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SPRING 2021
A Tribute to HRH Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh
1921–2021 GORDONIANS, Welcome to the Spring edition of the Gordonian newsletter, which compliments the online Gordonian community website and our social media activity. On the 9 April 2021 it was with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The Duke, aged 99, was the longest-serving consort in British history. His funeral took place on Saturday 17 April in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. Prince Philip made two official visits to Gordon’s School. The first one was to present the Colour in 1955, followed by a visit with the Queen in 1985 to mark the 100 year anniversary of the School. In this edition of the Gordonian we will look back at Royal visits and share with you the memories from the Gordonians who were there. (above) 1955 Presentation of the new Colour : HRH Prince Philip with Admiral Cunningham of Hyndhope
Thomas Turnbull 6274 (1956) receiving the new Colour
Anthony Meagher 6498 (1957) receiving the Charles Henry Gordon Cup as the smartest boy on parade
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Joseph MacKenzie 6365 (1955) receiving the Higginson medal
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GORDONIAN COMMUNITY REPORT What a difference 6 months can make! Since our last edition, when we were just about to embark on our second national lockdown in England, we are now approaching the end of the third national lockdown in England and are all eagerly waiting for restrictions to ease further, bringing a long awaited summer with some level of normality.
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Between the end of January and 15 March, when home testing began, the School’s gym was turned into a Covid test centre, see picture below. This impressive operation was led by Julie Unsworth (Lead Nurse at the School) along with a dedicated team of 12 staff volunteers, who together worked tirelessly processing a total of 3,904 Lateral Flow Antigen tests for students and staff members.
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so did the news that HRH Prince Philip had passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle. The flags around school, in unison with the world, were flown half-mast and preparations to mark his death were made (see pages 9–11). In other community news we have been busy cleaning the Gordon Boys’ graves at Holy Trinity Church, West End. Thank you to our team of 6 volunteers, including staff member Vanessa Mosdell and her Gordonian daughter Elizabeth Mosdell 11645 (2018) who was visiting from University, they all took time out of their day on 9 April to come and help to clean the Gordon’s Boys’ graves. The graves date back to the 1890s. We will be back in the summer to carry out further maintenance work.
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Maintain your Gordonian profile at: the-gordonians.org
CONTENTS Welcome
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Community Report
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School News
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Charity Hat sale
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Sports Clubs Update
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Forthcoming Events
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Since the 8 March, it has been wonderful to witness the students’ and teachers’ genuine joy at being back in school and learning in the classroom once again – long may it continue. 30 and 31 March saw our first ever virtual school reunions take place. This was our first try at connecting Gordonians online using the Zoom platform, it was very worthwhile and a lot of fun. We had three separate groups covering the peer years 1940s, 1950s, 1960s & 1970s.
Gordonian Entrepreneurs and Where are they now? Gordonian Awards Prince Philip Tribute Obituaries
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Have a lovely summer.
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Annual Parade Update – It is one of the most anticipated dates in the School calendar and despite restrictions slowly easing, the School are not able to conduct Annual in the traditional way where everyone is welcome to join, especially Gordonians. Therefore, only the parents of current students will be invited. The Gordonian Memorial Service will be conducted in the same way we did last year, it will be recorded and shared with our community online on Saturday 3 July.
We are looking to hold more Zoom reunions later this year. When the snow unexpectedly came to school in April, during the Easter break,
Sue Parkin, Gordonian officer – wearing the Gordon’s Odd Ball Beanie (see page 4).
