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OLD BRUTONIAN ASSOCIATION 

NEWSLETTER 2005

OBA NEWSLETTER 2005 

VISIT TO THE SCHOOL OF 

THE COUNTESS OF WESSEX 

Portrait unveiled 

From the left: Theo Platt, the artist, the Countess of Wessex, Sir Peter Squire and Cristopher Rhys-Jones 

The Court Circular for September 22nd, 2004 had the 

following entry: “The Countess of Wessex today 

visited Somerset and was received by Her Majesty’s 

Lord Lieutenant (Lady Gass). Her Royal Highness this 

morning opened the newly renovated building at Hugh 

Sexey’s Hospital, High Street, Bruton. The Countess of 

Wessex afterwards opened the newly renovated Norton 

Library at King’s School, Bruton. Her Royal Highness this 

afternoon opened the newly restored gardens at 

Hazlegrove School, Sparkford and was received by Count 

Charles de Salis (Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset).” 

That necessarily bald narrative does not tell the whole 

story. Throughout the visit, the Countess was 

accompanied by her father, Chris Rhys-Jones, President of 

the O.B.A. In Sexey’s Hospital, Her Royal Highness called 

on Mrs Mary Tyndall, Honorary Member of the 

Association, whose late husband, John, had been Chris’s 

housemaster in Old House in the late 1940’s. Lady Gass, 

the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset is the widow of Sir 

Michael Gass (N30/34), and Count Charles de Salis 

(Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset) was for many years a 

Governor of the School and Chairman of the Finance and 

General Purposes Committee. 

The Countess spent most of the morning in the School, 

talking to pupils and Staff and opening the magnificently 

refurbished Norton Library. In the Library, Her Royal 

Highness unveiled the Theo Platt portrait of Peter Squire 

that had been commissioned by the Association. In a 

short speech, the Countess said that she had heard a great 

deal about King’s School from her father and now she 

could see for herself why he was such an enthusiast for 

Bruton. At the unveiling, the Countess met the Officers of 

the O.B.A. and subsequently signed the Visitors’ Book. 

After lunch in the John Davie Room, Her Royal Highness 

left by helicopter for Hazlegrove. 

2 OLD BRUTONIAN ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER 2005


A HUNDRED YEARS AGO 

In 1905, The Dolphin was already thirteen years old and 

firmly on course towards the fine publication that it is 

today. When the first edition appeared in the summer of 

1892, the editorial spoke of an earlier attempt at 

establishing a school magazine “some years ago”, but that 

it had “expired at the second number”. However, on July 

11th, 1892, “a meeting was held, Mr Norton presiding [by 

now, the younger D.E.N., having succeeded his father in 

1890], and the proposal to publish a School Magazine was 

formally carried. It was further resolved that the paper 

should be called The Dolphin, that it should contain 

school news only, and that it should be brought out at the 

end of each term, under the joint editorship of a 

committee, consisting of one master and two boys.” 

Copies, much the same size as our modern OBA 

Newsletter, cost sixpence each or 2 1 ⁄2p. 

The Dolphin is clearly an important historical source as 

far as the School and the OBA are concerned, so I thought 

it might be interesting to see what it had to offer about 

Bruton a hundred years ago. It has to be said that the bulk 

of every edition comprised extremely detailed reports of 

football, hockey and cricket matches and of other 

sporting activities like the House Tug, which in 1905 was 

won by New House (Seniors) and Old House (Juniors). 

Well, it had to be one or the other. The concerts also 

merited a careful critique, although they occurred less 

frequently and always ended with Carmen Brutoniense 

(fresh off the presses then) and God Save the King. 

The Easter Term edition includes a list of the members 

of the OBA, an institution, like The Dolphin, comparatively 

young in 1905. Of the 118 members shown, one was an 

admiral, one a dean, one a peer and one (the fabled 

‘Wacker’ Knight) was Headmaster of Sexey’s. By the end 

of the year, the dean and the admiral had died, the latter, 

Admiral Phelps, having entered the School in 1827 and 

been given his nomination into the Royal Navy by none 

other than Sir Thomas Hardy, Nelson’s captain on Victory. 

Incidentally, the centenary of Trafalgar in 1905 was 

“celebrated by a lecture and a half-holiday”. One Captain 

Scott Willcox “very kindly came down and gave us one of 

his excellent and instructive lectures.” The subject was, of 

course, the Battle of Trafalgar, which also inspired “an 

illuminating sermon” from the Vicar. 

The concept of celebrating anything with a lecture and 

a half-holiday establishes us firmly in this world of Stalky 

& Co. as does the delightful report of the Field Society, 

which had two outings, one to Stourton and the other to 

Lulworth. The trip to Stourton was apparently spoilt for 

the egg collectors as it was scheduled too late in the year 

“to give them any chance of getting eggs which were in a 

blowable condition”. Nevertheless, it was generally 

deemed “ a most enjoyable afternoon’s outing”. July 8th 

was the Society’s highlight, with a train journey (“too hot 

for comfort”) to Weymouth where they arrived at 9.18 

a.m. The boat for Lulworth didn’t leave until 11, so “there 

was ample time for a bathe”. Most of the outing seems to 

have been spent in or on the water. Then there was “ tea 

at 4 o’clock…..the 5 o’clock boat back to Weymouth, and 

thence home by train after a thoroughly delightful day”. 

Prizes were awarded as follows: “Arnold and Matthew ma. 

for Butterflies and Moths; Lemon ma. and mi. for Eggs; 

Matthews mi. for Flowers; Burn for Butterflies 

(consolation prize).” Good old Burn. 

The editor of that summer’s edition of The Dolphin had 

meanwhile dipped his pen into the purple inkpot and 

come up with this: “It seems but a few days ago that we 

were all looking forward to our return to Bruton for the 

best and most enjoyable term in the year, with its cricket 

matches and whole holidays; but now, as we look back, 

time, which waits for no man, seems to have hurried 

these enjoyable months to an almost too speedy close, 

and as we consider the past days and weeks, the thought 

of their rapid transit almost appals us, and appears to us 

like a void dream, leaving behind it, however, nothing but 

pleasant reminiscences.” 

Back on earth, the Library showed a balance in hand of 

£8.18s.0d, and the OBA agreed at their August meeting 

that members of five years’ standing might be allowed to 

make a one-off payment of a pound and thereby become 

Life Members of the Association. Even back then, the 

plaintive cries of the Hon. Secretary could be heard, 

wailing that “he would be obliged if any member whose 

address is incorrectly given would notify the fact”. 

JOHN NEAL MBE 

SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING 

David Hindley 

A service of thanksgiving for the life of John Neal 

will be held in the Church of St Mary the Virgin, 

Bruton on Saturday, May 21st, 2005 at 10.45 a.m. The 

service will be conducted by the Revd Nigel Wilson- 

Brown, School Chaplain, and an appreciation of 

John’s life and work will be given by Tony Beadles, 

former Headmaster of the School. Refreshments will 

be available in the Memorial Hall after the service, 

to which all will be welcome. 

OLD BRUTONIAN ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER 2005 3


At six foot two and a half inches, I have never been 

able to stretch out fully in a hot bath. I have of late 

tempered my disappointment in the firm belief that one 

day I will accomplish this act and look forward to 

reclining whale like with a fine glass on wine in my hand 

whilst listening to Verdi's Requiem. 

It was certainly at KSB in the mid 1960's that my love 

of all music was fostered. Under Bob South and Mr 

Kennaway and, of course, David Hindley, I began to 

appreciate the classical symphonies, concertos and choral 

works that wafted from the Memorial Hall and in turn 

competed with the somewhat conflicting sounds that 

emanated from Blackford House - namely The Beatles, 

Stones and Dylan. Everything stopped on a Sunday 

evening when Alan Freeman’s Pick of the Pops was 

broadcast on the recently launched Radio One. However, 

it was always Verdi’s Requiem that remained a firm 

favourite of mine since it was this piece of music that I 

was introduced to during my time at Bruton when the 

Madrigal Society joined forces with numerous South 

West schools and gave a major performance in Wells 

Cathedral. 

I would never have dreamt all those years ago that 

many of the celebrities I listened to at KSB on radio and 

record I would spend some part of life working with. Four 

years after leaving Bruton in 1968, I joined BBC Radio in 

London and began working my way – not necessarily up 

but at least sideways – on such radio programmes as The 

Terry Wogan Show, Pete Murray’s Open House, Alan Keith’s 

Your Hundred Best Tunes and finally to the pleasures of 

Desert Island Discs. For those were the days of Roy 

Plomley, the founder and for many years presenter of this 

famous radio programme. For most of my working life, 

apart from a spell as a Dalek with Dr Who in the 

seventies, music has been my love. 

SINGING IN THE BATH 

During a cricket match (another favourite KSB pastime) 

a few years ago, I happened to be fielding in the slips 

alongside some fellow media types lamenting the state 

of British television. Part of this group included Sir Jeremy 

Isaacs , at that time General Director of the Royal Opera 

House, who voiced his opinion that it was high time a 

television channel was launched which was devoted to 

the Arts. “After all, the BBC does bugger all,” he said. 

So in time Artsworld became a reality and the channel 

launched in December 2000 on the Sky digital platform. 

It was our intention to create an arts channel which 

covered all aspects of the arts and to ensure that our 

viewers would be able to see performances which 

otherwise would not even be considered on terrestrial 

television. I was given the enviable task of locating and 

acquiring the rights to suitable arts programming and to 

create an eclectic and entertaining schedule for our 

viewers. I have acquired the rights to major operatic 

works, classical music concerts, ballet and modern dance 

from all over the world. It is our intention at Artsworld to 

cover all aspects of the arts, from documentaries on 

Elizabeth Schwarzkopf, the great German soprano (who 

will be celebrating her 90th birthday this year) to 

planning a Verdi season, the only TV channel in the world 

to transmit all of Verdi’s operas in one month. Who 

would have the courage to transmit all 14 hours of 

Wagner’s Ring Cycle? We did and I am proud of it! 

An old boss once said to me that one should never stay 

longer than five years in a job. My five years on Artsworld 

is up and as I look to move abroad in the not too distant 

future, perhaps I will be able soon to realise that dream of 

stretching out in a hot bath listening to Verdi’s Requiem 

and planning life’s next great challenge. 

Jamie Wills (B 64/68) 

Blackford House 1967. The young Jamie Wills is standing immediately behind Matron, Mary Hill and House Tutor, David Hindley. 



LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT 

e-mail address: rhysjones@oldbrutonians.com . 

Dear Old Brutonians, 

This is my last letter to the OBA as President and I must 

say that the three years has passed in a flash. Since the 

last Newsletter, the School has welcomed the new 

Headmaster, Nigel Lashbrook, his wife Jill and their family 

to Bruton and we wish them every success and happiness 

in their new home. 

My proudest moment was obviously the visit to the 

School of HRH The Countess of Wessex. She was very 

happy to see the School and Hazlegrove, and thoroughly 

enjoyed the day. It was a great pleasure to me that the 

visit started at Sexey's Hospital, where Mary Tyndall 

kindly showed us around her delightful apartment, and 

my only regret was that John, my Housemaster in Old 

House, was not there to meet my daughter. I sincerely 

hope the School obtained some benefit from the visit 

following all the hard work put into the occasion. 

During the visit The Countess opened the New Norton 

Library and unveiled the portrait of Air Chief Marshal Sir 

Peter Squire which hangs there. This portrait was 

presented to the School by the OBA in order that it will be 

an inspiration to future generations of boys, and also as a 

fitting tribute to a high achieving Old Brutonian. I would 

like to thank Peter for agreeing to it and for all the trouble 

he took during the sittings. Everyone visiting the School 

should make a point of inspecting the new Library and 

viewing the portrait. In addition, the portrait of 

D.E.Norton has been moved from the John Davie Room 

and now hangs in the entrance to the Norton Library to 

complete the connection. 

During the year the Committee agreed to increase the 

value of the OBA Scholarships offered to begin to bring 

them more in line with other Scholarships available. 

However, this will need the support of you, the members, 

so if you are not currently contributing to the OBA 

Charitable Trust, I earnestly ask you to do so. I am sure the 

Vice President will enlarge on this topic elsewhere. 

The development of OB sport continues and anyone 

wishing to participate or organise an OB sporting activity, 

not already covered, should contact John-Kai Flerning, our 

Sports Coordinator. The Committee is always willing to 

consider some financial support – just present a good case. 

Since retiring from the Committee, Jamie Reach has 

taken over the task of developing the OBA Regalia and, 

after some unavoidable initial delays, is beginning to 

tackle the matter. I know he has some interesting ideas 

and you can soon look forward to a greater range of items. 

The meetings with the Sixth Form Leavers have 

continued, and I am sure this opportunity for future 

members to see what the OBA does and stands for will be 

beneficial. I would like to thank Jamie Reach, Kate 

Sedgman and David Hindley for their hard work and for 

making these meetings possible. 

The London Lunch, although not an "official" OBA 

event, was once again a great success, covered elsewhere, 

and was attended by The Countess of Wessex as our guest 

of honour. My thanks go to Richard and Alice Taylor, and 

also Richard Sullivan for all their hard work. This again 

brings me to the subject of the Bruton Dinner in June. Last 

year's event was a very good occasion, enjoyed by 

everyone, marred only during the night by a few 

irresponsible people. This dinner deserves greater support 

from the membership and I look forward to seeing more of 

you there this Summer. 

I wish to record my sincere thanks to all the OBs who 

have served and are serving on the Committee for all the 

support they have given during my time as President. 

Particularly, I must thank David Hindley and Colin Hughes 

upon whom the vast majority of the work falls, and who 

always come up smiling. Also, Richard Sullivan, who as 

Vice President took it upon himself (and his longsuffering 

wife Jan) to provide board and lodging on my visits to 

Somerset - he will shortly discover the position of Vice 

President is but a sinecure! Also, my thanks go to all the 

"extras" who assist in the running of the OBA, such as the 

sports organisers, the Dinner organisers, Harry Witherby 

(IT), the Honorary Auditors, Jan Juneman (for keeping 

DJCH sane), and anyone I have forgotten. My grateful 

thanks to them all. 

Finally, may I say that I have thoroughly enjoyed my 

three year stint as your President, and I hand over the post 

to the new President with my very best wishes to him and 

every member of The Old Brutonian Association. 

Floreat Brutonia! 

Christopher Rhys-Jones 

President , Old Brutonian Association 

To update addresses or to inform us of news for 

publication in the annual newsletter please contact: 

The O.B.A. Office, King’s School , 

Bruton, Somerset BA10 0ED 

Telephone/fax: 01749 813253 

e-mail: oba@kingsbruton.com 



LETTER FROM THE HON. SECRETARY 

Dear Old Brutonians, 

Once again I find myself having to bid a fond farewell to an admired colleague. This summer, Chris Rhys- 

Jones steps down as President of the Association. Three years ago, when he took over from Sally Snook, our first 

lady President, Chris was the first to admit that he had a hard act to follow: far prettier than most of us, 

endlessly patient and with a very sharp mind, Sally had set distinguished standards. Chris recognised this 

challenge and faced it squarely. As a result, his presidency has been innovative, vigorous and huge fun. 

Wonderfully affable, unfailingly courteous and unshakeably determined, Chris has driven forward a number 

of important reforms. He has worked tirelessly with the Governing Body to overhaul the system whereby 

pupils become (or all too often at present do not become) members of the Association; his energy in that area 

looks set to be rewarded, and that will lead to a stronger and even more inclusive Association in the years to 

come. Another crusade has been raising the value of bursaries and scholarships available to pupils in the 

School from the OBA Charitable Trust. Already, young Brutonians are benefiting from that particular vision. 

Chris has also sought to establish outposts of the Brutonian empire, whereby members of the Association in – 

say – Hong Kong can get together, as we do here, to celebrate the School and enjoy the unique geniality of 

Brutonian friendship. He instituted the scheme of ‘welcome packs’, so that every new member of the 

Association now receives a folder containing greetings, membership details, a copy of the latest Newsletter, 

contact details of current Committee members and the rules of the Association. Chris’s immense pride in his 

old school was never more evident than on the day his daughter, Sophie, married Prince Edward. The Old 

Brutonian tie gleamed from a million television screens and has subsequently graced the pages of 'Hello' 

magazine on more than one occasion. It is a pride that we all share; and we are, as an Association, deeply in 

his debt for the inspiration and energy that he has shown as our President. 

With Chris charging ahead, the troops have been following with enthusiasm. It is good to see the 

burgeoning of so much sporting activity amongst Old Brutonians, as much as anything because this means 

regular social contact and the strengthening of ties. Elsewhere in this Newsletter, you will find accounts of the 

splendid Apple Growers Sports Club; of the memorial rugby match for the late Alex Edwards; of Golf at 

Trevose, thanks to the efforts of David Graham and the generosity of the Gammon family, while, for the first 

time ever, there was an Old Girls hockey team playing against the School as part of the OB Hockey Day on 

March 13th. 

One of Chris Rhys-Jones’s campaigns as President (not mentioned above) has been the developing of 

‘regalia’ available to Old Brutonians. At the moment, we are reduced to a choice of ties and yet more ties. The 

School Shop did not feel that it had the physical capacity to take on more items, so it was agreed that we 

should deal direct with the suppliers, Pinder and Tuckwell. This move has been spear-headed by the 

indefatigable Jamie Reach (L91/95) who has provided full details of the move later in the Newsletter. We hope 

that by next year, we shall have a wider range of items to offer you. The President, for example, has shown an 

especial interest in Old Brutonian socks. 

Thanks to the invaluable help of Jan Juneman and Harry Witherby, I continue to enjoy life as your Hon. 

Secretary very much. Please go on making every effort to stay in contact, and don’t forget to tell us when you 

change your address, have a baby, scale Everest, make a million, etc. 

As ever, my very best wishes to you all. 

David Hindley 


AGM AND BRUTON DINNER 

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2004 

The Annual General Meeting of the Old Brutonian Association was 

held in the John Davie Room at King’s School, Bruton at 6 p.m. on 

Saturday, June 26th, 2004. The President, Mr Christopher Rhys-Jones 

was in the chair and 32 members of the Association were present. 

Apologies were received from John Beauchamp (O44/48), 

Nick Evelyn (L56/59), Keith Lilly (O39/42), Keith Loney (O48/53), 

Robert Snook (B62/65) and Mary Stonham-Ask (79/81). 

1. The Minutes 

The Minutes of the last AGM, held on Saturday, June 21st, 2003, 

having been circulated with the Newsletter for 2004, were agreed 

and signed as a true record. 

2. Matters Arising 

There were no matters arising 

3. President’s Items 

The President thanked the members of the Committee for all their 

hard work, especially the Vice-President, Richard Sullivan; the Hon. 

Secretary, David Hindley and the Hon.Treasurer, Colin Hughes. He 

singled out too the contribution of Harry Witherby, who organises 

the OBA website and the e-mail address book and of John-Kai 

Fleming, the new Sports Co-ordinator. 

The President wished to thank the Hon. Secretary also for another 

outstanding Newsletter. 

The President told the Meeting of the problem created by parents 

opting out of paying the OBA Life Subscription on behalf of their 

children: not only was the Association losing valued members but 

also income of potentially £10,000 per annum. Representations had 

been made to the Governors with the result that contributions were 

no longer to be shown as optional on the School Bill. 

The Committee were looking to develop the OBA regalia available to 

members. The School Shop would be unable to cope with the 

proposed expansion, so E.J. Parker & Son had agreed to take back the 

OBA franchise with a view to expanding OBA stock. Old Boys of the 

School were well served at the moment but there was little available 

for Old Girls. Jamie Reach would remain a member of the Committee 

by invitation, following his retirement this year by rote, in order to 

work with Parker’s on the expansion of OBA items. 

The President was keen to develop OBA activities abroad. A letter 

requesting help in forming local OBA groups in other countries had 

been included in the last Newsletter, though, as yet, no volunteers 

had been forthcoming. 

The President informed the Meeting of the Committee’s ambition to 

increase either the number or the size of scholarships offered by the 

Association. 

The Graduate Prize for 2004 had been awarded to John Walton 

(O94/99) who had gained a First at St Andrews in International 

Relations. 

The President announced that an engraved silver salver would be 

presented to Richard Smyth during the Dinner to mark the 

Association’s appreciation of his headmastership. 

4. Hon. Secretary’s Report 

The Hon. Secretary reported that the Association continues to benefit 

enormously from the secretarial skills of Mrs Jan Juneman. Since her 

arrival in the OBA Office, the huge amount of information that 

passes through the Office has moved with much greater speed and 

efficiency. He felt it was important to stress, however, that ours is 

primarily and of necessity an amateur organisation, dependent on 

volunteers, so it is not always possible to respond to requests with 

the swiftness that could be expected of a fully professional 

secretariat. 

Paul Davies, the School’s careers master, has been granted by the 

Committee limited access to the database. This is so that he may 

approach Old Brutonians for possible advice about their particular 

career field, the information then to be made available to boys and 

girls in the School. As a result of his contacts, many Old Brutonians 

have come to speak to the Sixth Form about their line of work. 

The Committee have agreed to pay for the poppy wreath laid each 

year by the School at the Menin Gate in Ypres. The wreath is always 

dedicated to the Old Brutonians who died in the Great War and is 

laid by three Third Formers attending the evening remembrance 

service (which is held daily at the Gate) as part of their trip to the 

WWI battlefields. 

The School Song continues to enjoy a renaissance. It was recently 

sung by the whole School at the House music festival and will be 

sung at the end of term at the final assembly of the year. 

THE BRUTON DINNER 

Jamie Reach, Kate Sedgman and the Hon. Secretary have continued 

to make an annual presentation to the Upper Sixth about the OBA, 

and this has proved hugely successful, with a lot of enthusiasm 

being shown by the young School leavers. Much of the success of 

these evenings was owing to the computing skills of Jamie Reach, 

which gave the presentations a professional edge 

5. Hon. Treasurer’s Report 

Copies of most of the full accounts were distributed at the Meeting 

as only abbreviated accounts had appeared in the Newsletter. The 

Hon. Treasurer then took the Meeting through the Accounts of the 

Association and of the Charitable Trust. Both sets of Accounts were 

duly proposed, seconded and adopted by the Meeting. The Hon. 

