The Cliftonian (OC Edition) 2025

The Cliftonian

Forthcoming Events 2026

Thursday 12th February

Thursday 30th April

Thursday 7th May

Wednesday 13th May

Saturday 23rd May

Thursday 4th June

Sunday 14th June

Sunday 14th June

Saturday 20th June

Editorial

Although there has been much to celebrate at Clifton since the last issue of the OC Magazine, it has also been a year of reflections in many ways with the loss of former colleagues Kevin Bowring, Jo Greenbury, Caroline Butler (nee Allan) and Stuart Taylor.

Being part of the Clifton community for over 35 years and having had the privilege of working with so many people, colleagues and pupils, means that this is sadly a part of life but that does not minimise the grief for families

and friends. Perhaps, unsurprisingly, this has made me more aware of the importance of furthering links with the past and strengthening memories, and I hope that the OC magazine can play a small part in doing this.

Change is a part of life and certainly Clifton has undergone its share of this. The all boys school I joined in 1986 has become a successful and happy coeducational school, something which I have been lucky enough to witness over the years as the College evolved into its current state.

With the impending changes of leadership as Dr Tim Greene enters his final year as Headmaster and Jim Walton leaves as Head of the Prep School, Clifton will be embarking on its next exciting phase, remembering and building on the past but also creating something new as the College moves forward, adapting to the challenges ahead yet honouring its history in terms of place and people.

Sarah Clarke Editor

Please feel free to contact me at: sclarke2@cliftoncollege.com

Head of Alumni and Community

It is with a heavy heart that I write these opening remarks, as the successes of the year have been overshadowed by the death of our much-loved colleague, Jo Greenbury, who died unexpectedly at the age of 61.

Jo’s impact on the College and its community was profound, and the Thanksgiving Service held in Chapel last June saw over 350 alumni and former colleagues gather in a moving tribute. The outpouring of affection was a testament to Jo’s legacy, and we hope it brought some comfort to his family. Our thoughts remain with Julia, George, Harry, Isaac, India, and Joshua.

Amidst this loss, 2025 has nonetheless been a landmark year for the Old Cliftonian Society. A significant reorganisation of the Society has been successfully completed, including a much-needed overhaul of our rules and a new alignment under the auspices of the school. These changes bring considerable benefits: improved cost-efficiency, strengthened GDPR compliance, expanded indemnity cover, and a reduced carbon footprint, at the same time protecting the Clifton College Endowment Fund (CCEF) of which the members of the Executive Committee will continue to act as trustees. The Head Master said:

“The Old Cliftonian Society has always been an integral part of the College and will always remain so. These new arrangements will ensure that an ambitious and attractive programme of activities can be sustained for the benefit of OCs and that new links between OCs and the College can be forged in the future.”

I would like to thank all those who tirelessly contributed to this process, particularly Kate Holland-Smith (former Chair), Alex Turco (Honorary Treasurer), and the OC Committee for their time, dedication and collaborative spirit.

This year’s calendar of events has been as vibrant as ever, offering a wonderful reflection of the strength and warmth of the OC community.

We were delighted to welcome back an enthusiastic group of OCs from the 2005–2015 cohort for their reunion—our youngest alumni group yet to gather for such an occasion. They brought great energy to the day, which culminated in a memorable dinner in BSK and reaffirmed just how enduring Clifton friendships can be. The Class of 1995 also reunited informally in the Pavilion including others from overseas from as far afield as Nigeria, Singapore, and the USA.

The dedication shown by so many to return to College underscores the strong bond that Clifton continues to inspire

The ‘OC team’ on their away day at Lords (Nick Tu, Jeremy Pickles and Lucy Nash)

across generations and continents. This was beautifully articulated by Andrew Esam (NT 2005) in his reunion address in Chapel. You’ll find the full text of his words elsewhere in this issue.

Our ever-popular Breakfast Clubs have firmly established themselves as a regular fixture, and I’m grateful to our speaker volunteers who have entertained and enlightened us with talks on everything from chocolate, to death taxes, and “murders most extraordinary.” Their willingness to share time and experiences is what makes these mornings such a success.

Careers support continues to be a key focus, and we are pleased to be strengthening this area through the appointment of Paul Mann (ET 1996) as Head of the School Careers Office.

Paul’s arrival signals a closer alignment between the OCS and Clifton, ensuring even greater benefit to both pupils and young (and some not so young) OCs navigating life beyond the College gates.

Another highlight was our visit to Lord’s in June to watch the T20 final between Clifton and Rugby. The occasion offered the rare treat of sitting in the Members’ Pavilion and enjoying the historic Long Room and bar. Although Clifton lost on the day, they won hearts off it—especially in contrast to the rather less decorous behaviour of the opposition’s supporters.

As always, I’m deeply grateful to Lucy Nash for her superb organisational flair and inexhaustible ‘joie de vie’, and to our data wizard Nick Tu for keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. We were also pleased to welcome Laura

Gammage to the office as Director of Development, joining us from The King’s Trust.

And finally, my sincere thanks go to Head Master Tim Greene for his fantastic and enthusiastic support of the OCS during his tenure. We are very much looking forward to working alongside him in his final year at Clifton.

Jeremy Pickles Head of Alumni and Community

Events

The Social Calendar was as lively as ever with over 30 gatherings in the year.

Breakfast Club: This has grown and grown and is officially the hot ticket in town, with the perfect mix of great surroundings, fantastic camaraderie, and seriously diverse topics. We’ve had everything from the History of the Victoria Cross to The ‘Murder Judge’ (Sir John Royce) asking if ‘the female is more devious than the male’. We were also delighted to welcome back Martin Williams, a former member of College staff now working as Head of Nature Connection at the Belmont Estate.

We also held, for the first time, a breakfast in London hosted at The Swan, Shakespeare’s Globe where Simon Brewer (ET 81) and his wife Katy spoke about their respective podcasts.

Reunion 2005-2015: Tried and tested, this was another memorable day. Over 130 OCs returned from as far afield as Hong Kong, always one of the most popular events of the year.

30th reunion of the Class of 1995

45 OCs came to the College for informal drinks and dinner in the Cricket Pavilion.

Old Polackians and the Polack’s House Educational Trust

After too long an absence, we welcomed over 90 Old Polackians back for a drinks reception at the Savile Club in London. A lively gathering ensued and it was a great chance to catch up with attendees who’d flown in from New York and Israel. The evening strengthened the deep bond between the College and our alumni. It is with thanks to their ongoing support that our Jewish Life programme will remain a vital part of our vibrant school community for many years to come.

The Return of the Clifton Crumblies

It’s always so good to welcome back our wonderful past staff to a well-deserved lunch in the SCR on Commemoration Day.

Singapore and Hong Kong Trip

This is always an eagerly anticipated trip. First stop was a small but very happy meeting at the Cricket Club in Singapore, then on to HK where over 75 OCs and parents gathered at the magnificent China Club. The trip also included a fascinating talk for prospective parents about how AI is shaping the curriculum. The enthusiasm we get out there is absolutely infectious, and we are deeply grateful to our OCs in that part of the world. We were particularly delighted to reconnect with Mr Lal Chellaram (OH 1961) during the trip. This was a wonderful opportunity to personally share our deep gratitude and celebrate the incredible success of the Chellaram Sports Complex, which recently celebrated its first anniversary and continues to be a huge asset to our community.

Careers & Networking

We continued with our careers advice and mentoring programme with a trip to Knight Frank Head Office in Baker Street hosted by James Crawford (WiH 82).

James was accompanied by Eloise Lynch (nee Ladkin) (HH 2011) of Cadogan Estates and Matt Black (PH 83) of Selby Projects. A tour of the offices was followed by an invaluable insight into the world of property advice on career entry, qualification and ‘tips of the trade’. As a result 3 of the student audience have enrolled for RICS examinations.

We’re now working hand-in-glove with the School’s Careers’ First Office, making sure we can keep bringing OCs and current students together for advice across a huge range of knowledge and experience.

Chellaram Sports Complex

- one year on

How time flies. It has been a great experience to see just how many pupils, clubs, and local community groups have been enjoying and benefiting from this outstanding facility. It was great to welcome back the Chellaram Foundation. The Complex itself has been grabbing headlines, too. We were absolutely thrilled when it scooped the ‘Delivering Value’ award at the Construction Excellence South West Awards, and went on to become a national finalist. Plus, underlying our green commitment, the Complex was also a finalist for the Green Project of the Year, run by the Education Property Awards, recognising its sustainable construction and our serious commitment to biodiversity net-gain.

Get Involved: Parent

Community Engagement

We kicked off the academic year with two new events designed to welcome new families into the College community.

● International Parents’ Welcome Reception: This was a dedicated evening so that our parents from overseas could meet and connect before jetting back to their home countries. Held in the Chapel, it included a fascinating talk on the history of the College and a quick tour—a perfect way to help them feel familiar with their children’s new learning environment.

● New Parents’ Welcome Breakfast: We also threw a breakfast for all new families - from Preschool up to the Sixth Form. This was a fantastic, informal chance for them to meet each other and key members of staff. They also enjoyed the talk on the history of Clifton College, which is always a brilliant way to feel part of our tradition from day one.

These initiatives have been a great success, facilitating vital connections and leveraging all that fantastic expertise within our parent body: this has been a wonderfully positive start to the College’s community related activities for the new term.

And finally……..

The OCS hits a magnificent 130 years old in 2026, and we are planning a fabulous ‘Picnic on The Close’ to celebrate. Please pencil in Sunday 14th June—we’re planning to make it coincide with the first round of the Cricketer Cup with fun for all the family. Don’t miss it!

IF YOU WILL... THEY CAN

IF YOU WILL... THEY CAN

The 1862 Club was established to honour and appreciate those who have included Clifton College in their Will. This special recognition allows the School to express gratitude to members during their lifetime.

The 1862 Club was established to honour and appreciate those who have included Clifton College in their Will. This special recognition allows the School to express gratitude to members during their lifetime.

As a token of our appreciation, all members are invited to an exclusive annual luncheon hosted by the Head Master and other events, celebrating their generous support.

As a token of our appreciation, all members are invited to an exclusive annual luncheon hosted by the Head Master and other events, celebrating their generous support.

For inquiries about the 1862 Club and making a legacy gift, please contact: Development Office, Clifton College, 8 The Avenue, Bristol, BS8 3HE United Kingdom +44 (0)117 315 7666 development@cliftoncollege.com

WHAT THE

1862 CLUB HAS ACHIEVED SO FAR...

WHAT THE 1862 CLUB HAS ACHIEVED SO FAR...

Founded 10 years ago, the 1862 Club has seen bequests exceed £2 million. These generous gifts have significantly enriched the lives of Clifton’s pupils and we are hugely grateful to all donors and those who have passed are remembered on an Honours board at the foot of the Wilson Tower. In addition to bequests, club members have made lifetime gifts including:

GOLF CABIN

Founded 10 years ago, the 1862 Club has seen bequests exceed £2 million. These generous gifts have significantly enriched the lives of Clifton’s pupils and we are hugely grateful to all donors and those who have passed are remembered on an Honours board at the foot of the Wilson Tower. In addition to bequests, club members have made lifetime gifts including:

A dedicated golf cabin with a Trackmaster golf simulator.

GOLF CABIN

CRICKET EQUIPMENT

A dedicated golf cabin with a Trackmaster golf simulator.

Including nets, scoreboards, recording systems and pavilion refurbishments.

CRICKET EQUIPMENT

Including nets, scoreboards, recording systems and pavilion refurbishments.

SAILING BOATS

A brand new fleet of six new sailing boats.

SAILING BOATS

NEW RIB

A brand new fleet of six new sailing boats.

A new RIB with outboard motor and trailer.

NEW RIB

BURSARY SUPPORT

A new RIB with outboard motor and trailer.

c. £1m in endowment funds for bursaries.

BURSARY SUPPORT

ESTATE UPKEEP

c. £1m in endowment funds for bursaries.

£53,000 towards the upkeep of Memorial Arch and the Chapel.

ESTATE UPKEEP

£53,000 towards the upkeep of Memorial Arch and the Chapel.

Andrew Esam

Good morning everyone. I am Andrew Esam and I’d like to start by saying how grateful I feel to have this opportunity to speak to you today. I feel a certain imposter syndrome that I should have anything meaningful to pass on, so I thought I had better look up my Clifton College achievements, which include, but are not limited to:

● 2005 yearbook’s most likely to live at home at 30. If that award is still going, many congratulations to this year’s winner.

● 2005 Golf Team, vice captain.

● 2005 School Play main part. I thought this a fine achievement, but my friends inform me that I have continued to overstate the quality of my performance as the years have passed.

I left Clifton on 6th July 2005. As well as being my 18th birthday and thus the first time I could legally enter the Lizard Lounge, it was also one of the most emotional days of my life. I felt happy to be starting another long summer holiday and celebrating with friends, but I also felt a sadness to be leaving such an incredible community. I didn’t feel ready.

There was uncertainty as to when I would see some of my year group again. As well as the gap years and university places, some were making more permanent moves to the other side of the world. What I didn’t appreciate at the time was the strength, permanency and reliability of this Clifton College community. So fast forward to today, nearly 20 years on from my final chapel, and those bonds of friendship have only strengthened over time. The leavers here today, representing year groups from 2005-2015, are here because we value this connection.

I noted that the theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week was indeed ‘community.’ The Mental Health Foundation says that, “we thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times and give us a sense of purpose.”

In September 2022, whilst travelling through America writing a script for a film, I received a phone call from my dad with the terrible news that my mum had passed away suddenly. The following few months were tough and a bit of a blur, but I spent a lot of time with my dad, who lives on Percival Road, just up from the Redgrave Theatre.

I took so much strength from the support I received from the Clifton community during those times. Sometimes it was just the simple things - a lunch with an OC I hadn’t seen for 10 years, who reminded me of his impressive number of school suspensions, whilst somehow retaining his Praeposter status. He is now a very successful lawyer, of course.

An OC round of golf at Bristol & Clifton on Christmas Eve - by far the most competitive match I’ve been involved in.

After Ross Palmer (ST 2007) missed his putt on the 18th green, Ollie Palmer (ST 2006) celebrated wildly in victory and not a word was spoken in the clubhouse afterwards.

A couple of OCs even let me in on their embarrassing annual visit to Alton Towers, if I promised to keep it a secret. Sorry again that I’ve not been able to do that, Tom Foley (ST 2006) and Joe Nisbet (ET 2006).

I will be forever grateful for the way my Clifton friends rallied during that period. So my message to you is that whatever Clifton means to you individually at this moment in time, please don’t ever feel that you have to deal with anything on your own while this community exists.

I would also encourage you to consider the role that gratitude plays in your life. Research consistently shows that gratitude is linked to various positive outcomes, including increased happiness, life satisfaction, and better mental and physical health.

