THEWYCLIFFIAN SOCIETY TIMES 2020 - WYCLIFFE COLLEGE
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The
Wycliffian Society Times
2020
Making a
2 WELCOME
Hello to you all Thank you
TO OUR NHS
difference in 2020
2020 has been a year unlike anything any of us
have known before. We have all been touched
by the Covid-19 Pandemic. Whether it is
through illness, the tragic loss of a loved one,
financially, or simply having to come to terms
with new ways of working and conducting our Dr Jasmine Emergency
day to day lives. Handford (P HE Medicine
We were stopped in our tracks in March and 2007 – 2014) Consultant,
our events from then onwards throughout the completed 6 years both work at The
year had to be cancelled. Our last e-newsletter training to qualify John Radcliffe
before lockdown in March, we asked you to as a doctor earlier Hospital, Oxford.
get in touch with your memories and to tell us this year. Her first Coincidentally
what you have been doing during lockdown. position was in The they were
Many of you did so and we share your stories Nightingale Hospital, London. working together on the ICU
throughout the magazine and on our website. Dr Elizabeth James (P HE 1991 Covid-19 unit earlier in the pandemic
Whilst we were furloughed, our social media – 1999), Aneasthetic & Intensive this year. Two former Heads of
was able to continue with a pre-scheduled tour Registrar, and Dr Sarah Cooper (née School, working together to make a
around College which many of you enjoyed Gillingham, P IG 1995 – 2002), difference.
seeing throughout this time. Helping you, we
hope, to feel connected to part of the wider
Sally-Anne Evans Occupational for Pillar 1
Wycliffian Community. I am also pleased to
Health (OH) Nurse, (Hon OW 2001 and Pillar 2
say that our Wycliffe pupils, thanks to the
commitment and dedication of Wycliffe’s
to present) testing, the
teachers and staff, enjoyed continuous learning Shared her story of the year with us: immunisation
throughout the period. team and
I come from a background of
the OH
Since September, we have focussed on how NHS intensive care and RAF
aeromedical evacuation culminating Department.
best we can support you as we move forwards
in Operation Granby during the first Testing
in a different world. We are launching a new
Gulf War. After my service career, I requirement
website and have contacted many of you
personally to check how you are and how you specialised to become autonomous in has again
are coping. public health nursing (occupational become busy,
health) working in the shipping, motor children’s routine flu immunisations
A calendar of events for 2021 is in the
and aviation industries until arriving are now on a tight schedule before the
magazine, but please note these are proposals
at Wycliffe in 2001. My role in short, season properly sets in, and hundreds
only and that circumstances and government
is to assess, plan, implement and of staff with existing conditions
guidelines nearer the time will dictate if they
can go ahead. evaluate the occupational health of are referred to OH for health risk
the workforce, advising management assessments for high hazard roles.
We were very pleased to welcome Margie to ensure that they work safely and It’s strange to be working in scrubs
Coombs (H 1974, Former Wycliffe parent again, with full PPE which requires
effectively whatever their health
and current Matron in the Prep School) to the
status, whilst working within the remit a good deal of eye contact to assist
Committee and, with her, comes a wealth of
of the HSE legislative framework and with communication. Donning and
knowledge about the school through the years
the Equality Act 2010. doffing PPE is time consuming and
as, additionally, her father was John Shirley
(Schoolmaster Wycliffe Senior & Second My recent work has been very wearing it is hot and uncomfortable.
Master at the Junior School 1950-1981; much focussed on the public health, For many months I have been working
Housemaster Penwood). vulnerability and infection risk full time and recently 6 days a week
management of the Covid-19 crisis, as the national demand for swabbing
We wish you a very
however with social distancing and increases. These roles are incredibly
happy New Year and
lockdown in March, much of my varied, workload is tremendously
look forward to hearing
clinical facing role stopped. There was a high and in OH it is also extremely
from you in 2021.
Please keep sharing call out campaign for nurses to return complex. I still do my work at the
your news and stories! to the NHS; I felt compelled to offer College alongside my NHS work,
my skill set to assist my professional and use Sundays to wind down on
John Hughes (J H colleagues and applied to the local my allotment. I make time to ensure
1961) NHS Trust to work. I switch off in order to maintain a
President of The
In my public health role for the NHS, healthy mental focus, so that I am in
Wycliffian Society
I cover three areas, the swabbing team the right space to help others.
ANNOUNCEMENTS 3
Announcements
New Head of the Prep School Congratulations to all from The Wycliffian Society
Births
Our congratulations Nick Morris (P
to Vicky MacBean C 2010) and
(HE 1999) and Rachel Morris
Nick MacBean (né (P C 2011)
Willmore, H 1999) who celebrated the
celebrated the birth of birth of their
In the Autumn Term we welcomed Mrs
their daughter Nina on son, Rudy
Helena Grant and her family as the new
15th November 2019, William on 28
Head of the Prep School. Helena joins
weighing 3.5kg. June.
us from Monkton, Bath where she was
Deputy Head.
Mrs Grant has arrived at Wycliffe with
boundless amounts of energy ensuring
our pupils in the Prep School enjoy their
Newly appointed Trustee
We were Royal Artillery in Newcastle and in 2015
day, all whilst she and her team manage
delighted went on to be the head planner at the
the challenges faced by the current
to hear that Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction
situation.
another OW, Corps, leading collaborative and joint
Brigadier planning on numerous exercises, and
New Year Honours Richard
Clements
contributing to real world planning
and NATO conceptual thinking. Most
Two further OWs (P W 1989), recently he was the last Commander
received New Year has been of British Forces Germany, responsible
honours this year. appointed for the provision of local authority
John May (W as a Trustee support to over 10,000 personnel
1982) was of Wycliffe and families living in Germany. For his
awarded an OBE College. command of the successful rebasing of
in recognition of Richard joined Wycliffe in the Lower the majority of these people to the UK/
his ‘services for Prep. He went on to leave after Sixth Cyprus in 2019, he was appointed as
young people’. He Form and study Biological Sciences at St a Commander of the Most Excellent
is currently the Secretary General of Catherine’s College Oxford University. Order of the British Empire.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International He was commissioned into the Royal He is married to Helen. They have two
Award and has spent his career working Artillery in 1994 and has served in the children; the eldest has just finished Year
with and for young people in the United UK and Germany, including operational 13 in the Senior School, the youngest
Kingdom and around the world. tours in Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan. is still here at Wycliffe. Richard is an
John is a regular Wycliffe visitor; He has held a variety of diverse roles. In enthusiastic, but untalented Jäger,
kindly assisting with careers events and 2012 he commanded 39th Regiment cricketer and golfer.
