Victoria College Foundation Newsletter
“Building for the Future”
Victoria College Foundation Newsletter Volume 18 Autumn Edition 2015
OVs Colonel John Blashford-Snell and
Bob Le Sueur - See pages 15 & 16
Inside this Issue
1
The Headmaster
2Notices
3
Conker Season
4
Dashed Dreams
5
Coming Together
6
Living Memories
7
Island Games
8 & 9 Making a Difference
10
Braithwaite & VCP
11
Dad’s Footsteps
12
Vintage Sports
13Obituaries
14
Letters to the Editor
15
Life Events
16
Diary of Events &
Where are They
Now
www.victoriacollege.je
Victoria College, Jersey JE1 4HT
Tel: 01534 730464 Email: [email protected]
An Excellent Inspection
We began the new academic year by
congratulating our public examinees who
achieved some excellent results both at GCSE and
A Level. Our headline figure at GCSE of 54% A
and A* was our best performance in over 5 years
and at A Level we were delighted that nearly two
thirds of all exams taken were awarded an A*, A or
B grade. The majority of the year group were able
to access their first choice university course with 11
of our students heading off to read engineering at a
range of universities across the UK. We were
delighted with this year’s results which bear witness
to hard work and determination on the part of our
students and a high degree of support from all our
teachers and the boys’ families.
The longest and perhaps busiest half-term in
the academic calendar has absolutely raced by and we
reach half-term having enjoyed a hugely successful
Founders’ Week, a well-attended Open Evening and a CCF Biennial Inspection, which achieved high
praise from our Inspecting Officer, General Sir John McColl, Lieutenant Governor of Jersey.
This year’s Founders’ Week was, without doubt, the most successful on record. Apart from a Dress
Down Day, the Knight Shield Relay, the ever popular Tug of War and the Founders’ Walk, this year we
included, for the first time, a joint photo of the College students together with VCP pupils. Founders’ Day
itself was celebrated on Tuesday 29th September, featuring a whole school assembly and culminating in
a Founders’ Day ceremony held in the Great Hall where we were able to hear from inspirational OVs,
listen to the School Choir singing the Founders’ Anthem and celebrate this year’s winners of the Moore
Stephens and Quilter Cheviot sponsored Citizenship and Co-Curricular Awards. The recipients of these
awards are mentioned later in this newsletter.
Our Open Evening was very well attended this year and we calculate that between 500 and 600 visitors
came to enjoy a plethora of activities, exhibitions and talks. Once again, our excellent students contributed
to a hugely successful event, not least in their capacity to enthuse about the College in their roles as tour
guides for prospective parents.
On Friday 9th October the CCF had its formal Biennial Inspection. This year the inspection team from
the Single Service HQ’s was led by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, accompanied by his Chief
of Staff. The day began with a formal parade in the Quad and inspection of the Guard of Honour.
QUILTER CHEVIOT SUPPORTS
THE VICTORIA COLLEGE FOUNDATION
quiltercheviot.com
Victoria College Foundation Newsletter Volume 18 Autumn Edition 2015
Page 2
Victoria College, Jersey JE1 4HT www.victoriacollege.je Tel: 01534 730464 Email: [email protected]
Notices
Please email [email protected]
From the Headmaster (cont’d)
Once this was complete the inspecting party viewed a number
of activities both on and off site run by the CCF adult instructors
including; Archery, Shooting, Field Craft, Drill, Navigation
Training, Sailing & Powerboating, Command Tasks and Low Ropes. His
Excellency was very impressed with the inspection and described the
Contingent as, “A wonderful unit full of energy and enthusiasm. The
Victoria College CCF is a Cadet Unit of the front rank. They are a credit
to the School and to the Island”.
Our 1st XI footballers have recently beaten Elizabeth College 4-1 and
our golfers beat them to win the Boomer Trophy.
OV John Henry Falle entertaining students as
‘The Story Beast’. He will also be this year’s
speaker at the OV Jersey Dinner.
Jersey in the UK
The Government of Jersey’s London Office
set up a ‘Jersey in the UK’ group bringing together the Island community and
providing a range of professional, social
and cultural networking opportunities.
Visit www.londonoffice.gov.je for more details.
Christmas Concert
OVs, parents, staff and students will be
singing with ‘The Vivaldi Gloria’ on
Sunday 13 December. They will be
joined by soloists OVs Finlay Hare and
Elliot Samphier; Ana Vandepeer, Georgia Mae
Bishop and Gabriella Cassidy; conducted by
John Bowley MA, ARCM, late scholar of Kings’
College, Cambridge. See Back Page for details.
Arkwright Award
On
30
October
Harry
Phillips
12BW was awarded the prestigious
Arkwright Engineering Award in London. This
year his award has been sponsored by SRJ
Technologies (Jersey) and presented by
OVs George Borg and Jack Clackett - both
professional Engineers working for SRJ
Technologies. L-R: Jack, Harry, George.
Victoria College Foundation Newsletter Volume 18 Autumn Edition 2015
Victoria College, Jersey JE1 4HT www.victoriacollege.je Tel: 01534 730464 Email: [email protected]
Page 3
It’s Conker Season
From Peter Keylock, President of the OVA
Dear fellow Old Victorians,
Here we are at the end of the summer, and I write my first piece
for the Newsletter as incoming President of the OVA. Thanks to
Ward Jenner for his flamboyant tenure over the past couple of
years.
Alun Watkins - November 2016
Eastenders Star Visits The Old Vic!
OV Jonny Labey (2004-2011
Sartorius) currently plays Paul
Coker in Eastenders and stars in
the film ‘Soft Lad’. On leaving
Victoria College he graduated from
the Doreen Bird College of
Performing Arts with a degree in
Musical Theatre & Professional
Dance. He took time out of his busy
schedule to meet with Alex Viney,
Year 12.
AV: What did you enjoy most about
your time at Victoria College?
JL: Everything. I got involved in as much as possible. It was a very
supportive atmosphere, especially for the performing arts for an
all-boys school.
AV: What do you think of the College’s drama department?
JL: You’ve got a whole theatre to yourselves! You take it for granted
until you leave. The college I went to in the UK had five buildings that
were dark, dank studios and were a fifteen minute walk away from each
other.
Also, you get the opportunity to take part in great
performances, and work with other colleges such as JCG - I did Les
Miserables and Sweet Charity, which are still very close to my heart,
they’re some of the best productions I’ve done.
AV: What advice would you give to students who would like to go into
acting?
JL: Go and see plays, try to get involved in projects, see where you can
experiment. Try and get a show-reel together, that’s what is going to get
you seen for casting, filmed material.
AV: What next? Do you have any plans for the future?
JL: My plan was to do musical theatre, but the film ‘Soft Lad’ changed
everything for me and through that I got my role in Eastenders. That’s
the best thing about performing, you never know what you’re going to
do next. You have to stay positive and take what comes.
