FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE ROSSALLIAN CLUB

This beautiful Christmas Card design was created by Year 12 student, Kate
                          Rattray (Rose House).

WISHING YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM
                     THE ROSSALLIAN CLUB.
                      FLOREAT ROSSALLIA!

PLEASE NOTE, DUE TO THE LENGTH OF THIS NEWSLETTER YOU MAY NEED
  TO CLICK THE "VIEW ENTIRE MESSAGE" LINK WHEN YOU REACH THE
                      BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

                FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE
                    ROSSALLIAN CLUB

Hello fellow Rossllians and welcome to our Christmas Newsletter.

Well, where does one start – at the time of the last newsletter to the leavers I
had no idea that we would be entering into another lockdown. We were
heading into summer with the hope of some relaxing of the socialising rules
and that our late summer BBQ would be an opportunity to bring some of us
together.

Naturally, all club events have been put on hold for the foreseeable future
which makes writing about events attended, etc impossible. Don’t forget, even
though Club and School events are on hold you can still keep in touch with
Rossallians, all over the world, by signing up to ‘Rossallians Online’ via the
School website at rossallians.org.uk. My daughter tells me that if you are a
Facebook user you can also join the OR Networking Group. Please take time
to check this out if you haven’t already done so; at the time of writing, there
are 866 members from all over the world, all sharing their experiences and
offering support in various areas of expertise.

It was fantastic to hear, during the early summer, that despite the School
being on lockdown, pupils scored well in their GCSE and A Level exams, and
had clearly learned how to be proficient working ‘online’.

The School opened fully after the summer holidays and has done a sterling job
in carrying on as ‘normal’ under very difficult working conditions and
continues to flourish in all aspects of school life.

I hope the next time I write an introduction to the newsletter, the world will
have become a more pleasant place for all of us to live and work.

In the meantime, please take care and Floreat Rossallia!

Roger Eaves
JS & F 1958-67

                   FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE
                       ROSSALLIAN CLUB

When our Easter message went out I fully expected that by now we would
have had the “big” party and we would be enjoying the OR Christmas Carol
Service. Only the worst pessimists were contemplating that we might still be
bogged down by this wretched virus. Sadly they were right.

So no reports of regional lunches or dinners, nor notice of ones to come! But
we are optimistic ( we need to try!) that we will be holding an OR Weekend at
Rossall in September 2021.

And pleasingly, the OR Cricket Tour went ahead; nothing as frivolous as a
global pandemic could stop that determined bunch; I’m sure social distancing
was observed, (the social bit at least!), and the Autumn Golf meeting,
organised by Arthur Stephenson, was a great success. Reports of both events
included below.

I am also very pleased with the number of ORs trying to regain contact with
their long lost contemporaries. Not always with success, I have to say; if
anyone knows the whereabouts of Charlie Owen Mitre (M 1964-68), Tim
would be very pleased to know. Although we didn’t succeed in finding Charlie,
it was very interesting how many other names came out of the woodwork as
we tried, and reconnections made. If there is anyone you would like to get in
touch with, please let me know.

One significant development in the last 6 months has been the creation of an
Old Rossallian online networking group. This is absolutely the kind of activity
the Rossallian Club should be involved with and I am very grateful to Tony
Carter (Pe 1972-77) for his efforts and taking the initiative. So far over 800
Rossallians have logged in. More details are available elsewhere in this
missive.

The very good news is that Rossall has come through the pandemic in
remarkably good shape, thanks in no uncertain terms to the initiative and

effort of Jeremy Quartermain and his team. They are to be congratulated! As
a parent, I can vouch for the quality of education they have managed to
maintain. My daughter Ellie has been taking part in online lessons dressed for
her 8.00am lesson in school shirt and jumper and pyjama bottoms, whilst her
pal in China is dressed similarly because she is about to go to bed! The level
and quality of information out of School have been first class, clear and
understandable; efficient and appropriate social distancing is exercised,
efficient track and tracing is in place, as is testing, everything in fact that we
would like to see from Boris!

If you would like to keep a track of events at Rossall I would strongly
recommend subscribing to the “Rossall School News”, a weekly newsletter
from the school, the link to do so is below.

Hopefully, by the next time we send out a Newsletter, we will have regained
some degree of normality.

In the meantime, please stay safe and well and have as good a Festive Season
as you can.

Floreat Rossallia!

