THE Alumni Magazine of Exeter School
Learning from Ebola
Public Health Director shares experience www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni
Issue 8 Autumn 2017
Contents Feature: Preparing for the future Feature: 8 things no one tells you about being a professional racing car driver Alumni in focus School news
4 Careers 6 Feature
Feature: Medicine in mind Feature: Sustainable living Memory lane News of Exonians OE Club
4 6 8 10 12 14 16 20 24
Photo credits and captions: Front cover: Paul Cosford (1974-1981) was the School’s guest speaker at Speech Day in September and talked to Medical Society about his work. Photo by: Steven Haywood Contents: Top: Lucy Piper (2002-2007) ran workshops with the Lower Sixth artists on documentary photography. Middle: Harry Tincknell (2004-2008) talks about his career to date. Photo by: Drew Gibson Bottom: The Upper Sixth leavers of 2017 joined those who left in 2016 for the 2016/2017 reunion at the School Pavilion.
18 Events
01392 458941 alumnisec@exeterschool.org.uk Exeter School Alumni Office Victoria Park Road Exeter EX2 4NS www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni Twitter and Instagram: @ExeterSchoolUK Linkedin: Exeter School Alumni (Old Exonians) Facebook: Exeter School Alumni TM
This publication is produced by Exeter School and printed by Brightsea Print Group. We welcome stories for consideration. Contributions may be edited for content and length.
2 | The 1633 - Autumn 2017
Welcome
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t has been a real pleasure to welcome back to School so many past pupils in recent months. Exonians from across the UK and from Vancouver to New Zealand have enjoyed tours of the School visiting buildings both old and new. On OE day, guests watched current pupils taking part in a training session in the warm waters of the new swimming pool, and saw rugby and hockey matches on the pitches. The academic year 2017-2018 sees the twentieth anniversary of the School becoming fully co-educational. In 1997, girls and boys began their school journeys in Form One and the Third Form, joining the girls already studying in the co-educational Sixth Form. We will be celebrating this milestone in 2018 with an afternoon event at School on Saturday 16 June. The full programme of events for Exonians is on the back page of this issue and on the School website. Updates and invitations are sent by email regularly, so please ensure your contact details are kept up to date.
Director of Alumni John Davidson with Signe Hulbert (2008) who ran a seminar with scientists and engineers in October.
Best wishes, John Davidson, Director of Alumni Relations
Welcome from the Headmaster
Here in Exeter we thoroughly enjoy seeing and hearing from countless former pupils, of many vintages. We are so pleased to hear your memories, to see your photographs, and even to receive your memorabilia for the archive. Your shared insights paint a vivid picture of School life in your time here; your activities since you left demonstrate how the lessons learned and skills acquired at School are applied in the real world in a wide range of careers and professions. Your kindness towards the pupils of today through your advice, networking and in work experience contexts is much appreciated; your ongoing contributions to bursary funds make a real difference to those whose families would otherwise struggle to give their children an education here. I hope that you will enjoy this latest snapshot of School and alumni life and I look forward to seeing many of you in the coming months. Headmaster Bob Griffin with former teachers and With wishes,Sail and Harry Guest. poetsbest Lawrence Bob Griffin
Headmaster Bob Griffin with Becky Richardson (2016), Max Brewer (2015) and Lucy Swiggs (2014) at the Nottingham Pizza evening held at the Sir John Borlase Warren Pub in October.
We are sending this issue of The 1633 by post to all Exonians whose addresses we have except those who have specifically requested to receive copies of publications electronically. If you would like to receive future issues electronically, then please visit the ‘update your details’ page on the contact us tab of the alumni pages of the School website, tick the drop box and ensure your email details are correct. Alternatively, telephone Karen Dart, the Alumni Secretary, on 01392 458941. This magazine and two other school publications, the annual Exonian and bi-annual Exeter School Life can be read on the alumni news section of the School website. www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni | 3
Careers
Preparing for the future
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he experience of past pupils continues to enrich the in 2016, provides enhanced opportunities for those School’s career and higher education programme. studying A Levels to learn about life beyond School. The new Sixth Form Futures Programme, launched Some highlights from recent months are featured here.
Sixth Form Futures Programme
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he Lower Sixth Futures Week in June focused on universities, gap years and job seeking, with two sessions led by alumni. Giles Humphries (2004) and Myles Hopper (2006) gave a presentation on their Mindful Chef recipe box business. They showed how, together with business partner and school friend Rob Grieg-Gran (2003), they set up and marketed the business as well as how crowdfunding worked. Later they ran a seminar for Young Enterprise members on the crucial role of social media, the relevance of degree subjects, and the importance of “angel investors”. Joanna Murchie’s (née Langton, 1993) session focused on the importance of developing a personal brand for UCAS personal statements, CVs and LinkedIn. Jo is one of the UK’s leading personal branding experts and her practical
Upper Sixth Interview Scheme
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he Upper Sixth Form Interview Scheme featured nearly 200 work-style interviews conducted by a team of 35 professionals. The venue this year was Ashfords LLP, arranged through Senior Partner Tim Heal (1987). Tim was one of the six alumni in the interviewing team which included Steve Perring (1981), Malcolm Pratt (1999), Kris Sum (2000), Seb Caunter (2000) and Thomas Petrilli (2001). We are very grateful for the support of our alumni for this important scheme.
4 | The 1633 - Autumn 2017
session enabled the pupils to see how the skills and experience gained from extra-curricular activities could enhance their personal profiles. In September, eight recent leavers ran interactive question and answer sessions on ‘Surviving your First Year at University’, and ‘Enjoying the Challenge of a Gap Year’ for the Upper Sixth. Gap year opportunities in Mozambique, Ghana and the UK were the focus of talks by 2016 leavers Amy Swiggs, Harry Hart and Imogen Gibb, while their peers Toby de Mendonça, Chris Richardson, Ayesha White and Jess Albutt gave valuable insights on surviving the first year at their respective universities. Max Brewer (2015) highlighted the importance of work placements and internships, drawing on his experience studying Economics.
Subject talks and workshops
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any pupils have returned to School to address subject, year and House groups. Signe Hulbert (2008) ran a lunchtime seminar with Upper Sixth scientists on studying Physics or Engineering at university and the many job opportunities available. Signe gave examples from her current experience as a senior technology consultant at Atkins and her previous work as a systems engineer with Ricardo. The thriving Medical Society enjoyed presentations from six past pupils. Abby Pelling (2016) spoke about her medical course at Nottingham University, 2016 leavers George Hoult and Suraj Ghandi provided a fantastic insight into how to cope with the pressures of being a first-year medical student. Eline Caine (2008) shared her varied experiences as an F1 and F2 doctor and her current role working in Brisbane. Consultant paediatrician William Christian (1988) reflected on his opportunities and the challenges of the journey from School to his current specialism in Bristol. On Speech Day, Paul Cosford provided insights about his role on the front line of health policy as Medical Director, Public Health England (see centre feature on page 12). Elsewhere in this issue, three other Exonians who have given talks are featured, Lucy Piper (2007), who ran workshops in Art, Richard Reynolds (1995), who addressed the whole Lower Sixth on Guerrilla Gardening and Harry Hart (2016), who entertained Crossing House with his gap year experiences.
