Old Tamensians: Alumni News 2004
OTA Members' 1900-1999 Archive
| December 2004 Michael Spencer the current Headteacher will be retiring in August 2005. (See News and Events.) Kate Curtis who used to teach at Lord Williams's as Head of Modern Languages, has been appointed as the new Headteacher of Wheatley Park School. John King 1949-1955 is a retired music teacher and now lives in Norwich. Ian Borsing who left in 1978 is running a pub in Taunton and would be love to see some old school friends across the other side of the bar. What news of more recent leavers...? April Spary -2004 is at university in Canterbury; Simon Gray -2003 writes, 'Am off travelling the world shortly then going to uni studying law, better late than never.' Thomas Kendall-Smith, 'I am in my last year at uni studying Sport with Media. Am planning to go around the world with my girlfriend (Sam) when we have finished.' Kate Kendall, 'In the final year of my Theatre and Media Degree. The weathers bad in Wales, the accents strange but still having a good time. I'm now off to Australia for a year away.' Ruth Butler, left in 1999, 'I live in a village near Bicester, am married and work in the disabled aids industry.' Steven Tracey left in 1995 and is now in the pub trade. 'After Thame, Chinnor and Stone, got myself a cracking pub in a tiny village near Brighton after a brief jaunt up north. I don't know how I ended up in the pub trade because as you know drinking and pubs have never really interested me that much. Funny old world.' He still plays rugby and now enjoys shooting as well. Suzanne Robinson is studying veterinary medicine at Emmanuel College Cambridge, and Simon Bates is reading English at St Annes, Oxford. Ian Beverley is happily married with 2 kids, living in North Yorkshire. Left the RAF after 22 years, now working in Northallerton as Director of Procurement for the Northern Procurement Group. Jason Shipperley left in 1990, Studied at OCFE for 2 years and have gone on to work for a few airlines and corporate business houses with relation to the travel industry. Currently work in Medical Repatriation in SW London as an Account Manager. Married to my beautiful Italian wife and very happy. Anton Keyte 'Having left Lord Bills in 1994 before finishing my A levels, I never did go back to study, I did finally get my hair cut short though! I have done a number of different jobs since dropping out, from care work with autistic pupils (the reason I dropped out), to retail store management for a computer company. I am now a Sales Account Manager for Databiz, a CD and DVD duplication company in Kidlington near Oxford. Chris Giles 1966-73 I've been living in Orkney for 15 years with Gill, my wife of 27 years and my two children Kate (22) and Harry (18). I've been teaching for 26 years in London and now here after studying at Trinity College, Oxford. I'd love to hear from fellow ex pupils. Bryan Clayton Joined Royal Fusiliers 20/6/1950 as National Service intake. Transferred to the 2nd Battalion Queens Royal Regiment at Iselohn, trained and served as a drummer in Corps of Drums, Discharged June 1952. Served in TA after the colours in 262 Regt. Airborne Royal Artilley until 1956. Returned to the City on demob working for stockbrokers. In 1974 went into the banking industry until retiring in 1989. Heavily involved in amateur motor racing from 1959 to 1992. Own a 33 foot motor cruiser and a classic MG.
Nicola Barton (now Roche) left 1986 Hello there! I have just looked at the website for the first time and see that I am on the missing list. My name then was Nicola Barton. I am now Nicola Roche and am living near Pontypridd in South Wales. I am keen to hear from anyone who was in the upper sixth in 1986. Andy Arnold. This is a note to let everyone know that from the end of February 2005, Carole and I will be moving from Lincoln to the Isle of Man. We are travelling there again at the end of January to finalise jobs and somewhere to live (temporarily) before finding exactly what we want. November
Dr Cliff Nixey 1950-58 has recently been awarded the BOCM-PAULS Cup for outstanding service to the British Poultry Industry. He recently retired as Technical Director of British United Turkeys Ltd who are responsible for the breeding of more than half the world's turkeys, having been with them for 41 years after leaving Reading University. He has formed a consultancy company, Poultry Xperience Ltd, to maintain his contacts with the industry. An invitation: an OT is mounting an art show with recent graduates from Goldsmiths' and is inviting all OTs to the Private View. Who knows, you might discover the next Damien Hirst or Sam Taylor Wood. Private View: Monday 29th November 7-9pm Show Runs: 30th November – 12th December, 10-5pm Mon – Sat, 11.30-5.30pm Sunday. Place: St Pancras Church, Euston Road, London NW1 2BA. Nearest tube: Euston or Kings Cross. J W Fountaine 1934-39 I was a day-boy for the first three years then a boarder for two. I enjoyed the friendship and loyalty of the latter. We were ruled by a rod of iron by A.C. Dyer (Headmaster). I passed School Cert. in ’38 (with 5 credits) and left LWGS after one year in the 6th. We were taught cricket and rugger by R Miller and this he did very well. I played rugby for Aylesbury RFC until I was 33, badminton at Thame until age 63, and a little tennis. At School I played 1st XI cricket in 1938 & ’39 (wicket keeper and vice captain) and 1st rugby in 1938 & ’39. I have met and chatted to 5 of that 15 this year 2004: H Cox, J Smith, F Fowler, H Smith and H Lear. We are all in our eighties. I first played for the OTs in 1939 and played for the last time for them 20 years later in 1959. I joined my father on a mixed farm at Ashendon. I continued this until I sold my last livestock in 2001. This was a very enjoyable and rewarding way of life. I have 2 daughters, 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandsons Charlotte Partington left 2003 Charlie from the Thame Leisure Centre. I have left the Leisure Centre to go off to university. I am studying Hospitality and Leisure Management at the University of Gloucestershire in Cheltenham. Take Care, Charlie Gerard Greenway writes, 'Geoffrey Rushton left 1981, a.k.a. John Balance, has died after an accident at home. Details and e-mail for a book of condolence can be found at the website of his band Coil: http://www.thresholdhouse.com ' As electronic
bands go, Coil's pedigree is nearly flawless;
they can trace their ancestry right back to the
very band that gave 'industrial' music its name:
Throbbing Gristle. Coil were formed in 1983 by
vocalist and percussionist John Balance, a member
of the Throbbing Gristle offshoot band Psychic
TV. However, the band really kicked off a year
later when Balance began a creative and personal
partnership with Throbbing Gristle co-founder
(and fellow PTV member) Peter 'Sleazy'
