the GORDONIAN
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WINTER 2020
Gordonian Staff Members
GORDONIANS,
Welcome to the Winter edition of the Gordonian newsletter, which complements the online Gordonian community website and our social media activity. As we began the new school year in September 2020, it was a wonderful surprise to learn that the School now has 11 Gordonians working in various roles from teachers to sports coaches. We ran a special feature on our Social Media channels throughout September and October to introduce each Gordonian staff member and to celebrate this news with our community. To find about more about these wonderful Gordonians (pictured above) head to Page 4 & 5.
ONLINE EVENTS
the School and he says ‘It was indeed a very different way to take part in my final Remembrance at Gordon’s, but at the same time, was a much greater honour, to be the only student from Gordon’s to partake in the service. I’d like to thank the staff who helped to set the service up, as myself along with many others believe that it was a great thing to do.’
Due to the current on-going COVID-19 restrictions we have been unable to conduct any of our annual events in the traditional way. However, most of them have still taken place, albeit it on a small scale and with a very limited audience. We have either live streamed or recorded and shared online. This is the new way of working and although it has its obvious disadvantages, we are able to capture and share in real time these very precious events which means that more of our community can enjoy them.
Annual Gordonians Remembrance service
The 2020 Gordon’s School Annual Parade was cancelled due to COVID-19 and social distancing measures. Therefore, the Gordonian Memorial Service was conducted and recorded via Zoom. The Reverend Sarah Norbron (pictured on the right) was in the Chapel of St Edward the Confessor and Jay Tamsitt 7311 (1969) (Gordonian and former Gordonian Association Chairman) and Sue Parkin (Alumni Officer) joined from their homes. The video was shared with the community on July 4th 2020. If you
would like to view the service please go to our website www.the-gordonians.org and look in the News section.
Wreaths were laid, including one for The Gordonians and the short service was closed with The Exhortation. The video has now been watched by 3,200 people and reached nearly 6,000, liked by 200 and shared 32 times. If you would like to watch this please go to the Gordonians Facebook page and search for ‘remembrance’.
REMEMBRANCE DAY
For our tomorrow, they gave their today. Gordon’s paid tribute and remembered those who paid the ultimate sacrifice with a simple Remembrance Service that was live-streamed via the School’s Facebook page. Along with The Reverend Sarah Norbron there was only one student in attendance. Owen Carter (pictured right) was the Pipe Major who played ‘Battle’s O’er’ and The Pipe Lament. It is Owen’s last year at
“Semper Fidelis”
Owen Carter playing in front of the statue
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CONTACT
GORDONIAN COMMUNITY REPORT It was heartening to witness the staff and students coming back to school this September. Although many students looked typically nervous in their new settings, all, I am sure, were privately pleased and excited to be back to school in person after months of online schooling and the long summer break. I am sure there will be a wide spectrum of opinion on the new measures required in schools. None of us relish the tighter restrictions which are in place, however, our priority remains keeping the school open, ensuring that all members of our community are as safe as possible and providing the most enriching curriculum we can in the circumstances.
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CONTENTS Welcome
1
Remembrance Services
1
Community Report
2
Gordonian Awards
3
Life after Gordon’s – Gordonian Staff Members
4–5
Sports Update
6
Christmas card competition
6
Gordonian entrepreneurs
7
Where are they now?
8
School news – Goodbye Sarah
9
Forthcoming Events
10
We salute you (Part 2)
10
Roll Call
11
Obituaries
12
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As we go to print we are currently experiencing our second national lockdown due to COVID-19. The School remains open but with added new measures in place. It is good to read some positive news about a possible vaccine sooner than we expected (BBC News 9/11/2020) we are all ready to get back to ‘normal life’ again. After the Spring newsletter went to print we continued to receive notifications of Gordonians who were going above and beyond in their jobs or their spare time to support the NHS workers – see page 10 to find out more. To support our Gordonian community we have been busy preparing and sending out care packages to our recent 2020 school-leavers, many of whom are away from home at University for the first time, along with our over 80 year old Gordonians, many of whom are at home and potentially feeling isolated. Our hope is that these bring a little smile and comfort that we are thinking of our community at this time. We have received many Thank You messages over the phone, via email and via written cards and letters which we are so grateful to receive. We have the most wonderful community. The care packages contained chocolate bars, tea, coffee and hot chocolate sachets.
