SPRING 2020 FOLLOW US: OLDQUEENIANS @OLDQUEENIANS - QUEEN'S COLLEGE
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Newsletter Spring 2020 1 Follow us: OldQueenians @OldQueenians
President’s Report address to gb@queenscollege.org.uk
so we can ensure you are added to the
list. Additionally, if you know OQs who
have not received this, please do pass
this information on.
As we move into a new decade, we
are looking at the best way of moving
forward and we hope to give OQs the
chance to feed back on the direction
of the association and how we can
best serve our ever-expanding
W
elcome to the Spring edition network, in the years ahead. We will
of the Old Queenians send out more information about this
newsletter. at a later date. We are also hoping to
welcome some new members to the
Because the way we are all keeping in committee, so please do get in touch
touch with one another has changed if you might be interested.
in the last decade, using social media
and new technology, I have been We are looking forward to more
fortunate to have kept up to date with opportunities for OQs to come
the lives of many of the friends I made together. A lunch in London is
at school. For those who may have being planned (please see the final
left recently and not yet joined the Old page of the Newsletter for more
Queenians group on Facebook, please information). There is also the annual
do join and keep abreast of events and OQs v Queen’s cricket match in the
news about Queen’s. summer term. I hope to meet as
many OQs in the course of the year
We are trying to distribute the as possible.
newsletter as electronic copy to as
many as we can. The development I look forward to meeting this year’s
team has, over the years, tried to keep leavers in July and welcoming them
up to date with OQs’ email addresses, all to the growing network of OQs.
but if you are reading this from seeing
a link online and haven’t received Best wishes
an email, please do send your email Alicia Edwards (1998-2012)
2
The Maestro
F
or the last 14 People in Beijing. Vanderbilt University
years Robin has awarded him the Madison Barratt
Fountain Award for Excellence in Undergraduate
(1969-77) has been Teaching and the Blair School of Music’s
Music Director of the Excellence Award.
Southwest Michigan
Symphony Orchestra (SMSO). He is Robin’s appointment in Michigan
also Professor of Conducting at the followed a period of 15 years with the
Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt Williamsport Symphony Orchestra in
University. He is highly regarded in Pennsylvania which concluded with the
the music world, in part because of award of two consecutive NEA grants.
the diversity of his expertise - opera, He was honoured with the Director’s
contemporary pop and the classics. Chair Award from the Williamsport
Community Arts Center in recognition of
He is a compelling presence on the his support of and impact on the region’s
podium and he is in great demand. Not artistic life.
only is the programme of engagements
of the SMSO extensive, but Robin often After Queen’s, Robin went to Oxford
accepts invitations to conduct abroad and University, the Royal College of Music
he has experience of doing so in several in London and the Carnegie Mellon
European countries and throughout the University. In 1984, he was an Aspen
USA. He has also toured China with the Conducting Fellow and in 2012, he
Vanderbilt Orchestra, playing in exotic trained with the Berlin Philharmonic at
venues such as the Great Hall of the the Conductors Lab in Aix-en-Provence.
MBE for Rhian families. The charity
works with the police
A former teacher at Queen’s College and health boards
was included in the New Year’s in Wales to support
Honours. Rhian Mannings lost her son individuals who
George in 2012, aged just one year, and find themselves in
her husband, Paul Burke (1988-96) situations similar to those experienced
five days later. Rhian set up a charity, by Rhian. The charity has been an
‘2 Wish Upon A Star’, to help bereaved enormous force for good.
3
Kayaking in civilisation and even hitched a ride in an
East Sayan ex-Soviet tank through the forest.
L
ast June, I was one of seven Executing a successful trip in
members of the team that these wild and remote lands was
comprised the British Univerities challenging in many ways but, of
Kayaking Expedition (BUKE) for course, in return, it gave us a huge
2019. BUKE focus on kayaking the less sense of accomplishment. Team work,
explored parts of the world. Our goal communication and fitness were
was to travel to Southern Siberia and stretched to the limit.
the Lake Baikal region.
After months of planning, organising
logistics and mapping out potential
rivers, the team touched down in Irkutsk.
Within the next six weeks, we completed
the Reka Selenginka after a two days
‘bush-bash’ to the ‘put on’. This river
flows into the Reka Snezhnaya and
then into Lake Baikal. There followed a
twelve-day expedition on the River Kitoy
The team enjoys some slack water between big
where we paddled the first descent of volume rapids on the second day of the River
the Reka Ara-Khubyty which flows into Kitoy expedition.
the Reka Ara-Oshey. We then paddled
the River Biluti after another two-day
hike along a tributary of it. After some
rest in Irkutsk, we paddled the upper and
lower Reka Zhombolok followed by the
Reka Urik, with the first descent of the
waterfall on the tributary called the Reka
Khara-Gol.
