THE Alumni Magazine of Exeter School
Friends reunited 20 years of co-education www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni
Issue 9 Summer 2018
Contents Careers Interview feature Alumni in focus
4careers
School news Feature: 20 years of co-education Memory lane News of Exonians OE Club
4 6 8 10 12 18 22 26
Photo credits and captions: Front cover: (left to right) Claire Jordan
(née Bolton), Giles Humphries and Philippa Rowe (née Heron), from the pioneer 1997-2004 co-ed year group joined over 200 Exonians at the June Celebration of CoEducation event (Photo credit: Steve Haywood).
Top: Lucy James (2004-2011) talks about telephone
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SCHOOL NEWS
and face-to-face job interviews at the Lower Sixth Inspiration Afternoon in March.
Middle: Alice in Wonderland, performed by Third to Lower Fifth Form pupils in April, one of five major drama productions this academic year. Bottom: Vivien Stephens, Head of Young House
and Deputy Head of Sixth Form in 1998, teaching Geography to 3B in the second year of full co-education.
01392 458941 alumnisec@exeterschool.org.uk Exeter School Alumni Office Victoria Park Road Exeter EX2 4NS www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni
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20 years of co-ed 2 | The 1633 - Summer 2018
Exeter School Alumni @ExeterSchoolUK Exeter School Alumni (Old Exonians) 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.
Welcome
At the end of this academic year, the Alumni Office will be five years old. We currently have over 5000 Exonians who keep in touch with the School through this magazine, our website news pages, and Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Since 2013, we have welcomed many of you back to support our careers and Sixth Form Futures Programme, our subject departments and our extra-curricular activities. As always, it has been a real pleasure to meet so many of you at our events across the country and in Exeter, culminating this year with over 200 past pupils, former staff, Governors and
current staff coming back to our special Celebration of 20 Years of Co-Education in June, which is featured in this magazine. Please continue to support your Exonian community and keep us up-to-date with your contact details. John Davidson, Director of Alumni Relations Director of Alumni John Davidson with our latest alumni Megan Stride and Ben Hayes who were Head Girl and Head Boy respectively from 2017-2018 during the twentieth year of full co-education. (Photo credit: Emma Solley)
Welcome from the Headmaster As I write, summer has finally arrived in Devon; our pupils are enjoying a busy range of activities, with a CCF inspection, Lower School play, charity concert, Ten Tors and many sports fixtures behind them.
Headmaster Bob Griffin, former Headmaster Neil Gamble (1992-2003) and with Katyformer Petherick, (1997-2004) Headmaster Bob Griffin teachers and Head Girl 2003/4 when the first co-ed cohort reached poets Lawrence Sail and Harry Guest. the Upper Sixth. (Photo credit: Steve Haywood)
I hope that you will enjoy the features in this edition of the magazine. They share some common themes: pride in our school, a clear sense of community and the embracing of opportunity. We have enjoyed gatherings large and small, formal and informal in the last 12 months, at which the warmth of our friendships has been evident. I look forward to seeing you at School or elsewhere in the coming months: you are always welcome. Bob Griffin, Headmaster
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
Inspired by alumni
Presentations, talks and workshops by Exonians continue to enrich the curriculum, providing current pupils with ideas and suggestions from the world of work
National Careers Week March 2018 Pupils from the Lower Fifth to Lower Sixth enjoyed five talks during National Careers Week in March. Lucie Jones (nĂŠe Caunter) (1995) discussed careers using IT to a combined group of pupils studying Computer Science. She drew on her fifteen years of experience working for Oracle in California and the UK to show the many opportunities available. Lucie illustrated her talk with examples from her Devon company New Line ASP that provides software solutions for livestock auctions both in the UK and overseas. Owain Astles (2014) gave an interactive talk to pupils studying Drama about working in film and TV using clips from a recent documentary made
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by his film company on homelessness in Bristol. Lucy James (2011) gave three talks on studying languages at university, and careers using languages. She highlighted how a love of French and Spanish developed at School led her via a modern language degree to her current post with the charity Street Child. Lucy uses her language skills every day in the office and on assignments in French-speaking parts of the world.
Subject talks and Careers Convention The 2017 annual Careers Convention in November included stands by four alumni. Ian Williams (1986) from The Southernhay Dental
Practice, Mark Tyler (1982) of Sound and Vision Media, Mark Wells (1985) of Boeing and Dan Wilkinson (1995) of Wilkinson Grant were kept busy answering questions about their careers from pupils across the year groups. Lydon Ward-Best (2004), HSBC Mortgage and Protection Manager, gave a presentation on Managing Personal Finances to the Upper Sixth in January as part of the Sixth Form Futures Programme. His pertinent and relevant talk covered the problems of payday loans, the importance of credit rating, and how their banking status changes when they reach eighteen. Dr Richard Perriss (1988) addressed the Medical Society on Radiology in April, drawing on his work as a Consultant Radiologist at Torbay Hospital. He explained how images acquired by X-rays, Fluoroscopy, Ultrasound, CT and MRI scans, are used to make a diagnosis. Pupils were challenged to identify various medical conditions, ranging from an air gun pellet passing right through the brain to severe head injuries and tumours and a lively discussion followed. In December 2017, Mike Twomey (2014) gave a fascinating talk on ‘The Future of Food’ to Sixth Form Geographers (see page 26 - OE Club). Science teacher Tom Pearson (2012) gave a talk to Crossing Club about Space Camp USA where he experienced rocket launches, zero gravity simulations and the moonwalk simulator.
Lower Sixth Inspiration AfternooN Sixteen past pupils and friends led the Lower Sixth Careers Afternoon in March. The keynote presentation on job interviews chaired by Director of Alumni John Davidson set the scene using the experience of three Exonians. Lucy James (2011) described how she was offered her first salaried job following both telephone and face-to-face interviews. Annabel Clark (2010) described the selection process for her graduate training scheme with Atkins including Skype interviews, and Steve
Perring (1981) gave an employer’s viewpoint on how a selection process is conducted. Current Head Girl Beth Pittman summed up the day: “We learnt a lot from the first session because the three alumni all stressed the importance of being very well prepared, checking your social media presence and managing phone and skype interviews. The presentation I attended first on careers in communications and PR highlighted the pace of work, the need to be accurate and calm under pressure, and the importance of being trustworthy. My second presentation on accountancy showed the wide range of career options available in this field and the chances of working abroad. I particularly appreciated the opportunity over tea to have a one-to-one chat with Lucy about careers using languages. It was very helpful to hear firsthand from past pupils how they had benefitted from decisions made at School and the relevance to successful job applications of their School clubs and activities.”
Fifteen past pupils and friends of the School supported this event running seminars on various career areas: Owain Astles (2014) Freelance Director, Owain Astles Productions; Natasha Bellinger, Barrister and Lecturer in Law, Magdalen Chambers; Annabel Clark (2010), Sustainability Consultant at Faithful+Gould; Chris Dyson (1998) Partner, Ashfords; Signe Hulbert (2008), Senior Technology Consultant, Atkins; Lucy James (2011), Running and Challenge Manager, Street Child; Dominic Leaver (1992), Leaver Consultancy Limited; David Simms (1995), Corporate Services Manager, Thompson Jenner LLP; Steven Perring (1981), Director, Diagnostic Path Solutions; James Petherick (2002), Director, Residential Development, JLL Bristol; Kris Sum, (2000) Director, Switch Systems Ltd; Andrew Shaw, Associate Professor of Physical Chemistry, Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences; Jane Silver, Chartered Physiotherapist, Ocean Physio; Mark Tyler (1982) Broadcast Journalist and Communication Consultant; Stephanie Waters (2005) trainee teacher with South West Teacher Training.
