Old Aluredian Club News

2011 January 2013 Summer 2012

www.aluredian.co.uk

From the Chairman OAs are, or have been, celebrating two historic events. The first was the 60th anniversary of Pyrland Hall which was marked by the first ever OA Dinner to be held there and which was very well supported and a great success. The second will be the retirements of Bob Currie, John Lee, Steve Gray and Pete McKegney in July which we hope lots of OAs will wish to mark by attending either the London Reunion at Lords in May, the OA Reunion in June or the OA Dinner next November. Between them the four have been King’s for 158 years and their departures will be a landmark event.

CONTENTS OA Events................................. 2-4 OA News.................................... 5-6 OA Club Office News.............. 6 OA Sport........................................ 7 Pupil News..................................... 8

OA Club 2013 London Reception The Museum, Lord’s Cricket Ground, Tuesday 21 May 2013 Tickets £45.00 Come and join us in this celebration of King’s Cricket. Guests will include Roger Knight, King’s Custos, former Secretary of MCC, Dennis Breakwell and hopefully one or two King’s pupils now playing county cricket.

Legacies........................................... 8 In Memoriam............................... 8 Archives........................................... 9 Over 150 years of King’s Staff ..................................................................

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King’s Hall News...................... 16 King’s College News............... 17 King’s Schools Vision............. 18 Forthcoming Events.............. 19 Recent Visitors.......................... 20 OA Committee........................ 20

Are you in touch? Do we have your correct address, email and telephone number? Have you received this by mail but have an email address? Do you know OAs who are not receiving this newsletter? Please pass their details to the OA Club Office. Contact: 01823 328238 / [email protected]

Events

OA Reunion Dinner at King’s Hall

The OA Reunion Dinner was held at King’s Hall for the first time this year to celebrate 60 years of King’s Hall School at Pyrland Hall. A full turnout ensured many old friends made contact after many years and enjoyed drinks and canapés in the Pemberton Room with an archive display in the Woodard Room. The King’s Hall String Quartet entertained guests during the drinks reception, then we were treated to a wonderful meal in the Arts Centre (old Sports Hall). A speech by former Pyrland Hall Headmaster Roger Trafford, was well received and the evening was a huge success.

Richard Biggs, Justin Chippendale and Roger Trafford

Adam Spiers, Matthew Miller and Graham Cheale

James Jackson, Simon Reeves, Tim Rainey and Andrew Tinning

Tim James

Vicky Holmes - Matron, King’s Hall School

Tiggie and John Reeves, Roger and Cheryl Trafford and Claire and Justin Chippendale

Patrick Scanlan, Mary Jaquet, Kay Wilson and Peggy Kerslake

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Music at the start of the evening was provided by the King’s Hall String Quartet of Mia and Ellie George, Robyn Deeks and Ranulf Mason

Events “The whole event was excellent and showed off Pyrland Hall perfectly – and I thought the food was super” “Thank you and your team for a thoroughly enjoyable Reunion Dinner at King’s Hall on Saturday. It was good to meet up with former teaching colleagues, friends and many old pupils, some of whom I had not seen since they were thirteen years old! “

Graham Cheale and Dr Jan Peters

Mike Williams, Ed Hawkins and Lloyd Taylor

Andrew Muston and Chris Rew

King’s Christmas Lunch, House of Commons Over 50 OAs and Friends of King’s enjoyed a wonderful Christmas Lunch in the House of Commons on Monday 3 December. Some of the guests enjoyed a formal tour around the Palace of Westminster in the morning which gave an insight to how the House of Commons and Lords actually work together with historical references and anecdotes. We were then privileged to have a drinks reception overlooking the Thames on the Terrace of the Palace before lunch in a private dining room. David Stott OA, spoke about a King’s legacy and we also enjoyed hearing school news from the Headmaster. Some OAs had not seen each other for 60 years so it was a good chance to chat and reminisce in an exclusive setting.

William and Marianne Bray

Peter Champion, Georgina Champion and Daline Stott

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Events Dr Roger Poland - Hong Kong Visit

L-R back row: Ricco Yeung, King Alfred 2009; Sammy Li, Bishop Fox 1991; Edmund Kwok, Woodard 1981; Wilson Chow, Woodard 2008; Tak-Ming Chung, King Alfred 1984; Benjamin Hui, Carpenter 1983; Anthony Yeung, Meynell 1982. L-R front row: Jeffrey Hui, Carpenter 1982; Glyn Davies King Alfred 1978; Dr Roger Poland, Mrs Elizabeth Poland

Anthony Yeung writes: We had a lovely Chinese dinner in Wanchai (the Yixin Restaurant) with roast goose, steamed fish, etc. And then following Ricco’s advice, some of us went to the racecourse in Happy Valley. Glyn provided the first round of beers which went down rather quickly, while we tested our luck on a few horses. Dr & Mrs Poland lost on their first bet and wisely decided that was enough charity for the evening. Only about two OAs actually won something in the end, while most of us didn’t even know how to fill in the betting slip. Evidently none of us were members of the Turf Club when we were at King’s.

Cardiff Reunion A small and select group of OAs from 1965 to 2012 met at 33 Windsor Place, Cardiff for drinks and supper. Patrick Scanlan, Head of History at King’s and also King’s OA Secretary gave a school update and there was much discussion about school memories. There will be another Cardiff based event next year. L-R David Bidgood, Bishop Fox 2012; Paul Guest, Bishop Fox 1965; Duncan Baird, Tuckwell 1989; Andrew Sumner, Carpenter 1977; Gilbert Lloyd Meynell 1967; David Price Carpenter 1983; Patrick Scanlan King’s OA Secretary

London Networking A fantastic networking event was held in London with nearly 80 attendees who enjoyed a lively evening with canapés and drinks. The evening was kindly hosted by Steve Ingham OA, CEO Michael Page and David Leithead MD of Financial Services who spoke about online social profiles and the value of networking. The Headmaster of King’s Hall School, Justin Chippendale, also spoke at the event and we heard about a job opportunity from last year that had resulted in employment for an OA. Sixth Form pupils enjoyed speaking to OAs about careers and several offers of work experience placements were received.