On our adventures, we weathered days
of huge storms rolling off the Mongolian Winter had not far left these lands and, in the upper
reaches of the river systems near the Mongolian
plateau, paddled flooded white-water border, we often encountered huge ice banks, caves
gorges hundreds of kilometres from and bridges scoured out by the force of the rivers.
4
Feeling small above big horizon lines in the bottom
of a walled-in canyon was the name of the game
during our time in the Kitoy. We unknowingly put out
To reach some of the rivers, we had to hike with our to paddle the river at the highest level yet attempted.
kayaks, all our food and gear for days at a time. This Fortunately, the river could handle the water, and
photograph was taken during a gruelling two-day the result was over 100km of high volume fun!
hike through thick forest, clouds of mosquitoes
and hungry sand flies, following animal tracks and I’d like to thank the OQ society who
abseiling around slot canyons to reach our goal, the
River Biluti. financially supported me as well
as Mark Neenan and Anne Slocum
without whose years of teaching,
encouragement, and support I wouldn’t
have been doing any of this.
If you would like to see and hear more
of what we experienced, please take
a look at our video series, website
Here the team is sheltering next to the fire as a
two-day storm came to an end. We had to wait for and social media sites: Instagram:
the river level to drop so we could safely navigate
the rapids below. Luckily, the pine trees, seen in the buke_2019. Facebook: British universities
background, provided us with rocket fuel sap to get
kayak expedition 2019.
the fire going and keep us relatively warm and dry.
Camp life at its finest! Joe Fender (2010-14)
After nine days and 20 hours almost continuously
on the river, paddling over 130 kms through the
night under a sky of stars, we were blessed with
this stunning sunrise which truly warmed us to our
souls before we made it back to civilisation.
5
News of OQs systems, but today is focused on chips
for AI (Artificial Intelligence). David
After Queen’s, Chris Dixon (1988-2000) is married, living in Bristol, with two
studied A Levels at Richard Huish sons. He has coped with multiple
College. Subsequently, he was offered sclerosis for 30 years, but he has not
an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship let that impede his ambitions or from
in mechanical engineering with leading a full life.
local firm Rexquote Ltd, studying
at Bridgwater College. Later, he Music scholar, Simon Bell (1986-94)
joined EDF Energy who sponsored has been working in Gloucestershire
him through a Foundation Degree in since September
Nuclear Engineering while working at 2012, where he
Hinkley Point B in both Training and has a dual role
Operations. The course was provided as Director of
by the University of Central Lancashire Choral Music at
via Bridgwater College. He moved to Dean Close School
Hinkley Point C in early 2019 as an and Tewkesbury
Operations Training Instructor with Abbey. Previously,
responsibility to train the Reactor he worked in
Operators and other control room staff. Winchester as Assistant Director
He lives locally and is happily married of Music at the city’s cathedral.
with two children. Last year, he returned to play in the
Somerset County Orchestra concert,
David Japp (1974-81) has been in the conducted by David Hedges. He has
electronics and silicon chip industry for fond memories of his school days,
the last 35 years. OQs who remember a highlight of which was playing the
him will not be surprised that he took organ in Wells Cathedral, with Martin
this career path, given the interest he Stacey (1989-94) in the service to
showed in such commemorate the 150th anniversary
things when of Queen’s.
in Jack Tigg
House. In the As a result of a chance encounter,
1990s, he was Bob Axten (1966-72) has renewed
involved with the contact with Queen’s after almost
design of Virtual 50 years. Bob met a teacher from
Reality graphics Queen’s at Edinburgh airport who put
6
me in touch with him. The contact ‘The Flower
revived what he describes as great Garden’.
memories of his time at Queen’s She has
and the conviction that it gave him a written
sound footing for the wider school of several
life. He enjoyed a successful career books on
in hotel management. If you were a various
contemporary of his, Bob would be aspects of
delighted to hear from you. gardening.
She is Garden Editor at ‘House and
Another OQ who has made teaching his Garden’, having started at ‘Gardens
career is Lawrence Masters (1986-93). Illustrated’ magazine. Her job involves
He is in his fourteenth year at Colston’s visiting beautiful gardens, meeting
School, Bristol, where he is currently garden designers and researching
a Housemaster. He has been back to plants and garden products. Clare
Queen’s many times for sports fixtures is married with two boys, living in
between the two sides. Indeed, the Berkshire. She has a website: www.
eldest of his three boys played in the budtoseed.co.uk.