Full reports of these talks are on the alumni section of the School website. The School is very grateful to former pupils for sharing their experiences and insights. If you would like to be part of our Careers Network to help with an event or give a talk, please email alumnisec@exeterschool.org.uk www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni | 5
From School to Swan Lake Peter Jones (1991-2002) shares how his lifelong love of music led to his dream job
T
he magnificent Royal Opera House occupies a historic location in London’s Covent Garden. It is home to The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet and the workplace of alumnus Peter Jones (1991-2002). As Series Producer in the Film and Broadcast Department, Peter works in what he describes as the best place in the world for live music, ballet and theatre, indulging in his passion for classical
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music every day. Taking a short pause from editing the DVD of Madame Butterfly and amid rehearsals for the ground-breaking new production of Swan Lake, Peter described his journey from School to live broadcasting and the challenges he faced along the way. Following A Levels in English, German, Drama and Politics, and GCSE Italian in the Sixth Form, Peter
was encouraged to study Law, and took up a place at Worcester College Oxford. While in his second year, a family friend advised him to enter the legal profession only if his heart was in it, as he might find it dull. A year as a paralegal with an Exeter law firm, although great fun, confirmed Peter’s view that Law was not to be his career. He looked instead to his love of classical music - could this become a career? A threemonth summer internship with the media production company Classic Arts while at Oxford provided invaluable experience for his CV, and Peter applied to the BBC. Following advice, he accepted the first job he was offered, at the Radio Archive in Maida Vale. This led to work providing recorded music for the Radio 3 breakfast programme. Five years of live music work with BBC Symphony Orchestra producing up to 100 live shows a year followed and Peter found his real vocation in the excitement of live broadcasting. The next few years flew past with an attachment to the BBC Proms to produce live TV broadcasts, and other exciting projects such as BBC Cardiff Singer of the World.
Hypochondriac taught him to think quickly on his feet and improvise with confidence. He also honed his technology skills designing and establishing the award-winning Politics department website, Room85.com.
After a period of freelance work, still mainly with the BBC, Peter seized the opportunity to join the Royal Opera House at the start of the new era of live streaming to cinemas, big screens and the internet. Providing live transmissions and editing shows for release on DVD, helps the Royal Opera House fulfil its mission to be always accessible and engaging and develop audiences across the UK.
Peter loved languages at School and acknowledges the value of his linguistic skills acquired in the Sixth Form, together with introductory Russian thanks to a School trip to Yaroslavl and Moscow. Peter interviews people from all over the world; being able to converse in their language helps put them at ease. His German-speaking skills were invaluable to communicate with production crews while touring with the BBC Symphony Orchestra in Germany and Switzerland.
Peter’s day is full of variety and creativity. He is seldom in the office and when not in the editing suite or recording room, he is interviewing principals, dancers, directors, choreographers and technicians for streaming and DVDs or preparing scripts for live shows by watching rehearsals and performances.
What Peter most remembers from School is how his teachers (including Ian Davis, Simon Leader, Jane Fenner, Philippa Knight, the Chrupeks, Graham Strugnell and Ian Wright) encouraged him to develop interests beyond the syllabus and gave him the chance to be eccentric in lessons!
Anything can happen during a live production and it can be potentially very stressful. Peter says the key is not to panic. At School, he won RAF flying and gliding scholarships. Gaining his wings flying both gliders and powered aircraft solo, he learnt to be calm and controlled. He also thanks the RAF for his understanding of radio! His starring roles in School drama including Dogg’s Hamlet and Molière’s The
When asked his biggest challenge in life to date, Peter answers without hesitation his A Levels, however he also acknowledges the huge decision to abandon Law for his love of arts and music. His advice to current pupils is to take risks and seize every opportunity; the job you are offered first may not be the job you want, but take it anyway. For Peter, the best job in the world is producing music broadcasts live. www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni | 7
Alumni in Focus
Social awareness through film
Owain Astles (2010-2014) is a filmmaker, actor, activist, and occasional bartender. His day job involves making films for charities, businesses and musicians, with his company Pastles Productions, along with photography for events, promos and for fun. Owain studied French, Spanish, Politics and Drama A Levels, enjoying roles in Anything Goes and An Italian Straw Hat. His love of drama and languages led him to a degree in Theatre and Spanish at Bristol University, where he developed his filmmaking skills through Studiospace, the Department Society for students studying theatre and film, and other drama clubs.
O
wain’s passion at university has become his career with his work focusing mainly on social issues, and giving a voice to under-represented or marginalised people and communities. Owain is the director and producer of The Hardest Fight, an Exeter Phoenixcommissioned short film about a young boxer struggling with depression, in the lead up to his first fight. The film was a representation of the parallels of fighting against mental health issues and the physical fight of a boxing match. Using interviews
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with boxers, it set out to show what goes through your mind when struggling with mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, and how boxing has helped them. Owain recently directed the feature film, Sleeping Rough, a docudrama about street homelessness in the UK. Filmed in London and Bristol, it featured a cast of very talented actors who were put in some very tough situations, emotionally and physically, dealing with harrowing storylines and scenes. Sleeping Rough was screened in Bristol as part of Homelessness Awareness Week 2018. He has also produced a short documentary series commissioned by Rife magazine, called Crisis and Hope about homelessness services in Bristol. He was named by Rife as one of their 24 most influential Bristolians in 2016 and in spring 2018 he delivered a TEDx talk on what people can do to help those who are homeless in their area. Owain is very appreciative of the close pupilteacher relations at School where he found there were lots of people you could go to for advice, as well as a network of close friends whose support you could rely on. Owain returned to School during National Careers Week to talk to Drama pupils and Sixth Formers about careers in filmmaking, and in June, he introduced the 2018 Sixth Form Business and Enterprise Day with a thoughtprovoking talk on the issues of homelessness.
For the love of languages An interview with Lucy James by Lower Sixth pupils Allegra Letts and Georgia Ling
Lucy James (left) in Sierra Leone. What has been your biggest challenge to date? Organising fun activities that appeal to mass participants and engage fundraisers is a big challenge, such as marathons in both the UK and Nepal. The aim is to capture the enthusiasm of those taking part by linking them to projects where their money will make a big difference. What skills and knowledge from School have been the most useful to you in your current career? At School, I was the Sports Tour Head Girl and Deputy Head Girl where I learnt about quick decision-making, and being proactive. Developing organisational and leadership skills from a young age at School has benefitted me a lot in my work.
Lucy James (2004-2011) developed a love of languages while studying French and Spanish with Drama and Politics in the Sixth Form and read Modern Languages at King’s College London. Keen to use her language skills in her career, she volunteered as an intern in Sierra Leone, with the development charity Street Child. Lucy is now their Running and Challenge Manager. What made you decide to work for Street Child? My internship led to a job offer, and now I support several countries through educational projects aimed at reducing inequalities. Describe a typical day at work. My work, when not abroad or hosting fundraisers, includes meetings, producing literature to encourage donations, and collating information. Interpersonal skills and coordination is the key!
How useful have the languages you’ve studied been in your job? My language skills have been immensely useful. I write articles, provide translations for publications, produce social media posts, and I use my French on assignments in Africa, and particularly for supporting work in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). My strong foundation in linguistic skills has proved valuable in many places where I have needed to communicate with local people effectively. Do you get to travel much? Travel is a big part of the job! We need to immerse ourselves in the lifestyles of those we are trying to help, be proactive in the construction of infrastructure and support services donations have funded. It’s challenging, but very rewarding and never dull! Lucy gave three talks during National Careers Week on studying languages at university, and provided advice to the Sixth Form as part of the Lower Sixth Careers Afternoon.
www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni | 9
School news In memory of Marcus
C
horal Society was delighted to welcome musical alumni Eleanor Partridge (2008-2013), Elle Williams (1999-2001) and Jon Schranz (2005-2012) to sing solo parts in this year’s concert at Exeter Cathedral. The programme featured movements from Mozart’s Mass in C Minor and Howard Goodall’s
Eternal Light. Sixth Form pupils Emily Bairstow, Katy Armstrong, Beth Pittman, Ettejean Girvin, Emily Moudiotis, Zeb Cobb, William Partridge and Oran Friar also sang solo parts in the concert that was dedicated to the memory of former pupil Marcus Colville (20052015) and supported by Packexe Ltd.