Just by being in this room, we have received the gift of a great education. The chance to play sport. The chance to create and to challenge ourselves. With this experience and with such a supportive community behind you, you can really trust yourselves to pursue whatever it is you want from life. If you can give back along the way, and help people, all the better. As Jim Carrey, a personal hero of mine, once said, “the effect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is.”

So, as you continue on your individual path, try to remain grateful for the start you received at Clifton College and thankful for the people who made it possible for you to be here. For my part, and on behalf of all of the Old Cliftonians here today, thank you for the invitation and warm welcome back, and for allowing us to remain part of this wonderful community.

Fundraising and Development Development team

It is a pleasure to contribute to this edition of the OC magazine to celebrate the achievements and enduring spirit of the Clifton community.

I was delighted to join the College in December last year as Director of Development. I have enjoyed the opportunity to meet many Old Cliftonians, as well as past and current parents, who share their love of and lasting connection to their school.

I have taken up this role at a time where there is considerable pressure on the independent school sector. These pressures on independent schools have highlighted the importance of sustainable bursary support to ensure that Clifton College remains accessible to any talented pupil.

I have been inspired by the generosity of families and OCs who have recognised this challenge, and have donated to us now or as a legacy in their will. Legacy donations are a particularly poignant gift to receive. As someone thinks back on their life, the impact the College has made on them or their family has encouraged them to make sure those same opportunities are available for the generations to come.

Despite the challenges, this year has also been an occasion to celebrate. In September 2024, we opened the Chellaram Sports Complex. This transformational facility, made possible by Mr Lal Chellaram (OH 1961), has become a hub of our co-curricular offering as well as a valuable community resource for sports groups and charities across Bristol. We were delighted that the Complex has been recognised in sector awards, winning the Delivering Value Award at the Constructing Excellence South West Awards and being a national finalist in the Education Property Awards for Green Project of the Year.

It has been a pleasure to welcome many OCs back to the College and to remain connected through our various events throughout the year. Looking ahead, we are excited to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Redgrave Theatre in 2026. Many of you will have fond memories of taking to the stage at the Redgrave or watching your peers perform from the audience. We look forward to welcoming you to join us in celebrating the diamond anniversary next year.

In the meantime, if you would like to discuss any initiatives, please do get in touch with us via development@cliftoncollege.com as we would love to hear from you.

Alongside my colleagues in the Development team, Jeremy, Lucy and Nick, I would like to thank all members of the Clifton College community for their support this year.

Laura Gammage Director of Development

“It has been a pleasure to welcome many OCs back to the College and to remain connected through our various events throughout the year.”

Clifton Careers: Inspiring Futures, Expanding Horizons

This year has been one of remarkable growth and momentum for Clifton’s Careers Department, as we continue strengthening our commitment to preparing students for life beyond school. With new initiatives, partnerships and a renewed focus on personalised careers guidance, the department is building a future-facing programme that equips students with the skills, networks and confidence to thrive.

A Connected and Visible Careers Presence

Communication has been a major priority. Our weekly Careers Bulletin, shared with students, parents/carers and staff, has become an invaluable source of up-to-date opportunities, events and advice. Complementing this, the newly launched Clifton Futures website now provides internal stakeholders with a central hub for resources, guidance and programme information.

To raise the profile of careers across the School, we have introduced refreshed careers branding and logos, now visible across events and publicity materials. One of the highlights of this refreshed look is the visually engaging Clifton Careers Programme overview; this programme is now available on the new Clifton Futures website and is featured prominently on promotional careers display boards.

Personal Guidance at the Heart of the Programme

Personalised support remains a cornerstone of our work. Careers guidance meetings were launched, with every student in Year 11 and Year 12 scheduled to receive an individual one-toone appointment with Level 6 Careers Guidance trained Head of Careers, Mr Mann.

Unifrog: A Comprehensive Digital Platform for All Years

Our transition to Unifrog as the school’s central careers platform has been a significant milestone. Now formally launched to Years 7–13 through in-school PSHE and Futures sessions, Unifrog supports everything from students’ UCAS applications to the writing and management of references. It also provides a robust system for tracking and evaluating students’ careers interaction, a key step in ensuring every student receives meaningful encounters and guidance. A parental communication was recently shared, enabling families to access the platform and support their child’s planning firsthand.

Building Pathways Through Partnerships

Clifton’s network of external partners continues to grow. The Western Training Provider Network delivered a valuable session on How to Secure an Apprenticeship for Year 13 students choosing alternatives to university, while the Newcastle

- Careers and Work Experience Coordinator, Paul Mann - Head of Careers, Linda Nixon - International Universities Coordinator

University outreach team offered three informative sessions covering applying to Newcastle, studying languages and navigating medical applications.

In collaboration with Mrs Patel, we also hosted a highly successful MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) workshop to support our aspiring medical applicants, a crucial step for those applying to competitive degrees.

Three additional innovative pilots are also underway:

● Pathbuddy, an AI-supported careers tool for targeted students (e.g., Oxbridge/Medicine applicants).

● Pathpilot, a career pathway development programme working in collaboration with OC, Oli Johns (WaH 2006) offering a two-day immersive training experience in March for up to 12 Clifton pupils.

● Clifton Conversations, working with Simon Brewer (ET 1981), OC and Co-founder of the Money Maze Podcast, to produce a variety of informative & targted interviews in order to help Clifton pupils connect and benefit from the established OC network.

A Transformational Year for Work Experience

Work Experience at Clifton has undergone an impressive expansion and restructure:

● A new WEX database with over 600 employer contacts is now in use.

● A dedicated Google Classroom filled with WEX resources has been launched for Year 12 students.

● Search and Find sessions have been delivered to help students secure placements early in the academic year.

● Full tracking, monitoring and health & safety systems are now operational.

● A WEX marketing campaign, aiming to increase employer engagement, is scheduled for February 2026.

● A fully resourced alternative WEX programme is already in place for students unable to secure a placement.

Looking Ahead: Exciting Events on the Horizon

The months ahead promise a rich programme of careers events and opportunities, including:

● National Apprenticeship Week - assemblies, workshops, a Year 12 alumni panel and attendance at the South West Apprenticeship Show

● National Careers Week

● Take Child to Work Days (Prep School)

● Future Skills Questionnaire (a national careers readiness assessment)

● University visits including the UCAS Conference, Cardiff University and Oxford University

● Prep School Green Careers Fair

● A series of external provider assemblies for Years 8–12

● Additional employer encounters (at least one per year group)

This term has showcased the Careers Department’s dedication, collaboration and forward-thinking approach. With expanded opportunities, stronger partnerships and a renewed focus on individual careers guidance, Clifton is preparing students not just for the next stage of their education, but for the future they want.

Paul Mann Head of Careers

Sport

OC Football

The 2024/25 campaign began in spectacular style for the Old Cliftonians, with 11 goals scored in the opening three fixtures. The season kicked off with a confident 3-1 victory against long-standing rivals Clifton St Vincent’s Reserves, where Louie Shaw (NT 2017) opened his account for the year. Two thrilling draws followed - 3–3 and then 5–5 - with Louie adding two more goals, including a stunning 30-yard strike that rescued the 5–5 draw.

September concluded with disappointment as the team exited the Gloucestershire FA Cup to higher-league opposition, Bitton Town Reserves. Nonetheless, league form remained strong. The OC’s went unbeaten until late November, positioning themselves firmly in a three-way title race with NCSF United and perennial Downs League contenders Sneyd Park. A defeat in November briefly halted momentum, but December saw the side return to winning ways in emphatic fashion, sweeping aside Evergreen 5-0, Clifton St Vincent’s 7-1, and earning hard-fought draws against both Sneyd Park (1-1) and NCSF United (0-0).

January brought two notable milestones for the club. We welcomed a new OC, Ash Lakhani (NT 2022) to the squad, and celebrated Isaac Greenbury (NT 2014) joining the ‘100 Cap Club’, making him only the 13th OC to reach this remarkable landmark. The club was more than happy to award Isaac the traditional club tankard for his exceptional contribution to the club: 56 goals and 43 assists across his first century of games, an extraordinary return, with more still to come.

Unfortunately, fortunes dipped as the season entered its final phase. The team exited the Downs League Cup at the group stage and, despite topping the league table in February, were unable to maintain form, ending the campaign with three consecutive defeats. While the finish was disappointing, the squad can be immensely proud of its progress. In recent years, the OCs have risen from battling at the foot of Division 2 to mounting a genuine promotion challenge, a testament to the commitment and development of the group.

In the end-of-season honours, Louie Shaw once again claimed the Top Scorer and Most Assists awards and was also among the leaders for Most Appearances. The club’s connection to Clifton College remains an important point of pride, and this season no fewer than nine Old Cliftonians represented the side, including a memorable guest appearance in our final game of the season, by club legend Dan Grech (SH 2005), our all-time leading scorer with an extraordinary 173 goals in 149 matches.

As ever, the Old Cliftonians’ Football Club warmly welcomes any OCs wishing to get involved in the coming season. Anyone interested in playing or reconnecting with the club can reach us via email, social media or through the Old Cliftonian Society.

Halford Hewitt 2025

Golf Report

Clifton had a great run in the Halford Hewitt this year by making it to the quarter finals. We welcomed Finn Ellis (ET 2024) to the team for his first Hewitt.

We were drawn at Deal this year and won a tight game against Highgate 4.5 – 0.5 in the first round. Round two provided a stern test against the well regarded Merchiston school. We pulled through a very close match to win 3-2 and earn a place in round three to face Felsted who had just won against Marlborough on the 21st hole in the deciding match. We closed out that match as winners 3.5 – 1.5 to progress to Saturday. We had a very enjoyable and competitive match against Berkhamsted in the quarter finals, only to narrowly lose 3.5 – 1.5. Congratulations to Chris Baker (MH 2008) and Finn Ellis on winning all their games; well played. Thank you to all the supporters who either came to watch in person or cheer us on from afar. Team spirit was high, and we have plenty of youthful talent to take the team forward.

Team – Chris Carney, David Rowe, Andy Rudge, Chris Dale, Chris Baker, Jack Mann, Lloyd James, Finn Ellis, Harry Kennedy, Nick Allen.

OC Golfing Society

Berkshire 2025

We had an excellent turnout for the OC Golf Society Annual meeting at the Berkshire Golf Club on 3rd September this year. Conditions were breezy and very wet in the afternoon but we had an excellent lunch and lots of fun. Chris Baker took home the silverware for Div one winner and gross score winner, with Mark Davies winning Div two.

If you would like to join the Society, please contact lnash@cliftoncollege.com

OC Real Tennis Society:

Old Cliftonians actively participated in major tournaments, both nationally and internationally, in the real tennis calendar.

Women’s World Championships:

At the elite level, Lea Van Der Zwalmen (WT 2015) continued in her quest to topple Claire Fahey, the reigning and 9 years running World Champion and current US and British Open champion. In the recently held World Championship held in Newport RI, Lea again lost out in the singles and with her doubles partner in the final.

This followed on from close matches in the final of the Australian Open and US Open, with the results again favouring Fahey in both singles’ finals. However, in the US Open Doubles final, it was a different story. Lea was able to win her second Slam with her American partner, Annie Clarke, defeating the favourites, Claire Fahey and her partner Jo See Tan.

It should also be recorded that Lea was accepted into the men’s competition draw, an indication of the levels she is playing at. Lea continues in her role as President at the Jeu De Paume Court in Bordeaux where the game of Real Tennis is being successfully grown. Lea is always pleased to see OCs playing at this court, and there is a warm welcome for any OC wishing to play this court.

Training to go Professional

Archie Campbell (MH 2024) has spent the year as a junior assistant, gaining valuable experience at Radley College, before making his way to Australia to assist Chris Ronaldson and Maggie HendersonTew, firstly at Ballarat and then at the newly opened court in Sydney. This is a wonderful opportunity for Archie as he starts his career in Real Tennis.

Club Level

Pol Roger 2024/25, the Brodie Cup and National League Divisions 7 & 8.

At club level in the premier Club Tournament, The Pol Roger, two OCS, Jonny Whitaker (ET 2012) and Henry Mullan (ET 2015) helped Queens to a 4-1 victory over Leamington.

Congratulations to Bristol who won the Brodie Cup in March 2025 at the Hyde, beating Queens to win the cup. Jon Eltringham (HaH 1988), Henry Thornhill (ST 1995) and Reggie Williams (The Clifton Rackets Professional) represented BRTC in the finals. Bristol also won the National League Division 7, playing against Middlesex, and the National League Division 8, playing against Hampton Court in their respective finals. OCs Henry Lidington (ST 2017) and Bruce Newman (WaH 1992) played in the Division 7 matches, with Henry playing in the final. Bruce captained the team and supported the Bristol team by playing in their matches en route to the final. Overall, it was a successful 2024/25 season for the Bristol Club with OCs and those connected to Clifton playing their part as club members.

Henry Leaf Tournament 2025

At the Schools’ Alumni Tournament, the Henry Leaf held at Queens, Clifton 1 had Jonny Whitaker (ET 2012) and Henry Lidington losing to Charterhouse in the quarter finals and Clifton 2 had Luke Sutor (SH 2022) and Archie Campbell (MH 2024) losing in the first round to Wellington 1. It was a notable effort to field two OC pairs for this competition.

Jonny continues his role as this tournament’s organiser and as captain of Tennis at Queens.

Catermull Cup 2025

In the Cattermull Cup, Nic Esses (PH 1979) and Brian Muir (ET 1978) represented Clifton but did not progress out of a highly competitive group.

Celtic Cup

The Celtic Cup is played each year between Ireland, Scotland and Wales. In 2025, the Mullan brothers, Alex (MH 2011) and Henry (ET 2015), played for Ireland versus Scotland. Ireland lost to Scotland with Alex and Henry winning their singles matches comfortably 6/1 and 6/3 respectively, but they lost their two doubles matches to their Scottish opponents.

Scotland beat Wales in their match with Miles Buckinghamshire (OH 1963) playing for Scotland and Jeff Avery (ET 1964) for Wales. Miles won his two doubles matches which helped to secure the match for Scotland with Jeff losing his two doubles matches in this competitive fixture.

Leamington(LTTC) v Old Cliftonians – Sunday March 9th 2025

Five OCs and one honorary OC played in a very convivial atmosphere at Leamington. Miles Buckinghamshire also played for LTTC winning his two doubles matches for the Club. Stuart Andrews (Hon OC) lost the first singles in a tight match. Playing for the OCs versus his Club, Miles Buckinghamshire and Jeff Avery lost their match in two sets.

Henry Lidington played a feisty three setter, only to lose the final set.

Ben Andrews (WaH 2000), playing for LTCC with his partner, then rubbed salt in the wounds by beating Henry Lidington and Brian Muir in another tense match

We continue to be indebted for the generosity and boundless enthusiasm that Miles Buckinghamshire shows towards the support of OC tennis and wish him many more years of playing the game he so loves.

