The Reigatian Magazine 2015

THe MaGa zine FOR THe Re iGaTian COMMuniT Y

thE rEiGAtiAN2015

SocIAL moBILItY FocUS SIR PETER LAmPL

creAtIVe WomeN SETTInG THEIR InduSTRIES ALIGHT

recoLLectIoNS AND memorIeS oF THE SCHooL FRom THE REIGATIAn CommunITY

chANGING LIVeS:hoUSe oF commoNS rIVer terrAce recePtIoN

Letting and Selling homes in Surrey and Sussex

Reigate Grammar pupilsPat Bridges 1973 -1980

Steve Muggridge 1976 -1981Sam Arnold 1998 - 2005

Reigate/Redhill 01737 771777Horsham 01403 252100

www.woodlands-estates.co.uk

Woodland Final_Layout 1 27/02/2013 19:10 Page 1

THE mAGA zInE FoR THE R E IGAT IAn Comm u nIT Y

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CONtENts

06the Changing Lives CampaignPRoGRESS uPdATE

08support usLEAvE A LASTInG LEGACY

10henry smith CLubTHE FoundATIon ConTInuES To ImPART HIS SPIRIT

13Foundation aCtivities2015 wAS A vERY buSY YEAR

18the reigatian networkRGS London PRoFESSIonALS And ovERSEAS FRIEndS

24reunionEvEnTS duRInG 2015

26FeatureswE HEAR FRom oRs AbouT THEIR LIvES And AdvEnTuRES

45university honours 2015dEGREE InFoRmATIon FRom RECEnT GRAduATES

46reCoLLeCtions & memoriesREFLECTIonS on LIFE AT SCHooL

52From the arChivesPHoToGRAPHIC mEmoRIES oF THE SCHooL

56sport REPoRTS on oR TEAmS

58Foundation newsuPdATES In bRIEF

60sChooL newswHAT’S bEEn GoInG on AT RGS

62deaths & obituariesFAREwELL To oLd FRIEndS

67pubLiCationsLATEST oR RELEASES

designed & produced by haime & butlerbrand design and Communication020 7407 2141 haime-butler.com

The Re igaTian 2015

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WELCOME

In January 2016, the Independent Schools Inspectorate published its report judging RGS to be ‘Exceptional’: at that time no other co-educational day school in the country had been awarded such an accolade. This judgment is a testament to the talent, hard work and dedication of RGS teachers, staff and students as well as to the support we receive from parents, governors, alumni and friends for Reigate Grammar School.

You will see in this publication how the school was nominated for a national award and we have also been invited to speak at conferences based upon the excellent work of the foundation. Access to an RGS education – which opens doors of opportunity for all – is made possible by the ongoing philanthropy of the Reigatian community supporting the RGS Foundation. Support for the bursary schemes continues to grow allowing us to provide opportunities for talented students irrespective of financial means. The Changing Lives Campaign has been able to support many students into RGS; and I would like to thank every one of you who makes a commitment to make a difference through becoming a supporter and who helps change life chances for children who would otherwise not be able to attend RGS.

The building of the Peter Harrison Foundation Centre at the heart of our school is underway. This major project will result in a transformational new library, Sixth Form Centre, innovation room, classrooms, study areas, café, ICT facilities and social spaces inside and out and will make a considerable and positive difference to students and staff on a daily basis.

The most important activity by far is that which sees the students engage in excellent learning day after day. They fit those lessons in amongst other important elements of school life – trips, clubs, House events, charity fundraising, sport, music, drama and so much more that, as you know, goes into the life of a busy Reigatian. There is so much going on here at RGS, please do come and visit. I would be pleased to welcome you to our school.

Shaun FentonHeadmaster

From the heADmASter

The maga zine for The r e igaT ian comm u niT y

From the FoUNDAtIoNDIrector

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2015 – First Changing Lives target aChieved a year earLy, but pLenty oF work ahead! “Low SoCIAL mobILITY And A LACk oF EduCATIonAL oPPoRTunITY IS ARGuAbLY THE bIGGEST SoCIAL CHALLEnGE oF ouR TImE… noT onLY IS THIS An IndIvIduAL TRAGEdY FoR EvERY YounG PERSon wHo FAILS To FuLFIL THEIR PoTEnTIAL, buT IT HIGHLIGHTS A nATIonAL wASTE oF TALEnT THAT THREATEnS THE FuTuRE EConomIC HEALTH oF ouR CounTRY.”Sir Peter Lampl (1959-1964)

Last year I highlighted the work we are doing as a community to tackle social mobility through the provision of educational opportunity for children from disadvantaged backgrounds within the local area. This is at the core of what we do and our moral purpose. I am inspired by the work and dedication of Sir Peter Lampl (1959-64) to this important issue through the Sutton Trust (which he founded) and is at the forefront of research and debate within the uk. Similar leadership and a passion for social change has been demonstrated by his former classmate, Sir Peter Gershon (1959-66), who has recently joined the board of the Sutton Trust and also established the Gershon Scholars at Reigate Grammar School with the first recipient now in place. I strongly believe that schools like ours have both a responsibility to their local communities and an opportunity to play a significant role in helping children from all backgrounds succeed in life and to add value.

Two years since the official launch, the Changing Lives campaign has made excellent progress, having achieved its primary target (for 20 pupils to attend RGS through the scheme and to raise £1m for the 1675 bursary Fund) a year early. what this really means is that we are responding to local need, with bright, talented children enjoying all that RGS has to offer. we now drive ahead towards our next objective - to raise sustainable funding for 50 pupils and build an investment fund up to £4m by 2025. we aspire to being fully ‘needs blind’ and will continue to work hard to achieve this worthy goal. of course, the current success of the scheme is a reflection of the wonderful community we are all part of – THAnk You FoR YouR SuPPoRT!

I am very thankful to crispin Blunt (our local mP) for allowing us to host an RGS Foundation event in westminster. I was moved by both the music and the words of karolina Csathy (front cover), a recent leaver and bursary recipient now studying music at Cambridge. She spoke with such passion and sincerity about the life-changing bursary she received and the impact it has made, and thanked the school and the supporters of the fund.

our Founder, Henry Smith, makes several appearances whilst linked to various challenges in his name. I could not say no to joining RGS staff in their handsome efforts (some more successful than others) at the start of the year. meanwhile, the challenge of the ‘Run Reigate’ 10k was more acceptable to my wife! Speaking of Henry Smith – “Happy 340th Birthday RGS!”

The RGS Foundation depends heavily upon the support of its community and the 2015 edition of the Reigatian Magazine illustrates this perfectly. The growth of our uk and overseas networks has provided many opportunities for social and professional interaction that helps to promote our work in raising awareness for our charitable objects but also the role we play in keeping everyone

informed and connected. Essentially, this is the essence of what we call our ‘Reigatian Society’ which includes current and former pupils, parents, staff, governors, partners and friends of the school.

2015 saw over 1000 people attend numerous events ranging from Reunions and sporting events to overseas gatherings and exhibitions. The growth and success of the rGS Professionals network has helped many current pupils, alums and parents to connect. I am very thankful to those willing to host events and provide venues, eg. the Royal Academy of Engineering, Commerzbank and State Street. Such advocacy is crucial and helps the group to grow and provide opportunities for younger Reigatians. My final note is that of reflection. In november we welcomed back a large number of Reigatians who were connected with the school at some point during the Second world war. The war Years Exhibition was well-received and I’m thankful to John Rowlands (‘73) and Tony morgan (’11) for their help with this important event and the outstanding booklet produced on those Reigatians who gave their lives in the First world war.

Also, it was our sad duty to inform the Reigatian community of the passing of two of the school’s most respected former masters; Aubrey Scrase (1925-2015) and keith Louis (1932-2015). both were great servants to the school and dedicated professionals, leaving a significant mark on all those students they educated. when we look back at our lives I wonder if we consider the footprint that we have made, or appreciate the opportunities and experiences that were provided by others. As is the circle of life, we remember those that pass away with sadness whilst giving hope and expectation to those just starting their journey.

sean davey

THe Re iGaTian 2015

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sOCiAL MOBiLitY FOCus

From your time at rGS, who was your biggest infl uence? What memories from your school days stand-out and why?

I’m afraid I wasn’t a particularly well-behaved pupil at Reigate and so one of my overriding memories is of visiting the Headmaster T W H Holland’s offi ce to get the cane (or the swish as it was called then). It sounds brutal today but was the norm at the time. By coincidence, a few years later when I was at Oxford I sold my car to an unsuspecting young woman who turned out to be Mr Holland’s daughter. It was a Mini Cooper and although it looked good it was a real old banger. Just when I thought I had got my revenge his daughter showed up with a very large man and demanded her money back which of course I handed over immediately!

Another memory that stands out is of my German lessons. I was always top of the class purely because both my parents were native Germany speakers. Again I didn’t cover myself in glory. I must have been very irritating to teach as I couldn’t resist correcting the German teacher’s pronunciation which didn’t go down too well as you can imagine.

how and why is social mobility so important to you?Low social mobility and lack of educational opportunity is arguably the biggest social challenge of our time. Britain, alongside the United States, has the lowest level of social mobility of any developed country for which there is data.The income gap between the richest and poorest in society continues to widen, while educational opportunities remain overwhelmingly the preserve of children from the most privileged homes. Not only is this an

individual tragedy for every young person who fails to fulfi l their potential, but it highlights a national waste of talent that threatens the future economic health of our country.

What do you consider as being your greatest achievement in life?I think my greatest achievement was funding the campaign to ban handguns in Britain. This came about because of a terrible tragedy which happened 20 years ago with a man walking into a classroom at a school in Dunblane, Scotland, armed with a small arsenal of guns which he legally owned. In less than 3 minutes he shot dead 16 fi ve and six year olds and their teacher. In 1996 we in Britain were moving towards a gun culture. Out of this horrifi c carnage there emerged an opportunity to change direction.

I read in the press that a campaign was being organised to ban handguns, so I contacted the organisers to see if I could help. I ended up funding the campaign and the resulting successful ban in Britain was such a positive experience of philanthropy it inspired me to consider where I could do more. I founded the Sutton Trust, my educational charity, the following year.

Sir Peter Lampl is acknowledged to be the uk’s leading educational philanthropist. He is the founder and chairman of the Sutton Trust which aims to improve social mobility through education. The Trust has funded over 160 research studies and it is also a ‘do tank’ initiating and supporting a wide range of programmes from early years through to access to the professions. He has given over £50 million of his personal fortune, and

devoted 19 years of service to improving education in the uk.

Peter is also chairman of the Education Endowment Foundation which was set up in 2011 by the Sutton Trust with support from Impetus Trust. It was funded by an endowment of £135 million from Government, to improve the performance of the poorest children in the worst performing schools.

before establishing the Sutton Trust in 1997, Peter was the founder and chairman of the Sutton Company, a Private Equity fi rm with offi ces in New York, London and Munich. before founding the Sutton Company, Peter’s business career was with the boston Consulting Group and International Paper.

Peter has a bachelors and masters degree from oxford and an mbA from the London business School.

SIR PETER LAmPL (RGS 1959-1964)


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FELLOWship AWArd

the award of Fellowship is given to distinguished members of the reigatian community who have made an important contribution to the work of the rGS Foundation, through both philanthropic support and community engagement.

Through their actions and activities they promote the good name of Reigate Grammar School and are aligned with its charitable ethos and purpose.

‘Fellows’ are by definition Ambassadors for both the Foundation and Reigate Grammar School and have made a significant impact on the work and activities of the Foundation.Honorary Fellowship is intended for those that have given outstanding service and have brought great credit to the good name of Reigate Grammar School through their distinguished career and personal achievements.

nominations for ‘Fellow’ can be made by any member of the Reigatian community. The award of ‘Fellowship’ is granted by the ‘Fellowship Committee’ composed of the Foundation Chairman, Headmaster, Foundation director and a Governor member of the Foundation board.

Thus far, three Fellowships have been awarded: michael Lloyd (rGS 1981-86) Sir Peter Gershon (rGS 1959-1966) Sir colin chandler (Governor 2002-present)

1675BURSARY FUND

The initial campaign goal of raising £1 million by 2016 to allow for twenty ‘1675 Scholars’ to attend RGS has been achieved a year early.

Up to the end of 2015 we have raised £1.2m and there are currently twenty-one ‘1675 Scholars’ at RGS. Now the focus is firmly on the longer term aim to build this fund to £4 million and fifty ‘1675 Scholars’ by 2025 to mark the school’s 350th anniversary.

The ‘Gift of Education’, as provided by the 1675 Bursary Fund, aims to provide opportunities to transform lives and raise aspirations but our vision can only be realised through the help of our friends and supporters.

Initial campaign target achieved one year early:

£1.2m 21

raised (as at end of 2015)

‘1675 Scholars’ attending RGS

THe Re iGaTian 2015

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THANK YOU!


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In August, the Foundation organised a group of 11 current students and recent leavers to connect with Reigatians for the annual Changing Lives Telephone Campaign. Throughout the 2 week calling period, the team completed over 600 calls with conversations ranging from past experiences, shared memories, school development and of course the progress of the Changing Lives initiative.

The support shown by Reigatians was tremendous. This year’s telephone campaign was by far our most successful to date and we are delighted to report that over a third of alumni who spoke to one of our former students decided to make a donation. our callers had many enjoyable conversations with members of the Reigatian Community from the uk and abroad, and judging from the feedback, they thoroughly enjoyed being contacted. At the end of the 2 week campaign, the Foundation had received just over £73k from donations and pledges made over the telephone.

This year’s Telephone Campaign revealed a deep-rooted commitment to supporting the aspirations of talented students who may require financial assistance to experience all that RGS has to offer.Thank you to all those who took time out of their busy schedule to reconnect with RGS and gave consideration to this important campaign.

“ For the future I promise to continue to make the most of the opportunities available to me, because I am constantly reminded of the journey which has brought me here and realise that it began with the gift of a Reigate Grammar education.”

AnnuAL TELEPHonE CAmPAIGn

on monday 14 September a large number of reigatians (former pupils, parents and friends) attended a house of commons river terrace reception hosted by crispin Blunt mP for reigate, and on behalf of the rGS Foundation.

This was a splendid evening and which raised awareness of the work of the Foundation, particularly with the very important Changing Lives campaign and also to celebrate the School’s 340th anniversary. Reigate Grammar School Headmaster, Shaun Fenton, highlighted the wide range of pupil success stories and potential plans for RGS as we look to our 350th birthday in 2025.

The highlight of the evening was a memorable violin solo performed by recent leaver, karolina Csathy (’15) who is about to take up a place at Cambridge to study music. karolina also gave an

emotional speech highlighting the impact the bursary she received has had on her life.

A truly memorable night, a wonderful setting and thank you to all those who attended.

HouSE oF CommonS RIvER TERRACE RECEPTIon – 340TH AnnIvERSARYmondAY 14 SEPTEmbER

ChANGiNG LivEs

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THe Re iGaTian 2015

do You REmEmbER YouR FIRST dAY AT SCHooL? THE CRISP AuTumn AIR, nEw SHoES, A nEw TIE. A nEw bEGInnInG.Do you remember the excitement, the anxiety? So much to look forward to with new friends and a whole new world of knowledge and opportunity to explore. were you even aware of the path you were about to take?

on that day you were given a chance to excel. To explore, achieve, find the best in you and be the best you could be. That start had an impact on the rest of your life. Perhaps your school days weren’t always perfect, there may have been conflicts, challenges and tests. But they all helped form the character you became and created a path to a life you may not have had if it were not for Reigate Grammar School.

Today, just as it was then, young people need a chance to be their best. In the local area, 1 in 5 live in poverty. These children have the hope and potential just like any other. All they need is the opportunity to achieve it.

This young and emerging generation needs your generation. They need your experience, your knowledge, your guidance and spirit. They need Reigate Grammar School like generations before them. by leaving a small percentage of your estate in your will, you can help a child start their journey in life.

Please help us help them.Leave a gift in your will and change a life forever.

We’re here to discuss your legacy options, please contact us at: [email protected]

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LEGACY GIVINGLeave a GifT

iN yoUR wiLL aNd chaNGe a Life

foReveRSupport the 1675 Bursary Fund

the 1675 soCietyThe 1675 Society was established in 2010 for those who wish to support the Foundation by remembering RGS in their Will.

A legacy would be a permanent testimony to your affection for the school and the values RGS holds. we like to honour and thank, during their lifetimes, all those who have chosen to remember RGS in their will and have established the 1675 Society, named in recognition of the school’s founding year, to do so.

All those who leave a gift to the School are invited to become members of the 1675 Society and meet for the Society’s annual luncheon.

“ Without doubt my time at rGS did change my life. coming from a very poor but loving family, the 1944 education Act granted me entrance giving me an excellent and rounded education, developing my potential and stimulating my ambition. my support of the Foundation is given with the hope of enabling promising young people with modest means to benefit in the way that I have. It is a cause dear to my heart and that of my wife.” Peter Clarke OR 1952

hENrY sMithCLuB

THe Re iGaTian 2015

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rgschanginglives.org

heNRy SMiTh FOUNDER OF RGS1548-1627

RGS gave me a fantastic start in life and is the place where I established many life-long friends. Now, as a group of mates, we felt that it was important to give something back to the school we love and support the Foundation in the work they do. Therefore, we have joined the Henry Smith Club as we realised that it takes only eight new members to fund a full bursary for a talented child from a disadvantaged background. Together, as a group of friends, we have been given this chance to enable a local child to benefi t from the same opportunity that we were all fortunate enough to receive. I would encourage other Reigatians to join this club.