visiting our DofE pupils. Our heartfelt
congratulations to John. Deaths Robert (Bob) F Workman (J W 1946 –
Andrew R T Davies 1956), Barry S White (SH 1954 - 1960),
This year we sadly said goodbye to: P Jonathan Rogers (J S 1953 - 1962),
(J SH 1983) was
Keith H Plested (J DB 1934 - 1938), Jonathan W Makins (J W 1953 - 1963),
awarded a CBE for
Mike Graham (S 1959 - 1964),
political and public Peter Andrew (SH 1938 - 1942),
John G Wilkes (J W 1956 - 1964),
services. Joining J Brian Kemp (H 1938 - 1943),
William Hywel Davies (J H 1963 – 1972),
the Conservative Keith B Pearson (J S 1933 – 1943),
Rev Barry Jackson (Hon OW, Chaplain
Party in 1997, Charles Cottell (H 1938 -1944), Wycliffe 1975 – 1988)
Davies won his seat David L Frost (P S 1935 - 1946), Mrs Margaret Thomas (Hon OW &
in the 2007 general Richard G H Perry (J S 1938 – 1947), Former Staff 1985 - 1998 & 2000 -
election for the South Wales Central Roger M Sawyer (J S 1940 - 1950), 2007)
electoral region. He enjoyed 17 years at Patrick Palmer (SH 1949 – 1952), Glynn Probert (Hon. OW & Former Staff
the top of Welsh politics, including as Roger Cockhill (J S 1947 – 1954), 2008 - 2019).
Leader of the Welsh Conservatives.
To read any obituaries visit: www.wycliffe.co.uk/the-wycliffian-society/
4 GIVING BACK
OWs give back to Wycliffe
Once again, we have been
hugely grateful for the help
and assistance our alumni
have given to support
current pupils. Events in
the early part of the year
went ahead as planned
whilst some of those later in
the year went ‘virtual’.
Please let us know if you feel able to help
with:
• Wycliffe Aspire Presentations –
Year 12 pupils prepare and give a This year we welcomed back:
presentation on their chosen career
(February); Sheryll Goddard (P IG 2012) to larger telecommunications companies
in London, to help further their content
• TWS stand at Wycliffe Futures OW Sheryll Goddard (P IG 2012)
creation and improve the search engine
Fair – an event attended by UK kindly visited Wycliffe in January to
optimisation of their websites.
universities, apprenticeship providers speak on multimedia careers with our
alongside USA Colleges (March); Sixth Form pupils studying BTEC Media Pupils left the session enthused about
(Digital Content Production) and the opportunities available to them with
• Careers Opportunity Day – Year
A-Level Film Studies. Sheryll is Group the skills they are learning as part of their
8 hear from a range of inspiring course. To learn more about Sheryll’s
Marketing Executive for the FTSE 250
speakers talking about their careers background, her time at Wycliffe and how
company Renishaw plc. In this role she is
(June); her career started, visit our website.
specifically the corporate videographer
• Mock Interviews (December); and drone pilot - one day she could be
shooting a video case study on how metal Dr Philip Bell (J H 1976)
• Short careers talk to Sixth Form (ad
3D printing is helping build fully electric
hoc);
car prototypes, the next filming in open
• Internships, work placements or brain surgery because Renishaw software
small group visits in your company. has helped a top neurosurgeon plan
his DBS procedure. In addition to her
role at Renishaw she also runs her own
Do you need careers help marketing consultancy business, working
independently with start-ups in Bristol,
or guidance?
Why not tap into the alumni knowledge
pool. It may be that you are seeking Phil came back to Wycliffe in early
some help and advice, looking for February to speak with pupils interested
your first job opportunity, or perhaps in pursuing a career in Medicine or Sport
you are just moving to a new city Science. In his distinguished career
or country. Please join our LinkedIn he has travelled to South Africa, India
Group: The Wycliffians or contact us and Pakistan with the England Cricket
and we will endeavour to connect you Team, has looked after the players at 20
with fellow alumni who could offer help Wimbledons, and spent years looking
or experience. Within The Wycliffians after pre-professional ballet dancers
LinkedIn group you can also post jobs at the Royal Ballet School in Covent
so if you think the network would be Garden, and professional footballers at
interested in a role you are hiring for, Derby County.
please go ahead and post.
Over lunch, a presentation and a Q&A
John May, Tristram Southgate, Rob Lister, Richard Chatham
GIVING BACK 5
session, pupils were able to gain an insight our TWS Award Noah and Charlie were both in their first
into a career in medicine along with some Winner 2019, year studying Engineering; Noah is at the
of the challenges they might face. His key Sophia Rai, University of Birmingham and Charlie is
messages to our pupils were to always ask who is studying at the University of Bristol. Both gave an
lots of questions, to never stop learning Biomedicine in-depth insight into early university life;
and to listen. As well, he encouraged at Worcester from what to expect of university Open
them to get any kind of work experience, University and Days, the grade offers they had received to
be it clinical or voluntary, to aid their Charlie Richards the societies and sports they are involved
applications for Medicine and decision- who has this year completed his BSc with. Noah has taken up American Football
making process. in Sport and Exercise Science at the and Charlie is enjoying being involved
University of Swansea. He returned to with Space Universities Network. He is a
To read more about Dr Philip Bell’s career Swansea in September to start a Masters Co-ordinator for them and is organising
read OW Memories on page 13. degree in Accounting and Finance. Both a series of webinars with space industry
were able to answer questions on what professionals.
Georgie Downton (C 2016), Will Butler university life is like; from the application
(P H 2016), Sophia Rai (P HE 2019) process to the courses they were studying. John May (W 1982) Tristram Southgate
and Charlie Richards (C 2016) Noah Murray (P C 2019) and Charlie (J SH 1982), Jonathan Crosser (J W
Leach (R 2019) 1985), Richard Chatham (P J H 1963),
Vicki Watson (HE 1991) and Rupert
Harris (W 1983)
The six OWs experienced in recruitment
and selection represented a range of
industry sectors and were invited to
Wycliffe to assess and give feedback to
Year 12 pupils who are honing their career
presentation skills as part the Wycliffe
Aspire Programme. Each pupil chooses a
career they are interested in and considers
suited to their abilities, and then makes a
This year’s Futures Fair saw the Sibly Hall short professional presentation.
transformed into a professional exhibition The range of careers covered in this year’s
hub and was attended by 32 institutions Head of Sixth Form, Major Matt Archer, presentations included Creative Writer,
including USA/Canadian Colleges, UK invited recent OWs to deliver sessions Game Art Designer, Stunt Performer and
universities and apprenticeship providers. on their university experience as part of Business, Engineering and Finance.
the Year 12 Life Skills Programme. The
Amongst the exhibition stands were In December of this year, just as this
opportunity to deliver these talks were
Georgie Downton who attended with magazine was being finalised, 11 OWs
cut short with the start of the March
Relish, the events and corporate catering kindly took part in Year 11 Virtual Mock
Lockdown but we did manage to squeeze
specialist in Cirencester. Their chocolate Interviews. An annual event to develop
in a session with Noah Murray and Charlie
brownies went down a treat with everyone. pupils interview skills and techniques.
