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BROMSGROVIANS
con nect ed
BROMSGROVE’S ALUMNI MAGAZINE ISSUE 7 2020/21
School staff commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Preparatory School with a cycle ride from Llanwrtyd Wells
The first word...
‘Riding From the Past’
Born in harder times, a much more OBs who were amongst those Their 90-mile journey was a marvellous
ebullient Bromsgrove Preparatory pioneering pupils recall lean times in celebration of the School’s eighty
School celebrates its 80th anniversary those early days, with rationing and successful years, and a modern-day
this year. Founded during the Second limited resources. They tell of classes example of Bromsgrovian comradeship.
World War, its birthplace was not the held in damp and drafty out-buildings Not to mention a fine example to our
modern, sprawling campus we occupy and bracing runs across the steep pupils that the restrictions under which
today. Instead, it commenced in a small Welsh peaks and valleys. Yet, most we all labour at present need not rob us
cluster of buildings in the remote Welsh also speak with great warmth of of all initiative, enjoyment and personal
village of Llanwrtyd Wells, to which the camaraderie that is born out of pursuits. They are to be commended
the School had been evacuated when adversity. Perhaps there are lessons for honouring the Preparatory School’s
the War Department commandeered there for today’s pupils, as together they foundation in such an inspired and
Bromsgrove School in 1939. Families face the challenges and restrictions of spirited way.
were relieved that their sons were safer the current COVID-19 pandemic?
from the war in this remote location,
and soon asked the Headmaster A proud lesson too, from 14 members PETER CLAGUE
to extend the provision to younger of today’s staff, drawn from across all HEADMASTER
children. So, the Prep School was born. sectors of the School. In September,
this hardy group of teachers and
support staff commemorated the
Preparatory School’s birthday by cycling
from Llanwrtyd Wells to Bromsgrove on
a gloriously autumnal Sunday.
IN THIS EDITION: The year in photographs… OB news through the decades… ‘Then and Now’ with OB Humphrey Cobbold
Welcome from the
Picture This…
Over the Easter break, the Headmaster, our
remaining boarders and the residential staff looking
Editor after them constructed over 1000 face shields,
When the last edition of which were then donated to local hospitals and
Bromsgrovians Connected hit healthcare facilities.
doormats, we could not have
A LOOK BACK AT THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20.
imagined what was heading our way
in 2020. Despite the global
pandemic and the ensuing
lockdown preventing us from
participating in the usual social
activities, I was delighted to receive
OB news and stories from around
the world. From OB nurses,
paramedics, doctors and
allied health professionals
working throughout COVID-19 in
every corner of the globe to many
others offering their support to
pupils virtually during the enforced
School closure, each and every one
of you has done their bit.
It is clear that the Bromsgrovian
Our boarders at School, and many more
spirit is as bright as ever, and long
Bromsgrovians at home, took part in the
may it continue, wherever you are in
weekly ‘Clap for Carers’ on Thursday
the world.
evenings during the National lockdown.
Enjoy reading your alumni
magazine.
Megan Griffiths
Editor
Our brand new girls’ day house,
Ottilie Hild, was completed in
2020. The House is named
after the founder of Ottilie
Hild School, now known as
Bromsgrove Pre-Preparatory and
Nursery School.
It was not the way we wanted the
academic year to end, but our
Prep and Pre-Prep Survivors, as
well as the rest of the Class of
2020, were welcomed into the Old
Bromsgrovian community over the Over February half-term,
summer, marking the end of their through to Easter and during
school days at Bromsgrove. We the Summer Term of lockdown,
were still able to carry out some of a number of boarders were
the usual end of term traditions, in unable to go home and were
a socially distanced way, including looked after by our team of
the laying of the wreath in Cookes residential staff. They were
Room, the lowering of the School kept busy with online lessons,
flag and an online Upper Sixth weekend activities and games.
valete.
Picture This… Music was ever present, even in the Summer Term
whilst our Bromsgrovians were at home. The Music
Department put on weekly online concerts for pupils
across the Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior Schools.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2019/20.
In early March, Lupton House emerged as
victors for ‘Best Play’ in Senior House Drama
with their take on The History Boys.
When the School closed in March, pupils
and staff successfuly moved over to on-
line learning via Zoom. The Pre-Prep
School used Seesaw.
When Old Bromsgrovian and Foundation Trustee Digby, Lord
Jones of Birmingham heard that some of our boarders were
unable to go home over February half term, he invited six of
them to spend the day with him at the House of Lords. The
pupils were allowed to sit on the famous red benches of the
Earlier this year, the pupil-led magazine, Two Zero One, was Lords and stood at the same despatch box where Winston
entered into the Shine School Media Awards 2020. In June, Churchill made his famous war-time speeches. Lord Jones January 2020 marked the 20th
the results were announced in an online ceremony. then led the pupils in to the House of Commons chamber anniversary of the move from Ottilie Hild
and explained to the pupils how our democracy works. School to Bromsgrove Pre-Prep on its
The Bromsgrove team swept the board with a number of present site at Avoncroft House.
awards for Best Front Cover, Best Overall Content, Editor of
the Year and Best Magazine. The team also received highly
commended awards for Best Illustration and Artwork, Best
Print and Design and Best Cartoon.
The School’s Fifth Annual
Research Competition was hosted
“Despite the enforced School by Master of Scholars, Dr Rimmer.
closure due to COVID-19, a Six Senior School teams entered
the competition, along with, for
the first time, a Prep School team.
total of 826 fixtures were played They were charged with explaining
how future historians would view
in 2019/20.” our time by answering the prompt:
what era are we living in today?
In January, Isata Kanneh-Mason
led a piano masterclass for three
Head Groundsman, Richard Hare, and the rest of of our students in front of a small
the Grounds & Gardening team, were nominated audience. Each pianist responded
The 1st Netball Team were again as a Wildlife Hero by the Worcestershire Wildlife brilliantly to the excellent advice.
crowned National Champions in Trust.
the Independent Schools Cup.
Our cricketers were also named as In the last five years, the School has planted an
National Champions after winning orchard of fifty different fruit trees (all midlands-
by five runs against St Bede’s. based varieties), introduced several wildlife
meadows across all the School sites, planted large
Despite the enforced School numbers of trees and hedges, left manicured
closure due to COVID-19, a total lawns for wildlife and introduced a bee-keeping
of 826 fixtures were played in club with a beehive on site. We are also in the
2019/20 across boys’ and girls’ process of building a wildlife-friendly area, which
sport. includes a wildlife-friendly pond.