To read the full interview with Jonny visit the ‘Interviews’ section on
the Foundation pages at www.victoriacollege.je
It was a summer of the Island Games,
which featured a number of students,
teachers and OVs. What a fantastic
occasion, and well done to all in
their endeavours. Another one of the
summer highlights was the award of
Teacher of the Year to Prep teacher,
and OV, Ben Silva, at the inaugural
Pride of Jersey Awards. Following a
promise
last
year
by
Group
Captain James Hunter, there was a
spectacular flypast directly over the
College by the Red Arrows. Jersey also
has its own soap superstar in Jonny
Labey, who was introduced to our TV
screens as a character in EastEnders.
Golf
On a sunny day in June, more than
30 OVs contested the Ken Tait
Memorial Bowl.
The trophy was
claimed by OE Mike Veillard (Old
Elizabethan), with 44 Stableford points.
Congratulations also to the team event
winners - Ted Le Gresley, Steve Monins
and the impressive Mr V. Thanks again
to Michael Tait for single-handedly
organising the event.
Hockey
Following
shortly
after
the
publication of the Spring Newsletter,
the OV first team beat their Guernsey
opponents to claim the Upton, making
it a “treble” for the Rathbones
sponsored side. They have also made
a good start to this season.
Cricket
Team highlight of the season was
provided
by
Rathbones
OV
Reserves, who won the T20 Senior Cup
competition. Performances in the Semi
Final by Ward, and the Final by Richard
Streets and Andy Brown were key to
securing the trophy. For the 1st XI, it
was a season of transition with some
promising new talent emerging to
replace the old guard.
Special
mention should be made of new skipper
Corey Bisson, and the ever reliable Sam
Dewhurst.
Football
The annual one-off exhibition match
against the school displayed some
of the best and worst of assembling
a scratch team of OVs. Protection of
the not so innocent prevents me from
mentioning the worst, but those
mentioned in despatches were:
Peter Gough, Mark Chipperfield,
Jacob Wysmuller, Charlie Payn and,
scorer of goal of the game, Alan Falle.
A great game saw the OVs as winners
by 5 goals to 3. Thanks to the school
and to Matt Hanley for organising it on
behalf of the Association.
Shooting
At the Island Games, gold medals
were won by Bruce Horwood, Fabien
Amy and Andrew Le Cheminant, and a
silver by Barry Le Cheminant. At
the Jersey Open, Daniel Richardson
won the Spring event, and Barry the
Summer. At the British Open at Bisley,
Daniel placed 21st out of 1,200 in Her
Majesty the Queen’s Prize, and Barry
9th out of 800 in the Grand Aggregate.
Dinners
As the leaves begin to fall, my fellow
Council members are cranking up
activities in preparation for this
year’s Dinners. The London event
will be held at The Montague on the
Gardens Hotel on Friday 27th
November.
We are privileged to
have as a Guest Speaker celebrity,
comedian and writer Will Smith. The
Jersey Dinner will be held in the Great
Hall on Friday 18th December. This
year’s Guest Speaker will be John
Henry Falle - actor, Edinburgh Fringe
award winner and “beast” of the storytelling variety.
Squash
The College courts are available
for use outside of school hours.
In order to arrange court time,
please contact Dave Tupper at
[email protected].
For further information
activities, please email
[email protected].
on
OVA
Happy Autumn, and hopefully I will
see you at the Dinners.
Left to Right: Peter Keylock, Mike Veillard, Mike Tait
Victoria College Foundation Newsletter Volume 18 Autumn Edition 2015
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Victoria College, Jersey JE1 4HT www.victoriacollege.je Tel: 01534 730464 Email: [email protected]
Dashed Dreams
Coming Together
Dear fellow Old Victorians,
Dear Victorians, Young & Old,
When I wrote to you in the spring I was full of hope for the
development of Francis Field into a first class sporting facility,
which would have helped to prepare the way for a new Prep
located at Heathfield. As an additional bonus I was also looking
to secure support for the installation of a lift up to the Great Hall. We have had another fantastic year working on a number of
projects to bring our students opportunities of all shapes
and sizes. I have also had the privilege of meeting some
amazing OVs, sadly some who have said it will be their last visit
to the Island; sharing in monumental birthday celebrations; and
learning about some truly inspiring old boys who have sadly left us.
From Clive Barton MBE, Chairman of Governors
I am determined that disabled
access to the Great Hall is not a ‘niceto-have’ item on the Governor’s wish
list, and it is not good enough for the
Minister and the Director of Education
to merely shrug this aside on the
grounds that there is no funding and
we will have to remain non-compliant.
Any thoughts, or indeed donations for
this specific project, will be gratefully
received by the Foundation.
Service of Dedication
On a brighter and happier note we
had an extremely uplifting Service of
Dedication in the Great Hall on
From Sara Clews, Development Director
Writing Prowess
Leapfrogged
I am sad to report that all these dreams
have been dashed due to decisions
made by the Education Department
and the States to make financial cuts
in the budget to fulfil other mid-term
capital projects. Once again, they have
leapfrogged over VCP in the scheme
of mid-term capital funding and so
the possibility of a new Prep has gone
from top of the list to lower down in
the batting order. As a result of this
continued delay, and the inability of
ESC to provide a definite date for the
development, the Governors have
regretfully decided they could not
commit themselves to the proposed
£1million project of converting the
potato field in to a new sporting
venue
of
excellence. This
is
bitterly disappointing for all involved
with the project which has been
running for over 20 years. I am also
personally disappointed not to have
been able to secure a commitment
of £100,000 from Property Holding
towards the lift installation - by way of
a third place consolation prize.
Victoria College Foundation Newsletter Volume 18 Autumn Edition 2015
Victoria College, Jersey JE1 4HT www.victoriacollege.je Tel: 01534 730464 Email: [email protected]
Founders’ Day when 19 newly carved
wooden chairs were dedicated to Old
Victorians past and present. You will
not be surprised that there were more
Braithwaite chairs dedicated than any
other House and the league table was
as follows,
Braithwaite x 8
Dunlop x 6
Sartorius x 3
Diarmid x 3
And last, and probably least, Bruce x 1
(Editor’s Note: Some chairs shared
dedications in case you wonder why
the number of chairs doesn’t tally)
It was wonderful to see OV
Stephen Arthur and three generations
of the Arthur family dedicated on one
chair. It was also good to see a chair
dedicated to the memory of Rory
Topping. Should you wish to
purchase a chair for yourself, or your
greater family, please contact Sara
Clews in the Foundation Office. Just so
you know, when I left College in 1966,
the cost of a chair was £25. As a good
Chartered Accountant I collated this
to the current cost of living as slightly
more than the £375 of today’s price,
so you are still definitely getting great
value for money!
