OB NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2017
F E AT U R I N G T H I S Y E A R
BG YEAR IN PICTURES
- PAGE 3
OB DAY 2016
- PAGE 8
OB NEWS
- PAGE 12
WW1 1917
- PAGE 14
President’s
Welcome
Headmaster’s
Welcome
Dear Biltonians and Homefieldians,
The breadth of success we have celebrated over the
last year is once again testament to the strength of the
BG education we offer. In sport our U11 and U12 boys’
hockey teams were both crowned County Champions
and Midlands Semi-finalists, our U13 girls’ netball team
were County runners up and our U13 girls’ rounders
team had an unbeaten season. Our Performing and
Creative Arts were equally successful with 21 pieces of
artwork exhibited at the Royal College of Art as part of
the Young Art Exhibition and 3 boys performing at the
Royal Albert Hall as part of the National Youth Choirs of
Great Britain. Our Senior Chapel Choir has performed
at the Royal Festival Hall in the finals of the Barnardos
Choral Competition, as well as performing in a Kodaly
concert in St John’s Smith Square.
Welcome to our 2017 Newsletter! I can honestly say that I
have thoroughly enjoyed my first 18 months as President
of the Old Biltonian Society – what a privileged role!
I must offer my sincere thanks once again to Tony
Millinger for his invaluable work on this publication, to the
whole OBS Committee for their loyalty and commitment,
and particularly to Mark Tovey and to Emily Rycroft for
their crucial ‘tactical nagging’ of the President and their
lubricating of all the cogs in the ultra-efficient machine
that is the OB Society. Finally, I must thank Alex Osiatynski for including me and so many other old
Biltonians in all manner of School events and social occasions. I would pick out the programme
of Bilton Grange evening lectures as being particularly laudable in having offered valuable
opportunities for enrichment to pupils, parents, staff and Biltonians alike.
To witness Bilton Grange thriving under the Headmaster’s stewardship has been a most rewarding
experience. It is clear, as Jeremy Greenhalgh leaves a secure legacy as outgoing Chair of Governors
– what a dinner that was! – and passes on the baton to Charles Barwell, that exciting years lie
ahead for the School that we all know and love so much; we as a Society must surely aim to do all
that we can to add our weight to the progress being engineered.
I continue to encourage as many Biltonians as possible to engage in the life of the School, and I hope
that we, as individuals and as a Society, may be able to provide support for the excellent work of the
Bilton Grange Foundation, and by implication for the foundation of the bursary that will bear Jeremy
Greenhalgh’s name, thus widening access to the undoubted value of a Bilton Grange education.
In School we have continued to develop the resources we offer and we have begun a programme
of classroom refurbishment which will provide a blueprint for further changes. We have
redesigned our car parking and made North Entrance car-free, providing a fantastic safe area
to add to our Juniors’ play area. We have welcomed new Boarding House Parents to BG and
together they have themed our weekends and made them even more fun, whether that means
our boarders are enjoying a ‘Magic for Muggles’ weekend with a game of Quidditch, a wizardly
feast and a trip to the Harry Potter Studios, or ‘Swapping the Seasons’ by playing beach volleyball,
enjoying an indoor BBQ and visiting an Oasis swimming pool to beat the January blues.
Changes to our educational provision are always very carefully considered and in September 2017
we launch The BiG Saturday, a programme of curriculum enrichment for our Year 4 pupils (age 8-9)
which will develop further as they move into Year 5. This optional programme will give our pupils a
real head start in life and will both complement and extend the broad curriculum that we offer at
Bilton Grange.
I shall hope to meet many more of you at our various events, whether at the annual informal drinks
gathering in London, or at the always-special Old Biltonian Day, or at one of the OB sporting occasions.
Life at BG never stays still and we know that it is the same for our alumni. It is always a pleasure
to meet you at events in London, BG and further afield and to hear how your careers have
progressed. Please do continue to keep in touch and support your School.
With sincere best wishes to Biltonians of all generations,
Alex Osiatynski
Headmaster
Tim Day (Homefield 1974-1978, Bilton Grange 1978-1983)
President
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APRIL 2017
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www.biltongrange.co.uk
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www.biltongrange.co.uk
We went pond dipping in our reinvigorated Science pond
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APRIL 2017
OB NEWSLETTER | 3
From the Chairman of
Bilton Grange Foundation
‘Bilton’s more than a school to us, Bilton’s more than a name’. At one time or another we have all sung that song. It meant
something when we were at school, and it means something to
us today.
For many of us our time at the school is a distant memory; to
others starting out in life our immediate thoughts understandably
are focused on the journey ahead, but all of us will in our own
time owe the school a debt.
The Foundation supports and complements the constituent parts
– the Governing Body, the Friends of Bilton and the OB Society,
different pieces of the same jigsaw with the same aim: to ensure
that current and future boys and girls benefit in the Bilton way
that you who went before have done.
So however small and however infrequent your offering, could
I ask that you consider Bilton in your present and future giving.
