BY OLD BLUES FOR OLD BLUES
THE
OLD BLUE
SPRING 2015
CAROLS RAISE THE ROOF
CONTENTS
Almost filling the round interior of St Stephen
Walbrook, in the City of London, we
welcomed more than 200 Old Blues, families
and friends for the annual CHOBA Carol
Concert on 16 December.
CHOBA NEWS
The domed roof of the Wren church, with its
wonderful acoustics, enhanced the beautiful
notes of the Old Blue choir, directed by CH
Director of Music
Andrew Cleary. Choir
items included Mack
Wilberg’s setting of
Ding! Dong! merrily on
high, with organ
flourishes, played by
CH organist Peter
Dutton.
£750, after Gift Aid. Thank you to all who gave
so generously. The NCF benefits pupils at CH
and their families.
Feedback received so far is in favour of
holding future concerts at St Stephen’s. “A
great event and an excellent venue.” “The
space was very good for socialising after the
concert.”
“I came with my wife
who isn’t an Old Blue,
and we both
thoroughly enjoyed
ourselves. … I wasn’t
expecting it to be so
good! We really did
raise the roof! The
venue was amazing …
For the first time, we
Everyone was close to
were joined by
OBs gather in the round at St Stephen Walbrook the action.”
members of CH’s
“I very much enjoyed
Schola Cantorum. It was good to have Blues
being part of this event again, having not
and Old Blues together, and the audience
been for several years.”
was certainly in good voice too.
Do please send your feedback to Margaret
The Retiring Collection in aid of The
Wadman and Gina Skillings at the CHOBA
Necessitous Children’s Fund raised a record
office, if you haven’t already done so.
1,000 MILES CLOSER BY BIKE
Members of the One Mile Closer team,
launched in memory of Rob Gauntlett
(MaB/GrE 98-05) and James Atkinson
(MaB/GrE 99-06), completed a 1,000-mile
cycle ride from Prague to Washington, Tyne
and Wear, in the summer.
The cyclists’ third major fundraising project
took 14 days in August. For many cyclists, it
was their first time on a multi-day group
expedition. The 37-strong group included six
Old Blues – Bart Chan (MaB/MaA/GrE 98-05),
Tim Gauntlett (MaB/GrE 01-08), James
Hooper (MaB/GrE 98-05), Ed Lebon (MaB/
ThA/GrW 94-01), Richard Lebon (MaB/GrE 9704) and Andy Whittingham (MaB/GrE 01-08) –
as well as family members of both Rob and
James and many friends.
Group leader Richard Lebon said: “This was
the hardest tour we’ve done so far with long
days, relentless hills and brisk headwinds, but
the team spirit got us through, and we
successfully achieved the twin aims of
fostering the spirit of adventure in our new
riders, and raising money for our charities.”
The One Mile Closer team has raised more
than £60,000 for the Rob Gauntlett Trust,
which has built a secondary school in
Uganda, and the James Atkinson
Bequest, which enables CH pupils to
undertake outdoor activities such as
Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and
geography field trips.
Rob and James died while climbing in
the French Alps in January 2009. Their
friends and family have endeavoured
to follow in their adventurous
footsteps and raise money for causes
in which the pair believed.
1
Review of 2014 events, news from CH, and a
tribute to former CHOBA chair Steve Webb
FOUNDER’S DAY
4
Dinners for the 2014
celebration were held
in at least 10 locations
from London (right) to
New Zealand
REUNIONS
7
OB gatherings at CH, in London, around
the country and abroad
UPDATES
8
News collected from the media, Old Blues,
friends and families
CREATIVE
10
Artistic, musical and published Old Blues
SPORT
12
Cruising and Sailing in the Pacific, Golfing
competitions, fundraising at the Barns
Green Half Marathon and a cricket match
like no other – at Mount Kilimanjaro
REMEMBERING
14
Obituaries of Old Blues and CH staff
NEWS
16
CH plans to commemorate the Great War
The One Mile Closer cyclists
CHOBA NEWS
Christ’s Hospital Old Blues Association
@CHOldBlues
CH 2013-2014: THE HEAD MASTER’S REPORT
OLD BLUES WED
John Franklin outlines the period of consolidation and growth for the School
Avid readers will
remember
Grace Nicolle
(BaB/GrE 08-14)
was one of
CHOBA’s
Development
Link Grecians in
2013-14. Grace
was married in
the autumn to
fellow Old Blue
Robert Furnell
Newly-weds Grace and Robert
(MaA/GrE 0714) on Sark where Grace’s family live, and
they shared the day with many Old Blue
friends. Photographs were taken by Nick
Armaah (MaA/GrE 11-13) and current
Grecian Seb Elliott.
Following steady growth over the previous
four years, pupil numbers reached their
height in September 2013, with 871 on roll,
bringing the School to near capacity in
Chapel, Big School and the boarding
houses.
As well as expanding, the pupil profile has
also grown more diverse: 14% of pupils pay
no fees at all; 40% of pupils overall pay less
than 10% of full fees; nearly 80% pay less
than half fees; 14% pay full fees; 11% of
pupils are now from overseas; and 4%
attend as day pupils.
The more diversified pupil intake has
enriched the culture at CH; the School is
now more inclusive, more outward-looking
and more culturally diverse. Happily, fears
that this diversification would erode the
ethos of this “School like no other” have
proved unfounded. The reality is that the
full-fee-paying pupils have strengthened the
egalitarian ethos at CH because, given a
wide choice of independent British schools,
they made a conscious decision to come to
CH because of that very ethos.
More gratifying still is the fact that there
were more pupils paying no fees at all at CH
this year than there were three years ago.
On the academic front, the GCSE results
were very pleasing; 34% of grades awarded
were A*, 65% A* or A, and just under 90% of
all grades were at A*, A or B. The AS and IB
results were similarly impressive; and the A2
results were our best ever, with 82% of the
grades at either A*, A or B.
Once again, the standard and range of
music on offer at CH was first rate. Highlights
included the concert at St John’s, Smith
Square, London, Big Band concerts and the
Angus Ross Memorial Concert. The only
damp note in all this was Beating Retreat, at
which both the Band and spectators were
thoroughly soaked in a series of heavy
summer showers. To its credit, the Band
played on at its customary high standard in
spite of the difficult conditions.
Sport remains a major feature of life at CH,
and many of our teams and a good number
of individual competitors achieved success
this year. Debating and public speaking are
currently enjoying resurgence in popularity,
while the Model United Nations group has
enjoyed considerable success in national
competitions (see Housey!).
Three major projects are underway. Thanks
to the generosity of Chris Buggé
(PrepB/MaB 56-63), two science labs
underwent a major refurbishment in summer
2013, with a further two transformed last
summer. In March 2014, work began on the
Language and Resources Centre (LARC),
which, when open in September, will replace
the unlovely “temporary” classrooms in the
Art Quad, and the Library. The Library, and
the Dominions’ Library, will be converted
into a Sixth Form Centre including a modern
careers library, with generous funding from
Graham Mellstrom (MdA 41-48).
The School is in good heart. After a difficult
few years, CH is now undergoing a period of
sustained growth and development. More
than in any other school, our success
depends on the collective efforts of a great
many people working together to achieve
our common goal. I am very grateful to
those Old Blues who have supported CH in
any way over the past year.
Ultimately though, CH is not about the
institution, but the individuals within it. All
the work my staff and I do on a day-to-day
basis, and all the support we receive from
the school community has just one purpose:
to provide bright, capable children in need
with the opportunities they would otherwise
have been denied. That is why CH was
founded and that is what it continues to do
today and will do in the future.
The CHOBA board wishes Grace and Robert
many years of happiness.
NEW SECTION EDITOR
Miranda Chave (née McHugh LHB 89-94)
has joined The Old Blue team as creative
section editor.
Miranda (pictured below) was among the
first intake of girls on the LE into Leigh Hunt
B, known at the time as the “Doll’s House”
as the walls were painted pink!
After CH, she gained a degree in agricultural
botany from the University of Reading where
she then worked for several years. She and
her husband, Peter, emigrated to the US in
2004 and live in Atlanta, with their three
children. She enjoys organic gardening and
tinkering with the family VW bus.
STEVE WEBB
It is with great sadness that we learned of
the death of Steve Webb (PrepA/ColA 6069) on 13 December 2014. He was just 63
and had lost a long battle with cancer.
Steve was a former CHOBA chairman and,
in recent years, had been involved in
governance aspects of the School. He had a
great influence in every part of the Old Blue
community over many years.
Steve and his wife, Paula,
at their wedding in June 2013
2
THE OLD BLUE
CHOBA chairman Andrew Howgego
(BaA/ThA 70-78) was among many Old Blues
who attended Steve’s funeral in Macclesfield
on 23 December. Bursar Keith Willder
represented the Head Master, and Mike
Hiard (BaA/ColB 70-77) represented the
Board of School Governors.
Our thoughts are with Steve’s widow, Paula,
and his daughter, Lara. A Memorial Service
was held at the CH Chapel on 8 February.
● Remembering, page 15.
Old Blues
CHOBA NEWS
CHOldBlues
CHOBA 2014: THE CHAIRMAN’S REVIEW
I hope you will agree that in 2014 we have
continued to make great strides in the
development of events and services that
CHOBA provides for Old Blues. I am also
really pleased to see how much evidence
there is on social media of Old Blue
interaction and events organisation.
Events have continued to flourish. More
reunions are taking place, at Horsham and
around the country, or indeed the world, for
many reasons: Founder’s Day, year groups,
houses, sport, career sector, geographical or
other affiliations.
The format of Old Blues’ Day was enhanced,
with many enjoying visits to refurbished
boarding houses, the museum and the tube.