U12 fixture last term. Lawrence was
also one of three brothers: Ian (1986- Jacob Greenow (2009-17) has been
91) is based in Derbyshire and Richard selected for the 2019-20 Swim
(1989-97) is working in Singapore. England Performance Squad. Before
Christmas, he was in Manchester with
Sasha McLusky (1981-90) and her the squad for training and preparation
husband own a pub called The Durham and, in January, he travelled to
Ox in the village of Stillington, outside Luxembourg for an international
York.This keeps her busy but she finds competition with an opportunity of
the lifestyle to be very rewarding. another in the summer. He is currently
Information about the pub, which has studying for a degree in Natural
been rated as one of the 10 best pubs Sciences at the University of Bath.
with rooms in Yorkshire, can be found
online at www.thedurhamox.com. It is Melanie Bowden (1982-87) studied
very popular. for a degree in Speech Pathology at
Manchester University and has been
Last year, Clare Foster (1978-86) gave working as a speech and language
a talk at Sasha’s pub on her new book, therapist for 28 years. Since 1998,
7
she has been the Lead SLT with the and, now in semi-retirement,
Greater Manchester Cleft Lip and works exclusively with local
Palate Service based at the Royal neighbourhood planning groups. He
Manchester Children’s Hospital. is also secretary for the Churches
She is currently the Clinical Lead Together group in Torquay which
for the service. She is convinced runs community projects including
that it was the inspiration of Martin a food larder and a winter night
Bream and his colleagues in shelter. Friendships made at school
teaching her Human Biology that have endured and he keeps in touch
helped shape her choice of degree with many of his contemporaries.
and career. She lives with her
partner and nine-year-old daughter Olivia Hoskins (2009-16), second
in Cheshire. left, back row, was selected as
one of 12 for the senior Welsh
Devotees of Morris Motors cars women’s Eurohockey indoor squad.
will be interested to know that In late January, she played in a
Jonathan Browne (1971-76) still tournament in Croatia.
has the Morris 1000 in which he
passed his driving test in 1977. He
remembers that I had an old Morris
Traveller in which I and one or two
colleagues experienced various
‘adventures’. For over 40 years,
Jonathan worked in computer
networking technologies. He lives
just outside York where he is
building his own retirement home.
Lee Bray (1967-72) has fond
memories of Queen’s which he
says was a great community as far
as he was concerned. Perhaps his
experiences here help explain his
interest in community work of one More News of OQs on pages 21-22.
sort or another. He is a planning It’s always good to hear from you.
and regeneration consultant Geoff Bisson
8
Obituaries Josh Dimery
(2001-06)
George Hawkins (1934-40) was the passed away
oldest surviving OQ until his death on on 3 January
8 July 2019. He was 95, still living at 2020 having
home with his wife (one year older), suffered with
to whom he had been married for just depression and
under 70 years. As a pupil, he had mental illness.
played cricket for the school, and the At Queen’s he
fact that he kept his cricket whites was a keen
and cap all his life suggests he was sportsman,
proud to have done so. He can be said playing in the ‘A’ teams for his year
to have had a terrific innings. group in rugby, hockey and cricket.
He also held swimming records, and
During the war he was a radio operator he represented Queen’s in athletic
on merchant ships (when at Queen’s he events. His love for the sea was
built radios to listen to in the dormitory). endorsed by gaining his first Scuba
His electronic talents were such that diving certificate at the age of 12.
he became involved in the development
of radar. He worked in Swanage before After Queen’s, he went to Richard
radar research moved inland to Malvern. Huish, prior to Falmouth Marine
He loved his work and continued working School where he studied Marine
for the MoD after the war, developing Sports Science. It was here the
missile systems, including Blowpipe first seeds of his career were
which was used in the Falklands War. planted. Josh set up his business,
His work moved from Malvern to Ding Doctors, doing surf board
Farnborough in 1977 and he set up home repairs. He then started shaping
in Farnham. After retiring in 1984, much and designing surf boards as
of his time was spent sailing. Phrenix Surf. He was renowned in
all the surfing centres of the world.
He had fond memories of Queen’s and, To say he was a success is an
about 20 years ago, he attended an Old understatement. He will be missed
Boys dinner. In addition to his cricket hugely by the surfing community,
kit, amongst his possessions was a but most of all by his family. Many
photograph of the 1939-40 rugby 1st XV. tributes can be found online.
Ashley Hawkins Lynn Dimery
9
The Lodge Treasurer. After a floral demonstration
in the ‘sherry’ room, our guests then
crowded into the temple to hear a
talk by Ray Guthrie, a former Deputy
PGM, entitled “Masonry - a view from
the Outside”, followed by a ‘sparkling’
reception back in the ‘sherry’ room.
