OB NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2015
Old Biltonian Society
FEATURING THIS YEAR
OPENING OF THE KEN WAYDELIN
HOCKEY PITCH - PAGE 5
OB DAY 2014
- PAGE 6
1915 - FOR KING AND COUNTRY
- PAGE 11
OB NEWS
- PAGE 12
President’s Letter 2015
Dear
all,
Welcome to our 2015 Newsletter, packed as ever with news from, for, and about
OBs. The breadth of our membership is remarkable. There cannot be many
organisations whose members range in age from 13 to... well, I’m not sure what
the upper limit is – perhaps that’s a topic for the letters page in the next issue.
Whatever the age of the oldest Old Biltonian, we certainly try to cater for the needs
of all generations, both in the Newsletter and in the types of event we organise.
Over the last twelve months, in addition to OB Day, we fielded a hockey
team against the England Over 50s at the inauguration of the Ken
Waydelin Hockey Pitch, we hosted a lively informal London drinks to
brighten the dark days of January and we are planning a more formal
event later in the year. I’m also delighted that OB cricket is firmly back on
the map, with a keenly fought match last summer against the Buccaneers.
The OBs take to the field again in a few week’s time on 7th June. Our
thanks are owed to James Barker (1996-2006) and our tireless Secretary
Mark Tovey, for reviving this hugely enjoyable event in the OB calendar.
Other things to look forward to include a day at the Pytchley Point to
Point on 12th April and a tea party in September for old boys and girls
who attended Homefield. Anyone who came to either of these events last
time will know how much fun they are, so please do join us if you can.
Further details can be found on page 10.
Since my children left Bilton, I no longer spend as much time at the
School but that makes return visits even more special. My own memories
of BG as a pupil 45 years ago were, to some extent, overshadowed during
my six years as a parent but they are starting to surface again.
When I look down the gallery and see the smart new flat screens that
adorn the walls today (which, incidentally, were bought with the support
of the Society), I also remember the yards of dark brown linoleum that
used to cover the floor, pockmarked with thousands of small indentations
created by the stiletto heels of mothers from an earlier generation. When
I walk through the spinney behind the cricket pavilion, I scan the canopy
2 | OB NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2015
above for remnants of my treehouse in all its precarious glory, kept in
place by a small miracle of primitive engineering. I think it even had a
second storey! And when I stand in the Ravenscroft Hall, I feel again
the frisson of excitement of those last few minutes before curtain up She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith comes to mind, with Mr
Mathewson directing and Mrs Day supreme in the costume and make-up
department.
I do hope you have a chance to come back to the School or attend one of
our events soon, to relive some of your own memories and see for yourself
all the tremendous things that are happening at Bilton today.
Finally, a few thank yous. First, the Newsletter would not be the muchloved publication it is without the hard work and inspiration of our
esteemed editor Tony Millinger, who starts gathering information for
the next edition almost before the ink has dried on the last, and of
Gayle Russell in the Development Office who supports the Society so
energetically in this and so many other ways. And second, I would like to
record my thanks to the members of the Committee, who give their time,
experience and ideas so generously throughout the year.
I look forward to seeing you at an OB event soon.
With best wishes
Bill Krarup (1969-1974)
President
Bilton Grange
Golf Society
Are you a golfer who has spent
time at Bilton Grange as a pupil,
parent, governor or member of
the Common Room?
The Bilton Grange Golf Society (BGGS) is
looking for golfers of all shapes, sizes, standards
and ages to play. Only two qualifications are
needed; a connection with the school and a
love of golf.
The inaugural Society day will take place
on WEDNESDAY 24TH JUNE 2015 at
Kilworth Springs Golf Club, North Kilworth,
LE17 6HJ.
If you are interested in playing or would be
willing to run a Society day in your area at
your local club, please contact
Paul Jackson on 01604 249259 or email
eajackson22@hotmail.com
Headmaster’s Letter
SCHOLARSHIPS 2014
This time last year I was writing about the first year of Headship… how
time flies! It feels like a very long time ago now that we Osiatynskis stepped
over the threshold of Bilton Grange for the first time, and there has been
much to keep us busy ever since. Indeed as I start to write this letter, we are
two hours away from our whole-school production of ‘Honk!’ – the story
of the ugly duckling, turned into a great musical play – for which I have
directed the music and Freya has managed all technical aspects.