Photo credit: Steve Haywood
Charity concert makes a splash
Nine Oxbridge offers and a first at Yale
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his year, nine pupils have been offered Oxbridge places, two unconditionally for entry in 2018, plus one unconditional place at Yale University. In the last six years, 38 pupils have received Oxbridge offers. Alumni
Eka Barker-Privalova (2012 – 2017) received an unconditional offer to read Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) at Pembroke College, Cambridge and Ben Haigh (2010 – 2017) a place to read PPE at Keble College, Oxford.
Tackling the Bard
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upils from the Upper Fifth to Upper Sixth performed two of the greatest plays in Shakespeare’s folio, Julius Caesar and Henry V, in November. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of coeducation at Exeter School and offer equal opportunity to both boys and girls, Head of Drama Jamie Brough created an all-female cast to tackle
Julius Caesar and an allmale cast to take on Henry V. Both casts produced confident and professional performances.
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Photo credit: Steve Haywood
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he 17th annual WaterAid concert in May raised funds for WaterAid. Supported by South West Water and On Tap Water, the concert featured nine different ensembles and performances from over 150 pupils at St Michael’s
Church, Heavitree. Key features of the challenging programme were the Chamber Orchestra performing the first movement of Mozart’s 25th symphony, which features in the soundtrack of the film Amadeus.
Successful Charity Day A rich jewel
E
xeter Junior School’s Drama Club took part in a workshop run by ‘The Four of Swords’ Theatre Company to prepare for their production of Romeo & Juliet. Former pupil and professional actor
Phil Symes (1991-1998) returned to School to work with the children on staging the fight scene at the beginning of Shakespeare’s tragedy. Pupils put the new techniques into practice for their performance in March.
Inaugural Middle Fifth play
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ophocles’ classic play Antigone was the inaugural Middle Fifth play. It was a huge challenge for the cast of 22 to create a coherent world for this tale of divided loyalties and polemical beliefs to unfold
A Lower School première
Medical offers
E
leven pupils have been offered places at Medical School, or to read Veterinary Science for September 2018. Emily Bairstow has an offer to read Veterinary Science. Bea Brett, Issy Buckley, Ben Crocker, Jess Flanaghan, Ben Ford, Ben Hayes, Jake Kilmartin, Laura Perring and Megan Stride all have
within, but they managed it beautifully. Middle Fifth pupils not only provided the cast of Antigone, but they also assistantdirected, created and performed original music, and operated lighting and sound on both nights.
offers to read Medicine. 2017 leaver John Lorimer has a medical place at Bristol University. The Medical Society meets several times each term, and is very appreciative of the number of alumni who have returned to School to share the experience of their various courses and specialisms.
A Spring snowscape
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upils from Years 7 - 9 joined together to create the first Lower School production of Alice in Wonderland,
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he ‘Beast from the East’ struck Exeter School twice in one month resulting in snow days for pupils and staff. This was the first time that a snowstorm had struck the School since
putting on two evening performances. The young cast and crew were involved in every aspect of the show.
2010. A big thank you to Craig Stewart and his maintenance team for braving the arctic weather to clear snow and ice, fix burst pipes and keep Exeter School in tip top condition.
Do you have any memories to share about the School in the snows of 1963, 1978 or 1982?
www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni | 11
B ef o re
1970
Pupils from nearby girls’ schools attend some Sixth Form lessons from time to time and join in music and drama productions on an ad hoc basis
1970S
Joint teaching arrangements are established with The Maynard (U6 General Studies, Russian A Level, and language exchanges) and St Margaret’s (shared A Level timetable). St Margaret’s girls take part in music and drama productions and join the CCF (1981). Mount St Mary’s girls study some A Level subjects and take part in music
1980
Girls enrol at Exeter School for the first time, joining the Seventh Form, taking additional A Levels and preparing for Oxford and Cambridge entrance examinations
In
T
celebrati of co-educ
he academic year 2017 to 2018 is the twentieth anniversary of full co-education at Exeter School. In September 1997, five girls entered the Junior School in Form One and twelve joined the Third Form in the Senior School, where the Sixth Form was already co-educational. In summer 2004, the first fully co-educational year of 24 girls sat their A Levels and four years later in 2008, the first co-educational year group from the Junior School, which had expanded to nearly 40 girls, completed their eleven-year journey. Today, co-education is fully established.
In a school of nearly 920 pupils, 41% are girls. They are led by a co-educational team of Head Boy and Head Girl and Deputy Head Boy and Deputy Head Girl. In 2018 to 2019, seven out of ten House Captains are girls. The Governors’ decision to admit girls at 7+ and 11+ came with the abolition of the assisted places scheme. Staff visited other schools that had recently become co-educational across the country on fact-finding missions. The uniform was chosen, rules were revised, adjustments were made in changing rooms and facilities, and picnic benches and new seating areas appeared across the site. No
1986
The Sixth Form becomes fully co-educational, although joint arrangements with St Margaret’s and The Maynard continue through the 1990s, ending formally in 2002
1997
Exeter School becomes fully coeducational with the first girls joining Form One and the Third Form
on cation new academic subjects were introduced, but the teaching of PSHE became more formalised and a robust programme of girls’ games was established including netball, rounders, hockey, and girls’ rugby in the Sixth Form. More opportunities for drama came with the innovative Third Form pantomime. As full co-education became more established, House Dance and House Song were added to the House competition programme with equestrianism and competition swimming joining the sports on offer. Girls embraced leadership roles in the CCF, and as House Captains and Senior Prefects. The number of female staff also
2003 All year groups are fully co-educational
2004
grew from 16 in 1997 to today’s total of 97, alongside 84 male staff. Half of the current Heads of House are female. In 2018, with the proportion of girls approaching 50%, the School does not seem that different. Lower Corridor and the School Chapel are still at the heart of the School, though the cap rooms (with their unique attendant smell) have been replaced by state-of the-art boys and girls’ changing rooms. Lessons and activities from CCF, DofE and adventure training to sport, music, drama and arts flourish in a fully co-ed school. Plus ça change…
First co-educational intake from the Third Form take their A Levels, completing their seven-year journey
2008
First co-educational intake from the Junior School’s Form One take their A Levels, completing their eleven-year journey
Will Gaisford
Looking back
1995-2006
English Teacher
We are very grateful to six of the boys and girls from the first years of full co-education who have shared some memories, and to the many who returned to School in June for our garden party celebration.
School nurtured my love of English but with its brilliant Music department and sporting advocates it cemented for me the importance of a well-rounded education. Co-education only added to this breadth: here were hard-working girls to compete with academically; talented
musicians to sing and play with; and, perhaps most challengingly of all for a teenage boy, real girls to talk to. Reflecting on those early years of co-education, everything was different and yet everything was the same: Exeter School still maintained a warm and purposeful environment as pupils realised that there was more that united us than divided us. Co-education also gave me the opportunity to meet my future wife in the Sixth Form, Harriet Hardy (2004 - 2006)!
