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Christ’s Hospital Old Blues Association @CHOldBlues

HISTORY

DAVID ARNOLD BaA 44-52

David Arnold’s book In the Context of Eternity: A short history of the Christian Church was published by Grosvenor House in May 2015. The dedication, to his twin brother, John (also BaA 44-52), continues with “gratitude to the religious, royal and ancient foundation of Christ’s Hospital”, where they “first encountered the mystery and splendour of the Christian faith”. The 280-page book pays as much attention to early centuries as to more recent ones and has been described by the editorial director of a leading London publishing house as a “lively and readable one-volume history of Christianity, challenging the view that ancient history came to an end in the fifth century and that nothing of significance then happened until the Renaissance. It explains how an extraordinary intermingling of the Roman

Empire, Christianity and Barbarism produced the most dynamic society the world has ever known, and how the modern world of the scientific revolution, capitalism and liberal democracy emerged from the interaction of Christianity and Barbarism on the ruins of Rome.” It has received positive reviews from a senior Roman Catholic priest and canon lawyer, a Lutheran professor of theology, an Anglican bishop, and a professor of history at Cambridge University. They have praised the freshness and fluency of the writing.

EDMUND BLUNDENColA 1909-15

One hundred years since Blunden left CH and joined the 11th Royal Sussex Regiment, an illustrated edition of his prose memoir Undertones of War has been released. Edited by John Greening, this

edition combines Blunden’s original text with a critical introduction and supplementary information – a selection of photographs and artefacts that Blunden had hoped to include in the volume. The editor acknowledges Clifford Jones (BaB 57-64) and Elizabeth Bridges at the CH Museum, and the Foundation for granting use of pictures and articles; and thanks Steven Pollard (MdB/BaA 71-78) for his loyal support of the project and for joining him on a visit to the School.

ERNEST GILES CH 1845-50

Explorers Routes Revisited – Giles 1875 Expedition, compiled and edited by Lesley Booker, has been published in Australia. Giles made no major discoveries but his journals are said to display a fine descriptive ability and constitute a record of inner experience as well as outward observation. His culture, perception and imagination were as noted as his skill and determination.

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10 THE OLD BLUE

Christ’s Hospital Old Blues Association @CHOldBlues

WEDDING BELLS Congratulations to Hattie Williams (ColB/GrW 04-09) who married Matthew Gaunt on 22 August, at St Bartholomew’s, Crewkerne, Somerset. Her father, Canon Hugh Williams (PrepB/MdB 54-62), officiated at the service, and her sister, Sophie Williams (ColB/GrW 97-04), was chief bridesmaid. Other Old Blues present were bridesmaids Fiona Ponroy (née Musson ColB/GrW 02-09) and Olivia Hitt (LHB/GrE 02-09), usher Daniel Smith (MdA/GrW 02-09), and guests Anthea Roper-Nield (ColB/GrW 02-09), Camilla Biggs (LHB/GrE 04-09), Lizzie How (née Tremlett LHA/GrE 02-09) and Kate Chandler (BaA/GrE 02-09). Hattie graduated from King’s College, London, in 2012 with first-class honours in English Language and Literature, and is an Associate of the College (AKC). As a student, she was hockey president, and arts editor, and then news editor, of London Student, Europe’s largest student newspaper at the time. She interned at the Sunday Times in 2010, became a trainee in 2012, and later a junior reporter on the business desk for two years before joining the Church Times last year. Hattie plays hockey for Wapping, in east London, and also enjoys running, football and baking. She met Matthew in 2012, while visiting a friend at Kent University, where he was studying law. He graduated in 2013, completed the BPTC at City University the following year and is currently applying for pupillage to become a practising barrister. Bob Sillett (Staff 63-01) enjoyed two Old Blue weddings in 2015. The first was of Oskaras Ziferman (MdA/GrE 00-04) in Vilnius, Lithuania, and the second, two weeks later, of Oli de Ruyter (ThB/GrW 97-04) in Wivelsfield, near Haywards Heath, at which Tom Richardson (ThB/GrW 97-04) was best man. Alex Owen (PeA/MaA/GrE 98-03) married Angela Audretsch on 18 July. He took over command of the Blues and Royals Mounted Squadron in London last year, and hopes to be commanding the mounted troops on the Queen’s Birthday Parade in June. Lizzie Tremlett (LHA/GrE 02-09) married Daniel How on 8 August at St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey. Many OBs were in attendance, including brothers, Jacob (MaA/GrE 05-12) and Tom (MaA/GrE 09-present), who were ushers and Abi

Wedding Days: top: Hattie and Matthew Gaunt with, L-R, Hattie’s brother, Charles; Hattie’s mother, Joanna; Hattie’s sister, Sophie (ColB/GrW 97-04); Canon Hugh Williams (PrepB/MidB 54-62); and Hattie’s brother, Henry; above: Alex Owen and Angela Audretsch

Harrison (née Sharp LHA/GrE 02-09) as bridesmaid. A guest on the groom’s side, another Old Blue, was Chris Ansty (PrepB/ColB 61-69).