Pat Bridges (’80)

Back row L to R: nick bates (Chris’ brother), Simon Todd, Chris Smith, Andy Eustance, Graham Price, Paul biggs, Chris Jones, Jamie Perkins, Pat Bridges, Lawrence Tosh, brodie branch

Front row L to R: neil brett, James knox, Tim Hodges, John Bramhall, dave maskens, bill Allard, Julian kelly

Current HSC members

Pat Bridges (’80)

Back row L to R: nick bates (Chris’ brother), Simon Todd, Chris Smith,


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wE ARE dELIGHTEd To AnnounCE THAT uP To THE End oF 2015 wE HAd 40 CommITTEd HEnRY SmITH CLub mEmbERS, wITH mAnY moRE wHo HAvE ExPRESSEd An InTEREST In JoInInG.

Henry Smith was born in wandsworth in 1548. He was an alderman of a highly charitable disposition and worked as a city merchant. Throughout Henry’s lifetime he achieved considerable wealth through the acquisition of land and estates. His portfolio included manors in Southwick, Surrey, Gloucestershire, kent and Sevenoaks among many others. with such an extensive portfolio and with no family to bequeath it to, Henry set up a succession of trusts to dispose of the rents and profits from his lands for charitable uses. Having reached an esteemed position in the city, Henry recognised the opportunities an education could provide and looked to use his affluence to help and assist the poor who lived in the counties within which he held his property and land.

In 1627, Henry died and chose to be buried in the parish of his birthplace, wandsworth. within wandsworth Parish Church is a monument of Henry, kneeling in alderman’s robes holding a skull in one hand. The panel below the monument records gifts of £1,000 from his estate to be given to several towns in Surrey, including Reigate. The reason Henry chose Reigate remains unclear, however Henry’s will declared that this gift was to be used for the relief of the poor and to educate the local children.

Following Henry’s death, his legacy was kept by the Churchwardens of St mary’s Church who, by consent of the parishioners, purchased land near the Church and built a free school to educate local poor boys in reading, writing and simple calculations in keeping with Henry’s wishes. Finally, in 1675, the school was founded and remains on its original site to this day.

Henry’s philanthropic inclination to Reigate will remain unknown, however, Reigate Grammar School is eternally grateful for the benevolence shown by him. In honour of Henry and his generosity, the Foundation now continues to impart the spirit of Henry Smith by establishing the Henry Smith Club. membership of the club contributes to bursarial support for current and future students of rGS and members will receive annual invitations to the Chairman’s Amicable dinner along with other benefits.

If you wish to join the henry Smith club or discuss membership please contact: [email protected]

membership to the henry Smith club is £1675 per annum.

Henry Smith Club Membership Pin

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THe Re iGaTian 2015

hAppY BirthdAY

HAPPY 340th bIRTHdAY RGS!

The original school building c.1812


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FOuNdAtiON ACtivitiEs

Sunday 1 march at reigate Grammar School’s hartswood Sports Ground saw the highly anticipated reigate 2015 charity 7s. Widely regarded as one of the most well-established and renowned school tournaments in the country, the competition welcomed 40 of the top boys and girls U18 schools’ sevens teams.

In the cup, wellington College faced brighton College in the main final with the school from west berkshire proving too strong for their south coast counterparts. wellington ran out as eventual 31-5 winners in a dominant display of sevens rugby. It was a complete performance from the strong wellington side refereed by the England and Harlequins scrum half special guest karl Dickson. Karl is on track to become the first professional rugby player to be a professional referee in England.

REIGATE CHARITY 7s 2015SundAY 1 mARCH

summary oF resuLts:boysCup winners wellington CollegePlate winners whitgift SchoolShield winners Royal Hospitalbowl winners Portsmouth Grammar

girls

Cup winners worthing CollegePlate winners Pangbourne College

meanwhile, in the Plate Competition, whitgift edged a close affair beating dulwich College 12-0.

In the Girls’ competition there was a repeat of last year’s final with Worthing College and Filton College meeting once again. In an extremely close match, worthing held on to take their second trophy home in successive years recording a 10-7 victory. In the Girls’ Plate competition, Pangbourne College triumphed with a score of 17-5 over Epsom College.

the Kukri Players of the tournament were awarded to: will wilson (wellington College) and Harmony driver (worthing College). Presentations were made by Shaun Fenton, RGS Headmaster on the balcony of the sports pavilion.

An established charity event, funds were raised for the Great ormond Street hospital charity and rGS Foundation’s Changing Lives campaign.

HEnRY SmITH BeArD chALLeNGeFor seven long weeks, 16 brave rGS staff members supported this worthy henry Smith Beard challenge for the changing Lives campaign.

So what was the Henry Smith Beard Challenge all about?Henry Smith was an alderman of a highly charitable disposition and worked as a city merchant. on his death in 1627, he divided up his wealth to several towns in Surrey and in 1675 Reigate Grammar School was founded following the purchase of land next to St. mary’s Church. RGS was built to educate local poor boys and remains on the same site today.

There is one image of Henry Smith within wandsworth Parish Church sporting a glorious, flowing beard.

we wanted to celebrate our history and Henry Smith himself, by setting a challenge to raise funds for the Changing Lives Campaign that echoes Henry’s benevolent past. we were delighted to announce that well over £1700 was raised from this collective effort with a large portion of staff supporting the challenge either by growing a beard themselves or by sponsoring others.

There were many contenders for ‘King of the Beards’ but one stood out head and shoulders above the rest. The depth, colour and style of the RGS Head of English, Robert Shaughnessy swayed the judge’s votes and he collected a bottle of wine and a free beard trim and haircut from dexters barbers on Lesbourne Road in Reigate.

The Re igaTian 2015

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2015 FoundATIon CHARITY GoLF dAYFRIdAY 29 mAY

HEnRY SmITH ‘rUN reIGAte’ CHALLEnGESundAY 20 SEPTEmbER

29 hopefuls took to the tee at reigate heath Golf club each with the chance of taking home the coveted rGS Foundation charity Golf Day trophy.

with a late surge of rain before the shotgun start, the course was in tremendous fettle (if not a little damp) when proceedings commenced at 2.00pm. with individuals competing together in pairs, the afternoon was all about teamwork and playing together.

A huge ‘thank you’ from the reigate Grammar School Foundation to all those that ran at the reigate run 10k and half marathon event in September in aid of our Changing Lives campaign.

In matching RGS T-shirts the team had a fantastic day in the sunshine on the roads of Reigate, accompanied by music from our very own RGS Fifth Form student band ‘outside the box’ (ben Silverman, milo Stephens, Sam molyneux and daanish Smellie). we would also like to thank the help of the RGS students, who manned the water stations along the route and for their words of encouragement and energy.well done to Shaun Fenton, RGS Staff and other members of the Reigatian community for flying the flag. Special mention must go to oscar Subuh-Symons (RGS Pupil) who finished fourth. Thank you Team RGS!

It was the group consisting of Rick Eve & Charlie Hallett who pipped barry devine (’90) and his guest Christian Hayes to become winners of the 5th RGS Foundation Charity Golf day. both pairs equalled scores after 18 holes and the Eve/ Hallett combination were eventually announced winners after a scorecard count back. other prizes were awarded to Steve douty (RGS bursar) for his nearest to the pin effort, along with our very own Sean davey who scooped the longest

drive trophy. The awards were presented by RGS Headmaster, Shaun Fenton, who also played in the tournament.

A great day was had by all and it was wrapped up by a delicious gourmet bbQ with the sun setting over the Surrey Hills. This popular, fun day raised over £2000, with all proceeds going towards the Changing Lives campaign.

(LtoR) J. Jackson, C. Bates, R. Frith, G. Read and M. Elsey


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Friday 15 may 2015 saw the gathering of many ‘stars’ from rGS cricket history reconvene to play for the harry Newton cup at hartswood Sports Ground in the inaugural rGS Foundation XI vs headmaster’s XI cricket match.

Captained by two pillars of the Reigatian Community Chris bates (’88) & Jan Skarbek (’89), the players met for an early lunch to discuss tactics and batting line-ups. For many, it was the fi rst time they had returned since leaving RGS and stories fl owed whilst cucumber sandwiches and fl apjacks were washed down with English breakfast tea, essential fuel for the battle ahead.It was The Headmaster’s xI, skippered by Chris Bates (’88) who donned the pads fi rst and strolled out to the middle accompanied by veterans of the school umpiring circuit Andy whiteley (RGS Staff 1978 - 2015) and david Jones (RGS Staff 1975 - 2013).

Led from the front by Rhodri James (current RGS staff ) and Jim Grant (RGS staff 1987 - 2000) the Hm xI got off to a steady start, cruising through the opening spell from Alex Chalkley (’94) who was steaming in from the north Field end. Rhodri quickly made his way to a stylish 30 before having to retire (this was a social game after all!) and it was Simon Hygate (’92) who made the breakthrough with the ball in a devastating spell, picking up two quick wickets.

The middle order of the Hm xI contributed evenly with oli massey (current RGS pupil), Greg Lawson (’89) and the Headmaster himself Shaun Fenton all getting to the middle teens. with still 7 overs remaining, someone needed to step up from the Hm’s xI and take the bull by the horns to ensure a competitive score was posted. Step into the limelight our very own matador/ RGS director of Sport Phil mann, who went on a timely hitting spree with a quick fi re 36, including an enormous six over the long-on boundary to move the side to 167 after 35 overs. Captain bates was happy with his team’s total and even happier that he was able to order the Headmaster around in the fi eld for 2 hours!

hArrY NeWtoN cUPFRIdAY 15 mAY

Captain Skarbek gave a passionate pep talk in the changing rooms, outlining how, in 1989, he had been in exactly this same position against a motivated RGS Guildford side and chased the total down with time to spare. The challenge had been set.

Paul Radford (’88) and Chris walker (’92) opened the batting up for the Foundation xI and played elegantly against the bowling of mark Holman (’87) and Greg Lawson (’89). It was ‘Radders’ who fell fi rst and he was followed in quick succession by mark Lander (’89), Ashley mills (’89) and Simon Hygate (’92) who all failed to trouble the scorers. with the scoreboard at 86-6 and the inspirational words of Jan Skarbek’s ‘battle of 89’ ringing in their ears, the Foundation xI scraped themselves back into the game with cameos from James Abdool (’89), Toby Pocock (’91) and Alex Chalkley (’94) to reach 149 all out and 18 runs short of the Hm’s xI.

much to the delight of the Headmaster, Shaun Fenton and his team-mates had taken the spoils in this fantastic day of cricket. they took home with them the harry Newton cup, in memory of the great hartswood head Groundsman (1982-1999) who sadly passed away in 2014.

teAm LINe-UPSheadmaster’s XIChris bates (c), Shaun Fenton, mark Holman, Greg Lawson, matt wright, Jim Grant, Sean davey, Rhodri James, david Gent, oli massey, Phil mann, Paul Harrison.

rGS Foundation XIJan Skarbek (c), James Abdool, Ashley mills, Chris walker, Alex Chalkley, Tim bongers, Paul Radford, Simon Hygate, Toby Pocock, mark Lander, Jonny Hylton.

The Re igaTian 2015

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on Wednesday 11 November over 60 reigatians (who attended rGS during or immediately after WW2) joined the entire school to remember those who have given their lives in wartime.

In a moving ceremony in the playground, bugler and current pupil Yasmin Herbert played the Last Post and Reveille which

was followed by silence in memory of the fallen. The Corps of drums played and Polyphony sang ‘Abide with me’ as the senior cadets in all three sections of the CCF took a wreath to lay at the memorial by the library. There were also readings from the Head boy, Hugh blayney, Second Form Phebe Gray and Reigatian Fred Lister (‘47), who also placed the wreath in the memorial Garden.

Afterwards, many stayed for refreshments and took the opportunity to take a look at our war Years Exhibition.

This included a wide-ranging display of photos of the school and its pupils during both world wars, which a great many of the guests were in, as well as copies of The Pilgrim magazine from ww2 and a number of other original documents

RGS REmEmbRAnCE And wAR YEARS ExHIbITIonwEdnESdAY 11 novEmbER


WW1 We RemembeR


WW2 We RemembeR


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thursday 10 December 2015 saw the reigatian community visit twickenham for the 134th Varsity match between oxford and cambridge. The match proved to be a much closer affair than previous years. However, not even the presence of british Lion and welsh International Jamie Roberts (making his debut for Cambridge) could stop oxford university’s record sixth consecutive victory for this fixture. As always our thanks go to Sir Colin Chandler (Chairman of the RGS Foundation) for his continued and outstanding support with this day and John munday (‘90) for use of a Hospitality box when the temperature plummeted in the late afternoon.

This year the RGS Foundation office were proud to support #Givingtuesday on Tuesday 1st december 2015. The idea behind #GivingTuesday is to be part of a global day of giving. Already established in the uS, Australia, Singapore, Canada and much of Latin America #GivingTuesday follows black Friday and Cyber monday where ‘one in three of us admit to wasting money’. Thank you to everyone who supported the Changing Lives campaign. Please be part of this initiative next year and join the millions around the globe who are already giving something back!

The annual 1675 Society Lunch took place on monday 30 november at The Headmaster’s House at one Chart Lane. Guests were welcomed by the Headmaster and entertained by a string quartet, courtesy of our third form girls before a hearty lunch was served.

The 1675 Society was inaugurated in 2010 and its members have all made a provision in their will to remember the School. Legacy giving is another way in which you can support the Changing Lives campaign and is very easy to organise. Should you be interested in including RGS in your own will, please contact Ruth Glover in the Foundation office to discuss your wishes.

vARSITY mATCH 2015 THuRSdAY 10 dECEmbER

#GIvInGTuESdAY TuESdAY 1ST dECEmbER

1675 SoCIETY LunCH mondAY 30 novEmbER

supplied by the school archives. The exhibition was very well-received, with many taking great pleasure in regaling the current Second Formers and Prefects with their own stories of school-time mischief!

A big thank you to all who came and in particular to John Rowlands (‘73), who’s meticulously researched book on the 55 names on the ww1 memorial was given to each guest, Peter burgess (‘74) for providing us with so many images and objects from the school archives and finally to Tony morgan (‘11) who spent endless hours compiling the exhibition and editing the research book.

B.Gale and J.Munday

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THe Re iGaTian 2015

thE rEiGAtiAN NEtWOrK

royaL aCademy oF engineering THuRSdAY 12 mARCH

Sir Peter Gershon (‘66) CbE, FREng hosted the RGS London Professionals evening at the Royal Academy of Engineering where he is also a Fellow. He took great pleasure in welcoming all members of the Reigatian Community and introducing the key note speaker for the evening Crossrail CEo, Andrew wolstenholme obE, FREng.

Andrew spoke passionately about his time in the Army and the development of his career that has led him to the current position he occupies managing London’s incredibly complex Crossrail project. It was fascinating to hear stories of the significant engineering hurdles the Crossrail project has overcome since work commenced in 2009. with a number from our current Sixth Form attending, Andrew stressed the industry’s need for bright, young engineers in this country.

Also at this event, Sir Peter Gershon was presented with the RGS Foundation Fellowship by Sir Colin Chandler, Chairman of the RGS Foundation, for his outstanding support and generous advocacy of the Changing Lives campaign through The Gershon Scholarship scheme, a new bursary scheme for 16 to 18 year old students committed to pursuing a career in science, mathematics or engineering at university and beyond.

The evening finished with the opportunity for all guests to socialise, connect and network in one of the many reception rooms at the Royal Academy of Engineering. A huge thanks must go to Jon o’neill (‘94) who organised the event through his role as Corporate development manager at the RAE.

Commerzbank THuRSdAY 24 SEPTEmbER

September saw another very successful RGS London Professionals event take place at Commerzbank in the backdrop of magnificent views over Guildhall and the city. we were very fortunate to have Peter dixon (Commerzbank’s Global Ecquities Economist) scheduled as our keynote speaker for the evening presenting his views on Exit Strategies and the Eurozone. Peter is routinely sought by the media and a variety of institutions to provide views on economic and market issues and had appeared on Channel 4 earlier that day.

The presentation was then followed by a short Q&A session from the floor. We were pleased to have michael Axelrod (International Trade Advisor, uk Trade & Investment Team) and marc benton (’90 and RGS Governor) md, Head of Europe Energy Investment banking, deutsche bank, join Peter on the panel to field questions, ranging from the troubles that volkswagen have experienced to uk trade links with China.

The evening finished with the opportunity for the group to network and socialise. It was especially pleasing to see such a wide spectrum of attendees at various stages of their careers. we had current RGS Sixth Form Economic students, recent leavers who are just starting out on graduate programmes and managing directors who have years of experience behind them. It was fantastic to see all these groups mingling and chatting with each other in a relaxed professional environment.

we would like to take this opportunity to thank the support of Chris day (’78) General manager, Head of Leveraged Finance at Commerzbank (pictured top left), for making the evening such a success.

If you would be willing to host a RGS Professionals event, please get in contact with the Foundation Team as we are always on the lookout for suitable venues and themes.

RGS London PRoFESSIonALS

(Top) Sir Peter Gershon and Sir Colin Chandler.(Middle) Terry Morgan and RGS Sixth Form.(Bottom) Andrew Wolstenholme OBE.

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ovERSEAS FRIEndS oF RGS

dubai gathering THuRSdAY 29 oCTobER

It was great to see so many Reigatians at the RGS dubai Gathering held at the Pure Sky Lounge, Hilton dubai on Thursday 29 october. It was a fun evening in a splendid setting and enjoyed by all. As an overseas community, there are around 30 Reigatians (that we know of) living and working in uAE. Additionally, there are many members of our RGS Professionals network who have business in the region and visit regularly.

we are very grateful to Campbell Steedman, who as our uAE Reigatian Ambassador is keen to keep people connected and is looking to arrange future social events out there. If you are planning any trips to uAE please do contact us so that we can make an introduction.

hong kong Friends oF rgs gathering TuESdAY 24 mARCH

In march 2015 the well-established annual Hong kong Friends of RGS Gathering took place in the centre of Hong kong.

welcoming some familiar faces (including our RGS Hong kong Ambassador Lawrence webb ‘77) to this relaxed social gathering, it was pleasing to accommodate some fresh faces to the mix. Patrick Hurworth, who many will remember teaching Geography at RGS between 1992-96, is now based out in Hong kong as High School Principal at the prestigious Hong kong International School. You will all be glad to hear that he has not lost any of his sharp wit! Also we were delighted that Tim Ferrett (‘88) could make the short trip in from macau for the evening by helicopter to join us.