Treasurer took the opportunity to express his thanks to John M. 

Graves (P68/73), the Association’s Hon. Auditor. 

6. The Charitable Trust: Vice-President's Report 

The Vice-President reminded the Meeting of the objects of the OBA 

Charitable Trust, namely, the relief of poverty among former pupils 

of the School and their immediate dependants; the provision of 

scholarships, and the provision of School prizes. He was pleased to 

report that there had been no applications for the relief of poverty. 

The Committee, at its meeting on May 15th, and with appropriate 

advice from the Headmaster, agreed to award a scholarship of £1500 

p.a. for five years to Matthew Wilcox. Matthew is 13 and a pupil at 

Chafyn Grove School, Salisbury. He plays rugby for Dorset and has 

been a Wessex trialist. He plays the saxophone and is a good middle 

distance athlete. He is skilled at Design and Technology. The School 

has awarded him a 12.5% All-Rounder Award. 

There are five other OBA Scholarship holders in the School, with 

scholarships worth £750 p.a., one of whom leaves at the end of this 

term. School fees are currently running at £18,000, towards which 

£1500 is quite a small contribution. The Committee is considering if, 

and how, this amount could be increased. 

The Vice-President announced the names of those who had been 

awarded the OBA School Prizes for 2004. The OBA Prize for excellence 

in GCSE was awarded to two candidates this year: Victoria Barns- 

Graham (P) and Matthew Gardner (N), both of whom had achieved a 

complete run of A* grades. The OBA Progress Prizes had gone to 

Roger Beach (N), son of Roger Beach (N60/64); Thomas Meacher (N) 

and Tom O’Brian (P/A). 

The Vice-President reported that there are currently only twenty OB’s 

who make regular contributions to the Charitable Trust; these 

contributions amount to a total of £2050 p.a. This was a 

disappointing response, given that the Association was in touch with 

about 3000 Old Brutonians. The Trust received £800 in lump sum 

donations from four OB’s in the past year.. 

7. Officers and Committee 

The President thanked the two retiring members of the Committee 

for their hard work on behalf of the Association: William Newton 

(L73/75) and Jamie Reach (L91/95). Jamie would remain on the 

Committee ‘by invitation’ in order to develop OBA regalia, to help 

with the organisation of the Dinner and to make the annual OBA 

presentations to the Upper Sixth. 

The Meeting unanimously endorsed the Committee’s 

recommendation of two new members of the Committee: Jamie 

Wills (B64/68) and Hannah Carew-Gibbs (W96/98). 

Both the Hon. Secretary and the Hon. Treasurer agreed to serve for 

another year, as did the Hon. Auditor. 

8. Election of Honorary Members 

On a proposal by the Committee in accordance with Article 2 (c) of 

the Rules of the Association, Mr Colin Jones, Director of Studies, and 

Mrs Jan Juneman, secretary to the OBA and formerly Headmaster’s 

Secretary were unanimously elected Honorary Members of the 

Association. 

9. A.O.B. 

Mrs Sally Snook (Past President) queried whether Peter Rudorf 

(L90/96), who was killed last year while working in a civilian 

capacity in Iraq, should be commemorated in the Memorial Hall as 

some other civilian OB’s killed in a theatre of war had been before 

him. This met with a sympathetic response, at which point Simon 

Jacobs (O77/81) suggested that under those circumstances, Julian 

Gregson (N74/79), killed while working in Afghanistan, also deserved 

to be commemorated. It was agreed that further research was 

required, both as to the details of Julian’s death and the feasibility of 

the proposal. 

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 6.45 p.m. 



THE BRUTON 

DINNER 2004 

Once again, rain stopped play – or, 

more accurately, rain made play 

rather difficult. In 2003, no sooner 

had we established ourselves 

comfortably in the Millennium 

Circle, drinks in hand, Jazz Band in 

full swing, than a sudden heavy 

squall sent us scuttling for cover. 

This year, the rain made its 

intentions clear from the outset, so 

we took our drinks safely in the 

Hobhouse Science Centre, that great 

cathedral to the west of the 

Memorial Hall, with the Jazz Band 

installed in the upper gallery. An 

almost record turnout rendered this 

all very cosy. 

The evening that followed was, by 

common consent, an unqualified 

success: there was the usual 

convivial Brutonian atmosphere and 

once again we dined excellently. I 

reproduce the menu here in the hope 

that it might lure some of you not 

normally given to attending the 

Dinner to come and join us in 2005. 

Poached chaud-froid of salmon 

served with a dressed salad garnish 

& freshly baked roll 

or 

Trio of Melon 

Beef Stroganoff 

served with freshly chopped parsley 

and golden croutons 

Lemon & ginger chicken 

served with strips of pepper and fresh 

coriander 

Sweet & sour pork 

Mushroom Stroganoff 

Minted Cornish new potatoes 

Saffron rice 

Mixed salads 

Chocolate Mousse 

or 

Exotic fruit salad with double cream 

(fresh pineapple, mango, kiwi, 

strawberries, grapes, melon & Malibu) 

Cheese board 

Coffee & mints 

The evening had further 

highlights. The President used his 

speech to thank all those who had 

worked unstintingly to make the 

occasion so distinctive, most 

especially the School Caterer, 

Annette Demarest and her team. 

Honorary Membership of the 

Association was then conferred on 

two long-standing Brutonians: Jan 

Juneman, formerly Headmaster’s 

Secretary and now secretary to both 

the King’s School Foundation and to 

the Old Brutonian Association, and 

Colin Jones, retiring from the School 

after thirty years, latterly in the vital 

role of Director of Studies. Colin was 

also presented with the Association’s 

retirement cheque for £300. (He and 

Pam have now moved to their new 

home in Monmouth.) 

This was also Richard Smyth’s last 

Bruton Dinner as headmaster of the 

School before taking up the 

headmastership of St Peter’s, York. He 

spoke very movingly of how we 

should all feel pride in our School 

and was presented, by the President, 

with a handsome engraved silver 

salver from the Association. 

The formal part of the evening 

closed with a hearty rendition of 

Carmen Brutoniense, ‘heartiness’ 

being understood to represent 

almost anything from affectionate 

enthusiasm to bulls in china shops. 

Several OB’s wrote to acknowledge 

the pleasure they had had from the 

Dinner, and I hope that they will not 

mind my quoting a couple of their 

comments: “I feel I must put in 

writing my appreciation of the 

splendid evening we all enjoyed so 

much last Saturday.” “I am writing to 

say many thanks to the OBA for the 

lovely occasion held at school on 

June 26th. It was so warming to be 

back in the school I grew up in, and 

hence grew so fond of, after all these 

years.” 

2005 will be the first Bruton 

Dinner for our new Headmaster, 

Nigel Lashbrook. I trust the 

Association will take that 

opportunity of greeting him and his 

wife, Jill, with its customary warmth. 

It will also be the last Dinner in 

office for our current President, Chris 

Rhys-Jones; I hope we will be able to 

make it a happily memorable 

occasion for him too. 

David Hindley 

MEMBERS ATTENDING 

Guests in italics 

Honorary Members 

Ena Blazier 

Jean Bryant 

Mary Tyndall 

David Hindley Hon. Secretary 

1939 

Douglas Burnett (N) 

Geoffrey Collins (N) 

Michael Hole (O) 

Keith Lilly (O) 

James Nowell (O) 

Pamela Hole 

1940 

David Hickley (O) 

Michael Robinson (N/P) 

Drusilla Robinson 

1941 

Michael Harvey (N/P) 

Margaret Harvey 

1942 

John Bargman (N) 

Ann Bargman 

Edward Sims (N) 

Christine Sims 

1944 

Edwin Bristow (O) 

Christopher Cook (P) 

Edward Prance (P) 

James Vigar (O) 

1945 

Christopher Cruttwell (O) 

Geoffrey Jarman (O) 

Christopher Rhys-Jones (O) President 

1946 

Michael Hill (P) 

1947 

Michael Downing (N) 

T.F. Downing 

1948 

Allen Whittaker (P) 

Shirley Whittaker 

1949 

Michael West (O) 

1951 

Peter Whitelaw (O) 

1953 

Peter Canning (O) Past President 

Diana Canning 

1954 

Roger Gallannaugh (O) Past President 

Judy Gallannaugh 

1958 

Richard Sullivan (N) Vice-President 

1959 

Peter Squire (P) 

Caroline Squire 

1960 

Mike Kyle (O) 

Chris Kyle, 

John Baker, 

Sue Baker 

Peter Phillips (L) Past President 

1962 

Tony Smyth (Staff) 



1963 

Harry Witherby (B) 

Deirdre Witherby 

1964 

Peter Barnfield (N) 

Sheila Barnfield 

Addison Redley (B) 

Jennifer Redley 

Roderick Simpson (B) 

Avrille Simpson 

James Wills (B) 

Frances Wills 

1967 

Martin Barber (Staff) 

1968 

John Graves (P) Hon. Auditor 

1969 

Michael Barnfield (N) 

Mary Barnfield 

1972 

Richard Perry (P) 

Dominic Wood (O) 

1973 

Richard Laurence (B) 

Christina Jones 

1977 

Simon Jacobs (O) 

1990 

Charles Noble (P) 

1991 

Jamie Reach (L) Committee 

1993 

Lucy Hutchings (W) 

1994 

James Barnes (L) 

Philip Barnes 

Terry Wilton 

James Burrage (P) 

Jamie Cranfield (O) 

Paul Crang (L) 

Alex Hammacher (O) 

Andrew Harris (P) 

Jolyon Holt (N) 

Laurence Jarrett-Kerr (N) 

Guy Jotcham (L) 

Jonathan Kean (B) 

James Knowling (L) 

Matthew Law (O) 

Richard Pearn (P) 

Richard Plaice (O) 

Charles Price (L) 

Andrew Pritchard (N) 

Christopher Rowell (P) 

Philip Stiles (B) 

Charles Talmage (N) 

Adrian Thompson (L) 

John Walton (O) (Graduate Prizewinner) 

1995 

Kate Sedgman (W) Committee 

Sophie Stanford-Tuck (W) 

1996 

Hannah Carew-Gibbs (W) 

1997 

Jemma Barnes (W) 

Simon Collins 

Katy Bennett (W) 

Suzanne Case (W) 

Sophie Glenday (W) 

Lizzie Sedgman (W) 

James Spinney (L) 

GUESTS OF THE ASSOCIATION 

Richard and Nicole Smyth (Headmaster) 

Honorary Old Brutonian 

Richard and Katie Fenwick 

(Headmaster of Hazlegrove) 

Gareth and Gillian Evans 

(Deputy Headmaster) 

Colin and Pam Jones (Director of Studies) 

Nigel and Deborah Watts 

(Housemaster, Old House) 

James Shone (Housemaster, New House) 

Ann and David Crowcombe 

(Housemistress, Priory House) 

Charles and Camilla Oulton 

(Housemaster, Blackford House) 

Veronica Trenchard 

(Housemistress, Wellesley House) 

Rose Vigers (Housemistress, Arion House) 

Nigel and Zanna Wilson-Brown (Chaplain) 

Jan and Colin Juneman (Secretary to the OBA) 

Glynn Jenkins (Director of Music) 

Kathy Catto (Matron, Old House) 

Ruth Brannagan (Matron, New House) 

Liz Carr (Matron, Lyon House) 

Lin Rochester (Matron, Blackford House) 

Helen Smyth (Head of School, Priory House) 

Jennie Bromage 

(Deputy Head of School, Priory House) 

Apologies received from: 

Martin and Judith Marriott (Senior Warden) 

Dan and Mary Shorland Ball (Bursar) 

Andrew Leach (Registrar) 

Honorary Old Brutonian 

Rob and Julie Lowry 

(Housemaster, Lyon House) 

Olivia Shone 

Frederick Trenchard 

Chris Dobie 

(Deputy Head of School, Blackford House) 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2005 

The Annual General Meeting of the Old Brutonian Association will be held in 

the John Davie Room at King’s School, Bruton on Saturday, 25th June 2005 at 

6.00 pm for the following purposes: 

1. to receive the accounts and reports of the Committee and of the Honorary Auditor 

acting as an independent examiner for the year ended 31st December, 2004; 

2. to receive the accounts of the Old Brutonian Association Charitable Trust and the 

reports of the Trustees and of the independent examiner for the year ended 31st 

December 2004; 

3. to elect members of the Committee; 

4. to elect an Honorary Secretary for the ensuing year; 

5. to elect an Honorary Treasurer for the ensuing year; 

6. to elect a President for the ensuing 3 years 

7. to elect a Vice President for the ensuing 3 years 

8. to appoint an Honorary Auditor to act as an auditor or independent examiner as 

appropriate for the ensuing year; 

By order of the Committee 

AGENDA FOR THE 2005 AGM 

David Hindley (Honorary Secretary) 

1. Minutes of the last Meeting 

2. Matters Arising 

3. President’s Items 

4. Hon. Secretary’s Report 

5. Hon. Treasurer’s Report 

6. The Charitable Trust: The Vice-President’s Report 

7. Officers and Committee 

8. A.O.B. 


ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WEEKEND OF THE ANNUAL DINNER 

Saturday 25th June, 2005 

6.00 p.m. Annual General Meeting of the Association in the John Davie Room. The Agenda, together with the Minutes 

of the meeting in 2004 and the abridged Accounts for 2004, are included in this Newsletter. 

7.00 p.m. Wine will be served in the Millennium Circle between the Hobhouse Science Building and the Memorial Hall. 

If the weather is wet, it will be served in the Hobhouse Science Building. 

7.45 p.m. Dinner in the Memorial Hall. 

Dress: Black Tie. 

Members may each invite one guest, who need not be a member. Any member wishing to invite more than one guest 

should refer to the Note below. 

Bed and Breakfast will be available in the School for members and their guests. 

Would members wishing to come to the Dinner please complete the form below and return it by 10th June to Jamie 

Reach at 52 Honeymead Lane, Sturminster Newton, Dorset DT10 1QH. On the form are listed the categories of those 

members of the OBA who, in 2005, are ‘privileged’ members and who may therefore attend the Dinner and stay for bed 

and breakfast, if required, free of charge. 

Sunday, 26th June, 2005 

9.30 a.m. Celebration of Holy Communion in the Parish Church by Revd. N. H. Wilson-Brown, the School Chaplain, after 

which breakfast will be available in the Dining Hall. 

! 


ANNUAL DINNER Saturday 25th June, 2005 

Would members wishing to attend please complete the form below and return it by 10th June at the latest. 

BLOCK CAPITALS PLEASE 

To: Jamie Reach, 52 Honeymead Lane, Sturminster Newton, Dorset DT10 1QH. 

I apply for ....................... place(s) for the Bruton Dinner to be held on Saturday, 25th June 2005 and for bed and breakfast 

accommodation at the School for ............................. person(s). 

NAME................................................................................................................................ HOUSE & DATES AT SCHOOL .............................................................................. 

ADDRESS .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 

E-MAIL .............................................................................................................. NAME(S) OF GUEST(S) ............................................................................................................. 

I enclose a cheque payable to “Old Brutonian Association” for 

.......................... Dinner place(s) at £20 each .................................... 

.......................... Dinner place free of charge (see below) NIL 

.......................... Bed and breakfast(s) at £6 each .................................... 

.......................... Bed and breakfast place free of charge (see below) NIL 

TOTAL £.................................... 

I claim the privilege of dining (and bed and breakfast if required) free of charge on the following grounds (please tick as appropriate) 

1. Honorary Member 

2. Ordinary Member aged 75 and over 

3. Ordinary Member (other than a sixth-form entrant) who entered the Senior School in the academic year commencing 

September 1945, 1955, 1965, 1975, 1985 or 1995. 

4. Ordinary Member who entered the Senior School as a sixth-form entrant in the academic year commencing 

September 1948, 1958, 1968, 1978, 1988 or 1998. 

N.B. If you wish to invite more than one guest, please contact Jamie Reach (01747 813039) before you submit this form. 

Places will be allocated in order of receipt; early application is recommended. 

Tickets will not be issued but there will be an acknowledgement of your booking. 

If you find that you are unable to attend, please inform the Hon. Secretary as soon as possible. 

Signed ................................................................................................................................................................ Telephone No. ............................................................ 

PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM, OR A COPY, TO JAMIE REACH BY 10th JUNE 2005. LATER APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE ACCEPTED. 


INSIGNIA & SOUVENIERS 

OLD BRUTONIAN INSIGNIA 

The Committee is currently reviewing the various items of insignia and it is hoped that several new items will be 

available in 2006. Currently the only items in stock are ties and these can be obtained from Pinder & Tuckwell of Exeter. 

The cost of Old Brutonian items is as follows: 

Crested ties in polyester £6.95 

Striped ties in polyester £4.95 

Crested ties in pure silk £25.00 

Striped ties in pure silk £17.95 

Striped bow-ties in pure silk £25.00 

Items can be ordered – by post: Menswear Department, Pinder & Tuckwell, 83 Fore Street, Exeter, EX4 3DN 

by telephone: 01392 255261 – by facsimile: 01392 499119 – by Email: sales@thefamous1886.com 

The Committee is investigating the provision of several new items of insignia, these include: cufflinks, golf 

umbrellas, rugby shirts, scarves, pens and polo shirts. 

The Committee would be very grateful to hear from any Old Brutonians who have suggestions as to items of 

insignia they would like to see made available. These should be emailed to: obainsignia@r.eclipse.co.uk. 

Alternatively, suggestions can be sent by post to the OBA office. 

SOUVENIRS OF THE SCHOOL 

ORDERS FOR THE ITEMS BELOW SHOULD BE SENT TO: ANDREW LEACH (Registrar), 

King’s School, Bruton, Somerset BA10 0ED. E-mail: abl@kingsbruton..com 

Items ordered may be collected from the School, or they can be sent. If you wish to have items sent, please add p&p 

as follows: KSB Remembered £3.50, Four Hundred Years A School £1, Standing on the Shoulders of Giants £1, Golf 

umbrella £5, Watercolour prints £4, Cards 50p. (Overseas p&p will be charged at cost.) 

Cheques should be made payable to ‘King’s School, Bruton’. 

The following items are available from the School: 

King’s School Bruton Remembered, ed. Basil Wright £10 

Contributors to this 390 page illustrated history of King’s, published in 1990, paint a vivid picture of the School, 

concentrating on the last 100 years. 

Four Hundred Years A School, by Geoffrey Sale £5 

Written by the then Headmaster in 1950, this gives intriguing detail about the establishment of the School and 

its uncertain progress through to the mid twentieth century. 

All proceeds from the sale of the above two books go to the recently established Basil Wright Trust, which 

intends to provide the School with a much needed bursary fund. 

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants, by Henry Hobhouse £4 

A concise résumé, by the recently retired Senior Warden, of the lives and work of 39 of the most influential 

scientists of the past 1000 years, commemorated in the Millennium Circle at King’s. 

Golf Umbrella £15 

Navy/sky blue panels, with white crest. 

Watercolour Print of Old House by W. S. Blackshaw £5 

This attractive 20 x 14 inches print of a watercolour painted in 1987 offers wonderful value. 

Cards 35p each, or 5 for £1.50 

Blank inside, so useful for any occasion. There are 5 different cover photographs – 

A) an aerial view of Bruton 

B) pupils on the River Brue stepping stones 

C) pupils on Abbey 

D) a pupil playing the piano in the John Davie Room 

E) two rugby players in front of Hyde Pavilion 


ACCOUNTS 

OLD BRUTONIAN ASSOCIATION & CHARITABLE 

TRUST ABRIDGED REPORTS & ACCOUNTS 

The following are abridged reports and accounts of the 

Association and its charitable trust for the year ended 31 

December 2004. The full reports and accounts, which have been 

examined by the Honorary Auditor acting as an Independent 

Examiner, were approved by the Committee and trustees on 5 

March 2005. Copies are available from The Honorary Secretary, 

Old Brutonian Association, King’s School, Bruton, Somerset BA10 

0ED and will be available at the Association’s AGM on 25 June 

2005. Copies can also be accessed on the OBA website 

www.oldbrutonians.com. 

ABRIDGED REPORT OF THE ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2004 

Objects 

The general objects of the Association as contained in the 

Rules are to promote union amongst Old Brutonians and to 

further the interests of King’s School, Bruton. In particular the 

Association will arrange an Annual Dinner at the School, 

publish an Annual Newsletter and establish and maintain a 

Charitable Trust for charitable purposes connected to the 

Association’s objects. 

Committee 

At 31 December 2004 the Committee consisted of the 

Officers: Christopher Rhys-Jones (O 45/49) President until 2005, 

Richard Sullivan (N 58/62) Vice President until 2005, David 

Hindley (Staff 63/00) Honorary Secretary until 2005 and Colin 

Hughes (L 56/61) Honorary Treasurer until 2005, and eight 

ordinary members: Sinead Costello (W 92/94) and John 

Longman (P 57/61) to serve until 2005, James Holland (O 83/88) 

and Kate Sedgman (W 95/97) to serve until 2006, Trevor Albery 

(B 83/88) and Francis Luard (P 92/97) to serve until 2007 and 

Hannah Carew-Gibbs (W 96/98) and James Wills (B 64/68) to 

serve until 2008. John Kai Fleming (B 88/93), Sports Coordinator, 

Jamie Reach (L91/95), Dinner Secretary and Harry Witherby (B 

63/67), Newsletter Advertising and Website Maintenance, 

attended committee meetings by invitation. 

Under the current Rules two ordinary members of the 

Committee are elected each year for a term of four years. 

Ordinary members are not eligible for re-election until the year 

following that in which they retire. At the general meeting on 

26 June 2004 William Newton (L 73/75) and Jamie Reach, who 

had been members since 2000, retired by rotation. John M 

Graves (P 68/73), Honorary Auditor, was re-elected to serve for a 

further year. 

Membership 

81 members joined the Association during 2004. The 

Association was notified of the deaths of four members during 

2004 and at the end of the year the total membership was 

3,790. The active membership for whom current addresses are 

known is now 2,074. 

Activities 

(a) Promotion of union among Old Brutonians 

The annual general meeting and the Bruton dinner were held 

on 26 June 2004. 32 members attended the meeting. The dinner 

was held in the Memorial Hall and was attended by 77 

members, 24 guests of members and 33 guests of the 

Association. The annual reunion lunch in London was held in 

the Girdlers’ Hall on 26 November 2004 and was attended by 

150 members. The reunions in Bristol continued. 