About You
Housman Hall During lockdown, Jean-Marc Knoll Ollie Lawrence (2016-2018) has
Funbi Akinsanya (2015-2017) has (1987-1992) ran a marathon in his also had his contract extended at
been nominated as a Top 100 African house in Madrid. He ran the distance Worcester Warriors. Over the last two
and African Caribbean Future Leader. – 9.65m – between his window and seasons, Ollie has continued to win rave
The magazine, known as Future washing machine 4,373 times to reviews and had established himself
Leaders, offers nominees mentorship complete the length of a full marathon, in Premiership side before lockdown
FIND OUT WHAT OLD BROMSGROVIANS FROM YOUR ERA ARE DOING NOW.
opportunities to further their leadership just over 42 kilometres. He raised caused matches to cease.
qualities. The magazine aims to more than £3,000 for charity, with the
highlight outstanding African and monies to be spilt equally between NHS Most recerntly, Ollie made his England
Elmshurst Years 7 and 8 were treated to a Congratulations to Momo Watanabe African Caribbean Students who are Charities Together and the International debut in the Six Nations match against
We were delighted to welcome fascinating talk by the hugely talented (2013-2015) who has graduated from currently studying in top academic Committee of the Red Cross. Italy.
Karim Haji (1987-1992) who visited Sophie Spurgin (2002-2010). the Royal Veterinary College in London institutions around the UK, with the
Sophie began her further art and is back in her home country Photo Credit: Worcester Warriors
the School with his wife and two purpose of then investing in their career Fraser Foster (Lupton 2005-2016)
children. He is currently Head of education in Bournemouth, where she of Japan to study for her licence to prospects. pictured with his former Houseparent,
Financial Services for KPMG in London. learnt multiple art and textiles skills, practise there. Mr McClure. Fraser will be supporting
which equipped her amply, for her students who want a career in
future art career. She became a textiles Momo is now advising one of our construction management through the
breakdown artist, working for film, TV current pupils, also from Japan, who graduate programme at Balfour Beatty.
and theatre. wishes to study at RVC in the near
future.
Mary Windsor
Josephine Nip (2000-2004) and her
family visited the School in December
Gordon 2019. They live in Hong Kong, where
Alan Granville Wright (1934-1937) Josephine is a full time mum to a 5 and
celebrated his 100th birthday on 18th 3 year old.
August 2020.
Congratulations to Candy
He now lives in a Royal British Legion Lockett (2012-2017) who has won Lupton Lyttelton
Home and celebrated his birthday with the Women’s Weight Throw at the We are incredibly proud of our OBs Congratulations to Justin Clegg
the residents, staff and some of his Conference Carolinas Indoor Track and Anya Butler (2010-2019) visited
the English Department to share doing their bit during the pandemic. (2004-2015) on his two-year contract
family, albeit with social distancing still Field Championships and also recorded Nick Daniels (1965-1970) has been extension at Worcester Warriors. Justin
in place. a new personal best. some exciting news: the BBC have
commissioned her to create a film using his 3D printer, despite limited joined the academy for the 2016-17
accompanying her winning Housman funds, to produce some of the parts for season and was promoted to the senior
Verse poem, to be broadcast later in the face shields. squad two years later. Despite a stress
year. fracture of the back, he has made six
senior appearances to date, including
his first start in the European Challenge
Emily Lou (2014-2019) returned to
Cup victory over Enisei-STM. He has
School and caught up with Mrs Ashcroft
also represented England at U17 and
(Careers department) about life at
U18, and was part of the U20s side
Central St Martin’s.
that won the Six Nations in 2017 and
reached the final of the World Rugby
Congratulations to Greg Smith (1992- Junior Championship.
Hazeldene Housman Hall 1997) on being elected as MP for
Photo Credit: Ryan Hiscott/JMP
Cath Freer (née Hancox, 1991-2000) Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Kiren Buckingham in the General Election.
has written a positive blog about her Doyle (2004-2019) and Hannah Brock
cancer experience and asked us to (2017-2019) surprised Mrs Ashcroft in
share it with you. Her aim is to promote the Futures department. It was lovely to
hope, positivity and perhaps give some catch up and hear how they have been
a little more strength. getting on since leaving the School in
2019.
Visit: https://cath462.wixsite.com/
cancerundercovid Thank you also to Katie Palmer-Reid
(Mary Windsor 2011-2018) who
returned to the School to speak to
students about what it is like as a first
year Law student.
1
Oakley School Wendron Wendron-Gordon Llanwrtyd Wells 91 Years’ Service
Congratulations to Emilie Birks (2001- Do you remember Brian Glover (1943- Bud Gemmell (1965-1971) has Charles Tsai (1989-1994) and his wife, Due to the circuit-breaker lockdown We know that many Old Bromsgrovians
2006) who has been announced as 1948)? His son has contacted us to see recently been in touch with his Dr Catherine Chu, Executive Director of imposed in Wales over the half-term remember their teachers and House
a finalist in the Media category for if anyone has any anecdotes or memories of the Hong Kong Flu Mission Hills were welcomed to break, Nikki and Megan from the staff with great fondness and often keep
the Women of the Future Programme memories they would like to share. pandemic of 1968/69, whilst he was still Bromsgrove School in January 2020. Bromsgrovian Office were unable to in touch with them through the years.
Awards 2020. at School. represent the School in the usual way
Brian was particularly good at sport and After a tour of the Prep and Senior at Llanwrtyd Wells for Remembrance At the end of the Summer Term, we
Emilie has over thirteen years of was captain of the rugby team. When “The School was badly affected, with Schools, Charles and Catherine were Sunday. They did, however, send bade a fond farwell to Steve Challoner
marketing experience, with UK, he left the School, he played rugby for fewer than 100 boys up and about at invited to look through the Archives, a wreath, which was laid by Old (Director of Staffing), Christine Fletcher
international and global companies. Moseley 1sts and hockey at one point. Most of the others had gone with particular reference to photographs Bromsgrovian Christopher Price, in the (Housemother of Mary Windsor) and Dr
During this time, she has developed her Bromsgrove HC. He sadly passed away home. There was talk of the School from Charles’ time at Bromsgrove. He town’s War Memorial. Margaret Werrett (Senior Mistress) who
skills and competencies in all the major in 1965 aged only 35 and so his son closing and the rest us getting an early then recorded his own reminiscences have a collective 91 years’ service to the
areas of marketing strategy, planning has very little information on his time at end of term. This did not happen and on film. A visit to Wendron-Gordon School.