Leach.
In fact, this autumn we sent Relish’s
delicious chocolate brownies to our Class
of 2020 at universities across the country.
Rotec’s
(Engineering)
stand was manned
by Will Butler.
He brought
along examples
of its hydraulic,
pneumatic
and electronic
components.
Our TWS stand
was manned by two OWs still at university;
6 SOCIAL
Remembrance Sunday
November 2020
The Wycliffian Society wreath at combat during the Second World War.
College’s special pre-recorded Service of In remembrance of them, we have three
Remembrance was laid this year by Ian memorial chairs - the Meikle Memorial
Russell (Current Staff and P R 1994 – Chairs - which are housed by the altar in
2004). Wycliffe’s Chapel.
We remember all those OWs who have lost The service is available to watch online
their lives in conflict, particularly the 66 here: https://www.wycliffe.co.uk/
OWs who died in World War II in this the remembrance/
75th anniversary year of VE day and VJ
Day.
Poignant amongst those OWs who died
were the three Meikle brothers; Ian
(SH 1933 – 1938), David (J SH 1933
– 1941) and Colin (J SH 1933 – 1941).
The brothers joined Wycliffe together
in September 1933 and were all killed in
Honorary Wycliffians TWS Drinks,
The Wycliffian Society this year
welcomed the following new Honorary
Miguel Martinez, Kevin Patrick,
Catherine Yates. We also welcome
Swansea
Members of staff who have each Mrs Helena Grant as a new Honorary 5th March 2020
dedicated 10 years’ service to Wycliffe. Member in her role as Head of the Prep
OWs met up in Swansea for an under
School.
We would like to thank you sincerely for 25s drinks event.
your dedication and tireless work: We were unable to hold our annual
L:R Luke Whitmarsh (H 2016),
Pimms in the Pavilion event in June but
Ingrid Chiene, Darren Davies, Sofia look forward to them all joining us for Rohan Easby (P C 2015), Jack Evans
Davis, Melody Herbert, Ross Irwin, the event in 2021. (C L 2016), Charlie Richards (C
2016), Tom Kendell (P C 2017), Ben
Richards (P 2015).
Sofia Davis, Ross Irwin, Mrs Helena Grant, Ingrid Chiene
Wycliffe College Carol Service
We were not able to gather as usual for across College. Representing TWS,
this year’s TWS Service of Nine Lessons Matthew Cole (P C 2011 – 2020) read
and Carols. However, we were delighted the 7th Lesson and Lucy Parker (P HE
to share a special virtual Wycliffe College 2007 – 2017) sang ‘O Holy Night’ by
service; Prep School, Senior School and Adolphe Adam for the opening music.
The Wycliffian Society.
The service is available to view online
Readers and choirs came together from here: www.wycliffe.co.uk/carol-service/
More photographs and news on our website https://www.wycliffe.co.uk/the-wycliffian-society
TWS Awards - where are
TWS AWARD 7
they now?
2020 has presented significant challenges for all recent Wycliffe leavers. OWs at university
are mostly receiving online lectures and seminars. First year students have the additional
challenge of trying to establish a social life with little chance of meeting new students
outside of their accommodation.
The Wycliffian Society Award is now in its at Tesco doing night work, something I a spend a further 108 hours engaged in
fifth year of being awarded. Open to any had not done before. This gave me a new online learning, reading and assessments.
Year 13 pupil, the Award takes the form of experience in retail as well as keeping me The course has been adapted well; lectures
a grant that gives £9,000 over three years busy during lockdown,” said Rhiannon. are online and practicals are still in person
to a pupil going to university who may not with strict social distancing measures
This September lectures and seminars are
otherwise be able to afford to study in full- in place. I’m currently researching my
online and she has even acquired a pet
time higher education. dissertation proposal in the area of
snake! Her future plans are evolving and
Cardiovascular system.”
A panel of TWS Management Committee this final year allows her time to look at the
review the applications and applicants options available to her. “In my spare time, I have joined the
present to the panel on how the grant will cheerleading society and I’m working part-
Max Edgson (P
help them at university and what they time as a barista which I thoroughly enjoy.”
R L 2018) this
would hope to give back to The Wycliffian year comes to Nathan
Society in terms of support to The Society. the end of his Berrecloth (C
BA in Politics, 2020) is this
Philosophy and year’s TWS Award
Law at Warwick. Winner. He
University has began studying
been an exciting Max Edgson Computer
time of exploring Science at the
opportunities for Max; considering careers University of
Birmingham in Nathan Berrecloth
in Law, Public Relations and Business.
Stephanie Wynn September.
He looks forward to working hard for
Following the completion of her BA in the rest of the year on his startup, which “It was with great surprise and gratitude
2019, Stephanie Wynn (C L 2016) then was recently accepted onto the Warwick that I read the email from TWS earlier
moved to Fitzrovia, London and began Incubator programme. Exciting times this year. My degree programme includes
an MSc degree in Art, Law and Business ahead for Max! a sponsorship in the form of a degree
with Christies Education. She finished Sophia Rai (P apprenticeship with PwC that covers;
this earlier in 2020 and has since started HE 2019), our summer placements, a 3rd year placement,
a placement with Christies in their Rare 2019 winner, is a salary and a guaranteed job offer if a 2:1,
Book and Manuscript department. in her second or higher, is achieved. Although I have
endeavoured to make the fullest possible
Our 2017 winner, Rhiannon Tasker (P IG year at the
start to my life here at Birmingham it
L 2017) is now in her final year at Swansea University of
hasn’t been without its challenges. The
studying a joint Law and Criminology Worcester
course is solely online, much of which is
degree. studying
pre-recorded content. Away from the
Biomedicine.
“2020 has been a ‘virtual’ lecture theatre almost all societies
She joined us
very eventful and Sophia Rai that are running are online, with the
for our Futures
confusing year for exception of a handful of sports including,
Fair in early March 2020 and was on hand
everyone. The lack luckily for me, rugby. This means I’m able
to answer pupil questions about university
of social interaction to train three times a week with a similar,
life.
was hard for me, as but socially distanced, programme to
I know it was hard She is taking a wide variety of modules this normal years. This offers welcomed and
for a lot of people. year and says “On average the second-year limited chances to speak to different
Luckily, I had the students have 8-10 hours contact time people in a time when it’s very hard to
opportunity to work Rhiannon Tasker with each module and we are expected to meet others and make new friends.”