In other news, we are pleased to announce that the new Sports Hub is now complete and we expect to have full use after this lockdown period has ended. From the 2020 Spring rains to the Coronavirus pandemic many obstacles have been set in the way but with all parties’ commitment and perseverance throughout the last three years we can now celebrate its completion. An official opening ceremony will be organised once we are able to gather together again.
The Gordonian Awards for the academic year 2020/2021 have been announced this month; we are thrilled that two deserving current Year 11 students will gain extra financial support towards their awarded discipline and recognition for their outstanding contribution to Sports and The Arts throughout the next three years at Gordon’s School. See page 3 to meet the new Awardees and to find out what last year’s winners have been doing. Our various Gordonian Sports groups have been busy these past months. I was inspired by their energy and enthusiasm so I bought myself a new Gordonian Running Club shirt (available for all to purchase, just send me an email and I can organise that for you), dusted off my trainers and got myself outdoors for a run. I am convinced it helped me go that extra mile. For a full update on what the Old Gordonians FC, the Gordonian Running Club and The Old Gordonians cricket team are doing head to page 6. We hope to see you reunited with your fellow Gordonians at one of our events soon. Until then, stay safe, take care and know we are here for you. Sue Parkin, Gordonian Officer
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GORDONIAN AWARDS 2020 This year’s Gordonian Award winners were selected from a number of high quality applications and a competitive peer group. The students have to submit an application form complete with references and then undergo an interview with The Deputy Head (Pastoral), The Head of department for that discipline and a senior Gordonian. These awards are highly regarded and valued within the school. The Award winners’ names are displayed on an Honours board in the dining hall. Each award, worth up to £1,000 over three years, is made directly to the students to support their development in their chosen discipline. Congratulations to our Sports Award recipient Tamara Hibbins. Tamara is a strong Athlete who represents not only the school but the County of Surrey across many sports like Running, Hockey, Netball as well as Cross Country running. The award will be used to fund sports equipment such as spiked shoes for running and possibly Psychology lessons to learn how the power of the mind can contribute to athletes developing themselves. Tamara would like to give back to the School by volunteering to help coach Sports to younger students at the School. Congratulations to our Music recipient Jason Cave. Jason plays the Violin to Grade 7 and has been part of the Strings group and the Concert band since Year 7. He enthusiastically contributes and represents Gordon’s to a high level by playing at Inter-House competitions, Parades, Concerts, Chapel Services and School productions. The award will be used to fund Piano lessons which, so far, have been self-taught. Jason aims to inspire and engage younger students to get involved in Music within his House and Gordon’s. Jason’s older brother Benjamin won the award for music in 2016.
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2019 WINNERS – UPDATE Last year’s winners have been busy and focused despite the lockdown and COVID-19 restrictions that have led to many of their opportunities either being cancelled or moving online.
Harvey Hewson – Sport
Harvey plays for Woking FC in his spare time along with the Gordon’s 1st XI football team. Harvey planned to use the first year’s Gordonian Award funding to attend an overseas Football camp in Amsterdam; sadly this could not take place due to COVID-19 restrictions. The grant will now be used to purchase new football boots, essential (and expensive) equipment for any football player! He hopes to use the final grant instalment, due in 2022, towards an overseas visit to the USA where he hopes to gain a Football scholarship. As for this year’s funding, any decision will be influenced by COVID-19 restrictions in terms of what it can be used for, so Harvey is waiting a little longer before he can make plans.
Ryan Knight – Drama Thanks to the first year of funding provided by the Gordonian Award for Creative Arts, Ryan spent a week in August training with the National Youth Music Theatre. Originally, the week was scheduled as a residential course at Sevenoaks School, but COVID-19 meant instead that the NYMT are providing the course via Zoom! The course is designed to work on audition technique as well as choreography, musical theatre vocals and acting. As well as group work it includes time for 1 to 1 work with industry professionals. Ryan is really grateful for the financial support provided by the Gordonian Award and has continued his hard work – even during lockdown, school closure and the summer holidays.
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SCHOOL NEWS – STAFF MEMBERS LET ME INTRODUCE OUR GORDONIAN STAFF MEMBERS Harriet Turk (nee McGuire) (2008) Augusta. Harriet joins the Development team and is responsible for Database Management and supporting the wider team including Gordonian activities. Harriet’s fondest memories of Gordon’s are the Year 7 camp and the Inter-House competitions. Her favourite subject was Geography. Harriet (left) is pictured with her sister Alice McGuire (2004) Augusta (right). Good Luck Harriet!
