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OPM Notes 52Profiles & UpdatesClass of ‘89 Reunion 62Andy WoodwardOPM Notes 68Profiles & Updates OPM Lodge Report 78Steve WelshSt Dunstan’s Notes 80Evening Herald In Memoriam 86ObituariesOPM Golf 95Ray RoachOPM Cricket 96Chris VinsonOPM Hockey 100Jason Sweby Rugby Chairman’s Report 104Mark TurnerOPM 1st XV 108Steve ColeOPM Jesters 110Matt PriceOPM Minis 112Jenny Trinder

Chairman 2Dr Penny AtkinsonPresident 4John HermanSecretary 6Bob AnstisHouse Report 8Ash Brown Williams Alumni Office 10James Friendship/Jazmin BuxtonSenior Dine-in 12Pictures and attendeesGala Dinner 14Pictures and attendeesTreasurer’s Report 20Pete WebbJonathan Standen 24The new HeadmasterSchool History Part II 26Chris Robinson Eden Philpotts 30Our most famous OPM?Headmaster’s Address 34 Dr Simon WormleightonWeddings 44Roper, Jonas, Colgate, Evans/Bettison

Published by the OPM Club, Ford Park, Plymouth PL4 6RN Layout and Design Pen & Ink Publishing

Printed by Latimer Trend, EstoverSome text and photographs appear courtesy of the Herald

CONTENTS

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CHAIRMANDr. Penny Atkinson

Welcome to the OPM Magazine. I hope that a significant number of you are now receiving the OPM emails about events at the Club. We have a fantastic partnership with the Foundation Office at the school now, who have taken on much of our administration, and I would like to thank them for all their hard work in maintaining the database and helping us communicate with you in a timely fashion.

The Foundation Office have also taken on the day to day running of a number of our events, including the Burns’ Supper, Spring Senior Dine In and the Cricket Lunch. In December we decided to have a Christmas Senior Lunch, and instead of the Autumn Annual Dinner the Foundation Office organized the inaugural Gala Ball. For those that were not able to attend, this was a superb event held at the School and next year’s looks exciting too. For many years the London Committee have worked very hard to arrange the London Section dinner, but with a number of their members retiring from Committee duties this year we are taking on the responsibility for this in 2015. A new venue is planned but it will still be full of nostalgia and a chance to catch up with old friends so if you are in the London area (or fancy a weekend away) please contact Jazmin in the Foundation Office for tickets.

The OPM Suite continues to evolve, and we recently subscribed to BT Sport

to enable Premiership Rugby to be shown in the Club, and so far this year the 6 Nations Rugby has also proved popular. We invited Upper Sixth Formers to the Suite as well and hope that when they become OPMs they will also come back and use the facility as a meeting point for friends. The Suite is a fantastic facility for social events and private hire for members as well.

One of our aims for the coming year is to give bona fide OPMs more benefits of membership. Details are yet to be finalised but we are also working with the School to revamp the Headmaster’s Scheme so that all alumni become life members.

I am also delighted that the new School Website has been launched and we now have our own section with news and events. This will now evolve and be a better way of keeping you updated in the future.

ONE OF OUR AIMS FOR THE COMING YEAR IS TO GIVE BONA FIDE OPMS MORE

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP~~~~~~~~~~~

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My first year as President has seen a number of changes in the formation and structure of the OPM Club, none of which have had visible consequences.Firstly, much to the relief of the old Trustee Committee, the Club and its associated organisations has now been placed under the umbrella of a limited company. I feel the Club and its membership are very indebted to the hard work undertaken by Pete Webb, our Hon. Treasurer, ably assisted by Nigel Lyons, over these changes.

Secondly, the other subtle change has been the decision to make all School leavers alumni from the day they enter the 6th form, thus enabling them to use the Club’s facilities before leaving school in an effort to smooth the transition.This Club is run by a very small number of regularly attending Committee members, ably chaired by Dr Penny Atkinson. The membership as a whole must be very indebted to them for their continued behind the scenes activity.With less and less alumni returning to Plymouth after University, the Club is inevitably going to struggle to recruit members for the Committee and attendees for social events. It is vitally important therefore that the OPMs use the facilities even if they only come to Plymouth once a year.Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow Trustees who have kept a watching brief over the Club’s activities over the years.

Certainly during my term as Chairman of Trustees there have been very few absentees for our bi-annual committee meetings. I thank you all for your support.You will see elsewhere in the Magazine the successes of the various organisations, especially on the games side. You will also see that our alma mater continues to go from strength to strength.

Having recently retired I have been attempting to sort my filing system, which has been left unattended for many years. One of the items I have come across is a booklet “Plymouth College An Historical Sketch” by Charles Robert Serpell. In it there is a note on the fees. For the year I joined, 1959, the Main School tuition fees were £66 per annum! The Boarding fees for the Main School were

PRESIDENTJohn Herman

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£132 per annum totalling £198 per annum. Dinner fees for the Preparatory School were 1s 9d per meal, equivalent to approximately 8p, whilst the Main School was considerably less at 1s per meal, 5p in modern money. Reading that I suddenly felt very old!I would like to quote from this

historical sketch; “Whether he remain in his home City or be transplanted, he will have cause cheerfully to remember many school-fellows, who, some without name but some with fame, cherish and honour their memories both of Plymouth College and of Plymouth”. I wish you all a good 2015.

“Whether he remain in his home orbe transplanted, he will have cause to remember

many school-fellows...”~~~~~~~~~~~

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HON. SECRETARYBob Anstis

This past year has been in many ways our most important year since the opening of the Clubroom. We have at long last, with the help of the Alumni Office, completed our first full year where we have been able to communicate with the membership quickly and economically. We have moved away from pen, paper and stamp and moved to digital contact. This has for some of us been a problem but the savings in time and money have more than justified the decisions taken to embrace a largely paperless means of contact unless it has been something very specific.You will read in here Peter Webb’s report the impact that this has had on the Club’s finances and you will be impressed by the differences made.This has been in no small way due to the Alumni Office who encouraged the Club Officers to take on board

a number of recommendations that have seen large savings for the Club covering both the Magazine and the twice yearly mail shoots to Members as well as helping the organisers of events to reach a greater number of you or to target specific groups. The next initiative was to ensure that the OPM Club website became fully operational. This was imminent at the time of writing and should now provide you with the means of contacting one another and updating your profile.The past year has also seen the OPM Club become the OPM Club Limited with a number of the Club officers and Trustees becoming directors of OPM Club Ltd. This move has been made to protect individual members and officers from possible litigation in the event of unforeseen accidents.

The Clubroom has enjoyed a year of activities organised on behalf of individual members, sports sections and the Alumni Office. It is important that we maintain these social and sporting events since they are why the Club exists and suggestions are always welcome about anything that you feel will enhance what we have to offer. For example we now subscribe to a BT Sports package for the screening of major sporting events.

This year saw the revival the Annual Dinner, albeit under the Alumni umbrella, in November which was an outstanding success. and the addition of a Christmas lunch for senior OPMs to the events calendar.

At this point we must thank Ashleigh Brown-Williams for his hard work behind the bar and helping to coordinate events. He deserves all the support you can give him.

Once again may I thank and congratulate on the behalf of the OPM Club the officers, players and supporters of the sports sections.OPM RFC, which now like the Club is incorporated, again finished the season in the Cornwall and Devon league on a high, with representation in both the Devon under 20s and the Devon Beaumont Cup squad. Facilities at Elburton have been considerably improved and the youth section thrives.OPM Hockey increased player numbers once again but have yet to see the full benefits of this.Cricket Week, along with its attendant beer and cider festival, was thoroughly

enjoyed by all who participated or watched and benefitted from good weather on most days and produced, with their opponents help much enjoyable cricket.OPM Golf on the other hand suffered badly at the hands of the weather and but they “plugged” away as golfers always seem to do.

What of the future? What are our objectives for the next few years? Firstly we must improve use of the Clubroom by you the members. The Alumni Office will be working to fully integrate the St. Dunstan’s former pupils into the Club. It is the Committee’s intention to assist in this process as much as we are able and to review and simplify the current types of membership. This will not be easy to achieve but will, I believe, be of benefit to the Club. Finally may I thank on your behalf the club officers and the sports sections for their support during the year with an assurance that we will continue to work hard to ensure the good name of the OPM Club near and afar.

R E P O R T S .................................

“We have at long last... completed our first fullyear where we have been able to communicatequickly and economically with membership”.

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SOCIAL SECRETARYAsh Brown-Willams

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Another year has passed at the OPM suite and not much has changed.The main area has been redecorated and very smart it looks too!BT sports channels have been added to the big screen TV offering premiership rugby and football on nights the main room is free from meetings etc.There has been no change to drink prices for a couple of years, however this April will see a small rise. Alcohol prices were not affected in the budget but the brewery has increased theirs! It will be minimal and we will still be competitive with most other establishments. We now offer some new products such as Korev, Cornish lager, which replaces Export. I removed the unpopular John Smith’s bitter, replacing it with Ansell’s cream flow and adding a rare beast – Ansell’s mild. We also now offer a range of quality wines running alongside

our usual quaffable house wines. As well as the usual named brand spirits we also offer a good range of house spirits. This coupled with our ale pump means we have offered 140 different brands since its installation, so I feel we offer something for everyone. We even do coffee, with a free biscuit!Recently it was agreed to allow the senior sixth form students entry, offering them a controlled environment for them to socialize, mix and experience OPM life. It is very early days but must surely be a positive move for future involvement for all concerned.Rugby and hockey continue to keep me busy through their respective seasons with a multitude of socials which often put my port stock under pressure!The senior dine-ins continue with good food, good beer and excellent company. Numbers have dwindled recently, though, so your support is always needed. Please do let us know if you are not being contacted or your details are outdated.This year we added the Gala Dinner, a huge event that went very well considering it was our first, and it will get better with practise.One area I am most interested in is what you want at the clubhouse. What can we offer you? This is YOUR bar, so any suggestions are always appreciated. Please do pop in and see us. You are always most welcome.

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~~~~~~~~~~~“Recently it was agreed to allow sixth form students entry, offering them a controlled

environment for them to socialize, mix and experience OPM life”.

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The OPM Magazine is an exciting time for the Foundation Office, lots of envelopes to stuff, but but also an opportunity to reflect on an exciting year of developments.

The highest-profile of these are, of course, the Gala Dinner and the Summer Annual Fund Telethon. The Gala Dinner was very well supported with over 130 people attending, we even had a waiting list. The food provided by the school kitchens was amazing and the band, Limited Edition, kept everyone entertained until the small hours of the following morning. Devon Life picked up on the event so many OPMs found their way into the social section of the magazine. A huge thank you must go to Ocean BMW for sponsoring the event. This year’s Gala Dinner will be even bigger and is being held on 31 October. Tickets will go on sale shortly!

The school has been taken aback by the massive generosity of parents and OPMs. The Annual Fund telethon raised £81,000 towards bursaries, scholarships and other important school projects. The Annual Fund provides the Foundation Office with an opportunity to contact OPMs and to inform them in person about school news and OPM Club events. We greatly enjoyed speaking to you all and we look forward to catching up again this year.

ALUMNI OFFICEJames Friendship & Jazmin Buxton

A major development this year is the inclusion of all the Upper Sixth Form students as members of the club. We have held one event so far in conjunction with OPM Rugby to watch the momentous England vs Wales match, as part of this year’s Six Nations Championship. It is hoped that the inclusion of students as members of the OPM Club will provide them with a safe and welcoming environment whilst introducing younger members into the sporting and social networks. We have had a good deal of success finding lost alumni with a further 1200 OPMs tracked down. Please don’t forget to let us know if you move or your details have changed at alumni@plymouthcollege.com. There are just over 8000 alumni out there in the world and we have so far found nearly 5000, please nudge any OPMs you know to get back in touch!

The OPM Club now have their own website as part of the newly designed Plymouth College site. You can keep track of and even book tickets to events, sign-up to newsletters, update your details, keep up-to-date on sports fixtures and results and even take a look at the archive of the past Plymothians and OPM Magazines.We look forward to catching up with as many of you as possible thought-out the year.

“There are just over 8,000 alumni out there in the world and we have so far found

nearly 5,000...”~~~~~~~~~~~

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E V E N T S ............................

SENIOR DINNER The OPM Suite

The Spring 2014 Senior Dine in was a great success with goodly number of past staff as well as past pupils. Attendees were:

Roger Elliot, Geoff Martin (43), Raymond Pashley (50), Richard Pengelly (43), Alan Scott (43), Colin Squance (51), Mike Turpitt (54), David Warne (50), Noel Blackler (52), Willoughby Cocks (64), Paul Evans, Charmian Evans, Bernard Fowler (53), Rosemary Fowler, Colin May (53), Chris Uren (52), Robert Anstis (63), James Friendship (92), Ed Keast (62), NJ Lethbridge (62), Peter Lowson (67), Nick Partridge (63), Tom Waldock (52),

Mike Woodrow (73), John Herman (66), Mike Hockin (60), Nick Holman (73), Rob Lang (70), Rodger Reid (67), Chris Robinson (72), Peter Webb (77), John Williams (68), Julian Bacon (79), Hugh Davies (83), Gillian Fawcett (79), Ian Johnson (79), Nigel Lyons (82), Adrian Rundle (77), Max Strelling (79), Keith Waters (79), Penelope Atkinson (90), Jazmin Buxton (07), Peter Heath (59), Phil Mutlow, Pat Newnham (60), Peter Organ (59), Peter Rutherford (61), John Stevens (55), Owen Walters (58), Mike Cox (62), Bob Foulkes (62),Roger Hind (62), Doug Martin, Mike Parker, Ray Roach (61), Graham Rutherford (54), Roger Shaw (54).

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GALA DINNER The Meade-King Hall

Undoubtedly the biggest OPM event since the Centenary Dinner nearly 20 years ago, the Gala Dinner in November was a great success. The Meade-King hall was completely transformed for the occasion and the atmosphere throughout was most genial. A charity auction, MC’d by Jon Rudd, and a fine live band brought a welcome variety to the proceedings and all those in attendance had the chance to hear the new Headmaster, Jonathan Standen, introduce himself to an OPM audience.

With one or two OPMs travelling from the other side of the world to be there, and with some whose time at the school started in the 1930s, it was a truly global and cross generational event – between them the assembled ranks must have known at least nine previous heads. The odd hiccough was to be expected when arranging an event on this scale for the first time, but the catering, the management and the running of the event was a credit to James Friendship, Jazmine Buxton and their team in the Alumni Office. Bring on the next one!

E V E N T S ............................