Showing true resilience
8 COLLEGE NEWS
by Nick Gregory
Whatever else any of us might have to say about the past nine or ten months, they have
certainly – for everyone single one of us - been different. And those of us at Wycliffe have
been no exception to this.
For many families across the UK these
very different times have included
bereavement and the enormous emotional
upheaval that of course accompanies this;
we have experienced this at Wycliffe too
but with numbers that can be counted on
fingers rather than on a widespread level.
The response of our Common Rooms
(both Prep and Senior) to the challenge of
delivering the Summer Term’s education
‘remotely’ (we called our version ‘Directed
Learning’) was truly outstanding – our
pupils were exceptionally fortunate
through May and June to have so many
committed and dedicated people prepared
academic) of being ‘back at school’ kicked November but competitive Rugby could
to assimilate at great speed a number of
back in. be ‘touch’ only’; and we have had fewer
new skills and then re-frame how they
Ninety-five per cent of pupils have been than two handfuls of positive Covid cases
delivered teaching-and-learning.
able to be physically present (and with (across a community of c. 1,000 staff
And then the ‘physical’ return of all a new-found or renewed appreciation and pupils), leading to organisational and
of us to school in September brought for their education) with just 5% around medical challenges but no lasting health
trepidation for many (I admitted to one of the world choosing to ‘wait-and-see’ and impacts nor seriously detrimental or
the few sleepless nights of my Headship access their lessons remotely; singing in irrecoverable consequences to anyone’s
so far) but then very quickly enormous Chapel has been much missed but daily, education. All of that said: roll on 2021,
relief and gratitude as routines became year-group assemblies can still take place; roll on a vaccine and roll on an optimistic
re-established, relationships were reignited inter-school Hockey fixtures were possible hope that we might be back far closer to
and the simple enjoyment (social as well as before the ‘New National Restrictions’ of full normality by March or April!
Taking change
House Drama 2020 was staged but in a different way
in our stride
by Maddy Palmer, Head of School
The new academic year came with an eagerness to be
firmly back amongst friends and to regain familiarity.
The Wycliffe community have adapted fantastically and
with good spirit to the many changes in routine that
the return to ‘normality’ has brought.
Pupils have taken changes in their stride and are
thriving in all aspects of school life. Adaptation,
innovation, and positivity have become the solution to
potential setbacks. Year group ‘bubbles’ have enabled a
sense of solidarity that has resulted in stronger bonds
between peers. A new ‘normal’ has been established
within the student body and it is one of unity.
COLLEGE NEWS 9
School Prefects for 2020
There's no stopping us
Senior pupils and staff demonstrated true off at home’, ‘Where in Wycliffe?’ and 1,469 hours of volunteering in their local
resilience throughout 2020. They are ‘Who’s pet is this?’ Houses also took part community, spent 1,326 hours learning a
tackling every challenge with creativity and in the Loo Roll Challenge video. new skill and 1,599 hours taking part in a
true Wycliffe pioneering spirit. physical activity. As part of their Bronze
Young Enterprise: The Young Enterprise
Here are just a few of the highlights: team Colour Bloom won the 'Special Area Award some Year 9 pupils participated
Manager Award for Resilience in 2020' in an International conference on
Virtual Sports Programme: Throughout sustainability. Despite the exceptional
due to the persistence of the team to
the first lockdown Wycliffe Sports offered circumstances of the past eight months
finish the competition despite many team
a broad range of games for Senior and five Year 13 pupils achieved their Gold.
members having to leave the country due
Prep pupils alike. Each day there was
a variety ‘live’ of activities run through
to the pandemic, to return to their home Drama: The 2021 Drama production,
countries. ‘Looking Back, Moving Forward’, will reflect
Microsoft Teams by external professionals
and Wycliffe games staff. Each week Community spirit: Over the Easter on the year that was. Pupils are working
the Sports Department published a new break the resident staff and families raised in individual year group bubbles to create
workout on the Wycliffe YouTube channel. more than £2,600 for NHS Charities pieces of Theatre and Music that focus on
Together in the Wycliffe 12 for 12. They the world we live in. This will include an
Art online: The Art Department ran a NHS tribute and responses to the Black
ran for 12 consecutive hours, as a resi-
whole school drawing activity to encourage Lives Matter Movement. Overall, over 70
dential community, to symbolise the
everyone to connect visually with their pupils are taking part either onstage or
length of time of an average NHS shift.
environment during lockdown. Themes offstage. While it will be not staged in the
have included Through the Window, Duke of Edinburgh's Awards: In usual way, the Department is exploring
Chairs, Tools and Shoes. The best response 2020 Wycliffe DofE participants gave how it will be done virtually.
was for Through the Window, which had
some fascinating responses from all over
the world.
Chemistry: The Chemistry Department,
during the Summer Term, delivered a
series of “extra” classes to help Year 11
pupils prepare for their A Levels and Year
13 prepare for University.
Virtual Houses: The House spirit shone
throughout the Spring lockdown. Every
House had weekly online ‘catch-ups’ for
the year groups and as a whole House as
well as many competitions such as ‘Bake-
My first term is a joy
10 PREP NEWS
by Helena Grant, Head of Wycliffe Prep
There are some times in life when you know that you are in the right place at the right time.
When first appointed in October 2019 as
the new Prep Head I was blessed to have
a significant handover with Adrian Palmer
which meant that by the time I started in
August 2020, I felt I already had a good
grasp of the ethos of the school and all that
it has achieved.
Not least within that was the way in which
the Prep School staff rose up to Directed
Learning during lockdown – there were still
Sports Days and concerts and quizzes and
House competitions! The creativity and
the determination of all the teachers to
strive to ensure our pupils still felt part of
this community was truly commendable.
September then came with the multitude
of precautions we put in place to keep our
pupils, staff and parents safe – and at the
“
end of the Autumn term we are lucky that
we have escaped many of the significant this term. They add a real sense of journey
disruptions that many other schools have to the school.
had to deal with. The teachers at the end of this term are
The teachers at the end of
The Prep is a truly special part of Wycliffe tired – but it is that sense of tiredness this term are tired – but it
– the Nursery children now being part which comes from having gone the extra is that sense of tiredness
of the main site means that we have that mile to make sure our pupils have had the which comes from having
sense of continuity and they are just so most fantastic term. We look forward to gone the extra mile to make
cute and little when they come out to join
us for events such as Remembrance and
the Spring term and all that that brings
– lighter evenings, lambs and maybe, just
sure our pupils have had
“
maybe, some chocolate eggs!
the most fantastic term.
the Literature Festival which we celebrated
Prep rises to the challenge
The Prep School has been as busy and and an outdoor ‘story shack’ where have been more virtual concerts with
thriving as ever during the year as pupils pupils were entertained with some live the choirs and orchestra becoming year
and staff found innovative ways to storytelling. groups so pupils can remain in their
learn, explore and develop. bubble but still make music with others.