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OA News Louise Venner - Meynell 1997 Louise Venner married Gary Hogg at St. Peter’s Church in North Newton on 22 September 2012. The service was followed by a reception for 180 guests at Starsland Farm. One of her bridesmaids was Claire Codd, Meynell 1997 and other OAs at the wedding were: Dave Tarr, Neates 1997; Ed Wilkes, Neates 1997; Becky Sell, Meynell 1997; Lianne Underhill, Meynell 1995; Martyn Venner, Bishop Fox 1999; Richard Persey, Neates 1999; Buzz (James) White, Bishop Fox 2001; Ed Hawkins, King Alfred 1990, Rob Vile, Carpenter 1989 and Ian Small, Perratts 1989.

Alex Leung meets John Crabtree at King’s College 6th Form pupil, Alex Leung has recently received the first John Crabtree Maths Scholarship award after an outstanding first year of maths at King’s College. The award has been named after Mr John Crabtree, former Head of the King’s Maths Department who inspired Franklin Heng OA, Bishop Fox 1984, in his maths studies and has created an endowment award.

Left: Edmond Kwok, Woodard 1981. Right: Robin King, Woodard 1981

Edmund Kwok and Robin King On a recent visit to Hong Kong, Robin King, Woodard 1981 arranged to meet up with Edmund Kwok, Woodard 1981 this was the first time they had met in 30 years!

Nick Mason - King Alfred 2011 Congratulations to OA Nick Mason who represented Somerset Under 20’s against Devon and Cornwall last month. Players from various parts of the of the county came to participate in a variety of skills sessions led by qualified county coaches and special guest from Bath and England Saxons, Nathaniel Catt. Catt told the players that he had come through the county ranks and enjoyed his county rugby immensely .He talked of the hard work and the dedicated attitude needed to succeed in any form of rugby. He also reminded them it should always be enjoyable.

Andrew Edwards - Bishop Fox 1985 Andrew Edwards returned to Europe after 10 years in Singapore and India, to take up a new role covering Eastern Europe based in Poland, remaining with DHL Logistics in Business Development. Specialising in daughters (3) who are studying at the Warsaw British School - the eldest is preparing for IGCSE’s. Still into sport, although struggles with work commitments, but recently ran the Warsaw marathon. Remains in touch with Bruce Maltby, Bishop Fox 1985; Dan Bown, Bishop Fox 1985 and Guy Bartlett, Bishop Fox 1985 (although they might not realize it!). 5

OA News Charlie Morris King Alfred 2010 We are delighted to announce that Charlie Morris has been awarded a professional cricket contract for the 2013 season with Worcestershire CCC. This follows a highly successful first season with the Oxford University MCCU and is a credit to the hard work and character he has shown over the last few years. The fast bowler, who lives in Devon, was an integral member of our 1st XI cricket side during his years with us and fully deserves his first contract. Charlie was also an integral member of the King’s community and was not only a top sportsman but also a School Prefect and a member of the Royal Marines Pringle Trophy winning team. He also worked exceptionally

hard on his A-levels to gain the University place that got him to where he is now. Charlie is the 4th player in as many years who has received a contract with a major county following in the footsteps of Jos Buttler, Craig Meschede and Alex Barrow. James Regan, who left last year, has also been awarded a Somerset CCC scholarship into the professional squad. We also have 3 or 4 cricketers who are currently on our EPP programme who are also hoping to become professionals within the next few years. Phil Lewis, Director of Cricket states “I am delighted for Charlie that he has obtained the recognition he deserves for the hard work he has put in to his cricket and I know how much this will mean to him. We are very privileged to be able to provide the platform we do for future professional cricketers so that we can help the likes of Charlie fulfil his dreams. We wish him all the luck in his first season as a professional”.

Howard Fall - Bishop Fox 1955 My Olympic journey was truly amazing but very hard work and long hours but the rewards were well worth it after all the months of training prior to the 'event'. I volunteered to be a Gamesmaker 2012 as I remember very well the 1948 Olympics, although I was only 'knee high to a grasshopper', as Wembley was just only round the corner from my home at that time. I was rostered for 17 days (over 4 weeks) starting some 10 days before the actual games so witnessed the build up and also the start of the transition to the Paralympics. I had to leave my home on a bus at 6:10 am to the station and didn't get home until around 9 pm with about 8 hours 'on the road' with my beloved BMW series 3, travelling between venues in London and surrounds but never managed to get to Weymouth. To assist me I had some really hi tech telecommunications equipment on my person and the car was 'on line' with servers in UK and Germany which gave me routes and also assisted giving me priorities on the London road network. My base was at the Excel (Royal Docks). With my accreditation I had access to all venues where if I had time I could watch some of the Games. The security screening (operated by HM Forces) both for myself and the car was intense and on a typical day I + car had to undergo 'the treatment' at least 4 times including sniffer dogs for drugs and explosives. The other Gamesmakers and also my passengers (mainly chef de missions, members of the IOC and technical Officers) made this great friendly experience even more enjoyable and we drivers were supported by professionals in IT communications and of course BMW who were available to us at all times. I wonder whether there were any other OAs involved as Gamesmakers.