and implementation. She is currently the School. Happily, we have been able we carried on as best we could, having brought back many memories,
heading up the Marketing Channel to find documentation in the archives to lessons with only a handful of boys and including roll call in the common room Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, we
Strategy in Europe for Yamaha Music send on to him. very little by way of games and other and a peak into his old dorm. weren’t able to pay tribute to them in
Europe GmbH, as well as sitting on the activities.” the usual way at Commemoration Day
Global Brand team at Yamaha If you are able to help with any this year, so we put together some
Corporation in Japan. memories or anecdotes about Brian “There was a silver lining, however. I got video montages from their time at
Glover whilst at School or afterwards, my first paid gig as a drummer on New Bromsgrove. You can watch these on
please contact the Archivist, Nikki Year’s Eve in a hotel in Shrewsbury, our YouTube Channel: bit.ly/bsstaff20
Thorpe on 01527 579679 ext 365. aged 16. Because of the flu pandemic,
the only musicians available for the
Well done to Thomas Muir (2012-2017) cabaret were me and a pianist!”
who was part of the chorus for CBSO’s
performance of Mahler’s 8th Symphony
at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham. Staff News
Congratulations to Steve Taylor who has
Walters given 50 years of service to Bromsgrove
Mark Gunton (1977-1982) organised School.
Mr Bell (former Houseparent of WG,
the first - probably ever in their
now of Walters) received a surprise Steve was 16 when he first started
history - ‘socially distanced’ OB Lodge
visit from Anton Larin (2009-2015) – working at Bromsgrove on 1st August
meeting in the Old Chapel. He says
he says that even Mr Bell’s change of 1970, as the caretaker’s assistant and
Lidia Pozhidaeva (2011-2017) has that the buildings and grounds looked
Two generations of Old Bromsgrovians House can’t keep the WGers away! was appointed by Capt. P Cavell, the
recently collaborated with an online wonderful and were a tonic to all
have unknowingly been working Bursar at the time.
school to produce a course on how to during these troubled times.
alongside each other for almost three
get into top UK universities. She has years. Hamish Docherty (Lyttelton He has served under six Bursars,
shared her knowledge of 2007-2012) is a Senior Consultant for Captain Cavell, Major Glissen, Colonel
application processes for undergraduate strategic communications firm Teneo, Spencer, Group Captain John Rogers,
and graduate courses. and has worked as a communications Anthony Siddall and Lesley Brookes,
adviser to Humphrey Cobbold and five Headmasters, Lionel Carey,
Earlier this year, Lidia successfully (Wendron 1980-1985), CEO of Nick Earle, Tim Taylor, Chris Edwards
graduated from KCL and started her PureGym, since 2016. Congratulations to Beck Cutting (2008-
and Peter Clague.
studies at Imperial College Business 2017) who has been promoted to the
School. She has also just had her first It was only when the two were senior squad at Worcester Warriors for
In the early days, one of Steve’s jobs
research article published by discussing an interview opportunity with the 2020/21 season. He has already
used to be to arrive at work early in
Nature Scientific Reports. William Bedford Russell (2006-2013) Humphrey to publicise a new gym in made seven senior appearances since
order to lay fires in the offices so that it
performed in George’s Marvellous Bromsgrove that the penny dropped! joining the Senior Academy, four of
would be warm for the staff when they
Research Article: www.nature.com/ Medicine at the Blue Orange Theatre Humphrey has been CEO of PureGym, them this season including the
arrived for work.
articles/s41598-020-72016-4 in Birmingham over Christmas 2019. the UK’s largest gym chain, since 2015. Premiership Rugby Cup matches
Those who remember William from their Hamish left the school in 2012 and against Leicester Tigers and Exeter
He went on to work in the maintenance
Online course: https://london-inn- School days will know that he was went on to study International Relations Chiefs. He is about to start the final year
department as a labourer and has
school.thinkific.com/collections always performing in Bromsgrove’s own & Modern History at the University of of a degree in Sport and Social Sciences
worked for the last six-and-a-half years
productions, so we are thrilled to see he St Andrews. He joined Teneo’s grad at Bath University.
with the grounds team.
has carried on his acting. scheme in 2016 where one of his very Photo Credit: Worcester Warriors
first clients was PureGym.
Humphrey appeared on BBC
Question Time in March 2020 to
discuss the impact of COVID-19.
You can read our ‘Then and Now’
interview with Humphrey overleaf.
Life on the Frontline Then & Now...
After leaving Bromsgrove, Rosie
Thompson (Oakley 2010-2015) moved
to London and qualified as a
Paramedic with the London Ambulance
Service. She has been working on the
front line for three years and has spent
the last seven months fighting the
coronavirus in Central London. Her
journey was documented by the BBC
One show, Ambulance. You can catch
up with the show on BBC iPlayer
(Rosie’s episode was broadcast on 21st
October 2020).
She has also recently been interviewed
for ‘The Notable Blog’, run by fellow
OB Ellie Birch (Oakley 2008-2017), who
has kindly agreed for us to reproduce
part of Rosie’s interview here. You can
read the full version at
https://thenotable.blog/ or follow them
on Instagram @thenotableblog
We cover a range of roles within
Here is Rosie’s story:
Life on the NHS front life in Central
hospitals from giving general
anaesthetics or sedation for operations
to running the intensive care unit. An
Humphrey Cobbold
(Wendron 1977-1982),
1977-1982) Chief
“A large part of my job is about
leadership... a skill that I learnt
London is incredibly stressful,
heart-wrenching, harrowing and anaesthetist who specialises in Executive Officer at PureGym, the
mentally as well as physically extremely cardiothoracics also undergoes UK’s largest gym operator, looks
challenging. In saying that, it is also
beautiful. It is moving and is full of
additional training to be able to use and
interpret transoesophageal
echocardiography predominantly for use
back on his time at Bromsgrove
School…
a lot about at Bromsgrove.”
wonderful opportunities. You never know
what each hour of every day will hold. during and sometimes after heart
One day you could be delivering twins operations. Which route did you take after leaving What do you love about your job? importance of taking advantage of any
Photo Credit: Sunday Times/BBC
and helping somebody who is sleeping Bromsgrove? What I love most about being a CEO is opportunities that present themselves.