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SCHOOL NEWS MYSTERY FOUNDATIONS EXPLAINED Back in 2020 we asked our Gordonian community to help solve the mystery of the front field markings. We posted the following on our social media ‘At the far end of the FRONT field (circle in red in pic 1) there are some unusual foundation shaped marking – does this ring a bell for you, do you remember what building may have been there in years gone by?’ We had a great response on social media with many Gordonians reminiscing and referring to the area being where the Cricket nets were, the Tartan paint store, the treacle mine and even sandpits for athletics. It was only after reaching out to former Deputy Head Mr Anthony Perry, that we finally have our answers. Words By Anthony Perry, Former Deputy Head of the school (1965–2003) Here are my notes on the front field markings. As well as discussing it with Gilbert Kircher in the 1960s, I spoke to or corresponded with a number of Old Boys from much earlier days who were also able to help. The front field shadow I have to take you back to about 1967. The then Commandant, Brig. Derek Holbrook, was a keen hockey fan and decided that the boys should have an alternative to association football. (Rugby came later). The Hockey pitch was on the front field. One morning we all woke up to a large hole in the centre of it where a previous small building had collapsed into itself. Being curious I spoke to the head of maintenance, Gilbert Kircher, who had been at the school for a very long time and he told me that it had been a ‘pump house‘. It must be remembered that when the School was built there was no mains water or drainage in the area. Water was pumped to the tower up in the corner by the roundabout from a well some distance from the School and GBS had its own water treatment (sewerage!) system. All the out-flow from the buildings was piped to the lowest point on the property and then pumped back up to the North side fields where there was a treatment plant. The site of the unit is still fenced off and is by the side of the pitches where the public footpath passes into the copse and on to the roundabout. The area still seems to be Out Of Bounds. In my early days it was referred to as ‘the dell’ but over the years it transformed into ‘the dump’. The plant had a traditional clinker filter bed with a spinner on top. I am not sure of the site of the settling tank for ‘sludge’ but no doubt it was eventually used as fertilizer on the market gardens on that side of the road. This might sound bizarre but bear in mind that even in the 1950s town councils were still selling sludge to the public by the lorry load for garden use. (Rich in worms and tomato seeds!) The filtered water was probably piped down to the stream, now only a ditch, between the school and the SANG. Not a particularly pleasant subject for discussion, so I suggest the simple answer to you is that ‘It was a Pump House concerned with drainage in the early days of the School.’ Thank you Mr Perry.
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SCHOOL NEWS – GORDON’S SCHOOL BEANIE HAT PROMOTION Whatever the weather, wherever you are in the world – bring a smile to your face by wearing a Gordon’s Odd Ball Beanie Hat! Support the School and the Odd Balls Charity, Testicular Cancer, by buying your hat today. Simply go online to www.trybooking.co.uk/QNS. These fabulous hats at £12 each or 2 for £20 & Postage and Packaging. Don’t forget to share a picture of you in your hat! See below some of our Gordonians who have been happy to share their picture with us via email at gordonians@gordons.school
Mark Cadogan 8597 (1989) + his two sons in Canada
Chris Horn 8083 (1982) Eloise (Ellie) Young 11681 (2017) at ‘Loving the new Becky Newman 11252 The University of Nottingham Medical (2015) is a Learning Gordon’s hat!’ School support assistant at a local school
Jim Sharman 8693 (1991) – fits lovely and proud to wear it.
Lucy Bardoe 9313 (1999) and Michael Hincks 8697 (1990) and are engaged to be married.
Steve Davis 7930 (1980), the first Gordonian to purchase a hat, which he wears when running.
Chris Jarrey 7860 (1979) Sean Slater 6547 – Hat’s arrived, very (1959) breaking in smart! the new hat!
John Dempsey 8524 (1987) – Ian Trott 8669 Well-made and (1989), loving the new hat. For a good for a good cause cause!
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Tony Gunn 7281 (1969)
Mattie Bradshaw 11449 (2017) and Sammy Parmenter 11506 (2017) Wildwater swimming in Leeds where they are both enjoying University. Jeremy Pennock 8187 (1981) (Jez)
Stuart McCabe 7889 (1978) – Love the new hat – you can never have enough!
Tony Peck 8073 (1982)
Brother, John Pennock 8171 (1982)
Robert Hocknull 7258 (1970) ‘How do you wear your beanie?’ Mark Bissett 8077 (1982) ‘Great hat for winter training runs!’
Harriet Turk 10596 (2008) – ‘Love my hat on cold winter walks with my dog’
Alan Howe 7309 (1969)
Paul Butler 7982 (1980)
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GORDONIAN SPORTS UPDATE OLD GORDONIAN CRICKET
The third Annual Gordonian Charity Cricket match is set to take place this summer against the Old Salesian’s. If you live locally, please come along and support and spectate (in line with Covid guidelines) Event: 2nd Annual Gordonians Vs. Old Salesian’s charity cricket match (35 overs a side) Date: Monday 30 August 2021 th
Time: 12.30pm toss, 1pm start Venue: Farnham Cricket Club (Parking Available) Charity: STREET HARASSMENT – Every day, girls across the UK are being harassed in public places. Join us as we stand with them and say it’s not OK. https://plan-uk.org/act-for-girls/street-harassment
THE OLD GORDONIANS FOOTBALL CLUB
The Camels – The Old Gordonians FC – were thrilled to resume the season on the 11th April 2021 after the Covid lockdown break. They began in 6th place in the tightly contested Surrey and Hants border league table and have had a mix of draws and losses, closing the season in 6th place. If you are interested to join The Camels next season and can commit to playing weekly in the Surrey area (all home games to be played at School) then please email gordonians@gordons. school and we will connect you with team captain Sean Allen 10777 (2012), alternatively follow @gordonsoldboys on Instagram.