Do put this year’s date – Saturday 12
September – in your diaries now. We also
welcomed more OBs, friends and guests to
the annual Carol Concert, at which we were
joined by members of CH’s Schola Cantorum.
The Careers Network is proving beneficial
to many: those looking for advice can be
supported by more experienced Old Blues,
while they in turn can meet potential new
recruits. The Old Blues’ Business Network is
good evidence of this, with a record number
of those volunteering their experience and
BUSINESS NETWORK
A number of distinguished Old Blues were
available to offer advice and mentoring for
young Old Blues at the second annual Old
Blues Business Network meeting on 19
November. Around 80 Old Blues met at
KPMG’s London offices, representing a
variety of professions: law, accountancy,
marketing, IT and technology, HR,
architecture and the performing arts.
The OBBN is run by Old Blues to help other
Old Blues, particularly recent leavers, with
careers advice and mentoring. The group
does not duplicate the careers services
available via the CHOBA office. Its emphasis
is on providing practical, face-to-face advice
via its networking social events.
expertise in attendance at the annual
gathering in November. I sincerely hope this
event can remain a fixture for Old Blues, but
I do recognise that changes to the format of
the evening may be needed to maximise
networking possibilities for all. Do give us
your feedback – whether you came or were
not able to on this occasion.
Initial feedback of the new-look CHOBA
website, launched in September, is
incredibly positive: very professional-looking
and easy to use. It has been developed to
support CH branding and colours. Do
please use the services it provides.
The CHOBA Board has overseen the
changes; I would like to pay a public tribute
LINK GRECIANS
This year we are privileged to have three
able Development Link Grecians: Mhairi
Bartlett; Senior Drum Major Henry Carter;
and Louise Mathias, Head of Schola
Cantorum, Leader of the Chamber
Orchestra and Army Section Senior Cadet.
They have been busy helping CHOBA
with event organisation, Old Blue tours,
and have attended Board meetings.
to Mike Harrod (MaB/MdA 65-72) who has
patiently worked with the School, website
developers and others to ensure our
requirements were met. This has taken
many, many hours of Mike’s time over many
months. I am grateful for his diligence and
patience in sorting out issues and problems
along the way.
Our social media presence is strong,
becoming a first point of contact and
communication with and between our
varying OB communities across the world.
Publications are available to download fully
via the monthly e-newsletter or the website,
where many back issues can be found. The
CHOBA Board will continue to prioritise this
area; it remains key to the future
development of CHOBA itself.
Andrew Howgego (BaA/ThA 70-78),
CHOBA chairman
● News, pages 1-3, 16
● Founder’s Day and Reunions, pages 4-7
Around 300 members are registered via
LinkedIn. More Old Blues, both those
seeking advice and those able to offer
counsel, are always welcome.
is a trustee of The Prince of Wales’s
Charitable Foundation.
NEW YEAR HONOURS
Christ’s Hospital recognises and
acknowledges alumni who have made an
important contribution to the profile of the
School through their achievements.
Principal Private Secretary to Their Royal
Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The
Duchess of Cornwall William Nye (LaB 7883) was appointed Lieutenant of the Royal
Victorian Order (LVO) in the 2015 New Year
Honours.
William has “overall responsibility for the
Prince’s household and also keeps an eye on
the running of the Duchy of Cornwall, his
private estate, and his residences at
Highgrove and Birkhall”. In addition, William
MISS TUCKER’S NEWS 2014
The year began in a wonderful way with
the invitation to Hertford to visit
Horsham. It was an amazing occasion,
attended by many girls from before I
joined CH as well as many from my time
and some who had been at both Hertford
and Horsham. It was a highly appropriate
time for us all to go to Horsham as the
School is now firmly on course and
flourishing. It was an enormous pleasure
to take part in the many activities
CHOBA Carol Concert at St Stephen Walbrook
AWARDS FOR OBs
Nominations for the 2015 OBSRAs are
sought for alumni who have made a
significant contribution to the local, national
or international community in the course of
their career, through voluntary or charitable
work or commitment to CH.
For more details of the nomination process,
see the enclosed flyer.
HERTFORD HEAD MISTRESS 72-82
planned for the day: to share in the many
things on display in the museum; to take
part in the lovely Chapel service, in which
I enjoyed singing in the choir; and a
lunch together in Big School.
It was particularly special to share the day
with Juliet Medhurst (née Bond-Taylor 5s
77-84), whose daughter Lottie (BaA 11present), is my second presentee by the
kind gift of the Old Girls.
Other highlights have been days out with
Juliet and Lottie, first in the summer halfterm, when we visited Kenwood, the
beautifully recently restored home of the
Lord Chief Justice in the 18th century, and
in the summer holidays at Hatfield House.
I enjoyed seeing many Old Girls at the
CHOBA Carol Concert, another rich
gathering of many, at which I again
enjoyed singing in the choir.
SPRING 2015
3
FOUNDER’S DAY 2014
Christ’s Hospital Old Blues Association
@CHOldBlues
THE LOVE OF THE BROTHERHOOD
Extracts from the Founder’s Day Dinner speeches at Armoury House
The Chairman
“Some years ago I had the humbling
privilege of visiting the Somme with
historian the late Professor Richard Holmes.
I stood in the British trench of the
Accrington Pals and felt the full spectrum of
emotion as Richard brought to life the
horror of the first day of the battle – some
60,000 British casualties. In not much more
time than it will take me to speak to you
tonight, 585 men out of the 700 in the
battalion became casualties – 350 wounded,
many grievously, and 235 killed, in the space
of less than half an hour.
“CH’s story was one of terrible loss and
heartbreak, but also tremendous heroism and
achievement. At least 2,300 Old Blues served,
with 382 making the ultimate sacrifice. Old
Blues received two Victoria Crosses; 32
Distinguished Service Orders, and three bars
to denote a second award to an individual;
180 Military Crosses, 11 bars and one double
bar; four Distinguished Flying Crosses and
one bar; eight Distinguished Conduct
Medals; and 21 Military Medals, in addition to
CBEs and similar.
“The burden of the war fell on the School.
Many of the Horsham staff departed. It must
have been particularly awful for the Head
Master, staff and boys alike to face the
constant trickle of death notifications for
boys who they knew well and teachers who
had nurtured them to the start of adulthood.
“The girls of Hertford too felt the effects
when the town of Hertford was mistakenly
bombed by a passing Zeppelin that was
looking for London.
“The pride in CH, and the bond between
those of us who serve in the Armed Forces
today, is every bit as strong as it was then. I
too have enjoyed those unusual meetings
with fellow Old Blues, most notably when
three of us – one Navy, one Army and one
Royal Air Force – were serving in
Afghanistan together in 2008. Fortunately
our meeting was in the manner of Edmund
Blunden’s recollection rather than the more
tragic stories, but the sentiments are most
surely the same.”
Air Vice-Marshal Bob Judson
(MaB/ColB 73-80)
The Responder
“The closeness and empathy, so strongly
encouraged at Housey, is translatable into
command, and indeed, soldiering in
general. Within my platoon in Helmand
province we achieved that brotherhood
through a culture of mutual understanding,
discipline and trust. The enduring nature of
soldiering echoes through history. On the
first day of Passchendaele, two of Edmund
Blunden’s ‘Feast of Five’ were killed.
Blunden wrote of this loss in a letter to The
Blue: ‘Your nobility and your excellent
sacrifice, dear Tice and dear Collyer, now
seem to be a kindly light which leads us
through the dark to inevitable good.’
“Far more eloquent than I could ever be,
Blunden alludes to that brotherhood – that
culture of sacrifice and heroism that he and I
have both been so privileged to witness.
That is the nature of the brotherhood, so
wonderfully fostered in the boarding
houses, on the sports pitches and in the
dining hall and classrooms. My experiences
there, causing mayhem in a pack of unruly
teenagers, gave me the foundation to know
almost inherently how to foster a
L-R: Head Master John Franklin, Chairman of the
Board of School Governors Mike Hiard, Second
Monitor Olivia Walsh, chief steward Rear Admiral
David Bawtree, chairman Air Vice-Marshal Bob
Judson, Senior Grecian James Winsbury,
responder Captain Hamish Hardy, Clerk and CEO
of the Foundation Greg Andrews and Member of
the Board of School Governors Dominic Fry
brotherhood of my own. You see, Head
Master, being a nightmare pupil can have its
advantages.
“All joking aside, without this, I imagine I
would have struggled far more with the
honour of commanding the finest infantry
soldiers in the world. Like Blunden’s Old
Blue ‘Feast of Five’, I profited from the
ability to get on with people from all walks
of life. This is the empathy I have talked of; if
you cannot empathise as Old Blues can, you
will be at a significant disadvantage with a
guardsman or private soldier in the British
Army. I firmly believe their sacrifice was
rooted in the most magical and enduring
lesson that is cultured in Christ’s Hospital.
Indeed, the presence of so many Old Blues
this very evening is a demonstration of that
lesson, and that is the love of the
brotherhood.”
Captain Hamish Hardy (PeA 02-09)
Full speeches can be viewed at
www.chassociation.org or obtained from the
CHOBA office.
THE FRIENDS OF CH, AUSTIN
This year’s Founder’s Day dinner was held at
The Westin Austin hotel on 25 October.
Guests of Honour were CH Head Master
John Franklin and Chris Buggé (PrepB/MaB
56-63), the first single-pledge million dollar
donor to FCH, benefactor of the science lab
refurbishment programme at CH.
The next day Chris hosted a Sunday brunch
for the group.