Any new school leavers wishing to represent the OCs, please send your details to brianmuir6@gmail.com. OC Real Tennis needs more players at all levels in order to fulfil the current fixtures against Leamington, Middlesex and Bristol and be able to extend the fixture list to play against other touring sides such as Old Etonians and Old Rugbeians.

Brian is reliant on OCs sending him information in order to compile the annual report. It would be helpful if OCs could continue to do this so that OCs can be made aware of this wonderful game. The College is fortunate to have the Real Tennis court at Beggars Bush, built largely through the efforts of the late OC John Bretten (ET 1964) and his friends, with the support of the College. As a result of being introduced to the game at Clifton since 1998, OCs are active at the highest level in the game; and, just as importantly, play active roles at Club level up and down the country and overseas.

Old Cliftonian Cricket Club –Season Review

The Old Cliftonian Cricket Club season began, as is becoming tradition, in front of the familiar backdrop of the Close on Commemoration weekend, with a T20 against the Clifton College 1st XI. The School proved worthy winners this year, chasing down 141 off 115 balls. The match delivered a memorable family subplot, as Stan Sainsbury (NT 2025) launched his older brother Shay (NT 2022) into the West Town front garden to finish the chase.

Plenty of evidence of exciting talent is well and truly in the pipeline for the OCCC.

Cricketer Cup Campaign

Round 1 – Oundle Rovers (H)

A Cricketer Cup campaign is always best begun on home turf at BS8, and winning the toss ensured a positive start. Contributions throughout the order gave the OCs a healthy score, led by a standout 56 off 35 from Louie Shaw (NT 2017). Our four-pronged spin attack controlled the game superbly, squeezing Oundle throughout their chase. Dan Broome (NT 2023) was the pick, returning 3/35 from his 10 overs. Wheels were in motion…

Round 2 – Old Eastbournians (A)

The next stop was Eastbourne, the sunshine coast. Losing the toss was immediately softened by the OEs generously choosing to put us in. Meadows (ET 2021) and Sadler (SH 2024) laid the perfect platform with a composed opening stand. Sadler’s fluent 66 set the tone before Shaw continued his fireworks, blasting 71* from 55 balls and pushing the total to a commanding 271.

With runs on the board, the OCs felt in control, eventually bowling the hosts out for 197.

OC cricket team Back Row Left to Right: L.Shaw (NT 2017), S. Brooks (NT 2023), J. Sadler (SH 2024), A. Davies (MH 2023), J. Millard (NT 2020), S. Sainsbury (NT 2022), D.Broome (NT 2023), A.Turco (Scorer) (WaH 1997) Front Row Left to Right: A.Lakhani (NT 2022) B. Oduwole (BH 1994), B. Figueiredo (Captain) (ST 2010), O. Meadows (ET 2021)

Dan Broome (NT 2023) , Sam Brooks (NT 2023) , Aaron Davies (MH 2023)

Stat Attack courtesy of Alex Turco:

● 3rd longest away trip in the competition

● 10th highest OCs score in Cricketer Cup history

● 3rd highest OC team score without an individual centurion

● 2nd highest total OEs have ever conceded in the Cup

● And a special milestone for Babatunde Oduwele (BH 1994)—20 years of Cricketer Cup appearances (2005–2025)

Quarter-Final – Old Cranleighans (A)

Back into the last eight, another away day awaited: Guildford this time. Once again, Meadows and Sadler formed a dependable foundation before Will Naish (SH 2021) took charge, top scoring with 60 off 54. A competitive 262 was set. The second innings brought its share of spice, but the OCs held their nerve and their standards. A superb all-round performance saw the OCs conquer Cranleigh on their own patch for the first time in Cup history.

Semi-Final – Old Bedfordians (A)

A landmark occasion: the club’s first semifinal since 1997 and Alex Turco’s 30th Cricketer Cup appearance. The away-day rhythm felt finely tuned as we again won the toss and elected to bat. Unfortunately, after a promising start, the innings faltered and the OCs were dismissed for 160.

Despite a valiant showing in the field, the total proved too slim to defend. Old Bedfordians progressed, and the OCs’ spirited 2025 run came to an end one step short of a long-awaited final. Old Bedfordians went on to win the 2025 edition of the Cricket Cup.

As always, a special thanks goes to everyone who represented the OCs this season as well as the support team led by Naish, Meadows, Brooks and Millard.

Ben Figueiredo (ST 2010)

“The Old Cliftonian Cricket Club season began, as is becoming tradition, in front of the familiar backdrop of the Close on Commemoration weekend.”

Then and Now

Hallward’s House

I was appointed to Hallward’s House as the founding Housemistress in 2003 and spent the first year encouraging girls to join, marketing the House and meeting parents.

When I first stepped into the building now named Hallward’s House in 2004, tasked with establishing Clifton’s newest girls’ day and boarding house, I could not have predicted the incredible journey which lay ahead. At the time, it was an empty space waiting to be filled—not just with pupils, but with a spirit of camaraderie, tradition and resilience that would define its identity for years to come.

In those early days, my family and I moved into the basement—six of us sharing 2 bedrooms whilst boarders lived in the “private side” as the builders continued their work. Then, in January 2005, the girls moved to their own “side” and we moved into ours. It took some time, navigating the uncharted dynamics of a house still finding its feet. Some might have found the experience daunting, but for us, it was the beginning of something remarkable.

We started with just 23 girls, blending day pupils with boarders, carefully shaping an environment that felt like home. Over time, that number grew—steadily, then exponentially—until Hallward’s flourished into a thriving community of 97 pupils, each contributing to the house’s unique character and energy.

Hallward’s was always more than just a house: it became a hub of creativity, kindness, and ambition. Weekly evening gatherings to watch Desperate Housewives were more than just entertainment; they were bonding moments that solidified friendships and gave everyone a chance to share fun and laughter. Annual International Supper Celebrations showcased the diverse backgrounds of our pupils, as they cooked and shared their favourite dishes with one another. The house’s competitive streak shone through in House Songs, Plays, Sports and Music, where the girls repeatedly proved their dedication to teamwork and excellence.

Perhaps one of the most defining aspects of Hallward’s House was its unwavering commitment to giving back to the community and to others less

fortunate. Fundraising for charities such as War Child became an integral part of house life, not just an initiative led by teachers, but a movement driven by the pupils themselves. From bikeathons and second-hand clothing sales to serving food for Bristol’s homeless community, the pupils’ passion for making a difference extended far beyond the walls of Clifton. Their leadership, creativity and dedication ensured that charitable giving was not just a duty, but a deeply embedded part of Hallward’s ethos.

Of course, Hallward’s would not have become what it is today without the people who helped shape it. Mr. P, the backbone of the house, was its constant presence—always ready to support, encourage and brighten the day. Mrs. Ferman, Hallward’s beloved Matron, dedicated two decades to ensuring the well-being of every girl who passed through its doors. This combined with the commitment and care from every Assistant HoM, Tutor and Assistant Matron has been a testament to the power of community and care that defines boarding life.

Yet perhaps the greatest testament to the spirit of Hallward’s is the enduring bond between those who once called it home. Many of the girls remain in regular contact, ensuring that friendships forged within those walls continue to thrive. Invitations to weddings, reunions, lunches and coffees speak to the deeprooted connections that still hold strong—proof that Hallward’s was never just a place to stay but “a place to belong”.

“Believe in yourself and the world is yours.”

At the heart of Hallward’s House was a simple motto: “Believe in yourself and the world is yours.” It shaped the spirit of those who lived there, inspiring confidence, ambition and the courage to create change. More than a call to success, it encouraged lifting others up and building something lasting.

To those who once called Hallward’s home, and to those who continue its traditions today, thank you for the memories, the friendships and the legacy we share.

Yet Hallward’s is, and always has been, a House that moves forward with strength, adapting while holding onto the spirit

that makes it so special. Since January 2018, Mrs. Kenyon has embodied everything that Hallward’s stands for: offering steadfast leadership, deep care for the girls and a vision that ensures Hallward’s continues to thrive as a place of belonging.

Under her guidance, the House remains a vibrant, supportive home where pupils foster lasting friendships, embrace new challenges and champion the same values that have defined Hallward’s for decades. Whether through music, theatre, sporting competitions or the unwavering commitment to charitable causes, the next generation of Hallwardians continues the tradition

of believing in themselves and making a difference—just as those before them once did.

Mrs. Kenyon’s dedication and warmth have ensured that the foundation laid in those early years has only strengthened with time. As Hallward’s House evolves, its core values remain unchanged: an unbreakable commitment to inclusivity, friendship and resilience.

Hallward’s legacy lives on, not just in its walls, but in every pupil who passes through its doors.

Karen Pickles

Founding Housemistress Hallward’s House

“An unbreakable commitment to inclusivity, friendship, and resilience.”

Since those early years, not much has changed, yet so much has. It is still very much the welcoming and supportive house that I took on, something that is commented on by tutors past and present, noting just how kind and generous the students are in the house. Many of the traditions and events continue, from the annual duathlon through to singing of 12 days of Christmas at our Christmas supper. We continue to balance a unique mix of boarding and day pupils and remain the only house to be fully integrated in this way. Our excellence in music and the performing arts continues, as does our “enthusiasm” for sport despite perhaps the limited successes in this area.

Mr and Mrs Pickles established the House with a family ethos at its heart and this has continued. My husband and I, along with our three children, have had the privilege of living in the boarding community and have been welcomed by all throughout. We carried on the tradition of having house dogs and dog hair on the girls is a frequent occurrence.

But a lot has changed as well, with the School, and therefore the house, having to conform to changes in safeguarding practices and to adapt to some of the recent challenges that young people have faced. Navigating through the COVID years was an experience, with the House going in and out of lockdown, delivering meals to boarders outside of their doors, doing callover from my office with all of the girls ‘zooming in’ from their bedrooms, and supporting students who were stranded many miles from home. It was a tough time but one that saw the boarding community pull even closer together and many strong friendships were formed. And, it turns out, that we were pretty good at ‘virtual house tennis’, our last sporting trophy of note!

Clifton is now at the forefront of safeguarding best practice, and this is championed by the houses. From the way we issue paracetamol through to the wealth of wellbeing support available to our students, safeguarding is at the heart of everything that we do. Hopefully, from a student perspective, the associated changes have only served to enhance their experience and enable them to place even greater trust in the Clifton community, although OCs might be miffed to hear that each housemaster is now armed with a breathalyser.

And yet, despite these changes, it is still the House that it once was, built on a foundation of trust and respect, celebrating individuals and their talents, whatever they might be, with friendships formed across year groups especially within the boarding community, and students achieving the incredible - from places in top universities, to musical brilliance, the House has a bright future ahead.

Emma Kenyon Current Housemistress Hallward’s House

Then and Now

Wiseman’s House

The Philosophers’ House Domus Philosophorum

Wiseman’s Sesquicentenary 1874 - 2024

Salvete vos, praeteriti. Salvete vos, praesentes.

(Hail to those who came before. Hail to all who join once more.)

E.I.C Smith, Domus Philosophorum

As Wiseman’s current housemaster and someone who, for many years, has had the good fortune to earn his keep from teaching philosophy, I have come to know a great many wise men in my time. It is perhaps unsurprising that the wise men - and women - of antiquity valued wisdom a great deal, and that the ancient Greeks considered it essential for a flourishing life. Today, the task of nurturing wisdom within successive

generations of Cliftonians largely falls to the Houses and their dedicated teams of house staff. How fitting then, that one of the College’s oldest and most distinguished Houses should today be known as Wiseman’s.

This, of course, was never inevitable. During the early days of the College, all boarding houses, except for School House, were known by the names of their incumbent housemasters and the House that would later become known as Wiseman’s was originally named Dunn’s before it changed to Wiseman’s in 1878 when the Revd H.J. Wiseman took over. After Wiseman’s departure in 1900, however, the House once again morphed, this time, into Spence’s, then Clissold’s and finally Lewis’s House before, in 1922, a decision was taken to adopt fixed names. At this important juncture, it seems that Wiseman’s 22-year tenure - a feat that has not been surpassed to this day - was pivotal in the re-naming of the House for the very last time.

As someone who has never been keen on letting facts get in the way of a good story, I still like to think that etymology played some part in the decision to name the House Wiseman’s and that those who did so envisaged generations of wise men leaving the House equipped with

the knowledge and required wisdom to make their mark on the world. Certainly, since its establishment in 1874, many distinguished young men have done just that, but what I had not realised until this year’s sesquicentenary was just how many contributions have been made by former Wiseman’s boys to public life, art, sport and academe over the years.

I have to confess that when I was first notified of the House’s imminent 150th celebrations, I was rather daunted. As anyone who has presided over an important anniversary will attest to, the burden of history can very quickly weigh heavily on one’s shoulders. As Bill Huntington, my predecessor and close friend, observed, being the latest in a very long line of housemasters entails not just taking on the responsibility of a House but ‘also taking on its past and the characters who shaped it’.

As the list of attendees steadily grew and arrangements for the festivities gathered momentum, I decided that some preparation ahead of the event would be prudent. Over the weeks that followed, I researched the achievements of my predecessors and began to build a picture of how the House might have been in its many previous guises. Fortunately for me, this was

not something that required a great deal of effort since many artefacts from the original building on College Fields remain to this day, having survived the House’s relocation to Worcester Road in 2006. The honours boards and photographs that continue to adorn the walls and corridors of the House - like a carefully curated fossil record capturing the House’s steady evolution - serve to remind even the most unobservant individual of the House’s long and illustrious past. Having done my homework and no longer suffering from acute imposter syndrome, I awaited the day of the anniversary celebration with a keen anticipation.

Finally the big day arrived and on Saturday 26th October the doors of Wiseman’s were flung open; from noon onwards, a steady procession of former magi made their way southwards across the Close to view the carefully curated exhibition of Wiseman’s memorabilia ably assembled in House Hall by the College’s archivist, Dr Charles Knighton. The exhibition featured an eclectic mix of historical documents and artefacts ranging from old house photographs and house play programmes to Wiseman’s caps and other house paraphernalia. Also on display was a bountiful collection of photographs depicting youthful-looking former housemasters in dated attire. Snaking around House Hall, the exhibition continued its way into the House Library with a series of photographs of notable Wiseman’s achievers, such as its first and only wrestling champion, Sir E.A. Oakley (1913-18), prince and diplomat, Maharajkumar Agit Singh of Kapurthala (1922-24) and England rugby internationals, D.G. Perry (1951-56) and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (2019-21).

Like the wise men of scripture, many attendees had travelled far and wide, with a handful having traversed continents to make the event. Behzad Nahai (1976) had journeyed all the way from California, David Davies (1992) from New York, while Kenneth Fok (1973) had flown in from Vancouver. Over tea and cake, an excited chatter permeated the air as old friends gathered and reminisced about their time at the school. As one might expect of wise men, a number quizzed me on the exhibition and, in particular, queried the historical accuracy of the honours boards. A number of heated debates ensued as competing historical accounts vied for authenticity and inclusion within the

official canon of events. During these conversations a good many apocryphal stories were also shared but, given their content, they are unlikely to feature in any exhibitions in the near future!