Attendees by table

1Maggi Handcock, Alan Harris (72), Mo Joce, Bill Joce (72), Ian Penrose (72), Chris

Robinson (72), Clare Robinson, Susie Smith, Jonathan Standen (the new Headmaster), Cathy Taylor

2Paul (Tam) Carson (65), Sue Carson, Hugh Davies (83), Linda Davies, Paddy Marsh

(73), Adrian Northey (83), Dr Julian Stander (83)3

Jazmin Buxton (07), Nick Hale (67), John Herman (66), Liz Herman, Carol Love, Phil Love (73), Nigel Lyons (82), Paula Lyons, Amanda Woodrow, Michael Woodrow (66)

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4Jenny Anstis, Bob Anstis, Dr Penelope Atkinson (90), Richard Atkinson, George Bond, Imogen Bond, Alison Charlesworth, Tim Charlesworth, Claire Mildren, Julian Mildren

5Stan Cinnamond, Rosey Davies, Sarah Dunn, Kerry Etherton, Roger Etherton, James

Friendship (92), Karen Friendship (92),Teresa Normington, John Rudd, Kealey Sherwood

6Bob Foulkes (62), Colin May (53), Yvonne Pashley, Ray Pashley (50), Richard Pengelly

(43), Alan Scott (43), Vivian Scott, Roger Shaw (54), Colin Squance (51)

7Jay Foster (78), Lula Lang, Rob Lang (70), Nick Roper (78)

8Peter Blake (85), Sarah Blake, Lyndsey Dodd, Nick Dodd, Richard Harris (66), Sarah

Harris, JJ Wilcocks, Kiki Wilcocks,Andrew Willoughby, Helen Willoughby

9David Clemas (64), Rosemary Clemas, Paul Drinkwater (63),

John Eaton (64), David Hobbs (64), Jan Hobbs, Lloyd Pickwell (64), Dudley Tolkien (64), Captain David Wines (64)

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10David Hardy (66), Tony Joyce (Headmaster 1983-92), Joan Langly, Mike

Parker (former master), Sheila Parker, John Perry (62), Monica Waldock, Tom Waldock (former master)

11Hazel Butland, Nicholas Butland (73), Christien Cocks, Willoughby Cocks (64),

Anthony Lambert (79), Chris Morton (77), Jacqueline Morton, Lorna Stevenson (79), David Woodgate (76)

12Robert Cowsill (04), Laura Dale (04), Andrew Elton (04),

Christian Hockin (04), Karla Luff (04), Tom Luff, Nicholas Middleton (04), Eleanor Pallot (04), Ben Palmer (04), Gemma Ryeland, Mark Treagust (04),

Phil Wass (04), Yuma Yamamoto (04)

13Ben Fish, Rebecca Fish, Mike Fisher, Dan Lampard, Samantha

Lampard, Kevin O’Connor, Lauren Parker-Smith, James Sutherland (97), Nicole Sutherland, Sarah Taylor.

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This year I have had to split the accounts into two parts being the period from 1 September to 31 December 2014 at which point we incorporated as the limited company and so the second part of the year is under the new structure.

You will therefore see two sets of accounts in my report this year. The first set is in the format used in previous years to simplify matters and I will base my comments on these simplified statements. However, you will also see the limited company accounts drawn up under the Companies Act 2006 which are prepared in order to fulfil our statutory obligations.

I am delighted to report a much improved picture this year with an overall surplus arising of £6,540 before tax compared with a deficit in 2013 of £6,996.

Total income remained relatively level increasing by just over £1,000 to £25,422. I am especially pleased to report the increase in social event profits where, this year, we made a surplus of £1,384 compared with a deficit in 2013 of £220. Subscriptions also increased by almost £1,000 but rental income from our Saltash property fell by over £1,200 and we have had to negotiate a slightly lower

INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

Peter Webb

rent in order to assist our tenant. The committee feel that it is important that we maintain a tenancy rather than insisting on the full lease rental.

Our greatest improvement has been in cost savings where total costs for the year have been reduced from £31,139 to £18,882. The main reasons for this reduction have been the electronic publication of the magazine which has saved over £7,000 in printing and postage costs and a lesser contribution, in this period, to the alumni office.

The OPM suite continues to run at a deficit but, hopefully, with more social events such as the recent, successful gala dinner we will see a gradual improvement.

Overall, as I mentioned above, we made a surplus for the year of £6,540 before taxation. There is a tax liability this year of £2,807 arising on interest and rental income but even so, we have still realised an overall surplus of £3,733 for the year as against a deficit in 2013 of £10,050.

The balance sheet shows the financial position of the club at 31 August and I am pleased to report that this remained healthy with over £125,000 in the bank.

HONORARY TREASURERYear Ended 31 Aug 2014

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31 AUGUST 2014

OPM CLUBBalance Sheet

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R E P O R T S .................................OPM CLUB OPM CLUB

Balance Sheet Balance Sheet

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JONATHAN STANDENNew Horizons for Plymouth College

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As you read this Plymouth College is starting a new phase in its history under only its sixteenth headmaster since 1877. Jonathan Standen is a 48-year-old graduate of Nottingham University who enjoyed two spells as a deputy head before becoming Headmaster of the Independent State Grammar School – the Crypt School – in Gloucester, in 2007.With an impressive track record at all of the academic institutions he’s been involved with, Jonathan says he’s looking forward to his move into the Independent sector and can’t wait to start work at Ford Park. The following is taken from an interview that first appeared in the April 2015 edition of Devon Life.

How would you describe yourself?I like to think I am a pretty normal, hardworking, person. I’m friendly and approachable and combine this in my professional life with a passion for driving my school hard so that it ensures its students achieve the very best they are capable of in all aspects of school life, not simply exams.

Do you have a partner/children and/or any pets?Suzie, my partner, is an accountant. Between us we have three children, one of whom started at Plymouth College in September and is loving the school. We have a chocolate Labrador, Dottie by name and nature, and a cat called Oz.

What are you most looking forward to about living in Devon?I think the best thing about coming to live in Devon is the diversity: you have cities, the sea and Dartmoor. In Plymouth you have all the advantages of living in a city, and yet within a few minutes you can get out into the countryside and enjoy active pursuits like golfing or walking on Dartmoor.

Why did you go into teaching?I loved studying history at school and university. When I left university I spent a few years in the civil service, before deciding that I wanted to share that passion for history with others. I still teach a little today, it’s really important for a headmaster to stay connected with the grass roots. Young people are such good fun to work with, it makes the job enjoyable.

What motivated you to move from a grammar school to an independent school?I’ve been a grammar school headmaster for eight years and in that time seen my school improve so that it is now rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.Suzie and I felt it was time for a new challenge, and the move to the independent sector is very much a promotion. I am looking forward to the freedom from many government initiatives that the independent sector enjoys. Some initiatives are great, but

increasingly too many represent the whim of an individual minister, rather than being about what is actually good for education.Finally financial resources in the state sector are now so tight it is increasingly difficult to prioritise extra-curricular enrichment opportunities that are so vital to helping young people develop a rounded personality. When Ofsted inspect, they concentrate on academic standards which is, of course, important. But there is so much more to education and this is where the independent sector trumps even the best grammar schools.

What makes Plymouth College special?Lots of things, but if I were to pick the one which stands out, then for me it is the people who work there and, of course the students. They are wonderful. It is such a friendly and welcoming place, which means that students enjoy their education.

What’s your vision for Plymouth College?Plymouth College has to be the friendliest and most welcoming school in the

country. The ethos that everyone will succeed is at the heart of what we are about.

What is your typical working week?That is a hard question, as it’s often the case that the current week in the life of a headmaster is very different to the previous week. That is one of the attractions of the job. It involves long hours, that’s for certain, and they don’t stop when the bell goes on a Friday either, with Saturday sports fixtures and other responsibilities.

What are your interests outside of school?I like to read. In term time the sort of books I read are ordinary bestsellers, they help me to relax in the evenings. Walking Dottie is a priority, as is ensuring I spent time with Suzie and the family. I play golf and before I became a headmaster I was reasonably good, playing off single fixtures but I find it hard these days to play regularly enough. I also like cycling.

S C H O O L .................................

New Headmaster Jonathan Standen with Chairman of Governors Chris Robinson

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TOP: Mrs W Cocks, Quentin Spear, Willoughby Cocks, Mike Turpitt, Dr Simon Wormleighton, John RayBOTTOM: Giles Herman, Jacob Herman, John Herman

It is ten years since the first part of the school’s history Plymouth College – The First Hundred Years appeared and now after quietly ferreting material away and collecting magazines, images and other printed ephemera, work has begun on part two.The first volume covered the foundation of both Plymouth College (1877) and Mannamead School (1854) and so concluded around 1954 – although it did just creep into 1955 as it was in February of that year that the relatively newly appointed Francis Lockwood died after just over a year in post – he was 47-years-old.So it is that the second instalment will start at the very dawn of Martin Meade-King’s tenure as Headmaster of Plymouth College as he it was who the governors appointed to succeed Lockwood. Although a few years younger, Meade-King had actually applied for the job at the same time as Lockwood and oddly enough, initially, neither of them were offered the post. The governors opting for a man Meade-King would later describe as being ‘hopeless.’ Happily for the school the individual in question declined the offer and the rest, as they say, is history, or at least about to be.To that end we’re after any material that you may have relating to Plymouth College from 1955 onwards. The recent years have been well served by the school’s excellent year book, an impressive publication packed full of photographs and information together

1914 SCHOOL AT WAR

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CHRIS ROBINSONPlymouth College History Part 2..........................................................................................................

1966 School Sports Day at the Brickfields: Chris Brant and Stewart Daniel lead the field.

S C H O O L...................................

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providing a thorough review of the previous year. However, the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s have not been half so well-served, the termly Plymothian being particularly light on imagery apart from the odd lino cut, poster paint artwork and picture of the 1st XV or 1st XI. Hence the appeal for personal photographs, pictures that perhaps convey something of the period. It could be a snapshot taken at Sports Day, something from the Christmas Entertainment, a rare photograph from inside the classroom, or at annual Camp, or whatever.In this digital age of i-Phones, go-pros and whatever nexts, it seems that we are awash with information and images, but wind the clock back a bit and film was, by comparison, not only expensive, but a bit of a faff and a fiddle. Lacking immediacy it could be months between taking a photograph and seeing it in print – and if it was no good you were stuffed as the moment had long since passed. Then the Polaroid camera came out, but there was a quality control issue with it initially ... and it also tended to be even more expensive than 35mm or the cassette

rolls that followed with their little blue flash cubes.So if you are sitting on a personal picture or two that you think might be of interest, please let us know, and perhaps scan and email them or send in the traditional manner via the post. All items will be returned.It would also be good to hear any anecdotes or memories that you have of your time at Ford Park, the trips you went on or of the staff who taught you there. Why not take the chance to be part of your own school history right now? After all, it’s an opportunity that tends not to come around more than once in a lifetime! Email: chris.robinson@blueyonder.co.uk or send to: Chris Robinson, 28 Lockington Avenue, Hartley, Plymouth PL3 5QS (01752 705337 for any queries)

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~~~~~~~~~~~“Why not take the chance

to be part of your own school’s history right now?”

Left: From the School’s Centenary Scrapbook – masters taking part in the staff’s lighthearted Glass, Crackery Ware & Chiny entertainment. Left to right Dennis Collinson, Tony Greaves, Clive Jenkins, Mark Pitter, and Doug Martin.

Plymouth College Expedition to Newfoundland 1977 (the trip was supposed to be a canoeing journey around Lake Titicaca but the funding wasn’t quite there so the group evidently ended up having to masquerade as boy scouts and spend four weeks in Newfoundland instead)Back row: Steve Ferns, Chris Savery, John Harland, Richard Hudson (who had already left school and was working on a building site), Matt Robinson, Chris Horswell, Phil Avery and Julian Eason. Front: Nick Roper, Brian Sheen, David Compton, J Tucker, Ross Willcox.

The un-named Ist XV from 1958 – can anyone tell us who’s who?

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S C H O O L .................................EDEN PHILPOTTS

Now there’s a thought, who would you say is our most famous OPM? Here John Nicholas, who left the school in 1958, makes the case for Eden Philpotts being the most famous OPM of all time. ‘We need someone like him at the ‘top of the list’, ahead of the ‘boys who came third in the long-jump’ etc,’ says John – now what do you think?

Eden Phillpotts (born 4 November 1862) was an English author, novelist, poet and dramatist. Born in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, British India; the son of an army officer, educated at Mannamead School (later Plymouth College). He died on December 29th 1960, in Broadclyst, Devon.He worked first as an insurance officer for the Sun Fire Insurance Company in London for 10 years, before studying for the stage and,

after deciding he had no ability for it, eventually becoming a writer. He was the prolific author of over 250 novels, plays and poems, mostly about Dartmoor. His first work – ‘The End of a Life’ was published in 1891. He was an agnostic and a supporter of the Rationalist Press Association.

His Dartmoor cycle of 18 novels and two volumes of short stories still has many avid readers despite the fact that many titles are out of print; writing as he did, about the landscape and its inhabitants with immense love, understanding and respect. He was a keen field naturalist and took careful notes of anything that he found interesting, and his writing is notable for his sharp eye and fine attention to natural detail.

“PEOPLE SENSIBLE ENOUGHTO GIVE GOOD ADVICEARE USUALLY SENSIBLE

ENOUGH TO GIVE NONE”~~~~~~~~~~~

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Our Most Famous OPM?...................................................................................

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Perhaps Phillpotts was to Dartmoor as Hardy was to Dorset; he was also a contemporary of Rudyard Kipling and Oscar Wilde. He was, for many years, President of the Dartmoor Preservation Association and cared passionately about its conservation. Later, he also co-wrote two plays with his daughter Mary Adelaide Phillpotts (1896 – 1996). He also wrote mystery and detective novels under the nom de plume of Harrington Hext, which included The Thing at Their Heels, The Red Redmaynes, The Monster, The Clue from the Stars, and The Captain’s Curio.

One of his novels, Widecombe Fair, inspired by an annual fair at the village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor, provided the scenario for his comic play The Farmer’s Wife produced in

1916. It went on to become a silent movie of the same name, directed by Alfred Hitchcock and filmed in 1927. The cast included Jameson Thomas, Lillian Hall-Davis, Gordon Harker and Gibb McLaughlin. Another of his novels ‘The American Prisoner’ published in 1904, was turned into a film in 1929 and starred Carl Brisson, Madeleine Carroll and Cecil Barry.

Phillpotts was a friend of Agatha Christie, who was an admirer of his work and a regular visitor to his home - (She wrote his obituary in the Sunday Times in 1960). Jorge Luis Borges was another admirer. Borges mentioned him numerous times and wrote at least two reviews of his novels, and included him in his “Personal Library”, a collection of works selected to reflect his personal literary preferences.

In Plymouth College – The First Hundred Years there is section devoted to Philpotts’ writing primarily for the supposed insight his fictional accounts might give us into life at Mannamead School under its first headmaster, the Reverend Peter Holmes, as John says they stories are ‘in the same genre as Rudyard Kipling’s Stalky & Co.. though in different mood and style.’ Although John is sceptical about their relevance today, these stories undoubtedly provide a fascinating first hand account of what the school might have been like 130-odd years ago. The first, the Human Boy, was published in 1896:

‘The Human Boy chronicles the school-life at Merivale (Mannamead?) School through the eyes of various pupils and it was one of five that Phillpotts wrote about boyhood (there was also The Human Boy Again, 1908, From the Angle of Seventeen, 1912, The Human Boy and the War, 1916, and The Human Boy’s Diary, 1924).The description of Merivale’s headmaster Doctor Dunston fits Holmes rather well, in as much as he is described as a “Rev and a DD” and “sixty-two years of age”, which is the age that Holmes was when he died, in harness, around the time that Phillpotts left the school. By making him that age the writer not only keeps his memories intact but also confers some kind of immortality upon the man, a man that Phillpotts clearly had happy memories of … despite his “solemn nature”. The fact that the school is referred to

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as Merivale one minute and Dunston’s the next, also tends to suggest a strong link here between fact and fiction. There can be little doubt that, as its head since its foundation twenty years earlier, the school would have been popularly known as Holmes’s School and/or Mannamead School during Phillpotts’ time. As for the rest of the staff, there is Mannering, the classics master, Thompson, who takes maths, Briggs who takes writing and drawing, Monsieur Michel, French and finally Browne and Stoddart – who came up once a week to take chemistry. No other staff members are mentioned in this first book and certainly that would be about right, including the headmaster, for the size of the school as it was in Phillpotts’ day – although Phillpotts says that Merivale itself had about 225 boys.

