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Newsletter
Spring 2021
Follow us: OldQueenians @OldQueenians 1
President’s Report with the school since leaving and
hope to take that further with my
H
ello. current role in the OQA.
A year ago, Tracey Khodabandhloo
As president retired as Head of Junior School and
of the Old her successor, Henry Matthews,
Queenians started in September. Dr Lorraine
association, Earps is moving to another headship
I would like in Cheshire in the summer. I’m sure
to start with a quote from the British all OQs will wish them all the best
poet Alfred Tennyson. “Hope smiles for the future. I will look forward to
from the threshold of the year to come, engaging with Lorraine’s replacement
whispering ‘it will be happier’.” to consolidate the relationship of the
OQA with the School.
For many, the last twelve months
have been a period of great change A current project of the OQA is
and challenges but, with the New to establish a strong mentoring
Year upon us, I would like us, as a programme within the association to
community, to look forward. I hope bring our global community together
that later this year we will be able to in a more productive way. The hope
phase in some of our OQ events and is that OQs and current students of
that old friends will be able to reunite. the school looking for advice could
access the expertise of those who
For those that don’t know of me, I have experience in a range of careers.
would like to introduce myself. I was Though we have matched a few
a pupil at Queen’s between 2008 mentors and mentees together, there
and 2016 and boarded in School is huge scope to expand the support
House. I enjoyed all aspects of OQs can offer each other and present
school life and was honoured to be pupils of the School. I would be more
Head Boy in my final year. Then, I than happy for you to engage with me
studied Biosciences at Birmingham on social media and LinkedIn for more
University. I now work for Amazon information and to get involved.
as a Marketplace consultant to help
businesses grow across Europe. I Kind regards,
have remained strongly engaged Oscar Webb (2008-16)
2
Three Generations Over the years, successive generations
of several families have been through
T
he front cover shows Oliver Queen’s. The continuity of such an
(Year 7) and his sister Eliza attachment is valued by the school as
(Year 4) with their mum, well as the families concerned. OQs who
Victoria Messom, and their grandpa, Mr are weighing up the options of education
John Robinson, who were also students for their children might, also, consider
here – along with their uncle, Nicholas placing them at Queen’s College.
Robinson (1985-92). Victoria (1987-
94) has fond memories of her years at If you would like to
Queen’s – from sports fixtures to time know more about
spent listening to music in the day room, the school now,
to the tuck shop! She also enjoyed you are welcome
participating in the Duke of Edinburgh to contact the
Award and recalls receiving an award admissions office
from athlete Kriss Akabusi in the where Mrs Lisa
Queen’s Hall. Palmer would be delighted to supply
information about Queen’s, address
Mr Robinson (1954-60) recalls Mr any queries you might have and
Wiseman, retired Headmaster, returning provide details about the registration
to the school in the late 1950s for a of children at the school. She can be
televised ‘This is Your Life’ presentation contacted by email: lip@queenscollege.
with Eamonn Andrews in front of the org.uk or telephone: 07778 672169.
whole school when the subject of the
programme was OQ and long-serving Lisa says, ‘If you are able to, please
teacher, Henry (Dapper) Channon. They follow us on one of our social media
had to sing the school song in Latin, channels, go to the school website and
‘Gaudeiamus Igitur’, which had to be share in our Open Events’.
quickly learned for the occasion!
Our next Open Event is Monday May 3rd
Assisted Places are available as well as a range of Scholarships
in Art, Academic, Sport, Performing Arts and Music.
3
Recognition Jake Lintott (2007-
11) has been offered a
Mary Jones (1992- three-year contract by
2005) was awarded Warwickshire County
the OBE in the New Cricket Club, covering all
Year Honours for forms of the game. He
her work in the will continue to be an invaluable part of
Cabinet Office. the cricket programme at Queen’s.
Mary, who was Head Girl, took History,
Maths, French and English Literature Jake joined Queen’s from Danesfield
at A Level, going on to study Law with School, Williton, on a Sports
French Law at Oxford. Scholarship and became a regular
member of both the cricket and hockey
After graduating in 2009, Mary joined 1st XIs. He returned to Queen's in
the Civil Service in the Ministry of 2017 as a sports graduate and was
Justice, where her early career focused appointed Head of Cricket in 2019.
on criminal justice and constitutional
issues, followed by a stint in ministerial A successful club player – captaining
offices ahead of the 2016 Brexit Clevedon Cricket Club in the West of
referendum. Mary then joined the England Premier League – Jake is a
Cabinet Office where she spent nearly slow left-arm, unorthodox bowler. He
four years managing decision-making moved up into the professional game
on Home Affairs, Brexit, the Union and with 2nd XI appearances for a number
Northern Ireland. of counties before playing in the T20
competition for Hampshire in 2017 and
Mary’s OBE was awarded for this Gloucestershire the following season.
work and, in particular, for setting
up intensive decision-making His career really took off with the
structures in the run-up to various Birmingham Bears in last season’s
Brexit deadlines and a possible ‘no T20 Vitality Blast tournament, and
deal’. Mary has recently moved to a in two matches he was declared the
new role in the Business and Health man-of-the-match. The team was
departments, creating opportunities pipped for a place in the quarter-
for the UK’s life sciences industry finals after an agonising defeat by
to contribute to our economic and Northants in the last group game.
health recovery. Ken Bird
4
The Outdoor Life
T
he photo shows Sarah and me
hanging on a belay, part way up
a frozen waterfall on our most
recent trip ice climbing in Canada.