Old Brutonian teams competed against the School at hockey, 

cricket, golf and tennis. An Old Brutonian cricket team 

participated in the Brewers Cup competition. 

The forty-fifth annual Newsletter was despatched to 

members for whom addresses were known in April 2004. The 

Newsletter was edited by David Hindley. Harry Witherby was 

responsible for the procurement of advertising for the 

Newsletter and for the maintenance of the OBA web-site 

(www.oldbrutonians.com). Over half of the active membership 

have registered their email addresses with the site. 

(b) Furthering the interests of the School 

The Association donated its investment income under a deed 

of covenant to the Old Brutonian Association Charitable Trust. 

The abridged report and accounts of the Trust give further 

details. 

Michael Barnfield (N 68/74), James Burrell (O 41/46) and 

Nicholas Russell (N 68/70) represented Old Brutonians on the 

council of the Friends of King’s School, Bruton. Richard Sampson 

(P 51/55) is the current President of the Friends. Five members of 

the Association are currently serving on the Governing Body of 

the School. 

The Association commissioned a portrait of Sir Peter Squire 

(P 59/63), formerly Chief of the Air Staff, for presentation to the 

School. The portrait was hung in the Norton Library and was 

unveiled by HRH the Countess of Wessex in September 2004. 

Finance 

In the year ended 31 December 2004 the Association had 

incoming resources of £27,978. Resources expended amounted 

to £18,510 and the value of investments appreciated by £3,508. 

Overall net assets rose to £107,856. Further details are given in 

the abridged accounts below. 

Appreciation 

The Committee is extremely grateful to those members of 

the Association who have served as past and present members 

of the Committee, the representatives of the Association on 

outside bodies, the Honorary Auditor, the editor of the 

Newsletter and the match secretaries, together with the 

organisers of the Bruton Dinner, the London Lunch and the 

regional reunions. Without the assistance of these members the 

Association would be unable to fulfil its objects. 


Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2004 

2004 2003 

Incoming resources £ £ 

Subscriptions 24,161 23,895 

Investment income 3,012 2,200 

Other 805 880 

Total incoming resources 27,978 26,975 

Resources expended 

Newsletter publication 5,855 5,472 

Donations 3,324 2,200 

Administration 1,505 1,332 

Other 7,826 851 

Total resources expended 18,510 9,855 

Net incoming resources 9,468 17,120 

Gain/(loss) on investments 3,508 6,115 

Net movement in funds 12,976 23,235 

Fund as at 1 January 94,880 71,645 

Fund as at 31 December 107,856 94,880 


ACCOUNTS 

Balance Sheet at 31 December 2004 

2004 2003 

Investments £ £ 

Investments 70,415 51,907 

Deposits 43,381 33,693 

Total investments 113,796 85,600 

Current assets 

Debtors 0 10,971 

Cash at bank 53 803 

Total current assets 53 11,774 

Creditors 5,993 2,494 

Net current assets/(liabilities) (5,940) 9,280 

Net assets 107,856 94,880 

Fund 107,856 94,880 

ABRIDGED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES 

OF THE CHARITABLE TRUST FOR 

THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2004 

Trustees 

The current trustees are the Officers of the Association, 

namely Christopher Rhys-Jones, Richard Sullivan, David Hindley 

and Colin Hughes 

Objects 

The objects of the trust are set out in the trust deeds. In 

summary they include the relief of poverty amongst former 

pupils of King’s School, Bruton and their immediate dependents, 

the provision of scholarships to pupils at the School, prizes 

based on educational merit to pupils or former pupils and 

awards to pupils showing outstanding ability in art, drama, 

music, sport and leadership, and such other related charitable 

purposes as the trustees unanimously agree. 

Activities 

During the year the trustees made the following awards to 

further the objects of the trust: 

(a) a scholarship of £1,500 per annum for five years from 

September 2004 

(b) five educational prizes of £25 each to pupils at the School, 

and 

(c) a further education prize of £100 to a former pupil, who 

gained a first class honours degree at St Andrews 

University. 

A total of £4,000 was paid out in 2004 in respect of 

scholarships awarded. 

Donations 

The covenanted donation from the Association in respect of 

2004 amounted to £3,012. Other donations amounted to £3,587 

for the Unrestricted Fund and £898 for the Permanent 

Endowment Fund. These figures include the benefit of any tax 

relief under Gift Aid. 

The trustees gratefully acknowledge all these donations. 

Accounts 

Net incoming resources amounted to £4,788 for the year 

2004 compared with £5,838 in 2003. These amounts are after 

making charitable expenditure of £4,225 in 2004 and £3,250 in 

2003 respectively. At 31 December 2004 the net assets stood at 

£45,918, of which £37,257 belonged to the Unrestricted Fund and 

£8,661 to the Permanent Endowment Fund. 

Independent Examiner 

The trustees gratefully acknowledge the work carried out by 

John Graves as Independent Examiner of the trust’s accounts. 


CHARITABLE TRUST 

Registered Number: 284570 

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2004 

Unrestricted Endowment Total Total 

Fund Fund 2004 2003 

£ £ £ £ 

Incoming resources 

Donations 6,599 898 7,497 7,845 

Investment income 1,516 0 1,516 1,243 

Total incoming resources 8,115 898 9,013 9,088 

Resources expended 

Charitable expenditure: 

Grants payable 4,225 0 4,225 3,250 

Total resources expended 4,225 0 4,225 3,250 

Net incoming resources 3,890 898 4,788 5,838 

Gain/(loss) on investments 1,513 1,030 2,543 2,269 

Net movement in funds 5,403 1,928 7,331 8,107 

Funds as at 1 January 31,854 6,733 38,587 30,480 

Funds as at 31 December 37,257 8,661 45,918 38,587 

Balance Sheet at 31 December 2004 

Unrestricted Endowment Total Total 

Fund Fund 2004 2003 

£ £ £ £ 

Investments 

Equities 

investment fund 12,195 8,661 20,856 17,074 

Deposits 23,412 0 23,412 19,805 

Total investments 35,607 8,661 44,268 36,879 

Current assets 

Debtors 1,479 0 1,479 3,075 

Cash at bank 171 0 171 6 

Total current assets 1,650 0 1,650 3,081 

Creditors 0 0 0 1,373 

Net current 

assets/(liabilities) 1,650 0 1,650 1,708 

Net assets 37,257 8,661 45,918 38,587 

Funds 37,257 8,661 45,918 38,587 


THE LONDON LUNCH 

The Old Brutonians Lunch this year in the City of 

London was held at Girdlers’ Hall, a magnificent 

building off London Wall, by kind permission of the 

Master and Wardens and arranged through the offices of 

the Vice President who is the Clerk (Chief Executive) of 

this ancient Livery Company. 

Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex, daughter 

of our President, was the Guest of Honour. 

We are particularly grateful to Her Royal Highness that 

soon after her visit to the School (reported elsewhere) she 

accepted the invitation to join the Old Brutonians for 

lunch, not in any official capacity, but as a private guest. 

Thus her attendance was not advertised in advance, 

which caught out one young Old Brutonian, who having 

introduced himself to her with great charm, asked her 

politely who she was. 

For the record, the lunch was attended by 156 Old 

Brutonians and 74 sent their apologies. 

The procedure and programme for the lunch remains 

the same since it was first held in a Livery Hall in 1997 – a 

mixture of formality, style and good humour, which 

seems to be a combination appreciated by all generations 

present. 

We were once again under the command of our Master 

of Ceremonies, Mr Robert Young, formerly Drum Major 1st 

Battalion Scots Guards and Beadle of the Girdlers’ 

Company and therefore on this occasion in his own 

home, keeping a very watchful eye on the proceedings. 

The new Senior Warden (Chairman of the Governors), 

Peter Squire, stood on his chair, next to the Countess, and 

proposed the Toast to the School. Peter, we believe, is only 

the second Old Brutonian to have the distinction of 

leading the Governing Body. The last (at least, within 

living memory) was Brigadier Harbin Warry who joined 

Old House in 1904 and died in 1970. 

For a number of years the Girdlers’ Company has 


sponsored a bursary at the Guildhall School of Music and 

Drama. The Bursary holder in 1999 – 2000 was Sally 

Matthews. 

Sally Matthews (now 27) is a world class soprano. The 

Sunday Times recently proclaimed “with careful nurturing 

Covent Garden might have its Kiri Te Kanawa for the new 

millennium.” Since then she has performed at 

Glyndebourne, the Proms (Royal Albert Hall) and at the 

time of writing is due to join Sir Simon Rattle, as the 

leading soprano with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. 

It was really kind of her, on one of her few days off, to 

come up from her home in the New Forest, to join us at 

Girdlers’ Hall to sing the School Song (solo) and then to 

lead the OBA massed choirs through both verses and the 

chorus. She received a standing ovation, and with her 

daughter, Grace, on her hip, received a bouquet from the 

President and was introduced to the Countess of Wessex. 

We will not see her like again. 

This year we did not follow the school song with 

“Swing Low Sweet Chariot” – the decline in the English 

Rugby team’s results made it inappropriate. Who knows, 

in 2005, Judge John Griffiths-Williams (P58/63) might ask 

if any Old Brutonians with Welsh blood in their veins 

would join him in singing Cwm Rhondda. 

This year marks the retirement from the organising 

team of Richard and Alice Taylor. They have fulfilled the 

role of Lunch Secretary now for many years, during which 

time the numbers have increased from around the 20 

mark, when the event was held in a wine bar, to over 150. 

Harry Witherby takes over. 

Our thanks are also due to Robert and Kate Young and 

to Chris Stallworthy and his staff at Payne and Gunter 

(Caterers). 

We look forward to seeing you in 2005 at Ironmongers’ 

Hall on 18th November. 

THE OLD BRUTONIAN ASSOCIATION LONDON LUNCH – FRIDAY 18TH NOVEMBER AT IRONMONGERS’ HALL 

There is an important change to note concerning the OBA London Lunch. For this year – and this year only – the 

lunch will be on Friday , November 18th at Ironmongers’ Hall. From next year (2006) until further notice it will be 

held on the first Friday in December and NOT the last Friday in November. This is in order to avoid a perpetual 

clash with another event which would prevent a number of people from attending the lunch. 

Another change to note is that after very many years of sterling service Ricky Taylor is departing to the West 

Country (see you at the OBA Dinner, Richard) and the organising of the lunch is being taken over by Harry 

Witherby. In the same way as before, you will be sent a notification in September with a form to return with 

your cheque. Seats may be booked only by post with payment, and bookings will not be taken by telephone or 

email. 

However, in order for you to get a notification of the lunch you need to ensure that Harry has a note of your 

name, address and telephone number. You can do this by logging on the OBA web site www.oldbrutonians.com 

and clicking the register button. Alternatively you may send email to Harry Witherby at 

harry@oldbrutonians.com or phone him on 0845 166 4527 (local call). Just remember that if he doesn’t have your 

address you won’t get to the lunch. 


Present at the Lunch: 

Guest of Honour: 

HRH The Countess of Wessex 

Guest of the Association: 

The Headmaster, Nigel Lashbrook 

1939 John Burnett (N) 

Geoffrey Collins (N) 

Keith Lilly (O) 

1940 Michael Robinson (N/P) 

1941 Michael Harvey (N/P) 

1942 R.P. Coward (P/O) 

Christopher Cruttwell (O) 

Arnold Stevenson (O) 

1943 Edwin Bristow (O) 

Mike Hooper (P) 

Alec Stephen (P) 

1944 John Beauchamp (O) 

Edward Prance (P) 

Stephen Shell (N) 

Dick Thomas (N) 

James Vigar (O) 

1945 John Coleman (N) 

Geoffrey Jarman (N) 

Robin Kent (O) 

Joe Palmer (N) 

Chris Rhys-Jones (O) [President] 

1946 David Chalke (P) 

Nicholas Chubb (O) 

Tim Harlow (N) 

Ian Stevenson (O) 

George Warry (O) 

1947 Peter Souzos (N) 

1948 Dick Howell (N) 

John Hudson (N) 

Bill Kidd (O) 

Keith Loney (O) 

James Roe (P) 

John Webster (N) 

1949 Peter Nisbet (P) 

Michael West (O) 

1950 Michael Baker (P) 

Peter Bond (P) 

James Marshall (O) 

1952 Michael Read (P/L) 

1953 Chris Ledger (N) 

Ian Maitland (P) 

1954 George Comer (N) 

Roger Gallannaugh (O) 

Colin Lloyd (P) 

Norman Robson (O) 

Martin Taylor (O) 

1955 Michael Boyt (L) 

Andrew Pearson (N) 

Barrie Sullivan (N) 

1956 Stephen Jenkins (L) 

Jerry Pontin (N) 

Nicholas Swallow (O) 

John Wood (O) 

1957 Robert Barry (P) 

Warwick Clarke (O/B) 

John Longman (P) 

Richard Sullivan (N) 

Richard Taylor (O) 

Peter Warren-Price (P/B) 

1958 Edward Cloete (P) 

Peter Diment (N) 

Charles Foot (N) 

Geoff Hayward (N) 

Anton Schooley (O/B) 

Edward Waltham (N) 

Robert Willy (L) 

1959 John Champion (N) 

Peter Squire (P) 

1960 Roger Beach (N) 

David Graham (O) 

Jeremy Hall (L) 

Peter Phillips (L) 

Charles Pointon-Taylor (N) 

Michael Roberts (L) 

1961 Richard Cloete (P) 

1962 Mark Brunt (P) 

1963 David Hindley (Staff) 

Tim McNeill (P) 

Harry Witherby (B) 

1964 James Wills (B) 

1965 Colin Williams (L) 

1968 John Graves (P) 

1972 Richard Hammond (B) 

Dominic Wood (O) 

1975 James Chalke (B) 

1981 Jonathan Cox (O) 

Ben James (O) 

1983 Trevor Albery (B) 

James Holland (O) 

1984 Daniel Graham (O) 

Mark Ledger (B) 

1985 Tony Beadles (Staff) 

Ben Newman (P) 

Christopher Squire (P) 

Duncan Stewart (O) 

Mark Waltham (O) 

1986 Nicholas Gammon (P) 

Tresham Graham (O) 

James Lloyd (O) 

Tom Phillips (O) 

Toby Scourse (N) 

James Strevens (N) 

Richard Taylor (N) 

Philip Williams (P) 

1987 Chris Gammon (P) 

Jolyon Jago (P) 

James McKinlay (L) 

James McNeil (P) 

Richard Squire (P) 

Fraser Stewart (O) 

James Waltham (O) 

1988 Dan Hammond (L) 

Tim Hodgson (O) 

Sophie Kirke (W) 

Mark Lloyd Davies (L) 


Ben Longman (O) 

Karen Menzel (W) 

Amanda Reeves (W) 

1989 Don Gibson (L) 

Douglas McKenzie (L) 

Daniel Nutburn (L) 

Peter Uren (B) 

Alex Yeung (B) 

1990 Edward Beresford-Jones (O) 

Henry Burrows (O) 

Thomas Gough (O) 

Matthew Gresham (P) 

Blair Hargreaves (P) 

Timothy McCallum (O) 

Charles Noble (P) 

George Robson (O) 

James Thomas (L) 

1991 Ian Clothier (N) 

Andrew Molyneux (N) 

Adam Nunn (B) 

1993 Neil Anderson (B) 

Charlie Campbell (P) 

Edward Molyneux (N) 

Edward Squire (P) 

Edward Thomas (L) 

1994 Jamie Cranfield (O) 

Paul Crang (L) 

James Knowling (L) 

Andrew Pritchard (N) 

1995 Nicola Coward (W) 

Kate Sedgman (W) 

Sophie Stanford-Tuck (W) 

1996 Hannah Carew-Gibbs (W) 

Suzie Franklin (W) 

Alex Livingstone (W) 

Giles Sedgman (P) 

1997 Lizzie Sedgman (W) 

Apologies were received from 73 members 

of the Association. 

SCHOOL 

NEWSLETTER 

It has been the practice in 

recent years to send out with 

the OBA Newsletter a copy of 

the School’s spring Newsletter. 

Uniquely this year there is no 

spring Newsletter from the 

School owing to a change in 

editor. You should receive your 

next School Newsletter in the 

autumn, and we trust that 

normal service will be resumed 

this time next year. 


CHARITABLE TRUST 

OLD BRUTONIAN ASSOCIATION CHARITABLE TRUST 

One of the more difficult responsibilities of the Vice President is to try to persuade and encourage Old 

Brutonians to part with their money in the form of a Gift Aid Payment to our Charitable Trust. 

There are many financial demands on us and this may well be seen as just another begging letter, 

and indeed it is. However, I do ask you to at least consider whether you are prepared to donate the 

equivalent of £1 a week with an annual payment of £50 per year – or even £25 a year or a “one-off” 

donation, however small. Most of this money is put towards scholarships. Your donation would help to 

make all the difference to whether or not a talented young boy or girl, whose parents would not 

otherwise be able to afford the full fees, might be educated at King’s School, Bruton. 

There are several pupils at the School who are supported by OBA Scholarships and they really are 

making the most of the opportunity which we Old Brutonians have helped to give them. The plan is to 

award further Scholarships at the start of the next academic year. We are also looking at awarding 

prizes for excellence in art, drama, music, sport and leadership. 

There are currently twenty or so Old Brutonians making donations in this way. It would be a major 

achievement if, as a result of this appeal to you, we were able, between us, to secure a Bruton education 

for a child who would not otherwise be able to go there. 

Richard Sullivan Vice President 

! 

THE OLD BRUTONIAN ASSOCIATION CHARITABLE TRUST 

To the Trustees of the Old Brutonian Association Charitable Trust 

*I wish to make a one-off donation of £ to the *Unrestricted Fund/*Permanent 

Endowment Fund and enclose a cheque made payable to the Old Brutonian Association Charitable Trust for that amount. 

*I wish to make regular donations of £ to the *Unrestricted Fund/*Permanent Endowment Fund every 

*month/quarter/year by standing order. (Please complete the standing order form below.) 

*I wish the above donations and any subsequent donations made by me to be treated as Gift Aid donations so that the charity can 

reclaim tax on them. (See Note below.) 

Signed ....................................................................................................................................................... Date ..................................................................................................... 

Full Name .......................................................................................................................................... Address .......................................................................................... 

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Postcode ......................................... 

Note: If you give this declaration you must be paying income tax or capital gains tax at least equal to the tax we can reclaim on your donations. This is 

approximately 28p for every £1 you give. If you give this declaration now and subsequently you find that you no longer pay enough tax to cover the 

amount that we can reclaim you should notify us immediately to cancel the declaration. Please keep a copy of the completed form for your records. 

STANDING ORDER 

To: Bank.............................................. Sort Code: ...................................... Title of Account to be debited: ................................................................................... 

Branch address: ................................................................................................................................................................ Account number:.............................................. 

Please make payments to HSBC Bank plc, 15 High Street, Bruton, Somerset BA10 0AD (Sort Code 40-47-28) for the credit of the Old 

Brutonian Association Charitable Trust (Account Number 51326929) in the sum of (amount in figures) *£ 

(amount in words) * 

pounds, commencing on (date of first payment) 

* / / and thereafter at *MONTHLY/QUARTERLY/ANNUAL intervals until cancelled by me in writing. 

This instruction cancels any previous standing order in favour of the Old Brutonian Association Charitable Trust. 