Networking evenings
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he third annual careers networking evening for Exeter School alumni took place in September with over 40 guests enjoying the opportunity to share experiences with Sixth Form pupils and recent leavers. Tim Jones, Chairman of Devon and Cornwall Business Council, gave a stimulating talk on ‘The Future of the South West Economy’ focusing on the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence for the world of work. This event was kindly supported by Westerly BMW and attended by Director Tim Downer (1981) and John-Paul Sullivan, Business Development Manager. JLL donated a Magnum of Champagne for the business card draw, and a generous Amazon voucher for the Sixth Form draw, presented by Jane Maunder, Associate Director, UK Marketing. In November, the London professionals networking evening near Holborn brought together undergraduates, recent graduates and those more established in their careers to exchange ideas and contacts. Giles Humphries (2004) and Myles Hopper (2006) gave a presentation on setting up and marketing their Mindful Chef recipe box business.
Full reports of subject talks, career events and the Futures Programme are in the alumni section of the School’s website. If you would like to be part of our Careers Network and help with an event, or if you would like to give a subject talk or workshop, please email alumnisec@exeterschool.org.uk www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni | 5
YOU NEED BETTER BOARDROOM SKILLS THAN ALAN SUGAR
YOU SPEND YOUR LIFE WATCHING YOUR WEIGHT
Motor racing is very expensive - and it’s getting tougher and tougher to earn a living from. To fund my Formula Renault campaign, I had five or six personal sponsors. Sponsorship has changed from just having a sticker on the car. Once you have them on board you have to keep them happy, keep them up-to-date with everything that you’re doing, get as much media coverage as possible, and make industry introductions to try and generate more business for them. You see some guys who have retained sponsors for 20 years over their whole career, and that’s what I’m trying to build.
So much work goes into making the cars as light as possible, so teams don’t take too kindly to drivers turning up overweight.
YOU SHOULD ONLY DRIVE FAST ON THE TRACK
YOU NEED THE RIGHT MAN IN YOUR CORNER
I have a Ford Mustang as my road car but I’m not a particularly fast driver on the road. I get enough thrills on the track, I don’t need to get them on the road.
Having three times winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and sports commentator Allan McNish to hand has opened many doors for me. I am not from a racing background and had no contacts in that world at all as a youngster. When I was 16, I was introduced to Allan and he took me on. Obviously I had to perform in the car, but without him I wouldn’t have become a Le Mans winner: it was his contacts that got me a test with JOTA, which led to the race seat, which led to the Le Mans win, which got the attention of Nissan and then Ford, where I am now.
Also, having a Ford-owned car, if you end up getting caught for speeding, the fines go to Ford first before they get sent out to you, so you don’t really want to be doing anything too bad in the company car because they will find out about it before you do!
I need to be 75 kilos with all my kit. I’m just over 6ft, so obviously it’s a bit tougher for me to get to that weight than someone who is 5ft 4in. If I’m really trying to lose weight quickly I’ve got a calorie counter app on my phone and I follow that religiously.
Being a professional racing driver is a dream job for 2008 leaver Harry Tincknell, but there are some things you just aren’t prepared for before you live it… 6 | The 1633 - Autumn 2017
YOU HAVE TO KNOW A LOT ABOUT ROAD CARS
YOU WILL NEED TO REMEMBER YOUR PHYSICS LESSONS
Part of being a manufacturer driver is being an ambassador for the brand. I take customers out in Mustangs and RSs and you have to know the cars inside out as they will ask questions and expect you to know the answers.
You have to give the engineers feedback about how the car is behaving so you can work on making it quicker, but you also need some understanding of physics and aerodynamics.
It might seem odd but if you’re racing a Ford GT, you need to know all about the new Fiesta launched in 2017. You have to do your homework.
You need to understand how the car will behave and why, so remembering physics from your school days is a big help.
YOU HAVE TO GET USED TO DEPARTURE LOUNGES - AND YOU NEED TWO PASSPORTS
THERE ARE LOTS OF FUN THINGS YOU CAN’T DO ANYMORE…
I take up to 60 flights a year, so have to be extremely organised and very flexible. Before I fly, I have a plan of whether I’m sleeping or not, based on arrival time and when I need to be in a state of competitiveness. I travel with at least one box set, plus a couple of books and magazines. You need two passports because you often have to submit one for a visa request - plus having a spare helps as the team would not be pleased if you missed a race because you lost it!
The team does not want you getting injured and unable to drive so they put in your contract that you’re not allowed to do various things like horse riding, white water rafting, hand gliding, contact sports, bungee jumping and skiing. Rugby is the hardest one for me. I played it at school and a lot of my friends still play but I have to watch from the sidelines. It doesn’t go down very well with the team if you can’t race because you were doing something stupid the weekend before.
Harry Tincknell (2004 - 2008) was already involved in racing go-karts in the UK and Europe when he joined Exeter School. He rapidly learnt to balance his School commitments and GCSE work with the demands of racing and training, often having to leave School on Thursdays for testing on Fridays. He left School with ten GCSEs to pursue his career in motor racing. After early triumphs with Formula Renault and Formula 3, he moved from single seaters to sports cars and in 2014, won the LM P2 class in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race with teammates Simon Dolan and Oliver Turvey in front of 250,000 people. Harry was the youngest British driver ever to win it. In 2015, he featured in the film Journey to Le Mans screened on national TV and won the 2016 European Le Mans Series in 2016. He currently races for the Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Team UK in the FIA World Endurance Championship, which includes the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Photo credit: Drew Gibson
www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni | 7
Alumni in focus
A view from the South Gabriella (Gaby) Smallwood (2005 - 2012) tells the story of her medical elective in New Zealand.
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o conclude my five-year medical degree course at Nottingham University, I went on a medical elective to New Zealand, supported by a generous grant from the Old Exonian Club. I spent the first three weeks in the general medical wards of the small, 100-bed Gisborne Hospital, on the east coast of North Island. Everyone was very welcoming and I was immediately made part of the team, my daily routine including following the ward
round, helping the juniors with taking bloods and cannulations and often joining the admitting junior doctor in the Emergency Department. Gisborne has one of the highest population of Maori in New Zealand. It was interesting to see how they interacted with the healthcare system, presenting later to the hospital than they would in the UK, often with more health problems. This may be partly because they have to pay for GP consultations whereas secondary care is free of charge. After Gisborne, I went to South Island to spend three weeks in a larger 190-bed hospital in Nelson. My practical skills were put to use on the ward and I saw lumbar punctures performed and chest drains inserted as well as witnessing a variety of diseases. When not at the hospitals, I enjoyed stunning surf near Gisborne, and visiting the Abel Tasman National Park near Nelson. At the end of my placements, I travelled around the beautiful South Island and enjoyed walking on the Franz Josef glacier, skiing and snowboarding. With my medical training complete, I started work as a F1 in Gloucester in September and hope to return to New Zealand in the future.
“When not at the hospitals, I enjoyed stunning surf near Gisborne, and visiting the Abel Tasman National Park near Nelson� 8 | The 1633 - Autumn 2017
Cyclone recovery Jonathan Robinson (1968 - 1979) was a pilot and operations officer in the Royal Navy. He then worked as a commercial hot air balloon pilot in Europe, Africa, Asia and USA before running charter boat operations in the Caribbean. Recently, he and his wife sailed to the South Pacific to undertake voluntary work with the NGO Sea Mercy that provides health care and disaster response services to remote islands through a fleet of cruising yachts manned by volunteers. Jonathan recently assisted in the aftermath of Category 5 Cyclone Winston which devastated the Lau group of Fijian islands in February 2016 in his role as Sea Mercy’s South Pacific coordinator.
