. . ONA Ol d N o v o c a s t r i a n s A s s o c i at io n M a g a z i n e Issue 79 | Summer 2010
©Newcastle Royal Grammar School
In this issue:
RGS Goes to Twickenham Apaches in Afghanistan Bursary Campaign
ONA — Old Novocastrians Association Magazine
1 2-3 4 5 6 7 8-9 10 12-13
President’s Welcome News and Events Who? What? Where? RGS Goes to Twickenham Try-ing Times The Trip of a Lifetime Apaches in Afghanistan Bursary Campaign Obituaries
4
7
8 ONA Magazine Issue 79 | Summer 2010
Contribute! We are always looking for articles and news from Old Novos to include in the magazine, so send your contributions, via email (if possible) to: ona@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk or to the ONA Office at the school. Please include relevant pictures if possible. They will be returned as soon as the magazine has been printed. The deadline for acceptance of copy for the Autumn 2010 issue is: Monday 9 August 2010. Copy may be carried over to a future issue.
ONA magazine is the magazine for the Old Novocastrian Association Editor: Tove Elander All correspondence should be addressed to: The ONA Office Royal Grammar School Eskdale Terrace Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4DX Telephone, ONA office: 0191 212 8924 email: ona@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk The Editor reserves the right to edit, alter or omit all submissions to the magazine. Copy may be carried over to the next edition. The Editor’s decision is final. Designed and produced by www.infinitedesign.com
ONA — Old Novocastrians Association Magazine
1
Welcome
Welcome to the latest edition of our magazine The highlight of the term was an invitation to the London ONA dinner. The Headmaster, Tove Elander and I were all made very welcome, and we had a pleasant evening, culminating in a fascinating speech from the guest speaker, Sir Alistair Graham (56-60). I also had the pleasure to meet with contemporaries from the 1960s and those whom I taught at a somewhat later date. Earlier in the evening, Leon Heward-Mills (77-84) was voted in as the new London ONA President; on page 4 he sets out his thoughts on the presidency for the year ahead. I hope he enjoys his term in office as much as I am enjoying mine. The biggest school event of the term was of course the RGS 1st XV rugby team reaching the Daily Mail Cup final at Twickenham, the first time this has happened since 1994. A match report appears on page 5. You can also find a match report of the football match between ONA and the RGS on page 2. We are hoping that this match will become a regular fixture in the RGS sporting calendar. An Old Novo versus RGS cricket match is scheduled to take place on Monday 21 June. More details will be posted on the ONA website and Facebook page. A plea to ON’s living locally. Many national and internationally famous artists are appearing on the stage in the RGS performing arts centre, and it would be good to see many more of you at these events. Parking is free, and the cost is a fraction of what it would be elsewhere. Music and drama departments would also welcome you to school performances. Please look at the enclosed Arts Diary and give Jill Graham, the Events Manager, a call to book your seats. I write this after a superb night at the RGS Wind Band Festival, when we were also entertained by the Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band. Unfortunately the theatre was only half full. As I will be in Coventry on exam business in June I would very much appreciate it if any ON’s in the area would be willing to lift the boredom of hotel living, and join me on 23, 29 or 30 June at The Village Hotel, Coventry for a drink (or for dinner if time allows). Please get in touch at m.barlow@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk. Finally, a date for your diary: the annual dinner this year is on Friday 15 October and the guest speaker is Richard Harpin (76-83). You can find out more about Richard on page 3.
Mike Barlow (53-64) ONA President
2
ONA — Old Novocastrians Association Magazine
News and Events A Stroke of Luck?
Anyone for Cricket?
ONA football team beat RGS XI on penalties Wednesday 24 March saw the return of the once annual ONA v RGS football match. The Old Novocastrians fielded a strong starting RGS XI but, due to a few late drop outs, were without any support in the form of substitutes – it was going to be a long afternoon. It took some time for the ONA team to settle down as despite the wealth of experience, most of the team hadn’t played together for years. Consequently, RGS dominated from the outset lead by a strong performance from Martin Bagnall and were only prevented from scoring by the athleticism of goalkeeper Ollie Currie (95-02). Eventually, one flowing move from the right wing left Adam Heardman free and he coolly capitalised. 1-0 to RGS. The ONA consolidated and finished the first half with only a couple of attempts on goal from Sam Moore (9702) and Jamie Hansell (95-02). After changing the team around at half time, the ONA came out guns blazing thanks to a Collins Triangle conquering
The RGS (in red) and ONA (in yellow) teams.
the midfield. It wasn’t long before the ONA were rewarded with a corner, which recently-concussed right wing Hugh Morgan (94-04) headed home from distance, almost immediately forgetting he had done so! The game finished 1-1 with notable performances from RGS Captain Jamie McKale and ONA’s Neil Reekie (95-02) and Michael Brett (95-00). Penalties! Iain Fraser (95-02) stepped up first only to punch the ball off the post. Pat and Christian Collins (93-01 and 97-07) both scored comfortably and Jamie Hansell (95-02) maintained his 100% record. Sam Moore (97-02) scored to make it 4-3 and an emphatic RGS penalty miss let the visitors away with victory! The game was played in great spirit from start to finish and the ONs wish RGS all the best in the remainder of The County Cup. See you next year! David Westwood (95-02)
Old Novos are playing against RGS 1st XI on Monday 21 June at 1pm at the county cricket ground, Osborne Avenue, Jesmond. If you would like to play, email Alex Brown (master i/c of cricket): a.brown@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk or pop along on the day to give the Old Novos a bit of support. The RGS Cricket fixture for 20010 is available on the school website: www.rgs.newcastle.sch.uk/ students-andparents/newsletter
ONA Membership – Standing Orders If you still have a standing order set up to pay the ONA a subscription fee, please cancel it as soon as possible. ONA membership is FREE to all Old Novos and former members of staff.