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Madam Chairman, distinguished members of the OPM Club, Ladies and Gentlemen ...I am grateful to your President and to the Club for the invitation to be with you this evening, particularly in this, my final year at the school. I always enjoy this event and the contact with London-based OPMs which it provides. Unfortunately I was unable to attend last year owing to recruitment travels overseas, but it is good to be with you tonight and to have the opportunity not only to bring you up to date with what has been going on at the school over recent months, but also to make a few observations about my time at Plymouth College.When I spoke to you from this lectern in 2012, we were still celebrating an

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medals and two new World Records. And this summer saw 13 Plymouth College students compete at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and gain an impressive medals tally: 3 golds, 1 silver and 2 bronze. Add to this, medal winning successes in the Youth Olympics in China, in the European Swimming Championships in Germany, in the European Diving Championships in Italy and in various other international competitions, and you will appreciate what a fantastic summer of success 2014 produced for the school in this direction. Away from the international arena, we also dominated at the National Age-Group swimming championships, with 13 Plymouth College students becoming national champions and breaking six British records in the process. In 2012, Tom Daley and Ruta Meilutyte were the new stars which the world’s press were following. Tom is still performing fantastically well,

HEADMASTER’S ADDRESSOPM London Dinner - 21 Novermber 2014

amazing time in the London Olympics and all the success and attendant publicity it had brought to the school. Plymouth College’s position as a world-class provider for training in the aquatic sports is well established and the scope and scale of the high-performance athlete programmes we offer have risen considerably. We lead the way and have set the standard very high indeed - we have followers and imitators of course; but no-one is doing what we are doing and no-one is doing it so well! In the swimming World Championships in 2013, for example, we had seven students take part, including our Lithuanian star, Ruta Meilutyte who added to her Olympic gold, two World Championship gold

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but Ruta’s achievements eclipse even his successes. Ruta has this summer become the first swimmer ever to win all 11 major international gold medals at junior and senior levelOlympic Games, World Long Course Championships, World Short Course Championships, Swimming World Cup, European Long Course Championships, European Short Course Championships, World Youth Olympic Games, World Junior Championships, World School Games, European Junior Championships, European Youth Olympic Festival ... all before her 18th birthday, and in a year when she got some very good GCSE results as well! She holds a Championship Record in all 11 events as well as three current World Records.In addition to this, the next wave of stars are already making themselves felt: Ben Proud ( who won 2 Commonwealth Golds and a Bronze,

WE LEAD THE WAYAND HAVE SET THE

STANDARD VERY HIGH INDEED

~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~

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breaking 2 Commonwealth Records and 2 British Records in the process); Victoria Vincent - “the next Tom Daley” - competing in the 10m Platform Diving in Glasgow at the age of 13 (with special dispensation); Kerenza Bryson - part of the GB three-girl team that became World Youth A Pentathlon Champions in Hungary last May.I could go on and on, to the point where you might feel there is nothing going on in the school these days beyond swimming and pentathlon

Our rugby remains strong at senior level and we have been recruiting some very good players into the upper part of the school as well as developing talent among the junior year groups. I particularly enjoyed watching our 1st XV beat Mount Kelly (the new name for Kelly College) by some 60 points a few weeks ago in what is shaping up to be a very good season indeed for our players at all levels. Cricket and Hockey are thriving too, the latter

activities. That would be seriously misleading of course but these athlete programmes are central to the life of the school these days. 1 in 4 students currently belongs to one of other of the programmes and it is not without reason that we are now known in some quarters as “The Olympic School”. That’s a label that is likely to stick even more prominently once Rio 2016 is upon us!In the more traditional main team sports, we also continue to do well.

helped enormously by a new state-of-the-art astroturf pitch we have built in partnership with the University of St Mark and St John. Recent overseas tours to Sri Lanka (Cricket), Barbados (Hockey) and South Africa (Rugby) have been highly successful and enjoyable and have helped various squads to consolidate their strengths and talent as well as profit from a great cultural and social experience.In the academic sphere, the College is also finding much success and

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high achievement. This summer saw some particularly strong results at all levels despite the fact that we are non-selective and compete in a city with three grammar schools. At A level, for example, we had a 98% pass rate with 36% of all results being at A* or A grade [on the same measure, a certain school in rural Somerset which likes to be known for its sporting expertise scored only 24% top grades!]. At A*-B grade level we achieved 65% - a notable result, not least because one of those highly selective grammar schools I alluded to a moment ago (DHSB) scored only 61% by this measure! Indeed, 25% of those who took A levels with us this summer achieved AAB or better, which is a remarkable outcome.At GCSE, it was also an excellent year with 40% A*/A grades achieved (up

The international element continues to expand as well, with over 40 nationalities now represented from every corner of the globe. In the last 18 months we have seen the retirement of two long-standing colleagues whom some of you will remember well: Chris Compton (39 years) and Paul Rose (34 years) who join the long and growing list of colleagues who have dedicated the greater part of their careers (if not the entirety of their careers) to serving Plymouth College.Paul Rose joined Sept 1980 immediately after graduation and teacher training to teach History, having studied the subject at Hertford College, Oxford. He was soon involved on many different fronts. Master i/c Hockey and Canoeing. Head of Palmer’s, Head of Year 10, Head of Careers, House Tutor in Boarding are among the various

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from 30% the year before). A* grades were 15.4% of the total compared with 6.7% nationally and we were also a good 20% above the national average pass rate at grade C and above.In IB (our 5th year of teaching the Diploma) we had an average points score equivalent to AAA at A levels with above-average candidates achieving outcomes which gave them considerably more UCAS points than their high-performing A level counterparts. On the recruitment front, we remain a popular choice for students both locally and further afield. Boarding numbers continue to grow and currently stand at 160 out of a total school roll of over 500: that’s more than twice the number of boarders we had seven or eight years ago.

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WE HAD A 98% PASSRATE WITH

36% OF ALL RESULTS BEING AT

A* OR A GRADE~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~

responsibilities he took on over a long career. I particularly enjoyed working with him in the final years of his career, not least because he and I were exact contemporaries at school where we were frequently in the same sports teams, lessons, dormitories, duty groups, etc. - although he went on to be Head Boy and an Oxford scholar and I narrowly escaped expulsion on several occasions around the time of my O levels and A levels and did very badly in those exams! A nice irony there and living proof of the mantra I often repeat: that failure, however dismal, can always be turned to success if one is so minded! Chris Compton joined Sept 1974 to teach Maths., also directly from Oxford (Exeter College). 39 years’ service makes him one of the longest serving members of staff in Plymouth College’s history. He was interviewed for a post at PMC towards the end of

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his PGCE year and some brief notes of that interview survive. The Headmaster of the time (Goddard) noted that the young Chris Compton seemed not widely interested in things beyond Mathematics (except that he might be encouraged to help with sailing and possibly chess). He further noted: “if appointed, would stay 2-5 years”! He was clearly wrong on both counts and during his 39 years at PMC Chris developed a wide range of interests and involvements of real benefit to so many pupils and colleagues across the generations. He also held various positions of responsibility including Examinations Officer, Head of Maths, and Director of Studies (the latter post for 21 years). He proved over that time a colleague of quite exceptional calibre and worth and a teacher and a leader of the very highest order.And I too am about to retire, albeit after a considerably shorter spell

marketing and recruitment. Helping the school to establish itself on the world stage has been one of the achievements which has given me most pleasure and I remain absolutely committed to the international perspective and convinced of the necessity of preparing our students for futures which are going to be global and international in a way they have never been before. The development of the high-performance academies has happened on my watch although the real impetus behind them has come from some of my visionary and very hard-working colleagues. However, the recovery and consolidation of boarding is something I will claim as one of my principal successes and this was always a key target of mine from the outset. It has also been good to see Plymouth College so much more in the public eye around the world over the last five or six years. I have always been keen

at the school than those completed by my illustrious former colleagues. I am currently in my ninth year as Headmaster of Plymouth College (and my thirteenth year as a headmaster overall) and believe that that is about the right length of tenure for someone in my position these days. You still hear very occasionally of Heads clocking up 20 or 25 years in a particular school but it’s a rarity nowadays and most heads will look to serve between five and twelve years.I have enjoyed my time in Plymouth enormously and the College is without doubt a fantastic school with a great staff and exceptional pupils. I have brought in a few changes during my time at the helm: a new uniform and a new corporate ID were introduced early on and were not without controversy! The International Baccalaureate came in 2009 and has grown steadily, as has international

THE COLLEGE IS WITHOUT A DOUBT A FANTASTIC SCHOOL WITH A GREAT STAFF

AND EXCEPTIONAL PUPILS~~~~~~~~~~~

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for PR opportunities and indeed my alacrity in this department could have ended my time as Headmaster very prematurely indeed back in 2006: in fact in my first term when I agreed, without informing and gaining the prior consent of the Governors, to Plymouth College’s participation in a Channel 4 fly-on-the-wall / Big Brother type programme called High School Dance. Six schools were involved and the programme makers, Monkey Kingdom, who did incidentally make Big Brother and the equally controversial Charlotte Church Show, wanted 4 schools from the state sector and 2 from the independent sector. It turned out that no other independent school was willing to take part and the concomitant risk, so it ended up as 5 state schools (from some fairly rough parts of the country, it has to be said) and Plymouth College. Many parents on hearing of our involvement at the filming stage expressed reservations

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and there were one or two who called me mad to my face! However, I did believe that we could pull it off, and more importantly that whatever the attempts of the programme makers to create entertaining television for the masses, and predominantly a teenage audience, our students wouldn’t let us down. And they didn’t! Whilst the other 5 programmes showed a lot of adolescents letting themselves down rather badly and struggling to organise a successful High School Dance with the £3000 put on the table for each event by Channel

4, we nailed it and the Plymouth College hour-long episode ended up as a triumph, showing what young people can do when they are organised, motivated and prepared to listen to and cooperate with one another. So much so that the Plymouth College episode of High School Dance has been posted on our web site for the past eight years and has also been shown at parents’ evenings and other gatherings as a recruiting tool!A risky venture certainly, and one which could easily have seen my early departure, but I believed then

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in the ability and willingness of our students to do amazing things and I have believed that absolutely throughout my time at the school - and they have rarely, if ever, let me down. In that regard, I have been extraordinarily lucky indeed! My successor, Mr Jonathan Standen, takes over at Easter and I have no doubt that under his leadership and influence the school will continue to flourish and prosper. I certainly wish it well and will follow its further development and success with interest, albeit from a discrete and appropriate distance.

~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~“I believed then in the

ability and willingness of our students to do amazing things and I have believed that absolutely throughout

my time at the school”.

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Weddings

Josie Roper married Kieran Hallett on 25 July 2014 at the church of St. Peter and St. Paul, Ermington. Josie (now a primary school teacher) and Kieran (a rugby player for the Cornish Pirates) met whilst Josie was still in 6th Form.

The reception took place at Shilstone Country House and the OPMs who attended included: Nick Roper, Ellie Roper, Olivia Roper, Chloe Robinson,

Brogan Cusack, Lauren Auty, Alex Parford, Joss Pinsent, Tom Burrell, James Steven, Zoe Nokes, Sophie Collier, Emma Cook, Sarah Coyte, James Burke and

Yervand Agobiani.

The newlyweds celebrated with a honeymoon in the Bahamas and now live together in Penzance.

KIERAN HALLETT & JOSIE ROPER

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RYAN & NATALIE CLARK

Liam Jonas and Coral (nee Higham) got married on 30 May 2014 at Saint Elizabeth’s House, Plympton. Liam, who plays hockey for OPMs and captained the second team this season, is a software architect for an engineering consultancy and Coral is head of education at Dartmoor Zoological Park. OPMs in attendance were; Ben Robinson (who has put his career in branding on hold to go travelling in South America for ten months), Richard Duncan (studying Theology

Weddings

LIAM JONAS & CORAL HIGHAM

in Oxford), Tom Clements (studying for PhD at Leicester), Will Roose (Accountant for Francis Clark LLP in Exeter), Richard Petch (living and working in Cheltenham), Alex Kent (working in America and London as a Consultant), Nick Eddy (Project Manager for Network Rail based in London), Clare Jonas (Lecturer at Brunel University London), Jason Sweby (OPM Hockey Club Captain, who works in IT in Plymouth) and Adrian Rundle (OPM Hockey).

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Mr Rob Colegate (1989 leaver) married Mandy Furstenberg at Vrede en Lust wine estate in Franschhoek.

Nine OPMs were present, including Robert’s brother Colin Colegate and Alex Lewis his Best Man. Cape Town proved to be an amazing location for an OPM get together over easter weekend - sun, sharks and some

serious hospitality! A pre wedding sunset climb to the top of the Lion’s Head in Cape Town itself proved a great test of everyone’s fitness levels,

and vertigo, now that they are in their 40s!

ROB COLGATE & MANDY FRANSCHLOEK

Weddings

L to R: Alex Lewis, Colin Colegate, Stuart Crighton, Mandy Colegate (Bride), Andy Woodward, Robert Colegate (Groom), Nic Lewis, Rob Furneaux, Darren Milne and Rob Garlick.

Top of Lion’s Head: Stu Crighton, Rob Colegate, Rob Furneaux, Andy Woodward

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VENUE August 30, 2014.Chapel and Grounds of The Millfields (Old Royal Navel Hospital), where my parents have lived for the last 17 years. We hired a red/ivory striped circus Big Top tent with midnight blue interior from Carlindon hire.

HOW DID YOU MEET?Our parents have been family friends since both moving to Plymouth/Devon nearly 40 years ago. Will’s family GP was the husband of my Godmother, and they both lived on the same street in Plympton. We first met at my Godmother’s daughter’s wedding when we were 14 and 16. We dated on and off throughout sixth-form and University (Will was at Warwick, I at Nottingham), but then once we both moved to London for graduate jobs, our lives went in different directions and we broke up for 4 years. We kept in very loose contact, usually just seeing one another at Christmas. Will moved to Singapore in 2012, and I was working in Qatar for a few weeks at a time. Somehow we ended up organizing to meet up in Sri Lanka

WILL EVANS & AMY BETTISON

in 2013. It was fun and we realized we still “had something”, but nothing much came of it due to me moving back to London. However, later that year I went travelling in Asia after quitting my London job. I spent 24 hours in Singapore on my way to meet friends in Thailand. A couple of days later Will emailed me to ask me to move in with him in Singapore, which I did 4 weeks later!

THE PROPOSALWe spent 2 weeks travelling from Los Angeles to San Francisco driving up Highway 1 in a vintage VW camper van, camping wherever we felt like along the route. We were about half-way through our trip when we decided to camp on the beach at Sonoma Coast State Park beach. We had a supper of local cheeses, wine and nibbles whilst watching the sunset over the Pacific. At some point as the sun was setting, Will rolled over (he didn’t get down on one knee, seeing as were lying down already!) and produced the ring. It didn’t fit so I had to use a band-aid to pad it out!