Together with my excellent, experienced senior team I have been reviewing
some aspects of our educational provision, introducing new subjects like
oriental languages (Chinese, Japanese and Arabic) to the curriculum as
well as further developing our technology provision. We have changed
the uniform slightly, enhancing the school colours of navy and red whilst
maintaining a distinctive and traditional look. There has been a huge amount
of maintenance and building work, from the mundane painting of woodwork
and repairing roofs to the redecoration of boarding accommodation to give
boarding a real ‘wow’ factor. Modern boarding, and recruiting into boarding,
is a far cry from the days of yore, and we have to work harder than ever to
keep and grow our critical core of boarding pupils, and warm, inviting houses
with excellent décor and games rooms with Scalextric, Hornby railway,
football and pool tables, really can make the difference.
However no project has been bigger, nor more important, than our astroturf
facility, now christened the Ken Waydelin Hockey Pitch. Since the start
of January the current crop of Biltonians have been eagerly trying out
their skills on ‘the Waydelin’ – such mammoth projects take longer than
intended, but we got there in the end. The pitch and its setting are both
Scholarship successes so far this year
Georgina JonesRugby Drama Scholarship
William HardmanRugby Drama Scholarship
Georgina WoodwardRugby Sports Scholarship
Georgina JonesRugby Sports Scholarship
Alice JacquesOakham All-Rounder Scholarship – Art and Drama
Matthew White
Harrow Music Exhibition
Henry Cripps
Oundle Music Scholarship
Georgina WoodwardPrincethorpe All-Rounder Scholarship
Anna Ivanova Rugby Art Scholarship
James Cooper Rugby DT Scholarship
Jerry Williams CB Fry Exhibition to Repton
Headmaster, Alex Osiatynski
magnificent and it is with great pride and joy that I march prospective
parents (whatever the weather!) up the bursary drive and push open the
Stimson Gate – named after Ian, who devoted so much of his time to
ensuring the success of the project. It was a great pleasure to meet many Old
Biltonians and Old Homefieldians over the weekend of the official opening,
from the dinner on Saturday evening (with compulsory lashings of Gilbert
& Sullivan thrown in!) to the grand opening itself on Sunday. The OBs
(aged 15 to… well, significantly ‘more experienced’) played an entertaining
2-2 draw with an England Over 50s team including my erstwhile Deputy
Headmaster, Paul Nicholson who, like Ken Waydelin before him, has done
so much to inspire generations of hockey players at BG.
I have enjoyed meeting OBs and OHs at other events including the now
annual London drinks gathering in the City, at the lunches I host for
OBs and OHs at Bilton Grange, as well as more impromptu, unexpected
meetings! I have also enjoyed the sharing of ideas around the OBS
committee table and wish to express my admiration and thanks to them
for their dedication to the Society, none more so than the President Bill
Krarup. Bill, despite our best attempts to shackle him permanently to the
Chair (much like the Speaker of the House of Commons), retires after 6
years of outstanding service and he deserves all our thanks and praise for his
helmsmanship of the Society over these years.
I end by wishing you all the best for the rest of 2015, and I hope to meet
many of you at OB Day in June when, along with thanking Bill, we will also
commemorate and remember Richard Barnard and others, as well as sharing
reminiscences. These memories add a huge amount of colour and context as I
continue to understand the ways, the past, and the future of this great school.
Alex Osiatynski
Headmaster
Marcus Tarrant
Top Academic Hesse Scholarship to Repton,
Sports Scholarship to Repton
Rhiannon Evans
Major Academic Scholarship to Marlborough
Kaitlin Mackintosh
Academic Scholarship to Rugby
Joy Yu
Academic Scholarship to Rugby
Alex Roberts
Foundation Scholarship to Rugby
Leo Johnson
Music Scholarship to Rugby
Charlotte Bend
Art Scholarship to Rugby
Chloe Degnan
Art Scholarship to Cheltenham College
Parker Nowick
DT Scholarship to Oakham
Anna Riddington-Gale
DT Exhibition to Bloxham
Henry Perks
Drama Exhibition Award to Repton
George Barber
Sports Scholarship to Bloxham and Sedbergh
Jonty Craven
Sports Scholarship to Bloxham
Ben Harris
Sports Scholarship to Rugby
Alexander Jackson
Sports Scholarship to Rugby
Noah Martle
Sports Scholarship to Rugby
Ollie Park
Sports Scholarship to Oundle
Theo Davenport
Thring Scholarship (all-rounder) to Uppingham
Ellie Andrew
Headmaster’s Exhibition Award to Repton
Isobel Das Gupta
All-Rounder to Princethorpe
Matthew Nobes
All-Rounder to Princethorpe
APRIL 2015
OB NEWSLETTER | 3
From the Chairman of
Bilton Grange Foundation
It is hard to imagine that it is now five years since Bilton
Grange Foundation was launched. We are grateful to the
many OBs, current and former parents, governors and staff
who have contributed over £1 million in gifts and legacies
for a variety of projects. These funds have been used to
develop new amenities for the children to enjoy, as well as
to increase the number of bursaries.
