Boarding: Then and Now Dragons on the Water Life Changing Journeys Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon Arduus ad Solem Events - Dragon School
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THE OLD DRAGON
2 0 1 9 · I S S U E 8
Boarding: Then and Now
Dragons on the Water
Life Changing Journeys
Once a Dragon,
Always a Dragon
Arduus ad Solem Events
Next
Headline News
A selection of news highlights in the last year…
Contents
1
A Love of Boating 2
Fort Stink Community Events Rowing – Far More
On the final Friday of the Easter Term, There have been outstanding events
the Dragon welcomed back over 80 this year from reunions to Arduus Than Just a Hobby 3
ODs (and former staff) who left the ad Solem gatherings. Read more
school between 1970 and 1975. There on page 15. Boarding Over
was much talk about the creation of The Decades 4-5
Dear ODs
Fort Stink on the fields in their era…
Read more on page 15. Old Dragon Sails to Success Bookshelf 6-7
Watch out for Charlotte Ormerod
(OD 2013). Charlotte is now part of
Dragon Sale Celebrates The Knatchbull Lectures:
the British Sailing Team and, fingers
355 days Becoming
75 Years crossed, should sail in the Olympics
in 2024 or 2028. Read more on page 9. Part of a New Nepali
Within this issue of the OD Magazine, you will read about a remarkable range of achievements by current Dragons and
Old Dragons alike, as well as our Arduus ad Solem events with their particular focus on social responsibility, all of which
With hundreds of children, parents
Family 8
and visitors coming into the School
have been so generously supported by our wider school community. You will also find reflections on boarding at the Dragon
and exciting news of the expansion of our boarding provision. As well as many highlights to report, there has also been
eager to plunge into the Christmas
spirit, the Dragon Sale proudly
Dragon News 2 Girls, 11 Countries,
sadness this year, including the loss of one of our pupils, who made such a positive contribution during her time with us celebrated its 75th birthday at the Throughout the Year 5 Capital Cities 9
and is remembered for her cheerfulness and enthusiasm, and the death of “Splash” (John Blackburn), the much loved end of the Christmas Term. One
former Senior Master, who served from 1967-1992. The passing of our Chairman of Governors, Professor Roger Ainsworth, could not help but be inspired by the
Like and Follow our Facebook
One to Watch! 9
page @DragonSchoolOxford for
was an unexpected and great loss to our community and was keenly felt at school, as well as throughout the University philanthropic spirit of our Dragon
regular updates and featured
of Oxford, where Roger was Master of St. Catherine’s College. As a parent, governor and Chair of Governors, Roger was pupils and the time they took to create
news from Dragons, Young
A Life Changing
passionate about the Dragon and his energy, wisdom and friendship are greatly missed. However, he would be proud of the such an exciting, warm and lively
and Old. For sporting events, Journey 10-11
achievements of our young and Old Dragons and would certainly be encouraging us to continue to “strive for the sun”. atmosphere. Read more on page 16.
news and results follow
@DragonSportFeed on Twitter. Once A Dragon,
Over this past year we have celebrated very successful with many nominations we serve. We are therefore very pleased to
1954 - 2019 Forthcoming events and other Always A Dragon 12-14
the tremendous efforts and achievements for County representation. In hockey we be able to introduce flexible boarding from
news can be found on our website
of Dragons of all year groups across the celebrate both girls’ and boys’ 1st VII sides September 2020, in addition to our highly Sixty-five years, almost to the day,
curriculum. Among our most recent events, undefeated in regular season matches. popular full boarding and day boarding since leaving the Dragon, twelve of
dragonschool.org. Community
we have enjoyed Prizegiving and our Leavers’ However, it is not just our current provision. September 2020 will also see the 1954 leavers met in June for a Events & Reunions 15-17
Service, as well as our Year 3 production Dragons who are excelling in a range of the launch of our exciting DragonQUEST reunion lunch in London. Memories
of Scheherazade, C Block’s memorable sporting pursuits. The Dragon continues enrichment curriculum. This bespoke were shared of academic and sporting Future Diary Dates 18-19
performance of Peter Pan and our Summer its distinguished history of involvement programme will allow a focus on academic
success, which the group had enjoyed
Serenade of musicians. This year we are in the Varsity Rugby match with George provision on weekdays, whilst still ensuring
delighted with the tremendous examination Warr (OD 2011) representing a victorious a vibrant and exciting addition for those
together in the 1950’s, during their Obituaries 20-22
children in school at weekends, giving them days at the Dragon. The occasion
results among our A Block Common Oxford University in this year’s encounter
Entrance candidates, complementing at Twickenham. We commend Charlotte the opportunity to discover talents, develop was enjoyed by all and gave a lovely Introducing
an array of 13+ awards to senior schools Ormerod (OD 2013) as she joins the British new skills and embrace new challenges. opportunity to renew friendships Saira Uppal 23
achieved earlier in the year. These include Sailing Team, moving on to 49ers, as well as A wide range of Dragon Community formed many years ago and hear
15 Academic awards, with two to Eton and Charlie Pearson’s (OD 2012) achievement in events are being planned for the coming interesting stories about the lives Contact Us 23
one at Winchester, 12 Sports Awards, a total being selected for the Oxford boat race team. year, further details of which you will find and the achievements of those
of 9 awards across Music, Art and Drama, in We also congratulate Olympic rower Frances inside this issue of the OD Magazine. The attending during the intervening time.
addition to 2 All-Rounder awards. All our A Houghton (OD 1993) upon her award of an saying ‘Once a Dragon, always a Dragon’ is Dragon School
Read more on page 12.
Block pupils are to be congratulated on their MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours. never more apparent than at OD gatherings, 2018/19 24-25
fine accomplishments and we wish them our It is a privilege to learn about the and I do hope that we will have the
very best for the future. variety of ways in which ODs continue opportunity to meet at one of these events We are delighted to be able to offer a special
In sport, as well as our traditional Sports to succeed with their passions and at the in the near future. release of the Audiobook CD ‘A Selection
Days, we have enjoyed some excellent same time promote awareness of social and In the meantime, please do keep from The Dragon Book of Verse’ 1977 edition
performances in fixtures and competitions environmental impact. In this issue you will us informed of your own news via our (a much cherished Dragon School textbook).
and I would like to take this opportunity also read how music is being used to engage Development Office and thank you once
For this Audiobook CD, well known ODs from
to mention a number of highlights. Our new audiences with the natural world and again for your ongoing support of our school,
the fields of arts, media and sport were invited
cross-country discipline continues to belie how photography highlights the beauty
the relatively meagre contours of our school and fragility of our planet. I am continually With all best wishes, to read poems. Contributors include Antonia
fields, with a very successful Easter Term, inspired by Dragons, both young and old, Fraser, Hugh Laurie, Nicholas Shakespeare,
including team wins at every local event and am grateful for our Old Dragons’ Rageh Omaar, Tom Ward and Frances
entered. In cricket, our promising U11A generous affection and loyalty to the school. Houghton to name a few. Price: £10
boys’ side have been crowned champions Looking to the future, the Dragon If you would like a copy, please
of the Malvern 8s tournament and the is a school which has always evolved to Email gay.sturt@dragonschool.org
transition to girls’ cricket has proven to be anticipate and meet the needs of the families Crispin Hyde-Dunn
THE OD Prev Next 2019 · ISSUE 8
2 Tim Tomlinson, David Lewis
and Stephen Mitchell in 1961
3
Lower VI in summer 1957 with Hippo Kelso
A Love of Boating
Tim Tomlinson, President of the Skiff Racing Association, describes how the
Dragon gave him an enthusiasm for active competitive sport and a love of boating.