Weddings

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BEN PROUDPride of Plymouth

An article in the Plymouth Herald earlier this year talked about the ‘Ben Proud effect’ helping to boost the reputation and profile of the star swimmer’s university.As an elite sports student at the University of St Mark and St John (Marjon), Ben is fast becoming a household name across the city and beyond.The 20-year-old double Commonwealth Games champion was named as The Herald Sports Personality of 2014 in February.Marjon’s director for sport, Stan Cinnamond, says the award marks a huge stepping stone in Ben’s development.“I was delighted for him: it’s such a big achievement. He certainly lit up the summer for Plymouth.”Stan first met Ben when he was studying at Plymouth College and looking to continue his development in the city.“He was an extremely talented youth swimmer,” Stan said. “What we didn’t realise was how quickly he was going to progress. I think this is the essence of Plymouth at the moment; it’s getting these athletes from a young age.“It’s quite clear he was doing well here with Jon Rudd. He was having significant success training at the Life Centre and

“Simon Burkill (‘02) married his long term partner Amy Perrott on the 6th December 2014 at All Saints Church, Huntsham, Tiverton. They hired Huntsham Court, a large gothic manor next to the church, for the weekend. This meant that many of the 120

guests could stay for the weekend, ensuring that they were in the ‘party mood’ on the Friday night, and walking off a few sore heads on the Sunday lunchtime.They were

blessed with an amazing Devon winters day, with clear weather and lots of sunshine. OPMs attending the wedding included: Simon’s brother, Jos Burkill (‘03), who was

the best man. Leo Murray (‘02), joined by his wife Katie. Rob (‘02) and Elle (‘06) Compton, joined by their parents David and Kathy Compton.

Simon is still in the Army, working as a Company Commander in 4th Battalion The Rifles. He and Amy have a house on the edge of Salisbury Plain that they share with

their new Labrador puppy, Manon (a welsh name!).”

wanted to keep that going.”Stan says Ben’s sudden rise has boosted Marjon, creating a feel-good effect around the campus.“In terms of how his success benefits the university I think it’s about profile, publicity and PR,” Stan said.“He has become a big personality in such a short time. I don’t think any of us quite realised how well he would do in the Commonwealth Games aged just 19. The peak age for sprint swimmers is late 20s and even 30 so if he stays injury free he is only going to get better.”Ben has also proved a huge hit on social media with Marjon bosses reporting record hits for their Twitter page as they shared news of his victories during the games.Stan says he hope Ben’s success will inspire a future generation of Plymothian athletes to rise to the top of their chosen discipline.“Plymouth has now got the infrastructure for aquatic sports, it’s got the support systems in place and the partnerships with schools and universities,” Stan said.“We’re attracting young athletes to Plymouth, not just for the facilities, but for our national and international reputation.“The Ben Prouds, the Ruta Meilutytes, the Tom Daleys, they are all role models for young people.”

NOTES.....................

SIMON BURKILL & AMY PERROTT

Weddings

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MICHAEL BALLMack & Mabel

Musical theatre favourite and OPM Michael Ball is returning to his home city stage for a revival of a classic Broadway show later this year.The double Olivier winner will star as Mack in Mack & Mabel at the Theatre Royal from October 1 to 10. Mack & Mabel is based on the real-life romance between Hollywood silent-era greats Mack Sennett and Mable Normand. The stand-out songs include I Won’t Send Roses and Time Heals Everything.Michael says he can’t wait to return to Plymouth:“It’s where I grew up, where I first discovered my love of theatre and a place I

love going back to,” he said. The Mack & Mable revival show will come direct from its premiere at Chichester Festival Theatre before heading off on a UK and Ireland tour. Michael, who is 52 has enjoyed a phenomenal career on the stage, winning the 2008 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a musical as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray and in 2013 he picked up a second Olivier for his performance in the title role in Sweeney Todd.He has also released 19 solo albums, but is still best known for one song – Love Changes Everything from the musical Aspects of Love.

“It’s where I grew up, where I first discovered my love of theatre and a place I love

going back to”. Jeffrey Riggs made a splash in the Plymouth Herald last year because of his love of language and determination to add another six to the French, German and English he already speaks.The 68-year-old is now learning Polish, Thai, Russian, Serbo-Croatian and Japanese as well as Mandarin Chinese.He said: “most people ask me if my mind gets clogged up learning all those languages at the same time, but I find it to be quite the opposite.“I have always had a love for language. It goes all the way back to when I started school in 1956. I could never quite get my head around maths or physics, but languages seemed to come naturally to me.”After leaving Plymouth College, Jeffrey went to work at Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. However a love for languages meant that he was soon back in school taking A-level French and German in the evenings while working full time.“This was back in 1970 to 1971 and I had to fund it myself. I was hoping that I could either find work where I had to use languages or get a high enough grade to be able to go to university,” he said.Sadly it didn’t happen. However Jeffrey continued his passion for languages and combined it with travels to various countries.“After learning German I went to the Olympics in Munich and to another German town. It was part of an intercultural exchange program.”Some years later the same program offered him a trip to the USSR as it was at the time, which was his first introduction to Russian.“I bought dictionaries, books of useful Russian phrases, some Dostoyevsky and books by other great Russian authors, but

it can be hard to learn a language on your own like that,” he said.Retiring in 1980, Jeffrey decided to spend more time on his passion than had previously been possible.Through a friend, he was pointed toward Atlantic language Services where he is now a student.“I believe that languages can give you an insight into another culture and through that your own perception of the work becomes less monochromatic, more nuanced, you could say.“One of the main reasons I am learning the languages is that I want to travel to those countries.”Picking his favourite language is difficult for Jeffrey, but Polish has a special place in his heart., “I think it’s to do with visiting Krakow,” he explains. “I found the people open, friendly and easy to get on with. And they wouldn’t let me get away with mispronouncing anything they would correct me in a good way till I got it right and I really liked that.”Didier Cavrot, director of the Atlantic Language School said: “Jeffrey is unique. We have never had anyone attempt anything like it.”

JEFFREY RIGGSPensioner Learns 6 Languages

N O T E S

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TOM DALEYNick Holman of professional services at Vickery Holman, appeared on the front page of the Business Herald earlier this year, stating at the company’s review launch at the National Marine Aquarium, that Plymouth is set for a boom in development with several exciting schemes set to take shape this year.“I think we will see the biggest number of cranes in the city for ten years,” he stated, “that’s got to be how we measure the success of the city.”He outlined some of the key development projects set to shake up the city saying:“We are presenting an upbeat picture for the market in Plymouth with rising rates and rising values. This combines to give a platform for development.”Among the projects he highlighted as especially important was the £21 million proposed industrial development at Devonport’s South Yard. He also spotlighted the £18 million boutique hotel planned for the Royal William Yard’s

Melville building adding that a hotel would be ‘a good use for Drake’s Island’.He mentioned controversial plans to develop a ‘boardwalk’ and retail buildings at Sutton Harbour as well as British Land’s proposal for a multiplex cinema and restaurant development at Bretonside, adding that the planned new coach station in Mayflower Street could bring new life to that area of town.He praised GOD TV’s investment into the former Millennium nightspot in Union Street and also mentioned the broadcaster’s investment in the former Land Registry building at Burrington Way, before turning attention to the boom in student accommodation in Plymouth.He said that the proposed Beckley Court skyscraper at North Cross would be Plymouth’s ‘first proper tower building, adding that further developments were on the cards in Regent Street, Mayflower Street and Crescent Point in Notte Street.”

NICK HOLMANSpeaks

N O T E S

Having helped create the official video that accompanied the Comic Relief school’s song, Put On A Funny Face, Chloe Robinson found herself watching the BBC TV Red Nose Day broadcast live at the London Palladium, after attending the official celebrity-studded hospitality event.One of the first productions from The Visuals Team, a film-making company set up by Chloe and her partner Sam Johnson, substantial chunks of the film were shown on TV on several occasions as part of the BBC official Red Nose Day broadcast and part of it even appeared on the Ten O’clock News. As a result it was seen by over ten million people and received well over 230,000 views on YouTube.The video, featuring the song written by Out of the Ark songwriters Mark and Helen Johnson, was also sent to all the

primary schools in the UK and children in at least half of them, around 12,000 schools, sang it on Red Nose Day.“We were given the concept of making funny faces and creating ideas for fundraising by the Comic Relief team and had to interpret that and plan around it,” explains Chloe.“Then we filmed over two weeks in three different schools in London.“The whole process from conception to delivery took six months (not exclusively) and involved us directing, filming, editing, colouring and animating, ensuring the Comic Relief brand was prominent throughout.”Based in Rustington near Brighton, The Visuals Team launched their website at www.thevisualsteam.com last month, offering their services to produce everything from promotional film for websites to music videos.

CHLOE ROBINSONPuts on a funny face

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TOM DALEYWins British Gold

Tom Daley started 2015 in style by winning men’s platform gold on the final day of the British Diving Championships in February.He chose the event, held at Plymouth Life Centre, to showcase his new ‘firework’ routine.The 20-year-old OPM completed his performance with a total of 493.7 points, a cool 66.55 ahead of his nearest rival.Tom was undaunted by the fact that his firework dive debut fizzled rather than sparkled, scoring him the lowest total of all his dives as there is plenty of time for him to perfect the dive before the Olympics next year in Rio.In a Herald interview Tom said: “I dived pretty well considering it was the first competition I have done in about five months.“Everything was steady, nothing was amazing but nothing was bad so I’m looking forward to building on that in competitions to come.“My dive, the new twister, went pretty

well actually. It was all there.“I could have done a little better on some of the elements, like getting my entry better but that all comes with a new dive,” he added. “The more I do it the better it will get.”“The World Championships is the big event this year. It’s the first opportunity to qualify for the Olympic Games (in 2016) so I need to make sure I’m in the best shape, but we’ve got the World Series before that so there are lots of chances to practice my new dive and make sure I am in the best competition shape.”

N O T E S

Peter Seaton-Clark is likely to be the most successful Plymouth businessman you’ve never heard of – because his company is based in Germany.Mr Seaton-Clark lived in Efford and then South Brent, from 1980, before heading east in 2003.He settled in Leipzig and now runs the profitable voice-over business Offstimme, which translates as “off camera”.His firm supplies the non-German voices, particularly English and Spanish, which are dubbed over German films, adverts and documentaries.He still regularly visits friends and relatives in Plymouth, and enjoys trips to the Barbican – particularly Cap’n Jaspers.“I took my kids there,” he said. “They thought the idea of a spoon on a chain was hilarious.”

But he added: “It’s amazing how Plymouth has changed and grown. “There’s a lot of

gentrification in Stoke and places like that, but I’ve noticed the decline of Union Street.”Mr Seaton-Clark has voice-over artists in Scotland, Leeds – and Plymouth. He has worked with Ford Park-based Fresh Air Studios.His clients are mainly in Germany, and the German-speaking Austria and Switzerland, but also in Spain, USA, South Africa, the Middle East and the UK.Mr Seaton-Clark said his aim was to meld German efficiency with British friendliness, “the ability to go the extra mile”, to create a strong business model “I see differences between English and German people, but massive similarities too,” he said. “We have the same concerns about family and business.”He started Offstimme in 2010. He’d worked as an English teacher and in TV, and his wife Nicola had been an actress in South Africa, so it seemed a natural step.

PETER SEATON-CLARKVoice-over Man

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SIMON CREWEReports From Timor-Leste

Having stayed on for a third year in the sixth form, Simon went to Newcastle to study physiology and biochemistry, then took a year out farming in New Zealand. On his return to the UK he went to dental school in Sheffield then worked in surgery in various hospitals. Simon’s father, a Maxillo-facial surgeon had a unit in Greenbank where Simon helped when he came back to Plymouth then, after several years in general practice in Plymstock and Hyde Park, he set up his own practice at his home in Brandreth Road, which he ran for ten years until 2002.When Simon’s father died in 1999 he took over his forensics practice which he still runs today. During his time working from his home surgery Simon – who is married to Liza (ex DHS who works in oncology at Derriford) and has three grown-up children and two grandchildren – volunteered to work on the Mercy Ships off East Africa for two or three weeks year. After closing the surgery he was able to devote more time to taking his dentistry skills to a variety of third world countries. Initially simply being shipped

in to extract teeth, he has subsequently been instrumental in setting up programs to educate locals in preventative care and ‘rough dentistry’ with the help of Dentaid and Rotary International. The following is an extract from his latest report…

“Last July, I went back to Timor-Leste (which used to be in Indonesia, but now isn’t) taking a team of dentists from the UK (and one from Portugal) to run a project for Dentaid. (www.dentaid.org).

We had become aware that the Dental school, which was established four years ago, was so under-resourced that its final year students were not going to graduate at the end of their course. They had had almost no practical training, and most of their teaching came in two week bursts, provided by volunteers from overseas who didn’t speak their language. Everybody speaks Bahasa Indonesia, because it is the language of TV, and from the Indonesian occupation. The official language is Portuguese, because East Timor was a Portuguese colony until 1975. Most people speak Tetun, which

is a creole of Portuguese, but has many different varieties.

So, our primary aim was to supervise some practical activities to give the students experience. I had arranged for five Dentaid-Rotary boxes to be shipped to the school in advance. The Box is a portable dental surgery which packs into a ‘wheelie-bin’ and provides a chair, instruments, suction, sterilisation, and a ‘starter-pack’ of consumables. This was funded by a Rotary International Grant, through the activities of the Rotary Club of Romsey Test.

The students were very keen and appreciative, and I think our team members all felt rather sorry for the way circumstances had let them down. Our Portuguese dentist, Pedro Fonseca was our secret weapon, because most of the students understood Portuguese, so he was able to organise them in a way which would otherwise have been impossible. After a week of rotating sixty students through the ten fixed ‘teaching’

chairs in their clinic room (only opened last year), every student had performed an extraction, a filling, a fissure sealant, and a scaling. The student dentists are training to be something more akin to a Dental Therapist in the rest of the world, so there is more emphasis on preventive treatment of children.

So when they had all got the appropriate ‘ticks’ of their progress charts, they took the Dentaid Boxes to a couple of local schools, and screened the pupils. We were very impressed with how obviously kindly they treated the children - lifting them into the chairs as if they were made of porcelain! They managed to see about a hundred and twenty children over the course of a day, although they only did ‘check-ups’.

“The students were very keen and appreciative, and I think our team members all felt rather sorry for the

way circumstances had let them down.”

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On our last day the University put on an elaborate farewell ceremony, with speeches, presentations, a cake cutting, and a hilarious attempt at a Formula One style champagne shower, only since the wine they chose was a screw-top bottle of Hock, it was more sedate than they had intended”.

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Over 60 people in all were contacted and responded through the magic of the modern internet with scanned photos of more youthful days and some old school banter.Although many confessed to being a little bit nervous about meeting up 25 years on, the night was full of good humour and happy memories. Mark (“Fred”) Dodson joined in via Skype from his home in Sydney Australia, and he also put together a video montage of photos collected before the event that everyone enjoyed.

CLASS OF ‘89 RE-UNION A photo of Lynda Crocker sat on the bar all night, acting as both a sad reminder of how we lost one of our class at far too young an age, as well as a lovely memory of her ever present smile.Everybody left to head back to their current lives looking forward to catching up again at some point in the future.

DUNCAN BECKER – a busy Dad, and partner in a rural GP practice in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. ED BERSEY – loving the country life on a small farm in North Dorset with his family. He has just embarked on his second career running a small recording studio and record label.

ANDY BOOTH – living the dream as an underwriter at Lloyd’s of London. Happily married for twenty years with two children. JON BRITTON – recently set up an on-line fashion company with his wife, named after their two children. GILES CLARE – teaching in Cheltenham and plans to walk 2,015 miles in 2015 for charity. ROB COUTER – heading up communications for the Europe and Canada region for Merck & Co. PAUL CROFTS – a sales manager for an italian pharmaceutical company, living in

ALTHOUGH MANY CONFESSED TO BEING

NERVOUS ABOUT MEETING UP 25 YEARS ON, THE NIGHT

WAS FULL OF GOOD HUMOUR AND HAPPY MEMORIES

>>>

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MARK ELLYATT – lives in Fareham and works as a director of Williams & Smithells Ltd (international yacht brokers and new yacht agents - UK & Greece). JOHN FATHERS – currently based in New York working in IT. He is married to an awesome girl from Boston, with an apartment full of animals that they adopted on their travels. MARK FEARON – living in Bristol and working as a recruitment business director by day. He has three kids who are growing up fast, and keeps active by playing hockey and coaching junior rugby. DAVE FOULKES – works in London within the legal industry and cycles in his spare time.