Christopherson. An interview with the late John Balance aka Geoffrey Rushton can be found here. Karen Dodwell 1973-1978 My father, Maurice Dodwell (a Wenman schoolboy himself) recieves a copy of the newsletter which I saw at the weekend and has prompted me to write. Friends will know me as Karen Dodwell. I have fond memories of Jo Evendon, Belinda Robson, Melanie House, Alison Shaw, Lynn Shurrock, Stephanie Broom, Tony Cozzi, Adam Carey, Brett Clemo, Paul Robertson - this names only a few, but loads of people come to mind. Good to see news on the site from so many names I remember, including Pete Merrow-Smith (ex brother-in-law) and Jan. I am now married to Robin Osterley, with two grown-up stepdaughters, and sons of our own, Jonas 6 and Dominic 2. Apart from being a mum, I am kept on my toes with a challenging job at Pearson Education as Product Information Manager, having previously worked various jobs in the publishing industry including a long stint at Pergamon Press working for Robert Maxwell, and then for Prentice Hall as Inventory Manager of academic and professional publications. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me. Clive Dickinson who left in 1970 is an author living near Ledbury in Herefordshire. He has written many well-recieved children's books including The Lost Diary of Tutankhamun's Mummy. He is part of the Complete Editions team with Gyles Brandreth and Michele Brown, who between them have compiled many books ranging from crosswords to jokebooks; from fact books to fiction. He currently edits many of the Manchester United titles for Madcap Publishing, and also ghost-writes celebrity autobiographies. His sister, Claire Dickinson, a founder-member of the Lower 6th Removed class, is married and lives in Dorset. Jane Andrews (now Amies) 71-73 has written to us from Oxford. Professor Anthony Taylor 1940-47 who had a long and distinguished career in neurosciences, retired in 1995 but is a Professor (Emeritus) at Imperial College, London. Margaret Evans who starred in several School plays during the late 1960s - but who attended Headington School - has her own company producing audio tapes for the blind. Jane Hussey (now Wells) is living in Bedfordshire and working as a nurse. Stephen Tofts now has his own company specialising in management training and development: Benchmark. Valerie Morris, the OTA's first female President, finally succumbed on 5th November, to a brain tumour after a long, brave and gallant fight. Howard Goodall writes: 'Valerie Avern nee Morris died of a brain tumour in the first week of November. She had been seriously ill for a long time. She leaves a husband and children and her funeral was in Slip End, near Luton, Beds, on Tuesday 9th Nov at 2pm. Those who were at Lord Bills' in Val's time will remember her amazing energy, good humour, warmth and friendliness. I don't know if I've ever met a kinder person than her. She always put other people's well being before her own. She did well at everything she got involved with - which was most things - but especially music. She lived in Chinnor and others a little younger than me may remember her sister Yvonne, another key member of Robin Nelson's chamber choir of that period. Val will be greatly missed.' During the course of the year, the following OTs and staff - not previously noted in our News- have sadly passed away during the last year: Tom Martin, Bethany Surman, Rory Anderson, Tim Roberts, Matthew Hughes, Nadine Smith and Jo Henderson. Quick snippets on recent leavers: Philip Alcock is studying for a degree in Aerospace Engineering at Manchester; Clare Gallagher is in her final year studying Fashion Design at De Montfort; another Manchester student is Rachel Moore who's in her 3rd year studying Psychology; two alumni are both doing teaching training at Gloucester: Sarah Reeves in her 3rd Year and Michael Smith who hopes to become a primary school teacher. Emma Steedman is studying Beauty Science at Aylesbury on a two year BTech, and Fay Warwick History and Politics at Oxford Brookes. Stephanie Howes is in her 2nd year of training to be a physiotherapist; Julia Morrow is reading History at Liverpool; Ellie Isaac is studying Physical Education at Brighton with the goal of becoming a PE teacher at Secondary level, and Alexander Stevens, Architecture and Structural Engineering at Sheffield. Ed Britton started studying at a Music Theatre college in London but has recently left. Jack Law is at Nottingham University. Hannah Redwood is in her 2nd year of a BA (Primary Teaching with Design specialism) at Brighton University. Louise Holmes graduated from Birmingham with a 2:1 and is now reading for a Master's in Publishing at Oxford Brookes. Helen Jones is a 3rd Year medic' having returned from a year in Tanzania. Lisa Freeman who gained a Masters in International Human Rights Law is now training to be a barrister. Tim Hewitt is reading Maths at Nottingham. Isobel Heafey is in her 2nd year reading French at Sheffield. Paul Turner, who has battled with leukemia for the least five years, is doing a part-time Level 2 NVQ in carpentry and joinery in Aylesbury. Steve Quartermain 1966-73 is Chief Planning Officer at Hambleton District Council in North Yorkshire. October David Taubman left 1975. I am teaching music in Sussex having just started at Eastbourne Technical College. I've written a novel about jazz and made several records. I'm married and have a son, Max, aged eight. Living in the Sussex countryside, happy, getting fat (can you believe it?) Petrina Kingham 1975 - 1979 Please add me your long list of members. I was originally at Lower School West untr School West until moving to the Upper School in 1975/6. I remember David Carr as Headmaster of LSW and was lucky enough to perform as Mrs Beaver (don't laugh) in Howard G's "n Nelson's Chamber Choir during the 'golden era' and was the angel Gabriel in the not much mentioned musical 'Star'. I love your idea of a reunion concert in 2009. I might be on my zimmer by then, but count me in! I'm currently living in Lewes, East Sussex (quite near Simon Lambert in fact) with my son, a dog and a flock of sheep! After a long and stressful career in brewing, I have taken time out to read Law at Sussex University. I remember my days at Lord Bill's with great affection. Among the more musical of us, I recall Josie Dixon and Karen O'Brien (both I think went on to Oxford). John Green and Richard Simpson also stand out in my memory as being exceptional actors. What ever happened to them? Many people may not remember me but may remember our shop in the Buttermarket, 'Kinghams Records and Tapes.' I loved visiting the website and hope to come along to a reunion before your grand event of 2009! Anna Webley, who left 24 years after Petrina - in 2003 - is also studying law at Sussex. Andrew Logan's Alternative Miss World is, as he puts it, 'a surreal art fair for all-round family entertainment.' It will be held on Friday 22nd at Cirque in London's West End, starting at around 9.00pm. Julian Clary will co-host the event and judges include Peter Blake, Brian Eno, Zandra Rhodes and Boy George. It's returning after a six year absence and, as Time Out says, 'there is nothing quite like it.' OTAs will be especially welcome and the bigger the wig the better. Links include the official Alternative Miss World Site, What's on Where, London Theatre Bookings, Channel 4, and Jack Hanley. Mary Limbird I taught biology at Lord