KGS Friends Newsletter - January 2015

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KGS Friends January 2015 1 1970s Decade Reunion PAGE 5 CCF Centenary Dinner PAGE 5 SPINK Auction House PAGE 10 KGS Friends ...INCORPORATING THE OLD KINGSTONIAN ASSOCIATION JANUARY 2015, ISSUE 12 www.kgs.org.uk/alumni KGS Boat Club Celebrates 125 Years! T he Boat Club celebrated its 125th Anniversary in style on Saturday 4th October, following the honour of being granted a row-past at Henley in July. The home-based celebrations took the form of tours of the Boat House during the afternoon, with refreshments kindly laid on by the Sherriff Club. There was a chance for alumni to admire the new facilities and talk to the current generation of KGS rowers, and the opportunity for eight of them to take on a quad of their younger couterparts (and even an unsheduled dip in the Thames for a couple of the Old Boys!) (Cont. on page 7)

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KGS Friends produce a newsletter four times a year to update you on upcoming events, alumni news and recent happenings at the School. If we have your current address, this newsletter will be posted to all Friends. If you have not received it, please let us know your current postal address by emailing us at [email protected].

Transcript of KGS Friends Newsletter - January 2015

Page 1: KGS Friends Newsletter - January 2015

KGS Friends January 2015 1

1970s Decade Reun ion PAGE 5 CCF Cen tena ry D inne r PAGE 5 SP INK Auc t i on House PAGE 10

KGS Friends...INCORPORATING THE OLD KINGSTONIAN ASSOCIATION

JANUARY 2015, ISSUE 12 www.kgs.org.uk/alumni

KGS Boat Club Celebrates 125 Years!

The Boat Club celebrated its 125th Anniversary in style on Saturday 4th October, following the honour of being granted a row-past at Henley

in July. The home-based celebrations took the form of tours of the Boat House during the afternoon, with refreshments kindly laid on by the Sherriff Club. There was a chance for alumni to admire the

new facilities and talk to the current generation of KGS rowers, and the opportunity for eight of them to take on a quad of their younger couterparts (and even an unsheduled dip in the Thames for a couple of the Old Boys!)(Cont. on page 7)

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Visits to the school Ray Orriss (OK 1953-1961)

On Friday 31st November Ray Orriss visited us from Houston. Ray graduated from Birmingham University in 1964 with an honours degree in Chemical Engineering. He joined an American design, engineering and construction company in their London offi ce and transferred to the Houston headquarters in 1975 with his wife, three children and the dog. Ray became responsible for the company’s worldwide design and implementation of its ethylene technology. He retired in 2011 from his position as VP Downstream Business Unit.

Ahmed Bahroh (OK 1996-1999) On Monday 24th November we had a visit from Ahmed Bahroh. He lives in Kuwait with his wife and two year old daughter, Yasmina, and is working as a family physician.

Andrew DayElected originally in 2010, Andrew Day (OK 1972) has now been re-elected at the local council elections in May 2014. He is the fi rst Conservative councillor

in 30 years in the wards Chessington North and Hook.

He is Chair of the Health Overview Panel, which scrutinises health issues in the Borough, and Vice Chair of the Licensing committee.

We are always delighted to have alumni visit so please do give us a ring if you are in the area!020 8939 8859

KGS Golf Society

New season, new name for Golf Society

KGS golfers have their busiest-ever golfi ng agenda coming up in 2015, playing under their new name, KGS Golf Society. Under Captain for the year Gordon House and Vice-Captain Douglas Crockett, they will stage their usual championship and knock-out events, two scrambles, matches involving other school societies (Tiffs, Surbiton, Hampton, KCS etc.) as well as organising and taking part in the Surrey Schools Societies’ Festival at Clandon Regis.

One of the highlights of the year will be a special afternoon of golf hosted by the School at Hampton Court GC on Wednesday May 6. This builds on last May’s inaugural Past v Present game, just won by the Past, and there will be tee times this year for up to 32 pupils, former pupils, parents and staff to take part.