Dragon Days club. There was a collection of ramshackle huts lining the river at
Rowing
My best memories of the Dragon come almost inevitably from the the bottom right end of the playing fields housing a motley selection
Summer Term - sunny days and long warm evenings, walks in the of craft. If you had passed your clothes test and were considered
Parks in the long May hay, watching the staff playing tennis on the responsible enough, you were allowed to take a boat out on the
Lodge lawn from Phoenix, lessons in the New Hall with the open river. Sometimes we went out in groups and dragged the boats over
Far More Than
doors, annual services at Linton Road and Christ Church, outings to the rollers past Parsons Pleasure, which was somehow always an
the Royal tournament, the Shakespeare play, the scent of the privet amusement. But my most enjoyable outings were rowing a dinghy
along Bardwell Road, Sports Day, swimming in the Cherwell and the alone up the Cherwell on a balmy Sunday afternoon. The dappled
Rag Regatta. shadows of the trees on the river, the flight of a bird and the occasional
movement of some unseen animal created a poetic idyll. And then,
Just a Hobby
between the houses came the chink of teacups on a sunny lawn or a
Competing few bars of ‘Fur Eloise’ from an open window – pure magic! I wonder
In my last three years at the Dragon I was in a cohort that progressed if that would be allowed today.
through Upper 6, Upper 3B and Upper 2A. Within that cohort I was a Tim Tomlinson (OD 1961)
member of an athletics team, including David Lewis, Stephen ‘Smitch’
Mitchell and Peter ‘Moley’ Mole, which swept all before us in the
I
competitions. So much so, that in our final Dragon report, we earned took my first rowing strokes at the the sport through my career as a coach in In 2018, alongside my business partner
a reproachful bashing from Inky (R K Ingram) for complacency. I ran Dragon aged 11 on the river Cherwell in Oxford, which included coaching at the Angus, I launched the Oxford Junior Rowing
and jumped with enthusiasm and my original but effective high jump a red play boat, a memory that has never Dragon for a few years, setting up a rowing Course. These courses, available for all levels
style was christened the “flying cat” (by Cutters). Our outstanding left me. I was always a fairly sporty child, clothing start-up business, and latterly as of experience from beginner up, are aimed
performer was David Lewis, who was unbeatable, but my Long Jump a good all-rounder but it wasn’t until I Director of Rowing for Hinksey Sculling at 9-16 year olds. They offer the opportunity
record (under 11) was still in place when I visited the school about started rowing that I found a sport I fell in School in Oxford from 2009-2017. not only to experience the unbridled joy that
30 years later. love with. The sense of freedom, space and I am a passionate believer that young only messing about in boats can give you,
In those days we swam only in the river, and had to pass three peace you get from being on the river made people should be able to unlock their but balance it with some invaluable sessions
tests – the length, the middle and the clothes test – before being me feel calm and at home. To this day I feel potential and reach their goals by building on everything you need to build your toolkit.
allowed unfettered access to the river bank. There were three diving more myself on the river than anywhere a ‘toolkit’ of essential life skills. I learnt My latest venture, now into its second
boards: an excellent springboard, the middle board which had a long else in the world. through many years of experience that the year, is starting to grow fast and has allowed
run up, and featured in the Rag Regatta with some unfortunate master Although I never achieved the incredible most effective way of doing this is through me to continue to indulge my passion for
cycling off the end, and the top board – a terrifying construction from accolades that so many Dragons have engaging, fun, and challenging activities rowing, which all started in that red play
which the safest way down was into the river. Waterside activities achieved, rowing became far more than including sport, but especially through the boat thanks to the Dragon.
were organized by Ticks (F E Hicks) who was in charge of the boat Inky and his old Alvis just a hobby for me. I pursued my love of unique challenge offered by rowing. Amelia Wright (nee Holland, OD 1995)
THE OD Prev Next 2019 · ISSUE 8
4
A 2007 OD spent all his free time
5
1978 Boys Reading in bed before lights out
playing sport, and mucking around with
Memories of
mates (eggy, marbles, touch rugby).
“I was never sick, nor wanted to be.
The only time I went to the medical centre
I watched movies all day. I got bored
Boarding Over
and begged to return to normal school.
Highlights of the boarding year for me
were closed weekends spent at Thorpe
Park, the Christmas Dinner and the
Sing Song at the end of every term.”
the Decades
As for mischief, Dragons seem to have
been fairly harmless across the generations,
from climbing outside to the top of the far
roof of the Old Hall at the Dragon Lane end
(1960s) and putting a School House “piss-
pot” on the apex, to trying to raid the Tuck
The more flexible provision of boarding at the Dragon prompted Moria Shop in the playground at night (1970s) only
to be flood-lit suddenly by a whole row of
Darlington to approach ODs from across the decades to find out what staff cars, to puffing up duvets, thinking it
their reactions were, then and now, to the boarding life they experienced would trick “Ma” into thinking they were
here. Accounts which span seventy years reflect very different facilities asleep, and going to hide in friends’ beds in Christmas term dance in New Hall
and attitudes but a heartening similarity in ethos, in relationships other dorms (2000), to sneaking down town
and finally getting caught red handed by the
between staff and pupils, and in community spirit.
Indoor Ball Practice, upstairs in Lane Building housemaster after he saw them across the
road in North Parade (2007). fondly remembered for teaching his boys to
“We bolted round the block, hid in make syllabub, mackerel pate and their own
T
Learning to capsize a skull in the pool
hose who arrived in the fifties comment of kindness and mutual respect, citing the coming to harm! I am pretty certain some random person’s garden and buried yoghurt. It is noticeable that food still plays
that “some members of staff, returning joint creation of House-rules and “Cycle that my brother cycled out to Brill the tuck only to find my housemaster a large part in keeping Dragons happy!
