AUTUMN 2020 FOLLOW US: OLDQUEENIANS @OLDQUEENIANS
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Newsletter Autumn 2020 1 Follow us: OldQueenians @OldQueenians
President’s Report and it was
surreal
A
las, students leaving Queen’s travelling
this summer didn’t have the to and from
end of term they anticipated, work on
but it’s a pleasure to welcome this year’s near-empty
leavers to the Old Queenians Association. trains.
I encourage you all to return to Queen’s Travelling
when you can and keep in touch with became
OQs and staff. Please do join the ‘Old unsustainable and, like many others,
Queenians’ group on Facebook, where I turned to Zoom as a main form of
regular updates about the school communication.
and other OQs are posted, as well as
information about OQA events. I have seen how students at Queen’s
have coped, as my sisters were in Years
The COVID-19 pandemic has meant 10 and 13. Sophia, who is now an OQ,
that, since the lockdown, all planned OQ missed the chance to take her A-Levels,
events in recent months were cancelled but used the time to undertake courses
and it will be a while before any can on offer to her from Queen’s, and
be held. However, we have been able Lucia continued doing virtual lessons
to keep in touch, virtually, to see the throughout the Summer Term. I saw
remarkable work OQs have been doing how constant communication between
throughout the crisis, some of which them and their teachers lifted their
are recounted in this newsletter. Many spirits, and I would like to extend my
thanks to Ken Bird for communicating gratitude to all staff for their efforts
these stories. through such a difficult time.
The experiences of OQs in the last few I would like to thank Oscar Webb,
months will have been very different. Vice-President, who will now take over
Personally, I spent much of the lockdown my role, and the OQA committee for its
in London. I continued working in central support over the last two years.
London for the first couple of weeks Alicia Edwards (1998-2012)
Cover: Claire Keene (née Scanlon) (1995-2002) with the baby of a work colleague
she had just delivered – a positive image that reminds us that life goes on and is to
be celebrated. Claire is now at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
2
Obituary three moves
followed in this
Edward Ronald Whittingham (1954-60) business before
was born in Porthcawl, South Wales he took up a
on 11 January 1942. Ed’s early years post with the
were fraught with health problems, Bristol & West
and he spent much of this time in Building Society
hospitals, a result of Perthes disease at Cardiff. Now
– a softening of the bones. For a blessed with four
period he was unable to walk, but daughters, the family set up home in
he devised a way of moving around Ed’s native Wales. Shortly afterwards,
on his hands between his legs. Ed was appointed manager of a newly
This accounted for his very broad opened branch of the Bristol & West
shoulders and the development at Swansea and built up a successful
of a strong independence and branch. He was then asked to set up
determination which influenced the a new, local company – the Swansea
rest of his life. Building Society – of which he was the
manager and secretary for some years.
His health being restored, Ed
went to Queen’s. He excelled, both Whilst at Queen’s, Ed had a hankering
academically and on the sports field to go into the hospitality business, as
- he was captain of the 1st XV rugby a hotelier. This desire never left him
team. As an OQ, he joined the School and he took an opportunity to go into
Lodge and became the Master in 1979. the licenced trade. After a period as
landlord of a pub at Usk, he bought
He left Queen’s in December 1960, and a country pub in Wick in the Vale of
took up an apprenticeship with a large Glamorgan. Ten years later, he retired
civil engineering firm in Lancaster, and moved to Spain.
owned and managed by his uncle.
Soon afterwards, he married June The last ten years of his life were like
Honess, whom he had met whilst at the first – fraught with health problems,
Queen’s. including cancer, from which he died on
20 April 2020. He leaves Vi, his widow,
When he joined a health insurance four daughters, twelve grand-children
company in Tunbridge Wells, he and and twenty-one great-grandchildren.
June moved to East Grinstead. Two or Peter Whittingham (1950-56)
3
News of OQs Strong winds and muddy trails did
not deter runners from taking part
Anton Perreau (1998-2007) is in in a half-marathon in the
creative advertising, and the company Lincolnshire countryside
he works for puts together movie on 1 March. Competitors
posters, billboards, creative social came from all over the
media assets and big stunts for films country, but the winner was
or TV shows. Based in Los Angeles, local farm manager, James
his role is to run the US operation Ross (2000-11), with a time
and, specifically, to plan the actual of 1 hour 21 minutes and
strategy on how to launch a TV show 35 seconds, five minutes
or film. If not glamorous, he work is ahead of the next finisher.
fun and it’s highly rewarding to work Congratulations to him.
with creative, talented individuals.
Earlier in the year, he was working Having completed his first degree
on a mini-series about Catherine at UvA, Amsterdam, Jared Wedge-
the Great after finishing work on an Thomas (2010-14) is due to start
Amazon Prime video show called his MA in International Relations at
‘Hunters’ about ‘Operation Paperclip’. nearby Utrecht University. He would
More recently, he marketed a TV show be delighted to help any OQs who
which involved working with Tom find themselves in Holland who may
Carter (1996-2006) (aka, the actor, have questions about life there and
Tom Austen) who has the lead role. would like assistance with settling in
the country.