To receive regular details of the golf events, please register with John Makin - [email protected], telephone: 01372 843 516.

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John ChesworthWe were sorry to hear of the death of John Chesworth (KGS 1938 - 1946). His daughter writes: “while going through his fi les we came accross a photo of him along side other ex-pupils. I know he enjoyed the event and often talked about the School.”

Alumni News

Martin LeachMartin Leach has sadly passed away after many years fi ghting cancer. Martin’s connection to KGS began in the 1980’s, when his second daughter Jo joined the School, and grew to be one of the most enduring relationships with KGS and the Boat Club. When Jo left KGS in 1991, having rowed for Great Britain and been a senior prefect, Martin, with the then Head of Rowing Peter Sheppard, founded the KGS Veterans Boat Club, now a vibrant club of past and present parents and OKs.Martin developed a real passion for the sport as well as for KGS. He would regularly spend hours at the boathouse helping to repair the fl eet and keep the students on the river, and all as a volunteer. Martin also encouraged the “KGS Vets” to help with projects such as building racking, repairing boats and supporting the Sponsored Row. Indeed, in September 2012 Martin was the oldest person to take part in the Sponsored Row, which raised over £68,000. Martin was a good friend of all us in KGSBC and he will be sorely missed. As Colin Greenaway (Head of Rowing 2002 – 2009) put it “Martin was truly one of life’s gentlemen.” Phil Simmons

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Alumni News

Trevor PorterTrevor (Ginger) Porter passed away in June this year. Michael Howard writes: “Ginger was a great chum of mine on the hockey fi eld, at school and particularly with the Old Kingstonians. He was at the school from 1941-1945 and during his time represented England at hockey. Later in life he reached a very senior position in Shell and would be well known to many KGS Friends, especially Don Wilson. Many happy memories with the OK s̀ on and off the fi eld!

Derek JeffreyWe we saddened to hear of the death of Derek Jeffrey. Graham Fitness writes: “While at KGS, Derek was a keen member of the CCF and on leaving the School completed Offi cer training at Sandhurst. He was commissioned into The Royal Corps of Transport. He always led from the front with boundless drive and determination. In 1991, following promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, he was selected to command NATO’s ACE Mobile Force Logistic Support Battalion. Derek retired from the Army in 2006 with the rank of Brigadier. Never one to sit back for long, he became the Chief Executive of a Leisure Centre in his home town. Many of the tributes paid to Derek on Facebook following his passing used the term ‘gentleman’. Never has a truer word been spoken.”

John Griffi thsJohn Griffi ths was a pupil at KGS from 1959 to 1965. He represented the School at hockey and cricket throughout those years and will be remembered by his team mates for his skill and humour.After leaving KGS and graduating, he worked as a school teacher, fi rstly in Hackney, East London and subsequently in Swansea, where he was Head of Faculty. He passed away at the beginning of October this year following a long period of incapacity as a result of a stroke. He leaves his wife Sue and their three grown-up sons.

Michael HaighMichael Haigh, who was at KGS from 1955-1961, passed away on 16th October 2014. Michael had fond memories of the school and thoroughly enjoyed the KGS experience, especially sport, which he continued throughout his life. He played at a high standard of hockey (won County colours), cricket (Captained Cheam CC in the Surrey Championship between 1975 - 1977), and golf. He also became involved with the Surrey County Bowling Association as their President in 2002, Assistant Secretary from 1997 - 2002, and later their Press Offi cer.

Peter RogersMr Peter Alen Rogers, a retired KGS teacher (1975-1994), passed away peacefully on Friday 7th November, 2014 in Eastbourne, East Sussex. Peter was a woodwork teacher and spent most of his time teaching in the Lovekyn Chapel and helping with stage sets.