OA Club Office News Many OAs have met the new Development Office Assistant Brenda Hayman at events and she has been instrumental in the design of this newsletter. We would like to email more copies of the January newsletter so please do email us and let us know your address. We remain committed to producing a bumper version in the summer, in print, for all OAs, in which there will be the potential to advertise your business. A banner (dimensions 50mm deep x 210mm wide) will cost £200. There will be limited availability, if you would like further information please contact the OA Club Office: 01823 328238 / [email protected] Brenda Hayman Development Assistant

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The deadline for the submission of articles/adverts is Friday 12 July 2013 - please stay in touch and pass on your news to Brenda - [email protected]

Leisa Lavender Development Director

OA Sport Hockey 1st XI vs Hermione Warmington OA XI - Won: 4-3 The first game of the term for the new 1st XI led by Captain Melissa McFarlane. The game which ensued was high tempo passing game with both sides showing attacking intent. The breakthrough came from Alicia Mileham with a reserve flick in the D but the OA XI responded with an equaliser. The 2nd half saw 5 goals with the forwards pressing mistakes by the OA defence and saw Lucy Mead put away a waist high shot and Alicia Mileham with a fiercely struck shot. But the OAs fought back and Tarn McIntosh sealed the win with a swift counter attack goal of one-touch passing.

Rugby The Kings 1st XV won 38-5. Tries for Blaine Tottle, Connor Bannister, Ken Rodgers, Rhys Davies, Will Potter and Ben Shapland. 3 conversions from Davies, 1 for Potter. Rob Ellis scored the only try for the OAs. Refereed by Will McKegney, it was a physical game played in difficult conditions, but all in the right spirit. Ultimately the organisation and fitness of the 1st XV was the difference. A good number of OAs came along to support the players and catch up with other OAs; post-match curry and drinks were enjoyed by everyone.

Golf

Back Row (L-R) Guest; Leisa Lavender; Tony Chapman, Bishop Fox 1971; Guest; David Stott, Woodard 1946; Martin Evans, Bishop Fox 1967; Guest. Front Row (L-R) Peter Champion, Carpenter 1956; Ed Breton, Tuckwell 1992; Paul Griffiths, Meynell 1972; Guest; Roger Vincent, Woodard 1963; Richard Osborn, Bishop Fox 1957; Richard Norman, Bishop Fox 1992; Simon Vize, Tuckwell 1973

Dates for the diary for OA golfers

Spring Meeting at Frilford Heath Golf Club on 24 April 2013 Grafton Morrish qualifier at North Hants Golf Club on 12 May 2013 Match v Blundells & Clifton at Bristol & Clifton Golf Club on 8 August 2013 Autumn Meeting at The Berkshire Golf Club on 16 October 2013

On 6 November 10 OA members and 4 guests met at The Berkshire Golf Club at Ascot for the Society’s Autumn Meeting. Following a hearty breakfast enjoyed by the few who had managed to avoid the notoriously bad local traffic, the first group teed off at 8.30 a.m. on the Red Course. Despite the appalling weather that we had all been suffering, the rain stayed away and we all remained dry for a welcome change. The golf was played on a Stableford basis and the worthy winner of the Dane Cup, playing off a handicap of 6, was Ed Breton, Tuckwell 1992, with 33 points. Richard Norman, Bishop Fox 1992, also scored 33 points but was eclipsed on a count back. The OA golfers were outshone by Simon Vize’s guest, Johnnie Capes, who, playing off a handicap of 14, scored a commendable 38 points. As usual, The Berkshire lunch was a tour de force, and we were joined by Leisa Lavender who had worked up her appetite by walking the full Red Course in the morning. Next year’s Autumn Meeting will again be held at The Berkshire on 16 October and all OA golfers and guests will be very welcome. 7

Pupil News My week of work experience by Charlotte Dathan - 6th form pupil

Having followed up an opportunity of obtaining work experience through John Ridding, CEO of The Financial Times, I was given a week’s work experience with The Financial Times in London. Located just down the road from Southwark Cathedral, opposite London Bridge and next to Borough Market the headquarters of this daily newspaper were highly impressive, if not intimidating. On my first morning, having toured all 7 floors of the building, I was overwhelmed by the organisation of journalists, editors and assistants who worked away like busy bees making honey. Having plenty of time to meet and talk to prominent writers, such as Martin Wolf, and attending a daily conference with all of the editors, I quickly became aware of the intellectual and friendly energy that greeted me. Settling down to the desk, working 10am-6pm, I was supervised and guided by

an assistant. Spending time scanning was the first job, yet this quickly materialised into writing letters, arranging travel, marketing events and arranging archives. Throughout the duration of my time at the FT everybody was intrigued to learn just as much about me as I was about them. The mechanics of the paper were fascinating with London being the centre of the worldwide paper. It was strange to think that the news that you and I read today is yesterday’s news for them. Constantly one step ahead the team of journalists, writers, reviewers, analysts and forecasters would work around the clock to reach hourly deadlines. I spent an interesting day sorting through the books to be released next year, I even learnt how to use twitter by promoting their photo auction. It was the way I was given tasks above and beyond the average idea of work experience that made me feel part of the family. If I hadn’t been planning on University, I was offered a job. Nonetheless, with a glittering reference and a pocket full of more contacts who knows what I’ll be doing next holidays!