Thank you. Peter Waine (1957-62)
Chairman
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SCHOLARSHIPS 2016
Scholarship success to date 2017
Monty Bantoft
Academic Scholarship to Princethorpe College
Jemima Bantoft
Foundation Scholarship to Rugby
Sophia Bulla Rubio
Foundation Scholarship to Rugby
Sam Brodie
Design Technology Scholarship to Bloxham
Peter Crews
CB Fry Scholarship to Repton
Isaac Denness
Academic Scholarship and Music Scholarship to Rugby
Sam Evans
Academic Scholarship to Shrewsbury
Bunty Garland
Art Exhibition to Oakham and an Art Scholarship to Tudor Hall
Katie Heywood
Art Scholarship to Princethorpe College
Sophia Greaves
Drama Scholarship to Kingsley School
Hosanna Irankunda
Foundation Scholarship to Rugby
Edward King
Sports Scholarships to Rugby and Bloxham
Alice Jackson
Academic and Sports Scholarships to Rugby
Dana Manasir
Art Exhibition to Repton
Archie Jackson
Academic Scholarship to Rugby
James Peto
Sports Scholarship to Bloxham
Lucas Marshall
DT Scholarship to Rugby
Edith Reay
All-Rounder Award to Princethorpe College
Crispin Marshall-Rowan
Academic Scholarship to Stowe
Zara Sharp
Sports Scholarship to Oakham
Tommy Ogilvie
Academic Scholarship to Rugby
Rachel Timms
All-Rounder Award to Princethorpe College
Charlie Tarrant
Headmaster’s Exhibition to Repton
Zachary Whenham
Choral and Sports Exhibitions to Repton
George Taylor
DT Scholarship to Rugby
Alice Whittaker
All-Rounder Award to Princethorpe College
Caoimhe Tobin
Sports Scholarship to Rugby
Zachary Wenham
CB Fry Exhibition to Repton
Jerry Williams
Sports Exhibition to Repton
Thank you
Thank you to everyone who has supported the School in the last year. Your generosity has
funded a 3D printer for DT (pictured right) which has allowed pupils to further broaden their
understanding of the design and manufacturing process. We also have bursary support for new
pupils and much, much more. Your gifts really do make a big difference to the experience of
current BG pupils.
APRIL 2017
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Alumni Profiles – Two OBs write about their time at School and tell us about their careers
Sir Michael Burton
Charlie Newman
(1955 - 1959) (2003 - 2008) Sir Michael Burton attended Bilton Grange from 1955-1959. He is the
President of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal and a recently retired
High Court Judge.
Charlie Newman attended Bilton Grange from 2003 -2008
before going on to Uppingham. Now a full-time model,
she has appeared on the cover of Tatler and as the face
of H&M.
Tell us about your success:
It’s been a slow burner. I started at 15, only working
during the holidays, and then I decided to go full time
after I finished at Uppingham at 18. It’s not all glamour
and glitz and like any other job, fashion can be a hard
slog at times too. I‘m beginning to see its rewards now
and am extremely grateful for them.
This photograph was taken by Rankin
for Babyliss
How did your time at BG support and encourage you? A career in fashion was never really on my agenda whilst
I was at BG, but I would say that the school is fantastic at boosting your confidence and self-belief,
something I’ve only really come to terms with now. How could you not feel good about yourself
having put yourself out of your comfort zone by performing in a school concert or play, representing
the school in sport, completing the annual cross country race (an insurmountable feat even now!) or
just by trying something completely new. I really don’t think I would be able to throw myself into new
countries and cultures so easily at work without my experience at BG.
Which teachers particularly helped or supported you?
I remember so many, but Mr Nicholson helped to make Maths comprehensible, while Mrs Ovens
introduced me to the wonderful world of Drama, which I still pursue, and Mrs Murray somehow
managed to transform a tangle of limbs and two front teeth into something of a sportsman. I
remember Mrs Millinger believing in me at such an early stage, I hope to make her proud at some
point, and Mr Hodge for all his care and support. Then there was WOW! Mr Morris completely
changed my view on religion as a young girl – suddenly it became fun and interesting in his hands.
The list could go on!
What advice would you give to current students looking to follow a similar path?
All is not as it seems. Obviously modelling isn’t a long term career so always have other tricks up your
sleeve and keep your brain ticking over. Use it to open doors, not close them.
Tell us about your success:
I won scholarships to Eton and to Balliol College Oxford. I became a
Barrister in 1970, was appointed QC in 1984 and then High Court Judge
in 1998, until November 2016. I was President of the Employment
Appeal Tribunal 2002-2005, Chairman of the High Court Judges
Association 2010-11 and Treasurer of Gray’s Inn 2012.
Sir Michael Burton
How did your time at Bilton Grange support and encourage you?
Apart from having a great deal of fun and relishing the challenge with drama (leading parts in the
Highwaymen, Pirates of Penzance, HMS Pinafore, Julius Caesar and Les Fourberies de Scapin), I
imbibed the joy of learning and in particular its disciplines: hard work, concentration and a wellordered mind.
Do you have a special memory of School that you would like to share?
I suppose the enduring memory is of the final performance of HMS Pinafore when, after seven
encores of Never Mind the Why And Wherefore as Sir Joseph Porter KCB, my trousers fell down.
Which teachers particularly helped or supported you?
Robin Paul and Joe Richardson were phenomenally inspiring teachers. I owe them a great deal. I said
my piece about them at their joint Memorial Service at Bilton Grange. Peter Mathewson was also a
great history teacher.
What advice would you give to current students
looking to follow a similar path?
All is very different now, and the Bar is very much
more difficult to break into. My foundation was
my Classical education, kicked off by Robin Paul
and continued at Eton and Balliol, where I read
Classics and Mods, and then changed to Law.
All I can say is that a modern student must work
hard and play hard, but above all make sure he
or she gets the best exam results. Without a first
at University the modern bar is unattainable.
www.biltongrange.co.uk
1959 cast of HMS Pinafore.
Sir Michael is in the middle
as
Sir Joseph Porter KCB
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APRIL 2017
OB NEWSLETTER | 5
OB Memories – Paul Nicholson, Then and Now: Bilton Grange in 1986 and today.
