Contents

Reunion Weekend

London Lunch

OW Fundraising

Alumni News

Staff Valete

In Memoriam

Diary Dates

Class of 2015

H Price. Headmaster

Spring 2016

I hope that you will enjoy reading this newsletter and gain a flavour of what is going on at Wellington. I would like to thank all the OWs who support the School in so many ways and say what a pleasure it is to be getting to know former pupils. The formal events are increasingly well attended, but do feel able to visit the School on other occasions and please let us know your news. We are looking at ways to provide a greater variety of social occasions and are very happy to support any initiatives you may have.

One sentence from our inspection report last year referring to the parent body stated; ‘They are very pleased with the provision of extra-curricular activities, with the levels of pastoral support and guidance, and with the outcomes in terms of personal development and behaviour as well as in public examinations.’ This neatly identifies what I believe to be the three pillars of any good school. There is a powerful dynamic between these elements with co-curricular involvement and pastoral support outside of the classroom having a direct and positive impact upon academic achievement. One of the changes I made last year was to appoint a senior member of staff to each of these areas and they now work closely from one office space to ensure that those pillars remain strong and united.

I continue to believe that many of the most important lessons at school are learned outside of the classroom and the best in education cannot and should not always be measured. Good grades may help in life, but the value of a broad, liberal and liberating education remains. We know that results matter, but there is a subtle difference between attainment and achievement, and I am proud that Wellington adds value and helps pupils achieve results above expectations, whilst also attaining top grades and university places. As I write, we have heard of five successful Oxbridge offers. Nevertheless, in a society that can be too focused on results and where instant outcomes are increasingly expected, I feel strongly that patience and a long-term view are needed in education. The pace of life is quickening, but the process of growing up and learning cannot and should not be rushed. I want pupils to be happy and successful at Wellington, but that success will take different forms, at different times for different girls and boys.

I am glad that some of you had the opportunity to meet one of the new Deputy Heads, Mr Rowan MacNeary, who stood in for me at the AGM in November (I was back for in time for dinner!). Amongst much else, Rowan outlined the difference between ‘scholarships’ and ‘bursaries’ within the School. The former are awarded to recognise an ability within a particular discipline – academic, sport, music, drama, art – to be nurtured and acknowledged with a limited fee remission. A bursary, however, is purely awarded to pupils whose families are not able to afford the fees, but would benefit from a Wellington School education. The provision of such assistance lies in the DNA and at the heart of the charitable purpose of the School and I am keen to see as many pupils as possible supported in the years ahead. This theme was supported by Kevin Phillips, the Chair of the Foundation, who also outlined the purpose of the Foundation, which already provides full fee support for four pupils as well as funds for other pupils and I hope to raise awareness of the invaluable work of the Foundation in this, its tenth anniversary year. If any former pupil would like to know more, Kevin or I would be very happy to speak in more detail.

Finally, I would like to mention Reverend Justine Richards, who succeeds Reverend Hellier as Chaplain after over twenty years of dedicated service to Wellington. The Chapel remains at the heart of school life and I hope that many of you will meet Reverend Richards in the months and years ahead.

With best wishes for a prosperous 2016.

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OW Events November Reunion Weekend

Another very successful reunion was held on 7th and 8th November. The weekend started with the AGM and 28 brave souls battled the awful weather. Unfortunately the Headmaster was unable to attend the AGM, although he was at the dinner in the

evening, so he asked our new Deputy Head, Pastoral, Rowan McNeary to attend in his place who spoke about the current activities at the School. Kevin Phillips, the Chairman of the Foundation also attended and gave a report on the Foundation.

In the afternoon there was mini reunion of a rugby team from the mid-1970s, who planted a red oak tree at school in the memory of their former coach, Mike Sertin, who passed away in 2010. Mike’s son stood in for his father and Matt Pedley - former captain of the team spoke eloquently on behalf of the whole team in grateful thanks to their former coach. There was a watering of the eye, not just as a result of the cold wind and the sun even shone!

Saturday evening saw the Alan Rogers’ Centre transformed into a rugby themed dinner and dance venue. Nearly 100 people attended the dinner and enjoyed wonderful food and dancing to the “Blue Room Baboons” who had been one of the official bands providing entertainment for the Rugby World Cup. There was a huge age range of OWs from those who left only a few years ago to the 3 oldest gentlemen who left in the early 1950s Peter Woodley, (Willows ’50) Jeremy McGilpatrick (Darks ’52) and Colin Walker (Willows ’54). Peter and Jeremy had never met, but found they had both run rubber plantations in Indonesia and Malaysia at the same time, shortly after the end of the Second World War. Who would believe it?”