Legacies We are delighted that David Stott OA, Woodard 1945, has agreed to be the Chairman of King’s Legacy campaign. He kindly spoke at the House of Commons Lunch on Monday 3rd December about a King’s Legacy and asked for the support of OAs. If you would like to speak to David about a legacy please contact him on 0208 748 5393, [email protected] The Old Pelican Society has been established to recognise those who have left a gift to King’s College in their wills. It provides the opportunity to thank those donors properly and to keep them informed of the school’s plans and achievements. Honorary membership is open to anyone who informs us that they have made a bequest to the school. All members are invited each year to a lunch at the school with the Headmaster on Parents’ Day and also on Benefactors Day which will be on Wednesday 8 May 2013. A unique lapel pin is also being produced and will be sent to all members in the New Year. David Stott

For further information about legacies please ring Leisa Lavender 01823 328238.

In Memoriam It is with great sadness that we remember OAs and staff who have passed away recently. Please do let us know if our list is not complete so we can remember deceased OAs in College prayers and publish their obituaries on the OA website.

1945 Sir John Keegan - Junior 1954 W J Harding - Meynell 1957 Anthony Garnett - Woodard

1995-2006 David Holmes - Head of Physics 1945 Gerald Holloway - Meynell

Please contact the OA Club Office, King’s College Taunton, South Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 3LA. Alternatively, email [email protected] or phone 01823 328238 8

Archives

Can you help? Information requested regarding Colin C Smith, Meynell House 1947-1951.

The Archives is assisting a New Zealand research project to produce a memorial document for women and children killed as they were escaping the Japanese just prior to the Surrender of Singapore in February 1942. One of those escaping was a nine year old by the name of Colin Clive Smith, who after the war was enrolled at King’s. He was a passenger on firstly the “SS. Kuala” (sunk with some 150 people killed), and then after some days on an uninhabited island in the Indonesian Archipelago he was ‘rescued’ by a small freighter named the “SS. Tandjong Pinang” only to be sunk again and spent some five days without food or water on a tiny raft at sea with his sister before being picked up by a Japanese warship and interned in a POW camp Sumatra. His mother and two sisters were amongst the 180-200 people killed in this second sinking. His story is a truly incredible account of survival – particularly for a small boy. I doubt many new boys to King’s College arrive with that experience of life! The Archives has been able to supply details of Colin’s time at King’s including an outstanding school sporting career where he gained colours in rugby, hockey and shooting as well as representing the school at swimming. However Colin does not appear to have joined the OA Club on leaving and the school has lost contact with him. If you are able to provide any further information about Colin’s current whereabouts or can add further to the very limited knowledge of his experiences fleeing Singapore please contact Alison Mason, College Archivist on 01823 328243 or [email protected]

Memorabilia requested by King’s College, Taunton

A selection of the donations received by the Archives since its opening on OA Day 2012. Very many thanks to J Cole, P Darley, C Cole, C Timbrell, J Heal, R Currie and P Mason for their contributions to the school’s history.

Excerpts from the Archives A selection taken from the 116 crimes recorded in the School Drill Book, February 1957 (names obscured to protect the guilty) E** (Woodard) Throwing horseshoe through dorm window B** (Woodard) Making disgusting noise in prep C**, T** (Meynell), H**, N**, W**, H**, V**, C** (Woodard) Taking part in a gravel throwing fight outside after lock-up B** (Meynell) Flicking orange pips around the Dining Hall A** Working at 7.50 am without Housemaster’s permission W** (Fox) Throwing mud at San windows H** Attempting to un-plug electric polisher whilst a porter was polishing

King’s now has a College Archivist, Mrs Alison Mason, working in close liaison with the Development Office, headed by Mrs Leisa Lavender. I have contributed several memorabilia to the College Archive, from my days at King’s, including photographs, scientific notebooks, correspondence, cast lists of school plays, sports day programmes, plus CDs of written reminiscences. Can I enlist your support for the archive? Mrs Mason now has a dedicated store room as well as exhibition space, all of which were shown to those of us attending the OA Day at King’s in June this year. John Cole (Woodard ’49)

40s and 50s Memories Project Dr Tim Brennand has kindly offered to collate the “Life Stories post King’s” of any OA who left in the 1940s and 1950s. If you have yet to send in your contribution then please do so by the end of November 2013. Please contact Dr Tim Brennand for further information: [email protected] - telephone 01570 421553. 9

Over 150 years of King’s service

Over 150 years o

In 2013 King’s College will be saying goodbye to four key members o would like to say farewell they will be guests at a number of forth achievements and share your own memories at the Reception at or the OA dinner on 9 November at King’s C

Common Room picture, can you spot Bob Currie, Pete McKegney, John Lee, Steve Gray and m 10

Over 150 years of King’s service

of King’s service

of staff, Bob Currie, Pete McKegney, John Lee and Steve Gray. If you hcoming OA Events. Come and help us celebrate their remarkable Lord’s on 21 May, the OA Open Day on 29 June at King’s College, College, where numbers will be limited to 180.

many other familiar faces? 11

Over 150 years of King’s service

Bob Currie 39 years

Why did you decide to become a teacher? I grew up in a school environment and our house was a constant flow of sixth formers discussing poetry and literature into the evenings so teaching has always been in my blood. When and why did you start teaching at King’s? A job was advertised at King’s in autumn 1974 when I had literally just started training. I could not apply for the post as the start date was January 1975 and my training would not be complete until July 1975. However my future mother-in-law was not prepared to lose her daughter to some hopeless case who hadn’t even got a job so I applied any way and was lucky enough to be appointed by the then headmaster James Batten, who allowed me to combine teacher training with a full timetable. I already knew about the reputation of King’s as my father had started his teaching career here after leaving the Glider Pilot Regiment at the end of the Second World War. I still have an ‘inky’ from his headmaster Randall Unmack thanking my father for leading a squad of ‘pioneers’ building the changing booths around the Italian style open air swimming pool at King’s. How has teaching changed since the 1970s? The system of exams, the structure of the curriculum and the tools at a teacher’s disposal have all changed immeasurably but the core aims of education have stayed firm. When I started pupils took quite formal and challenging O levels and A levels were sat at the end of 62 with papers lasting up to three hours each. I don’t think that meant that anyone was better educated but it was a tougher experience for pupils. What have you enjoyed most about your time at King’s? King’s is certainly a great place for a teaching career and I have been very lucky to be involved in so many things in the time I have had here. I have been involved in the CCF since I arrived and despite running the RAF section into extinction I was still rewarded with a long service medal. For seven years I 12