Old Novo Contacts Western Canada: Jim DeLaHunt (75-78) is our coordinator on the Western seaboard. He’d be delighted to hear from everyone who lives or works in that area. You can email him on: ona-bc@jdlh.com or via his mailing address and mobile number: 157-2906 West Broadway, Vancouver BC V6K 2G8, Canada. Mobile +1-604-376-8953 Detroit: get in touch with Colin Wilkinson (34-42) on: colinw349@comcast.net Coventry: Brian Rich (54-64) would be delighted if any ONs living in the area would get in touch. Email him on: brian@therichs.force9.co.uk
ONA Monthly Lunch Old Novos meet last Friday in the month in the Northern Counties Club in Newcastle, at 12.45 for 1.00pm to eat. If you want to come, ring 0191488 7459 and ask to be put on the mailing list for the Old Novocastrians’ Luncheon.
3
News and Events
Richard Harpin Shares His Business Secrets Old Novo and award winning entrepreneur Richard Harpin (76-83) is the subject of a new book, A Mind for Business, which reveals the secrets of his business success. A serial entrepreneur who had set up five businesses by the age of 20, Richard founded HomeServe – now the world’s largest home emergency service – in 1993 and has been at the helm ever since, leading the firm into the FTSE 250. The book tells his business story and has been written to help inspire the next generation of budding entrepreneurs. It’s a story that is already familiar to RGS pupils, as Richard visited the school in October 2009 to present his story to students, and answer their questions. The RGS has played an important role in Richard’s career, providing him with an excellent education, and giving him his first business opportunities: running a tuck shop from his locker and selling conkers to classmates. Richard also set up his first national business while at RGS, selling fly tying materials to fishermen via mail order. This soon developed into a new business, feather
earrings, after the fishermens girlfriends took a liking to the flies at a trade fair. Richard went on to York University to study economics. He then worked for Procter & Gamble as a brand manager and for Deloitte as a management consultant, before setting up his own consultancy business with a partner. His first assignment was advising South Staffordshire Water on setting up a plumbing business, persuading them to let him run it as a joint venture with a £100k investment. The HomeServe business had begun and, 17 years later, is a top 200 UK publicly listed business worth £1 billion. After winning the prestigious Ernst & Young UK Entrepreneur of the Year award 2008/09, Richard wanted to find a way to share what he has learnt with the next generation of entrepreneurs and encourage them to set up their own businesses. This is the objective of his new book, which charts his career and the 10 key lessons that he has learnt along the way. All proceeds from the book go to The Enterprise Trust, the charity Richard set up to support entrepreneurs. A copy of the book is being sent to UK secondary schools, along with online teaching resources, to support the enterprise curriculum. A Mind for Business is available now on Amazon.
Join us on Facebook There are plenty of Old Novos facebook groups around, but we have our own (official) group where we’ll post news, photos and information about events on a regular basis. Join us by becoming a fan of the Old Novocastrians Association page on Facebook.
RGS Day Saturday 3 July marks a great new day in the school calendar. In the morning there will be a series of Prizegivings Ceremonies in the Main Hall covering every year-group from Year 7 (age 11) to the Upper Sixth Leavers. In the intervals there will be refreshments in a marquee on the hallowed turf of the 1st XV pitch, and a number of presentations, exhibitions and performances. Final details are yet to be decided, but at 12.30 the Headmaster will give his ‘state of the nation’ (or at least of the RGS) address before the Leavers’ Prizegiving. ONs are very welcome to join us at any time on the day: perhaps 12.30 would be a good time, after which you could escape to the marquee. In the afternoon the school will make its contribution to the Collingwood 2010 Festival: (probably) at 3pm biographer Max Adams will give the Collingwood Lecture in the Main Hall, under the great man’s portrait. This will be followed, we hope, by a performance by RGS students of a short play about Collingwood written by local author (and RGS English teacher) Chris Goulding.
Old Novo Visits This term Old Novos Chris Ridley-Smith (9606), online marketing coordinator at Total Butler, spoke to sixth formers about careers in the oil industry and careers; Andrew Finlay (82-89), barrister at law gave a talk to intending lawyers about becoming a barrister and, writer and BBC producer Paul Bajoria (73-83) (above) spent a day with the Year 8 students, reading from his books and holding question and answer sessions on how to become a writer.
4
ONA — Old Novocastrians Association Magazine
Who? What? Where? Judith Robson, wife of Brian Robinson (34-36) writes: Brian celebrated his 91st birthday in January this year. Brian was always a keen sailor, having sailed with Kielder Ross Keeble (97-07): this summer I am Yacht Club for 26 years, climbing a ridiculously large mountain for 20 of those in a Hunter charity! I will be attempting to trek Kilimanjaro in Medina. Brian gave up because he felt his aid of Childreach International, a children’s balance was not quite as good as it had been, charity that helps some of the most underprivileged children in some of the poorest nor was he quite as strong, although we still sail with friends at Kielder. regions in the world. After five days of solid climbing I will (hopefully) reach the summit, if A couple of years ago Brian gave up being in I’m not defeated by altitude sickness, exhaustion or pneumonia. I will then spend the charge of the audio equipment for the Northumberland and Newcastle Society, but rest of my time helping out on Childreach projects in local communities in the Kilimanjaro still enjoys lectures at the Society as well as at region. Only around 80% of people who climb the Brunswick Men’s Club where he is one of five chairmen taking turns to be in charge of the it manage to reach the summit and hopefully I meetings. Currently, Brian’s main exercise is will be one of them!
Christopher Smith (53-62) has retired from full-time ministry and as Vicar of Doncaster Minster and has relocated with his wife Christine to Berwick-upon Tweed. He remains a chaplain to Her Majesty the Queen until 2014.