Signed ........................................................................................................................................................................ Date / / 

When completed and signed please send the whole of this form to: The Honorary Treasurer, Old Brutonian Association, Honeysuckle 


NEWS OF OLD BRUTONIANS 

New Members 2004 


Colin Jones (Staff) 19 Toynbee Close, Osbaston, 

Monmouth, Monmouthshire NP25 3NU 

Jan Juneman (Staff) Town Mill House, High 

Street, Bruton, Somerset BA10 OAL 

Leavers 2004 

Edward AITKEN (O01/04) Apartado 2096, 

Quinta Do Lago, 8135 Almancil, Algarve, 

Portugal 

Ben ALLEN (B01/04) 14 Park Lane, Fareham, 

Hants PO16 7TR 

Max BAILLON (O94/04) Myrtle House, 

Westcombe, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 

6ER 

David BALL (O95/04) The Walnut Tree, West 

Camel, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7QW 

Josephine BAUSTERT (W03/04) 

Richard-Wagner-Strausse 65, 47799 Krefeld, 

Germany 

James BEGG (O95/04) Park Lodge, The Park, 

Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7EP 

Ekaterina BELYAVSKAYA (W00/04) c/o White 

House Guardianships, 34 Talbot Road, 

Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 2JF 

Matthew BISSETT (N99/04) Forge House, 3 

Stocks Lane, North Wootton, Somerset BA4 4EP 

Jennifer BROMAGE (P97/04) c/o Shell Markets 

(ME) Ltd., 15th Floor, City Tower 2, Sheikh 

Zayed Road, P O Box 307, Dubai 

James BULFORD (B99/04) Blue Cedars, 

Milnthorpe Lane, Winchester, Hants, SO22 4NP 

Vincenzo CAPOZZOLI (A94/04) Belvedere, 

Limington, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 8EN 

Sin Cho CHAN (N02/04) Flat D, 1/F Block 1, 

No.8 Razor Hill Road, Sai Kung, Kowloon, Hong 

Kong 

Gordon CHIANG (B01/04) Flat B, 12/F 

Sunpeace Court, 136-142 Boundary Street, 

Kowloon, Hong Kong 

James COOKE (L03/04) Well Cottage, Poulner 

Common, Ringwood, Hants, BH24 3LB 

Philip COOMBES (L95/04) Manor Farm, 

Milton, Martock, Somerset TA12 6AL 

Luis CORELL (N03/04) c/o Mrs J Watson Jones, 

ASTEX UK, Upper Witherstone House, Carey, 

Herefordshire, HR2 6NQ 

Thomas COWARD (B99/04) Shepard’s Hill 

Cottage, Buckhorn Weston, Gillingham, 

Dorset, SP8 5HX 

James COX (A99/04) Highlands End Farm, 

Eype, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6AR 

Henry CRAWFORD (A97/04) Thrippound 

Cottage, 5 Grove Alley, Bruton, Somerset BA10 

OET 

Christopher DOBIE (B99/04) 39 Calder 

Crescent, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 2NH 

Jacob EGGERTSEN (L99/04) 14 Harness Close, 

Wimborne, Dorset BH21 2UF 

Nicola ELSENER (N03/04) c/o White House 

Guardianships, 34 Talbot Road, Bournemouth, 

Dorset BH9 2HF 

Max FLETCHER (N03/04) Flintstones, Godshill 

Wood, Fordingbridge,. Hants SP6 2LR 

Anabel FRUEHSORGER (P03/04) Auweg 11, 

76646 Bruchsal, Germany 

Phoeby GLENDAY(P99/04) Little Steart House, 

Babcary, Somerton, Somerset TA11 7EE 

Paul GRAY (A00/04) Langleybury House, 

Alington Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 2AB 

Nick GROSS (L99/04) 3 Trinity Road, 

Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8TJ 

Harry HAYES (O99/04) Mountlands, Bristol 

Road, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 4HR 

Siana HOCKEY (P00/04) The Flat, Stock 

Gaylard House, Sturminster Newton, Dorset 

DT10 2BG 

Laura HODDER (P99/04) 117 Harnham Road, 

Harnham, Salisbury, Wilts SP2 8JN 

Carola HOESCH-VIAL(W02/04) Burgauer Allee 

35, 52349 Duren, Germany 

John IRONMONGER (N99/04) Taddle Farm, 

North Chideock, Bridport, Dorset DT6 6LF 

Max KIELY (L00/04) 50 Cannon Hill Lane, 

Merton Park, London, SW20 9ES 

Gemma KELSON (W02/04) 12 Talbot 

Meadows, Talbot Village, Poole, Dorset, BH12 

5DG 

Philip KOCH (L02/04) Muhlendamm 17b, 

25337 Elmshorn, Germany 

Kin Leung LAI (L98/04) Flat E, 11th Floor, Block 

16 Richland Garden, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon, 

Hong Kong 

Edwin LAM (N02/04) Flat 65, 9/F Housing 

Staff Quarters, Bik 2, No 4 Junk Bay Road, 

Kwun Tong, N.T., Hong Kong 

Dennis LAU (99/04) Room 3122 Heng Tsui 

House, Fu Heng Estate, Tai Po, N.T., Hong Kong 

Evergreen LAU (W99/04) Room 3122 Heng 

Tsui House, Fu Heng Estate, Tai Po, N.T., Hong 

Kong 

David LAWSON (O93/04) HGBF Gibraltar, 

Officers’ Mess, Rooke, BFPO 52 

Jason LEE (L02/04) Flat C, 6/F Blossom 

Mansion, 19 Wai Heng Street, Sai Wan Ho, 

Hong Kong 

Mandy LO (W02/04) 3A Block, 13 Richwood 

Park, 33 Lo Fai Road, Tai Po, N.T., Hong Kong 

Abigail LONGMAN (P94/04) The Orchards, 

Long Street, Galhampton, Yeovil, Somerset 

BA22 7AY 

Darren LOUD (N99/04) Bellever, 4 Cliff Walk, 

West Bay, Bridport, Dorset, DT16 4HL 

William MACE (B97/04) Little Row, Buckland 

Newton, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 7DN 

Ben McMONNACHIE (B01/04) 3 

Kingfisher Copse, Locks Heath, Southampton, 

SO31 6WT 

Thomas MEACHER (N02/04)2 Salerno Close, 

Ilchester, Somerset BA22 8WQ 

Michelle MURRAY-BRUCE (P02/04) 13 

Commercial Avenue, P.O. B ox 431, Yaba, Lagos, 

Nigeria 

Cynthia NAIVASHA(P02/04) 41 Linden Hall, 

80 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth BH1 4DA 

Jason NG (O02/04) 50 Newlyn Way, Port 

Solent, Portsmouth, PO6 4TL 

Nicola NIESEN (P03/04) Wickenweg 26, 22395 

Hamburg, Germany 

Pavel NIKULOV (O02/04) Ulanova Street, 35A- 

25 Uvar, Krasnoyarski Krai, Russia 

Tom O’BRIEN (A99/04) Castle Point, Sandhills 

Road, Salcombe, South Devon, TQ8 8JP 

Merlin OLIVER (L97/04) Orchard Lea, Barrow 

Hill, Stalbridge, Dorset, DT10 2QX 

Emily PAULLEY (P99/04) 1 The Villas, West 

Coker Road, West Coker, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 

9AE 

Ignacio PAZ-ARES (L03/04) c/o ASTEX UK, 

Upper Witherstone House, Carey, 

Herefordshire, HR2 6NQ 

Alice PLEIN (P03/04) Klinsohrstr. 2, D-30659 

Hanover, Germany 

Julia RASUMOVA (P03/04) c/o White House 

Guardianships, 34 Talbot Road, Bournemouth, 

Dorset, BH9 2LF 

Robert RAUSCH (A03/04) Trabenerstr. 48, 

14193 Berlin, Germany 

George READ (L00/04) Wood’s Farm, North 

Brewham, Bruton, Somerset BA10 OJW 

Greg RIDOUT (O94/04) Pierston Manor Farm, 

Milton on Stour, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5PZ 

Richard ROWNTREE (B99/04) St Andrews, 

Wyke Road, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4NG 

Rebecca ROYLE (P98/04) Langley, Henley 

Road, Misterton, Somerset TA18 8LS 

Kai RUESS (L03/04) Eibenweg 17, D-61440 

Oberursel, Germany 

James RUNCIMAN (N03/04) Cowleaze, 

Buckland Newton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7DL 

Ravneet SANDHU (N02/04) 128 Basildene 

Road, Hounslow, TW4 7LU 

Karina SCHMITZ (P03/04) Heidehang 16, 

45134 Essen, Germany 

Sonja SCHURMANN (W03/04) Durchsolz 74, 

42897 Remscheid, Germany 

King Biao SHAN ((B02/04) Room 4-2, Block B, 

804 Radion, St Bldg Jiuxian Brdg South, Shili 

Inn Chao Yang District, Beijing, China 

Victoria SIMMONS (W02/04) Sunnyside, 

Castle Street, Keinton Mandeville, Somerton, 

Somerset TA11 6DX 

Esther SMYTH ((P94/04) St Catherine’s, 11 

Clifton, York, YO30 6AA 

Helen SMYTH ((P94/04) St Catherine’s 11 

Clifton, York, YO30 6AA 

Alexander SOSKIN ((O97/04) Eastfields Farm, 

Tintinhull, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8QW 

Clemens SPINK (N03/04) Sottorfallee 24, 

22529 Hamburg, Germany 

Jan SPRUNKEN (B02/04) Dusseldorfer Str.54., 

D-47051 Duisburg, Germany 

Christopher STEVENSON (N99/04) 13 

Baghdad Road, Bulford, Wilts, SP4 9BJ 

Kevin SUEN (L01/04) G/F, 121A Tai Sam Praya 

Street, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong 

Sarah VINING (P02/04) The Vicarage, 

Stourton Caundle, Sturminster Newton, 

Dorset, DT10 2JH 

Constantin von LUTTITZ (L03/04) Gut 

Niederaltenburg, 83629 Weyarn, Germany 

Tom WHARTON (A99/04) The Lodge, Pickett 

Lane, Yeovil, Somerset BA21 3DF 

Sam WILLIAMS (B96/04) Manor Barn, 

Kingsbury Episcopi, Martock, Somerset TA12 

6AT 

William WINBORN (A97/04) Townsend Farm, 

Sparkford Road, Queen Camel, Yeovil, BA22 7PY 

Amy WRAGG (W02/04) 25 Broad Lane, 

Lymington, Hants, SO41 3QN 

Yisheng Unick XU (O02/04) Overseas Chinese 

Town, Xin Hao Cheng, Xin Min Ge 11A, 

Shenxhen, China 518053 

Shiho YAMAMOTO (P01/04) c/o Gabbitas, 

Carrington House, 126-130 Regent Street, 

London, W1R 6EE 

Edward ZAMBELLAS (L97/04) Deepwell 

Cottage, Three Gates, Leigh, Dorset, DT9 6JQ 

Celia ZHANG (P0204) 201 Block 3 Nan Da 

Gong Yu, 8 Hai Da Lu, Haidian Isl., Hai Kou 

City, Hainan Province, China 


FRIENDS OF 

KING’S SCHOOL BRUTON 

HELP US 

PLEASE SUPPORT THE FRIENDS 

The Friends income comes entirely from donations and covenants. We never have enough 

money to support all of the requests made to us. Help us to help the current and future 

pupils of Kings. 

WHAT DO WE DO 

♦ 

♦ 

♦ 

♦ 

♦ 

♦ 

♦ 

♦ 

Every year the Friends award over £10,000 to good causes throughout the School. 

The Houses have been supported with the purchase of TVs, VCRs, DVDs, fridges, pool tables etc. etc 

Over the past few years the Fitness Area in the Fitzjames has received about £2000 per year to update 

equipment. 

The Music School has been assisted in buying new instruments. 

The New Norton Library has been provided with display equipment. 

All of the Houses receive an annual grant for newspapers. 

Many sports and activities are supported, including Archery, Fencing, Judo, Yoga, Sailing, etc. etc. 

Gap Year projects have been supported in Africa, India and South America. We recently received a 

report from a girl who is working in a school in Malawi, thanking the Friends for their assistance. 

If you are generous enough to already support the Friends then please take a moment to 

fill in a Gift Aid form. This will increase the amount we receive without costing you a penny. 

If you would like to support us with a one off donation or, hopefully a Bankers Order, then 

the details are below. 

BANKERS ORDER FORM 

I would like to support the Friends of King’s School Bruton (a/c 60-04-33/68658117) by making an annual 

donation of £_______________ 

My Bank details are: Bank________________________________ 

Account Number_______________ 

Sort Code ___/___/___ 

Starting on (Date) ______________ 

Signed ____________________________ Date ______________________ 

GIFT AID FORM 

I want the Friends of King’s School, Bruton, BA10 0ED to treat all the donations I have made since 6 th April 

2000 and all donations I make from the date of this declaration, until I notify you otherwise, as Gift Aid 

donations. 

NAME…………………………………………..SIGNED……………………………………………DATE…………… 

ADDRESS………………………………………………..……………………………………………………………….. 

…………………………………………..………………………………………………………………........................... 

If you would prefer copies of the above forms then contact the Hon Sec at djfriend@lineone.net or at Kings 

School, Bruton, Somerset, BA10 0ED. Unfortunately the website (friendsofkings.com) is being rebuilt. 

This page is generously donated to the 

Friends of King’s School, Bruton by 

Peter Bond (Priory 50-54) 

of Pharmaceutical Packaging (Leeds) Ltd. 


The OBA portrait of Sir Peter Squire by Theo Platt that hangs in the new Norton Library

What will you watch 

on television tonight? 

When did you last 

return to Bruton? 

Artsworld, the UK’s only dedicated arts 

channel offers a monthly programme of over 

300 hours of opera, dance, film, classical 

music, literature and the visual arts 

For only £6 each month you can enjoy 

documentaries, performances, profiles and 

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you subscribe to Sky World with Family Pack. Simply quote UART0009 when you call. 

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Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast and Self-Catering 

holidays 10 minutes from Bruton. Quality B&B 

(ETC 4 Diamonds Silver Award/ AA 4 Diamonds) 

and Self-catering accommodation (4 Stars grading) 

on our dairy farm. B&B From £32.50 per night; 

S/C From £200 - £600 per week; 

Credit cards accepted. 

www.clanvillemanor.co.uk 

Mrs Sally Snook, 

Clanville Manor, Castle Cary, BA7 7PJ 

Tel: 01963 350124 Fax 01963 350719 

Mobile 07966 512732 e-mail: info@clanvillemanor.co.uk 

5% of the cost of your stay will be donated to the OBA 


Old Brutonian 

Golf Society 

Contact: David Graham (Old 1960 - 65) 

"Lukyns", Dulwich Common, London SE21 7EU. 

email: dg@labuk.net, 

phone 0208 693 6197, address 

REMEMBER 

SCHOOL FOOD? 

Macaroni cheese, tinned tomatoes on 

soggy toast, a sardine, bread and marge, 

braised fillet of horse with boiled parsnips. 

Remember the absolute joy of ham and 

chips on a Sunday evening? All these are 

things of the distant past, as you will 

discover when you attend the 

OBA Bruton Dinner on Saturday 25th June. 

The cost of dinner is still only £20 per person 

but this may well be the last time it is 

offered at this incredible price so buy now 

while stocks last. Last year’s dinner was a 

sell-out and we hope that this year will be 

one too. Wine will flow, the band will play 

and the School Song will be sung. As an 

added incentive to some of you, anyone who 

started at King's in a year ending in 5 (1995, 

1985, 1905, etc) can have his/her dinner for 

free! Fill in the form you will find in this 

newsletter and send it, with your payment 

(if appropriate), to Jamie Reach. I guarantee 

there will be no bread and marge on offer. 

Web Design and Photography 

Standards compliant websites 

Quick loading - easy navigation 

Friendly service 

No job too small 

Finding the Time 

Tel: 01305 268309 

Mobile: 07885 076026 

info@finding-the-time.co.uk 

www.finding-the-time.co.uk 


NEWS OF OLD 

BRUTONIANS 2004/5 

1939 

John REES (O39/43) David Graham (O60/65) 

writes: “A lunch at the Goring Hotel in London 

in honour of John Rees (OB and much 

respected former housemaster of Old) was 

held on January 17th, 2005 by prefects from 

his first intake of new boys in 1960. Marcus 

Hill, David Graham, Nari Mehta and Philip 

Mitchell attended. It was, in John’s words, ‘a 

truly memorable day’, even if slightly marred 

by a search party being raised and coordinated 

by John’s daughter (with whom he 

was staying) when he failed to arrive back in 

time for a late dinner! Marcus, on the other 

hand, returned to Dorset on the milk train out 

of London, arriving home at 0200 the 

following morning, having found it difficult to 

extract himself from the party – evidence of a 

very happy and enjoyable day.” 

1948 

Dudley MAFFEY (O48/53) wrote in October 

2004 that “after a delay of almost exactly fifty 

years, I have been awarded the General 

Service Medal for service in the Intelligence 

Corps in the Suez Canal Zone early 1954 – 1955 

during my two year stint of National Service. 

Now retired, my wife Anita and I spend the 

greater part of our time at our apartment in 

Cornwall.” 

1949 

John DOWNING (P49/50) was interested to 

hear that King’s CCF were to be based at 

Penhale Camp in July 2004 as it adjoins his 

land. 

John MONRO (N49/52). Now a widower, Rob 

visited the UK in 2003 where 3 of his 4 children 

are married, living and working; he hopes he 

might visit Bruton on his next holiday. 

1951 

John ROBERTS (N51/54) writes from India that 

after studying History at Exeter he worked in 

the Middle East as the Audio Visual Aids 

Officer for Kuwait University and later set up 

a complete language training school for their 

Ministry of Defence. Whilst there he was able 

to take holidays riding across Afghanistan, 

play Bush Kashi (the real Mogul game of polo) 

in a village side near Mazari Sharief, make the 

Hajj to Mecca and Medina disguised as a Turk 

in 1970 and walk through the mountains of 

North Yemen when it was first opened to the 

world in 1973. He also spent time in Africa as 

a TV cameraman, colonial policeman, hunter 

and mercenary and has written a book about 

his first four years there My Congo Adventure. 

He returned to Europe in 1981 to run a 

business based at Blandford that enabled him 

to return to the East on buying trips. He has 

been married thrice to Persian, English and 

Indian wives and has three children, His 

Persian daughter is married to a Turk from 

Azarbyjan in Iran and has a son. His 

daughter Azita has inherited the family spirit 

of adventure by fighting with her mother in 

the Iraq/Iran war for the Iraqis against the 

Ayatollah, before escaping Saddam Hussein’s 

clutches and returning to Iran through the 

mountains of Kurdistan, all at the age of 16. 

She now hopes to train for the Metropolitan 

Police at Hendon. 

John remains active, recently driving around 

Java, Malaya and Thailand and taking daily 

trips into the Indian traffic to try and outdo 

the worst driving in the world. After his life 

abroad John had lost contact with those with 

whom he endured the luxuries provided by 

the 'Bruton Hilton', as he describes it. Years not 

wasted as the regime provided the ability to 

survive anywhere and eat anything, including 

survival in third world jails. John hopes to 

revive contact with the following New House 

OBs (51/55) Jeremy HEWLETT, John ABBOT, 

Finn McCORMICK, Christopher and Alistair 

ROOTH, Ian GIRVAN, Thomas OLIVER. 

1952 

Peter CANNING (52/57) began his RAF Officer 

Training in January 1958 at the RAF College, 

Cranwell after which he was commissioned 

into the then Secretarial Branch in December 

1960. He retired from the RAF in August 1993 

a few months before the mandatory 

retirement age of 55 in March 1994. From 

then until he achieved the status of OAP in 

March 2004 he was one of 9 Senior Career 

Liaison Officers in the RAF Careers 

Information Service. This was an 

appointment for a “Retired Officer”, actually a 

Civil Servant, and involved liaison with 

schools and universities in South Wales and 

the West Midlands. 

For the last 14 years he and Diana (nee Sale) 

have lived in Hempsted on the outskirts of 

Gloucester, and there they plan to stay. Peter 

writes that, 3 months into retirement, it is 

good to have control of one’s own programme. 

He does voluntary work of a listening nature, 

he walks the dogs, he gardens and is checked 

out on the Dyson. 

Since retirement he has been a paying 

customer in the hands of Simon CANNING 

(ex-Hazlegrove and O81/86) who is developing 

a business in Cheltenham as a Personal 

Fitness Trainer. A strange role reversal for 

Canning Snr when, on entering into banter 

(i.e. complaining) about weights and reps 

demanded, is told by son to get on with it and 

not answer back. 

Peter and Diana would like very much to hear 

from any OBs who are in, or passing, 

Gloucester (there are 2 easy routes via nearby 

M5 exits). Tel: 01452 310221 

David COVEY-CRUMP (P52/56) writes that he 

“was interested to see the words of the 

Carmen Brutoniense. I remember singing it 

with great enthusiasm, if less comprehension 

despite the place Latin had in the curriculum 

in those days. Contrary to what is printed, I do 

recall an ‘Insignis nobis laudamus’ before the 

final ‘Floreat Brutonia’of the chorus. The 

‘Fausta tendamus vela’ shown instead, is 

unfamiliar. 

Is there anyone out there to support, or 

condemn my memory? Perhaps the Song 

deserves an additional stanza to record 

recovery from its ‘demise in the 70’s’. 

As for myself, I have now just retired, after 20 

years in the Royal Navy Weapons Electrical 

Branch, followed by 27 in Industry. 

The time in Industry was mainly in software 

engineering, but lately drafted to Quality 

Assurance on a poacher/gamekeeper basis.” 


1953 

David MOORE (O53/58) was pleased to have 

news of Mary Tyndall and writes that “her 

occasional tea for the boys was always a nice 

oasis in the hustle and bustle of Old House 

during her husband John’s stewardship.” His 

own mother, Rosemary (nee Burrough) who 

was Matron of Old House, has survived her 

brothers Charles (O21/26) and Dick (O21/27) 

and is “now living in Oxon. with help but still 

very much on the go.” Their father William 

Burrough was a Governor of King’s and 

Coroner for North Somerset 

1955 

John MOLE (O55/60) was a guest of the 

Writers’ Union of Romania in September 2004. 

He also received an honorary doctorate from 

the University of Hertfordshire and his book, 

Counting the Chimes: New & Selected Poems 

1975-2003 has just been published. 

Robert TRAILL (N55/59) writes from Cape 

Town where he has been in contact with 

Nicholas EVELYN (L56/59), formerly Junior 

Warden of the School, who is the Conservative 

Agent for the Bridgwater Constituency and is 

also standing for the Somerset County Council. 

1956 

Richard PALMER (O56/59) has recently retired 

and, after living in Southern Spain for three 

years, has returned to Cornwall. [See changes 

of address list] 

Paul YOUNG (N56/60) is looking forward to a 

healthy retirement in the Cotswolds to enjoy 

many beneficial walks with his wife and 

standard brown poodle. [See changes of 

address list] 

1960 

David GRAHAM (O60/65) LAB International, 

the company owned and managed by David 

and his two sons, Daniel (O84/89) and 

Tresham (O87/92), acquired a majority 

interest in The Pfunda Tea Company of 

Gisenyi, Rwanda in November 2004. The 

factory and estate, which presently 

manufactures 1.2 million kgs per annum of 

excellent tea (amongst the very best in all 

Africa), are the first to be privatised by the 

Government under their privatisation strategy 

for the industry, an important milestone in 

rebuilding the country after the genocide. The 

acquisition gives depth and vertical 

integration to the existing bulk tea-trading 

and value-added packing operations of the 

Company in Mombasa and London. 

Meanwhile, David has also been 

masterminding the Old Brutonian Golf 

Society. Its inaugural meeting was at Trevose 

Golf and Country Club, North Cornwall on 

Friday, April 22nd and the second meeting will 

be at Woking Golf Club in Surrey on 

September 30th, 2005. Anyone interested 

should contact David on DG@LABUK.net for 

further details. 

1961 

Malcolm WATTS (L61/62) writes that 

following a 31 year career in the RAF and a 

further 10 years in various IT and business 

management roles, he has now retired from 

Bradford & Bingley plc and retreated to Jersey 

where he hopes to mix sea, sand and project 

management. [See change of address list] 



1962 

Carl BEAMAN (P62/66) is standing as the 

prospective Veritas parliamentary candidate 

for Somerton and Frome. 

1963 

Paul HOWELL (B63/66) has written from 

Kansas, USA. He is in touch with James 

WILLS (B64/68), James BLENKINSOP (L63/68) 

and Phil GADENNE (B64/67) 

1964 

Richard BRAZIER (B64/68) writes that he is 

still running the family business in 

Southampton, which is now all property 

related, having sold the building arm of the 

business in 1996. His daughter, Alice, gave him 

his first grandson, Harrison, on August 27th 

2004. 