O
ver 60 volunteer yachts, including Jonathan’s Chez Nous, were spending cyclone season in New Zealand. A plan was made to provide a rotation of vessels to provide aid from a base in Vanua Balavu. Fourteen communities were seriously in need of support. Copra plantations were out of action, fishing boats and gear were damaged or destroyed, family subsistence gardens flattened and schools wrecked. An infestation of caterpillars had eaten crops in gardens replanted with donated seeds, and the few surviving plants were at risk of destruction by wild pigs. There was a critical shortage of drinking water needed to survive the summer dry season. Sea Mercy vessels ran their own small desalination units and ferried the precious water ashore in jugs supplemented by three super yachts which delivered over 15,000 litres of water. Crews worked with villagers to clear paths, construct shelters, erect pig-proof fencing and remove the caterpillars. Educational materials were downloaded for head teachers in makeshift schools. Six months after Winston, the recovery was under way. Ferry loads of aid arrived, vegetable gardens were producing, water catchment systems were repaired and fishing boats refloated. Schools were being rebuilt and children had sports equipment, uniforms and lifejackets for their often hazardous open boat voyages. Sea Mercy’s floating healthcare clinic vessel was on station and everyone had enough clean water to see them through until the rains. It was time to leave and Jonathan bid an emotional farewell to the people of Northern Lau. Around 50 cruising vessels sailed through the waters around Vanua Balavu during his time there, with 80% directly contributing to Sea Mercy’s recovery effort. Nobody signed on to Sea Mercy in search of fame or recognition and much of what they did will remain untold. www.seamercy.org • coordinator@seamercy.org facebook.com/seamercysouthpacific
School news
Making a splash!
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hairman of Governors and former pupil Andrew King (1960 - 1965) officially opened the new indoor swimming pool. A generous donation from an anonymous benefactor enabled Exeter School to build the first-class, 25-metre four-lane pool for the
benefit of Exeter School pupils and local schoolchildren. The inauguration marked the completion of an extensive Sports department build that includes a new fitness suite and free weights room, new indoor rifle range and studio area as well as new changing rooms.
Excellence in examinations
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s Exeter School commemorates its 20th year of full co-education, it celebrated a set of excellent A Level results, with a 100% pass rate. 41 pupils scored three or more A* or A grades, with 23% of all results at A*. 62% of all grades were A* or A, with 91% at A*, A or B. At GCSE, 81.8% of all grades were A* or A and 50.9% were A*. 73 pupils scored 8 or more A*/A grades with 42 registering 10 or more A*/A grades.
Fundraising in memorium
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upils supported the purchase of new equipment for Bolham Ward at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital in memory of Patrick Tilbury (1979 – 1984) who sadly passed away on Bolham Ward in January 2016. Pupils arranged a Sixth Form girls’ charity football match, together with a cake sale organised by Reverend Tom Carson and the Christian Union, to raise £256.
10 | The 1633 - Autumn 2017
Farewell to staff
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he School bid farewell to three well-loved members of staff. Groundsman Dave Gardner chalked up almost three decades tending the sports grounds. Head of Raleigh House and Mathematics teacher Philippa Smallwood began working part-time for the School in 1998 alongside preparing for her teaching qualification after a career in management consultancy. Head of Electronics Warren Houghton joined Exeter School in September 2003 after serving in the Royal Navy and teaching at Exeter University. He inspired scores of pupils to study Physics, Engineering and Electronics at university during his 14 years at School.
Music in Manhattan
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group of 34 pupils and five staff spent a week in New York City on the Exeter School Music Tour. Based in a hotel in Greenwich Village, central Manhattan, the musicians spent their time exploring the city and entertaining New Yorkers with their superb singing.
History for sale
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ead of History Giles Trelawny has selfpublished two books – Clouds Over Coverack and Passage from Helford, combining his love of the past with writing. Clouds Over Coverack is a WW2 spy story set on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall. Passage from Helford is the sequel set two years later in 1944 as the Helford River plays host to D-Day preparations and the arrival of American military personnel. Giles was inspired by his parents who both served in the Second World War. His father was in the local Home Guard before following an exciting career as a fighter pilot in the Fleet Air Arm whereas his mother was a VAD nurse. The books cost £6 each and are available via gnt@exeterschool.org.uk.
In memory of a fallen soldier
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nd Lt Stanley John Hannaford, 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment attended Exeter School from September 1910 to December 1912 before going to Dulwich College and joining up to serve in the First World War. Sadly he was killed in action on 5 October 1917 fighting at Ypres, and his war grave is in Cement House Cemetery. As he only attended Exeter School for two years, the School did not know of his sad loss. His name was added to the War Memorial in the School Chapel in Spring 2017, and visited by surviving members of the family and friends. Lower Fifth on the 2017 Battlefields Tour visited Lt Hannaford’s grave and laid a wreath on behalf of Exeter School. Pupils also took part in an open air memorial service led by Chaplain Reverend Tom Carson at Vimy Ridge.
Diving into Science
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ixteen pupils from Upper Fifth to Upper Sixth along with Biology teachers Jade Clark and Pete Boddington travelled to Bay of Pigs in Cuba with Operation Wallacea over the summer holiday. They researched the biodiversity of the coral reefs in the Caribbean, particularly focusing on why sea urchins are struggling to recover from a disease dating back to 1983. They also investigated the behaviour of the invasive lionfish species which is threatening the biodiversity of the important coral reefs. In order to carry out this vital underwater research they all passed their PADI open water diving qualification. www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni | 11
Feature
Medicine in mind
1981 leaver Professor Paul Cosford CB spent an afternoon at his old school concluding with an inspiring appearance as Speech Day guest speaker
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rofessor Paul Cosford CB (1974 to 1981) studied at St Mary’s Hospital Medical School and he qualified as a doctor in 1987. Paul followed a career in mental health, working with adults and those with severe mental illness in North West London, including children, families, and people with learning disability.
This taught him a great deal about the realities of life for people in extreme social circumstances in England, and he continues to work on the health needs of homeless people in London. From the early 1990s, he took on various medical management and leadership roles in the NHS, public health and social care system, and
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rofessor Paul Cosford was guest of honour at the School’s 2017 Speech Day in September. During the afternoon, he led a discussion with the Medical Society focusing on the various roles of managers within the health service, and the different pathways that can be followed in a medical career. After giving out the prizes in the evening, Paul gave a fascinating talk to pupils, parents, teachers and governors about the lessons learnt from dealing with the Ebola outbreak from 2014 to 2016. These included both ways to manage health and sanitation issues in West Africa, and public concerns in the UK. Paul gave practical advice to the pupils about making choices in their lives. Pupils, parents and staff were inspired by Paul’s good humour and passion for healthcare.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
What motivates me is seeing our longer-term strategies making a difference to society’s health. For example, by reducing smoking rates from 16% to 15% of the population we stop about 500,000 people smoking, which should prevent half of them dying from smoking-related conditions. Although I have not dealt led programmes to deal with the problems of hospital directly with patients for 25 years, I take great pride in infections and to reduce the country’s cases of TB. knowing that the work we do is saving lives. His current role is Medical Director for Public Health England, the national government agency responsible Could you give examples of emergencies you for protecting and improving the public’s health. His have managed as the Medical Director of Public work has included a leading role in the UK’s response Health England? to the 2014-16 Ebola outbreaks, both in the UK and in We closely followed the outbreak of Ebola in West West Africa. He was appointed Companion of the Order Africa and led the work to identify any cases and avoid of the Bath in the New Year’s Honours List of 2016. spread in Britain. In a separate UK emergency, we had Pupils Sam Scougall-Knight and Emily Moudiotis to deal with an outbreak of poisoning of premature interviewed Paul about his school days and work. babies in maternity wards. Within 24 hours, we found the source of the poison, isolated it and treated the What skills and knowledge did you learn at infected babies.
School that has helped you in your career?