Thank you to all those who took the time out of their busy schedule to attend the annual gathering. we hope to have some exciting news about a collective philanthropic initiative that will follow a similar model established in new York by the American Friends of RGS last year.

If you are based in the Hong Kong region, please contact the Foundation office so that we can inform you of future events and connect you with Lawrence.

(LtoR) J. Hylton, P. Hurworth, J. Boag, K. Boag (LtoR) L. Webb, J. Ward, G. Kennedy

View from Pure Sky Lounge

The Re igaTian 2015

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With the exception of a two year spell between the ages of 6 – 8, when I lived in the north of France and studied at an all-French school, I spent all my childhood years in horley. my mother had emigrated from Australia a few years earlier and my British father (who died when I was 8) was an inveterate traveller, so I never really had strong roots in the area. I always appreciated horley more for the fact that it was next to Gatwick Airport which I saw as an escape route to the rest of the world.

I entered RGS in 1968, joining older brother michael who was three years ahead of me. I stayed until december 1975, the end of the 7th term of the sixth form, long enough to take S-Levels which I failed, a real shock to me as I had never failed an exam before. Fortunately my place at Trinity Hall, Cambridge was already in the bag.

The ensuing “gap” nine months, saw rarely a dull moment. It began with a stint as a liaison officer on board a cruise ship which at the time was dedicated to local education authority-funded cruises for school groups, a hectic two months of 18-hour workdays interspersed with visits many of the key travel destinations and historic sites in the eastern mediterranean and Egypt. back onshore in uk, I took on a succession of temporary jobs, among them a van driver, a hospital operating theatre orderly, and on the production line of an airline catering firm - the idea was to save enough money to travel around the uSA the following summer, mission duly accomplished. I recommend a gap year to anybody who wants it, but provided only they make constructive use of their time off.

At Cambridge I studied natural Sciences for the first two years (the logical follow-on from science A-levels), before I realised that theory had to give way to real life practicality, so I switched to Chemical Engineering which entailed staying on for a fourth year. That suited me well as I did not know what else

to do at the time and indeed during that time I decided on a career in management and finance.

upon graduation, and a two-month trip round India immediately after, I joined a graduate management trainee program in finance at Ford, based in Essex. It was an eye-opening experience for me as I realised quickly how emotionally unsuited I was to life in a large corporation and all the politics that goes with it. I left after one year with a long repertoire of “war stories”.

with many of my university contemporaries working in the City, I decided this was the place to be, and working in the financial markets the career to follow. I began as an industry analyst for a stockbroking firm, subsequently I became a Japan specialist. In 1985, age 27, I moved to Tokyo and spent three very happy years there, not least I had met Yoko who would become my wife. Sadly, my time came to an end and I was reposted back to London HQ in the late 80s, the professional equivalent of a cold shower.

In 1992, with the Asian bug still very much inside me, I joined a Hong kong-based pan- Asian capital markets group to develop their business around the region. The position was based in malaysia but it involved prolonged spells in korea, Philippines and India.

After two years and a change of ownership and management, age nearly 40, I realised that it was time to take better control of my life and work for myself. So I set up my own business, based in kuala Lumpur, malaysia, called Celadon Capital (celadon.asia), an investment bank cum strategy consulting firm focused on private equity, venture capital and corporate mergers and acquisitions, which is still going strong today.

Who was your biggest influence from your time at RGS and why?I assume you are referring to the teaching staff – we had some great teachers when I was there (and a few no so great). I always

defined a good teacher as someone whose lessons I would look forward to, essential for getting a decent grade. names I remember especially well were mr mason, mr Paxton and mr westall (English and drama), mr Lewis (Physics), mr Harrald (French), mr morgan (Spanish), mr Coupland (maths)... and of course “Aubs” for Latin. I was very sad to hear of his recent passing. by injecting a sense of purpose, informality and good humour, his Latin lessons were a highlight in our timetable, a real achievement for such a rigorous and unpopular subject. one memorable display of vintage Aubs was on the first day of our O-Level year “I know that most of you don’t like Latin… just do everything I tell you, your only aim is to score points in the exam, nothing else matters. Hands up if you are with me.”His dedication to the school and his students were legendary. I remember one day when british Rail went on strike, our class had tickets for a Genesis concert at Hammersmith odeon but no way of getting there. without any prompt from us Aubs came to our rescue with a cunning plan “There’s, something I want to see at the Royal Opera House, so I can take you to London in the school minibus. Don’t be late, pick you up at four!”

And then there was Dai Griffiths, a near neighbour of mine in Horley, a blustery and emotionally charged welshman. when not coaching rugby or teaching biology, he was in charge of Air Force CCF, which I had joined because I wanted to apply for a an RAF Flying Scholarship (which provided training for Private Pilot’s Licence). despite my loyal “service” he always had a disdain for me as I was not a rugby person. He told me not to bother to apply for the scholarship as I would never pass the aptitude tests. I went ahead anyway and was the only one in my year (out of three) to pass. At least he had the good grace to congratulate me, our relationship was transformed. meanwhile, in completing my pilot licence qualification I needed to skip

niCk ashby RGS 1968-1975



21

home in the far distance (telescope required), and which has received stellar reviews on Trip Advisor.

This positive experience encouraged us to take on our next project, beach resort with a restaurant on the north coast of bali (mayoresort.com), a place where guests can enjoy the best sunsets on the island, even more so with a mojito or glass of wine in hand.

what began as spare-time passion has been a near full-time job – running a small hotel and restaurant has its own challenges, especially in a foreign country where language and cultural differences are a major hindrance, and a sense of urgency non-existent. but it has been an immensely enjoyable experience. The main source of satisfaction has been the incredibly positive feedback from our guests. A Fawlty Towers of the tropics we are not, in spite of a number of real-life situations that will you remind you of an episode or two, and a passing resemblance between the owner and John Cleese!

We invite you to join us at any time, hopefully it can be the scene of an organised Reigatian Gathering at mayoresort.com

day 6 Games to make a qualifying solo cross-country flight, which conveniently took me over Reigate. This was a great opportunity (at the risk of infringing Gatwick ATC) to practise some forced landings, directly over the rugby pitch at Wallfield, conveniently exactly at the time that my classmates were playing rugby and Dai Griffiths coaching. with his game interrupted three times, he was not impressed and our relationship was back to square one.

Where do you call home?not an easy question to answer. whenever I have been “home” I have been plotting my next move, and dreaming of finding the perfect place to live (and still dreaming). I guess you could say kuala Lumpur because I have a track record of nearly 25 years there, on and off, that is far longer than anywhere else, albeit interspersed with long spells in korea, India, Philippines and more recently bali, where since 2014 I have been renovating a resort hotel and villa. Add to that time we spend in melbourne, where our children are studying, bali, visiting my elderly mother who now lives in Reigate close to RGS and another holiday home in Lake Como, Italy.

What is your proudest achievement since leaving RGS?In general, I am at my proudest when I have achieved my desired outcome against all odds, or when I have succeeded where others have failed, and where I was reminded of the importance of persistence, sticking to one’s own beliefs and having a thick skin. There have been many such occasions in my business life and a few in my earlier years that are worthy of mention…one of which was the RAF Flying Scholarship mentioned earlier (I kept up my pilot’s licence for the next 25 years and flown many hundreds of hours in (almost) all continents, for some years I was a member of the Tiger Club, at the time based at Redhill Aerodrome)

Another was being awarded a place at

Cambridge. Initially I applied to Clare College partly because the master was a Lord Ashby, thinking that the name connection might work, but it didn’t. I had given up any hope of a place when at the eleventh hour I received an offer letter from Trinity Hall.

whist at Cambridge, I became chairman of the Cambridge university Industrial Society (CuIS) which at the time had run out of funds and was facing closure. Its role was to connect students (looking for jobs) with industry and business (keen to recruit). I assembled a new committee, and embarked on an intensive promotional campaign, raised sponsorship from dozens of corporations, and organised a record number of activities culminating in a lavish year-end garden party. we transformed CuIS into one of the most popular and profitable societies in Cambridge.

And finally….how do you relax?I don’t relax very easily. I need to be active or doing something constructive during all my waking hours. my interests are many and varied, unfocused by another word, I enjoy reading, movies, art and photography, skiing when I can, and of course travel faraway places.

In 2012 accompanied by my son (age 17 at the time), I decided to climb kilimanjaro simply because it was there, inspired by an earlier successful “assault” of mount kinabalu, the highest peak in SE Asia (4,096m) and mount Fuji years earlier. we made it but only just, another hundred metres and we may have flunked. Our wonderful inspirational guides and perfect sunny weather contributed also, luck was very much on our side.

more recently I have turned to investing in holiday property for rental, I choose places with wonderful views amid beauty and tranquillity where I hope I might one day truly relax. Our first investment was an apartment on the shores of Lake Como, with great views of the lake and George Clooney’s

The Re igaTian 2015

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new york City Christmas drinks wEdnESdAY 2 dECEmbER

A traditional English pub setting on a chilled december evening in midtown manhattan was the perfect venue for an informal social gathering for our Reigatians in new York. A good mix of the young and the slightly older, aligned to lively banter and a toast to Aubs made for a great evening!

our most established Reigatian group, our American Friends group are very active. Huge thanks go to our Ambassador michael Lloyd (’86), keith dawson (’78) and Richard Claiden (’70), stalwarts of our nYC group. It was a pleasure to welcome Alan Jeary (’64) to his first event (see p.62).

Jeremy thompson (RGS 1972-1975)

After a few years and efforts to contact my old RGS Lower 6th classmate, nimal muttucamaru (‘75), I received a response which led to me meeting up with him and spending a few days with nimal, his wife and her identical twin sister. It was great to meet up after 36 years and catch up on each other’s journeys.

the Canadian ConneCtion

matt Falkner (‘82 Canadian Ambassador) and Lawrence webb (‘77 Hk Ambassador) along with both families met up for an impromptu gathering in whistler, bC, Canada in the summer. not a bad view for a spot of lunch!

K. Dawson and A. Jeary


23

as you have read over the last few pages, the reigatian Community continues to spread further and wider around the globe. From new york to new zealand, there are members of the community in most continents either working, with their families or enjoying a well-earned retirement.

with this in mind, we are delighted to have appointed global RGS overseas Ambassadors who are the point of contact for anyone wanting to join up with the existing established Reigatians in these far reaches. If you are living, travelling through or visiting any of these territories please email [email protected] so that we can put you in touch with your local ambassador.

OvErsEAs AMBAssAdOrs

ameriCa: new york City michael Lloyd

Left RGS: 1986Interests: Golf, fishing and field

sportsFamily: married to Jill with one

daughter, Julia Career: Head of Trading

austraLia: sydneyNeil Brett

Left RGS: 1980Interests: music, speedway and rugbyFamily: married to Simone with

4 daughters Career: mortgage and Independent

Financial Advisor

hong kongLawrie Webb

Left RGS: 1977Interests: open water swimming,

rugby and runningFamily: married to vivien and three

(mostly) grown up sonsCareer: Finance

ameriCa: seattleDavid mycroft

Left RGS: 1976Interests: Sailing, u19 County Rugby

CoachFamily: married with two children

aged 14 and 9Career: now retired

austraLia: brisbanechris Smedley

Left RGS: 1985Interests: Real English Public HousesFamily: married to Sarah with

3 children Career: General manager

singaporeryan Younger

Left RGS: 1991Interests: Cold beveragesFamily: married to Aileen and

daughter CharlotteCareer: oil industry

Canada: vancouvermatt Falkner

Left RGS: 1980Interests: Rugby, airlines Family: married to michelle, 2 childrenCareer: Aviation Security

austraLia: melbourneraymond Buckett

Left RGS: 1966Interests: Travelling, AFL and cricketFamily: Partner Lorraine,

3 sons and 4 grandchildren

Career: Pharmaceutical Industry

uae: dubaicampbell Steedman

Relationship: Parent of AlumniInterests: Golf, dining and fine winesFamily: married to Sally, 2 children Career: Partner at white & Case with vast middle Eastern experience

The Re igaTian 2015

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rEuNiON

the reigatian annuaL dinnerFRIdAY 15 mAY

hartswood was the venue of this year’s reigatian Annual Dinner on Friday 15 may 2015. It was great to see so many in attendance from the classes of the 1940s right up to and including 2010.

Guests arrived at Hartswood in the early evening and were greeted by a glass of ice cold Pimms on the Pavilion balcony in the sunshine. with the Inaugural RGS Foundation XI v RGS Headmaster’s XI cricket match finishing that afternoon, the playing teams attended the dinner in the evening which provided a relaxed atmosphere for old classmates and friends to reunite and socialise. david Jones (RGS Staff 1975-2011) spoke with emotion about his old friend ‘H’ when awarding the Harry newton Cup to the winning cricket captain Chris bates (’88) who narrowly secured victory in an entertaining match that afternoon.

The Headmaster, Shaun Fenton, expressed his pleasure in seeing such a mix of age ranges of Reigatians at the dinner and took the opportunity to report on the fine state that RGS is currently in with music, sport, drama and academic results at an all-time high.

21st reunion – CLass oF 1993 and 1994SATuRdAY 6 mARCH

RGS leavers from 1993 and 1994 reconvened for their 21st Reunion in the iconic setting of the historic school library. with over 35 in attendance, leavers were treated to an entertaining picture display of their time at the school along with individual head shots from their formative years. Food, drink and laughter accompanied music from the 90s with the constant buzz of friendships being rekindled in the air.

A big thanks goes to Tim Stojanovic (Head boy ‘93) who impressed his peers with his encyclopedic memory of Richard Lane’s talent as a mesmeric school trumpeter, Jason drewett’s success on the cricket pitch and Stephen Purser’s role as a “highly valued deputy Head boy”.

Thank you to all those who attended this thoroughly enjoyable evening.

west Country gathering 2015mondAY 29 JunE

on monday 29 June, bicton Park botanical Gardens in devon once again kindly hosted our annual west Country Gathering. over 30 attended on what was the hottest day of the year at the time. on such a glorious day, bicton’s beautiful gardens were displayed in their full glory.Champagne was served on the terrace which looked down over the gardens and fountain and provided some welcome shade for guests to mingle. A light buffet lunch was then served in the orangery which was followed by a leisurely trip on the bicton Park railway. The train is an 18-inch gauge railway which wound its way through the Pinetum, home to many of bicton’s champion trees. It then took us back along the banks of the Great Lake to complete its journey.

Special thanks must go to Fred Lister (‘46) and his daughter-in-law valerie (owner of bicton Park) for their hospitality and making the 2015 west Country Gathering a wonderful day.

S. Hygate, T. Pocock and M. Wright


25

rgs goLd anniversary – CLass oF 1965THuRSdAY 25 JunE 2015

on Thursday 25 June 2015, RGS welcomed back 25 Reigatians from the Class of 1965 and their partners for their Golden anniversary. Some had made return visits since leaving but for many this was their first trip back to RGS in fifty years.

The morning began with refreshments in the Library followed by tours of the school with current Lower Sixth pupils. Guests reminisced on their time at RGS, recalling classes and teachers as well as seeing how the campus and facilities have expanded and improved over the years. The tours ended in the garden of The Headmaster’s House at one Chart Lane, where lunch was enjoyed outside in the glorious sunshine. Photographs from the archives were displayed and it took some guests quite a while to find themselves in the school photograph from 1965!

The afternoon was rounded off with a ‘Living History’ session which involved third year history students talking to our ‘old boys’ about life at RGS now and then. The students thoroughly enjoyed hearing stories and anecdotes from fifty years ago over afternoon tea in the garden.

graduation LunCh – CLass oF 2011SATuRdAY 12 SEPTEmbER

over 60 from the Class of 2011 returned for their Graduation Lunch at Hartswood Playing Fields. The atmosphere was buzzing as old classmates took the opportunity to catch up, having not seen each other for some time. Shaun Fenton addressed the ‘Class’ providing an update on RGS and its considerable achievements during the past year.

As members of The Reigatian Community, the Class of 2011 were made aware of the work of the Foundation and how it can provide assistance at this important career stage. whether it be advice, work experience or utilising the Reigatian network via the RGS Professionals Group there are plenty who are willing to help. It was a great occasion and great to see so many stay behind to cheer on RGS from the touchline in the afternoon.

siLver reunion – 25 years on!SATuRdAY 21 novEmbER

The classes of 1990 and 1991 return to RGS for their Silver Reunion and it was great to see so many attend the evening. For many, it was hard to believe that 25 years had flown by since they stood in the very same space wolfing down their school dinners at lunch time (now the Sixth Form centre). To much consternation, some individuals had raided the boxes in the attic and were armed with stacks of photographs of former classmates from the late 80s and early 90s (big hair included).

with background music playing from the era that they left RGS, Reigatians took the opportunity to pick themselves out on the display boards with photos and headshots from seminal RGS moments such as the 1990 Canada Rugby Tour, various CCF trips and RGS stage shows.

The Headmaster, Shaun Fenton, popped in to provide an update of all the fantastic things that have been happening at RGS over the last few years highlighting the successes achieved in sport, drama, league tables and CCF to name but a few.