Belinda Reiser (4s/ColA 79-86)
Sunday Brunch, L-R: Chris Buggé (PrepB/MaB 5663), Susan Buggé (Chris’s wife), John Franklin,
Rosh Wright (1s/7s 57-66), Maria DeBenigno
(Lance’s wife), Peter Buggé (MaB 51-58),
Lance Reynolds (PrepA/MdB 59-58)
BRITISH COLUMBIA
A smaller group than usual met for lunch at the Sea
Glass Restaurant, Sidney. Many of the usual
L-R: Peter O’Boyle (MaA/GrE 03-10), Terry Bate (ColA 45-51),
David Fisher (BaA 59-67), John Stanger (ColA 39-46), Jerry
Fitzpatrick MaA 45-52), Chris Johnson (LaB 52-59). Not
pictured: Sir John Daniel (MdA 53-61)
4
THE OLD BLUE
attendees were travelling, but the group was joined
by Peter O’Boyle, studying for a Master’s degree in
political science at the University of British
Columbia; Terry Bate, who came back after several
years’ absence; and newcomer to the group Sir
John Daniel. After lunch, the group went to the
home of David and Nuala Fisher to enjoy a spread
of desserts and more socialising.
Chris Johnson (LaB 52-59)
Old Blues
FOUNDER’S DAY 2014
CHOldBlues
HONOURABLE ARTILLERY
COMPANY, LONDON
The theme of this year’s dinner, on 9 October, was the
commemoration of the start of the First World War and the
celebration of the links between Christ’s Hospital and the
armed services. Excellent speeches were given by chairman
Air Vice-Marshal Bob Judson (MaB/ColB 73-80) and
responder Captain Hamish Hardy (PeA 02-09) of the
Grenadier Guards. OBs were present from the three services,
strikingly attired in their military evening dress.
We were welcomed into Armoury House, a building dating from
1735, by a guard of honour made up of the splendidly attired
Pikemen and Musketeers. The evening progressed in the usual
way, with the receiving line, pre-dinner drinks and conversation.
The call to dinner was dramatically assisted by the drumbeater of
the Pikemen and Musketeers, as we moved into the Long Room.
Senior Grecian James Winsbury and Second Monitor Olivia
Walsh read the Graces before and after meat respectively.
Zachary Moxon accompanied the National Anthem and the
Votum.
New venue: Armoury House, Honourable Artillery Company
Thanks are due to chief steward Rear Admiral David Bawtree (MdA 47-55) and
honorary secretary Roger Eades (PrepA/ThA 53-61) and the HAC
We were again pleased to welcome a significant number of
young Old Blue diners and hope they will attend next year, with
contemporaries.
Susan Craig (6s 46-53)
VICTORIA
NEW ZEALAND
Old Blues and guests had a terrific gettogether in October for the Founder's Day
dinner at O'Connells Pub in South
Melbourne. The photo below was taken in
the beer garden before we went upstairs to
eat, sing the Foundation Hymn and hear all
the latest goings on from around the table –
young and old. The first national event for many years was
held on 11 October at the Boatshed on
Lambton Quay, Wellington, with a good
representation from both the North and
South Islands.
Conversation flowed with a great deal of
laughter. Former housemaster John
Boardman had even brought his “Who’s
Who at Housey” book which gave rise to a
number of “Do you remember…?” and
“Whatever happened to…?” discussions. A
few people even sported Housey ties but
they managed to resist singing “Unum
concentum”… as it was suspected that it
might have emptied the restaurant fast.
Julia Stones (4s 66-73)
L-R from far end: Steve Board (LaB 77-82), Julia
Stones (4s 66-73), Val Ward (Martin’s wife), Martin
Ward (MdA 38-45), John Boardman (staff 79-80),
Rowan Emberson (ColA 51-59), Kerry MacDonald
(John’s partner), Paul Cornish (ColA 71-75),
Annabel Lush (6s 69-75) and Graham Wiremu
(ThA 60-67)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Those in attendance were: Guy Aylward
(ThB/ThA 87-94), Oz Bonneton, Conrad
Clark (ThB 50-58), Margot Craddock, Roger
Craddock (PrepA/PeA 46-54), Ross EdenSmith (LaB/ThA 89-96), Lewis Jenkins
(PeA/GrW 94-01), James Kirby (LaB/LaA 8794), Edna Melvin, Rob Melvin (BaB/LaA
61-68), Edna’s all-seeing dog Ula, Alan
Naylor (ThB 46-53), Hiranya Nonis, Peter
Schooling (PeB 73-80), Arthur Spurgeon
(ThB 35-42), Pauline Spurgeon, Jill Timms
and Robert Timms (ThA 50-59). Apologies
were received from John Cattermole, Fiona
Craddock and Henry Huggins.
Ross Eden-Smith (LaB/ThA 89-96)
Wine sampling at a nearby vineyard started
the day for some of the Old Blues, family
and friends who celebrated Founder’s Day
at an excellent rural venue in the Ferguson
Valley, near Bunbury, on 19 October.
After lunch, some admired the alpacas on a
property owned by Rachael Sauvage (2s 7580) and her husband Alexander, who had
arranged the day.
The group, pictured right, included 12 OBs:
Peter Blades (MdB 43-49), Carol Bolton (née
Grattan 7s 46-54), Angus Doyne-Ditmas (0310), Patrick Guiton (BaA 44-52), Jeremy Lea
(BaB 54-61), Christine Norman (née Candler
5s/3s 49-56), Chris Ridley (ColB 52-57),
Rachael Sauvage (2s 75-80), Rowena Smith
(née Thornton) BaB 94-01), John Trewin
(MdB 44-50), Andy Trumble (BaB/MdB 69-76)
and Sam Williams (ThA 43-51).
Sam Williams (ThA 43-51)
SPRING 2015
5
FOUNDER’S DAY 2014
Christ’s Hospital Old Blues Association
THE CALEDONIAN SOCIETY
@CHOldBlues
agreement to meet again in Edinburgh,
Noel de Jongh (ThA 40-49) led a rousing
performance of the Votum/Carmen.
This was a year with a difference – the annual
lunch was held in Edinburgh, at the New Club
on Princes Street, on 11 October. Once
through the unmarked front door, all were
welcomed by an imposing stairway to an
upper floor where drinks were served on a
balcony overlooking Edinburgh Castle.
05-12) and Rachel Hobley (LHB/GrE 05-12),
who brought peers from both Edinburgh and
St Andrew’s Universities. There was a good
turn-out of Hertford and Horsham OBs, as
well as spouses. Guests of honour were the
evening’s speaker, CH museum curator Mike
Barford, and his wife, Gillian.
The committee settled down to business,
involving the approval of the accounts and a
vote to donate the previous year’s surplus to
the Benevolent Society of Blues. John
Shippen (staff 66-04) announced his
retirement as secretary after seven years, and
a proposal to appoint David Crompton
(PeA 79-85) was made.
After the toasts and news of and from absent
friends, Mike kept the group enthralled by the
intricate details involved in the collection,
cataloguing, recovery, care and presentation
of CH’s extensive papers and artefacts. His
account was laced with stories verging on the
unbelievable; and he built up a light-hearted
but highly impressive record of what has been
achieved in the past few years. The group
joined him heartily in the Housey Toast.
In attendance were: Poppy Adams (LHA/GrE
10-12), chairman the Rev Ian Atkinson (staff
70-78), Patricia Atkinson, Gillian Barford,
Mike Barford (staff 71-74), Tony Cran (PeA
40-49), Philip Coad (MdB 68-75), Kathryn
Coad, John Cugley (PeA 64-73), Heather
Goodare (née Young 4s 43-49), Jo Hagan
(BaB/GrE 05-12), Brian Head (PeB 47-55),
Catherine Head, Amanda Herries (2s 65-72),
Rachel Hobley (LHB/GrE 05-12), Joy Holmes
(2s 43-50 & staff 59-66), Gillian Hunt,
Catriona de Jongh, Noel de Jongh (ThA 4049), Anne Norman (née Buddle 5s/8s 61-66),
Mark Parry (MdB 78-84), Alex Phillips
(PeA/GrW 06-13), secretary John Shippen
(staff 66-04), treasurer Ian Torkington (staff
72-07) and Jacob Tremlett (MaA/GrE 05-12).
After a last toast to Our Guests, and the
John Shippen (Staff 66-04)
Graces before and after the Scottishflavoured meal were said by Edinburgh
University students Jacob Tremlett (MaA/GrE
NEW SOUTH WALES
BATH AND WEST
A group of 22 met for the NSW’s Founder’s
Day lunch. It was a cracking day enjoyed by
all – the oldest having been at CH during
WWII and the youngest born in 1996.
The annual excellent lunch at Wells Cathedral
School, hosted by Head Elizabeth Cairncross
(CH staff 86-00), was enjoyed by 42, with the
talk this year from Arthur Mayhew, former
Peele B housemaster and now Assistant Head
at Wells Cathedral School. It was a very
happy occasion, on 19 October, and good to
catch up with old chums and welcome new
members.
OBs present were Greg Colton (LaB/LaA 8996), Richard Crowe (ColB 53-61), Nikki Curtin
(née Hemming 3s 71-78), Samuel Curtin
(LaB/MdA/GrW 95-02), Thomas Curtin
(LaB/MdA/PeB/GrW 95-03), James Hooper
(MaB/GrE 98-05), Michael Kuhne (LaB 41-48),
Rachel O’Boyle (BaA/GrE 07-14), Anna
Tingle (née Simmons 1s 72-78), George
Thurnell (MaB/ThB 68-74), Leo Vesey
(MdB/MdA 88-93), Roger Wickins
HONG KONG
Old Blues, former staff, current staff, parents
and guests united at the first Hong Kong
Founder’s Day dinner since 1996. Chaired by
Debbie McGowan (née Rice 2s 72-80) with
James Swatton (LaB/GrE 98-05) as chief
steward, the event on 1 November 2014, at the
Hong Kong Football Club, followed the
traditional formalities including the Housey
Across the eras: New South Wales OBs
(PrepA/BaA 49-54) and Dudley Williams
(PeA 37-45).