When I first arrived at BG, in September 1986, I not only had hair
but it was long, too! I was by far the youngest member of the
teaching staff at Bilton (now the Prep), and, I think, younger than
any at Homefield (now the Pre-Prep). I wasn’t married to Helen
and I didn’t have my two children, Christian and Maja.
There were only boys at Bilton in those days, the Homefield girls
staying put whilst the boys came across into the Juniors at age 8.
My first Form was known as U6B, ironically not a 6th Form class at
all but the A stream class in the 5th Form. It comprised: Ainsworth
A, Biggs C, Cockshott R, Epton D, Garner J, Hall N, Higgott S, Lomax
E, Loveridge W, Noden C, Stamp M, Watson F and Woo E. When I
first took the register, in the classroom just off the North Entrance
(now the Marketing Office), I recall my mispronunciation of the
third name on the list! The boys were delightful.
My timetable was varied and took me into the Sports Hall and
Swimming Pool, both pretty much the same now as they were
then, and the Science labs which have grown in number since
then. I shared one lab with Mike Munt who had managed to
blacken the ceiling in a number of places with his demonstrations
of gaseous explosions!
I shared a study (now the Bursar’s office) in the Bursary with the
late RGJ Barnard; the study was adjacent to the staff bar which
allowed ‘Barn’ easy access to his daily half-pint – well, it started
as half a pint but after a number of top-ups it must have been
a daily pint! Barn was quite territorial and at one point, with a
mischievous smile on his face, taped a line across the study floor
to indicate his three-quarters of the study space and my quarter.
The bar has fallen into decline and is no longer in use. Some
boys will remember RGJB and BJH (Brian Headley) hosting end of
season parties in the bar for their rugby teams. My study now is
above North Entrance, looking out along North Drive.
few female staff. Miss Wilson was Head of Juniors, Joan Glanville
and June Millinger taught French, and Clare Fisher was the most
delightful Headmaster’s wife.
In those days, all hockey was played on grass and I remember
clearly seeing WN (Bill Newton) and Alex Wilson (now Clark)
trying to coach hockey on the pitch by the swimming pool, the ball
disappearing under clumps of mud. Hockey balls were carried out
to Games in buckets and the keepers’ kit consisted of cricket-like
pads, wrap-around soft kickers, small leather gloves and wire face
masks. The keepers could ask to leave lessons early in order to pad
up! The kit these days is rather more effective and we do have a
beautiful artificial pitch to practise on, benefiting every child in the
school.
I have always appreciated the food at BG. The tables were laid
out differently in the Dining Room and the staff tended to sit at
one table, cheese being available to staff after their meal. Milk
Break and Little Tea still happen today in the way that they did 30
years ago.
The Library is vastly different. There used to be long tables in
there, a visible wooden floor and fewer books than we have now, I
think. After tea, boarders could head into the Library to watch
TV and they used to drape themselves uncomfortably on those
long tables.
The BG Chapel has always been a special place. We would
have a Sunday service each week, usually led by RTF, and they
followed the same format with sung responses. The boarders
from Homefield would come across in their uniform and cloaks
and join in the service from the balcony. After the service, it was
customary to head to the staff bar and discuss the previous day’s
performances on the sports field over a sherry or two.
The Headmaster was RTF (Tim Fisher) and GLP (Gerald Potts) was
his number two. We seemed to have a huge number of musicians
on the staff, boasted two former first class cricketers in the form
of MEJCN (Mick Norman) and JGT (Jeff Tolchard) and had very
These days, the boarders go out on trips on most Sundays,
whereas boarders spent most of their time in school in days gone
by. Of course, we now have girls throughout the school, Homefield
having become the Pre-Prep and Bilton the Prep. The houseparents
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APRIL 2017
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now live in what was the
Headmaster’s house,
allowing them access to
both the boys’ and girls’
boarding houses.
We used to have tree
houses in the trees by
the cricket pavilion where
groups of children would
team up to nail planks
together, sometimes
during cricket matches!
One or two fell out but
seemed to bounce fairly
well and learnt from
A young Paul Nicholson (standing, centre)
in part of the 1987 school photo
their experience. The
golf course that we now
enjoy was not here when I
arrived and the fencing which surrounded the corral, enclosing the
two rugby pitches and OB Pavilion, has now gone as it is no longer
required to keep the sheep off the pitches.
There has been a vast technological change to the way we operate
now. ARWD (Anthony Day) used to run a club for computer
enthusiasts, tinkering with BBC computers, but we now have lap
tops and PCs all over the place. Reports were hand-written on
pieces of A6 paper and enclosed in a small booklet with the child’s
Bilton Cup score stated on the front. The Bilton Cup is still keenly
contested each term.
There is so much more that I could write about – the plays, the
music, the sport, the trips, the activities and Cyril, our wonderful
former Head of Maintenance, but I really have to answer my
emails, something that I didn’t have to do when I first arrived! For
those that would like to see how your school has changed – its
core values remain the same – you are always welcome to pay
us a visit; it always gives me great pleasure to see Old Biltonians
returning to their school and chatting about their memories.
www.biltongrange.co.uk
Michael Ritzema
Quiz Corner
I have lovely memories of Bilton that I shall never forget:
The nests and playing “Pirates” (I think that’s what it was called
– jumping from tree to tree in the Spinney).
Ken Waydelin shooting a grey squirrel in mid air as it jumped
from one tree to another.
Walking to the freezing green swimming pool with the grab
chains around the edge.
Catching a running, diving, one-handed catch right on the
boundary in the same match that I got my hat-trick.