Since leaving Queen’s and, overnight expeditions, for young people
subsequently, Bangor University in from all walks of life.
2012, with a degree in Geography, I
have worked in the Outdoor Industry. At the start of the pandemic, however,
Many who were at Queen’s with me we decided to start our own guiding
during my time there, may remember business in the Scottish Highlands.
my passion for canoeing and kayaking, Called ‘Your Adventure Scotland’
which, fuelled by Mark Neenan and (www.youradventurescotland.com),
Byron Lewis, saw us paddling 3-4 times we aim to provide bespoke guiding,
a week, if not more, on some of the best instruction and coaching in
rivers in the world! mountaineering, climbing and paddle
sports (canoeing and kayaking).
This has since turned into a life-
long passion, and my main form of These are difficult times for most
employment. It has taken me all over businesses but, when current
the world, including a trip down the restrictions ease, we would love to
Grand Canyon with a group of mainly show as many people as possible
former OQs in 2014. the joys and wonders of the Scottish
Highlands in all seasons, as we
In 2012, I started a traineeship in the believe it's the best place to be!
outdoors, where I met Sarah, and
we later married. We worked in the If there are any OQs who would like
Mendips and Mid-Wales before moving more information please get in touch,
to Fort William in Scotland 5 years ago, and if there are any current pupils
which we now call home. Until recently, who would like to know a bit more
we have been working for the Outward about a career in the outdoors, I
Bound Trust, a young persons’ charity, would be more than happy to chat
providing outdoor experiences in the through my experiences.
form of residential trips, including Richard Savill (1998-2008)
5
Obituaries After leaving school, he learned about
all aspects of the retail trade with
several companies before becoming a
junior director of the family business
in 1956. He developed the department
store in Slough. After it was sold in
1978, he continued to work but he made
more time for sport, especially cricket,
helping to organise local cricket teams.
His efforts were recognised by Cricket
England who invited him to Lords in
appreciation of his efforts.
Tony Suter (1941-48) passed away Tony remained involved with Queen’s
on 21 January, aged 90, following a for many years. He and Anne, his wife,
brief illness which stemmed from a organised the annual Old Queenians
fall in November. When he started at Golf Tournament and they also placed
Queen’s, the Second World War was their two sons, Hugh (1968-77) and
underway. Like so many of us, he was Robin (1969-76) at the school.
despatched from the dangers of living John Parker (1940-50)
in the London area, to the relative
safety of Queen’s. Michael Hui (1976-80) died of Covid-19
last November. News of his death
He much preferred to be on the playing was particularly shocking, not least
fields than in the classroom. He was because he was only 59 years old but
very good on the rugby pitch, playing also because his last year in Jack
scrum half for the 1st XV, and he was Tigg was the first year of my tenure
always a damn nuisance as far as the of the House. Sarah and I will always
opposition was concerned. However, his remember his kindness in taking
finest sporting achievements were on time to show us places in Hong Kong
the cricket field. He usually opened the when we spent the summer there in
batting, often carrying his bat through 1981. His home as a married man was
the innings. He was also a natural Edinburgh. I last met Michael three
wicket keeper whose talents behind the years ago when he visited Queen’s
stumps helped the school win many with his daughter.
victories. He was also a fine fives player. Geoff Bisson
6
Olly Beswetherick
Olly joined Queen’s College Junior
School from Trull Primary in 2005,
moving on to the Senior School with
a combined Academic, Music and
Drama scholarship. A member of first
orchestra, wind and swing band, he 24th May 1996 – 4th September 2020
gained music colours, distinctions in Olly’s career took him to GJE, London,
Grade 8 piano and clarinet and Grade 6 as a trainee Biotech Patent Attorney,
saxophone, and enjoyed participating in where he was highly respected both for
several drama and dance productions. his professional skills and his humorous
and engaging personality. He made
Ever altruistic, Olly joined World Aims many friends and enjoyed city life.
group and also visited the children’s
clinic in Marakissa, Gambia. Gaining As a gay man, Olly used his articulation
Bronze, Silver and Gold DofE, he was to support the LGBTQ+ community,
remembered for carrying two rucksacks spreading awareness of diversity and
during a Lake District expedition to equality. He was also passionate about
help a friend! During A Levels and his physical fitness and had a zest for
university, he worked at Wilton House, travel, languages and culture. Despite
caring for young adults with complex his warm smile, sense of humour, and
disabilities. Olly left Queen’s in 2014 desire to help and inspire others, Olly
with the Queen’s Lodge Prize, a passion faced an ongoing battle with his mental
for Sciences and Spanish, and a love health and tragically lost his life to
of learning (which he attributed to the suicide on 4 September 2020, aged 24.
belief of his teachers). He graduated
from Birmingham University with a 1st Anyone wishing to remember Olly,
Class degree in Human Biology and a donate to his mental health legacy,
Masters in Molecular Biotechnology ‘Olly’s Talking Turtles’, or listen to some
with Distinction. of his piano recordings, please look at:
• Facebook public page “Olly Beswetherick Collection of Memories”.