Ian Preston
J & Pe 1966-72

                       FROM THE HEADMASTER

Dear Rossallians,

This has been a quite extraordinary year, but adversity has only served to
strengthen our wonderful school community. The unprecedented challenges
that we have faced will impact upon the school long after we merge from this
dreadful global crisis. The period of renewal and transformation which
occurred during the academic year 2018/19 meant that we were
exceptionally well placed to flourish during a period when many schools
faltered. Thus far, we have delivered over 30,000 online lessons and our

blended offering ensures that children can access teaching and learning
regardless of where they are positioned in the world. The wonders of digital
technology and a brilliantly talented body of teaching staff has enabled us to
achieve what would have been impossible just a few years ago.

The sensational uplift in pupils’ results is almost without precedence within
the independent sector. Almost 50% of A level grades this summer resulted in
an A/A* and our IBDP average is now an impressive 34 points. Over 60% of
our students now progress to Russell Group or Top20 universities within the
UK. Many more have progressed to prestigious institutions around the world
in places such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, Paris and Milan. Four students have
received full sports scholarships to the US and pupils are subjects as diverse
as law, medicine, economics and engineering in places such as Durham,
Exeter, St Andrews and Oxford. We can now lay claim to being one of the top
performing independent schools in the North West and our culturally aspirant
Sixth Form community is in no small part due to the dynamic leadership of
Stephen Prest. The transformation of the teaching and learning has been
overseen by Dina Porovic who will become Senior Deputy Head from 1st
January. These outstanding results serve as a vindication of the approach
that we have adopted over the last couple of years. We have not become
more selective but we have focused upon helping all children to achieve their
true potential.

Much of this year was consumed with addressing the issues raised by COVID-
19. We founded the Safe Schools UK movement and launched our own
bespoke Rossall School Diploma for Year 11 and 13 pupils. This has proved to
be a tremendous success and our online examinations were invigilated across
10 time zones and in 42 different countries. Such a feat is only possible
because our teaching staff are committed to giving above and beyond what
one might reasonably expect. The creative aspect of School life has
continued apace and our online lunchtime concerns, Carol services and
Christmas production have all helped us to connect with Rossallians both far
and near. Our football programme has really taken off and we are delighted to
be introducing a Girls’ elite programme for September 2021.

Operating remotely as a school is only ever a poor second best. Teaching and
learning did continue but our children love coming to school to participate in
sports activities, outward bound adventures, alongside music and drama.
Above all else, we are a community and we love spending time together. We
did all return in September and, despite initial reservations, we coped with face
masks, thermal imaging, social distancing, year group bubbles and tier 3
restrictions. We have not had to isolate year group bubbles at home and nine
months into this crisis we believe that the steps that we have taken to
minimise risk have been effective.

We are not out of the woods yet but there is light at the end of the tunnel and
we are living our lives with a real sense of hope. Above all else, I am acutely
aware of the fact that this is a year when Old Rossallians have not been able
to visit us and join us in celebrating our extraordinary success. However, I
hope that all within our community feel encouraged by the fact that the
School is thriving and we look forward to welcoming everyone back as soon
as we are permitted. We feel your absence keenly and a school community is
more than just its current teachers, parents and pupils. You are part of this

place and we understand that for many Rossall constitutes a home from
home. At our Remembrance Day service in November, we remembered all that
past generations of Rossallians sacrificed during the devastating conflicts of
the twentieth century. There has never been a time when we have felt more
inspired by past Rossallians and this has helped us enormously.

Our thoughts are with all Rossallians as the year draws to a close. In
particular, we think of those who are feeling isolated. Please do know that you
are in our thoughts and that physical distance will never diminish the love that
this community has for all of its wonderful members.

Floreat Rossallia!

Jeremy Quartermain
Headmaster of Rossall School

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                       ROSSALL NETWORKING

OR Facebook Page
Who thinks that we should make more of our old school connections? After all
life is more about who you know than what you know. You can always hire
smart people!

The OR page has been set up for a couple of reasons, to keep in touch and to
help each other in life. Whether that is helping somebody find a job, helping
with business questions and problems, or just passing work to each other. It
may even help people who are going through difficult personal situations and
just want a sounding board.

So if you want to organise an online social or attend an online Networking
meeting this is a page that is worth using.