Around mid-afternoon the everpresent and effervescent Jeremy Pickles (Head of Alumni and Community) announced that proceedings would move to the main part of the campus.

Later that evening, my wife Laura and I made our way across the Close to attend a drinks reception in the Percival Library. We were joined by Jane Taheri (Wiseman’s incumbent matron) and two former students, Benson Zhou and Leon Cheng (2002). As we arrived, the event was in full swing; among the attendees were Adam Sibley (Housemaster 1998 - 2004) and his wife Jane and we very quickly fell into conversation, comparing notes and anecdotes of our respective times in the House.

Efficiently orchestrated by Kieron Howell, the College’s hospitality manager and maître d’ for the evening, a delicious and sumptuous three course meal was promptly served and, along with a wellstocked bar, the evening maintained its good cheer. As the meal drew to a close, the Head Master, Dr Tim Greene, stood up to address the remaining 67 former wise men and, in typical fashion, delivered an impromptu but well-crafted speech that was well-received by all. I, on the other hand, had the misfortune to follow and bumbled my way through a scripted speech having stupidly left my glasses on the bed at home! Hoping to redeem myself, I believed I had something rather special up my sleeve, something which, I hoped, would end the evening with a flourish: the Wiseman’s House Song!

Composed by former tutor, E.I.C Smith, during the 1890s, ‘Domus Philosophorum’ (The Eternal Song of the House of Wise Men) had been shared with me by Dr Knighton just a few weeks prior to the event and, having successfully resurrected North Town’s house song, ‘The North Star’, a few years earlier during my time there as housemaster, I was quietly confident that ‘Domus Philosophorum’ would be a hit with the evening’s audience and would make for a rousing finale. Alas, how wrong I was! Despite its impressive Horacian Latin verses, the melody is, sadly, not a memorable one and is

probably the reason why the song had fallen out of favour over the years. Today, one is far more likely to hear Wiseman’s boys rehearsing a popular little ditty for House Song than reciting Latin verse, and so it proved to be the case again when, despite energetic prompting from Benson Zhou on piano, the rousing finale failed to materialise. Nevertheless, from the very many conversations I had

had over the course of the day, I sensed that the celebrations had lived up to expectation and that there was a genuine appreciation for all that had been done to make Wiseman’s 150th anniversary such a special and memorable occasion.

Daniel Janke

Current Housemaster Wiseman’s House

Achievements

Awards

Laurence Brass (PH 1965)

Laurence was recently elected as the Hon. Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council.

OC friends may remember that he contested five General Elections as a Liberal Democrat candidate since leaving Clifton and will be pleased to know he has been honoured by the Party by becoming the ”First Citizen” of Hertfordshire.

Richard Farrimond (WaH 1965)

Richard was awarded the Chapple Prize from the Society of Army Historical Research and the National Army Museum for the best book by a first time author on the British Army and associated, Empire or Commonwealth, forces.

Peter James Manning (OH 1972)

Peter was awarded: Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to UK/China relations.

Hockey:

Clemmie Houlden (HLH 2024), having represented England Hockey at U16, U18 and U21, is now at Princeton University, USA, studying Chemistry where she has earned First Team All-Ivy honors.

Rugby:

Shay Sainsbury (NT 2022), an OC and a member of our sports coaching team, was recently selected to play for the Barbarians against Durham University RFC in a special celebration for their 150th anniversary. It rounds off an outstanding year for Shay, who was named National League 2 West’s Player of the Season during Clifton RFC’s promotionwinning campaign to National One.

On Friday 8th November, Australia faced Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate Stadium, where OC Sam Worsley (SH 2022) started the match at number 10. This was the first time Australia has played in Bristol since 1909. They then played England at Twickenham on Saturday 9th November, where Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (WiH 2021) started on the wing. This continued Immanuel’s outstanding run in the starting line-up for England, cementing his status as one of our brightest young talents.

An update:

Jonty O’Callaghan (ST 2016) did two national tours in an actor musician role as ‘Buddy Holly’ in 2024. He has also been in two West End plays and the Cambridge Shakespeare Festival. He had a small role in Hamlet and loved playing Bottom in MSND. Malachy O’Callaghan (SH 2022) chaired his Leeds University “Tealights” comedy sketch show in 2025; he was writer, producer, director and actor. They won a small award in Edinburgh.

“This continued Immanuel’s outstanding run in the starting line-up for England, cementing his status as one of our brightest young talents.”

OC Travel Award

From Zanzibar to Southeast Asia: a Journey of Learning and Giving Back

By Fleur Wagstaff (Hollands House 2024)

Last summer, thanks to the generous OC Travel Award from Clifton College, I embarked on a life-changing 7 week journey to Thailand and Bali, where I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer in local schools, teaching English to children of a range of ages. The experience was not only rewarding and eye-opening but also deeply affirming, further igniting my passion for education and community around the world.

In both Thailand and Bali, I worked closely with enthusiastic children eager to learn, despite limited resources and varying levels of prior English exposure. Every day brought something new, from teaching basic vocabulary and sentence structures to playing educational games and linking learning, and music was always everyone’s favourite. What stood out most was the curiosity and resilience of students. Many of them would come to school after helping their families early in the morning, and yet arrived smiling and ready to learn.

One of the most memorable moments was in Bali, where I helped prepare the children to perform a small paragraph in English; their excitement and confidence beamed as they proudly recited what we had practised throughout the week together. These moments reminded me of the power of education to build self-esteem and unlock opportunities. Beyond language skills, it was about creating a safe, joyful space where the children could look forward to coming to school.

My decision to volunteer was inspired by a previous trip I took in the summer after year 12 , when I volunteered in Zanzibar. The trip focused on conservation education, helping local communities adopt more sustainable ways of living. I worked with school children and the locals of Matemwe, raising awareness about environmental practices while learning about the challenges they face in daily life, especially in a marine sense, such as working fishermen, sponge and seaweed farmers. It opened my eyes to the interconnectedness of education and sparked a deep desire in me to continue making a difference and helped me decide to study environmental science at university where I have just completed my first year.

These two experiences, in Zanzibar and in Southeast Asia, have shaped my understanding of global citizenship; they’ve also made me appreciate the value of gratitude, resilience and resourcefulness, qualities I saw reflected in every child I worked with.

I am incredibly grateful to Clifton for supporting my journey. The OC Travel Award not only funded my travels, but also invested in my growth as a compassionate, engaged and motivated young adult. I hope to continue this path of volunteering and global engagement, and eventually pursue a career that allows me to combine education, sustainability and service to others.

Book Publication

Christian Thinking through the Ages by David Arnold who taught at Clifton back in the 1950s.

I am writing this as an elderly Englishman - some would say ‘old’ - who started his teaching career at Clifton in 1957 — nearly seventy years ago. I spent many years as the Head of History at Stowe in the 1960s and 70s, before becoming the headmaster of King George V School, Southport, and then the principal of the College of Richard Collyer, the sixth form college in Horsham, West Sussex. I was born in Hackney back in 1933, and was educated at Christ’s Hospital and Pembroke College, Oxford, immediately after which I joined the staff of Clifton. I retired at the age of sixty-five back in 1999. My first book, a textbook on modern history, was published in 1966, and in retirement I have had four other books published (two on history, an autobiography and a collection of poetry), and now Christian Thinking through the Ages which was published both in the UK and the USA at the end of 2024.

My book takes the reader on a journey through 2,000 years of ideas. Lord Chartres, the former bishop of London, and Michael Turnbull, the former bishop of Durham, both read it before publication. Richard Chartres described it as “a lucid account of theological trends and controversies over the centuries’ while Michael Turnbull wrote that ‘the real excitement of reading Christian Thinking through the Ages comes from discovering that it is not what you expected. Arnold writes in such an easy and personal way that the reader becomes aware of being invited on a pilgrimage, where the journey is more important than the destination”.

David Arnold, December 2024

“The real excitement of reading ChristianThinking through the Ages comes from discovering that it is not what you expected”

Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB)

This academic year, we have seen a real shift in the crosscollege implementation of EDIB.

This is mainly due to the successful deployment of the EDIB Leads in each school.

In the Pre-Prep, Laura Tennant has continued to share EDIB updates, initiatives and ideas at each staff meeting. She has also increased the parental engagement with the EDIB Focus group meeting. Following his meeting with Laura, a Pre-Prep parent, currently serving as the Reader & Associate Dean of Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity at the College of Physical Sciences and Engineering at Cardiff University, has offered to deliver a CPD for parents. Laura has further embedded the EDIB strategy in the Pre-Prep and has supported the Preschool Lead with safeguarding incidents. In the Prep, Ernie Tsao has shown real leadership by offering a robust assembly programme alongside key events such as the EDIB Celebration Day where students represented their home countries. He has supported HoMs by educating students following safeguarding incidents and has been actively involved in the AntiPrejudice Project. In the Upper School, Géraldine has focused on the education piece by inviting SARI along for both staff (INSET session in January) and students (PSHE drop-down session). She also delivered a whole staff CPD about the EDIB progress and appointed a new EDIB Lead for the Upper School, Nessie Walsh, and, together, they have strengthened the EDIB Committee.

The EDIB Committee remains an effective initiative to educate members of our community about EDIB.

Breakdown of actions linked to the EDIB mission:

To educate our community about Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

● Termly cross-college assemblies (for staff, children and young people)

● Whole staff INSET

● Stand Against Racism and Inequality (SARI) (CPD for staff)

● An insight into the Asian world (CPD for staff)

● House interventions (Upper school)

● The significance of EDIB (CPD for parents)

● Anti-prejudice Project (APP) delivered cross-college (all year for children and young people)

● Year group interventions (for Year 3 and Year 4 pupils)

● EDIB Committee Prep, led by Ernie Tsao and EDIB Committee Upper, led by Géraldine Maringo

To celebrate the contributions of marginalised groups to history and to our contemporary society. To embrace and celebrate Diversity.

● cross-college celebrations for Black History Month. The theme for Black History Month was “Reclaiming Narratives”. This theme focused on acknowledging and correcting historical inaccuracies, highlighting untold success stories, and celebrating the rich complexity of Black heritage. It encouraged the Black community to take ownership of their stories and ensure their voices are heard. This year’s celebration was particularly successful as many stakeholders contributed to the celebration. Therefore the first BHM Open Mic night was organised and parents were invited to celebrate with members of our community.

● Moon Festival and Lunar New Year. Both events are really important for our Asian pupils. This year, we once again invited the Lion Dance team, took the students to a local Chinese restaurant and celebrated crosscollege.

● EDIB Celebration Day. This day is a highlight in the school calendar. Each year, Pre-Prep and Prep children take this opportunity to celebrate their nationalities and home countries. They come to school wearing outfits representing who they are and fully embrace their culture.

● Pride week with the “Prism of Light” celebration. The Pride Society organised a cross-college event in April to demonstrate the diversity and promote solidarity at the school. This event was a real success.

● African-Caribbean evenings. This year, our African-Caribbean students requested an event where they could eat the food they normally eat at home and gather with members of the same community to “feel at home”. Géraldine organised the event each term and the feedback SLT received was overwhelmingly positive. We hope to offer this again in the future.

To give voice to all members of our community, providing them with the tools to talk about EDIB in a mature and informed way.

All Upper School pupils completed a Sense of Belonging survey and it was interesting to see how they feel at school. Overall, most students feel like they belong but some have explained that they find it difficult to make friends and “fit in”. The survey result has been shared with HoMs for reflection and for the implementation of bespoke strategies in their respective houses.

Children and young people need to be educated, celebrated but also sanctioned if they repeatedly get it wrong. EDIB is a never ending journey.

Géraldine Maringo Assistant Head EDIB

Death Notices and Obituaries

First Name Last Name House Year Left

Peter Akerman SH 1946

Patrick Barr y BH 1940

Tim Beath BH 1949

Jeff Beresford WaH 1976

Roger Bick DH 1967

Mark Board NT 1961

Robert Bourns ST 1973

Kevin Bowring Governor/Former Staff

David Boyle DH 1976

Michael Brooks NT 1951

Robert Brown ST 1985

Caroline Butler (née Allan) Former Staff

Bill Capper WiH 1961

Robin Carr DH 1964

John Casewell WiH 1949

Julian Chaffey ET 1982

John Chapman DH 1950

George Conger SH 1952

Michael Cooch ST 1955

Roger Cooper DH 1952

Martin Corrick ET 1960

Rodney Craig SH 1957

Owen Davies WiH 1952

John Dayer NT 1948

Tom Duncan WaH 1984

Jack Eames WiH 1954

Douglas Edwards WaH 1950

David Edwards ST 1966

Frank Ellison ST 1953

Robert Epstone PH 1967

David Evans WaH 1960

John Fisher Wah 1962

Peter Fletcher NT 1987

Michael Green OH 1946

Jo Greenbury Former Staff

Willam Hayes NT 1957

David Higginbotham WaH 1957

Andrew Hoone DH 1963

First Name Last Name House Year Left

Frank Horwill DH 1954

Pat Howe ST 1955

Michael Hunton BH 1952

Robert Hurst PH 1960

John Jones OH 1960

Christopher Kitchingman DH 1948

Bob Langton Hon OC

Andrew Lloyd DH 1954

Peter Longley OH 1945

Richard Lovegrove ET 1959

Michael Lovejoy WiH 1953

John Lowther DH 1945

Andrey Mackay ET 1977

David MacVicker SH 1957

Kenneth Marsh SH 1965

Michael McGowan OH 1963

James McPherson NT 1969

Laurence Middleweek PH 1962

Alan Montefiore PH 1945

Jeremy North BH 1951

Derek Parkes NT 1940

David Parkes ST 1949

Robert Payne WaH 1952

Jim Ross ET 1964

Julian Saipe PH 1986

Andrew Sims ST 1962

Ian Strange ET 1982

*Stuart Taylor Former Chaplin 76-88

Simon Tesh SH 1974

Sam Tyfield ET 1992

Gordon Wenham NT 1961

John Whittaker WaH 1956

*Roger Whyte NT 1947

Lindsley Wilson NT 1954

Philip Windsor-Aubrey WiH 1951

Richard Wood ST 1942

Rod Young NT 1953

* Obituary will appear in next magazine.

Andrew Sims

ST 1962

Andrew (Basil) Sims was born in Tynemouth in 1945; his family moved to Bristol some years later when his father became the Minister of Redland

Park United Reformed Church. Andrew joined Clifton College at the age of 13 in 1958; he left The South Town in 1962. He thoroughly enjoyed his time at Clifton and then became an active OC and regularly attended events, including reunions, dinners and golf.