Music goes on: During the first
Here are just a few of the highlights: lockdown individual Music lessons Virtual Sports Day: Pupils were set
Wycliffe Literature Festival: moved online, and an incredible 74 12 events to participate in throughout
The entire school celebrated the joy pupils took up this new way of learning. the morning, receiving a point for their
of reading by staging its first ever Within just a few weeks of lockdown, House with every score they submitted
Literature Festival. There were author Year 3 contributed to a virtual concert, and an extra point if they submitted
talks, a book trail where children looked to be shared with family and friends. a photo or video. The events were
for 15 creative installations to work out The annual Summer concert became a designed so they would be accessible to
the book or story they represented virtual event. Since September there all, using limited space and equipmentPREP NEWS 11
that could be adapted. A total of 201 pupils enjoyed speaking and hearing a learned all about Planet Earth in the
pupils took part, a fantastic result. myriad of languages during the School’s Autumn term and what we as humans
European Day of Languages. The day can do to look after it. Concerned about
During the Autumn term, all years
gives everyone an opportunity to value the amount of litter they had seen,
regular midweek fixtures have been
and promote all languages and cultures in the children completed a litter pick at
replaced with extensive coaching sessions.
Europe (but not just those from Europe), school, tidying up the campus before
This has allowed the pupils to develop at
raising awareness of the importance open day. The children took a tour of the
their own speed with a focus on player-
of language learning and intercultural classrooms to see which teachers were
led sessions.
understanding. wasting energy and electricity by not
Expedition Day: Year 8 spent their turning off lights or computers at the
Prep Boarding: Prep Boarding goes
Expedition Day giving some of their end of the day. They now have a ‘naughty
from strength to strength. Throughout
energy to clearing areas at the School list’ and will continue to monitor staff
the year, regardless of the lockdowns,
ready for future use. They spent time in throughout the year.
Wycliffe provided a safe and happy
the Forest School area, the old garden
environment for boarders. One of the
centre, helping the Estates Manager
highlights of the Autumn term was
paint lines on the pitches and tending
the Harry Potter weekend. Boarders
flower beds during their Ground Force
competed in a Harry Potter themed quiz,
Expedition Day. Year 4 explored
played quidditch on the sports field and
Woodchester Park as their Expedition
made magic slime. The weekend was such
Day while Year 5 staged a Mr Tumnus
a success that every Tuesday is now Harry
Tea Party and Year 6 journeyed to Selsley
Potter night.
Common.
Eco Warriors: The Pre-Prep Eco Club
Language Day: In the Autumn term,12 OWS IN CHARITY
OWs in Charity
Covid-19 has impacted charities across the world as many saw their donations fall when
fundraising events were cancelled. We know many OWs stepped up to row, run, cycle or
walk to raise vital funds for charities of their choice. Below we share a selection of these:
I volunteered to walk the stretches that
turned out to be the most difficult - the
undulating high cliffs of North Cornwall
between Port Isaac and the border with
Devon.
The weather, as to be expected, was mixed
but he found the walk was a great way
to socially distance from the crowds on
the beaches. His own rotary club, Truro
Boscawen, who devised the project raised
some £2,500.
In aid of
St David’s
Hospice Care,
In the summer Rob Camm (C 2012) took along a hilly section of The Cotswold Way Michael Hine
on a 16.25 mile rowing challenge on a from Painswick to Cheltenham. (P J S 1965)
custom-made rowing machine. This was laced up
Prior to Lockdown in March of this year,
in a bid to cover the equivalent distance walking boots
Peter had enjoyed going to the gym to row
of the Gloucester/Sharpness Canal to for his Rotary
three times a week (you may remember he
raise much needed funds for Neurokinex, Club too.
broke the world record for indoor rowing
a charitable trust whose specialist spinal Michael, who
last year!) so not being able to do this
cord injury rehab services have been vital is a trustee of
during the Lockdown he decided to go for
for Rob. the hospice,
walks instead. His walk raised much needed
Rob was a keen rower at school and funds for the Sue Ryder Leckhampton walked 10km
achieved his 1st VI Rowing Colours; Court Hospice in Cheltenham. If you in May of
spending many hours on the canal with would like to support Peter donations this year from Wales to England and back
his school team friends. A car accident at would be welcome: https://www.justgiving. across the Severn Bridge to complete the
the age of 19 left him paralysed from the com/fundraising/peter-daniels5 challenge. Collectively, his Club raised
neck down and dependent on a ventilator. £10,000 for St David’s Hospice Care.
More details here: https://www.sueryder.
He can only move his head and shrug his Michael says of the walk “The bridge was
org/news/81-year-olds-15-mile-walk-for-
shoulders so rowing is a massive effort. unusually quiet as it was a Sunday, and the
sue-ryder
Rob has so far raised a phenomenal UK Lockdown was in full flow. Only lorries
In August David Pollard (SH 1964) and
£11,600. If you would like to support Rob’s seemed to be using it for essential, mainly
fellow members of The Rotary Club raised
fundraising, please visit www.justgiving. food, transportation.”
some £11,500 for Cornwall Mind and
com/fundraising/rob-camm2 Ed Tinwell (L 2012) with fellow OWs
other charities by walking the whole of the
Like many people in the United Kingdom, Cornish part of the South West Coastal took on a challenge to cycle the diameter
81 year old Peter Daniels (P J H 1957) Path - approximately 292 miles. He of the world in June to raise awareness
found enjoyment in walking this year, hastens to add “I personally didn’t walk the and money for Mind, the mental health
culminating in a challenging 15 mile walk entire length! It was split into sections and charity.
If you would like us to feature a fundraising activity you have taken part in, please get in touch with
TWS@wycliffe.co.ukOWs’ memories shared
MEMORIES 13
Dr Philip Bell (J H 1968 – 1976) Simon Holloway (W 1964 – 1968)
“During my time at Wycliffe, every
An interview with Dr Philip Bell (J H 1968 – 1976). His
student was encouraged to belong
passion for sport, ignited at School, led to a fascinating career either to the Combined Cadet Corps
in Sports Medicine. or the Scouts. I chose Scouts, as I
Chapel pond. was already a member of the Scout
movement from my Prep School in
There were some great teachers at Wycliffe
Bristol and had already completed
and I suppose the one who inspired me most
the equivalent of Bronze DofE. The
was Roger Kirby who gave me football,
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
cricket and the mountains.
was still fairly new when we enrolled
On leaving Wycliffe I studied Medicine at and we did the activities alongside
Sheffield University Medical School. our Queen’s Scout award training.