As the night came to a close and the classes of 1990 and 1991 departed into the blisteringly cold Saturday night, they left with the words from the Headmaster ringing in their ears, no matter where you are in the world, whenever you left RGS and whatever you have achieved in your career, one thing will always remain constant and that is that you will always be a Reigatian!

(Left) P. Smithson, A. McCormack, B. Woodford, P. Drury, M. Drury. (Above) P. Reynolds and D. Renton.

THe Re iGaTian 2015

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MErChANdisE

rgs merChandise

we are delighted to announce some new additions to our line of RGS Foundation merchandise. All of the RGS items would make the perfect gift for a loved one or could be a well-deserved treat for yourself. If you would like to fi nd out more about how you can purchase please contact: [email protected]

rGS ‘old School’ rugby ShirtsAuthentic cotton ‘old school’ rugby shirts, in traditional RGS colours, featuring the old embroidered school crest emblazoned on the chest with the Roman numerals ‘xv’ featured on the back with ‘1675’ (the year RGS was founded) emblem detail on the collar. minimum donation £50.00.

rGS Foundation Baseball capIn a navy and royal blue colourway, this unisex RGS ‘one size fi ts all’ baseball cap, features the embroidered RGS Castle logo on the front, along with ‘1675’ emblem on the back. minimum donation £10.00.

RGS Foundation Cuffl inks & Tiesminimum donation of £20 each, or £30 for both.


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120 YeArS At rGSwHITELEY, RuSSELL & CHESTERTon

1). having joined rGS in 1978, what have been the most signifi cant changes in your time here?obviously going independent (just before my time I think) and the introduction of girls, initially into 6th form and then phased in through the school. It watered down the testosterone rich environment considerably and made things more ‘normal’ and balanced. Moving from Wallfi eld down to Hartswood on the sports front was a massive change – just such a shame we couldn’t move the whole school site down to Hartswood.

2). What is next on the horizon for AJW?Coming to terms with the change from working 6 days a week to suddenly going to not having to set the early morning alarm will be the biggest immediate thing to confront. on the horizon are cruises round South America and the Caribbean, including a small aircraft fl ight over the Angel Falls in Venezuela (seriously looking forward to this) plus I have idealistic plans to go hunting for bonefi sh in the Kiribati region of the South Pacifi c. Fly to Honolulu and then take a small aircraft south for 2 hrs to arrive at a coral atoll with its highest point being 5 metres above sea level! After this it will be (sort of) back to work in that I’ll look for part time sports coaching somewhere close to where I now live down in East Sussex.

3). What is your funniest memory from your time here?watching Andy Cooper fall out of a canoe in the Ardeche and believing he was actually drowning when in fact the water was 2ft deep at best! Pushing a RGS mini bus down the M6 because a member of staff had fi lled it up with diesel rather than petrol was a bit of an issue – especially as members of the rugby 1stxv were pushing the bus along the inside lane – ‘Losing’ Steve brann on a Canada rugby tour because he decided the local ‘wildlife’ was more interesting (he eventually surfaced 2 days later in a different area of vancouver!).

4). Who are your sporting heroes?I don’t do the hero thing too much but Jim Greenwood at Loughborough was a true rugby coaching legend, way ahead of his time. Going back to my childhood, watching billy boston on the wing for wigan (playing rugby league) was scary as well as being special.

5). Who would play you in the fi lm of your life?Can’t believe for a moment that anyone would do a fi lm of my life – might suit insomniacs though – how about Genevieve bujold – remember her as being intoxicatingly beautiful – if you need a bloke how about someone like Jimmy nail (without the Geordie accent) as a guy who calls it as he sees it.

6). how would you like to be remembered?Simple. I remember overhearing 2 kids many years ago after a PE lesson: 1st kid says “That whiteley is a total b*stard” and 2nd kid replies “Yes – I agree, but at least he’s a fair b*stard”. This would do as a suitable epitaph I reckon.

Andy Whiteley

FEAturEs

THe Re iGaTian 2015

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FEAturEs

1). having joined rGS in 1975, what have been the most signifi cant changes in your time here?It has to be the introduction of girls in 1993… was against it initially, for the reason that it would affect the boys’ sport – totally changed the atmosphere of the school from day 1; making it an even more pleasant place to teach, gone was the atmosphere of testosterone-fuelled machoism (just ask david walliams what it was like!). Highlighted by my teaching year in melbourne in 2005/6, into an all-boys school where the atmosphere still existed.

2). What is the best one individual memory that you have of your time at RGS?Five outstanding memories. 1). Getting to the fi nal of Rosslyn Park 7s with our U13 side a couple of years into my coaching career, only to lose to Cowley in the last play when I advised (badly) a kick-and-chase to get the ball down their end. 2). The try scored by James Rudolf at Hartswood in the fi nal play of the game against St olaves, to gain a place in the Daily Mail U18 National Cup semi-fi nal. 3). winning the last ever u16 7’s at oxford in the snow with the class of 1999. 4). Coaching Surrey 16 group and having 5 RGS boys in the Surrey 7s at Twickenham winning the Inter Counties tournament. 5). beating RGS High wycombe in the u16’s - they had won the daily mail u15s the year before and whilst several players were playing up in the 1sts, both schools agreed to put out a full side… we won with a length of the fi eld try after the ref had said last play, he then changed his mind before the ref actually found time for one more restart!…in hindsight, I think that last one just edges the other three out as that completed our 16 out of 16 season!

3). What do you plan to do now?I plan to carry on with a bit of part-time maths (some would argue that’s what I have been doing for years) and a couple of games afternoons with my new-found interest of hockey and netball with my daughter’s team. I have seen how retirement has rejuvenated Alan Reid, so I had to give it a go.

4). Who would play you in the fi lm of your life?I guess these days; danny de-vito would be quite apt to play me with my physique!

5). Who has had the biggest infl uence on your career in education?Infl uence on my career – Maths-wise, a deputy Head at Raynes Park GS called Terry (Sid) Horler, who in my fourth year suddenly made me realise that I was actually quite good at maths after all. Sport-wise; my PE teacher dave Attridge who suggested that I should look at going to Teacher Training College for PE; something I would never have dreamed about and then at College, bev Risman for having faith in my rugby ability and pushing me into playing in the English Colleges set-up … a little fl y-half called Les Cusworth unfortunately kept me on the bench though.

6). Best sporting tour and why? They have all been wonderful – from my fi rst attempt at organisation of the 1979 u15 tour to Paris under Schools’ Abroad, where we failed to play any rugby at all. otherwise, our fi rst trip to Semiahmoo in White Rock, vancouver in 1984 where a friendship between us and the Sobs (Semiahmoo old boys) has lasted through my friendship with the wonderful character that is Paul Horne, culminating in a game against the Sobs at oRRFC in September of last year.

Martin Russell


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1). Most signifi cant changes since 1973when I was appointed to teach Geography at RGS, it was an all-boys State Grammar School of about 600 students from the local area. All the boys had taken and passed their 11+, and came from the local area. They were from all backgrounds, and they and their parents perceived that success in getting into the school had given them a huge chance in life. The school had an enviable reputation for academic and sporting success, both at Rugby and Cricket. we were one of the best rugby schools in the country. If you enjoyed the sport and worked hard, it was a good place to be… if you weren’t a sportsman it was a harder environment altogether.

The fi rst signifi cant change took place when the school went Independent in 1976. It became, over time much larger, reaching close to 1000 students, admitted girls into the Sixth Form and had to embrace a wider range of young people, talented in different fi elds… It took some getting used to, but RGS has remained successful and never looked back from that decision.

The second major change occurred when it went fully Co-educational in 1993. The change began the process of creating the

The South Africa experience, especially playing Rugby in, and visiting the homes of people who live in townships. South Africa is a beautiful, contrasting, welcoming, problem-beset country that I feel for very much. I know too that those who have toured there have found it unforgettable too.

3). Who would play you in the fi lm of your life?I wouldn’t have a clue! I’d have to let the director make some suggestions.

4). Who has had the biggest infl uence on your career?I won’t bore you with the long story, but I did have one teacher at my school who took time to understand this rather naughty, disruptive sports-mad student and work out why he was like he was, and then work with him rather than against him. Ask me sometime and I’ll name him!

5). 3 guests to dream Dinner Party?This is diffi cult, because I can think of many people I’d like to have met, but whether they’d all get on and create a good atmosphere I’m not sure. nevertheless, here are some choices:Nelson Mandela – just to get some closer understanding of his amazing power to forgive.Bruce Springsteen – and he could lead a session after we’ve eaten!William Wilberforce – to help me understand how to stick at things for a long time.

school we have now. Full of gifted boys and girls demonstrating their talents in a wide range of ways. I have no doubt that RGS today benefi tted hugely from that decision. It took time to move on from “a boys’ school that takes girls”, but has done so very well indeed.

2). Best school trip and why?whenever I attend the various reunions organised by the RGS Foundation, inevitably conversations drift onto school trips… Geography fi eldtrips, Sports Tours, Skiing Holidays, Cultural Trips… I’ve been amazingly fortunate to go on many of them, and to single out one is almost impossible.

I’ve visited some amazing locations overseas, including South Africa, belize, barbados, Canada and the Alps. I’ve skied, dived, parachuted, sailed, been on safari, kayaked, etc. I’ve also met some amazing people at the various schools and places I’ve visited. I have also been fortunate to spend a year teaching in new zealand at wellington School, on exchange with my family. Another amazing and memory-fi lled time.

Peter Chesterton

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THe Re iGaTian 2015

robert CuthiLL (RGS 1958-1965)

moNDAY 4 mArch 1963Had bad night and cross country dream. woken up at 7.50am and dressed and had breakfast. Then packed and walked to school on own. Arrived and unpacked lots of books. went to assembly and then got books for Geography in Room 12. went there and he gives us test. First draw sketch maps and then answer questions. Got 12/30 for questions. Shocking.

WeDNeSDAY 6th mArch 1963woke up by alarm at 7.00am and revise Corps notes till 7.35am when get up and go and have a good shave. dress in Corps uniform downstairs. Had breakfast and then mum shaves off hairs on neck. Put on full kit and walk to school. Arrive and then willis attached no.24 and we go to House Assembly. Usual jabble and collect rifle, 189 and given more leaflets on Spain. Parade outside and nine inspecting officers appear. Got 5/6 for turnout. Tested on

weapon training on tennis courts. did it easily at great pains! Then marched for drill. Split into two and get old bloke. drill squad successfull, surprise.

moNDAY 11 mArch 1963Chunky announces Physics practical exam tomorrow! no other set having it. Get books and go down old Library for Geography. After return to E for French. Go on with what, who, whom, which etc. get hang of it. Then down school at break for milk and hurry back for English. Read browning and he goes deep into disaster if world was wiped out. Go back for dinner. dish out and then for football. wait long time and at last game started as well as heavy rain. Get soaked but win 3-2.

WeDNeSDAY 13 mArch 1963woke up at 7.50am as too tired to do early revising. Got up and went down to breakfast. dad leaves early for post.

dress and walk with Roger and Adrian. Arrive and unpack books. Go down for House Assembly just in time. Team for hockey 6-a-side. I volunteer. Go back to E and get books and go for maths. do fabulous and really getting hang of Algebra problems. walk down to St. Albans Road and run in senior cross-country. do fabulous and come 17/130. Giles beat me. Change and walk home. Have tea and do revision. watch Tv. Late to bed at 10.50pm.

SUNDAY 31 mArch 1963Clocks went back (forward) last night and so woke up at 10.00am. no tea and got up straight away. Everyone else up and went down for breakfast. All in good mood for once. dad goes into garden and builds little bonfire with help of Ian and also rakes up leaves on grass. Have dinner, prolonged. Ian goes to Sunday School. I get ready and have to go to Covenanters. Arrive and usual old procedure. Should be wearing suit but not in and dad very mad over it. break for seniors and only six here. Talk about beginning of world still. bike home and go upstairs and listen to wireless.

RGS dIARY

CCF Inspection June 1963 – R.Cuthill 2nd from right.

Hockey 1964 – R. Cuthill 2nd from left front.

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thUrSDAY 4 JUNe 1964woke up at 6.20am and up to the shop on time for once. Pack rounds and all come so home by 7.40am. Get breakfast as mum still up Pop’s. Can’t find athletic spikes. Search till 8.40am sans success so bike to school. Find them in desk! unpack and to assembly. Have milk and to gym for numbers and programme. maths and understand very little. In coach at 1.00pm and off to motspur Park. Really pouring, Track flooded. Sit in stand. Starts at 3.00pm instead of 2.30pm and hurdles and jump off. watch and then change for relay. Really move and we come first in heat. others not doing too well. Pescud won Triple Jump and third in Long Jump. In final we’re on outside and end fifth. Not good. Change and hear results. we come third in open. Surprise. Get food and in coach. Home by 6.30pm and cycle home.

SAtUrDAY 6 JUNe 1964woke up. dress and get up top of hill when have a puncture. dump bike and run down through Priory. Pack rounds. Read and paid 27/- and bus home. Arrive and

have breakfast. dad home and no milk. Rather annoyed. Go upstairs and try to do some work. dad takes Ian to pictures. I stay in.

tUeSDAY 9 JUNe 1964PASS DrIVING teSt!discuss driving test with Roger asks questions on Highway Code. Go to assembly. down for Geography and notes on soil erosion all period. Goes quick. up for Spanish and want it on lawn but no says morgan. Good period. nervous. Have milk and talk to Steve and Gilbert at break. walk home by 12.20pm. Clean car and have dinner at 12.40pm. nervous. dad home and we go driving. Speedo disconnected. Seems alright. drive round to test centre at 1.50pm. mr Hunt, the examiner, a big rosy fat man gets in and drive off. oxford Road, High Street, Faint Road, Cronks Hill, Reigate Road and home. do manoeuvres well and seem happy. Asks me questions and says I’ve passed. Fab feeling and tell dad. He is really pleased. Rip off L plates and home. Tell mum who is pleased. drive dad to

work and off to school at 3.10pm. Chaps very pleased. Later on head up Reigate Hill full blast and down wray Lane. Police car pulls up in front. wonder what is wrong. Asks me if I realise I’m nearly on fire! Shock. Sack caught alight around silencer. does not want license but warns me strictly. worried. Hectic, but best day of year so far.

FrIDAY 26 JUNe 1964 I was made a temporary sub-prefect today. very surprised and excited. Collier came during Geography and took myself, walters, dancer, kerven, Scott, Slack, Jeary, Russell, baker, Ellice, day and wise to Thon’s study and gives us a talk on extent of punishment etc. Collier pep talk on duties etc. Enthralled. Fabulous really and don’t wholly understand why. will be hard work for two weeks as only 18 Prefects instead of 40.

RGS Winning Athletics Team from Reigate & Redhill District Sports 1963 – R. Cuthill top right.

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THe Re iGaTian 2015

FEAturEs

In January 2015 I did something that some people might never understand. I quit my job. not just any job… a job that I loved and looked forward to everyday, a job that was taking me one step further in my career. why? Simple, I wanted to have an adventure. The reasons behind my love of adventure are perhaps a little more complex, but let’s just say that growing up on a farm rolling around in the mud, attending Scouts and CCF at school, as well as holidays abroad… well… something rubbed off on me. For some people it’s reading books, for others it’s going to the movies and for me, it’s being out in the elements not knowing what will happen next that makes me smile.

In the back of my mind I had been thinking about doing a big trip for some time and after working for two years straight from university the daily routines were starting to grind. It has always struck me as odd, that we only get to live life once, yet we spend most of our years in a daily routine of repetition that lacks surprise and excitement. So every now and again, I have to do something new, to push myself and test my character. For me this is the essence of adventure and my commitment to living a happier and healthier life. with this in mind, it was time to take on a new adventure and so I persuaded fellow cameraman and best mate dale Hudson to join me on an ambitious challenge to cycle from Hong kong to brisbane, from the

Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn. A 14,000km journey through China, vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Australia.

The journey took us nine months to complete as we clocked up over 730 hours of cycling passing from the cooler climates of China’s mountains to the dry heats of Australia’s outback. Every day brought new surprises, new challenges keeping us on our toes, living in the moment. we didn’t know what tomorrow would bring and it kept us motivated to jump back on the bikes and see what would unfold.

one of the beauties about travelling by bike is that we were constantly stopping off where few other westerners had ever visited, if at all, far from the tourist routes. Throughout our journey we found ourselves in remote villages and towns where nobody could speak a word of English, even ‘Hello’ (which today is quite universal) was non-existent. Yet without a common dialect, we still shared a common language. we spoke through smiles, laughter, gesturing sometimes sharing food or a drink. we didn’t need words, the simple act of sharing the moment was enough. no country highlighted this more than China. with such an extreme language barrier, it was one of my favourite countries where people were so willing and helpful to these peculiar strangers in their

land. we couldn’t say much more than ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’, but we connected with people every bit as much as we did in Australia.

The only problem with travelling through remote locations is that if anything should happen, you’re on your own... or at least that’s what we thought. Fixing problems with our bikes was a regular occurrence on the side of the road and it wouldn’t take long for locals to gather around sharing a few laughs at our expense, but when it mattered, we realised we were never far from friends. In vietnam we had a serious problem. dale ripped his tyre cycling across a jungle track, hundreds of kilometres from any bike shops. we were stranded off the main road with nobody around. we came up with a temporary fix that got us to the next village where the tyre blew out once more. we’d done everything we could and unknown to us, a local had seen our problem and created the perfect solution. He fashioned a sleeve for dale’s tyre from a smaller one they had in the village. The fix held out for the remaining two day cycle to the next town of Sam nuea, across the border in Laos where we found a replacement tyre. If there is one thing that I have taken away from this trip it is the kindness of the people in this world, far away from the headlines and the news reports. we have been on the receiving end of extreme generosity from people of all

BetWeeN the troPIcS: A CYCLInG AdvEnTuREniaLL newport (RGS 2004-2009)

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PUt SImPLY... YoU Get AN INDeScrIBABLe FUzzY FeeLING thAt YoU Are DoING SomethING AmAzING WIth YoUr LIFe.

walks of life and we couldn’t have done it without their small random acts of kindness that kept us going.