GORDONIAN RUNNING CLUB
The Gordonian running club are looking forward to resuming in person races later this year. If you would like to join the Gordonian running club please get in touch via email gordonians@gordons.school. The club is open to all former students of Gordon’s School and their family members, as well as anybody who is associated with the school such as staff. It is a virtual club.
GORDONIAN NETBALL CHARITY MATCH
Calling all Netball loving Gordonians – we need you! Would you like to play in a fun Netball match against staff and current students to raise funds for charity? Please email gordonians@gordons. school to take part. Event: Gordonians Netball players vs Staff & Students charity match
FORTHCOMING EVENTS Due to COVID-19 restrictions all events are subject to change. Please check our social media channels and the Gordonian website for regular updates. May 2021 No events June 2021 No events July 2021 Saturday 3rd Annual Parade & Gordonian Day (Limited numbers mean that only current students’ parents can attend. The Gordonian Memorial service will be filmed and available online that day). Friday 9th Gordonians v Students & Staff Netball Match at Gordon’s Monday 30th Old Gordonians v Old Salesian’s charity Cricket match at Farnham Cricket Club September 2021 Friday 10th Business Networking Breakfast Sunday 19th Parade and Chapel service October 2021 Friday 8th Business Networking Breakfast Sunday 17th Harvest Parade and Chapel Service November 2021 Friday 12th Business Networking Breakfast Sunday 14th Remembrance Parade December 2021 Friday 10th Business Networking Breakfast Tuesday 14th Carol Service & Afternoon tea Beyond Saturday 22nd January 2022 Whitehall Parade Sunday 23rd January 2022 Guildford Cathedral Memorial Service
Date: Friday 9th July 2021 Time: 5pm onwards Venue: Indoor at Gordon’s School Sports Hub (Parking Available) Charity: TBC If you would like to play please email gordonians@gordons.school
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GORDONIAN ENTREPRENEURS FLORENCE CHERRUAULT 11031 (2008) (The Pickle House – www.thepicklehouse.com) WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO SINCE LEAVING SCHOOL? I was at Gordon’s for Sixth Form and I absolutely loved being part of Windsor house. Coming from London, and never having boarded before, it was such a great experience. After Gordon’s I went to LCC, part of University of the Arts London to do Graphic Design. After graduating I realised quite early on that I didn’t want to become a graphic designer but also had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do! I ended up working in a few different places including a Design Agency and a Fashion Technology start-up before I started my own company. TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS? I founded a company called The Pickle House, we create award winning premium mixers; our Original Pickle Juice and Spiced Tomato Mix. We produce everything on my grandparents’ farm in Suffolk. Our pickle juice is made from a base of distilled vinegar, sliced cucumbers, turmeric and spices and infused for 12 weeks. It’s great as an addition into many different cocktails as it adds a really lovely umami flavour. Some of our favourites include Bloody Marys and Dirty Martinis. We’re currently available in a range of different places including Ocado, Selfridges, Everyman Cinemas, Brewdog, Grind Coffee and John Lewis Food Halls. HOW AND WHEN DID YOU GET THE IDEA? I’d just come back from a trip to New York where I was first introduced to the idea of drinking pickle juice. It was summer 2013 and they were serving Picklebacks at a bar; a shot of whiskey followed by a shot of pickle juice. It sounded like the weirdest combination I had ever heard of but once I’d tried it, I had to find a way to bring it back to London. WHAT ARE YOUR AIMS/GOALS FOR YOUR COMPANY? The main plan at the moment is to become the go-to Spiced Tomato Mix for bars, hotels and restaurants allowing them to create a consistently great tasting and exceptional quality Bloody Marys every time. I also spent lockdown focussing on export which has launched us into Ireland, Scandinavia, The Netherlands and just recently China & Hong Kong. TO WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR SUCCESS? My family, they’ve always taught me to never give up, have supported me from the first day I said I was going to make Pickle Juice. And actually, all the people who laughed at the idea because I’ve always wanted to prove them wrong (and still do!) FINALLY, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR 16 YEAR-OLD SELF? I always wish I had been better at school. If I could go back and tell my 16 year old self to stop messing about and work a bit harder it probably would have helped me a lot!