I would love to chat with more Old Rossallians and find out what they are up
to. Also to confirm that the best time to have been at Rossall was when you
were there. We all know it was the time that I was lucky enough to be there!!

Business Networking
The new Facebook group gives us all a great opportunity to find people who
can help us in Business, either as a supplier or as a customer.

We run an OR Business Networking Meeting on the First Tuesday of every
month on Zoom at 8:00 am. We have made several good introductions and
business has been passed within the group.

Why not come along and get access to a whole new group of contacts that
other ORs know.

It’s not about the people in the room it’s who do they know that they can
introduce you to.

Social
Let's not forget what great friends we made when we were at Rossall.
Why not use the Facebook group to set up an evening social and get to know
those people you used to know but have lost touch with. Use the group to
reconnect to old friends or make new ones.

If you need a zoom account to do this we can arrange everything.

The Official Rossallian Club Facebook page can be found here:
https://www.facebook.com/Official-Rossallian-Club-page-118980525853/

Please click here to join the Old Rossallian Networking page on Facebook

The Rossall Alumni Facebook page can be located here:
https://www.facebook.com/Rossallians

Many thanks,

Tony Carter.
Pe 1972-77.

                  OLD ROSSALLIAN FESTIVAL OF
                   NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS

As we were unable to host the Old Rossallian Festival of Nine Lessons and
  Carols in the Chapel this year we have created an online service for you to
                  watch from the comfort of your own home.
 Thank you to Rossall's Director of Music, Adam Dobson, OR Gillian King and
 OR Lauren Stephens for all their hard work in organising and delivering this
    beautiful service; and thanks also go to all our friends who took part.
              (Please click on the above image to view the video)

             OLD ROSSALLIAN CRICKET TOUR 2020

As you can imagine, there was significant disruption to this Summers tour
with two of our three fixtures cancelled due to Covid-19.

It would have been easy to call it a day and cancel the remaining game but it
was a testament to the OR resilience that we went ahead.

A hastily, last-minute T20 was arranged against Hawkley CC in Hampshire. If
there was a competition for the best cricket grounds in the UK, this would
rank very highly. The cricket on a beautiful August evening was also of high
quality.

Hawkley elected to bat and scored an impressive 154 for 7 in their allotted 20
overs. The wickets were spread evenly with notable performances from Luke
Williams and Harry Talbot.

The opposition bowling was very tight and the wicket quite slow so chasing
down such a good score was not easy. Luke Williams scored an excellent 60
and was supported well by John Morrison and Cameron Ronson but in a last
over chase, we fell just short.

The hospitality extended to us by Hawkley CC was exceptional, so much so
that we have agreed to add this fixture to our calendar in 2021.

The Old Amplefordians somehow managed to run their whole cricket week so
when we arrived at Worth School on Wednesday 5th August, they had already
played four fixtures and this showed in their bowling display.

This was the 70th consecutive fixture for the ORs v the OAs, as their cricket
week began in 1951 and we opted for a 40-over-a-side game.

We were dreadful and sadly bowled out for a paltry 74. Again, it was a lovely
day, but a very difficult wicket as so many have not been used and prepared
late. The OA’s lost 4 wickets very quickly, and we sniffed a chance, but a bit of
luck and a solid 5th wicket partnership saw the opposition home.

This was a truncated two-day tour so I express my thanks to all those who
travelled many miles to make sure it was not cancelled.

Players: Jonty Arundel, Christo Arundel, Matt Dryden, Henry Faj
(Fajemirokun), Ben Griffiths, Jack Morrison, Cameron Ronson, Harry Talbot,
Luke Williams.

Jonty Arundel
J & A 1972-79

                             A VIRTUAL VISIT

While current restrictions limit (the always welcome) visits of ORs to campus,
why not join us on a virtual tour of Rossall. While not the same, it is a pleasant
reminder of all that we love about our School and our community.

                     ROSSALLIAN GOLF SOCIETY

They say the sun shines on the righteous, and though I have never noticed a
halo of righteousness around a gathering of Old Rossallians before, there
must have been one around this particular bunch, for after a dark, cold
Sunday in London, Monday dawned bright and warm, and we were blessed
with a perfect late summer’s day for our Autumn Meeting at Royal Wimbledon
Golf Club.