Bill's from 1970 until 1972. I lived in the boarding house for the first term and was one of only three female members of staff. I am amazed to find so many people I remember on the website, especially in the photos. I would have loved to have come to the reunion for Colin Brookes but unfortunately am unlikely to be able to get there. Do please pass on my email address and give him and other contempories my good wishes. I am still teaching - most recently deputy head of a school in Somerset, but it's not too long until retirement. Jeremy (Jim) Kershaw 1973 -1979 I was a boarder at Lord Bills from 1973 - 1979. I've read a few notes from others that boarded at the time, and hope that my memories are happier than some. I was never a great scholar, although I did manage to rake together a reasonable bag of "O" levels before launching myself on the great wide world! I never had my head flushed down the toilet, and I seem to remember the bashings were more idle threats than actual events. I was certainly called a pleb, but this was rather standard boarding school vocabulary and many carried the title, handing it down to those in years below in due course. I certainly think that life as a boarder was fairly easy, and I wonder if in today's litigious society boarders would be given the liberty and freedom that we were then. Certainly we were allowed into Thame on a daily basis, and permission to travel further afield to Oxford was readily granted at weekends, a blind eye was turned to our hitching, (thus saving precious cash). Some may remember me because I was always playing with model aeroplanes. The staff were very understanding of this, and a few of us were even given a room to ourselves (when the smell of balsa wood glue, aircraft dope & model engine fuel became too evasive in the dormitory!) After leaving school I joined the construction industry and for the last few years have been a director of a major house-building company based in the Midlands. I still live just outside Oxford and pass through Thame from time to time. Ann Matthews I was at the school in 1950-52 doing science in the 6th form. I was taught physics by Mr Bunney. Would like to hear if anyone remembers her. John Sanders 1937-40, I now live in Australia. Tony Denson who left in 1965 Did computer science degree at Leeds University followed by a PhD at Leeds. Then spent 20 years in the computer industry before becoming a flying instructor. I now run Leeds Flying School at Leeds & Bradford airport. Peter
Banbury -1962 Have
spent virtually the whole of my career in and
around the book publishing and printing industry.
Now running a company providing publishing
services for conference organisers. Moved to East
Anglia in 1977 and now live with wife of 35
years, Kate, on Norfolk/Suffolk border near
Harleston. Daniel Lindenbaum 1979 until 1984. I was a boarder. I was in some of the "Old Time Music Halls" that Colin Brookes used to put on. Peter
Timms who left in 1962 After some 38
years working for NatWest Bank I was offered and
took early retirement in 2000. I now have a part
time job (couple of days a week). Spend most of
my time playing golf, watching Kent and the
village side play cricket, visiting France (we
are 5 min untes from the channel tunnel terminal)
and generally relaxing ! Neil van den Broek, I left Lord Bills in summer 1997. Just quickly browsing the Friends Reunited site, I saw the Founder's Day reunion and tribute to John Fulkes (JF). Finally finished my degree! Man alive, I'm not gonna be a student anymore! Argh! What am I gonna do? Get a job?!?!?! Still swimming just been selected to swim for Great Britain in the European Champ's just before Xmas so am training really hard for that. Lifes all good! Esther Matthews (now Hunt) 1973-1979 I have recently enjoyed reading all the news on the website. Deborah Mathews who also left in 1979...After a few years of doing nothing much I trained as a nurse at the John Radcliffe in Oxford. As soon as that was done I went off travelling and worked in a bar. I moved to London in 1989 am still here. After doing a degree I am now a manager in the NHS. I would never thought it possible...and Simon Mathews also 1979. Having resided in various parts of the country, now trying to put roots down in South Lincolnshire - my wife is originally from hereabouts! Have been married 3 years now & have 2 terrific kids - Samuel, aged 4 & Ellie, nearly three. I am firmly embedded in the food industry, suppling top quality hotels & restaurants with top quality foods. Steve Gardiner who left in 1977 is another alumni living in Western Australia. Married to Mandy Joiner in 1987, have 4 kids David (14), Emily (12), Jack (4), Adam 3 as at October 2004. Living in Western Australia. Visting UK in June 2005! Looking to contact the following people from days gone by: Mike Burr and Paul Bartlett (Gonger). Now enjoying the sunny climes of WA and no UK rat race! Richard Groom 1960-67 I work in Leeds as sports journalist puttting out commentaries, stories, videos & data on the Orange phone network. Live in wilds of North Yorkshire with Maggie. Stopped playing football, cricket, rugby because of injuries. Still running (just); still climbing (slowly); still writing my first novel (even more slowly). Martin Corrall 1966-73 is a financial advisor in Wales. He writes to say he is still in regular contact with John Saunders. Pikey Pearce is on-line. 'Sadly, Colin Brookes cannot now attend the planned 'Colin Brookes' reunion on 6th November. But if you were planning to be part of it, please still come and enjoy the company of other OTs and have a 'non-Colin Brookes, Colin Brookes' reunion.' Colin himself writes: "Sad news I'm afraid! My proposed visit to Thame for the reunion has been sabotaged already. Unfortunately the weekend in question corresponds with my 'coming of age.' It's official - the time has come for me to fulfil my destiny and join the ranks of the wrinklies. Apparently the family has arranged a 'secret' celebration that weekend. I feel obliged to go along with anything that's been decided but must admit to mixed feelings. There is no doubt that it will be a delightful occasion but the fact remains it would have been great to see you all again. Ah well! The summer musicals meant so much to me, and still do. There were trials, tribulations, heartaches and frustrations but I like to feel that in the majority of cases the end justified the means. I have always regarded the latter part of the summer term to be the happiest and most rewarding part of my school year. It was always so heartening to see the response not only of the cast but also of the audience. I consider it a privilege for me to have been allowed to escape the confines of the laboratory every year and enjoy a world of fantasy in the company of so many terrific pupils and friends....well once again sorry! My thoughts will be with you. In the meantime - I suppose I must apply for my bus pass, arrange for a free eye test, enquire about a Saga Holiday and join the militant blue rinse brigade as they march in protest to Downing Street. Have a great day. Fond memories, Colin.' David Smart writes: Dear