Chloe Dunne (2017) China. Chloe is a Hockey Coach. Chloe’s fondest memories of Gordon’s are playing hockey and netball. She says ‘I loved the bus journeys to and from the matches singing at the top of our lungs! When asked why she wanted to come back to work at Gordon’s she says ‘The sports facilities and standard of sport has improved over the years and I was excited to be a part of Gordon’s sport again’ Thank you Chloe! Chloe (left) is pictured with her sister Amy Dunne (2013) who is also a teacher at the school.
Charlotte Winckley (2010) Windsor. Charlotte is a Maths Teacher and Deputy Head of Windsor House. Charlotte’s favourite subjects were Maths and Science. She says ‘I enjoy being back in an atmosphere that feels so natural to me. In particular I was really looking forward to working in Windsor House. This was the House that I was in as a student and I still very much feel like I am a “Windsor Girl” through and through. I really enjoy and appreciate all of the extra aspects that Gordon’s offers to students. As an adult I can see the “finished product” of these extra experiences and the skills and mind-set that they give you.’ Thank you Charlotte! (Picture 2 is Charlotte on a Duke of Edinburgh expedition with school)
Simon Carr (2017) Khartoum. Simon is a Sports Coach; he Coaches and Umpires Hockey along with assisting the Rugby team with strength and conditioning and helping provide recovery with Sports Massage. His fondest memories of Gordon’s are representing the School at different sport fixtures. He says ‘my favourite subject was P.E. with Mr King, Mr Harrison and Mrs King. Can’t beat “Cake Friday” with Mr King. ‘Ever since I left Gordon’s in 2017 The Physical Education department have been so supportive. Each year I have gained more responsibility and have taken up more coaching. In recent years the development of Sports at Gordon’s has gone from strength to strength, especially with the new Sports Hub’. After completing the Sports Science Degree at UCF (University Centre Farnborough) – achieving a 2:1, Simon is now studying a Masters in Physiotherapy at St Mary’s University. Thank you Simon!
Victoria Howard-Andrews (2016) Augusta. Victoria is undertaking her School-centred initial teacher training (SCITT) here in Drama. This follows last year as a graduate assistant in Windsor. Some of her fondest memories revolved around the Arts at Gordon’s; doing shows, concerts and tours. She says ‘I could never pick my favourite subject (a problem I still face!) but from school to present day my passions still include Music & Drama and Biology. I had loads of fun in the House too, both as a day and a boarding student’ Good Luck Victoria! (Picture 2 Victoria staring in ‘Coram Boy’ in 2016)
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SCHOOL NEWS – STAFF MEMBERS Ellie Moore (2015) China. Ellie is a Sports Coach, coaching Hockey and in the future, Netball. Her fondest memories of Gordon’s are the sports fixtures and the hockey tours ranging from Cheltenham to Amsterdam! She says ‘My favourite subject was Biology with Ms. Ali or P.E. trying out all the sports on offer. I wanted to come to work at Gordon’s as I was really impressed with the expansion of the Sports department in terms of facilities and new staff members!’ Thank you Ellie!
Mike Wheeler (2005) Khartoum. Mike is not so new to the School; he started teaching here as a peripatetic music tutor about 8/9 years ago for a couple of days a week. He is now a fully fledged member of staff teaching the Highland Snare Drum. Mike’s favourite subjects were English, Music, Drama and DT and his fondest memories of Gordon’s were taking part in the various shows and concerts. He says ‘Gordon’s is a unique school which values every aspect of student life, from academic achievement right through to facilitating social time and stimulating activities for the enrichment of their students’ school life. It is a great feeling to be able to pay that forward to the current students at the school and that is what I am looking forward to doing most’. Thank you Mike!
Amy Dunne (2013) Windsor. Amy is a Biology teacher, but also teaches Chemistry and Physics. Some of her fondest memories of Gordon’s are spending time with friends, playing volleyball on the front field in the summer and completing her Duke of Edinburgh award. She says ‘I really enjoyed Science and DT at school. It is a brilliant school and I loved my time when I was here, when the job was advertised I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to teach here’ Thank you Amy!