Ayo Kusamotu (1982-90) runs a firm
specialising in international law with Jonathan Prosser (1992-2003)
offices in the Federal Republic of made contact to say thanks for the
Nigeria and the People’s Republic of newsletters. He lives in Sydney,
China. In normal times, he splits his Australia, with his wife, Anna, and baby
time between these two countries daughter, Callie.
and was planning to move to Beijing
for six months with his family when Andy Williams (2001-03) is an
the crisis broke. Ayo’s younger Investment Director at Schroders,
brother, Tunde Kusamotu (1983-91) where he has been for the past 10
is also running his own law firm in years, after starting his career as
Nigeria and doing well. a journalist in the City in 2007. He
4
married last year and he and his wife, Wilde (2002-16) all picked up awards.
Rose, had their first child, Margot, in Rebecca was awarded a half-blue for
June. At their wedding were fellow her international cap after rowing for
OQs with whom he has remained close Great Britain at the U23 European
friends, namely Ed Furnival, Matt Lee, Championships last year and medalling
James Hannam, Phil Triggol, Simon at British Universities & Colleges
Turner and Beth Stilwell, all of whom Sport events. Both Jacob and Tim were
were mentioned in his speech (Andy awarded full blues. Jacob is part of the
also referred to Jamie Hutton). Swim England Programme, swimming
at numerous European competitions
Eleanor Mason (1999-2012) has been and has recorded impressive wins at
in touch. After Queen’s, she went to BUCS competitions and the British
the University of Exeter, graduating Championships. Tim now has over 50
with a BA in Spanish and Middle international hockey
East Studies, during which time she caps. His numerous
spent an amazing year abroad at the achievements
university in Córdoba in Andalucía. included being part
Study for a Master’s in European of the Great Britain
Studies followed at KU Leuven in Elite Development
Belgium after which, in September Programme,
last year, she returned to Andalucía captaining England,
to explore the province fully for three being named
months. This year, she has been a European Player
volunteer in Calais with Collective of the Tournament
Aid, a small organisation providing at the European
clothes, tents and other non-food Championships, and
items to refugees and other displaced helping the side to
people around Calais. She aims to international medals.
move back to Belgium this autumn to
pursue her interests in advocacy and
policy-making, especially in relation
to asylum and migration.
At the recent Bath University Blues
Awards, Tim Nurse (2015-17), Jacob
Greenow (2008-17) and Rebecca Geoff Bisson
5Namibia
M
y time in Namibia was
unforgettable and changed
my view on a lot of things. I
spent nearly three months in Windhoek,
the capital of Namibia. I worked in one
of the biggest schools in the township.
My activities ranged from working with
children in the kindergarten, teaching
lessons in German and history for older
children, to fixing chairs, classrooms
and toilets. The man in control of the
school is a well-known social rights and many people assumed I would feel
activist: an inspiring man. I learned superior. When we came to know each
a lot not just from him, but from the other for who we are, everything else
children and the people around me. was suddenly not important any more.
My time working with children who live
in unimaginably limited circumstances
showed me how important it is to
appreciate what we have here in our
homes and how much we can actually
give those people.
I had the chance to travel the country at
weekends and, I must say, the country is
beautiful. Only around 2.2 million people
live in Namibia, even if the area is nearly
twice the size of Germany. I saw fabulous
wildlife and natural landscapes.
Everywhere you go, people are very
welcoming. They often want to talk about
former colonial times, but never in a
It took me a while to settle in the school, judgmental way. They only want to find
as I was the only white person there, out your point of view.
6Sadly, I also saw some really ugly I often think how we can change such
sides of the country, though. Especially ugly views of each other. It’s something
in Windhoek, the gap between rich close to my heart. I was meant to return
and poor is huge. White people often in April and May, but the pandemic made
feel superior, some are involved in this impossible.
corruption, and seem to have little
interest in helping the people who live Now I will continue my studies. I am
in the township. Sometimes, people in likely to accept the place I have at the
restaurants and bars asked me what I university in Münster, a fairly small town
was doing in Namibia and when I proudly in Germany, but very famous for law. My
told them who I am working with and parents studied there, too. There, I can
where, they often couldn’t understand also join an EU programme which will
why I felt so good about it. Those be interesting for me, as I am thinking
experiences saddened me and made about going into politics afterwards.
me very angry. Now back in Germany, Maria Griese (2016-17)
Obituaries He was also a reasonable sportsman
and Stephen Lawson (1956-64) recalls
The death of Simon Cawley (1954-65) the last match of the 1964 season when
was relayed to me by Brian Rowe (1954- he opened the batting with Simon,
64). He remembers him as a positive captain of the 3rd XI, only to be run out
influence on boys at school, especially by him before he had faced a ball. Later
as head of Cotlake House and Head the same term, he was caught drinking
Boy. He was in the choir and performed in the Princess Royal and demoted
in many concerts over several years. as prefect, though he was reinstated
Kit Robinson (1958-65) recalls he had as Head Boy for his final year. His
a fine treble voice and Peter Currie father ran a business called Axminster
(1961-65) was impressed by his deep Laundry but, despite the stability of
bass voice in later years, especially in home, Simon’s life was difficult and one
the rendering of ‘O Isis and Osiris’. He of struggle.
also took part in drama productions.
Robin Pickering (1960-65) says Simon Eric Clark died in March, aged 83. OQs
played Puck in ‘A Midsummer Night’s will remember him as the DT technician
Dream’, with him and the other school who also taught lifesaving for those
prefects cast as the Mechanicals! doing the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
7Obituary ‘97’. He lived in Bath to be close enough
to facilitate weekend exeats, before
Antony (Tony) Lovett (1932-41) died, retiring to Cornwall where he lived,
aged 95, on 22 independently, in his own home almost
February 2020. to the very end.