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Giles left CH and joined his family who had emigrated to South Australia. He joined a group to explore parts of Queensland in 1872 and in so doing, obtained the services of fellow OB, William Henry Tietkens (CH 1853-59). Giles was the first European to climb Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the first to sight and name the Olgas, also known by their Aboriginal name of Kata Tjuta. He also named Lake Amadeus. Giles, his second-in-command, Tietkens, and observer and naturalist Jesse Young were the three “officers” who led the Giles 1875 Camel Expedition from Port Augusta to Perth. In 1880, Giles was made a fellow and awarded the Patron’s Gold Medal of the Royal Geographical Society. In the 1890s, he joined the rush to Coolgardie. There he became a clerk in the warden’s office, and, on 13 November 1897, died of bronchial pneumonia. He was buried at the Coolgardie Cemetery, was later recognised by the Western Australian government for “meritorious services rendered as an explorer of the interior of Australia, from 1872 to 1876”, and a marble memorial monument to him was installed at Coolgardie on 23 December 1900.

CLIFFORD JONES BaB 57-64

CH museum archivist Clifford Jones, who is the author of booklets in the CH Heritage Series, has written a major new book, The Sea and the Sky: The History of the Royal Mathematical School of Christ’s Hospital. The publication is the result of more than three years’ research into the hand-written records of CH, stretching back to the 17th century and earlier. The Royal Mathematical School was set up in 1673 to teach select students the principles of navigation, benefiting from significant contributions by Samuel Pepys, Robert Hooke, John Flamsteed, Sir Christopher Wren and Sir Isaac Newton among others. The book is packed with previously unpublished material, detailing some of the stories of 2,000 boys who, from 1673, were trained in the art of navigation and then travelled the world on voyages of commerce and exploration. The history continues to the present day. Following retirement from a career in education, including some years as the headmaster of a co-educational boarding and day school, Clifford was invited to volunteer in the Christ’s Hospital museum

as a part of a small team, in the absence of a paid curator. As well as raising funds to support the preservation and use of the extensive archives, he spends much time answering family history enquiries, of which there were more than 50 during the Michaelmas term alone. These come from across the world, and have brought to light the stories of several famous OBs. Clifford has discovered that his own great grandfather, his two brothers and an uncle were all pupils at CH in the 19th century.

DAVID MILLER PrepB/LaB 48-55

Special Operations in South-East Asia 1942-45 is the latest of more than 70 books that David Miller has written, and was published by Pen & Sword Military in November 2015. His research began with Fred Sladen (PrepB/PeA 28-37), whose family had been told that he was one of five men to disappear in Sumatra on 20 December 1942, but not why he was there and what had happened to him. Following a long search through archives, David has established why Fred was delivered to that beach in Japanese-occupied territory and who his four companions were, although what happened to them remains a mystery. The aim of Operation Minerva was ambitious: to walk across Sumatra and then send two men into Singapore to make contact with the prisoners-of-war held there. It is a secret revealed for the first time in this book.

LITERATURE

ROBERT FABBRI MaB/MdB/PeA 72-78

Author of the bestselling Vespasian series, Robert’s seventh book The Furies of Rome will be published by Atlantic Books this year. The novels follow the Roman Emperor Vespasian from birth, taking all the points known about his life. As Robert says, his fictional writing around actual events is like “joining the dots”. Though he admits to “taking some liberties”, most of the characters really existed, and recorded historical events provide a true timeline that the books are written around. The series was intended to be six books but Robert admits he “got carried away”. Rome’s Lost Son was published in 2015 and the short story, The Alexandrian Embassy, was published in November. A lifelong ancient war-gamer with a collection of more than 3,500 hand-painted 25mm lead soldiers, Robert is now concentrating on his writing, which stems from a love of Roman historical fiction. His background in film enables him to “translate cinematic images . . . to the page”. He chose Vespasian because of his “remarkable

career that took him to almost every part of the empire” and his “admirable feat” of “coming from virtually nothing to be emperor of Rome”.