Growing a huge radish with Pyatt who, when he pulled it out of
the ground, topped and tailed it and then threw the radish into
the field and started to eat the leaves!! We searched for the
radish but never found it.
The fireworks display when a
rocket landed in the packing
cases causing a massive burst of
flames. One of the fireworks set
fire to Lady Barnett’s hat!!!
Have a look at these photos from the past.
Can you tell us what the room was then, and what it is now?
Quiz Answers
Michael Ritzema
1953 - 57
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APRIL 2017
OB NEWSLETTER | 7
OB Day 2016
If the weather outside was unpredictable,
the welcome to all OBs was as warm as ever
as new President, Tim Day, took the chair
for his first AGM. After minutes and matters
had been formally dealt with, the customary
minute’s silence was held to show respect to
OBs who had died during the previous year. A
full list appears elsewhere in this edition.
Tim summarised the main events of the Society’s 93rd year and
spoke about his vision to see an ever closer relationship with the
school and Foundation continuing to develop. He highlighted
significant social occasions like the Holborn gathering and
thanked Emily Rycroft for all she does to make this and similar
events possible.
The President went on to thank Mark Tovey, Tony Millinger and
the Committee for their time and effort in helping to promote and
support the Society and the school throughout the year. Thanks
were also extended to Headmaster, Alex Osiatynski, and the
school for their customary cordial welcome.
Jocelyn Tysall (1968 - 72),
From left to right: Audrey Rhodes,
40)
(1935
es
Rhod
ael
Mich
From left to right: Lady Winterton, Gwen Soper,
Christopher Hood (1942 - 47)
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APRIL 2017
The Headmaster was now invited to summarise another successful
year for the school. He spoke about the recent successes of the
current 6th Form who had achieved academic, Art, DT, sporting
and all-round scholarship success to a range of top senior schools
including Rugby and Shrewsbury. He alluded to one of the school’s
key guiding principles: to foster and nurture the next generation of
young adults to be polite, happy and aspiring.
The school continues to enjoy and benefit from the new artificial
hockey pitch and results are beginning to reflect the quality of this
facility. There were a few formal thanks: to Fiona Cameron for all
her years of service to Learning Support; and to David Searle who
has been a stalwart on the boys’ boarding side for the last
10 years.
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The Treasurer, Jeremy Westhead, then went on to speak in detail
about the accounts and finances of the Society over the last year,
all of which can all be viewed on the school website under the Old
Biltonian section. A much-deserved vote of thanks was accorded
to Jeremy for his continued hard work on behalf of the Society.
There was a significant number of nominations this year for
honorary membership of the Society. Presentations were made
and thanks extended to: Fiona Cameron, Angela Douglas,
Emma Edwards, Janet Goodchild, Barbara Jones, Claire Jones,
Fiona McCreath, Shirley Mclean, Mandy Minors, Deirdre Nash,
Liz O’Brien, Dashna Rathod, Carol Rea, Denise Slater, Eleanor
Southhall, Pauline Timms, Kathryn Wederell, Gill Wood and
Heather Balchin.
The meeting closed with the customary rousing rendition of the
School Song, ably accompanied by the Headmaster. The annual
OB Day Chapel Service began on schedule and was the first to be
led by the newly appointed Lay Chaplain, David Noble (current
member of staff and Hon. OB). The Chapel Choir, conducted
by Director of Music Mark Penrose, was in good voice, further
enhancing the quality of worship in this very special part of
the day.
Drinks were served in the Gallery after the service, followed by
a special presentation to honour a long-serving and much-loved
member of the school community. Mo Bott, who died earlier
this year, will be remembered by so many over the last 30 years.
She had a gift for making everyone feel valued and always had a
warm smile and a kindly word for each and every one of us. Her
daughter, Dawn, accepted the gift of a hardwood bench, duly
inscribed, as a permanent memorial to a highly respected lady
who was a friend to everyone.
Inclement weather conspired to thwart hopes of lunch on the
lawns, but the Gallery and Library provided perfectly good
alternatives. Our thanks, as always, go to Andrew Parker and his
team for again providing such a wonderfully varied menu.
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The weather took its toll on the Summer Fair and the Sporting
fixtures, but in typical Bilton Grange tradition, everyone played
their part in helping to make the afternoon as successful and
enjoyable as possible.
OB day 2016 had, despite the rain, been another busy and
successful day. We are immensely grateful to Emily Rycroft and the
Marketing Team for giving up their Saturday to help ensure the
day ran smoothly and for being a massive support to me. Grateful
thanks are also due to Darren Price and his team for helping set
everything up and clearing it away afterwards.
From left to right: Meriel Greengalgh
, Gayle Russell, Samantha Russell
Dawn Miliopoulos unveiling a bench
in honour of her mum, Mo Bott
(1973 - 06)
We are always keen to hear how you are getting on, so if you
have any news (however big or small), do drop us a line. You can
also visit the school website to check on forthcoming events at:
biltongrange.co.uk and click on the Old Biltonian section. OB Day
2017 is on Saturday 24th June, do come and join us.
We look forward to seeing you back at your old Prep School
very soon!