After Queen’s,
Tony joined the He was a lifelong fan of the situation
Royal Electrical comedy ‘Dad’s Army’ because, while at
and Mechanical Queen’s, he volunteered in the Home
Engineers Guard, regularly attending training at the
and, in 1944, Village Hall in Trull. He always said the
took part in characters in the show were accurate
the Allied advance, repairing trucks and as he, too, was under the command of a
tanks. He also spent time navigating veteran officer from the First World War
the roads of France on a Matchless who took the role just as seriously as
motorcycle. Captain Mainwaring in the TV show.
It was an interest in finance and figures He was Deputy Head Boy at Queen’s
that prepared him for business and, after and he remembered his days at the
the war, he started his civilian career as school with great fondness, grateful
an auditor for a firm of accountants. For for the education and experience. He
years, he travelled the country in his MG, requested the following words to be read
visiting companies and learning about at his funeral: “I give thanks for my old
the ins and outs of business which, school, Queen’s College Taunton, where
apparently, involved plenty of inns! Later, I spent 11 years as a boarder from the
he took over Lovett’s of Ealing, London, age of 7-17 and to the Headmaster, Luke
with his brother, Gordon. Started in 1911 Wiseman, who encouraged me to read
by his father (who died when Tony was books and appreciate music”. These
just 5 years old), Lovett’s was one of the words were read by his eldest son Tom
first motor garages to exist and grew out at Glynn Valley Crematorium, Bodmin on
of his father’s bicycle shop founded in 18 March 2020.
1897. Tony and Gordon ran the franchise
until 1981. Tony is succeeded by his daughter
Sarah, two sons Tom and Jonny, and
Tony sent his two sons to Queen’s and grandchildren Finlay, Hannah, Sam
ensured both used his school number, and Lucy. Tom Lovett (1977-80)
8OQs and the Pandemic There was a terrible shortage of
protective stuff, and getting test
As the public health crisis developed, results back was taking over a week.
it was soon clear that the response But we weren’t inundated with
to the coronavirus was not uniform. work, as potential patients stayed
Aware that it would be of interest to away, fearing the virus more than
learn of the experience of OQs living the implication of their symptoms.
in different parts of the world, many We did have cross-infections and
former pupils were contacted. Their staff were probably unknowing, and
response was gratifying. Indeed, too certainly unwilling, vectors. Our
much was received to include it all cross-Trust staff antibody testing
here. All contributions have been has revealed a 12% positive rate;
edited, in some cases severely. Of some institutions have scored 40%.
course, circumstances have changed
in all places since the pandemic first We worry about the patients we
arrived and, as such, some of the haven’t seen; how will we ever
remarks that follow may be dated. catch up and what will winter bring?
Though anyone can catch COVID-19
We start with the views of Catherine it is apparent that the poor, ill, old,
Hubbard (1971-72), a Consultant black and Asian are dying more.
Radiologist, whose thoughts about the Yet again, the world is unfair. We
future may chime with those of many say we hope for change. Nationally,
people all over the world. we want health and social services
reorganised, perhaps integrated and
“The news from London was better funded. Some of us (maybe
sobering, but we were untouched most of us?) truly want the green
in Cambridgeshire until the second economy to triumph as we rebuild
week in March when a distinct our shattered economy, but will we?
pneumonia started appearing in
the chest x-rays I was reporting; And internationally, will we help
six in a row on one occasion. impoverished nations escape debt
The appearance was rather like so they can improve their health?
fireworks bursting across both And will the nations of the world co-
lungs — suddenly, the pandemic operate for a carbon-neutral future,
had arrived. as climate change is the biggest
threat of all?”
9China: the following account is from metropolises like Beijing and Shanghai;
various OQ sources. it snowed in that period and the only
tracks visible on the pavements were
In January, a doctor in Wuhan, Li those of birds. Inside their apartments,
Wenliang, revealed the gravity of the citizens suffered from the isolation.
new virus. He himself became infected
and later died. There were calls for With lockdown medical resources
more transparency, and public anger recovered, augmented by the rapid
strengthened as it became apparent the construction – in only ten days – of
Red Cross in China, unusually not an several hospitals, principally in the
NGO, held back the large donations and Hubei region, the epicentre. A symptom-
protective equipment it was receiving. checker app was also made available.
Hospitals were unable to deal with the
numbers of those demanding tests and While the peak of infection had arguably
people received ineffective treatment. seen a trough of support for the
government, this attitude changed as the
There was widespread fear. Perhaps number of cases began to dwindle. More
as a result, the CPC began to issue unity was evident as other countries
clearer data and instructions and started pointing the finger at China
eventually by the middle of February, a blaming it for the global spread. Many
national lockdown had been enforced. felt a quiet satisfaction that the infection
Communities adopted their own had spread to other countries.
measures. In rural Shandong, for
example, soil was heaped onto the Patriotism manifested itself in displays
roads leading in and out of the villages, of spontaneity within hospital wards, as
allowing only one entry and exit point. patients given the all-clear emulated
Any would-be visitors were, in dialectical the popular practice of square dancing,
parlance, ‘persuaded’ to turn back. groups of them performing in the
corridors. The government sought to
In the cities, the message was simple: reinforce this feeling by
stay at home, and people did so. They declaring all treatment for
relied on the nation’s hugely important the virus reimbursable via
home delivery systems for their daily citizens’ social insurance
necessities. The streets were empty, a schemes, something not
weird phenomenon in the enormous previously possible.