Eric AdamsWe were sorry to hear of the death of Lt Col Eric Ronald Adams (KGS 1945 - 1952). Eric went on to Sandhurst and served in the regular Army for 25 years. Eric later joined the New Zealand Army, where he served for a further 15 years.

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Molly Hanson’sWest End Debut

Former School Captain Molly Hanson-Akins, who left in 2010, has had her fi rst professional role in Terence Rattigan’s ‘First Episode’ at the Jermyn Street Theatre.

Molly graduated from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School just this summer, and could not have had a more propitious start to her career.

She is the daughter of actor parents Alexander Hanson, best known for his work in West-End musicals, and Samantha Bond, famous as Miss Moneypenny in four Bond fi lms and her parts in, among much else, ‘Downton Abbey’ and ‘Outnumbered’. Using Hanson as her professional surname, Molly performed at the Jermyn Street Theatre in November and had very favourable reviews for bringing ‘irresistible warmth’ and ‘a sense of fun’ to her role.

Jonathan AlexanderFormer School Captain Jonathan Alexander (1992-1999) spoke on Radio 4’s Forethought on Wednesday 29th October. Titling his talk ‘Killing the Consumer’, Jon argued that consumer power has become an idea which is damaging society.

Listen to the full broadcast here - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b010q0n0/broadcasts/2014/10

Iain MandaleIain continues rowing in his last year at Oxford.

In October, Iain raced at the British Senior Rowing Championships, a regatta that attracts the entire Great Britain Team. His Oxford crew won silver medals in open fours, behind Molesey BC but ahead of numerous world champions racing for Leander and other clubs.

On Wednesday 10th December he was stroke for one of the Oxford University Boat Club trial eights (named ‘Per Mare’) in their annual race over the Boat Race course. He was up against Constantine Louloudis stroking the other crew, ‘Per Terram’, and sadly Iain stroked the losing crew, his fi rst loss in three races. It was a very hard fought race in which the result was in doubt until the last few minutes; Iain’s crew eventually lost by two lengths. The crews are named after the motto of the Royal Marines, who celebrate their 350th anniversary in 2015.

Iain will now be hoping to win his Blue in the spring. He also continues to trial for the Great Britain team – the latest round of trials was in late December in Boston.

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CCF Centenary Dinner

Saturday 21st March 2015

Join us from 7.00pm for a drinks reception followed by a dinner.Tours of the School will be available from 6.30pm.

Tickets are £50, to include welcome drinks, dinner, wine and port.Dress Code: mess dress or dinner jackets with decorations.

The list of attendees will be regularly updated on the website at:www.kgs.org.uk/Alumni-Events

Please book your tickets here - kgsintouch.com/events/lists, by Friday 13th February 2015.

New Online Archive!We are proud to announce that the new, fully searchable online archive, though still a work in progress, is now live and open to all to view how far we have come. This huge project, very generously funded by the Old Kingstonian Association, saw the digitisation of all the printed items in the archive, including all the issues of The Kingstonian, Red and Grey, the Annual Register, the Newsletter and more. A huge debt of thanks is owed to the OKA for their fi nancial support and to our archivists, fi rst Marianne Bradnock and more recently Joanne Halford, for all the time and hard work they have put into the project.To view the archive go to http://kgsarchives.sds.websds.net/Default.aspx and for access to the restricted section, which contains admissions registers and staff details, please contact the archivist, Joanne Halford, at [email protected] or 020 8865 0111.

Wartime MemoriesOne of the archivist’s current projects is to gather together recollections and memories of the world wars. If you have any stories or items to contribute, please do contact the archivist (see above).

Forthcoming Events

Class of 1985 -

30 Year Reunion

Saturday 9th May 2015

Elizabeth (Bennell) Dymond is hoping to organise a reunion for the Class of 1985 on Saturday 9th May. Please can members of the year get in touch with Elizabeth ([email protected]) if they are interested in attending and encourage other members to do so and to register with KGS Friends.