A Fine Tribute
I must also extend thanks to the
inspirational OVs this year who
waxed lyrical about how the College
helped to make them into the fine
specimens they are today. I was
delighted to hear Philip Le Brocq’s
(1949-1957
Braithwaite)
stories
about his time as Head Boy, and how
special it was for him to represent the
College to the Queen in 1953, since his
own father, as Head Prefect, had stood
before her grandfather, King George
V, in 1921. We were very lucky to be
joined by the young Peter Gough,
(1996-2003
Bruce)
who
has
succeeded as Captain of the
Jersey Cricket Team. Then, of
course, this led us on to the bowling
prowess of Jonathan Giles (1976-1984
Dunlop) and his new position in taking
over from Philip as Chairman of our
Trustees.
Following
on
from
the
Liberation 70 Newspaper project,
‘Living Memories’, the Jersey Evening
Post invited a number of students
to help them report on the NatWest
Island Games. This was an exciting
opportunity for six prefects with an
interest in sport to combine it with
skill development and very real
reporting deadlines. As sub-sub editor
I also experienced this by ensuring that
final copy was presented by 10pm in
time for the next day’s paper. You will
be able to read about it on page 7.
Following in Dad’s Footsteps
We were lucky enough to have
OV Group Captain James Hunter
organise a flypast of the Red Arrows on their way from Government
House the day before the Air Display.
Amazingly young Matty Mourant, Year
9, captured a fantastic shot of them
above the College, which was
reproduced in the Jersey Evening
Post. Sussing out that dad was in fact
Picture Editor, Peter Mourant, gave
birth to a new series, which you can
read about on page 11. If you have an
interesting tale to share along these
lines then do email me at s.clews@vcj.
sch.je In the meantime, I must extend
our gratitude to James and the Red
Arrows for such a wonderful display.
Founding Familiar
Both
schools
came
together on the front lawn to have their
photograph taken, for the first time in
over 20 years. The challenge was on to
arrange 1,000 students, in House
Colours, during morning break! As
you can see from the great picture
below, we did it, but only thanks
to the determination of staff and
prefects along with the focussed eye of
photographer OV Danny Richardson.
Prep were involved more across the
week and this year Student Head of
Houses from both schools worked
together to pay tribute to the
founders of their House, which was
highly moving. This year, Founders’ Week was the best yet, with
Founders’ Day celebrated on the day
itself (29 September) involving a
lunchtime assembly on the front
lawn for both schools and an evening
ceremony where the Citizenship
&
Co-Curricular
Awards
were
presented. The week finished with
a flourish of high spirits on the
Founders’ Walk, newly extended to La
Braye, and a record number of cakes
were baked by mums.
Sad Farewells and New
Beginnings
We were sad to say goodbye to
Rachel Lucas – see page 15 - but
delighted to still see her sons who
are at Prep and JCGP. In fact, Freddie
represented Dunlop House in the
readings on Founders’ Day and did a
great job. Newly started in September,
and head first into Founders’ Week, we
are delighted to welcome Victoria de
Veulle on to the team as Administrator.
As mentioned by Clive, Jonathan Giles
took over the role of Chairman of the
Trustees from Phillip Le Brocq and he
certainly made a stylish entrance by
bringing the ARION1 Team over from
Liverpool, after recently breaking the
British land speed record in Nevada –
but more of that in the next issue!
Page 5
Victoria College Foundation Newsletter Volume 18 Autumn Edition 2015
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Victoria College, Jersey JE1 4HT www.victoriacollege.je Tel: 01534 730464 Email: [email protected]
Read All About It!
Victoria College students had the opportunity to create their own
historic document by capturing precious memories from those who lived
through the Occupation. Old Victorians, relatives and members of the
community came forward to provide a host of fascinating artefacts
and photographs, along with being interviewed about their personal
experiences. Students were able to develop skills and capabilities by
working with professionals to meet a real newspaper deadline.
Victoria College Foundation Newsletter Volume 18 Autumn Edition 2015
Victoria College, Jersey JE1 4HT www.victoriacollege.je Tel: 01534 730464 Email: [email protected]
Reporting on
the Island
Games
This 16 page publication was printed as a commemorative supplement
and distributed with the Jersey Evening Post on Liberation Day. You can
still read it online at www.victoriacollege.je within the Foundation area.
Find out how Victoria College was utilised by F515,how students managed
to continue with their education both at home and away, the fight
against starvation, living off your wits, acts of humanity, rebellion,
coming to terms with your past, and read the comments from leading
figures and ambassadors today, including our patron Bailiff, William
Bailhache QC.
The Victoria College Foundation would like to extend their gratitude to
the Jersey Evening Post and Quilter Cheviot Investment Management
who enabled such an exciting project to take place. Also, with thanks to
Jersey Heritage, Jersey Archive and Société Jersiaise who allowed us to
reproduce material.
Tom Millar
“Six Victoria College prefects were
invited to assist with the Jersey
Evening Post’s coverage of this
summer’s NatWest Island Games,
which Jersey was hosting for the first
time since 1997. All six students rose
to the challenge with aplomb, and
produced some very interesting and
informative articles, which I’m sure the
Island’s general public enjoyed reading.
We, at the JEP sports desk, were
extremely grateful for the hours the
students dedicated to this project
and we hope they all gained some
valuable experience, whether or not they
wish to pursue a career in journalism.”
OV Tom Millar, Deputy Sports Editor,
Jersey Evening Post.
As a follow up to the Games, two of
the budding journalists were asked to
conduct post-Games interviews for
the newsletter with David Cox and Ian
Simpson.
A Liberation Message to Victorians from the Bailiff of Jersey
(Reproduced with kind permission The Jersey Archive)
David Cox
‘Jersey Volleyball’.
By Elliot Powell, Year 12
During the build up to the Island
Games, I wrote a piece for the
Jersey Evening Post on Island
volleyball player, and teacher
at Victoria College, David Cox.
Following a mixed game for the
indoor team, I caught up with the
Biology Teacher and 1st XI Football
Assistant Manager to get his view on
his first Island Games…
As a newcomer to the Island Games,
how would you describe your
overall experience in 2015?
I thought that the whole week was
a great success for Jersey. Some of
our teams performed exceptionally
well and should be proud of their
accomplishments. Unfortunately, the
men’s
indoor
volleyball
team
didn’t do quite as well as we
expected, which was disappointing,
but it definitely wasn’t down to lack
of effort! We had incredible support
from spectators for every game.
If you had to pick one memory from
the Games, what would it be?
Without
doubt,
the
Opening
Ceremony. Walking into the Games
Village was a surreal feeling. We were
the last team to join the party so the
venue was absolutely packed with
fellow
competitors,
fans
and
media. Also, the weather was
brilliant, which was a bonus. It
made for an incredible memory that
I was lucky enough to share with
teammates and friends.