• https://www.gofundme.com/f/celebrating-the-life-of-olly-beswetherick
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k84S4ymIKdM
• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjM7at4dntZhtdTHSDylJIMGneuC1i4Ie
• https://www.gje.com/oliver-henry-james-beswetherick-1996-2020/ Jane and Steve Beswetherick
7
News of OQs Last term, the Sixth Form Law &
Criminology co-curricular group
Hairdresser enjoyed a remote meeting with
Cameron Oxford Law graduate and OQ Alex
Willetts Jobson (2005-17). Alex spoke to
(2003-11) them about various legal concepts
is to get and cases including some that
tips from involved cannibalism amongst
the experts Victorian sailors. He then shared
when he his insights on law degrees and law
joins a top team of some of the career routes.
country's most promising young
talent. Cameron, of Combers Inside- After Queen’s, Becky Read (2000-09)
Out Hair Academy in Taunton, is attended Oxford Brookes University
joining the ClubStar Art Team for to study International Hospitality
2021. The team is open to any Management. Thereafter, she went
hairdresser aged 16 to 25 who is a travelling for a year and returned to
member of the Fellowship for British the UK, looking to make a career in
Hairdressing. He will be a member Human Resources. Having gained
of the existing team led by Karoliina experience both in the public and
Saunders for a year of mentoring, private sector, she is now the Senior
education and opportunities. HR Manager of a tech firm based
in Bristol. They have designed
The ClubStar Art Team was put on software and algorithms that
pause in March 2020 due to the increase levels of accuracy to the
nationwide lockdown and will be nearest centimetre for GNSS/GPS
picking up where they left off in the chipset manufacturers. They are now
New Year. Cameron was chosen working with some of the largest
among five finalists after entering an smartphone and wearable firms
image of his work and details of his on the market, aiming to improve
experience, expectations and career accuracy, positioning and timing. If
goals. He said: "It’s an absolute anyone is interested in internships,
honour to be part of the team and be technology roles or has any
part of the Fellowship hair family.” connections within the above markets,
then Becky would be delighted to hear
from you via LinkedIn.
8
I was delighted to hear from
Stephen Morse (1971-78)
who responded to my call for
information about current contact
details. He studied Law at King’s
College, London, and then went
into the legal profession as a
solicitor. He qualified at the Queen’s
Solicitors, Farrer & Co, and then, It is the adventure of a lifetime
after a few years with what is – fewer people having rowed an
now Taylor Wessing, came back ocean then have climbed Everest
to Devon in 1990. After stints with – but doing this at his age will
several firms, in 1997 he joined be a special challenge. However,
Michelmores in Exeter and has Ian is motivated by the thought
been with them ever since. He has of raising money for the Ellen
two children, Harry (now 25) and MacArthur Sailing Trust. www.
Ella (21). Ideally, he plans to move ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org
to a place in the country this year This organisation takes young
and to retire in the near future. people between 8-24 years old on
sailing trips to help rebuild their
At the time of publication, Ian confidence after cancer treatment.
Kentfield (1974-79) intends to row Ian had the privilege of crewing
from the Canary Islands to Antigua on one of their trips last year and
in the West Indies, some 2650 can testify to the massive positive
nautical miles, starting on about impact this organisation has on the
1st March. He will be one of a team children involved.
of 12 in a 40 ft boat specifically
designed for the task and prepared If you would like to support this
by Rannoch Adventures, who cause, go to www.
anticipate the journey will take some justgiving.com/fundraising/ian-kentfield.
35 to 40 days. They are likely to be All monies raised will go directly to the
rowing in a watch pattern of three charity. For further information, please
hours on and three hours off for the contact Ian at AtlanticCrossing2021@
majority of the crossing, with four to gmail.com or by phone (07515 574511).
six rowing at any one time. Geoff Bisson and Ken Bird
9
The World of Geology project, as my research team were
all expected to present to a technical
H
aving graduated in Geology audience every 6 months, as well
and Geography in 2010 from as attend national and international
the University of Birmingham, conferences to promote our research.