Bristol with two children. Still just about manages to drag himself around a hockey pitch every Saturday. MATHEW CUNNINGHAM – head of Business support at Shelter UK. JON DENT – works at the international energy company Statoil. JOANNA DUERDEN, NEE GREEN – a full time Mummy of three, living in Dorset, and currently working on restoring their 18th Century home to its former glory. RICH DYER – lives in rural Wales, doing his best to live a low impact, off-grid, happy, healthy, wholesome and holistic lifestyle. He also travels the country all summer to core crew numerous festivals of all descriptions.

ROB FURNEAUX – a lawyer living in Oxfordshire, ageing ungracefully, and still aspires to becoming a beach bum in Cornwall. ROB GARLICK – has been at Citigroup for 18 years and is now the Global Research Product Head. He lives in Surrey with his wife and four children. JUSTIN HATCH – busy father of two, has held various roles as a fund manager in the City of London, and is currently Head of Credit for British Airways Investment Management. CLAIRE HOPKINS, NEE USHER – lives in Somerset, with a husband and three children. She works as an independent communications and business consultant

and is currently Director of Stakeholder Engagement for Mydex. ALI KERR – has been based at the Royal United Hospital in Bath for the last nine years as an Elderly Care Consultant. He is happily married with two children who keep him feeling younger than his patients. MAX LEADLEY-BROWN – works in engineering software sales in Edinburgh, mainly looking after advanced structural analysis in oil and gas for defence customers. ZOE LEAVER, NEE CHALLENOR – lives in a lovely part of the world in North Devon and works as a geography teacher at Uffculme School.

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RICH LIGHT – one of her Majesty’s Inspectors (Ofsted). JAIMIE MCBAIN – lives in Singapore with his wife and two sons. Works hard and socialises plenty as a director of a German shipping company. KATE MILLS, NEE STATTON – having moved back to the South West, her eldest of three children has become the fourth generation of her family to attend Plymouth College. Kate works for a global engineering company concentrating on construction projects in Plymouth and throughout the region. VICKY MOHAN – enjoying being a member of the London IT crowd. HELEN MONSON – a solicitor and managing director of a company specialising in employment law in Oxford. MARK MURRAY-JONES – keeping busy as a father of twins and managing his clients in the London world of marketing and advertising.

MARCUS RENDLE – a very well connected director of premium party and events companies. JACQUI VOYCE, nee Carhart – married to John Voyce and currently a Design and Technology teacher in Bristol. JOHN VOYCE – married to Jacqui Voyce and serves in the Royal Navy as a Marine Engineer … currently a Commander working in Warship Support in Bristol. ED WESTHEAD – has spent many long hours working in the world of finance, and currently lives in London with his partner and their two golden retrievers. IAN WOODGATE – lives in Dorset with his wife and daughter, from where he runs his own IT business. ANDY WOODWARD – a veterinarian with itchy feet who moved downunder 15 years ago and currently tends to the needs of peoples’ pets in bayside Melbourne.

Back L to R: Zoe Challenor, Rachael Spry, Rebecca CarverNext row down ... Jo Green, Vicky Mohan, Kate Statton, Sarah Alderman, Anna Flashman,

Amanda Knight, Suzie Carhart.Second row: Vicky Camp, Georgina Vere, Ali Tisdall, Claire Usher, Catherine Kilbourn.

Front row: Natalie Davis, Jacqui Carhart, Helen Monson, Lynda Crocker, Anne Ward, Lara Mills.

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~~~~~~~~~~~Back row L to R: Mark Ellyatt, Dave Foulkes, Julian Evans, Dave Marshall, Andy

Woodward, Ed Bersey, Rob Rickard.Front row : Jon Wilson, Mark Murray-Jones, Darren Milne, Scott Howell, Ali

Kerr, Rob Garlick, James Mockeridge, Chris Harding, Jon Britton.

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HENRY SLADE

JOSH McCARTY

Plymouth Herald 13 March 2015

Plymouth Herald 13 March 2015

Former Herald young sports personality of the year Henry Slade has been named as the Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Month for February.Slade was in sensational form last month for Exeter Chiefs as they moved into the Premiership top four.He also received a call-up earlier this week for the England training squad as they prepared to take on Scotland in the Six Nations Championship at Twickenham on Saturday.The former Plymouth College student has the potential to win 50 caps for England, according to BT Sport analyst and Aviva ambassador Austin Healey.“Every time Henry Slade touches the ball something happens,” said Healey.“There is no doubt in my mind the lad has the potential to win 50 caps or more for England. He is too talented and works too hard not to achieve Test caps.

“I have been watching him closely this season and I believe he is ready to step into the England team now.“Henry is one of the best attackers in Aviva Premiership Rugby, is solid in defence and can kick goals – is there anything this lad can’t do?“Those attributes make him a much deserved winner of the Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Month Award for February.“The only decision left is where he finally plays for England. It could be any of three positions – 12, 13 or 15.”Slade beat an impressive shortlist of Elliot Daly (Wasps), Calum Clark (Northampton Saints) and Sinoti Sinoti (Newcastle Falcons) to win the award.The former dual-registered Plymouth Albion player wins a trophy and £250 to donate to a charity of his choice.

I HAVE BEEN WATCHING HIM AND I BELIEVE HE IS READY TO STEP INTO THE

ENGLAND TEAM

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In March this year, Josh McCarty was one of the first local figures to appear in the column My Foodie Faves, in the new Weekend supplement in the Plymouth Herald.

Josh McCarty is Head of Marketing at the National Marine Aquarium, PWP Advisory Board. He is passionate about Plymouth and our oceans. His first job was as the ‘surf correspondent’ for The Herald.Promoting marine conservation in the UK and internationally, Josh and his team support Plymouth’s endeavours to be a sustainable fish city.

I always have in my cupboard or fridge… Fennel in the fridge, Rooibos tea in the cupboard and Quorn in the freezer.

Fondest childhood memory? Convincing my mum to make a chocolate and marshmallow pizza.Comfort food? Italian food with ingredients like pasta, cheese, tomatoes and probably more cheese.Favourite Plymouth restaurant? Chloe’s for indulgence, Rockfish for ethics.Strangest food favourite? Vegetarian cooked breakfast – it’s healthy yet satisfying.Guilty pleasure? Copious amounts of anything dark chocolate.I refuse to eat… GM (genetically modified food) as we still don’t know what it may do to our bodies.I always order… Local and try to get my friends to eat sustainably sourced fish.

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DUDLEY TOLKIEN

Last year, 50 years on, sports enthusiast Dudley Tolkein finally got to fulfil his childhood dream of playing cricket on the school square and says it was well worth the wait…‘At school I was never good enough to play on the square, so I only played on the satellite pitches. My moment of fame was in an Under 13 House League match for Dales v Palmers in 1960, when I took a hat-trick and finished with 7-4, all seven wickets bowled. At six foot tall when I was 13 I was an intimidating fast bowler, but not with a very text-book style. I swapped cricket for tennis at 15, and didn’t play cricket again until my office team started up playing friendlies when I was 35, but I’ve played ever since.This year, 50 years after leaving school in 1964, I finally got to play on the square, booking the pitch for my team, Housing

against the Fortescue pub side. Unfortunately I got a duck, caught at backward point off a lofted edge, but I very much enjoyed the experience and it was a beautiful summer’s evening.My main participant sporting activity is tennis. I have played all my life, and enjoy competing in local leagues but have probably achieved more on the administrative side in various capacities, being part of the running of Plymstock Lawn Tennis Club continuously since 1967, and the umbrella Plymouth & District association since 1971.Now the grandstand redevelopment at Argyle is delayed, I can celebrate commencing my 60th consecutive season ticket in the same seat. I sat there before that less regularly, and have witnessed Jack Chisholm leading the team out from there when I was little. I was almost born at a match! I had attended a whole season before I was born, and my mum was very reluctant to miss the final home game of the season the day before I was due. She didn’t go to the game (a 2-0 home defeat to Milwall), and I arrived on the Monday evening, but it could have been very different! What’s more, my mum’s last words were about Argyle.My first day at the school (Friday afternoon in those days) included John Spear trying to get everyone together for a House selection event on the following Saturday afternoon. On asking who couldn’t come, this naïve 10-year-old said “please sir, I’m going to Argyle Reserves”! Amazingly this was allowed, “just this once!”It was John’s daughter who conducted my

mum’s funeral – with a floral football in Argyle colours in prominence.Because I’m involved with the Plymouth-Ghana Link, as well as being a spectator at Argyle, I was also able to arrange for the Ghanaian groundsman from Sekondi and an administrator/coach, who was also a Black Stars captain from the 1980s, to come over to Argyle to learn about pitch maintenance and stadium management in 2005-06, in preparation for Ghana’s hosting of the African Nations’ Cup in 2008.As for the day job, I worked for Plymouth City Council all my life, starting as a school leaver in the City Treasury, studying and qualifying in accountancy (CIPFA). However, immediately after qualifying I went into the emerging computer profession and worked in many capacities of that field for most of my life, with accountancy coming a distant second. Plymouth was in fact the first local authority in the country to have a computer, in 1961, so I was a relatively

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late entrant locally in 1969! I retired early in 1999, but have continued to keep an active interest in IT matters.Outside of work I have travelled to over 70 countries on my holidays, exploring some quite off-beat locations. I have always taken a keen interest in international affairs, which has been a fairly substantial contributor to my enthusiasm for travel. I engaged in global justice issues for several years, and wrote a couple of fair-trade guides to Plymouth prior to Plymouth becoming a Fair Trade City in 2004. My involvement in the Plymouth-Ghana Link dovetailed well with my love of travel, and I therefore know Ghana better than any other foreign country. From a personal life angle, I’m a lifelong bachelor, living with my Argyle-loving mother until she died in 2000. I have now lived in my family home for nearly 60 years. All my life, sport has always been very central to my pleasure in life, be it playing, watching, or organising.

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Interesting to catch up with KIM ROWE (79). Kim is currently head of Bishophalt School in Hillingdon, Uxbridge, he was appointed four years ago, as school was assuming Academy status. The main building, an imposing Victorian red-brick affair was formerly Uxbridge County School and since 2013 has been used as a location for the BBC sitcom Big School. The school changed from a grammar to a comprehensive in the 1970s and a has a total roll of around 1300 pupils.A contemporary of Kim’s, CHARLIE GABBITASS (79), is also still enjoying his role in the teaching profession. Charlie has been teaching sport at Blundell’s for some years now and achieving a fair measure of success.Another OPM in the profession is PETER GARLAND (05), Peter is teaching Latin, Ancient Greek, and Ancient Civilisations at King’s School, Worcester. He likes to get to back Plymouth for part of the summer, and to fit in the odd game of cricket. Now here’s an interesting bit of trivia: one of the classrooms in the Classics Department at King’s is evidently the oldest classroom in England.MAX STRELLING (79), and his wife Kate, bought a letting business (Barton Wykes - in Plymouth and based in Stoke), a few years ago, after a long time in the hotel industry (about which he has plenty of tales to tell that make Fawlty Towers look positively innocuous). Currently the Strellings are just about to move into a house in Heybrook Bay that they’ve been working on for some time.JACK STYCHE (07) is working in London as an assessor for a shipping company and sneaks back when he can at weekends, and

is always up for a game of cricket.KEITH WATERS (79), past pupil and now current Plymouth College parent, is enjoying seeing the school and the staff through fresh eyes. All reports so far very encouraging. Keith himself has recently retired from teaching at Holbeton, and keeps busy looking after buildings and occasionally turning out for Ermington CC.Good to meet up with JOHN MARTIN (72) in the revamped Hyde Park Hotel at the end of Mutley Plain either side of an Argyle game earlier this season. After working for many years in the music business, as a musician, promoter and manager – he worked with Richard Thompson for a long time and turned down the offer to manage Van Morrison ... ‘I’d heard that he wasn’t just difficult he was almost impossible!’ – John is currently working with much older people in London.

With him on the day were SIMON McDERMOTT BROWN (73), KINGSLEY BISHOP (72) (pictured) and CHRIS WOOD (72).Another pub encounter saw ANTHONY LAMBERT (79) relaxing in the Dolphin after his role as guest speaker at the School Senior Awards evening just before Christmas. He’s pictured in full rig with Beryl Cook’s favourite pub landlord, Billy Holmes.Still on the Barbican and some months

EDITOR’S NOTES

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later at the 60th birthday party of legendary Plymouth rock DJ, Andy Howard, bumped into fellow deck-meister MARK WILLIAMS (82) who’s still packing out local dance floors.Across the water, at Queen Anne Battery, it was good to catch up with IAN PENROSE (72) and BILL JOCE (72) as they swapped notes on boats and prepared to watch night two of the splendid National Firework Competition held every year in Plymouth in August.

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Ian was among a number of OPM guests at the editor’s own 60th birthday bash held in the OPM Suite: the venue looked fabulous and ASH BROWN-WILLIAMS was the perfect licensee.With Hollywood as the theme there was plenty of glitz and glam, STEVE RANDALL (73) arrived in style with his wife, Jessica (nee Crook) and daughter, Sophie. Club Chairman PENNY ATKINSON (90) looked stunning, CHARLES MARTIN (07) made a fine Frodo and Freya his partner made Uma Thurman appear positively plain. Taking a sideways look at the overall idea, TONY COLLINS (72) and his wife Liz, were mistaken for genuine usherettes, as people happily helped themselves to their ice cream and pop corn. A good smattering of other OPMs all hitting the big 6-0 in the same calendar year were also in attendance, including ALAN HARRIS, STEVE MUNCER, JOHN HAYTHORN, PETER JONES, DOUG

FLETCHER and JIM GRIFFIN.ED KEAST (62), PETE LOWSON (67), TOM EASTWOOD (67) and IAN LANGSFORD (69) all helped keep the average age up and Ian, a well-known Launceston solicitor, was also spotted some weeks earlier in the wonderful Rod and Line in Tideford, guesting for his daughter’s blues combo on his trusty harmonicas. Meanwhile, other, second generation OPMs included JAMES (02), BEN (05) and CHLOE (09) ROBINSON, as well as MEGAN PALMER (09) who’s working in events in London, dispensed fizz and eye lashes as appropriate, and IAN (79) and NEIL (74) JOHNSON. Neil is currently working in sales, in IT and software, enjoying his work immensely even though he raises the average age in the company by a substantial margin.Elder brother, KEITH JOHNSON (72), incidentally, is still working in Plymouth, almost full-time, and enjoys walking on the moors ... and on the coast path with wife Lesley and their two dogs.

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JOHN & LIZ HERMAN CHRIS OWEN40th Wedding Anniversary High Flyer

Chris was drawn to aviation from early childhood and joined the RAF section of the Combined Cadet Force at Plymouth College, going on to become the senior cadet warrant officer. Chris gained his solo gliding certificate from the cadets and also took part in a joint services camp in Gibraltar.In 1983 Chris joined Sainsbury’s as a trainee manager and went on to become an assistant manager. In part due to his interest in technology, Chris was seconded to the scanning implementation team when bar code scanning first came about. After completing his secondment, Chris transferred to Homebase which was then owned by Sainsbury’s and rose to the post of retail systems applications manager after over a decade of loyal service.Chris’s key achievements included working on the introduction of the first loyalty card in the UK, establishing a new horticultural ordering system and playing a crucial role in converting Texas stores into branches of Homebase following an acquisition.His career took a different turn when he joined a software logistics company as project manager, setting up computer systems for a wide range of customers mainly in Europe. Chris has since joined the support division of the company where he still works today, with responsibility for some one hundred associates and a revenue of over 75 million dollars.RESERVE SERVICEChris was commissioned into the Royal Auxilliary Air Force in 1992. Upon completion of his training, he became one of a small group of maritime intelligence officers within Number 1 Maritime Headquarters Unit (MHU). His principal role was a submarine analyst working at the NATO Eastern Atlantic Command

March 30 2014 saw the 40th Wedding Anniversary celebration of John and Liz, held at the OPM Suite at Ford Park. They invited everyone who

shared the day with them in 1974.