On Remembrance Sunday there was a very moving service in the Chapel and Mike Fuller (Lights ’85), OWA President and Carolyn Marsh (Beech ’83) read the lessons and the prayers. Carolyn was the first female Sacristan at the School as well as a member of the choir.

It was once again a wonderful weekend and lovely to see so many OWs returning to the School.

Two mini reunions!

We received two lovely messages from OWs in the summer letting us know about mini reunions that they had organised. The first was from John Stone, (‘55) about a get together held in France:

“I have just returned from a week in Provence with three other Old Wellingtonians, all of whom were together at school in the mid-50’s. We were staying at Ian Taylor’s superb house in Nans-les-Pins, which is in the middle of an excellent golf course, with wonderful views of the Massif de la Ste Baume. Ian’s brother Adrian and Jamshid Moshiri, from Tehran, Iran, made up with myself the quartet. The sum of our ages adds up to over 300.”The second was from Caroline Heaton (Beech ‘8-):

“Look who we met up with for lunch in Sidmouth last week. Jessica Thorley (Old Wellingtonian - she joined when Beech had been built. I believe I was in the 4th year then so I think Jessica was in 1st year). She was over from the US visiting her father with her 7 year old twin son and daughter. Lunch in the Old Anchor Inn followed by children going for a swim in the local swimming pool. Who would ever have thought all those years ago that we would meet up again with our children!”Thank you both so much for sharing and if anyone else is getting together with other Old Wellingtonians please do send us details and a picture:

OWA annual London Luncheon : 2015

Numbering 87 it was one of the largest gatherings of Old Wellingtonians for many years who attended the OWA Annual London Luncheon at the RAF Club in London on the 29th April 2015.

Most of those present were from the 50s, 60s and 70s but there was also a contingency from the 80s and 90s and it was so refreshing to see many younger members attending as well and so many who had travelled from afar including Tanzania, Canada, Belgium, France, USA and four from Wales!

After welcoming all to London our Compere, Chris Sexton, who with the late Neil Copp was one of the founders of the London Lunch, introduced Jeffrey Archer who, in time honoured fashion, delivered Grace.

The RAF Club had prepared a wonderful menu including poached Welsh salmon, appropriately Boeuf Wellington followed by that old school favourite of bread and butter pudding with lashings of crème anglaise otherwise known as custard!

Following lunch Chairman, Bill Bailey, thanked Chris Sexton upon his retirement as Compere for all he had done for the London Lunch for so many years followed by the presentation to him of a bottle of OWA Port. A new Compere shall be sought for next year probably from the recent leavers!

Also attending the lunch was Don Culver, past master and John Snell (Lights ‘60) proposed a Toast and thanked him for his association with the School for sixty years. Don duly replied in his usual witty style followed by Headmaster

Henry Price who, in his address, said he was delighted with the strength of support the OWA gives to the School and looks forward to working closely with us in the future.

But that was not the end of it! For the first time an evening reunion had been arranged in the RAF Bar for those people who were unable to come to the lunch. This was very well attended and the committee look forward to welcoming you to the RAF Club on 12th May 2016 either for the lunch or the evening drinks or both!

Nigel Calder (Willows ’63)

Unveiling of New Sundial

In the sparkling autumn sunshine, a new addition to the sunken garden was formally welcomed by Henry Price,

Headmaster and Nigel Calder, Vice-Chairman of the OWA. Nigel had noticed that the old sundial in the sunken garden was not designed to accurately tell the time so at the Autumn Equinox, we had fitted a new one commissioned by Nigel over the summer, complete with the OWA crest.

OWA Cricket

On a beautiful sunny afternoon last summer two teams of Old Wellingtonians met two teams from the School for a tournament organised by Matt Colman (Hardwick ’87). The cricket was of a high standard and the difference in age between the sides did not matter with the School bowlers offering some very tricky deliveries. William Bailey (Willows ’60), OWA Chairman umpired for the whole afternoon and watched the President, Mike Fuller (Lights’65) and the Treasurer, Brian Goggin (Darks ’60) face the onslaught of bowling with great courage and determination. In the end it didn’t matter who won on this occasion because of the wonderful spirit both sides gave to the contest, even with the added tension of father and son rivalry with Jon Horler (Willows ’84) and Josh Horler, then Upper 6th and Cricket Captain.

Afterwards the OWA committee provided a fabulous BBQ which was enjoyed by everyone. It was a fantastic event and the committee look forward to seeing as many people as possible at the next cricket match in the summer.

Class of 2005 Leavers Reunion

30 OWs from 2005 celebrated their 10th Anniversary together with current Upper Sixth leavers, parents and friends at the Commemoration Ball in July. It was a beautiful evening which started with a reception in the sunken garden and on the Quad. The night continued in the marquee which had been decorated with a 007 theme

and nearly 400 guests enjoyed fabulous food followed by dancing to the toe-tapping local band “Filta” It was great to see so many OWs returning. It’s the Class of 2006’ turn this year so do book 1st July in your diary and gather your friends for a fantastic evening.