rough into accommodation. That feeling During the first wave of Immediately after leaving Bromsgrove, having the chance to build and create
is truly invaluable! I like to think of these Christiana Burt (Hazeldene 1991-1996) COVID-19, we were mostly doing I jumped on a plane to New Zealand something new. A lot of what I do is I believe that young people should
deeds as ‘earning my place in heaven’. has been a Consultant Anaesthetist at intensive care work as all ‘elective’ work to become a gap year teacher. It was designing plans and then configuring spend the first 5-10 years of their
These are the jobs that make the tough Papworth Hospital in Cambridge since within the hospital stopped in order to a tremendous year of experiences and and inspiring the best team to execute post-school lives assembling a ‘mosaic’
moments worth it. The next day you 2012. Royal Papworth is the UK’s make room for all of the patients we taught me the importance of taking them. In my role as CEO at PureGym, of experiences, building a combination
could be dealing with a multiple leading hospital for medical and surgical received. At Royal Papworth, we also opportunities when they come, even if and before that Wiggle (the online sports of skills. Breadth is more important than
casualty RTC (road traffic collision) or, treatment of heart and lung conditions perform advanced techniques of they are a bit bold! retailer), I’ve been able to help grow depth. In fact, it is the key to building a
even worse, a cardiac arrest. No matter in adults. Christi featured in an episode mechanical support for the heart and businesses to become the leading solid foundation from which to build a
how many arrests we go to on the of BBC Two’s Surgeons: At the Edge of lungs including ECMO (extra-corporeal I then went on to study Natural players in their respective fields. multi-faceted career.
frontline, they never get any easier. But Life. The series was filmed membrane oxygenation) so during the Sciences at Cambridge University,
there is something so special about pre-COVID, and she happened to be on pandemic, we were doing a lot of that! thinking I wanted to become a nuclear Ultimately, a large part of my job is Therefore, at University, or wherever you
being able to be that small ray of call on the day that a double lung My job involves a lot of teamwork, it is physicist, before eventually joining the about leadership and managing teams. decide to go after Bromsgrove, do what
sunshine in people’s darkest moments. transplant came up, which was included very sociable, sometimes very hard work management consulting firm, McKinsey I enjoy the cut and thrust of leadership – you find interesting and are passionate
If you can make somebody’s day just in the programme. but mostly extremely rewarding. – and so begun my career in business. a skill that I learnt a lot about at about. These experiences will make you
that tiny bit better, you know you have Bromsgrove. Importantly, I have had a better, more well-rounded and capable
Christi spoke to us about her role and I spent over fifteen years with McKinsey,
succeeded. to learn about leading and supporting person, providing a variety of potential
the recent challenges that COVID-19 which allowed me to travel the world,
teams, through both the good times, career options. In the end, experience
I have always had an in-depth desire has brought to a hospital setting: and understand an array of companies
and the bad. is everything. Your career will naturally
to want to help people and be there for and leaders.
come later.
others. I think being a healthcare A consultant anaesthetist is a doctor Do you have any advice or tips for
practitioner that is a quality you must who undergoes core general medical Despite this amazing experience, leaving
McKinsey was one of the best decisions current pupils?
possess. In the words of Adam Kay (the training and then subspecialises in The great American golfer, Arnold
author of This is Going to Hurt) ‘…a anaesthetics. The total time taken to I made, as it opened up a whole new
landscape of opportunities to actually Palmer, once said: “The harder I work,
great practitioner must have a huge complete training up to consultant level the luckier I get”. Whilst the essence
heart and a distended aorta through after finishing medical school is a lead businesses, rather than just advise
them. of this is true, for pupils looking at life
which pumps a vast lake of compassion minimum of eight years, with the beyond Bromsgrove, I’d add the
and human kindness.’ average being ten years.
Humphrey as Captain of the Hockey 1st team (front row middle)
Sports News OBEC
OB Netball OBEC continues to maintain a strong
tradition of dragging Old Bromsgrovians,
It has been an unusual year for the their partners and friends (some now
Old Bromsgrovians Netball Club, as permanent OBEC members) up hills
it has for everyone. From a netball predominantly in Snowdonia (but other
perspective, we are used to meeting mountains are also available!) Despite
up at least once a week for training the pandemic, the club has met in
and competing regularly in two local numbers from pairs to a dozen across
leagues, Worcester City Netball League the UK.
and Redditch Netball League, which
were unfortunately cancelled in March For the annual AGM in September 2019
2020 as part of national lockdown. It - based at the Tyn Y Coed Hotel in Capel
has been unusual not to see our netball Curig - the weather was atrocious but
family regularly and we can’t wait to get groups still made it to the summits of
back on the court! Snowdon and Moel Siabod, and walked
down the river path to Betws y Coed.
However, the club has continued
to keep in touch with one another In November 2019, Helen Rowberry
remotely, including a Zoom quiz and organised a highly successful winter
catch up meeting. We’ve also continued walking weekend staying in a rustic
to focus on our return to netball, OB Golf cottage known as ‘Beudy Mawr’ in the
starting to put in place COVID compliant Llanberris Pass near to Snowdon. The
procedures and investing in new Hopefully, there will never be a year like However, the token October OB meeting timing of the weekend was superb as
training kit, which we look forward to 2020 again! still took place, albeit under all sorts of there was enough snow on the ground
putting to good use in the near future. restrictions, but with only about nine of to make the conditions challenging but
It started off with the late cancellation in our stalwarts down to play. not dangerous. A mixed ability group
Whilst there is of course little to report March of the OBs vs. School, due to the had great fun in the cold by day and sat
for the majority of 2020 in terms of coronavirus outbreak and Government One major point to note is that there by an open fire at night.
netball, the club were delighted to restrictions just coming into force. is now an agreement in place that
finish top of the league in the Redditch the School is to incorporate the Pushing the winter theme in March
winter league 2019/2020 and securing Cancelled matches continued right Bromsgrovian Club, including its assets. 2020, Jon Badger and Tom Thompson
promotion when the league resumes. through the summer, as having all the The OB Golf Secretary had, shortly endured snow storms and sunshine
At the start of the year, we also fixtures arranged well in advance, it was before lockdown, a convivial meeting in the Cairngorms around Aviemore. It
managed to organise a great day out a case of ‘when’ to cancel, instead of ‘if’. with both the Bursar and Assistant is a long drive but for some excellent
to watch netball at the highest level Therefore, we were not able to play the Head, where they undertook to continue winter mountaineering experience, it is
at Superleague Sunday. We’ve also Grafton Morrish Qualifiers at Olton in to assist with the funding of OB Golf, unbeatable in the UK.