We are also looking for an additional rep for this year so please get in touch if you would be happy to take this on!

Finance Careers Dinner

Tuesday 10th Feb 2015

Careers dinner at Brasserie Blanc, Southbank.

KGS Friends is working with the Careers Department to host a dinner for Sixth Form pupils and Alumni who have an interest in fi nance careers. The event will be a great networking opportunity for those in the fi nance industry and will allow pupils to gain a more in-depth understanding of the subject and a chance to talk to Old Kingstonians and professionals working in fi nancial services.

Follow KGS Friends @KGS _ friends

Class of 1989 Reunion

Saturday 25th April 2015

Paul Sharp is hoping to organise a reunion for the Class of 1989 on Saturday 25th April at a venue to be announced. Please can members of the year get in touch with Paul ([email protected]) if they are interested in attending and encourage other members to do so and to register with KGS Friends.

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1970s Decade ReunionSaturday 15th November

The day dawned grey and wet, but inclement weather did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the 1970s generation of OKs, their families and their teachers as, inured to hardship and suffering by their youthful exposure to the three-day week, Vesta beef curry and the Bay City Rollers, some 120 fl ocked back to school – many for the fi rst time in 40 years – to remember the decade that taste forgot at the 1970s reunion. Despite its deprivations, the 1970s was, according to research, when people in this country were at their happiest, and that very much set the mood for the day.At KGS the 1970s was a time of remarkable, deep-rooted change and dramatic development. The decade saw the transition to full independence, the introduction of girls and the fi nal abandonment of the long cherished dream of moving to Ditton Field. It was a great pleasure to see so many of the key fi gures of the decade gathered together, most notably

its two Headmasters: John Strover, who steered the School to independence, and Sidney Miller, who introduced co-education. Diana Hulbert, the fi rst girl prefect, Anita Farrant, and Terhi Manuel-Garner waved the fl ag for the fi rst girls through our doors. It was also the decade of ‘Smike’ and we were delighted that Simon May, its composer, and Mark Dent, the fi rst to play the title role, could both be there. There was a very good turn-out of former staff as well as Simon, with the likes of John Cook (Chair of KGS Friends), Arthur Hammond, Ken Hillary, Mike Turvey, Vaughn Dearling, Bob Dinnage, Tony Kemp, Peter Kennish, Alex Krzyz, Mary Rushforth, Andrew Stafford, Nigel Walkey and Pat Wisbey all contributing to the quality of the experience.Also worthy of mention, for having come the furthest, are Gavin Featherstone, who came all the way from New York, and Stephen Hunt from Spain. Gavin made a point of drawing our attention to the sad news of the

death of Derek Jeffery. Gavin spoke warmly and movingly about Derek, and the assembly observed a minute’s silence in his memory. But this was above all a very happy occasion, with drinks in the Dining Hall, lunch in the Hall, tours of the School, a group photograph, the signing of a birthday card for Tony Prichard, who could not be with us because of ill health, and tea before some groups headed off into Kingston to continue the festivities. Hardly surprisingly, we have heard nothing of how the evening went, but a very big thank you goes to Richard Scott, who not only brought along nearly thirty from his year but also organised a party at the Bishop out of Residence afterwards. The Spring Grove also proved very popular.We would like to thank all those who attended and whose presence made the reunion a very special and very happy occasion, as all seemed to agree. To quote just a couple of them:

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‘All those whom I met spoke of the happy school they were privileged to attend; and my seven years at KGS were among the happiest times of my life.’John Strover (HM, 1970-1977)

‘I was so pleased to see so many of my former classmates from the 1973-80 cohort, and so many masters as well! Thank you all again for a truly wonderful day full of memories and laughter.’ Gary Evans (1973-1980)

Recent Events

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KGS Boat Club Celebrates 125 Years!(cont. from front cover)