Outside of my academic studies, I learnt two very important lessons. Firstly, when someone offers you an opportunity, take it, and don’t worry that you will not be able to do it, as the person offering it to you obviously thinks you can! Secondly, if you want to make a difference in life, influence those who are around you, regardless of whether this is locally or nationally.
What has been your biggest career challenge?
Definitely the Ebola crisis. We considered the size and scientific aspects of the outbreak and ensured that the response was significant enough to maintain public and political confidence, without unduly alarming the public and causing panic.
Why did you choose medicine, and have you any advice for pupils aiming to enter the profession?
Could you give examples of the programmes I chose to enter medicine because I wanted to help you have been involved in for public health? others and make a positive contribution to society. Recently, we have been planning flu vaccinations for the coming autumn and winter seasons. We track developments of the flu virus in the southern hemisphere to predict the likely strains we will have to deal with. We were also involved with the response to the Grenfell Tower disaster monitoring pollution levels both from the fire and the clean-up operation to ensure it was safe enough for people to return to their homes.
I would advise pupils not to be too narrow-minded and to explore all options available to them in the different avenues of the profession. They should also understand that you don’t have to be in medicine to make a positive contribution to society. Many professions enable you to do this. Photo credit: Steven Haywood www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni | 13
Feature
Sustainable living
A virtuous cycle “If you are prepared to work hard, you really can achieve anything that you set your mind to”
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hen Katherine Moore (2008 – 2010) finished her A Levels, she had no idea she would end up in the sports industry. She saw herself as an academic pupil, with strong interests in music, and sometimes artsy, but sport was certainly bottom of the pile; always the first to drop out on the bleep test and last to finish on cross country. However, the greatest thing she has learnt since School is that what you choose to do is never set in stone. If you are prepared to work hard, you really can achieve anything that you set your mind to.
met new friends in cycling clubs, as she enjoyed sportives and charity events, from touring across the UK and France to racing cyclocross. The passion for cycling escalated. Soon she was writing a blog about her cycling adventures, and left her well-established career, company car, and attractive salary for a new role coordinating and guiding cycling events for charities and corporate groups.
Like sport, Katherine hadn’t been fond of English at School, but now the new opportunity of freelancing as a cycling writer for online and print publications such Despite enjoying her Zoology degree at the University as BikeRadar and Casquette became her new focus, as of Reading, she realised that knowledge of the she sought a more permanent role in the industry. evolution of dinosaurs and the taxonomy of insects doesn’t lead to a great choice of careers. Instead, the Katherine currently works for a YouTube channel, farming industry beckoned, with a place on the AB Agri Global Cycling Network, which reaches more than Graduate Scheme as a commercial nutritionist. After one million subscribers across the world. Managing three years she joined the sales team of a new start- audience development, Katherine has a critical role up business division but the long hours and relentless in helping to grow the channel whilst being totally travel took time away from a new interest which had immersed in the cycling world. A far cry from her become such a huge part of her life. Zoology degree, but a choice she wouldn’t change for the world! Katherine bought her first road bike and immediately www.katherinebikes.com
14 | The 1633 - Autumn 2017
From incorporating community ideas into urban designs to inspiring cyclists worldwide, two alumni share their experiences
The Green Guerilla I
n 2004, Richard Reynolds (1993 - 1995) started illicitly cultivating neglected public flowerbeds at the base of his block of flats in Elephant and Castle, beginning his mission as a guerrilla gardener. Rather than wait for the local council to do something, he transformed the grim, barren, litter-strewn beds in the middle of the night with red cyclamen, lavender and spiky green cabbage plants. The plants survived, the process was very enjoyable and the locals noticed the improvement. Richard began a blog and photographic diary and registered the domain name GuerillaGardening.org. He soon realised that he was part of a wider movement inspired by the original ecological action groups Green Guerrillas. Feeling more confident that the local council were not going to take action against him, he turned other plots, road verges and roundabouts into colourful gardens.
“Soon a network of volunteers was busy beautifying areas across south London�
When Richard left Oxford University with a degree in Geography, he joined an advertising agency where he still works, handling major international clients. His skills were invaluable in promoting the ideas of guerrilla gardening and soon a network of volunteers was busy beautifying areas across south London. In 2007, the iconic 1970s Heygate estate was targeted for redevelopment to create higher density housing. Richard and his team set out to save the 450 trees and landscape elements, negotiating with the council and convincing them that their intentions were not commercial, had the best interest of the population at heart, and that all labour involved was voluntary. Richard rebranded the area as an Urban Forest. Although they could not prevent the demolition, some trees and green areas survived the redevelopment. In another project, Richard worked with a developer to create green zones and planters in derelict spaces prior to building. Richard’s book On Guerrilla Gardening
(2008) shares his vision with readers and describes guerrilla gardening movements. It includes many practical ideas on what species to plant and how to nurture urban gardens, as well as sharing his vision with his readers. Richard made a welcome return to School in September and talked to the Lower Sixth about guerrilla gardening as part of the Futures Programme.
www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni | 15
Memory lane
The Chapel 1887 – 2017 We celebrate 130 years of the School Chapel
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he Foundation Stone was laid on 15 May, 1886 after the Headmaster, Reverend Carlos, commissioned the Chapel to be built using William Butterfield’s designs. The first documented service was its dedication in 1887. The Chapel was licensed in 1888. Butterfield designed the fixtures and fittings of the Chapel himself and although the original pulpit and pews have gone, his lectern and presider’s chair are still in use. The original Chapel east window was plain glass and the present colourful window, completed in 1900 depicts Our Lord as King in the centre, flanked by St John Baptist on the south side and St John the Evangelist on the north. In 1916, in the middle of the First World War, the oak reredos were erected and the names of the 71 pupils and staff who lost their lives were inscribed on the north side. In 1949, a service was held to dedicate the names of the fallen from the Second World War who had been inscribed on the south side. Extensive redecoration of the Chapel occurred in 1985, with pale green hessian on the walls, carpets reflecting the School colours and new pews and chairs. At the same time, it was re-roofed and a vestry added, subsequently extended in 2016. The Chapel organ is nearly as old as the Chapel itself, installed in 1889, using money raised from Old Exonians. It was hand pumped 16 | The 1633 - Autumn 2017
until the 1950s, the exhausting task of organ blower being a privilege given to pupils studying Music. In 2004, the Organ underwent extensive restoration in a project jointly funded by the Old Exonian Club and the School, its renewal being marked by an exhilarating organ recital for governors, alumni and guests. Today, the uplifting sound of the organ can be heard at services each week, during Carol and Chamber Concerts and on OE Day.
“The Chapel has a magnificent bell to announce Chapel Services, repaired in 2016”
All senior school pupils attended Chapel daily at 9am until the 1950s, with services on Sundays for School House. By the 1960s, the growing number of pupils meant that the Chapel could no longer accommodate the whole School and the present arrangement whereby Houses and the Junior School attend Chapel once a week was introduced. The Chapel has a magnificent bell to announce Chapel Services, repaired in 2016 and put back into regular use on the arrival of the current chaplain, Reverend Tom Carson. Until the installation of the electric bell system at the end of the 1950s, it announced the change of lessons and a Middle Fifth pupil was allocated the task
Blue Boy history
I 2016
1910 Above: The School Chapel in 2016 and 1910.
of ringing it at the appropriate time. It did fall silent during the Second World War, as the ringing of bells was the signal that a threatened invasion had begun! During the War, a bugle call heralded lesson changes sounded by a member of the Corps Band. We are grateful to alumni for sending in their recollections of the Chapel. In 2018, a booklet of Chapel memories and photos will be published, and we would welcome short contributions, especially from the 1960s and 1970s. Background artwork by Imogen Daldorph (3B) and Thomas Irons (3C).