from active service, were still quite the World” challenges as two examples of (about 12 miles away) to have tea with our sitting on the fencing patiently waiting A Dragon girl reminisces, “The summer
traumatised. The same went for some of bringing people together. In the latter the grandparents on at least one occasion.” for us.” evenings were the best. We used to play by
the new Dragons too, whose fathers had whole house “cycles” on training bikes to Some mention weekend Expeditions All generations of Dragons and their the river (only if you passed your clothes
been engaged in the war. So Hum and the homes of all members of the house, run by Parni, going in SOG, his van, and teachers have always admired humour. One test, of course!), go swimming in the
Joc Lynam knew that the Dragon, over celebrating the culture of each, e.g. by eating being dumped in the countryside with map recalls Inky changing the hymn to “Breathe outdoor pool or play rounders and cricket
and above the quality of its teaching, had chorizo, learning the Macarena dance, and compass. Also, quiet time after Sunday on me Breath of God” after someone let off on the playing fields. House entertainment
also to become “an oasis of pastoral care”. making Pinata! Asked to sum up the Dragon lunch with a master reading a good story a stink bomb in assembly and, on another was always good fun - an opportunity to
Often boarders were from the other side of in three words she said: “Happy. Busy. Kind.” in the library. Another speaks of stopping occasion during the Miners’ Strike and dress up as, and mock, the teachers - but
the world; one, in the sixties, joining as an Perhaps, though, happiness can be found at a master’s brother’s house in Hampshire The School House Quiet Reading Room the three-day week, reading out a letter in Sing Song was hands down the best night
eight-year old, said that it took him a two in quieter pursuits too. A fifties Dragon said, for tea on the way back from an outing. morning assembly, which a boy had written of term! Mr Carroll’s version of Robbie
day journey to reach school. He remembers “One of the biggest gifts that the Dragon “Other trips you might stop at a parent’s to Southern Electricity requesting that the Williams’ Angels (which he did every time)
that another boy gave him a teddy, as he had bestowed on me during the six years I was house and have shandy - I did chair party School’s power be cut at prep time. One was always a winner. Nearly 20 years later,
left his at home. Travel and communication a boarder was nurturing my love of the on a Sunday and sometimes you would be OD commented, some of my closest friends today are from
were very different then and his parents were wireless. And, as importantly, developing rewarded with a small can of beer from “I always felt that this sort of the Dragon.”
only able to visit him once in his entire time my skills to listen. Thus it was, that sitting Gunga Din!” independence was encouraged by the staff Life-long friendship is definitely
at the school. Few people had phones and in the shade of Ma Vassall’s garden in the & they would have been secretly proud a leitmotif in ODs’ recollections.
boys wrote letters home. summer of 1948, I first heard the dulcet of a Dragon writing this kind of letter!” “Apart from the numerous
Today things are very different with tones of John Arlott, and through him I have witnessed such humour and opportunities the Dragon offers, which are
emails and skype to keep in close contact fell in love with the game of cricket… independence myself when a boy in the second to none, the backbone of the school
with parents even if they are thousands of The ability of the Dragon to connect me to 1990s stood, unannounced, in assembly is built on the people it produces and its
miles away, but that sense of separation is the wireless and develop my love of words and berated the staff for not making him a ethos. I can safely say that the friends I
still, of course, very strong and daunting was one of the biggest tangential gifts the prefect. Having been made one later in the made at the Dragon I have kept for life.”
– at least initially, especially if English is school has bestowed on me - along with year, he delivered another speech telling In conclusion, as a summary of what
not your first language, as can sometimes the lifelong friends I made - and a love of them exactly why he should not have been boarding at the Dragon does for its pupils
be the case. However, so much is done to D’ Oyly Carte Operas, Shakespeare and a elected. On a more serious and highly I don’t think anyone could argue with, or
promote the feeling of home from home, lot of other things.” topical note, one unforgettable occasion better, the words of a current A Blocker:
to celebrate the various backgrounds of the One certainly has the impression that was when Tom Klenerman addressed the “It is good for your social skills; you
pupils and to promote a sense of community. there were longer periods of unstructured entire school (plus some primary schools) get thrown in with people you don’t know
One girl said, “I arrived in E Block from free-time which could lead either to mischief in the University Parks on the subject of and learn to compromise, give space, find
Estonia speaking little English. I was or to creativity. When I started at the Dragon Climate Change. His passion, conviction common ground. Boarding is at the heart
very quiet and afraid of getting things in 1989 there was a very lengthy lunch-break and eloquence would put most of our of the school; everyone knows everyone
wrong”. She is now in A Block and her of almost two hours and pupils were free on parliamentarians to shame. else. It’s just such a nice place to be. The
English is so good that I had to ask her if Wednesday afternoons. An OD of 1974 writes There is still plenty of fun to be had: teachers are all so supportive and we feel
she was English or Estonian. She says the about signing out and taking a bus into town House Talent Shows, School House proud to be Dragons. It’s a second home
Dragon has changed her and she now feels or leaping on his bicycle and just going. Olympiad, International Evenings, Bake to me and I look forward, always, to
very confident; she attributes that to her “It gave you a bit of freedom and Off and Master-Chef nights, Pizza nights... coming back.”
house-parents and an all-pervasive fostering independence. I do not recall anybody The late John Blackburn (alias Splash) was Moira Darlington
THE OD Prev Next 2019 · ISSUE 8
6 The Dragon is keen to keep abreast of published OD writing, books
of OD interest and about ODs. Here are publishers’ descriptions
7
of books received by the OD Office since the last issue of The OD.
Bookshelf
The Dare A Tivoli Companion 123 Places in Turkey A Celebration of The Industry
Ian Tew (OD 1956) Tim Cawkwell (OD 1961) Francis Russell (OD 1962) British Craftsmanship of Human Happiness
Published 2018 Published 2015 Published 2017 devised by Mark Van Oss James Hall (OD 1987)
A captain’s duty is never done... ISBN 9781512056266 Wilmington Square Books (OD 1972) written by Julian Published 2018
Tom Matravers is a young An essay about the Italian ISBN 9781908524874 Calder and Karen Bennett SBN 9781785630804
Captain, but he believes he is hill-town of Tivoli near Rome, This personal and wonderfully Published 2018 Impress This is the debut novel from
ready to carry out his duties and famous for its 16th-century well-informed selection of ISBN 9781999782580 a music critic at the Daily
command his crew. But strange garden and fountains at the Villa the most rewarding towns, Telegraph. Set in the murky
A Celebration of British
- and perilous - things happen at d’Este. But Tivoli is also the place cities, villages and individual backstage world of late Victorian
Craftsmanship provides a glimpse
sea. When his ship, the Sunda, of the Parco Villa Gregoriana, a monuments in Turkey is the theatre land, The Industry of
into the vibrant, richly storied
sails alongside the Singapore, a natural park graced by a round definitive guidebook for the Human Happiness is about the
world of some of the craftsmen and
fire breaks out. Tom must decide temple on a cliff that has inspired discerning traveller. The author obsessive characters who dreamt
women that the Queen Elizabeth
to risk his own craft and crew artists for centuries. Nearby too has been visiting Turkey for
Regaining Life’s The Cosmology of Love How to Steal Fire to save the Singapore. But can is Hadrian’s villa, the grandest
Scholarship Trust has supported of bringing recorded music
pleasure for over thirty years through its lifetime. This book to the masses. Max Cadenza
Winding Trail Edmund Wigram (OD 1955) Roger Mavity (OD 1956) and he trust himself and the various of its kind in the Roman world. and is the perfect companion for features 100 portraits and stories and his younger cousin, Rusty,
Henry Disney (OD 1933) Published 2019 Balboa Press Stephen Bailey men he will need to lead? The These three places have exerted those who want to know more from across the UK, revealing a have a vision of launching the
Published 2017 Austin Macauley ISBN 13 (SOFT) 9781982214890 Published 2019 Penguin Dare immerses the reader into an enormous influence on than just the obvious tourist gramophone industry from a
wealth of skill, knowledge, respect
ISBN 9781786127976 ISBN 13 (HARD) 9781982214906 ISBN 9781473568815 the workings of a ship and the European garden design, most attractions. Covent Garden basement. But
for traditions, and an abundance
ISBN 13 (eBook) 9781982214920 In modern life, few things burden of command. notably in England. The town As well as discussing in an when a renowned opera singer
Regaining Life’s Winding Trail of innovative spirit.