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It is lovely to see so many of our OWs involved in fundraising for issues close to their hearts and just how diverse and adventurous the methods are.

Ed Pratt (Hardwick ’14) - Round the World Unicycle Trip

Ed is continuing his adventures around the world and we in the Development Office are avidly following his exploits on facebook and his blog. He is raising money for the School in a Bag charity, based near Yeovil, which provides vital learning equipment for vulnerable and disaster affected children around the world. If you would like to follow his journey then visit his website at worldunicycletour.com.

Our very own Forrest Gump!

Jim Plunkett-Cole, (Willows ’87), who is known as Jim Gump because of his love of running, is taking on Forrest Gump’s epic 19,000 miles, 3-year+ run for real. He will start from Mobile, Alabama, on 1st October 2016, the same day and place Forrest started. His intention is to try and translate the seven minutes in the film into reality, tackling weight and obesity issues amongst adults and children along the way. Jim plans to run 16 miles a day over the three years dropping in on schools across the route to explain the importance of daily physical activity.

In January 2013 he vowed to run 10km every day for a year, he ended up carrying on for three years without a day off and has just completed a full year of daily triathlons that has seen him cycling 20km and swimming 750m every day on top of his daily 10K run! He later went on to create Kx365 which saw hundreds of local people join his yearlong daily-active challenge (800 people

Alumni Fundraisinghave so far registered for the challenge which encourages people to do a little physical activity every day, preferably outdoors).

In recent years he has raised many thousands of pounds for charity with his faithful four-legged running companion, Alfredo, raising money for animal charities from the runs as well. He plans to use his latest endeavour to raise money for children’s health charities in both America and the UK.

This time Jim will not be joined by his ten year-old dog, who has run more than 8,000 miles with Jim since he began in 2013 having been inspired by the London Olympics. The Border Collie will remain in Somerset cared for by friends.

Whilst at Wellington, Jim was a very keen member of the school’s Cross-Country and Athletics squads (receiving Full Colours for Cross-Country).

A Facebook page has now been created called ‘Jim Gump’ where people can find out more about the run and what Jim is planning.

Remembering Not to Forget - OWs raising funds for people living with dementia

Two OWs have established a charity and raised over £20,000 to support people impacted by dementia. Ali Turnbull (Fox’s 98) set up Remembering Not to Forget with a friend at the end of 2013, and convinced her sister Helen (Fox’s ’94) to come on board as treasurer. Their mother Bridget was diagnosed with early onset dementia in 2006, aged just 61, and they wanted to do something to support other families facing a diagnosis of dementia.

In 2014 Ali and the co-founder Laura Corrick (originally from Chard) undertook 10 challenges in 10 months to kick start their fundraising, ranging from physical challenges including taking part in 10 cold swims in February (swimming in unheated water without wetsuits), cycling from London to Paris and completing a triathlon, to organising fundraising events such as a quiz and a family fun day. “We’ve been overwhelmed by the level of support we’ve received from our family and friends, and taking part in the challenges has been incredible, I’ve achieved things I never thought I could do. It’s really helped to feel a bit less powerless in the face of mum’s diagnosis as well,” said Ali.

The aim of Remembering Not to Forget is not only to provide funds to organisations working in Somerset and the South West as well as to national organisations but also to raise awareness of dementia. Another OW, Jo Evans (née Southcott, Gillards 1994) got involved this year by running the London Marathon in aid of Remembering Not to Forget ,

raising almost £1,000. “Running the London Marathon was an amazing personal achievement and one of the hardest things I have ever done. I really enjoyed being part of such an iconic event and the crowds played an important part in keeping me going, especially between miles 21-25! I was very proud to be running for Remembering Not to Forget and delighted with the sponsorship that I raised”.

The Remembering Not to Forget team are keen to hear from any other OWs who would be interested in raising sponsorship for them, and helping to support organisations working to support people living with dementia in the local area. If you would like to get in touch you can contact them on info@rememberingnottoforget.org.uk, and to find out more about Remembering Not to Forget’s work or to make a donation please visit their website: www.rememberingnottoforget.org.uk.

Elephants For Africa

Elephants For Africa was founded in 2007 as a charity dedicated to elephant conservation through research and education. Kate Evans (Beech ’93) started the project in 2002 as the fieldwork portion of her PhD. From the outset, she had a vision that the research projects could

be expanded to address the wider conservation and management issues facing the African elephant both nationally and internationally. Recently joined by Claire Bolden McGill (Beech ’91) the Charity now works closely with communities to strive towards human-wildlife coexistence through education. In 2015 it launched a new farmers education

initiative giving them access to information and resources for mitigation to protect their crops.