We have particularly enjoyed meeting so many past pupils, parents
and friends in our efforts to raise money. The Bilton Grange
community is a much more friendly and close-knit family than
perhaps at any time in its illustrious history.
Without a doubt our most ambitious project to-date has been the
Ken Waydelin Astroturf Pitch. I am delighted that in my outgoing
year as Chairman of the Foundation we were able to bring this
project to a successful conclusion. Those of you who joined us
earlier this year at the Opening will have seen what a fantastic
facility it is. This is all due to those of you who supported the
appeal and made this project a reality. It was a long time in the
planning, 21 years in total, but we finally did it. Thank you.
I would also like to thank the many members of the BG
community who have pledged small regular donations to the
Foundation. Regular donations continue to create meaningful
income streams and offer an affordable method of giving. They
go a long way to help support the many small projects on the
Headmaster’s wish list. Legacies are of course a further option
and can be a most tax-efficient way of ensuring the School is
remembered.
As I hand over the role of Chairman to Peter Waine (19571962), a current Governor, I would like to take this opportunity
of thanking a
number of people:
the OB Society
and FAB (Friends
at Bilton) for their
continued support,
my colleagues on
the Foundation
Board and the
Governing Body, in
particular to Jeremy
Greenhalgh, Willie
Assheton and David
Grier who together
Peter Waine
with Ian Stimson
have given endless
hours to the Astroturf project. I pay
tribute to the organisation and hard work of Gayle Russell, whose
attention to detail and hard work has been so vital in our work
so far.
Robert Cripps (1954-1959)
David Knott, the England Captain
and Emma Nobes (2007-2011)
And finally, to all those who have given, all those who are giving,
and all those who intend to give: a big thank you.
Brian Tustain (1963-1967)
Andrew Vartan (1972-1977) and Paul Nicholson
4 | OB NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2015
Opening of the Ken Waydelin Hockey Pitch
Ken Waydelin was the longest serving
master in the history of Bilton Grange. On
his arrival in 1928 he was already a hockey
international and continued to play for
England for many years. He is remembered
as an outstanding schoolmaster, a brilliant
hockey and cricket coach, and for instilling
a love of the countryside in hundreds of
Biltonians.
Ian Stimson and his son John outside the ‘Stimson Gate’
This has been a memorable year in the history
of Bilton Grange with the long-awaited
opening of the hockey pitch.
The Mayor of Rugby was joined by hundreds of Old Biltonians from
across the decades, current and former parents, governors and friends
of the school for the official opening speeches in the Sports Hall.
Braving the arctic conditions, everyone then made their way to the
new pitch for the ribbon cutting ceremony. We were delighted that
Robert Cripps (1954-1959), who had travelled from Australia to be
with us, cut the official ribbon.
The opening match followed, featuring the England O50s Squad
against an Old Biltonian team. It was an evenly matched game
with both sides playing hard until the final whistle, the fulltime
score, 2-2, reflecting this, although towards the end of the match
the younger legs of the Old Biltonian Team ensured that they
dominated, with several shots at goal well defended by the O50s.
The OB goals were scored by Harry Carr (2001-2006) and Lukas
Lakin (2005-2010), and the England goals by Jeff Longdon and
Phil Cobbold.
Robert Hepworth (1929-1934) and
his nephew
James (1963-1968)
Olympic Bronze Medallist Georgie
Twigg, and GB Hockey star Tom Carson
joined some of the England squad
coaches to offer our eager players the
benefit of their expertise.