welcomed a few new babies into the OB May and our own OB day at Edgbaston, as appropriate, similar to how the
family, who we are hoping to turn into in June the Midland Public Schools’ Bromsgrovian Club has done previously. Inevitably, our spring meet staying in
netballers when the time comes. match at Little Aston was cancelled, as There was a hint that this may well be the cottage in the Llanberris Pass was
was our OB invitation day at Ombersley more conducive than before and the cancelled. This was a great shame as it
The most important thing is that we all in August. In October, the Welsh School are keen to continue to work is usually very well attended, sponsored
remain fit and healthy, and we hope Public Schools’ Edward Harris Cup at closely with Old Bromsrovians Golf by excellent weather and we enjoy New members are very much welcome
that everyone in the wider OB family is Porthcawl was also off, which in fact Society. outside dining with some excellent and encouraged - you only need some
keeping safe and well. very nearly made it. socialising. A date has been booked for appropriate hill walking equipment and
Here’s hoping 2021 will see things back May 2021. a sense of fun. Please look us up on
If anyone is interested in joining the to normal, if ever anything can be called Facebook (search for OBEC) or visit
OB netball team or finding out more, normal after COVID-19! And so it followed that the September www.facebook.com/groups/5287969489
then please get in contact with us via 2020 AGM was cancelled. However
Facebook “OB Netball (Bromsgrove)”. Anthony Webb (Lyttelton 1955-1959) the Tyn Y Coed Hotel were able to host Jon Badger (Walters 1985-1990)
Hon. Secretary for OB Golf a few guests (such as Robin Smith, Phil Secretary of OBEC
Becky Alton and the OB Netball Team Gibbs, Tony Blacker and Mark Gunton)
with appropriate social distancing
(including camper vans and some
dedicated few visiting only for the day)
an event of sorts was achieved.
Wedding Bells Congratulations to Mason Loades
(Lupton 1989-1997) who married
Congratulations to the following Old Kathy Gilburn (Hazeldene 1992-1997)
Bromsgrovians who were married this at the Edgbaston Old Church on 12th
year. Do let us know if you’d like to October 2019, with the reception at the
feature in the next issue. adjoining Golf Club. They honeymooned
in Mauritius.
Alexander Wheelock-Lines (Lyttelton
1996-2006) married Veronique OBs who were in attendance included
Elizabeth Merriam Barbosa on 21st Matthew Bailey (Chief Usher, Lyttelton
September 2019 in Sintra, Portugal. 1989-1997) and his wife, Elisa
They married on their 10 year McAlindon (1992-1997 Bridesmaid,
anniversary. Alexander and Veronique who read 13 1 Corinthians), Mason’s
currently live in London together brother, Spencer Loades (Usher,
with their small dog, Soda. OBs in Elmshurst 1986-1990) and sister
attendance included Avnish Kalra Claudia Roberts (Oakley 1987-1992),
(Lyttelton 2001-2006 and Alexander Nick Allman (Lyttelton, who read 11
Fletcher (Wendron-Gordon 2001-2006). Isaiah), Adam Jones (Lyttelton) and
his wife Harriet Jones (née Soper,
Bridesmaid), Nick Grove (Lyttelton) and
his wife, Sarah Grove, Robert Gough
(Elmshurst), James Wilson (Lupton),
James Clement (Lyttelton), Sally Wright
(Hazeldene) - all at School with Mason
from 1992-1997, Mark Gunton (Walters
1977-1982) and Helen Gunton (née
Brooks, Mary Windsor 1981-1983).
Would you like your wedding featured in the next issue?
Contact the Bromsgrovian Office
oldbromsgrovians@bromsgrove-school.co.uk
or Tweet us @OldBromsgrovian
The Bridge Programme
Thank you to all our OBs who helped
with our online programme for Upper
Sixth pupils, designed and implemented
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Frederica Robbins (Thomas Cookes
2008-2015) led the very first OB panel
session on LinkedIn and how to make
your profile pop. Adam Robertson
(Lyttelton 2001-2013) and Polly
Fletcher (Oakley 2006-2012) led on
‘Living the City Life’ - both studied, set
up businesses and live in London. Adam
held a further session on entrepreneurial
skills.
Ella Cardinali (Oakley 2004-2015)
and Josh King (School 2006-2013)
spoke on the importance of giving. They
both spent time volunteering through
gap placements. Ella’s experience
Bromsgrovians in Property Each contributor discussed their area would like to get involved, please
with ICS (International Citizen Service) Haris Nazir (Lyttelton 2017-2019)
Old Bromsgrovians Jess Williams (née of expertise in the sector, followed by a contact Zia Leech, Head of Futures: discussed how technology is playing
gave her the opportunity to present to
Kingston, Thomas Cookes 2004-2009), Q&A session. zleech@bromsgrove-school.co.uk a part in the fight against COVID-19.
the UN in New York. Josh spent time
Richard Brookes (Lupton 1961-1965) Haris’ takeaway message was that ‘this
at Bromsgrove School Thailand and
and James Brookes (Wendron-Gordon The Futures Department hopes to may look like a time of recession, but I
volunteered in Nepal through ICS.
1991-1996) hosted a Bromsgrovians in facilitate more of these sessions with believe some of the biggest innovations
Property event for current pupils and OBs and pupils, either in person (if of the century will come out of this
Charlotte Campbell (Oakley 2004-
parents in the Hospitality Suite. restrictions allow) or online, so if you outbreak, and everyday people are
2018), Andreaa Mihaescu (Oakley
2013-2017), Alex Nisbet (Lyttelton working on fighting this virus. It truly is a
Sporting Connections 2005-2016) and Ed Drayson (School really interesting time.’
Well done to Bromsgrove Hockey Club Laura Brunning (Mary Windsor 2000-
2008-2017) discussed degree courses
Ladies’ 1st Team who are celebrating Abbah Abbah (Housman Hall 2015- 2008) and Jacob Matthews (Walters
in Business, Management, Finance,
promotion for the second consecutive 2017), Harriet Goucher (Hazeldene 2011-2016) discussed what it is like to
Economics and Accounting.
season in the Midlands Feeder West 2011-2016) and Paolo Romanengo study a sports-related degree.
hockey league. The team includes a (Housman Hall 2017-2019) discussed
Sasha Johnston (Hazeldene 2006-
number of Old Bromsgrovians: Anna degree courses n Law, Politics and James Prince (Lupton 2009-2017) and
2017), Freddie Owen (Lupton 2014-
Perrott (Hazeldene 1998-2007), Lily Psychology. Kara Doyle (Hazeldene 2001-2017)
2018) and Alex San (School 2012-
Alsop (Thomas Cookes 2004-2013), spoke about their experience of studying
2017) spoke about universities in the
Victoria Burton (Thomas Cookes 2009- Alex Evans (Oakley 2007-2016) worked Real Estate and Geography at university.
South West.