Andrew started work as an Articled Clerk for Barry & Blott solicitors in Bristol and studied for his Law Society exams in Guildford. He successfully passed all his exams at the first attempt, including all seven finals exams in one go, and became an Assistant Solicitor and then a Partner. He set up a new firm with Gavin Teague called Andrew Sims & Teague with offices in Thornbury and Bristol which subsequently became Sims, Cook & Teague.

Andrew epitomised the qualities of being a good solicitor: the highest level of personal integrity, being extremely conscientious with great attention to detail yet also astute with exceptional communication skills; he always strove to do his very best for his clients. As a result,

he developed very strong relationships with his colleagues and clients.

Alongside his very busy work life, Andrew devoted substantial time to the Bristol community, including for many years being chairman of Broad Plain & Riverside Youth Project (supporting young people of inner city Bristol), member of Bristol Rotary (including as President) and member of Redland Park United Reformed Church (including as Secretary and Elder).

Andrew enjoyed golf at Bristol & Clifton, Bristol City football, evenings at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre, family caravan holidays to France as well as walking/ sightseeing holidays with close friends. Andrew was a family man and friend to many; he always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. He was kind, loyal, cheerful, positive and friendly, with a fantastic sense of humour. He was and is a much loved member of the family and leaves his wife Suzy, of 50 years, children Hannah, Matt (OC 1995) and Helen and seven grandchildren.

David Beath

BH 1949

David Timothy Leslie Beath, (known as Tim), Brown’s House 1949, died peacefully at home aged 94 years, surrounded by his family on 23rd September 2025.

As far as we know, he was in Brown House at Clifton College from 1944 (or 1945) until 1949. He absolutely loved his time at the College and especially loved modern languages. He spoke fondly of the sports, especially rugby and running and athletics in general, and he enjoyed the wide access to music, especially the choral concerts at Christmas; he had several LPs with Clifton music. We have some photos of the Masters versus College XV rugby match and the Athletics team of which he was a member.

He had a long and distinguished career in the Army, serving in the Somerset Light Infantry from 1950 until he retired in 1985 as a full Colonel. He married in 1957 and had three children. He had one son who pre-deceased him, who was well known as a landscape and wildlife photographer, Danny Beath. He is survived by two daughters and two grandchildren.

“He spoke fondly of the sports, especially rugby and running and athletics”

Michael Brooks

NT 1951

Michael was born in Bristol on the 5th June, 1933 and attended Clifton College as a day pupil at North Town. He thoroughly enjoyed his time at the College and particularly engaged in all matters sporting. He was a keen

cricketer, rugby player, boxer and gained his running 8s. Michael was evacuated to Bude in Cornwall during the war years, and he always talked fondly about his experience. The Close was a constant in his life, either playing cricket on it himself or watching his sons and later his grandchildren as they progressed through the School and various teams. His affiliation with the school continued long after he left as he became a Governor, later still a benefactor and also a member of the 1862 club.

After Clifton College and National Service where he was posted to Germany, he undertook his chartered exams in London. On graduation, he returned to Bristol and the family firm of Chappell & Mathews where he established himself as the leading Estate Agent in Bristol. Michael married his dear Valerie in 1961 and they had three children. Meanwhile his career progressed and he became senior partner in the mid 1970’s and saw the business thrive under his guidance. C&M was sold in the late 1980’s and Michael went into retirement where he enjoyed sailing from the River Dart and extensive travel.

He dedicated much of his life to the Abbeyfield Society, a charity close to his and Valerie’s hearts. He was instrumental in the purchase of a number of houses in Bristol, establishing the charity in his home city. He then rose to National Chairman status, further driving the charity forward.He had a strong affiliation with various clubs which benefitted many charities and the city in general; these included Round Table, Rotary & Savages. He was also very proud of his MCC membership and was a long term member of Henbury Golf Club.

Michael and Valerie passed away within two months of each other after 65 years of happy married life; it was a comfort to his family to know they were together again.

He is survived by his sons, Jem, Rich, daughter Nic and grandsons Joe, Max, Sam and Jamie who are all Old Cliftonians.

Kevin Bowring

Former Staff

Born in Neath, South Wales, Kevin Bowring studied physical education at Borough Road College from 1974 to 1978 where he was awarded the prestigious I.B.Mac Award for Student of the Year in 1977. Excelling in rugby, Kevin played for the College 1st XV for three years, captaining the team in his second

year. He began teaching in Reading before moving to St Paul’s School in Hammersmith which enabled him to pursue his playing career at London Welsh RFC. He played more than 250 first team matches, including over 100 games as captain, and also captained Middlesex and played for the Barbarians.

On retiring from playing, Kevin and his family moved to Bristol where he became Director of Sport at Clifton College. Here he made an immediate and profound impact on all sport, developing the physical education programme when Clifton became co-educational in 1987, including the introduction of A level Sports Studies. Kevin led the 1st XV to an unbeaten season, yet despite his exceptional coaching skills in rugby, his passion for providing sporting opportunities for all pupils of all ages, regardless of ability, marked him out as a true educator.

During this time, he coached Wales U20, U21 and Wales ‘A’ before being appointed the first full-time professional National Coach for the Welsh Rugby Union from 1995 to 1998. There followed four years as a senior lecturer in sport at UWIC before joining the Rugby Football Union

William Capper

WIH 1960

William James Capper, known as Bill, died on 11th October, 2024 after a long illness. He was the much-loved husband of Heather, father of Rachel, Judith, Lindsey and Beth, and grandfather of Zofia, Caleb, Anna, Miriam, Arianwen and Flori.

Bill was born in Newport, Gwent, in 1942 as the second of six children. He went to school at Clifton College and then studied Mathematics at Cambridge as one of the first undergraduates at Churchill College, where he played a lot of sport and was a founder member of the College's Christian Union.

Soon after university, at the age of 22, he joined his father in the growing family wholesale grocery company in Newport, Gwent, and on the sudden and unexpected death of his father, he found himself at 25 as managing director of a company with a staff of 200. His own description of himself at that time was shy and inexperienced. However, the company survived difficult times and, under his leadership, continued to grow as a partner within the SPAR organization and gave employment in due course to over 2000 people in the food distribution industry in Wales and southern England.

Bill served two terms as chairman of the National Guild of SPAR and was a respected businessman and prominent figure in the Welsh business community.

as Head of Elite Coach Development. After fifteen years with the RFU, he set up his own consultancy providing personal development, support and challenge to leaders in sport, business and education across the world. Kevin held a number of non-executive roles in coaching organisations and received several awards for his services to coaching, including an Honorary Fellowship of Brunel University in 2021.

Kevin had 45 years experience as a teacher, coach and coach developer before his untimely death in October 2024: a self-effacing, modest man who built a remarkable career rooted in his time at Borough Road. He was highly acclaimed for his professional approach, his leadership skills and his motivation to pursue excellence. Kevin was greatly respected for his knowledge, integrity and empathy. His influence on those who knew him professionally is immeasurable.

Kevin has been awarded posthumous Lifetime Achievement Awards from UK Coaching in 2024 and Brunel University Alumni in 2025.

His SPAR colleagues said that, as a committed Christian, he conducted himself with integrity and earned the trust of those around him. He found strength and guidance in his faith, both inside and outside his business, was active as a leader and lay preacher in his local church and was deeply involved in local and national charities. In 2006 in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, he was awarded the CBE for services to business and the community in South Wales.

Bill retired from business in 2016.

He suffered a severe stroke soon after the start of the Covid epidemic and was lovingly cared for by his wife and family until his death. A very memorable thanksgiving service was held for him at Highfields Church in Cardiff on 6th November 2024 and was attended by a large crowd of family, friends and business associates.

He is and will be sorely missed.

Michael Cooch

ST 1955

Michael Cooch attended Clifton 1952 to 1955 where he met lifelong friends Peter Rhymes (ST 1955) and Patrick Howe (ST 1955) with whom he kept up over the years. After leaving Clifton, Michael went straight into work, qualifying as a chartered accountant and then going on to work for a variety of companies including Central Electricity

Martin Corrick

ET 1960

Martin Corrick was born in Radlett, Hertfordshire, the son of Elizabeth Pritchard, a secretary at the De Havilland

“He was an honest and dignified man, respected by those who knew him.”

Generating Board, the Hanson Trust in Gloucestershire as a divisional finance director, and also The Department of Trade & Industry and London School of Economics where he was the teacher of his then future wife. The evening they married, they moved to France for 4 years before coming back and living in the villages of Bisley and then Elkstone in Gloucestershire.

In retirement, he got into art, including painting, co-running an art society and visiting exhibitions, and also joined

a music group to embrace his love of classical music; he also attended exercise classes for people with heart problems. Through these activities, he made many new local friends and had a simple but happy retirement.

He was an honest and dignified man, respected by those who knew him. He died on 27 October 2024, and leaves behind a daughter, a son and two grandchildren and many friends with fond memories of Michael.

aircraft company, and Denis Corrick, an aircraft engineer at the same firm, and grew up in Bristol. He attended Clifton College, joining East Town and leaving in 1960. Martin talked a lot about his time at Clifton towards the end of his life. He had been taken by the College on a residential sailing course to the south of England, and sailing remained a great pleasure to him. He valued the art teaching he had received at the College.

Martin had a number of careers: he was briefly an engineer, then taught English at a sixth form college and later creative writing at the University of Southampton. As an older person, in his adopted town of Gosport, he set up a Men’s Shed to improve men’s lives after retirement, and their mental health. He loved sailing, so moved to Southampton to be by the sea, and taught English and drama at Itchen Sixth Form College. He was concerned about the opportunities and self-esteem of young people, and was keen to engage them in theatre; there were memorable school productions at the Edinburgh Fringe and at Fort Nelson, near Portsmouth.

His work included articles for the Guardian about travelling the country by narrowboat. In 1997, he was accepted to do an MA in creative writing at the University of East Anglia, and wrote his first novel, The Navigation Log, in 2002. The New York Times praised its tenderness and “elegiac vision”. After Berlin followed three years later and By Chance in 2008.

Martin was a school governor and, with Nigel Gann, set up governor training services for Hampshire County Council; he felt strongly about supporting and challenging schools. He met his partner, Annie Sayle, a headteacher, through this.

He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2015 and was one of the first people to join a clinical trial of lecanemab; it was important to him to do something that might help others. In his last few weeks of life, he was comforted by dreams of sailing on the Solent.

He is survived by Annie, his daughters, Freya and Georgina, his grandchildren, Molly and Harriet, and his siblings, Ann, Jenny, Tom and Sarah.

Rodney Craig

SH 1957

After prep school at Arden House School, Warwickshire, Rodney joined his elder brother Alastair at Clifton College, in School House, in 1951. Their father, Dr Nicholas Craig, was the school doctor from 1946 to the early 1960’s. Rodney enjoyed school, maths being his favourite subject, as well

as his outdoor education: caving, climbing under Martin Hardcastle, Combined Cadet Force, hockey colours and athletics. From Clifton, he went to study engineering at Queen’s College, Dundee (then University of St Andrews), graduating in 1960. He was proud of his Scottish roots from his father, loved holidays in Scotland and always supported the Scottish rugby team.

Following graduation, Rodney started work at Sir William Halcrow and Partners in London, spending his entire career with them. Apart from time stabilising coal tips in South Wales after the Aberfan disaster, and sea defence works on the South coast, Rodney specialised in tunnelling. His early site experience was at Seven Sisters Station on the London Underground Victoria. Rodney was seconded to the Transport and Road Research Laboratory to conduct a review of tunnel lining practice in the UK (published 1978) and he likewise did a review on Pipe Jacking for the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (1983). Rodney, a director of Sir William Halcrow and Partners from 1987 and head of the tunnel department for the next 7 years, worked on projects worldwide: including in UK, the Channel Tunnel, Channel Tunnel Rail

Michael Green

OH 1946

Michael Lionel Green who died in Surrey aged 97 had the distinction of making a

half-century in the once annual CliftonTonbridge cricket match at Lord’s when 13-year-old Colin Cowdrey was among his opponents. Born in Dar-es-Salaam on November 25, 1927, the son of Lionel Green (North Town, 1912-17), a Great War flying corps veteran who was an import-export trader and later a farmer in Limuru, Kenya, Michael spent his early years in East Africa. With World War Two at its most perilous, he started his secondary education at a college in Natal, South Africa.

His father was serving as a Wing Commander in the RAF, and by 1944 it was deemed safe enough for him to travel to England and make his belated arrival at Clifton.

Although his first year was at Bude, the college’s wartime home from home, Michael swiftly made an impact as a sportsman. In addition to playing in the 1st XI, he was also a fly-half in the 1st XV, a member of the hockey 1st XI and a proficient swimmer.

Link and Crossrail, and abroad before Canada, Brazil, Australia, Egypt, China, and many European countries. He officially retired in 1998 though continued to work as a consultant and also visited tunnels in order to write over 50 technical articles for the World Tunnelling magazine. He was heavily involved in the British Tunnelling Society, being awarded their James Clark Medal in 2004, and the International Tunnelling Association: he delighted in the camaraderie of tunnellers across the world.

Outside work, Rodney was happily married to Joan and they and their two daughters lived in the Chilterns. He and Joan enjoyed gardening, tennis, and holidays abroad where he would always extend the stay to visit a local tunnel or dam. All this sadly came to an end in 2021 when Rodney fell at home, damaging his spinal cord. Despite surgery and three months at the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville Rodney was unable to return home and spent three plus years in a nursing home. There he enjoyed visits from Joan, his daughters and their families and reminiscing about his tunnelling days and time at Arden House and Clifton.

After leaving school, he returned to Kenya to work for the East Africa Cotton company, but he still found time to return frequently to the UK. On one such visit he met, courted and subsequently married Alison Lamb of Teddington. The couple then made their home in Kenya and had two children, Nicholas (Oakeley's, 1967-71) and daughter Virginia. Michael also found time to continue his sporting endeavours, playing rugby for Kenya Harlequins, and Kenya.

In 1960, he returned to England for good and worked for Sandells Timber that eventually evolved into Travis Perkins, of which he was a director. The family lived in Claygate, Surrey, and Michael joined Surbiton Golf Club where he remained a member until his passing. Golf was his final contribution to life at Clifton as he played in and managed the team of over-50s in the Grafton Morrish Trophy for many years.

He died on February 2, 2025 and is survived by his wife, both children, five grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jonathan Greenbury

Former Staff

The sad loss of Jo Greenbury on 1st June 2025, came as a shock to many at Clifton College, both past and present colleagues and pupils. As someone who had been such an integral part of the school over so many years, and who had only recently retired, this was both upsetting and tragic. His exceptionally well attended thanksgiving service in the college chapel demonstrated his impact on so many lives.

Jonathan Harri Greenbury was born in Kenton, Middlesex on the 14th December, 1963. He attended Wallop Prep School in Weybridge and then St Paul’s in London. He loved school, loved sport and made many good, lifelong, friends. Arriving at Exeter College, Oxford, to read PPE, he later changed to Theology as he was thinking of the Anglican priesthood.