From left to right: Sir Michael Burton (1955-1959), Robert
The Foundation would like to thank
Cripps (1954-1959) and Peter Richards (1954-1959)
Paul Nicholson, Deputy Headmaster of
Bilton Grange and current member of
the O50s England Squad, for organising
this match and the coaching session. The opposition
included a number of pupils he had taught, notably
Mimi Tarrant (2006-2012) and Ollie Rogerson
(2007-2012), current members of the U18 and U16
England Squads.
The Old Biltonian team was a sharp match for the
O50s England Hockey Squad, and featured pupils
from across several decades. Our thanks to Mark
Tovey, OBS Secretary for managing this team.
Alex Osiatynski, Headmaster
and Mayor of Rugby,
Councillor Ramesh Srivastava
Tom Carson, Michelle Murray (Hea
d of Girls’ Games)
and Georgie Twigg
APRIL 2015
OB NEWSLETTER | 5
OB Day 2014
The Summer Term was drawing to a close and preparations were well in hand for another
action-packed OB Day and Summer Fair. Having been blessed with great weather for the
cricket and rounders this season, OB Day 2014 was, unfortunately, going to be a ‘rain affected’
day! However, in the true BG spirit, this wasn’t going to dampen enthusiasm for catching up
with old friends and talking about the good old days ‘at the finest school when I was young’!
A huge amount of time and effort had gone into
ensuring that the stalls and activities could, as
far as possible, take place indoors. OBs and OHs,
former staff, parents and current pupils, friends
and families all joined in to make the indoor fair
one to remember!
The formalities of the day took place in the
Ravenscroft Hall, where Bill Krarup, President
of the OB Society, welcomed everyone to the
AGM; this included a welcome to the newly
appointed Headmaster, Alex Osiatynski.
Respects were then paid to all those who had
sadly passed away over the year, as the OB
Secretary read out their names one by one.
The President went on to speak about the
Society’s strong history, going back to Walter
Earle, and highlighting the many OBs and OHs
who had given great service to the community,
and the many more whose quiet work behind the
scenes had contributed so much for the public
good.
The President spoke about the Committee and
the year’s events, including London drinks, Point
to Point at Pytchley and the 75th birthday party
of Homefield. It had been another busy and
productive year and formal thanks were given
to Gayle Russell and Rebecca Bantoft for their
huge part in making all this possible. Thanks
6 | OB NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2015
also went to Mark Tovey, Tony Millinger and the
Committee for their time and effort in helping
promote and support the Society and the School
throughout the year.
The floor was then handed over to the new
Headmaster, Alex Osiatynski, who spoke about
the successes of the departing 6th Form who had
achieved academic, DT, sporting and all-round
scholarship success to a range of top senior
schools across the UK. The Headmaster then
spoke about the Astroturf Appeal project and
expressed his grateful thanks to Robert Cripps
and the Cripps Foundation who had generously
supported this appeal. He thanked Ian Stimson
for his vital contribution in overseeing the
engineering side of the project, and John Vartan
(1945-1951) and David Veit (1947-1952) for
their generous offer to match fund donations “by
the close of play today!”
The Treasurer, Jeremy Westhead, detailed the
current financial position of the Society. Details
for the past year are available for further scrutiny
on the school website under the Old Biltonian
section.
As always, the highlight of the meeting was
the warm welcome afforded to new honorary
members. This year’s nominations were: Andrew
Parker, Ann-Marie Williams, Lee Cloke, Gareth
Ellis, Nicola Wainwright, David Searle, Karen
Sakkalli, James Piper, Philip
Moore and Alison Derham.
The President spoke warmly
about the time, efforts and
dedication that they had all
given in their various roles over the years at
Bilton Grange.
The meeting then drew to a close and everyone
enjoyed singing the school song with gusto. The
gavel fell and we adjourned to the School Chapel
for the OBS service, which was led by the
Reverend Canon David Banting (1956-1965),
and featured the Senior Chapel Choir. After
the service, the Society hosted drinks in the
Headmaster’s drawing room, followed by lunch.
The re-located indoor fair saw all the stalls and
activities take place in the Sports Hall which
gave every appearance of organised chaos, but
was in fact well directed. Eventually raising a
significant amount of money split between three
charities: Rugby Myton Hospice, Macmillan
Cancer Support and Stephen Sutton, Teenage
Cancer Trust.