John CARNEGIE (P64/68). Arrangements are 

being made at Hazlegrove House for Sunday, 

June 26th, 2005 to celebrate John’s 30 years of 

teaching there. Old Hazlegrovians who have 

not received a letter from Hazlegrove should 

contact them direct, please. 

1969 

Mark TAXIS (O69/72) has written from 

Queensland Australia from where he operates 

as captain of a dynamically positioned diving 

support vessel operating in the Far East. 

1970 

David BARTON (P70/74) “After serving 31 

happy and challenging years in the RAF (and 

shortly reaching the age of 50), I decided it 

was time to try my hand at something 

different other than life in a military uniform. 

I hand over my present job as Station 

Commander of the Northwood HQ, West 

London on 13th June and leave the Royal Air 

Force on 30th September, 2005. The plan is 

then for us to move back as a family into our 

house in Devon on 1st July, and I start my new 

job in the property retirement business with 

Girlings Retirement Options in Taunton, 

Somerset (about 11 miles from our house) on 

5th September. I must say it is all rather 

exciting, and we are looking forward to the 

change in lifestyle and being closer to Richard 

and Sarah who are at boarding school in 

Tiverton. We look forward to welcoming any 

OB’s from 1st July at the following address: 

Bean Close, Culmstock Road, Hemyock, 

Cullompton, Devon EX15 3RQ. Telephone: 01823 

680975.” 

1972 

David SAGE (B72/77) writes that “having spent 

eighteen years in the container shipping 

industry and visited all the less desirable 

spots of the world, a company take over in 

1999 allowed me the opportunity to make a 

mid-career change. I am now working as a 

CFO in the hedge fund industry, travelling the 

world seeing all the desirable spots …. Not 

surprisingly, wife in tow with her bikini 

packed! Currently based in New York, with a 

move pending back to Europe this summer. 

Christine and I have three boys, two of whom 

are in Blackford House at King’s, hopefully not 

totally following in their father’s footsteps! 

Our youngest son is still a few years off 

following suit, presently attending Port Regis 

Prep School.” 

1973 

Christopher COOK (O73/78) has written to 

update his details as he has moved house [see 

change of address list], expanded his family, 

changed his job and acquired a new E:Mail 

address. 

“I left Old House in 1978 after five memorable 

years there and remember the late John Neal 

who was a very good French teacher and 

always wore his watch on his inner wrist, 

frequently referring to it in that energetic 

manner of his. 

I remember being put into the ‘A’ stream 

French class with very little knowledge of the 

subject but found that being thrust into the 

deep end did wonders for the rapid ascent of 

that learning curve. 

As you can imagine, it is very sad to hear 

about the passing of those individuals who 

were at school in your time, especially your 

contemporaries. I was particularly shocked to 

read about Mark Lovell’s rather violent demise 

in his rally Subaru car crash in the USA. He 

had a tremendous zeal for sporting life in 

general… I recall how good a hockey player he 

was and that he taught me to drive a Land 

Rover. 

I have recently moved from Eastbourne to 

Bexhill-on-Sea, not that far away, and have 

two children, one boy and one girl. Our 

daughter, Emma, was born just a month ago 

and Michael is now fast approaching his 

eighth birthday. 

I decided to stop working in London for 

General Electric as an engineer on medical life 

support/monitoring equipment so that I could 

spend more time with my family. I now work 

as an engineer for Neopost on mailroom and 

document handling equipment throughout 

the South-East. Our main international rival in 

this business is Pitney Bowes.” 

Bamrak KANCHANAWAT (N73/78) writes that 

after a 20 year career in the financial industry 

he is now managing his parents’ 

condominium projects working as an 

employer rather than employee. 

Richard PERRY (P73/77) has become an 

associate partner in the West Country 

auctioneers, valuers and estate agents, Gilyard 

Scarth. His son, Oliver, is at Newcastle 

University and his twin daughters have just 

had their seventeenth birthday. 

1974 

Nicholas NASH (L74/77) On hearing of John 

Neal’s final illness, Nick remembered that, 

although ‘hopeless’ at French, the exam grade 

he achieved was by learning the text parrot 

fashion, which also helped him learn the 

Shipping Collision regulations word for word 

for his Mate’s Exam. He feels that his daughter 

may have inherited some latent Neal 

teachings. Nick wrote from Cornwall when 

he was on 2 months leave after working for 5 

months in the Mediterranean and Caribbean 

on the Golden Princess. He was then off to 

join the latest 116,000 ton Diamond Princess 

sailing to Alaska. His brother, Timothy 

(L75/80) is very well and building a new port 

in Antwerp. 

1975 

Edward TOWNLEY (N 75/79) is working as 

Business Improvement Controller for Augusta 

Westland Helicopters, living in Sherborne. He 

played in the OB Veterans Hockey Match v the 

School at the end of the Spring Term 

1976 

Richard ALLEN (L76/81) has a daughter 

attending Hazlegrove House and a son who 

moved up to Blackford House in September 

2004 from Hazlegrove. 

James HARDY (L76/81) has left the Army and 

now works for the Foreign Office with the 

Central Eradication Planning Cell in Kabul, 

Afghanistan 

David HOPCROFT (P76/78) writes from 

Sydney where he was the Manager of the 

Shangri-La Hotel, The Rocks. From December 

2004 he will be General Manager of the 

Shangri-La Hotel in Fiji. [See also change of 

address list] 

1979 

Stephen ALLEN (L79/84) is Captain of the 

frigate, HMS Portland His sons attend 

Hazlegrove House. 

Ian FRANKLYN (B79/82) wrote in September 

2004, “You may be interested in what happens 

to a former student, so allow me a very brief 

summary. 

After completing my ‘A’ levels, I went to 

Australia for my gap year during which time I 

decided not to go to university and enrolled in 

the Army instead. I have always been very 

restless and I thought the discipline would do 

me some good! I was commissioned into the 

Brigade of Gurkhas and served in Nepal and 

South East Asia for 5 years. I then set up an 

adventure tour company in Nepal and 

Thailand before moving to Japan where I 

remained for 5 years, teaching the Japan Self 

Defence Force. 

I returned to London to complete an M.Sc in 

Multimedia and have now worked in new 

media for the last 5 years. I recently sold the 

company, got married (3 weeks ago) and am 

now considering training to be a bush pilot in 

Canada.” 

Robin GAINHER (L79/84) has been appointed 

Deputy Headmaster of Cranleigh Prep School. 

Edward MATSON (L79/84) is now living in 

Shropshire, working in the family business 

running an Equine Stud Farm. He was married 

in Kenya last year where his wife Vivienne 

was brought up [see Marriages list]. 

1980 

Tim LELLO (O80/85) is working as Deputy 

Head of Queen’s College, Harley Street, 

London. He was mentioned in a feature in a 

February Saturday edition of The Daily 

Telegraph Magazine. 

1986 

Mark HALSTEAD (O86/91) writes that he 

changed jobs a couple of years ago and now 

works for Davis Langdon, a 

property/construction consultancy in Oxford, 

where he has recently become a Partner. The 

company was recently listed in the ‘Sunday 

Times Top 100 Companies’ for the first time. 

They specialise in project and cost 

management for major construction and 

engineering projects; Mark is particularly 

focused on healthcare, science and research 

projects – a growth market. Mark and his wife 

Heidi had their first child, Samuel, in 

December 2004. Mark reports that he is still 



playing drums and has recently been coerced 

into playing in a 20 piece swing band that 

provoked memories of his time in Malcolm 

Ellingworth’s Big Band. Mark is in touch with 

Peter BRASTED (B86/91) and James GARRATT 

(P86/91) 

Alexander OULTON (N86/91) Alex and his, 

Noriko, have had a second child, Leo, who was 

born on October 13th, 2004, a brother for 

Hannah who is now old enough to attend 

play school. Alex, who still works for BNP 

Paribas, was transferred to their Tokyo office 

in the spring of last year. “They are renting a 

lovely apartment in an expatriate area of 

Tokyo, with good shops, restaurants, play 

parks for the children and excellent transport 

facilities.” 

Andre ZLATTINGER (P86/89) has written 

with news of the arrival of his first son (see 

Births) saying that after spending their 

holidays for the last few years travelling 

extensively to places such as Mongolia where 

he and Ruth were able to ride the steppe with 

nomads, the next few years will be quieter, 

although it won’t be long before they take 

Freddie to the Himalayas! Andre is now 

working for Sotheby's Auctioneers in New 

Bond Street as Head of Scottish Pictures 

Department and as a senior expert in the 

Victorian Paintings Department. 

1987 

Ian STUART (L87/92) Having completed a 

three-year stint with the International Cricket 

Council, Ian has taken up teaching again, this 

time at an eighteen-hundred-strong 

comprehensive in Winchester. He says he is 

enjoying the challenge.He and his family have 

plans to move eventually to Aix-en-Provence. 

Charlie PHILLIPS (L87/92) Charles left Capitol 

Radio and has joined Napster. He has plans to 

start a Law degree in September, specialising 

in the media; this will take two years’ fulltime 

work. 

1988 

Cristian BEADMAN (N88/92) has now left 

Christies and has joined the small Wiltshire 

firm of Kidson-Trigg Auctioneers 

Chris BORYER (B88/93) is now a Captain in 

the Gurkhas. 

Ingram CASEY (P88/92) writes: “I am in the 

second year of running my own company, 

specialising in holidays in Africa and the 

Indian Ocean. We have already organised two 

honeymoons for Old Brutonians and are 

happy to offer a special 5% reduction for OB’s 

booking their holidays with us. All Old Boys 

and Girls will receive special VIP treatment on 

their holidays. We even feature a hotel in 

Kenya, ‘Pinewood Village’, that is run by an 

Old Brutonian. The company, to escape to, 

evolved from the idea of providing a unique 

travel experience, not just the standard 

holiday in the sun….Secondly, I am taking part 

in a few events to raise interest in local 

projects in Africa as our part towards 

responsible tourism. The key one is the Safari 

Marathon, followed by a kayak expedition…We 

are also doing an amazing 110 km cycle 

around Cape Point (Cape Town).” 

Rupert OULTON (N88/93) Rupert continues 

his research at Imperial College, funded by 

Mitsubishi. He visited Japan three times 

during 2004, the last time for a month, and 

was able to travel about at weekends and see 

a little more of the country. He was able to 

see brother Alex and his family too. Each 

time he arranged his flights so that he could 

visit youngest brother, Ted, in Hong Kong. 

Rupert has had several more papers published 

and has applied to Bristol and University 

College for a Fellowship to continue his 

research. In January he presented a paper to 

a conference in San Jose. 

1989 

James LAWRENCE-BROWN (N89/94) has been 

working outside the UK for almost 5 years, the 

last 4 in Hong Kong where he works in the 

executive search area with an Asia Pacific 

regional role. His time is principally spent 

between Hong Kong and Tokyo. As a result, he 

has had to miss both the OBA Annual Dinner 

and the London Lunch. However, his flying 

visits home give him a chance to meet up 

with fellow OBs. James became engaged in 

2004 and is planning a wedding in the USA in 

2005. 

Robert SHOVE (P89/93) is Captain of a 98ft 

privately owned sailing yacht based in 

Antibes, Southern France. There are plans to 

sail between Spain and Croatia in the 

summer and to the Caribbean in the winter 

before heading south around the Cape and up 

the West Coast of South America to finish in 

Mexico. He hopes to have returned to France 

in 2007 

1990 

Julius JACOBSEN (P90/95) was awarded a lst 

in Biochemistry at Imperial College, London 

and has been awarded a Ph.D by Cambridge 

University. He is now doing post-doctoral 

research at the European Bioinformatics 

Institute. 

Timothy McCALLUM (O90/95) is now 

working as a Business Analyst for The Royal 

Bank of Scotland after completing his 

Bachelor of Commerce degree in Economics at 

a South African University. His wedding to 

Fiona in July 2004 was also attended by Old 

Brutonians, Mark BOWEN (N90/95), Matthew 

PITTS (O90/95), who is doing an M.Sc. degree 

in Water Management, and Robin PHILLIPS 

(O90/95) who came over from Australia was 

Best Man 

Edward OULTON (N90/95) Ted is still in Hong 

Kong, but there is talk of a move. Because he 

works in Treasury, his posting list is limited, 

although Singapore, New York and London are 

all possibilities. Despite having to work very 

long hours, he has been able to visit Nepal, 

has done some mountaineering in China and 

Thailand and “raced up the Peak in Hong 

Kong, carrying a sedan chair.” 

Robin PHILLIPS (O90/95), although living and 

working in Sydney where he is in contact 

with 7 or 8 Old Brutonians, returned to the 

UK to be Best Man at Tim McCALLUM’s 

(O90/95) wedding in July 2004. 

1991 

Geoffrey FERRARI (N91/96) has been awarded 

a B.Phil by Oxford University where he is now 

teaching Philosophy while he studies for his 

D.Phil. 

Adam NUNN (B91/96) is currently working in 

London as a Media Planner on the European 

accounts for Sony Pictures (Spider-Man et al), 

Reebok and Starwood Hotels. It is one of the 

largest media agencies in the world but says 

he is still close to the bottom! Adam is still 

trying to play some Rugby League but this is 

not quite so easy in London. However, he 

achieved a place and 3 caps for Scotland 

Amateurs on their 2003 Summer tour to Italy 

and Serbia. Since then work and other 

matters have rather taken over. 

1992 

Sinead COSTELLO (W92/94) works as a Global 

Lubricants Chain Manager with Shell 

International Petroleum Company. 

1993 

Douglas DOUGLAS (N93/98) has been 

commissisoned into The Royal Regiment of 

Wales. 

1994 

Guy CULLUM (P94/99) has been working in 

China in one of 4 schools with other Western 

teachers and has met other nationalities who 

are either studying at Chinese universities or 

working in China. 

Alistair HARRIS (N94/99) passed out of the 

Warfare School at Britannia Royal Naval 

College on 17th February 2005. 

Ben (O94/99) and Francis (P97/02) TICKNER 

are both continuing to run at a high level, Ben 

having to train on his own out in Bavaria 

where he’s teaching English, and Francis 

running with a high standard group at 

Birmingham University. 

In February 2005 Ben returned to run in the 

AAA Indoor Championships and European 

Trials in Sheffield. He competed in the 

3000m and came 5th in a personal best time 

of 8 minutes 5 seconds, just 5 seconds outside 

the European qualifying time. 

Francis has represented England three times 

in recent Cross Country races in Belgium and 

Spain and came 2nd in the British Universities 

Cross Country Championships in Leeds.Both 

Ben and Francis have just competed for their 

club, Wells City Harriers, in the English 

National Cross Country Championships held 

in Birmingham on February 19th, 2005. 

This was the first time that they had run in 

the Senior Men’s race – 12km over hilly 

parkland. There were over 1300 in the race 

and both finished in the top 10 – Francis 4th 

and Ben 9th – both very encouraged for the 

future, especially as the winner, Glyn 

Tromans, is 35 and still going strong! Francis 

and Ben ran in the World Cross Country Trials 

in Nottingham in March where Francis came 

9th in the 12k race and Ben came 3rd in the 4k 

race. On the strength of this Ben was selected 

for the Great Britain Senior Men’s race in the 

World Cross Country Championships taking 

place in France on March 19th/20th. Both of 

them will then switch back to concentrating 

on track events for the summer, especially the 

3k steeplechase. 

John WALTON (O94/99) wrote from Beijing 

when he was in his final months of an 

academic year lecturing in English and 

International Relations at the China Foreign 

Affairs University there. In June 2003 he 

graduated from St Andrews University with 

an MA (Hons 1st class) in International 

Relations, mainly due to his dissertation 

entitled “Civilizational Rhetoric, Rising Anti- 



Americanism and the Need for Public 

Diplomacy.” 

In his spare time John has been doing the 

rounds of the Chinese choral music circuit 

including trips down to Shanghai to 

inaugurate the Shanghai International 

Festival Chorus and a New Year’s Gala where 

he happily bellowed various kitschy opera 

pieces. John says that his ‘A’ level French has 

been exceedingly useful, as one of the 

conductors that he has been working with 

spoke only French so John was able to 

translate into English for the choir. He was 

particularly pleased to be able to sing a small 

solo and the majority of the choruses in the 

Chinese premier of Bach’s St Matthew Passion 

in May 2004 with the International Festival 

Chorus in Beijing. 

Once his academic year is over John is 

returning to New York to work in the nonprofit 

civil rights sector but has now returned 

to work in London. 

1995 

Joseph MBU (N95/00) has signed for Wasps 

from Harlequins. 

1996 

Jake TUPMAN (O96/01) and Rob DONNELLAN 

(N96/01) have been doing admirable work out 

in Thailand with child victims of the tsunami, 

“all of whom have lost at least one parent, 

their homes and all their possessions. Their 

morale is obviously low, and there is an 

urgent need at this time to get the children 

playing again, to bring some fun and laughter 

back into their lives. We (Dragonfly) are a 

small organization based in the northeast of 

Thailand, providing English camps for schools 

all over the country. An English camp is 

sometimes described as 'edutainment'. Similar 

to a Scout camp (but much more fun), we 

educate Thai students in English by 

organising fun activities and games. We have 

been running camps for over a year now, and 

organising English camps in Phuket is the 

obvious way for us to help the children 

affected by the tsunami.” An e-mail address 

(donations@thai-dragonfly.com) and their 

website (www.thai-dragonfly.com) would 

supply further information and provide an 

opportunity to donate to their excellent work. 

1998 

Elena DZARLIJEVA (W98/00) is spending the 

summer at home in Macedonia before 

returning to the UK in September 2005 to join 

Deloittes for Acturarial training. 

George GALICA (L98/01) is studying Business 

& Sociology at UWE, Bristol whilst also 

working for Orange on data support. 

1999 

Laura HODDER (P99/04) has written from 

Malawi to thank The Friends of KSB for their 

award enabling her to spend 4 months of her 

‘Gap’ year working at Mlonda girls Secondary 

School, arranged through Africa & Asia 

Venture Ltd. Laura writes that she is having an 

incredible time teaching Biology and English 

to classes of 60 – 90 girls of varying ages 

which she finds a very fulfilling project. The 

school is poor and rural but set in a beautiful 

location of magnificent mountains and 

countryside and, although under-resourced, 

the school has some good teachers and an 

amazing Christian faith. Laura is living with 3 

other girls from the UK, all giving as much 

time as they can to the secondary school, 

primary school and the village group/Aids- 

HIV awareness group. Laura describes 

working on this project as ‘amazing and 

awesome’. 

William JONES (L99/02) writes that during 

his time at Milton Abbey he was in the 2nd XI 

Cricket, 1st VI Golf and 1st VIII Cross-Country 

teams and was also a House Prefect. He has 

been taking his A levels at Collingham College 

in London. William is currently studying Film 

Studies, English Literature and Classical 

Civilisation, and hopes to apply for Film 

Studies at university. 

2000 

Haydn THOMAS (L00/01) has been playing 

rugby for Exeter. 

NEWS OF OB GRADUATES 2004 

(Doubtless there are other results but these are the 

ones of which we have been informed.) 

Will ASPINALL (O91/96) 2.2 in 

English at Cambridge in 2000 

James BOWLER (L96/01) 2.2 in 

Integrated Engineering at Cardiff 

Christopher DAVIS (L96/00) 2.1 in 

Sports Science & Biology at 

Nottingham 

Geoffrey FERRARI (N91/96) B.Phil.in 

Philosophy at Oxford 

Andrew GILLETT (O95/00) 2.1 in 

Law at Reading 

Tom HACKING (O95/00) 2.2 in 

Economics & Information Systems 

at the University of the West of 

England 

Douglas HO (O96/01) 2.2 in Graphic 

Design at Lincoln 

Julius JACOBSEN (P90/95) 1st in 

Biochemistry at Imperial College 

and a Ph.D from Cambridge 

Patrick JOYCE (L93/98) 2.1 in French 

at St Andrews 

Timothy McCALLUM (O90/95) 

Bachelor of Commerce Economics 

South African University 

Edward THOMPSON (96/00) 

graduated in Law at Newcastle 

(Class details unknown) 

Rory TULLOCH (96/01) 2.2 in 

Geography at Plymouth 

David WATTS (O95/00) 2.1 in 

Geography at Edinburgh 

Miriam WILDHAGEN (W97/99) 2.1 

in International Management & 

French 

THE COMMITTEE OF THE ASSOCIATION 

Presiden t 

Christopher Rhys-Jones (O45/49) 

Vice-Presiden t 

Richard Sullivan (N58/62) 

Honorary Secr e ta ry 

David Hindley (Staff 63/00) 

Honorary Treasur er 

Colin Hughes (L56/61) 

Trevor Albery (B83/88), Hannah Carew-Gibbs (W96/98), Sinead Costello (W92/94), 

James Holland (O83/88), John Longman (P57/61), Francis Luard (P92/97) 

Kate Sedgman (W95/97), James Wills (B64/68) 

By invitation: 

Harry Witherby (B63/67), John Kai Fleming (B88/93), Jamie Reach (L91/95) 

OBA SUBSCRIPTION RATES 

The Rules of the Association stipulate that 

the current OBA subscription rates should be 

published in the Newsletter. The following 

information is given to comply with this 

requirement. 

The life subscription rate for those joining 

the Association on leaving the School or 

within ten years thereafter is £252. The life 

subscription rate can be changed by the 

Association in general meeting. 

Arrangements have been put in place for 

subscriptions to be collected by instalments 

whilst a pupil is in the School. 

The life subscription rate for those joining 

more than ten years after leaving the School 

is related to the life subscription rate for 

leavers in the year of joining on a sliding 

scale laid down in the Association’s Rules. 

Associate membership is available to staff at 

the School on payment of an annual 

subscription rate equal to one-tenth of the 

life subscription rate for leavers in the year of 

joining. After payment of ten annual 

subscriptions an associate member 

automatically becomes a life member. 