Bridget, feel free to give our e-mail address to anyone who is interested. My first memory of boarding school was the first night as soon as lights out, the tallest 2nd year leaned over the partition with words to the effect that we first years were 'plebs', if we were cheeky we would get beaten, and if we sneaked, we would get beaten badly. As my brother had been cheeky, the same was expected of me, unfortunately, I rose to the challenge and for the next 4 years the 'die' was set for me. The climax physically was Matron calling me in and asking how I had collected 40 bruises aged 12 years. I remember being tied up to hot radiators, head flushed in the toilet, spread eagled on a table and painted, locked in a wardrobe and basically becoming a punch bag. I had 40 bruises on the outside, but the bruises inside lasted longer. I believe it was when I was 30 years old that I knew I was free. I had a vivid dream, I saw Jesus on the cross and knew that he had suffered and not been able to defend himself. Through that, I was set free. Up to 30 years of age I had a fear of authority figures, it was as if I carried (spiritually) a sign that said 'if you abuse me, I won't fight back.' Three years after my dream, I was involved in an evangelistic outreach to Glastonbury Festival. I saw a 20 year old man with his girlfriend, I thought God was telling me he had been bullied at school, so I walked up to him to share this spiritual insight! It was spot on, he was quite distraught and immediately broke down in tears, his secret hurt revealed. I told him I had experienced the same. I asked where he was from, when he answered Thame. 10 years between us, same boarding school, same pain. I don't know how many thousands of people were there, but our paths crossed and the topic was healing of an abused past. I knew again that God cared that much for him and for me. I wasn't the only one. I believe that some may be able to shrug off and move on, personally at 30 years old I was struggling. I know that there are others like the guy at Glastonbury for whom it hasn't been that easy. To some extent, I must have replicated the same behaviour to younger pupils, so its not for me to stand in judgement, but 30 years later, its important to break the silence. David. (Editor's note: David originally included other allegations of serious abuse but we decided jointly not to include these. This contribution has certainly provoked thought. Not all complimentary. There are some who feel that these things should be kept private, that it hardly helps the reputation of the School, and that it is likely to generate bad feeling. When we discussed it at the OTA Committee Meeting in September, the conclusion was that we should not be shirking these issues. Was there bullying at the School? Of course there was. Bullying is a problem that won't go away within our education system. Much of the time it is minor and transitory but it is undeniably true it can also lead to serious consequences. Bullying will not disappear but if we ignore it, then we side with the bullies. In addition, we should not deceive ourselves that everyone's school days were wonderful. Many of us harbour only fond memories, some couldn't care one way or other - it was just a period in their life - but for a few it was more traumatic. One ex-pupil I know resolutely refuses to come to any event as he says his school days were the worst period of his life. Another OT reported talking to a lady in Thame who became very upset when she recalled the bullying that afflicted her at what was then the Wenman. The OTA could, of course, ignore reality and present only happy memories. It was our judgement that such censorship sits uneasily with the founding principles of the School.) Victims of bullying can seek advice at www.bbclic.com Dale Russell 1972 – 1979 Just thought I'd drop you a short(-ish) line to share a few recollections of my spell at Lord Williams's and give you an update on how I'm getting on. First though, let me start by adding my condolences at the recent death of John Fulkes. He was an inspirational English teacher and did much to encourage me to read as wide a variety of literature as possible; something I maintain to this day. He was also generous by nature and, when he learnt that my parents had moved to Dorset, took it upon himself to chauffeur me home for the holidays without any thought of accepting the petrol money on offer. Last October I popped into the School to give my partner a quick overview of where my formative years were spent. This fortunately coincided with Founder's Day - I was delighted to meet John again after some 23 years and he seemed to be as full of good cheer and boundless energy as when I'd seen him last. His death must be a great loss to both Lord Williams's and the Old Tamensians. As a boarder I have some abiding memories of the school; most good, although some perhaps not so. In the latter category, I would definitely have to include walking through town to the old Lower School after missing the bus on numerous occasions - and I see, from scanning your Members News page, that I was not alone in having had the dubious pleasure of my head immersed in a toilet. I also still shudder when I recall the too- frequent cross-country runs on Sunday's that were an abomination to one so tender in years. Overall though, there were certainly more good than bad memories. Being the school 1st XI cricket scorer during an unbeaten run stretching over many years until 1979 was one of them, although I suspect Neil Jenkins has still not forgiven me for dropping that catch when he was on a hat-trick at Witney! I remember Gerald Howat taking over the reins of the cricket team and immediately organising the construction of an excellent pavilion so that I could scribble away in the dry. I also remember the drawn match against one of the county sides (Sussex or Surrey I believe) that Gerald arranged to celebrate the construction. I'm not sure he was ever aware that there was another 'secret' competition among the team to see who could be the first to slog a cricket ball straight through one of the windows. Fortunately this never happened during my tenure as scorer although Ade Collins did send one ball whistling over the top of the roof. Other memories include the debating sessions that were held during lunch-times, visiting the Oxford Union and, ultimately, going on to win the Syson Speaking Prize. Taking part in 'Cavalcade', appreciating the many Chamber Music Concerts, square-bashing with the CCF and, of course, Harris becoming almost perpetual House champions. As for life outside of school, I moved to Gloucester and joined Royal Mail where I remained for 23 years, most of that time spent as their Communication and Press Manager, until redundancy last year. Finally, I've begun to develop a new career in web-based animation and I thought you'd appreciate this link http://www.pi.