Many of John and Liz’s friends and family had attended either Plymouth College or one of the School’s absorbed by the College, Busy Bees

(Western College Preparatory School) and St Dunstan’s Abbey and so a photo was taken of the alumni of all three schools.

Lisa Titcomb (Busy Bees) Bridesmaid, Marilyn Hogg (St Dunstan’s) Midwife! Pat Newnham (PMC), Rodney Harper (PMC), Jill Newnham (Busy Bees and St Dunstan’s), Nick Hale (PMC) Usher, Lizzie Canham (Busy Bees), Liz Herman

(Busy Bees), Jacob Herman (PMC), Richard Creber (PMC), Giles Herman (PMC), Rodger Reid (PMC) Best Man, Sarah Paul (Busy Bees) Bridesmaid,

John Herman (PMC)

Centre at Northwood in the UK, where he used a variety of tools to collate reports on submarine activity. The key role of the RAF Nimrods in submarine hunting was the rationale behind the RAF holding a number of Maritime Intelligence Officers.In 1999, Number 1 MHU became a wider-ranging organisation looking at supporting all forms of headquarters worldwide, rather than just the maritime domain as previously. To reflect this, 1 MHU was turned into a squadron and, given the unit’s existing links with London, was privileged to be able to reform as 600 City of London Squadron, a Battle of Britain Squadron with an illustrious past as the highest scoring night fighter squadron of the Second World War. Chris continued to progress from pilot to flying officer and by 2003 was a flight lieutenant.During the 2003 Gulf War, Chris was mobilised to the MOD in London, before taking on the role of the INTEL Flight training officer at 600 Squadron and, after promotion to squadron leader, became the senior intelligence officer.Following some changes in command, Chris then became the 21C Squadron second in command for four years up to 2013, which included a brief spell commanding the squadron.He stayed with 600 Squadron until 2013, when he was promoted to wing commander and appointed to Air Command as the Liaison Officer to Greater London Reserve Forces and Cadets Association. He now represents the RAF on a number of groups and committees.

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Report 2014Sean Lynch was installed as Master of the Lodge at the October 2013 Meeting, which was attended by 67 masons.At the following November meeting, W Bro Peter Durrant gave a very informative talk about the wide ranging work carried out by the Masonic Charities.A short meeting was held in January to maximise the time available for the Social Evening that followed. This was attended by wives, partners and many guests, who were greatly entertained by Cornish comedian Johnny Cowling.In February the Worshipful Master’s brother, James Lynch, was initiated and 42 masons were present on that occasion. At the March meeting W Bro Bill Daw gave an interesting commentary on some of the symbolism of the First Degree, and W Bro John Smerdon explained the significance of the ceremonial wands used by the Directors of Ceremony and the Deacons.The First Degree ceremony was worked at the April Meeting and Henry Brookshaw was initiated in May with the result that three generations of his family are now OPM Lodge members. Being below the age of 21 years, Henry’s initiation required a dispensation from Grand Lodge. Bro Henry was conducted

through the ceremony by his father Brother Brendan Brookshaw and obligated by his grandfather W Bro Peter Brookshaw.The Lodge is in recess for the months of June, July and August and the September meeting was given over to business matters.This year charitable support was given to three local organisations namely the Plymouth Guild of Social Service, Mustard Tree McMillan Centre and the Christmas Basket Brigade,The Lodge meets at Manadon Masonic Hall, Smallack Drive, Crownhill, Plymouth at 6.45pm on the third Wednesday in each month, except June, July, August and December. Our monthly meetings

LODGE

are followed by a formal dinner (Festive Board), and this is always a very convivial part of the evening. The installation meeting is in October. Committee meetings are held at the OPM Suite whenever possible.Visiting Masons are warmly welcomed and OPMs of any era who wish to know more about the

Lodge or Freemasonry in general, are encouraged to make contact.Membership requirements for the Lodge are no longer restricted solely to former pupils and masters. If you have a connection with the School and would like to find out more please contact the Secretary, Steve Welsh, or any of the members.

Steve Welsh, Tanglewood, 15 Abbots Road, Mannamead, Plymouth, PL3 4PDTel: 01752 516436.

Email: secretary@opmlodge6279.co.uk

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ST DUNSTANS NOTES JO LEASONHockey 1971 Surgeon Commander

Thanks to Jan Northfield (nee Blackaller) for drawing our attention to this one. Jan is sitting front left, and saw the picture in a recent On This Day feature in the Plymouth Herald. The photograph comes from the Herald/Morning News collection held by the South West Image Bank and Jan recognised it instantly as she too has a copy.The picture was taken in 1971 and holding the Plymouth U16 Hockey League winner’s cup is Peggy Douglas (nee Quayle) the team captain (Peggy’s brother Bill was at Plymouth College at the same time – sadly he died a couple of years ago). Sitting alongside Jan is Jinny (Hales?), with Gillian Weeks between her and Peggy.Jan is struggling to recall the other names, even though the faces are so familiar.‘Back row 2nd in from left is Lorna Paige (she had an older sister called Diane or

Diana). Next in is Sharon (I think). She and her sister were boarders as their father worked abroad. However, Sharon may be the name of the girl front row sitting 2nd in from right. First on right sitting is Rosemary Courtney, while first right standing is Helen Fraser.’Jan adds: ‘All of their surnames are maiden names of course.’In a postscript to the paper she further stated that ‘after the sixth form, I went on to teacher training college in Liverpool for three years and returned in 1976 to take a PE teaching post at Ivybridge Comprehensive School (as it was known then). ‘I have since switched careers and went back to University to become a Registered Nurse. So now I can be found charging around a busy unit in Derriford Hospital rather than a netball court or hockey field.’

Surgeon Commander Jo Leason received the award after extending her tour in Afghanistan to ensure that Afghan surgical teams could successfully treat their own wounded soldiers.The 39-year-old, who grew up in Yealmpton, near Plymouth, was made an OBE in the Operational Honours and Awards List for her “inspired leadership and dogmatic resolve” during her time in Afghanistan.Before she arrived, Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) doctors had only performed one simple surgical procedure at Camp Shorabak in the south west of the country.Now they have performed several hundred, largely on battle injuries, and are better placed to assess and treat their own wounded.Receiving her OBE medal at Buckingham Palace, Surg Cdr Leason said: “I feel immensely proud to receive this award, in particular to follow in my father, David

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Keogh’s, footsteps as he was awarded a CBE in 2000.“Luckily my sister was also able to attend as she visited from South Africa which was really the icing on the cake.”Surg Cdr Leason, who was head girl at St Dunstan’s Abbey before pursuing a career in medicine, now works as a link between UK and Afghan forces at PJHQ in Northwood, Hertfordshire.“One year on from my initial involvement, progress has continued with the UK mentors working daily with the ANSF,” she said.“As we move through the summer of 2014, the ANSF surgical facility will increasingly take responsibility for the majority of their casualties. This is key to supporting their troops as we head towards Transition later this year.”The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry and is awarded to those who make a significant impact in support of UK interests.

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Herald theatre critic Martin Freeman described the return of DAWN FRENCH to the Plymouth stage for her 30 Million Minutes show, last July as one of the entertainment events of the year.The title comes from her life: at the age of 56, she explains – and looking pretty fabulous on it – she has lived 30 million minutes.For those wondering why Dawn has chosen 2014 for her first one-woman show, there is an answer to that too.“Time is running out,” she says, “This is the only chance I’ve got between the madness of my menopause and the impending madness of dementia.”She starts quickly and gets even quicker. There is plenty of silly-girl humour, but the supremely polished delivery is often stilted. This is all tightly scripted as if reading from and autobiography, even though she is baring her soul.She is best when being a child again.You wonder whether the anecdote about recoiling in horror, aged four at the sight of the Queen Mother’s black teeth, can possibly be true. But a film of the time the former Queen came to tea with Dawn, brother Gary, mum Roma and RAF dad Denys plays on the screen – and there is the tot, physically shocked by the dental disasterThere are cheers for each Plymouth mention: Goodbody’s where she went to ‘meet’ (and ignore) Plymouth College boys while at St Dunstan’s Abbey School, Stonehouse, where her mum’s mum, Grannie Lillian lived.She is superb at switching from comedy to sorrow. The death from cancer of Roma is one example, the tales about her father are another.

As she discusses the ‘suit of armour’ of confidence that her dad gave her, built from constant praise and compliments, and pleads to all dads present to do likewise, the audience holds its breath. The release is an explosion of applause.Her account of her father’s suicide is pre-recorded, but extraordinary all the same.It s perfectly judged, a teen’s anger giving way to a mature woman’s acceptance and continuing love as Dawn picks up the commentary live.A couple of the sections venture into schmaltz, particularly the adoration of brother Gary. Her account of falling for new husband Mark Bignell, head of drug and alcohol rehabilitation charity Hamoaze House, looks to be heading that way too but is saved by some beautifully observed humour.Between those extremes she is excellent when angry. It’s raw and delivered with a roar, as she tears into journalists who intrude into her personal life, like TV presenter Anne Diamond and her assertion that Dawn had a gastric band for cosmetic weight loss:

“There was no magic wand, just tiny, joyless low-cal eating and lots more walking for weeks and weeks. It was grim”. And done to prepare her for a hysterectomy following a cancer scare.The piece cries out for more on her 25 years with Lenny Henry and some showbiz glitz, some snippets from the Vicar of Dibley, perhaps. But most of all you wish there is some stand up style banter with the audience, that the script is ditched for just five minutes.

The show ends in a complete standing ovation, cheers whoops and shouts of more. But in such a tightly scripted show there is no way that Dawn could have done an encore. Besides, what else could she possibly give of herself? Her urging of the audience to just live every minute because we are all mortal and flawed ought to sound cheesy, but delivered by Dawn, rings true.It’s a brilliant, imperfect show – like the woman herself.

DAWN FRENCH30 Million Minutes

N O T E S

DAWN FRENCH30 Million Minutes

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After growing up in Oreston, Lauren is now based in Stockholm.Lauren was on a rare visit to Britain when the Plymouth Herald caught up with her.She was in London for a meeting with her new bosses at Universal Music for whom she will be writing songs for some of the world’s top artists.At three years old, Lauren knew that singing and songwriting was what she wanted to do and after moving herself to London when she was just 17 years old, she has achieved just that.But this is all a far cry from her humble beginnings in Plymouth, growing up in Eggbuckland with her parents Liz and Paul working all hours to make ends meet.“My mum had three jobs at one point and my dad was in the Navy,” she says.“We were a typical Plymouth family but they never let me go without.”Lauren was a pupil at St Dunstan’s Abbey and has been performing and writing music since she was 14 years old.But more recently her career has been split between her work as a songwriter and performing and recording her own material.Her move to Stockholm came after she was signed by Swedish songwriter Jorgen Elofsson, best known for co-writing Kelly Clarkson’s A Moment Like This.But then she was spotted by Universal. Lauren said: “My previous deal had finished and I was scouted by Pelle Lidell from Universal who found me at a music camp.”The deal with Universal Music is three years and means the company now owns all the publishing rights to Lauren’s songs and are in charge of sending them to artists.Lauren is busy travelling all over the world and spends a lot of her time in Asia as well as selling 1.6 million records in Japan.She said: “My main focus now is on the UK

inspiration for her songs at any time.She confesses: “I get ideas at the most inappropriate of times – when I’m in the shower, or brushing my teeth, even as I am falling asleep. I have 10,000 voice notes in my phone at the moment.”The Plymouth-born star is brushing shoulders with huge names in the music world on a regular basis and admits that a song she wrote with David Guetta is her favourite to date.“The most famous person I have met and loved was Katy Perry, she was filming in the studio where I was working.“It has been amazing working with Wyclef Jean – I was a huge fan when I was growing up,” she says without any hesitation.Lauren is in a studio in Stockholm every

“Everything is in place for it I just need to get it out there.“I have an amazing manager who goes to meetings for me and tries and gets my songs out there.“I’m not looking to get a record deal, I just want to do it for myself at the moment.“I don’t earn lots of money. As long as I can survive from music and I can write songs then I’m happy.”For many young girls and boys nowadays they look at the likes of One Direction and Little Mix and hope to do the same.Television shows such as Britain’s Got Talent and the X Factor make us think it’s easy to get signed and become a multi-millionaire popstar but Lauren says otherwise.“My advice to anyone trying to get into the music industry is that it’s hard but if you think you can do it then it’s totally possible.“There have been times where I had no money in the bank but kept on pushing.“You need to keeping going and honing your craft. Never ever give up,” she advises.Lauren loves working in the pop genre and can produce really cheesy pop music as well as folk influenced songs – this is where she sees her own songs fitting in.“I love Ellie Goulding and I love a lot of Swedish artists, Tove Lo is really good and it’s great she is doing so well in the UK.“I also love Jessie J and am working with one of her producers at the moment. I respect anyone with a really great voice.”

and American market. I’m a developing artist myself but I have the backing of the biggest publisher in the world.”While Lauren, 28, was living in Plymouth she took a music scholarship at St Dunstan’s Abbey before heading to Guilford where she studied at the Academy of Contemporary Music for two years.Lauren only stayed at Guilford for a couple of years after a life-changing opportunity arose.“I quit the course after two years. I managed to get work with Basshunter, which escalated into me writing a song.“This experience showed me I didn’t need a degree to get where I wanted. I had to live it to get the experience,” she explains.“I’ve been doing this since I was 14. I was an artist before I took up songwriting.“I decided it was time to focus on writing and I managed to achieve quite a lot in a very short space of time.“I have written 450 songs in three years – this has involved a huge output.”Working all hours of the day, Lauren can find

day so admits she tends not to listen to music at home and prefers the silence.Working on both sides, I ask Lauren which she prefers – singing or songwriting?“I enjoy being a songwriter and a singer. I like being behind the scenes because then I am judged on my ability as a songwriter rather than the way I look.“I enjoy both in different ways really. It is nice to be in the shadows sometimes.”Although Lauren is a recognised songwriter she is working hard

on her own EP.The talented Lauren is extremely ambitious and adds: “My aim is to be a top songwriter and have a couple of my own records. I just want to keep on creating music.”

LAUREN DYSONSigns with Universal Records

N O T E S

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OBITUARIES.............................

Colin Besant, the founder of Turbo Power Systems Inc, died suddenly while on holiday in Canada on 19 July 2014, aged 78. Emeritus Professor Besant obtained his PhD from Imperial in 1966 for research in the field of Nuclear Reactor Engineering. He subsequently worked on pressurised water reactor design for nuclear submarines for Rolls Royce and Associates, after which he joined the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority as Senior Scientific Officer, working on the development of the Steam Generating Heavy Water Reactor at Winfrith Heath.