The Charity raises funds throughout the year and recently ran its Festive Fundraiser where every penny raised was doubled by a match-funder making an amazing £7,283. Another old girl, Emma Collicutt Parkin (Beech ’91) has donated 4 signed prints to be used to raise funds. February will see the launch of a ‘kickstarter fund’ for a coffee table photography book and EP. For more information please see their website www.elephantsforafrica.org or facebook page http://www.facebook.com/Elephantsforafria.

Lucia runs in Vietnam and India to raise funds

Lucia Harrington (Gillards ’05) has embarked on two ½ marathons for her fundraising. She has already completed the Ho Chi Minh City Half Marathon, which is also known as Conquer the Bridge, as the route is centred round the Phu My Bridge and its beautiful views. After the race Lucia wrote

“The race was great! It was a lot of fun and the views from the Phu My Bridge were stunning. The heat was absolutely insane and the course was very exposed to the sun. It was probably one of the hardest things I have ever done but I am so glad I did it.” Her second race is the Hindustan Half Marathon which is in New Delhi in March. Lucia commented “The aim of both these events is to encourage anyone and everyone to get involved with something that brings people together and also to promote a healthy, active lifestyle. This is only be the second year that both events have been held. They’re only just getting off the ground so all the support and participants are very important to maintaining the good work that the organisers do. Also, running 21.1km around a city is a great way to experience parts of a country and I am sure I’ll see things that I wouldn’t have seen outside of the run! “

The money Lucia raises is being split between Hue Children’s Shelter project and Nene Gate School in the UK. The shelter is working towards providing some of Hue’s most vulnerable children and orphans with education and also valuable life experiences that we so often take for granted. Also, Hue Help runs a drowning prevention programme to reduce the shockingly high rate of child drownings in Vietnam.

Nene Gate is a day school for pupils aged between 11 and 16 who have social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties. Without the school many of the pupils would not receive the same opportunities as children in mainstream education. The money raised is going to give the kids the chance to learn some valuable life skills through lessons in cookery and PSHE.

To support Lucia please see her fundraising page www.justgiving.com/LuciaConquersTheBridge

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Staff ValeteFrank Dean – Carpenter

Frank Dean finally retired after working at the School for over 25 years. Many of you will remember Frank I am sure, walking around campus pulling his flat-bed trolley along, always ready with a cheerful smile. Always a gentleman and always very conscientious and hardworking, he knew every inch of the campus.

John Bird

John arrived in Wellington in 1999 to take up his role as Head of Classics department, a role he has held with considerable success. It was good for the School that he decided not to pursue a career in Town and Country Planning less than one term into his university course. Those pupils who were lucky enough to be taught by John found him a very knowledgeable and inspirational teacher. It is no surprise that the number of students pursuing choices in classical subjects has risen over the years, with a steady flow going on to study the subject at university.

John has been instrumental in organising educational visits to Rome, Greece, Tunisia and Italy. It was on these trips that his sartorial elegance comes to the fore – his yellow patterned trousers or beanie hat and waterproofs are something to behold!

John has been responsible for the practical training for the Silver Duke of Edinburgh scheme. Expeditions to Dartmoor, Exmoor, the Yorkshire Dales and the Quantocks have all been run despite his dislike of sleeping under canvas.

He leaves Wellington with no long term plans but in the short –term he plans to cycle around parts of Britain using canal tow paths and is planning a rail trip to Russia.

Miles Richards, Director of Sport

After more than eighteen years of dedicated service to the school, Miles Richards leaves his position as Director of Sport and Head of Boys PE. Miles was appointed by former Headmaster, Alan Rogers and given the brief to introduce A level PE as well as to mastermind the strategic direction of hockey

at the school. Being a former England Hockey International and experienced PE practitioner, Mile’s skills were particularly well placed to deliver. Within two years of his appointment the state of the art “Homeshaws” all weather astro pitch was installed and just three years later a multi-purpose sports hall featuring an international standard indoor hockey pitch was positioned within the newly built Princess Royal Sports Centre.

Alongside his major contribution to Hockey, Miles has provided much wisdom and kindness to so many pupils over the years not just in his main roles but also in his capacity as Master i.c. Cricket and House Tutor in Hardwick.

Reverend Jeremy Hellier

Jeremy joined Wellington as Chaplain and Head of RE in 1994 and has given dedicated service to hundreds of Wellingtonians. His daily talks in Chapel were admirably succinct and thought-provoking. Having introduced A Level and GCSE RE, it is a mark of his commitment to his academic subject that he is now working as an examiner.