The course is set in magnificent wooded countryside, on the edge of

Wimbledon Common, and it is hard to believe that this is all within a few miles
of the centre of London. And so, from 8.30am, 18 loyal Rossallians assembled
here to compete for the Boyle Trophy, a beautiful silver cup, originally
presented by Col Boyle to the Yorkshire OR branch in 1906, to be played for
annually at Ilkley Golf Club, but now kindly on loan to us for our competition.
About half our number came from in or around London, with the rest coming
from far and wide, and I am most grateful to everyone for their support, but
especially to those who drove hundreds of miles to be with us.

Of course, there must be many more London-based Rossallian golfers, and
we would love them to join us for these happy occasions, where the golf, the
courses we visit, and the company are always delightful. They can be sure of
the warmest of welcomes!

The first 3 ball off the blocks started proceedings at 9.30am, though the late
withdrawal of Mike Ewart, our resident anaesthetist, injured the previous day,
playing at Denham, meant a switch in the batting order, the top of which was
packed with four of our current, powerful Halford Hewitt team. Two of them,
Jeremy Smith and Robert Fox led the field away as a 2 ball, followed by Noel
Muscutt and Christian Butler, another two HH stalwarts, who were partnered
with Steve James, our local RWGC member, tasked with showing the top
order the way round the course, which no one had played before. Some might
say, unkindly, that he was promoted above his station - his 28 handicap being
four times greater than the combined handicap of his partners! But despite
being restricted by a new, recently installed bionic right knee, and being
regularly out driven by 100yds, he stuck to his task manfully, and really came
into his own splendidly, once back in the Clubhouse, performing the role as
our host.

With our final 3 ball of your Hon Sec, Anne James, wife of Steve, and Nicky
Ewart starting out at 10.05 am, our entire party was back in the Clubhouse
soon after 1.00pm, enjoying copious supplies of wine, which was drunk
outside in the warm sunshine, followed by an excellent lunch. We had all
enjoyed a delightful round, and cruised smoothly round the course without
any hold ups, pausing only at the Halfway House, positioned cleverly adjacent
to the 1st, 5th, and 15th greens, to enjoy a drink and a delicious sausage bap,
laid on for us.

We were very lucky to have been able to play this magnificent course in the
most perfect conditions. It is a delight to the eye, and the greens, with their
surrounds, were the best most of us have ever seen. In the Clubhouse the
staff looked after us beautifully, and I am most grateful to them and to Steve
James, our host and member here, for arranging such a special day for us. He
will though be relieved of his role of Wine Monitor before our next meeting in
Cheshire, in the hope that we might get a little nearer to breaking even on the
day!

The results were as follows:

Col Boyle’s Trophy was won by Robert Fox with 36pts, which off 3 h’cap was
a fine score, when playing the course for the first time.

2nd Prize was won by Simon Flunder, making his first appearance in Society

colours, with 31pts off 20 h’cap.

3rd Prize was won by Jeremy Smith with 27 pts off 5 h’cap.

The Ladies Prize was won again by Nicky Ewart, standing in for injured
husband Mike, also with 27pts off 10 h’cap. She is a fine player, never missed
a fairway, and would have scored 10 more points, had she not spent her
entire morning looking for my ball, which was, alas, seldom on the fairway.

With all the Coronavirus trouble surrounding this meeting, perhaps we were
lucky to get away with it - but for chancing our arm - we deserved to!

Next year’s Spring Meeting will be at Delamere Forest GC on Wednesday
05/05/2021. We should have gone there for our Spring Meeting this year, but
fell foul of the pandemic - so fingers crossed. This is another fine course in the
lovely Cheshire countryside, so please put this date in your diaries now. I am
hoping to arrange next year’s Autumn Meeting at Ganton in North Yorks - a
brilliant course, needing no introduction, and not to be missed.

Arthur Stephenson
Hon Sec: Rossallian Golf Society, MC 1954-61

From L/R. Steve James, Jeremy Smith, Adrian Barr- Smith, Judith
Stephenson, Arthur Stephenson, Anne James (wife of Steve), Anne James
(wife of David), Christian Butler, Nicky Ewart, Noel Muscutt, Robert Fox, David
James, Martin Craven, Jonty Arundel, Peter Millard, James Tullo, Charlie
Hurst, Simon Flunder.

                FOUNDATION FACTS AND FIGURES

ADSUM

Not the response today I am sure at roll calls, but in times gone by, and is that
not what we are about, that was the relevant response!! Perhaps more
accurately it should have been “hie ego sum”, but put that titbit down to
Google Translate and not the efforts of Tim Roper and Peter Bennet!!