n 1733, Exeter stonecutter John Weston carved the original stone Blue Boy statue. The model was his apprentice and former pupil George Wall. This statue is clearly visible in the 1845 engraving of the St John’s Hospital School Building, but by the end of the Victorian era, it was headless and badly weathered due to acid rain. By 1956, it was in a garden in Pennsylvania, with a new head, and shortly after that was placed on the north side of the Exeter School Chapel. Unfortunately, a collision with an army truck dislodged the head, and suitably repaired, it was moved to the Paddock, alongside the Exonian Centre. After completion of the Tower extension in 2006, it was relocated to the east side of the Tower, alongside the original School door from the School’s Eastgate site. Four iron Blue Boys were cast in 1859 for the rebuilt St John’s Hospital School buildings, modelled on the stone statue. Two were free standing with a gown and hood. One stood in the playground and was later placed by the main schoolroom in 1899 when the playground was asphalted. The other stood above the clock by the south window of the main schoolroom. The two additional Blue Boys had hollow backs, to stand against walls, originally standing either side of the fireplace in the Hall of the Orphanage. After this closed in 1908, they were placed either side of the gateway into the playground from High Street. When the St John’s Hospital School closed in 1931, the complete Blue Boys went to the Hall of the Vicars’ Choral on South Street where the Governors of the St John’s Hospital Trust held their meetings and the two hollowbacked figures ended up in builders’ yard of Messrs Stephens and Son on Okehampton Street. When the Vicars’ Choral was destroyed in the 1942 Exeter Blitz, the Blue Boy statues were rescued and under instructions from the Governors of St John’s Hospital, were placed either side of the forecourt doorway of Upton Farm, a property of the trust. After the War, the original playground Blue Boy was placed in Princesshay, and the second complete Blue Boy came to Exeter School and stood for many years in the Butterfield Hall. It was relocated to the upstairs window of the new Exonian Centre in 2001.
www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni | 17
Alumni events Headmaster Bob Griffin and Director of Alumni Relations John Davidson welcomed Exonians from the 1950s to recent leavers to the Oxford Picnic in Christ Church in June 2017. Left: Sally Martin (2000) and Chris Edwards (1960). Right: Patrick Allen (1986), Governor Gillian Hodgetts (1986), Russell Monty Lensh (1987) with John Davidson. Upper Sixth leavers from 2016 and 2017 at the Buffet Reception in September. Left to right: James Knowles (2017), Alasdair Stroud (2016), Ethan Maughan (2016), Caitlin McKay (2017), Harriet Jenner (2016), Jess Wilcock (2016), Finlay McBay (2017), Alex Browne (2017), Emily Carr (2017), Juliet Everson (2017), Kate Furby (2017) and Verity Stroud (2017).
Above left: Exonians at the Nottingham Pizza Evening at the Sir John Borlase Warren, including (left to right) Head of Drake House Mike Porter, Headmaster Bob Griffin, Martin Cull (2016), Edward Gill (2016), Becky Richardson (2016), Amy Swiggs (2016), Max Brewer (2015), Lucy Swiggs (2014), Marius Pezard-Snell (2015), Owen Stait (2017), Matthew Hills (2015), Hannah Porter (2015) and Lloyd Stait (2015). Above right: Alex Jenner (2016), Cathryn Buechel (2012), Martin Beed (1989) and Suraj Gandi (2016). Right: Peter Wilkinson (1963) and Cliff Litton (1966) with John Davidson.
18 | The 1633 - Autumn 2017
George Cann (1961), John Sampson (1955) and Mike Cosway (1958) at the cream tea celebrating the opening of the John Sampson Shooting Range and the new swimming pool in June 2017. Exonians at the London Networking Evening in November. Above: Ed Wilkinson (2008), Giles Humphries (2004), Harrison Thomas (2014) and Head of Sixth Form Alison Marsh. Below left to right: John Davidson, Harry Parham-Connolly (2011), Hannah Reddaway (2011), Ed Wilkinson (2008), Alice Johnson (2011), Max Augstburger (2014), Jonny Davidson (2011), Suganya and Ellie Hendy (2011).
Artist Lucy Piper (2002-2007), with her parents Julian (1964) and Catherine Piper in the School Art Gallery Exhibition, which featured her photography of the USA Deep South and work by Lower Sixth artists documenting a day in the life of Exeter School.
Careers Adviser Ruth Cheesman and Ben Boyland (1993) Associate, Ashfords LLP at the Exeter Networking Evening in September (above) and (below) David McLarin (1969) from King Wilkinson and Company, Tim Heal (1987), Partner Ashfords LLP and Head of Sixth Form Alison Marsh. Peter Gorley (1961), Frank Wintle (1966), David Leon (1961) and former Head of History Richard Snailham (1957 - 1965) at the Exonians London Lunch at Browns, Covent Garden. Peter gave a fascinating talk on the wines of Languedoc-Roussillon.
Full reports of these events are on the news section of the alumni website. See www.exeterschool.org.uk.
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News of Exonians
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Edward Dunstan (1980 - 1986) studied Medicine at King’s College Hospital, London qualifying as a doctor in 1993. He completed his surgical training in London and the South East and was heavily involved in the 7/7 bombings when working at the Royal London Hospital. In 2007, Edward was appointed as an Orthopaedic Consultant in Fife, Scotland and became the first Director of Surgery in 2015. He is currently Chair of the Scottish Committee of Trauma and Orthopaedics and sits on the Council of the British Orthopaedic Association. His passion for rugby began at School where he played in the 1st XV touring the USA and Canada, and later he represented the Combined London Medical Schools XV on tour. He is actively involved in sport, as Head of Youth Rugby at Madras RFC, St Andrews, and enjoys cycling. Edward lives near St Andrews and is married with three children. Photo 1 Professional photographer Lucy Piper (2002 - 2007) returned to School to run workshops for Lower Sixth pupils studying A Level Art. Lucy’s specialism is documentary photography. Inspired by her work, the pupils created images to show ‘A Day in the Life of Exeter School’, displayed in the Art Gallery in October. Lucy has documented jazz singers in the USA Deep South and returns there for her next project. Photo 2 Nottingham University medical student Becky Richardson (2006 - 2016) climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in August 2017 to raise money for Action Against Hunger. This charity sets out to save the lives of children suffering from the deadliest form of malnutrition by tackling the preventable problem of starvation. Her climb was an unforgettable experience, surrounded by breath-taking scenery, with the magnificent shadow of the peak a constant presence. Summit night was the toughest twelve hours of her life, climbing for over 10 hours in the dark and freezing temperatures to reach the highest point in Africa. The feeling of pride and relief at the summit is something she will never forget. Becky raised over £2000, and is very grateful to all the family, friends and alumni who supported her. Photo 3 Errol Taylor (1969 - 1980) became the Chief Executive of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), the UK’s leading safety charity, in July 2017. RoSPA is celebrating its centenary and reflecting on past successes such as the Tufty Club, Cycling Proficiency and seat belt legislation as well as concentrating on today’s challenges. Accidents disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of our society, especially those who are young, old or disadvantaged and RoSPA works tirelessly to empower individuals and organisations to embrace and overcome everyday hazards without getting injured. This drive for empowerment reflects the opportunities that Errol enjoyed while at Exeter School, both in the classrooms and also in the Sports Hall and on Dartmoor. Errol