BIRTHS 

BLACKMORE, (Nee Ashton) to 

Dominique (W92/94) and John a 

daughter, Emily on October 7th, 2004 

BLANNING, to Tim (O55/60) and 

Nicky a daughter Lucy in November 

2004, sister for Tom 

DAVIS, to Mark (L75/78) and his wife a 

second son Max in 2004 

GRAHAM to Tresham (O87/92) and 

Stephanie a daughter, Lea, on 16th 

June, 2004 

JOHNSON to Tim (P78/82) and Clare a 

daughter, Madeleine Francis, on 7th 

June, 2004, a sister for Benedict 

KEAN, to Richard (B92/97) and Clare a 

daughter Rosie Ella Reece on 

November 5th, 2004 

MILES to John (N81/86) and his wife a 

daughter Georgia Anne Avice on June 

28th, 2004 

OULTON to Alex (N86/91) and Noriko 

on October 13th, 2004 a son, Leo, 

brother for Hannah 

PILCHER to Lyster (N85/90) and Kate, 

a daughter Josie Blossom on 

December 13th, 2004, sister for Harriet 

and Annabel 

STREVENS to James (N86/91) and 

Sophie, a son, Henry 

ZLATTINGER to Andre (P86/89) and 

Ruth, a son, Fredrick Ronald on March 

22nd 2004 

ENGAGEMENTS 

Charles WATSON (O80/85) son of 

Major David WATSON (N57/60) to 

Susannah Gilmour 

Alan WILLIAMS (B92/97) to Kelly 

Holmes in October 2004 

MARRIAGES 

D. Roger CHILDERLEY (O50/53) to 

Doreen Margaret Chandler on April 

10th, 2003 at Poole Court, Yate, Bristol 

Richard KEAN (B92/97) to Clare on 

July 26th, 2003 

Edward MATSON (L79/84) to Vivienne 

Lumsden of Kenya on March 6th, 

2004 

Timothy McCALLUM (O90/95) to 

Fiona in July 2004 

Anna OBOLENSKAYA (A98/00) to 

Andrew Jones in York on November 

19th, 2004 

Timothy STYLES (B92/97) to Angela on 

September 2004 

DEATHS 

BERNAYS, Nick (O59/64) on April 15th, 

2004 

BOWRING, Lt Col Peter Terence 

(O41/46) on March 5th, 2005 

GAIT, Major John E H (N27/30) on 

March 17th, 2005 in Cambridge 

PRIDIE, Mark (O55/59) on July 21st, 

2004 whilst swimming off Cape Cod, 

Massachusetts 

SIMPSON, Lt Cdr C F Peter MBE 

(O42/45) in Bath June 2004 

SOMERVILLE, Alderman James R 

(O40/45) on January 21st, 2005 

WILSON, Wing Cmdr L Douglas 

(N30/34) on June 6th, 2004 

Honorary Member 

John NEAL (Staff 1954 – 1986; 

Housemaster, New House 1964 – 

1979) on Christmas Eve 2004. 

JOHN R. NEAL MBE 

John Neal’s funeral took place on January 11th, 2005 at 

Hereford Crematorium. In addition to Peter and Margaret 

Neal (John’s brother and sister-in-law) and other family 

members, several Brutonians were able to be present. 

Peter Canning (O53/57), a former President of the OBA, 

attended with his wife, Diana, whose father, Geoffrey 

Sale, had appointed John to the School in 1954. Former 

colleagues of John’s were represented by the Reverend 

Martin Barber, John Bishton, Gerald Cooper, David 

Hindley, Colin Jones (with his wife Pam) and Colin 

Juneman, the current President of the School Common 

Room. They were accompanied by Mike Barnfield who 

was in New House under John from 1969 until 1974 and 

who currently serves on the Committee of the Friends of 

King’s School, the organisation of which John had been 

both Secretary and Treasurer. Also among the 

congregation was Mrs Rose Dowell (with her husband 

Sid) who cleaned not only in New House for many years 

but also for John while he was living at Westfield, Bruton; 

as John became increasingly infirm, she and Sid offered 

him very loyal support. The service, from the Book of 

Common Prayer, was conducted by the Reverend 

Prebendary James Butterworth, who also gave the 

address: 

When we were talking about John, preparing for this 

service, Margaret said to me that John lived the life of a 

monk. 

OBITUARIES 

I know that what she meant included particularly the 

elements of unselfishness, of love for God and of concern 

for one’s neighbour; and, at the heart, an intense, 

incomprehensible simplicity which demanded very little 

and was content with very little, too. 

Of course, alongside this went a life of God directedness, 

which was unselfconscious. T S Eliot talks of the “secret to 

himself” which may dwell at the heart of a man’s life and I 

suspect that this privacy of temperament and almost 

cryptic self-dealing was John’s characteristic and may, of 

course, have frustrated those who tried to get closer in 

order to do more for him. What is also worth noting at this 

moment is the immense and loving patience which Peter 

showed to him all along; and though their differences of 

temperament are obvious, their devotion to one another 

was the cement that bound them. 

John’s background was immensely important in 

moulding the man. Like many of his generation, he was 

interrupted in his education by the war and trained as a 

navigator in the RAF, and then went up to Cambridge in 

1946 to complete his academic study of modern languages. 

He started teaching at Oakham in Rutland, and after a 

short time, moved to King’s School, Bruton, which was the 

scene of so many experiences and gifts. Eventually, he was 

head of German, housemaster of New House and 

Commanding Officer of the CCF, for which he was awarded 

the M.B.E. 

Retirement meant that he became involved with the CAB 

in Yeovil, where, again, he rose to become Deputy Manager. 



More than that, he was acknowledged as the “rock” of the 

Bureau, being totally dependable, and admired for that 

quiet concern which endeared him to so many people. 

It was a bitter blow that arthritis took such a swipe at 

him, because, of course, he had been a keen walker in the 

Lakes and in Switzerland and loved the experience of 

finding new views and achieving new distances. 

God, his faith, his commitment were the foundations of 

his living and acting, and it is characteristic that he loved 

the Book of Common Prayer for its cadences and its really 

private spirituality. The “secret to himself” he takes to his 

eternal rest, and we pray for Peter and Margaret and for all 

who miss him, that there may be consolation and also a 

peacefulness in knowing that the secrets of all hearts are 

disclosed, and specially for John, and that God receives him 

into his presence. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. 

1971-1974 Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion, 2nd KEO 

Gurkha Rifles in Brunei and Hong Kong in the rank of 

Lieutenant Colonel 

1974-1975 Deputy President, The Regular Commissions 

Board, Westbury 

1975-1978 Assistant Defence Attache in Kathmandu, 

Nepal 

1979-1983 Deputy President and Group Leader, The 

Regular Commissions Board, Westbury 

1983 (July) Retired from the Army 

Terry was a very modest man and, with that, there is 

nothing more that needs to be said. 

PETER TERENCE BOWRING (O41/46) 

28th July 1928 – 5th March 2005 

This is not an obituary, as Terry left instructions in his Will 

that there should not be one. Therefore, the following is 

purely a list of events showing his journey through life. 

Son of Lt. Col. E. Bowring, Royal Marines 

(Old, pre-1911-1912) 

1939 Junior School (Plox) 

1941 King’s: Old House 

Prefect (1945) 

Rugby XV (Capt.) 

Hockey XI 

Boxing (Capt.) 

CSM in JTC 

Head of School 

1957 Married Ann Jacqueline Greenwood 

Daughter – Susie; Son – Peter 

1947 Enlisted in 3 Commando, Royal Marines 

1948 Gazetted to a Short Service Commission in the 

Royal Artillery. Posted to Hong Kong 

1953 Transferred to 2nd K.E.O. Gurkha Rifles and 

posted to 1st Battalion in Singapore. Commanded D 

Company in Malaya (Mentioned in Despatches). Adjutant 

in Malaya and Hong Kong. Then Commanded C Company, 

Support Company in Malaya and B Company in 

Singapore and in the Brunei Rebellion. 

1963- 1965 Ypres Company Commander, RMA Sandhurst. 

1965-1969 Second-in-Command 1st Battalion, 2nd KEO 

Gurkha Rifles in Hong Kong, Brunei and Singapore. 

1970-1971 Officer Commanding The Gurkha Records Office 

in Singapore. 

MAJOR JOHN ERROLL HOLMES GAIT 

(N 27-30) 

Jan 31st 1913 - March 17th 2005 

Born in Bristol in 1913, he was the eldest of three, 

brother to Jim and Diana. He was from birth a large and 

physically strong child, but always gentle in his manner. 

He grew to 6 ft 5 inches and excelled at cricket and rugby 

both at XIV prep school in Bristol and later at King’s 

Bruton, where he had a strong left arm, both as bowler 

and batsman. During the war, his nickname was “Tiny” 

but he towered over most people. After leaving school he 

played rugby for Bristol and Exeter and later for 

Rotherham. In India he played water polo and during the 

latter part of the war enjoyed skiing in the Lebanon. He 

won many cups and trophies for both of these sports. He 

also played golf, which became his major sporting 

interest for most of his life. He won many medals and 

events for this, the pinnacle being getting to play with a 

professional in a national pro-am competition when well 

into his 60s. He introduced me to golf at a young age. He 

was very patient, never making me feel stupid when I 

mishit the ball into the woods, but being encouraging 

usually with a “bad luck, have another go”! Golf was his 

overriding pastime that kept him fit and active, which for 

much of his life he was, until sadly his hip replacements 

forced him to retire from golf in his 80s. 

His first job was in the steel industry. Getting a job was 

hard in the 1930s but my grandmother’s foresight in 

sending a telegram to the prospective employers got him 

the job! He was in digs in Rotherham earning something 

like 15 shillings a week at first, but sadly the job did not 

last long as he crashed the company’s motor car, which in 

those days made the newspaper, and he was fired! 

Fortunately he managed to get a job in Birmingham with 

Henry Hope and Sons, metal window manufacturers, and 

within a few years was seconded to India. His first wife 

Kathleen went with him and my sister Angela was born 

out there in 1937. But the start of the war intervened and 



he joined up with the 11th PAVO in the Indian Cavalry 

serving as an officer in the western desert in Libya and 

Egypt. As a Sergeant Major and as Quartermaster in a 

Brigade of Indian army recruits retreating before 

Rommel, he came under fire at El Mekili on Palm Sunday 

1942 and survived several days of onslaught that were 

clearly terrifying encounters. Later in the war, he became 

a Major and Commandant of a camp in a high mountain 

pass in the Lebanon. Wartime experiences were central to 

his early life and ones of which he was proud. He kept his 

medals safe and wore them in annual reunion dinners in 

London. He kept in touch with the Indian Cavalry Officers 

Association throughout his life. 

Sadly, his marriage to Babs was not a success, but in 

1943 in Alexandria he met my mother Dorothy and they 

married in Alexandria on March 4th 1944. For more than 

a year they communicated only by daily letter, since they 

were posted apart and it was not until 1946 that he 

returned to India with my mother, helping to train many 

local people in Balmer Lawrie and Company in Calcutta. I 

was born in 1948! In the mid 1950s we moved back to the 

UK, to Birmingham, where my father resumed in the 

export department at Hope’s Windows. Clearly he was a 

respected and well-liked manager. In the 1960s we moved 

to Bushey Heath, near London and my father managed a 

small subsidiary window company W. James in 

Willesden. When this was closed down during the assetstripping 

days of Slater-Walker, my father, now in his late 

50s, was not too proud to roll up his sleeves, despite a 

recent heart attack, and go out on the road again as a 

salesman for the window company Heywood Williams. A 

lucky break occurred when he was asked to act as a 

consultant for a subsidiary firm, Coastal Aluminium, in 

Poole, Dorset. The move to Wimborne resulted in some of 

the happiest times for my parents where they lived for 

over 25 years. For a while in his late 60s, he sold doubleglazing, 

and enjoyed the local contacts with people in the 

Wimborne area. When he retired around 22 years ago, 

golf then became his passion and he used to play 2 or 3 

times a week with his pals. 

My father was a very orderly person. I suppose it was 

his life at school and in the army that instilled in him the 

need for organisation, part of which I suppose rubbed off 

on me! Even in the last few years, his favourite phrase 

was “everything is under control” and he was not happy 

until he felt everything was. Of course, my father was 

devoted to my mother. They loved each other for all of 

their 56 years together. My mother, who died in 2002, told 

me how she was always very grateful for the many 

happy times together and much of the life and security 

that he had been able to provide her. My father also knew 

just how much my mother had contributed to making his 

life such a pleasant one at home. My parents came as a 

team and I could not get away with anything! My father 

always treated me gently, never raising his hand to me. A 

firm word from him insisting on good behaviour was 

quite enough! He was a very good at ensuring that life 

flowed on, and no matter what happened along the way, 

he would try his best to take practical steps to help. 

He hated being ill and got very frustrated, especially 

after several hip operations and an operation for cancer, 

that he could not do the practical things in life that he 

enjoyed. Mobility and independence were crucial to him 

and he hated having to give up his car a year ago, when 

in 2004 he moved to Cambridge to be closer to my wife 

Anna and I. But he bought an invalid scooter and he loved 

tootling around the corner to us for lunch, even though it 

took him a long time to get himself organised. Indeed he 

was very happy at the residential home, the Hollies, even 

though it turned out to be less than a year. The wonderful 

support of all the staff at the Hollies gave him much 

comfort during his final days. 

Michael Gait (N 62/66) 

NICKLEBY BERNAYS (O59/64) 

(The following appreciation of Nick Bernays was 

delivered at Nick’s memorial service by Peter Phillips, his 

friend and School contemporary.) 

First of all, can I say how grateful I have been for all the 

comments, stories and memories that you, his family and 

friends, have shared with me. Your information and 

subsequent advice have only left me, well, in a state of 

panic. As I said to Janny, after she told me I would be 

saying a few words, preparing for today has produced a 

lot of tears. If I’m honest, although some have been of 

sadness, most have been of happiness, brought about by 

fantastic tales and memories. 

(Can I also apologise if I have omitted any stories that 

you thought you might hear; most were probably not 

suitable for retelling here, today, anyway!) 

Nickleby Gorton Bernays. Now, there’s a name! 

If you want to know more about how he got that 

name, then you will have to ask Sarah or Jane, his sisters, 

afterwards, as they know the story and I found it too 

confusing to tell here! 

Nickleby was born on 5th June, 1945 in Montevideo, 

where he lived until 1955 when his family returned to the 

UK. He then attended St Edmund’s Prep School in 

Hindhead until 1959. 

Nick and I first met when we were at King’s School, 

Bruton, and, if I recall correctly, it was at tea at my 

parents’ house in the town. Nick was a boarder and news 

of my mother’s chocolate eclairs had drifted down to Old 

House where he was billeted; and Saturday afternoons, 

after games, in front of Grandstand (or whatever it was 

called then), from then on, became, well, traditional! 

Our friendship continued after school and we were to 

become ‘Best Man’ at each other’s weddings and we were 

also very honoured and proud to be Godfather to each 

other’s sons. 

Nickleby was a school prefect; he was the RSM in the 

school CCF; he played at ‘wing forward’, as it was then, for 

the School 1st XV, and, apparently, he also played the 

clarinet! (Although I cannot, or choose not, to remember 

that!) He and I represented the School at Tennis; we were 

the 1st Pair! Unfortunately, our results were never that 



good; we even managed to get beaten by the Cricket 

team! 

But, being in the tennis 1st team meant that you got to 

represent the School at Wimbledon in the Youll Cup. So, 

with great excitement the team went to camp at Verity 

Bernays’ residence at 58 Roxeth Hill, Harrow, only to 

discover that the competition that year had been moved 

to the Courts at Eton as there was some other major 

event, like a Davis Cup Tie, being played in SW19. So, to 

Eton we went, and lost in the 1st round! 

After King’s, Nick went to the London School of 

Printing where he met and became friends with, 

amongst others, Jeremy Maclehose, Chris Pollera and Tim 

Woodward. He studied and gained a Diploma in Printing 

Management, and, after graduating, he went into the 

publishing world, starting, I believe, with the Alden Press 

in Oxford. 

He moved to this area and one of his first ‘abodes’ was 

a house called ‘Bel Croute’ which he shared with, amongst 

others, Max Pemberton, Bill Haggis and Alan Potter. He 

then acquired, and moved into, 30 North Street in 

Marcham which he initially shared with Rupert 

Pilkington until he met this very young Scottish lass who 

was working as a Sales Executive for 3M and whom he 

was to marry in 1971. 

The last major company that Nick worked with was 

the Pensord Press. He had joined them in 1988 as Sales 

Director and took over as Managing Director in 1992. He 

was well known and respected in magazine publishing 

circles and his colleagues have fond memories of his time 

with them down in Wales. A couple of stories have 

emerged from there! 

Firstly, and I have this on good authority from those 

who have shared rooms with Nick over the years, he not 

only snored but, allegedly, used to sleep walk! There was 

the time when he was staying in a New York Hotel when 

on a business trip to the USA. During the night, whilst 

presumably looking for the bathroom, and with nothing 

much on at all, he let himself out of his room into the 

corridor. Of course, the door slammed behind him, 

waking him up, and there he found himself....well, you 

can picture the scene, I’m sure! The story does go on, but, 

to keep it short (and clean!), it finishes with this very 

large Bell Captain coming up to the floor, opening the 

door to Nick’s room to let him in and saying nothing 

other than, “Have a nice day!” 

The other story is that at management meetings in 

Wales, Nick would often quote a Latin Phrase to the 

bemusement of his colleagues. They sometimes 

wondered if he realised it was inappropriate terminology! 

Non mea culpa. Not my fault. 

Caveat emptor. Let the buyer beware. 

And after a heavy day at the office, when appropriate, 

of course, In vino veritas. In wine there is truth. 

They all used to say, “What on earth is he talking 

about?” and set about looking up those phrases. It wasn’t 

until one day a reply to a memo was sent in stuttering 

Latin. Nick immediately charged into the office with a big 

broad grin on his face, saying, “So you have the same book 

as I have; I wondered when you’d cotton on.” 

Despite jobs taking him to London, Wales and other 

parts of the South of England, he always kept his home in 

this area. Workwise, he more recently was based at home. 

I understand from Janny that there was immediately a 

battle of radio cultures going on across the gallery 

between their two offices, with his Radio 4 versus her 

Radio 2. 

He was interested in a couple of business ventures, 

some of which he did with Vhari. He also helped out with 

Janny’s thriving B&B business. It’s here that I should point 

out that Nick was a very active member of a small email 

group of old chums, most of whom are here today, who 

communicated most days. This group was often 

entertained by Nick’s tales of what he had served up for 

breakfast that morning, and to whom. He did not hold 

back on some of his descriptions, and this quickly earned 

him the nickname of Fawlty. 

You can just picture him, can’t you?! Sadly, over recent 

months, the group affectionately referred to him as 

‘Faulty Fawlty’! 

Nickleby had an amazing number of interests. When 

talking to the family the list seemed endless. He was in to 

diving, travelling the world to look at reefs and wrecks. He 

and Janny even went diving in Cornwall and trained in 

flooded quarries! He enjoyed cycling and was often seen 

leading the way out of Steventon with Pete, his son-inlaw, 

and David Otterburn in tow. (Well, that was his 

story!). Late last summer, he also thoroughly enjoyed 

cycling the Camel Trail with Sarah, my wife, that wellknown 

global charity cyclist, having only just recovered 

from another torn Achilles tendon. He played golf (not his 

strongest sport, it has to be said!); tennis, which has 

already been mentioned, rackets, and Real Tennis, which 

he took up only recently. His travelling included sailing, 

although there is a feeling that this was a self-imposed 

discipline to impress the Scottish ‘in-laws’, as I 

understand from Mike Bradley and Alastair Duncan (for 

both of whom Nickleby supposedly acted as crew) that he 

was not a good sailor. He would invariably become ill, 

take to his bunk for the whole trip, and then have the 

annoying habit of recovering on arrival, acting as though 

everything was normal, and asking where was the party. 

He enjoyed good music; he devoured books, and 

dabbled at gardening. He loved cooking, choosing a good 

wine, drinking a good malt and having a dinner party 

and all the good banter that went with it. (Although 

again there are a number of us who remember him in the 

days when he’d fall asleep during the meal and then 

wake up, just as we were all leaving, and get very upset 

that we were not prepared to engage in further 

conversation and compete with his second wind!) 

But there was little that he did not have an interest in 

or a view on, and the frustration over these last few 

months of not being able to communicate, deeply upset 

him. It was also upsetting for all his friends and 

especially, of course, his family: Vhari, and Pete, Jules, 

Rory, and Janny. He loved his family. (He even told Janny 

so after his first Op!). And they loved him. 

He was a fabulous husband and fantastic father. He 

was always interested in what his children were doing; in 

Vhari’s business ideas, in Rory’s decisions as to how he 

could combine his love of wind surfing with a 

qualification at university, and in Julie and her career. 



Talking about Julie, what a fantastic achievement it 

was for her to run in last Sunday’s London Marathon, in a 

creditable time of under 4 1/2 hours. She had been injured 

2 weeks before and, considering the pressures of the last 

few days, she was incredibly brave. She has already 

earned nearly £11,000 in sponsorship for the Brain and 

Spine Foundation, in memory of her father, and I strongly 

recommend that you take a moment to have a look at her 

website: www.justgiving.com/julesbernays. 

Nick was so proud of what she was doing and 

obviously it is extremely sad that he wasn’t there in the 

Mall, as planned, to see her finish. But there were many 

friends there, including Nickleby’s sisters, Jane and Sarah, 

and of course, Janny. 

Janny has insisted, as only she would, that I thank you 

all, on her behalf, for all the kindness that you have 

bestowed on her and the family over the last 6 months. 

For all the letters and cards. She is eternally grateful for 

all your support. But, isn’t that what friends are for? (And 

we don’t expect a reply, do we?) 

I would like to finish with a few words about Nickleby 

that were passed to me by his children. 

“He was a friend who was always there when you 

needed him, with helpful hints, tips and advice. He was 

everything a child could ask of a father -supportive, fair 

and full of encouragement. And for that, we love him 

lots.” 

And one more comment from a close friend, made only 

an hour or so ago: “I could have quite easily grown old 

with Nick as company.” 

We will miss him. 

DOUGLAS WILSON (N30/34) 

Wing Commander Douglas Wilson, who has died aged 

87, won a DSO, a DFC and an AFC as a photographic 

reconnaissance Spitfire pilot, test pilot and bomber 

squadron commander during the Second World War. 

Wilson was one of the small group of pilots at the 

RAF’s Photographic Development Unit (PDU), an 

unconventional body formed to take photographs of 

Germany and surrounding countries during the so-called 

Phoney War. The aircraft used included a small number of 

specially equipped Spitfires capable of flying at a very 

high level. 