Please sponsor me. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. By donating money you will be helping to improve the lives of many of the worlds most underprivileged children. Even the smallest amount will make a difference. To make a donation, simply visit: Leon Heward-Mills (77-84) was elected www.virginmoneygiving.com/rosskeeble president of the London ONA at the London dinner in March. Here, Leon shares his thoughts on his forthcoming year of Ewan Parsons (96-04) is studying for a presidency: postgraduate diploma in architecture, at Glasgow School of Art. I’m pleased and honoured to have Richard Carr (84-94) is deputy chief trading been asked to standards officer in Guernsey. take on the role of President of the Jack Lovett (96-01) runs his own gym, LONA. In the last Spartan Performance, in Consett with plans to issue of this open more. magazine, then LONA President Lieutenant Kristian Haagensen (95-02) serving as a Troop Commander in Afghanistan Bruce Embleton (66-73) made an with the Royal Engineers, Kristian is currently building bridges in the Helmand Province, appeal for helping troops get across the canals to search suggestions on the future of the London for insurgents. Association. This was a recurring theme at a most entertaining London dinner, and I intend it to remain the theme of my year in office. There Steve McVay (95-02) has recently relocated are many conflicting calls on a member’s time to Ottawa, Canada where he is Executive of course, but I hope we can maintain the Director of Ethiopaid Canada. strong links among many of the older London based ONs, while at the same time reaching out to some of the younger members we
still DIY-ing and walking round Gosforth every afternoon with our ten year old border terrier, Pipkin, who follows in the footsteps of Garrey and Jamie. Rob Roy (76-81) I am still, after 17 years, living in North-East Suffolk with my wife and three daughters. Despite the distance from Newcastle, my contact with the school is maintained both professionally and personally as I am a freelance management and marketing consultant for independent schools and also have nephews currently studying at RGS.
Next year will be the 30th anniversary of the 1981 leavers and I would like to hear from any of my contemporaries in order to organise a reunion next year. If interested Old Novos of the 1981 vintage could contact me via the ONA office, I will organise a way forwards on this.
New President for London ONA haven’t been attracting to ON events recently. I’ll also be using this year to ensure the LONA works closer with Mike Barlow and Adam Goldwater, current and incoming ONA Presidents, and the school’s Alumni Manager Tove Elander, who is responsible for the day-today running of the association. My choice of career in publishing is a direct result of my time working with Jeremy Thomas on the Novocastrian magazine – choosing the articles, and trying to vet the hidden rude words. I coach the Farnham Under 9 rugby team and see the same passion for the game in those children that I picked up during my time at the school. So it’s good to be able to give something back, and if we can encourage those younger members who left the school in the last 10 years to get in touch so much the better. If you have a view on the role of the LONA, or would just like some more information, then please get in touch with me: leon.heward-mills@thomastelford.com, or with Tove at the school: t.elander@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk
5
RGS Goes to Twickenham
RGS Goes to Twickenham
All imagesŠNewcastle Royal Grammar School
Massive support for the rugby team at the Daily Mail Cup final
A sea of RGS/ONA scarves
The day began at 7am at Eskdale Terrace wherefrom seven coaches of hopeful RGS supporters departed for Twickenham (the 1st XV had travelled down days before to allow them to prepare). Sadly, the initial concept of a chartered train direct to the English Mecca was thwarted by inevitable long delays on the East coast that made it an impossibility. However, this did not discourage the army of pupils, parents, current and retired staff, and Old Novocastrians that took on the near 12 hour round trip to the Daily Mail Cup Final 2010. Upon entering Twickenham, passengers were presented with a Daily Mail Final memorial scarf, funded in-part by the Old Novocastrians Association and it was these scarves that would later be held aloft by the scores of fans in the RGS camp, creating a sea of red amidst the green of Twickenham and blue of Whitgift School. The supporters took their seats, wrought with anticipation and excitement, only to rise as the teams were announced and remaining standing until the final whistle! The teams emerged from the tunnel to rapturous applause and almost immediately
set about the task at hand. RGS, led by England U18 fly-half Joel Hodgson, started strong and a 15 minute stalemate followed as neither team could find a way through opposition defences. Some good link up play between Hodgson and the two centres Spike Strang and James Carding were amongst the attacking highlights as RGS had to work hard to keep the Whitgift backs from penetrating. Whitgift were reduced to 14 men and Fraser Balmain saw the yellow card for a similar scrum offence before RGS had the opportunity to capitalise. Shortly after, first blood was taken by Whitgift through a breakaway try from star centre Marland Yarde, an England U18 team-mate of the RGS captain. Minutes later, a strong assault from Whitgift left RGS disorganised and Yarde was able to intercept a pass from Hodgson to knock up another 5 points. With the successful conversion, RGS were down 12-0 despite having most of the possession. The sides exchanged penalties and Hodgson was able to score, finishing the half at 15-3. In the opening moments of the second half a Joel Hodgson kick was charged down by Whitgift lock forward Tom Archer, whilst RGS tried to clear the lines. Archer was able to carry
over for a try and Elliot Daly converted to put RGS down 22-3. However, the score was somewhat cruel as the RGS pack had impressed long periods of pressure and made substantial ground into the Whitgift half on several occasions. Sam Jobson, the RGS right wing, was unlucky not to score as he jinxed past several tackles before being dragged out of play. As in the first half, RGS played most of the rugby but were unable to convert that into points. Whitgift scored a further two converted tries through breakaway attacks, allowing Yarde to complete a hat-trick. Despite this, the RGS showed incredible character in the closing period of the game and were finally rewarded for the possession with a try from Joel Hodgson. The captain, weaving his way through several tackles, dragged two of his opponents 5 yards across the try line to take 5 points. He converted from an acute angle, ending the game 34-10 to Whitgift School. Perhaps it wasn’t the tournament conclusion that RGS had hoped for but it was still a fantastic experience for both the players and the support. Maybe next year, boys! David Westwood (95-02)
6
ONA — Old Novocastrians Association Magazine