Lucy Rutledge
having to wear a tie! We enjoyed being the ‘Five Spice Girls’ and looked out for by the teachers. 1997-2008 Being surrounded by boys was Humanitarian Aid Worker not always easy, but I appreciated I am so thankful for my education growing up side-by-side in lessons, and the opportunity to learn playing sport and music, going on foreign languages including trips and learning at an early age German A Level when I was the how different but complementary only pupil. I am currently teaching our perspectives on life were. My German and English to refugee School years were a significant women in Greece. For many it is chapter in my life - I can’t their first time in a classroom, as imagine life now without the they had no right to an education friendships formed there and the in their home country. I have many encouragement from teachers to good memories as one of the first pursue my passions and step out of girls in the Junior School, despite my comfort zone.
Simon Yeo
positively refresh school culture, and certainly 1994-2005 (Head Boy 2004-2005) better prepared me for the reality of the working Management Consultant world. I particularly recall the fantastic contributions I can’t believe it’s 20 years ago made in music, drama and sport, that I joined the Third Form in and in my case, meeting the the second year of co-ed. Looking person I would go on to marry! back I don’t recall thinking After 10 years working in London that co-ed was a big thing. As on projects including the 2012 I moved through the years the Olympic Games, I now live in the number of girls grew, and with Cotswolds with Pippa (née Turner it the positive impacts became 2001 – 2005) and baby William. ever more apparent. It helped to
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Brittany Harris 1999-2010
Civil Engineer At Easter 2018, I started my own business tackling the social and environmental impacts of construction. It was the opportunities at School that made me feel comfortable with new career challenges. When I joined Form One, there were 16 girls in the Junior School. Though tough at
times, I felt it made for ballsy girls, a big advantage when working in engineering and entrepreneurship, two industries that are currently very male-dominated. Coeducation suited me very well. I appreciated the range of extracurricular activities, and the staff’s support for my wackier ideas such as the play Once on this Island and the rock show in the Chapel. I made amazing friends whom I wouldn’t change for the world.
Giles Humpries
who they’ve gone on to become, I think the School produced a lot of well-rounded girls and boys. My 1997-2004 particular memories of growing Director of Mindful Chef up in a co-ed school were the girls always getting their homework Looking back, I feel that the done before the boys and how the breadth of education and support 12 pioneer girls seemed like aliens set me up well for my career move from advertising to running to us 11-year-old lads! The best things I remember were the parties Mindful Chef. The School (outside of School, obviously), encouraged us to dive into a and the influence of girls in the wide array of activities, not just classroom being very positive; academia or sport but everything they constantly pushed us boys to else in between. Looking around the people that I grew up with, and achieve!
Philippa Rowe
to genres the students at university had never heard of! I appreciate the (née Heron) time and effort that my teachers put in. Mr Trelawny, my Form Teacher 1997-2004 and then Housemaster, gave me a moral compass, and never gave Drama and History teacher up pointing out the better way to As one of the 12 original 11-year- approach things! Summer days olds in the pioneer year, I was were the best. Rounders matches excited and petrified all at the same under the trees on Lower Meadow. time. None of us were quite ready Sunbathing on Prefects Lawn. for that first day in September. Swimming galas in the freezing There were boys everywhere! outdoor pool. One word sticks in We met at the gates, took a deep my mind - resilience! Work hard breath, and a new era was born! and you’ll reap the benefits. If you My love of theatre was nurtured fail the first time, get back up and at School, and a big thank you to try again! Mrs Chrupek for introducing me
www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni | 15
Co-ed day
Two decades of full co-education
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ver 200 past pupils, many with their young families, together with staff, former staff and Governors enjoyed the celebration event to mark 20 years of full co-education on Saturday 16 June. A willing band of Lower Sixth Form helpers led tours around the School, and organised activities included face painting, a photo booth, swimming in the new pool, and the bouncy castle, kindly provided by Laser Camp. School music groups Swunk and Swunkettes entertained the crowds, and a display of photos from the last 20 years brought back many memories. A highlight of the afternoon was the Prosecco cream tea and the day finished with the cutting of the celebration CoEd20 cake. See who you can spot in our gallery!
Photos credit: Steve Haywood
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Memory lane
A tale of many houses
I
n September 2018, Dowrich will become the tenth Senior School House, formed from both new pupils and transfers from existing Houses. It is named after Elizabeth Dowrich. Her father was Alderman Thomas Walker who left a significant legacy in 1629 to found what was to become Exeter School in 1633. Elizabeth herself donated the equivalent of over £100,000 at today’s prices to help develop the fledgling School.
Exeter School T-towel from the 1990s with the crests of the nine Houses. Left: The Dowrich House Crest for September 2018. Bottom: The nine Senior School House crests commemorated in the Butterfield Hall stained glass window.
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The first recorded House is School House whose records date from 1881 when the School moved to Victoria Park Road. It was the boarders’ House for 119 years, until boarding ceased in the year 2000. Their dormitories were on the top floor of the original Butterfield Buildings with fourteen study rooms on the floor below. From 1914 to 1937, Acland House, opposite the School in Victoria Park Road, provided accommodation for younger boarders. It closed soon after the Andrews Wing was completed in 1933, which provided more space for boarders on its upper floors. The magnificent School House library, opened in 2006, now occupies the areas where the boarders once lived. Until 1919, day pupils, known as day-bugs were allocated by surname to two Houses A-K and L to Z. In that year, A-K became Drake and L to Z Raleigh, named after the Elizabethan seafaring explorers. An increase
in day pupils led to the formation of a fourth House, Buller, in 1937, which took its name from General Sir Redvers Buller, a famous British Army officer whose statue stands near St David’s Church. After the Second World War, a steady growth in day pupils led to the creation of three new Houses in six years.
THEN AND NOW:
The Exonian Centre
Crossing House (1948) was named after Alderman and Lord Mayor of Exeter Hugh Crossing whose portrait adorns the Butterfield Hall. It was his vision in 1624 to create an educational facility for poor boys in Exeter, which he made possible through the purchase of a site for the School near the East Gate. Daw House (1951) was named after Sir John Daw, OE, Benefactor and Chair of Governors, who was a pupil when the School opened on the present site in 1881. Sir John purchased Daw’s Acre now partly occupied by the Astroturf and High Meadow. Goff House (1954) took its name from Sir Charles Goff, OE, President of the Old Exonian Club and generous benefactor, whose philanthropy made possible the completion of the Pavilion in 1953. An eighth House, Collins, created in 1969, was named after Revd Prebendary R.L Collins, Chair of Governors, and in 1982, Townsend became the ninth House. Its name commemorates the service of Wilfred Townsend, OE, President of the OE Club, Vice Chair of the Governors and a generous supporter of the School. In 1993, Acland became the tenth House, marking the long association with the School of the Acland family. For a brief time from 1997 to 1999, girls in the Third to Lower Fifth were members of Young House, aptly named after Miss A Young, the first female teacher on the School roll who taught Classics from 1915 to 1925. In the Junior School, the Houses Blake, Gilbert, Grenville and Scott were first recorded in 1956 when it was the Preparatory School. They replaced a system based on colours. The names are taken from Devonian sailors and explorers: Admiral Robert Blake (deceased in 1649) father of the Royal Navy, Sir Richard Grenville, adventurer, (deceased in 1591), Robert Falcon Scott, explorer (deceased in 1912) and Sir Humphrey Gilbert (deceased in 1583), the stepbrother of Sir Walter Raleigh, who founded the English colony on Newfoundland.