I took a job with Newcrest Mining as
an exploration geologist at the Telfer Whilst at work as a geologist and
Gold Mine in the Great Sandy Desert, study at CODES, I have visited New
1300 km from Perth. We worked in Zealand, Indonesia, Chile, Peru, USA,
43 degree heat, learnt the finer points China, Iceland, Sweden, and France,
of handling venomous snakes, how to as well as some very remote parts of
extract stricken 4WDs from sand dunes, Australia, all in the name of looking at
evading angry mobs of camels and rocks. Recently, I have been working
evacuating from bush fires in the middle for the American company, Freeport
of the night. Camp was days from the McMoRan, as a Senior Exploration
nearest town. We also conducted heritage Geologist setting up new projects in
surveys with local Aboriginal elders. Australia. I am now an independent
consultant for companies in the
Whilst in WA, I started a part-time minerals industry. I largely work from
Masters course in Economic Geology. home near Kettering, southern
In early 2015, I was offered a PhD Tasmania, along with my partner
scholarship at the Centre for Ore Angela, now a Lecturer in Geology at
Deposits and Earth Sciences (CODES), UTAS, who I met at a copper mine in
University of Tasmania. My thesis Chile. When we are not talking about
involved developing new geochemical rocks, we enjoy exploring Tasmania, on
techniques to detect and discover large, foot, mountain bike, kayak and under
sometimes deeply buried ore bodies. sail. We would
encourage any
During the course of the project, I OQs to look us
completed two multi-month field trips up should they
to Superior, a small mining town in the find themselves
Sonoran Desert of Arizona, collecting in this part of
500-odd samples while dodging cacti, the world.
rattle snakes and Gila Monsters. Back Josh Phillips
in Hobart, the samples were analysed (2003-07)
at CODES. It was quite a high pressure
10The Top XV The Blue Death
T
Mr Mann retired at Christmas. He he Spanish ‘flu of 1918-19 killed
reflected on the 1st XVs he had about 240,000 in Britain. As with
coached since being at Queen’s. He Covid-19, the disease came in
put together what he thinks would waves, with the very young and the elderly
make the best team from all those most at risk. However, during the second
who played in the 1st teams he wave, from September to Christmas 1918,
coached. What do you think of his those in their teens proved to be vulnerable.
selection? At Queen’s, 130 boys (of 190 on the school
roll), three teachers, six maids and the
nurse had the ‘flu in 1918. There are no
reports of any deaths at the school.
Mrs Haslam, wife of the Headmaster, led
the nursing staff and looked after every boy
who was ill during the pandemic. Every
QCRFC 1st XV
morning after breakfast she was in the
15 D. Kassapian (2019)
14 M. Kholer (2006) linen room to see boys who were unwell.
13 S. Teasdale (2006)
12 A. Bishop (2005) The transmission of the ‘flu was caused
11 S. Saunders (2001) by human interaction, specifically the
10 C. Ridout (2005)
9 J. Kholer (2009) movement of large numbers of soldiers to
8 R. Catchpole (2004) and from the theatres of combat in WWI.
7 R. Moat (2003) Contemporaries knew little about the ‘flu
6 B. Rowe (2005)
or how to deal with it. Measures such
5 W. Jones (2003)
4 M. Barnacle (2006) as social distancing and the wearing of
3 J. Sandow (2009) masks were adopted by some but more
2 D. Gooding (CAPTAIN) (2005) by individual discretion than government
1 H. Loudon-Griffiths (2009)
instruction. Queen’s remained open
REPLACEMENTS: throughout the pandemic and activities
A. Pegg (2009), M. Keogan (2019), such as drama and sport, which brought
T. Kite (2004), A. Sutcliffe (2011),
children together, carried on: indeed,
L. Evans (2001), F. Musa (2004),
O. Scaife (2005), A. Hudson (2001) matches against other schools continued
to be played.
TOUCH JUDGE: M. Dean (2003)
Geoff Bisson
11School Life in open, teachers have had to cater for
Lockdown those in the classroom and others who
have had to remain at home.
A
ll schools were closed in March
last year. The only pupils The school COVID risk assessment now
on site, thereafter, were the reads like ‘War and Peace’, such are the
children of parents who were key quantity of regulations that the school
workers, until late June when some has had to comply with. More recently,
pupils were allowed to return to school. we have had to establish mass testing: a
Boarders only came back at the end of requirement for all staff and pupils who
August, ahead of day pupils, to allow a are on the school site. This has been a
period of quarantine before the Autumn huge undertaking by all staff involved,
Term began. Throughout the summer, but reassuring for all concerned.
great efforts were made to ensure that
the school was COVID secure and that
we were working to the latest guideline:;
a constantly moving goalpost!
Pupils were separated into ‘bubbles’
for teaching. For example, Years 7 and
8 were confined to what is usually the Throughout, our pupils have adapted
Sixth Form Centre displacing A Level to changed circumstances despite the
pupils, who were allocated an area of challenges and frustrations entailed.
the main building. Meals in the school Co-curricular activities have continued
and the pavilion dining halls were strictly as much as possible, but the restrictions
regulated. Within the boarding houses, on physical activity have curtailed
each year group was given their own opportunities in sport, the arts and
social space, bathroom and section of outdoor pursuits, as well as simple
the house. social interaction.