TRY-ING TIMES From humble beginnings to a thoroughly modern club, Novo President Angus Walker delves into the history of the Novo RFC catering amenities of the club would be enhanced”. With the acquisition of a permanent home the club arrived at the end of its beginning. In the 1920 and 30s the club provided several international players, Oxford and Cambridge Blues, as well as many County players, culminating in the most successful period in the 1930s when the club reached the Northumberland Senior Cup on three occasions but, unfortunately never won. Historically, we tend to think of Old In 1992 Novos again played in the Novocastrians RFC as exclusively for exNorthumberland Senior Cup Final but were RGS pupils until open membership was once again runners up. Whilst all other introduced in 1969. However in the early Northumberland Cups have the Novos name years of the 20th Century the club on them the Senior Cup continues to elude. amalgamated with ex-pupils of the short The 1987-88 season saw a revolution in lived Newcastle Modern School. community rugby with the introduction of Unfortunately they forgot to tell the other leagues. Novos found themselves a league club of the merger and received a strongly below that which they considered their rightful worded letter of complaint causing an place but put matters right by gaining equally blunt reply that “the writer should promotion at the first attempt. This placed them not waste his time writing letters of this in North East Division 1 where they remained sort but rather turn his efforts to supporting until 1995 when they were relegated three Old Novos”! times in successive seasons, ending up in Old Novocastrians RFC was founded in Durham and Northumberland Division 3. A 1899 and played its first game at Walker determined recruitment effort and the Rugby Ground on 21st October 1899. Old appointment of a new club coach stopped the Novos won, though the opponents and score rot and the club achieved immediate promotion are both unknown. The following season saw to coincide with the Centenary Season of Old Novos contest the final of the 1997-98. The improvement sadly did not last Northumberland Senior Shield against and season 2001-02 again saw the club Wallsend. Wallsend won. Old Novos languishing in Durham and Northumberland registered a protest and were awarded a Division 3. About this time an enthusiastic and replay which they lost by a bigger margin. committed group of players and recently Old Novos seem to have led a nomadic retired players took over the running of the existence in the early years, playing firstly at playing side of the club, immediately resulting Walker, then at the former Wallsend RFC in Novos being promoted as Champions, ground followed by the RGS ground. When winning the Journal Trophy in 2002, and only again the club had players but no ground, it missing a second successive promotion by the absorbed St Georges RFC which had a narrowest of margins the following season. ground but no players. Last season the club gained promotion to The outbreak of the First World War found Durham and Northumberland 1, and after what the club playing at pitches along the Great was a pretty sparse first half to the season have North Road rented from the City Council. After hopefully secured a place in this league next the break for hostilities, nomadic life resumed season with four wins from the last five games. with the use of grounds at West Avenue in Ladies rugby arrived at the Club in 1992 and Gosforth and at Brough Park. Then at long last though there were several die hard dissenters through the generosity of Sir Arthur at the time the venture has proved to be a Sutherland, what is now the club’s home at successful one both on and off the pitch, with Sutherland Park was acquired in 1928. A the section receiving national prominence in much admired clubhouse with a large tea room early years and the award of several and elegant dance floor was built. Membership International caps. Novos ladies won promotion was extended to ladies so that “the social and last season and now play in National League 1.
“The beginning of the 21st Century sees the Novo RFC in good health, with good young players replacing the stalwarts.”
Novos Youth Section is a thriving Mini, Midi and Youth organisation, running teams from Under 7 to Under 15. Boys and girls mix in the same squads until they’re 12, at which point they train and play separately. All squads are managed by fully qualified coaches with assistance from senior players. Training is from 10.30am to 12 every Sunday from September to the end of April. At present we have over 150 children registered, but as teams compete on a full size pitch from Under 13 upwards we are in need of more children to ensure the continuation of all teams. The coaches are primarily made up of current and retired players who now have their own children coming through the system. The beginning of the 21st Century sees the club in good heart with a steady influx of good young players replacing the stalwarts who so determinedly and successfully restored its playing reputation. In addition to rugby there is also an Australian Football Rules side based at the club, this is played during the summer months. We have provided several internationals and have won the Northern League for the last three years. Many of the skills required to play rugby union are required to play Aussie Rules and this gives us an additional way of training and competing during the summer months. We are always happy to see new and old faces at Sutherland Park and actively seek new members – please feel free to come up and see what we are doing, you will be made most welcome! Novocastrians RFC are at Sutherland Park, The Drive, Benton, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7SY. The President Angus Walker can be contacted on 0191 281 1860. The website is: www.pitchero.com/clubs/novocastrians
7
A Trip of a Lifetime
The Trip of a Lifetime RGS pupils and parents launches lottery to raise money for a sporting tour to Australia
The Australia 2011 Lottery The Australia 2011 Lottery works like this: For £5 a month you will be given five numbers to be entered into the monthly random draw, kindly conducted by the Headmaster, Dr. Trafford. The draw will run from May 2010 to June 2011 followed by the final super draw where prizes are doubled and additional prizes offered. Each month 25% of the lottery income will be shared between three winners. The more members, the larger the prizes. If you would like to enter please send a cheque to the promoter (please include your name, address, phone and email contact details) to:
School Parramatta and Westfield’s in Sydney. RGS has a tradition of sporting Each team will play a minimum of six matches tours to near and far away over a 22 day period, covering a huge distance countries. The combination along the eastern coast of Australia – a mammoth task and possibly one of the largest of travel, sport and cultural such trips the RGS has ever undertaken! activities makes a tour a fantastic But the trip won’t all be about sport. When not experience to be remembered and playing fixtures, the teams will visit cities and cherished for a lifetime. towns, stopping for sightseeing along the way at places such as Melbourne, Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Gold Coast near Brisbane and Next year, 80 RGS pupils are venturing to the tropical Cairns, culminating in a trip to the number one country of sporting passion – fabulous Great Barrier Reef. They are also Australia. This promises to be a fantastic opportunity, competing against local schools in hoping to be able to do some charitable work a country that defines itself by how well it does along the way. at sport whilst never accepting second best; This fantastic trip will be funded through qualities that are prevalent at the RGS. various fundraising events, including a lottery, The trip is departing in July 2011 with an Under organised by a parent. Hopefully we have generated some enthusiasm for supporting the 16 combined girls’ netball and hockey team, and three rugby teams: 1st XV, 2nd XV and the tour and in doing so encouraged you to enter our lottery. Money raised through the Australia U16 team. All teams will face some of the top 2011 Lottery will go towards purchasing schools in the regions they visit including essential kit and equipment. Geelong Grammar near Melbourne, King’s
Mr J Bruce The Wynding, Aydon Road Corbridge NE45 5EF or email for an entry form to jim@jimbruce.co.uk Cheques for £80 payable to RGS must be received by 7 May 2010. This covers 14 draws x £5 and 1 super draw x £10. Winners will be notified personally and the monthly results will be published by undisclosed email to ensure privacy. The lottery is registered with Newcastle City Council. Thanks for your support. We look forward to announcing the winners of the first draw in May. Date for your Diary: Friday 1 October 7.30pm Wine tasting at RGS to raise funds for Australian Sporting Tour
8
ONA — Old Novocastrians Association Magazine
Earlier this year, Major Tom Hargreave (83-90) who commands 654 Squadron of the Army Air Corps, invited Mike Downie, Head of Careers at RGS, and 20 students to the snowy terrain of Otterburn Rangers. There they met an iconic piece of hardware from the war against terror: the Apache helicopter.