Mark Tovey
OBS Secretary [email protected]
Taking a tour of boys’ boarding
www.biltongrange.co.uk
From left to right: Rebecca Ukleja (1996 - 06), Tim Day (1974 - 83),
Jeremy Westhead (1980 - 89)
The 2016 Honorary OBs
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APRIL 2017
OB NEWSLETTER | 9
June 2016 – OB Golf Society
(UK Branch)
The UK branch of the OB Golf Society held their second
Golf Day under glorious blue skies at Kilworth Springs GC in
Leicestershire. The day was much enjoyed by all concerned and, in
particular, by Adrian Brindley who came out on top with his very
consistent stroke making. Congratulations to Adrian and all who
took part. October 2016 – OB Golf Society
(Dubai Branch)
The Dubai Branch of the OB Society met at the floodlit course in the
middle of the Dubai Racecourse. It is a somewhat surreal experience
playing golf after 8pm but enjoyable nonetheless for OBs Paul
Jackson (staff: 1991 - 05), David Jackson (1991 - 96) and Toby Hall
(1990 - 96). All OBs out in the Middle East are asked to contact Paul
Jackson ([email protected]) in the first instance for details
of future golf and social meetings.
A leaving dinner for Jeremy Greenhalgh
It was with immense gratitude for all that he has done for the school
that we said farewell to Jeremy Greenhalgh who had been Chairman
of Bilton Grange Trust for 13 years and a Governor for 10 years before
that. During his many years with the School Jeremy presided over
numerous changes including the building of the Ken Waydelin Hockey
Pitch and, more recently, our new School car park, both of which have
had a huge impact on the School. The leadership and support that
Jeremy offered Bilton Grange was immense and we are very grateful
to him and his wife Meriel for the time they have given us. Thank you
to everyone who gave support to the Jeremy Greenhalgh Bursary
fund; your gifts are much appreciated. Anyone wishing to contribute
should contact Emily Rycroft on 01788 818249.
From left to right: Jeremy, Meriel and Julian Greenhalgh (1998 - 93)
Informal drinks – January 2017
From left to right: Morag James (née Standeven) (1964 - 69)
and Felicia Dykstra (née Sanders) (1966 - 69)
From left to right: Alex Osiatynski, Anna Whitmore (2003 - 06), James Morriss (1988 - 91), Lavinia
Hicks (2001 - 06), Alex Austin (1995 - 04), Adam Qazi (1999 - 06), Amy Webb (1997 - 07), Rebecca
Ukleja (1996 - 06), Mark Tovey, Paul Nicholson, Michael Wakefield (1940 - 42), Christian Nicholson
(1997 - 06), Sam Bendel (1997 - 06)
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We welcomed many OBs from across the
years to a new venue in Pall Mall. President
Tim Day (1974 - 83) and Headmaster Alex
Osiatynski were amongst the BG team there
to meet and catch up with former students.
Our next informal drinks event will be on
Thursday 11th January 2018.
www.biltongrange.co.uk
OB Hockey – February 2017
A crisp February morning provided the perfect conditions to welcome our
alumni back to BG to play in our annual OB hockey match. Our thanks
to team captains Alex Austin (1995 - 04) and Henry Fray (1999 - 03),
and to all of the other OBs and families who joined us to play in the
match and to provide support.
From left to right: Alex Watson (2007 - 16), Izzy Baker (2006 - 15), Marcus Nicholson (2006 - 14), Eddie Baker (2006 - 15), Sam Cave (2006 - 15), Nikita Fedorov (2012 - 14),
Dan Hatton (2012 - 15), Mark Tovey, Oli Vartan (2006 - 09), James Eggleston (2008 - 12), Henry Fray (1999 - 03), Ed Krarup (2003 -09), Alex Austin (1995 - 04),
Archie Jackson (2011 - 15), David Reay (1980 - 85), Lucas Marshall (2007 - 15), Wyste de Boer (GAP student), Sammy Carter (2012 - 14), Gigi Woodward (2009 - 15)
www.biltongrange.co.uk
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APRIL 2017
OB NEWSLETTER | 11
OB News
Robert Dick-Read (1939 - 44) and family. We
have sold our house in Winchester and moved
out to the British Virgin Islands where we lived
for 25 years and where our children were born.
Both our children, after school and university in
the UK, decided to return to the BVI, so ALL our
family are based out there. As it seems silly in
our dotage to have 4000 miles of ocean between
us, the plan is to build a small cottage on one of
their plots of land high above the sun-kissed sea
... and see what happens!
Christopher May (1954 - 60) moved back to
France after 18 months re-trial of life in the UK!
Peter Cowell
(1957 - 62) visited
Bilton Grange
from his home in
Australia. On a
tour of the school
he was most
gratified to find
his name on the
Music scholarship
boards.
Peter Cowell
Will Battle (1982 - 87)
After 9 years of life in continental Europe (six
years in Switzerland and 3 years in Holland),
Will and his family
have returned to
Lincolnshire where
Will has set-up a
tea importing and
trading house. His
book “The World Tea
Encyclopaedia” was
published in January
2017 and has received
good reviews.
12 | OB NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2017
Alexander Robb-Millar (1987 - 92). It’s been
a couple of years since I was bravely joined
by Mr Osiatynski and Mr Brindley for the Ice
Bucket Challenge to raise awareness for the
Charity Community Learning International (CLI).
Thank you to all the Biltonians who helped with
fundraising for the children we support here
in Laos, it is very much appreciated. Soon after
the soaking, I moved to Laos full time and took
over an adventure tour company called White
Elephant Adventures based in the UNESCO
World Heritage city of Luang Prabang. I am still
involved with CLI, and we receive yearly school
trips from Blundell’s School (where I attended
after BG). If any OB’s or their friends are passing
by Luang Prabang do drop in to say hello. I would
also be happy to work with anyone connected
with school expeditions or tour companies in
providing exciting trips here in Laos.
www.white-elephant-adventures-laos.com
Edward Drummond-Baxter (1993 - 97) was a
pupil at Bilton Grange School and went on to
Eton College and University College London.