Leo Vesey (MdB/MdA 88-93)
Toast and an attempted rendition of the Votum.
CH Assistant Heads Richard Malpass and
Sean O’Boyle were welcomed; and the
group much appreciated Sean’s eloquent
Responder’s speech.
With about 25 OBs in Hong Kong, more
events, including an annual dinner, are
planned.
Debbie McGowan (née Rice 2s 72-80)
Old Blues, staff, parents and guests in Hong Kong
6
THE OLD BLUE
Old Blues and staff in attendance were:
Richard Bates (BaB 44-51), John Beer
(PrepA/MdA 38-45), Rachel Bowers (7s 71-78),
Elizabeth Cairncross (staff 86-00), John Eyles
(BaA 52-58), David Farrar (BaB 52-57), Bruce
Gauld (MaB/ColB 66-74), Janet Loines (7s 7177), Roger Lovegrove (PrepA/MaB 46-53), John
Maling (PeB 41-48), Arthur Mayhew (former
staff); Richard McGregor (PrepB/MaB 48-57),
Omega Mehrabi (71-74), David Meyrick (MaA
42-49), John O'Neill (MdA 46-52), Christopher
Redwood (PrepA/MdB 49-57), Peter Robinson
(MdA 43-52), Ronald Rudd (MaB 39-45),
Nicholas Sebright (ThA 57-66), Dennis Silk
(PrepA/MaA 42-50), Thomas Snook (staff 8892), John Springbett (LaB 56-65), Octavia
Springbett (ColB 89-96), Bill Stevens (MdA 4249), John Stevenson (PrepB/ThA 64-74), Valerie
Stewart (6s 67-74), Robin Webb (PrepA/ColA
64-70) and Peter Wornell (LaB 45-52).
David Farrar (BaB 52-57)
Old Blues
REUNIONS
CHOldBlues
AUSTRALIA RUGBY TOUR 1994
Old Blues from the School’s 1994 Australia
rugby tour convened at the Old Blues Rugby
Club at Motspur Park, south-west London, on
18 October for a 20-years-on reunion. I was
amazed that so many still had and could still
fit into their original tour jerseys.
MOTSPUR PARK, LONDON, 18 OCTOBER 2014
Clapham, which went long into the night.
The feedback from the Old Blues in
attendance was very supportive, and many
Spencer Copping (LaB/LaA 87-94)
L-R: Jonathan Cheesmur (ThB/ThA 87-94),
Robert Nicholas (MaB/MaA 88-95), coach Sean
Davey (staff 92-10), Alex Clift (MdB/MdA 87-94),
Tim Smith (MdB/MdA 87-94), Stuart Watson
(MdB/MdA 87-94), Mark Aldred (MaB/MaA 88-95),
Spencer Copping (LaB/LaA 87-94), Paul Hailey
(MdB/MdA 87-94), Nick Harper (MdB/MdA 88-95)
and Robin Leggett (LaB/LaA 87-94).
Scott Nicholson (PeB/PeA 87-94) joined later in the
afternoon
We joined Old Blues from the 2009 Australia
tour and had a very enjoyable afternoon
supporting the current Old Blues 1st and
2nd XVs, watching the 1994 Australia tour
video (tapes kindly supplied by Sean Davey
and edited by Jonathan Cheesmur),
followed by an evening out in nearby
40 YEARS ON
CH, 15 NOVEMBER 2014
A small but enthusiastic group of Old Blues
were lucky to have a dry, sunny day at CH.
Visits included the art school and history
department, where the Hertford OBs
recognised the Hertford frieze on display in
the history library.
Peter Farnfield (MaA/MdA 66-73), who
provided his laptop to display photos.
Thornton A girls showed Old Blues around
their house, and Neil Fleming welcomed all
to Grecians West, with his humorous
account of the challenges of looking after
60+ teenagers today.
One OB said: “It was rather marvellous, and
50 YEARS ON
I am still recovering from the effects of
being transported back in time. Please pass
on my thanks to the girls who conducted us
round their boarding house so patiently
while we pined for lost pieces of
architectural layout and remembered (too
much) boyish wickedness.”
Another said: “I am not a frequent visitor to
CH, and enjoyed the activities, as well as the
opportunity to meet up with ageing
contemporaries.”
OLD BLUES’ DAY
OBs by the War Memorial outside Dining Hall
The museum provided a display of photos
from the era. CDs of the closure of the CH
railway station, and CH in the early 1970s
were shown during lunch and tea. Special
thanks to Christopher Mander (BaB/MdA 6774) for this footage; Valerie Stewart (6s
67-74) for excellent photos of Hertford; and
travelled from around the country to join in
the reunion. We hope to arrange a 25-yearson reunion in 2019.
SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER
10.30am - 5pm
Organised by the Christ’s Hospital Old Blues’ Association.
This event is open to all Old Blues and their families.
Activities include:
• Band Parade
CH, 13 SEPTEMBER 2014
• Selected departments will be open
Thirty Old Blues and guests enjoyed their day
at CH early in the Michaelmas term. Morning
highlights were the museum visit for the
WW1 display (see page 16) with assistant
curator Elizabeth Bridges, and the theatre,
where they saw Deputy Grecians working on
exam pieces, followed by a Q&A session.
• Museum will be open / CH memorabilia for sale
After lunch, the group toured Lamb A and
Grecians East, where the new housemaster,
bandmaster Terry Whittingham, made
everyone welcome, and updated the group
with recent changes at CH.
Old Blues went home having enjoyed
finding out what became of those people
they grew up with, and clearly had many
memories to share.
• World War One Exhibition
• Chapel Service with Old Blue Choir and School Choir
• Rugby and hockey matches
• Boarding houses open
• Old Blue Special Recognition Award 2015
Register your interest early and get involved!
Tickets for refreshments (morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea) and
tours will be available from 1 June at the online shop
www.chassociation.org, and check out the CHOBA website for more
details as they are confirmed. For any further enquires regarding Old
Blues Day, please contact the CHOBA office on 01403 247665.
Closing date for orders will be Friday 21 August.
SPRING 2015
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UPDATES
Christ’s Hospital Old Blues Association
@CHOldBlues
40s LEAVERS
ROGER WICKINS
SIR JOHN DANIEL OC
ROBIN
CRANE CBE
BaA 49-54
PrepA/MdA 52-61
While travelling in Japan in October, Roger
and his wife found themselves staying at the
Hotel Monterey, Grasmere, in Osaka, due to
weather conditions.
Former Senior Grecian Sir John was
appointed Officer of the Order of Canada
by Governor General the Hon David
Johnston (below right), on 12 September for
his advancement of open learning and
distance education in Canada and around
the world.
PeA 41-49
2012 OBSRA winner and former film
producer and director with the BBC Natural
History Unit Robin has completed The
Natural History of the South Downs National
Park. His purpose in writing was to enrich
people’s knowledge of the wildlife and
countryside of the National Park by
explaining the
evolution of the
wild places, the
history of nature
conservation and
the management
of habitats and
species.
The 18th century European-designed hotel
is full of oil paintings and statues. The
painting in the ground-floor lift vestibule
(pictured below) is by Marshall Claxton. The
subject – a Yeoman of the Guard conducting
a tour of the Tower of London, with the
group examining an execution block. The
member of the party who particularly caught
Roger’s eye – a wide-eyed Bluecoat boy.
50s LEAVERS
Photo: Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall
© Her Majesty The Queen in Right of Canada
represented by the Office of the Secretary to the
Governor General (2014)
PETER AGULNIK
BaA 48-55
BARONESS
RUTH DEECH DBE
Dr Peter Agulnik has won the 2014 Charity
Times Award for outstanding individual
achievement, ahead of four other leading
charity management professionals.
Now president of Restore, which supports
people with mental health issues in
Oxfordshire, Peter was instrumental in the
development of several charities in the
county. He worked as a consultant
psychiatrist for more than 30 years.
Dr Peter Agulnik with his Charity Times award
The Charity Times Awards judges said: “As a
consultant psychiatrist, Dr Peter Agulnik’s
work with NGOs in Oxfordshire over more
than thirty years was unparalleled. He
maintained a profound belief in the
possibility of recovery for the addicted and
the seriously mentally ill, and strove tirelessly
to achieve the support systems necessary,
including founding several new, pioneering
charities.”
Peter says that, though his part in the
founding and running of some of the
charities was a little exaggerated, he is
honoured and gratified to receive the award.
8
THE OLD BLUE
60s LEAVERS
DAVID BENNETT
ThA 54-62
A Few Lawless Vagabonds – Ethan Allen, the
Republic of Vermont and
the American Revolution is
the newest release from
David, former national
director of health, safety
and environment at the
Canadian Labour Congress.
Other titles include A
Magnificent Disaster – The
Failure of Market Garden,
The Arnhem Operation, September 1944;
Northern Exposures – A Canadian
Perspective on Occupational Health and
Environment; and Firefighters of
Cambridge.
née Fraenkel 1s/7s 53-61
Baroness Ruth Deech launched the CH
Visiting Speakers’ Programme on 10
September, with her enlightening talk
entitled “Creating the Humans of our
Choice – Science and Control”. Baroness
Deech spoke about issues related to her
work as chair of the Human Fertilisation and
Embryology Authority, as well as her time at
Hertford, and how she managed Jeremy
Paxman on Newsnight!
Baroness Deech is a former principal of St
Anne’s College, Oxford; former governor of
the BBC; a QC; chair of the Bar Standards
Board; and a member of the House of Lords.