Robbie Olden (2011) Sandringham. Robbie is Director of Drama. His work experience at Gordon’s began while he was doing his teacher training qualifications. Robbie’s fondest memories of Gordon’s are life in Sandringham House as a full boarder and House Captain. His favourite subjects were Drama and English Literature. His great memories from boarding and school life were what drew him to come back and be a teacher at Gordon’s. (Robbie is pictured playing ‘Fagin’ in ‘Oliver!’ when he was in Year 13 (2011)) Thank you Robbie for all you are doing!
Maddie (Madeleine) Basnett (2016) Augusta. Maddie joins the Design & Technology (DT) department as a Technician. Maddie’s fondest memories of Gordon’s were the sports and being able to make such a tight knit group of friends that she’s still in contact with. Her favourite subject and department was DT. She says ‘When I was at school I had teachers who really helped me with figuring out what I wanted to do so the chance to also help students will be so rewarding, the Gordon’s bubble is a place where you feel so comfortable so when the chance arose after leaving Uni to come back for a while it seemed like a no-brainer’ Maddie (right) is pictured with Beth (Bethany) Jones (2018) Windsor (left). Good Luck Maddie!
Betty Dempster (2017) Augusta. Betty is the Graduate Pastoral Tutor for Windsor House. Betty’s favourite memories were playing Hockey and being House Captain. She says ‘I loved being at Gordon’s School. When I finished my Criminology Degree at Bristol University and I saw this job advertised I knew it was the perfect opportunity for me to gain valuable experience working with and supporting young people’ Thank you Betty!
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GORDONIAN SPORTS UPDATE The Gordonian Sports teams have been busy.
OLD GORDONIANS CRICKET
Gordonians v Old Salesians Charity Cricket Match 31st August 2020 The second annual charity cricket match between two young Gordonians and Salesian line-ups saw a repeat of last summer, as the Gordonians came out on top – but this year was a much closer affair and proved to be gripping until the very last wicket which led the Gordonians to retain their crown and win by just 8 runs. Aside from the victory, they raised £500 in bar sales for the cricket club, in a year which has been incredibly difficult for them, as well as raising £360 for NHS charities who have worked so hard throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope to see you all next year for the 3rd event, on Monday August 30th 2021! Thank you to the team captain James Somerville (2015) Buckingham for organising this successful event. To read the full match report head to www.the-gordonians.org and go to the ‘Clubs and competitions’ section.
CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION This November we ran a Christmas Art Competition via our social media channels. We were looking for an image to use for our 2020 Gordonian Christmas card. The winner was ‘Christmas of my school days’ by J Davies (1987) Khartoum. Thank you to all who entered and keep your eyes out for our E-Christmas card on its way soon.
THE OLD GORDONIANS FOOTBALL CLUB
The Old Gordonians FC team (The Camels) are having a great start to the Sunday league Surrey and North Hants Border season. They are 3rd on the league table so far (at the time we go to print).
The new team shirts have arrived and are looking good. Thanks to the team sponsors – local business in Woking, Boz’s Fruit & Veg Ltd. The team are looking forward to playing at home on the new all-weather pitch which is part of the new Sports Hub development. For weekly match reports you can follow the Camels on Instagram @gordonsoldboys Good Luck Boys! (Pictured top to bottom, Team Manager Sean Allen (2012) Balmoral, George Hillman (2011) Buckingham and Sam Wellard (2014) Khartoum)
GORDONIAN RUNNING CLUB
Well done Gordonian Runners who managed to attend a COVID-19 safe 5K race at Newbury racecourse in October. If you are interested to join the Gordonian runners group please get in touch via email gordonians@gordons.school. The club is open to all former pupils of Gordon’s and their family members, as well as anybody who is associated with the school such as staff. Picture from left to right: Steve Davis (1980) Gravesend and his wife Marija Davis & Mike Loftus (1981) Khartoum
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Catching up with the winner Gordonian Jason Davies (1987) Khartoum. I was at the school between 1982 and 1987. Met a lot of fabulous friends of which I’m still in touch with a lot of them today. I have two unfortunate honours to behold and they are – 1983–4 our school class went to the swimming pool and I managed to get rust from the roof into my toes. Closed the pool for years after. 2nd honour. In a moment of “raging against the machine” the 4th years of Khartoum decided to run away. 15 of us. Ruined some aspirations I’m sure. After Gordon’s I managed to go to university and get an economics and politics degree. Only to work at Thorpe Park. One thing the school did teach me was discipline and the need to respect your peers. When I eventually grew up after the amusement park I ran a golf club, worked for the Home Office, worked in Iran and Libya and eventually settled in the wine industry. For the last 10 years I have been in the wine industry under @thegrapewizard or via my website www.thegrapewizard.com and constantly visit producers in France, USA and the UK. It just shows that you can follow your dreams. It may take a few years but if you have the determination you will succeed. I sometimes think I have been paid a lot more in the past but never enjoyed the job. Now I’m earning less and love the role I’m in. A lesson for life I guess.