In April 1940, Wilson was appointed to command a 

small flight which provided the British Expeditionary 

Force with photographs of German Army movements.. 

Following the German thrust through Belgium on May 

10th, the Spitfires operated at maximum effort until after 

the evacuation from Dunkirk. Retreating to Poitiers, and 

finally to an airfield near La Rochelle, Wilson and his 

handful of pilots flew until mid-June, photographing the 

German advance across the River Seine. 

With the Germans poised to capture their airfield, the 

Spitfires left for England, leaving all the unit’s ground 

equipment and vehicles to be destroyed. Wilson 

commandeered an abandoned Fairey Battle bomber and 

supervised repairs to the wing, using a piece of a tree 

trunk and some fabric before cramming six airmen in the 

back of the three-seat aircraft and taking off for Heston, 

where they arrived after a four-hour flight. 

Stationed at Wick in Scotland, Wilson flew long-range 

photographic reconnaissance sorties for which the 

squadron’s single-engined aircraft were stripped of their 

guns and armour plating, allowing them to fly above 

30,000 ft. With extra fuel tanks, Wilson and his pilots 

flew five-hour sorties to the Baltic and Norway in their 

unheated cockpits and without navigation aids to bring 

back valuable photographs of the activities of the German 

navy. For this crucial and dangerous work, he was 

awarded the DFC and mentioned in dispatches. 

Louis Douglas Wilson was born on March 31st, 1917 at 

Vigo, Spain, where his father was head of station of 

Eastern Telegraph. With his father re-assigned every few 

years, Wilson was educated in Lisbon and Alexandria 

before returning to England, by which time he was fluent 

in Spanish, Arabic and Portuguese. 

He was then sent to King’s School, Bruton, and the RAF 

College at Cranwell, where he was awarded the Groves 

Memorial Prize for the best pilot in his entry. In January 

1937, Wilson joined No. 40 squadron, flying the Hind and 

later Battled and Blenheim bombers. The day before war 

broke out, Wilson flew one of 16 Battles to an airfield near 

Rheims as part of the Advanced Air Striking Force. Six 

days later, he led six aircraft on the squadron’s first war 

sortie, a reconnaissance of the Metz area. There was little 

activity over the coming weeks, and the squadron was 

withdrawn to England to re-equip with the Blenheim, but 

Wilson soon found himself appointed to the PDU. 

In January 1941, Wilson was loaned for six months to 

Vickers Armstrong as a test pilot. During two years at 

Farnborough, he flew more than 100 different types of 

aircraft, including England’s first jet, the Gloster E28/39, as 

well as captured Luftwaffe aircraft. 

Some of Wilson’s work was extremely hazardous. In 

1942, the scientists at Farnborough were conducting 

experiments to invent a system which would allow low- 



flying bombers to cut the wires of barrage balloons. To 

obtain data, Wilson had to make a series of flights in a 

specially modified Hurricane, a task which involved flying 

the aircraft into the wires of tethered balloons. On one 

occasion the wire jammed his controls, and he had great 

difficulty extracting the aircraft from a spin. He recovered 

at 1,000 ft and landed with a length of wire trailing 

behind his aircraft. 

On November 30th 1942, he took off from Exeter 

airfield in his Hurricane for a further test. As a special 

precaution, his cockpit was reinforced to reduce the risk 

of decapitation, but the heavy structure gave him a very 

limited view. He did not see two German fighters, which 

were on a tip-and-run raid over Devon. Their Cannon 

shells thudded into the Hurricane, severely damaging the 

aircraft’s controls. Wilson tried to bale out but could not 

open the heavy canopy; after several attempts, he 

managed to land, then discovered that most of the rear of 

the aircraft had been shot away. 

Early models of the four-engine Halifax bomber 

suffered control problems resulting in many accidents 

with heavy loss of life. A test crew from Farnborough, 

endeavouring to identify the problem, were killed when 

the aircraft crashed out of control. Immediately 

afterwards, Wilson took an engineer on a test flight for a 

further attempt to obtain data. As the heavy bomber 

entered a turn, it rolled violently and entered a vertical 

dive. With great difficulty, Wilson managed to regain 

control before landing the aircraft safely. A major 

modification to the aircraft’s two fins eventually solved 

the problem. Wilson was awarded the AFC. 

After spending six months briefing pilots in the United 

States on RAF flight testing methods, Wilson was given 

command of No. 102 squadron, equipped with modified 

Halifax bombers, and led his squadron on many raids 

over Germany. 

On four separate occasions his aircraft was damaged 

by anti-aircraft fire. While leading a raid to Scholven in 

October 1944, his aircraft was badly damaged as he 

started his bombing run. Despite this, he continued to fly 

straight and level over the target until the bombs had 

been dropped. The citation for his DSO described him as 

“a squadron commander of outstanding quality, 

possessing a high order of courage and devotion to duty.” 

Wilson was deeply affected by the loss of his young 

crews. He insisted on writing personal letters to the next 

of kin of all the aircrew posted missing, often remaining 

at his desk for hours after he had returned from an 

operation. 

After the war, he had appointments in Iraq and the Far 

East, and commanded Nos. 9 and 49 squadrons when 

they were converting from the Lancaster to the Lincoln 

bomber. 

After a series of appointments at the Air Ministry, 

Wilson served in Germany before flying fighters as the 

chief instructor at the Central Gunnery School and taking 

a two-year appointment on the operations staff of the 

Second Allied Tactical Air Force in Germany. 

He retired in 1959, when he joined the export 

department of the aero-engine division of Rolls-Royce. He 

finally retired to Hampshire in 1973. 

Douglas Wilson, who died on June 6th, married Valerie 

Roche in 1940. The marriage was dissolved in 1953, and in 

the same year he married Eileen Farrell. He is survived by 

his second wife and by twin daughters and a son from 

his first marriage. 

(Reproduced from The Daily Telegraph of June 30th, 2004.) 

JAMES SOMERVILLE (O40/45) 

Alderman James Somerville died on January 21st, 2005. 

The funeral service was private but a memorial service 

took place in the church at Kemble on Friday, February 

4th with Royal British Legion representatives present. 

James was in Plox from 1935 and then in Old House 

between 1940 and 1945 when he joined the Royal 

Marines, being demobbed in 1948. Until 1974 he was a tea 

planter, after which he devoted much time to the Royal 

British Legion as Housing Manager and area organiser. He 

worked tirelessly as a district councillor for the 

Thameside District and was made an alderman after 

twenty years service. 

MARK PRIDIE (O55/59) 

Mark Pridie died on July 21st, 2004 on his yacht, 

Contessa in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Mark and his wife, 

Mandy, were on holiday, enjoying his retirement from the 

Merchant Navy. He died peacefully after a swim in the 

ocean. Mark was an easy-going person with many friends 

in the yachting world. He leaves behind not only his 

widow, Mandy, but also two sisters and four brothers. He 

was cremated on July 29th last year in Bourne, Cape Cod. 

A service of thanksgiving, conducted by Mark’s youngest 

brother, the Revd William Pridie, took place in the church 

at Northlew, near Oakhampton, Devon on August 26th, 

2004. 

MEMORIAL RUGBY MATCH 

On 7th November, 2004, one year after the tragic loss 

of Alex, it was fitting for family and friends to come 

together to remember, enjoy a good game of rugby and 

enjoy some good food afterwards. For some, it was the 

first game in about seven years, since the days of Mr 

Passmore’s Set Six; for others, it had been less than a 

term, and it showed. 

The teams arrived – some members a little hung over 

from the night before in The Blue Ball and some even 

needing their boots put on for them! A mixture of 

members of Staff and OB’s drawn from a wide range of 

year groups donned their rugby kit to do battle on Hyde 

playing field. It was great to see current members of the 

School alongside the pitch, supporting the teams. It was 

very kind of the new Headmaster, Mr Lashbrook, to let us 

use the pitches and even to give up a bit of his weekend 



to come and watch King’s boys of old. 

Under the ever-watchful eye of Gareth Evans, the 

match got under way, and, for me in particular, it took 

several minutes to remember what exactly I was meant 

to be doing. Fortunately, it soon came back to me. In 

many ways, it was quite surprising how well the teams 

knitted, having never played together as a group and 

there was some great play from both sides. Sadly, it 

wasn’t my team that got the first points on the board. 

Still, it didn’t take long for us to get back into the game, 

with some great tries from Jon and Jamie, leading the 

team from the front. The opposition also had some great 

playing from Matt and Steve (the student master), while 

Fergus also caused us some problems. One particular 

member of the opposition targeted me from 30 yards, 

hitting me full in the chest. There is nothing quite so 

terrifying as Andy Grazette hurtling towards you at full 

pace. 

Half-time was most welcome, with lots of tired students 

gulping down as much liquid as possible, and it was very 

obvious who the stereotypical students were. The second 

half began with some more terrific rugby, to the 

amusement of the crowd. There was need for some 

discipline from the referee as Rich Luckock was given the 

yellow card. There were shouts from the crowd for certain 

people to get the ball, Rich Luffingham in particular. And 

what a treat when he did! Luckily, I was in the same team, 

because when he got the ball, he scored. Other surging runs 

came from Graham Saunders who, when he gets up speed, 

is unstoppable. Trust me, I tried. 

Sadly, the game finished with my team coming second, 

though I can safely say that the score was not the 

important thing. We all had a great time, a few of us 

feeling a little the worse for wear, but the wonderful food 

prepared by the mums was superb. I apologise for not 

mentioning all the try scorers, and I’d like to thank, on 

behalf of my family, everyone who played, supported and 

made delicious food. Special thanks too to Mr Lashbrook 

for letting us use the pitches and Mr Evans for refereeing 

excellently – as usual. It was a great occasion befitting a 

great character. 

Rory Edwards (O98/03) 

Extract from The Salisbury Journal of April 

29th, 2004: “Salisbury Rugby Club staged a 

special memorial match on Saturday [April 

24th] in honour of four of its players who 

died in tragic circumstances in the last twelve 

months. They took on the Old Boys of King’s 

School, Bruton, who ran out 12-10 victors 

against the Salisbury side. Before the game a 

minute's silence was held for Alex Edwards 

[O98/03], Reece Corcoran, Peter Rudorf 

[L90/96] and Toby Martin.” 

APPLE GROWERS SPORTS CLUB 

Apple Growers Sports Club was founded in 2000 for 

Old Brutonians. It was formed so that old school friends 

could get together every now and then to keep in contact 

through playing sport. The Club first started by entering 

university rugby sevens tournaments. It proved so popular 

that at the Oxford Brookes Sevens Tournament in 2001, we 

fielded three different squads, one of which ended up as 

runners up. 

The Club is now entering its sixth year and is as 

popular as ever. We currently have 43 members but that 

figure grows every year and by the end of 2005 that 

figure will be closer to 60, and this does not include the 

many more that come to support. 

As the Club has moved on, so have its members, with 

many now no longer at university. The fixtures are now 

largely rugby fifteens matches (rather than university 

sevens tournaments) against local teams. We have 

established annual fixtures in the last year or two against 

North Dorset RFC and Salisbury RFC. In November last 

year, we set up a Remembrance Sunday fixture against 

Milton Abbey Old Boys to celebrate their 50th 

anniversary, playing that match at Milton Abbey in front 

of a large crowd. This too is to be an annual event. [The 

Headmaster has agreed that the 2005 fixture should be 

played at Bruton on November 13th. – Ed.] The results are 

of secondary importance but we are extremely pleased 

with our unbeaten record so far! 

The success of the rugby has encouraged us to start to 

organise a hockey fixture later this year, as yet still to be 

confirmed. We hope that this will get more people 

involved who do not necessarily like to play rugby, 

particularly the girls in a mixed hockey game, many of 

whom make up our loyal support at the rugby events. 

Not forgetting cricket, of course. Our first match was 

organised for last summer, only for our opposition to pull 

out of the fixture two days beforehand. Extremely 

frustrating as much organisation went into it, but, like 

every fixture, was not short of people wanting to play. We 

have our first match on July 10th against Milton Abbey 

during their Old Boys’ cricket weekend. 

Perhaps the most exciting development is our 

inaugural tour this September to Jersey where we will be 

playing Jersey RFC and Jersey Island Cricket Club over a 

long weekend. 

If you are an Old Brutonian and would like to get 

involved, please contact one of the following: 

Marco Laing: Mobile: 07960365444 

E-mail: marcolaing@hotmail.com 

Duncan Weir: Mobile: 07734349890 

E-mail: duncan.weir@farnfields.com 

or duncanweir44@hotmail.com 

Ollie East: Mobile: 07766732817 

E-mail: o.east@bbr.com 



CHANGES OF ADDRESS 2005 

1927 

John GAIT (N27/30) The Hollies, 11 Queen 

Edith’s Way, Cambridge CB1 7PH [See also 

Obituaries] 

1941 

John MONRO (N49/52) 9 Twent Road, 

Lakeside, 7945 Cape Province, South Africa 

1942 

Malcolm KIRKE (O42/47) Purok 4, 

Hamorawon, Calbayog City 6710 

Phillippines 

1945 

Albert WARD (P45/48) Acorn Cottage, 

Church End, Cawood, North Yorkshire YO8 

3SN 

1947 

Anthony SHARPE, (O47/49) Ford Mill, 

Umberleigh, Devon, EX37 9AG 

1948 

Emmanuel KAMPOURIS (O48/54) 622 Van 

Beuren Road, Morristown, New Jersey 

07960 USA 

1950 

Robert BENNETT (O50/55) Dinglemead 

Bungalow, Kyre, Tenbury Wells, Worcs WR15 

8QD 

Richard COOMBS (O50/54) 9 Wilmont 

Avenue, Washington, Pa 15301 USA 

1951 

John BOLTON (O&L51/55) Hill Cottage, 

Chilcome, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4PN 

Peter GLASCODINE (N51/54) Bluebell 

Cottage, 48 High Street, Great Barford, 

Bedford, MK44 3JH 

1954 

Anthony MERRETT (N54/59) 18 Harvest 

Bank, Hyde Heath, Amersham, Bucks, HP6 

5RD 

Haider MITHANI (P54/56) Eggmuhlerstr.50 

80993 Munich, Germany 

1955 

Graham GODBEER (O55/60) Chattanwood, 

Woodbury Lane, Axminster, Devon EX13 5TL 

John SALE (N55/59) 9 Gipsy Lane, 

Ringwood, Hants BH24 1QW 

Robert TRAILL (N55/59) 70 Valentino Drive, 

Kirstenhof 7945 Cape Town, South 

Africa. 

David VIVIAN (O55/59) Pengegon, Pont Pill, 

Lanteglos by Fowey, Cornwall, PL23 1NH 

Patrick WHITEING (L55/58) 29 Fieldway, 

Ringwqood, Hants, BH24 1QL 

1956 

David BLESSLEY (N56/61) 50 Westbourne 

Road, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, CF64 3HF 

Richard PALMER (56/59) Maen Veor 

Cottage, Glebe Terrace, Ruan Minor, 

Helston, Cornwall, TR12 7JN 

Paul YOUNG (N56/60) 6 Millbrook Walk, 

Inchbrook, Nailsworth, Glos GL5 5HE 

1958 

Hugh MOORE (P58/62) 2 School House, 

Kingsdon Manor School, Kingsdon, 

Somerton, Somerset, TA11 7JZ 

Tom SUFFOLK (P/B58/63) Tow Chimneys, 

Silkmore Lane, West Horsley, Guildford, 

KT24 6JQ 

1959 

Charles MORSE (O59/62) 2 Woodstock 

Drive, Highfield, Southampton, Hants SO17 

1WY 

David STATHAM (O59/63) 56 Albany Road, 

Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6PQ 

John IRVING (L59/63) Netherdale, 15 

Station Road, Grifford, East Lothian, EH41 

4QL 

1960 

John BOWTELL (P60/65) Grove Farm, 

Minster Lovell, Witney, Oxon OX29 OS5 

John BUDGE (O60/64) 7 Cassia Road, 

Gordon’s Bay, Cape Town, South Africa 

Tom DAWKINS (HH57/60 & P60/65) 

Heathlands, Canada Common, West 

Wellow, Romsey, Hants S)51 6DH 

Nigel THOMAS (O60/63) Willow Cottage, 

Dover Street, Stour Row, Shaftesbury, Dorset 

SP7 OQH 

1961 

Peter DEVITT (L61/66) 8 Orange Grove, 

Kensington Park, Adelaide, South Australia 

5068 and Department of Surgery, Royal 

Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South 

Australia 5000 

Malcolm WATTS (L61/62) 94 Quennevais 

Park, St Brelade, Jersey, Channel Islands, JE3 

8GD 

1962 

George O’GRADY (N62/66) Heatherside 

House, Heather Drive, Sunningdale, Berks, 

SL5 OHR 

1963 

Neil INGLIS (P63/68) Copper Beach House, 

Hennerton, Wargrave, Berks, RG10 8PD 

Ian TALMAGE (L63/69) Paul Von Hase 

Strasse 3, 40474 Dusseldorf, Germany 

1964 

Michael FINDING (N64/67) 21 Dames Road, 

Dorchester, Dorset DT1 2JX 

Simon FULLER (O64/68) P O Box 48 

Noordhoek 7979 South Africa 

1965 

Andrew GORE (L65/70) 22 Frilsham Street, 

Sutton Courtnay, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 

4AZ 

1966 

Simon CAPPER (B66/70) Darrovean, 1 

Baronga Street, Boomi, NSW 2405 Australia 

1967 

Roland DRANE (B67/72) 11 Rue Henri 

Martin, 92100 Boulogne, France 

1969 

Michael BARNFIELD (N69/74) Devonshire 

House, Blackmoor, Lower Langford, North 

Somerset, BS40 5HJ 

Don GARLAND (O69/71) P O Box 3121, 

Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 5WA 

Christopher HOGG (O69/73) 55 Ullswater 

Avenue, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE30 3NJ 

Mark TAXIS (O69/72) 32 Heath Lane, 

Kureelpa, Queensland 4560, Australia 

1971 

Sheila WEBBER (Hall71/73) Brae Cottage, 

Ardvreck, Crieff, Perthshire, PH7 4EU 

Steve TOOTELL (P71/76) 35 Lakeside Road, 

Poole, Dorset BH13 6LS 

1972 

Murshed SAALAM (P72/76) House 321/5. 

Lane 6, DOHS Baridhara, Dhaka, Bangladesh 

1973 

Christopher COOK (O73/78) 9 Reynolds 

Drive, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, TN40 

2UP 

Sharon PASHLEY, nee Shannon (73/75) 39 

Shackleton Way, Bowbrook, Shrewsbury, 

Salop SY3 8NE 

1974 

Peter HEDGES (L74/79) 11 High Street, 

Brigstock, Northants, NN14 3HA 

Khaled HEJLEH (L74/77) 34A Leake St. 

Peppermint Grove, Western Australia 6011 

Izadur RAHMAN (P74/75) 1090 Burycove 

Lane, Lawrenceville, GA 30043, USA 

1975 

Jonathan EMBERSON (P75/80) Springfields, 

Bicester Road, Enstone, Oxfordshire OX7 

4NH 

Asil KHAN (N75/77) 10909 Timbermill 

Court, Oakton, Virginia 22124, USA 

Andrew MCWILLIAM (P75/80) Flowers 

Cottage, Streetley End, West Wickham, 

Cambridgeshire CB1 6RP 

John TOWNLEY (N75/79) 12 St Mary’s Road, 

Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 6DG 

1976 

David HOPCROFT (P76/78) No 8 

Saddington Street, Turramurra, Sydney, 

New South Wales 2074, Australia 

Mark STEWART (N76/80) 30 Greenside 

Road, London, W12 9JG 

1977 

Richard GILROY (B77/81) 149 Hanworth 

Road, Hampton, Middx, TW12 3ED 

Patrick WARWICK-SMITH (O77/82) 18 

Arthur Road, Winchester, Hants 

1978 

James LINES (O78/83) 3 Orchard Road, 

Havant, Hants PO9 1AT 

David VICKERY (O78/82) 11 Poplar Hill, 

Walton on the Wolds, Loughborough, 

Leicestershire, LE12 8JD 

1979 

Christopher ALBIN (N79/84) 7 Myrtle 

Close, Tilehurst, Reading, Berks 

Edward MATSON (L79/84) R.L.Matson & 

Son, Twemlows Hall Stud Farm, 

Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 2EZ 

Mary STONHAM-ASK (79/81) Orchard 

Cottage, Broadway, Charlton Adam, 

Somerton, Somerset TA11 7BB 

1980 

P. Mark WALLIS (B80/85) 67 St Annes Close, 

Winchester, Hants SO22 4LQ 

1981 

Jonathan COX (O81/86) 73 Twilley Street, 

London, SW18 4JQ 

Benjamin JAMES (O81/86) Basement Flat, 

22 Alma Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2BY 

John MILES (N81/86) 3A Cameragh Road, 

London W14 9HQ 

James SELLAR (B81/85) 20 Stoney Lane, 

Newbury, Berks RG14 2SD 

1983 

Christopher BALL (B83/87) 9/1 The Icon, 101 

Maxwell Street, Glasgow, G1 4EP 



Neil CULLUM (N83/88) 466b Mitchell 

Circle, mdp Wethersfield, Braintree, Essex 

CM7 4BE 

Alastair WARWICK-SMITH (O83/88) 23 

Brook Road, Lymington, Hants SQ41 3PX 

1984 

Simon CULVER (L84/87) IG HQ Batusmain, 

Batus, BFPO 14 

Daniel GRAHAM (O84/89) 9 Cavendish 

Mansions, Hazelbourne Road, London, SW12 

9NX 

Jonathan KEEN (N84/89) 58 Linnell Road, 

Camberwell, London SE5 8NJ 

Jonathan TRIMBOY (N84/88) 7 Davington 

Way, Burswood, East Tamaki 1705, New 

Zealand 

Sam WOOD (P84/88) Matravers Farm, 

Uploders, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4PH 

1985 

Philip FALLE (N85/88) 17 Les Serre, La Route 

de Longueville, St Savious, Jersey, C.I. JE2 7RZ 

Mujeeb MIR (N85/89) Heritage 

Inernational Ltd., Gaysorn Plaza 6’th Floor, 

999 Ploenchit Road, Bangkok, Thailand. 

Ben NEWMAN (P85/90) Jasmine, 27a Grove 

Heath North, Ripley, Surrey GU23 6EN 

1986 

Charles BANBURY (N86/90) 67 Midwinter 

Avenue, Milton, Nr Abingdon, Oxon OX14 

4XD 

Jason COWAN (O86/89) 2519 ? E Monroe 

Street. Long Beach, California CA 

90810-1316 USA 

Nicholas KEEN (B86/88) Cape of Good 

Hope Cottage, Verrington Lane, Wincanton, 

BA9 8BD 

Simon MACKENZIE-CROOKS (O86/91) 