ANDREW BOYLE
ColB 56-64
Andrew has been elected chair of the UK
National Committee of the World Roads
Association for a four-year term. WRA is an
international body with more than 140
member countries; it exists to promote best
practice in design, construction,
maintenance and management of roads.
Andrew is principal of Andrew Boyle
Associates, an independent transport
consultancy set up in 1997.
Baroness Ruth Deech spoke at CH in September
JONATHAN SCOTT
PrepA/ColA 59-68
Jonathan and wife Angie are award-winning
authors and internationally renowned
wildlife photographers based in Kenya,
Africa, which has been Jonathan’s home for
40 years. He has presented wildlife
Old Blues
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CHOldBlues
CON COUGHLIN
BaB/PeB 66-73
The defence editor at the Daily Telegraph,
Con’s latest book Churchill's First War:
Young Winston and the Fight against the
Taliban has been shortlisted for two major
literary prizes, including the British Army’s
Military Book of the Year.
programmes in the UK and US since 1982,
and recently wrote an article for the travel
section of the Saturday Telegraph,
explaining how Kenya needs tourism for its
economy and conservation.
BILL HAYTON
BaA/MaA 80-86
Bill’s second book on Asia, The South China
Sea – The Struggle for Power in Asia, has
been described by The Economist as a
“splendid book” and “superb and timely”
by the South China Morning Post. The Wall
Street Journal reported: “This is a book for
the layperson, not the lawyer.” It is an
explanation of the South China Sea disputes
which threaten to bring conflict to one of
the hubs of the world’s economy. Bill
continues to work at BBC World News in
London where he regularly meets Old Blues
Peter Hiett (MaA/ColA 70-77), Ian Fisher
(LHA 79-85) and Jamie Coomarasamy
(BaA/MdA 78-85).
70s LEAVERS
HEATHER COURT
PHIL UNDERWOOD
CORINNE CARD
Phil is now living in Thailand and is pleased
to announce that after 10 years together,
and six of marriage, he and his wife Bee Bee
are expecting a baby in the middle of this
year.
née Mansfield LHB 91-99
80s LEAVERS
JAMIE
COOMARASAMY AND
JAMES GREIG
The book opens with a theoretical primer,
explaining how Britain has changed over the
last 50-60 years. The second half includes
the authors’ practical, evidence-led and
strategy-driven approach within the public
sector system, and how that can be applied
elsewhere.
00s LEAVERS
PIPPA OSBORNE
née Reveley BaB 93-00
The former modern language Grecians met
in October in London for a dinner hosted by
Blake Morgan solicitors, where James is a
partner. Currently anchor for the BBC World
Service Newshour programme, Jamie was
the guest speaker and answered questions
about his BBC career from Moscow during
the coup in 1991 to his recent visit to
Donyetsk, Russia.
Pippa took up the post of deputy head of
Christ Church CofE VC Junior School,
Downend, South Gloucestershire, in
September. She is excited about the
challenge and chance to have an impact on
the lives of so many children as they pass
through the school. Having completed her
Masters in Education, she is now looking to
take the NPQH (National Professional
Qualification for Headship). She said: “I know
how much I owe to my time at CH and to the
fantastic staff.”
REBECCA RAMSAYSMITH
LHB/GrE 99-01
L-R: James and Jamie
Loren is co-author of Making Equality Work,
which combines background facts and
theory about the history and nature of
equality and diversity in Britain with a
detailed description of how the authors set
out successfully to raise the measurable
levels of equality outcomes for the National
Health Service in north-west England.
Corinne is marketing manager for atom42,
an online marketing agency in Camden,
north London, which helps clients increase
the business they receive through their
websites. Before joining atom42 in 2008, she
was a journalist at publications including
Closer and That’s Life!
BaA/MdA 78-85; BaA/PeA 79-85
A practical guide to diversity, equality and
inclusion in the 21st century, Social Justice?
Some Like it Not, is Heather’s first published
book. It is a contemporary guide to equality
aimed at those seeking an easy, yet
thorough, understanding of social justice. It
cuts to the core of what social justice means
in practical terms.
1s 66-73
Ian remains attached to Cambridge
University, continuing as a Member of the
Faculty of Human, Social & Political
Sciences, and the McDonald institute for
Archaeological Research.
MaA/ColA/MdB 68-75
4s 72-78
LOREN GRANT
been appointed inaugural Head of Suffolk
Business School at University Campus
Suffolk – a joint venture of the Universities of
East Anglia and Essex. In addition, he holds
a Professorship in Historic Environment
Management.
DAVID CROMPTON
Vintage afternoon tea was the perfect
reception for the wedding of Rebecca and
Michael Richard Gillingham on 21 June in
MaB/PeA 79-85
Having obtained his English degree in 2011,
David has returned to the University of
Dundee to study for an MLitt in English
Studies. Anyone wishing to learn more
about Dundee or the university is welcome
to contact him at [email protected].
90s LEAVERS
IAN BAXTER
PeB/PeA 83-90
One of the first pupils to study archaeology
with Neil Fleming (staff 82-present), Ian has
Rebecca and Michael wed in East Sussex
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UPDATES / CREATIVE
Warbleton, East Sussex. Live music by
Jessica Greenfield (LHB/GrE 94-01) added
to the occasion (Creative, page 12 ).
Rebecca and Michael live in east London
near the Olympic Park, and work as a field
marketing manager and implementation
specialist respectively.
ZAC NEWHAM
PeB/GrW 02-09
For the past year, Zac has been on a
cycle ride from London to Sydney. It
began as a sponsored journey but,
to retain the flexibility and improve
his overall experience of the journey
(though sacrificing funds!), he
decided to go solo. He intends to
work in Australia.
Christ’s Hospital Old Blues Association
finalist in the the Farmers Apprentice 2014,
run by Farming Weekly.
She said: “I couldn’t believe it when I was
told I was in the final ten. There were 600
applications. I was nervous while I was
waiting for bootcamp to start, which took
place at Easton & Otley College, Norwich, in
July. The tasks were hard, and a lot more
stressful with cameras filming our every
move. It was a fantastic experience and I
have had some amazing networking
opportunities thanks to the competition.“
MEERA SINGH
LHA/GrE 96-03
Brighton and Sussex Medical School
Student Meera spent her elective in Mae Sai
Hospital in the northern most part of
Thailand on the border of Myanmar (Burma).
Referred to as a local hospital, Mae Sai sees
1,000 outpatients a day. Here Meera met
patients suffering from Dengue fever,
diphtheria, and saw the consequences of
poorly controlled chronic disease.
RECENT LEAVERS
TIMOTHY ARMOO
MdB/GrW 11-13
Former University of Warwick philosophy
student Timothy was featured as Young
Entrepreneur of the
Week in the
Huffington Post in
October. It stated:
“Timothy is truly a
modern entrepreneur,
having created a
business off the back of the online video
giant YouTube.”
Fanbytes offers businesses the chance to
reach young people by teaming up with
online celebrities for exciting and quirky
activities, such as skydiving or Go Ape.
The company is Timothy’s third. He set up
his first, a tutoring firm, to win a bet with a
friend, when he was just 14. Aged 17, he
sold his first media start-up.
CATHERINE CORBETT
LHB/GrE 05-12
A video application “which I did in my cow
onesie in my cow car to be different” helped
Catherine, a student at the Royal
Agricultural College, Cirencester, become a
10 THE OLD BLUE
@CHOldBlues
ART
ANTHONY HURST
MaB 48-55
Former soldier and management consultant
Anthony auctioned a selection of his
paintings in Bridport, Dorset, on 30 October,
raising £1,500 for the Army Benevolent
Fund.
Having been evacuated from London due to
the outbreak of WWII, he lived in Lyme
Regis before attending CH. He joined the
Devonshire and Dorset Regiment where he
served for 13 years. A proud former soldier
and accomplished artist, he told the
Bridport News: “I’m doing this auction
because of the soldiers, having been one
myself. The Army Benevolent Fund looks
after all former soldiers who are suffering
hardships in life.”
Catherine (far right) with the other finalists
CHARLOTTE COSTER
ColA/GrW 03-10
Charlotte’s lifestyle blog, The World
According to Charlotte Coster, has been
named as one of the top ten most popular
student lifestyle blogs in the UK. The twoand-a-half-year-old blog has also been
entered for the UK Blog awards 2015.
LAURA PRIETO
LHB/GrE 03-10
Laura has returned to the UK after working
with the NGO International Service in Bolivia
(The Old Blue Autumn 2014).
From April to June she worked with local
grassroots organisation Focapaci, based in
El Alto, whose primary aim is to help women
producers build and use greenhouses to
improve their diet and gain an external
source of income. As commercialisation
coordinator, Laura (pictured working in a
Focapaci greenhouse) liaised with restaurant
owners to strengthen and expand the
network of restaurants to whom the women
sell their produce.
She said: “It is difficult to encapsulate my
incredible experience in Bolivia in so few
words but I will say this: it strengthened my
interest in international development. If any
Old Blues aged 18-25 are thinking about
this area of
work then
please apply!
The skills you
will learn are
unparalleled to
anything you
can imagine.”
LITERATURE
GENEVIEVE COGMAN
1s/BaB 83-90
Genevieve’s first
fantasy spy thriller
The Invisible
Library was
published in
January by Tor
Books.
On Facebook,
Genevieve told her
peers we “might
recognise some
aspects of the geography in the first
chapter”.
An adventure featuring stolen books, secret
agents and forbidden societies, it is the first
of three with Tor. Reviews of the e-book,
Amazon’s second best-selling sci-fi and
fantasy e-book at the beginning of January,
include: “Such clever, creepy, elaborate
world-building and snarky, sexy-smart
characters!” “An astonishingly
accomplished debut.” “Great writing from
this truly talented author.”
Genevieve has also written for several
role-playing game companies. She works for
the NHS as a clinical classifications
specialist.