It’s fair to say that at times, the journey was tough. we had bicycle problems, injuries and steep inclines that felt like they went on forever, but with all the lows came untouchable highs. The feeling of extreme elation as we hit the long winding downhills, solved the messiest of problems and fought our struggles to come out stronger on the other side. Adventures like this push us out of our comfort zone and as my friend and adventurer Anna mcnuff puts it “this is where the magic happens”. we gain perspective, living in the present, connected to the world around us. Put simply... you get an indescribable fuzzy feeling that you are doing something amazing with your life. I have been fortunate to feel this ‘magic’ from start to finish and I don’t need to consult the doctor to know that we should all be taking this medication to make our lives a whole lot better. Hopefully one day you will too.

So I finish with three simple words captured by british adventurer, dave Cornthwaite: “Say Yes more”. don’t say yes to every opportunity, or you’ll never find time to do anything, but say yes more. who knows where it could take you!

THe Re iGaTian 2015

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1). Which teacher made the biggest impact on you from your time at RGS?i was lucky to have a series of terrific teachers at RGS. Most special to me were english and Theatre Studies teachers: as you’ll probably realise from the life that followed. Mr Paxton, Mr Grant, Mr Worthen were all fantastic: thorough, passionate and giving beyond all reasonable hope. i remember particularly my utter astonishment (which i hope i concealed!) when Mr Worthen suggested i consider applying for Oxford. The thought had simply never been in my head before. i’d never been clever. i’d never have believed it possible for me. Good teachers open up other available worlds for us.

But the person who made the biggest difference to me was Dawn Morris, who joined the school when i entered the sixth form. She taught me english and Drama, and she was wonderful: a passionate young teacher who gave constantly of her time and talent. She inspired and nurtured in equal measure, and i wouldn’t have ended up doing what i do now without her. i’m lucky enough to still be in touch with her.

2). Which play during your time at rGS was your favourite to be involved with and why?it was probably a production of Journeys end which Mr Grant directed, a terrific and moving play about soldiers in World War One. it was a lovely production from what i remember. i acted in it and it was something i was really proud of at the time. Mr Grant was a very talented director and his productions at school were always big events. i felt very grateful to be cast. i also got a huge amount from my a level Theatre Studies work. i was reminded of this recently in the loveliest way possible: my whole class came (with Mr Grant and Miss Morris who taught us) to a performance of McQueen in the West end. We hadn’t seen each other for twenty years. But James Selby, a classmate who’s had a hugely successful career with news international, had dug up the play we all made for our ‘a’ level exams. a play which was rather ominously called “And Gretel”. it was about fairy stories and a grisly murder. The first new play i had any hand in making.

Q&AJames phiLLips (RGS 1990-1995)


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3). You left rGS in 1995, the same year as Nelson mandela was elected President of South Africa, shops were legally allowed to open on a Sunday and the first National Lottery Draw was made, but what are your memories of leaving RGS as an 18 year old?Such a long time ago. John major was Prime minister, in name at least. Tony blair was bambi. no-one knew what an email was.

It was that quiet moment before two storms I suppose, and everyone was very hopeful about the world. The Soviet union had collapsed really still very recently (in fact I went to moscow and St Petersburg on a RGS school trip just after the coup against Gorbachev, one of my great experiences at RGS!) and we were a few years away from planes flying out of a blue sky into the Twin Towers.

In my last few months at RGS personally I was really lucky,. This was back when oxford made you take an exam to get in, and if you did they gave you a 2 “E” offer at A level. The oxford entry exam was pretty monstrous and much tougher than A levels, and followed up by rounds of interviews, but if they accepted you then suddenly you had six months with no exam pressure. So those last months were pretty blissful. my great friend James burbidge had also been offered a place at oxford, to read Classics, so we had a similar sense of freedom. I remember we had a chance to read much more widely than we would have been able to, and to enjoy the things the school had to offer. It was an endlessly warm summer that year, I remember. but then I suspect all of us remember our summer of being eighteen existed under blue skies.

4). What prompted you to write?There was a story that I wanted to tell. That’s what led me to write my first play, The Rubenstein Kiss. I was an actor and director first.

one day, when I was just starting out in the industry, I saw a photograph in a book that had a single picture selected for each year of the twentieth century. The shot for 1950 was Ethel and Julius Rosenberg kissing in the back of a police van. I’d never heard of The

Rosenbergs: a Jewish husband and wife executed in the 50s for giving the secret of the Atomic bomb to the Russians. but it intrigued me, this photograph.

After that, over a period of years I started to read about them. I found books about the Rosenberg Case mysteriously misfiled in other book shops, waiting for me: like I was being haunted, pursued.

At this point I’d never even thought of being a playwright. I’d moved from acting to directing with some success, and so I tried to persuade other young writers to write the play for me to direct. Everyone said ‘no, no, it’s a terrible idea’. but I thought there was a story here, relevant and alive and modern. So I wrote it myself and accidentally became a playwright.

In the end ‘The Rubenstein Kiss’ was largely written in Stockholm, when I was away directing a play at the national Academy there.

5). Since your first critically acclaimed play, the rubenstein Kiss in 2005 (this won the John Whiting Award and the tmA Award for Best New Play) right up to and including your West end hit McQueen (still wowing audiences at theatre royal haymarket) which piece that you have written are you most proud of? I think, like with children, you mustn’t have favourites. or not let them know. The Rubenstein Kiss was the first and I directed it, and I had the most incredible company which became like a family, so it will always be special to me.

City Stories, which is an interwoven sequence of magic realist stories set in contemporary London and scored with live music is a heart love project thing and still ongoing. That’s the same as Rubenstein kiss in that the company feels like a family, which I think is a key to the success of any show.

And the work I do with the brilliant and radical company Slung Low, such as The White Whale and Camelot: The Shining City is a wonderful thing: huge shows and big technical demands, playing with form and deeply political. we just did a show at the

Crucible, Sheffield with a cast of a 150, which is an incredible resource to have. I’ve been very lucky in the variety of work I’ve been able to do.

6). What has been the biggest challenge of your career to date?The biggest challenge is always “what’s next?” As soon as I’ve achieved something, that thing is gone, and you’re moving forward, looking for the next inspiration, the next idea, the next thing that you’ll fall in love with. It’s an endless pursuit, doing this, hunting something always a fingertip away.

7). What is your favourite line from a play you have penned?“You know, I think this is the most beautiful photograph I’ve ever seen” First line of The Rubenstein kiss. not the best line. but the first ever line of drama I ever wrote. And the primary rule of making stuff is you’ve got to start. no other lines in anything if it wasn’t for that first one.

8). how do you feel when you see your scripts acted out on stage?It’s probably my favourite thing in the world. It’s been one of the great privileges that being alive can offer. To sit, unknown, amongst hundreds of people as they watch a play of yours, feel them move within the story: a remarkable thing.

9). In your opinion what defines “success” in the theatre industry?being able to make what you actually want to make, and having the resources and trusted collaborators to make it well.

10). What is next for James Phillips?more, I hope. making more things.

(LtoR) James Selby, James Knapton, Katie Rattray, Catherine Agnew, James Phillips.

THe Re iGaTian 2015

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AUBreY ScrASe RGS 1956-1995

In 1955 a new teacher arrived at reigate Grammar School to teach Latin and classics. this young man was mr Aubrey Scrase, later to be known simply as “Aubs”, and who would go on to represent the core ethos of rGS.

(1925-2015)

FEAturEs


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Aubs was truly dedicated to RGS and his loyalty and commitment to the school was undeterred throughout his 40 years of teaching. He had a unique style, instilled enthusiasm in those he taught and was loved and respected almost universally by pupils and teachers alike. He was involved in rugby, cricket, the duke of Edinburgh Scheme, Scouts and led trips to the opera, theatre and ballet.

His devotion to RGS knew no bounds but most importantly, he was a mentor for many students. He instinctively looked out for all, particularly those who needed extra guidance or care and gave much of his time ensuring children were given opportunities to make the most out of education and life.

Aubs was a huge part of RGS life and many would say, he was ‘RGS’. He retired in 1995 but continued to visit the school every day for his lunch until his 90th birthday in october 2015. Aubs sadly passed away shortly after turning 90 but he inspired generations of students, many of whom continue to have a huge affection for him.

the Aubrey Scrase Scholarship FundFollowing discussions with the Scrase family, RGS now looks to honour and remember this fine Reigatian. As a keen supporter of the work of the Foundation, and true to his wishes, we have established a fund in his name to support disadvantaged children from the local area.

To be known as ‘Aubrey Scrase Scholars’, these children will receive a transformational opportunity through an RGS bursary. Aubs strongly believed that any child should have the opportunity to broaden their educational experience through extra-curricular activities. The fund will therefore also support those students from modest backgrounds to enable them to participate in the enrichment activities that RGS has to offer.

Aubs made a difference. we now invite you to follow in Aubs’ footsteps and help support the Aubrey Scrase Scholarship Fund. by remembering Aubs, you help give a child more than just a curriculum, you give an RGS education worth exploring.

To support the Aubrey Scrase Scholarship Fund please visit rgs.foundation

“ AUBreY hAD thAt SPecIAL GIFt oF BeING A teAcher Who coULD commAND reSPect WIth AN eASY mANNer thAt AchIeVeD GreAt reSULtS. I WILL ALWAYS Be IN hIS DeBt.”

“ AUBS Not oNLY INSPIreD me to Get oNe oF mY BeSt o LeVeL GrADeS IN LAtIN, he heLPeD me to GroW UP AND ASPIre to hIGher VALUeS AND AmBItIoNS IN mY LIFe. I oWe hIm A hUGe thANKS For ALL thAt I hAVe AchIeVeD.”

“ AUBS’S DeVotIoN to rGS AND ItS PUPILS oVer So mANY YeArS AND GeNerAtIoNS IS, qUIte FrANKLY, remArKABLe AND ProBABLY UNIqUe.”

“ I thANK AUBS For A LIFeLoNG APPrecIAtIoN oF mUSIc, DANce AND the theAtre ArtS. hIS INterPretAtIoN oF cLASSIcS WAS mUch APPrecIAteD BY mANY BoYS Who, LIKe mYSeLF, cAme From SheLtereD BAcKGroUNDS. he PromISeD US AN ‘A’ At o-LeVeL AND he DIDN’t FAIL to DeLIVer.”

The Re igaTian 2015

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FEAturEs

It was a sad fortnight indeed for those with long memories when in such swift succession late last year we lost those long-time colleagues and friends, and denizens of the classic Department, Keith Louis and Aubrey Scrase.

while I’m touched to have been invited to contribute a few recollections of keith, and honoured that the 1997 Pilgrim interview which I conducted with him on keith’s retirement is being reproduced in part herewith, I sense that the interview alone – and keith’s own words – are what really matter here.

Allow me just to add that barking thespian disciplinarian keith may have been in the eyes of some, but among his fundamental qualities were unfailing good intentions, and a kind heart. On my first return to the school following my appointment in the spring of 1975 – there was some talk that I might teach some junior Latin classes – I was introduced to keith in the old front staffroom, now the Foundation Office.

“Good morning, Mr Louis”, said I.“Call me Keith”, said he.

This at first acquaintance, in an age when many senior colleagues still routinely addressed others – and each other – by surname. I never forgot that.

others will no doubt speak of keith’s rainbow aspect: the orange swimming trunks; the kaleidoscope of colourful clothing; and first in the eyes of many, I’ll wager, ‘the blue door’ in the one-way system. He was a schoolmaster around whom legends sprang into life.

As we settled down at his home in oxted to record that interview, nearly twenty years ago, keith asked me: “Will you take China tea, or Darjeeling?” Almost to the end of his life, I believe he was still offering ‘sherry before luncheon’. Sums up the man, really.

David Jones(RGS Staff 1975-2013)

Tell us about your early days at RGS?well, I was appointed in 1959 to replace a man called Shaw who had constantly been making derogatory remarks about RGS and the Headmaster – he was a communist actually – and they tried to get rid of him. He was allowed to stay on for one term to complete his time for a pension, but of course my presence was a constant affront to him and he never said a word to me, never a single word. I was delighted because every other word was an expletive! Those were the days when we were all extremely formal. mr Holland would address us just by surname.

Is there anything else you might willingly have tried other than teaching?well, all teachers are actors manqués but I wouldn’t want to risk that profession and I had a lot of fun on the amateur stage. I haven’t played Richard the Second, which is a part I would dearly loved to have played but I have played in Private Lives and I believe I became quite unbearable at home. I’ve had a lot of fun on the amateur stage. I think I would have become a policeman, which sounds a bit funny, but I’m one of those people who has to do as he’s told, and I am a great stickler for what is right. I think that actually might have appealed. I think teaching is what I was meant to do.

You must have fond memories of Aubs?oh all the time, all the time, yes, and a very good friend he remained. He insisted on collecting us from Gatwick and taking us there as well even though it meant rising at the crack of dawn, that’s the sort of person he is. Sui generis, no doubt. A great companion.

Your long involvement with school drama must have given you enormous pleasure?Yes, yes, and in lots ways you know I think of that as my greatest achievement, more than the teaching of classics which is a bit silly really. Forty school plays over the space of thirty years, can’t be bad going.

What are the productions you particularly recall among so many?The first play I did, Oedipus, which was stunning. I think it stunned everybody actually, most unsuitable for a school play, fantastic actually. Hamlet, in the round, in the dining Hall (current Sixth Form Centre) should not have worked but I had a fantastic vintage. It was a brilliant cast and in the performance I used to sit on the edge of my seat during the duel and wonder who was going to win. It was absolutely stupid but it was that vivid. I was also delighted with our production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream to open the Concert Hall. we started rehearsing that September having no idea when the Hall would be ready and we had no idea whether we could have any scenery of any kind or what the stage would be like, but it had its magic.

Do you think that authority has lost ground? Is that one of things we have lost?Respect for authority, certainly, there’s no doubt, and I always took the attitude as Senior master and Second master that what I wanted was co-operation. when I went down the corridor at lunchtime, I went looking for pleasantness and friendliness and I got it, and then I got co-operation and people prepared to do what I asked them to do, and I always felt you got better results by asking somebody nicely than telling them.

Do you think we’ve lost anything else over your period in the profession?Yes, I think we’ve lost a sense of style, that’s sounding very snobbish. I think it’s probably meant to be. I mean there’s been a general lowering of standards, speech and manners and dress and, oh, you know, here’s great grandfather talking and when I was in my day, nobody would go out looking like that. but that’s the general trend isn’t it? I think we’ve gained friendliness. The end result is better and more like one would expect, I mean the school is after all an extension of the family and I believe very strongly in the family. I think that’s what makes the world go round.

KeIth LoUIS RGS 1959-1997 (1932-2015)


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SchooL VISItS

Steve Banfield (OR 1989) RGS visit Jan 2015

Phil Drury (or 1991) (megan, Juliet, Alexander and Isabel) RGS visit Sept 2015

michael Lloyd (or 1986) (Jill and Julia) RGS visit dec 2015

tim Stojanovic (or 1993) RGS visit march 2015

michael mcBryde (or 1965) (zdenka)RGS visit Sept 2015

Lawrence Webb (or 1977) RGS visit march 2015

matt Falkner (or 1982) (michelle) RGS visit Sept 2015

richard teasdale (or 1990) RGS visit nov 2015

The Re igaTian 2015

40

CREATIvE womEn

FEAturEs

ruth shepherd (née manFieLd) (RGS 1994-1996)

the Art Department at rGS was inspirational to me back in the day. We were treated like artists at 16 and were exposed to many different materials and ways of addressing art.

Soizick Genillard (then Freeman) was my art teacher and form tutor and I remember being totally wowed by the fact she was exhibiting in London galleries and art fairs, she was a total inspiration. She took us on trips to commercial galleries on Cork Street; to Paris; and we even saw her paintings on upper Street and St John’s wood! The artists in the year above me were also exceptional and a number of them have gone on to have major careers in art such as dan Jackson (photographer) and Luke Rudolf (artist). Amazing.

Last year my family and I moved from north London to Surrey and we’ve settled in Epsom. As an artist and art teacher coming from the big smoke I was initially quite stunned at the seeming lack of the arts in Epsom despite the uCA Campus and Laines Performing Arts School. So when I got wind that there was the possibility of the first arts festival being set up in Epsom in 2016,

I jumped at the opportunity to get involved. I immediately volunteered to lead the visual arts side of things and since then have met a huge number of diverse, inspiring and passionate artists and practitioners living in the Epsom and Ewell area. A core group of us have built up a program of exhibitions, workshops, performances, recitals, talks and extraordinary events in 2016. we decided to call the festival mGSo4 which is inspired by the chemical formula for Epsom Salts (magnesium sulphate). The festival has been created by volunteers as a not-for-profit event to be enjoyed by everyone. we’ve involved lots of local groups such as the Sunnybank Trust, Phab and Conquest Art, as well as the local schools. It’s been hard work organising this event but it has so far been worth its weight in gold if only for the amazing people I’ve met along the way. we hope that mGSo4 Epsom & Ewell Arts Festival will become an annual event on the arts calendar, attracting an audience from across the South East. If you want to find out more about what is happening in June visit our website and follow us on twitter.

www.mgso4festival.org @mGSo4Festival

Art Piece ‘Breaking Away’amy gaLLuzzo (RGS 1999-2006)

Amy left RGS in 2006 and is currently a member of the critically acclaimed Carpe diem String Quartet. They are a classical string quartet at heart, but also play music from any genre that they get inspiration from. Touring around the uS regularly, they are set to tour Europe and many other countries this coming year.