But we would like to know that you are “here” and furthermore, what have you
done in life and still doing. Join Rossallians Online, the Old Rossallian
Networking group, or reach out to Ian Preston or Henry Shepherd, for future
newsletters, to let us know more. Remember to include an email address so
that anyone who would like to know a bit more can get in touch.

LOCAL HEROES

The history of Rossall is scattered with iconic characters who have made
impressions on our lives. Mine (Ian), in particular, was John “Giddy“ Gill who in
my book was an absolute legend. John will be our featured “icon” in the next
edition, so any stories you might like to relate, please send them in. The
following, from David Sisson, is just a sample.

If you have your own “Icon”, to be introduced in the next edition, please let us
know, together with your own personal recollection.

                                      -------

“It was a clear, crisp Sunday morning early in March in 1962. John Gill (JG)
had arranged to lead a party of cadets from the school’s RN section on a
sailing expedition up the River Wyre at Skippool Creek. The plan was pretty
straightforward. We would launch the RN 14’ clinker-built, gaff-rigged
dinghies onto the River Wyre on the incoming tide, pass under the Shard
Bridge (at that time a toll bridge) and at some point, well inland, have our
lunch and then drift back down on the ebbing tide.

As with many of John Gill’s proposals, things went wrong at an early stage.
 There was a delay in picking up our sandwich lunch from the dining room and
a further delay in getting all eight enthusiastic boys down to the river. Aside
from the JG, the group comprised myself, Peter Hall, Jimmy Gwyther, John
Milne, and four more whose names are lost in the mists of time.

We eventually got the boats into the river, perhaps some 1½ hours after the
intended departure time. In those days Skippool Creek had a very rustic feel
about it; there were no pontoons, no gleaming yachts just a small sailing club
with its launching ramp and some crude wooden hulks in a creek. Equally,
those of us on board were fairly crudely clad, and although this was under the
auspice of the RN section, lifejackets, wet weather gear, and appropriate
clothing were in fairly short supply. Health and Safety and risk assessment
had not spread its suffocating hand onto such activities. At this time of year,
the sailing club had no safety boat out.

And so we set forth. The tide carried us swiftly towards the Shard Bridge. As
we approached the bridge doubts crept into the minds of those of us on
board. John Milne recalls that we were to drop anchors lower masts and then
proceed. But the anchors did not take in the brisk tidal flow. John Milne's
boat’s anchor didn't drag as fast as JG’s boat and seeing what was going on
he manoeuvred his boat so that it hit one of the bridge uprights enabling the
crew to jump onto the bridge structure. That boat capsized and quickly filled
with water thus jamming itself against the bridge before being dragged
underwater by the strong tide. Fortunately, the crew didn't get caught up in
the rigging which would have dragged them under to certain death, and
managed to climb up onto the bridge without getting wet!

John Gill on his boat attempted to shoot the bridge. As one on board, I
remember clearly watching the mast bump along the underside of the bridge
until, at the very last moment, it tipped us over and we capsized. The shock of
the icy waters dulled the brain, it was punishingly cold. But after some 50 to

70 yards upstream of the bridge, either the anchor, which had been loose in
the forepeak, or the mast itself, caught and our boat stopped upside down
with no way of righting it. In line with procedures, John Gill said we must all
stay with the boat. There was a good tide running and the option of
swimming to either shore was not feasible.

In due course, a fire engine appeared on the bridge and the blue flashing lights
of a police car. They had, however, no means of reaching our boat nor it
seemed any plan of how that might be achieved. Slowly the cold bit deeper
and deeper into those of us at the boat. There was no plan of how our
problem might be resolved.

Then, in a sense, a miracle occurred. A small dinghy emerged from under the
centre arch of the bridge and made its slow way towards us. Then, helping us
onto his dinghy, our saviour ferried us to the shore. We were all frozen to the
core and my own recollection is that after some 25 minutes in the icy waters, I
had stopped shivering and the first indicators of hypothermia had truly set in.
 As instructed by JG we ran the mile back to the clubhouse followed
immediately by hot baths at the neighbouring hotel. Again, rather contrary to
current advice on handling hypothermic cases!