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GORDONIAN ENTREPRENEURS BENJAMIN MOODY (2015) KHARTOUM WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO SINCE LEAVING SCHOOL? Once I left Gordon’s in Year 13 (2015) I immediately left to do the classic travelling route through South-East Asia for 3 months just before going to University. I went to the University of Birmingham to study Biological Sciences and studied there for 4 years with 1 year studying abroad in Australia at the UNSW. In my final year at University I did my research project on the effect of marine debris on intertidal ecosystems around the UK. This was really where my plastics journey started and I became completely obsessed. I’ve always surfed and loved the ocean but could never find a way to help apart from research. After graduating I went to Singapore on an internship. I spent about two months at the internship before quitting to join Tom Peacock-Nazil (my business partner) in building out Seven Clean Seas into the ocean clean-up organisation it is today. TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS? Seven Clean Seas (SCS) is an ocean clean up organisation with the goal of removing plastic from the marine environment and working with rural / island communities to prevent plastic from entering the natural environment in the first place. Using a multi-pronged approach, SCS’s goal is building an ecosystem containing environmental plastic recovery, community level interception, river clean-up and sorting infrastructure. To this end, SCS has developed a River Plastic Recovery System, employs rural waste management teams in Indonesia, is setting up a MRF and is developing an innovative recycling technology to decentralise the current system and complete the ecosystem. All activity is funded by the world’s first Ocean Plastic Offsetting solution and our supporting corporate partners, helping responsible companies first reduce, then offset their necessary plastic footprint against ocean plastic. The strength of this solution is that it provides a mandate to clean the ocean, funding to develop waste management infrastructure whilst providing value to the client. HOW AND WHEN DID YOU GET THE IDEA? Tom began SCS as a small beach clean-up community operating in Singapore with an idea to scale. I joined as co-founder in 2019 as we began to build this out. We quickly noticed a place in the market for our plastic offsetting solution. With Extended Producer Responsibility schemes, recycling infrastructure and waste management solutions failing at most levels globally it was apparent we had found a solution to fund waste management in regions where it doesn’t usually make sense. WHAT ARE YOUR AIMS/GOALS FOR YOUR COMPANY? Tom and I have set the business some ambitious goals! Our first is to be operating in the seven worst plastic polluting countries in the world, we are already operating in Indonesia, Malaysia and currently entering Vietnam whilst being HQ’d in Singapore! The second is to remove 10,000,000 kilos of plastic from the marine environment by 2025. I believe with our solutions and collective effort from our partners this is more than possible. TO WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR SUCCESS? I would always say a network is key to helping you advance in this area as well as speaking to everyone you can. The more you speak to people in the industry you want to be in the more experience you gather. Although, to be honest, a huge amount of STRESS and hard work goes along with these two...... FINALLY, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR 16 YEAR-OLD SELF? I will keep this simple as I could waffle on about this forever! 1. If you want to start something but don’t think you’re ready. You’ll never be ready so just do it anyway. 2. Experience as much as you can and say yes to everything, the more you try the more you can say ‘I don’t actually like this’. 3. Have as much fun as possible, take the pressure off yourself, you do not need to know what you want to do, just try everything. You’ve got time.
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW? JESS (JESSICA) BARNES (2015) AUGUSTA
WHEN WERE YOU AT GORDON’S? 2008–2015 FONDEST MEMORIES: One of my fondest memories at Gordon’s would definitely be D of E. We had so many expeditions and trips to Dartmoor with Mr and Mrs Fox. Ten Tors was also good fun and a great team challenge.