A
t our October meeting at The Brethren were very generous in
Crescent, the Master, Graham providing a horde of prizes to raffle
Ten Broeke (1954-61) first which produced a total of £740. Much
welcomed the Provincial Grand Master merriment was generated when
(PGM) for Somerset, David J Medlock Geoffrey Dolling (1954-62) conducted
DL, our newest Honorary Member an auction in his own inimitable style,
– on his first visit to Queen’s Lodge prising a further £355 from generous
since taking office in April. Graham (impetuous?) diners! All proceeds were
then proceeded with the formalities of for the Children’s Hospice, South West.
welcoming Richard Brown, a former
Queen’s parent, as a new member of the
lodge under the watchful eye of David.
For the Somerset Masonic Friendship
Association lunch on 20 October,
some 250 Somerset masons and With 91 for lunch, it was cosy in the
guests assembled at the Colin dining room and also a poignant
Atkinson Suite of Somerset CCC. A occasion, as this was the last meal
party of 27 from Queen’s took three which the Centre’s caterers of 10
tables – the largest single group at years, Peter and Emily, would prepare
the event! and serve before finishing at the end
of the year.
Saturday 14 December was the
occasion of our traditional Christmas Next meetings: Saturdays 21st
Lunch with our Ladies and Guests. March (Installation); 9 May;
Earlier, at a formal but brief lodge 10 October; 12 December.
meeting, Ray Conneely was elected to https://www.queenscollegelodge.co.uk/
be Master from March 2020 and Geoff https://twitter.com/queens6988
Browne (1955-60) was re-elected Richard Baker (1955-65)
10Hockey matches submarines, including war service in
the South Atlantic.
The women’s team shared the spoils
in a thrilling 4-4 draw. The trophy was
presented jointly to Beth Alexander
(2009-17), who organised the OQs team,
and Naomi Wilde, left, by the Head
L to R, Back: Jack Crouch, Tim Webb, Tom Carpenter, Chris Teacher at the buffet lunch held after
Kalman, Jake Lintott, Torsten Junker.
L to R, Front: Oscar Webb, Louis Trotman, James Duckering, the matches. The women played really
Elliott Trotman (captain), George Wells, Oliver Webb.
well against a strong school team and
This fine body of men recorded a might have stolen a win with a chance
handsome victory over the school team to score in the last minute. Others who
on 10 November 2019. Most of the played for the OQs were: Livvy Hoskins,
players were recent leavers, though Bethany Seager, Sophie Jones, Elen
the goalkeeper was an exception. Falkingham, Katie Warren, Georgie
Chris Kalman (1969-71) travelled Longbottom, Imogen Johnston and
from Scotland to fulfil an ambition to Flora Hood. Alas, others withdrew in the
play in this annual fixture. Having kept days just before the match. Hopefully,
a clean sheet, he was pleased with Naomi will be able to raise a full side
the outcome. He plays for Peebles next year.
in the Eastern District Division 3 and
also for the East of Scotland Veterans.
He played for Scotland Over 60s for
six years, including two world cups
in Australia and Holland. He now
represents Scotland’s Over 65s,
playing in the world cup for that level in
Barcelona, and he has been shortlisted
for the next one in Tokyo in November Prior to the matches, the AGM of the
this year. He is an NHS consultant, OQA was held. This was followed by
still working three days a week. His a service for OQs in the OMR and the
first career was in the Royal Navy as laying of the wreath at the cross on the
a Surgeon Commander and then as lawn at 11.00am. After, the matches
deputy head of the Navy’s nuclear commenced, watched by a large crowd.
regulator. He spent many years in Geoff Bisson
11Flights of Fantasy
R
ichard Browning (1987-97) is
well known around the world
for his solo flights powered by
a jet suit. Wherever he demonstrates
his invention, he attracts large crowds
and media interest. His audience
online has been considerable. Only
last summer he grabbed the headlines
when he achieved a speed of 85 mph
over the Solent. His exploits have
fascinated all sorts of people.
Sixth Formers and staff, were clearly
excited to witness the demonstration.
The BBC and ITV, as well as journalists,
were on hand to record the event and
to interview Richard and some of the
spectators. For video recordings of
his flight, google Richard Browning at
Queen’s College.
After, Richard spoke in the Queen’s
Hall to explain how he has developed
the technology since his initial
experimentations in 2016. Then, his
priority was to achieve a lift of a few
inches using diesel in a kitchen bucket
connected by a hose to power the jet.
This was the case on 24 January when Following the establishment of his
Richard came to Queen’s. The whole company, Gravity, in March 2017, he has
school turned out to watch him perform made huge strides, to the point where
over the grounds in front of the pavilion. it is possible for a pilot with some basic
The anticipation was palpable and training to master manoeuvres that
everyone, from the youngest junior to are the stuff of fantasy. Presently, he is
12at Sandhurst and, instead, went into
the city where, for 16 years, he ran a
trading book.