Tubbs Barn, Hawkley, Hampshire, GU33 6LU 

Toby SCOURSE (N86/91) 152 Downton 

Avenue, Streatham Hill, London, SW2 3TT 

James STREVENS (N86/9l) 90 Alderbrook 

Road, Balham, London, SW12 8AB 

1987 

Toby ASKER-BROWNE (L87/92) 43 

Lorrimore Road, Kennington, London SE17 

3LX 

Alex LAURIE (P87/92) Flat 3, 24 Brunswick 

Place, Hove, West Sussex, BN13 1NA 

James McNEIL (P87/92) Flat 12, No. 2 

Fawcett Street, London SW10 9JD 

Tom ROBSON (O87/92) Flat 1, Gerardes 

Lodge, Grayswood Road, Haslemere, Surrey 

GU27 1DJ 

Alex Jeremy STEVENS (P87/92) P O Box 115, 

Glengarry PO, WA6023 Australia 

1988 

Cristian BEADMAN (88/92) Tudor House, 

21/23 Chrivenham High Street, Shrivenham, 

Oxon SN6 8AN 

John Kai FLEMING (B88/93) Ground Floor 

Flat, 11 Widcombe Crescent, Widcombe, 

Bath, BA2 6AH 

Dan HAMMOND (L88/93) Ground Floor 

Flat, 11 Widcombe Crescent, Bath, BA2 6AH 

Alexander HUGHES (P88/93) Ranvilley 

Farmhouse, Ower, Romsey, Hants SO51 6AA 

Ben ROSS (O88/93) 74 Packard Road, 

Lisburn, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland 

Christopher UPTON (N88/93) 91 St Peter’s 

Court, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks, SL9 9QH 

Alexander TUCK (O88/91) 14 Walpole Road, 

Walthamstow, London E17 6PT 

1989 

James DAWSON (N89/94) 68 Pine Road, 

Brentry, Bristol, BS10 6RU 

Lisa DIMBLEBY (nee MUIR) (W89/91) 

Prospect House, 8 High Street, Syresham, 

Northants, NN13 5HL 

Jon HANNAM (P89/92) 75 Tremona Road, 

Shirley, Southampton, SO16 6HS 

Mark HOSKINS (B89/94) 2 Penhurst Place, 

Carlisle Lane, London, SE1 7LF 

Jonathan LANSDELL (P89/94) 3 Pacific 

Avenue, Toronto M6 P2. PI Canada 

James RUSSELL (N89/94) Santi Villa, La Rue 

Maze, St Martins, Guernsey GY4 6LJ 

Channel Islands 

Robert SHOVE (P89/93) c/o The Creek, West 

Charleton, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 2AW 

1990 

Russell ALLEN (N90/93) 59 Albany Road, 

Old Windsor, Berks, SL4 2QD 

Thomas GOUGH (O90/95) 7 Sage Mews, 

East Dulwich, London SE22 8EZ 

Tim McCALLUM (O90/95) Kauri Cottage, 

Stock Road, Stock, Ingatestone, Essex CM4 

9PQ 

Robin PHILLIPS (O90/95) 7/8 Chaleyer 

Street, Rose Bay, NSW 2029 Australia 

1991 

William ASPINALL (O91/96) 45 Roudell 

Street. London SE1 9TB 

Lewis CROFTS (L91/96) Rue de Berger 16, 

1050 Bruxelles, Belgium 

Andrew MOLYNEUX (N91/96) 298 

Bluewater House, Smugglers Way, London 

SW18 1EB 

Jamie REACH (L91/95) 52 Honeymead Lane, 

Sturminster Newton, Dorset DT10 1QH 

1992 

Al AITKEN (P92/97) 44/6 Mitchell Street, 

Edinburgh EH6 7BD 

Giles COGHLAN (P92/97) 37 Pakenham 

Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2NE 

Richard KEAN (B92/97) Flat 2, Hazeldene 

Court, 152 Richmond Park Road, 

Bournemouth, Dorset BH8 8YW 

Oliver LANSDELL (P92/97) 6577 Rue de 

Lanaudiere, Montreal, Quebec, H2 G 3BI, 

Canada 

1993 

Charles CAMPBELL (P93 /98) Barnfield 

House, Bremeridge Farm, Westbury, Wilts 

BA13 4ED 

Elizabeth COHEN (nee Hastings) (W93/95) 

43 Newland Gardens, Hertford, SG13 7WN 

Robert HASTINGS (N93/98) 31 Bull Rush 

Crescent, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 3ZE 

Guy LAWRENCE (L93/98) P O Box 15097, 

Nairobi, Kenya 

Edward THOMAS (L93/98) Ground Floor 

Flat, 163 Queens Road, London, SW19 8NS 

1994 

Timothy BUCKLER (N94/99) c/o Hayes 

Cottage, Stourton Caundle, Dorset, DT10 2JP 

Matthew CLARK (B94/97) Flat 8, 35 – 36 

Bedford Square, Brighton, BN1 2PL 

Jolyon HOLT (N94/99) Flat 12, 63 Ormond 

Avenue, Hampton, Middx TW12 2RY 

Roderick LEWIS (P94/96) Library Cottage, 

The Cross, Burley, Ringwood, Hants BH24 

4AB 

Richard PEARN (P94/99) 4 Sarum Close, 

Hartley Vale, Plymouth, Devon PL3 5SH 

Philip STILES (B94/99) 6 Salisbury Road, 

Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2DY 

1995 

James BARNES (L95/99) The Barn, East 

Batterlaw Farm, Hawthorn, Seaham, Co 

Durham SR7 8RP 

Will HATCHARD (O95/00) 20 Lysias Road, 

Clapham South, London SW12 8BP 

1996 

Suzannah FRANKLIN (W96/98) 22 

Bodiham House, Davigdor Road, Hove, BN3 

1WQ 

Alexander MOORE (N96/99) and 

Robert MOORE (O96/99) c/o 2 School 

House, Kingsdon Manor School, Kingsdon, 

Somerton, Somerset TA11 7JZ 

Christopher ROWELL (P95/99) Cross 

Dermond, Penalt, Monmouth NP5 4AP 

1997 

Jemma BARNES (W97/00) The Barn, East 

Batterlaw Far, Hawthorn, Seaham, Co 

Durham, SR7 8RP 

Katherine BENNETT (W97/99) 51/2 Easter 

Road, Edinburgh EH7 5PL 

Philippa FERBER (W97/99) Henri-Dunant- 

Strasse 29, D-63165 Muehlheim, Germany 

Faye RADICE (W97/99) 9 Clifton Vale Close, 

Bristol BS8 4PX 

1998 

Nicholas ARTHUR (N98/01) Melbury, The 

Avenue, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3AJ 

George GALICA (L98/01) Stable Cottage, 

Wilcott, Pewsey,Wilts SN9 5NS 

John SANDEMAN (P98/03) Brookfield, 

Chard Road, Drimpton, Beaminster, Dorset 

DT8 3RF 

Gareth SPILSBURY (N98/01) 4 Stoke 

Crescent, Stoke St Michael, Somerset BA3 

5HE 

1999 

Alex DAVIES (O99/02) c/o 25 Townsend 

Close, Bruton BA10 OHD 

Oliver LALLEMANT (99/01) 10 Greetwell 

Lane, Nettleham, Lincoln, LN2 2PN 

2000 

Fred GREEN (N00/03) The Tree House, 

Appleshaw, Andover, Hants SP11 9BS 


Ena BLAZIER (Formerly Matron, Blackford 

House) Flat 30, Hugh Sexey’s Hospital, High 

Street, Bruton BA10 OAT 

Gerald COOPER (Formerly Head of Art) Flat 

28, Hugh Sexey’s Hospital, High Street, 

Bruton BA10 OAT 

Colin JONES (Formerly Director of Studies) 

19 Toynbee Close, Osbaston, Monmouth, 

Monmouthshire NP25 3NU Wales 

Richard SMYTH (Headmaster 1993-2004) St 

Catherine’s, 11 Clifton, York YO30 6AA 



OB HOCKEY – March 13th 2005 

VETS ENJOY RITUAL SLAUGHTER 

VETERANS V KSB 2ND XI. 

A fine sunny morning welcomed the OB’s veterans side 

back to Bruton, who were intent on maintaining their 

unbeaten record since the introduction of this fixture in 

the late 80s. John Fleming, last year’s heroic stand-in 

goalie and captain, was unavailable as he was still 

suffering from shock after witnessing England’s surprise 

win over Italy at Twickenham the previous day. However, 

11 old boys were present and, aided by Yoda, the school’s 

first team goalie, they took the field with the luxury of 

having a rolling substitute to cater for weary legs and 

lungs. 

It wasn’t long before the slick passing of the OB’s had 

the School’s midfield and defence in disarray. A wellworked 

build-up through Al MacEwen, John Townley, Rob 

Scott and Craig Rogers saw the ball into the D, from 

where Fraser Stewart slipped the ball to brother Duncan 

to tap into an empty net. The majority of the first half 

was spent in the School’s half, partly through the boys’ 

poor distribution at their 16-yard hits and through the 

OB’s organised midfield. The territorial advantage was 

reflected in the half-time scoreline, by which time 

MacEwen had netted two goals. It could, and should, 

have been more, but for some wayward shooting from 

the Stewart brothers, with Fraser in particular turning 

gilt-edged chances into guilt-ridden misses. 

In the second half, the School offered increased 

resistance, which tested the OB’s defence, but the 

experienced combination of Tom Taylor, Colin Coutts, Sam 

Jenkinson and the evergreen David Harris stifled the 

pressure. A second goal for Duncan Stewart extended the 

lead to 4-0 before the School finally opened their account 

with a well-taken goal on the break. The OB’s were still 

comfortably in control, with the not-so-veteran Marc 

Rogers linking well with the midfield down the right side. 

This line of attack led to a goal from Fraser Stewart 

(finally getting one on target) before Duncan completed 

his hat-trick. As the OB’s stretched for number 7 with 

Sam Jenkinson and Rob Scott narrowly being denied 

goals, the School managed a late consolation to end the 

game 6-2. 

Many thanks to John Fleming for his organisation (and 

delegation!), and to the players, and particularly to the 

School for laying on an excellent lunch. 

Fraser Stewart 

GIRLS' HOCKEY 

Following several years without a fixture between the 

School and Old Girls, it was pleasing to see the latter field 

a full side for what is hoped to be an annual event. For 

many of the Old Brutonians this was the first time they 

had played since leaving school, so there were a few rule 

changes to get to grips with and some cobwebs to be 

blown away before taking to the field. 

The School took the initiative with an early goal and, 

although the OB’s responded quickly with an equalizer 

from a short corner, by half time the School had restored 

their one goal advantage. 

In the second half the School benefited from superior 

fitness levels and team cohesion (one or two of the OB’s 

looked a little jaded from the previous evening’s 

reunion!). Despite a spirited display from the Old Girls, 

the School completed the game as deserved 5 -1 winners. 

Many thanks to all from both teams who gave up their 

Sunday morning to take part. Thanks also to the School 

for hosting the match and providing such a delicious tea 

afterwards. The efforts of Kate Sedgman in organizing the 

Old Girls and Captaining the team on the day were also 

greatly appreciated. 

We hope to raise a full team again next year - a few 

substitutes would be a welcome addition! 

Lizzie Sedgman (W97/99) 

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR 

FOR KING’S 

Many OB s will be aware that the Governors 

made a decision some months ago to set up 

a Development function to put the School’s 

fund-raising on a fully professional footing. 

After a thorough search they have appointed 

Mr. Richard Claas as Development Director. 

Mr. Claas is currently Development Director 

at The Godolphin and Latymer School in 

Hammersmith. He will take up his 

appointment in July 2005. 

In addition to appearing in publications 

covering the professional fund-raising sector, 

the post was advertised through the Old 

Brutonian website, and Governors are 

grateful to those Old Brutonians who 

responded. 

On the same day the OBA 1st XI beat the School 

1st XI by six points to five. Unfortunately no 

report of that match is available. 

SCHOOL SPORT RESULTS 

Owing to lack of space it has not been possible this year to 

include any of the School's sports results. 

We apologise for this omission. 


THE SCHOOL 

THE GOVERNING BODY 

I.M. Argyle, Esq., BEd 

R. Gallannaugh, Esq., ARIBA 

General Sir Alex Harley, KBE, CB 

K.L. Lawes, Esq., FCA 

Mrs A.L. Lee RGN, RNT, BEd, MA 

C.S. Martin, Esq., MA 

Mrs S. McKenzie 

S.R. Oxenbridge, Esq. 

T.J. Palmer, Esq., CBE 

P.J. Phillips, Esq., FIPA 

D.E. Prince, Esq., MA 

N.W. Robson, Esq., FCIB (Chairman of Finance) 

R.J. Sampson, Esq., FRICS, ACIArb 

Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire, GCB, DFC, AFC, DSc, FRAeS (Senior Warden) 

Mrs M. Willson Cert Ed (Junior Warden) 

(Old Brutonian members of the Governing Body are shown in bold type.) 

R.S. Lowe, BSc 

Head of Science 

R.C.F. Hastings, BSc 

Head of PSE, OC the CCF 

P.L. Davies, BSc 

Head of Careers 

J.N.P. Bennett, BA 

Head of English 

M.F. Parr, MA 

Head of Classics 

N.G. Watts, MA 

Housemaster, Old House 

S.J.F. Atkinson BSc 

Head of Biology 

E.J. Tickner, BA 

Head of Modern Languages 

C.S. Juneman, MA 

Examinations Officer 

R.J.P. Lowry, BA 

Housemaster, Lyon House 

J.D. Roebuck, BA 

D.J. Friend, BSc 

Head of ICT Studies 

S.W. Spilsbury, BEdTech 

Head of Art 

Mrs V.G. Trenchard, MA 

Housemistress, Wellesley House 

Head of the Special Learning Unit 

A. Atkinson, BSc, PhD Head of Physics 

Mrs M. Ashton, Cert Ed 

Head of Home Economics 

Mrs A. Crowcombe, Cert Ed 

Housemistress, Priory House 

Marketing Manager 

M.J. Middlehurst, BA 

Mrs G Pryor, BSc 

Head of Mathematics 

D.R. Barns-Graham, MA 

Head of Chemistry 

C.H.M. Oulton, MA 

Housemaster, Blackford House 

Miss K.A. Wood 

T. Fletcher, BA Head of History 

The Rev. N.H. Wilson-Brown, BSc Chaplain 

THE ACADEMIC STAFF 

Headmaster 

N.M. Lashbrook, BA 

Deputy Headmaster 

G.J. Evans, BSc 

Director of Studies 

A. Kok, BEng, CEng 

Bursar 

Capt. T.D. Shorland Ball MA, RN 

Registrar 

A.B. Leach MA 

(Bold type indicates an Honorary Member of the OBA.) 

G.E. Jenkins, BA, PhD 

Director of Music 

D. Warren, BA Head of Geography 

F.J. Llewellyn, BA 

Head of Theatre Studies 

Miss E.L..Stead, BEd 

C.A. Barrow, BA 

Head of PE 

Miss A.M.R. Wickham, BEd, MEd Head of Design & Technology 

Miss M.H. King, BA 

W.R. Dawe, BA 

J.B. Slingo, BSc 

Head of Economics & 

Business Studies 

Mrs G. de Mora, BSc 

Miss R.A. Vigers 

Housemistress, Arion House 

J.D.L. Shone, BSc 

Housemaster, New House 

H.A.G. Auld, BA 

R.E.T. Moore, BA 

W.Prideaux, BA, LRAM 

Miss T. Strachan, BA 

Mrs C. Tickner, BA 

Mrs M. Bishop, MLitt, 

Mrs S.L. Wilson-Brown, BEd 

Mrs D.T. Paulley 

Mrs A.M. Allen, SpLDDip 

Mrs V. Baron BA 

Mrs V. Peevor 

Miss A. Schaffler 

J. Sewell 


THE SCHOOL 

HEADMASTER'S LETTER 

Schools, like any institution or organisation, must constantly 

evolve as they seek to improve and develop in what is an 

increasingly competitive world. The challenge for King’s is to 

ensure that development is not at the expense of the core 

educational philosophy that has stood the test of almost five 

hundred years. Inevitably, when a new Headmaster takes over 

the reins there is a period of uncertainty for all members of the 

school community but, hopefully, I have demonstrated in my 

first eight months that while I have many plans and ambitions 

for King’s, I have no intention of “throwing the baby out with 

the bath water”. 

The mutually encouraging and supportive ethos that runs 

through every aspect of life at King’s is very special, and it is 

something that is lacking in too many of our schools - both in 

the independent and maintained sectors. When a school has 

such an ethos, it inevitably enables each individual boy and 

girl to grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually – that is 

something of which we can all feel justifiably proud. I am 

indebted to my 31 predecessors (although it may be 32 or 33 as 

there is some uncertainty about the exact number of 

Headmasters between 1519 and 1550!), for bringing the school 

to where it is today, but now it is time for the next phase of the 

journey. 

Not only have the staff, pupils, and parents had to get used to a 

new Headmaster, but, just to stir the “pot of change” even 

more, our new Director of Studies, Anton Kok, has already 

shown himself to be a man of vision and boundless energy. 

Only a matter of days into my first term, I was extremely proud 

to welcome the Countess of Wessex to King’s. As I am sure 

many of you are aware, she was accompanied by her father, 

your President, and we were delighted by the amount of time 

she spent talking to pupils in a variety of lessons before 

opening the newly refurbished Norton Library. At the same 

time, she unveiled a wonderful portrait of Air Chief Marshal Sir 

Peter Squire, our new Senior Warden. This portrait, a most 

generous gift from the Old Brutonian Association to the school, 

hangs in a prominent position in the new library, and I would 

like to encourage Old Brutonians, whenever they are next in 

the area, to visit the school to see both the new library and the 

portrait that hangs so proudly within it. 

The new library has provided a new impetus to the need to give 

a greater priority to the way in which sixth formers use their 

private study time. I have made no secret of the fact that we 

need to raise the academic expectations of all Brutonians, and 

the library has a key role to play. Sixth formers have now to 

earn the right to use the library in their study periods (these 

periods were formerly known as “duds”!) by achieving good 

assessment grades. Without such grades, they have to go to 

supervised study periods in a classroom – how things have 

changed! 

All good schools, especially boarding schools, must be built on 

three very strong foundation legs, which are often described as 

the “tripos of success” – the cultural dimension of the school, 

sport, and the academic/intellectual life of the school. Quite 

simply, we must aim for excellence in all three. Academically, 

as I have already said, we have work to do, but that is already 

happening and, I believe, there are exciting times ahead. In 

sport, as ever, we continue to achieve considerable success, the 

1st XV winning nine of their twelve matches. The girls’ netball 

teams have just enjoyed their most successful season since the 

school went fully co-educational in 1997, and I have also been 

very impressed by our achievements in a range of other sports 

such as football and badminton, which take place outside the 

normal ‘games time’. 

In my first eight months I have been incredibly impressed by 

the cultural richness of life here at King’s. The school play just 

before Christmas was a stunningly good modern interpretation 

of “Twelfth Night”. The Easter term saw Old House take centre 

stage with a Glynn Jenkins play, “Murder in the Mess”, which 

was of such quality that it could easily have been a school 

production, never mind a house play. Drama is an area that 

has developed very rapidly in recent years (there are regularly 

12 to 15 productions of varying size throughout a typical school 

year), and I believe we could establish King’s as a centre of 

excellence for drama in the years ahead. To that end, we are 

about to appoint our first Theatre Technician to manage the 

Fitzjames Theatre on a more professional basis. 

Music has enjoyed an exceptionally good year, with a huge 

range of concerts and soirees, but the stars of the show have, 

without doubt, been the King’s Jazz Band who are now 

performing at a level that has simply not been reached before. 

The King’s Jazz Evening is rapidly becoming a high profile 

event in the town, never mind the school, and this year it was 

stunningly good – you could easily have been at a top quality 

jazz club in the West End! 

Just to add a little more excitement to my first year at King’s, 

we were inspected by the Commission for Social Care Inspection 

(CSCI) during the Easter Term. CSCI have the responsibility for 

the inspection of the welfare arrangements for boarding pupils 

in all boarding schools in England. The inspection was very 

thorough and, as a school, we were assessed against the 52 

National Boarding Standards (each with many sub-sections) 

that came into force in 2002. As part of the inspection process, 

all the boarders were asked to complete a detailed 

questionnaire about their life at King’s. As you would expect, 

King’s satisfies most of the boarding standards: 47 out of the 52 

standards actually apply to us, and of those, the inspectors 

judged that 37 standards were fully met by the school (this is 

very encouraging given that many schools, including some 

rather well known boarding schools, have struggled to get past 

30 on their first CSCI inspection). One particular aspect of the 

inspection report focused on bullying – in their questionnaires, 

81.5% of our pupils reported that they have never, or have 

hardly ever, been bullied. The Lead Inspector commented that 

this was one of the highest and most encouraging figures ever 

recorded in a school in the West of England. 

We have much to be proud of here at King’s, but there is much 

to be done to maintain the cycle of continuous improvement. 

Not long after my appointment, it was mentioned, in passing, 

that I would thoroughly enjoy being Headmaster of what is 

“the best kept secret in Somerset” – my reply was quite simple: 

“I have never been very good at keeping secrets ….!” 

Nigel Lashbrook 


Two views of the refurbished Norton Library 


EDITOR: DAVID HINDLEY. © DESIGN & ARTWORK: GRAPHIC EXAMPLES, SHERBORNE. OLD BRUTONIAN ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER 2005

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