are more discussed and less Captain Ian Tew lives in is a storehouse of history and enlightened and original way is brutally murdered in his hotel
is, in the author’s own words, “Imagine love finding itself From an armourer to basket-
understood than creativity. We Milford on Sea. He made his culture, and tens of thousands of the finest sights in the major bed the two men are thrust into
“a rambling set of anecdotes everywhere and growing”, see makers; from a block-printer
all want to be more creative but career in the British Merchant people go there each year. What centres on the south coast and the underworld of opium dens,
and poetic reflections on his it as a fundamental process of to ceramicists; a calligrapher to
we don’t know how to make that navy before moving to the Far visitors have lacked until now is around Istanbul, he ranges far brothels and extortion. Ghosts
unusual life”. He began life as a evolution, one that we cannot silver-smiths; a charcoal burner
happen. Today’s business culture, East where he became a salvor a detailed guide in English to the across the vast plains of Anatolia from the past and a contested
shy child, relishing nature’s gifts. change or even influence, because to milliners; to stone-carvers,
obsessed with ‘away days’ and based in Singapore. He returned place and its gardens; A Tivoli and Cappodocia to visit the inheritance turn the cousins
After a successful stint in the it is implanted in the very essence weavers and many more, this
‘brainstorming’ searches clumsily to the UK in 1991 and set up Companion aims to provide Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, against each other, and see them
army, Disney pursues his love of the universe. We can only book represents over 80 crafts,
for the magic of creativity, but a small business before sailing it. It weaves together history, Armenian and Georgian sites as going head to head to launch
of natural history to become a choose; we can flow with it and traditional and contemporary.
inevitably fails to find it. round the world in his own yacht. literature and visual aesthetics well, of course, as the remarkable rival ‘talking machines’. When
research entomologist. His work grow, or we can slowly fade,
resisting it. When we start to see This book, by the authors to create new insights into the monuments of the Seljuk and Max’s sweetheart, the ambitious
takes him to places around the
with love, then we start to know of the cult hit Life’s a Pitch, extraordinary richness Ottoman civilisations and the singer, Delilah Green, is caught in
world, young family and wife in
and to understand. We can then exposes the myths of creativity of culture in one place in the great buildings of Islamic Turkey. the middle, the men will stop at
tow. He becomes a respected and
begin to let go of our limiting with brutal accuracy: but it goes Italian peninsula. nothing to destroy each other…
accomplished scientist with a
vast number of publications. He ideas and to live our part of the on to explore the real truths of This book will appeal to
undertakes his work with such stream of life. The stream of life creativity with extraordinary and music fans as well as devotees
zeal that he surely earns the title is the coming together of love. original insight. It’s provocative, of well-written historical fiction.
“King of the Scuttle Flies”. All this my soul has shown to surprising, stimulating. It may
Where others fail Disney’s me in visions and meditations. I even change the way you think
scientific knowledge and strong know that, for me, it is true. Come about things.
faith live harmoniously side through this book with me and How to Steal Fire is a guide
by side. His use of poetry and find it for yourself. for all of us who are bored by The History The Barracks were built in Barracks. The story is vividly told,
the collection used in this For the first 30 years of his everyday tedium and dismayed the grounds of a former bishop’s using more than 200 images.
adult life Edmund worked in by mediocrity. People who of Palace Barracks palatial residence, from which The book will appeal equally
autobiographical musing bridge
business, director of four different reject routine. People who Robin Masefield (OD 1965) their name comes; from their to those interested in military
the supposed gulf between
companies, chairman of one, are convinced that there is a Published 2017 completion in 1897 through history and those who want to
science and the arts.
managing director of another, a better answer, as long as you’re ISBN 9780957086920 to 1969 twenty five different know more about the history
wide and interesting career, but inventive enough to find it. This richly illustrated book tells regiments have been stationed of Holywood and its role as a
he always knew that something Faced with the tepid greyness See also the fascinating story of Palace at Holywood in peace-time years garrison town. It also sheds light
was missing. At the age of 45, he and timorous conventionality Reflections on the Sea Barracks from the 1890s through alone. This book draws from on the role of the Regiments in
accidentally discovered the gift of of most decision-making in to the Troubles. It also brings out regimental journals, soldiers’ the context of contemporary
healing, and over the following most organisations, the case Vol 1 and Vol 2 the lasting relationship between own records, newspapers and events such as the sectarian
five years studied and learned, and for creative thinking (and even Ian Tew (OD 1956) the inhabitants of Holywood – a Holywood residents’ recollections attacks in Belfast and Winston
then left the comfortable business creative behaviour) has never Published 2018 garrison town – and the soldiers to provide the first ever Churchill’s visit to the city in 1912.
world to live his life in the world been more important. ISBN 9-781980 615446 stationed at the Barracks. comprehensive history of Palace
of healing.
THE OD Prev Next 2019 · ISSUE 8
8 9
2 Girls, 11 Countries & 5 Capital Cities
355 days I
n April 2018, Kate Culverwell (OD 2008) and Anna Blackwell
set out on a world first tandem kayak expedition from England to
Becoming
the Black Sea - this journey saw them paddle over 4,000km along
canals and rivers through 11 countries, including navigating almost
the entire length of the Danube River, Europe’s second longest river.
The expedition raised £57,000 for Pancreatic Cancer Action in
Part of a New
memory of Kate’s father, David Culverwell. While paddling, Kate and
Anna also collected data to contribute to the research of FreshWater
Watch, an Earthwatch research project investigating the health of
global freshwater ecosystems.
Nepali Family The Route
After starting in London, Anna and Kate paddled out of the capital
and around the Kent coast. Next was the biggest single challenge of
their expedition: kayaking across the English Channel (supported by
a safety vessel). Having made it across the world’s busiest shipping
area, the two girls made their way north along the French coast to
O
Calais. From there, they joined the Calais canal and headed way On Friday April 26th ODs Kate
n the 19th August 2017 William Webb flew from London Culverwell (OD 2008) and William
inland, following a number of canals and rivers through France
to Kathmandu to embark on his journey as a Volunteer and Belgium, before crossing the border into Germany. Webb (OD 2012) were invited back as
English Teacher with Project Trust UK. “I felt a huge sense They followed the Rhine, the Main and the Main-Donau Canal recipients of the Nicholas Knatchbull
before entering the Danube, the river which they paddled for over Travel Fund to deliver two excellent
of apprehension stepping off the plane into a completely new 2,400km through a further eight countries and four capital cities talks in Spectrum.
environment and culture. Kathmandu is completely crazy. (Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade and Bratislava).