originally joined RoSPA in 2004, initially heading up its commercial activities, having previously worked in senior customer-facing roles within the services, engineering and retail sectors. A fellow of both the Institute of Directors (IoD) and the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), he is qualified as a Chartered Director with an MBA, and an Engineering degree and is a gold grade RoSPA advanced driver. Married with three grown up children and living in North Buckinghamshire, Errol is an advanced scuba diver who also enjoys cycling. Photo 4 Three undergraduates returned to School in June. Amy Marks (2011 - 2013) took over the Junior School’s gap student role when Tom Counsell (2009 - 2016) left to travel around Asia. Amy’s duties included assisting in games lessons and supervising the playground at break. Anna Whittingslow (2012 - 2014) stepped in to help teach PE and games and gain valuable work experience. Currently in her final year studying Applied Sports Science at Edinburgh University, Anna taught all years from the Junior School to the Sixth Form. Harry Skinner (2013 - 2015) assisted with Junior PE, Games and swimming lessons to gain experience for his Sports Science course at Bath University. Photos 5a (Amy), 5b (Harry and Anna), 5c (Tom) Mike Sheppard (1993 - 2003), Associate Lecturer in psychology at Exeter University, took on the challenge of running 30 miles a day for four days around Lake Balaton in Hungary with his friend Gareth in September. The aim was to raise money for the major prostate cancer charity Movember to remember the sad passing of Gareth’s father from the disease. As neither Mike nor Gareth had ever run a marathon, this challenge was all about completion, and a knee injury on day one forced them to walk and finish in the dark. The gruelling and incredibly painful experience has raised over £5,000 to date. To support their venture, you can donate here; www.justgiving.com/fundraising/BalatonBros. Exeter School pupils are supporting Movember as one of their charities this year. Photo 6 (Mike on left) After graduating in English Literature from Cambridge University, Philip Symes (1991 - 1998) taught English in Japan before completing teacher training in English, History and Drama. He loved teaching, but yearned for a purer creative outlet. In 2012, he took up fulltime theatre making, forming the Four of Swords Theatre Company with his business partner Sarah White. Focusing on classic stories set in unsual places of historial significance, their aim was to make theatre immersive, visceral and accessible via a fusion of drama with live music, film projection, and striking make-up, costumes and puppetry. Phil runs the successful Summer Film School at Poltimore House giving children aged 10-14 the opportunity to create a professional short film in just one week. Twenty-five young people, including pupils from Exeter School,
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News of Exonians
Charlotte Martin (2008 - 2012) was the proud recipient of the Rising Star Award at the prestigious UK Biddable Media industry awards 2017 for her work at Harvest Digital. She joined the UK’s oldest independent digital media agency in 2015, after graduating with a degree in Economics and Finance from Cardiff University. Charlotte works within the paid social and display teams with clients predominantly from the finance sector. She has also helped drive digital growth and innovation for businesses in the retail space and the over 50s market in her career to date. Photo 8
Photo credit: Rhodri Cooper
took part in 2017, and Phil was assisted by another alumnus, film maker Owain Astles (2010 - 2014). Photo 7
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Hannah Francis (2005 - 2016) sang in the Albert Hall on the first night of the Proms as a member of the BBC Proms Youth Choir. She is a member of the University of Birmingham Voices, a major group of the Youth Choir. Hannah took part in the thrilling performance of John Adams’ minimalist piece Harmonium broadcast live on TV. Hannah is studying Modern Languages and English at Birmingham. Photo 9 Lucy Swiggs (2003 - 2014) was successfully commissioned into the Army Reserves as a 2nd Lieutenant in 2017 and is now a platoon commander within the East Midlands Universities Officers Training Corps (EMUOTC). She will teach basic soldiering to around 30 Officer Cadets and will then progress to the more technical combat estimate process. Lucy is currently in her final year of a Geography degree at Nottingham University and will move on to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2019. Photo 10 Lucie Jones (née Caunter) (1993 - 1995) set herself a personal challenge to swim 90 miles in 90 different swimming pools, raising funds for Cancer Research UK and increasing awareness of the disease. In doing so she is celebrating the 90 years lived by her father who fought cancer three times, and remembering other family members and friends who were lost too early. Lucie completed swim 23 in the School’s outdoor pool in June and returned to complete swim 32 in the newly opened indoor pool in July. Lucie dedicated mile 32 to her school friend Anthony Lake-John (1990 - 1996) (Anthony Wall). He was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2009 and despite successful initial treatment, tragically died that year after contracting swine flu. Alumna Lally Sharman (2003 - 2014), brother Seb Caunter (1995 - 2000), Director of Alumni John Davidson, Lucie’s son, brother-in-law and nephews joined Lucie for this swim. Her fundraising has reached 84% of her £900 target. Further donations to Cancer Research UK from fellow alumni will be very welcome on Lucie’s fundraising page, www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/90pools90miles. Photo 11 22 | The 1633 - Autumn 2017
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Award-winning novelist Tim Pears (1968 - 1974) featured in the 2017 Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival. Tim held a seminar on his latest book, The Horseman, with the author of The Essex Serpent, Sarah Perry. The Horseman is the first in a rural trilogy located on the Devon/Somerset border. They discussed the challenges of re-writing the past and recreating it convincingly. The 2017 Budleigh Festival was supported by Exeter School. Photo 12
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Tim Speller (1975 - 1980) recalled his own walking experiences having read about the story of Team 55 in issue 4 of The 1633. In 1976, he experienced Ten Tors as a Lower Fifth pupil, joining a depleted Middle Fifth team. In 1977, he captained a 35-mile team selected after a gruelling 20 mile proving walk in thick mist. Tim’s team finished third at 6.45am enabling him to be back in School House in time for breakfast! Tim has kept up his interest in walking. His day job is based in the Queen Elizabeth Country Park in Hampshire, at the start of the Trailwalker Challenge. Organised by the Queen’s Gurkha Signals in partnership with OXFAM, this annual 100km event along the South Downs Way to Brighton has to be completed in 30 hours. Tim has successfully completed the Trailwalker twice. If any alumni are taking part in 2018, Tim would love to say hello, and you can prepare by running the South Downs Marathon which starts at the same point in June. Photo 13
A visit to School by Lt Col Paul Banks (1947 - 1955) in 2016 prompted memories of the CCF, Shooting Club, and his teachers, and an update of his career path since he left. He spent his National Service as an Officer with the Royal Marines serving in Aden and Cyprus, as a troop commander with 42 Commando, moving onto a marketing job in the oil industry. He remained active with the Royal Marine Reserves (RMR) based in Manchester with the support weapons section, seeing service with 45 Commando in Aden. He was a member of the shooting team firing both .38 and 9 mm pistols in competitions including Bisley. At the end of the 1970s, he transferred from the RMR to the Territorial Army as a Training Major and then Staff Officer. TA Units were playing a more significant role in the UK defence strategy, and 13 Paul worked on designing and implementing UK and 1977 M5 35-mile Ten Tors team (left to right: Monty NATO training exercises, and found time to learn to Palfrey, Pete Heron, Mark Bonning-Snook, Tim Speller, fly helicopters, while based at RNAS Culdrose. After leaving the TA, Paul joined the Sales and Marketing Bernie Dugdale and Pete Richards). Division of Austin Morris, and then took a consulting role with the Road Transport Industrial Training Board. 14 Now retired and living in Suffolk, Paul keeps busy with many interests from restoration historic vehicles to maintaining collections of military memorabilia. Photo 14 (Lt Col Paul Banks on right) Please send us your news and photos. See the School website and Facebook page for more stories and galleries.