The story behind our rescuer is equally astonishing. Next to the Shard Bridge
on the downstream side, a man had been carrying his roast joint through for
Sunday lunch. As he passed the window from the kitchen to his dining room,
he saw our boats approaching the bridge. The man was well versed about
 states of the tide, and weather conditions for the River Wyre. He set down the
roast and watched first one boat hit an upright and then the other as it tried
to pass underneath and was able to observe that we were in serious difficulty.
 He then went to his garage, got his trusted Seagull outboard engine down
from the garage loft, wheeled out his dinghy, filled the outboard with petrol,
and came to our rescue. A truly remarkable twist of fate that he should pass
the window and observe our boats. It is highly likely that without him
appearing, hypothermia would have set in and lives would have been lost.”

David Sisson, M 1958-63

The yacht “Plough Boy” under full sail at Skippool. Does anyone recognise the
characters on board?

Plough Boy was a Morecambe Bay Prawner built in 1901 and virtually
completely rebuilt in the early 1960s in the School workshop by John and Ted
Barber, the School woodwork /geography master and I am sure a willing
bunch of boys. Were you possibly one of those boys?

She is still fully operational and berthed in Conway, although she did come
back briefly to Skippool 5 or 6 years ago.

I have spoken to one of her recent owners who said that wherever they went
someone would come up to them and recall how they had sailed on her as a
child at school!

(Thought, can Plough Boy be a she?)

                  FROM THE CHAIR OF COUNCIL

Roger and Ian invited me to contribute a few words to this edition of the Old
Rossallian Newsletter on behalf of Council. This is opportune because we
have just had our first full Council meeting since November 2019 using ZOOM,
with the March and July Council meetings being cancelled due to lockdown.

As soon as lockdown commenced on 23rd March, we formed a subcommittee
of Council that ‘zoomed’ into the Executive meeting every Monday morning
from the end of March to the end of July. This meant that we were able to
react quickly as a team to the ever-changing circumstances the pandemic,
and government were throwing at us.

Rossallians from all over the world were having to be in front of their screens
suited and booted to commence their daily ‘online learning’ lessons. The
School introduced the ‘Rossall Diploma’, sensing early on in the pandemic that
the grading system being proposed by the Department of Education would
end in chaos. The results of the Rossall Diploma stood our A Level pupils in
good stead when it came to University entrance. Nearly all went to their
university of choice including one of our golf scholars to read Physics at
Oxford.

In preparation for schools being allowed to return for the Michaelmas Term,
Jeremy and his team led the way nationally in establishing the ‘Safe Schools
UK’ movement which put in place the detailed procedures and protocols that
would allow our children and staff to return to Rossall confident that their
safety was paramount.

Throughout all this period Jeremy and his leadership team were constantly

communicating to pupils and parents both locally and around the world by
video link and in writing reassuring them of what was happening at Rossall.

I cannot pretend that the early days of lockdown were nothing other than very
challenging with the future being so hard to predict. Thanks to the generosity
of the Foundation and certain Trusts we were able to put in place financial
contingency measures that provided additional working Capital should we so
require. To date, we have not had need for these funds.

The education we were able to offer during lockdown combined with our
exam results and the safety procedures we put in place has led to a
resurgence in applications both from boarders and in particular day pupils as
parents see for themselves the results of Jeremy and his team’s work. For
this, we need to thank Jeremy, his leadership team, all of our teachers,
support staff, and the Council. And of course, our parents who have
entrusted to us the education of their children.

I am very happy to report that sport continues to thrive. The Sports Centre is
in use nearly all hours of the day; our alliance with Fleetwood Town Football
Club has proved very popular and we are launching a Girls’ Football
Programme; golf goes from strength to strength as does our hockey.

Music and the performing arts are also enjoying a resurgence under Jeremy’s
enthusiastic leadership and we are in the final stages of reaching a
collaboration agreement with Steinway pianos to become an ‘All-Steinway
School’.

The Marketing department has significantly upgraded our communications
and I urge you to sign up to Rossall News to receive regular updates as to
what many activities are happening at School.
I was particularly moved when listening to the recent Remembrance Day
service as well as Katie Lee’s video on the evacuation of Rossall to Naworth
Castle during WW2; I remember getting that one wrong in my fag test!

In closing, I wish you all well wherever you are in the world. When normality
returns we would love to see you back at Rossall. Meanwhile, have a very
happy festive season.