Jeremy has been involved in the CCF since joining the School, initially in charge of shooting and the advanced infantry section, before taking over the RN section. From 2003 until 2011 he was Commanding Officer of the contingent. During his time in office he introduced the RAF section, thereby making the whole range of Armed Forced activities available to pupils. It was fitting that Jeremy’s son, Major Anthony Hellier carried out this year’s biennial CCF inspection.

Perhaps Jeremy is less well known as a rugby coach! In 1994 he and Giles Salter, former RE and history teacher, coached the U14s to an unbeaten season, thereby adding not a little kudos to the RE department.

Jeremy also saw his role as more than just being there for current pupils and staff. He was very keen to help the Old Wellingtonians, taking time to be at reunions and to talk to OWs. He has presided over a number of weddings and memorial services at the Chapel for former pupils and staff and he is active in the Wellington School Lodge, having just finished serving as Grand Master.

The OWA committee were very pleased to invite Jeremey to become an Honorary Member of the Association at the November AGM and they presented a gift to him and Madeline, his wife, at the November Reunion dinner.

School NewsCareers

OWs are helping our current students on career choices

The School’s careers team has been working closely with Old Wellingtonians and parents to offer our current students advice and help on choosing careers and the subjects that they would need to study both at A-Level and beyond to achieve their goals. The

department holds a number of events throughout the year for Year 11 and sixth form including a Careers Fair, Careers Dinner as well as a Speed Dating event.

David Bareham, Head of Careers firmly believes that “there are many tools designed to help students find the right career, but there is no substitute for an open and honest conversation with someone who has lived and breathed a particular career.”

Year 11 Careers’ Speed DatingLast November the school held the annual Year 11 Careers’ Speed Dating event. About 20 volunteers – parents, staff and OWs - gave up their time to meet with students to help them explore career opportunities. Students met in small groups to find out what is involved in a wide range of professions and career paths. The volunteers included a number of OWs from the 70s, 80s and 90s who all helped students get a better picture of exactly what is involved in their chosen careers, as well as helping some students consider what career paths they are interested in perusing. It’s not easy at age 15!

Many thanks to all who helped out at the event, and also to those who wanted to but couldn’t quite get there on the day.

Jon Horler – (Willows ’84), Director and Co-founder of MailaDoc.

David Leighton – (Richards ’96), Engineer from Airbus.

Simon White – (Oak ‘81), Journalist BBC and Heart Radio.

Kerry Rickards – (Willows ’73), local government Chief Executive

Chris Reah – (Darks/Overside ‘92), Banking

Career SpotlightsIn January, Will de Bolla (Oak ’05) - kicked off a new series of Career Spotlight talks aimed at helping students in year 11 and above consider their career options. This can be quite a daunting task for those students who don’t have a fixed idea of what they would like to do after school and these talks are a new initiative from the Careers’ Team, who were keen to enlist the help of OWs with fairly recent experiences of career decision-making.

About 20 students and quite a few staff members packed into one of the classrooms to listen to his account of life “after Wellington School”, and gleaned useful hints and tips from his insightful account of his journey over the past 10 years. He talked about his career path to date, and the relatively new careers which have opened up in IT and management consultancy. After the event, there were questions and answers and Will commented “... I was impressed with the engagement and manner of the students - it made me proud to be associated with the school and I felt very much at home ... some things obviously don’t change!”

Future talks are planned this spring from OWs who left Wellington School in the 1990s and 2000s. If this is something you’d be interested in doing and you also left after 1990, please contact Linda Holden, Development Coordinator by email - l.holden@wellington-school.org.uk - or by phone on 01823 668729.

Simon Singh returns to deliver the 25th Passmore Lecture

Wellington School staff and pupils were delighted to welcome the internationally acclaimed writer and presenter Simon Singh (Richards ‘83) to deliver the Tom Passmore Annual lecture. This lecture is a long-standing tradition at Wellington School and the 25th lecture was delivered to a packed audience. The Memorial lecture was set up by the parents of Old Wellingtonian and keen mathematician, Tom Passmore, who died tragically in an accident. We were delighted that Tom’s father was present at the lecture.

Simon sighed copies of his books and met many pupils who were intrigued by the content of his lecture and the diverse nature of the subjects he covered.