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OE Club
OE grants fund gap years A
my Swiggs (2005 - 2016) travelled to Madagascar to join a six-week conservation project with the charity Blue Ventures. She collected data about the state of Madagascar’s coral reefs for a report on how to manage the sustainability of the local environment, working alongside the community to protect and increase fish stocks, ensuring long-term income for local people. Her accommodation in the small village of Andavadoaka was a small beach hut with salt-water showers and intermittent electricity. After completing the necessary dive certificates and science training, the daily routine included two morning dives studying a huge variety of fish and coral species. Highlights included seeing humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins and swimming with manta rays. After a lunch of fish and rice, afternoons consisted of teaching English to village students and playing beach volleyball with the local team. An important aspect of her work was attending ‘Girls’ Club’, teaching young women from the village about pregnancy, sanitation and family planning and learning Malagasy. Weekend activities included hikes to the Baobab forest, cooking lessons and visiting nearby villages. The whole expedition was an amazing, humbling experience and she learnt a lot about coral reef species, environmental sustainability and the management of ecosystems, which will be invaluable for her Geography BSc Degree course at Sheffield University. Amy is hugely grateful to Exeter School for increasing her confidence and passion for Geography, and to the Old Exonian Club for their generous grant towards the cost of the expedition.
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arry Hart (2011 - 2016) spent a busy gap year teaching in Ghana on an eight-month placement with the charity Project Trust. Having passed the demanding selection course in the Isle of Coll in Scotland, he raised £5,000 through working in a care home, running a marathon and receiving money from trusts, including a generous grant from the Old 24 | The 1633 - Autumn 2017
Exonian Club. Harry’s job was in an orphanage for children from disadvantaged backgrounds attached to a school for day pupils run by a Catholic organisation called IMFH (In My Father’s House). Arriving in the Volta region in the hot, dry season, he began teaching a class of 55 seven-to-nine-year olds the next day. Harry built up a rapport with the pupils and enjoyed teaching them English, Maths and PE. Work on Fridays focused on farming the school’s vegetable plots, for which the pupils brought in machetes. It was amazing to see how many people were needed to cultivate a large area of land without tractors, with much of the time being spent cutting down weeds, as weed killers were too expensive. Harry ate mainly ‘fufu’ (a maize porridge), fish, a variety of sauces and fruit. When not teaching, he saw elephants in Mole National Park and visited the stunning beaches on the coast. By the end, he felt he knew the pupils very well. He will be sponsoring a child for the next six years of their schooling. Returning to the UK, Harry began his Medicine course at Cardiff University in October.
New merchandise for Christmas!
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he School Shop has new merchandise of interest to Old Exonians at competitive prices, including Exonian scarves only available to OEs and an OE bow tie. To purchase items visit the online shop on the website or come in person to the Bursary or Alumni Office. www.exeterschool.org.uk/shops
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t Col Paul Banks (1947 - 1955) was a member of the School’s successful Shooting Team from 1951 to 1955 with John Sampson (1948 - 1955). He made a welcome return to Exeter to present to the School his Left Hand .22 Anschutz Target Rifle, which he has very kindly donated for use by the Shooting Club coached by John Sampson. This beautifully engineered model is in regular use, and bears an engraved plaque recognising its history. Colonel Banks enjoyed a tour of the School and a chance to see various new buildings, including the newly completed John Sampson Rifle Range.
OE Day 2017
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ver 100 OEs and their guests returned to School on Saturday 16 September for OE Day. The programme included tours of the School, a threecourse lunch, a stimulating talk from the Headmaster on recent school news and a concert in the Chapel, devised and produced by current pupils from the Upper Fifth and Sixth Form. One of the many highlights was a chance to view the new swimming pool in action from the splendid spectators gallery. The Butterfield Hall featured an exhibition depicting a variety of developments from the last 50-100 years including the
Generous gift to School various guises of the outdoor pool, and a selection of School caps from the 1920s onwards. Outside, several OEs braved the showers to see the 1st XV rugby team beat West Buckland School 34 - 0. The day’s events concluded with a cream tea on the Paddock and an opportunity to see a selection of archives arranged by Kevin White (1953 - 1961). In the evening, the annual OE Dinner followed the Club’s AGM. The 2016-2017 Joe Mullins Cup sports competition between the OEs and the School was declared a draw and Joe presented the Cup jointly to Nigel Hook, representing the OEs, with Head Boy Ben Hayes and Head Girl Megan Stride representing the School. After a short speech from the Headmaster highlighting recent successes, Chair James Brown (1994 - 1999) introduced the guest speaker, Dr Todd Gray, MBE. Dr Gray’s theme was the 2016 Royal Clarence hotel fire and its aftermath. He revealed the unique historic importance of the buildings nearly lost to the fire to the side and rear of the hotel, and the plans to document fully these nationally important buildings for future generations. Dr Gray stressed the importance of Exeter School as part of the city’s heritage, and said how fortunate we were to be associated with a School in such an historically important city. www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni | 25
OE Club OE SPORTS:
OEs v School Hockey Match A strong squad of eleven OEs returned to School to play the 1st XI girls’ hockey team on Friday 8 September. The game started well for the OEs, despite it being the first time several had hit a hockey ball in over a year. For the first 15 minutes, the OE team retained most of the possession and good linking play from the forwards meant they won a string of short corners. However, great saves from the School keeper Molly Tettenborn prevented these being converted into goals with the score 0 - 0 at half time. The School came out with more attacking force in the second half, and a quick break from their forwards resulted in the first goal of the match. The OEs rallied, and played with increased determination. There were many narrow misses, but they could not level the score, leaving the School team victorious, 1-0. It was a very enjoyable match and a great chance to be reunited with friends and teammates.
The OE team were Rebecca Richardson (2006 – 2016), Sophie Jefferson (2006 – 2017), Ayesha White (2011 – 2016), Natasha Cook (2011 – 2016), Eka BarkerPrivalova (2012 – 2017), Isla Gebbie (2010 – 2017), Sophie Brook (2005 – 2016), Victoria Ackford (2010 2017), Jenny Herring (2010 – 2017), Em Scott (2014 – 2016) and in goal, Martin Cull (2004 – 2016).
OE Committee 2017 - 2018
President Robin Thomas (1964-1971), Chairman James Brown (1994-1999), Secretary Peter German (19641972), Treasurer Chris Bush (1963-1974), Sports Secretary Giles Ashman (1982-1987), Archivist Kevin White (1953-1961). Other committee members are: David Leon (1954-1961), Steve Perring (1978-1981), Tom Petrilli (1996-2001), Richard Sharman (1970-1978) and John Davidson (staff).
Derek Joe Mullins 1947 - 1955 We are sorry to report the sad passing of Joe Mullins, Head Boy (1955), UnderOfficer in the CCF, past President of the Old Exonian Club, and a loyal supporter of the School throughout his life. Joe passed away in the early hours of Saturday 14 October after a short illness. There will be a full tribute to Joe in the June 2018 issue of The 1633.
26 | The 1633 - Autumn 2017
Lawrence Ackland-Smith 1931 - 2017 Larry (1940 - 1949) was in Drake House. He loved his sport, gaining colours in 1st XI hockey, 1st XI cricket and shooting, and half colours in rugby. He achieved the Bronze Cross in Lifesaving, was in the CCF Band. “Lawrence smiles on everything” was a comment on a report card. After School, he served in the 8th Royal Tank Regiment, playing sport for the army and passing out as ‘Best Trooper’. For forty years, he was a construction manager in oil refining across the world, living in Europe, Australia and Africa. Larry was a great supporter of the School, and a regular attendee at the Golf Day and OE Dinners. Larry passed away in August, and many OEs celebrated his life at the thanksgiving service. He is remembered as a popular, cheerful and good-humoured man and is much missed by his wife Maureen, children Michael and Fiona, and all who knew him.