A constant buzz of energy and excitement fills the dusty air.” This is a route that had never been attempted by kayak before. If any OD is considering a travel expedition during their Gap
150 days after paddling out of London, Anna and Kate finally reached year please visit the School website where you can read more
the Black Sea in Romania. about the Travel Fund and download an application form.
After a week-long induction period to life My average working week was from Sunday For six days our coach sped around the Katie continues to row at Oxford, where she is studying Music.
in Nepal and working as a teacher I was to Friday. I taught six English lessons a day Nepali countryside showing my Grade 8
eager to get going. I moved to a village called from Grade 1 to Grade 8. Class sizes ranged pupils some of their own country they had
Risang in the Jajarkot District of Western from 15 to 63 throughout the different year never visited before. Many of those students
Nepal and this is where I was based for groups. Initially teaching was a struggle. It had never been on a bus before let alone a
most of my 12 months overseas. Risang is was very challenging to try to communicate long trip across the country!
One to Watch!
a village home to almost 800 people spread with both the students and other members During the school year I was fortunate
across a large area of hillside. Throughout of staff due to the language barrier. However, to have school holidays. I spent some of my
my time there I was living with a host family. I quickly earned respect from my students time during holidays at my Nepali home
My two main hosts were Man Bahadur and I made an effort to learn Nepali. In the with my host family experiencing Nepal’s
Oli and Ambika Oli. I shared a room and classroom I taught everything from basic extremely rich culture with fantastic festivals
balcony with a cooking area with another vocabulary to younger students to advanced and weddings. Tihar is one of the largest
C
volunteer from Project Trust UK. We grammar to the older year groups. I used a festivals in the Nepali calendar. A five day harlotte, daughter of science teacher, attended the European Championships
cooked for ourselves learning traditional wide variety of games and activities to capture build up led to a finale where the whole Sue Ormerod, has been sailing since in Helsinki. All year (this is her Gap year)
Nepali cooking from our hosts. The nation’s the attention of my students and especially to family came together and brothers and the age of eight. It all began with she has been taking part in the Grand Prix
traditional dish is called ‘Dal Bhat’. This is develop their spoken English. In my lessons sisters shared tika before having a large meal summer sailing courses on Farmoor but series and is ranked 1st girls’ pair.
rice served with lentil dal and sometimes I didn’t speak any Nepali, only English together accompanied with lots of dancing! she took to it like the proverbial duck She is now part of the British Sailing
vegetable curry. In the evenings we ate alongside actions and pictures. Practising I also trekked to the world’s highest lake, and by the age of ten was taking part in Team, moving on to 49ers and, fingers
‘Roti’ alongside vegetable curry. ‘Roti’ are English with the other teachers in school was Tilicho Lake, on the Annapurna Circuit and competitions and was quickly selected crossed, should sail in the Olympics in
flat breads made using wheat or corn flour also very beneficial, both for their English and Everest Three Passes trail to Everest Base for squads. She sailed in RS Teras (for 2024 or 2028.
cooked on an open fire. Our family in Nepal my Nepali. I feel I helped them ‘unlock’ their Camp. En route I climbed a Himalayan the uninitiated these are single-handed Hats off to Charlotte, who has
own a small shop in the centre of the village. English and now many of the staff are able peak called Imja Tse which stands at 6,189m boats) for five years, finishing 2nd in managed all this and has a place at
We also had a large garden/mini farm at to speak English to a much higher standard tall. Overall my year overseas was an the Nationals and 10th in the World Durham for next September to read
the back of the house. We grew all sorts of than when I arrived. Teaching in the school extraordinary experience where I was able Competitions (for all age groups). Economics. She attributes her time-
vegetables here including potatoes, beans, was an extremely rewarding experience due to develop myself a huge amount. I have She progressed to sailing 29ers, which management skills partly to the Dragon:
cauliflowers, bananas and mangos. Often to the clear improvements in my students’ come back more confident, more aware of she did for four years and was selected “You are offered so much in the extra-
in the morning I would walk with my host English throughout the year. In March I the world and a fluent speaker of Nepali. I for the Youth Sailing Team. In 29ers curricular; there is always so much
up the hill to the nearest town to sell our planned, organised and ran a school trip for also know I made a genuine difference to my she came 1st in the Nationals and took to be involved in. I had to miss a lot
vegetables in the local market. The focus of 60 pupils and teachers at my school with the students’ English. None of this would have part in the European Championships, of Saturday school to attend Sailing
my time spent in Nepal was to teach English grant given to me by the Nicholas Knatchbull been possible without the generosity of the finishing in the Gold fleet. commitments so I had to be organised
in the school in Risang. Travel Fund. trustees and so I am eternally grateful to you Hitherto all her sailing had been in with my work.” Her tip to Dragons is to
The school is called ‘Shree Tribhuwan We travelled to Lumbini, the birth place for making everything written above possible. mixed classes but she changed two years ago aim for consistent effort. “You can’t win
Basic School’ and has around 250 students. of Lord Buddha, Pokhara and Kathmandu. William Webb (OD 2012) to sail with a girls’ squad. With her partner, an event on the first day but you can lose
she has finished 3rd in the Nationals and an event on the first day.”
THE OD Prev Next 2018 · ISSUE 87
2019
10 11
A Life Changing Journey
Alice Weston (OD 2003) and Georgina Weston (OD 2000) talk to Moira Darlington about their life-changing journeys
Tell me a bit about your careers It needed a little something extra if we Has anyone in particular
were to be fundraising a significant sum. been an inspiration to you?
after leaving the Dragon
While we were each strong swimmers Our Dad was probably our main inspiration
Initially our careers took us in different
(trained up at the Dragon!), Alice has a – the way he took everything in his stride
directions. Georgina went into the law and
highly over active imagination and firm and never ever complained was incredibly
specialized in clinical negligence and human
belief in Lake Monsters! I think to this day inspiring. Georgina was particularly inspired
rights law. Alice went into the hospitality
swimming that lake is the hardest physical by Geoff Holt, the quadriplegic sailor who
and real estate industry and, after becoming
and mental challenge either of us has ever sailed solo around the UK in what he called his
the director of a start up in London, went
undertaken and, if it had not been for such “Personal Everest”. Georgina feels that hearing
on to set up her own property company.
a personal cause, we never could have about his journey was part of what sparked the
Happily our careers have now aligned
finished it. It really brought home to us that idea for Bike Splash Bike in her imagination.
through our shared love of fitness and the
understanding the ‘why’ of anything you The fact that he helped to support us made all
healing power of yoga, movement and art.
do is critical, and with a big enough reason the difference to our fundraising.
We are excited to be starting our wellness
truly anything is possible.
company ‘Be Still Wild’ and to be doing what
we can to promote a society that encourages What got you interested
everyone to live to their fullest potential. How did you train? in Big Change?