Are you aiming to be involved in the
next Games, Gotland 2017?
The Newspaper Team
Adam Baluchi Y9, Alex Merren Y 10, Alex Murray
Y11, Alex Viney Y11, Andy Roxburgh Y9, Angus Hay
Y9, Atticus Mawby Y10, Ben Le Chevalier Y9,
Charlie Thompson Y9, Dan Talbot Y11, Jack
Searson Y9, James Le Conte Y9, Joseph Le
Guyader Y12, Joseph McComb Y10, Keiren Rabet
Y9, Nathan Le Blancq Y10, Niam Patel Y9, Ollie de
Sousa Y9, Patrick Claxton Y9, Reece Navsania Y9,
Wilf Waddington Y9, William Vernon Y9,
Mr E Palfreyman, Head of High Potential Learners,
Ms S Clews, Development Director.
A Surreal Feeling
We have taken a few months off to
recover from the rigorous training
and competition we put ourselves
through this summer but we’ll be back
training soon. We are looking to build
on the success and publicity of the
Games by attracting new players and
begin preparations for Gotland 2017.
I would love to be part of that if
the opportunity arises! Anyone
interested in getting involved for fun
should visit our Facebook group,
L-R: Nick Ellison, David Raimbault,
Dylan Griffiths,George Moisan
True Nautical Style
By Angus Sugden, Year 12
As manager of the Sailing Team, Ian
found the Games to be great fun,
even in the case of unpredictable
weather. He found time to wear shorts
and a t-shirt, and enjoy a picnic in true
nautical style. However, it wasn’t
always nice weather, with one
experience requiring Ian to change
from shorts to full oilskins in the space
of one hour!
In terms of the performance of the
Jersey Team Ian was pleased since
the Games provided an excellent
opportunity for such a young and
inexperienced
squad.
Having
represented Jersey himself in the
Radial Sailing Class in Gotland 1999,
he fully understood the pressure of
sailing in those competitive conditions
and it didn’t stop him from imparting
some ‘local wisdom’ onto the young
sailors. He also had to use any spare
energy to stop himself finding a dinghy
and joining in!
With Thanks
Thanks must be extended to all the
talented writers who contributed to
the coverage of the Island Games:
Bradley Rose, Solomon Warner,
Elliot Powell, Angus Sugden, Isaac Le
Breton and Harry Gibbon. If you would
like to read their published articles
then visit the Foundation pages at
www.victoriacollege.je
All photos on this page have been
reproduced with kind permission of
the Jersey Evening Post.
Page 7
Victoria College Foundation Newsletter Volume 18 Autumn Edition 2015
Page 8
Victoria College, Jersey JE1 4HT www.victoriacollege.je Tel: 01534 730464 Email: [email protected]
Victoria College Foundation Newsletter Volume 18 Autumn Edition 2015
Victoria College, Jersey JE1 4HT www.victoriacollege.je Tel: 01534 730464 Email: [email protected]
Making a Difference
The Victoria Citizenship & Co-Curricular Awards were launched in 2014 in recognition of leadership, personal challenge and work in the community. They are unique
because they allow a student in Y7 to compete against a student in Y13, whilst capturing evidence about what they do in their spare time.
On Tuesday 29 September, the winners of this year’s awards were announced during the Founders’ Day ceremony to an audience of parents, staff, students, OVs
and community partners. Whilst only in its second year, a new benchmark was set by Nathan Le Blancq in Y11, who achieved a double-win by achieving the top
Co-Curricular Award for Colts and the overall Citizenship Award. He is joined by fellow Co-Curricular winners, Daniel Du Val in Y12 for Senior, and Dylan Kotedia in
Y8 for Junior.
Each winner was asked how they felt about their achievements, aspirations for the future and what advice they would give to others.
Nathan Le Blancq, Braithwaite Year 11
‘Winning the Citizenship Award has meant a great deal to me; being able to
see a physical result of a year’s hard work is a brilliant feeling; coupled with
the added surprise of being the first double winner felt really great. I feel that
my double-win will give inspiration to future generations of Victorians.
Achieving the award is by no means easy but that doesn’t mean you can’t
have fun doing it. I feel that winners of the award will be people who
naturally do a lot both in and outside of school, and although at times you can
stretch yourself too thin, the feeling of achievement you receive is amazing.
My theatre work has been a huge contributor. I was part of a cast that performed at the National Connection Theatre Festival, and we were in the top
five of our set. I am also a theatre technician, an opportunity provided at
school, which I think anyone considering a career in theatre should take advantage of. My performance of Fagin in the school production of Oliver was
a huge moment for me.
One of my favourite parts of school is the CCF, and I can’t begin to sum
up the opportunities it presents to cadets - I would thoroughly recommend that every student at least tries it. I also
really enjoyed working with a group of Year 7s in Enterprise Club, where we were able to give £1000 to charity at the end
of the year. I also started volunteering with the Red Cross and that, amongst my other achievements, is something I am
particularly proud of. The Red Cross is the charity I have chosen to give half of my prize money to since I know just how
much good it will do in the Island, the UK, and the world.
If I can give one piece of advice to future candidates it would be to say ‘yes‘ to opportunities that come your way, and see
where they take you. In regards to my future I hope to go in to the Theatre but I have also considered joining the Navy as a
Royal Marine, going into Journalism, or training as a Chef. I am very lucky to have had a good education. I have the school
to thank for presenting me with numerous opportunities which have allowed me, and so many others, to excel in a wide
range of fields. ‘
Daniel du Val, Bruce Year 12
‘I feel very honoured to be the recipient of the ‘Senior
Co-Curricular Award’ due to the large number of students in
my category who have dedicated themselves to an array of
activities. Both within and outside of school, I involve myself
in music. House Music is my favourite inter-house event and
last year I enjoyed being part of the Bruce House Choir as well
as taking an active role as an accompanist. In contrast, I am
also a member of the Jersey Spartan Athletics Club. In the last
academic year I was a dedicated member of School Council,
trained as a peer mentor and was a Year 11 Ambassador on Open
Evening. Despite being committed to various disciplines, I never
compromise school work. I have just commenced my ‘A-level’
courses and aspire to study Modern Languages at a top university.
It is a versatile degree that opens an abundance of career paths. I have been asked to say whether I have a motto, which
I do. I believe that “perfection is unattainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence”. I sincerely thank
the sponsors for the ‘iQ’ voucher I have received and extend thanks to the Foundation , School, and Headmaster for
recognising the dedicated students of Victoria College.’