Emma Cawley (2008-13) is a Diagnostic Radiographer at Dorset County
Hospital, in Dorchester. She says, “I feel so lucky and privileged to touch
and benefit so many patients’ lives, including those on the intensive
10 care unit, and in the emergency department.”Australia: in late May, Will Barrington town of Denmark: “We are in a bubble
(2000-07) wrote from Sydney: here with so much physical distance
between us and the rest of the world.
“The relaxed Australian attitude It seems that cruise ships have been
(“she’ll be ‘right mate”) was tested by Australia’s main problem. Some local
COVID-19. Working from home is not businesses have gone under but town
an issue – I’m a two minute walk from seems as busy as normal. The beach is
Bondi Beach. However, the beach was still busy on a sunny day, but it is easy to
soon closed due to overcrowding and keep your distance from people.
made global headlines.
We live on a bit of land in the forest with
extensive vegetable beds and fruit trees.
It was impossible to find seedlings or
seeds for our winter veg, but we have
our own stock and have had enough to
Lockdown was not as restrictive as in provide for others. We cannot find bags
the UK. There was no limit to one’s daily of sheep manure so we are picking up
exercise, so, with a newly purchased kangaroo poo instead. Everyone has
road bike and plenty of walking routes enjoyed the slower pace of life, with
open, I managed to explore greater more time for family, including those
Sydney, including the nearby national abroad, by video calling.”
parks and beautiful coastline with
spectacular harbour views. Peter Simmonds (1947-53) lives in
Atherton a short distance from Cairns,
Even with this more liberal approach, in the far north of the country:
Australia has managed to escape “We are fortunate in that there have
relatively unscathed from COVID-19. been few cases in our area. The
Despite the government receiving densely populated urban areas such
heavy criticism over the handling of the as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane
bushfires, they acted swiftly by shutting have been most affected. Of concern is
borders, imposing a strict 14-day the enormous economic effect of the
quarantine and widespread testing with lockdown and the hideously expensive
pop-up clinics.” support package for business and
the unemployed, which is generally
Will White (1986-94) lives near the supported and welcome, but which
south coast of Western Australia in the will be felt for generations. Tax reform
11is now a hot topic. Cairns, being very gatherings of more than four people
much a tourist hub and jumping-off were forbidden. People are asked to stay
point for the Barrier Reef, has been at home or work from home if it was
severely affected by the decimation possible to do so. Natalie, shown above
of the tourist industry. Sad to say, its with her parents, Sandra and Sam,
economy is reeling at the moment.” had been doing on-line schooling since
February. Outdoor exercise has been
Hong Kong: Sam Ko (1981-84) reports: impossible.”
“After the first cases in late January,
the government focused on trace and Ukraine: Denys Terepa (2013-17) has
tracking. To that end, our borders were been in England, so his comments are
closed and quarantines were introduced. based on information provided by his
On the street, I have seen few people not family at home.
wearing a face mask since February. As
the weather begins to warm up, wearing “The country’s borders are completely
a face mask outdoors will become a shut. The healthcare system is much
challenge for most people. less prepared to deal with the infected
than in the UK. There is a lack of
COVID-19 test kits in all of the regions
except the capital. A substantial number
of the population regularly violates the
quarantine rules, which will hinder
any recovery. On top of that, it has
been proved that the government is
The number of new cases rose in underreporting case levels by purposely
late March when young people came delaying the results of tests. Official
back from abroad with the closure of messages about the crisis are unreliable
schools in the UK and the US. Suddenly, in most respects. The whole economy
hospitals were running close to capacity took a massive hit and the government
even though many elective medical have not taken
treatments were already cancelled. measures to
support business
As a result, all pubs and bars, sports or people who have
clubs and gymnasium, were closed, the lost their jobs.”
capacity of restaurants was halved and
James Russell (1996-2002), a paramedic based in Bristol, says,
“I love the challenge the role brings and the people I meet in the
community. Being able to help, even in a small way is incredibly
12 rewarding and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”South Africa: Tony Tucker (1944-54) perfectionists so, even though the
was in the process of selling his house in number of cases and deaths relative
April in order to return to England when to the size of its population and
the pandemic struck. aging demographic is less than
in Europe or the US, the virus is
“The government introduced some of regarded as a disaster.
the most draconian restrictions in the
world. Initially, we were in almost total Government intervention was limited.
lockdown, except for food and medical A partial lockdown was implemented
shopping and emergency services. for a few weeks and each person
was compensated with £1,000. Some
From 1 May, certain businesses and businesses could claim about £5,000
industries will open up, but at 30% of pounds if they could prove their sales
employees at any one time and with had dropped 50% or more. That was it!
very tight measures of hygiene and
sanitation. It is a move to get people back Now, Japanese schools and colleges
to work, minimise job losses and ensure are back but operating within strict
there is cash flowing again and to reduce guidelines: no-one in front of the
hunger as much as possible for the student, all windows open 20cms,
poorer people. Everyone else will remain and masks are mandatory, with desks
at home until further notice. cleaned after every lesson.