Old Blues
CREATIVE
CHOldBlues
MICHAEL SCHMIDT
OBE
ThB 65-66
Mexican-British poet,
author, scholar and
publisher Michael’s
latest book The Novel:
a Biography has
received high praise:
“One of the most
important works of both literary history and
criticism to be published in the last
decade.” The Times Educational
Supplement review described him as “a
fascinating figure in contemporary British
and world literature”.
Michael is the founder of Carcanet Press,
general editor of PN Review, professor of
poetry at the University of Glasgow, a writer
in residence at St John’s College,
Cambridge, and a visiting professor at the
University of Bolton. A Fellow of the Royal
Society of Literature, he received an OBE in
2006 for services to poetry and higher
education.
and personal performance training for small
businesses and individuals.
at both the Guildhall School of Music and
Drama and Trinity College of Music.
Chris’s self-help guide Your Life in Theatre
was published in the summer.
ELLIOT CORNER
MUSIC
TIM BENJAMIN
PeB/PeA/MdB 87-94
Following successful
productions of
Madame X last year
(The Old Blue Autumn
2014), Tim’s one-act
operas Life Stories will
be touring Manchester,
Halifax and London as
a double bill in July.
In addition to
Photo: Drew Forsyth
composing, Tim is an
examiner for the ABRSM, teaches music
theory – using e-learning resource Clements
Theory, named after David Clements
(former staff ) – and writes libretti, blogs,
academic papers and reviews.
MEDIA
FRANKII LYNX
EDWARD ASHDOWN
Liam Canning LaB/GrE 04-10
PeB/GrW 12-14
Four-man band Socio, in which Frankii plays
rhythm guitar, have been busy re-writing
some of their songs, working on an album
plus putting on many gigs and shows. The 4track EP is available for free at
https://soundcloud.com/sociouk, and the
album expected by the summer.
In his blog article 2 years
at Christ’s Hospital: New
Dep to Old Blue Edward
talks of the School’s
ethos as “one of
acceptance, integration,
individuality and
equality. This permeates
the school as a whole
and encourages the
nurturing of the whole
individual as opposed to
a solely academic perspective.”
Highlights of his two years were the chapel,
music, the theatre and CH’s “historically
entrenched traditions”.
CHRIS GRADY
MaB/LaA 69-76
With more than 30 years’
experience managing,
marketing and
fundraising for several
theatres and festivals in
the UK and
internationally, Chris is
now running the first year
of the MA course in
creative producing at
Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts,
London. His company, chrisgrady.org
(CGO), also provides coaching, mentoring
PAUL CASTLEDINE &
VARVARA DOLETSKAIA
MdA/GrW 06-13
The BBC singers recorded
Elliot’s choral work A
Slumber did my Spirit Seal
at the Maida Vale Studios,
London, in July. A viola
and composition student
at the Royal College of
Music, Elliot was
particularly proud of this recording as the
piece is dedicated to the memory of John
Forster (CH head of piano 03-10).
WILLIAM DOYLE,
SAMUEL FRYER &
PETER MAYHEW
PeA/GrW 04-11, PeA/GrW 04-10 &
PeA/GrW 03-10
The band Palma Violets, three of whose four
members are Old Blues, are set to headline
this year’s NME Awards with Austin, Texas.
The annual tour began in February in
Sheffield, travelling through Leeds,
Newcastle, Glasgow, Nottingham, Oxford,
Birmingham, Bristol and Portsmouth to
London.
Following its nomination by the BBC as the
Sound of 2013, the band has been
nominated at the Q Awards and NME
awards in 2013 and 2014, taking the 2013
NME award for Best New Band. Palma
Violets’ second album is due for release this
summer.
BaB/PeA 76-81; Hertford/GrE 00-03
Singer, tuba player and double bassist Paul
performed at the Opéra de Baugé festival,
near Angers, France, last spring. More than
100 singers and players performed in 12
productions over three weeks of Mozart’s
Marriage of Figaro, Puccini’s Madame
Butterfly and Pagliacci by Leoncavallo.
While practising a solo part, Paul met
Varvara one of the three accompanists,
taking soloists and chorus through their
paces. Since leaving CH, Varvara has studied
KATHLEEN DUNCAN
OBE
née Dale 5s/3s 56-65
Kathleen was elected Master of the
Worshipful Company of Musicians on 13
November. A leading UK music charity, the
Musicians’ Company is the only City of
London Livery Company to represent the
performing arts. It offers awards and prizes
for postgraduate studies across a range of
SPRING 2015 11
CREATIVE / SPORT
musical genres, and performance
opportunities to promote award-winners at
the start of their professional careers.
Kathleen is also a trustee of Youth Music and
the National Foundation for Youth Music,
and was for 15 years director general of the
Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and
Wales.
Christ’s Hospital Old Blues Association
formed entirely in the
mould of The King’s
Singers, and that we
sang almost
exclusively King’s
Singers
arrangements.”
SAM EDGINGTON
CHRISTOPHER
REDWOOD
MdA/GrW 03-05
PrepA/MdB 49-57
London-based bass guitar and double bass
player Sam plays at both West End theatres
and in They Say Jump,
a ska, reggae and pop
infusion band, which
performs at festivals
across the country. A
graduate of Leeds
College of Music, he set
up music agency
Articulate Music in 2008
with fellow Leeds student Rhys Owen. Their
function band Soul Beat performs nationally
and internationally.
Following early retirement as headmaster of
West Bridgford High School, Nottingham,
Christopher returned to his own studies.
Aged 74, he obtained a PhD for his research
on the life and music of composer William
Hurlstone (1876-1906). He is turning his
thesis into a book.
JONATHAN HOWARD
MaA/GrE 98-05
Jonathan is entering his fifth season as bass
for a cappella ensemble The King’s Singers,
which gives more than 120 concerts a year
all over the world.
He said: “It’s amazing to have a job that can
see you perform in 21 time zones in six
months, or to be able to listen to a pop
song that lists places from around the world,
and think ‘Do you know what? I’ve been
there!’ The breadth of our repertoire also
staggers me. I smile seeing programme
sheets that list all Gesualdo’s Tenebrae
Responsaries for Maundy Thursday and our
staged Great American Songbook show in
consecutive concerts.”
Jonathan was a choral scholar at New
College, Oxford, where he formed six-man a
cappella group The Oxford Clerks. “At the
time, I failed to notice that our group was
12 THE OLD BLUE
VINCENT TURNER
MaA/GrE 97-04
Vincent, better known by his stage name
Frankmusik, is an English synthpop musician.
In the summer he was busy releasing videos,
new songs and an EP, as well as launching his
website.
He toured the US last year for his third
album, which had excellent reviews. “The
quality of his writing, his production, and his
singing is consistent and delightful.” “[He is]
one of the rare few Electro-pop artists who
not only makes it work but makes it
effortlessly beautiful.” “Vocals are …
personal, touching and compelling.”
REG WILSON
MdB 48-54
Theatre photographer Reg presented his
latest exhibition Nureyev & Friends at the
Oxmarket Centre of Arts, Chichester, in
August, before touring the UK and Europe.
Rudolf Nureyev was a Soviet-born ballet
dancer and director, who died in 1993.
LHB/GrE 94-01
Jess works as a singer-songwriter for
BMG/Chrysalis.
weddings and events as a soloist and in an
ensemble.
PHOTOGRAPHY
JESS GREENFIELD
Greenfield and Conder – Jess and Gavin –
took part in the Music Cube Competition at
the Westfield Centre, Shepherds Bush,
London, in the autumn. The artists
performed in the sound-proof glass cube,
with the audience listening and interacting
via headphones, mobile devices and over
the internet.
@CHOldBlues
During his career, Christopher edited A
Delius Companion and An Elgar Companion.
He still teaches singing and piano.
FABIO SARLO
PeB/GrW 05-12
University of York music student and violinist
Fabio has his sights set on a career in music
management. He has had two internships
with the English Chamber Orchestra,
working at venues including the Royal
Festival Hall and Cadogan Hall in London.
He works part-time at the York Barbican and
is a sales advisor at Banks Musicroom in
York. He is now an approved tutor with York
City Council’s Arts Education scheme.
All this is in addition to his studies and his
own playing – he is leader of the university
symphony orchestra, a key member of a
contemporary music group, and performs at
Fabio with his governor, the late Robert Seeley
Reg’s career began in the 1950s. His close
relationships with iconic figures gave him
privileged access backstage and to
rehearsals, resulting in exclusive images.
Renowned for both his brilliant camera
technique and his printing skills in the
darkroom, his images have been widely
reproduced in books, magazines, record
sleeves, dust jackets and posters. One of his
most celebrated photographs is of Diana,
Princess of Wales, and Wayne Sleep dancing
on stage at Covent Garden.
BARNS GREEN HALF
MARATHON
28 SEPTEMBER 2014
CHOBA Officer
Margaret Wadman
(right) raised £1,102.34
(including Gift Aid) for
CH Chapel charity the
Christina Noble
Children’s Foundation
when she ran the Barns
Green Half Marathon in
a personal best of 2
hours 21 minutes.
A huge thank you to all who sponsored
Margaret for the foundation that works to
alleviate child poverty in Vietnam and
Mongolia, and to give all children the right
to a happy and safe childhood.
Old Blues
SPORT
CHOldBlues
OLD BLUES GOLFING SOCIETY
Bad weather and injuries led to the latest
match in the OBGS vs CH masters series on
26 August at Rockwood, near Horsham,
needing a revised format as a team
stableford competition.