MUSIC

MYRDDIN REES DAVIS PeA/GrW 08-15

First-year music student at St Hilda’s College, Oxford, Myrddin Rees Davis has been awarded the college’s Music Scholarship for 2015-16. Competition for the award was stiff, as the college’s website explains: “Myrddin’s performance of Franz Strauss’s Horn Concerto won over tough competition from a strong field of nine other wind, brass and string players, pianists and singers. Maggie Faultless, competition adjudicator and leader of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, was extremely impressed by the consistently high standard of the music-making.” Andrew Cleary, CH Director of Music, said: “Myrddin is an outstanding musician who flourished at CH. He has a natural flair and his contribution to music at CH was excellent, particularly solo performance. He had achieved a diploma on the tenor horn prior to commencing his GCSEs, and then gained grade 8 French horn with distinction. He showed incredible commitment to a number of School music ensembles but was also committed to music out of School, being a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and, since 2013, a member of the Guildhall Junior Department. “Myrddin’s musical journey will no doubt inspire other young musicians, and we always believed he would be an asset to any department.” Myrddin has also been accepted onto the Oxford Philharmonic’s Young Artists Programme, and will give a free short recital in the Sheldonian Theatre on Saturday 21 May.

Award-winner: Myrddin with his governor, Alan Oakley

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Christ’s Hospital Old Blues Association @CHOldBlues

another of my housemasters, Bob Rae (Staff 53-90), while I was visiting CH. Perhaps as recognition for my part in teaching him fives when he was in his early days at CH, he persuaded me to come to the Wednesday-evening staff fives, by then taking place in the fine suite of four courts behind the former tuckshop. Thus was my fives career reborn, with staff members including Denison, Keeley, Alexander, Hempstead, Avenell, Endacott, Cunningham, Bryant, Torkington, O’Boyle, Callas, Walsh, Stuart and more besides. We must not forget many senior pupils who joined those Wednesday sessions, two of whom, Ben Lovett (MaB/ThA 91-97) and Luke Thomson (MdB/GrW 04-11), went on to win the National Schools’ Fives Singles, so joining a line of great CH players stretching from John Burton (MaA 36-43), who has just celebrated his 90th birthday, and Dennis

Silk (PrepA/MaA 42-50), up to the present day. Louise Mathias (ThB/GrW 08-15) is, of course, the most successful female fives player in the sport’s history. Her record-breaking performances have won her all four singles titles – U13 in 2010, U14 in 2011, U16 in 2013 and U18 in 2015. As for me, the aim is to continue proving that one can still play competitive fives at 75 – and beyond, I hope. For this achievement, perhaps, the Rugby Fives Association has graciously made me its President, so placing me at the pinnacle of the sport in a way that eluded me on court. Even the accolade of being the first CH president eludes me, since that honour went to John Burton who held the office in 79-81: nor shall I be the last, for my successor, the current RFA deputy president, is David Bawtree (PrepB/MdA 47-55) and still playing. Bernard Atkinson (ColB 51-59)

CREATIVE / SPORT

12 THE OLD BLUE

Christ’s Hospital Old Blues Association @CHOldBlues

It may truly be said that to those who play fives, great things happen; not least because it is a sport which can become an addiction. But it is such an addiction that brings only benefits: health, fitness and well-being in an ethos of self-regulation – try that with football or cricket and see how it works! Moreover, the ancient sport of fives inhabits an environment in which deep and lasting friendships are formed and sustained. I began my fives journey at CH, starting in my first term in September 1951 under the benign eye of my Housemaster, AH Buck (Buckie), who was an accomplished player of the game. It was in 1982 that my older son, Julian (LHB/LHA 81-88), in the first year of his CH journey to Senior Grecian, was walking around The Mile and met an old man resting on a bench, doubtless enjoying his many CH reminiscences in the afternoon sun. The young boy’s “Good afternoon, Sir” led to a conversation and names were exchanged. “I was your father’s housemaster” was Buckie’s reply as the boy walked bemusedly on. My own career at CH encompassed much fives and many victories – often against strong opposition, unable to wrest victory from CH teams aided by those devilish doors which we knew how to exploit so expertly. Cambridge followed CH with more fives in the now defunct courts in Portugal Place, and after that, a long absence from the game. But fate took a hand to lead me back, when I met