Sport was always a big part of my life. Andy The teamwork, development
and I both played cricket for Stroud (they of initiative, willingness to take
were the strongest local club, playing on the calculated risks, planning well,
best pitches against the strongest opponents, budgeting and learning the basics of
so that was the place to go), and football First Aid have all stood me in good
in Bristol with Clifton St Vincents, where stead for the Adventures of Life. I
“Today, I am a doctor and my speciality
Roger Kirby was Chairman. have not tried out Extreme Survival
is Sport and Exercise Medicine. I started
in the style of Bear Grylls, the
off as a General Practitioner, before In my job I have travelled to South Africa, current Chief Scout, but certainly
specialising. Inactivity and unhealthy eating India and Pakistan with the England Cricket Scouting at Wycliffe opened many
are major causes of morbidity due to non- Team, have looked after the players at doors for adventures which we would
communicable disease. The exercise pill has twenty Wimbledons, and spent years looking not have had otherwise and gave us
a major role to play in reducing obesity, type after pre-professional ballet dancers at the confidence to try new things, meet
2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, dementia, cancers, Royal Ballet School in Covent Garden, and new people, develop resourcefulness
such as breast and bowel, and cardiovascular professional footballers at Derby County and visit unexplored places. Whilst
disease. It’s often difficult to get people to F.C. at school we undertook Cross-
take it! Country skiing in Norway (1966),
I have loved my career in medicine and was
I was in the Junior School, as a dayboy fortunate to find a speciality which was Winter Survival Training in Aviemore
from 1968 - 1972. Dick Stoker was the very practical and enthused me. It goes (1967), Hiking in the Black Forest
Headmaster, and Roger Kirby was my very quickly, and I have to pinch myself (1967), Corsicadventure (1968).
Housemaster and I then went on to sometimes. I never stop learning (time to Andy Gardner (J W 1968) also
Haywardsfield House, in the Senior School. represented our District Scouts at
pack it in if you do). For me the most
Richard Roberts was Headmaster, and Jack the World Jamboree in 1967. Just
important attributes are compassion and
Parry was my Housemaster. My brother, after leaving Wycliffe, Andy and I
empathy if you are patient facing. They
Andy, a very fine fast bowler, was two years undertook an Adventure in France,
sustain you, and I would never go on strike.
behind me, and my sister, Gilly, two years assisted by a travel grant from the
I have been fortunate to work with amazing
ahead (she was one of the first girls in the College. A detailed account of our
friends and colleagues, who support you
Sixth Form). travels can be read on the TWS
when you are away from family, or when
website.
I studied Mathematics, Biology and things go wrong.”
“
Economics at A level, and decided to do Andy became an Engineer while I
medicine half-way through. Fortunately, a was called to become a Priest in the
number of universities provided a 1st MB Church of England in predominantly
course in those days, so I was able to do There were some great challenging areas.”
Physics and Chemistry when I got there. teachers at Wycliffe and
I loved the opportunity to try lots of things, I suppose the one who To read the full interviews and other OW
Memories, please visit our website.
and Wycliffe gave me that. Not just on the inspired me most was
sports field. I enjoyed expedition days, trips
Roger Kirby who gave me If you would like to submit a ‘Memories’
to Dartmoor and Snowdonia, the school
plays and CCF exercises and camps. I football, cricket and the
mountains.
“ piece or you have an inspiring story to
tell, please get in touch with
remember time spent in a sleeping bag on TWS@wycliffe.co.uk
the 1st X1 cricket pitch, and swimming in the14 MEMORIES
Wycliffe set me up for life
Dr Camilla Pang (IG
2005 – 2010) had her first
book published in March.
Explaining Humans is a work
on science / psychology.
It is a memoir about someone with
autism (Dr Pang) who uses the lenses of
Science to understand and model human
behaviour.
Dr Pang holds a PhD in Bioinformatics
from University College London (UCL)
and works as a postdoctoral scientist.
“I am a scientist by day at a pharmaceutical
company, where I work with machine
learning and data science to find novel
therapeutics in immunity and neurological
based diseases such as epilepsy, cancer,
Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease, “They were always very keen to jump “Wycliffe set me up for life in enabling
and rheumatoid arthritis. At night (and on opportunities where I could show my me to shine in the things I loved without
weekends), I am a writer and autism potential, nurturing confidence and a judgment and develop an all-round
advocate.” natural freedom of thought - an imperative confidence and knowing what I need as an
part of my evolution that is still valuable to adult.”
“I always loved science, in fact it was my this day.”
“
means in which I survived and understood
Among her fondest memories of Wycliffe
my peers and navigated life.”
were the evenings.
Dr Pang, who was diagnosed with Autistic
“It was the evening engagements, such
The teachers didn’t try to
Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the age of squeeze me into a certain
as the choir and the after-school side
eight, says the Special Needs support she
received at Wycliffe was outstanding.
projects, that were buffeted like free shape but found value in
biscuits which formed some of my what I had to offer in both
“The teachers didn’t try to squeeze me into
a certain shape but found value in what
I had to offer in both Art, Science and
favourite times. It provides a time and
place to just be creative, relax, and
Art, Science and Music, and
also as an autistic human.
“
communicate, which not only comes in
Music, and also as an autistic human,” she
handy for your work, but also for your
said.
sanity as a human in later adult life.
Richard Smythe (W 1950 – 1955) career in teaching and finished as Douglas MacMillan (W 1955 – 1960)
Head of Music for a secondary school
Looks back and remembers the The seeds of both his careers were planted at
immense freedom they had in the in Telford. He still plays the piano and
Wycliffe. After a career as an ENT surgeon to
post-war years at Wycliffe to explore flute locally and assists at his nearby
pay the bills, he has then become an unpaid,
and take risks. He wonders “Do many primary school. His love of teaching
but very fulfilled, musicologist; acquiring
boarding schools now say to their was nurtured at Wycliffe by those who
three doctorates, writing three books, and
charges, ‘It’s going to be a nice day gave such good care and shared their
publishing over thirty articles. Of lockdown
tomorrow, so we’ll make it a holiday. experience; particularly his Wards
he feels as an academic he was well prepared
Go off into the countryside, bike or Housemaster, Mr Wilden Hart, and
“I am accustomed to spending hours on my
on foot, enjoy yourselves and gain a Mr R B Evans of Haywardsfield who
own, staring into my laptop and practising the
new experience?” From boating in taught him Geography. As well, his love
recorder. Fortunately I have been able to get
Tewkesbury to cycling to Bristol and of music from the Rev T S Dixon who
out for decent walks in the countryside: no
climbing the limestone caves of the “ran a never-ending annual round of
running for me, though, remembering that on
Avon Gorge. Gilbert and Sullivan productions, choirs
compulsory cross-country runs at Wycliffe I
After school, Richard settled on a and concerts.”
usually walked…”MEMORIES 15
Morris dancing and ‘folk’ Art
Successful freelance illustrator and ‘folk’ artist Alex Merry (P IG 1986 – 1997) talks about
her life including her start at Wycliffe through the ‘assisted place’ bursary scheme.