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/bianca/school.html. It shows a panoramic photograph from 1979, which can be rotated left and right by altering the position of your mouse. If you wish, I'd be delighted to forward the animated files on to you for inclusion on the Old Tamensian site. John Peacock's daily diary can now be found at Guitar Craft Diaries. September Alan Brewer After an abortive move to Spain, I am now working for the Fire Service and living at Tiverton, Devon. Neil Davies 1973 – 1980 writes to say he has moved to Kingston, Surrey. One of our oldest members, Richard Duke 1920-1924 died on August 17th 2004 aged 96. His son writes 'I believe that he was President some time in the 1970s. He was very active onto his 90s and was driving until he was 91! His education at LWGS stood him in good stead throughout his long life and he had fond memories of his time there. Michael Duke.' Matthew Hall 1990-1997 Fortunate enough to be Head Boy in my final year. I was greatly saddened to hear of the passing on John Fulkes this year. Unfortunately I was away in Nigeria when this happened and with great regret was not able to attend the funeral. He was an enormously influential figure in my life and in so many of my fellow pupils and his contribution can't really be put into words. After discussions with a few of my contemporaries, we feel it would be nice (and a fitting tribute) to get as many of our year together as possible. This would be during the weekend of Founders’ lecture November 5th, and celebration evening: and Founders’ Day November 6th to catch up and have a pint or two in memory of JF and all that he gave to us. Many of my year, like myself, were unable to attend the funeral and feel therefore that some kind of re-union would be appropriate. I would like to have the contact details of anyone who left the school in either '97 or '98 so that I may go about organising what is hoped will be a very informal, yet special re-union. Anyone who would like to be put in contact, write to ota@waitrose.com and I’ll pass it on – due to the data protection Act, I cannot just hand on contact addresses without permission. Bridget. Gloria Brown has contacted us with news about her new business development company: 'I started targeting electronics companies, as I have an electronic distribution background in sales, after working for MEMEC PLC. But funny enough the word got around and I was approached by a lot of different companies, for example I won a contract from a vintage music company called Past Perfect who offer music from the 1920s, 30s and 40s. Also, I have been doing work for a local company called IT Solutions, pushing their server support and services'. So if you need some proven telemarketing to develop new business, please contact Gloria. On a personal note, Gloria is still living near Thame with a wonderful husband - she married when 19 - and she has one son. Bonnie Dawn Roberts (Dawn Roper when at school) has created a web-site to promote her business Power Presentations. This is aimed at two markets: executive and schools - where she's had great success. All enquiries for business are welcome. Robert W Harrison 1942-48 passed away on Sunday 5th September aged 73. His funeral was held on September 14th at St Thomas Church, in Simpson, Milton Keynes. I was most sorry to learn of the death of Bob Harrison in September. Enquiries at our last reunion had revealed that he had for long been unwell. My memories of him both at school and at his Father's farm, are of a warm and very good-natured soul amongst whose friends I was glad to be counted. My belated condolences to his sister and wider family. John Russell. Barry Mott 62-69 I am now living and working in the Lake District - Windermere, running a guest house with my wife, Anne. I found the move from Thame quite traumatic but we are feeling much more positve about life. Windermere was a good choice for a thriving business. We would welcome any O.T's at 'Holly Lodge', open all year (except Christmas and when we decide to take a break!!). e-mail: anneand barry@hollylodge6.fsnet.co.uk or see our website: www.hollylodge20.co.uk Our daughter Laura is getting married in January to Harry (she is a Physiotherapist in Tunbridge Wells), and our son Oliver is a Scenes of Crime Investigator in Nottingham. They are both OT's and we can pass any messgaes on for them. I would like to have Michael Cook's e-mail address if possible { MC sent a message in August.} We played rugby together and have not seen each other for about 20 years!! Martyn Read 56-63 can be often heard narrating audiobooks. He has recorded for Isis, including The Tesseract by Alex Garland, In the Heart of the Country by H E Bates, Winston Churchill by Robert Blake, Ben in the World by Doris Lessing and Tales of the Old Countrymen by Brian P Martin. Have only just caught up with OT news. Phil Quartermain & Gerard Gould malign me in accusing me of being the member of the cast of 'The Taming of the Shrew' who forgot his entrance & came on as Petruchio looking at his watch & saying 'Sorry I'm late, I was delayed in the Market Place'. This dishonour actually fell to the Head of School House [Head Boy?] David 'Dean' Martin who was Petruchio. I played a humble servant named Tranio, on stage at the time & trying not to laugh, and I recall the incident well. I also recall P. Quartermain and one Peter Ruygrok looking extremely fetching in drag as serving wenches/romantic leads. Their secret is safe with me. DOES ANYONE HAVE A CONTACT FOR ROBERT SANKEY [1956-1963] now living in the Bath area? I'd be most grateful for any info. It goes without saying what I feel about John Fulkes. Thou good and faithful servant. John Aylward 1958-1963 In July, he & I went on a tour of the school - his first visit since leaving. He has lived in Nigeria for 20 + years, is married to Esther and has a daughter Faith. Will pass on his e-mail address to anyone interested. Nick Newton Fletcher is a behavioural ecologist and an expert in wild chimpanzee behaviour. He is currently Assistant Director and Leverhulme Research Fellow, Budongo Forest Project, Uganda. Rick Strodder 1975 G'day Bridget I'd love for you to pass on my email details to any others now living in Australia (I'm in Melbourne) and of course, add my email address to any I love getting the updates keep up the good work... love to make it to a Founder Day one of these days. Warm Regards Rick Sometimes gap year students in Australia would like a friendly face to visit. Would anyone like to be on a list for such students? Gordon Wells: Hampden House 1950 - 57:- Exact contemporary of Flaps Nixey, Nick Wolfrey, Casa Whitehouse, Drin Tarr, Ray Hawes, Tony Buckle, Stan West, Mouse Dawson (who sadly died last year), Tony Arber, John Goodyer, Fuse Shurrock, Perry Lock, Brian Porter etc etc. I played Cricket and Rugby for LWGS and was in the 1st.XV when each of the 3 Maxton Brothers were Captain in turn. I managed to get into the Oxfordshire Schools XV in my last year at Thame playing Wing Forward - (we didn't have "Flankers" then !!). Like several other people who have put pen to paper, I feel a large debt of gratitude to HM (Hugh Mullens) for his guidance and influence on me and particularly in my case also to Mr. Bunney and to Mr.Lilley for getting me into Physics. On leaving Lord Bill's, I worked at the Atomic Research