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JAMES GEOFFREY CHICK: Lights, 1945 – 1948, passed away December 2014

ANDREW DURIE: Lights 1955 – 1960, passed away January 2015

THOMAS COWIE: Lights, 1937 – 1941, passed away January 2015

GEOFFERY WOODWARD: Past Master 1983 – 2003, passed away April 2015

FRANK GRIMSTONE: Past Master 1955 – 1983, passed away April 2015

TIMOTHY ADCOCK: Overside, 1950 – 1956, passed away May 2015

MALCOLM AIRD: Overside, 1948 – 1952, passed away June 2015

PETER STEELE-PERKINS: Overside 1927 – 1935, passed away July 2015

CHRIS JONES: Head of Chemistry 2002 – 2015, passed away August 2015

VICTOR FINN:Past Master 1946 – 1982, passed away October 2015

NIGEL HALL-PALMER (FORMERLY WEBB): 1953 – 1959, passed away December 2015

REV DEREK LAUGHTON, PAST CHAPLIN: 1964 – 1973, passed away February 2016

In Memoriam

Nigel Christopher Hall-Palmer (formerly Webb) (Howard ’59)

Nigel won a scholarship to Wellington School in 1954 where he particularly enjoyed English, History and Sports. He was a fine athlete, winning the Victor Ludorum at Wellington, enjoyed playing rugby and loved cricket. After O levels Nigel moved to Bristol to start a career in the printing industry however, the motor trade proved a bigger attraction. He enjoyed a long and successful career both in the UK and internationally. However in his early forties he decided to return to his roots in the West Country in order to provide a stable base for his children’s education. He chose to send all four of his sons to Wellington School and the family we even more involved in School life as his wife Barbara also taught at the School. But above all he will be remembered for his love of and unwavering commitment to his family.

Malcolm Aird

Sadly, Malcolm Aird (Darks ’52) passed away on the 10th June 2015. He kept in touch all his life with Jeremy McGilpatrick (also Darks ’52), Colin Walker (Willows ‘54) and Peter Snelling (Darks ‘49). At Wellington, Malcolm was popular and unassuming but nevertheless displayed a strong stage presence in several productions, some of which allowed him to express his one pithy sense of humour. He was an enthusiastic and erudite member of the Raban Society and well-liked house prefect.

After leaving School, Malcolm pursued a career with the Bank of England in London. In retirement he became active with his local citizens’ advice bureau and continued his long association with the OWA. Malcolm is survived by his daughter Catherine and his son Andrew, both married and by his grandchildren, Georgina and Harriet. He will be affectionately remembered by his family and many friends for his exceptional good nature.

Peter Steele-Perkins (Overside ’35)

Peter Steele-Perkins passed away on 27th July 2015. On leaving Wellington School he studied at Guys Hospital and after war service with the RAMC (Major, Croix de Guerre) and 3 years as a venereologist in post war Germany, became a single handed GP in Bradninch. He formally retired in 1977, but continued until 1982. He loved country life, shooting, hunting and sailing, and was much involved in the community, being the first Mayor of Bradninch at its re-instatement. He leaves his wife of 73 years, two children and four grandchildren.

Victor Finn

Victor taught at the School for 35 years from 1947 until 1982. He spent the war years in North Africa and Italy and then studied at Cambridge before joining the School. He was primarily a history teacher and became head of the department in 1955 but he also taught sport and was Housemaster of first Howard and then Avenue with Betty, his wife. He became Senior Master in 1963. He was also actively involved in the Old Wellingtonians’ Association or the WSA as it was then.

The Chapel also had a huge place in Victor’s heart.

Frank Grimstone

Frank was a truly inspirational art teacher at the School from 1955 to 1983, a number of OWs have spoken of his gentleness and patience as well as his dedication. This coupled with his obvious talent made him an amazing teacher. Frank not only taught art but was also involved in tennis, rugby and chess at the School as well as regularly

designing posters and painting scenery. He was also school librarian for 24 years. One his most notable achievements was to supervise the repainting of the lower part of the Chapel walls, taking on the most intricate sections himself.

Chris Jones

Chris joined the chemistry department at Wellington in 2002 as an experienced teacher, moving from Cardiff Independent College where he was Director of the International Foundation Course. He joined the Wellington boarding community as Assistant Housemaster of Willows in 2003 and, following Ed Whall’s, retirement was promoted to head of Chemistry in 2006. He was instrumental in delivering the chemistry element of the new one-year GCSE course introduced in 2010. He also introduced the Bristol University A Level Chemistry assessed practical day for Upper 6th students.

Away from the Chemistry department Chris was absolutely invaluable in his loyal service to the boarding community as Assistant Housemaster of Willows House. He was always a ready volunteer to take the students off site, enjoying taking them paintballing in Exeter, to the waterpark at Goodrington Sands, or to the Cardiff 10km run to name but a few. As a keen over of movies himself he encouraged the boarders to go to the cinema. Most recently he established a strong link for boarding students with the local gliding club. Chris contributed to the CCF through his commitment to the Naval section. He was always willing to lend a hand and to help out. He will be greatly missed by many present and former pupils and staff.

Wellington Monument

Earlier in the School year a group of Wellington School students helped to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. They were welcomed by the National Trust to Wellington Monument, where they met historian Kevin Hicks in full Napoleonic era regalia who shared fascinating facts and gory details of the time.