1980 2018
Left: The opening of the refurbished Exonian Centre in 1990 by the late Joe he older part of the Mullins (1955) and Exonian Centre may Keith Mackay (1940). well be the oldest building on the School site, left from when it was farmland. Originally it was a stable, home of the School horse, which pulled the cricket roller amongst other duties. For nearly 100 years, it stored maintenance and gardening equipment, with a lean to garage behind for larger items and a covered area for the CCF Land Rover. Many will remember Ken Parker who kept his collection of records of School repairs here, written on the back of cigarette packets. Following extensive renovation supported by the OE Club, it became the Old Exonian Centre in 1990, with the Stable Room downstairs and the Archive upstairs. In September 2001, the impressive two-floor Exonian Centre extension was opened, including the magnificent Keith Mackay Board Room. Funded with monies raised from OEs and benefactors as part of the Millennium Appeal, it is a fitting base for the OE Club and the School Archive.
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Alumni events
Exonians from the 1950s to current undergraduates joined with present and former staff to enjoy the 2018 Cambridge Dinner in Murray Edwards College, hosted by Kate Marks (2015). Left: 2017 leavers Beth Salisbury and Juliet Everson at the Exonians Cambridge Dinner at Murray Edwards College in February.
2016 leavers Robyn Clifford, Jess Hitt, Isobel Farnsworth and Natasha Cook join 2015 alumnae Sophie Johansson and Sarah Hardie in Windsor Bar 33, Cardiff at the January Buffet and Drinks Reception. Head of Sixth Form Alison Marsh and John Davidson, with 2016 leavers Lydia Stuart, Tom Counsell and Miles Johal enjoying the Cardiff Buffet and Drinks Reception at Windsor Bar 33 in January.
Charity Quiz night run jointly by the OE Club and Sixth Form and held in the School Hall in March.
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Governors, staff and Exonians at the London Dinner at Browns Covent Garden in May (left to right: Adrian Burbanks (1984), Higher Education Adviser Manoj Chitnavis, John Davidson, Sophie Luce and Samara Lawrence (2011), Harry King (2006), Freddie King (2008) and Headmaster Bob Griffin.
Eddie Trick (1972) presents the Domville Cup award to Oli Chatterjee (2000) at the OE Golf Day in May.
Head of Sixth Form Alison Marsh, with Oliver McIntyre (2012) and Languages Teacher Mike Wilcock at the London Buffet and Drinks Reception at Tamesis Barge on the Thames in March.
Governors, staff and Exonians from across the country enjoyed the annual Oxford Dinner in the historic McKenna Room in Christ Church in February.
Full reports of these events are on the news section of the School website. See www.exeterschool.org.uk
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News of Exonians 1
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Tyler Rainford (2003-2013) established a new theatre company, Hitchhiker Collective in December 2017. After graduating from Durham University in 2016, Tyler went on to work in Theatre Management before pursuing his dream of creating and producing his own work. Hitchhiker Collective has been recognised as one of the New Diorama Theatre’s Graduate Emerging Companies for 2018. The company is currently producing its debut production Pig Circus, which Tyler is personally devising and directing. This verbatim, physical theatre parody of Brexit negotiations has been nominated for the esteemed Les Enfants Terribles’ Fringe Award 2018, with critics lauding it as ‘hilarious, shocking and utterly watchable’. Pig Circus will be performing at Greenside Venues at the Edinburgh Fringe this August, after an appearance in Exeter in June. Follow the company on Facebook at Hitchhiker Collective or on Twitter @wearehitchhiker. Photo 1 Scott Chappell (1996-2003) lives near Cullompton and currently works for the Somerset Cricket Board as their Youth Development Manager based at the County Ground in Taunton. He helps out on his parents’ farm and manages his own flock of Herdwick sheep. In summer 2017, Scott and his friend Matt cycled from John O’Groats to Land’s End for the second time completing the route in 9.5 days. They beat their previous record by two days, although on this occasion they had a support vehicle. Scott enjoyed the fantastic scenery of beautiful lochs, vast countryside and mountains raising money for charity. He wishes the Exeter School JOGLE team a similar experience for their challenging ride in August 2018. Photo 2 (left) Vice-Captain of Cambridge University Rugby Union Football Club (CURUFC) Kate Marks (2013-2015) played in her second Varsity match in December 2017 at Twickenham, earning another Blue playing scrum half. Kate scored Cambridge’s third try racing away from the back of the scrum for a try at short range, helping achieve a win over rivals Oxford 24-0. Kate’s family were watching from the stands and her mother, Headmistress of Exeter Junior School Sue Marks, said it was a hugely proud moment. Kate, who is studying History at Murray Edwards College, was recently selected to be one of a small group of ambassadors aged 18-21 from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, to travel to New Zealand as part of the British and Irish Lions Tour. They looked at challenges facing youth rugby globally and worked to establish an overseas network. In another School link, alumna and BBC broadcaster Sara Orchard (1998-2000) commentated
on the 2017 Varsity Match. Photo 3 (right)
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Rob Pepper (1990- 1995), Principal of the Art Academy, London, was honoured to have his artwork of Beijing and London presented by Prime Minister Theresa May to China’s President Xi when she visited China in January. Rob’s artwork depicting the cityscapes of both cities was given to celebrate a “Golden Era” between the two countries. He has been capturing Chinese cities through his drawings on visits over the last five years and his unique and elegant artworks depict the architectural heritage of both cities. The two 70cm wide works were mounted together with a plaque commemorating the visit alongside a hand-written note from the artist. Rob visited Exeter School’s Art department in March 2017 and shared his experiences of working in the art world during an interactive session with Middle Fifth GCSE Art pupils. He also ran a seminar on careers in art with aspiring artists, designers and architects from the Upper Fifth and Sixth Form. Photos 4 and 5 Clive Toye’s (1944-1949) passion for football and his success as an author has taken him into the realms of children’s literature. His book Toby and the Greatest Game has excellent reviews and may appeal to Exonians with children or grandchildren who love the game. Toby, a magical soccer ball, takes a young boy, Cameron, to many countries and continents in a series of enchanting journeys through the soccer world both past and present. Clive helped launch the North American Soccer League in 1967 and has had a huge influence on youth football in the USA, running clubs and promoting the sport. He has also written a history of football in the States. Photo 6 Ellie Dawson (2005-2013) has recently started working for Adaptable Travel in Birmingham, a small and thriving company who specialise in bespoke educational trips and tours for schools and colleges. Ellie developed a real passion for travel while studying for her French degree and exploring countries after graduating. Working in the travel industry had considerable appeal and a friend recommended the world of educational travel. Ellie was lucky enough to have experience from many School and university trips, including one she helped organise, using her language skills. She especially loved the music tours and hopes to develop these at Adaptable Travel. Photo 7
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James Lanyon (1990-1997) is now in his thirteenth year at HR Wallingford near Oxford, continuing to follow the water-related career begun when he graduated in Geography from Southampton University in 2001. Prior to joining the Flood Management Group at HR Wallingford, James worked for an offshore surveying company and gained an MSc in Geographical Information Systems from Leeds University. Highlights included spending five weeks in the Indian www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni | 23
News of Exonians Ocean mapping the Exclusive Economic Zone of Mauritius. After working on flood management at the Environment Agency in Bridgwater, Somerset, James moved to HR Wallingford, where he currently co-leads a team of computational modellers and data scientists undertaking National Flood Risk Assessments. James lives in Oxfordshire with his wife and daughter, heading back to home in Crediton or the Isles of Scilly for sea air whenever possible.