Establishment, Harwell for 10 years during which I had a Bursary to attend University in London. A short spell at the RMCS at Shrivenham followed but sadly I didn't finish my Ph.D. I joined Pressed Steel Fisher (part of BL in Oxford) and had several years in various Research Depts. in the Motor Industry in Oxford and the Midlands including running the Anti-Corrosion Consultancy for BL at Gaydon, Warks. The last 14 years of my working life was as Laboratory Manager in one of the Jaguar Cars sites, working as a Materials Engineer specialising in Painting and Body build techniques. I married whilst at college to Chris and we have two children - Anne is a Physiotherapist with her own practise in Coventry and Peter works in Wilmington, N.Carolina, both are married and have two children each. Having moved house several times around the Oxford area, we have lived in Kenilworth since 1981. The only school friend I see regularly is Tony Buckle, although I do swop news and meet Cliff Nixey and Nick Woolfrey on occasions. Several of our year met and attended Founder's Day Service last year but I found it a little disappointing with the severely truncated form of service compared to the one we had in the Mullen's years and there didn't seem to be any school representation except for the Headboy and Headgirl. I retired a little early in 2000 and spend a couple of days each week in the local Primary School as a voluntary Helper on IT and I'm also on the Board of Governors. . I still do a little consultancy work in the field of Paintshop Solvent Emission measurement and control which keeps the brain active and I spend some time mending and building PCs for friends. We travel a little and visit the USA to see our son and family there and until recent trouble with my knees we regularly walked in the Lake District. Philip Jones 1975-1981 I loved my time boarding at Lord Bills. Did very badly in the class but enjoyed all the drama and sport. Contemparies include Richard Kershaw, Simon Lambert, Jon Cooke, Matthew Briggs, the Lougher brothers, Rupert Vessey, Gary Few, Cato from Norway and many others. Great memories of Drama and in particular Howard Goodall's first musicals (The Lion Witch and the Wardrobe, and Oliver). After leaving in '81 I did a number of jobs and some travelling before joining the Army. I'm still serving after 17 years. I was commissioned into the Royal Welch Fusiliers and have since served in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Cyprus, Canada, Belise, Germany, Zimbabwe, S Africa, Zimbabwe, Congo, Iraq and a few more besides. I am now stationed in Brecon, Mid Wales at the Infantry Battle School where I am the Chief Instructor, Major. It is excellent to hear about you all. Peter Arnold 1960-1967 President OTA 1986 News - firstly I was deeply saddened by the news of John Fulkes's untimely death. John and I used to play together as very young children (i.e. 5-8 years old). I only have to smell baking bread to be transported back to Park Street, Thame, where Mr Fulkes was a baker and Mrs Fulkes ran the Post Office. Secondly I have suffered from Sarcoidosis for 12 years, which has tended to limit my dynamism and capacity to involve myself in OTA business. Sorry! Thirdly I was able to get up to Yorkshire and take part in Mike Fethney's funeral service. I spoke on behalf of the Tamensians. August 2004 Georgina Hubbard who left in 1995 is currently working for the Oxfordshire Healthcare Support Services as a Web Developer. I am responsible for maintaining "OxWeb" (Oxfordshires' NHS intranet), setting up best practice - research/justifing cost of making a piece of technology/software standard, and any additional public facing web sites. Lament have just played Thame Football Club before heading back to Brighton. Their next gig is currently planned for 4th November in the Hobgoblin, Brighton. Kendra Simpson is organising a meet in the evening at Murphy's Craic (behind the Abingdon Arms) on Saturday 2nd October 2004 for all those who will be 30 this coming school year. ('Tell any school friends you're still in touch with.Following uni' I taught for three years then gave up to become a mum! Pete and I now have two children, Luke and Emily.') Hooray! Even thought the Independent said 'it was a surprise' Simon Burnett made the final of the 200m freestyle "race of the century". Congratulations. (See Latest News for more.) Anton Dudnikov Moved away after GCSEs due to parents moving, now at Oxford University. Mark Brown 1977-1981
(I was one of the Boarders) Having looked at the
OT Website today, I find you have me down as a
missing member. I am still about and would very
much like to be added to your mailing list if
possible. After leaving school I joined the Civil
Service, and now find myself providing IT/Network
Support (Still in the Civil Service). I live not
far away in Bicester. I am married to Arianne and
have a 14month old daughter called Tia. Michael Cook 1963-70 was in touch recently from Australia. (If all the OTs in Australia want each others’ details, Bridget can pass them on but, she says, 'I need your permission before passing on such info though.') Patrick North left 2001 Am currently in my 2nd year of a drama studies degree at King Alfred’s College Winchester. John Maxton a former head boy has been created a life peer. Teresa Dodd (now Butler) left in 1980. 'I have twin girls who are now 4. I'm married to John and I live in Ludgershall, near Brill. We're into Land Rovers and classic cars and I'm just about to start doing some music again - pre-kids I was writing and recording with 2 other musicians and it's been too long since I did any serious singing! I'm currently studying to become a life coach, which I love.' Rebecca North 1993 - 2000 daughter of Patrick North 1964 - 1971 was engaged to Gavin Beckley of Headington on 15.02.04 - the wedding is planned for May 2006 - and has just achieved a 2:1 in Educational Studies and Early Childhood Studies following three years at Oxford Brookes University. Nona Hawkins-Smith 1971-1973 married John Baker last July in Bexhill on Sea. 'We met on a course in Sussex but John was living in Wheatley so I have come 'back home'. Having just completed the Certificate in Christian Counselling we are setting up a practice based locally' Mark Ansell who left in 2003 has just started a placement with BBC Oxford writing for the website on youth arts in Oxfordshire. Check www.bbc.co.uk/oxofrd/blast The more hits the site gets, the better! Jon Banks is living in splendid isolation in deepest Hertfordshire under the shadow of the Black Mountains. He was recently visited by Graham Thomas - the two of them had last seen each other in 1980 at a party in Blackheath, London. Jon has his own building renovation business so if any OT needs work done on their house, Jon can be contacted via the OTA. Another OT from the same era is also living in one of the country's more isolated communities - Chris Giles is a schools drama advisor based in Orkney. (The National Drama Conference.) Howard Goodall is advising the 2012 Olympic Bid on developing a cultural programme that will run alongside the Games. Tom Spencer - 1999 Still at