We were lucky enough to manage to get
We were introduced to Big Change
sponsorship from a variety of sources – and
You were always sporty at completely by chance. It was 2 years on from
this made our training a lot more thorough.
the Dragon but what prompted our initial challenge and we were discussing
We began our cycle training on Boris Bikes
your first challenge? in London, until we finally took the leap
other routes to tackle a 2nd challenge of
Back in 2013 our Dad was sadly diagnosed the same formula. We had just decided
to upgrade to road bikes (after a failed
with Oesophageal Cancer, and at the time the on cycling Italy and then swimming the
practice ride around Richmond where
treatment for this particular form of cancer straights of Messina to Sicily, when (I’m
we both had to switch to mountain bikes
was both limited and barbaric. While he took really not exaggerating) 20 minutes later
after about 10 meters!). We were lucky
everything about his illness with incredible Georgina was contacted by a friend to ask if
enough to be living in Oxfordshire – near individuals I have ever met, including Sir What advice would you give felt like I was going to pass out or throw up!
humility and bravery, we wanted to do she wanted to join a team of ‘Big Changers’
Brill, which any cyclists will know is home Richard Branson – who, incredibly, did to anyone thinking of undertaking But I think that is where knowing your ‘why’
something to help us feel less powerless. who were about to embark on the exact
to one of the only hills in the area! Our the entire journey, only missing one day is so important, and luckily my why was
Our Dad was a huge Clint Eastwood fan, challenge. The introduction was made and a major challenge?
training began with rides of about 5 miles, when he was required to fly to LA to give more than enough to keep going.
and our family adopted the mantra: ‘You Georgina joined the core team of the Strive I personally love inspiring quotes, so I
and grew to 60 mile trips to the Cotswolds a speech. The physical journey, the energy
Improvise, You Adapt, You Overcome!’ We Challenge 2016. would definitely share one of my favourites:
focused our energy on creating a challenge
and back (always taking in a pub or two of the community, and the entrepreneurial
“A bird is safe in the nest, but that is not What have you learned through
for some refreshments!). By this stage we spirit of the challenge absolutely blew these experiences?
which would raise awareness and funds to Big Change: what its wings are made for.” I think it all
had persuaded our Mum to join us, who me away. I’ve learned that your attitude really is
improve the treatment and prevention of The Virgin Strive Challenge began in 2014, comes down to your attitude. There are
arguably quickly became the strongest everything! Your external world is such a
this disease. and is an endurance challenge fundraising always going to be obstacles, but as long
We wanted something that would
cyclist by far!
arm of Big Change. It was devised not only At Spectrum you used the as you are healthy and fit there is normally reflection of what’s going on in your head –
The swimming training began a little quotation “If you want to go fast, so if everything has started to turn terrible,
genuinely challenge us both and could be to raise money, but to embody the Growth a way round or over them.
slower – we began doing some training in go alone; if you want to go far, go you may just need to hydrate!
completed without much cost close to home. Mindset that Big Change hopes to spread, Training your mind is as important
Berinsfield Lake in Oxfordshire. Luckily
The idea for Bike Splash Bike seemed to and also to create a community that is with others”. Can you relate this as physical training: anything that calms I’ve learned that the hardest ‘obstacles’
we were supported by Strel Swimming, a normally make for the most rewarding days,
appear of its own accord on a joint walk on
holiday company that offered us a discount
passionate about making the vision a reality. to your experience on your two you – meditation, yoga, reading, painting
a baking hot summer’s day in August 2013. In this way, the challenge itself is a hot bed of Strive Challenge journeys? – whatever it may be, helps you relax and and definitely some of the best stories.
on a swimming training week in Croatia I’ve learned there really is no need to
A brief test ride on a Boris Bike confirmed discussion, passion and enthusiasm for ways Pushing yourself to your mental and recalibrate. I would advise asking for help
after hearing about our story. It was an travel to exotic lands to have an ‘adventure’;
that Georgina was indeed very afraid of road to rethink success and reimagine education. physical limits is not only extremely too; most people will surprise you in how
incredible week, and one where we were adventure can just as easily be found on your
cycling, confirming that cycling from Land’s rewarding, but also incredibly bonding. willing and delighted they will be to offer a
lucky enough to meet Tori Gorman, an doorstep. It really is only the lens with which
End to John O’Groats would be a suitably
English Channel swimmer, who gave us
The Virgin Strive Challenge 2018: Sharing moments when everyone is lending hand. Create a supportive and fun
difficult challenge. However, swimming A core team of 13 people (1 of which exhausted is amazing because no one has team around you. It’s in the tough moments you are seeing that makes all the difference.
some extremely good advice. She advised Learning how rewarding it is to help find
the 10.5 mile length of Windermere was a was myself) journeyed from the bottom any energy for any shielding, everyone lays that you need your team.
that by the swim day, we really should have a solution/raise money/work towards a goal
necessary addition to get Alice’s adrenalin of Sardinia to the top of Mont Blanc by their soul bare. Furthermore, the fundraising
completed at least half the distance to be outside of yourself allows you to frame your
pumping. We also thought it would
mentally prepared. After returning to the
human power alone, covering 2000km and efforts and energy that can be achieved What was the toughest moment?
help significantly with the fundraising – summiting 4xEverest in 33 days. bringing a group of people together, is quite That is a really hard question to answer. I life with wonderful perspective that brings
UK we quickly scheduled in some ‘practice’ real joy and happiness. It teaches you what
especially as more people have climbed It was an absolute honour to share frankly mind blowing. Not only the idea- think the toughest moment was probably
swims in the Lake District, which offers really matters and helps you to create
Everest than have swum this particular lake. a month with 13 of the most inspiring sharing, but the ways in which everyone during swimming Lake Windermere, or
some incredible wild swimming! a meaningful and holistic path.
helped each other, was very humbling climbing Mont Blanc where I just constantly
THE OD Prev Next 2019 · ISSUE 8
12
Once A Dragon, 13
Stephen is the creator of Mathematica, still enjoys games of golf with his brothers 2005
Wolfram|Alpha and the Wolfram Language; Dominic (OD 1998) who runs his own Events Jess Riley (OD 2005) has recently moved
the author of A New Kind of Science; and the company, and Kieran (OD 1995) who works to Australia and works for the South
founder and CEO of Wolfram Research. Over for a multinational Property company and has Pacific Animal Welfare (SPAW) charity,
the course of nearly four decades, he has been a young son. which provides free veterinary care for
Always A Dragon
a pioneer in the development and application islands without a permanent vet, such as
of computational thinking—and has been 2001
Tonga. Owners are often unable to afford
responsible for many discoveries, inventions and Robin Stevens (OD 2001)
simple treatments for fleas, ticks, worms
innovations in science, technology and business. Author of ‘Murder Most
or vaccination against diseases such as
Ladylike’ and winner of
parvovirus (which is a huge problem on the
1972 Waterstones Children’s
island). The stray dog population is also
James Runcie has written a prequel to his Book Prize 2015, Robin
becoming a serious issue.
famous series Grantchester series, called spoke at the Oxford
opportunity to renew friendships formed ‘The Road to Grantchester’. It was published in 1994 Literary Festival on April
some years ago and hear many interesting March by Bloomsbury (ISBN 9781408886854) Tom Hiddleston’s (OD 1994) recent West 6th about her new book
stories about the lives and the achievements of End run starring as Robert in Harold Pinter’s Death in the Spotlight.
those attending during the intervening time. 1989 semi-autobiographical play Betrayal finished
in June. Ma Da (Moira Darlington) enjoyed 2004
1959 Seb Keenan (OD 2004) ran the London
the production but was daunted by the queue
Antonya Cooper wife of Alastair (OD 1959), Marathon in support of Mind this year. He
of fans which led from the stage door right
mother of ODs Tabitha (1988), Hamish wrote, “Although I spent many an hour with
round the block!