A JOURNEY OF AN OLD BLUES’ FIVES PLAYERBernard Atkinson writes of his experiences of the game of fives in and out of CH

The OBGS met for their autumn meeting at Cowdray Park, near Midhurst, West Sussex, on 9 September 2015. We were very pleased both to welcome a new player, David Eldridge (PrepB/PeB 63-72), and to be joined by Michael Vickers (LHA/ColA 77-83), who was visiting from Australia. David, together with Donald Payne (PrepB/ThB 48-55) and Robert Muir (LHB/ColB 66-72), had an auspicious start winning the morning stableford competition. In the afternoon the Ross Goobey trophy was won by Bill Richards (PeB 61-70) who just pipped outgoing OBGS captain, Stephen Quest (Ba/PeB 65-72). Stephen, however,

took the Aggregate trophy as result of his consistent scoring at both Cowdray and Effingham last year. Michael Vickers also impressed us by hitting the longest drive. Dinner was all the more enjoyable as we were joined by Robin Crane (PeA 41-49). OBGS president Donald Payne thanked Stephen for his two-year stint as captain and announced that Robert Muir would take over in 2016. We were saddened to learn of the death of OBGS stalwart Rosemary Adkins (4s 49-57) on 24 October. Colin Russell, Secretary (BaA 54-61)Remembering, page 13

OLD BLUES’ GOLFING SOCIETY

RORY KEDDIE MdA/GrW 05-12

A scholarship-winning philosophy student at the New College of Humanities, Rory co-exhibited and sold a work at the Royal Academy of Arts last year. He produced the oil on wood board painting, Recognitions 19, with fellow student Frank Costello. His latest venture, @crowdmix, a ”social venture that lets you discover music through friends and friends through music” is due to launch in March.

FIVES AT CH TODAYFives continues to be a sport enjoyed by both boys and girls, and one at which they excel. Readers of The Old Blue will remember recent leaver Louise Mathias (ThB/GrW 08-15) became the most successful female fives player in the sport's history last year. Team coach, head of classics Ed Hatton (MdB/MdA 92-99), learnt to play at CH himself.

CH success: top: Ross Stuart (Staff) and Louise Mathias won the Lady's Cup

in Cambridge, pictured here with the team and coach Ed Hatton (far right); right: the boys’ squad at the regional

competition

Sold: Recognitions 19 by Rory Keddie and Frank Costello

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ROSEMARY ADKINS4s 49-57

Died 24 October 2015. Obituary by Colin Russell (BaA 54-61), honorary secretary of the Old Blue Golfing Society.

Rosemary was a stalwart of the Old Blues’ Golfing Society and took over from Dennis Quinn as honorary secretary in 2001 before handing over to me in 2012. She left Hertford in 1957, and enjoyed a career in teaching. She was a past ladies’ captain at Lewes’ Golf Club and at one time a director of the club. She was involved with several golfing groups and societies, and regularly organised golfing holidays for them overseas. Rosemary was buried in Bolingbroke, Lincolnshire, where her father was the vicar and where she was brought up prior to attending CH in Hertford. Rosemary had recently become a Donation Governor and her presentee, Phoebe Weir (ColB 2015-present), sang Peter Hurford’s Litany to the Holy Spirit during the service at Holy Cross Parish Church, Uckfield.

COLIN BELLMdA 44-51

Died 30 August 2015. Obituary by Christopher Pearson (PrepB/MdA 42-48).

Colin Bell was the epitome of the blitz-hardened London child that CH nurtured in the mid 20th century. CH was an unimaginably different world for him, and Colin, a scholarship entrant, was quick to recognise it. His School career culminated as a button Grecian, deputy house captain and with a scholarship to Cambridge University. He chose to undertake his military service obligation directly from school. Joining the RAF, his enthusiasm for flying led to a recommendation for officer training. He was commissioned as a regular officer in November 1952, making aerial navigation his speciality and gaining early distinction as lead navigator on active service during the Suez Crisis of 1956. His RAF career followed a path of prestigious postings including roles with the US Air Force, NATO and the MOD. He retired in the rank of Wing Commander in 1988. Colin never forgot the great benefits he had received from his CH days and lived by those values. A family man and father of

three children, he and Gill celebrated their golden wedding anniversary last year. He was a Donation Governor three times over; an active, faithful and worthy son of Christ’s Hospital.