It was at Oxford that Jo met his soulmate, Julia. After university and the uniting of hearts in Cardiff that September, Jo

decided to take on commerce by joining the graduate scheme at United Biscuits; sadly, Jo and food industry were not yet on the same wavelength. After two weeks on making chips in Wimpy, Jo moved on smoothly to Ernst Whinney where he began his accountancy training enthusiastically. He realised pretty quickly that this was a peculiar choice but he held on for that first year because he had a plan: he had worked out what he really wanted to do, and that was to teach.

He joined Clifton College in 1989 and over the next 35 years became an inspiring and widely respected presence in a number of roles, as teacher and sports coach, but perhaps the most influential being Housemaster of Polack’s and Head of Sixth Form. In the words of his brother, Adam, “Jo had a big heart and gave of it generously. Of course, to Julia and their children, and now the next generation, but also his wider family, friends and Polackians, alongside the many hundreds he taught here at Clifton College. From the early days, deeply loyal, measured and with unshakeable integrity, he might be daunting at first but his wisdom led him to compassion, not judgement. He was in its best, proper sense, paternal, fatherlike in his maturity and reassurance and calm.”

His son, George, himself an OC, agreed, saying, “he gave all in the service of the role that defined his adult life; a role both personal and professional: the role of father. Polackians have written of him as ‘surrogate father’, ‘adoptive father’, and again as ‘the father figure in my life’. Similarly, pupils in the sixth form, for whom he genuinely wanted the absolute best, benefitted from his wisdom and help as the so called “god of UCAS”. Perhaps this was the quality that most defined him, because he was a father through and through; to his amazing children, to all those lucky pupils whose lives he so enriched and, when we

needed, to each of us.

He had the ability to make so many of us - family, friends, colleagues, pupils - feel seen, feel heard, feel like fellow human beings regardless of whether he was in actuality teacher, boss, eldest brother, father; taid - the Welsh title of grandfather that he so adored. He was undoubtedly and deservedly proud of his Welsh heritage. He was aided in cultivating all of these relationships by a knowledge of another kind: not of people, but of things. He had a colossal frame of reference. He ranged across a vast intellectual, cultural, popular hinterland. He was happy discussing anything from rugby to risotto, Manchester United to Martin Scorsese, French revolutionary history to Freud, Marx, Kant. All of which were prized for their teaching points, as much as anything else. So, he shared his interests with others; but, perhaps more importantly, he also shared our interests. And consequently, he really got to know people and at work, this gave him the complete trust and confidence of both pupils and their parents.”

So, to sum up, using his brother’s words: “Jo lived a full and vibrant life that was too short”.

We all cherish memories of him: son, brother, friend, husband, father, grandfather, student and, of course, teacher - the character that shines through was full of fun and laughter, held his friends and family in a warm and caring embrace, and always acted with integrity. Jo was talented but humble; private but with a great capacity for showmanship; wise and rightly confident in his own judgement. And not without eccentricity.”

A fitting tribute to a great man who will be sorely missed.

“As someone who had been such an integral part of the school over so many years, and who had only recently retired, this was both upsetting and tragic.”

David Higginbotham

ST 1948

Born in Sutton, south London, to Nora (nee Hobson), a ballroom dancing teacher, and Philip Higginbotham,

David Howe

ST 1955

David Patrick Leonard (Pat) Howe passed away in June 2024, aged 87. He was born in Bristol on 24th July 1937 and had a long association with the City of Bristol, Clifton Village and, indeed, Clifton College. In 1945, aged 8, he was enrolled into Clifton College by the headmaster and family friend, Mr Hankey. By the time he left the College in 1955, he had lived in 23 houses within Clifton village, as his mother and father were property developers.

Following his time at school, he joined Curtis Jenkins accountancy firm. Curtis Jenkins underwent several mergers and, by the age of 30, he had become a partner when his firm merged with Coopers, now PricewaterhouseCoopers, whom he worked for until his retirement in 1993. 86 of his 87 years were spent living in Clifton Village. His two sons, Ben and Nick, attended Clifton College whilst his daughter, Catherine, attended Clifton High.

who worked for Burmah Oil, David was evacuated from Burma (Myanmar) with his mother to Kotagiri, India, during the Second World War.

He was sent, aged seven, to board at Glengorse School in Battle, East Sussex, followed by Clifton College, Bristol. He then studied history at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, where he played real tennis for the university.

In 1963 David joined the staff of King’s College School, Cambridge, home to the choristers of the world-famous choir, and would often be spotted walking the top-hatted young singers to chapel. David worked at King’s College School for 55 years: as a teacher, head of sport, deputy head and latterly registrar. He was an inspirational teacher known for using humour to help young children understand maths. It must have worked; he was bemused but delighted to count two of the country’s greatest mathematicians, Sir Tim Gowers and Sir Andrew Wiles (who went on to solve Fermat’s Last Theorem) among his pupils.

He married Annie Cooke (nee Ayers) in 1968, having met her at a party in Cambridge six months earlier; their whirlwind romance settled into a long, sunny marriage. An outstanding cook, David was at his happiest around a dinner table crammed with friends and family enjoying his excellent food and wine. He played squash for the county, adored watching rugby, and spent hours in the garden growing vegetables, including huge pumpkins.

Above all else he loved comedy, and had a particular passion for silly jokes and wordplay. When his son, Dan, was killed in a road accident aged 15, the tragedy made my father even more determined to find joy in a life that had suddenly turned so bleak. Although in later life he had Alzheimer’s, he never became depressed or angry and accepted his illness with grace and humour.

He is survived by Annie, his daughters, Kate and Emma, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

An avid cricket fan, he loved watching matches on the Close and was instrumental in forging a strong link between the college and Clifton Cricket Club in the 1980s and 90s. In the 1991 Old Cliftonians versus the School match at Commem, he played with his eldest son, and against his youngest son. Latterly, he saw his grandson, Joe Naughton, the third generation of Cliftonians from the family play on the Close.

His links with the college remained strong throughout his life; he was chairman of the Friends of Clifton College, a member of the school council and spent five very happy years as treasurer of the OC society, when his friend Tom Gover was secretary.

In retirement, he spent time travelling with his wife, Liz, and he adored being a grandparent to his six grandchildren. He lived in Clifton Village until nearly the end when he moved to a care home in Westbury just before his passing.

Dr Tim Green very kindly allowed his memorial service to be held in the

College Chapel in July 2024 which was excellently organised with the help of Jeremy Pickles. After the service, there was a gathering in the pavilion, a very apt place to celebrate his life. Over one hundred people attended, a number of whom were OCs. He is survived by his wife, three children and six grandchildren.

Christopher

Kitchingman

(DH 1948)

Christopher Colin Kitchingman, known as Colin, passed away peacefully on 21 April 2025 at Ashford, Kent, aged 93. Born in Bristol in 1931, Colin started his schooling at Clifton, but transferred to the Dragon School when the prep school moved to Butcombe Court during wartime. He later returned to Clifton College in 1945 to complete his secondary education. Colin completed his two years national service, spending most of the time in Gibraltar. Following this, he resumed what was to be a successful career in banking, transferring firstly to London and later living and working in Kent. On retirement, Colin travelled widely, became a skilled picture framer and spent a number of happy years in St Ives before returning to Kent.

Colin is survived by his wife, Joan and was much loved by family and friends. He will be sadly missed.

John Lowther

DH 1945

John was born on 4th January 1927 in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset to Marjorie and Hugh Lowther. He spent his early childhood in Malaya as it was then called and went to St Peter’s Boarding School in Weston-super-Mare in 1938. Eventually, he moved on to Clifton College and left in January 1945, with his School Certificate showing solid results in seven subjects, including French, a language that he loved and continued to learn later in life. He was then called up, as expected, to the Royal Navy for the ‘duration of the current emergency’.

His first year was mostly training as a radar plotter and he seized the opportunity to roster himself onto an aircraft carrier, HMS Patroller, which happened to need a radar

Plotter for voyages to the Far East. His two voyages in 1946 were first to Sydney, then to Hong Kong (and many ports in between), ferrying troops and equipment back to England. He reflected later that life ‘tween decks’ mixing with matelots from all walks of life was an invaluable experience in getting on with people. He left the Navy in 1948.

In post-war Britain, he worked at his grandfather’s stock brokerage firm, Warner Waites, learning about the business from the ground up. It was at Warner Waites that Dad met Wendy, his future wife; they married in 1956. John worked for a while at the London Stock Exchange before joining Kalamazoo as a salesman of business systems used by London’s major financial institutions. He was very successful at this and was promoted to Branch Management and later Regional Sales Management. He retired from Kalamazoo in 1989 after 32 very successful years.

He and Wendy were members of the Redhill and Reigate Lions Club for many years, a lovely group of people who worked hard raising funds for the local community whilst also enjoying each other’s company socially. Dad’s service as a Lion included two terms as President. He was an adventurer too and meticulously planned holidays exploring various parts of the world, and especially visiting family in Southern Africa, Abu Dhabi, Singapore and New Zealand.

He was a loving husband and father, brother to his siblings, uncle to his nephew and nieces and a wonderful grandfather to Simon, James, Jonathan, Emily, Rachel and Hugh. He was also able to meet two of his great grandchildren, Oscar and Alfie, and great-grand-nephew, Miles.

Bob Langton Former Staff

Bob Langton came to Clifton in 1971, shortly after obtaining his PhD in Chemistry from St John’s College, Oxford. During his years at Clifton, he

taught chemistry and coached the cross- country and athletics teams. He had been awarded a Blue at Oxford and introduced his students to a new level of training and expectation which led to increased success.

He was a man of enormous abilities and great modesty, which is not to say that he didn’t possess strong opinions. The latter was a trait that was welcomed at Clifton. One of the strengths of Clifton in the 1970s was the political diversity of the staff. When the chaplain, David Stancliffe (later Bishop of Salisbury) prayed for the miners during the 1972 Miners’ Strike, history teacher John Barratt (and possibly a few others) stomped out of Chapel. Bob was undoubtedly on David Stancliffe’s side. It was a time when teachers were welcome to express their views and quite a few held strong opinions. It was a stimulating environment in which to learn.

Andrew Mackay ET 1977

Born in Cheltenham on 28th July 1960 to John and Margaret Mackay, Andy started in Clifton Pre. in 1967, before entering the Upper School in 1974. After leaving Clifton, Andy spent a challenging year as a volunteer teacher at a rural school in Kenya. School life and volunteering inspired his love of learning about diverse cultures and building relationships in a community. He studied French and German at Exeter University and graduated in Modern Languages.

Andy spent all of his career with the British Council, the UK’s principal agency for cultural relations and his career of 40 years spanned roles as varied as Country Director for the USA, Director for Spain, Director for Dubai, English Language Officer in Peru and, most notably, as Regional Director for The European Union. Andy married Margaret Allport in 1990 and their daughter, Isabel, was born in 1996. As a family they moved together on global assignments and enjoyed living and working in a different culture, despite some turbulent contexts.

From 2001 Andy served as the British Embassy Cultural Attaché and Country Director USA. There, he resuscitated an operation at risk of closure by coaching the team through frank discussion. In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, Andy launched innovative scholarships and arts projects to include marginalised groups. In 2006, Andy was appointed OBE for services to education in the USA. From 2005, while based in London as Head of Corporate Affairs, Andy managed the Council’s external relations and also served as the Regional Director to Europe, where he expertly led change programmes in education and commercial relationships in the wake of Brexit.

Andy was MBA-qualified from Durham University, was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and was savvy in building strong relationships infused with ready humour. To his family, Andy was adored for his quick wit, boundless love and constant support. He died suddenly from cancer in September 2023 in Madrid, a city that he loved for its rich layers of Spanish history. His wife Margaret and daughter Isabel cherish the memories of Andy’s buoyant spirit filled with laughter. He is also survived by his brother, William and sisters, Elspeth and Mary.

Bob was a man who always tried to live up to his beliefs and follow his principles. So, it was inevitable that he would leave Clifton to teach in the state system. He held various appointments in secondary schools in Milton Keynes and Cumbria, before returning to Bristol to become the head of a comprehensive school. He then became an international educational consultant, travelling to places as remote as St Helena and spending a considerable amount of time in Iraq with the Kurds on an EU funded project. And when he finally retired, he kept working: as a Parish Councillor in Pill for 25 years and passionately advocating for green energy as a founder director of Low Carbon Gordano and Sustainable Pill & District.

He died on November 6, 2024 and leaves his wife, Pom, two daughters, Beth and Kate and five grandchildren.

“To his family, Andy was adored for his quick wit, boundless love and constant support.”

Alan Montefiore

PH 1945

Alan Montefiore joined Clifton College in 1940 aged already 14½, as the advent of WW2 had meant that his Prep school extended its provision by a year. He therefore not only joined a cohort which was already schooled in some subjects he had never met, but during the disrupted period that saw Clifton move its teaching operations from Bristol to Bude, less at risk from enemy bombing. In Bude, Polack’s House took over St.Hilary’s Boarding House, with the main school taking up residence in the Erdiston Hotel. Only for his very last term did Clifton return to its pre-war premises in Bristol. Albert Polack’s closing comments in Alan’s final Clifton report said of him, “No other boy within my experience has won so much affection & respect from both masters & boys throughout the school”. Meanwhile, Bertrand Hallward, the Headmaster, entreated him to find a role as a ‘prophet of international brotherhood’.

With a place to read PPE at Balliol College Oxford deferred due to conscription, Major Jack Footman, Officer commanding Clifton’s J.T.C., recommended Alan to the War Office for a role in the Intelligence Corps. Called up on VJ-Day, Alan spent the following 9 months studying Hokkien at SOAS University, though he had hoped

to study Japanese, and was eventually posted to Singapore where he deputised Major W. Oakes in the repatriation of Japanese P.O.W.s. Until the very last weeks of his life, he would delight in finding rare occasions on which he could use his Hokkien.

He took up a post teaching Philosophy at the newly opened University of Keele on the suggestion of his tutor at Balliol and in 1961 returned to his alma mater to teach Philosophy, specializing in Kant and Moral Philosophy for many decades, leading the drive towards interdisciplinary dialogue and mediating the worlds of Continental and British philosophy. Friend and colleague of many of the greats of the era, such as Isaiah Berlin, Bernard Williams, Chuck

Taylor and Jacques Derrida, Alan devoted himself not only to Balliol, but also to the Froebel Educational Institute in Roehampton, serving as its Chairman, and to the London Society for the Study of Religion, again as Chairman, tirelessly building bridges between diverse opinions and traditions, both intellectual and cultural. He played a major role in successfully securing the survival of the Weiner Holocaust Library and remained honorary President until his death. He co-founded the Jan Hus Trust, working to support academics who were unable to work freely under the Communist strictures of the old Czechoslovakia, running covert lecture trips and bringing in banned philosophy texts. In 1996 he helped found the Forum for European Philosophy, based at the LSE, with the purpose of making philosophy more broadly accessible beyond the world of academic departments.