2011) and Heather Nunnerley (Thomas with our Design Technology students to
Cookes 1994-1999). create innovative pieces of technology Finally, Hannah Brock (Housman
Will Nadin (Lupton 2011-2018), Ed
Mooney (School 2011-2018), Oscar that might help someone through a Hall 2017-2019), Emily Coleman
The team finished fourteen points clear pandemic. In addition, Alex, along with (Hazeldene 2012-2017) and Erica
Chou (Wendron-Gordon 2015-2017)
Lifelong Friendships of their nearest rivals when the season
and Dominic Gardner (Lupton 2004- Mike Matthews (Lupton 2012-2016), Halley (Oakley 2013-2015) talked about
Rob Mitchell and Amyn Haji (Wendron- finished with one game unplayed at and Paige Maddox (Thomas Cookes what it is like to be a student at the
2018) discussed what to expect and
Gordon/School House and Elmshurst the end of March. Bromsgrove striker, 2008-2016) spoke about studying universities of Manchester, Leeds and
how to prepare for studying a science
respectively, 1989-1994) were best Anna Perrott, ended the season as design-related courses at university. Nottingham.
degree.
friends at School and, despite living at the highest goalscorer in all midlands
opposite ends of the UK now, still catch leagues with 20 goals. Jonathan Finn (Lupton 1978-1983) is If you are happy to be considered for
Alex Moore (Walters 2007-2014) held
up as much as they can. Amyn is a a Teaching Fellow at Aston Law School. any similar sessions that the School
‘Parliamentary Question Time’ for his
consultant surgeon in London, and Rob As a result of their success, Bromsgrove He kindly led a session on Indirect might run online for its current students,
session. He explained the basics of
works for the Scottish Environmental are looking forward to playing in Discrimination in Employment Law please email the Bromsgrovian Office
British politics, gave an overview of how
Protection Agency in Edinburgh. Midlands Division 2 next season for the – usually a first year seminar for Law with details of your subject matter and
a general election works and spoke
first time in the club’s history. students. university course/job sector. Email us at
about the current parliamentary stand
on Covid-19. oldbromsgrovians@bromsgrove-school.
Alexa Downs (née Guy, Thomas James Fouracre (Elmshurst 2004-2005) co.uk
Cookes) and Sharon Lewis (née Davies, focussed on why ‘knowing your brand’ is
Hazeldene and a former Prep School key for career success.
academic member of staff) met at
Bromsgrove and are still in touch today. Andrii Iermolaev (Wendron-Gordon
2015-2019) is currently studying at
Cornell University, USA and kindly took
time out of his schedule to speak about
Computer Science.
VE Day 75th Anniversary
The 8th May 2020 marked 75 years
The build up to the end of the war was
remembered by David Idwal Jones:
“Not quite VE Day (9 months before) but
Some OBs were in different parts of the
country. Glen Smith shared his memory
of VE Day in London: “On VE Day they
Experiences from other parts of the
world and how the war in the East was
not yet over until August 1945 were also
since the end of WWII in Europe. I have a distinct memory of my Mother drove the family car, a Ford Prefect, mentioned by several OBs.
Although we were not able to meet as sending me across the lawn to give my to the London Embankment, at the
a School and local community to mark Grandmother the message “The Allies time I was seven. Having parked there One OB, James Whittaker, shared his
the occasion and pay tribute to the Old have taken Paris”, I had no idea what we made our way through to Trafalgar family’s experience of the War carrying
Bromsgrovians who had died during my message meant!” Square, I was hoisted by members of on: “Whilst the U.K. celebrated VE Day
the War, we reached out to our School the crowd up onto the back of one of on 8th May 1945, the war continued in
community to discover their families’ Mike Perkins was the first in his the lions, from where I had an incredible the Far East. My mother, aged 22, and
memories of that time and to current household to hear the news and recalls, view of the crowds of people both her parents were interned by the
pupils to share their experiences of “I was fiddling with the dial on our Radio celebrating.” Japanese in Stanley Camp, Hong Kong.
marking this occasion, many of whom when at about 3pm on the fateful day I My father, as a serving officer, was a
decided to commemorate the day at picked up a scratchy broadcast which Peter Hales shared his VE Day memory POW imprisoned in a separate camp.
home. Back at Bromsgrove, a street seemed to be saying that the War in spent in Wales: “I was at home in They all survived until their freedom in
party was put on for the children of our Europe was over. I told my parents Llangynidr. My parents had arranged to August 1945.”
key workers in the grounds of the Prep but they said I must have got it wrong. meet in the local Pub. Many American
School. Captain Farnes asked his Upper Nevertheless, I rushed out into the High troops were there and they invited many Hugh Furber recalls, “I was a child of
Fourth Cadets to design a piece of work Street yelling the ‘news’.” back to our house for lunch. They were four and a half at the time and I have no
to display on VE Day, and he received As the only two remaining NCOs in that John Gittins recalled being at another very grateful and wished to buy many memories of VE Day. However, I do have
some very impressive entries, including regiment, they were needed as school in Worcester at the time: “We The end of the blackout was a common drinks. I cycled home but then went to memories of VJ day on August 15th.
these two pieces of written work by pupil instructors, for many other NCOs had to were sent back to classes - high tea - theme in the memories sent in by Old bed. I still remember the room This date is often overlooked as was the
Harrison Brown. pass a test to uphold their current army small break - evening prep, then to the Bromsgrovians. Tim Powell recalled circulating.” 14th Army (the forgotten army) in which
rank. This meant Arthur was luckily dormitories. We were however given the spending VE Day with parents at his Capt. Tom Moore served. For the first
A Toddlers View: It was so bright enough to be at home and with his day off the next day which included a grandmother’s house in Leamington Harry Shirley’s rather sobering time, I was taken on holiday that August
Having been born in December 1943, family on VE day. He said he couldn’t service at the cathedral.” Spa, “The Jephson Gardens were all lit account of his train journey on VE Day to Llanfairfechan by the sea. I remember
my Grandma didn’t realise she re- really remember much about the day up in the evening. It was the first time from Bromsgrove School to Rugby the Union Flags and bunting. I had my
membered VE Day until she was much itself, as it was all blurred together as a Peter Valder also referred to Prep that I saw floodlights on that evening via Coventry gave an insight into the first experience of a beach and a strong
older and she asked her mum about an mixture of celebration, uncertainty and School experiences: “Alas, I was still at as everything was blacked out prior to devastation of the bomb damage: “The memory of a man walking out of the sea
overwhelming memory she had of lots of nerves as there was still a war going prep school on VE day, and as it came then.” Chapel Service was the only celebration in his bathing trunks and having only
lights, some brighter than others, some on – one that he nearly had to fight in upon us unexpectedly, I don’t think at Bromsgrove but we were all excited at one arm.”