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? SOPHIE BENSON 11444 (2017)
BEING A GORDONIAN HELPED ME LAND MY DREAM JOB! After I completed my degree last May, I had quite an unusual and challenging entrance into the world of work. Due to COVID-19, hardly anywhere was hiring, and businesses were struggling to support their own employees let alone trying to take on graduates. From the months of May to July I applied to everything from supermarket jobs to secretary jobs, pretty much anywhere that was hiring I applied to and I was either ignored or rejected almost immediately. One evening I saw an advertisement for an entry level Marketing Role at a local company called Motive. Although I found the job advertisement via Indeed.com, I did some research into Motive and emailed them directly with my CV bypassing the recruitment agency. A few days later I received a phone call from Mr Blomfield, the Director of Motive, and after an interview was offered the job the next day. Being a Gordonian definitely gave me an advantage when job searching; I was one of 300 applicants for the Marketing role at Motive, and was contacted due to Mr Blomfield having children at Gordon’s himself. He said that being a Gordonian made my application stand out from the rest. I’m very grateful for that connection and I would advise everyone to use their relationship with Gordon’s School, as well as the skills they developed there, to their advantage going into the future. Advertising your school on LinkedIn and your CV are both great ways of highlighting that connection, and forming relationships with other Gordonians could also really help get your foot in the door. Gordon’s have had such a huge part to play in my journey to getting my job with Motive; not only did my time at Gordon’s give me the confidence I needed to go and get what I want in life, but I gained so many transferable skills which I use in my work constantly.
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GORDONIAN ENTREPRENEURS MEGAN WILLIAMS 10869 (2012) (HUNU www.wearehunu.com) WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO SINCE LEAVING SCHOOL? Since I left school, I have been working full time as a model. I have been lucky enough to travel around the world with my job and have been living in NYC for the past 6 years. My work has taken me to all kinds of places, from retail parks in England, Milan fashion week, rural India, China, and the Victoria Secret runway. The experiences opened my eyes to so much of the world and some problems that need to be tackled – and this is where my business came from. Alongside my day job, I am now the co-founder of a start-up called HUNU! TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS? HUNU is a brand we created that is focused on finding easy, sustainable solutions. Our first product is a foldable, silicone coffee cup that is tackling the waste of single use cups. We wanted to create an alternative to single use cups that is so convenient that it is always on you for when you need it. Whether it is just for grabbing a cup of water, juice or a coffee on the go. HOW AND WHEN DID YOU GET THE IDEA? AND WHAT MAKES YOUR PRODUCT STAND OUT AGAINST THE COMPETITION? It was an idea that my boyfriend, (and now business partner) Vince and I thought of in early 2019. We both have busy ‘city’ lives running from one coffee to another and really we had a personal need for a cup that was as convenient as slipping into your pocket. We launched it on a crowdfunding site called Kickstarter in Feb 2020. From my background in the fashion industry, I knew it was also important to make a product that someone wants to be seen with, as well as being reliable to do the job it is meant for. The original HUNU cup folds down to just 2cm and has a sleek, minimalist design that stands out from any of the competitors. WHAT ARE YOUR AIMS/GOALS FOR YOUR COMPANY? We want to create a community where we can share sustainable ideas while we continue to create sustainable solutions. I hope to keep educating others on sustainable practices in all different areas. I have created a podcast where I have firstly tackled the fashion industry. I have been chatting to people in fashion who use their platform to promote sustainable practices and talk about what needs to change. In the future we hope to be able to create more and more of this content to give to our HUNU community. https://podcasts.apple.com/ us/podcast/hunu-radio/id1515036755 TO WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR SUCCESS? Fearlessness is a word that comes to mind. You have to try things and see where it takes you. Really engaging with every person you meet as you never know the lessons you can learn from them or how that contact could be helpful in the future. FINALLY, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR 16 YEAR-OLD SELF? To enjoy school as it will be gone in a flash! I loved my time at Gordon’s and I have such special memories from my time there. Also, try to remember to be true to who you are. My life experience as a model has allowed me to meet all different kinds of people and there are so many wonderful and unique people out there. So don’t try to just ‘fit in’ as those unique qualities will be what aids you in life!