He married his first wife, Hélène Pivant, whom he met in Paris, in 1952, subsequently having two daughters and a son, and was married a second time in 1985, to the French philosopher, Catherine Audard. He died, mid-way through the Financial Times crossword, whilst on a trip to Paris, 2 months exactly before his 98th birthday.

He always remembered his formative years at Clifton College with the greatest affection and fondest memories.

Sam Tyfield died suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday 11th October, 2024, at home in London. He had just

completed his first week as a partner in the legal practice Memery Crystal. He leaves behind his wife, Charlotte, and two teenage children, Henry and Daisy, his brother David and family and his parents.

Sam was born and raised in Bristol. He arrived at the Pre at Clifton College in 1985 on a full scholarship and left the senior school in 1992 to read law at Durham University.

Clifton College provided plenty of opportunities for Sam to develop his many talents. He enjoyed singing, acting and rowing. He was a member of the chapel Choir, appeared in several plays at the Redgrave Theatre and rowed for the School.

From his mid-teens Sam was set on being a lawyer. After a year at the Law College in York, Sam spent his professional life in London working

with English and American law firms and he became a leading expert on the regulation and compliance of alternative investments and high frequency trading.

Sam was a talented artist and, despite the demands of a busy working and family life, he managed to produce an amazing range of paintings and three dimensional art works, often as presents, a mark of his great generosity. He loved reading and his house was full of books, particularly about London and, more recently, international cook books because of his passion for cooking.

Sam will always be remembered as a larger than life man with a brilliant wit and booming and infectious laugh that let loose at every opportunity. His presence was never unnoticed and he brought much joy and love to all whose lives he touched. He is greatly missed.

Gordon Wenham

NT 1961

Old Testament scholar Gordon John Wenham, best known for his commentaries on the Pentateuch and the Psalms, died in Cheltenham, England, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the age of 81. He was born in Cambridge, England, in May of 1943, the oldest of four sons to John and Grace Wenham. His father, John Wenham, was serving

as a curate at St Matthew’s Church in Cambridge, and soon after Gordon’s birth, he joined the RAF as a chaplain. After the family moved to Bristol in 1953, Gordon and his three brothers attended Clifton College. After finishing school and gaining a science scholarship to Pembroke College, Cambridge, Gordon felt called to study Theology, and spent time before going up to university studying Hebrew under Alec Motyer and then spent several months in Germany improving his command of the language. Gordon was encouraged by his father to see the use of his intellectual gifts as an important calling to serve the wider church. He began postgraduate studies at King’s College, London, working on the structure and dating of Deuteronomy. Part of his research was undertaken at the École Biblique in Jerusalem and at Harvard University.

After completing his PhD in 1970, Gordon was appointed as lecturer at the Semitic Studies Department at Queen’s University in Belfast. Just before his appointment, he was introduced to Lynne, a close friend of his brother’s future wife, and two years later they were married. Gordon began writing articles for academic publication and his first Bible commentary, on Leviticus,

John Whittaker

WaH 1956

John Croyden Meridith Whittaker was christened John but known as Croyden from birth; he was born into the successful Whittaker family on 16th of March 1938. His grandfather Sir Meredith Whittaker was knighted, became mayor and set up the Scarborough Evening newspaper.

Croyden was a visionary and creative soul; he had a great zest for life and discovery. Following prep school, he joined Clifton College for six years from 1949 to 1956, gaining his O, then A-levels in Economics and French. He joined the Clifton College Jazz Band on trombone and always recounted stories of his happy times there. Following a year of military service, he went up to Cambridge University to read Social Anthropology. He joined another Jazz Band whilst there, this time on double base. With his love of dry wit and satire, he soon joined the Cambridge Footlights, where he met John Cleese.

Whilst at Cambridge, he met the dazzling Shirley who owned a few Austin 7 hot rods and was rallying at the time. They soon married and had two daughters, Amanda and Karen.

Croyden, always motivated to do well, landed a job as Sales and Marketing Director at Mars. They moved to Brussels, then onto America, then to France, having many adventures along the way.

was published in 1979. Gordon’s second book, on Numbers (1981), was dedicated to his parents, John and Grace, expressing the profound influence they had on his life of learning.

In 1980, when Grace died suddenly and unexpectedly, Gordon was drawn to return closer to family in England, and in 1981 began teaching at the College of St Paul and St Mary in Cheltenham. During Gordon’s time in Cheltenham, the college merged with another institution to create Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education. Later, after the College was awarded university status, Gordon was appointed as Professor of Theology. After taking early retirement from Cheltenham, Gordon took up a part time role in Bristol alongside his brother David, where his father had taught when he was a child. After his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, Gordon stepped back from formal work but continued to be active in his local church. Embodied, communal worship was always at the heart of Gordon’s life and work and he served in the church at different points through preaching, praying, visiting the sick, leading the youth group, and serving as church warden.

In his spare time, Croyden kept up his guitar playing, his passion for photography and painting. He retired in his 50’s and moved to St Mawes in Cornwall, where his love of boating led to him buying a couple of sailing boats. He enjoyed sailing around Cornwall and the Mediterranean and also enjoyed many global travels. His lifelong passion for photography and paintings of his travels, soon led to a few successful exhibitions in Cornwall.

Always the witty raconteur, he would hold court wherever he went, recounting interesting and funny stories of his travels and life.

His two daughters would like to thank their father for being a fascinating and inspiring Dad; they will always remember his quote to them: “My advice (usually is), listen to the weather forecast and follow your own destiny, seize the day!”

“Lin was athletic throughout his life, participating in rowing and crosscountry running”

Richard Wood

ST 1943

Lin Wilson NT 1954

Lindsley Wilson died peacefully at Whatcom Hospice House on April 8th, 2024, at the age of 88.

Lin was born in Edinburgh on January 28, 1936, to Scottish parents. He was adopted by a loving English couple who raised him in Bristol. He attended Clifton College from 1946 to 1954. He went on to Clare College at Cambridge University where he studied Engineering and Law. After working for several years in Malaysia as a Civil Engineer, he travelled to San Francisco where he met Judith Yates through mutual friends. They knew quickly that they had a special bond and they married in 1966. Lin and Judith had two daughters, Beth (married to Joe Rogers) and Susanna (married to Steve Cornwell). Lin and Judith moved to Mercer Island in 1970 and lived happily there until selling their home in 2004. They resided at homes in Bellevue and Whatcom County up until Lin’s death.

Lin was athletic throughout his life, participating in rowing and cross-country running while at Cambridge and later in life, Scottish country dancing, sailing, and skiing. He was passionate about music, singing in the choirs of Emmanuel Episcopal Church and Trinity Episcopal Church and enjoying opera and classical music. He and Judith actively contributed to the communities in which they were involved and enjoyed strong and lasting friendships.

Lin is survived by his loving wife, Judith Wilson; his daughters Beth Wilson and Susanna Cornwell; and his grandchildren Lucy Cornwell, Laura Cornwell, and Devon Wilson.

Richard (Dick) Holman Wood was born in Bristol, to Duncan, a surgeon at the BRI and Eileen, a nurse. He was the second of four brothers, all of whom went to Clifton College; the family lived in Pembroke Road. During the war, he was evacuated with the school to Bude, about which he never stopped reminding his family! He then studied Medicine at Bristol University. Whilst there, Dick continued his love of rugby and captained the university team; he went on to play for Gloucester. He did his national service in the RAMC attached to the Parachute Regiment, during which time he met and married his lifelong partner, Ann. After the Army, he took up an assistantship in General Practice in Corsham and then, in 1953, moved to Essex where he joined a country practice in Little Waltham, became a partner in 1955 and remained until his retirement in 1986. He loved sailing and built his own dinghy which he sailed on the Blackwater and during annual summer holidays in Cornwall, and he also cruised annually on the North Sea and Channel on a friend’s yacht. He was an enthusiastic gardener and spent much of his leisure time in his greenhouse and garden.

He retired at 62 and he and Ann moved to Cornwall to a beautiful spot south of the Helford River overlooking Falmouth Bay. He bought his own yacht which he sailed with friends and family, competing in the annual race across the channel to L’Aberwrac’h, which, much to his surprise, he won in 1999.

His later years were spent dutifully caring for Ann who sadly developed dementia and predeceased him in 2017. His own memory deteriorated but he continued to live alone in his house with the support of family and friends until he died peacefully there, at the age of 100, in the presence of his three children and two of his 9 grandchildren.

Nicholas Worsley

WiH 1962

Nicholas Worsley, the man who saved Huntingdon Hall for the citizens of Worcester, has died at the age of 82. He was chairman of the city’s civic society in the 1970s when the city council

Roderick Young NT 1948

Roderick (Rod) joined the Upper School (North Town) when the family moved to Bristol from Cornwall. He immediately took up various sports, scrum half in rugby, swimming, but did best at crosscountry running, becoming Public Schools Champion 1952-1953, and winning the Long Pen twice. He took this interest forward after school and became a Triple Full “Blue”, captain and 10 mile champion at Bristol University, also running for the Westbury Harriers in the English national and county championships.

proposed to knock it down and create a car park. The prospect horrified Nicholas Worsley and with help from accountant, John Yelland, and a group of dedicated volunteers, he launched a campaign to protect the former Methodist chapel. He opened a Countess of Huntingdon Preservation Fund, and the rest is history. Today Huntingdon Hall is a major concert and theatre venue with a year-round programme.

Nicholas Worsley was born in Edgbaston, Birmingham and educated at Clifton College before gaining a place at Cambridge University. He entered the legal profession, joining Fountain Court Chambers in Birmingham and specialising in the personal injuries sector.

Eventually, he was appointed a QC (now a KC) and became recognised as “a doyen of the personal injuries claims Bar”, according to a former colleague.

But being the saviour of Huntingdon Hall wasn’t Nicholas Worsley’s only claim to fame in Worcester, for he lived in one of the city’s most eco-friendly houses.

Called Cobtun, it stood in Northwick Close, Barbourne, overlooking the River Severn. Since the age of 16, Nicholas Worsley had longed to have his own specially-designed, green home and he had the property built to an ecologically friendly blueprint and designed by John Christophers of Associated Architects in Birmingham. In 2003, it won Worcester City Council’s annual Building Design Award. Two years later, it won the Royal Institute of British Architects Sustainable Building of the Year Award and was also put on the shortlist for the Manser Medal, awarded to the best one-off house in Britain. Mr Worsley retired from the law in 1991 for health reasons and after leaving Worcester lived in Ripe, near Lewes in East Sussex; he later moved to Teddington in London.

His first wife Anna died 23 years ago, and he also lost his daughter Sophie. He is survived by daughter Jessica, grandchildren Alice and Jack and his second wife Heather.

In the middle years of World War II, Rod’s family lived in a village adjacent to an American B17 Flying Fortress base, where he and his friends were able to cadge chewing gum and candy from the aircrews by offering to clear out spent ammunition cases from the planes on their return from bombing sorties. This initiated a lifelong interest in aircraft, and while at Clifton he joined the CCF RAF Section as a cadet, gaining Proficiency with Credit and Advanced Proficiency badges, rising to the dizzy height of Senior NCO Flight Sergeant, and was awarded an Air Ministry grant for basic pilot training in de Havilland Chipmunks and Tiger Moths. In retirement he finally gained a full pilot’s licence and joined Bristol Aero Club, spending many happy hours airborne over the British Isles.

At Clifton he had built and flown controlline aircraft, on one occasion giving a demonstration and display on the Close. The intricate construction required, together with some excellent woodwork lessons at school, eventually led to a career where he could use his hands to full effect. He trained as a dental surgeon at the Bristol Royal Infirmary and subsequently ran his own successful practice in Whiteladies’ Road, Clifton for forty years.

Rod’s other passion was music, particularly the voice, and he astonished the legendary Dr Douglas Fox at school by being the only boy to ever volunteer to join the choir! After school, he became principal tenor and President of Bristol University Opera, and played leading tenor roles with Bristol Light Opera Club, Bristol Musical Comedy Club and Bristol Opera Company for many years, performing in shows at the Bristol Hippodrome and at the Victoria Rooms. He took voice training in the late 60’s and early 70’s with an ex- tenor from the Sadlers Wells Opera company and was then invited to join the BBC National Chorus of Wales, with whom he sang in over 100 concerts, broadcasts and CD recordings, also several Royal Albert Hall Prom concerts and in European capitals, sometimes with well-known foreign orchestras and under all the famous conductors of the day.

At the time of his death, he was the longest serving performing member of the Bristol Savages (later known as the Bristol 1904 Arts Society), achieving the status of “Father of the House”.

He was married to Vivien, whom he had met at Bristol University, for 62 years, producing two sons, Robert and Jeremy, who also attended the College. Rod died peacefully after a short illness at the age of 90.

Lodge

The Masonic season tends to run from September to April and this allows for umbrella organisations to hold events during the early summer. Of particular interest to the Old Cliftonian Lodge and our guests is the Public School Lodges Council Festival. The PSLC Lodges celebrate their association and fellowship with a festival which is hosted on rotation by the member Lodges, generally at their associated school. It is a great opportunity for the various school Lodges to showcase their schools, their history and their membership to the wider Masonic community. It is also an opportunity for wives, partners and families to get involved and share in the experience.

In the summer of 2024, the Old Lancing Lodge 4660 held the PSLC festival. The day started with a thought-provoking and moving Chapel service in the astonishing School Chapel. The sound of Last Post played by a lone trumpeter resonated through the Chapel and was very fitting to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day Commemoration.

The Chapel service was followed by an interesting talk about “Lancing through the ages”, comprising of the history of the school and the construction of the Chapel which was only completed during the Covid lockdown.

For our October meeting, we were lucky enough to once again be able to meet and dine at the School for our annual trip to Bristol. Our Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro Henry Peters (WaH 1980-82) owns a travelling Lodge room and we set this up in the Languages’ café and dined in the Pavilion together with our guests. The evening was very well received and the School’s caterers did an excellent job of looking after us and our

guests. The Brethren really appreciate the connection to Bristol and the warm welcome we receive at the School. We hope to make this a regular event.

Following on from this, our November meeting was a low-key affair. After a short meeting, we joined Jubilee Masters Lodge for a fraternal visit. Sadly, we marked the passing of W.Bro Bruce Simmonds PPGSwdB (Glos) on 30/07/2024. Bruce was a passionate supporter of organisations whose prime objective is to help those in need. He became an active long-term member of Round Table, 41 Club, Rotary, The Lord Mayor of Bristol Children Appeal, Bristol Savages and various Masonic Lodges. He was Initiated into Lodge of Harmony 7127 in Bristol on 13/02/1969, Passed 10/04/1969, Raised 09/10/1969. He was Master of Harmony Lodge in 1992 and served as Chaplain for the last 20 years. He joined the Old Cliftonian Lodge on 18/11/1971 and was Exalted into Chapter 3162 the Chartered Accountants on 02/03/1987.