OB/OH Rounders v the Senior BG girls did take
place, as the sun broke through late in the day,
and for the first time the OBS Cricket XI played
against the BG Faders XI (current parents at
BG). This was a game with much at stake and
despite some very dubious umpiring decisions by
the OBS XI players, the game ended in a draw.
We extend a formal thank you to James Barker
and John Tarrant for making this game happen
and arranging the two teams.
OB Day 2014 had been another busy and
successful day. We are as always extremely
grateful to Gayle Russell for all the hours of
support and organisation she has put in to ensure
everyone and everything ran like clockwork; to
Andrew Parker and his team for the delicious
food and to Lee Cloke and his team for helping
set everything up and clearing it all away
afterwards.
Once again, we love to hear how you are
getting on and if you have any news (however
much or little) you wish to share, do drop us
a line. Alternatively you can visit the school
website to see what OB events are taking place
at: biltongrange.co.uk and click on the Old
Biltonian section. OB Day 2015 will be on
Saturday 27th June, we hope to see you there!
Mark G Tovey
OBS Secretary
OB Day 2014 – OBs who attended
Michael Rhodes (1935-1940)
Mike Munt (1939-1944 and former staff 1972-1993)
Michael Wakefield (1940-1942)
Ian Stott (1942-1947)
Sir Nicholas Winterton DL (1946-1951)
John Edward (1952-1957)
Daphne Horton (née Summerson 1953-1960)
David Lees-Jones (1955-1960)
Reverend Canon David Banting (1956-1965)
Christopher Longstaff (1960-1965)
Patrick Williamson (1960-1965)
Gordon Duncan (1961-1965)
Brian Tustain (1963-1967)
David Hardstaff (1968-1972)
Jocelyn Tysall (née Applegate 1968-1972)
Bill Krarup (1969-1974)
Christopher Hickman (1971-1976)
Jeremy Hickman (1971-1976)
James Atkins (1972-1977)
Helen Nicholson (née McKinnon left 1973)
Tim Day (1974-1983)
Sarah Park (née Foottit 1972-1975)
Jeremy Westhead (1980-1989)
Julian Greenhalgh (1988-1993)
Hattie Giles (1997-2005)
James Barker (1997-2006)
Sam Bendel (1997-2006)
Henry Giles (1997-2006)
Charlie Wood (1997-2006)
Tom Barker (1998-2007)
Henry Fray (1999-2003)
Adam Qazi (1999-2006)
Harry Carr (2001-2006)
Maja Nicholson (2001-2008)
Jack Murphy (2002-2011)
Costa Thrasyvoulou (2002-2007)
Alex Stasinski (2006-2011)
Jimena Ruano (2012-2013)
Former Staff and Hon OBs
Sylvia Clements
Anne Day
Anthony Day
Clare Fisher
Jeremy Greenhalgh
Reverend Clive Harper
Valerie Harper
Paul Jackson
June Millinger
Tony Millinger
Mike Pike
Martin Summers
Pat Thompson
Other Guests
Maria Ancochea
Jo Atkins
Sally Edward
Meriel Greenhalgh
Judith Munt
Audrey Rhodes
Alberto Ruano
Maxine Stott
Lady Winterton
Eileen Murphy
emy
(1968-1972), Jer
David Hardstaff
72-1977),
From left to right:
(19
s
kin
At
es
Jam
76),
Hickman (1971-19
(1971-1976)
ristopher Hickman
Jo Atkins and Ch
Tim Day (1974-1983), Paul Nich
olson and Anne Day
(former Homefield staff 1967-2004
)
Please accept our apologies
if you attended and your
name is not included. Names were taken
from the OB signing-in
registers.
the newly appointed Hon Members,
From left to right: Bill Krarup with
wright,
Parker, James Piper, Nicola Wain
ew
Andr
Gareth Ellis, Phillip Moore,
e
Clok
Lee
and
alli
Sakk
Karen
e,
Anne-Marie Williams, David Searl
From left to right: Adam Qazi (1999-2006)
and Thomas Barker (1998-2007)
APRIL 2015
OB NEWSLETTER | 7
OB DAY 2015 - Saturday 27th June 2015
Memories of Homefield
There are two leavers’ year-group reunions planned for OB Day this year so please put this date in your diary
now and do join us, especially if you’re part of either group.