After leaving University, Edward spent two
years on assignment in Japan teaching English
and a further eighteen months in Australia
before returning to London to a post in the City
of London. Edward was a victim of the “credit
crunch” in 2008 and was made redundant in
2009. He joined the army and was commissioned
as a Lieutenant in the First Battalion, Royal
Gurkha Rifles on 17th December 2010. Edward
had been provisionally promoted to the rank
of Captain, which was to take effect on his
return from Afghanistan in April 2013. On
30th October 2012 Edward, together with
Lance Corporal Siddhanta Kunwar, died in a
“Green on Blue” attack while on active service
in Afghanistan. Edward was fluent in French,
German, Japanese, Nepali and Hebrew.
Edward’s family, former colleagues and friends
are now hoping to raise £120,000 for the Gurkha
Welfare Trust (GWT) to build a new school in
/obsociety
Georgina Padgett-Duncan (1997 - 2000) is a
Dental Surgeon, serving in the army. She recently
returned from her latest posting in Germany and
now lives in Aldershot. Having got married in
2015, Georgina and James welcomed the arrival
of their son Hugo in July 2016. The family also
has two dogs, a beagle and a spaniel, which add
to the madness!
Edward Drummond-Baxter
Nepal to replace original buildings which were
destroyed in the terrible earthquake which
occurred in 2015. The project that has been
identified is Shree Shika School and has 222
pupils. The projected cost of the build is £98,000
but it is hoped to raise a further £22,000 to
cover contingent liabilities. Some of the pupils
at Shree Shika have a 3-hour walk to and from
school every day through sometimes dangerous
mountainous country and are at present being
taught in temporary tin shacks. All building
projects previously undertaken by the Gurkha
Welfare Trust survived the 2015 earthquake
intact.
To support the project, please visit
www.edandsiddhanta.com
James Eaton (1995 - 04). Congratulations to
James who has just won the European and the
International Red Dot Design Award for his Goal
Keepers Gloves.
@biltongrange
Georgina and James Padgett-Duncan with
son Hugo and dogs
Maximilian Narula (1999 - 2002) achieved a
First class degree from Guildhall School of Music
and Drama, winning the Gold Medal in 2014 for
Technical Theatre Arts. He is currently working as
a Freelance Lighting Designer and Programmer in
Opera, Theatre, Plays and the Royal Ballet.
Alice Jackson (2011 - 16) has been playing
hockey for Warwickshire and has now been
selected to train at the Junior Regional
Performance Centre (JRPC) - Birmingham Lynx.
Alice is of course delighted to have been selected
and to have this opportunity to join the U15
squad and to continue her hockey journey.
David Bewicke-Copley (2003 - 11) has won a
Silver medal for GB as part of the U23 Men’s
Eight at the World Championship in Rotterdam in
August 2016.
www.biltongrange.co.uk
Harvey James Bull (2006 - 15). Having left BG
in Summer 2015 I am now at Rugby School in
Cotton House. I play the trumpet and piano and
am part of the jazz band and brass ensemble.
I do music composition, music technology and
extra DT. I miss Mr Tovey, Mr De-Bruin, Mr
Searle, Mrs Vinson and Mrs Warner.
Ollie Rogerson, Paul Nicholson and Mimi Tarrant
Mimi Tarrant (2006 - 12) has been awarded a
place at Harvard next year. Her Hockey club,
Beeston, won the National Cup in 2016.
It was a pleasure to welcome OBs, England U21
stars and Repton School 1st XI captains Mimi
Tarrant (2006 - 12) and Ollie Rogerson (2007 12) back to BG. Working with Martin Jones, Head
of Hockey at Repton School, they held a brilliant
coaching session for our pupils.
After a short delay, Hugo Swaby (2006 - 12)
finally had his hair cut off (see below) in aid
of the Ghana Dreamland School fundraising
project – many thanks to all who have kindly
contributed. So far Hugo has raised over £2,300,
which is great. This will really go a long way to
helping these underprivileged and orphaned
children. His JustGiving page is:
https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/
Dreamland-charity
Emma Nobes (2007 - 12) After leaving Bilton
Grange I attended Princethorpe and Rugby
College for 2 years and obtained a Level 3 BTEC
in Sport Development, Coaching & Fitness. I have
been coaching hockey since the age of 13 and
was fortunate to obtain a Sports Coach position
at Stonyhurst College, St Marys Hall in Clitheroe,
in October 2016. I am now taking my hockey and
cricket coaching qualifications and enjoying my
new life in Lancashire.
Shelly Fuxman (2010 - 14) won an Honorary
Choral Scholarship at Rugby School Sept 2015.
Henry Mayhew (2011 - 13) and Sam Evans
(2010 - 15) were part of Shrewsbury’s team of
21 Model United Nations delegates representing
Russia, Israel and Kenya at Manchester High
School for Girls’ MUN Conference. Henry
was commended in the Economic and Social
Committee, and Sam was the Best Junior
delegate in the Disarmament Committee.
BG Deputy Headmaster
collects the full set
We are extremely proud of BG Deputy Headmaster,
Paul Nicholson, who completed a full set when
he won a Bronze Medal as part of the England
O50s hockey team in the International Masters
Hockey Association Indoor World Cup in Germany
in February. Paul, who won Gold for England in
the International Hockey Federation World Cup in
Australia last year and Silver as part of the 2014
050s Hockey World Cup team playing in Rotterdam,
is delighted to have added to his collection.