Dylan Kotedia, Diarmid Year 8
‘I feel privileged and excited to win this prestigious award, which had a lot of worthy candidates. The award is a massive
encouragement for me as it is a great recognition all of my hard work and activities both inside and outside the school. I
believe that a full-rounded citizen is someone who is honest, respectful, responsible, compassionate and courageous.
I live in this wonderful Island and have a great opportunity to do lots of activities, which I try and take advantage of. My
approach to life is to try to do my best at everything I do and to live life to the full. Cricket is my favourite sport - I represent
the Island, and I try to play as much as I can in summer and then train in winter. In addition, I love playing hockey, squash
and tennis. I try to represent the school and House in many activities, which also keeps me physically active. I have an interest in music and drama and I love new technology and innovations. In addition to these activities I am keen to help out
and support charitable and community events. The encouragement I have had from the College, my parents, my teachers
and my coaches has helped me to get to this position, and with my self- confidence.
My advice to others applying for the award is to participate in this
process because I found it encouraging and satisfying. You should
be honest and truthful in your application and show your own
attributes and what makes you the individual you are. Think hard
about what you think makes you a good citizen’.
‘ My aspirations are to continue building on my strengths and
to work on my weaknesses. I am still young and I have a lot of
aspiration to be successful academically and with my sporting
pursuits. ‘
In Recognition
The awards are generously supported by Moore Stephens and
Quilter Cheviot Investment Management. They are also involved
with the judging process, which allows students to develop
presentation and interview skills. Nathan’s prize includes an
engraved gold medal and a cash prize of £500 – to be split with
the charity of his choice, in this instance the British Red Cross.
In addition to the Citizenship prize, the three top Co-Curricular
winners for Junior, Colt and Senior receive an iQ voucher worth
£150, and all of the students have their names put on an Honours
Board in the main building.
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Victoria College Foundation Newsletter Volume 18 Autumn Edition 2015
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Victoria College, Jersey JE1 4HT www.victoriacollege.je Tel: 01534 730464 Email: [email protected]
Victoria College Foundation Newsletter Volume 18 Autumn Edition 2015
Victoria College, Jersey JE1 4HT www.victoriacollege.je Tel: 01534 730464 Email: [email protected]
Enthusiasm and Passion
Following in Dad’s Footsteps
By Reuben Gower, Head of Braithwaite
We decided to start this occasional series when a momentous
opportunity arose recently with the Red Arrows and a hot shot
photographer.
OV Group Captain James Hunter (1979-1984
Bruce) who is in charge of the Red Arrows, arranged a flypast when
he was unable to attend on Founders’ Day this year, as one of our
inspirational OVs. It was fortunate that Peter Mourant, Picture
Editor at the Jersey Evening Post, was in attendance with his son,
Matty, who captured this colourful image, later published in the
newspaper as part of the Red Arrows tour to the Island. Visit the
Foundation pages at www.victoriacollege.je for the full article.
For each “House-coloured” issue of the newsletter our student Head of House
is invited to review the year and what they would like to achieve in their role.
I am very proud to have been made Head of Braithwaite House, and I am very excited for
the forthcoming year. After having won the Blomfield Trophy in the previous academic
year as a House we strive to remain holders of the trophy this year. We have not got off to
the best start this year towards winning the Blomfield; however I feel we can come back
and put in strong performances with the sports teams to earn some precious points.
The Best of Five
As a great way to follow up this distant encounter we invited Matty to interview James for the newsletter.
Group Captain James Hunter is Commandant of the Central Flying School and responsible for maintaining impeccable
flying standards for the whole of the RAF. James began learning to fly in Southampton before completing his qualification
at Jersey Aero Club at 17. Having grown up in St John, James believes that he may well be the most senior serving RAF
member to have lived in the Island. Matty is in Year 9, he loves the Red Arrows and has aspirations to be a History Teacher.
I also believe that winning the Landick Cup is a realistic goal for us as a House, since we
have showed great promise in previous years in art and music, and after winning House
Drama with an outstanding performance all round, I think we stand a great chance.
I am certain we will face strong competition in these events, but if we put the practice
and effort in, I think we could come out on top. As a musician myself, I am most looking
forward to House Music this year. We came second last year and I think that with our
existing musicians, who have shown talent during their times at school, and new ones
to join this year, that we can win, given enough enthusiasm and passion. I am looking
forward to taking Braithwaite through the upcoming year, and I think we can combat any
challenge that we may face. Concilio et Labore!
What was the most dangerous mission you’ve ever flown with the RAF?
No particular one stands out but trying to land a Harrier on an Aircraft Carrier always
focused the mind, particularly in a heavy sea.
Isaac Le Breton & Director
Ruben Le Sueur
Ready…steady…go!
by Nicholas Lawrenson, Head Boy, Bruce, VCP
This year we have many new students, as always, so I would like to welcome Year 3 to this wonderful school along with
Miss McCarthy, as a new teacher in Year 6. Although this year isn’t just a new beginning for them, it’s a new beginning for
everyone; teachers, parents, Year 7 up in College and of course all the VCP boys moving up another year. I believe we are
all settling in well.
At the end of last year, Year 6 had some new announcements and rewards. Some boys took on roles of responsibility
including Head and Deputy Boy, Head of Houses, Sports Captains, House Prefects and Year 6 trusted status, which all
boys have been working towards. We have all been given tasks and challenges but every one of us has tackled them with
enthusiasm.
So far, we have had three House events for each Year Group: The Knight Shield, Cross Country and House Football. For the
Knight Shield all the Houses find their best runner using the scores from the previous Year Group’s Cross Country. We then
put them into an order for a relay race. Ready…steady…go! Many people were happy with Bruce winning this House event!
The next House event that occurred was Cross Country. The atmosphere was brilliant and
a great finish from Year 3 – given that they are the youngest. The eventual winners, by a
long way, were Braithwaite. Congratulations. Lastly was House Football: a competitive
sport, but win or lose, the boys were able to say ‘well done’ or ‘unlucky’ to the opposition,
as well as shaking their hands – we await the final results!
Sports Captain, Oakley
Furness, holds up the Knight
Shield for the winning House
Our final topic is Founders’ Week. As well as College, VCP do celebrate their foundation
with a massive amount of pride. On Monday we began with the College Knight Shield;
Sartorius led by 16 seconds. Also on Monday, we had the school photo in House Colours,
the first time that VCP and VCJ have had a photo taken together in over 20 Years. On
Tuesday, there was a ceremony with music and awards in the Great Hall for Founders’
Day and I was asked to ring the 1852 bell for the afternoon assembly on the front lawn.
On Wednesday, there were House Stalls in the Quad. On Thursday there was the ‘Tug of
War’ at lunchtime. To finish off an amazing week there was the school Founders’ Walk
(VCJ).
What’s your favourite plane - to fly and to watch?
Easy one. The GR7 Harrier to fly, and the Vulcan to watch.
Who was your favourite teacher when you were at Victoria College and why?