Erik Hansen, former CH master and now Old
Blue player, played the best round of his life;
he went round in one over par scoring 46
stableford points for his team, which
included Mike Burgess (LaA 56-63) and Colin
Russell (BaA 54-61). Their team score of 88
points (best two scoring on each hole)
overwhelmed the other teams of OB captain
Stephen Quest (BaB/PeB 65-72), masters
captain Shaun Mason and Robert Muir
(LHB/ColB 66-72) with 83 points, and Alex
Henocq (masters), Brain Quaife (PrepA/MdA
56-63) and Rosemarie Varley (4s/5s 48-56)
with 78 points.
This late summer fixture has, for the past
three years, been a three-way match
including a pupils and young Old Blues
team. This year it proved difficult to organise
the third team, so the timing of this match
will be reviewed to maintain the involvement
of young golfers in these very enjoyable
fixtures.
Two new members, Tim Hackshaw (MaB/ThA
68-75) and Adrian Dixon (LHB/MdB 68-75),
joined the group to compete for the Ross
Goobey Trophy at Cowdray Park, Midhurst,
West Sussex on 10 September. Twenty seven
holes were played, nine in the morning team
stableford and 18 after lunch for the trophy.
Charles McKay (BaA/LaA 75-82), Robert Muir
(LHB/ColB 66-72) and Adrian Dixon won in
the morning, and the afternoon result was
CH CRUISING AND SAILING CLUB
PACIFIC LAUNCH, 18 AUGUST 2014
A formal presentation of the CH Cruising
and Sailing Club Burgee was made to the
Pacific Branch at the Royal Vancouver Yacht
Club. CHC&SC (Pacific) has two yachts in
Vancouver – Moonbeard of Anthony
Sessions (PrepA/ThA 50-55) and David
Taplin’s (LaB 50-57) Coda – as well as Chris
Johnson’s (LaB 52-59) in Nanaimo. The group
plans to build the activities and fleet, linking
with Roger Wickins (BaA 49-54) in Sydney.
L-R: Patrick Oswald,
Master of Burgees
and past
commodore RVYC,
and Anthony
Sessions,
commodore
CHC&SC (Pacific)
David Taplin explained the many connections
between CH and British Columbia over the
centuries. Wales Island in BC was named by
George Vancouver in honour of his
navigational mentor, William Wales, head of
the Royal Mathematical School for about 25
years at the end of the 18th century. Samuel
Taylor Coleridge may have been inspired by
stories told by his master Wales of his great
voyages with James Cook to pen The Rime
of the Ancient Mariner.
Old Blues “Cappy” Archibald Reed and
Gerald Lancaster were the Vancouver
harbour masters for most of the 20th
century. “Cappy” is said to be the last sea
captain to bring a sailing ship into the
harbour.
L-R: Masters captain Shaun Mason, OB captain
Stephen Quest, Michael Burgess, Robert Muir,
Colin Russell, Alex Henocq, Rosemarie Varley,
Brian Quaife and Erik Hansen
very close with three players scoring 32
points. Tim was awarded the trophy for the
highest score on the back nine, just pipping
Charles and Brian Quaife. Charles hit the
longest drive, beating Robert by only
500mm! Captain Stephen Quest was nearest
the pin and also took the Aggregate Cup for
the highest combined score in both the
Ross Goobey and Atkinson Trophy
competitions.
Dinner and prizegiving was enjoyed by all,
including 2014 trophy winner Courtney
Burtenshaw (ColA/GrW 99-06) who joined
for the evening.
The traditional Masters vs Old Blues match
will take a different format in 2015. All OBs
are invited to play at the RAC Club, Epsom,
on Friday 29 May. The format is envisaged
to be a stableford competition for teams of
3, with 18-hole rounds in both the morning
and afternoon, with a choice of playing 18 or
all 36. Golfers, please make yourselves
known to me!
We were saddened to hear of the death of
David Spackman (LaB 38-45), OBGS
president 2008-2014 and 1999 captain, on 30
December.
Colin Russell, Secretary
[email protected]
OBs CRICKET WORLD RECORD – AT MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Simon Rogers (LHB/LHA/MdB 86-93) and
Matthew Weihs (MaB/MaA 86-93) were
among the 30-strong group of enthusiasts
who broke the world record for the highestever cricket match, played at 5,752 metres
near the summit of Kilimanjaro.
L-R: Matthew Weihs and Simon Rogers
Part of the Mt Kili Madness charity project,
the two teams had planned to play a T20
match in the crater of Africa's highest
mountain on 26 September, but the
imminent threat of inclement weather
forced umpires to cut the game short to 10
overs per side.
The teams included former England coach
Ashley Giles, former South African cricketer
Makhaya Ntini, former England women's
captain Clare Connor OBE and current
women's vice-captain Heather Knight.
The cricketers smashed the previous world
record, set on Mount Everest in 2009, by
more than 600 metres. The group spent
one week hiking and climbing Kilimanjaro,
battling altitude sickness and temperatures
as low as -20°C to play in the match.
Matthew Weihs, Mt Kili Madness coorganiser, said: “The oxygen is incredibly
thin when you reach such high altitudes,
and players were panting harder than in
any cricket match I’ve ever seen – even the
Old Blues vs CH 1st XI this year. This will go
down in sporting history.”
Knight’s Gorillas team scored 82 for 5,
beating Giles and his Rhinos team by 18
runs. All players wore traditional whites,
albeit with several layers underneath.
Mt Kili Madness aims to raise more than
£200,000 for Cancer Research UK, African
wildlife protection charity Tusk and The
Rwanda Cricket Stadium Foundation.
SPRING 2015 13
REMEMBERING
Christ’s Hospital Old Blues Association
We are aware, through various channels, of many more OB deaths, but unfortunately we
are not always able to include obituaries for every one. If you would like an obituary
included in a future issue, please contact Margaret Wadman or Gina Skillings at the
CHOBA office. Full obituaries can be found at www.chassociation.org/oldblues/
obituaries and obtained from the CHOBA office.
WILLIAM BROCK
ThB 28-34
Died 12 November 2014.
Professor William Brock was a major scholar
of United States history, spending most of his
career at Cambridge University. He
contributed significantly to the understanding
of late 19th century American history.
William was a popular supervisor, and some
of his former students contributed to a
volume dedicated to him. His warm
hospitality is still remembered.
A fellow of the British Academy, William was
also honorary president of the British
American Nineteenth Century Historians,
who remembered him as “an outstanding
historian and lovely man”.
DAVID COOKE
CB, MBE
Clerk 09-12
Died 1 December 2014.
Rear Admiral David Cooke died following
complications after surgery and a long
illness. He is survived by his wife, Sarah, and
three children. A fuller obituary will follow in
the next issue.
HAZEL HUCKER
née Drake Hertford 46-51
Died 1 June 2013.
Hazel was born in London and went on from
CH to the London School of Economics. She
had a varied life, living in France, Germany
and Malaysia. In the UK, she worked in local
government, teaching and garden design,
as well as carrying out voluntary work for exoffenders and serving as a magistrate. She
was also the author of several novels.
Hazel is survived by her three children,
Sally, Nicholas and Rupert, and three
grandchildren.
GEOFF HINES
LaB 51-59
Died 16 December 2014. Obituary by Roger
Wickins (BaA 49-54).
Following CH, Geoff attended Trinity
College, Oxford, where he was a rugby Blue
14 THE OLD BLUE
from 1961-62. He was also an England trialist
in 1962.
In 1964 he played for Rhodesia, where he
was working as a schoolmaster before
moving to the private sector in marketing.
He transferred in 1975 to Australia where he
founded his own executive search company,
Hines Management Consultants, in
Brisbane. He arranged an annual gathering
of Old Blues in that city.
JO LESTER
née Probert 3s 43-49
Died 25 September 2014. Obituary by her
daughter, Sarah Chidgey.
Jo was a keen sportswoman, who, with
some life-long CH friends, formed an
alumnae hockey club which still meets
annually.
She worked in the CH offices in Great Tower
Street, London, and was one of the first
women to qualify as a company secretary.
She later became a teacher, loved by pupils
and colleagues alike. She had a range of
interests, including cricket, driving, local
politics and her local church.
RICHARD PALMER
Staff 74-81
Died 8 August 2014. Obituary by Tim Kirkup
(staff 78-87).
Teaching was
Richard’s prime
love. His English
classes were
informal, though
never sloppy or
unfocused. He
encouraged boys
to enjoy literature
and to express
themselves
elegantly; his
praise fostered
many pupils’ self-belief.
Though impatient with bureaucracy and an
unconventional house tutor, he gave
generously of his time and skills to cricket
and drama. He tutored for the Open
University, wrote books on study skills and
contributed to Jazz Journal.
Richard moved to Bedford School in 1985 as
head of English, where he taught until his
death.
@CHOldBlues
CHRISTOPHER
PARSONS
BaB 39-47
Died 9 March 2014. Obituary by David
Parsons.
During a 36-year Royal Navy career,
Christopher served on almost every class of
warship and from nearly every naval
dockyard.
He continued late in life to play many sports,
at which he had excelled at CH. He served
as churchwarden at his local church and
enjoyed work in his gardens in South Stoke,
Somerset, and Widemouth Bay, Cornwall.
He was a Donation Governor and supported
two presentees.
Christopher is survived by his wife Ann,
whom he married in 1962, their two sons,
and his younger brother, Timothy
(PrepB/BaB 42-49), who lives in Canada.
MICHAEL PICKARD
PeB 50-57
Died 21 October 2014. Obituary by his son
Russell Pickard (MaA/LaB 78-85).
A former maths Grecian, Mike became a
Donation Governor and had a lifelong
involvement with CH. He took up many roles
including Old Blues Rugby Football Club
vice-president, director of the Benevolent
Society of Blues, president of the Amicables
and chief steward of Founder’s Day Dinner.