On a recent radio chat show, a listener The large fashion retail company I
called in to suggest that sex workers work for closed 500 of its 800 retail
should be allowed to operate as an stores during the lockdown but we
essential and much needed service! are now back to normal. Like many
Thank goodness there is always companies, we introduced home
something to raise a laugh in these very working, which continues, so our office
uncertain times.” of 500 has been reduced to 200 on a
rotation system,
Japan: Saleem D’Aronville and productivity
(1960-68) lives in Tokyo and I heard from has improved. Our
him recently. business meetings
“By nature and culture, the Japanese are by Zoom.
are very clean and tidy. They are also
Hollie Locke (née Kavanagh (1996-2000), is a metastatic breast cancer
specialist nurse at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton. At the height of the
pandemic she worked in emergency theatres and intensive care. The family
link with Queen’s will continue when her daughter joins the school next year. 13Generally, stores including the Paycheck Protection Program which
supermarkets and small convenience offers a loan that turns into a grant
stores have a digital thermometer to as long as the money is only used for
check customers at the entrance. In payroll, mortgage/rent and utilities.
many cases, children are not allowed in We were approved, but the assistance
the stores. Track and trace is operated lasts for only six weeks. Collecting
by the local town hall and is rigorous. outstanding debts will be a delicate
The new normal is daunting and the challenge.”
level of hygiene and cleanliness in
Japan has been taken to a level I have Stuart Mays (1959-66) wrote at the
never experienced. Rates of infection same time from Vermont:
and death are relatively modest. “Many people (including some young
This is due to the common sense of adults) are very fearful and some didn’t
the population of Japan rather than even permit family members to come
directives from the government.” to the outside of their doors or windows
during Easter. On the other hand, our
The US: Bill Collier (1965-72) who lives group of four apartments now has a
in Tampa, Florida, wrote in April: weekly dinner outside where we sit in
“The Mayor calls the shots in the city and separate islands and engage more than
she closed all non-essential businesses, we ever did before.
including all the parks, and issued a
curfew from 10pm to 5am, which makes Everyone seems to be using Zoom — for
no sense. Our health care system in business meetings, worship and even
Florida is managing very well, but virtual family meals. Now, my volunteer
positive cases continue, as do deaths, restorative justice panels and my book
though they are both plateauing with a discussion group is by Zoom. My banking
slight downward trend. Our governor is practices have had to change, from
eager to start opening parts of the State. conducting business in person to the use
of the ATM outside the building. All very
My business (sale of sports equipment) modern!
is closed at this time. We cannot
maintain a six-foot distance in the shop The many community
but the real issue is that sport is closed gardens were kept
down and there are no orders coming closed until recently,
in. My business applied for help under but now are wide open
Tessa Down (2008-15), on the right, who is with the ambulance service,
says, “I am loving the job I am doing. Even though I only see the patient
for a short time, I love the impact we make on their lives.”
14(allowing animals) and our water supply Luxembourg: Richard Goddard (1970-
has been cut off, because of fear of 78) living in the capital of the same
contamination of the gate lock, spigot, name wrote on 18 April:
valve or nozzle. The result — chewed-off, “One of the peculiarities of the city is
parched veggies — is disappointing but, that the population normally swells to
overall, there’s a spirit of solidarity and three times its normal size during the
optimism that we can get through this daytime. This is because of commuters
and come out the other end stronger. not only from within the country, but
also from our three neighbours. As a
New Zealand: Sarah Angus (1980-87) result of this pattern, Luxembourg City
wrote ‘Winter Sun’ in May during the is always very quiet in the evenings,
lockdown and appeared on her blog the weekends and holidays. The big
https://sarahbethangus.blogspot.com/ change for us, therefore, is in the
(Blog name: Sarah Elizabeth Angus working day, as the city is now empty
Prophecy and Poetry). all day. Office workers like me can
work from home. Workers in essential
Winter sun
softly soothes skin.
sectors with continual human contact,
The harsh summer glare however, either need to stay in the
barely remembered.
Upturned faces feel city’s empty hotels at taxpayers’
warmth,
the blessing of renewed
offered with quiet reflecti
on. expense or commute. Since two thirds
Clou ds flur ry into focu s
of healthcare workers live in France
playing hide and seek,
themselves,
stealing the sun's heat for and Belgium, there is no question of
por atin g onw ard .
before eva
The streets are silent, closing our borders. There is a general
h other
solitary walkers greet eac consensus that all employees and
ain.
as if few inhabitants rem
k over daily
The grim virus statistics clic especially the self-employed — like me
on worldometer,
ing true grief, — pay relatively high taxes and pension
numbing numbers disallow
g bey ond emo tion al comprehension.
bein
One death is a tragedy.
and health insurance contributions.
sp
Our human hearts can gra The health sector is, therefore, both
e.
that much for right respons
es a statistic.
A thousand deaths becom well-funded and efficiently organised.
What about ten thousand,
a hundred thousand, a mill
ion? In this sense, the general culture and
mean to me?
What do those numbers the current situation is not dissimilar to
Each one a precious life,
ones.
dearly loved by devastated that in Germany. As I write, restrictions
h gro ans mo re clea rly now,
The eart
as we wat ch and wai t, are about to be eased, starting with
thankful we are safe
in our regulated bubbles
, schools, building sites, recycling
life
forgetting how different centres and some shops, but I expect a
an.
was before this year beg
my skin
And yet the winter sun on very slow reversion to a new normal.”
still feels the same.