that looked like two eyes and some that and had already lost many friends and anything happened, except that we Philip Hill commented on what his the thought of going home to celebrate.
were fire. It would appear that she had family to. were given a day off. The anniversary School experience of the end of My Father was an officer in the RAF Thanks to the many Old Bromsgrovians
been taken up to the top of the road - Harrison Brown (Current Pupil) in 1946 meant more, in that we had a blackout meant for him: “I do recall I and, unfortunately, my home at that who shared their VE Day memories and
they lived on in Harborne on the evening day when we were allowed to go home, had been doing a blackout check after time was in Inverness. Luckily, I had family experiences with us and to the
of VE Day and it was all the lights that The Bromsgrovian 1945 mentions a which had far more impact.” dark, making sure there were no lights made friends with John M. B. Cawood, members of CCF and other students
she saw. Having spent the first eight- Thanksgiving service in the Memorial showing.” whose Father was also in the Services. who took time to commemorate the day
een months of her life with blackouts Chapel and a two-day holiday for the Michael Roberts told us of his memory John kindly invited me to come with him with their thoughtful pieces of work. Old
and war time, life suddenly seemed so boys, in line with the National Holiday. of the Chapel Service and Headmaster, Bonfires and street parties were also to his home in Rugby. We caught the Bromsgrovian Emrys Evans completed
bright with the lights on in houses and We heard from Old Bromsgrovians who David Walters’ address: “Once we had recalled. John Hitchon wrote, “Although train from Bromsgrove to our week long tweeting of memories,
the street lights lit up - and the two eyes were at Bromsgrove School, at other attended Chapel where DJW announced I was only three and a half on VE Day, I Birmingham and from there to Rugby. and his final statement sums up the
coming towards her were buses and schools and at home at the time, as to the good and tremendous news, I was remember it well. After years of The train stopped for a few minutes at feelings of many that were shared with
cars. As they looked right from the top what VE Day meant for them. fourteen and I imagined that there blackout, the street went wild with Coventry so I jumped off to have a look us:
of their road there was a huge bonfire at would be no more addresses by Wal- excitement and lit a huge bonfire in the at the result of the “Blitz”. The Station
the top of Barnes Hill. Philip Hill shared his memory of the ters informing the congregation at daily middle of the road. The heat was so Building no longer existed. There were “Street parties were a big thing along
day at Bromsgrove School: “I remember Chapel that yet another OB had been fierce that I vividly remember the paint no buildings to be seen for hundreds with bonfires. It is a long time ago but
A Soldier’s Day killed. In his statement a two-day holiday
I spoke to Arthur Kennedy, my it being a nice morning and admiring on the nearest house to the bonfire of yards except for the remains of a the relief at war’s end was genuine.”
the trees walking across the Green from was announced commencing straight being blistered.” couple of the Coventry Cathedral walls.
grandparents’ neighbour who is now 95, away. So a quick walk to the bus stop…
about his experience of VE Day – this is Gordon House to the Chapel for the I was absolutely shattered. I had seen
service, always looking their best in early I was on my way with one or two local Bob Cook recalled, “My memory of the the results of raids on Birmingham, and
his story: boys, excited yes as people were joyous,
May. And of course, that we were now day before VE Day was seeing the Glasgow and other towns but nothing
Arthur, who was 21 at the time, was free of war.” full of smiles and laughing.” enormous bonfire that had been erected like that. It is a memory that has stayed
based in the Midlands with his regiment, on the Clent Hills. Even before its in my mind.”
the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engi- Sir Robert Hastie recalled that the Prep ignition, the pyramidal construction was
neers. About a week before VE Day, his School was not allowed home for VE an awe-inspiring sight. As a 15-year-old, Andrew Clark described his memories
battalion were informed they were being Day, “On May 8th 1945 I was at the my abiding memory of VE night was of as “not a ‘bundle of fun” as his family
relocated to Nottingham, and they were Prep School, not long returned from the fierce heat of the fire and its were separated due to the war: “Family-
to prepare to be shipped out to the Far Llanwrtyd Wells where I joined in 1943. unforgettable sound, light and smell; a wise, my elder brother, DJR Clark was
East. A day before he was due to leave We had all been excitedly following the beacon of wood and tar. The already at Bromsgrove and my father,
for the Philippines, Arthur and another news and when the great day dawned atmosphere of jubilation was tempered a GP, was still serving with the RAMC
NCO were sent to a Tech School close a holiday was declared. We were given by the worry that we still had to win the in Hamburg. Mother was working as an
to where they were based in Nottingham the day off and were taken by bus to war in Japan.” eye specialist with Coventry and North
and told they were being kept behind in Malvern where we had a very enjoyable Warwick Eye Department and my sister
England. day.” was with an aunt in Berkhamstead.”Commemorative Cycle Ride We were not able to hold our planned celebrations in Llanwrtyd Wells due to the COVID-19 restrictions, but some of our staff members dusted off their cycling helmets and set off for a ride with a difference. Their aim was to cycle from Llanwrtyd Wells to Bromsgrove School to remember the time that we spent in the small Welsh town when the School was evacuated in WW2 and to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Preparatory School. Fourteen cyclists took on the challenge, and four of those – Mr Riley, Mr Felton, Mr Holdsworth, and Mr Brinkley from Winterfold, decided to complete the 180-mile round trip. Thank you to Mr Jones, Head of Boys’ PE and Games at Bromsgrove Preparatory School for organising the event, and well done to all the cyclists who took part.
Bromsgrove School’s Scout Troop Record Book 1935 to 1944 including the move to Wales. Bromsgrove Junior School, founded in Llanwrtyd Wells in September 1940, is mentioned in this extract from The Bromsgrovian, December 1940.
Our News to You
Future Frontiers Vision 2020
Katie Leather (Prep School & Oakley Thank you to everyone who offered
2003-2014) is a Programme Manager their support to the Prep School at
for Future Frontiers, a charity that works the Vision 2020 careers event in
with young people from disadvantaged February. The pupils gained lots
NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM THE BROMSGROVIAN OFFICE. backgrounds to transform their from talking to OBs, parents and
relationship with learning by supporting guests about their careers and it
them with the guidance and networks made them think about job sectors
they need to make clear connections that they might not have considered
between their aspirations and before.
education.