Chris Holt
JS & DC 1962-69

                    SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE

(Please click on the above image to view the service)

             LIFE FOR THE ROSSALL BOYS IN WW2
                              By Mrs Katie Lee

             (Please click on the above image to view the video)

                    THE ITALIAN CONNECTION

Joanne Beckwith (JS & D 1981-90) has offered to set up a branch of the
Rossallian Club in Italy if fellow ORs are interested. Joanne lives in the
northwest, near Treviso, about an hour from Venice. She’s also always happy
to help if any Rossallian’s visit the area.

You can contact Joanne via email at joanne.dawn@live.it

Join the Old Rossallian Networking group for more opportunities to connect.

CONGRATULATIONS

The Rossallian Club sends its congratulations and best wishes to Simon
Thomas (MC 1991-2006) and Amie Thomas who welcomed daughter Verity
Beatrice Thomas into the world on 29th October 2020.

                           IN MEMORIAM

A.G. de B. MARRS M.B.E.
28/12/39 - 16/08/19

After a short illness Graeme Marrs, OR President passed away on Friday 16th
August at the age of 79.

Graeme, Dad, Grandpa, Marrs, Marrsy, Mr Marrs , Sir , Mr President - by
whatever name you knew him - to know him was to know a true gentleman
who made every room he entered a little bit brighter.

Graeme was educated at Rossall between 1951 and 1957 and was a proud
old boy of James House and Fleur de Lys, latterly becoming the President of

the Rossallian Club in 2017, a position he immersed himself in with his unique
verve & dedication. He revitalised the club with his boundless enthusiasm,
recruited the club’s first female vice president, and attended events all over
the world. One of his proudest moments in office was leading a pilgrimage in
2018 to Flanders to pay respects to ORs that made the ultimate sacrifice and
he was very much looking forward to leading a similar event to commemorate
the fallen of the 2nd World War.

Graeme made a huge contribution in the world of rugby, although certainly
more so as an administrator, alickadoo, or Officer of Club / County as
opposed to a no.15 on the park! Birkenhead Park played a huge part in
Graeme’s life over the years from the 1970s to the last days of his life. He
served as Fixture Secretary - until 1980 when he became Hon. Secretary,
remaining in office until 1990 when he accepted the greatest honour a Club
can bestow by taking over as President until 1993. Graeme then went on
serve on the Cheshire Committee firstly as Secretary and then as President.

He became the driving force behind the annual North of England Schools
Sevens which regularly attracted the top schools such as our own, to the
Upper Park (Birkenhead). Rossall reached the final on several occasions and
won a number of times. These moments for Graeme left him prickling with
pride as he warmed himself by the radiator, microphone in one hand and a
more often than not, with glass of something in the other - gaining notoriety
both as a tournament announcer and as a Bon Viveur! This was a reputation
he enjoyed in other walks of life also and had been known to sneak a hip flask
into Old Rossallian Club meetings.

Outside of rugby Graeme received an MBE for export to the Caribbean and
was both Master of the Worshipful Company of Wax Chandlers and a
freeman of the City of London, accolades he was rightly extremely proud of.

Graeme was a unique character, a tribute of this nature can only scratch the
surface of Graeme’s impact to all the things he was impassioned about -
family, fun, rugby, school, industry, friendship, comradery & all things social.

There's an empty seat on many a top table that cannot be filled.
Graeme Marrs, President - One Life Lived, Many Lives Touched.

Nick Marrs & Gillian King

(To read the 'In Memoriam' pieces for the individuals, please click on those
that are highlighted)

Christopher Meredith Buckmaster, Pe 1952-57

Dr. W. J. Adam, Pe1944-48

Geoffrey Atkinson, R 1938-42

Howard Bentley, SE 1953-56

Anthony (Tony) David Blackett, DC 1955-60

John Boyagis, A 1945-46

John Blower, MC 1936-39

Andrew Cadman, CR 1956-90

William Frankland, Prep School 1922-23

Graham Grant, 1939-46

Michael Hannaby, FdL 48-51

David Charles Hogg, DC 1972-77

Nigel Holmes, A 1958-63

Barry Howard, JS & SE 1935-43

Robert Antony John Leckie (Tony), A 1961-64

Douglas Mans, R 1944-49

Donald Schofield, MC 43-46

SU Hongming (Leo), Lu 2010-13

William Henry (Bill) Tavener, JS & SE 1941-50

You can also share births, weddings, and memorials, on Rossallians Online.