15Germany: Maria Griese (2016-17), Spain: Julio Vildosola (1987-92)
who lives in Hamburg, returned from lives in Barcelona. His comments
Nambia on 8 March. refer to the situation from March to
mid-April:
“On arrival at Frankfurt, I was tested
and received the results a week “Our government was slow to act,
later, the same day as lockdown and public gatherings and large scale
was announced. At the time, this street marches were taking place as
was thought premature but proved late as Sunday 8 March. However, the
to have been a wise decision. My whole country went into lockdown by
mother is a doctor, so she kept parliamentary order on 16 March.
working and, having seen her and
other health workers put their own For the last five weeks, we have
lives at risk, I really appreciate their been confined to our apartment.
efforts. Whilst we are extremely fortunate
and enjoy all the modern comforts
I tried to help families who were imaginable, the experience has on
not as lucky as mine by teaching occasions been taxing, not least
children from my local school on our two boys who have not
over FaceTime, shopping for them been outdoors in the entire period.
and organising deliveries for my For you see, Spain's definition of
mother’s practice. confinement is literal. Making things
more difficult, our dwellings are, for
After about six weeks in isolation the vast majority, flats rather than
there has been some loosening houses, so the escapism provided by
of the rules, but there is intense a garden is a very rare luxury.
debate between those who want to
open the economy and others who Despite the above, this period has
are more cautious. It’s difficult to highlighted the solidarity of my fellow
strike a balance, but people trust the citizens, as the confinement rule has
politicians, scientists and experts. been obeyed with minimal exceptions
I think two positive lessons have and people have put their personal
been learned from the crisis: our problems aside to support the
health system is strong and the EU common goal. However, uncertainty
is important as a way for countries about the precise timetable for a
to help each other.” return to normality persists.”
16France: Elie Breton (2014-18) wrote on Together in Music
8 April:
Amy Thomas (nee Fawcett) (1991-
“Despite a late start, France went into 2001) was a music scholar at Queen’s
lockdown in early March and has been and loved drama, too. She is now a
confined ever since. The reaction at professional musician and has been
first, especially in Paris, was quite in the City of Birmingham Symphony
saddening with people continuing Orchestra for 11 years. Before lockdown,
to go to parks or busy markets as if every Friday, the CBSO performed a
the pandemic wasn’t real. Our prime series of music productions, ranging
minister and president are planning from film music to opera galas to
to reopen the country from 11 May if musicals to Elton John nights. She and
certain conditions are met, though, all her husband, also with the CBSO, were
of France will not be “liberated” at the furloughed but decided to produce their
same time, as regions with fewer cases own ‘mini concert’ each week, which
will be the first to gain free movement proved widely popular. They can be found
and see businesses reopening. on YouTube. These are the links to some
of their videos:
This will depend on citizens’ cooperation.
People are now complying with the FAME:
government’s demands, but it is clear https://youtu.be/onsO7xnpIuQ
that six weeks of lockdown have annoyed STAR TREK:
many. The medical staff, especially, have https://youtu.be/k2X4HCvdo5M 1950’s...
been pushed to their limits, shedding https://youtu.be/1iE3Nq-NnCI
a light on the conditions of the French
NHS. Just like the UK, France joins every John Steward (1954-59) was in a café
night at 8pm to congratulate them with a in Richmond, London, when an elderly
round of applause. man popped in who, it transpired, had
been an opera singer with experience of
It is upsetting to see the rise of many of the big opera houses of Europe
fake news and rumours about the in the 1950s. He had fallen on hard times
virus on social media. This crisis and was ‘living on the parish’. He sang a
has given people the time to roam couple of Mario Lanza songs enchanting
more on Twitter and Facebook and John (the only other customer) and the
this has helped the spread of stupid kitchen staff, finished his coffee and
conspiracy theories.” sandwich and left.
17News of OQs in industry, working at one of the
research councils delving into
After his Masters in Meteorology experimental particle physics and
and Climatology from Birmingham science communication. She then
University, Tom Batchelor (2006-15) trained as a teacher and has been
is now with the Met Office, training working for the last five years at
as a forecaster. However, he does not Bohunt School in East Hampshire
plan to be on your TV screen any time which she describes as really lovely.
soon. He is based at RAF Odiham, Now married, she has two small
home of the Chinook helicopters. His boys at home: Isaac who is three,
main task is to observe the weather and Elijah who has just had his first
so that air traffic control can inform birthday.
the pilots of the conditions to expect.
He finds the work fascinating despite Akbar Dhala (1975-1977) is
having to stand in the rain to see how Chairman of Aga Khan Health Board.
bad it is. He has recently made a community
video on mental health which may
After Queen’s, Rameth Kurdi (1984- be of interest to OQs at a time of
89) studied Hotel Management. For considerable stress for some. To
a 21 year old, his first job, on the listen to Akbar speak, press Ctrl and
Cunard QE2, was brilliant, taking click on this link. It’s a polished and
him all around the world. After helpful talk.
the ships, he worked through the https://youtu.be/hpT8utMi9vs?list=PL8MStXishMbM
hospitality industry, finally managing P1dO4D7AsqI_3jwdgvzn2
hotels in Oxfordshire and Suffolk.