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? TORI ANDREWS 11437 (2015)
WHEN WERE YOU AT GORDON’S? I was at Gordon’s from 2010-2015 (Year 7–11), Augusta FONDEST MEMORIES: My fondest memories at Gordon’s are making some amazing friends who I am still in contact with, going on the ski trip in year 10 and the summers at school (Fun Day, sports day, long light evenings)
AFTER GORDON’S: I went on to study at Farnborough Sixth Form (2015–2017), I then took a gap year where I went to Australia for 3 months and then I joined EY doing my Apprenticeship in Accountancy in 2018. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE: To complete my ACA qualification and to buy a property once qualified. ADVICE TO 16 YEAR OLD ME: Study hard as it will be worth it in the end, keep your options open and do lots of research on what you want to go and do – whether that is university or going into the workplace. To support ‘Apprenticeship Week’ and our Careers department, Tori took part in an ‘Insight into Careers talk’ about her journey after leaving Gordon’s aged 16 to join one of the largest accountancy firms in the world as an apprentice. Go to www.gordons. school/careers to watch the video.
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW? LARA KINGWELL 9887 (2005)
WHEN WERE YOU AT GORDON’S? 1998–2005, Kensington FONDEST MEMORIES: I have so many fond memories of Gordon’s! I loved all the sport and CCF experiences, particularly being part of our stellar netball team. I made some fantastic friends in Kensington house, we had so many fun times together. And even though life has taken us in different directions over the years, we are still close friends now.
AFTER GORDON’S: After Gordon’s I went to The University of Kent to study Business Administration. In my third year I managed to secure an internship at Microsoft which started my career in technology. I went on to do the Microsoft graduate scheme and joined the Office 365 Product Marketing team. I stayed there for a few years and then went to work for Skype on their mobile apps. Now I work at Facebook in Product Management and live in Dulwich with my fiancé and our beloved dog. I love working in technology and hope that I can build products that have a positive impact on the world. I mentor lots of people and hope tech becomes a more accessible industry, especially for women. My long-term plan is to start my own company. ADVICE TO 16 YEAR OLD ME: Enjoy every moment of Gordon’s, life gets tougher! Be persistent, kind and bold. Focus on what you love and think about how you can be useful to make the world a better place.
MAX BEKEN 11746 (2017)
WHEN WERE YOU AT GORDON’S? 2012–2017, Sandringham, Head Boy. FONDEST MEMORIES: Playing football under Gareth Hall with the first team and all the success that came with it, as well as the many amazing Drama productions I took part in all through my 7 years at the school. I will also always cherish my time in Sandringham making friends for life.
AFTER GORDON’S: After leaving Gordon’s I found work as a waiter at a golf club and in all my free time I was putting in effort to get acting work. I worked on set with Guy Ritchie with ‘The Gentlemen’ and I also filmed two commercials for Wimbledon and Thorpe Park which didn’t get shown due to covid. I was very lucky to manage to get a small role on Netflix’s Bridgerton where I filmed for 3 months and got to
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spend most days working closely with the main cast and crew; my year finished with having a main part on an independent horror film called ‘Devil Djinn’. During this time I was also auditioning for drama schools and was lucky enough to get into LAMDA on their foundation Course which has been the most amazing and eye opening experience into acting and acting training. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE: Currently I am now auditioning for 3 year courses at Drama schools and also preparing for going back into the industry. Depending whether or not I get through the rigorous audition process, I will eventually go back into the industry where I will continue to go for bigger projects and find more exciting roles. ADVICE TO 16 YEAR OLD ME: Give everything a go and do it with 100% effort and commitment and never completely shut any doors of opportunity.
SAMUEL HARRISON 9919 (2003)
WHEN WERE YOU AT GORDON’S? 1998–2003, Khartoum FONDEST MEMORIES: To this day most of my closest friends are classmates from Gordon’s. There’s a group of about 10 of us that is extremely tight. Our trip to Newquay when we graduated from Gordon’s was an amazing time and led to lifelong memories.. AFTER GORDON’S: Studies: MBA, University of Cambridge (UK), MSc Finance, IE Business School (Spain), BSc Management Studies, University of Nottingham, UK Work: Currently Co-founder & Managing Partner – Blockchain.com/ Ventures (California).