COLIN BLOGG ColA 54-61

Died 29 August 2015. Obituary by Paul Wade (ColA 55-61).

At CH, Colin threw himself enthusiastically into everything; from academic life and singing to rugby and the CCF. He won a scholarship to read medicine at The London Hospital, and spent his career as an obstetric anaesthetist. A man of diverse interests, Colin was a Freeman of the City of London, Liveryman of the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries and a CH Donation Governor. He enjoyed sailing, fishing, theatre, music and food. He was a founder member and, eventually, honorary life president of the CS Forrester Society. Whether helping junior doctors or as a governor, Colin was instinctively generous with his time, charity and hospitality. Thanks to his sheer humanity, he never flinched at the worst of human challenges. Colin leaves four children and five grand children. He was a good man, a fine physician and a loyal friend.

BOB DAWKINSPeB 34-41

Died September 2015. Obituary by his daughter, Julie Dawkins, and Ken Mansell (PeB 53-61).

Bob had a sales career in engineering, and he became a national sales manager for automotive and aerospace components company GKN. Sadly, his first wife Joyce died prematurely in 1989. From the mid-1990s he shared his life with Dee, whom he had known in business. In 2010, he endured a series of minor strokes, his daughters saying that, paradoxically, this had freed up the true Bob, to the great benefit of them, his three grandchildren and great-grandchild. Also of special memory had been his travelling worldwide with his family, his last five years in Bath, close to his two daughters, and a visit to the School in 2013.

JOHN DOUGILLMdA 43-50

Died July 2015. Obituary by his wife, Vanessa Jackson.

John studied at West Sussex College of Art and the Royal College of Art. He developed his passion for photography, incorporating photomontage, and subsequently worked in the new field of photo silkscreen. He held various teaching posts, including at the RCA, and remained a tutor until he retired in 1999. John was a quiet but confident painter and printmaker, and a supportive tutor. Well read, obsessed with the connection between life and art, he taught students how to think, speak and create. His paintings were subtle, delicate and light. He was an early supporter of Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, and the CND, and was at the climate-change rally in London in September 2014. He is survived by his wife, Vanessa.

FRED GRANTMdA 36-42

Died 22 October 2015. Obituary by Richard Hunt (ThB 37-44).

Always a keen sportsman, Fred played rugby, cricket and fives for CH. He was also something of a mountaineer, having climbed the school water tower; no mean

REMEMBERINGOld Blues CHOldBlues

Flying enthusiast: Colin Bell

We are aware, through various channels, of many more OB deaths, but unfortunately we are not always able to include obituaries for all. If you would like an obituary included in a future issue, please contact CHOBA officer Margaret Wadman. Obituaries can also be found at www.choba.org/old-blues/obituaries/ and obtained from Margaret Wadman.

Sales manager with a love for travelling: Bob Dawkins

Quiet but confident painter: John Dougill

feat, particularly at night. He claimed to be a founder member of the School Air Training Corps. On leaving CH, Fred joined Lloyds Insurance as a broker, and was called up on his 18th birthday in 1943 for air-crew training in the RAF. He seemed to spend more of his war-service playing rugby or cricket than flying, although he received a commendation in 1945 for landing his plane in the night on only one engine. In 1951, he joined MPA, becoming managing director in 1965. He retired in 1979, having played a major part in expanding the company and opening offices abroad. Once demobbed, Fred played for the Old Blues RFC, and captained the club from 1951 to 1954. On retirement from rugby, he took to golf. Fred was an Amicable and thoroughly enjoyed the convivial atmosphere, particularly as it benefited the School. Offering sound advice, encouragement and great companionship, he will always be remembered with great affection.

DORIS HAVILLNÉE BECKWITH 5s 36-45

Died in October 2014. Obituary by her son, Stephen Havill.

Doris won a scholarship to CH in the 1930s, her father being a City of London police constable. She married Bert Havill in 1945. In recent years, after her husband (my father) died, I tried to get her to return to CH for a reunion; she had some fond memories of the School and I wanted to take her back for a weekend. Unfortunately, she was too frail and could not make the journey. Doris is survived by her two sons, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

WALTER (RAY) MORRISONMdB 41-49

Died 19 October 2015. Obituary by John Pulford (LaB 43-49).