Following his talk, the focus of
attention switched to the Design
and Technology department. This
has recently been refurbished with
trialling the use of wings attached to the equipment that allows engineering
legs of the pilot to maximise efficiency. to be introduced to the pupils, as the
His presentation was absorbing. emphasis of the department moves
from graphics to more practical
He explained that his invention has studies. The Green Car initiative has
commercial potential. There may been adopted as part of the strategy
be military applications and the to encourage creativity in the study
possibility of using the device for of science. Funding this project
search and rescue. He has sold two was possible by using some of the
suits to private customers, though, money bequeathed to the school
for reasons of safety and security, by OQ George Hardwick (1958-62).
the suits are held by Gravity until As the latter was an inventor and
requested by the purchasers. In engineer of considerable standing, it
March, he will launch the first of what was appropriate that the department
he hopes might be a series of races be named the Hardwick Centre and
between four pilots. This will be over officially opened by Richard.
the waters of Bermuda harbour. He Geoff Bisson
insisted his primary concerns
were entertainment and the
technological benefits likely to
emerge from his research.
All this was a far cry from
his initial career path.
After Queen’s, he studied
Engineering but switched
subjects to Exploratory
Geology. He spurned a place
13News from 11 has been selected to represent
the Head Somerset in table tennis.
Boy and The new house system is working
Head Girl well. All house competitions have
taken new formats. House singing
T
hroughout the winter term was great fun and brought the
there were rehearsals for ‘Sister houses together. Ray House won
Act’ that was performed at the with their song ‘Somebody to Love’
beginning of December. It was a huge and their arrangement of ‘Sweet
success, thoroughly enjoyed by the Home Alabama’. The cross country
audiences that packed the Queen’s Hall was won by Woolmer and the day
each night! The whole cast seemed to of house matches was won by Ray
enjoy themselves on stage, just as much House. Both Barnicott and Ray
as we all enjoyed watching it. Houses have hosted charity own-
clothes days. Barnicott raised money
Last term, the girls’ hockey 1st team for Brainwave whilst Ray raised
had an unbeaten season. This term, money for Prostate Cancer UK.
the girls achieved a win in the quarter-
finals of the national competition Christmas celebrations included the
against Cheltenham College, so annual charity fun day, entitled this
they will play in the national finals year Winter Wonderland Wednesday.
in London at the end of February. There was a charity Christmas fair,
The boys hope to reach the same organised by Year 11, as well as a
stage after victories in the first three bake sale, Christmas lunch and a
rounds of their national competition. show-stopping talent show. The
In February, a dinner for over 100 was Sixth Form also had their annual
held in the Wyvern Hall to raise money Christmas Ball at Oake Manor and
for the cricket tour to Sri Lanka. had fun eating a lovely meal, playing
games, taking photos and dancing.
Last term, Munopa, in Year 10, was The term was rounded off with the
crowned the junior South West Chef of traditional Carol Service on the last
the Year. Munopa had been mentored day of term which put us in the
by the head chef at the Castle Hotel Christmas spirit.
and the judges were impressed by Sophia Edwards (Head Girl)
each of her dishes. Oliver in Year and Nikolai Abaluev (Head Boy)
14Reunions A similar number enjoyed lunch at
J Sheekey Restaurant in central
E
ach November in recent years, London on 19 February. After a
Colin Campbell and Mike satisfying lunch, some moved on
Kinnersley have organised a the Oyster Bar afterwards. Those
lunch for their contemporaries in a local present were: Nigel Dyson (1955-62),
hostelry. In 2019, they returned to the Andrew Quarrie (1955-61), John
Bicknoller Inn. A fine occasion it was Pedlar (1957-62), Cedric Copping
too. Everyone was in good spirits and (1955-62), Lionel Frewin (1955-65).
delighted to catch up on recent news, as
well as to reminisce about school days.
Even if they stretch further back each
year, the memories are as vivid as ever
and recalled as if only yesterday. I was
delighted to be asked to attend and be
welcomed so warmly. This was the second year in succession
that Nigel has organised such an event
and he hopes a few more will be able to
join him next year on 23 February, 2021.
If interested, please contact Nigel
(nigel@garden-shows.com).