About 40 boarders were unable to return I have been overwhelmed by how positive
home at Christmas, so have been on and effective all staff – academic,
site through the lockdown that started pastoral, administrative – have been with
in January. Throughout the periods of our pupils on site and at home.
closure, pupils have been taught online Carla Shearman
and even when the School has been (Head of Boarding)
12New Zealand: A Model large reductions in income. Some
Response businesses suffered badly and failed,
but the outcome has been less severe
than expected.
Jill and I live in Taupo, on the Central
Plateau of North Island, where there
has been only one confirmed case of
Covid-19, which did not require hospital
T
he pandemic here has been treatment. The number of cases,
handled in a decisive and hospitalisations and deaths (25 in total,
effective manner. We have been nationally) has been mercifully low.
very impressed with the empathetic, All positive cases have come across
clear, organised manner in which our the border and were identified in the
Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, and compulsory quarantine hotels. The
her government have handled this quarantine system is still in operation.
terrible pandemic. The head of the Unfortunately, there have been a few
health ministry, Ashley Bloomfield, instances of people escaping (one down
has been particularly impressive. His knotted bed-sheets!) though all were
delivery of information and advice has caught by the police.
been clear, concise and accepted by the
majority of the population. The contact tracing system here
quickly finds people at risk from the
From the initial indications of an few positive cases that appear in the
impending pandemic, the response community and there have been a
has been based on scientific advice. couple of further lockdowns due to
Immediate actions included a strict this, in Auckland in particular. We are
lockdown of businesses and bans on asked to scan QR codes on entering all
gatherings and, a little later, enforced businesses, wear masks on planes and
quarantine of residents returning to buses but, otherwise, we are subject to
the country. Non-residents were not no other restrictions.
allowed entry.
We feel we have been very fortunate to
Financial grants and zero-interest be living in a country that has avoided
loans were provided to organisations the fate of so many other countries.
that were forced to close or predicted David Nicholson (1959-62)
13New Head of and late care alongside an extensive
Junior School range of clubs and activities after
school each day.
Our community has been adept at
problem-solving, and many initiatives
that were introduced since September,
such as virtual Parents’ Evenings and
live-streamed concerts, will remain
I
t has been a whirlwind start for me available when we return to normality.
since joining Queen's in September as
the new Head of Junior School, but The emotional and mental wellbeing
one I have thoroughly enjoyed. No two of our children is at the heart of all we
days in the Junior School are the same. do and the increased contact between
home and school during remote learning
Children and staff have approached has only strengthened this fantastic
the challenges of recent times with link. There is a greater recognition of
enthusiasm and creativity in abundance. the importance of building a core team
These qualities, along with resilience, around each individual child to aid their
collaboration and, most importantly, development and success.
compassion and enjoyment are key
aspects of our Junior School. Throughout, I have been amazed by the
overwhelmingly positive approach our
We have needed to adapt in current children who are an example to us all. I
circumstances. This means bubble am a long-time believer that the strength
systems operate throughout the day of a community is shown during times of
or a comprehensive virtual timetable adversity, and the strength of our Junior
operates, but this has not limited our School has been shown in abundance
normal activities. We have worked hard this year.
to ensure that the quality and continuity
of education of all pupils has been If you would like to know more about
maintained throughout this time. Our the Junior School, please contact
broad and varied curriculum continues Vanessa Monks either by email
with specialist teaching in subjects as (junioradmissions@queenscollege.org.
varied as Art, Drama, Science, PE and uk) or by telephone (01823 278928).
Music. We are still able to offer early Henry Matthews (Head of Junior School)
14Pilgrims in Palestine pilgrimage. We want pilgrims to see
the historical holy places, the ‘ancient
stones’, but also to meet the Christians
who live in the Holy Land today, the
‘Living Stones’. We give our pilgrims
the opportunity to learn about the
people of other faiths, too: Jews and
Muslims who live here. We seek to give
a rounded experience.
Living in Jerusalem is an incredible
privilege and a very enriching
experience. My wife Julie-Ann does
voluntary work with a local centre
for children with disabilities, which
is hugely fulfilling. Jerusalem is
I
t is a pleasure to re-connect with a vibrant, diverse, fascinating and
Queen’s College after many years. beautiful city. But it is also complex.
I was a boarder at Queen’s, did my What many people do not realise is
A Levels at Plymouth College and from that, in international law, Jerusalem is
there went to Birmingham University to still a divided city because, since 1967,
study Theology. At that point I had no Israel has occupied East Jerusalem.
intention of being ordained for ministry We live in East Jerusalem which is
in the church and it was many years predominantly Palestinian and so,
later, in 2002, when eventually I became Arabic is spoken in our locality rather
a priest in the Church of England. more than Hebrew. Thankfully, most
After 17 years in parish ministry in people speak some English too, so,
London, I was then given an incredible one way or another, we get by.
opportunity to serve in Jerusalem as the
Dean of St George’s College. I remain grateful for my time at
Queen’s. Although it was many years
The College is a centre for ago, memories remain firmly fixed in
pilgrimage, hospitality, education and my mind and I have held on to some
reconciliation. We run courses for very important friendships.