The evening was altogether more formal, with dinner in the School Hall, and there was an impressive range of rowing blazers on display alongside the dinner jackets. We were delighted to welcome back 116 former pupils, parents and staff, including all three Davis brothers, Mark, Ian and Brian, whose years at KGS ranged from 1943-1954, along with their contemporary Derek Finlay. Former Heads of Rowing Colin Greenaway and Peter Sheppard were there, as were coaches Andy Stribley and Eira Parry and no end of international stars such as Simon Leifer, Will Perham and James Cracknell. The guest speaker for the evening was Olympic gold medallist Dr Katherine Grainger CBE. Katherine spoke about her incredible Olympic journey, from winning the country’s fi rst women’s medal in Sidney, a silver, to silver in Athens and then again in Beijing, pipped by the Chinese by one second, to the exultation of gold in London. ‘What you do in sport,’ she said, ‘defi nes who you are’ and after London there were many offers but she did not feel ‘fi nished’ with rowing and so took the diffi cult decision to continue. The Times asked why, after four games and the crowning glory of 2012, she should want to add an epilogue, to which she replied quite simply – ‘it’s not an epilogue but a whole new chapter!’The Head Master thanked Ms Grainger for her speech and congratulated the Boat Club on the past 125 years before proposing the toast – to the next 125! It was a splendid occasion, and thanks go to all those, too numerous to mention, who contributed to the success of the evening.

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Recent Events

Class of 2014 One Term On Reunion

On the 22nd December the 2014 cohort met at Rubi London (previously Rubicon Bar) in Surbiton, for their One Term On Reunion. A fantastic turnout of 83 at last count who were joined by 7 members of staff. All were in festive spirits and thoroughly enjoyed a good catch-up over some canapés and drinks laid on by KGS Friends. It was wonderful to see so many of the year group back and a huge thanks must go to the year rep, Emma Hallam, who was a great help in making sure everybody

made it! Rory Dunne said of the evening: “It was a great evening of wine and friendship. It is like nothing has changed.”

On the same evening the birth of a new event, the One Term On Parents Reunion, was a fantastic triumph! With the help of parent reps Jane Fisher-Norton and Anu West, KGS Friends were joined by 24 parents for some drinks and nibbles, at Bosco Lounge in Surbiton. Anu West said: “It is wonderful that KGS Friends has created a community platform for us all to stay in touch. It is lovely to hear how everyone is doing, for many this is the fi rst time the children are away from home so it’s nice to share stories and catch-up.”

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Tim Hirsch Profi le - SPINK MD

1. What do you fondly recall from your time at KGS?I have fond memories of playing Hockey at KGS (and playing for Surrey), and of course the tuck shop and the cage!

2. What was your route after leaving KGS? In 1974 I began my career fi tting exhausts at Blue Star garages in Berrylands; from 1975-1978 I was reading Biochemistry at Bedford College, London; In 1979 I joined Stanley Gibbons as a graduate trainee; 1986 - I was appointed MD of Stanley Gibbons; 1989 - I was headhunted by Christie’s as a Director at King Street; in 1993 Christie’s acquired Spink, and I was appointed MD; 2002 held the buyout of Spink from Christie’s and I became a shareholder and MD of the global auctions and am still here!3. Why do you think it’s worthwhile for Spink to host events like this? During my education at KGS, although there were some career discussions for sixth formers, there were certainly no chances to visit fi rms etc. We felt we would like to

give the opportunity for your pupils to visit Spink to look at career opportunities within our global company. For us, the chance of employing good new young talent within our business is one of our big objectives and that is why we feel it is worthwhile.4. What did you personally gain from the event?A wonderful chance to chat with pupils, parents and alumni and it was pleasing to see that standards have certainly not slipped!5. Do you think it’s good to keep in touch with the School and why?Yes, I think it is good to keep in touch with the school and I have certainly been impressed with the developments since I left KGS, including becoming co-educational.6. Anything else you’d like to add?Just to say we all enjoyed the event, especially our younger staff!