Mr Evans, who taught me chemistry – I was one of his pupils for his first year of teaching, so
we tried to get away with all sorts…!!
What were your best and worst subjects at school?
Worst – Chemistry! Best were French and Biology.
Were you in shooting club or the CCF at Victoria College and did it make you want to be a pilot?
Yes, I shot with the CCF but only at school, not Bisley. I wanted to become a pilot after first
getting a chance at the controls with my father, who was a private pilot at the time. He was
previously in the RAF as a Victor pilot during the Cold War.
Father and Son
Peter Mourant (1964-1971 Dunlop)
‘I got into photography in my last year at Vic. My art teacher, Bob Tilling, was also getting
interested in the subject and he encouraged me a lot. After three years at Art School in
Salisbury, I came back to Jersey and almost immediately got a job at the Evening Post. I
never imagined I would still be there 40 years later! It is a job of amazing variety and gives
you great insight into all sections of Island life. The nature of the job has moved from
developing black and white images in a darkroom to being able to receive pictures
remotely from anywhere, but the essence has remained the same – to tell a story in
pictures. Matty’s great picture of the Red Arrows shows the importance of being in the
right place at the right time. On that occasion I clearly wasn’t!’
Matthew Mourant (Year 9 Braithwaite)
‘My favourite subjects in school are Drama, English and History because they are all based around how people act and react
in various situations. Drama shows us how to express emotion and ideas in a vivid and interesting way, whereas English is
more about human thoughts and how they end up coming out as stories. I find History is much more valuable than people
seem to recognise today as it is a ‘how to’ of what we should and should not be doing. I’m particularly interested in war
history and I am considering a career in this field, possibly teaching. This is why I love the Red Arrows so much; these
aircraft are a brilliant and complex piece of machinery designed for war but used in displays to remind us that hard work
and teamwork are needed to maintain peace in our world.‘
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Victoria College Foundation Newsletter Volume 18 Autumn Edition 2015
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Victoria College, Jersey JE1 4HT www.victoriacollege.je Tel: 01534 730464 Email: [email protected]
Vintage Sport
A Gifted Scholar
NEIL HUSSEY 1974 – 2015 OV (1986-1993 Bruce)
By OV Julien Morel
In April, former Head Prefect Neil Hussey died suddenly, aged 40, whilst cycling home.
Neil was a gifted scholar, particularly in languages, and a talented sportsman. He was a
born leader, and an enthusiastic member of the RAF Section of the CCF, rising to rank of
Cadet Warrant Officer and leading the Section in his senior year. Neil was a committed
Regent Tiger from a young age and swam throughout school, eventually to Captain the
Swimming team. He also played trumpet for his House, the College and the Jersey Youth
Orchestra and Wind Band.
French and Spanish came naturally to Neil and he studied these at the University of
Portsmouth, which included a year in Caen and Zaragoza. He met his future wife,
Rosablanca, in Zaragoza, and they went on to have two daughters, Ayla and Sofi a, who
are at JCG Prep. Neil returned to Jersey and joined the States as an Immigration Officer.
Widely admired for his professionalism, leadership and approachable manner, few would
disagree with the view that he was on a path to the very top.
Split Lips
In the 1950s, boxing was a popular
sport at College with an Inter-House
Boxing Competition taking place in
the winter term. Winners of the finals
were
always
presented
with
medals but school colours were not
usually
awarded
for
boxing.
However, on one unique occasion
in
1952,
Headmaster
Ronald
Postill broke with tradition in order to
recognise four outstanding boxers
and awarded Boxing Colours to
Michael Burke, Clive de la Cour,
Richard Astridge and James Le
Couteur. It was recently brought to our
attention that there is no record
of this unique event, given that
boxing played such a large part in the
history of our College - a shame since
the halls are decorated with many
colours
awarded
across
the
years. Alun Watkins, the current
Headmaster has said, ‘Clearly this is
a very important and unique event
and the College would like to ensure
that we display the honours for the
four outstanding boxers who were
awarded colours in 1952.’
Footnote: House Boxing competitions
began in 1922 and boxing thrived at
College until the pronouncements
of the British Medical Association
caused it to be restricted in 1959 and
subsequently abolished.
Stan Stride (1950-1955 Sartorius) &
Richard Astridge (1948-1955 Bruce)
after a bout in 1953. This photo
originally appeared on the front page
of the Jersey Evening Post above the
Caption ‘Spirit of College’.
Victoria College Foundation Newsletter Volume 18 Autumn Edition 2015
Victoria College, Jersey JE1 4HT www.victoriacollege.je Tel: 01534 730464 Email: [email protected]
Back Row: Francis Hamon, John Blashford-Snell, Bernard Morris,
Adrian Troy, Brian Hepplewaite, Edouard Le Maistre.
Front Row: Peter Clyde, Chris Le Cornu, John Gwyther, Michael Stafford,
Malcolm Machon, Michael Biddle, ?
A Change of Engagement
As many of you will know, OV Mike Stafford (1948-1954 Dunlop), was a
keen sportsman whilst at College and held the one-mile record, going on to
compete in athletics at the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games.
However, he was also rather good at hockey and took part in fencing, coming
fourth in the Public Schools Championship in London.
With respect to the art of the foil, Mike met with our Development Director,
Sara Clews, during the summer to kindly donate some framed photos of the
1952 and 1953 College Fencing Teams. In addition, the above photo from
the 1950s (date unknown), also shows Commander Stafford, Mike’s father,
an expert fencer who refereed the Fencing Team’s matches. Do any of you
remember this? Do you see yourself in this photograph or recognise
anyone? Please help us fill in the blanks by emailing [email protected]
Whilst on the Island Michael and Violeta Stafford also presented Jersey
Fencing’s Alistair Christie with a trophy sword, which was previously
awarded to Mr Stafford’s’ grandfather in the early 1900s. It is planned that the
sword will continue to be used by Jersey Fencing as a trophy.
Shooting from the Hip
This inaugural Small Bore Match of
College v OVs was held in the School Range
on Monday 2 November 2015. Thirteen Old
Boys, of varied vintage, and 11 students from
Y9 to Y13 took part. After some audible creaks
and groans, memories of their marksmanship
skills flooded back to result in a team score of
799. The youngsters took defeat on the chin
but to be beaten by only 11 points bodes well
for the future of shooting at school. Bruce won
the OV House Match, receiving a splendid old
shooting trophy dating pre-1900, which had
been procured by Marc Yates for the annual
competition. Visit www.victoriacollege.je in
the CCF area for full details.