Although every medal is special and every win
unique, when asked about his favourite match, Paul
says that nothing can beat winning Gold against
Australia on his 25th Wedding anniversary with his
wife, Helen, cheering from the sidelines.
And his advice for anyone wanting to follow in his
footsteps, ‘Practice, practice, practice. Whether
you’re on your own or with a group of friends,
everyone needs to spend time knocking a ball
around and learning the skills of the game’.
Paul Nicholson
Send in your news
To feature your news in our next OB newsletter
and on our website, please email [email protected]
or fill in our online form:
http://www.biltongrange.co.uk/our-community/ob/send-in-your-news/
www.biltongrange.co.uk
/obsociety
@biltongrange
APRIL 2017
OB NEWSLETTER | 13
THE GREAT WAR – 1917
We have reached the critical year of 1917 as we follow the exploits of some of the many Old Biltonians who fought so valiantly
for their country during the First World. We honour their courage and sacrifice.
The Bravery of Captain C D Carus-Wilson
War Casualties
A letter received by Captain Carus-Wilson’s parents from his commanding Officer:
By 1917 it was reported that 116 Old Biltonians had been killed in
action or died of their wounds. 5 were reported missing, 5 known to
be prisoners of war and 150 wounded. Heroes pro patria mortui.
“...Your son was wounded yesterday while performing prodigies of valour. The Squadron was holding
two trenches on the upward slope of a hill and separated by 30 yards. The Turks attacked in force at
dawn and held the crest 60 yards from our trenches with machine guns.
Carus was a mile to (the) rear, in charge of the horses. He at once loaded a pack horse with bandoliers
of reserve ammunition and galloped to a fold in the ground within 300 yards of our trenches.
From here, he doubled across the open, all the time under intense machine gun fire, and delivered
ammunition at each trench. He then doubled back to his horse and galloped back one and a half
miles to report to the CO on the situation. He reloaded his pack horse and repeated his glorious
performance. He was hit just above the left knee at the very moment that he reached his final
objective. For long hours he lay at the bottom of the trench, fully conscious and indifferent to any
consequences. He wrote a long letter which he hoped would be forwarded to you by the Turks, but
thank God we were relieved, so he tore it up. We all sadly miss him and are all very proud of him.”
It is not entirely clear whether or not he survived his wounds. He was listed as seriously wounded in
December 1917.
William Hamo-Vernon
Lieutenant Hamo-Vernon (1905 - 1909) was
reported missing in October 1916 and as no news
of him was received he was posted by the War
Office as killed in action. While at Bilton Grange,
he was conspicuous as a musician and the first
boy to learn the Harp. He gave his name to the
Music Prizes which are still presented to budding
musicians to this day. His three brothers were all
serving their country during the First World War.
William Hamo-Vernon
14 | OB NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2017
/obsociety
Under-age Ace Gives his life for Comrade
William Victor Trevor Rooper
This is the heroic story of one William Victor Trevor Rooper (1906 1910) who left home to join up at the age of 17 without the knowledge
of his parents. Initially a dispatch rider, he joined the Royal Flying
Corps in 1916 while still a teenager. He was promoted to Captain and Flight Commander in 1917.
While leading his patrol in October, he spotted an observation machine being pursued and fired on
by a German plane. He dived down to drive off the enemy, but four more German planes appeared
and there ensued a sharp engagement during which Rooper, now joined by the rest of his flight, shot
down four enemy machines. Unfortunately, he was severely wounded during the engagement and,
despite managing to land in friendly territory, he later died of his injuries.
Writing to Captain Rooper’s parents, the Chaplain said of him: “ I have never known anyone so
universally loved and admired as your boy, not only in the Squadron, but by all who came across
him....He was such a splendid type of character – a good sportsman, a gallant officer and a thorough
gentleman”. A fellow officer later wrote: “...We feel his loss enormously, but feel proud that he gave
his life to save a comrade.”
Courage in the Face of Overwhelming Odds
Major John Watson Richardson (1894 - 1896) showed great courage in the face of almost
insurmountable odds. The situation at the frontline trenches in May 1917 was becoming desperate
with most of the senior officers already killed. Major Richardson took command and, showing little
concern for his own safety, rallied the rest of his men, and, leading gallantly from the front, charged
the enemy trenches. He was shot in the forehead while still short of his objective and died almost
instantly. His heroism was subsequently described as: “...a glorious end to a life which had immense
influence for good on all who came into contact with him. He was a splendid type of Britisher, a
thorough Christian.... a gallant soldier and perfect friend.”
@biltongrange
www.biltongrange.co.uk
Notices
Weddings
Deaths
October 2014
Dr. Donald Mason Chalmers Ainscow (1931 1936) sadly passed away in October 2014.
Joseph Barsby (1998 - 2005) and Amy Smith
were married in the beautiful Went Valley region
of West Yorkshire in November 2016. Former
staff Tony & June Millinger together with OBs
Will Powell (2003 - 2006) and George Mackenzie
(1999 - 2005) were also present at what was a
most joyous and resplendent occasion.
February 2016
Carol Mounsley (left Homefield in 1955) died in
February 2016.
May 2016
Maureen (Mo) Bott (1973 - 2006), known by
many of you for her work in the kitchen and,
of course, as Santa Claus at the boarders’
Christmas lunch, passed away in May 2016.
Mrs Doris Thomas (1982 - 2003) known to
those who knew her as Mrs T, died peacefully
in May 2016. She worked at the school in a
number of matronal capacities for some 25
years. She will be most remembered for her
19 years as night matron, which in those days,
without house parents and with many more
boarders, was a crucial role.