(1981), Cassandra (1995), Matilda (1996), Mr Coffey’s Cross Country club throughout
Jemima (1998), Barnaby (2000). 1997 my fantastic 5 years at the Dragon, long
Jamie Dear (OD 1997) writes, “I have such distance running has never really come
happy memories of the Dragon. Reflecting In May Jess’ team of eight vets and nurses
naturally to me! But I am a huge advocate from around the world had the privilege of
back a rather unbelievable quarter of a of mental health awareness, especially when
century ago, the school seems to have had an providing basic health care, neutering almost
it comes to developing an understanding 150 dogs in just 5 days, vaccinating and giving
organic self-confidence about its purpose and of what mental health is from an early age,
its vision of what an education should be. Not parasite treatment for dogs, cats and livestock.
Earlier in the year Roger Trafford, headmaster Max Horsley (OD 1989) has been living which is why I am so pleased to be running
from 1993 to 2002 (photographed with his out east and in Africa for the past 20 years an exam factory churning out replicas, but a the marathon in support of Mind.” 2006
wife, Cheryl), celebrated his 80th birthday. running various tourism businesses. family encouraging individual development, Tara Rowse (OD 2006) and Coco Lloyd
All of us at the Dragon would like to wish him He has recently won the Conde Nast Top curiosity, broad-mindedness, open- Alby Shale’s (OD 2004) Cricket Builds
(OD 2006) Tara and Joseph Lebus started
a very happy and healthy year. Travel Specialist for Myanmar 2019. heartedness and fun. None of this forced and Hope charity continues to thrive. It began
searching for a way to give new and inspiring
www.arakantravel.com top-down, all of it organic, with children as Rwanda Cricket Stadium Foundation
photographers a platform by linking them
1954 allowed time to breathe and develop. (RCSF) which was founded in 2011 to build
to charitable organisations and set up Faces
Photograph - Left to Right (looking at the 1993
In a world in which knowledge is available at in Focus. Their aim was to create a link
photo) Standing: Michael Beloff, Jeremy Simon Woods
Antonya visited in June and went to haunts the touch of a button, what’s the purpose of between the photographs and their viewer
Tomlinson, Philip Wright, Tom Stanier, (OD 1993) best
well-known to her through such a long a school? It’s a question I’ve been exploring by sharing the stories of those in front of the
John Machin, Michael Hedley-White known for his
association with the school. Here she is through running summer programmes over lens. They are now a team of four, including
role as Octavian Coco Lloyd and Stuart Swift, who run FIF
Seated: Charles Pinker, Omer Namouk, photographed next to the staircase in the the last eight years, principally through the
in Season 2 of the outside of their various other jobs. They
Peter Holmes-Johnson, Dick Strover, library and the plaque commemorating the Oxford Scholastica Academy which I founded
British-American
Jeremy Plewes, John Pryce Cooper family. with my wife. Students from around the world
television series
Rome and the (85 different nationalities last year) descend on
1964
2005 Pride & us from afar each summer. We’re on a mission
Antony Hurden (OD 1964) For most of us,
Prejudice as to prevent them having the experience I had,
time is what we see on our watch, phone or
Charles Bingley, of getting to the end of school with limited
computer, but what is happening with time if
Simon has moved certainty as to what to study at university, and the country’s first grass wicket cricket ground
we can’t see the clock face?
from acting to reaching the end of university without a clue – Gahanga Cricket Stadium (GCS) and uses
writing. His first play is being produced as to what career to pursue. Instead, we aim to cricket as a tool for positive social change
in September at the National. This new inspire our students (aged 12-18) to discover, in Rwanda.
Thatcher-era satire follows a Tory politician explore and prepare for their futures at a much
earlier stage. Michael Hamway (OD 2004) is currently
on the edge.
appearing in the hit musical ‘Waitress’ in
2001 the West End. Most recently, Michael played
Sixty-five years, almost to the day, since Toby Roche (OD 2001) and Gareth Jones Jamie Wellerstein in ‘The Last Five Years’
leaving the Dragon, twelve of the 1954 leavers (Staff 1999 – 2015) bumped into each other at (Welsh Tour 2018) as well as covering and
met in June for a reunion lunch in London. the ‘Copper Box Arena’ in the Olympic Park. playing Emmett and Warner in ‘Legally
The photograph shows that they were all collaborate with photographers to create
Blonde - The Musical’ (UK Tour 2017-18).
“in good shape”. The lunch was held at the exhibitions surrounding an elected theme,
Garrick Club and was hosted by John Machin. which in turn links to a chosen charity. Last
The organiser, Peter Holmes-Johnson, had year’s ‘blockbuster’ show, held at the end of
been in contact with twenty of the Class of Antony Hurden, whose father’s work helped to
get Neil Armstrong to the moon, has gifted a the summer, was ‘EARTH’. They collaborated
1954 but sadly, either through holidays or with Blue Dot Generation to focus on the
poor health, eight were unable to attend. new invention, called Schrodinger’s Clock, to
Moyse’s Hall Museum to get people thinking environment, highlighting the beauty of
The proceedings started with several bottles a planet worth fighting for.
of champagne being consumed and was more deeply about the concept of time.
www.facesinfocus.org
followed by an excellent lunch, which included 1972
the Garrick Marmalade pudding, selected Stephen Wolfram 2007
especially for Dragon boys, and appropriate (OD 1972) came Greg Chilson
wines. Memories were shared of academic and into school on Toby Roche still regularly plays hockey and (OD 2007) relocated to Vienna, where he was
sporting success, which the group had enjoyed March 28th to is captain of Hampstead and Westminster chosen for the ‘Veritas Scholarship’ for ADF
Frances Houghton (OD 1993) five times
together at the Dragon in the 1950’s. Also, talk to some of Hockey Club who play in the Premier International, an International Human Rights
Olympian, was awarded an MBE in the
there were recollections of Bruno’s plays, the the potential Division. He is a Regulatory Solicitor for a firm that specialises in freedom of speech,
Queen’s New Year Honours in recognition
river regattas and the amazing staff, headed scholars about central London law firm. Despite hockey and religious freedom and other related matters.
of her contribution to British sport.
up by Joc Lynam, the HM at that time. The “The Computational work both being quite time-consuming he He is currently working as a legal analyst.
Our congratulations to her on such an
occasion was enjoyed by all and gave a lovely Future”. achievement.