A Staunch OV
PETER HANNING 1945-2015 OV (1956-1963, Bruce)
By OV Michael Backhurst
A staunch OV, proud of his school, many will remember the pre-OVA dinner drinks
parties Peter hosted at his home before walking down to the Great Hall. After completing
a Building Management Course in London he worked on many large projects including the
Stock Exchange Tower. He married Elaine and returned to Jersey in 1967, to run the family
firm F Hanning and Son Decorators. They have two children, James and Alex, both OVs.
Peter was Commodore of St. Helier Yacht Club from 1996 – 1998; played squash regularly
for the OV teams; and was instrumental in the building of the squash courts at College.
Peter sat on the board of Jersey Mutual Insurance Company and was its President in 2001,
steering it through the financial fallout of the 9/11 disaster. He gave 37 years of voluntary
service to the Parish of St. Saviour, and was Connétable from 2007- 2011.
A Great Collector
BRIAN TIFFEN 1929-2014 (1940 - 1948 Sartorius)
Head Boy, Captain of Hockey and Vice-Captain of Cricket and Football, Brian was also
a King Charles 1 Scholar and proud of the classless nature of the intake at Victoria
College. He went on to Exeter College, Oxford to study Modern Languages, and Bangor
University where he acquired a Distinguished Diploma in Linguistics, followed by a Ph.D.
at University College in Nigerian English.
He met his wife to be, Mary, in the Dungannon Pub, near Trafalgar Square, at a
weekly meeting with ex-Nigeria friends and found that they shared a number of interests
including outdoor life, books, pictures and the cultures of different countries. They
had two children, Martin and Jenny. Brian worked for the British Council and travelled
extensively in Nigeria, Malawi, Iraq, Germany and Italy. During his travels he was also
a great collector of Antiquities, African pots and Aloe Vera plants. He finally settled in
Crewkerne, Somerset with his wife Mary.
Lifelong Linguist
NICOL SPENCE 1924 - 2015 OV (1935 - 1941 Dunlop)
Nicol Spence died earlier this year aged 90. Born in Rhodesia he grew up speaking
English, French and Shona. He was a notable scholar whilst at Victoria College but during
the Occupation he was deported to work camps in Germany. Unable to complete his
School Certificate, Nicol nevertheless secured a place at Leeds University to study French
and German. After completing his Doctoral thesis on Jèrriais, Nicol’s first academic post
was at Queen’s University, Belfast, where he and his wife Andrée had their two children
Robbie and Anita. In 1966 Nicol was appointed to a Readership at Bedford College, and
he and his family moved to London. He was awarded a personal Chair as Professor of
French Linguistics in 1979 and subsequently served as Head of Department before taking
early retirement in 1984. He was also a distinguished researcher of Medieval French and
published several books and many articles, which he continued to do so into his 80s.
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Victoria College Foundation Newsletter Volume 18 Autumn Edition 2015
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Victoria College, Jersey JE1 4HT www.victoriacollege.je Tel: 01534 730464 Email: [email protected]
Letters to the Editor
Life Events
Baby Boom
Hard Work Pays off
FM Lord Montgomery inspecting a Guard of Honour with Lt
Col RL Eden in 1961. L-R: Sgt Mike Lanyon, Tom (MJ) Blythe,
Mike Holley, Alan Paton, Peter Lear, Bunny Hedger, Michael
Ritson and Michael Backhurst. Messrs Lanyon, Blythe and
Lear went in to the army.
OV Simon Hurry (1999-2003
Braithwaite)
was
awarded
Junior Lawyer of the Year by the
Jersey Law Society. Simon is a
senior associate in the Dispute
Resolution team at Collas
Crill and recently relocated to
Cayman. “Winning the Young
Lawyer of the Year Award
L-R Jonathan Speck
is my biggest professional
presents Simon Hurry
achievement to date. I was
with his award
surprised to be put forward for
it by Collas Crill and equally surprised to win. It does go to
show that hard work pays off.”
Prize-Winning Essay
A Chance to Reminisce
Dear Folks,
Thank you for Newsletter No.17. It was a most interesting
read and I enjoyed learning about what the CCF are up to
today and seeing them welcome in the new Bailiff. In fact, I
was a CCF Under Officer commanding a Halberdier Guard
in 1963/64 to welcome the new Governor - General Erskine,
and I enclose a couple of photos for readers to enjoy.
I was most surprised to spot a familiar Jersey face in
Istanbul earlier this year. RA Falle (now Advocate Richard
Falle) was on holiday with his wife Laurraine. It transpired
that we were on the same Swan Hellenic Cruise - keeping the
education process going - two professors and a bishop to
keep us up to scratch. Richard used to train us juniors in the
safe handling of the weights - then done during the lunch
hour in the Temple.
OV Thomas Harris (2002-2009
Braithwaite)
was
awarded
runner-up
in
a
highly
regarded international criminal law competition.
The
Benjamin
Ferencz
Essay
Contest is named after the
prosecutor
who
gathered
evidence of Nazi atrocities
for the Nuremberg Trials and requires entrants to explore
crimes against humanity and crimes against aggression
in International law. Thomas looked at ‘jus ad bellum’,
the complex criteria used to determine whether a war is
permissible in law. Thomas is looking to pursue a career in
human rights law.
Pride of Jersey
Ben Silva, VCP PE teacher was
Richard (having all his hair) was immediately recognisable. awarded Teacher of the Year at
He was kind enough to say he remembered me - but I rather the Pride of Jersey Awards. Ben
think he was being polite. We sat out on deck and shared was nominated for the award
by fellow teachers Karen Bull
many OV type memories. Floreat Collegium indeed.
and Claire Allan-Machan for
his dedication and exceptional
OV Colonel the Reverend Peter Lear (1957-1964 Dunlop)
enthusiasm.
Suitably Impressed
OV Mike Bull (1947-1951
Bruce) visited the College in
April from Inverness. After
leaving school Mike joined the
Navy. This was his first time
back on the Island in 20 years
as part of his 80th birthday
celebrations. It was the first
time his wife Judith had visited the school and Mike joked
that she was suitably impressed and he’d gone up in her
estimation since the visit! He noted that the Island had
changed a lot in that time, with some less than perfect
developments, but the College was still impressive and
well-kept.
Victoria College Foundation Newsletter Volume 18 Autumn Edition 2015
Victoria College, Jersey JE1 4HT www.victoriacollege.je Tel: 01534 730464 Email: [email protected]
Fifteen Shilling Shindig
© Jersey Evening Post
Clive
Barton
found this old
invitation for the
Christmas Ball back
from when a good
night out cost just
fifteen shillings. If
you remember this
and have memories
to share then email
foundation@vcj.
sch.je
Hazel Ann Bougeard
Heather Bougeard, Head of English,
and her husband Adam are delighted to
introduce their new baby daughter,
Hazel Ann Bougeard. Hazel was born
on Friday 4 September 2015, arriving
3 weeks early and weighing in at 5lbs
10oz. Hazel spent the first 12 days of
her life in the Special Care Baby Unit of
the General Hospital where she received
excellent care.