Apaches in Afghanistan
Mike Downie writes: The Apache is a robotic gunslinger from the Westerns, hip holsters bristling with weaponry, arms akimbo ready for the draw: cold and menacing. But its US builders named it after the ‘other side’ in the Wild West, a diverse group of indigenous tribes noted for their fighting skills and stamina, a set of peoples the Spanish settlers grouped indiscriminately as Apache. Introduced to the AAC in 2001, the Apache’s role is primarily to hunt and destroy hostile military threats on the ground. Powered by twin Rolls-Royce engines, the two-crew UK-spec aircraft can operate at up to 330 km/h, armed with a mix of 16 Hellfire air-to-surface ‘fire and forget’ missiles, 76 CRV7 rockets, four air-to-air missiles and a chain gun beneath the fuselage with a capacity of up to 1200 rounds. Its suite of defensive aids includes the distinctive Longbow radar dome above the main rotor and a range of other equipment to give the crew the best means of both achieving their targets and defending themselves and their £24 million machine. The RGS group was given complete access to the machine with a fascinating explanation of its systems. Hopes of seeing a live firing exercise were dampened by the severe winter weather which had upset Otterburn’s ground operations (the Apache is ‘all-weather’) but there was compensation as two machines were towed out of the hangar and one took off on a training sortie. Of most interest to readers of this publication will be Major Tom Hargreave’s post-RGS career and it is better told in his own words:
9
ONA Feature: Apaches in Afghanistan
My first experience with the Army was in the sixth form. I joined X Company of the Northumberland Fusiliers as a private soldier. It seemed a better option than cadets as it was harder and you got paid, £16 a day! My time in the Fusiliers was great fun and I learnt many soldiering skills but I learnt more about people than anything else. My relatively narrow experience of life had not put me in close quarters with men who were second generation unemployed or illiterate. I seemed to be humoured by my fellow soldiers and my ability to write postcards to various Nans when we were overseas was appreciated. Whilst at the RGS, I took the opportunity to visit the Royal Tank Regiment and the Army Air Corps. The tanks appealed to my bent for machinery and agriculture. There is a lot to be said for charging about at 40 mph across rough country in a 70 tonne tank. Better still, was a small band of Army people who cut about in helicopters. I did not have a huge passion for flying but it occurred to me that if I could combine the humour and banter of Army life with something as flashy as flying a helicopter it had to be worth a punt. Ultimately it was a boyish enthusiasm which drove my choice of career. I attended some odd computer tests where it was deemed I was ‘average’ with shades of ‘low average’ which apparently was good enough. After a couple of gentle interviews I was put forward for three weeks of flying grading. I had just left school and attended grading in the uniform of a private Fusilier soldier which earned me some odd looks as this course is normally reserved for Officers and Non Commissioned Officers. Flying grading consists of 13 hours of flying an aeroplane and is designed to assess your ability to learn. When the final interview with the Chief Flying Instructor (CFI) came, as the junior man by some margin, I was at the back of a 13 man queue. During the course I had endured the crew room monologues of the other candidates who wowed us all with their amazing feats of aerobatics. I was not able to contribute to these séances as my instructor did not seem to think I was up to anything like that. After 12 glum faces had marched out of the CFI’s office I was pretty sure that my shy at a career as an Army Aviator was over. Not so said the CFI, who confirmed my ‘average’ ability and congratulated me on passing grading! Later I also passed the Regular Commissions Board, the entry test to get into the Regular Army as an Officer. I proceeded to go to university in Newcastle which went well socially but less well academically. When it became all too clear that tertiary education and I were not well suited, my grandmother commented that
“It is my job to ensure that the officers and soldiers I work with progress in life as best they can. It is hugely rewarding to plant the seed of ambition in a young soldier and see him promoted, earn more money, become better and more confident.” Major Tom Hargreave ‘at least you have learnt how much you cannot drink’ – an alarmingly accurate insight for someone who was not there. Next came a year at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. This is a truly inspiring place steeped in history and valiant deeds. I enjoyed the year there and made some great friends. In 1996 I started the year-long Army Pilot Course 866. It was an awesome course. I still remember vividly a solo sortie when I taxied past dispersal in my Gazelle helicopter seeing a student being taught how to do the pre-flight walk around inspection. And there I was flying the thing on my own! After the pilot course I was selected to fly the Lynx Helicopter, a twin engine utility machine that has amazing handling characteristics which enable it to loop the loop and do barrel rolls. I served two years in Suffolk as a Lynx pilot in an Air Mobile Brigade. From there I was posted to Northern Ireland, and this is where I really learnt to fly. I would confidently stick the Lynx on