THE OD Prev Next 2019 · ISSUE 814
Community Events & Reunions 15
Tom Faber (OD Deya Ward (OD 2008) George Warr (OD 2011) represented
2007) has enjoyed Has become Oxford in the Varsity Match this year.
a month’s residency passionate about
at Kunstnarhuset saving Orangutans 2012
Messen, in Alvik, and is working with Charlie Pearson
Norway and he Orangutan Alliance (OD 2012) is
recently returned UK. You can see her reading Mechanical
from Kefalonia after film made in Borneo Engineering and
mounting his first on Youtube – search Material Sciences OD Golf Day
solo exhibition there ‘The Lost Person at Trinity College,
Oxford. We Friday 24th May, 2019
at the Ionion Centre for Arts and Culture. of the Forest’.
See his work at www.tomfaber.com congratulate him
2011 on his selection to
John Warner Giles Malcolm row in the Oxford
(OD 2007) came to (OD 2011) boat in the annual
visit the school in Boat Race.
October. He went Plays Audley in ‘Old
to Radley from the Boys’ a production 2015
Dragon and on to for Film 4 starring Kevin Zheng (OD 2015)
St Peter’s College, Alex Lowther and
it went on general Congratulations to Kevin as one of the three
Oxford where he finalists at the Oxford Junior Concerto
read Music and release in February.
Competition on Sunday, February 10th
then took an MA The website is www. performing with the Oxford Philharmonic
specialising in oldboysmovie.com Orchestra in the Sheldonian Theatre.
19th century German music. He is now a
freelance conductor based in London where
he conducts ‘Orchestra of the Earth’, which
is so called because the aim is to use classical
music to engage new audiences with the Participants in the following order, left to right:
natural world and the critical problems it is Mike Lewis, Mary Bush, Charlie Bush, James Womersley, Tom
facing. They run a wide variety of concerts,
workshops, talks, and tours in collaboration Births Bulford, Robin Drake, Richard Gordon (RAG), George Marsh,
Ronnie Bulford, Alastair Cooper, Michael Bowles, Charles Gordon
with environmental charities (global and Triplets William Grey Howick,
local) and high-profile scientists. James Harold Piercy and The OD Golf day at Frilford Heath on 24th May was a great success,
2008 Maximus Willoughby to Bruce and much enjoyed by all. After a sandwich lunch, they competed in
Sophia Glatz (OD 2008) Merivale-Austin (OD 1975) warm sunshine for Inky’s flask on Frilford’s premier Red course, with
Following graduation from the University and wife Dee, brothers to Bruce the fast running greens in splendid condition. The longest drive was
of Edinburgh (MA Middle Eastern Studies), Gardiner Mclean (b 2016) and won by George Marsh, precisely in the very middle of the fairway
she moved to Istanbul for an internship at Valentina Apsara Evalyn (b unlike some of the longer hitters’ wayward attempts in the rough.
the Austrian Consulate. She enrolled for an 2014) on 28th July 2018. Nearest the pin on the short 11th was Charles Gordon, and the narrow
MA at Bogazici University to research further overall winner was the organiser, Richard Gordon (RAG) with 34
Delilah Daphne Iris was born on 20th November 2018 to Clemmie Gilbert
in Turkish Politics, whilst simultaneously
(nee Andrewes OD 1998) and her husband Johnny OD Reunion for 1970-75 Leavers points. Simon Smith, last year’s winner and sadly ‘off games’ was on
pursuing a job as an English teacher at a hand to present the prizes and take the photos. They finished the day
Turkish private school. Through being Laurence Robin Howel was born on 24th September 2018 to Harry Moore-Gwyn Friday 29th March, 2019 with a round of drinks kindly provided in absentia by David Walde.
involved in the educational sector she became (OD 1988) and his wife Sarah
involved in a Start-Up company called On the final Friday of the Easter Term, we welcomed back over 80
Boadi was born on 22nd October 2018 to Adam Brown (OD 1995) and his wife Sarah ODs (and former staff) who left the school between 1970 and 1975, Any other ODs wishing to participate next year should please
Komolog, who create Education Technology
Software, which has been successfully for a wonderful Reunion evening. During dinner the Headmaster contact Richard Gordon at mail@classperformance.co.uk.
Felix was born on 15th October 2018 to James Bonsor (OD 1996) and his wife Sarah New faces most welcome.
implemented in private schools across Turkey said a few words about the Dragon today, and we also heard from
and will soon be expanding into Europe. Florence Louise Chevalley was born on 1st July 2018 to Sophie de Rivaz George Marsh, former staff, who gave a characteristically humorous
(OD 1998) and her husband Rayleigh Gilbert and apt speech with further memories – much to the amusement of
Max Hembrow (OD 2008)
our gathered ODs! There was much talk about the creation of Fort
Saskia Carla Elizabeth was born on 27th May 2019 to Barney Townsend (OD 1995)
Stink on the fields in their era; apparently it endured for about a year Spectrum - Nicholas Knatchbull Lecture
and his wife Anna
and was a great den for the boarders. There was also talk of a raid Friday 26th April, 2019
Thorin Sebastian, a brother to Arwen, was born to Leonie Hamway-Bidgood on the Tuck Shop, which was thwarted when the miscreants were
(OD 1997) and her husband Jeremy in January 2019. suddenly flood-lit by a number of staff cars parked opposite! At Spectrum we welcomed back two OD recipients of the travel
award – Kate Culverwell (OD 2008) who rowed from London to the
Black Sea, and William Webb (OD 2012) who spent a year teaching
Engagements & Marriages Junior OD Day for 2014-18 Leavers
in Nepal. (See page 8)
Max Hembrow (OD 2008) graduated with a Kathleen Levick (OD 1994) has become engaged to Ezra Macdonald (OD 1996)
BA (Hons) Fine Art last summer and his work Saturday 30th March, 2019
has already been on public show. Talking Freddy Paske (OD 1999) has become engaged to Venetia Willis
about how the exhibition came about, Max Georgia Cummings (OD 2000) has married Fergus Richard William Scholes, It was wonderful to see so many of our Junior Old Dragons (and
said: “I was working in the PaintLab studios 1st June 2019 their parents) on such a bright and sunny day at the start of the
at AUB and a fellow student recommended Easter break. It was lovely to hear all about life for our JODs in their
that I entered the open call exhibition at the Piers Lawson (OD 2003) has become engaged to Theophania, daughter new Senior Schools. JODs seemed delighted to be back and certainly
508 King’s Road Gallery. The exhibition was of Sir Hew and Lady Dalrymple appeared to enjoy the opportunity to catch up with some old friends
titled ‘Picasso’s Influence on Contemporary and teachers. Unfortunately there were quite a few JODs unable to
Art’ and the painting I submitted won the Hamish Budge (OD 2005) has become engaged to Annabel Partridge
join us this time due to Easter being so late and schools not breaking
exhibition which led to representation by Immy Blencowe (OD 2008) has become engaged to Matthew Watson
the gallery. A few months down the line they up as early, but we do hope to see our JODs at many more events in
asked me to bring in more work for their the not too distant future. Thank you to everyone who was able to
upcoming exhibition Fresh From The Studio. join us.
THE OD Prev Next 2019 · ISSUE 8You can also read