They recently showcased at the Chamber music America convention, a rare honour. In addition, Chamber music America awarded the group its 2015 Commissioning Grant to commission a piece from Reza vali.

Amy (pictured second from right) also teaches violin privately at the School of Continuing Education at new England Conservatory, one of the premier music schools in the country where she studied for her bmus, mmus and Gd. Too modest to proclaim herself, Amy has been praised for her “stunning rendition [of danses sacrés et profanes]” (wGbH boston) and her “incredible speed and energy” (Sarasota Herald Tribune).

Amy has performed worldwide in halls such as London’s barbican, Queen Elizabeth, wigmore and Royal Albert Halls, St. John’s Smith Square and Southwark Cathedral, boston’s Jordan Hall, vienna‘s St. Steven’s Cathedral and the koussevitsky music Shed and Seiji ozawa Hall at Tanglewood. She has collaborated in chamber music concerts with artists including masuko ushioda, Carol Rodland, James buswell and members of the boston Symphony orchestra and has travelled the world studying with members of the borromeo, brentano, Shanghai, American and Concord Quartets.

when she is not performing on her northern Italian violin made c.1800, Amy is most likely to be found firmly attached to a book, creating jewellery, or, weather permitting, taking a long walk through the beautiful city of boston.


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LuCy Farey-Jones (RGS 1986-1988)

Lucy Farey-Jones is Founder and chief Strategy Officer of Venables Bell & Partners, an independent advertising agency in the heart of San Francisco. She is one of four partners who grew the shop from a start-up in 2001 to the 180-person, $30m revenue agency that it is today.

over the years she has been responsible for the strategic insights behind the campaigns for clients like Audi, Google, barlcays, Intel and ebay. more recent wins for the agency include blue moon, Celebrity Cruises, Reebok, PlayStation, vue, REI, Leinenkugels, and Adidas Golf.

These campaigns have all made vb&P an American creative force, with Ad Age naming vb&P one of the top-ten agencies in the country in 2009 and business Insider naming Lucy one of the top-30 most creative women in advertising in the world in 2015.

Giving clients the confidence to changeIn addition to shaping brands, Lucy has been instrumental in creating an agency culture that operates under three guiding principles: Truth, Fire, and Love. Truth refers to being smart, honest, and working intelligently; Fire refers to passion; and lastly, Love recognizes all the nurturing vb&P brings to the picture to encourage personal growth amongst their people. These values are not only a guide internally, but also a guide to the relationship vb&P has with its clients. out of these principles, the partners encourage honest debate and disagreement and have no fear of telling the Emperor he’s naked, respectfully, of course.

Solving an epidemic through insightsnot only does this kind of honesty challenge clients creatively, it works in producing results. Audi has more than doubled its uS market volume since hiring the agency. In fact, Lucy and VB&P have won eleven Effie

(awards for marketing effectiveness) since opening. Two of the Effies that the agency is most proud of were for the montana meth Project, a nonprofit venture started by Silicon valley entrepreneur Tom Siebel to fight the state’s meth epidemic, which was the 5th worse in the uS. He charged vb&P with raising awareness about the epidemic and reducing first-time use amongst teens.

In order to get to the heart of the problem in America’s heartland, Lucy’s planners packed their bags and headed to montana to talk to kids. She even had one of her planners pose as a teen and visit high schools, malls and jails. The travels unearthed the campaign not Even once, which focuses on prevention by using shocking true-life stories that illustrate the harsh realities of meth addiction. As a result, vb&P’s team has been instrumental in driving down teen meth use in montana by 63% and adult meth use by 72%.

“It’s not every day that you get to participate in something that leaves the world in a better place than how you found it” says Lucy “And, for that reason, we are truly grateful to have the opportunity to partner with the Montana Meth Project”.

The montana meth Project has become a model prevention program, with the meth Project now expanding into Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, and wyoming. Additionally, Tom Siebel was named as the fifth most effective philanthropist in the world by barron’s magazine, the campaign was presented on the floor of Congress, and The White House drug czar cited it as a ‘model for the nation.’

“Advertising is a combination of art and science, and I credit reigate Grammar school with the fact that the admissions staff never blinked an eye at my desire to do english and math at A-level. that combination was one of the reasons that I went on to be somewhat successful at this crazy profession. my previous private school did not want me to do that A-level combination and that is why I happily switched to reigate Grammar and am very glad I did. I absolutely loved my time there and only wished it could have been longer than just sixth form, but the school had not woken up to girls in lower school yet at that time”.

mandie bLaCk (RGS 2000-2006)

What I distinctly remember is my mum saying to me as I left school with my A-levels in hand pursuing a dance career, is that this school had nurtured true confidence in me.

I had gained a scholarship at Performers College which is one of the top musical theatre colleges in the country. without the exposure to theatre under the guidance of miss branston this never would have happened. Also, without the support of other teachers I never would have had that so called “something to fall back on” up my sleeve.

After graduating I worked in London and internationally for three years dancing in

fashion shows, music videos and then on tour with the hit comedy “The Naked Truth”. my work took me to dubai, Italy, India, Ireland and Abu dhabi to name a few. I then moved to new York and have been lucky enough to perform in Crazy For You, A Christmas Carol, Chicago and a multitude of various film/ TV/ internet based gigs as a model/ actor/ dancer.

This year I will be working on the new broadway musical called Tuck Everlasting. I will be shadowing The Tony Award winning director Casey nicholaw as a recipient of The Traube Fellowship, with the Stage directors and Choreographers Foundation.

This line of work is difficult, is full of rejection but it is equally full of opportunity to constantly grow and learn. As I now

move into choreographic work whilst maintaining my performance skills, I am always grateful to have the sense of capability and that confidence (that my mother spoke of ) from RGS, as fuel to push myself for bigger and better achievements in the business of show!

THe Re iGaTian 2015

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In 2013 I embarked on a venture to set up Green cycle, a company focused on the recycling of Waste electronic and electrical equipment (Weee), or e-waste, in Lagos, Nigeria. wEEE is the fastest growing waste stream in the world, generating 41.8m tonnes in 2014, a figure that is expected to top 50m in 2017. Classified as a hazardous waste due to the presence of toxic substances, wEEE poses serious environmental risks when not properly disposed of. nigeria is, by multiple factors, Africa’s largest producer of e-waste as well as a major recipient of discarded wEEE exported from Europe and north America.

my father has lived and worked in nigeria for almost two decades. It has given me the chance to explore and engage with the country. I have a passion for the environment that was heavily influenced by time spent living in some of nigeria’s little remaining rainforest in 2011. my brother and I were volunteering at a sanctuary for the

endangered drill monkey and nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee. Shortly afterwards I arrived at the university of Leicester to study Archaeology and Ancient History, however within the first semester I made the decision to discontinue my studies and set my sights back to Africa.

nigeria suffers from a lack of effective waste management. In Lagos, the state government authority charged with collecting the city’s waste struggles to cope with the volume produced by more than 20m inhabitants. As a result of the inadequate infrastructure, indiscriminate dumping fills Lagos’ creeks and canals with rubbish. The recycling industry in nigeria is in its infancy but it is clear that the private sector, through creating a demand for discarded materials can create a force for change. However, Nigeria is a difficult place to do business (it is ranked 169 out of 184 countries in the world bank’s Ease of doing business Index) and with a sector that requires significant public involvement progress is fraught with difficulty.

GREEn CYCLE

george riChards (RGS 2005-2010)

FEAturEs

ActIoN NeeDS to Be tAKeN to rAISe AWAreNeSS oF the rISKS ASSocIAteD WIth hAzArDoUS WASte AND to ADVocAte For GoVerNmeNt to SUPPort the PrIVAte Sector IN tAcKLING eNVIroNmeNtAL ISSUeS.


43

There are a limited number of facilities capable with processing various fractions of e-waste, meaning that solutions for developing nations must include exportation of hazardous materials, regulated by the Basel Convention. There is also a difficult domestic regulatory environment to navigate with both national and Lagos state legislation in place for e-waste. Presently, e-waste is generated and handled mostly in the domain of nigeria’s vast informal sector (which is larger than most African states’ entire economies) working in the refurbishment of electronics. The informal sector is notoriously difficult to regulate, meaning that legislation often goes unimplemented. The majority working in it aren’t aware of the risks of toxic substances in e-waste and therefore engage in dangerous and harmful practices. many are children.

The task at hand is to develop a commercially viable solution to the problem amongst a challenging and unique set of socio-economic factors. Action needs to be

taken to raise awareness of the risks associated with hazardous waste and to advocate for government to support the private sector in tackling environmental issues. There is also a need to educate and provide skills to encourage ‘green’ enterprise. In order to engage in these activities prior to operating a business we decided to register an nGo in addition to the limited liability company, Green Cycle Resource waste management Ltd.

The Green Cycle Foundation’s purpose is to act as the social arm of the business. we believe this is necessary in order to build an organisation that is sustainable and resilient. The aim of the Foundation is to raise awareness, build capacity and advocate for using green enterprise to tackle environmental problems. Currently we are setting up a space to use as a training centre that will provide Computer and Electrical Engineering courses as well as some broader ICT programmes to disadvantaged youths in the community of orile Iganmu. The

programmes will assist us in developing a viable model whilst training local youths who could act as a workforce in the future. The path ahead is daunting but these are exciting times and it is inspiring to be working for such a cause. After all, what better cause is there today than protecting the environment for our future?

George Richards: [email protected]/GreencycleNigeria

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We passionately believe that a young person’s success in life should be determined by how hard they work and the skills and talents they have, not by their background or family income.

At Ashurst we are committed to being a sustainable global law firm which delivers positive impacts for our employees, clients, profession, environment and the communities in which we are based.

Through our Corporate Responsibility programme, we aim to support those who are marginalised and disadvantaged.

www.ashurst.com

We are proud supporters of Reigate Grammar School’s Changing Lives Campaign.

© Ashurst LLP 2016 Ref D/6090

Supporting the next generation


uNivErsitY hONOurs 2015

Ingram Davidsonuniversity of CambridgeHistorical StudiesType of degree: mPhil

Jonathan ellabyuniversity of durhamModern Languagesdate started: 2011date ended: 2015Type of degree: bAClass of degree: 1st

charlie Steedmanuniversity of LeedsEconomicsdate started: September, 2012date ended: July, 2015Type of degree: bSc Class of degree: 1st

Andrew Buchanuniversity of CambridgeNatural Sciencesdate started: oct 2011date ended: June 2015Type of degree: mSciClass of degree: 1st

Daisy BrownQueen mary College LondonLawdate started: 2011date ended: 2014Type of degree: LLbClass of degree: 2:1

Will Vaughanuniversity of YorkAccounting and Finance date Started: oct 2011date Ended: July 2015Type of degree: bScClassification: 1st

Simon coxwarwick universityPolitics, Philosophy and Economicsdate started: Sept 2011date ended: July 2014Type of degree: baClass of degree: 1st

Nick Gunningdurham universityGeography date started: Sept 2012date ended: July 2015Type of degree: bScClass of degree: 1st

Anna Skinneruniversity of LeedsGeographydate started: Sept 2012date ended: July 2015Type of degree: bAClass of degree: 2:1

claire Burlinguniversity of birmingham French Studiesdate started: Sept 2011 date ended: June 2015Type of degree: bA with HonoursClass of degree: 1st

Alex Pikeuniversity of oxfordNeurosciencedate started: Sept 2014date ended: Sept 2015Type of degree: mScClass of degree: Pass

Katie Nolanuniversity of nottinghamPolitics and American Studies date started: Sept 2011date ended: June 2014Type of degree: bAClass of degree: 2:1

Alexander tzanisuniversity of nottinghamPolitics and American Studies date started: Sept 2011date ended: may 2014Type of degree: bAClass of degree: 2:2

Georgina Batesnottingham Trent universityFrench and Mandarin Chinesedate started: Sept 2011date ended: June 2015Type of degree: bAClass of degree: 2:1

Louis Adamsuniversity of nottinghamEconomics with Frenchdate started: Sept 2011date ended: Aug 2015Type of degree: bA (Hons)Class of degree: 1st

marcus Galeuniversity of bristoldegree subject: Aerospace Engineeringdate started: oct 2011date ended: July 2015Type of degree: mEngClass of degree: 1st with Honours

maddy PhillipsCardiff universityHuman Geography and Town Planningdate started: Sep 2011date ended: July 2014Type of degree: bScClass of degree: 2:1

James Fahyuniversity of SouthamptonPolitics & International Relationsdate started: Sept 2012date ended: July 2015Type of degree: bScClass of degree: 2:1

tom Stuartdurham university General Engineering specialising in Aeronautics date started: oct 2011date ended: June 2015Type of degree: mEng Class of degree: 1st

hugo costainuniversity of nottinghamFrench and Hispanic Studiesdegree started: Sept 2011degree ended: June 2015Type of degree: bA Joint HonoursClass of degree: 2:1 (with distinction in spoken Portuguese)

Faye Scott-maberleyArts university bournemouth Arts and Event Management date started: Sept 2012 date ended: June 2015Type of degree: bAClass of degree: 2:1

charlotte Stempuniversity of ReadingHistorydate started: Sept 2012date ended: July 2015Type of degree: bAClass of degree: 2:1

emily Woollacottuniversity of ExeterAdvanced Mathematics date started: Sept 2014date ended: Sept 2015Type of degree: mScClass of degree: merit

Cat Farnfielduniversity of LeedsClassical Civilisationdate started: Sept 2011date ended: Aug 2014Type of degree: bAClass of degree: 2:1

Lydia Frenchuniversity of LeedsClassics date started: Sept 2011date ended: Aug 2015 (four year course with one year studying in verona)Type of degree: bAClass of degree: 1st

chris reeveuniversity of nottinghamEconomicsdate started: 2012date ended: 2015Class of degree: 2:1

George harding-rollsuniversity of Edinburgh Mandarin Chinese date started: Sept 2011date ended: may 2015Type of degree: mA (undergrad)Class of degree: First Class with distinction

Laura NicholsonLaine Theatre Arts Musical Theatrediploma

If you would like us to include your University qualification in the next issue, please email [email protected]

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THe Re iGaTian 2015

46

rECOLLECtiONs & MEMOriEs

rANDom remINISceNceS oF A reIGAte reProBAte I’m one of reigate Grammar School’s trio of tribes which includes; an academic cousin michael, four years older than me, who became a biology professor after leaving Brighton University, a less academic brother Philip, 4 years younger than me, who had a successful career in menswear sales in the West end of London and me, who managed to scrape a degree in mechanical engineering at Birmingham University. this was followed by a fairly successful career with companies who manufactured fluid handling products for the oil industry.

I loved my whole eight years at Reigate in spite of the ups and downs, and can recall frequently waking up with my feet tingling with anticipation of the fun day to come.

FaintingIt was not uncommon for a boy to faint during assembly – the whole school would be squeezed into the, then, Gym first thing every morning.

In fact, I remember on one particularly hot summer’s day, when the entire school cadet corps was having its annual inspection at St Albans road playing fields, about a quarter of the 200 on parade collapsed and fell (some of them on their rifles). This was because the inspecting Colonel took over an hour to slowly inspect everyone’s buttons, boots and buckle in turn, accompanied by the headmaster who seemed to enjoy seeing pupil’s eye balls rolling. Even some in the band fainted whilst playing, and the music became similar to that on the Titanic whilst it sank.

LatinAlthough I was not a dim child, no teacher ever seemed to have the courage to tell me (and others) that I stood as much chance of going to Oxford or Cambridge as flying to the moon. And so, many of us studied o level Latin (then, a mandatory

requirement for oxbridge entry) with completely unrealistic expectations.

Having failed at my first attempt, Aubrey Scrace (who referred to himself as Aubrey ‘King of the Fairies’ from midsummer night’s dream) managed to tutor me through on my second attempt. I liked him as a teacher but it would have been so much more worthwhile to have studied German or Spanish – in fact for the same effort as I put into Latin, I could have probably obtained an A level in both.

As far as I can recall only two boys in my year managed to get into oxbridge; Steve blow who became a nuclear scientist and bevis Hillier, who became an expert in Art deco and John betjeman, the poet. It was clear to the rest of us that they always had been brain boxes. In fact, Steve once said to me “You know, Dave, I’m beginning to really appreciate the poetry in Virgil” – I nearly choked with a mixture of envy and disbelief.

I remember about twenty years ago, when I was doing a temporary job van driving, having been made redundant, thinking whilst stuck in a long traffic jam, “Might I be the only van driver on the M25 with an O level certificate in Latin?” – It made me feel proud and sad at the same time.

School DinnersThey were revolting, and not even worth the 2/1d per week we paid - yes 5d (old pence) per day! They were consumed in relays at the converted private house, Annandale, on the opposite side of the road to the main school entrance.

The meat had been cooked at least three times before it saw the table and ended up 50 shades of grey. The deserts were normally sago, or semolina, with a small blob of jam or, alternatively, greasy roly- poly pudding (which looked like slices of severed leg). The occasional spotted dick was a real treat as it contained a few edible sultanas. All these dishes came with a large jug of custard which

was either so thick that it came out as one large lump or really watery.

Sweets were still rationed and so you could only buy chunks of liquorice wood to chew to offset the residual hunger pains.

After the first year, during which school dinners were mandatory, many of us chose to bring sandwiches instead and walk down to the castle grounds to eat them, which made a really nice break.

Fortunately, in the sixth form, we were allowed to go to the central schools canteen in blackborough Road, Redhill, where the food was really brilliant – particularly on curry day when some of us went back for an extra portion or two. oliver twist would have loved it.