a tiny hill top pad using night vision goggles in rubbish weather with no bother. Life was good there. A multi aircraft dawn raid on some miscreant’s house followed by more patrols, back to base, de-kit, and off to the north coast for a spot of surfing. I left with a cynical view on what religion creates. In 2001 I became Aide de Camp to the Chief of the General Staff, Sir Mike Walker, who went on to become Chief of the Defence Staff. It was a busy time in Whitehall, as not long after I took on the job the 9/11 atrocity occurred. This had an immediate effect on our work and the General has been a regular contributor to the Chilcot Inquiry as a result. Two years later I was back in the cockpit in support of UK Counter Terrorist Operations. I was in charge of six helicopters and a small band of highly experienced aviators. We had amazing autonomy and with that, great responsibility. By this time, domestic counter terrorist operations were quite the thing so we had plenty to keep us busy. I came close to killing myself by having a very misguided encounter with some clouds and the Cairngorms. I accumulated a lot of stuff called
‘experience’ on this tour which invariably was gained just after I could have done with it. The quality of the people, the humour and the freedom to think made this an exceptional job for me. (In 2004, Tom landed an AAC Gazelle helicopter at RGS to give a superb careers talk to students). In 2007 I was selected to attend training to convert to the Apache Helicopter and to command a squadron of them. It was a surreal moment as I had never envisaged that this would happen! The Apache exists for no other purpose than breaking stuff and does so in many clever ways. If you emit an electronic signal of any sort it will see you, if you are visible it will see you, if you are hidden but you are a fraction of a degree warmer than your background it will see you, if you are in an armoured vehicle or aircraft it will see you. Once it has seen you it can either tell someone else about you via data link or it can set about destroying you. It is a truly awesome machine! It is my job to ensure that the officers and soldiers I work with progress in life as best they can. It is hugely rewarding to plant the seed of ambition in a young soldier and see him promoted, earn more money, become better and more confident. Before deploying to Afghanistan, we spent many months training in the UK and Arizona, USA. Afghanistan is a daunting prospect, but also exciting and one that I am eager to complete. Tom Hargreave (83-90)
We are very grateful to Tom. Visiting the Apaches was hugely exciting for our group, but most thought provoking of all was meeting Tom and the AAC personnel who were so modest about the serious dangers they face on active service in Afghanistan to defend us from the global terror threat. That was truly humbling and inspiring. Mike Downie, Head of Careers, RGS
10
ONA — Old Novocastrians Association Magazine
Interesting and Challenging Old Novos of a Special Kind “Bursaries at RGS rely entirely on donations, as no bursaries are funded from school fees. It is due to the generosity of our donors that we are able to “give the gift of education” to 100 young people in this academic year.”
The means to carry on supporting students at the RGS in this way are coming from many forms of generous donations. Legacies have been pledged to us, and, in due course, some have come through, providing a vivid and lasting memory of a generous testator. Single donations, often in response to appeals, and continuing pledges are received; regular monthly or quarterly payments can add up to a large gift quite painlessly. Some parents have donated their children’s school deposits, in addition to other gifts. An educational trust in America has assisted us to open a route for taxfree donations from the USA. Our representative there is Old Novo Tren Meyer (49-52), contact him at a_tmeyer@one.net if you would like to know more. Charitable trusts, although hard pressed by the effect of the recession on their income, have continued to make some grants to the Campaign, and there are socially minded companies who match the charitable giving of their employees, so please do check with your employer if you wish to make a donation; they may be able to double it for you. By all these methods, the income of the Bursary Campaign is holding up well in the recession, and we are always pleased to hear from any Old Novo who wishes to help, or simply to know more. Feel free to contact us on campaign@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk.
Crispian Strachan, Chairman of the RGS Bursary Campaign, on the success of the campaign’s latest appeal. Well, yes, I know; all Old Novos are interesting and challenging people. It’s in their Geordie (or other local) genes, never mind the extra helping of skills, challenges and sheer “Novoness” that the RGS has given them over the years. But I have in mind a particular group, who have collated short stories from their lives for a good purpose – the RGS Bursary Campaign. Not all of these people received bursary support; not all of them are financial supporters of the Campaign. The one thing they have in common is the vision of providing opportunities, especially in hard times, for young people to turn their abilities and aspirations into real, life-changing attainments. You can read their stories on our webpage. More stories are in the pipeline and will continue to be added to the site. If you know of someone who fits, please tell us!