Hobbies/Home Life: I enjoy surfing, snowboarding, wakeboarding and kitesurfing. Luckily, I can do all of them in California. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE: I’ll move back to the UK at some point to be with family. Post my Venture Capital career, I plan to focus on non-profits, mostly relating to financial education and inclusion, as well as Parkinson’s research. ADVICE TO 16 YEAR OLD ME: The world is much bigger than it seems when you’re young, and success in academia doesn’t directly translate to professional success. Academic accomplishment does, however, help keep as many doors open to you as possible when you’re older. I struggled with school, but getting decent grades was the necessary stepping stone to get where I wanted to go. Ultimately, your professional life will be a lot happier if you can find something that you enjoy doing that also has a high ceiling in terms of your ability to earn & advance and represents an area of future explosive growth.
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GORDONIAN AWARDS This summer we say farewell to our 2018/2019 Gordonian Award winners who are now in Year 13 Ella Litjens (Sport) and Freya Keppel-Compton (Drama). We caught up with them to find out how they have found lockdown, being in their final year at Gordon’s School and embracing their passions which won them this prestigious award.
Ella Litjens (Sport) Words by Ella: “In the Autumn term, despite circumstances, we have managed to play one Hockey game at school, which we won! After this most Hockey was virtual. My coaches suggested I follow some online training through Fortitude Hockey. In April some 1-on-1 sessions are resuming but I will not be participating in those as I will be prioritising my A level studies. I also worked on keeping up with my Umpire skills and followed a course online through GB Hockey Coach and Inspire initiative. During the lockdown I have been focusing on strength training and overall fitness with the ergo machine. It has been really a very challenging period both physically and mentally to stay focused and not to lose direction. I am really looking forward to going off to University and continuing with hockey at the next level. My final Award instalment was used to go towards purchasing a rowing machine which has enabled me to keep training throughout the lockdowns. Thank you for supporting me on my journey.”
Freya Keppel-Compton (Drama) Words by Freya: “This term I am still in concert band and choir and we are working on pieces for Summer Arts evening. In Drama, we are doing the same. Once school is over I am going to make the most of the summer whilst of course keeping up my singing and flute practice and working on a few monologues. I am also hoping to go to some music concerts and theatre shows once things reopen. Next year, I will be working as an Au Pair in Germany. It may be difficult, but if I can I hope to find some sort of theatre group. I will also of course be taking my flute and continuing virtual singing lessons. I will also be applying for drama school again next year, so that will keep me plenty busy. For the year after, I have a place to study Linguistics at Cardiff however I am hoping to get into at least a foundation course at drama school by then. The award has paid for my singing lessons and will go towards my Drama school auditions. I am very grateful to the support of the Gordonian Award.”
GORDON’S SCHOOL TRIBUTE TO HRH PRINCE PHILIP April 17th 2021, At 5.55pm The Last post was sounded at Gordon’s School as the Union flag was lowered at the end of the day on which HRH Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral took place in nearby Windsor. Since his death on the 9th April until the 17th, flags at the School have been flying at half-mast. After the flag was lowered by Drum Major Rosie Roberts, Pipe Major Owen Carter played a lament outside the school chapel in tribute to His Royal Highness. The tribute was broadcast live on the School’s Facebook page. You are still able to watch it if you go to Gordon’s School Facebook page and search for ‘Prince Philip’.
PRINCE PHILIP MEMORIES
Denis Robinson – ‘Rev Rob’ and Housemaster and Teacher (1980–2017). “I remember it being one of the hottest days that summer, the Queen and Prince Philip were visiting for the School’s centenary. They spent more than two and a half hours at Gordon’s with a packed programme of events and presentations. The arrival of the car was greeted by many West End Villagers and especially children from Holy Trinity School. One of the first School personalities presented to the Queen was the then Chairman of the Foundation of Gordon’s School, General Sir Charles Richardson. He accompanied The Queen and Prince Philip on their tour. By a stroke of pure fluke, as a Housemaster then, as well as a teacher, I was selected/told to be his aide-de-camp and consequently wherever Her Majesty went that afternoon I went too. I was fortunate to witness every part of the visit on that special occasion. I was present, for instance, when she unveiled a painting of General Gordon in the School Chapel dedicated to a former monarch and saint, Edward the Confessor. All in all it was a splendid afternoon and I thoroughly enjoyed some of the informal conversation with Prince Philip who was both charming and amusing. I was very proud of the boys in my boarding house and especially of one Gary Drudge-Coates 8598 (1989) who was selected as the youngest pupil in the School to present the Queen with flowers, immediately after she unveiled a plaque commemorating her visit (picture above – I’m third in from the left).”