Reunions at Queen’s are always an
option for groups of OQs wanting to
Left, Front to Back: Steve Rawle come together, particularly those looking
(1954-64), Carol Rawle, Geoff Bisson, to mark a milestone of a certain number
Lionel Frewin (1955-65), Heather of years since they left the School. We
Baker, Richard Baker (1955-65), would recommend the Remembrance
Hilgrove Dolling (1954-62), Peter Weekend in November as an ideal time
Thomas (1957-64). to do that, which will be 14-15 November
this year. So, if you left 10 years ago
Right, Front to Back: Chris Hunt (2010) or 25 years ago (1995), why not
(1955-62), Sue Hunt, Colin Campbell make this the year that as many of you
(1957-63), Mike Kinnersley (1954- as possible meet again? I am very happy
63), Brian Rowe (1954-64), Sally to help organise such an event.
Dolling, Janet Thomas Geoff Bisson
15Vintage Lunch
Left to right; back: Brian Rowe, Hilgrove Dolling, Hedley Lomas, Clive Clarke, Bill Williams, Roger Westoby,
Colin Campbell, Mike Kinnersley, Stephen Lawson, Mike Platt, Andrew Gibson, Edward Pemberton, Tony Bell,
Jeff Davies.
Left to right; front: Colin Lewis, Peter Whittingham, David Simpson, Nigel Chambers, Tony Tucker,
Arthur Watson, David Taylor, John Budgen, Norman Simmonds, John Cullis.
S
ome OQs came with their wives John Cullis (1952-60) was with
or guests, as did some former his friends Pat and Dave Palmer.
teachers and present staff. The The careers of all three were in
Head Boy and Head Girl welcomed education in East London. John had
everyone on arrival. The food was a distinguished career as a Head
terrific, though the portion sizes, which Teacher in several schools before
would have been welcomed by OQs becoming a consultant for home
when they were at school, proved to be education and a governor of Chigwell
too large for many. School, Essex.
Whilst diners enjoyed their pudding,
a trio of cellists – two students and
their teacher - played music which
was much appreciated by all. To
conclude proceedings, the Head
Teacher, Dr Lorraine Earps, updated
the company on changes introduced
in September, to the weekly
timetable and the house system,
details of which were included in the Pat was also a Head Teacher in
previous newsletter. East London for 15 years. Dave was
16the Art Adviser for more than one spectating from benches by the wall
London borough and organiser of expected to be splashed as a result
numerous art and design courses of various team events such as
in Wales. He thoroughly enjoys his piggyback races and water wrestling
visits to Queen’s and the opportunity as well as diving contests and the
to see the work being done in the Art ritual Atlantic Wave as a finale.
department, which he describes as
‘second to none’ that he has seen in Colin enjoyed most sports at Queen’s.
35 years in the profession. He was the scorer for his age group’s
cricket team in 1948 (below).
Also attending was Colin Lewis
(1943-49), the lad in the middle of
the picture (above), with both arms
partly raised, leading the dash for
the pool at the swimming sports in
1946. Learning to swim at Queen’s
stood him in good stead for, when in
the army, he was posted to Libya and
Cyprus, where he was able to take
full opportunity of the sea. Parents Geoff Bisson
17Queen’s College: Last October, a number of OQs met
up with Queen’s staff representing the
A Global Community school at the UK Education Expo in
Hong Kong. Two of them are pictured
OQs will find various videos on with Mrs Evans. Mia Yeung (2007-09)
Youtube that provide an insight into (left), gained a Masters in Economics
the approach adopted by the School to at UCL and, in November, returned
pupils who come from abroad and the to the UK for training at the Bank of
way they thrive at Queen’s. England. When at Queen’s, she was
in the Wind Band and took part in the
Go to https://youtu.be/FYtrF4dx1_M Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.
There, you should find the following: She really enjoyed her time at Queen’s
and, perhaps to the amazement of
‘Best Memories in Queen’s College, some, she particularly remembers
Taunton’ is produced by Yip Long Ting school food which she described as
(2014-15) and Eric Leung (2013- ‘amazing’. With her is Judy Wong
15). Many of their friends were also (2008-12) who considers the best
involved in the production. It features thing about Queen’s to be the care
the Chinese boarders who left in 2015. shown to pupils – even after they have
The video is backed by music from One left the school.
Direction (‘Live While We’re Young’)
and The Sxplay (an instrumental called
‘Kiminiokuruuta’). It is an entertaining
8 minutes and 26 seconds long.
Other videos should be available
listed below under ‘Up next’,
including, for example, two about
house singing. Of particular interest
is the promotional video called Karen Hong (2015-17) also visited the
‘Queen’s College, Taunton – a global Queen’s stand. Having graduated from
community’ which features a large Durham University with a degree in
number of pupils from overseas, Accounting and Finance, she is now
with comments from the Head, Dr working for Klynveld Peat Marwick
Lorraine Earps, and Assistant Head, Goerdeler (KPMG).