pilgrims to the Holy Land, seeking to The Very Revd Canon Richard Sewell
give people a profound experience of (1972-79)
15Teaching Abroad What a trip it has been! I have stood
at the front of a lecture hall facing 300
expectant first-year students and above
the clouds at the top of a mountain in
south-east China. I have travelled down
the Yangtse, along the Mekong and up
the Yellow River and the Tiber, along
the Arno and the Po. I have climbed the
I
didn’t imagine when I left Queen’s Leaning Tower and walked the Great
that 20 years down the line, this Wall. I have eaten everything from
son of Somerset would be mixing it, jellyfish to sparrows.
multi-culturally, in a massive complex
environment like Beijing. It never
crossed my mind either I would have
spent the previous ten years as an
English language lecturer in an Italian
university. I followed my instincts and I
was led to some amazing experiences.
Ultimately, being abroad for the past 15
years in two diverse, foreign contexts
has taught me resilience. Dealing
with the baffling bureaucracy in Italy,
or conversely the hyper-efficient, yet
equally mystifying, equivalent version
in China; finally, most importantly,
accepting the role of outsider, no matter
how much of the language I learnt or
customs I emulated.
A type of mental toughness that would
have served me well as an Upper Fifth
schoolboy in the First XI nets. Or on a
freezing, snowbound Dartmoor on a
16Gold expedition. Or on stage in front enforced homecoming and a re-
of a packed house during a school evaluation of my priorities.
production of A Midsummer Night’s
Dream, wearing a costume that would However, now, I have an exciting and
not behave itself. totally unexpected challenge – to work as
a teacher in the very place I left in 1995. I
It’s a quality that has been very hope that everything I have learnt can be
necessary over the past twelve months put into practice and I can face this new
as I have watched, powerless, the opportunity with the same strong resolve
independent life I had created for – but no jellyfish for lunch please!
myself abroad exchanged for an Sam Tarr (1988-95)
Channon House 1989
This photo was sent to me by Trevor Knott (1988-90). He is 3rd row back, 4th
from the right. He can identify 18 others Can you name as many, or more?
Trevor has been married to Lisa for 19 years. They have two daughters, Emily
(15), and Talia (10). Trevor works as an IT consultant for Netcompany who are
based in Farringdon (London). The work takes him all over the country and he
is currently helping the MOD deliver a project in Corsham.
17Obituaries Everyone at Queen’s sends their sincere
condolences to Peter’s wife Sue, son
Richard and daughter Katherine.
OQs who were in Junior School when
Peter was their Headmaster are
invited to let Geoff Bisson know of
their recollections of Peter and life
in the Junior School under his care.
A range of comments might then be
collated for the benefit of the family.
Ken Bird
Mohammad Meherali (1971-1976)
passed away on 2 February this
year. After living in several countries
We are deeply saddened to report including the USA, Thailand and
that Peter Lee-Smith, Headmaster Australia, he finally settled in
of our Junior School between 1986 Papua New Guinea (PNG) where
and 2001, passed away in February. he owned several highly successful
He was 72. Peter was very young businesses. One of the major
for his years and full of kindness accomplishments of his life was
and energy – a lovely, hard-working creating the Laila Foundation which
and thoroughly decent man and an treats people, free of cost, for issues
example to us all. related to eyesight. He also helped
establish the Pacific International
Peter’s daughter, Katherine Hospital which continues to provide
Ethersee, added: “He was a lovely health care for the poor in PNG at
human being who really took time a nominal cost. He leaves behind
to get to know his pupils, knowing his wife, Dr Amina, his son, Ali, and
everyone by name. Dad was the daughter, Laila. He was a mentor
reason parents chose to send their and personal friend to many around
children to Queen's. He tried to the world.
ensure he upheld the old school Amin Dossa
values with a modern edge and will (1974-79)
be sorely missed by many.”
18Obituary given out as fatigues. His playing days
ended as a result of a serious leg injury
David John whilst playing for the School at Hardy’s,
Charles Dorchester. The pinnacle of DB’s
Bowles musical career was featuring on the
(1948-53) front cover of Sidney Lawton’s musical
died aged arrangement for clarinet.
85, on 5
November From his early 20’s he joined a number
2020. David of clubs including Round Table and
loved his days at Queen’s. There are Parkstone Golf Club. A popular
copies of the ‘School Mag’ in his home ‘chap’, he had many friends, some of
going back several decades, water them made at Queen’s. One of those
colours of the School, scarves, ties, lifelong mates was OQ Richard Moore
his clarinet, cricket jumper and other (Titch). Apparently, the two boys often
cricket essentials! misbehaved in the back row, particularly
in Latin lessons!