Bursaries at RGS rely entirely on donations, as no bursaries are funded from school fees. It is due to the generosity of our donors that we are able to “give the gift of education” to 100 young people in this academic year alone, to their individual benefit, the benefit of the social mix and outreach of the school, and to the long term benefit of the North East as a whole. There can be few better ways to invest in the future than to invest in the development and skills of our bright young people. Your assistance and support will always be most welcome. Crispian Strachan Chairman of the Bursary Campaign For more information about the Bursary Campaign, go to www.rgs.newcastle.sch.uk/bursary-campaign or contact Campaign Manager Jane Medcalf on 0191 212 8909
11
A Point for the House
A Point for the House William Lowther (42-50) recalls his nightmare at the House Music Competition
I confess that the threat began without me even noticing. At the time, it just seemed like another one of those carefree days in Lower Sixth. My elder brother Derek and I were casually drifting back from either IIV or IIV training. I can’t recall the time of the year. Our Prefect gowns flowed gently in the breeze and, like most Prefects, we tried to appear cool and couth. What could possibly pose a threat? It was then that Derek, who was Head of Horsley House, exercised his voice of authority, albeit in a disarmingly relaxed manner. He casually remarked that I would soon have the opportunity of winning a point for the House in something called the House Music Competition. Wow! A point for the House! Apparently, competitors would only be required to sing a brief solo in the school theatre. My first mistake was not to give this announcement a second thought. After all, I came from a musical family. Regrettably, I failed to recall that the musical prowess rested with other members of the family. Nevertheless, as a young boy I had spent years of singing in a very disciplined church choir. But it slipped my mind that boys’ voices eventually break, and when that had happened in my case, my flexible boy’s voice had not only shattered but dislocated. True, since then, I could claim on very rare occasions to have attempted to make some kind of singing noise. But never willingly and only when my own attempts were drowned in union with others, such as during the collective roaring of morning prayers in School Hall. Thus I remained innocently unaware, unprepared and unrehearsed. Inevitably, the day dawned, just like A levels. But at least I could rely on the support of my colleagues in Horsley House, as we sat expectantly in the front row of the impressively spacious school theatre. An elegant grand piano beckoned threateningly from the centre of the stage. Reality had arrived. I was told afterwards that my name had been called several times without any sign of intelligence from my inert figure. My friends had to physically push me forward to begin my slow, stumbling shuffle towards the piano and its small, bespectacled pianist from Horsley House.
With no hope of escape and nowhere to go, I took up my appointed position beside the beautiful instrument, which had been created to impart only pleasure.
juggle my voice, for the simple reason that as the melody flowed upwards, the wavering voice could only be compelled to follow it for a short distance before it began to wobble alarmingly.
The crisis began. As the introductory notes sounded from the piano, my earlier choirboy training kicked in. With deep shock, I realised immediately that for some dreadful reason, the accompanist had hit on a key which was a full octave too high for my already severely limited vocal range. Even as those fearful thoughts were striking home, the introduction was already ending. So what else could I do but take a deep breath? It was then that in addition to the silken notes of Linden-Lea from the grand piano, there came another sound. This new noise was unfamiliar and more animal than musical. It was also apparent that its owner was suffering.
Then the reverse had to be applied as the melody changed its mind and led the struggling voice downwards. It must have been this process of tonsil leapfrogging that finally caused me to lose my self-control.
Oh my goodness. It was me! My comfortable shirt collar now felt unbearably tight. I felt the whites of my eyes bulging sufficiently to see around corners. This strange sound varied from thinning to the point of snapping, then sometimes vibrating towards disintegration. Worst of all for me was the chaotic need to
I then committed the ultimate mistake by just glancing momentarily towards my Horsley friends in the front row; I suppose in the forlorn hope that I might receive some kind of succour. Instead, all I saw was the collective red glow from their overheated faces, and one of my best friends pushing the last corners of his enormous handkerchief into his mouth, as the only way he could suppress his overwhelming urge to scream with laughter. A true act of friendship! Mercifully, at that point the piano fell silent and I collapsed into mindless giggles as they led me away. And as they led me away, I am to told that I could be heard mumbling repeatedly: “a point for the House, a point for the House”.
12
ONA — Old Novocastrians Association Magazine
Obituaries Michael J Smith (49-59) Born 1941, Died 22 November 2009, aged 68 directed him in the school orchestra. He remembers beginning his musical education at the age of one, thanks to our mother, who listened to the 1940s equivalent of Classic FM from morning till night. Mr Hood encouraged his first compositions, and he produced a steady stream of pieces for varying sizes of orchestra and for solo instruments. Our father was determined that he qualify in the ‘real world’ so he went to Leeds University, studying composition under Herbert Howells, and then became a professional violin player, initially in Holland, where he met and married Muriel Janse. Whilst his two sons, Christopher and Robin, “If anybody asks me how did you were growing up, Michael played with the National Orchestra under Alexander learn to compose, I answer ‘How Scottish Gibson. Back in Holland, he switched to the did you learn to breathe?” viola. His joy at finally discovering the instrument which he felt was meant for him expressed itself (M J Smith) in the formation of Altorama, one of the first viola Music was my brother’s raison d’etre, although ensembles. He was section leader and frequent soloist in the Noord Hollands Orkest he was passionate about all sorts of things – the Lake District, cricket, Scrabble and even the until his retirement five years ago and then played in several amateur orchestras. He was English weather! as committed to these as to anything in his professional life, and was proud to play Michael was at the RGS from the age of 11 Schindler’s List at the annual memorial service until 1959. He was taught to play the violin by for the concentration camp at Vught near where Johnson Hood, and Jack Wolstenholme
Edwin L L Jones (52-59) died 15 December
George R Dickson (59-66) died 10 February
2009, aged 68. He was formerly Honorary Treasurer of the ONA.
2010, aged 62. Ronald Elder (33-40) died 5 February, aged 87.
Peter F Jameson (38-40) died 15 January
2010, aged 82. John A Winterburn (38-46) died 1 February
2010, aged 82.
Maybe it was the emotion of hearing his dream come true – who knows. Michael returned after the concert to s’Hertogenbosch, where he had been scheduled to play a solo in the Ashokan Farewell on the 22 December. Sadly, I heard that he had been found dead of a sudden heart attack at his home that morning, and it was at his own funeral that his friends played for him that same haunting piece of music. Sue Hedworth (Michael Smith’s sister)
closest of friends ever since, each fulfilling reciprocal Best Man duties for the other. Edward Ian Lunn (34-39) died March 2010,
aged 85.