Andrew Free (1975-84). Geoff Bisson
18Obituary Trips to Twickenham became a
regular feature in his calendar.
After Queen’s, he moved to
Chigwell, Essex, with a job at
Lloyds of London. He was one of
the youngest management agents
of The Box. Lloyds also triggered
Nick’s love of travel. His first
time on a plane was in the early
Nicholas Pritchard (1958-65), 1970s on a business trip to the US.
passed away last October after a Thereafter, he often used Concorde.
period of several years in which he
became increasingly frail. His last He married Philippa in 1973 and,
years were a sad contrast to a life between 1976 and 1980, the couple
he had lived to the full. From his had three children. In 1989, the
childhood, he had loved laughter, family moved to Suffolk where they
mischief and merriment. He found were to live for over 25 years. He took
satisfaction in people more than early retirement in the 1990s, which
anything else and was extremely allowed him and Philippa the time
close to his siblings, his wife and needed to indulge their ambitions to
children, and the many friends he travel. One of the places they most
made throughout his life. He had enjoyed was Barbados. Nonetheless,
stature and a big, kind heart. his priority was his family and he
maintained very frequent and regular
Nick loved his time at Queen’s and contact with his children and six
recalled it often. He excelled at grandchildren to the end.
many sports, including athletics, in
which he won the 100 yards dash, Michael Brunt (1936-43) passed
and in the long jump and high jump. away on Saturday 15 February 2020.
In rugby, he was described as a
player with a great future. In cricket, Quentin Potter (1978-82) passed
despite an erratic technique, he away in December.
showed promise as a fast bowler.
Nick’s passion for sport continued Full obituaries will appear in the
long after he hung up his own kit. next Newsletter.
19Obituary and music. In 2014 he joined the OQs
party that visited Ypres to mark the 100th
anniversary of the start of WWI.
He loved Dubai and described it as
the best place in the world. He found
the desert fascinating and the people
extremely friendly. Scores of mourners
Malcom Taylor (1967-72) passed away attended his memorial service on 11
suddenly in early December following December in the Holy Trinity Church in
a heart attack, aged 66. He was the Oud Metha.
popular radio presenter of the four-hour
‘Business Breakfast’ on Dubai Eye which
he co-hosted since 2005. He first visited
Dubai in the year he left Queen’s.
Before he started with Dubai Eye, he had
enjoyed a senior management career
with Dow Jones, Capital Intelligence
and Reuters, working in various states
in the Middle East as well as South Volumes 3 and 4 of the series on
Korea, Cyprus and South Africa. He won Somerset cricketers by Steve Hill
several awards for the excellence of his (1967-74) have been published in the
financial journalism. His colleagues last two years. As with the previous
at Dubai Eye, all of whom respected volumes, there are biographies of
his professionalism and wit, have paid those who played for Somerset. The
glowing tribute to his skill and sunny third book in the series mentions
personality. Malcolm observed two rules Tom Dickinson (Maths teacher at
when on the air: to speak to the audience Queen’s, 1962-91) and, in the most
as if there was just one listener and to be recent volume, two OQs are featured:
the audience’s best friend. Bob Clapp (1959-67) and Gary Palmer
(1972-82). Volume 4 was proofread by
His time at Queen’s was a happy one Shaun Mundy (1965-72). In January
and he made many friends with whom Shaun went to New Zealand to visit
he remained close throughout his life. his daughter, and when there, met up
He was particularly interested in football with David Nicholson (1959-62).
20News of OQs he taught at Sale Grammar School,
then St Edwards, Oxford, where he
Dunja Aksentijevic Ricciarelli (1999- was Head of Biology and Senior
2001) received the Queen Mary Housemaster. His main interests are
Faculty of Science and Engineering cross country running and athletics,
Excellence Award 2020. This was for and he runs half marathons and
sustained excellence in education. marathons occasionally. He is married
Dunja expressed her pleasure at with three children. He visited Queen’s
being given the award, saying it was a on the 22 January to meet his school
“huge honour”. The previous July, she contemporary, Richard Browning.
was given the Teaching Excellence
Award by the School of Biological and Another OQ who went into teaching
Chemical Sciences. In September is Fiona Robertson (1989-2003). She
2019, she was promoted to a Senior has been teaching Chemistry at Wells
Lecturer at Queen Mary. Cathedral School for the last four
years, having moved from Downside
where she was teaching for the same
length of time. She is very much
involved in co-curricular activities
including hockey and netball and the
CCF Royal Navy section.