She is now thriving, smiling and
generally being adorable.
She is
already following her mother’s literary
footsteps, showing a great interest in
literature, albeit black and white
picture books!
Poetic Times
OV Mike Clapham (1951-1959
Dunlop) and his wife Jill celebrated
their golden wedding anniversary
at Longueville Manor on the 26
August. Mike was on good form
despite having broken both legs
six weeks earlier on an OV trip to
the Minquiers. The celebrations
included a poem of A-Z things
about Mike and Jill that are
treasured by their family.
Mike & Jill celebrating their Golden
Wedding Anniversary
Frederick Peter Fidrmuc
Oliver Arthur Smith
John-Paul
Fidrmuc,
CCF
School Staff Instructor, and
wife Lindsey’s son Frederick
Peter was born at 2205 on 3
September weighing 8lb 4 oz.
J-P said, “Freddie’s doing
great and survived his first
trip to the UK for half-term.
Most importantly he is
sleeping seven to eight hours
a night!”
Tom Smith, Braithwaite Housemaster and
Physics Teacher, and Rachel Smith, Head of
History’s son Oliver Arthur Smith arrived at
11:51 on 9 September weighing in at 6lb 7oz.
Tom said, “Neither of us can believe that we have
produced something so small and delicate and
so incredibly cute”.
Bob Le Sueur
Celebrates in Style
Nick Faria and
Monica Santos
tied the knot
in September
on the roof top
balcony of the
Sheraton Beach
Resort in Rhodes. They were delighted to
share their celebrations with 65 of their
closest family and friends. Nick left VCJ in
2014 after 10 years as the ICT Technical
Services Manager and continues to volunteer
in the CCF as a Flight Lieutenant.
OV Bob le Sueur MBE
(1932-1938 Braithwaite)
celebrated
his
95th
birthday on Saturday 3
October
with
friends
and
family
over
a
beautiful meal at Les
Ormes Golf Club. On
retirement he had decided
to celebrate his birthday
every fifth year and so at
95 he warned his guests
in advance that this may
be the last time since he
said, ‘I realise that sorting
out eleven different dishes
over two courses would be
more than I should be able
to face at my centenary’.
Former
student
and
close friend, Rob Shipley,
delivered a wonderful
speech in tribute to Bob.
Some Like
it Hot
A Change of Direction
The Foundation
was sad to see
A d m i n i s t r a t o r,
Rachel
Lucas,
depart earlier this
year after being
such a valuable
member of the
team. She worked
closely with the
Development
Director,
Sara
Clews, to support her in the launch of a
number of new initiatives at school,
including Founders’ Week. She has gone on to
join HR Now as a Consultant, returning to her
previous career path, having originally started
working in human resources at the
Royal National Theatre.
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Victoria College Foundation Newsletter Volume 18 Autumn Edition 2015
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Victoria College, Jersey JE1 4HT www.victoriacollege.je Tel: 01534 730464 Email: [email protected]
Where Are They Now?
Colonel John Blashford-Snell
OBE,
DSc
(Hon)
DEng(hc)
FRSGS
(1950 -1944 Sartorius) is one of
the most renowned and highly
respected explorers in the world.
He was born in Hereford in 1936
then spent his childhood in Jersey
clambering
around
the
coast,
crawling through disused tunnels left by
German Forces, and hunting conger eels
with a spear gun. He entered The Royal
Military Academy, Sandhurst, and served
for 37 years in the Army. He married
Judith in 1960, has two married
daughters and lives in Dorset.
Having led over 100 expeditions, John
has built a reputation as a practical
field engineer and renowned explorer
- his innovative method of negotiating
white water in inflatable boats has been
adopted as a worldwide sport. Whilst
in the British Army he set up
Operation Drake, a two-year round-theworld excursion, enabling young people
from different countries to take part in
exploration, research and community
projects from 1978-1980. This led to
Operation Raleigh, helping more than
40,000 young people take part in global
explorations.
An Honour
John has been recognised for
leadership, encouraging exploration
by young people and advancement of
historical and scientific knowledge with
an MBE and OBE amongst other awards.
Q: Which teacher made the biggest
impression on you?
A: Lieutenant Colonel Bill Eden, Deputy
Headmaster OC CCF and Physics, but
there were many excellent teachers at
College, not least Lieutenant Colonel
Ronnie Postill, the Headmaster.
Q: What was your biggest personal
challenge?
A: Overcoming asthma, thanks to
swimming and diving.
Dates For Your
Diary 2015
Q:
Greatest
achievement at
school?
A:
Learning
public speaking
Q: What was
your worst
fashion faux
pas?
A: I didn’t
worry much
about fashion.
Wednesday 2 December 7.30pm
VCJ Christmas Concert in
the Great Hall
John with the Wai
Wai people
Q: Song / album / band that defined
your school years?
A: The College Carmen.
Q: Which aspects of College life helped
you to become the person you are ?
A: The Scout Troop, CCF, shooting,
swimming, rugby
Q: What was your favourite lesson or
activity? A: Geography.
Q: If you were Headmaster for the day
what would you do? A: Encourage public speaking and rugby.
Saturday 12 December 9.30am
VC Prep Christmas Service at
St Helier Methodist Centre
Sunday 13 December 7.00pm
The Victoria College Choral Society in
association with Jersey Academy of
Music presents, ‘The Vivaldi Gloria’
in the Great Hall. Tickets £10/£4
from the front office on 638200
Friday 18 December
OV Jersey Dinner in the Great Hall
For tickets visit the OVA at www.victoriacollege.je
2016
Q: What or who inspired your career
choice? A: My father - an OV and Army
Chaplain.
The King Singers
Gala Concert and Masterclass
(watch out for details)
Q: How did you follow your career
path?
A: Sandhurst and the Royal Engineers,
who encouraged me to be an explorer.
Tuesday 19 January
VC Prep Entrance Exam
Q: What advice would you give
students who want to do something
similar? A: Travel abroad, see the world…
perhaps join the Services. Try it. Make
the world a better place.
Q: Favourite quote or motto?
A: Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Every project has a purpose and requires
a variety of skills. If you would like to
find out more about volunteering on the
2015 trips to Mongolia and Colombia
then email [email protected]
Wednesday 10 & Thursday 11 February
7.30pm
VCJ House Music in the
Great Hall
Wednesday 27 April 7.30pm
VCJ Summer Concert in the
Great Hall
Friday 10 June
The Ken Tait Memorial Golf Day
Royal Jersey Golf Club
Contact [email protected]
Find the full article in Foundation/ Interviews at www.victoriacollege.je
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES
FOR PRIVATE CLIENTS AND CHARITIES
Contact Tim Childe on + 44(0)1534 506 070
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