He returned to Imperial as a Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering in 1968, researching, amongst other things, fast breeder reactors.Colin was one of the first engineers in Europe to become involved in Computer Aided Design and Manufacture. His CAD work at the College pioneered the use of mini-computers in design applications and he built up a large research group working on engineering design and manufacturing systems. He was also engaged in work on industrial robots, CNC machine tools and flexible manufacturing in general and was

COLIN BESANT

O B I T U A R I E S..................................................highly respected in the Industry.He was made a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 1997 and a Professor of Computer Aided Manufacture in 1998.In the early 1990s he had initiated new research which was developed and subsequently commercialised through Turbo Genset (now Turbo Power Systems) and started a new spinoff company producing advanced electric machines and power electronics. After becoming the Emeritus Professor he remained active in the company, but he also devoted much of his time to supporting new British engineering companies. He remained passionate about Imperial College and he continued to support and to encourage new research in the Mechanical Engineering and other Departments at the College and was an inspiration for numerous young engineers.

A spokesperson for the College noted that ‘his enduring optimism, wisdom, good humour and support will be deeply missed.’

Colin in the 1953 School 2nd XI

BRIAN JERVIS

I got to know Brian Jervis when he joined the Modern Sixth in September 1951. He was three years behind me and I was starting my final year at school. We both had a keen interest in cricket – test and county matches – together with regular attendances at Home Park to watch Argyle.We met again ten years later when we were both students for the bar at Grays Inn, one of the Inns of Court in London. He had become a Chartered Company Secretary by this time and also was taking an interest in horse racing – in later years owning a share in two or three racehorses. Our interest in cricket remained and since then we have met regularly for cricket at Lords, especially after 1989 when we had both been accepted for membership of the MCC.During these years we also kept up our interest in Argyle and watched them whenever they played in London or within a reasonable distance.Our families became close friends and he became a godfather to my daughter in 1982.

Brian died on 26 September 2014. He will be greatly missed by our family and also, I’m sure, by the large number of friends and acquaintances who attended his funeral.Rod Federick

Brian in the 1953 School 2nd XI.

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Derek Holland, one of Plymouth’s most accomplished and influential artists, died last year aged 87. Head of Art at Plymouth College for 13 years and fondly known as Dutchy, he was a member of the prestigious Newlyn Society of Artists and exhibited in London and internationally.“He was an important artist, the equal of any who have been connected to this city in the modern era,” said Plymouth gallery owner Francis Mallett.Born in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, Derek served in the Grenadier Guards before studying at Chesterfield College of Art and the Central School, London (now Central St Martins), where he joined the staff.His earlier abstract paintings were exhibited in leading London galleries and included in an exhibition of British art at Monte Carlo, selected by Peggy Guggenheim, the American collector and socialite. He later made a rare move for an artist of that era by switching from pure abstraction to a more realistic style.He exhibited alongside some of the leading names in 20th century British art, including his friends Terry Frost, Alex Mackenzie and Roger Hilton, at the Newlyn Society of Artists in Penzance.

DEREK HOLLAND

Derek and his wife Marjorie – also a painter – moved from London to Plymouth in the 1960s and had a profound effect on the city art scene. At Plymouth College he taught Turner Prize-winning sculptor Richard Deacon and went on to teach adult art classes at Swathmore, but gave up his job in the early 70s to focus on painting. He and Margery travelled widely in France where he painted landscapes and village and town scenes, which he exhibited at Plymouth City Museum and Art Museum in 1980.He later frequently exhibited at the New Street Gallery in the Barbican and had a show at the Arts Centre in Looe Street.In 2013, he showed paintings again in London after a gap of half a century. In the brochure for that show in Chelsea, Richard Deacon praised Mr Holland’s dedication as a teacher, and his warm and open personality.“Derek transformed my understanding of myself and enriched immeasurably the possibilities that lay open to me,” he added. “He believed in me.”Teaching at Plymouth College throughout the 1960s Derek oversaw a number of significant changes including the opening of

OBITUARIES.............................

Sadly, Will passed away on 7th March 2015 at the age of 25. He was an articulate and caring young man who enjoyed the simple things in life; being with family, hanging out with friends and listening to and making his own music.

Will was born in Liverpool in 1989 and grew up adored by his slightly older cousin and family. After moving to Plymouth in 1991, he spent many happy years at the Prep and Main School. He enjoyed life at Plymouth College greatly, playing sport for the school especially Rugby and Athletics. He spent much time with a close group of friends and they often went looking for mischief, not least the setting fire to the toilet seat next to the gas pipes for the school which could have resulted in explosion and expulsion in his first year of secondary school.

After school, Will travelled through New Zealand and then worked in Morrisons for some years where he had great fun and was well-liked and respected by his colleagues. Alongside this, he started

a Business Studies degree at Plymouth University and continued to compose music. Unfortunately, Will also suffered from anxiety and found the challenges in life difficult. Throughout difficult times, Will always respected those close to him and he never stopped telling them how much he loved them.

Will was a truly wonderful person. Every comment or tribute has echoed the fact that he was just so kind, generous and loving; probably more than he ever knew. He was affectionate and gentle with his grandmother, Doreen. He was a supportive brother to Joe and Jamie, a loving son and a fun-to-be-around friend; loyal and caring. He treated people with respect and always made a connection with them by giving them time and listening to what they actually said.

He will be terribly missed but always remembered with so much love and affection.

Ian & Debbie Johnson

WILLIAM JOHNSON

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JOHN TRESISE

O B I T U A R I E S..............................................

the bright new art room in the Valetort Block, an important addition to the existing facilities in basement of Valetort Villa – and he was behind the radical overhaul of the school magazine – The Plymothian.The content and cover were transformed. Derek was responsible for a number of the covers himself.Chris Robinson, Chairman of Governors, and fellow Governor, Ian Penrose, both say they’re indebted to man who chuckled and mumbled

PHILIP LIDDICOAT

Philip Liddicoat, who died in January this year aged 94, was a musician whose music marked the great occasions in the lives of Plymothians and their city across many decades. As organist at St Andrew’s Church for 33 years he played at a great many civic occasions and directed the music for over 30 years at the city’s mother church. He was also musical director of Plymouth Philharmonic Choir for 18 years and founded and led other ensembles and taught music in schools and privately for more than 40 years. A member of Plymouth and District Organist’s Association, he was its president on three different occasions.However, after leaving Plymouth College there seemed no prospect of a career in music, and Philip started work in a bank.Teaching did hold an appeal, though, and it was this that provided a pathway into music.

At a time when new recruits to the profession were being sought, Philip left to train at Birmingham and Exmouth, and, after qualifying, taught at Compton Primary, and then at the former Stoke Damerel High School for Girls, where he met his wife-to-be, Janet.She was a trainee teacher there, and went on to become Head of Classics at St Dunstan’s Abbey, as well as a driving force behind the annual Plymouth Music Festival.As Musical Director of the Plymouth Philharmonic choir, a post from which he retired in 1996’ Philip is remembered for bringing great encouragement and enthusiasm. Philip Buttall, classical music writer for the Plymouth Herald wrote:“Those of us who sang with Philip will mourn his passing with sadness and remember him with great affection and gratitude. “Philip introduced us to many of the major choral works, interpreted with meticulous attention to every musical detail and his deep feeling for the music. “Many of these works have become part of the choir’s repertoire. Without Philip’s commitment and inspired leadership in those years the PPC would not be the choir it is today. “Throughout his life, in a great many ways, Philip helped maintain the highest standards of classical choral music in the city.”

John contributed to other aspects of college life providing much support to the drama department making stage sets and props.His biggest influence to the fabric of the college was the redevelopment of the design department in 1990. The result was an extensive purpose-built facility for teaching integrated design concepts including fabrics, plastics, electronics, pneumatics, wood and metal technologies. It boasted one of the country’s best-equipped school CAD facilities.John held several prestigious posts including treasurer of the National Association for Design Education, involvement with ‘The Men of the Trees’, and as a founder member of the Devon Guild of Craftsmen, helped to establish their visitor’s centre in Bovey Tracy. Perhaps his finest accolade was as national treasurer of the Independent Schools Craft Design and Technology Association. He was instrumental in establishing the Stuart Pugh Award for excellence in A Level design, and was responsible for securing prestigious locations for the award ceremonies; including the design centre of Rover Cars, Hewlett Packard and a major TV studio. In recognition of this contribution, John was awarded an IEd honorary membership. His work in this area proved influential in the development and expansion of design and technology education in independent schools in the early 1990’s.Outside of the academic arena, John embraced cricket with a passion. He was an active team member in village teams, and a

through his beard. Ian, who studied the History of Architecture under Marjorie as part of his A Level Art programme, remembers the two together as making a great team and in turn being hugely influential on his approach to Architecture as a career and now Art generally, as he’s become something of a painter in his retirement. “I’m doing things now that Derek was telling me I should have been doing almost 50 years ago,” he says.

John was born in Mylor Bridge, Cornwall on 15 May 1943, the son of the village carpenter and undertaker. He attended St Wilfred’s primary and subsequently Hele’s Grammar School in Exeter. John attended Shoreditch Training College, which specialised in the teaching of craft and design. It was during his college years that he met his wife of nearly 50 years, June. John’s teaching career began in South London. He also held posts in Bedfordshire and the West Midlands. His final career move was to Plymouth College in 1981 where he took up the post of Head of Woodwork, a role that was to evolve considerably during his time at the college.Former college students will fondly remember the 1st year wooden spatula projects, Perspex puzzles, and the importance of documenting the design process in the infamous design folio. At the other end of the scale, two A-level Design Students designed and made the altar and lectern for the college chapel.

qualified umpire. He played a big part in the college First XI who he took on tours to Holland and Denmark and to inter-schools’ festivals in the UK. This devotion paid off, resulting in the position of vice chairman of the West Devon Umpires Association; followed by appointment to the role of manager of the Devon U19 squad. Here he had the opportunity to mentor his protégé, Chris Read; who went on to play for England.In 2003 John was diagnosed with a degenerative heart condition. A glint of hope appeared in 2013 in the form of stem cell

implantation - a pioneering technique that was undergoing clinical trials. The specifics of his condition made him an excellent candidate for the procedure at the London Chest Hospital, funded by the Heart Cells Foundation. Sadly, by the time he was admitted for the procedure his condition had deteriorated. He passed away peacefully, in October 2014, surrounded by his close family. We extend our condolences to his wife June, son Paul, daughter Helen and grandchildren Joe, Elizabeth and Samuel.

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OBITUARIES.............................

ZOE ELIZABETH COLES

CAROLINE GOLDRING

Zoe Coles, a talented artist and former St Dunstan’s pupil, passed away at Derriford on Saturday 19 July 2014. After leaving Plymouth in her 20s, the multi-skilled artist worked as an exhibition organiser in London before returning to pursue her freelance art work. She was made a director of Flameworks Creative Art Facility in Devonport where she had her own studio and she was involved in workshops with schools.A keen animal lover like her parents, Judith and David Coles, Zoe was a member of the Greyhound Gap from which she adopted her own greyhound, Moose, who she had for seven years. She built and decorated her own boathouse with the help of her dad, which she lived in at the Huggins Boatyard in Torpoint.”We got a barge and built the house on it. It had all the amenities – central heating and a log fire. It took us two years in total,” her dad David said.“She was always making things – even when she was small she would have bits

of material and would make things,” said her mum, Judith. Zoe was born in Higher St Budeaux and grew up near the Hoe as an only child. She attended St Dunstan’s from the age of four to 15 and enjoyed trips to her family’s caravan at Harlyn Bay in Cornwall. She had a close relationship with her parents who also have a background in art – her mother a former art school student who used to do church embroidery and her father a former stained glass artist. “She got on well with most people. She was very tolerant and happy, she never let any problems become unavoidable,” her mum said.

“She was very well balanced, friendly with everybody and took people as they were.“She hadn’t been well but it was unexpected how quickly things deteriorated.”Zoe’s funeral was held at the Minister Church of St Andrew on Royal Parade on Thursday 31 July. The family asked for any donations to go to Greyhound Gap.

Popular Tavistock woman and former St Dunstan’s student Caroline Goldring died last year aged just 28. Caroline, who worked as a member of cabin crew for British Airways, died after a battle with cancer in June.She was survived by her parents Graham and Valerie and older brothers Richard and Rob.A service was held for her at Tavistock Town Hall and those attending were asked not to wear black, but to dress in BA colours of red, white and blue instead.Hundreds of messages of tribute to Caroline were posted online.Her brother Richard said: “On behalf of my family a massive thank you for all the

kind messages and pictures people have posted.“(Caroline) really has touched a lot of people’s lives and it’s been amazing to see the response from you all.“We will miss her very much and she was a true inspiration and fighter.“She was the best sister a brother could ever ask for! We will make sure her spirit lives on and trust me when I say she will never be forgotten.“She loved her job in the skies more than life itself. She loved the friends she made. Thank you for letting my sister be a part of your lives.“As people keep saying heaven has gained an absolute legend of an angel.”

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The annual Golf event was held on Friday 12 September at the Elfordleigh Golf Club and Leisure Hotel.The weather was good, warm and sunny.The much improved Golf course now has full 18 holes, and was in excellent condition - a good test of Golf.

The competition was followed by an excellent supper meal served on the Hotel Terrace. Our thanks go Bill Dawe, being a home member, for dealing with the internal arrangements.We also this year welcomed two first time players namely Keith Haley and John Stevens.

Ray RoachGOLF

The prize winners were as follows: BOWERING BOWL - Bill DaweR.SPEAR PLATE - Ray Roach WOODROW SALVER - Bill DaweRUNNER UP - Ray RoachNEAREST THE PIN - Peter RutherfordSCORE OF THE DAY - John Smerdon

This year l sent out 56 emails and received 28 responses. If you are interested in joining the golfing section (its free) please contact me, Ray Roach at rayopmgolf@mail.com

The venue for next year’s event is planned for Yelverton Golf Club - details to follow.

Competitors below from L to R , Julian Bacon, Nick Holman, John Lyddon, Keith Haley, John Stevens, Jay Foster, David Smerdon, John Smerdon, Ray Roach,Bill Dawe,and Peter Rutherford.

S P O R T .......................OBITUARIES.............................

DR NORMAN GRAHAM GLEN

Dr Norman Graham Glen died suddenly at South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia on Wednesday 1 October 2014, aged 91. Born in Hull, Yorkshire, he was a son of the late Rhodolph “Dolphy” and Elizabeth (McIvor) Glen. Educated at Plymouth College and the University of Bristol, he went on to become a Medical Officer in the Royal Air Force. After World War II, he worked as a general practitioner in England, Alberta and Amherst, NS, and eventually as an anaesthetist in Amherst, Bridgewater, and Lunenburg. He was a member of the Canadian Anaesthetists’ Society, Canadian Medical Association, Medical Society of Nova Scotia, College of General Practice of Canada, and the Canadian Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War.A keen scout in his time at Plymouth College, Norman was a leader in the Boy Scouts of Canada where he served as District Commissioner in Amherst, Assistant Provincial Commissioner for Nova Scotia and as a member of the International Campfire Leaders’ Club. He was also a member of the Amherst Rotary and

Toastmasters’ Clubs and was a founding member of the South Shore Scottish Country Dancers and South Shore Players. He maintained a life-long love of horses and served as District Commissioner, South Shore Branch for the Canadian Pony Club and as Vice President, Maritime Branch for the Canadian Horse Protection Society. He was also a member of many Associations including the Canadian Horse Shows Association, Canadian Combined Training Association, Canadian Dressage Owners & Riders’ Association and Atlantic Canada Trail Riding Association, running events for many years in Nova Scotia.Norman is survived by his four children and seven grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Mae Ethel (Goss) Glen and brother, William “Mac”.His wonderful sense of humour, love of travel and passion for learning will be missed by his friends and family. His positive attitude to life has been and continues to be an inspiration to many.As Norman wished, there was no funeral service and memorial donations were invited to the Maritime Horse Protection Society.