ArtI had a natural talent for drawing (and still draw and paint as a serious hobby). This proved to be particularly useful in my final year when I was allowed to go and sketch alone in the churchyard.

I have always had an almost uncontrollable urge to have a short catnap after lunch (which in afternoon lessons usually resulted in the rude awakening caused by having the blackboard rubber hit me on the head). but, armed with a sketchbook, displaying a half finished drawing of St Mary’s church, I was able to snooze with impunity, propped up against a gravestone and, at the same time, let the sun help dry up my teenage acne.

Cloggs, the Headmaster, did discover me there once but was completely fooled and complimented me on the quality of my work.

david tribe (RGS 1951-59)


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dear Sir,Your last “Recollections & memories” section reproduced a very touching two-page letter written by an army chaplain in June 1944 to a miss Evelyne Powell offering his condolences on the death in battle, a few days after D-Day, of her fiancée, Michael Browne.

That army chaplain was my late father, Gordon brigg (1911-96). by one of those curious coincidences of fate, he was for many years a Reigate resident, living in Cronks Hill Close, meadvale. Although by then retired, he would often conduct Sunday services at methodist churches in the area and, as a d-day veteran himself, regularly took part in the annual Remembrance day ceremony at Shaw’s Corner.

who knows, it is quite possible that Evylene Powell (who I understand later became mrs Evylene Torn) may have inadvertently brushed shoulders in Reigate High Street with the very chaplain who had written to her all those years ago.

YoursPeter Brigg

we settled in merstham in 1942 and I entered Reigate Grammar School in 1945. despite my best efforts, I did not shine academically and it was only later that I was able to appreciate just how much my time at the RGS had shaped me for the future. Fortunately, I was able to find an interest in aviation at the School in the shape of the Aeronautical Society which featured tests in aircraft recognition, arranged visits to aviation factories and a model aircraft exhibition together with some flying experience.

I signed on for three years in the Royal Air Force who gave me the training to become an aircraft mechanic before sending me off to Egypt for a couple of years. on release, I worked in aircraft maintenance in the uk, eventually taking on a planning function which led to employment overseas for twenty years, living and working in kenya, brunei, bahrain and Hong kong. Living in the tropics was very agreeable with an equitable climate and time for sport. In bahrain I took up running at the age of 47 and have now taken part in more than 600 races, including 29 marathons. I was pleased to be

headhunted at the age of 70 to sort out maintenance records in belgium and then return to bahrain for another two years. Happy days!

From left to right we have:Russell, wickens, bouchier, Hawkins, Richards, Turner, bunker – we were a smart group.courtesy of John Bunker (RGS 1951-58)

gerry barnard (RGS 1945-50)

gordon brigg CCF Camp c.1957

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THe Re iGaTian 2015


It was with much interest that I read Andrew Sullivan’s recollections of his time at the school, and also fascinating to read how the politics of the day was actively followed, and, no doubt, served to influence the future paths taken by those for whom such things mattered.

one of Andrew’s paragraphs in particular caught my attention:“I went back to the school itself last Monday. It was very different but also very much the same. While I was there in 1975, the then Labour government wanted to abolish this 300-year-old treasure and turn it into a comprehensive, combined with a girls’ school nearby. Somehow, the governors and headmaster scraped enough money together to go independent, and the school, now thoroughly co-ed, lives on, its unique inheritance saved from Shirley Williams’s class hatred for ever.”

It reminded me that we have a file of papers in the archives from the late Howard ballance, headmaster at the time.The first of these letters was addressed to The Secretary of State (for Education and Science), and is dated 23rd may 1971. The letter was sent on behalf of the school governors by the Chairman, A.C. owens, and starts,

“Madam,The Governors of Reigate Grammar School, which is a Voluntary Controlled School, have been informed by the Local Education Authority that proposals are under consideration for the reorganisation of education in Surrey, which would result in this School ceasing to be a Grammar School, and being incorporated into a comprehensive system.”

THE RoCkY RoAd To IndEPEndEnCEpeter burgess (RGS 1967-1974)

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The essence of the letter was an application to the department of Education and Science for leave to give notice to discontinue Reigate Grammar School as a voluntary controlled school, with a view to reforming the school as a direct grant or fully independent school. or in other words, did the department mind if the school exercised its right to opt out of State management?

The machinations of Government departments can be glacially slow. The response was more than two years in coming. It must have seemed like the letter was being ignored, or had been lost.Finally, on 21st June 1973, came the following response:

“Sir,I am directed by the Secretary of State to refer to your letter of 23 May 1971… and to say that, after full and careful consideration of all the information before her, she is not prepared to grant the leave sought.”“….In the Secretary of State’s view, an application could appropriately be made only in association with proposals submitted by the local education authority under section 13 relating to other maintained schools which would, if approved by her, have the effect of leaving no place for the school in its present form.”

The Secretary of State for Education and Science in the 1970 to 1974 Conservative Government, referred to in this correspondence, was the Right Honourable margaret Thatcher. Shirley williams became the next female Education Secretary in 1977, well after the school gained independent status. whatever feelings one might have on the merits or otherwise of comprehensive education, it is intriguing to see the part that mrs Thatcher played in the threatened demise of Reigate Grammar School in the early 1970s.

So, things are rarely as simple as we imagine them to be. Politics especially!

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THe Re iGaTian 2015


This was led by ‘drum major’ Gordon Lockyer at the time. It was a drum and fife band. on Thursday afternoons we would march up and down the field at Broadfield or retire inside if wet. when marching outside, Gordon would spin his mace left, right and above his head. He would sometimes hurl the mace, spinning wildly 10 or 15 feet in the air and, hopefully, catch it on the way down. His hurling was not always accurate and the mace would sometimes end up 20 feet away in any direction. This did no harm on the field.

on one occasion we were marching the CCF in Redhill to the sports field for an inter school event. on the High Street someone in the band had yelled “chuck the mace up Gordon” and never being one to avoid a challenge the mace was tossed 20 feet high but its pathway down was two paces ahead of our drum major. The heavy ball end hit the road and bounced up just as Gordon arrived. He took the mace as though it was all planned to great pleasure from those lining the pavement. The only time I remember our band getting applause!

THE RGS CombInEd CAdET FoRCE bAnddavid hawkins (RGS 1948-1953)

1952 Cottesmore summer camp

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At Reigate Grammar School, we also played that unique game called Rugby; which, if a boy has not played it, he can barely call himself a man.

our school happened to have the best rugby team in Southern England, so although I was competent in the scrum-half position, I could only make the bs team, rather than the As, which conquered all other Grammar schools before them in those days.

nevertheless I learned how to tackle and, let me tell you, that is no small feat. To learn how to bring down a boy who is well over 6 feet high, and weighs almost 100 kGs, while you are only a skinny 40, well it is nothing short of a miracle!

I thank our beloved rugby teacher, mr Sims from South wales, and some historical coal-mining valley out there who taught us emphatically and continuously that “the bigger they are the harder they fall”.

To remember, when a huge player came running at me at seemingly 100 mph, and I was the last line of defence, that if I just hurled myself at his calves (or thighs), and refused to let go, (as mr Sims taught us),

that he would fall. It worked! However not the first time, the first time his pumping knee seemed to hit my lower jaw and cause my jaw to rise up and practically cut off the half of my teenage tongue…Aaagh, the delights of rugby and sport. many years later, in fact by the time I had my mid-life health check in Indonesia about the age of 47, with an exceptionally kind Chinese Christian doctor, he found out my heart was so big and healthy it broke all previous time records in Jakarta on their treadmill test by several minutes. Thank God for mr Sims and others at RGS!

Jeremy vernon (RGS 1965-1972)

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THe Re iGaTian 2015

FrOM thE ArChivEs

memorIeS oF the SchooL

For all you Reigatians who have signed up to Facebook, there is now a Group set up to promote the archives and memories of the school. The group is called “Reigate Grammar School Archives” and its aim is to encourage anybody with information, photos, memories or anything with a connection to RGS to share it with other Reigatians and add factually to the history of the school.

i encourage all Reigatians with an interest in the history of the school to join and participate. Remember that the history of the school includes the time that you attended, even if you only left last year.

You may think that the archive contains a lot of information from recent years, but this is not necessarily true. For example, we hold a lot of photographs taken about ten years ago, but they are of little value at present since they do not have anything to identify the events pictured, nor the people pictured! i hope that we can find people who can help identify the place, time and people in them.

This is also an opportunity for you to add to the archive yourself if you have photographs, documents or just important memories of your time at school. i hope we can all add to our knowledge here of this important local institution, in which we have all played our part in some small way. Please take a look and get involved if you like what you see.

Peter Burgess (RGS 1967–1974)

< Phil Drury and Dan Jackson

t �1904_School photo.

THe MaGa zine FOR THe Re iGaTian COMM uniT Y

53

t �1920s_RGS Officer Training Corps.

t �1922_School Sports Team.

54

FrOM thE ArChivEs

t �Far left: 1938-39_RGS Prefects.

t 1949_RGS Dedication Gate.

t �Far left: 1958_Pupils in the playground.

q 11981_First Form Timetable.

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55

t 1987_RGS drama.

t 1982_RGS Prefects.

t 1987_RGS School Band.

t 2003_Summer Festival – Twelfth Night.

q 1988_Peter Chesterton and John Manfield.

p 1984_Unilever Business Game.

p 1985_CCF at RAF Chivenor.

THe MaGa zine FOR THe Re iGaTian COMM uniT Y

The Re igaTian 2015

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rEiGAtiANspOrt

The 1st XI in Surrey Division 2 finished seventh out of twelve in 2014-15, a two place drop over the previous year. The 2nd xI in the Surrey open league division 2 finished ninth out of 11 in 2014-15. The 3rd xI ended 2014-15 the bottom of division 5. The Club has attracted a good number of new players, although none from the School. After the league fixture list is published at the start of each season, gaps appear as other clubs lose a team or even a club itself closes.

The Club again had a practice goal at the borough Sports Festival in may and at the Fun Run in September. The annual dinner was held very successfully at a new venue, outwood Cricket Club.

we regret to report that one of the founders of the Club, who was at the inaugural meeting in 1960, Roger Allery, died in november aged 74. He was the Club’s first secretary and a 1st XI captain – his obituary is featured in this publication.

Ian Whiteman (1953–1961)

the 2014/2015 season ended on a high for both the A and B teams at old reigatians Netball club.

both teams remained within their respective divisions within the competitive Surrey netball League (SnL) – division 6 for the A Team and division 8 for the b Team. The 2014/2015 season also saw some great wins from each team within the club, most notable were:

– the A team beating elmbridge B 58-21 and 37- 28 against Surrey Panthers B

– the B team cruising to victory against Woking Seymours in a 49-20 win and 42-28 against hampton c.

The club received a huge surge in new members all keen to participate in the matches in the SnL, a welcome relief after losing a number of players at the end of the 2014/2015 season. Training each week has been well attended, which has enabled coaches Jane Campbell and Sarah Lea to have some competitive and worthwhile sessions with the senior squad.

we train at RGS every other Tuesday evening from 7:30pm – 8:30pm. we have a range of members, many who just come along to the training session for fitness and others who want to compete in the Surrey league and in the matches. If you or any of your friends from the Reigatian Community want to join a fun, sociable netball club then please get in touch with us by going to our new website reigatiansnetball.co.uk

Pollyanna GrimstoneClub Secretary

having completed detailed discussions with the RGS Foundation, the official old reigatian cc will be playing their inaugural season of cricket fixtures from summer 2016. After a hiatus, they have entered into the Cricketer Trophy this year, an old boys cricket competition played in by a large number of other Independent schools from around the country. This will be the main focus of the season.

we are looking to get out a strong team for our first round game which is away at warwick School on the 5th June 2016. If we progress, the following rounds will take place on the 19 June, 3 July, 17 July with the final being played on 7 August.

As well as the cricketer trophy competition we are also hoping to arrange a number of friendlies that will be open to the entire Reigatian cricketing community and could be a good excuse for those who haven’t played in a while to dust off the boots for a friendly game of cricket with some old friends. Potential fixtures thus far include: RGS First xI, Reigate Priory Cavaliers, brighton College Haymakers, old Caterhamians and The Headmasters xI.

These are very exciting times for the old Reigatian community and we very much hope that the formation of the Cricket Club will highlight the tremendous cricketing prowess of RGS and be a great way to reconnect with those friends from years gone by and meet new members of the Reigatian Community.

If you would like to know more email Phil Davies: [email protected] or Jonny hylton: [email protected]

Phil Davies (RGS 2001-08)

or hocKeY 2014-15 or NetBALL 2014-15 or crIcKet cLUB

Training is free and all are welcome (see orhc.info for latest dates and times). if you are interested in joining or would like more information, please contact Rob evans on 01737 823114.


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old reigatian rFc Last season our seniors had a difficult year in what has become a strong league, finishing just above the relegation places. however, the commitment of head coach Jonny hylton, 1st XV captain mark chesterton, Senior chairman and club captain ed Bartlett and all their hard work must be recognised.

The 1st XV finished the season in 9th place with a record of only 7 victories to 15 defeats, it was certainly not what they had envisaged. despite mitigating circumstances regarding the lack of clubhouse, training facilities and untimely injuries, a fair assessment must conclude that the side could not perform with enough consistency to compete with the top teams in the league this year.

The season started well with some hard fought victories over warlingham, Farnham and weybridge vandals. As november set in, so did injuries to key players and defeats to Tadley, kCS old boys, old Alleynians and winchester all had a similar pattern to them. Post-Christmas the influx of returning players, some from injuries, some from university, in addition to a sense of urgency from players who had suffered a run of defeats, combined to finally demonstrate the potential of the side. Portsmouth and Effingham & Leatherhead were put to the sword 45-17 and 57-16 respectively. In many ways the usually welcome Christmas break came at the wrong time.

However, once more old Reigatians did not finish the season strongly. The season did end however with an enjoyable conclusion at Park Lane against warlingham at a sun-drenched beer festival. Hopefully it was the kind of Saturday that will see plenty of eager faces arrive at pre-season, and in due course into a restored clubhouse, ready to perform with more consistency in 2015/16.

The A xv found their promotion to a tough league, including many national league clubs, hard work, but our players never gave up and learned some valuable lessons playing against teams that had greater experience and resources. The b1 xv enjoyed a satisfactory season, finishing third as they did last season

The u21 xv, under kevin Sheldrick, had a great campaign and won the Surrey Shield. we look forward to many of these rising stars to be playing senior rugby in the near future.

The future of the JunIoR SECTIon is strong and exciting, with 150 players across 8 teams, from under 13s through to Colts (a combined u17 & u18 side) the standard of rugby being played across all age groups continues to improve. The u15 Pilgrims ‘A’s played some great rugby to win their league and were proud to pick up their trophy at the Surrey Rugby Youth & School Awards. Specific mention and congratulations go to some of our u16s boys whose Reigate Grammar School team won the HSbC national School Sevens tournament. Also to George Head who was selected for the England’s London & South East division squad which led to his first cap for England u16s in their win against wales. He was named Surrey u16s Player of the Season and received an England Clubs & Schools Representative Honours award.

THE mInIS SECTIon can be summed up succinctly by “good year, great festival” every age group from Under 6 upwards can reflect on a very enjoyable year with great support from coaches and parents alike.

Congratulations to all concerned. The Club is extremely grateful to all these volunteers and parents who enable our youngsters to enjoy the game of rugby on a Sunday.

our Ladies and Girls section had a quiet year but finished strongly with 10 girls playing for Reigate & banstead in the Surrey Youth Games.

Finally, we have exciting plans to level and seed the 12 Acre Field by the Autumn so we can use in the 2016/7 season and our efforts in adversity over the past year resulted in us being awarded the Surrey County Club award.

David ForsythChairman of ORRFC

on tuesday 22 September a touring veterans’ side comprised of both canadian and USA players descended on orrFc to challenge an or’s vet’s team. The game was arranged to celebrate the anniversary of the first ever RGS rugby tour to Canada in 1984.

The touring side, known as the Semiahmoo Old Boys/ Pacific Northwest Old Growth, had travelled to the uk to follow their countries’ progress in the Rugby world Cup.Coupled with watching rugby, they also packed their boots and were keen to challenge the vintage players of Reigate, but it was the home side who were victorious, triumphing 25-20.

To add to the occasion, the mayor Joan Spiers was greeted by Sir Peter Harrison and introduced to the players by touring captain matt Falkner (‘82). The RSm Godfrey Searle Choir (who were selected to sing in the Rugby world Cup 2015) were also invited along to sing national anthems from the balcony of the restored oRRFC clubhouse.

or rUGBY 2014-15

VetS rUGBY mAtch

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FOuNdAtiON NEWs

raCheL woodman (RGS 2006-2013)

Congratulations to Rachel who completed the London marathon in a time of 5hrs 25mins whilst raising £2,200 for the brain Research Trust. Great work Rachel!

keir starmer mp (RGS 1974-1981)

congratulations to Keir Starmer mP (‘81) who was elected as the Labour member of Parliament for holborn and St. Pancras back in may 2015.

david thomas (RGS Headmaster 2001-2012)

those reigatians who attended rGS under the headmastership of David may be interested to know that David returned to his teaching roots to become master of music (i.e. Director of music) at Winchester college in September 2015.

Since leaving RGS, david has been Headmaster of The Purcell School, a specialist school for young musicians. He has found this a very rewarding experience, and found running an international boarding school an enormous contrast to RGS. However, as those who sang in Polyphony will recall, music remained his passion, and three years being immersed in the musical world again have led him to decide to return to teaching and conducting full-time.

before moving into senior management, david had been on the music staff of three major public schools, including several years as director of music at Fettes College in Edinburgh. He therefore sees this move as picking up where he left off some 17 years ago.

“In many ways, I regretted leaving Fettes when I did, and always felt that there was some unfinished business”, he writes.