At our January 2025 meeting, the Lodge marked a special event. It was the centenary of the gifting of the Lodge Banner. Due to an oversight, this had never been dedicated. We received a deputation by the Assistant Metropolitan Grand Master Jonathan Hillman and his team who performed the dedication ceremony. This was much appreciated by the Brethren, many of whom had never seen the ceremony before. It was a relief to have a properly dedicated Banner, even if it took 100 years!

The Brethren also marked the sad passing of W.Bro Dr. John Ransford (Jack) Eames, PGStdB. He had been a stalwart member of the Lodge and was always happy to step into any office

that needed filling. He had supported and championed the PSLC and always made a point to encourage the younger Brethren. Jack was initiated into the Lodge on 20/10/1977, and served as Master in 1984 and 1992. He was a member of Casius Lodge, Public School Installed Masters and Carthusian Chapter. He joined the Pre in 1946 and left School in 1954. He was a praeposter, a running eight and won swimming colours. He will be greatly missed.

The Installation meeting in April 2025 saw W.Bro Tim Freeman (LS, TT, STP, ET 1972 -83) once again installed as worshipful Master. The Lodge was pleased to be able to continue our association and join King’s College School Lodge for their festive board at the Army and Navy Club.

The provisional dates of our meetings for the current year are: Saturday 1st November 2025 which was held at the school, Thursday 15th January 2026 and Thursday 23rd April 2026 (Installation Meeting), both of which will be held at Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London. OC Masons are always most welcome as visitors; please contact the Secretary if you would like to attend.

Membership of the Lodge is open to any OC, anyone who has served on the teaching staff for at least five years, and the parents of any present or past boy or girl pupil. If you are interested in Masonry and would like further information, please contact:

The Lodge Secretary, David Peters, 4 The Woodbine, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 1JE Tel: 07709 630036 email: davidanpeters@aol.com

Help Shape the Future of the Old Cliftonian Society

Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to the OCS and wider Clifton College community? We have the opportunity for you! The Old Cliftonian Society (OCS) and Clifton College Endowment Fund (CCEF) is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers to join our Executive Committee and help steward the resources that support the next generation of Cliftonians as well as supporting Old Cliftonians (OCs).

As a member of the Executive Committee, you could influence the further direction of the OCS and its activities. You would also be a trustee of the CCEF, which plays a vital role in the life of the College, ensuring that we can continue to offer lifechanging bursaries as well as supporting the College and OCs in a variety of ways. By joining us, you will be part of a strategic team committed to the long-term sustainability and growth of both the OCS and the CCEF.

Why Join Us?

● Make a Lasting Impact: Your expertise will directly influence the OCS and CCEF’s ability to support students and OCS activities for years to come.

● A Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a passionate group of alumni, staff, and friends of the College who share common interests.

● Professional Growth: Gain unique experience in charitable governance and endowment stewardship within a prestigious educational setting.

● Celebrate the Clifton Spirit: Play an active role in maintaining the traditions, events, and excellence that make Clifton College so special.

Whether you have a background in finance, law, strategy, or simply a deep-seated passion for education and/or the Clifton College community, we would love to hear from you. Please look at the various role descriptions for openings and reach out to the OCS if you would like to discuss any of the roles.

Honorary Treasurer’s Report

I am pleased to present the financial summary for the year ending 31 December 2024. This report covers two areas:

1. Old Cliftonian Society Accounts: These are private and not published elsewhere. Full statements are available from the Society office or on our website.

2. Clifton College Endowment Fund (Charity No. 1113320): Full accounts can be viewed on the Charity Commission website.

AC Mole continued as our Accountant and independent examiner during the year.

The Old Cliftonian Society

At the Special General Meeting on 31 March 2025, the Society’s activities formally transferred to Clifton College. For the year ending 31 December 2024, the Society operated under an interim arrangement funded by Clifton College. The College provided the agreed budget (excluding staff salaries for College employees supporting the Society’s operations). In return, the Society delivered alumni relations and events.

Income for four terms (September 2023 to December 2024 inclusive) is included in these accounts.

OLD CLIFTONIAN SOCIETY

OLD CLIFTONIAN SOCIETY

The Clifton College Endowment Fund

The Endowment Fund exists to provide long-term financial support to Clifton College, primarily through fee assistance but also for equipment and facilities. In the 2024/25 academic year, the Fund supported 25 pupils.

Applications for assistance are handled by the School Finance Department, ensuring awards go to those in genuine need and comply with donor wishes and Charity Commission guidance.

Key points:

● Donations qualify for Gift Aid, adding 25% to the value for UK taxpayers.

● Legacies remain the main source of new capital and can reduce Inheritance Tax.

● Those pledging a legacy are invited to join the 1862 Club, which hosts an annual summer lunch.

The Fund uses total return accounting, allowing a broader investment strategy for better returns. Evelyn Partners managed the portfolio during 2024, excluding investments harmful to society or the environment. Following a joint tender process with Clifton College, the Trustees unanimously agreed to appoint Cazenove as investment manager from 1 April 2025. We thank Evelyn Partners for 15 years of service.

THE CLIFTON COLLEGE ENDOWMENT FUND

Update for 2025

● Operational Focus: We are working within the new structure to ensure alumni engagement and support for Clifton College remain strong and effective.

● Financial Strength: The Endowment Fund finishes 2025 in a healthy position, bolstered by a significant legacy of £507,000 from the Estate of Clive Smith (NT, 1956). This generous gift will enhance our ability to support Clifton College pupils.

● Investment Perspective: With Cazenove now managing our portfolio, we have seen steady returns and a continued commitment to responsible investment practices.

● Community Engagement: The Executive Committee is keeping alumni activities relevant, appealing, and inclusive, fostering a vibrant and connected community. All suggestions for future activities are welcome.

We look forward to continuing to deliver meaningful impact for Clifton College and its alumni network into 2026.

Alex Turco Honorary Treasurer

Tiers of Donors

Percival Benefactors

(£250k plus)

Chellaram Foundation

The Old Cliftonian Society

Joseph Cooper (NT 1931) *

Jonathan Glassberg (PH 1983)

Polack’s House Educational Trust

David Jones (BH 1955) *

John James Bristol Foundation

Mildred Tomlinson *

Michael R W Eames *

Anthony Gwilliam (NT 1948) *

Geoffrey Hardyman (OH 1950) *

Anthony (Clive) Smith (NT 1956) *

Guthrie Benefactors

(£50k – £250k)

Nick Porter (ET 1986)

Jacqueline Pullinger *

Mr D and Mrs H Stevens

Trevor Howard (DH 1932) *

Edgar Harborne (NT 1952) *

Roger Cooper (DH 1952) *

Alan Morgan (NT 1969)

Isidore Grossman *

Simon Brewer (ET 1981)

Sir Hector Sants (BH 1973)

Stephen Zimmerman (PH 1967)

HSWJ Trust

Ian Lane (ST 1950)

Ann Futter Lomeli

Peter Tasker (NT 1973)

Sir Trevor Chinn (PH 1953)

Lin (NT 1954) * and Judith Wilson

Michael Bailey (ET 1970)

Robin Bowie (WiH 1980)

Graeme McEvoy (SH 1987)

Lindsay Tomlinson (WiH 1969)

Rick Saunders (DH 1981)

Anonymous x 3

Wilson Benefactors

(£10k – £50k)

John Pocock

Hugh Harper (WiH 1986) *

Christopher Trembath (ST 1980)

Marc Futter (OH 1939) *

Friends of Clifton

Tim Greene

Sir David Willcocks Music Trust Fund

Sandy Hett (DH 1946)

Granville Davis (NT 1939) *

The J&M Britton Charitable Trust

A. Frank Petrosky

Davidson Charitable Trust

Arbi Gayrabekov

Michael Brooks (NT 1951) *

Halid Musayev

Bob Frampton (WiH 1942) *

David Forbes-Nixon (NT 1983)

Andrew Thornhill (NT 1962)

Simon Makinson (WaH 1976)

Tim Ross

Sir Peter Job (DH 1959)

David Jenkins (SH 1940) *

David Killick (OH 1956)

Piotr Holysz (SH 2003)

Keasbey Memorial Foundation

OC Masonic Lodge

Sir Martin Franklin (PH 1983)

Peter Greenaway (NT 1950) *

Milan Morjaria (SH 1985)

Colin Hallward (ST 1953) *

Peter George (BH 1990)

Christopher Dale (BH 1988)

Agnes Weighell *

Thomas Elliott (OH 1982)

Patrick Howe (ST 1955) *

John Barron (DH 1952) *

Matthew Kemp (PH 1985)

Peter Bartrum (DH 1926) *

Kadoorie Charitable Foundation

Geoffrey Mowat (ST 1936) *

Davy Pain (SH 1936) *

David Peck (OH 1939) *

Julian Tayler *

Richard Farrimond (WaH 1965)

Neal Foster (PH 1984)

Neil Constable (WiH 1983)

John Dayer (NT 1948) *

Dorota Lyszkowska-Becher (OH 1998)

Aaron Banks

Neil Jordan (ST 1987)

Adrian Palmer (SH 1967)

The Harry Crook Charitable Trust

Gillian Blakeman *

Charles Rifkind (PH 1976)

Alastair Channing (WaH 1962) *

Peter Forbes (BH 1947) *

Ore Yegenmemmedov

David Schacht (BH 1953)

Quentin Robey (WiH 1967)

Peter Bellingham (WiH 1970)

Alan Mann (PH 1965)

David Wolfson (PH 1953) *

Christopher Taylor (NT 1960)

Daniel Odutola (WiH 2010)

Sholto McTurk (OH 1964) *

Anonymous x 3

The Close Benefactors

(£1k – £10k)

412

The Commemoration Benefactors

(up to £1k)

2718

Some donors choose to remain anonymous and their wishes are respected.

The list shows donations received since 1st January 2000. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this list. If your name has been inadvertently omitted please accept our apologies and deepest gratitude for your support. Please contact us and we will rectify this as soon as we can.

* In Memoriam

OC Contacts & Sports Clubs

If you wanted to contact other OCs in your area, please email the OC office to be put in touch, we have Cliftonians all over the UK and across the Globe.

Here are some contacts in certain areas in the UK:

ENGLAND

Bristol Seb Hoyle sebhoyle@btinternet.com 07850 766 368

Bristol

Jezz Grainger jezzsterboy@yahoo.co.uk 07785 345 111

London AJ Rivlin

adriennerivlin@gmail.com 07823 327 422

Isle of Man

Derek Winterbottom derekw@manx.net 01624 670 732

Northumberland & Co Durham

David Penny davidspenny2003@yahoo.co.uk 07855 430 811

Yorkshire Christopher Gibbs christopher.gibbs@cantab.net 07886 202 901

Scotland

Douglas Findlay-Shirras douglas@kinellanlodge.co.uk 07785 277 387

Wales

Nick Jones Nick.jones500@gmail.com 07968 042 542

Irish Republic and Northern

Ireland

Richard Holdsworth richardholdsworth@hotmail.com +35 3860 222 759

OC Overseas Branches

If you are living in, moving to, or travelling around the Globe, the following OCs have offered to be a point of contact:

AUSTRALASIA

Australia - Queensland

Roger Griffiths +61 428 801 000 pugriffo@gmail.com

New Zealand

Clive Weston +64 21 905 565 clivejrweston@gmail.com

EUROPE

Belgium

Richard Lewis +32 473 811 516 richard.lewis@telenet.be

France

Colin Yeandle +33 645 477 234 colalyeandle@orange.fr

Gibraltar

Bruno Callaghan +350 58 008 914 bruno@callaghaninsurance.com

The Netherlands

Charles Mander +31 652 844 090 charles.mander@live.com

Poland

Marcin Szala +48 693 964 717 marcin@szala.net

Russia and CIS

Boris Yaryshevskiy +79851 831 313 yaryshevskiy@gmail.com

Switzerland

Damian Budd +41 786 582 469 damianbudd@hotmail.com

CENTRAL AND MIDDLE EAST

Israel

Simon Jaffa +97 2544 986 650 sjaffe@barlow.co.il

INDIA

Rajeev Chaurasia (Mumbai) rajeev.chaurasia@gmail.com +91 9821 517 777

NORTH AMERICA

Canada – British Columbia Kenneth Fok zedbadeemc@gmail.com +16 042 668 578

Canada – Ontario/Quebec Richard Musson rjgmusson@gmail.com +14 165 572 560

USA – New York & East Coast Graeme McEvoy mcevoygraeme@gmail.com +14 084 213 175

USA - California - Northern Stephen Wares stephenwares@gmail.com +16 506 900 508

USA - California - Southern Izzie Pick

izziepickash@gmail.com +13 236 322 812

USA –West States Alexander Watson alexanderwatsoninslc@gmail.com +13 852 823 200

AFRICA

East Africa

Kiuri Mburathi kiurim@gmail.com +25 4726 971 961 and

Vivian Lagat vlagat@gmail.com +25 4723 547 648

South Africa

Nigel Drury - Cape Town n.h.drury@gmail.com +27 791 658 824 and David Williams - Johannesburg davidwilliams.rsa@gmail.com +27 725 973 792

SOUTH EAST ASIA

Hong Kong Vincent Law vkmlaw@gmail.com +85 298 400 096

Japan

Masa Usui usuim21@hotmail.com +81 9012 597 800

Singapore Tom Streatfeild-James tomstreatfeildjames@icloud.com +65 84 204 587

South Korea Jane Lee janeylee16@gmail.com +85 253 726 347

Taiwan

Simon Wong no5354@hotmail.com +88 6953 288 522

Thailand

Simon Makinson simonmakinson2@gmail.com +85 297 393 691

Old Cliftonian Society Sports Clubs 2025

Cricket Club

Jem Brooks – President 07 966 264 405 jbrooks@brookswm.co.uk

Ben Figueiredo – Captain (Cricketer Cup) benfigs789@hotmail.co.uk 07377 921 240

Shay Sainsbury – (Cricket Week) ssainsbury@cliftoncollege.com 0747 028 855

Cross Country Ed Greig edgreig@gmail.com 07825 263 408

Football Club Jon Temperley 07977 149 553 oldcliftoniansfc@gmail.com

Hockey Club

George Cryer 07903 974 585. georgecryer@me.com

Saskia Barnes 07532 207 157 saskia.barnes@yahoo.com

Golf Society Andy Rudge arudge2@cliftoncollege.com 0779 595 630

David Rowe 07766 333 301 dha.rowe@btinternet.com

Rackets Club

James Telling 07817 421 985 telling9@hotmail.com

Real Tennis Club

Brian Muir brianmuir6@gmail.com 07775 675 701

Rugby 7s Will Watson wjw10@hotmail.co.uk 07967 993 351

Ollie Bowden obowden1@hotmail.co.uk 07951 056 575

Ben

Jez

Email: cliftoniansociety@cliftoncollege.com