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REMEMBERING HRH PRINCE PHILIP Jay Tamsitt 7311 (1969) China
Sean Blake 8468 (1987) Woolwich
“I joined the OGA (Old Gordonians Association) Committee earlier in 1985 so was not party to any of the planning for the Royal visit that summer but was thrilled to be invited to attend. The front field, where all the action took place, had tiered seating (about 8 levels high) constructed and your ticket told you in which area to sit. The seating was erected so that it appeared like an arena with an entrance by the Chapel. After the entertainment the Headmaster led the Royal Party to his house where a select group were waiting to greet them and have tea on the lawns. As they were walking through the gap to the Head’s garden Prince Phillip stopped to speak to a handful of the guests including myself. I asked if he had enjoyed the visit, he said yes thank you and moved on. My five second brush with him was over so quickly but was quite thrilling.”
“I remember the day so well. It was great.
Lee Milligan 8547 (1987) Woolwich
At the end of the pageant we formed up an avenue, from the playing fields to the garden party tent, with Her Majesty taking one side and the Duke the other. The Duke stopped to talk to us poor lads dressed in Victorian dresses and asked us if we were first years. ‘No your highness, we’re fourth years’. As if being in dresses at an all-boys school wasn’t humiliating enough.”
“I was the Head flag marker for the parade on that day, small and older than the others (lol); we started behind the royal dais then onto parade Square on the main field, before the rest of the school marched on. I was also in the pageant – I played a young general Gordon. I took this photograph as The Queen was about to leave. I met Prince Philip; he thought I was about 10/11 but I was actually 14, just small for my age; he found it funny. I remember the police dogs checking the sewers and all the toilets twice a week before the day and obviously all the stands being built. It was a fantastic day.”
We did a Pageant based on the life of General Gordon. Woolwich house, as it was then, were given the Young Gordon to play and due to a severe lack of girls at the school, I was required to play one of his sisters along with, I think, two other boys. My best mate Lee Milligan played a young GG. This is a picture of me in my dress and someone managed to get a camel which was just brilliant!
Carl Davenport 8535 (1988) Khartoum “The security for the Centenary had been planned for a couple of years. Parents were only allowed a few tickets each and every person was vetted. The night before there were military on duty in the school. The stands were arranged in a protective manner. After the parade a number of us were asked to re-enact the siege of Khartoum in a dramatization outside. We were all in costumes. I played one of the Mahdi!! At the end we formed two lines; Prince Philip went down my line and he shook hands with everyone, Her Majesty went down the other. It was a very bright and sunny day.”
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REMEMBERING HRH PRINCE PHILIP Joseph Mackenzie 6365 (1955) Colour Sergeant Account kindly shared by Jayne, daughter of Joseph Mackenzie.
“My father Joseph and his brother Malcolm Mackenzie went to the School as young boys as their mother had died and their father was in the Army. They both did very well, my father excelled in sports and became Head Boy and Colour Sergeant. He was so proud to receive the Higginson medal from the Duke of Edinburgh. The photo was in pride of place in our family home. He was lucky to meet him again with the HRH the Queen during his military days. My father always talked fondly of his days at Gordon’s, he met a local girl, Rosemarie, the daughter of the school’s tailoress, whom he married, at West End church 1956. The two brothers would attend as many Annual days as possible until both sadly passed away. My Dad also looked after all the old graves of young boys at West End church.”