I joined the Prep School in 1989 after
winning an ‘assisted place’ for which I
sat nerve-wracking exams along with my
brother and sister. I was also awarded a
music scholarship which made it possible
for me to continue my piano lessons.
I don’t think there was any activity, course
or lesson, that I disliked at Wycliffe. I
soaked up pretty much everything that I
could do; I loved learning and there was an
incredible variety of subjects and activities
on offer. I remember it being hard to
narrow down my choices for A Levels, but
I finally settled on Art, History of Art and
Music. This excitement and diversity of
interest has certainly filtered into my adult
life.
My A-Level teachers really stand out as
having supported me through that intense
time. Mr Hubbard and Mrs Mason in the
Art Department and Mr Swain, Miss Lee
and Mr Webb in the Music Department
were all fantastic.
I left with straight As and initially went to by folk/outsider art and craft than by the
study History of Art at York University money-orientated, swanky gallery world
but soon realised that I should be doing and I am now part of the Boss Morris
practical art so moved back to Stroud and dance group - an all-female group.
enrolled on an Art Foundation Course. The vibrant creative community of
This led to me finally graduating from the Stroud is very special. My Dad was the
University of the West of England with a local vicar in Stroud, so we grew up with
First in Illustration. a strong feeling of being connected to
To support myself after graduating I had the community and I still feel that today. Belle & Sebastian, to wearing my Morris
a few different jobs to pay the bills before Despite 2020 being a challenging year, kit whilst working on murals I designed at
I got a job at Damien Hirst’s company, the jobs have kept coming and my working the Gucci Garden in Florence….the list
Science Ltd. I was part of the large team day has remained similar. The street we live of surreal things I have done are endless!
of artists that make his work which is sent on has formed a creative collective to help I’m attracted to the weird, wonderful,
to shows and art buyers across the world. support each other and our local pub, The eccentric and love life’s ‘magic’ makers.
After seven years, I was in the position Prince Albert in Rodborough, has been
I would be happy to help a pupil or recent
of assistant managing one of his studios incredible.
leaver interested in pursuing a career in
in London, but it ended up killing off my Every commission or project brings the arts. My advice would probably be to
own creative practice, so I left London and something new with it and for me that’s stick faithfully to what interests you, don’t
moved home to Stroud. I began working part of the joy of being a freelance feel pressure to create perfection, just get
for Darbyshire framing company and got artist. Perhaps my most high-profile making and connect with other artists to
back into my own painting – finally being commissions have been with Gucci. It’s build a community that best supports and
able to go fully freelance four years ago. been a very formative experience and encourages you.
My parents have had a profound impact they’re an amazing company to have
To read the full interview with Alex Merry
on my career. From their support and worked for.
and to see more of her work, visit our
encouragement to the ‘folk’ community of From dancing on stage dressed as a sheep website ‘Memories’ section. Alex’s own
which they are part. I’m far more excited at The Royal Albert Hall with the band website is www.alexmerryart.com16 STAFF NEWS
We bid a fond farewell to staff
2020 saw us bid farewell to a number of Honorary OW, long-serving, members of school
staff; many of whom have retired. We wish them well in the future and thank them for
their loyalty over their collective 250 years’ service to the College.
Mrs Christine Brown (Hon OW
2002 – 2020) retired this summer from
the Prep School. She had been Head of
MFL and taught countless numbers of
children French and German and had been
Head of Lincoln for a number of years.
She had also been a hugely successful
and respected Netball coach, a sport she
still plays herself. For those who had the
privilege of working with Mrs Brown, she
Jean Bloodworth was one of the most loyal, professional and
Lampeter Matron, Mrs Jean dedicated teachers in the profession. She
Bloodworth (Hon OW 1990 – 2020) will be sadly missed.
retired this autumn for a well-deserved
Mrs Brown is looking forward to having
rest. In 30 years of service across the
the time to write; including perhaps
College, Jean worked in both the Prep
a children’s novel, set in the South of
School and the Senior School as Matron
of Windrush, Loosley Halls and then finally France, which, she says “will necessitate Jane Lewis
Lampeter House. She was extremely some extended visits when the current the Medical Centre and has taken up a
kind and generous and had a very positive situation allows”. Her love of languages
new role with the Gloucestershire NHS
impact on the lives of those she worked continues, and she has embarked on
Immunisation Team.
with and the pupils she looked after. learning Portuguese, in the hope that she
will be able to converse with her future Mrs Dawn King (Hon OW
Mrs Anna Britton-Lewis (Hon OW daughter-in-law’s family in Brazil. 1997 – 2020) was a member of the School
2003 - 2020) left the Senior School where
Housekeeping staff for over 20 years
she was a Science Technician. It is 37 years since Mr Ian Dollins
where she worked in Haywardsfield House.
(Hon OW 1983 – 2020) came to
Dedicated, liked by the boys; she will be
Mrs Judith Bourne (Hon OW Wycliffe as a Visiting Singing Teacher. A greatly missed by her colleagues.
1997 - 2020) retired from her position as skilled and dedicated teacher who will be
Assistant Accountant after 23 years at the missed by colleagues and pupils; he retired After 23 years, Mrs Caroline Marsh
College. She is looking forward to spending this autumn.
more time with her family. (Hon OW 1997 – 2020) retires from
managing the Wycliffe Nursery.
After 18 years’ service as Wycliffe’s
Mr Robert Britton (Hon OW Catering Manager, Mrs Judith Johnson
2007 – 2020) has retired from driving as Mrs Elizabeth Shearer (Hon OW
(Hon OW 2002 – 2020) retired in
part of the College’s Transport Team. 2009 - 2020) was a part time teacher in
March. She made the daily catering
the Lower Prep School for many years and
requirements of College look effortless.
worked as an exam invigilator. She retired
TWS are very grateful for her significant to Scotland in the summer.
contribution at all our in-house events –
whether it was the fantastic selection of
cheese and wine on offer after TWS Carol
Service, the delicious buffets on Wycliffian
Days over the years or the one-off events
like our Armed Forces Dinner in 2015. She
was a pleasure to work with.