After Queen’s, DB did an apprenticeship
at Morris Commercial in Birmingham The many condolence letters testify
and articles at Bickers accountants that David was regarded as a ‘true
in Bournemouth, before going into gentleman’, a quality, I am sure,
the family motor business. He ran nurtured during his time at his beloved
a successful Volvo, Alfa Romeo and Queen’s. He was a popular and fair
Maserati dealership, Auto Service man liked by his employees, friends
Garage. Cars and ASG were his life. He and acquaintances.
and his wife, Jill, went motor-racing
in the UK and continental Europe. As When DB purchased the limited-edition
a child, many cold weekends were silver wyvern, he requested number
spent at Silverstone watching them 24, as his school number was 24.
whizz round the track or motor cycle This number had been remembered
endurance trials as they careered up throughout his life even as a cherished
and down muddy hills. number plate! We thought it appropriate
to say ‘au revoir’ to my darling Daddy
The only mud my father enjoyed at and Jill’s loving husband, David, in the
Queen’s was on the rugger pitch – churchyard at Branksome Park on 24
certainly not the cross country runs November 2020. Jane Bowles
19The Lodge and the
School
Q
ueen’s College Taunton Lodge
(QCTL) was consecrated on 8
July 1950, supported by many
OQs who were existing masons, many of
whom shared experiences in WWII and QCT Lodge, and the Chairman, Jack
also a love of rugby. For nearly 50 years, Tigg, who was also a Freemason, retiring
our home was at Queen’s but in 2004 we together in 1974. In recent times, David
relocated to the Taunton Masonic Hall, Simpson and Major-General Michael
owned by Freemasons since 1878. As Shellard were members of the Lodge
the brass plaque illustrates, ownership whilst serving as governors of the
of the building was reordered in 1909 school. Lord Chief Justice, Lord Widgery,
with the establishment of a trust. One probably the most eminent of OQs, was
of the trustees, AS Haslam, had been a member of the Lodge until his death.
Headmaster of Queen’s for 10 years by During this period, some prominent
that date. He became a Freemason in former teachers joined the Lodge,
1902, taking an active role, becoming notably the school Chaplain, Revd. Rod
Master in 1912. Foster and H J ‘Dapper’ Channon.
Seven years later, the house adjoining The Lodge has supported the school
the Masonic Hall, No 20 The Crescent, financially in various ways. Currently,
was acquired. Co-incidentally, this the Lodge aims to help the Junior
building was rented by the school in School with a contribution towards
1845 for two years to accommodate improved facilities there. Previously,
boarders for whom there was they contributed to the Marakissa
insufficient space in Castle House Project and the protective cover to the
where the school was then based. Sports Hall floor was provided by the
Lodge. Occasionally, we have made
CL Wiseman, who succeeded Haslam a contribution to funds raised by the
in 1926, was supported by the Chairman school in support of particular charities.
of Governors, Sir Arthur Reed, an Every year the Lodge provides a prize to
active Freemason, both retiring in 1953. a boy and a girl at Queen’s in recognition
A similar alliance was forged by SJ of their service in the community.
Haynes, Headmaster, who joined the Richard Baker (1955-65)
20Senior Hockey every year, mostly in Europe and, each
year, the club is invited to attend either
A
surprising number of men and the World Cup or European Cup in the
women play hockey in the age Tournament Trophy (TT) section (Tier 2)
range from 60 to 80+. I play in
the London Hockey league for over 60s Recently, I played for the club against
but there are many clubs all over the Wales 70s and after an intense
country with vets or masters teams. The game we managed a narrow victory.
West Country is particularly strong. In June last year, I was in Antwerp
There is also an annual tournament representing the club in the European
where the five English regions compete Cup (TT) and we won the gold medal,
for medals at age levels 50 – 75 (five year defeating Australia (guesting as
intervals). I play for East 70s. Ladies Europeans) in the final (see photo).
hockey is also played at all age groups
and organised in a similar way.
The club which I most enjoy playing
for is the LX Hockey Club England (see
http://www.lxhockey.org.uk/). This is
not “walking” hockey. It is extremely
competitive, played at a fast pace
(relatively). Many players in the club If you ever played hockey and gave
have played international and Olympic it up, I encourage you to think about
hockey so the standard is high. There playing again.
are several international tournaments David Holgate (1958-65)
An Influential Teacher Taunton, came to mind. So, I have asked
the following to be included in the book:
"Horse Drawn Brake to Hyde Park - The
Complete History of Taunton Rugby “In memory of Brian H Moore my PE
Football Club" is soon to be published. teacher at Queen’s College Taunton
I played for the club while still at school and former player at the Club,
and for several years afterwards. Former who introduced me to rugby and a
Taunton players were invited to include lifetime of pleasure and friendships.
a dedication in the book. Memories of Jim Wiltshire.”
Brian Moore, who played on the wing for Jim Wiltshire (1955-65)
21News of OQs says, ‘I remember you projecting a
diagram of three roads on an overhead
projector to explain the event. At the
time, I found it fascinating, so I decided
to visit the location’. On the road behind
Sridhar is a green X marking the spot
where Kennedy was shot. I am very
envious of Sridhar for having visited this
infamous but fascinating location.