William “Bill” Blackshaw (1939 - 1944)
Headmaster at Brighton College from 1971-87,
died in May 2016. Well-known to many OBs, his
enduring legacy will be his excellent history of
the school: “More than a School to us”.
Eleanor Maynard – née Newton – (Homefield 1981 - 1989) got married in May this year to
Darren Maynard.
OBs will be able to spot my Dad Bill Newton who was the Art Master at Bilton Grange from 1974 to
2005, my Mum Janet Newton (1975 - 2005) who mostly taught French at Homefield, and my brother
David Newton (1989 - 1994). Other guests included Alex Clark (Wilson, 1976 - 1988) who taught
the juniors at Bilton Grange, my bridesmaid Kate (née Footitt, 1980 - 1988) and my friend Mary (née
Robertson, 1989), both Old Homefieldians. www.biltongrange.co.uk
/obsociety
June 2016
DG Trentham (1942 - 1948) died in June 2016.
August 2016
Ella Waydelin (sister to the late Ken Waydelyn,
former Second Master of Bilton Grange) died in
August 2016.
@biltongrange
Charles Dorman (1942 - 1946) died in
August 2016.
John Aitken (1958 - 1963) very sadly died in
August 2016. After leaving Bilton Grange he
went on to Oundle and then followed a career
in law, qualifying as a solicitor in the early
1970s. For most of his professional life he
practised with the firm of Dawbarns in Wisbech,
Cambridgeshire. He is survived by his wife
Suzanne and two girls, Rachel and Joanne, and
two grandchildren.
November 2016
William Trevor died in November 2016. He
was the Art master at BG for a few years in the
1950s under his real name of Trevor Cox.
He was an Irish writer who wrote many short
stories and other material which was often
adapted into plays. One of his plays, which
appeared on TV in 1983, was set at BG and was
entitled “Mrs Silly”. Several of the boys at the
time played parts in the filming, among them
was Tim Day who was paid for lying in bed for
2 days and being filmed next to the boy star of
the film!
December 2016
Harry Cockerill passed away in December 2016.
He taught at BG until 1960 when he left to
become Headmaster of Newcastle Preparatory
School.
(Edward) Graham Hurst (1937 - 1940) died in
December at the age of 89.
APRIL 2017
OB NEWSLETTER | 15
Dates for your Diary
Friday 12th May
Pre-Prep Open House, 1.00pm - 3.00pm
Open House is an informal way to have a good
look around the Pre-Prep and see what a busy
day looks like for our 4-8 year olds. Our pupils will
lead your tour and tell you what they love about
their school. You’ll also be able to meet staff and
current parents and find out what they think
makes an education here so special. Contact
[email protected] to register.
Sunday 4 June
BG Golf Society, 3.00pm
The annual meeting of the BG Golf Society
will be at Kilworth Springs Golf Club, North
Kilworth, LE17 6HJ and is open to everyone –
OBs, staff and parents (former / current). For
further information please contact Paul Jackson:
[email protected]
Saturday 10 June
Bilton Grange Charleston Ball
The Charleston Ball will be held in the school
grounds, beginning with a cocktail reception
followed by a three course dinner, themed
entertainment and a disco. The ticket price of £75
also includes wine on the tables and there will
be a cash bar selling a selection of quality wines
and other drinks. This year we are also delighted
to announce there will be a charity casino to
raise funds for the FAB (Friends at Bilton) charity
fundraising efforts.
Saturday 24 June
OB Society AGM and OB Day
A great opportunity to meet up with old friends,
attend the OBS AGM and enjoy a superb
lunch. During the afternoon, you will have
an opportunity to talk to current students at
our Summer Fair and enjoy a game of cricket,
hockey or rounders. Tickets cost £17.50pp
and are available by completing the enclosed
booking form or via our website. OBs under the
age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
OB Society Committee Members
Homefield 1958 recorder group. Do
you recogn
ise any of the faces?
Saturday 30 September
School Open Morning, 10.30am
A lovely opportunity for prospective families
to come and look at the School, meet current
parents and be taken on a tour by our current
pupils. Contact [email protected]
to register.
Thursday 11 January 2018
Informal Drinks, London 6.30pm
An annual informal drinks event at the Davy’s at
St. James, Pall Mall. Join us from 6.30 - 8.30pm to
celebrate the New Year and catch up on all of the
latest news.
Editor of the OB Newsletter
Tony Millinger
New OBS Committee Members
Homefield 1960: New extension.
Sunday 4 February 2018
Join us for our annual hockey match at BG.
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for details
nearer the time.
16 | OB NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2017
/obsociety
If you are interested in joining the Committee, or
would like to know more, please contact
Mark Tovey, OBS Secretary on
[email protected]
How to get in touch
We are always delighted to hear from our
former pupils.
Please contact us on
[email protected]
Further Information
For further information on any of the above events or to register your attendance, please contact
Emily Rycroft on 01788 818249 or email [email protected]
Dates for other events will be notified on the website, via email and on our Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/obsociety
Tim Day (President)
Mark Tovey (Secretary)
Jeremy Westhead (Treasurer)
Alex Austin
Henry Fray
Jane Garland (née Kember)
Millie Garland
Dee Horton (née Summerson)
Paul Jackson
David Reay
Jocelyn Tysall (née Applegate)
Rebecca Ukleja
Bilton Grange
Dunchurch
Rugby
CV22 6QU
Homefield 1978:
D. Vernon, V Wi
lkinson, I Lockett
C Clarke, E Everett
, Z Higginbotham,
, L White, A Rober
ts, E Eedle.
@biltongrange
01788 810217
www.biltongrange.co.uk