Mrs Jane Lewis (Hon OW
Christine Brown 2001 – 2020) leaves as Senior Nurse in Elizabeth ShearerSTAFF NEWS 17
Mr & Mrs Adrian Palmer
(Hon OW 2003 – 2020)
retired this summer after 17
years leading Wycliffe Prep
School. Below, excerpts from
a tribute written by Ginny
Jackson Hon OW & Deputy
Head 2004 – 2018.
Farewell Mr and Mrs Palmer. 17
years is a long time in anybody’s
life, but in the life of young people,
particularly those of Prep School age, it’s
an eternity. I can honestly say that the refurbishment of the Science and Art Since moving back to their home in
Palmers have had an impact on thousands rooms and swimming pool, and the Wiltshire, and even though they miss the
of young – and not so young – lives that construction of an all-weather pitch, to the children’s happy faces, the Palmers have
will last. all-singing, all-dancing versatile teaching been happily embracing a life without
space, Etheridge Hall, a real statement school bells or timetables! Between
Pupils will remember Mr and Mrs Palmer’s
that pulled together their aspirations for them, they have unpacked over eighty
Assemblies, their constant support at
the school. packing boxes, made garden and home
concerts, productions, sports events,
As Mr Palmer’s Deputy for 14 years, I improvements, played golf and ‘Zoomed’
match teas, on trips and their willingness to
dress up for those whole-school occasions. saw at first-hand how they dove-tailed in Pilates, spent long-awaited occasions
Their sense of humour and desire to ‘muck in what they did. Mr Palmer had a very with friends and family, read for pleasure
in’ has been front and centre of school clear role and Mrs Palmer filled any gaps, and enjoyed lengthy woodland dog walks;
life and has influenced the atmosphere often without people knowing, and often not only this, one Palmer has painted pet
of the school enormously. Parents have without the recognition she deserved. portraits while the other has concentrated
valued being able to reach them when they Most significantly, they share a passion for on complex jigsaw puzzles (guess which
needed them, even in the holidays and and have dedicated their professional lives, one!).
at weekends, as well as feeling confident to education, and have provided countless Both Mr and Mrs Palmer were sad to leave
that both Mr and Mrs Palmer knew their opportunities for young Wycliffians to in July and were completely overwhelmed
child as an individual and cared about their develop as rounded, community-minded by the warmth, kindness and generosity
well-being. and considerate individuals. of past and present pupils, parents, staff
They are an incredibly hard and those connected in some way with
They oversaw many improvements
act to follow. Wycliffe Prep. Thank you to everyone.
to the fabric of the school. From the
Sport
Rowing Please get in touch if you were a rower at Football, Netball, Touch Rugby
school and would like to receive Wycliffe
The Small Boats Head in December 2019
Watermen rowing newsletters. The The March OW fixtures were unable
and The Big Head in February were both
Watermen exist to support the Wycliffe to take place this year. However, for
very successful events organised by The
Boat Club. If you were a rower at Wycliffe, 2021 a special OW Sports day event
Wycliffe Watermen; generating income
you automatically become a Wycliffe on the afternoon of Saturday 21st
for the Club with additional revenue from
Watermen. March is planned; Football and Touch
refreshments and savings made by taking
Rugby on the Berryfield as well as
marshalling of the car park ‘in house’.
However, in common with many sporting Netball on Ward’s Courts. This will
events this year, The Small Boats Head in all be subject to the Government
December 2020 was cancelled. guidelines at the time.
Despite the challenges of this year, Rowing Please get in touch with TWS@
at Wycliffe continues to develop. During wycliffe.co.uk if you would like to
the spring, Mr Greg Flower, Director play as part of any of these sports
of Rowing at Wycliffe, and his helpers teams. For the OW Touch Rugby,
voluntarily decorated the inside of the we are looking for a squad of 12
Boathouse. It now looks amazing and very players.
impressive to visitors and regulars alike.OWs Achieve – being
18 OWS ACHIEVE
bold reaps rewards
Congratulations to Dr
Camilla Pang (IG 2005 -
2010) who becomes the
youngest ever winner of the
prestigious Royal Society
Science book prize. She
is also the first person of
colour to do so.
Camilla’s debut book, Explaining Humans,
was published earlier this year. It is a
memoir about someone with autism, Dr
Pang, who uses the lenses of Science to
understand and model human behaviour.
Camilla holds a PhD in Bioinformatics
from University College London (UCL) The Royal Society Insight Investment up there with people I admire. To have
and works as a postdoctoral Scientist. Science Book Prize is intended to it recognised that I can write, and that
She says, "It was a thank you letter to my “celebrate the very best in popular science people resonate with the book, makes me
mum and also a love letter to science, to writing from around the world”. Dr Pang feel like I have that piece of connection
highlight how understanding and support was nominated alongside internationally that has always been missing. And that it’s
can change someone’s life, by seeing what acclaimed authors including Susannah OK to feel weird in other parts, because
a person is, as opposed to what they should Cahalan, Jim Al-Khalili and Bill Bryson. I know that this part will anchor me in
be.” And she hopes the book “will give feeling human for the rest of my life.”
people that missing link so that they can On hearing of her success Dr Pang says
feel complete enough to take the next “Winning doesn’t feel real yet, but it To read more about Dr Camilla Pang, see
step.” does feel like an incredible honour, to be OW Memories on page 14.
Richard Roberts (Former Head 1967
– 1980) almost in his 90th year has
also been writing; publishing, ‘Beyond
The Bar Sailing Ventures from a Suffolk
River’ earlier this year.
It is 40 years since he and his wife,
Wendy, left the Head’s study at
Wycliffe. They have enjoyed a long
retirement, some part-time supply
teaching in earlier years (an eye-
opening experience) a lot of sailing
and some writing. Richard says “I
Roger Dixon (H 1948), at 90 in January, The published book might interest a
count myself extremely fortunate in all
let us know that he's still busy writing. His few OWs of the 1967-80 vintage,
this. Wendy became a very proficient
latest book 'Solomon's Vineyard' is out now. either because they have an interest
Roger was first published in 1970 and bookbinder and restorer when we were
in Surrey in the 1980s and continues in sailing or remember a boat parked
has written numerous books, radio and
with this when not gardening and outside the HM’s house and wondered
television plays, a series for the BBC as
running the household and me! what he got up to then and since.”
well as two musicals!You can also read