Ray was a strong leader at CH, becoming Senior Grecian, and playing in the Rugby 1st XV and Cricket 1st XI. With his enlightened and civilised outlook on life, Ray was probably the best leader of the school in the whole of that difficult wartime decade of the 1940s. The report in The Blue on Speech Day 1949 said, “The English Oration was given by WJR Morrison, Senior Grecian. It was an outstanding feat of memory, clearly and well delivered. His graceful tribute to the recent award of the CBE to the Headmaster was warmly welcomed.” He also succeeded academically,

winning an Open Exhibition to study classics at Jesus College, Cambridge. Before taking up that place, he was called up for National Service in the infantry, and, after becoming senior under-officer and winning the cup for best cadet at Eaton Hall Officer Training School, he was posted to the Royal Ulster Rifles in Northern Ireland. Ray had had originally intended to specialise in mathematics at Cambridge but felt called to train for the ministry; so he was advised to study Latin and Greek. After four years reading classics and then theology, Ray crossed the road to Westcott House Theological College. Following his ordination at St Paul’s Cathedral in 1957, Ray served in a number of parishes in London, Hertfordshire and Herefordshire, and was a Prebendary (Honorary Canon) of Hereford Cathedral from 1978 to 1983. He later became a hospital chaplain in both London and Eastbourne. He was a greatly respected priest, counsellor, companion, leader and friend to many over a lifetime of service to individuals, communities and institutions. In retirement, Ray increasingly suffered from back pain, endured through a spinal operation in 1965 and then further operations while retired in Pershore; his last years became ever more disabling, painful and difficult. He leaves his devoted wife, Pam, his sister, Mary, three children and four grandchildren.

ERIC QUINMdA 32-41

Died November 2015. Obituary by his daughter, Rosemary Lea.

Eric was swimming captain, a school monitor, house captain and later a Donation Governor of CH. He read classics at Magdalene College Cambridge, and graduated in 1946, having broken his studies to serve as a lieutenant with the 9th Royal Tank Regiment at Sandhurst. He trained for ordained ministry at Bishops’ College, Cheshunt, and, after ordination at St Albans Abbey, served in Luton, Lancashire, Bradford, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. Throughout his career, Eric also taught RE, Latin and Greek. He retired in 1986 to the Wirral, where he celebrated 60 years in ordained ministry in the Church of England.

GREG STRANGEMdA 64-71

Died 26 September 2014. Obituary by Perry Kitchen (PeA 64-71).

Some years ago, while sharing a pint with Malcolm McKelvey, I said, “Do you remember Greg Strange?” “Who”, replied Malcolm, “could possibly forget Greg Strange?” Who indeed? The son and brother of Old Blues (John Strange MdA 32-39 and Paul Strange, LHA/PeA 69-75 respectively), even at CH Greg was rather eccentric, and incredibly gifted. He particularly excelled in history and English, was good at cricket, and participated in everything with typical zest, including the choir, the viola, drama and the scouts. Greg was a cheerful, forthright soul, enthusiastic, passionate, never quiet, and inevitably at odds with the cool zeitgeist of 1960s CH. He had run-ins with a few characters, but at St Andrews his eccentricity proved a positive boon. He embraced barmy traditions with enthusiasm and provided light and wit in the student union. I saw him once on a Q & A panel: as an earnest lady droned on about the sins of the government and the university, he upstaged her by emptying two pounds of tobacco into a meerschaum pipe the size of a football, and created dense clouds of evil smoke. He left St Andrews without taking his degree, and tried various careers before finding his niche at London’s LBC radio station, first as a presenter and newsreader, and eventually as motoring correspondent. Motoring became his professional life, and he became the voice of rally driving as the BBC correspondent for the World Rally Championship. More recently, he set up an app, iRally, to promote and link the sport on the internet. The industry has been united in its fulsome praise. In 1988, Greg married Welsh operatic soprano Eiddwen Harrhy, and their daughter, Olivia Rose, was born in 1990. Beneath his

REMEMBERING

14 THE OLD BLUE

Christ’s Hospital Old Blues Association @CHOldBlues

Priest and teacher: Eric Quin

The voice of rally driving: Greg Strange (right)

bluff exterior, he was kind and sensitive, and in his family he found true contentment. He died far too soon, but leaving happy memories: whenever his friends remember him, we smile.

CHRISTOPHER TAMBLINGPeA 76-82

Died 3 October 2015. Obituary condensed from the Daily Telegraph.