Norman Glen, top right, at the South Devon scout camp in 1937.

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Chris VinsonCRICKET

MONDAY 28TH JULY: OPMS V HASSRA SWHassra SW 172-5 (Matt Smith 49no, Dave Watson 28, Stewart Yetton 23; Adrian

Laughton 2-38, Alfie Turner 1-13) OPMs 173-6 (Stuart Summers 93no, Iain Cunningham 40; Simon Hards 4-23)

OPMs won by 4 wicketsA friendly, yet competitive, game to start the week ensued. 9 players had travelled to this game as part of a Plymouth Cricket Club reunion from the team of 1994-6

Old friends battling against each other. The highlights were watching two Plymouth College old boys in action, Simon Hards’ pace bowling and Stuart Summers’ fine

cover drives.

TUESDAY 29TH JULY: OPMS V YELVERTON BOHEMIANSOPMs 274 all out (Jake Luffman 103 retired, Iain Cunningham 78, Lewis

Edmonds 43; Sam Betts 2-18, Jay Warner 2-36)Yelverton 170 all out (Sam Betts 76, Dan Cooper 42; Stuart Summers 3-20, Ben

Singlehurst 2-14, Luke Edmonds 2-17, Phil O’ Connell 2-21)

OPMs won by 104 runsA strong Yelverton bowling attack was put to the sword by aggressive OPM

batting. There was no let up, even after the 161 opening partnership, as batsman after batsman played attacking strokes throughout the OPM innings. Yelverton’s middle batting order gave them a chance after an early slump, but

every OPM bowler contributed to see the game with a convincing victory.

A FINE BATTING DISPLAY BY BOTH TEAMS MADE IT HARD WORK IN THE FIELD. PLAYED IN THE TRUE SPIRIT OF THE

GAME... ~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~

S P O R T .......................

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WEDNESDAY 30TH JULY: OPMS V PHILANTHROPISTSOPMs 287-7 (Will Chapman 100 retired, John Horton 55, Stewart Yetton 45;

J. Waterworth 2-65)Philanthropists 174-6 (T. Cresswell 34, P. Lockett 33n.o., M. Charlick 29;

Iain Cunningham 3-13, Chris Hall 2 for 19)

OPMs won by 113 runsA fine batting display by both teams made it hard work in the field. Played in the

true spirit of the game with many a ‘fine shot’ and ‘well bowled’ echoing from the boundary and balcony. The best bowler of the day was probably the youngest

player ever to play in OPM cricket week - Christian Vinson, aged just 10 years and 11 days, kept turning the ball sharply past the outside edge, had one missed stumping, one huge LBW shout and two dropped catches from his spell. Most

adults would be cursing their luck; Christian said “that was fun”. I think he is going to take 100s of wickets on the Ford Park hallowed turf.

THURSDAY 31ST JULY: OPMS V PCOSOPMs 196 all out (Will Chapman 60, Steve Luffman 34, Duran 25;

Al Cload 3-14, Luke Dennis 2-27, Phil O’ Connell 2-39)PCOs 86 all out (P.Ruse 40, Seb Jordan 9; Chris Vinson 2-2, Alex Hill 2-17, Will

Chapman 2-17, Iain Cunningham 2-28, Oliver Parsons 1-2)

OPMs won by 110 runsThe weather started fine, which certainly helped the OPM batsmen score runs early in the day. As the weather became more overcast, batsmen struggled to find their form as the ball began to swing and turn. Hence the margin of victory, although it

must be said that OPMs were very sharp in the field - holding difficult chances.

FRIDAY 1ST AUGUST: OPMS V DEVON DUMPLINGSOPMs 192-7 (Iain Cunningham 78, Rich West 59; George Stephenson 2-24,

Jack Horton 2-43)Devon Dumplings 157 all out (Vrish Singh 107; Alex Hill 3-21, Chris Vinson 3-31)

OPMs won by 35 runsGetting this game started was a feat in itself as the opposition only had 2 players a day before. The ‘contact list’ was sought and within 30 minutes we had 2 teams of 11. Then it rained…and rained…and rained. While enjoying the range of ciders in the bar, and with a large expectant crowd, the captains decided to ‘go for it’ and get the game going. It was an on…off…on kind of day. OPMs sealed a glorious

week with 5 out of 5 wins, despite a fantastic century from the Devon Dumplings’ overseas player.

AWARDSGOLD AWARD - Iain Cunningham

SILVER AWARD - Will ChapmanBRONZE AWARD - Fahad Ali

BATTING PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK - Vrish SinghMOST PROMISING YOUNG PLAYER - Christian Vinson

PLAYERS REPRESENTING OPMS DURING THE WEEK (32)Chris Vinson, Luke Harding, Iain Cunningham, Stuart Summers, Ben Singlehurst, Luke Edmonds, Nik Sweet, Adrian Laughton, Fahad Ali, Alfie Turner, Nik White, Jake Luffman, Lewis Edmonds, Phil O’ Connell, John Horton, Ian Watson, Chris

Hall, John Hall, Jack Horton, Tim Price, Ed Degg, Alex Hill, Oliver Parsons, Ed Vaughn, Steve Luffman, Stewart Yetton, Will Chapman, Rich West, R. Duran,

Charlie Hellier, Tom De Ware and Christian Vinson.

Special thanks to Plymouth College and the grounds men for great wickets, Karen Tidy and Sharon Vinson for the sumptuous teas, Ashley Brown-Williams for

providing fine beverages (and everything else), Dave Gates for organising all the umpiring, Oliver Parsons for scoring and John Stevens for his annual support and

providing the prizes.

OPM CRICKET WEEK 2015 WILL BE MONDAY 27TH JULY-FRIDAY 31ST JULY.Monday 27th July v Hassra SWTuesday 28th July v YelvertonWednesday 29th July v PCOs

Thursday 30th July v PhilanthropistsFriday 31st July v Devon Dumplings

Feel free to contact Chris Vinson on 07866616956, The OPM Suite and/or the OPM Website/Facebook pages for more details.

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It was a mixed year for OPM Hockey last season, with a relegation, a promotion and a first full league season for our 3rd team.

The 1st XI were playing at their highest level in the last 15 years, in Conference South. Unfortunately, the gulf in class was ultimately too much. Rock bottom with only two points at the Christmas break, and only three wins out of 22 matches all season, it was a long campaign with very little in the way of redeeming features.

Former striker Jack Horton returned to the club after a long period living away, and although he only rejoined halfway through the season, he managed to secure the top goalscorer spot, reminding us what we had been missing for so many years.

Sadly it was not enough to avoid the drop and the 1sts are playing the 2014/15 season in Southern 2. This season sees a new period of captaincy, after three good years under Alex Peacock’s leadership. Richard “Gucci” Moore has taken

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HOCKEYJason Sweby

the reins, with Aaron West filling in as vice when Gucci is invariably away or injured! They started with four consecutive wins followed by four consecutive defeats, and at the time of writing in February, they are comfortably mid-table with six wins, two draws and six defeats. Alex Peacock appears to be enjoying the freedom from captaincy, currently leading the goalscoring table with 13.

At the other end of scale, after almost a decade of trying, the 2nd XI finally managed to get promoted out of South West 1 under the captaincy of Rob Cross. It was a close call though, down to the last game where they were fighting for second spot with arch rivals Plymouth Marjons. But, with 13 wins out of 20 matches, and frequently scoring more than five goals per game, they earned promotion into Southern 2, a division the entire club has long known that they deserved to play in.

This season they are led by Liam Jonas and Ben Wilcox. They are noticing a jump in difficulty, for example playing Tavistock 2nds last season but Tavistock 1sts this season; they are

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IT IS WITH GREAT PRIDETHAT THE TEAMS BRING

THE VISITORS BACK TO THE OPM SUITE

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currently 2nd from bottom with only three wins from 15 matches. Rob Oades and Ben Wilcox lead the scoring table.

The real success story of the club in the past few years has been our 3rd XI. Two years ago I reported a bounce in numbers following the success of the 2012 Olympics. This prompted us to tentatively form a 3rd XI for friendly matches, and last season they themselves asked to be put into a proper league. I also reported that they were not helped by the league which decided to put them into a division, South East 3, which saw them travel to Minehead, Dorset, Bridgwater and Yeovil, a big ask for a mostly junior side who weren’t old enough to drive. However, they conducted themselves impeccably, completed every fixture (although sometimes very short of players) and finished second from bottom (with no relegation in that division). As a result, their captain Dan Sharpe won the Clubman of the Year

award at our End of Season Dinner by a landslide.

Along with some other Plymouth clubs, we lobbied the league to address the situation of which division our lowest team was playing in, and this year I am happy to report that this season, they are playing in a newly formed South West 2, which involves playing purely within Devon, and primarily Plymouth. This team is a breeding ground for new players, juniors and older players looking to just enjoy hockey at any level, and the 1st and 2nd teams are both incredibly supportive of their

3rd team. They have currently won four out of their 13 matches, with veteran Adrian Laughton leading the goals.

It is with great pride that the teams bring their visitors back to the OPM Suite, and my thanks continue to go towards Ash and Glen Brown-Williams in the bar and kitchen, and the main OPM club whose support and generosity is always appreciated.

The club welcomes new players all the time, whether playing for the first time or picking up a stick after many years away from the game.

jason.sweby@opmhockey.co.ukwww.opmhockey.co.uk. -

twitter.com/opmhcfacebook.com/OPMHC

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So that was 2014 but what has rugby ever done for us? Well before I reflect on OPM Rugby’s 2014 year, I would like to briefly share what rugby and OPMs has meant to me as an average rugby player for 40 years and with 35 of those years with Jesters/OPMs.

Rugby is a physically demanding game that can be quite intimidating. However, it is the ultimate team game where effort, discipline and sportsmanship can be as important as strength and skill, and while a very skilled player will make a difference, he can’t play or win a game without a team around him and that team can include young/old, tall/short and big/small.

Rugby through OPMs and Jesters has provided me with countless genuine friendships, many crazy days and fantastic memories which money could never buy. And whilst it can be said that I’ve limited in-depth experience of other clubs, I can categorically say that OPMs attracts and keeps players who live life to the full, support each other

RUGBYChairman’s Report

and who often become true loyal friends – the way that memories of players like Simon Adams, Gary Wesley, Jamie Hutton, John Gillan and Malcolm Vincent live on long after their passing exemplifies this camaraderie and respect. Similarly, we should applaud the many OPM ex and non-players who give up their time, money and effort each week to support the club and keep everything going – you know who you are and thanks for making OPMs a wonderful club. So if anyone asks, rugby with OPMs has done an awful lot for me and many others who have embraced and immersed themselves in it – so keep it going and let’s share the ups and downs as they come!

And so now to 2014. The 2013/14 playing season ended positively with our 1st team, led by Ed Steven, finishing just a few points below mid-table in their second Devon and Cornwall league season which is the challenging year after the euphoria of promotion has subsided and given we are playing against well-

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Mark Turner

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established town sides with substantial resources. The 2nd team under the continued captaincy of Dave Chapman again won the local Merit table in all but title (a long story).

Of special mention: the end of 2013/14 season saw Leigh Puttock stepping down as head coach after several magnificent years and Steve Luffman stepping up to fully take on this challenging role. As usual Matt Glastonbury contributed more to OPMs than anyone could reasonably expect including getting more of his family involved with the club in the form of Steph Smith (new father-in-law) as new 1st team manager and now Vice-Chairman.

Moving to the latter half of 2014, the start of the 2014/15 season has been

challenging for OPM Rugby with OPM 1s and 2s initially struggling for positive results and our Juniors’ dropping a few age groups. However success has been forthcoming towards the end of 2014 under the new captaincies of Steve Cole for the 1s and Matt Price for the 2s and the Junior section is very upbeat having regrouped and taken the learning that comes with challenge.

So at the time of writing (January 2015), I am totally confident we will end the season positively and whatever happens we should recognise that success is relative and whilst we will always have our ups and downs in terms of results we will always have a fantastic rugby club in OPMs.

‘I can categorically say that OPMs attracts and keeps players who live life to the full, support each other and who often become true loyal friends ...’

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A season of great triumphs and bitter defeats has been the story of the 1st XV thus far. With many new faces joining the club and after an impressive pre-season turn out, competition for places in the 1sts has been fierce. Before Christmas the 1st XV held their own and had some very narrow defeats against teams which are now pushing for a top four finish in the table.

The move to Elburton for training and games on the weekend for both Junior and

Corey Price, Sam Matts and Joe Martin who have been exceptional, as an aging squad we need all the fresh blood we can get!

Thirdly the contribution of players who have worked hard to gain places on the 1st XV such as Adam Neves and Rich Freeman, who certainly haven’t just made up the numbers but have made an impact due to commitment to training.

Lastly I would mention the lads who trekked down to Penzance for a certain defeat and ended up with a standing ovation from the home crowd. That could be a game which could be the difference between retaining our place, or going down and clearly shows the heart that still beats strong within this fantastic club. Although things have not always gone our way this season the pride in the shirt that the boys play for is top drawer.

RUGBYST XV1

Steve Cole

Senior Clubs has been a slow process, but gladly through a lot of effort and hard graft put in by the Committee and Players things are looking good at ‘Fortress Elburton’, which is now feeling even more like home. More recently the link with Marjons has been a beneficial one seeing both parties being able to run full team live sessions - something which should be built on.

Secondly a major positive has been the impact that some of the young players have made,

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Matt Price

So the 2014-2015 season, and a new venture for myself as 2nd XV captain trying to fill the shoes left by Dave Chapman. OPM 2nds (Jesters) have continued to play some quality rugby this season with a mixed bag of results against varied opposition; but such is the nature of 2nd team rugby.

There was an interesting start with an away trip up to Withycombe who, I think it is fair to say, gave us a wake-up call to how hard and different this new Merit table was going to be. Since then it has been both up and down and when we played Withycombe for the second time before Christmas a statement was made by how far we had come as a squad.

A 50 points plus to 0 victory was fantastic for the team to show the improvements made since the start of the season, followed up by a win over Topsham and a Cup win over local rivals Saltash.

2015 and the second half of the season will be a big test of the club’s character but hopefully it can be a successful one for not just the Senior teams but all the juniors as well.

JESTERSND XV2

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The playing year started off with the news that after some serious soul searching and due to a lack of numbers the older teams had to fold. Those that love rugby continue to play elsewhere and we wish them well, in the hope that they come back and play for the seniors when they are old enough! We have continued with our remaining teams, U10’s down to the U6’s.

Elburton is now our home, and the year has seen some amazing changes to the facilities, with more to come. We are looking to the future and with the seniors, we are building the foundations for bigger and better.

We have travelled a fair distance to matches so far, with Honiton being the furthest, and the teams are playing some fantastic rugby. We are fielding two teams in contact and the same for tag. They all have fun on the pitch, with the older ones getting serious about the win. This season we are trying to get the games in The Herald, so keep a look out for our teams, and hopefully recording a win.

With our family of dedicated players, and committed parents, we are aiming to increase our numbers, and get OPM Mini Rugby banded around Plymouth. We are still receiving

sponsorship from Jump, and you will often see some of the OPM players enjoying the facilities.

As always we couldn’t offer this club to the children, if it wasn’t for everyone who volunteers their time to help, no matter what the role, so a big thank you to all the coaches, committee, parents and the players for turning up each week.

With the Rugby World Cup this year, we hope to recruit new players, so if you know anyone who’s interested send them in our direction. In the meantime lets keep the children enjoying rugby!

JUNIORSJenny Trinder

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