Two years ago, he moved back to Alex Rowe (1999-2007) lives in
Somerset to start a new career at Clapham, London, with his wife,
Police Headquarters, Portishead, in Kate Tang. In February, they became
communications, a job he loves for parents when Jessica Lily was born.
the challenges it presents. Alex works for Namura, a Japanese
bank.
Harriet Young (née Dingle) (2004-
10) loved Chemistry at Queen’s, after Simon Trump (1975-82) worked a
which she studied Biochemistry traditional journalistic path, following
at Southampton University. After in his father’s footsteps, through local
graduation, Harriet spent a year weeklies, regional dailies, then Eddie
18Shah’s ‘Post’. He shifted for about years, he was Head of Sound for the
two years before taking a staff job Auckland Arts Festival.
as a West Country district man for
‘TODAY’, then ‘The Sunday Times’. His brother, James Mollison (1972-
He has been freelancing since 1995. 78), also lives in New Zealand. He
His son, Harry, works for Getty as married Margaret, a New Zealander,
a sports photographer, but during in 1991 and has lived there since.
lockdown he looked for other subjects He has three children in their 20s
to focus on. He took this fine photo of and is very contented. Indeed, he
Queen’s one lovely moonlit night. It has found the enforced slowdown
was commissioned and appeared in a in the pace of life a welcome check
Spanish national paper. on what was otherwise a hectic
lifestyle. He describes himself as
‘a serial entrepreneur’, currently
an events organiser but, in present
circumstances, with no functions to
organise. James visited Queen’s two
years ago and was featured in the
Autumn 2018 Newsletter.
Five years ago, Richard Meads
After Queen’s, Andrew Mollison (1974-83) featured in a Newsletter.
(1974-81) studied Stage Management Then, he was farming rice. In 2017,
and Technical Theatre at LAMDA and he developed an intensive moringa
then, for many years, worked as a farm and applied for an Alternative
sound engineer in London’s West End, Medical Pharmaceutical license.
before becoming Sound Supervisor for Once granted, a year later, he started
Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s ‘Really Useful manufacturing and selling moringa
Group’. Twelve years ago, he and his tablets which proved to be very
wife, Kate, migrated to New Zealand effective in helping combat type2
and they have two teenagers. He diabetes, typhoid and malaria. Alas,
sells professional audio equipment, the enterprise was undone by high
but he has retained his interest in levels of corruption. Now back in the
live theatre by working first for New UK, he is involved with supercharging
Zealand’s International Arts Festival and water cooling sports cars.
in Wellington and then, for many Geoff Bisson
19Obituary the 1st XV and then began a four-year
articled course with an engineering
firm in Oxford, whilst pursuing his love
of watercolour painting and playing
rugby. In 1949, he commenced a
BSc engineering course at Cardiff
University and, on graduation, was
employed by Swansea Council as
an engineer. With his brother David
(1942-51), they came third in a global
bridge design competition and there
started his lifetime speciality of bridges
Hugh Michael ‘Mike’ Brunt (1935-43) and highways engineering.
passed away peacefully, aged 92, with his
family beside him on 22 February 2020. He married Vivien in 1958 in Swansea.
Mike was born in Mysore, Bangalore (his Mike worked in Aylesbury until 1968
parents were Methodist missionaries) when he secured a bridge engineering
and, aged eight, left for Queen’s to post in Taunton. Mike’s greatest love
join his brother Devon (1933-38). He in his life was his family — he had four
travelled alone — train to the coast; ship boys, the eldest two, Murray (1971-78)
to Marseille (with retiring missionaries and Richard (1974-81), following in his
as guardians); train through France; and footsteps to Queen’s.
ferry to England.
Mike designed the house that the
Mike had very fond memories of family moved into in 1969 and stayed
Queen’s, including a hazardous night- there. He maintained close contact
time shuffle along the Great Hall roof with the school, being president of
to carve his initials on the end. This was the OQs (1980-82). The Remembrance
clearly a habit because, in later life, he Sunday service at Queen’s was always
purchased a pew from Temple Methodist special to him, remembering Devon’s
Church that still had an ‘HMB’ carving, death in 1944 whilst serving in the
producing memories of the school walk RAF. Mike is survived by Viv, his four
to church every Sunday morning. sons, 10 grandchildren and three
great grandchildren.
Mike stayed one term in the Sixth
Form to continue playing fly half for Murray and Richard Brunt
20Obituary doctor. They had two sons, Robert and
Michael, and celebrated 40 years of
Dr Alan Tappin very happy marriage before Margaret
(1941-50) died died in 2003.
on 10 August
2020, just short Alan was appointed as a Consultant
of his 90th Anaesthetist to St Peter’s Hospital
birthday. Chertsey and proceeded to inaugurate
both an Intensive Care Unit and later a
Alan revelled in his schooldays at Pain Clinic.
Queen’s, excelling at sport and athletics
and captaining both cricket and rugby He was a scientist and used his
teams. He also got up to much mischief analytical and inquiring mind to solve
– seeing a pheasant lurking in the many practical problems. He was a
undergrowth at Queen’s, he shot the good engineer and loved making things,
bird with an air pistol and sent it home to particularly toys for his sons. He fulfilled
his mother in a cake tin. In due course, his ambition to own some land where he
it was returned to him – roasted. He could enjoy the nature and the wildlife he
fulfilled his father’s prophesy that he loved so much. The few sheep he kept
would be Head Boy. gave him and his family much pleasure
and protein.