“My appointment to Winchester is therefore a chance to do all the musical things I didn’t get around to, but now with the experience of running two schools. At RGS, one of my main aims was to enhance the quality of the music, and to support Simon Rushby and his team in doing so. Now I get the chance to do it myself again.”

At winchester, david will take on one of the largest and most prestigious departments in the country, with six full-time staff, over fifty visiting teachers, a Chapel Choir of cathedral standard, and a full-size Symphony orchestra.

“My 14 years as a Head have taught me many things, but one of them is that we only go round once in life, and you have to take your opportunities when they present themselves. I never expected such a chance to come my way, and I fully intend to make the most of it.”

Any members from the Reigatian Community who are based in winchester or the local area are welcome to contact david via LinkedIn.

Sean Davey


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sam hyams (RGS ‘09)Sam Hyams has recently started a fantastic online business to help students fund their studies (and summer holidays!) by giving them access to part-time work.

Wurkrs.com is a completely free service that makes it easy for students to find part time and one-off work whilst studying at university or college. If you would like to find out more information please contact: [email protected]

Case sChooLs engagement award congratulations go to our very own Sean Davey, rGS Development Director, who collected the cASe Schools engagement Award in September 2015. The award recognised fundraising success, innovation working internationally and his work as an inspirational leader and engager with Reigate Grammar School’s alumni community. well done Sean!

tes independent sChooL awards Congratulations to the Foundation Team who were shortlisted for the ‘Fundraising Initiative of the Year’ for the Changing Lives campaign, at the annual TES Independent School Awards ceremony held at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London. Hosted by michael Portillo, the award was taken home by uppingham School who had raised significant funds in order to create a collection of award-winning buildings.

new Foundation website If you haven’t taken a look already, please visit our new RGS Foundation website rgs.foundation which has just been launched. You will be able to keep an eye on all our latest events, news, galleries and updates from the Reigatian Community.

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sChOOL NEWs

Playing sport for england, representing the UK in the science olympiad and securing record A level grades! It has been a remarkable year for students at rGS. top A Level marks with 92 per cent of grades at A* to B have once again placed rGS in the ‘premier league’ of UK schools. today’s A Level grades were the best results ever achieved by rGS students with more grades an A* or A than every other grade put together.

For the third year running every RGS student who applied to medical school was offered a place and all 14 students with an offer from oxford or Cambridge university will now take up their place.

Commented mr Shaun Fenton, Headmaster: “I am thrilled for our young people that together we have achieved the school’s best ever results, particularly at A*, the top grade which opens doors of opportunity to life changing chances at university. Record numbers of our students are heading off to the top Russell Group universities, but I am just as proud of those who are heading off to drama school, Art College or music conservatoires to pursue their passion.”

“The results are a testament to the support and hard work of our teachers, the parents and, of course, our fabulous students. I am always struck with admiration at how Reigatians can secure the best results that the school has ever received and at the same time deliver such an inspiring programme of arts, sporting, cultural and other highlights with RGS securing more national level successes in these areas than ever before. There is so much more to a great education than exam results and league tables but if they are going to exist then it is good to be at the top of them.”

RECoRd RESuLTS SECuRE bEST EvER unIvERSITY PLACES

rossLyn park sevens winners It was a historic day for RGS as this talented crop of youngsters won the Rosslyn Park HSbC national Schools Sevens Colts title following a thrilling extra-time win against Eton College. well done gentlemen!

harriet mitCheLLCongratulations to Harriet who was selected to play for the full u18 Ladies England Hockey Squad, a first for RGS and a fantastic achievement.

gershon sChoLars Fellow of the RGS Foundation Sir Peter Gershon (‘65) met Rupert Heap (RGS pupil) the first Gershon Scholar.


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state street visit In June of 2015 pupils and staff were hosted by Richard Hannam (‘84) at the London HQ of State Street in Canary wharf. Huge thanks go to Richard and his team for their generous hospitality and the opportunity for RGS students to experience the day in one of the world’s leading financial services institutions.

nationaL hmC sChooLs Foursomes FinaLs Congratulations go to the RGS golf team who played at Purley downs in the HmC Finals day in July. RGS took the top game against Loretto but lost to Millfield after a titanic struggle. On the final afternoon during the individual pair’s stableford, Sam Jones and Sam Dukes finished second, a remarkable achievement.

(LtoR) Alex Skinner, Harry Fairley, Tom Riddick, Sam Brill (c), Sam Dukes, Olly Kail and Sam Jones.

duke oF edinburgh awards In march 2015 upper Sixth Form pupils katie Grimstone, Sacha Lee, Laura upstone, and david wheatley received their Gold duke of Edinburgh Award from His Royal Highness at St James’ Palace. The four of them are pictured with former RGS pupil and host david walliams (’89)

sweeney todd Sold-out audiences raved about the RGS Christmas production of Sweeney Todd - the macabre tale of a victorian barber and his search for revenge. The production was one of the most ambitious stage and lighting designs ever seen at RGS which created a show that will live on in the memory—especially for those who were splashed by stage blood!

annie the musiCaL Eager audiences packed the Concert Hall in 38 degrees of heat for the Junior production of Annie in June last year. Students’ incredible skills in dance, music and acting brought the story to life in a wonderful production.

Chris middLeton Chris middleton (‘82) came back to RGS to give an insight to current Sixth Formers about the world of media, journalism, music and writing. In a relaxed interview, carried out by mr Shaughnessy, RGS Head of English, Chris spoke about his career, its highs and lows and took questions from the floor.

robert Frith back in march, Robert Frith (‘73) came back to his alma mater to give a lecture to the current Sixth Form business Studies students and next crop of Richard branson wannabee’s on the topic ‘Are entrepreneurs born, or self-made?’. Robert spoke of his own journey, the book he has written and challenged the group with some thought-provoking concepts.

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dEAths & OBituAriEs

peter John bLaCkwood 31 JanuaRY 1928 – 6 MaRCH 2015(RGS 1939-1946)

Peter grew up in Reigate and stayed in the area all his life. His education began at northbank Prep School on Smoke Lane and he went on to attend Reigate Grammar School between 1939-1946. He was known to many in the area as ‘the Peter Pan of Reigate’ because of his youthful attitude to life.

on leaving RGS, Peter joined the Royal navy and was one of the last individuals to be called up for service. Following his time in the navy, Peter studied Business Management and qualifi ed as a Chartered Surveyor, establishing his own company with 8 offi ces across Surrey.

Growing up, Peter was a member of the 30th Reigate Scout Group and eventually became assistant Scout master. Peter and many of his friends remained greatly involved with the Scout group and in 2013 he helped to support the extension to the Scout Head Quarters in Slipshoe Street, Reigate.

It was during his time at RGS that Peter discovered his love of sport. He involved himself in rugby, football and swimming. Sport featured heavily throughout his life, particularly rugby and he was vice President of the old Reigatian RFC. Later in life he found a passion for sailing, golf and skiing, activities he enjoyed into his 80s.

Peter was a staunch supporter of RGS and the work of the Foundation and enjoyed attending many concerts, productions, dinners and reunions. He was also a member of the Henry Smith Club and the 1675 Society and keenly supported the continuing excellent education that RGS provides for its students.

keith Leonard wiLLiam perry, ma 1 auGuST 1928 – 4 SePTeMBeR 2014(RGS 1939-1944)

keith was brought up in brockham Green and attended Reigate Grammar School, valuing the education he received there as well as enjoying the sporting opportunities, particularly in Cricket and Rugby, which he continued to play after leaving school. He then did his national Service in Germany serving with the Royal Artillery. Afterwards he settled on a teaching career and took a Teacher Training Course at Goldsmiths College, London, subsequently teaching at local schools within Sussex.

In 1961 he moved to nyasaland, now malawi, with his wife Jennie to take up a teaching post at domasi Teacher Training College which he very much enjoyed. with a growing family, they returned to Sussex in 1964 and keith again began teaching in local schools. In 1971 he returned to his studies reading History, always his great love, at Sheffi eld University. After graduating he taught History and English Grammar (another passion of his!) at Imberhorne School in East Grinstead until his retirement in 1988.

After retirement he studied History at Sussex university gaining an mA in 1990. keith was always very concerned for the preservation of the countryside and was an enthusiastic member of the Natural History Society and the Uckfi eld Preservation Society. He was an avid collector of stamps and cigarette cards and had a great love of English music. He was especially fond of reading and books – a true bibliophile, he created a library wherever he lived. He had a natural affi nity for languages, enjoying talking to people when he travelled. keith was a friendly, kind, quiet, studious man with a wry sense of humour who was loved and respected by all who knew him. Although self-contained, he always enjoyed the company of others and especially of his family. keith died suddenly in September 2014. He will be very much missed and will be remembered with love and affection by his friends and family.


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notiCe oF deaths 2015

Keith Perry (RGS 1939-1944) died on 4 September 2014

Jon Fielder (RGS & RSM Staff 2004-2015) died on 14 February 2015

Anthony harvey (RGS Staff 1960-1964) died on 22 February 2015

Peter Blackwood (RGS 1939-1946) died on 3 march 2015

Derek Washington (RGS 1949-1954) died on 1 April 2015

robin Wells (RGS 1950-1957) died on 4 April 2015

Gordon Sproul (RGS 1971-1978) died on 6 April 2015

mike King (RGS 1957-1963) died on 11 may 2015

michael rose (RGS 1943-1949) died on 17 August 2015

Peter Smith (RGS 1942-1949) died on 19 August 2015

Keith Louis (RGS Staff 1959-1997) died on 24 october 2015

Aubrey Scrase (RGS Staff 1956-1995) died on 4 november 2015

edward edmonds (RGS 1932-1937) died on 12 november 2015

roger Appleton (RGS 1959-1967) died on 26 november 2015

roger Allery (RGS 1952-1960) died on 28 november 2015

roger aLLery RGS 1952-1960

born in Redhill and brought up in Horley, Roger came to Reigate Grammar School in 1952. He took advantage of the introduction of Hockey into the sports curriculum in 1956 and played in the First xI for four seasons and represented Surrey schoolboys.

He was an able all-rounder cricketer playing for the First XI in his fi nal two years 1959 and 1960. After leaving school he qualifi ed as a chemical engineer and spent the next thirty fi ve years with Pall UK in Portsmouth managing the installation and manufacture of industrial fi lters. He later entered human resources sourcing universities for graduate chemical engineers. He was a governor of Portsmouth School for Girls who he advised on the Youth Enterprise Scheme. He retired early and spent ten less stressful years working for John Lewis at their Waitrose store in Petersfi eld.

Roger was a founder member of the old Reigatian Hockey Club and until his move to Hampshire was a stalwart member of the local cricket club at outwood. He continued to play both games for Havant before fi nally turning to golf playing at waterlooville Golf Club for over thirty years. He won the old boys Challenge Cup on three occasions. Roger developed a love of the dordogne where he and his family spent very many happy holidays.

Roger passed away peacefully on 28th november 2016. we extend our heartfelt sympathy to marion, Tim and nick and their families.

Douglas Treacher (‘58)

The Re igaTian 2015

64

hONOurs

Alan Jeary attended rGS in the 1960s. Unusually, he started moving locations within a decade of leaving, first in the UK then later internationally. he has had full time positions in hong Kong, Australia and the USA. conservatively, he has had three different careers in engineering and education in these different locations.

He has held chairs in Hong kong and Australia, is at the highest level of Structural Engineering and building, and has wound up working in new York City as a partner in a structural risk assessment company. He even managed to spend a decade as a single parent while also holding a chair in Sydney.

Recently, he was made an Officer of the order of Australia as a result of this amalgam of contributions and experiences. The following describes a process of continual growth, involving learning about various parts of the world by direct contact, working in academia on different continents, running a company and learning the hard lessons about business and people in the process.

1). Who was your biggest influence from your time at RGS and why?This is probably the most difficult question, I was a late developer and I am quite a different person now from when I was at RGS. It’s difficult to pick out a single person, the whole experience was a good one. I guess that mr. noel was probably the largest influence in that he had confidence

in me when I struggled. The difference between believing that you’re no good, and that you have something to offer is enormous, and the differences that take you to different paths can be very small. This man saw something in me that others didn’t. 2). From London via hong Kong, Sydney and New York…why is it that your work has taken you across the globe and where do you call home?I started as an assistant at the Central Electricity Research laboratories in Leatherhead. I wanted to wait to go to university. In retrospect it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I moved from Leatherhead (CERL) ten years later, after a thorough grounding in science, being around a lot of very high powered people, and undergoing an electronics graduateship. They really looked after me.

The opportunity then came up to move to the building Research Establishment to do a Structural Engineering Phd at university College, of course UCL made me take final year structural engineering finals exams. That was a very productive time and we had a great team that was easily the best in the world by a big margin. by default I became leader of the group. It was a time of big league research and I was in the right place at the right time. Later as money for research dried up I was told to beaver away in a corner and be a ‘national asset’. I didn’t like that idea, and when the opportunity to join City university in Hong kong (City

Poly as it was then) came up I jumped at the opportunity. That was a change of career, and involved being part of a team initiating a new University from a greenfield site. In the middle of my time there I moved to take over a department (building and Construction) and introduced new degree courses at undergraduate and post graduate levels. I was also awarded a chair at that time. In the lead up to the handover, I was very close to some important things going on. After the handover, I thought that a better place for my children to grow up would be Australia, and I moved to take up a chair at the university of western Sydney.

with the passing of time I became disenchanted with the academic world (and its insistence on being a business) and met Charlie Thornton in Hawaii, who proposed setting up a company to do the things that I was doing at consultancies. So I moved to the uS to do that. where is home? with the move to Australia, I became an Australian citizen. my parents, sister and children live there. So home is where I hang my boomerang (and I’m pretty good at throwing one too). I have spent time (more than five years in each case) living in Hong kong, Sydney, Rio and new York, and I’ve treated them all the same - it could have been anywhere in the world. I’m a Sydneysider by choice. Sydney is different from other cities, it has a wide open spirit and a laid-back style. There’s all sorts of entertainment, humour and culture, it’s safe and the beaches are wonderful. English by birth, Australian by choice. That Australia

ALAn JEARYoFFICER oF THE oRdER oF AuSTRALIA(RGS 1957-1964)


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has made me an officer of the Order of Australia has really cemented the deal. People ask me why new York now, and I answer ‘temporary insanity’, it really is an awful place. 3). What is your proudest achievement since leaving RGS?In Hong kong I divorced from my brazilian wife and gained custody of my two boys (long story). In Sydney I was a single parent, combining this with having a chair at the university and tending to an acreage property. The bond that developed between my children and me at that time is my best achievement to date. That was a challenging decade, but enormously satisfying. People used to ask me ‘how do you do it?’ and I used to answer ‘there is no alternative’. with two young people relying on you, you absolutely can’t cave in to the pressure.

4). What is next on the horizon for Alan Jeary?Part of the move to set up a company in the USA was because of a firmly held belief that there is a new way of assessing structures and their health that should be used universally. So what’s next? I am keen to make that happen before I lose the energy to do these things. Luckily I come from a long-lived family, so there should be enough time. I would also like to be able to stand back from it after I train enough people, and then there are some places that I haven’t visited yet in Australia and South America. As I write this I’ve just had a webinar with people in new zealand where our demonstration measurements on a rehab project have been shown to be in line with, but better than, the most advanced mathematical models. So my dream is alive and well.

Alan has become an active member of the American Friends of rGS, another reigatian in New York!

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puBLiCAtiONs

DAVID WALLIAmS(RGS 1981–1989)

david has become the fastest-growing children’s author in the uk. His books have been translated into 40 languages and sold over 4 million copies in the uk alone.

demon dentistdarkness had come to the town. Strange things were happening in the dead of night. Children would put a tooth under their pillow for the tooth fairy, but in the morning they would wake up to fi nd… a dead slug; a live spider; hundreds of earwigs creeping and crawling beneath their pillow. Evil was at work. but who or what was behind it…?

grandpa’s great esCapeAn exquisite portrait of the bond between a small boy and his beloved Grandpa – this book takes readers on an incredible journey with Spitfi res over London and Great Escapes through the city in a high octane adventure full of comedy and heart

At the age of twenty-one, Prince Philip wrote to a relative: I am rude, but it is fun. Prince Philip probably never managed to change the opinion of his relative... This affectionate compendium brings together both the best and a host of less well-known stories about the prince, giving an insight into the royal world where he traipses around as ‘fella belong to mrs Queen’, rather than being professionally qualifi ed in something. From his blunt speech-making, to his fearless mocking of offi cials and captains of industry, to his fond teasing of Her majesty herself, here is a truly regal celebration of the unusual daily life in royal circles.

i know i am rude, but it is Fun: the royaL FamiLy and the worLd at Large – as seen by prinCe phiLipNIGeL cAWthorNe (RGS 1964-1969)

nigel is the author of some eighty books – and a major contributor to at least twenty more. He lives in a fl at described as a book-writing factory in bloomsbury, London’s literary area, and writes in the great british Library.

THe Re iGaTian 2015

68

FOuNdAtiON OFFiCE

sean daveydevelopment [email protected]

hazeL CorniCk development [email protected]

giuLia keLLy development Administrator (part-time)[email protected]

ruth gLoverDevelopment Offi cer (part-time)[email protected]

Jonny hyLtondevelopment [email protected]

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The Foundation Office exists to support the development of Reigate Grammar School and to foster the friendship and support of all Reigatians. The Reigatian community includes current and former pupils, parents, staff, governors and friends of the school – all, in fact, for whom the school is, or has been, an important part of their lives. Our future success depends upon the benevolence of the whole Reigatian community and we invite you to contribute with them and help to shape the future of our great School and its pupils.

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The Reigatian Magazine 2015

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