50 YEAR REUNION FOR OBS WHO LEFT BETWEEN 1964-1966
In 2015 an amazing 50 years will have passed since Chris Longstaff, Gordan Duncan and I left Bilton
Grange. Aided and abetted by Bilton’s Development Officer, Gayle Russell, to whom many thanks are
due, we are organising a reunion on OB day in 2015 for all those OBs who left in 1965. We would also
like to include all those who left in 1964 and 1966 to try to bring together as many friends as possible
with whom we spent such a big part of our early lives. We are particularly keen to re-unite all of the
undefeated 1964 XV. The entertaining discussions we have already had with people whom we haven’t
seen for nearly 50 years indicate that it will be a great day. We are sure that we will all want to meet
each other again and to that end we hope you will be able to join us for drinks and/or lunch in the
middle of the day. We look forward to being amazed at how much (or how little!) you have changed,
having a good chat about the old days and finding out what you have been up to in the intervening 50
years. You will, of course, be more than welcome to join in the many other OB Day activities.
Those who have already said they are hoping to attend include: David Banting, Robert Symington,
Robert Moyle, Joe Ward, Anthony Tinsley, Phillip Seccombe, Paul Harper, Charles Shaw,
Matthew Tasker, Andrew Gardner, Johnny Kaye, Clinton Bantock, Jon Smalley, Ian Burton,
Edward Bunting, George Fairweather, Mike Ling, Julian Baxter, Ian Ashford-Thom, Jolyon Pope,
Gordon Cruickshanks, both the Coombs brothers, Edward Holt, Ian Ritchie, Rod Duval, David
Elliott, Chris Watson, Daryl Wyer and Michael Pratt.
Patrick Williamson (1960-1965)
60 YEAR REUNION – OB DAY 2015
Whilst some areas of the school will always be the same, there have over recent decades been new
developments. In the 1960s the Ravenscroft Hall was built, the 1970s an indoor swimming pool and
in the 1980s a new sports hall making way for the old gym to be turned into a music school. There
is a science, and art block, and of course, the most recent addition, the Ken Waydelin Hockey Pitch
located in what was formerly the kitchen garden.
OB Day this year is an excellent opportunity to come and see how the school is thriving and to catch
up with long lost friends and to meet the Headmaster, Alex Osiatynski.
David Lees-Jones, Henry Edmundson, Sir Michael Burton, Anthony Lewis, Dudley Stross, Roger
Firth and Anthony Payne have confirmed that they hope to attend this notable ‘milestone’ and of
course they are just the start of what we all very much hope will be a lengthy list of this particular
generation of Old Boys.
8 | OB NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2015
1950s MEMORIES
The Plunge large indoor pool for washing
ourselves after rugger, this was near the Slab
where I was hit on the head by a bell ringer and
ended up in the San.
Tree houses in the Yew trees beside cricket
pitches where we read the Eagle etc.
Dens in the Wild Gardens.
Going down the secret passages and finding war
time bits and pieces – this was only seven years
after the war ended.
Being in a blacked out bedroom for ten days
suffering from measles.
Swimming the length of the frog infested
outdoor pool to be able to take off the nonswimmers red stripe on our trunks.
Chamber pots under our beds.
The formidable matron, Miss Ward, spooning
out malt and, the lovely young ones, Miss
Neil Monson (1952-1957)
Cronchey and Miss Richardson looking to us
like film stars!
The slow coach trips to play rugger, cricket and
Hockey at Maidwell, Nevill Holt etc.
Watching at night the lights in the valley of the first motorway in Britain being built, the
Coventry M1 spur.
Having a little transistor radio to listen to Radio Luxembourg under the bed sheets.
J K Waydelin taking us into the Park Land to shoot crows with his .22 rifle.
Seeing Spriggs the maintenance man standing outside the boiler room during a thunderstorm
and being struck and knocked down by a bolt, luckily he was ok.
The lovely smell in the carpentry shop.
I could ramble on but no, I look forward to coming to Bilton soon.
I attach a recent photo of me to see if my old gang recognise me.
Neil Monson (1952-1957)
Please note that whilst these two reunions are being
in organising a reunion to celebrate a particular
Memories of Homefield
Homefield 1965-1968
My happy three years at Homefield passed at a
glance. I recall the whole class singing our French
personal pronouns in cannon to the tune of Frere
Jacques, directed by Miss Bold, and the whole
class chanting the conjugation of French verbs.