From CH, Christopher won organ scholarships to Canterbury Cathedral and St Peter’s College, Oxford. He spent the majority of his career as director of music, organist and master of Schola Cantorum at Downside School near Bath. He is probably best known for his organ fanfare based on the modern hymn Shine, Jesus, Shine, although he composed and arranged a great deal of other church music, including two musicals. His music was largely seen as tuneful and accessible. His masses for large choirs were especially popular in Germany, where the premiere of his Missa Brevis was performed by 1,400 singers in Landau in 2014. In addition, he produced two instruction books for aspiring organists. Chris took early retirement from Downside this summer to focus on writing music, but shortly afterwards his cancer was diagnosed. He is survived by his wife, Sara Babington, and their two sons. John Shippen (Staff 66-04), director of the A Capella choir, in which Chris sang at CH, writes: ”I was delighted to be back in touch with Chris a couple of years ago, when he acceded to my request to write a close-harmony version of the Votum for the annual lunch of the Caledonian Society of Blues. ”Chris was a wonderful man who brought music to so many from such an early age. He was a skilled accompanist and talented composer. His sons, Edward, also an organist, and Ben, a singer, will carry on the tradition, but Chris’s inimitable style and ability to get to the heart of everyone else’s style will remain with us in his many compositions and arrangements. I shall treasure greatly the pieces he wrote for me.”

MARTIN WALLLaA 27-33

Died 9 July 2015. Obituary by his son Robert Wall.

Martin Wall was born in October 1916 in the village of Snodland, Kent. His father was the rector of All Saints’ and his mother was a governess. The family moved to Highgate, north London, in the late 1920s. As the son of a vicar, Martin was able to attend CH. His father died when he was 16; this must have been quite traumatic for him. After CH, he joined a City insurance company in their broker section, where he stayed until he was called up by the Royal Artillery at the start of the war in 1939. He had quite a distinguished war, serving in the Middle East (including El Alamein), Sicily and Italy, returning to the UK in early 1944. He landed in Normandy on D-Day+3 and fought through France, Holland, the Ardennes and into Germany at the end of the war. He won the Military Medal for bravery in battle, retrieving injured colleagues while under heavy bombardment. Following discharge from the army, he rejoined the insurance company, where he became a director. He insured ships and, as a broker, worked in the Lloyds insurance market. In the late 1960s, he became a member of Lloyds but relinquished that on retirement. Martin married Joyce in 1950, and they lived with her young son in Finchley, north-west London. In 1952, their own son was born. In 1970, they moved to Brentwood, Essex, and in 1984, a few years after retirement, to Cambridge. In 1996, Martin was discovered to have a rare type of haemophilia. He was treated by regular blood transfusions. Martin and Joyce had to move into a nursing home in 2008, but had interconnected rooms so they could be together. Sadly, Joyce died in 2010. Martin’s main interests were gardening, photography, music and maps, the latter maybe an offshoot from his war years. He joined the church choir in Finchley and had a large allotment in the 1950s and 1960s.

REMEMBERING

SPRING 2016 15

Old Blues CHOldBlues

ALSO REPORTEDThe deaths are reported of the following Old Blues.

Mark Ardley(ColA 51-57), died 6 August 2015

William Arman(PeB 41-47), died 9 October 2015

John Ball(ThB 40-45)

Timothy Bloomfield (MdA 72-79), died 23 December 2015

Barbara Borgars(2s 63-70)

Matthew Bradstock-Smith (LHA/ColB 76-83)

Colin Brant (LaA 39-48), died 28 December 2015

Ernest (John) Chumrow(ColB 39-46), died 26 November 2015

Jenny Claxton(2s 43-49), died 22 September 2015

Eileen Downing (Hertford 65-71)

Dorothy Drew (5s 16-24)

Florence Gibson (2s 39-46) died 22 March 2015

Christopher Hoare(MdA 43-52)

Peter Homewood (LHA/LaB 70-76)

Henry Johnston(PeB 45-53), died 10 December 2015

Louis Maule-Cole(Prep/MdB 39-47), died 19 October 2015

Elayne Owles (Hertford 52-59), died 6 August 2015

Gerald Paterson(MdB 36-42), died 2 October 2015

Mary Seacome (6s 34-41)

Conway Sheldon(PrepA/PeB 34-43), died 6 December 2015

Lionel Temple-Cox died 17 September 2015

Ronald Thorne(ColB 33-40), died 11 October 2015

Brian Trowell (MdB 50-50), died 12 November 2015

Noel Vinsen (BaB 41-48)