Lusy Koror (née Bernard ) (1996-
1999) is happily settled teaching Art in
Penang, Malaysia, with her husband
Watson and daughter Kumari. She also
runs a community art collective called
Little Art House making Art accessible
to all, even in the pandemic. She is also
a freelance writer and a comedienne.
Lusy says Malaysia has fared quite
well during the pandemic despite a One day during the first lockdown,
complete government overhaul just Ed Davies (1997-2007) knocked on
days before the first lockdown. Infection my door. Unaware of whose house
numbers are low, which maybe a result he had called on, he was surprised
of the early lockdown and strict border to see me. He had a tray of finely cut
control, though recently, the situation and well-presented meats with him
has slipped a little. which he was vending, hoping to gain
customers at a time when access to the
Sridhar Sarnobat (1996-2001) was shops, including his own, was difficult.
in Dallas recently and, when there, He and his colleagues run a butchery
thought it sensible to visit sites of business called ‘The Meat Men’ and
interest. He hoped the tourist office I would recommend their products
would be able to advise him but it was heartily. Taking the initiative to actively
closed. However, he recalled a History seek customers showed commendable
lesson I had given to a Year 9 class in enterprise. They can be contacted by
the academic year of 1996-7 on the email (themeatmen@hotmail.com) or
assassination of John F Kennedy. He phone (07855 341004).
22Katie Cross (2003-15) he never knew his father. To provide
Katie began some male guidance his mother
her estate decided to send Alan to Queen’s. He
agency career disliked boarding largely because of
with a large the brutality of the prefects, though
corporate he enjoyed rugby and was proud to
firm in have represented the School. He also
Taunton. remembers some teachers fondly;
Now, after a Mr Ostime, Mr Moore, Mr Lawrence,
successful Mr Haynes, Mr Hyde the Maths
spell selling high-end properties in teacher. Although he was not much
the competitive London market, she good at the subject, he subsequently
has returned to her hometown to became a tax collector. In retirement,
work as residential sales manager he lives on a farm in Camborne.
in the Taunton office of Greenslade
Taylor Hunt in Hammet Street. Michael Collier (1975-82) is Senior
Project Management Consultant at
She is responsible for the day-to- Harper & Edwards Ltd. Blake Ellis
day running of the GTH Taunton (1993-2005) has been with Cooper
residential office, second hand and Associates Wealth Management for
new homes valuations, viewings, six years. Max Newton (2010-12) for
negotiating offers and seeing sales starting a new position last year at
through to a satisfactory completion. Pick Everard as a Chartered Building
Katie’s main focus is to deliver the Surveyor. Duncan Abell (1977-86)
best level of customer service and to became Vice-President, Strategy and
exceed clients’ expectations. Innovation at Global Eagle in 2020. The
following started new positions last
Following the recorded year: Henry Roberts (1997-2011) as
Remembrance Service last a solicitor at Ashfords LLP, Charlotte
November, Alan Coates, (1954-60) Biss (1993-2007) as Executive
contacted the School to say how Assistant and Office Manager at Hubb
much he enjoyed it. In the course of Property Group and Lauren Theobald
our conversation, he explained that (2008-14) as Cyber Claims Manager/
his father had been shot down in the Senior Claims Adjuster at Pen
Bay of Biscay in 1942. At the time, his Underwriting UK.
mother was pregnant with Alan so Geoff Bisson and Ken Bird
23Zoom Meetings Queen’s Day
During the pandemic an increasing All being well lockdown restrictions will
number of people have been end on 22 June. It is hoped that it will
meeting on line either for work be possible for OQs, parents and pupils
or social reasons. By this means to come together on a day, yet to be
OQs could engage with each decided, before the end of term. Queen’s
other. Indeed, earlier this year Day would run from mid-morning
Akbar Dhala (1975-77) set up to the evening with light meals and
a Zoom meeting for some of his refreshments available at suitable times
contemporaries. I was able to help in the day. A programme will be designed
him with email details of those he to offer a range of activities and events
hoped to contact. I would be happy – cultural, social and sporting – which
to help other OQs who would like to will, hopefully, appeal to all. Also, Sibly
explore this option. Society members will be invited to attend
their annual lunch. This is provisional
Emails only at this stage. Further details will be
I am grateful to those who announced in due course.
responded to my plea in the last
newsletter to be updated with their
email addresses. I would urge other Blast From the Past
OQs for whom I do not have an email Left to right; Deryck Collingwood (1961-68),
address to do the same. Dave Otway (1963-67), Chris Hirst (1960-68),
Steve James (1961-68) and John Bavin (1963-67)
Stories performing in the Covers in 1966. The initials on
All OQs will have a story to tell the banner stands for Under Privileged. [Photo
either about their life they have courtesy of Saleem D’Aronville (1960-68)].
led or an experience they recall
perhaps whilst at school or at
some point afterwards. If you’d like
to share it in the newsletter please
write to me.
Geoff Bisson
OQA Secretary
Alumni Matters
01823 330852
24 gb@queenscollege.org.ukYou can also read