I remember summer evenings tending gardens or
playing rounders, or just walking across the fields
to the swimming pool at Bilton Grange.
For the winter I recall the Saturday night country
dancing led by Anne Skyrme – an evening of
great exuberance; and, perhaps most of all, the
nativity play put on by Miss Skyrme in Bilton
Grange Chapel in alternate years. This was a
most moving and dedicated event into which
went much rehearsal and preparation: no-one
was allowed to be less than perfect in word or
action. The contribution to Homefield life from
Bilton Grange was considerable, with regular use
of their Chapel and their concert hall. Music
at Bilton Grange was led enthusiastically by
Mark Pasteur. I was initiated into the delights
of Gilbert and Sullivan by watching the Bilton
annual production – always hilarious and of a
very high standard – accompanied throughout by
Mr Pasteur on the piano.
Life at Homefield was rich indeed – a good
preparation for Public School certainly, but a
thorough preparation to enjoy all that a full life
has to offer.
Anon
Nightlife at Homefield
I remember lying in bed on my first night at
Homefield, comparing my surroundings with the
picture I had in my mind of Enid Blyton’s Mallory
Towers, and wondering where it was that Mrs
Florence (known as Mrs F) was asking if I had
been! I was sharing with Christina Currie and
Emma Gurney in Two Dorm, the year was 1973,
and I was seven years old. Not surprisingly we all
cried!
I always seemed to the last person awake after
everyone had stopped whispering, but I suppose I
must just have needed less sleep than the others.
There was always plenty of noise until about ten
o’clock. Mrs F’s TV, the dreaded squeaky shoes of
Miss Clough, the odd intrepid pupil negotiating
the treacherous floorboards on the way to the
loo – and sometimes Miss McAndrew would try
to play us to sleep! When my bed was near the
door it was possible to read, but on really sleepless
nights I would sometimes take my book and sit at
the top of the attic stairs outside Big Dorm, with
the attic light on.
Occasionally there were midnight feasts, when the
strangest delicacies would appear, as if by magic,
from underneath a loose floorboard. Dares were
frequently given, but rarely carried out. Once a
girl, who shall remain nameless, threw all the
hairbrushes and soft toys out of Middle Dorm’s
window, and then dared the others to go outside
and collect them. Rather than risk the terrible
consequences of being caught, we eventually
devised a contraption with a coat hanger and some
dress belts in order to retrieve the lost articles.
SUMMER BALL
S A T U R D AY 2 7 T H J U N E
The “Bollywood” Summer Ball at Bilton Grange
Why not stay on into the evening of OB day and enjoy a superb 3 course dinner and
dance. This years black tie event is promised to be full of eastern colour!
Tickets cost £60 per person.
Alex and Freya Osiatynski invite you to join them for pre-dinner drinks on the lawns.
For further information, or to apply for tickets please contact Karen Threadgold in the
Bursary, 01788 810200 email: kthreadgold@biltongrange.co.uk.
Special overnight deals are available at the Dunchurch Park Hotel.
Most nights were far less eventful, however.
When everyone was asleep I used to look out
across the tennis courts to those huge, waving
cedar trees silhouetted against the moon. I often
wondered what it would be like to explore the
wild gardens by night, and imagined the owls and
foxes hunting among the trees and paths we knew
so well from our Saturday afternoons….
Suddenly there would be a dreadful clanging by my
ear, and my thoughts would be suddenly switched
on to porridge, run-around, and inspection!
Joy Abbott
This was Richard Barnard’s last Rugby 1st XV.
How many members can you name?
highlighted we welcome OBs from all generations on OB Day and hope that as many as possible will attend. If you are interested
year group milestone please do get in touch with the Development Office email grussell@biltongrange.co.uk 01788 818246.
APRIL 2015
OB NEWSLETTER | 9
OB Informal New Year Drinks 2015
For the second year running, the Old Biltonian Society hosted another
very enjoyable informal drinks reception at the Pig and Pen in Holborn. A
super cross section of the OB community turned out to reminisce about
their good old days at BG and Homefield!
The Square Pig and Pen - Holborn
We very much hope this informal event continues to build momentum
and we hope that is will be same time, same place next year in 2016!
Please put Thursday 14th January 2016 in your diary for next year’s
gathering.