Spink International Auction House“I had just lost a deal worth three million pounds profi t to the company... I just had to get out of the offi ce... I played the worst game of golf of my life... but I returned to the offi ce the next day ready for the next case... I just had to get it out of my system!”These phrases were just a snap shot from the insight into the world of auctioneering that several students, teachers, parents and alumni experienced during their time at Spink Auction House. Personal accounts from the Spink team not only revealed their love and passion for their work but also the unique competitive team spirit of their company.Tim Hirsch, MD and OK, generously allowed KGS members to delve deep into Spink’s vaults in an exclusive event on Thursday 6th November. On arrival, we were struck by the vast range of artefacts, from old bank notes to the gold plate for President Clinton himself. Students and parents alike were able to converse with the Spink specialists, who provided detail not only into daily life at Spink but also their pathway into the industry. Many

of us stared with jaw dropped at the solid mass of gold presented ever so casually by the team members and felt our hearts race when they joked that the person who could guess the price right could keep it. I was out by about £3,000, so the gold, worth £23,000, was sadly returned to the vault. The night was concluded by a guided tour of the facilities, including a private tour of the onsite auction room. Before we knew it the night was going, going, gone!So whether you went to indulge in a secret passion for coins, medals and the vast range of canapés, or to seek information into a potential career, Spink did not fail to deliver. Once again, KGS Careers managed to prove their ability to provide students and alumni with a diverse range of opportunities to explore their future.Georgia Jones, U6

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The KGS Friends Quiz was another very successful and enjoyable occasion, with 11 teams eagerly fi ghting it out for the top prizes and the honour of being champions. We were fortunate in securing the services of last year’s Captain of School, Josh Selimi, as one of the question-masters, along with this year’s Captain, Lewis Wales, and one of his deputies, Lydia Cozens. Never one to be left out if he can possibly avoid it, Nick Bond chipped in too.It was a memorable occasion and great fun. There was a very pleasing mix of current and past parents taking part as well as alumni. The KGS Friends committee table came last, as is only right and proper, pushing Gopal Srinivasan’s team off their accustomed bottom rung and into second-last position – a personal triumph for them. It was a very close tussle at the other end of the scale, the winners were the Bayliss team. Congratulations to them and we hope they enjoyed their sparkling prizes.Huge thanks go to the question-masters/mistress, who were superb, and also to the caterers for another top curry, to Anne Lewis-Lloyd for all her help, especially with the bar, and to Carole Baker for once again masterminding the whole thing. Thank you, too, to everyone for coming. See you next year!

KGS Friends QuizSaturday 11th October

Recent Events

Class of 2004 ReunionWe were delighted to welcome back the class of 2004 for their Ten Year Reunion in November, with the novel idea of (a champagne) afternoon tea rather than the more traditional lunch or evening drinks. There were little triangular sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, lots of cakes (not that anyone was in the mood for much food, oddly enough) and lashings of fi zz to help it down. This was followed by a tour of the School then off to the pub to see where the evening took us…Our thanks to Persia Lawson for organising. Here is her view of how it all went: “It was so great to see old faces at the 2004 reunion. So many memories came fl ooding back, and we all had such a laugh as we reminisced about James Ancell nearly setting Mr Sorley on fi re in one of the Chemistry labs. [see picture!] So glad we did this – who knows where we’ll all be in the next ten years.”Phil Brunetti added: “Great to see how impressively the School has developed over the past 10 years, and even more importantly that it hadn’t lost the feeling that made my time there such a memorable one. A brilliant night catching up with old faces and reacquainting myself with Mr Sorley’s unique brand of incomparable banter. See you all in another 10! Big high fi ves to the organising team!”