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On completing his degree in Business Management, Arthur Lai (2000-2005) was unsure of which career to pursue and gained experience running a three-storey restaurant, Shanghai Nights, in Exeter, and then fish farming in Hong Kong. It was during his five years working in a wine store in his hometown Sai Kung in the New Territories that he found his true passion. He saw all parts of the trade from sales to sourcing new wines and learnt much from customers, experts and wine expos. Arthur brought his passion back to Devon and started the Wine Hub with its showroom in Exmouth. He handpicks the wines and loves being able to share his personal collection with a wider audience. More details of wines and wine tasting options are on the website www.wine-hub.co.uk. Photo 8 Harry Skinner (2013-2015) shaved his head for charity in April donating all proceeds to Mind Your Head, the mental health awareness charity. Harry had managed without a haircut for two and a half years. In that time he lost an old school friend and two hockey friends who took their own lives. England U21 player Harry is currently studying Sport Science at Bath University, and is the son of Exeter School hockey coach Graham Skinner (1965-1972). Alumni who wish to donate can go to his fundraising page at www. justgiving.com/fundraising/harryskinhead. Photo 9
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During 2015, eleven pupils from Exeter School who are all now studying Medicine or a related degree at university participated in a scientific research study with the University of Exeter Medical School. Led by Professor Lorna Harries, the study aimed to see if, by following an informed diet, volunteers could reduce the levels of BPA in their bodies. BPA (Bisphenol A), a chemical found in many common plastics food packaging and linings of cans may change how some of our genes behave and could be linked to a number of diseases. The final paper was published in February 2018 in the BMJ Open and gained much media interest, a credit to the following pupils who took part: Andrew Brew (2014-2016), Tom Hart (2011-2016), Harry Hart (2011-2016), George Hoult (2005-2016), Suraj Gandhi (2015-2016), Josh Hanna (20092016), Annabel Ling (2005-2016), Elpseth Mabin (2006-2016), Abby Pelling (2007-2016), Rebecca Richardson (2006-2016) and Hannah Withers (2005-2016). Photo 10
Mike Walker (2003-2014) was part of the Durham University 1st XI hockey team that won the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Cup this year. Former Head Boy Mike held his own in the Durham v Nottingham match on a field that had England players on both teams. Durham scored first, but Nottingham managed to equalise 1-1 towards the end of the second half and the game went to penalty flicks. As Durham’s number one flicker, Mike managed to maintain his 100% scoring record. The Durham keeper made two amazing saves and they won the Cup for the first time since the early seventies. Photo 11 (second from right)
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13 Please send us your news and photos. See the School website and Facebook page for more stories and galleries.
Martin Coombs (1945-1955) reports that he is writing a book as he approaches his eightieth birthday and feels twenty years younger following some keyhole surgery for heart problems expertly carried out by the NHS at St Thomas’ Hospital. Martin’s website www.healermartin.com highlights his expertise and he would welcome details of any psychic experiences from OEs. Martin is currently President of West Lewisham and Penge Conservative Association, having previously been Lewisham Councillor and President and Chairman of Lewisham Chamber of Commerce. He has enjoyed meeting some of our Cabinet Ministers, and in the past had help with his research from the late Bishop of Croydon OE Stuart Snell who attended the School from 1931 to 1937. Exonian George Nightingale (1995-2003) has been in the news recently for his work in the hospitality industry. George runs the very successful gin and cocktail bar Spoken in Exmouth, and was recently awarded the national title of the UK’s Best Spirits Bar. In May 2018, George launched his own brand ‘Quick Gin’ focussing on the affordable market. This citrusflavoured gin in its distinctive bottle was so named because customers were always popping in asking for a quick gin. It is listed in over 400 venues across southern England and available on-line. Quick Gin has become an official spirits partner of Fever Tree, and George is working hard to get nationwide sales by next year. Spoken is open seven days a week, with a range of tasty foods and cocktails. Over 350 gins are stocked and special events happen throughout the year. www. spokenexmouth.com. Photo 12 Well done to Exeter School alumni who attended Buckingham Palace to receive their Gold DofE Awards. Tom Pearson (2005-2012), Bethany Noyes (2007-2014), Fraser Innes (2015-2017) and Jemma Cole (2006-2017) met the Countess of Wessex and were presented their awards by Imelda Staunton. Tom is currently teaching Physics in Nailsea, Bethany is relocating to the South West to be a primary school teacher, Fraser is about to go to Camp America as part of his gap year and Jemma is off to Vietnam before studying at Birmingham University. Thanks to staff Helen Sail and Tim Clark for their support. Photo 13 www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni | 25
OE Club
OE Grant funds travel to Austria and USA
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erity Stroud (2010-2017) wanted to spend her gap year developing her musical experience prior to her degree course at Manchester University so was delighted to be offered the opportunity by Robin Davis (1993-2000) to work as a rehearsal pianist and musical assistant at the Salzburg Opera House in Austria in the Spring. She worked alongside Wolfgang Götz, musical director, for two productions - Salzburg’s Kick it Like Beckham, the musical by Howard Goodall, and Die Flüchtling, a children’s opera by Gregoretti. As well as playing the piano in rehearsals, Verity helped with the technical side and provided vocal coaching for actors. Sometimes she had to fill in during rehearsals, when several of the professional performers had lost their voices. She found sight-reading the lead soprano in an opera particularly challenging as an alto who specialises in jazz but all invaluable experience. Verity was very lucky to work with one of Austria’s most renowned orchestras, The Mozarteum Orchestra, and meet the producers, writers and directors of London’s Bend It Like Beckham who were very supportive of the show. Verity had an incredible time, living in one of the most beautiful cities, meeting talented and kind people, as well as visiting the famous tourist attractions and spending time with Robin’s young family. She feels that she has grown more independent as a result of the experience as well as improving her sight-reading and growing her musical areas of interest. She would like to thank the Old Exonian Club, Alice Francis and John Davidson for their support in making this exciting trip
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possible. She hopes to return to the Landestheater very soon as Wolfgang has promised there will always be a place for her. Cambridge Science undergraduate Mike Twomey (2007-2014) travelled to Yale University in the USA to take part in a 2017 summer course entitled “The Future of Food” whose topics included the challenges facing sustainable global food production and distribution, and the environmental impact of rearing livestock. A highlight for Mike was writing a paper on how nanomaterials can be incorporated into plastic packaging to reduce food and plastic waste. Aside from study, Mike enjoyed being part of an international cohort of students, sampling the Yale campus life with excursions to NYC and Boston. Mike was very grateful for support from the Old Exonian Club towards this exciting endeavour.
OE SPORTS: OE v School Hockey Match
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he annual OE v School 1st XI boys’ hockey match was a fitting way to round off the School team’s successful hockey season by playing quality performers from years past. The OE squad included National League players, national champions and young internationals who returned to the home turf in April. A festival mood prevailed with goals aplenty in an exciting and lively match. The 3-3 draw was a fitting conclusion to a very enjoyable game and the School coaches Graham Skinner (1972) and Ed Jones were very appreciative of the OEs for making the Upper Sixths’ last game the appropriate celebration they deserved. This year’s OE players were: Tom Counsell (2009-2016), Luke Crocker (2005-2016), Ross Davidson (2008-2017), Tom Edgington (2009-2016), Seb Lewis (2009-2017), Will Marsh 2004-2015), Paddy Poustie (2005-2016), Jim Shepherd (20062017), Harry Skinner (2013-2015), Robin Toulalan Parr (2008-2015), Jamie Telford (2008-2016) and Matt Twomey (2007-2015).