AFTER GORDON’S: After Gordon’s I took a year off and worked and travelled to Thailand. I then completed a Geography BSc degree at the University of Bristol before starting on the Commercial Downstream Graduate scheme at BP in 2019. During 2020 I have also set up my own Baking business (www.barnesybakes.com) which has been a great opportunity to build up my own brand, be creative and do something I love on the side. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE: I plan to make the most of my remaining rotations on the BP Graduate scheme and then hopefully secure a permanent position within the BP marketing and strategy teams for renewable energy. I also want to grow my baking business on the side as much as I can, experimenting and building up my client base. ADVICE TO 16 YEAR OLD ME: I would just say to enjoy the time at Gordon’s and make the most of the opportunities provided as there are a lot! Go to early morning training more too as even though it didn’t feel like it when you arrived in the dark at 6:30am it definitely was worth it!
KIRK CORNWALL (1983) CHINA
WHEN WERE YOU AT GORDON’S? 1978–1983
My fondest memories of Gordon’s was just how much sport I was able to be involved with. I also loved General Gordon’s statue – as my bunk, during my final year, overlooked the statue as did China House. My Fire Service nickname became ‘The General’ and I have only recently finished reading the memoirs of my namesake... General Sir James Marshall Cornwall so, ‘generally speaking’, the General has been quite a figure head in my life in one way or another. AFTER GORDON’S: I joined the Royal Air Force at 18 years of age which was followed by a transfer to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service some four years later. I worked as an emergency responder, at various levels of command, until my retirement in 2017. After a 12 month period at the Fire Service College, I became involved in Apprenticeships which is something I continue to do to date. Personally, I recently married my best friend (Mandy Cornwall) in 2018 and she just happens to be a… Head Teacher. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE: My future plans include supporting careers education, in schools and further education establishments, as a volunteer Enterprise Advisor for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority as well as go into partnership with a business acquaintance of mine in respect of Apprenticeships and Vocational Assessments. Having retired once, the next time I retire... I will actually retire. Maybe then I will be able to finish writing my books. Some started but none as yet finished but they keep me entertained. ADVICE TO 16 YEAR OLD ME: I would simply say ‘having an idea of what you want to do when you leave school is a good thing but don’t be surprised if your professional life ventures along a different path’. I, for one, wanted to be a professional footballer or a graphic designer. I never thought I would leave school to join Her Majesty’s Armed Forces and then the Fire Brigade. No regrets whatsoever though. I did visit the school again towards the end of 2019 it was nice to see The General again I must admit.
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SCHOOL NEWS SARAH MASLEN After 22 years at Gordon’s School – nine as a student and 13 as a member of staff – Sarah Maslen, Head of Victoria House, Head of Equestrian and LGBT+ Lead has left Gordon’s this summer. Sarah’s parents, Stella and Steve Long, worked at Gordon’s School until 2017; they were the House Parents of Augusta House, so Sarah’s journey began as a student along with her younger brother. With a break away from Gordon’s to attend College Sarah moved back ‘home’ to Gordon’s in 2007, where she started working as a house tutor 2 evenings a week. She supervised the girls and ensured they got off to bed on time. She then progressed to Graduate House Assistant. This was a full time role along with the house tutoring. Her teaching experience began when she was asked to provide last minute cover for an RE lesson. That experience lead to a passion for teaching and she later went onto teach RE at GCSE level for 4 years and achieved great exam results for those students. In July 2015 Sarah wrote a paper to The Boarding Schools’ Association titled ‘Combating homophobic language and behaviour in schools’. She pioneered a student group called Pride+, now called ID+. This student group will now be led by Victoria Howard-Andrews, a Gordonian. In 2017 The School’s first ‘Pride Week’ took place and for two years there was a ‘Colour Run’ race on the backfield to raise money for charity. In 2012 Sarah was approached by 3 girls with a request to create a school Equestrian team. They joined the NSEA with around 4–5 riders, with Sarah as the coach. From the very first event the team came back with rosettes. The highlight of Sarah’s entire 22 years at Gordon’s took place at the Royal
Windsor Horse Show in 2016, during the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations. This was a show jumping competition and the girls were competing against professional riders and other adult riders. The girls were R Wilman, C Burrell & F Elliot. Her Majesty met each rider and awarded the prizes. In September 2016 Victoria House officially opened under Sarah as the first Head of House starting with a small number of girls. Despite being small they were strong determined girls and in their first year won the Longmore award. When asked about being Head of House Sarah says ‘It’s the best thing and the hardest thing you will ever do! I feel like I have 86 additional daughters in my life!’ Sarah has moved with her three children to Llanelli in South Wales. She has bought a house with a sea view and a stone’s throw from the beach. The sunsets are amazing and she can’t wait to begin the new chapter. Sarah’s Message to all Gordon’s students: ‘Every student who leaves Gordon’s should feel confident that whoever they are, whatever their passions and whatever they want to do once they leave, they are PERFECT!! Don’t ever be afraid to let your individuality SHINE!!!’ Thank you Sarah, you will be missed.