had the enormous adventure of the annual Chindit Exmoor camp with particular responsibilities for the officers’ bar. There will still be mint that I planted in he hedgerow behind the marquee to complete my evening serving of Pimms. The shooting team has been a particular focus and has produced some memorable moments amongst which was the team who managed to plant a spider in the end of my Nelson style telescope with appropriate magnification to horror film scale. I have loved the opportunity to be involved in sport despite my modest credentials. I put my Hockey Association Proficiency One certificate to use and even had the current headmaster of King’s Hall as a captain of one of my more successful sides. I took the very first third eleven cricket side which was usually filled with reprobates who no one else would countenance and as a result was often hugely successful and became notorious on the local village cricket scene. After a less successful moment with bowling so poor from our side, the umpire had to be taken from the pitch by ambulance and was hospitalised for a week. I thoroughly enjoyed my seven years as Head of the History Department and I well remember the exciting moment when I introduced the iPad of the 80s, the magical overhead projector, to the department and saw in the new GCSE examination. It has been a great subject to teach with so many amazing stories and ideas that make you constantly re-examine what you think. You are even allowed to keep learning about new eras and follow new enthusiasms. The fun of learning while you are teaching is a particular bonus for all of us. I have been fortunate enough to teach A level topics from 5th Century Periclean Athens to the English Civil War and Oliver Cromwell and beyond. My fifteen years as a housemaster of Woodard House were an experience that ranks as the most rewarding years that a teacher could experience. The combination of separation on the Convent site and that ancient building surrounded by playing areas could not have been better. Apart from the several heartstopping moments when it almost burned

down and so on, the big Woodard nonstop twenty four hour house events such as turning the Convent gym into a giant scalextric racetrack were so memorable. We used hundreds of pieces of track secured on top of a flooring of Astroturf and surrounded by straw bales to recreate a genuine non-stop 24 Hour Le Mans to raise money for charity. Experiences like that stick in the mind and the knowledge that one of the quiet juniors sitting in the little room off the gym [the pits] keeping all the cars working is now a very successful engineer is all the more rewarding. The pleasure in seeing so many generations battle through all that teenage life threw at them and come out on top is hard to beat. I have been even more lucky to experience the job of housemastering the staff in my deputy head role. I think the staff are a remarkable bunch and amongst them is even one of my old Woodard house prefects. Having an opportunity to help set a tone and help run a school community whilst keeping it true to its promises has been something I have prized highly. What will you most miss when you retire? The people in the community will be what I shall miss most, starting unsurprisingly with the pupils themselves. The entertainment provided by teenagers growing up from 13 to 18 takes some beating with all its angst, naughtiness and triumphs. It is a great career. The sense of community that runs through King’s is a rare thing. The colleagues you work with who look after each other and go the extra mile and help make it such a civilised place to work. It always has been a close and caring place and I am sure it will remain so. What are you planning to do in your retirement? I am planning to move away to pastures new with a fairly nomadic existence. I love London and I love Cornwall and much of my time will be split between the two. I don’t have a list of must-dos like parascending down Niagara Falls or the like. Thirty nine years at King’s have been enough of an adrenaline rush for me.

Over 150 years of King’s service

John Lee 41 years

An Interview with Mr Lee, by Tilly Barker and Tegan Williams Mr Lee has been teaching at King’s for 41 years and during that time he never seems to have stopped wholeheartedly throwing himself into life at King’s. His involvement has included coaching the Junior Colts rugby teams for 33 years, becoming Head of English, and being Housemaster of Bishop Fox for 15 years, all of which he has now polished off with his role as Head of Careers and as a Sixth Form Tutor. As Housemaster of Bishop Fox, Mr Lee has of course experienced some interesting events. He remembers one morning, on the way to breakfast, “seeing that the 6.2’s had taken the trays from the dining room and laid them out on the fields to spell ‘Fox rules’”. After explaining the location of the old Fox which was 5 minutes down the road, Mr Lee tells us of a surprise discovery after the house moved to its present site: “It was so warm in the new Fox that a few boys had managed to create an illegal brewery in the spaces beneath their beds. This went on for about a month before being discovered”. We can safely say that being Housemaster of Bishop Fox never saw a dull moment, and that Mr Lee learnt a lot about coping with teenage boys. Another period that Mr Lee looks back

on with particular fondness is his time as the coach of the Junior Colts Rugby team. Under his management there were not one, but two, unbeaten seasons, as well as a Daily Mail Cup semi-final. In this final King’s was unfortunate to lose 0-3 on a penalty scored in the dying

timetable, and regrets that “Tuckwell and Woodard should have been bigger”. He has always relished the English Society, especially the Summer Literary Evening and one performance of ‘Look Back in Anger’ starring Guilia Roggia, with another entertaining memory being Megan Roberts dressing as God for world book day. More recently, his work as Head of Careers and vetting all the 6.2’s UCAS forms, has been “very rewarding to see the results” though “irritating when pupils ignore deadlines!” Whilst the school cooked breakfasts have been a constant highlight.