Wellington alumni will surely remember the Monument well, in its prominent position on the Blackdown Hills. Sadly, in recent years, it has been fenced off to protect the public from falling masonry. Over the summer, the National Trust has been undertaking surveying, measuring and monitoring to understand the structure and what’s going wrong. Early findings include that the monument moves a maximum of 0.1milimeters in the wind, but that mortar behind the facing stones is breaking down, particularly behind the blades of the three sided structure. Once the survey results have been analysed, the Trust will be able to consider future repair options. Whilst the cost and timing of repair is still uncertain, we do know that the future of the Monument will be reliant on a successful fundraising campaign once more is known.

Whilst the analysis of data and feasibility work happens behind the scenes, the Trust has been making some more visible improvements to the site including re-opening the spectacular views and plans to improve signage into the site.

If you want to stay in contact with progress on the project just email: wellington.monument@nationaltrust.org.uk and ask to be added to the mailing list or keep an eye on the website at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wellington-monument/

Local News

www.oldwellingtonians.co.ukConnections | News From the Old Wellingtonians’ Association

February10th February 2016National Theatre Connections Play —

The Musicians by Patrick Marber

March3rd — 5th March 2016Upper School Play - And Then There

Were None by Agatha Christie

6th March 2016Wellington School Choral Society— Henry V

May

2nd May 2016School Sports and OWA Family Day

4th—7th May 2016Years 7-9 School Musical—Oliver! by Lionel Bart

12th May 2016London Lunch, RAF Club, Piccadilly

London Evening Drinks, RAF Club, Piccadilly

June3rd June 2015Foundation and OWA Golf Day,

Taunton and Pickeridge Golf Course

19th June 2016OWA Cricket match vs First XI

30th June 2016Monument Run

July1st July 2016Commemoration Ball incorporating 2006

leavers’ 10 Year Reunion

3rd July 2016Lashings Cricket Festival

November12th and 13th November 2016OWA Reunion Weekend

26th November 2016Friends of Wellington School Christmas Fair

December4th, 6th and 8th December 2016Carol Services

OW recognised in New Year Honours List

Paul Chubb (Richards ’69) and chairman of governors at The Dales School, Morton-on-Swale has been awarded an MBE in the 2016 New Year Honours List for services to career education and guidance.

Paul now lives in North Yorkshire. He was until recently executive director of Careers England, and still retains strong links with quality assurance of career education and guidance in schools through his role as Director for the Quality in Careers Standard.

http://www.qualityincareer.org.uk/

He said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to receive the MBE, which I feel is as much a celebration of the work carried nationally to promote quality assured career education & guidance for

England’s school and college students. My passion has always been quality assurance in education. What I love about quality assurance is that you have external experts in their fields who know what they are looking for and our job is to make life for all of our students the very best it can be.”

Wellington School joins Paul’s many friends and associates in congratulating him on his New Year Honours. Headmaster Henry Price writes, ‘I would like to add my congratulations to Paul on being awarded an MBE. As another busy term of careers events begins, including the Careers Fair on 10 February 2016, it is wonderful to see an alumnus of Wellington honoured for his work in this vital area of school life.

James Carson (Oak 12)

The Carson hockey dynasty goes from strength to strength with two international players. James Carson, who is study at Cardiff Metropolitan University in Cardiff, made his International debut for Wales Senior Men’s hockey team against Scotland. They were guests of the Scotland Men’s hockey team at Glasgow Green Hockey Centre for 3 test series. James scored his first international goal in the first match of the series which finished 4-4.

James was school’s hockey club captain and now shares full International status with his brother Tom Carson, who has represented England on numerous occasions.

Faith Rickard

Congratulations to Faith Rickard (Fox’s 13), on gaining her Gold Award, Duke of Edinburgh. James Cracknell, Olympic Athlete, presented the certificates on behalf of HRH the Earl of Wessex.

Black Gold - Black Scorpion an OWs Memoir

George Boughton, (Willows ‘62) has written an account of his time as a young oil engineer, with his wife and newborn child, during the Biafran War, when they inadvertently lived through one of the worst episodes of African history, experiencing first hand a life to which the international media had no access.

Black Gold – Black Scorpion recounts the rigours of work, amusing happenings and

dangerous events that led to him being arrested by the man then known worldwide as The Black Scorpion. This strangest of events enabled him to observe at close range the disintegration of a powerful personality.