uni in Bristol doing an MSc in International Relations which finishes in September. Have started looking for post uni jobs and might be off to the big smoke soon to seek my fortune (via Thame though...) Recently became an uncle. Nice. Stuart Gregory - 2001 I'm now working in Thame at the Brothers Hair Salon as a stylist. Have just returned from working abroad in Cyprus in a hair dressers over there. All fun and looking forward to doing more travelling in the next year. Don't really spend my nights out in the area. Can usually find me in London or Brighton. Oxford is my home town though and thats where most of my friends are. Do still see some of the old school lot and have met up with a few for drinks and chats. Just came out of a long relationship (3 years) long for me. And just wanted to see what everyones up to now. I can safely say that I'm nothing like the short fat spotty school boy I once was. David Mosely - 1972 is a flute player in Opera North, Leeds. Married since 1981. Son aged 21 daughter aged 18. David lives in a village north of Leeds, and also manages and plays in the Empyrean Ensemble. Paul Shewry 1973-78 I am still in the Army and have recently finished commanding 6 Bn REME, a busy 2 1/2 years which included tours in Kosovo and the Gulf and a stint providing emergency fire cover in Newcastle during the Firemens' strike. Following command, I was promoted to Colonel and I am now at HQ Land in Wilton as DACOS Logistic Plannning. July Roger Allan 1976 is currently living in Thame but is thinking of moving to the US; Neil Davies 1980 is living in London, working part-time in IT at Canary Wharf and spends the rest of his time as a house dad. Nigel Nicholson 1980 spent a long career in the RAF and now works as an engineer with British Airways at Heathrow Airport. Robert Nicholls 1983 is living in Phoenix, Arizona, Director of Finance for a US based Electronics and Telecommunications firm. He is married to Wendy for 12 years and have two boys 11 and 8 who love soccer (sorry football!) He keeps in touch with Stuart McRae, Andy Mcstay, Roger George, and Jeremy Lowe. Penny Diffley 1987 writes: I'm now a Doctor (God help them) and start work in August as (almost!) the oldest junior in town. Currently experiencing a curious mixture of excitement and sheer terror... Plus relief at finally getting a wage again to pay off my enormous student debt. Kelly Surman 1989 writes: I am currently living in Warrington and have two small children. I have been working in Basingstoke, Leeds and now Sandbach for a Chemical Company. My daughter is starting school in September so it has prompted me to think about Lord Williams's. Vicky Noy 1995 is living in London, working for a law firm and running marathons. Philip Burnham is attempting to break the Blind Folded Land Speed World Record, later this summer. Philip, who lives in Thame and currently teaches in Leigh-On-Sea, hopes to raise £3,600 for the Blind Sport Charity, by breaking the current record, that stands at 144.7 mph. Philip’s feat will take place at Elvington air base, near York, in a Formula One car, loaned by racing driver, Matthew Mortlock and any individuals or businesses (whose company will feature on the body work of the car) who would like to make a donation, can phone 01702472410 and leave a message. The record-breaking attempt will be filmed by the BBC, and an independent company who makes films for Sky Sports and Channel 4. A number of teachers familiar to many OTs will be leaving Lord Williams’s School this month. Judy Basford will retire having worked at the school since 1971. Sally Ibbett will be leaving the Art department after 18 years, and the School's SENCO, Lucy Mettyear, leaves her post after 5 years to work as an Inclusion Consultant for Oxfordshire LEA. Mary Clarke 1984-1991 After graduating with a BSc in Sports and Exercise Science, I spent some time travelling before ending up in Cambridge where I worked for the MOD and joined the TA as a medic. In Febuary 2003, I was called up to serve in the Gulf to work on ambulances. We started in Kuwait and finished outside Basra. I returned home in May and started a Sports Massage course in Oxford. I am now qualified as a personal trainer, nutritionist, body and sports massage therapist, and currently working in Oxford. I would be glad to hear from anyone who knew me. June Nona Hawkins-Smith sends news that she is now living in Wheatley having recently moved from the south coast. There are now four OTs on the School's staff: Pete Daplyn, Geoff Branner, Rachel Vickers and Kate Walkinshaw. David Dillamore 1956-63 is MD of his own management consultacy Quality Quest who provide a wide range of Quality, Health, Safety, Environmental, Reliability and Information Security System services. He lives in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear. Helen Beazley 1971-74 writes under the name Helen Carey and is the author of LAVENDER ROAD, SOME SUNNY DAY and ON A WING AND A PRAYER. She also paints and writes short stories, articles, film and TV.As a former management and HR consultant, she runs 'creativity in management' courses for companies wishing to develop innovative thinking in their staff. She is an experienced and eclectic reader, and is on the judging panel for the Harry Bowling Award, The RNA New Writers Competition, The Greek Experience Short Story Competition, The SW Magazine Short Story Competition. She has close links with a number of publishers and literary agents for some of whom she also reads and assesses manuscripts.She runs a number of writing courses some of which she developed in conjunction with Louis de Bernières. These have been highly popular and successful in bringing writers to publication sometimes for the first time.More recently as a result of the courses she has become involved in private coaching and mentoring of writers providing support and advice as they progress through their individual projects. Patricia Head (nee Foster, PGCE 1987-88, MA Education 1991-93) has been appointed Head of The Grove School, Balderton. She was previously Deputy Head at the School. Charles Boyle 1964-71 is now Director of the Architectural Studies Programme, Papua New Guinea University of Technology, Lae, PNG. he is an Australian registered, UK trained architect and spent 14 years in the Solomon Islands. Ran architectural practice Pacific Architects. Established local NGO Hybrid Technology. Wrote the book 'Disaster Resistant Construction for Traditional Bush Houses.' Presented numerous conference papers (notably) in Beijing and Oxford. Now completing a Doctorate in Tropical Architecture. Member of the Baha'i community for 25+ years. Extensive theatrical, media, exhibition experience, trained fireman. Former: Samaritan, member of Lions Club, Spanish Honorary Consul to the Solomon Islands. May Dear Bridget I was saddened to read of Mike Fethney's death. He was perhaps an unsung hero of my generation of LWGS's youth, but definitely a hero. I remember his Yorkshire accent and very down-to-earth Christianity - the sort I could have subscribed to if I had had an ounce of spirituality. Mike had also propped for the United