Someone else with Wells connections
is Mike Stringer (1957-66). He
returned to Queen’s as a PE instructor
after qualifying as a teacher. He is
pictured with a school team on page
23. This was taken in his last term
Lewis Faulkner (1987-97) is Deputy here. He adopted a different career
Head Pastoral at Malvern College. path in 1974, before going back into
He had originally intended to follow education. His last full-time post
a career in the Royal Marines but, was at Wells CS until 2005, though
as a result of teaching in a township he continued to coach three days a
in South Africa during one summer week at Sherborne Girls for another
holiday, he decided to change eight years. He was in touch recently
direction. After Oxford University, following an inquiry I received from
21Stuart Mays (1959-66) who was keen D.W.O. Jones (1951-57) popped in to
to track his contemporaries who left Queen’s in November having spent
Queen’s in 1966. When he started at a few days in Dunster, after which
Queen’s, his father, an American, was he stayed with Peter Morgan (son of
stationed at the US Embassy in Paris Willie) who lives near the school. He
and, later, Helsinki. After Queen’s, had time for only a brief look at a few
Stuart went to an American university spaces on the campus, but it was
and has lived in the USA ever since. lovely to see him.
Presently, he is in Vermont but, in the
spring, he will move to Maine to help
his son on his farm there.
Another OQ abroad is Will Barrington
(2000-07). He moved to Sydney in
early January. With the fires burning,
air quality was a problem, but he
reports that the arrival of some Zaher Mahfooth (1983-85) visited the
typical ‘English’ weather has helped school in the half term break. He
improve things. Life is good. He has qualified as a graphic designer and,
a prime post as a Senior Associate at since 1994 he has been running a
Vincent Young, a law firm specialising successful family printing business.
in construction law. In addition, he is Started in 1912, the company, G.A.
living in Bondi Beach (where else!) Type Printers, is based on the Merton
and he has found time to see some of Road, South Wimbledon.
the tennis at the Australian Open in
Melbourne and the Sydney 7s.
Geoff Bisson
22Channon House sensible for all girl boarders to be on
the main site. So it was that, in 2011,
T
his July, boarding in Channon the boys in Channon House moved
House will end. Most OQs will to the site on Wild Oak Lane to make
remember the house when it way for the girls.
was on Trull Road and opened for
boarding in 1960. The house was named However, with ongoing concerns
after HJ Channon (1901-04), who about the dangers of traffic to
taught at Queen’s from 1907 till 1949 boarders moving between the house
though he continued to teach part-time. and the School, the decision was
In retirement he wrote his ‘History of taken to consolidate boarding for
Queen’s College’ which was published boys in School House. There are now
in 1957. a number of significant changes and
modifications to the main building
Originally, the house was detached under discussion to enable boarding
and catered for boys of about 12 to to be brought onto the main site. More
14 years old who then transferred to information regarding these changes
School House. One of the other three will be available in due course.
outhouses was Parklands, next to
Channon. When the house system Mike Stringer and the
was reformed in 1978, to a vertical Basketball team, 1973
system, the two buildings were united
even though they remained discrete
internally. At this time, Parklands
was renamed Jack Tigg. It was the
conversion of the latter into a girls’
boarding house that partly explains
why Channon House was moved to its
present site.
In 1984, the third outhouse on Wild
Oak Lane was converted into a girls’
boarding house. Since then, concerns
about the safety of the girls living
there intensified to the point when it
was decided that it would be more
23Silver Wyverns
To mark the 175th Anniversary of the School, a limited
number have been commissioned. The plinths on which
the wyverns stand have been individually crafted.
Each wyvern will be housed in a specially designed box
with a certificate enclosed confirming its uniqueness.
A minimum donation of £300 per wyvern
is requested. Please contact me if this
is of interest.
VE Day Celebration London Lunch
Queen’s College is planning to mark A booking has been made at the
the 75th anniversary of the end of House of Commons for lunch,
World War Two on Friday, 8 May. preceded by a reception on the
Terrace. This is courtesy of
With details currently being John Baron, M.P. (1976-78).
finalised, it is hoped there will be
an afternoon ‘street party’, a tug- This will be on Tuesday 23 June
of-war competition and a service from 12.00 noon at a price of £75pp.
of remembrance followed by an OQs are welcome to bring a guest.
evening function. Tours of Parliament will be possible.
OQs will be welcome to join pupils Please contact me for more details
and parents for this occasion. on both of these events. Geoff Bisson
OQ Events
Saturday 28 March Saturday 20 June Friday 26 June
OQA Committee meeting Sibly Society Lunch [by invitation] Cricket match: OQs v QC
Friday 8 May Tuesday 23 June
VE Day Celebration London Lunch
Geoff Bisson
OQA Secretary
Alumni Matters
01823 330852
24 gb@queenscollege.org.ukYou can also read