Class of 1992 Reunion‘Fair, fi t and forty’ wrote Sir Walter Scott (actually he didn’t write ‘fi t’) and to celebrate the fact that they were all three, the class of 1992 [right] met in the Bishop (formerly the Bishop out of Residence) on Saturday 27th September. The turn-out may have been a little smaller than anticipated, with illness, baby-sitting crises, fl ying back from Turkey and living in Manchester preventing some from making it, but those who did showed tremendous determination in tackling the drinks KGS Friends had laid on for twice their number. It was certainly a very convivial evening that went on late into the night (there really was quite a lot to get through) and it was a great pleasure to catch up with this cohort, some of whom we hadn’t seen for years. Thanks to Sam Grey, year rep, for organising it, and to former Head Girl Olivia Munn (nee Foa) for agreeing to share the burden of the role with him from now on. Here’s to the next time!

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Tom Daley Visits KGSWe were delighted when Tom Daley paid a visit on 8th December to say hello and have a chat with some of the School’s aspiring sportsmen and women.Tom impressed everyone with his charm, friendliness and approachability, posing for photos, signing autographs and answering questions about his life and his amazing sporting career. Topics for discussion raised by the pupils lucky enough to meet Tom ranged from nutrition (he loves food, will make a whole batch of brownie mix but eat nearly all of it before it gets anywhere near the oven), injuries (you name it, he’s injured it), training (lots of fi tness, core stability, strength and conditioning, but also gymnastics and even ballet), motivation (he remembers why he’s doing it – because he loves it), handling fear and nerves (the adrenaline rush is part of why he loves it) and the most important lesson of all: never quit, try and try again and don’t worry about what others say or do, just do what you love!

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International HonoursCongratulations to the magnifi cent seven KGS pupils who have caught the selectors’ eyes in their various sports.In hockey, fi ve players have been selected for England squads: Ronan Harvey-Kelly, Zach Wallace, Owen Williamson and Ellie de Heer at U16 level, and Holly Brown at U18. They attended a further assessment weekend at Lilleshall in November and were successful.Meanwhile, fourth-form cricketer Eva Gray will be joining the England Women’s Development Programme at U15 level. The programme is predominantly based at the National Cricket Performance Centre (NCPC), Loughborough, and is delivered by high quality coaches and sport science and medicine specialists, led by Caroline Foster as Head Coach. The aim of the programme is to develop the skills, characteristics and behaviours associated

with world’s best cricketers to ensure England continue to win key series and ICC global events. With Anthony Anderson, who has been selected for the Great Britain Olympic Development Squad in cycling and a number of rowers having reached the fi rst stage of GB selection, the School’s future as a sporting power-house punching well above its weight in international representation looks assured. Our congratulations and best wishes to all of them! Senior Play: ‘Blue

Stockings’Set in Cambridge in 1896, ‘Blue Stockings’ explores the experience of the university’s fi rst female undergraduates. Though the subject matter is certainly not lightweight, the Senior Play proved an extremely entertaining evening out, providing comedy and heart as well as a reminder of the struggles faced by the educational pioneers to whom we owe so much.The play revolves around four ‘Girton girls’ (Laura Marcus, Milly Stell, Maya Yousif and Charlotte Samady) and the

hostility and prejudice they must face. The supporting cast showcased a range of talents, with particular highlights including Fergus Ainsworth as a brilliantly pompous lecturer, Lara Horin’s comic relief as a strict but knowing chaperone, and Sam Kan as a gentle tutor willing to sacrifi ce career advancement for the sake of his convictions. Lydia Cozens was the lynchpin of the ‘degrees for women’ narrative, with Peter Alvey playing her staunchest opponent and relishing his role as the true ‘baddie’ of the drama.

In summary, ‘Blue Stockings’ was a skilfully acted and superbly produced piece of drama, showcasing the wide range of talents we are lucky to have here at KGS, and our thanks and congratulations go to Miss Boulton, the director, her excellent cast and the fantastic crew behind the set, lighting, sound, props and costumes.

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