He regularly attended many reunions,
including those of Peele B, where he had
been a monitor for two years. He also
played cricket for the Old Blues and was a
keen golfer.
Mike retired as chairman and chief executive
of the Royal London Mutual Insurance
Society. He held senior positions with
several professional and charitable
associations.
He will be missed as a stalwart person and a
loyal friend. He leaves son Russell, daughter
Joanna and two grandchildren.
CLIVE PLATFOOT
ColA 41-50
Died 31 August 2014. Obituary by his son,
Kim Platfoot (MaB/ColA 77-85).
After retiring from the army in 1972, Major
Clive Platfoot joined British Car Auctions,
and later became a rep for a medical alarm
company.
He married Valerie in 1956 and they settled
in Surrey, where they had a smallholding
with various farm and domestic animals.
Old Blues
REMEMBERING
CHOldBlues
Clive loved singing and was heavily involved
with local choirs.
STEVE WEBB
ALSO REPORTED
He was a cheerful, generous and loyal family
man. He is survived by Valerie, their three
children and five grandchildren, two of
whom also attended CH – Rebecca Platfoot
(Col A/GrW 04-11) and Jennifer Platfoot
(LHB/GrE 06-13).
PrepA/ColA 60-69
The deaths are reported of the following Old
Blues, of whom we have no other details.
Died 13 December 2014.
Steve was a member of the CHOBA Board
from June 2005 to December 2008, serving
as chairman from May 2006.
● News, page 2
The Rev Philip Brownless
(MdA 30-37), died 7 September 2014
David Carter
(PeA 36-42), died 6 December 2014
Michael Challis
(PeA 57-62), died 27 October 2014
Keith Clark
(PeB 39-47), died 23 November 2014
Harold Davidson
(PrepA/PeB 34-39), died in August 2014
Jeremy Davies
(MaA 43-49), died 26 November 2014
Clive Platfoot (second from left)
Neill Purdie Evans
(BaB 40-46), died 24 November 2014
PHYLLIS SPENCE
Ian Gregory
(LaB 37-43), died 28 March 2014
née Chart 8s 38-46
Steve Webb, centre, with yellow-socked OB
guests at his wedding in June 2013
Died 5 August 2014.
Phyllis read classics at Reading University.
She married David who was in the forces
and, after postings abroad, they settled in
Reading, where Phyllis taught for many
years. Following retirement she and David
moved to Bournemouth.
After David’s death, Phyllis returned to
Reading to be near family. She fought a
long battle with Parkinson's disease,
although she kept a quick wit to the end.
She will be much missed by her children,
Cameron, Debbie and Tony, her
grandchildren and great-granddaughter.
TONY VERDIN
PeB 44-51
Died 25 September 2014.
Obituary by Peter
Bloomfield
(PrepA/PeB 44-51).
Tony was an eccentric
character and a bon viveur.
He made a great success of the Cherwell
Boathouse restaurant in Oxford, and
founded a wine merchant’s business.
He is in the Guinness Book of Records as
one of the oldest second-row forwards in
rugby history, playing into his sixties. He
enjoyed real tennis, and we met regularly in
the Old Blues vs Oxford fixture.
A loving family man who will be sadly
missed, Tony leaves his second wife
Araminta, six children and five
grandchildren.
PAUL WINTERFLOOD
MdB 51-57
Died 26 April 2014. Obituary contributed by
his wife Ann (née Swain 6s 51-58) and Chris
Bruce-Jones (ThA 44-49).
Paul was a Governor and great supporter of
CH. He and Ann hosted many OB
gatherings at their home, and organised the
East Surrey Old Blues’ monthly lunches. The
turnout for his memorial service
demonstrated the esteem in which he was
held.
He led a full and active life: lawyer, Rotarian,
magistrate, author and antiquarian,
yachtsman and rugby player. He is survived
by Ann and sons Simon and Adam.
PETER WOON
ColA 42-49
Died 20 May 2014. Obituary summarised
from The Times.
Peter trained as a journalist, and joined the
BBC in 1964. He created the first half-hour
TV news programme, Newsroom, on BBC2.
As head of radio news, he revolutionised its
format in the 1970s by introducing inserts
from reporters. In 1981, as BBC Television
news editor, he pioneered the use of
journalists as newsreaders on The Nine
O’Clock News.
He was married twice and had an adopted
son from his first marriage, Peter, who is a
writer.
Roy Heydon
(ThA 38-44), died 5 December 2014
Mervyn Howell
(MdA 54-61), died in September 2014
Arthur Hurn
(LaA 28-34)
Rosemary Hutcheson (3s 37-43), died 10 August 2014
Phyllis Judge
(8s 39-44), died 25 June 2014
Francis King
(MdA 48-55), died 25 June 2014
Andrew (Jamie) Lindfield
(PeA 62-70), died 22 June 2014
Stephen Lloyd
(MaB 67-75), died 31 August 2014
Dudley Luke
(MaA 35-40), died 15 December 2014
John Pope
(MdB 45-51), died 16 January 2013
Anthony Rains
(BaA 30-38), died 23 June 2014
Peter Scott
(ThA 53-60), died 6 December 2013
Ian Smith
(MaA 36-43), died 14 July 2014
David Spackman
(LaB 38-44 and Old Blues Golfing Society
president), died 30 December 2014
Robert Stockwell
(ThB 43-51), died 1 April 2014
SPRING 2015 15
NEWS
CH COMMEMORATION OF THE GREAT WAR
Plans outlined in the Spring 2014 issue of The Old Blue have now come to fruition. Old Blues are able to
reflect on OBs’ involvement by reading David Miller’s compilation, visiting the exhibition at the CH museum
or touring the Western Front Battlefields. To register your interest or for more information contact Peter
Bloomfield, [email protected], or Margaret Wadman or Gina Skillings at the CHOBA office.
TWO
VICTORIA
CROSSES
AND THE
FEAST OF
FIVE
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
The tour of the Western Front Battlefields will have a
special CH content, including the two Old Blue
Victoria Crosses and the “Feast of Five”, a gathering
in 1917 in St Omer of OBs serving in the Royal Sussex
Regiment, immortalised by Edmund Blunden.
General Sir Garry Johnson (MdA 48-54) said: “It is quite remarkable: not just a
factual record, nor just a work of remembrance, but – using the words to tell the
tale – a living document. Quite fascinating, and very moving.”
First-hand reports of Old Blues serving in the various
theatres during the Great War are recalled in a
compilation by military historian David Miller (LaB 4855). Published by the WW1 Working Party, In their
own words comprises reports from contemporary
An excellent
editions of The Blue and original letters and
document of record
manuscripts held in the CH museum. It also contains
an updated Roll of Honour, listing the details of all Old Blues known to have died in
the war, including their final resting place.
The itinerary and costs of the four-day tour, in May,
will be finalised when numbers are known, so please
register your interest with Peter Bloomfield as soon as
possible. The specialist tour operator is providing
flexible options so there will be some choice
regarding accommodation, costs and coach pick-up
and drop-off points.
The draft itinerary can be viewed at
www.spiritofremembrance.com/page/christ-shospital-old-blues-association-tour.
“[I am] very impressed with it, it is beautifully produced and the contents are very
moving. David Miller has done an excellent job and perhaps you would be good
enough to give him our congratulations,” Margi Blunden, daughter of Edmund
Blunden (Col A 09-15).
“I have enjoyed reading it. It has turned out very well, and the Roll of Honour is an
excellent document of record. The typography and design are most appropriate –
the result is elegant and restrained and entirely fitting for the subject matter,”
Susan Mitchell (1s/ 7s 47-56).
Thanks to a generous grant from the Amicable Foundation, free copies will be
available to all pupils at CH between now and November 2018. Copies, priced £10
plus p&p, can be purchased from the museum, email [email protected].
KNITTING AND MUNITIONS
Edmund Blunden’s uniform is one of
many exhibits on display
The contribution made by the CH communities in Hertford,
Horsham and London is recalled in an exhibition at the CH museum.
While OBs and staff served in the war itself, the boys at Horsham
manufactured munitions and small parts for aircraft. At Hertford, the
girls knitted and sewed clothing for troops and refugees, as well as
taking part in a nationwide project to collect tons of conkers used in
the production of explosives.
Also on display are items associated with some of the thousands of
Old Blues who served in the war, including a British Army uniform
worn by war poet Edmund Blunden and the sword presented by the
CH Almoners to Edgar Cox, the youngest Brigadier General in the
army, one of the 382 Old Blues to die in the conflict.
Sources used for the exhibition include The Blue, documents and
correspondence from the extensive CH archive, personal letters,
memoirs, photographs and newspaper reports.
The exhibition is open from 10am to 4pm on Tuesdays and
Thursdays (term time and holidays) until September. Please book
your visit in advance by contacting Elizabeth Bridges, email
[email protected], or call the museum on 01403 247444.
CHOBA Officer
Margaret Wadman
CHOBA and Development
Co-Ordinator
Gina Skillings
Christ’s Hospital, Horsham,
West Sussex RH13 0YP
T 01403 247665
E [email protected]
www.chassociation.org
Registered Charity Number 306975
CHOBA Board
Harriet Bellenie
Jasmine Boadi
Simon Chadwick
Clorinda Goodman
Stephen Harrison
(Board of School Governors’ Rep)
Howard Holdsworth
(Head Master’s Rep)
Andrew Howgego (Chairman)
Hannah Lazell
Georgina Martin
Anjola Odulaja
Jo Sidebottom
OB Editorial Team
Bridget West (OB Editor)
Miranda Chave
Jo Sidebottom
Proofing Team
Catherine Barber
Natalie Cox
Philip Cunliffe
David Eastburn
Myfanwy Fisher
Seán O’Callaghan
Oskar Schortz
Jo Taylor
Sophie Winship