Thomas (Tom) Turnbull 6274 (1956) In Mr Turnbull’s words: “Leading up to the parade was a lot of hard work. It was the presentation of the new School Colour by Prince Philip; everyone was excited and there were a lot of rehearsals to ensure everything was just perfect. On the day the atmosphere was electric, everything went very well. I was only 17 at the time and I thought ‘blimey what an honour’. I didn’t get the opportunity to speak to Prince Philip that day in 1955, he was busy as you can imagine. I was a little disappointed about that then, little did I know that I would get the opportunity again years later. Gordon Boys really was the best 5 years of my life. It set me up for life with a set of principles that I’ve always abided by. You know – Standards – respect and discipline that have guided me well through my life. Everything about the School I loved. I played football all the way through. I enjoyed Longmoor trainings – used to be 16 Railway Transportation Centre R.E. I have been back to visit the school once since I left, I would like very much to go again.
“Semper Fidelis”
In 1985, leading up to the 100th Anniversary of General Gordon’s death, Gordon’s School phoned me, out of the blue. They had been trying to find me and, after two unsuccessful calls, they dialled the right number – mine. They went on to say that the Queen was presenting the new Colour to the school in July and that they would like me to come to the school and take part in the ceremony. I was touched. What an honour. On this occasion I did meet Prince Philip along with the Queen. It was magic.
The School guided me on what to wear which was a grey suit, white shirt and tie, very smart! I was invited to the School for the dress rehearsal and then back again for the big day. On Saturday July 8th 1985, I arrived at the School about 10.30am. Changed into my suit etc, then waited. At the given time I proceeded to the front of the already formed-up Parade. The Colour Sergeant approached and requested permission to march off the Old Colour. Having given permission, I waited until the Colour had been marched off and taken to the Chapel and laid up. I went to the Chapel and awaited the arrival of HM The Queen and HRH Prince Philip. I got the chance to talk to them. I shook hands with the Queen and haven’t washed my right hand since (chuckles). She asked me what I did for a living. I told her I was a Civil Servant, at the time, working on logistics for the Army. I showed her the picture, from the first visit in 1955 when I was presented with the new Colour by Prince Philip, and she smiled and said ‘neither you nor Prince Philip has changed very much since then’. That day was very special to me. It was such an honour in 1985 to be part of marching off the old Colour which I had been lucky enough to receive for the school back in 1955. Wonderful memories indeed.” Today, Thomas enjoys volunteering at the Essex Wildlife trust and is known locally as ‘the badger man’ as he loves watching the badgers and escorting groups to go and watch them at the nature reserve. He’s been married 61 years and has 4 children. He would love to connect with any Old Boys who were at Gordon’s around the same time as he was. If you would like to connect with Tom – or any other Gordonian – please email me at gordonians@gordons.school
The Gordonian
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OBITUARIES ROYSTON WARREN 6713 (1961) Passed away October 18 2020. His wife Ann informed us of the sad news.
PETER DAWSON 6490 (1956) Passed away on 21 December 2020. His wife wrote to share the sad news.
CHRISTOPHER JOHN ASH 6388 (1955) Mr Ash’s son, Jeff, wrote to share the news of his father’s passing on 3 March 2021. He passed peacefully in his sleep after a short illness. He had many fond memories of his time at the school.
of February this year.
STUART CHAMPION 5537 (1945)
Our thoughts are with his family.
KEVIN EDWARD ARMSTRONG 6707 (1960) It is with sadness that we share the news that Gordonian Kevin Edward Armstrong, Gravesend, who was Band Pipe Major, has passed on the 9 January 2021. Kevin’s son, Gordonian Lee Armstrong 8725 (1990) Woolwich, told of his father’s fond memories of Gordon’s and his love of playing the bagpipes. A piper played at the funeral and Gordon Tartan covered the coffin.
His family informed us late last year that he passed away August 20 2020.
HENRY CAME 5172 (1942) It is with great sadness that we share the news that Gordonian Henry Came has passed away aged 95. Our thoughts are with his family.
Our thoughts are with the family at this time.
MARY FIRTH We were informed that Mary Firth has sadly passed away. Mary is the wife of Edward Firth who was Headmaster at Gordon’s School between 1983–1994. Our thoughts are with Mr Firth and his family at this time.
JOHN ROLAND ARNOTT 6846 (1963) We were informed this week that Gordonian John Roland Arnott has passed away. John lived locally in West End. His brother Bruce 7120 (1967) and son Matthew 9053 (1992) are also Gordonians. Our thoughts are with his family.
STUART READ 9042 (1995) The sad news was received that Gordonian Stuart Read, Gravesend, has passed away. His funeral was at the end
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The Gordonian
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