When talking to Mr Lee it is clear that he loves the atmosphere of King’s, especially the “friendship of colleagues”, “laughter”, “seeing pupils come up with fantastic ideas”, and the “enthusiasm of the pupils”. All of this has contributed to 41 unforgettable years which have brought “different things each day”, and provided him with many memories. In his retirement Mr Lee is looking minutes of the game, but nevertheless forward to travelling around the world, the achievement of coaching a team to particularly his planned visit to “the this level is highly commendable, and East: Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam”, just one example of Mr Lee’s illustrious and feels he may take a handwriting career at King’s. course to satisfy his ex-pupils, whilst the Mr Lee never enjoyed periods 7 and prospect of “no more essays to mark” is 8 coming after games on the winter also extremely inviting. 13

Over 150 years of King’s service

Pete McKegney 40 years

Interview with Mr McKegney, by Maddie Parr and Gabriel Counsell The end of the year is keenly anticipated by everyone at King’s. The end of exams, a long summer holiday and knowing that one more year will have been completed, sadly one thing that will not be the same on our return in September. Mr McKegney, an integral part of life at kings will be missing. He has been fully involved with the King’s community for 40 years and will be “hanging up his boots” at the end of the year.

as his son was a member of the team. Extra-curricular activities and teaching He has also enjoyed being on King’s Chindits to navigate their way round rugby tours to Canada and South Africa. the local countryside.

He has also taken an interest in outdoor Health and Safety is not the only thing pursuits at King’s and in particular which has changed during his time at for canoeing. He painfully recalls an King’s. He mentions that in his opinion the best change that he has seen at King’s is when it became co-educational, a change which in his eyes appeared to “please testosterone-fuelled boys” and also decreased bullying substantially, as During his time at King’s, not only has it is not “cool” to bully in front of girls. he been a highly successful Economics However, he was saddened greatly and Business Studies teacher, but has by the sale of the convent as he was also had roles in the Maths and Physics previously Housemaster of Tuckwell departments although he asked us House there. The Tuckwell “Children to keep the later confidential “in case in Need” evenings were a feature of they rope me in to teaching Physics”. his time in charge. Mr McKegney has Additionally to the academic side of many fond memories of his time in his career, he has also coached rugby the convent, while admitting that this and his 2nd XV teams have invariably change was inevitable. lived up to their title of “Paddy’s War Machine”. More recently he has been in charge of King’s rugby, arranging all the fixtures and maintaining its reputation. He also moved for a few years from the eventful canoeing trip when rescue 2nd XV to coaching the U14’s. services had to be called to save some Mr McKegney mentioned that one of unfortunate, cold, wetsuitless pupils his most memorable moments at King’s who had capsized, “this was before was when the team was victorious at Health and Safety checks” he hastens Rosslyn Park 7’s. This is an especially to add. This did not prevent him being prominent memory for Mr McKegney recently appointed as Director of 14

As for the future, Mr McKegney is unsure; however, his wife “appears to have plans” including voluntary work, although he may choose to spend some of his time working down his golf handicap. As you can see he has had many influential roles during his forty year stint at King’s and we are sure the school will struggle to find someone as enthusiastic and involved as him.

Over 150 years of King’s service

Steve Gray 38 years

A Tribute to Mr. Gray, by Charlotte Mason Mr. Gray, having been appointed as a physics teacher in September 1975, has been at King’s for thirty eight memorable years. During this time he has thrived in the Science Department, filling the roles Head of Physics and Head of Science before moving to the position of Assistant Director of Studies. This led to his current position at King’s as Director of Studies which he has held for fifteen years. When asked about his favourite memories of King’s, amongst them is apparently, being a “fairly hopeless pirate,” in last year’s school play (I personally thought he was excellent, for one thing the beard was more realistic than the other, far younger pirates)! Countless incidents with a Headmaster from the, “early days,” Mr James Batten, also spring to mind. According to Mr Gray, he used to set his views out clearly when speaking to staff at break. A favourite memory was a reference to an edition of the Aluredian, where Mr Batten apparently stated that lack of pupil input made it, “absolutely hopeless… it has been completely written by Michael Rogers.” Mr Gray then explained to me that Michael Rogers was, “the editor and the much respected Head of English at that time!”

Mr Gray’s achievements of note include an unbeaten season with the SCB rugby team, various pupils following in his footsteps to study at Keble College, Oxford to read sciences as well as eighteen out of nineteen pupils accomplishing A* Grades in his final

In response to being asked about any advice he would pass down to more recent additions to the teaching staff, Mr Gray replies: “Don’t try to change the ethos of the school. Realise that, although teaching is the most important aspect, you must contribute to the extra-curricular (especially sporting) and boarding aspects. Keep a sense of humour and try to laugh at least once a day.” In complete awe of his thirty-eight years spent in King’s, I ask him what is so special about King’s. Alongside mentioning the companionship amongst the colleagues, shared aims and friendly parents, Mr Gray replies: “Thinking on a bus on the way back from away cricket or rugby fixtures, that it was a good school, but not as good as King’s.”