William A Gilchrist (43-51) died 23
December 2009, aged 75.
he lived. Life was often joyous for Michael, but never tranquil. He battled with bipolar disorder all his life, and never ever did things by halves, celebrating his 50th birthday with a 48-hour marathon walk through his beloved Cumbria. As someone who spent countless holidays ‘over the hills and far away’, he vowed to ‘give something back in gratitude for the spiritual inspiration which this district has given me including battling with a Force 11 gale near Styhead Tarn’. I quote here from the programme notes compiled by Michael himself for a concert just a week before his death, with Ryton Choral Society. He had set Wordsworth’s The Prelude as an oratorio, and was lucky enough to find a highly skilled musical director in David Murray to play a selection from the work.
Christopher Sibson (52-56) died in
Luxembourg on 22 January 2010, aged 69. His friend Keith Pickering (52-59) writes: He left the RGS when his family moved to Birmingham where he attended King Edwards’s School. We met up again as freshmen at Oxford in 1960 and remained the
John Farthing (50-59) died 1 March 2010,
aged 69. He was Honorary Secretary and later President of the ONA (92-94). He distinguished himself at school at rugby and athletics, and later, whilst living in Canada, had a trial for the Canada rugby team.
13
Obituaries
Archibald Rutherford Scott (29-39) Born 8 August 1921, died 9 November 2009 aged 88. Archie was a diligent student and a keen sportsman, representing the school and his house, Stowell, on several teams, in boxing, tennis and rugby. He went on to play for the Old Novos for a number of years, and represented Northumberland County at tennis. Archie continued his education at King’s College, Newcastle, and earned a degree in civil engineering. In 1942 he joined the Royal Engineers, and was involved in building the Mulberry Harbour at Aramanges, to support the D-day landings; then on to constructing Bailey bridges across
the Rhine to allow the allied forces to cross, and finally in North Africa and the Sudan until the war ended. When he was demobbed, Archie joined the family business, Rutherford’s Building Contractors. Later he went on to work for Bowey’s and Stanley Miller’s. For over 50 years, Archie was an active member of the Institute of Civil Engineers and in 1976 became chairman of the North East branch of the Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors, representing the North East of England on the Counsel in London. In later years, Archie’s sporting activities narrowed down to playing golf mainly at Ponteland, Arcot Hall and Foxton; and his lifelong love of boats and sailing which he was able to pursue more closely when he and his
wife Honor retired to live at Beadnell. Archie was a longtime member of Beadnell Sailing Club, serving as Commodore from 1960 to 1962 and latterly as President. Archie passed away peacefully at Ponteland Manor Nursing Home. He is predeceased by his wife Honor, and son John, and leaves two daughters and their husbands, a daughter in law, six grandchildren and a great granddaughter to mourn his passing. Archie continued until very recently to maintain an interest in the lives of his school friends and acquaintances through the ONA Magazine. Susan Hardy and Christine Hayward (Archie’s daughters).
Howard Gibson Gale (35-43) Born 1926, died 3 January 2010, aged 83. Howard did his national service with the RNVR and then came back north to start a brand new dental practice in Benton, where he practiced until the last few years of his working life, when he worked in school dentistry and part time in a practice in Gosforth. Throughout his professional life he’d also taught in the Dental School. As a Howard was at RGS when the whole school dentist he was deeply committed to the National was evacuated to Penrith, housed in the Health Service, he saw it as being of great social school billet at Round Thorn. His time at Penrith was happy and carefree and he greatly benefit, and a fundamental human right, and all enjoyed the recent reunion, meeting old friends that despite his fundamentally conservative views. He cared for an eclectic and wide-ranging and reliving past events and memories. group of patients, including some of society’s most vulnerable people. He went out of his way On leaving school, he entered the Dental on many occasions, as one friend has reminded School, King’s College, Newcastle, and Margot that not many dentists would take out a gained his degree and dental qualification. In 1950 he married Margot, whom he had known tooth on a Sunday evening! since she was six years old and lived next door. He was a member of the Royal Navy Reserve They had three children and then six for 40 years or more, something which he grandchildren, all of whom created a strong greatly enjoyed, particularly the weekly training family bond which Howard relished and and the annual exercises. His other great encouraged. 2010 is Howard and Margot’s passion was rugby. He played in the school’s Diamond Wedding anniversary. First XV, for Durham University, the United Born in Whitley Bay, Howard Gale was the younger son of Sydney and Jean Gale and brother to Colin, who was killed in 1943 at Monte Casino during the Eight Army’s Italian Campaign.
Services and for the Old Novocastrians’ Rugby Club, where he had also been President. He also loved golf and was a member of the Northumberland Golf Club for many years. Altogether he lived a full and active life. Howard was a people person, a real extrovert, a man who enjoyed life to the full, and nothing more than a party and fun. He really enjoyed the Christmas celebrations last year, the first time the whole family had been together for ten years. He had a real presence about him; somehow you always knew when you walked into a room that he was there. He adored his daughters, and was immensely proud of them. He had high expectations of them, but allowed them to find their own paths in life, giving them their own space. We will remember Howard for his constant good humour and laid back contentment with life, his optimism and cheerful smile. James C Coulson (42-49)
ONA Merchandise Cufflinks £10 Enamelled cufflinks (presentation box included)
Polo Shirt £18 Canterbury polo shirt with embroidered crest. 100% cotton. Available in black, navy or royal blue, in sizes M, L and XL.
Tie £10 Polyester tie, striped with crest.
Hooded Sweatshirt £35 Canterbury hooded sweatshirt with embroidered crest. 60% cotton 40% polyester. Available in black or grey, in sizes M, L and XL.
Wall Plaque £25
The new ONA merchandise is now for sale To order any of the items, please send a cheque (payable to ONA) to: ONA Office Royal Grammar School Eskdale Terrace Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4DX
Remember to include your name, address, phone number and/or email, and to indicate which item you are ordering. Please include phone number and/or email so we can contact you if delivery is likely to be delayed.
The ONA accepts no responsibility for nondelivery via standard post. If you would like your order to be sent by special delivery, please contact the ONA office for a price list. All goods are sold subject to availability.