Obituaries Michael Selley 1953 - 2017
Adrian Saunders 1958 - 2017
Mike Selley (1960 - 1972) was the second son of the late Exonian Wilf (1934 - 1944) and Audrey. He was Head of Buller House, and Head of School. Mike excelled on the sports field, captaining the 1st XI cricket and badminton teams and playing hockey for the 1st XI. Playing cricket for the school in 1971 against Devon Dumplings, Mike top scored in the batting and took a hat trick in the bowling. He studied dentistry at Guy’s Hospital, later moving to Devon with his wife Pauline, to join his father’s practice. He played hockey for Isca, was Secretary of the Old Exonian Club, chaired the local British Dental Association, and was chairman, and later president of Exeter Round Table. As a loyal supporter of Exeter Chiefs, he organised arrangements for supporters when in France, and was generous with his hospitality at his Brittany home. Mike will be remembered as a wonderfully friendly and approachable man; a true ‘bon viveur’.
Adrian joined Crossing House in the Sixth Form from 1975 to 1978, coming from Ardingly College. His Classics teacher, Norman Shiel, remembers him as the most naturally gifted student he had taught in both classical languages. Adrian sparkled at classical reading competitions, delivering the pieces with supreme fluency and from memory. After leaving School, he worked in the Department of Coins and Medals at the British Museum and then thrived at Brasenose College, Oxford, moving on to teach at The Dragon and St Edward’s Schools in Oxford. He later taught at the American University in Cairo, and Koç University in Turkey where he was College Lecturer of Latin and Greek. He divided his time between Istanbul and Ephesus (Selçuk), where he was a tour guide. Sadly, Adrian developed oesophageal cancer and passed away in June. His Muslim funeral was in the great Isa Bey Mosque in Selçuk, a building he loved and where he spent much time reading the stones, and translating inscriptions. Friends, colleagues and students from across the world met together in Selçuk in September to celebrate his life.
Michael Luckes 1956 - 2016 Michael (Mick) was in School House 1970 – 1972 and passed away suddenly in October 2016 in Plymouth, aged 60 years. Much of his career was spent at sea with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary where he was a specialist in communications. He is sadly missed by his wife Susan, children, grandchildren and many friends.
Henry Gordon Spence Murray 1935 - 2017 Bill (Henry) was in Raleigh House from 1945 - 1952. He was in the CCF Army Section, and played a key role in the Models Society with Mr Hazard. In his career, he was the Landlord of the White Horse Inn Thruxton and The Shears, Collingbourne Ducis. He passed away peacefully in Tidworth, Hampshire, aged 82. He is much missed by his wife Gillian, children Tiffany, Lucy and Nicholas and four grandchildren. He will be remembered for his generosity, charm and fantastic sense of humour.
Ian Shears 1963 - 2017 Ian was in Raleigh House from 1975 - 1982. He devoted his career to building up his farm business near Topsham, going organic in 1987 and pioneering new business ventures including a successful farm shop and an organic bakery. Ian encouraged wildlife on the farm including rare birds. He is much missed by his wife and children and all who knew him.
Peter Head 1930 - 2016 Peter (1940 - 1947) was a wartime pupil in Buller House, a member of the rugby 2nd XV, and Sergeant Bugler in the band, awarded the Silver Bugle in 1947. He enjoyed keeping up with the OEs attending London events, most recently in 2014. He sadly passed away in the autumn of 2016.
David John Hacking 1932 - 2016 David was a member of Raleigh House from 1945 to 1949, enjoying sports, the band and playing hockey for the 1st XI. He went on to University College Southampton, and then joined the Merchant Navy, returning to Devon later in life. He attended OE events regularly, including OE day in 2013. He died peacefully at home near Exeter and is much missed by his wife Ann, children and grandchildren.
Dr Donald Frank Burnett 1936 - 2017 Donald (1947 - 1954) was a Daw House Prefect and excelled in cross country running. After School, he did National Service in the RAF in the Joint School for Linguists, specialising in Russian. He went on to St Peter’s Oxford where he gained a Blue. In a long career in higher education, he was Head of Communication Skills at Egerton University, Kenya and also taught in the United Arab Emirates. He authored A History of the People and Parish of Ide. He latterly lived in Stockleigh Pomeroy near Crediton. He is sadly missed by his wife Polly, children, grandchildren, family and friends.
David Rhys-James 1922 - 2014 David was in School House from 1930 – 1940 and a House Prefect. He attended JTC camps including Tidworth, gained his colours in rugby and enjoyed the swimming and fencing clubs. After School, he reached the rank of Captain in the 2nd Dragoon Guards and in retirement took up flying, gaining his Private Pilot’s Licence flying with the Southern Air flying Club. He attended the OE Dinner in Exeter several times. He passed away aged 91 in Worthing, Sussex.
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Alumni noticeboard Eight Blue free Boy places awardsannounced
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n 2016, staff in the University of Exeter’s Digital Humanities Lab created 3D scans of both the stone and cast iron statues, and pupils studying Design Technology made cast statuettes with 3D printing technology. The final versions were cast in pewter and finished with walnut bases for the St John’s Hospital Educational Foundation. The Exeter School statuette will be awarded annually to a deserving Exeter School pupil on Speech Day in September, by the Chairman of Trustees of the St John’s Hospital Educational Foundation. The Foundation funds three of Exeter School’s eight free places, awarded to three new 11+ and five new 16+ pupils every year.
Save the dates!
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ook out for new events in 2018! In addition to the Exonian dinners in Cambridge, Oxford, London, and the buffet receptions in Cardiff and London, there are two new occasions. In March, the OE Committee and the Sixth Form are running a Quiz Night in the School Hall to raise money for charity, and in June there will be a reunion to mark 20 years of full co-education, including a Prosecco cream tea. Dates of events are listed below and further details will be available soon. Do please keep us updated with your contact details including your email address so you can receive all the invitations and updates as soon as they are published.
Details of how to donate to the Foundation Bursary Fund are on the alumni pages of the School website under Make a Donation. If you would like to discuss giving to the fund or leaving a legacy, please contact the Headmaster or Director of Alumni.
Forthcoming events
A selection of alumni events is shown below. Details of 2018 events will be published in the next issue of The 1633 in June. The full list of alumni events can be found on the School website or via the Alumni Secretary, Karen Dart. Tickets are available from the School Box Office: www.exeterschool.org.uk/box-office. Tuesday 5 December Thursday 14 December Monday 29 January Thursday 22 February Friday 23 February Monday 12 March Friday 16 March Monday 26 March Thursday 3 May Tuesday 15 May
National Trust Christmas Concert, Exeter Cathedral, 7.30pm Christmas Concert in the School Hall, 7.30pm Exonians Cardiff Reunion, 33 Windsor Place, from 6pm onwards Exonians Cambridge Dinner, Murray Edwards College, 7pm Exonians Oxford Dinner, Christ Church College, 7pm London Buffet and Drinks Reception, Tamesis Dock, from 6pm onwards Exonians Quiz Night, Exeter School, 7pm Boys’ Hockey and Boys’ Football v Old Exonians 4.15pm OE Golf Day, Exeter Golf and Country Club Exonians London Dinner, Browns Covent Garden, 7pm
Saturday 16 June
Celebration Event to mark 20 years of full co-education, Exeter School from 2pm onwards
THE
We would like to keep in touch with past pupils and staff. You can update your details on the School website by visiting the alumni pages and completing the on-line form under ‘Contact Us’ or via the Alumni Secretary.
Alumni Magazine of Exeter School
01392 458941 alumnisec@exeterschool.org.uk Exeter School Alumni Office Victoria Park Road Exeter EX2 4NS www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni Twitter and Instagram: @ExeterSchoolUK Facebook: Exeter School Alumni LinkedIn: Exeter School Alumni (Old Exonians)