As a King’s pupil myself, when I look at all the basic necessities that are GCSE class, with emphasis on the fact imperative in the running of a school that the nineteenth was a mere two from timetables to Parents Evenings, it marks away. Amongst these, becoming becomes apparent that Mr Gray was, Director of Studies and the school and is, instrumental in making all of triumphing in over 70% of pupils these things happen and, without him, obtaining A* to B grades at A Level are King’s would certainly not be the welloiled machine it is today. also highlighted. 15

King’s Hall News

OPEN DAYS

The King’s Hall carol service was as lovely as ever and this year it featured the world premiere of a new tune composed by two year 6 girls for ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’. Other highlights of the term have included five players from the 1st XV being selected to represent Somerset Prep Schools against Devon: the team has only been defeated once in the season. The girls Under 10’s have remained unbeaten Justin Chippendale and the 1st team came 3rd in the All Headmaster KHS Hallows tournament. The renovated Design and Technology workshop has been a great success, in Art ‘The Big Draw’, a whole school event has featured the theme ‘Under the Sea’, while in Drama Year Six gave an entertaining performance of “Dazzle – a Space Spectacular’. We really enjoyed hosting the OA Dinner which commemorated the 60th anniversary of the opening of Pyrland Hall and it was great to have Roger and Cheryl Trafford back again as well as so many familiar faces both former staff and former pupils! Lots of OAs commented on the spectacular setting of King’s Hall, a point taken up by the Tatler’s Schools Guide 2013 which points out that ‘it is hard to believe that this place, surrounded by farmland, is a stone’s throw from the M5 and minutes from a speedy rail link to London … even the cows in the fields either side of the school drive look delighted to be there’.

5th Form independent Schools Convention Hosted by King’s College on Friday 15 March 2013

B E PA RT O F THE FAMILY

Pre-Prep: Friday 1st March Whole school: Friday 3rd May & Friday 4th October 10.00 a.m. arrival Please contact us to reserve your place Co-educational day & boarding: ages 3 –13 telephone: 01823 285921 [email protected] www.kingshalltaunton.co.uk A Woodard School

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Would you like to help with careers support for over 400 fifth formers? Many of the more recent OAs will remember this event that rotates around the independent schools in Taunton. In the course of the morning, stands are manned by practitioners from as many careers, professions and companies as possible, as well as representatives from Apprenticeships, Skills Councils, universities etc. There are no speeches or presentations. King’s is hosting this year, and I am especially keen on making it the best ever as it is the last one with which I will be associated. King’s would also like to build on the networking opportunities that events such as these are developing. In the past we have struggled to find physios, journalists, media, alternative medicine, manufacturing industries and engineering and alternative technology in particular. We are hoping to inaugurate a student zone with OA representatives currently studying at a variety of subjects and institutions It starts at 9.00am, with set-up if required from 8.00am in the Sports Hall. Schools come and go during the morning, and there will be lunch for delegates at about 1.00pm There will also be a drinks reception for OA delegates at 5.30pm in the Common Room with staff. If you wish to attend or want more information please make contact via [email protected] Best wishes, John Lee

King’s College News King’s started the Michaelmas Term with record A level results and 454 pupils in the school, it has been a term with plenty of events. The new Cookery School was opened by the famous chef, Michael Caines, the drama department put on a successful large-scale adaptation of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens to celebrate the bicentenary of his birth, the Marines Section narrowly missed out on winning the trophy for the fourth Richard Biggs year running, when Pete Belfield’s team Headmaster KCT lost by just one point to Charterhouse, and the CCF came out very positively from their inspection by the Commandant of Sandhurst.

OPEN DAY

Our rugby teams enjoyed a clean sweep against Queen’s, the 1st XV winning by 86-0: they also defeated local rivals, Taunton School. Three of our players are in the Exeter Chiefs Academy. In hockey Matt Richards now has 23 caps for the England Under 18’s and a gold medal at the Four Nations cup. The Under 14 girls won the Somerset Championship and came third in the regional finals, while the senior girls’ teams have won the great majority of their matches. The Under 16 Netball team won the county championship and Erin Slade has played for the ISFA Ladies’ football team. We look forward to a very busy 2013 and do hope that you will visit us, either for an OA event or just to drop in; you are always welcome!

NEW FOR

2013

The Development Office has booked two boxes for the King’s Cricketing Community

B E PA RT O F THE TEAM

Tuesday 9th July - Somerset v Sussex LV County Championship Day

Thursday 12th September - Somerset v Surrey LV County Championship Day Tea/coffee on arrival, 2 course lunch with cash bar, afternoon tea and guest appearances by players

Ticket price £55 per person

Saturday 4th May 10.00 a.m. arrival Please contact us to reserve your place Co-educational day & boarding: ages 13 –18 telephone: 01823 328204 [email protected] www.kings-taunton.co.uk A Woodard School

available from the OA Club office email [email protected] or telephone 01823 328184 17

King’s Schools Taunton 2020 Vision

King’s Hall School, Taunton Founded 14th September 1952

King’s College, Taunton Founded 26th October 1880

King’s Hall School, Taunton.

F O R F U RT H E R I N F O R M AT I O N P L E A S E C O N TA C T

Regeneration plans for state of the art teaching facilities, music Direc t o r o f De ve lo pm en t studios and the new entrance hall. K ing’ s Hal l S c hool & Kin g’s College L E I SA LAV E N D E R M B E

Te l e p h o n e 0 1 8 2 3 3 2 8 2 3 8 [email protected]

Design Technology & Science This new classroom and laboratory building in the academic heart of the school will be on two storeys and have a specification beyond that which is required by the DfES. The two teaching wings will be staggered to create an outlook on to the courtyards, and the west facing spaces will have longer views. The wide corridor will act like an indoor street with natural light and ventilation, and will connect to the main courtyard space at the entrance to the building. New Music Facilities The space vacated when design technology and art move to their new rooms will be upgraded to provide new music classrooms and facilities. With the inclusion of larger teaching and performance spaces, the new Music School will provide a more cohesive and inspirational centre for teaching and learning music. Pre-Prep Classroom Entrance The third key development is the refurbishing of the entrance to the Pre-Prep classrooms and a new surface on the walled hard play area. The existing agricultural storage buildings will be upgraded to provide a new main entrance to the Pre-Prep department with reception, office and administration areas. 18