OE v School Football Match
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he OE v School 1st XI football match in March was played for the first time in the Spring term, in daylight and on a grass pitch with full-sized goals. The OEs fielded a strong squad of thirteen experienced players, counting amongst their number five past 1st XI captains, the most prolific striker of all time, and arguably the best player to have ever
represented the School in football. All the ingredients were there for a great game! The School 1st XI gave everything, pressing for the ball and ensuring play was in both halves, until a defensive mix-up allowed the OEs to take the lead just before the half time with a goal scored by last year’s 1st XI skipper, Will Johns (2017). In the second half, the OEs benefitted from accurate passing and the School’s goalkeeper was kept busy, ably assisted by some last ditch defending. Former 1st XI skipper, Luke Stitson (2013) scored the second goal for the OEs with a speculative long shot. Although the 1st XI kept plugging away, they could not get past Tom Stokes (2015) in the OE goal. An engaging and exciting match concluded with a decisive win for the OEs 2-0. The OE players were Dan Armstrong (2007-2014), Sam Elstub (1999-2004), Nick Horne (2004-2009), Jamie Jackson (19881995), Will Johns (2007-2017), Seb Lewis (2009-2017), Graham Martin (1997-2004), Jim Shepherd (2006-2017), Luke Stitson (2006-2013), Tom Stokes (2004-2015), Ben Stone (2007-2014), Jack Thomas (2007-2017) and Jacob Towl (2008-2015).
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OE Club OE v School Golf Day
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he annual Old Exonians Golf Day took place in May at the Exeter Golf and Country Club. The sun shone, the greens were perfect and the large pond on the 18th with its sparkling fountain beckoned a few stray balls! Masterminded once again by Eddie Trick (1967-1972), 37 players took part. This year the five members of the School team achieved a high final average Stableford points score that beat the OEs, resulting in a win for the School in the competition for the Joe Mullins Trophy. John Davidson and Mike Wilcock welcomed the OEs home for some liquid refreshments and a catch up of news before the excellent evening
meal at the Club and the presentation of awards. Miles Dashwood (1970-1975) won the Nigel Hook trophy for the morning 9 hole, with Greg Crosse (1990-1994) coming a close second. Tim Lee (1994-2005) won the nearest the pin on the 4th and Ben Ford from School won the longest drive on the 18th. The John Jago Over 55 Trophy went to Martin Davies (1973-1980) and the overall team winners were Oli Chatterjee, (1995 -2000) Mark Scoble (1991-1996), Andrew Neligan (1991-1996) and Matthew Reynolds (1992-1997). The Domville Cup for the overall individual winner went to Oli Chatterjee, with Mark Scoble coming a close second place. The other players this year were Julien Harrison (1944-1951), Dave Evennett (1954-1966), Adrian Knight (19551963), John Osborne (1962-1968), Nigel Hook (1963-1971), Tim Davies (1964-1971), Peter German (19641972), Chris Taylor (1964-1972), Eddie Trick (1967-1972), Paul Keeling (1970 -1975), Mark Bonning-Snook (1969 -1980), Iain McNeil (1973-1980), Rupert Pratt (1977-1984), Mark Dixie (1978-1984), Chris Bryant (19831986), Richard Cousins (1980-1987), Gary Dixie (1981-1987), Jeremy Douch (1982-1987), Andy Shepherd (19962003), Harry Trick (1996-2003), Tom Dolling (1996-2003), Mike Kay (19751981), and Mike Wilcock (staff).
OE and Sixth Form charity quiz night
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he Spring term saw the welcome return of the popular Exeter School Charity Quiz Night, last run in 2013. The event was jointly organised by two members of the Old Exonian Club committee Steve Perring (1978-1981) and Richard Sharman (1970-1978), and the Sixth Form. The event raised nearly ÂŁ1,400, split equally between Age UK Exeter, in memory of former member of staff John Poustie, and Marcus in Mind, to remember recent leaver Marcus Colville (2005-2015). Alumni, parents, staff, Sixth Formers and friends enjoyed a fun evening competing in 27 teams of six. The round included movie clips, to identifying well-known people from images of them when young and identifying tunes in cleverly disguised jazz and swing styles played by guest star Director of Music Peter Tamblyn.
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New merchandise items
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urther items of interest to Old Exonians have been added to the School shop at competitive prices: a new school cufflink set featuring the St John’s Cross, a lightweight tote bag ideal for beach or travel and a mug to celebrate 20 years of full co-education. To see the full range of merchandise available, please visit the on-line shop on the website, or come in person to the Bursary or the Alumni Office. www.exeterschool.org.uk/shops
Obituaries Marcus Bede Colville 1997 - 2017
Marcus attended Exeter School from 2005 to 2015 and was in Townsend House. He sadly passed away on 13 December 2017 at the age of 20 in Newcastle where he was studying Medicine. He was a popular and richly talented young man, who had particular gifts for music, especially singing, oboe and piano, and sport, notably rugby, cycling and sailing. His compelling love of action and adventure touched many from the rugby 1st XV and the Newcastle Medicals RFC to the orchestras he played with and the School’s Choral Society. He is remembered for his sense of humour, original and witty ideas in the classroom, and his camaraderie on School trips, and is very much missed by his parents Alaric and Rachel, siblings Philippa, James and Tom, and his many School and university friends. A fundraising page has been set up by his family in support of mental health research for young people. It can be found at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/marcusinmind. With support from friends, teachers, school events and his family it has already reached over 80% of the target figure of £20,000.
Richard Ware 1961 - 2017
Richard (Ricky) Ware attended Exeter School from 1972 to 1979 and was in Drake House. He enjoyed sport, was an able athlete, and set a high jump record. He was a popular pupil and a good friend to his peers. After leaving School, he worked for BT and following early retirement took on a role with Age Concern, providing company for many in their later years. Richard remained resolute and optimistic in the face of his illness, keeping in touch with many friends and OEs right up until the last few days, but sadly lost the battle in the summer of 2017. What struck everyone about Richard was his joy of life and the way he engaged with all, whatever their background, and as a result was universally popular. The huge crowds that attended his funeral evidenced this. He is much missed by family and his wide circle of friends in Exeter and elsewhere.
Richard John Bruce-Kidman 1945 - 2017 Richard Bruce-Kidman was a member of School House from 1959 – 1963. He played rugby for the 1st XV. He went on to run his own transport business. Richard attended the OE Exeter Dinner on a regular basis including the Centenary Dinner in September 1990, and more recently in 2012. He passed away suddenly at his home in Milborne Port in April 2017. He is sadly missed by his children Claire and Diana and his nine grandchildren, his brother Peter and his many friends.
Sqn. Ldr. Brian Canniford 1937 - 2018
Brian Canniford, staff 1975 - 1979, taught PE, Games and Art and was an active member of the CCF RAF section. Before joining the School, Brian had served with the UN peacekeeping forces in Cyprus, and with the RAF in Suez, and Aden. He then trained at St Luke’s College of Education, and enjoyed his time at School, contributing to cricket and appearing in staff revues on stage. He returned to the Royal Army Education Corps, training young soldiers at the Guards Depot, and the Royal Armoured Corps. He gained a MSc in Management from the University of Surrey, which enabled him to begin work rehabilitating servicemen into civilian life. His love of cricket defined his later career and retirement, coaching and managing Army Cricket and Combined Services Cricket, and working for the ICC helping to oversee competitions, training and development. As a first-class umpire, Brian regularly stood for the MCC and Dorset CCC. He passed away in Singapore while returning from watching the Ashes series. He is sadly missed his son Robin Canniford (1989 - 1994), his family and many friends who remember his generosity of spirit, and his tremendous sense of fun.
Daphne Paul 1918 - 2018
Daphne Paul, wife of Headmaster Frances Kinnear Paul (1950 1965) passed away peacefully in her care home in Poole in March just after her 100th birthday. She will be remembered by many OEs from the 1950s and 1960s as a constant presence at School functions and a friend to many. She is greatly missed by family and friends.