Services, Portsmouth and beneath the unforced gentleness there was a no-messing firmness. Perhaps a 'school boy's story' but a local farmer discovered this to his cost when he fired some lead over Martin (alias Myrtle) Griffin's head; Martin was filching apples from what used to be the orchard behind Highfields, and the orchard belonged to the farmer. Unfortunately for the farmer, the entire scene was witnessed by Mike, who duly leapt over the Highfields fence into the adjacent field, raced over to said farmer, and flattened him with a single blow. The ensuing warning was gruff, and the dazed, supine farmer did not see fit to offer any opposition .... Nor did Greenacres/Highfields residents ever have cause to fear repercussions from subsequent apple-filching. Nigel and I annually filled our games lockers to bursting with illicit fruit, until the orchard made way for the new Upper School's games fields. And that we did so with impunity was down to Mike Fethney. Just for the record, Dave Tomlinson and I reckon Mike left LWGS (as it then was) in the summer of 1966 to return to Yorkshire. Best wishes Willy Cooke. Simon Burnett has been selected for the Olympic Swimming Team and will travel to Athens with the team in August. He is currently National Champion for the 200m freestyle and it is this event that he will compete in both as an individual and as part of the relay team. Simon’s brother, James, is still at school in Year 12. Desmond Slay has died from cancer. A more expansive appreciation of his life can be found on Obituaries but he was recently a devoted President and Chairman of the OTA. Dr Stephanie Halford 1974-81 is a Lecturer in Molecular Genetics at the Department of Medicine, Imperial College, London. Dr Stephen Andrews 1968-76 is the Senior Prosthtist at Southmead Hopsital, Bristol. Brian Digweed 1953-62 is the Accounts Officer for the Refugees Study Centre at the University of Oxford. Sally Bailey 1980-87 is now presenting a radio programme on Mercury 96.6, which covers north London and Hertforshire. You can text Sally a request on 82122* or email the studio at corecontrol@ musicradio.com Michael J Fethney who taught history at the School in the early '60s has recently died. Sarah Greenwood 1980-87 (now Wilkins) is running her own kids fashion shop in Thame - Fish Kids Wear. Adrian Jackson 1968-75 is founder and Artistic Director of the Cardboard Citizens Theatre Company. As well as the deviser of a large number of plays for the company, Adrian is a well-travelled teacher and translator. He has worked as Augusto Boal's translator on four books - most recently Hamlet and the Baker's Son, Augusto Boal's autobiography. Adrian has taught Theatre of the Oppressed work in many contexts, throughout Britain, in Ireland, France, Hong Kong, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa and India. Adrian was previously Associate Director of London Bubble, where he directed a punk rock musical Too Much Too Young by Catherine Johnson and a number of Forum Theatre projects for communities including Irish Travellers, Deaf people, and adults with learning difficulties. Andrew Goss 1959-67 is this year's Honoury President of Weymouth Rowing Club. Annabel Overton, Dawn Roper, Andy Arnold, David Lilley, Katie Overton, and Liz Reece, were among those at the Spring Lunch. Following lunch, it was decided to put together a Reunion built around - though not exclusively - those involved with 'La Vie Parisienne.' More details can be found under Reunions. Robin Nelson Dear Bridget, Very good to hear about your plans. It is a pity, but I can't do your lunch in May, as I am organising a Birdwatching event in Gloucestershire that day. I'd be happy to conduct the choir, but I wouldn't know how to get them together. Please keep in touch but bear in mind I'm still v. busy as I'm acting D.O.M. at Sherborne School until Christmas though retired from Marlborough College. Robin was educated at Calday Grange Grammar School,Wirral. He gained an Honours degree in Music at Christ's College, Cambridge where he was also Choral Exhibitioner. Then he started teaching at Lord Williams before becoming, in 1982, director of Music at Marlborough College, a position which involved directing the accomplished Chapel Choir. For the last twelve years Robin has been an Examiner for the Associated Board both in the UK and Abroad as well as a member of the Association of British Choral Directors. Robin composes mostly choral music. Much of it is published by Banks Music Publications and has been performed by prestigious choirs including the National Youth Chamber Choir, the Choir of Clare College Cambridge and the Cathedral choirs of both Winchester and Wells. Marlborough College Chapel Choir have made two recordings featuring several of Robin's ompositions. I sing of a Maiden appears on the CD Anthems & Carols from Marlborough College Chapel Choir (Priory Records), Out of your sleep, Lute Book Lullaby and Tomorrow shall be my dancing day all appear on the most recent CD, Advent to Christmas (Priory Records). (You can buy CDs of Robin conducting the College choir at a number of sites on-line.) David Swan is an internationally acclaimed pianist whose been living in Canada since the early '70s. Chris Clements 1966-1973 has been working for many years for rm.plc the leading supplier of software, services and systems to UK education. He played cricket for the Oxfordshire senior team until he was 35, and now coaches and manages them. He lives in Wheatley. April 2004 Graham Thomas 1966-1973 was recently elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. John Fulkes died unexpectedly on 19th April. John had been the School's Head of Sixth Form since the mid 80s and a member of staff since 1975. He'd also been on the OTA Committee for nigh on 30 years, serving as President and Secretary during that time. His death leaves a void as he was dedicated to to the OTA and did much to keep it flourishing. The Obituriespage captures what a magnificent life he led and all the comments we've recieved. As Gerard Gould wrote: "Dear John - my farewell to you must be Horatio's to Hamlet: "Good night, sweet prince, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest." An account of the funeral has been added to the web site. Robert Banbury
1955-1961 as a boarder, following which I had my
final year in the sixth form as a day boy leaving
in the summer of 1962 to study in London. Reading
the website revives many memories and I would
appreciate regular updates. A contemporary of
mine was Morley Slade who I see has provided a
note about his current activities. Morley was our
best man at our wedding and I lost touch with him
and Nicky when Kate and I moved to Norfolk and he
took a posting to Egypt in 1977. Jeremy D |
Graham Thomas'
extraordinary new book Extremes: Contradictions
in Contemporary Japan is now on sale (just in
time for Christmas). You might have seen some
rave reviews in the national press - it takes an
original perspective on his life and travels
through Japan. Stocked by both Waterstone's and
Ottakars, it is also available to order through
your local book store or can be purchased on line
at 