Over the last several years, he greatly
enjoyed returning to Queen’s for the He worked hard, but he also played
summer cricket match and the Vintage hard – he had boundless energy, played
and Sibly Society lunches with his squash until he was 75 and continued to
partner Kate. shoot and fish until 85. He and Margaret
were legendary for their hospitality to a
During his National Service with the wide variety of friends and family. Alan
Somerset Light Infantry and the Royal had the ability to talk to and befriend
Military Police, he was chosen to anyone. Many of those friendships lasted
compete in the Modern Pentathlon. over 70 years.
He qualified in medicine from St Marys He was larger than life, outgoing,
Hospital and, after his house jobs, always laughing with a wicked sense of
trained as an anaesthetist. During this humour; a kind, caring gentleman who
time, he met his wife, Margaret, also a will be missed. Kate Davies
21The Cricket Season
You may be forgiven for thinking that the
picture, right, shows cricket practice
in the nets on the Lower during the
Summer Term; after all, that’s where
and when its always done. Of course, In the course of the summer, the ‘Black
this was not the case this year, as the Lives Matter’ movement emerged. This
school was closed. Now open again, it prompted another cricket recollection
was decided to start the Autumn Term dating back to the season of 1985.
with cricket, partly to compensate Then, the sporting boycott against
for the loss of the Summer Term and South Africa was in full swing, yet
also because playing rugby would be Queen’s were scheduled to play against
problematic in present circumstances. a South African school. The 1st XI was
concerned about playing the visitors
The dispution to the cricket season and, after a team debate, voted to
caused John Graham (1976-81) to boycott the match. This was possibly
reflect on how things used to be and, in just as well as the Chaplain, OQ Ed
particular, his playing days here. I was Standhaft (1958-62), had threatened to
delighted to receive from him the team sit on the wicket to thwart any play if the
photo of the U13s who were crowned fixture went ahead. By refusing to play,
county champions in 1978. the 1st XI had saved his blushes and
those of many others. Geoff Bisson
Back row (L-R): S. Bunce, C. Cox, C. Teape, S. Shellard, D. Jobson, B. Leyland, A. Powell, C. Ford.
Front row (L-R): N. Brown, C. Salisbury, K. Fielding, D. Morgan, J. Graham, R. Vile, I. Godwin.
22Queen’s Lodge charities giving, in addition, £250,000
each to Mind, Age UK and Buttle
UK. Earlier, £255,000 went to Kidney
Research UK to fund three PhD research
students. Significant sums are sent to
the International Red Cross in response
C
OVID-19 has, sadly, precluded to overseas disasters. In 2018, £46m
the possibility of any meetings in went to ‘deserving causes’; 18.5m hours
this, our 70th Anniversary year. of voluntary work was undertaken.
Our Christmas 2019 meeting was the last
time we met, when £1,500 was raised
for Children’s Hospice SW. However,
Almoner, Mike Kinnersley (1954-63)
has been diligently keeping in touch
with members. This year Queen’s Lodge
book prizes were awarded to Yasmin Women Freemasons have been meeting
Howard and Ben Moss - two students across the country for over 100 years.
whose dedication to 'community' was They have been raising their profile
described as exemplary. recently, taking part in Freshers’ Fairs
up and down the country as part of the
Despite the absence of meetings where Masonic Universities Scheme. There
most fundraising takes place, Somerset are two female-only Grand Lodges: The
Lodges collectively have still raised Order of Women Freemasons (4,000
£150,000 which has been distributed to members: owf.org.uk) and HFAF –
local communities in the county, much Freemasonry for Women (800 members:
associated with COVID-19; the largest hfaf.org). They both follow exactly the
beneficiaries being local foodbanks and same ceremonies and wear the same
those providing meals in the community. regalia as male Freemasons and they
50 Tablet PCs were distributed to six often work closely with the community
hospitals and £10,000 to Wells Cathedral and charity projects.
‘Bounce Back Appeal’.
Meetings normally March, May, October,
This year, our main Masonic Charity December.
administered by Grand Lodge https://www.queenscollegelodge.co.uk/
established a COVID-19 Fund of £3.6m, https://twitter.com/queens6988
funding 100s of local projects and Richard Baker (1955-65)
23Reunion
Simon Bunyaraksh (1966-74) and some of his Clockwise: Andy Barton, Chris
contemporaries from Queen’s try to get together Dennington, Simon Buny, Ray
every year, usually in the autumn. Last year, they did Sapak, Ian Talbot, Nick Mayled,
so on 19 October in Bournemouth. Circumstances Andy Jackson, Chris Stacey and
are such that it is unlikely that they will be able to Richard Smaldon. Also present;
meet this year. Ian Shipway
OQ EVENTS Keeping in Touch
Present circumstances are such It’s always good to hear from OQs,
that, regrettably, neither the annual so please keep me informed about
OQ Remembrance Weekend nor births, marriages and deaths, career
the Vintage Lunch will be hosted at moves, personal achievements and
Queen’s this term. It is hoped that notable stories.
OQ events may be possible in the
summer term at Queen’s (the cricket Please let me know of any change in
match and the Sibly Society Lunch) your contact details and do ask me
and/or in London (possibly, lunch at to check if I have your email address
the House of Commons). and other details.
Geoff Bisson
OQA Secretary
Alumni Matters
01823 330852
24 gb@queenscollege.org.ukYou can also read