OW wins top Television Festival Award

Tom Moran (Oak ’05) has won one of the top prizes at the New York Television Festival. Channel 4 and Breaking Bad broadcaster AMC are developing a sci-fi mystery drama based on Tom’s script “White Rabbit” The broadcasters have teamed up to offer a $20,000 (£12,700) script development fund to Tom after he was invited to the New York Television Festival to showcase his winning script from the BAFTA Rocliffe New Comedy Showcase. Tom has previously written a pilot called Printheads, about a disgraced tabloid editor as well as novels Dinosaurs and Prime Numbers.

Tom is now developing White Rabbit, which he said had “global scale” with a “huge cast of characters”.

As if this wasn’t enough Tom has also just had his latest book published, “A Debt to the Universe” which is the second book in the “Walton Cumberfield” series.

Alumni News Diary Dates

Connections | News From the Old Wellingtonians’ Association

CONTACTDevelopment Coordinator: LINDA HOLDEN

Development Office: Wellington School | Wellington | TA21 8NT | 44 (0) 1823 668729 | l.holden@wellington-school.org.uk

Office: 44 (0) 1823 668800 | www.wellington-school.org.uk | www.oldwellingtonians.co.uk

Foundation Registered Charity No 1105256

Welcome to the Class of 2015

Phoebe Baker, Joe Beaven, Henry Beckley, Olly Billington, Octavia Brayley, Anastasiia Brodovska, Eloise Brown, Samuel Bussell, William Butcher, Alice Cambridge, Nicholas Camilleri, Yasmin Cannell, Lucie Carey, George Carson, Ester Casajuana, Josiah Chan, Charlotte Chapman, Marcus Cheng, Olsen Cheung, Franky Choi, Edward Chong, Ilya Chudenkov, Jade Clarke, Charlotte Colman, Josh Cook, Fredri Cooney, Napat Copp, Emily Dadswell, Eilish Dale, Madeleine de Cruz, Charlie Dean, Harry Denson, Alex Dommett, William Dunsford, Jack Eaton-Jones, Sophie Edwards, Adam Fieldhouse, Christian Fieldhouse, Dessie Fong, Taggie Forester-Bennett, Jenzen Fung, Rupert Galley, Katie Gerasimidis, Georgy Grishchenko, Sophia Gyger, Mey Haines, Sky Harris, Tasha Hart, William Haughton, Lucy Hensley, William Hester, Georgina Hill, Jack Hocking, Josh Horler, Jack Horne, Will Howland, Eskiel Hui, Benedict Humphreys, Umar Idris, Maria Ivanova, Alexander Jackson, Anthony James, Flora Johnson, Oliver Jones, Camilla Jordan, Lily Juleff, Marie Kato, Charlotte Kerr, Seb Kirby, Constantin Kloecker, Rohan Knowles, George Konstam, Anna Lai, Min Hao Lam, Jessie Lau, Tom Le Neve-Foster, Emily Leech, Lottie Leigh-Browne, Abbie Lewis, Joseph Lewis, Richy Li, Angus Livingston, Olivia Lo, Pip Loarridge, Alice Loneragan, Ross Manning, Pippa Maunder, James McDermott, Alexander Michaels, Josie Musannif, Jake Nersisyan, Abdoulie Njie, Madeleine Norton, Will Osborne, Rebecca O’Sullivan-Wilson, Emily Pascoe, Twearly Peaster, Sam Peel, Abigail Perry, Charly Poprawe, Oliver Rant, Aadil Rashid, Chloe Reed, Tabi Reed, Alberta Rice, Olivia Rose, Faye Roxburgh, George Rymell, Maria Sabrekova, Toby Sadgrove, Max Savage, Victoria Scorse, Will Shaw, Maria Shinshinova, Imogen Snell, Lewis Sparks, Eloise Stables, Mollie Stallard, Harry Stone, Konrad Suchodolski, Felicity Sunderland Hall, Clare Sykes, Samantha Taylor, Alice Tetley, Chun Shing Tse, Jackie Tsui, Sam Tucker, Owain Vaughan, Cameron Venn, Scott Vierling, Victoria Wallace, Elaine White, George Whitlock, Matthew Williams, Brian Wong, Mary Xing, Kelvin Zinyama.

We would like to welcome the Class of 2015 to the OWA. The list includes all those who have attended the School and, had they continued until they finished their A Levels, would have left the School in the summer of 2015.

Search for your School Friends online

Here in the Development Office we are really excited to announce the imminent launch of the interactive part of the Old Wellingtonians’ website. This will allow you to search for your School friends and fellow alumni so you can catch up or organise your own reunions. We will be carrying out testing over the next couple of months and as soon as any issues that arise have been sorted out we will be doing a phased mailing to everyone with their log-in details. Once logged in you will be able to see the information that we hold on you and update it, adding in your interests and career details and deciding how much information you would like to be published to the OW community

Please do keep us up to date with your email or postal address so that you don’t miss out. We will also make announcements on the OW website and Facebook page as well.