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Some of our Gordonians – from the class of 2018, Harry Porter (Gravesend) studying at Birmingham and Tasmin Martin-Young (Kensington) studying at Durham, and two from the class of 2020, Callie O’Brien (Sandringham) studying at Leeds and Hailey Wong (Windsor) also at Birmingham – joined a Zoom call organised by Head of Music Rachel Brazendale, to connect and support some of our Year 12s, who are considering studying Music at University. They shared course content and also things they found challenging between the A-Level and a university degree. What a wonderful way to enhance and connect our community. If you would like to connect with your old teachers or department heads and support current students with an insight to the world of University or Work please get in touch at gordonians@gordons.school
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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. January 2021 Saturday 23rd Whitehall Parade – A small group representing The School will go to Whitehall to lay the wreaths and mark the occasion and tradition.
COVID-19 – WE SALUTE YOU! A huge Thank You to Gordonian Andrew Jackson 7938 (1979) for the essential work he is doing as Operating Department Practitioner in anaesthetics. He has been doing 12 hour shifts on ITU for most of the pandemic but also covers maternity and A&E for emergencies.
Sunday 24th Guildford Cathedral Memorial Service TBC Each package contains a hand written thank you note, a moisturiser, lip balm, face mask, sweets, body wash/bubble bath and then a treat ranging from feet masks, deep conditioning treatments, bath salts, bath bombs, candles and chocolate!
February 2021 Sunday 7th Parade & Chapel Service TBC March 2021 Sunday 21st Parade & Chapel Service TBC
Jess says ‘I wanted them to be full of products that will help them relax and also care for dry, sensitive skin from constant hand washing and wearing PPE’. So far Jess has made 85 packages and continues to raise money so that she can make many more.
June 2021 Saturday 12th Patron’s Parade & Fun Day TBC July 2021 Saturday 3rd Annual Parade & Prize Giving TBC Upcoming Anniversaries We are excited to celebrate the following Anniversaries in 2021. We would love to hear from you if you would like to share any memories and photographs or would like to be part of any of the events we are planning to mark these special anniversaries. Please email gordonians@gordons.schoool Keep an eye on our social media and emails to find out more. 1931 The Old Boys Association was formed – 90 Years in 2021 1981 The Library was reopened – 40 years in 2021
Thank you to Gordonian Kirk Cornwall (1983) China. Kirk is working with the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Retirees volunteer group along with being a ‘Scrubees’ volunteer delivering PPE to care homes, hospices and GP surgeries. Kirk is also featured in our ‘Where are they now?’ section on page 8.
A huge ‘Thank You’ to Gordonian Jenny Powell (2014) Augusta for all the amazing work she is doing as an intensive care nurse, treating and overseeing treatment for patients with COVID-19. Your sister, Helen Powell (2012) Augusta, hopes this makes you smile
Jess (Jessica) Kruger (2016) China. Jess has been very busy fund-raising and sourcing product donations so that she can make Well-being packages for NHS workers at Frimley Park Hospital.
2016 Victoria House was opened – 5 years in 2021 1941 The Pipe Band was formed – 80 years ago in 2021
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ROLL CALL Setting himself a Lockdown challenge of running a half marathon, Gordonian PADDY (PATRICK) HOWELL (2017) Sandringham reached his target then two days later completed 30 miles in less than five hours! The marathon run around the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea where he lives with his family was a shock even to him. Now studying for a History degree at Newcastle University. Paddy admits ‘the only time I have run before was to represent Sandringham House in the Inter-House Cross Country competition!’