Katie is asking for a few minutes of your
time, and her message is below:
“We are always looking to expand our
network of professionals, in any
industry, and are building a bank of
these contacts. Being part of this
network is an opt-in process which
you can sign up to here and, if you do,
coaches on our programme will be able
to contact you should they have a pupil
who wants to find out more about your School Shop Our newly refurbished and expanded
job.” Who remembers the School Shop shop was opened during the
(or ‘Binger’ as it was known to some) Michaelmas Term.
“The pupils prepare questions with their
National Archives Mike was delighted with how the School Badge coach in advance of the conversation,
during their time at Bromsgrove?
We were delighted to welcome Mike building looks and we cannot wait to Does anyone recognise this School which would take place over 10-20
Rogers, Sector Development Manager show everyone more when Goverment badge? minutes in their final Future Frontiers
(Transport & Schools) from the National restrictions allow.
session. It can take place in person
Archives for a sneak peek tour of our We have received a request from a or, more often, via a phone or video
new Archive and Heritage Centre before family in Australia who are trying to call and usually at some time between
it opened in the summer. trace where one of their relatives was 12:00 and 15:00 on a weekday.”
before coming to Bromsgrove School.
You can help out by:
If you are able to help identify the 1. Joining Future Frontiers’ professional
School badge, please email our expert bank -
Archivist, Nikki Thorpe: www.futurefrontiers.org.uk/get-involved
nthorpe@bromsgrove-school.co.uk
2. Circulating the opportunity amongst
your networks.
#ThrowbackThursday
If you happen to be a regular follower
of our social media accounts, you
will probably know that we often post
images for ‘Throwback Thursday’. TBT,
Class of 2020 Usually, the Headmaster hands out an Graduation News as it is often referred to, is an internet
A warm welcome to our most recent OB tie or label pin to each U6 leaver in Happy Graduation to all our OBs who
a special ceremony during their final trend where users post nostalgic photos
leavers, the Class of 2020, who we look received their degree classification
Routh Assembly, but with the enforced from various eras.
forward to welcoming to OB events in results over the Summer.
the near future. School closure, these items were posted
to each Upper Sixth pupil instead. If you have any archive images or
Do let us know what you are up to now,
anecdotes relating to the School that we
so we can include your news in the next
can use online, we’d love to hear from
Alumni magazine.
you - please email Oldbromsgrovians@
bromsgrove-school.co.uk with the
photograph, the year and a brief
description.From the Archives... As always, what the exhibition
demonstrated was the richness of
What has been a challenging time The Michaelmas and Lent Terms were November 2019 was an excitingly busy material that the School Archive has and
from March to September of this last spent in the preparation and move of month for us with the movement of our what a debt we owe to the donors and
academic year has also presented archives from the Old Chapel to our new newly conserved Antarctic sledge to its keepers of this material over hundreds of
opportunities in the world of School bespoke Archive and Heritage Centre in bespoke cabinet in the heritage centre, years. It is wonderful that we now have
Archives, giving us time to reflect on past Big School. our annual visit to Llanwrtyd Wells to the Heritage Centre to display many of
challenges in the School’s history and the remember the School’s evacuation these items and show the development
wider world. Obvious parallels with the there in WW2 and the launch of Philip of Bromsgrove School across so many
Spanish Flu of 1918 and other serious Bowen’s book, Bromsgrove School at generations.
influenza cases have been drawn and War and in Wales 1939-1945, with
we were able to read how these illnesses the accompanying archive exhibition,
caused disruption at School in the as well as, of course, the Year 8 and
Bromsgrovian and Junior Bromsgrovian. Lower Fourth workshops on Bromsgrove
School WW1 archives for the now annual
creative writing competition.
They provided inspiration to our students
to reflect on their own experiences of We have had some fantastic and timely Our Digitisation programme has proved
a pandemic and see the importance donations from OBs, their families and its worth this year, providing material to
of documenting their experiences for former staff this year. Our Ottilie Hild work on remotely so we can continue
the School Archive for the future. From Pre-Prep Collection has been added to to respond to enquiries about the
Liza Vasilyeva we had a poem about by items donated by Mrs Sue Pickering, collections and commemorate important
her uncertainty of the decision to leave former Headmistress of Ottilie Hild and events such as VE Day 80 years ago, the
Bromsgrove to go home during the Archive Club Students provided Bromsgrove Pre-Prep, enabling us to put much missed 2020 Commemoration
pandemic. Her opening lines are a invaluable support with repackaging, another exhibition in the Headmaster’s Day and the anniversary of the opening
powerful reminder of the personal impact organising and catalogue listing of the Dining Room to mark the opening of the of Bromsgrove Prep School in Llanwrtyd
of the global incident. archives, finding new homes for items new Day Girls’ House at Bromsgrove, Wells eighty years ago, using our
that previously had lived on dusty shelves named after the Pre-Prep founder, this School records. The programme of
“Leaving Bromsgrove and in cabinets. While there is still many September. digitisation will continue so we can
more archives to list and catalogue, the preserve our most vulnerable records
the Spaniards announce their departure; students have made a great contribution We were delighted to receive a copy and so we can provide greater access
Monday. to this and particularly Upper Sixth of the exhibition book about Old to our archive collections to our whole
student, Ellen Kitchen who won the Archive Club students also curated Bromsgrovian Sir Lionel Whitby who School community. All of our digitised
the air’s taste sours Bromsgrove Service award for her work an exhibition in the Headmaster’s fought in WW1, had a leg amputated material will in time be online through
in archive club over three years, much of Dining Room on the ‘Roaring 20s’ after injury and went on to form the Bromsgrovians Connected site, using the
the prospect of change is painfully real.” it spent repackaging and listing items on as they uncovered from the archive, Army Blood Transfusion Unit for WW2. OB login. We are interested to find out if
the catalogue. menus, theatre programmes, uniform, An exhibition of his life was at Downing there are particular items OBs would like
Further extracts of the poem can be read sports medals and even photographs College, Cambridge earlier in the year us to digitise for their own memories and
in the Bromsgrovian 2020. of students to show how Bromsgrove and his grandson kindly sent us a copy research so please do let us know.
School looked a hundred years ago. of the accompanying book. We are so
Interviews with boarding house staff pleased to be back in touch with Whitby’s Nikki Thorpe
and students are also part of our family and will be sharing our archives School Archivist
documenting of this period of time and relating to Lionel with them and in our Tel: 01527 579679 ext 365
will become part of our oral history heritage centre. We do have Lionel’s nthorpe@bromsgrove-school.co.uk
archive. Organic Chemistry note-book from 1911.
With apologies to Dr Mervyn Bramley
OBE (Wendron 1959-1964) for
incorrectly listing his title and not
including his Boarding House in last
year’s article.You can also read