Graham Williams (ThA 43-49), died 25 August 2015

Gordon Windle(Prep B/BaA 37-44), died 23 September 2015

Director of music, organist and composer: below: Christopher Tambling; left: second right from the crucifix on the chapel altar, with the A Capella choir

CHOBA NEWS

CHOBA OfficerMargaret Wadman

CHOBA and DevelopmentCo-ordinatorGina Skillings

Christ’s Hospital, Horsham,West Sussex RH13 0YP

T 01403 247665E administrator@chassociation.org

www.chassociation.org

Registered Charity Number 306975

CHOBA BoardHarriet BellenieJasmine BoadiSimon ChadwickClorinda GoodmanHoward Holdsworth(Head Master’s Representative)Robert Judson(Board of School Governors’Representative)

Hannah LazellAnjola OdulajaJo Sidebottom (Chair)

OB Editorial TeamBridget West (Editor)Miranda ChaveJo Sidebottom

Proofing TeamChristian AshbyCatherine BarberLydia Chantler-HicksNatalie CoxPhilip CunliffeSophie Winship

I was very pleased to be invited to Chauncy Court in March, when the sculpture of Sir Harry Vanderpant (Mayor of the City of Westminster from 1937 to 1938 and benefactor to CH Hertford) was put on display by the spiral staircase that used to lead to the Dining Hall. The Mayor of Hertford, Chantall Geall (2s 77-84), who was at Hertford in my time, and Mrs Humphrey (Hertford Staff 69-78) were present as well. It was good, also, to share the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the girls from Hertford joining the boys at Horsham, at Old Blues’ Day in September. It was a delight to sing in the choir, to visit the splendid new LARC (Language and Resource Centre) building, and to be shown around by my presentee by the gift of the Old Girls, Lottie Medhurst (BaA 11-present). She now sings in the chapel choir and plays the flute in the band. Her mother, Juliet (née Bond Taylor 5s 77-84), and I have enjoyed time together with Lottie at St Albans and Westminster Abbey. Another highlight of my life this past year was a parish pilgrimage to Turkey, visiting Istanbul and the seven churches of Revelation 2, especially Ephesus where our patron saint, St John the Evangelist “took” Mary. Otherwise, my life has continued as before: giving talks on the Greeks at the British Museum; my involvement with St John’s,

Friern Barnet, singing in the choir, leading intercessions and reading lessons, and visiting. My other music has included playing the cello in the Enfield Chamber Orchestra and playing the piano on my own or with a violinist friend.

MISS TUCKER’S NEWS 2015 HERTFORD HEAD MISTRESS 72-82

Celebrations: Miss Tucker at Old Blues’ Day with, L-R, Bridget West (née Dray 7s/ColB 84-91) and Kirri Grogan (3s/BaA 83-90), who were among the girls who joined Horsham from Hertford

The annual Carol Concert was held at St Stephen Walbrook on Tuesday 15 December. We welcomed 155 Old Blues, their friends and families to this wonderful Wren church tucked away near the Mansion House. Andrew Cleary was again Director of Ceremonies, and we are grateful to him and to those Old Blues who volunteered to sing in the choir and arrived earlier in the afternoon, along with organist Bridget West (née Dray 7s/ColB 84-91), to rehearse for the only time prior to the concert. They brought to life a delightful programme. The choir was smaller than in 2014 but

this meant that the whole audience was better able to hear the soloists: Jim Nelham (MaA 55-61); Amelia Clegg (ColB/GrW 05-11); and Schola Cantorum member Lottie Woodall (ColA 2013-present), daughter of Sarah Woodall (née Brown 7s/ColB 78-87). Blues had given up holiday to be with us and we hope they enjoyed the occasion. The assembled company of Old Blues was in hearty voice to complement the choir. Andrew Cosedge (PeB 60-66) spoke about the work of the BSB, and the retiring collection raised £768. This equals the record set last year; the generosity of Old Blues and

OBs IN FINE VOICE AND GOOD CHEER AT CAROL CONCERT

In the round at St Stephen Walbrook: Old Blues join together, with the choir for the evening under the baton of CH director of music Andrew Cleary (right)

all donors is gratefully acknowledged. Thanks go to this year’s readers, whose choice of texts was perfect and whose voices were clear: James Bogue (MaA/PeB 72-79) and Clorinda Goodman (1s/6s 62-68). We received positive feedback about the night from Old Blues, in favour of the location, and so look forward to returning in December 2016.