Congratulations to SUZANNE GIBBS, former Head of Art, who has been showing her work at The Royal Society of Portrait Painters Exhibition in London. Find out more www.therp.co.uk/ suzanne.gibbs So proud of Gordonian MAX BEKEN (2017) Sandringham – Ex Head Boy – Pursuing an acting career, he has faced rejection yet not given up. Results? A Guy Ritchie film, as well as the upcoming Netflix series ‘Bridgeton’ and a planned big screen Horror film. Well done!
SEAN SLATER 6547 (1959) China. Sean was piping in his garden during the first lockdown. He says ‘On my part, living in a very rural, naturally semi isolated part of West Wales life has not changed that much. I am ‘on call’ to collect/deliver supplies/prescriptions etc. to elderly/ vulnerable persons. I am enjoying playing the pipes.’
Most of Lappland is within the Arctic so of course is very isolated, dark, and cold. I lived only in my little 1 man tent and hitchhiked around, completing various hikes, mountain climbs, and looking at the tiny local villages. On one occasion, I used the kit I had borrowed from Mr Fox to climb Sweden’s highest mountain (Kebnekaise), and didn’t see another person, building, or road, for 5 days. Towards the end of the month the temperatures dropped even further as the days shortened to only a few hours a day. Whilst this was a challenge, it is one I learned to live with and very much enjoyed – however I will not miss waking up in –10°C and having to put on frozen boots.
With time to spare and a yearning to travel, former Deputy Head Boy TOBIAS JOHNSON (2020) Buckingham, who left the school in the Summer, headed to Sweden where he spent a month in the Lappland Province. “I had previously wanted to travel to Central Asia between A Levels and starting Sandhurst, but of course due do COVID-19 this wasn’t possible. So I booked a flight to travel to the only European country with no travel restrictions, which was Sweden. I was in the country for a month and spent the entirety of my time in Sweden’s Lappland Province.
“Semper Fidelis”
The Arctic is an incredible place, and I was often able to see the Northern Lights over my tent at night, or a herd of reindeer being guided by huskies when hiking near the Finnish border. I was also lucky enough to meet many kind Swedes and other travellers, including a group of Eastern European students with whom I enjoyed several nights hunting clear skies. Overall, the trip was a great success, I fully intend to return to the Scandinavian Arctic again some time soon.” Now safely home, he is looking forward to the next exciting chapter and starting RMA Sandhurst.
The Gordonian
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OBITUARIES PETER H LINDSAY 6838 (1962) Sadly passed away in St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Eastbourne after a short illness on 19th May 2020. Peter attended Gordon Boys’ School in the 1950s and subscribed to the Gordonians.
RAYMOND STANLEY HUDSON 5353 (1943) Sadly passed away at the age of 93 due to COVID-19. Raymond died on 2nd April 2020 at Watford General Hospital. The Gordon’s experience had a far greater impact on Ray than it would on most due to the timing in history (eve of WW2) . Even in his nineties Ray would talk about both in almost every conversation. Thank you to close family friend Peter McManus for letting us know.
ROBERT FREDERICK DAVIES 6099 (1952)
DAVID FRANK GILBERT 5706 (1948)
It is with sadness that we share the news that Robert Davies passed away on Saturday 14 November. He had been ill for some time but did not suffer and died peacefully. His friend got in touch and told us ‘he talked about his school days at Gordon’s with pride and was always grateful for the education he received. You taught him well, he went on to have his own shoe repair shops, a job which he loved’.
David’s wife wrote to us to let us know that he had passed away in September 2020. She told us that at his funeral SEMPER FIDELIS was played (by the military band) and that he lived his life by the motto ‘Semper Fidelis’.
NORMAN STANLEY HOOPER 5629 (1947) We have heard the sad news that Norman Stanley Hooper 5629 (1947) has passed away.
PETER WALTER GUEST 6915 (1963) Peter’s sister got in touch to share the sad news that Peter Walter Guest 6915 (1963) has passed away.
REV GEOFFREY CHARRETT We have heard the sad news that Rev Geoffrey Charrett who was School Chaplain from 1987–1994 died on October 13th 2020. He left Gordon’s to be vicar of Hambledon before retiring to Lincolnshire. 13th October is the ‘Feast Day’ of St Edward the Confessor, after whom our Chapel is named.
BETH WILSON (2013) We were saddened to hear that Beth Wilson (2013) passed away on October 19th 2020 after a long fought battle with cancer. She passed peacefully at home in Wales surrounded by family and friends. Beth was the much loved Senior Nurse at Gordon’s between 1991–2013.
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