“Today we have a responsibility to perpetuate these wonderful schools for future generations” King’s College, Taunton. Regeneration plans for the new sports, performing arts and girls’ boarding facilities. Sports Centre Although the existing Gooderham sports hall and swimming pool buildings sit side by side, they do not share any facilities. The proposal is to construct a new administrative, dance and social link between them. The building will house a dance studio, new changing rooms, a fitness suite and a new pavilion elevated above the sports pitches, and will become the hub of the main sporting activities in the school. It will enhance the current programme of public engagement. The intention is also to create a social space, for use by OAs and the rest of the King’s community, with the inclusion of a bar and lounge facility making provision for spectators who come to support our sporting events. Performing Arts Centre The proposal is to create a second storey of accommodation in the music school to provide state of the art music teaching rooms and a recording facility, and to extend the building with a new main music recital hall. The new extension would be visible from the main approach to the school and should make a strong architectural and educational statement. Girls’ Boarding Facilities The proposal is to relocate the Medical Centre and utilise the existing link building to the back of Hareston (one of the Victorian villas on South Road) and to build a substantial extension to provide study bedrooms and social accommodation for up to 70 girls, together with the house staff and administrative functions.

Forthcoming events Wednesday 6 February 2013



AGM/Committee Meeting

Friday 19 April 2013

Jersey

40s and 50s Club Luncheon

King’s Live - King’s Big Band  Tuesday 19 July 2013

 Saturday 9 March 2013

OA Football Post match curry

 Friday 15 March 2013

King’s College Careers Convention

Exact date and location TBC

at The Royal Air Force Club, London  Exact date and location TBC

Cricket

Somerset v Sussex LV County Championship day Somerset Cricket Ground  Saturday 29 June 2013

1975-1977 Reunion Dinner For further information contact Charles Manners [email protected]  Wednesday 8 May 2013

OA Open Day

OAs are invited to advise and inform pupils on future Careers. Please email [email protected] for further information.

Chapel service, school tours and lunch

See separate invitation  Thursday 12 September



Cricket



16-18 May 2013 King’s Schools Taunton @

Saturday 6 April 2013

Bangkok Sheraton Hotel  Wednesday 10 April 2013

Hong Kong

Benefactors Day

Somerset v Surrey LV County Championship day Somerset Cricket Ground  Saturday 9 November 2013

Devon County Show  Tuesday 21 May 2013

OA Club 2013 London Reception The Museum, Lord’s Cricket Ground 7pm

21st Floor, Two Exchange Square, Central

OA Club 2013 Annual Reunion Dinner

King’s College - (Guests; Bob Currie, John Lee, Pete McKegney, Steve Gray, Jo Chadwick)

The King’s College Sri Lanka Cricket Tour squad warmly invite you to:

A wine tasting evening on Saturday 23 February 2013 starting at 7:00pm The Sri Lanka Cricket Tour 2013 have kindly been sponsored by

The evening will consist of wines from both the New World and the Old, where we will compare how the same grape varieties behave in different climates. We will also discuss faults in wines and try and ‘put to bed’ the myth that every bad wine is corked!! The evening will take place in the Conference Room. We have a maximum of 30 tickets available for this event so be quick to avoid disappointment.

Tickets

£15 per head

An insight into local cricket legend Marcus Trescothick on Saturday 2 February 2013 starting at 7:00pm The evening will begin with drinks in the theatre followed by Marcus giving an insight into his fantastic career with an extensive question and answer session. This will then be followed by drinks, food and jazz in the Woodard room. During the evening sports memorabilia, golf days, hampers etc will be auctioned and all proceeds will go towards the Cricket tour. Auction donations would be welcome. (email: [email protected].)

Tickets

£30 per head

Tickets for both events can be purchased through reception or by sending a cheque made payable to King’s College Taunton to: P D Lewis (ref; Cricket tour), King’s College Taunton, South Road, Taunton, Somerset TA1 3LA. Please indicate which event you would like tickets for, also include attendee names along with an email address so we can confirm the booking. This will be open to the public so please feel free to pass this information on to anyone who you feel may want to come. 19

L-R: Murray Grindon Bishop Fox 2008

Recent Visitors

Christopher Rainbow Bishop Fox 1956 Roderick Paton Bishop Fox 1956 with his wife Barbara

Colin Bulloch Bishop Fox 1957

OA COMMITTEE

Mr Edward Hawkins King Alfred 1990 (Chairman) Mr Richard Biggs Mr Chris Close (Hon Sec) Major John Harper Mr Oscar Harding Mr William Hawkins Ms Brenda Hayman Mr Richard Jeans Mrs Leisa Lavender Mr Miles MacEacharn Mr Simon Madge

Dr Roger Mott Carpenter 1964 (President) Headmaster and Vice President King Alfred 1972 Bishop Fox 1951 Bishop Fox 2012 King Alfred 1983 OA Club King Alfred 1980 Development Director Finance Director King Alfred 1984

Mr Christopher Rew Meynell 1980 (Treasurer) Mr William McKegney Mr Richard Norman Mr Tony Norman Mr Garth Pedler Mr Timothy Rainey Mr Nigel Stuart-Thorn Mr Ben Sykes Mr Laurence Underhill Mr Michael Williams

Mr Patrick Scanlan Staff (King’s Secretary)

Tuckwell 2008 Bishop Fox 1992 King Alfred 1966 Carpenter 1964 Perratts 1991 King Alfred 1949 Former Staff 1999 Carpenter 1970 Meynell 1976