Michael C.A Payne 1927 - 2018 Michael was a wartime pupil who attended School from 1941 to 1945. He represented the School in rugby 1st XV, hockey 2nd XI, and cricket 1st XI, and was a School Prefect and an active member of the JTC. After studying at Trinity College Dublin he became a teacher. Mike was a District Councillor for many years and in 1981 he took early retirement from teaching so that he could undertake the role of Chairman of Sedgemoor District Council to which he was unexpectedly elected. He regularly attended OE Dinners both in Exeter and Oxford and kept in touch with several school friends. He sadly passed away in Somerset in 2018.
Adrian Treble 1960 - 2016 Adrian (Ady) sadly passed away in July 2016, aged 55 years. He was in Goff House from 1972 to 1978, and studied Sciences in the Sixth Form. After leaving School he worked in Exeter in Information Technology, managing his own company. He is much missed by his wife, family and friends.
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reported: “Cadets in the ranks and in the Band were obviously trying their hardest. Tribute must be paid to the imperturbable and efficient manner in which Under Officer Mullins commanded a parade where nervous strain obviously ran high.”
Derek (Joe) Mullins 1936-2017
(Crossing House, 1947-1955)
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oe Mullins passed away on Friday 13 October 2017 after a brave battle against cancer. He joined Exeter School on a scholarship in 1947 where academic matters took second place to his love of sport, but he showed real promise in Maths and qualified to study Chartered Accountancy. Joe was Head of Crossing House in 1954 and Head of School from 1954 - 1955. A very talented sportsman, he captained the rugby 1st XV and the cricket 1st XI and played for the 1st XI hockey side. He received colours in all three sports and represented Devon at rugby and hockey. The 1955 Exonian rugby report referred to “his skill and resource… at scrum-half” and in four seasons with the 1st XI cricket side, Joe contributed numerous fifties and controlled his team very astutely. His effective leadership skills were recognised in the CCF, in which he served as Under Officer in 1955. The Annual Inspection that year, led by the eminent Field Marshal Sir John Harding, was dampened by poor weather. The Exonian
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In 1955, when Joe began his long career in accountancy, he immediately got involved in the Old Exonian Club, serving the Old Exonian Club as a committee member from 1959, Chairman from 1985 to 1995, and President from 1996 to 2007. He worked tirelessly to secure the Club’s finances, oversaw the introduction of a new Old Exonian magazine, and played a key role in projects to develop the OE Centre where his name is commemorated on a plaque. Joe played in numerous OE v School sporting matches, including in recent years the annual OE golf days. He donated the Joe Mullins Trophy, awarded each year to the overall winner of the School v OE sports competition, and it was characteristic of Joe that he should attend what was to be his final OE Dinner in September, and presented the 2017 trophy in person. Joe was a regular and welcome visitor to School with his wife Gay supporting sports fixtures, plays, concerts, and alumni lunches and dinners. Joe laid wreaths at our Remembrance Services, and was a founder member of the Old Exonian Lodge. Joe was an Exonian of distinction, who embraced and demonstrated all the values that the School holds dear throughout his life. He was a consistently proud alumnus who spoke fondly and highly of the School and a strong advocate of the School today. All who knew him were privileged to count him as a friend and all will remember his warmth, good humour and steadfastness. He is much missed by his friends, family, and especially Gay, his daughter Sarah, son Christopher, stepson Simon, and his three grandchildren Emma, Dan and Tom.
John Poustie 1948-2017
(School staff, 1991-2013)
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ohn Poustie passed away on 29 December 2017 at the age of 69. He retired from staff in December 2013 after 21 years of excellent service in many roles including teaching History, Geography, RS and Games, serving as a CCF Officer in the Army Section, and taking the lead in pastoral care first in Drake, and from 2008 as Head of Collins. John’s career began in the 1960s with marketing roles for Shell Mex and BP and included selling encyclopaedias, landscape gardening, and running a pub, but it was in the classroom and coaching sports that he truly excelled. He was a much loved and dedicated school master, whose eternal positivity and optimism shone through, with the famous classroom hats and his encouraging phrases “never better”, “tip top” and “no problem at all”. He was an excellent raconteur and would regale his classes with countless stories drawn from his eclectic knowledge of history that made the subject come to life. A talented
sportsman in his own right, he played for Torquay Athletic and Exeter Rugby Club in the 1970s and 1980s and latterly Exeter Extra Bs and the Wessex 2nds, while summer brought cricket matches with Thorverton and Devon Dumplings. He was an impressive sports coach, where he touched many lives, enabling countless rugby, hockey, cricket and squash players to excel. He achieved national success with his squash teams, and his U15 rugby side won the Devon Cup the year he retired. John was a fantastic colleague and a good friend to pupils and teachers alike, always willing to get stuck in and lend a hand, whether on a CCF exercise or taking a cover lesson for an absent colleague. Whatever he was doing, his cheery phrase “It’s all going very well” would be heard. John was a legendary teacher who always had a smile on his face. Nearly 400 past pupils, friends, colleagues and family members packed the School Hall in March to celebrate his rich life, lived to the full, and share memories and stories. He is remembered and much missed by all who knew him, and especially his mother Shirley, wife Lindsey, children Tom and Paddy, and step children Jake and Laila.
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Alumni noticeboard OE Day and Dinner
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ome and enjoy a day back at School! OEs and their partners are very welcome to come to the annual Old Exonian Day on Saturday 22 September between 11am and 5pm where events will include a buffet lunch, cream tea, tours, displays of photos, and the popular Chapel Concert performed by current pupils. The Old Exonian Dinner follows at 7pm, featuring a short after dinner talk by Dr Martin Robson, Lecturer in Strategic Studies at Exeter University on “The Royal Navy and Exeter”. Old Exonians from all year groups are very welcome. Please book tickets using the booking form on the magazine address sheet, or by contacting the Alumni Secretary.
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ou will have seen a lot about the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in recent weeks. Enclosed with this magazine is a letter explaining how the Alumni Office at Exeter School uses your data to keep you informed of School news and events. Please take time to read this letter, and do get in touch if you have any concerns. You can update your contact details and preferences at any time by visiting the ‘Update Your Details’ page on the alumni section of the School website, by contacting us by email or post, or by phoning the Alumni Secretary Karen Dart on 01392 458941.
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. The full programme of events for 2018-2019 will be published on the website in September and sent out via email Friday 7 September Saturday 22 September
Drinks Reception for Leavers from 2017 and 2018, 5pm to 7.30pm, School Pavilion. OE v School Girls Hockey and Netball matches at 4.30pm Old Exonian Day from 11am. Annual OE Exeter Dinner, 7pm
Tuesday 9 October
Bristol Buffet and Drinks Reception; Racks, Clifton, 6pm onwards
Tuesday 6 November
Exonians Wine Tasting evening, Music School, 7pm
Thursday 29 November to Saturday 1 December Monday 10 December Thursday 20 December
Senior School Play, Tristan and Yseult, School Hall, 7.30pm
Monday 28 January
Thursday 28 February
Southampton Buffet and Drinks Reception; Highfield House Hotel, 6pm onwards (tbc) Exeter Professionals Careers Networking evening, 6pm Music School Hall (tbc) Exonians Dinner in Cambridge (venue tbc)
Friday 1 March Monday 11 March Tuesday 14 May
Exonians Dinner in Oxford (venue tbc) London Buffet and Drinks Reception; Artigiano, St Paul’s, 6pm onwards Exonians London Dinner (venue tbc)
Thursday 7 February
National Trust Christmas Concert, Exeter Cathedral, 7.30pm Christmas Concert in the School Hall, 7.30pm
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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.
01392 458941 alumnisec@exeterschool.org.uk Exeter School Alumni Office Victoria Park Road Exeter EX2 4NS www.exeterschool.org.uk/alumni @ExeterSchoolUK
Alumni Magazine of Exeter School
Exeter School Alumni
Exeter School Alumni (Old Exonians)