Homefield Tea Party
September 2015
Those of you who attended the tea party in
2013, to celebrate Homefield’s 75th Birthday,
may be pleased to hear another gathering is
planned later this year.
Daphne Horton (née Summerson 1953-1960), Julian
Greenhalgh (1988-1993), James Morriss (1988-1991) and
Jeremy Westhead (1980-1989)
Alex Austin (1995-2004), Henry Fray (1999-2003) and
Robert Eustace (1994-2003)
Alex Osiatynski, Sophie Orr (1993-1997), Bill Krarup,
James Orr (1989-1994), Lucinda Orr (1991-1995)
This is an opportunity for all those of you who
attended Homefield/Pre-Prep to revisit your
old school and rekindle some special memories
whilst enjoying tea with old friends.
Please put this date in your diary now –
Saturday 19th September.
Bilton Buccaneers v OBS XI T20
On a glorious sunny and warm Sunday afternoon, we welcomed a
number of Old Biltonians down the drive to play a T20 game.
The toss was won by the Buccaneers who elected to field first. Some generous bowling from
some of our more professional players helped the OBs post an impressive total of 166 off 20
overs. After a scrumptious lunch (our thanks again to Andrew, Najia and the team!) the Buccaneers set about chasing the total down, 8 an over was all that was required.
A fine start to the Buccaneers innings with some massive 6’s by Gilder (31*), Piper (30*)
and Tovey (26) got us within touching distance of the score. Then the OBs started to fight
back, taking a handful of wickets, and with two overs left and 22 runs required, the game was
in the balance – or so we thought! Out went our international South African power player,
Struan Murray, who hit 3 6’s in 3 balls, to take the game away from the OBs. It was Fergus
McCracken’s cover drive for 4 that won the game with four balls to spare! A thrilling game
and a lovely afternoon.
Top row from left to right: Harry Charlton (2004-2006), Costa
Thrasyvoulou (1998-2007), Thomas Barker (1998-2007), Richard Tustain
(1995-2000), James Webb (left 2008), Sam Bennett (2003-2008), Louis
Worrall (2000-2006), Henry Giles (1997-2006)
Bottom row from left to right: Bill Krarup (1969-1974), James Barker
(1996-2006), Adam Qazi (1999-2006)
It was the first time in the history of the school that the OBs have played the Bilton Buccaneers, and it is now hoped that this will be an annual June fixture.
MGT
10 | OB NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2015
QUIZ ANSWERS:
Anthony Owen, James ‘Rambo’ Lamb,
Kwasi Appah, Sam Stafford, Ali Mcleod
Smith, Marcus Howe, Rupert ‘Hollywood’
Evans, Mathew Haynes, Chris Graham,
Charlie Robards, Rob Orton
1915 - For King and Country
We continue our series of memoires and reflections from the First World
War as the conflict enters its second year.
MENTIONED IN DISPATCHES
This is a story of great gallantry, told of Lieutenant Gerald Sekham
by his commanding officer in January 1915.
“It was early morning when Sekham came to ask if he could venture
into no man’s land, still under enemy fire, to rescue a comrade
believed to be lying wounded. I was minded to refuse, when the man
in question half sat up, groaned and collapsed again. Sekham needed
no further spur and dashed off with two other men. After about a
hundred yards they were in full view of the enemy who proceeded
to open fire. Keeping low, they managed to reach the wounded
man. They dressed his head wound and, with Sekham taking his
legs and the other two his shoulders, they dragged the man towards
a derelict cottage, still under fire from the enemy positions. There,
they left the wounded man to be picked up later by stretcher
bearers. That none of the party was hit was a miracle. On his return,
I gave Sekham a pat on the back, I was too overcome to say much.
His only remark was, ‘Fancy the devils firing at us like that, most
unsporting.’ I have seen VCs won for lesser acts of bravery.”
Sadly, four days later, and before he learnt that his name had been
put forward for special recognition of an act of gallantry, he was
killed in action. He was at Bilton Grange from 1902-1906.
THE EXTRAORDINARY EXPLOITS OF CAPTAIN AMYAS
BORTON, DSO
While on air reconnaissance near Staden, about 20 miles from
the front, Captain Borton’s plane was attacked by several German
aviators. He was shot through the jaw and neck and soon lost
control of the machine. He recovered sufficiently to regain control
of the aeroplane and he continued his flight, pursued and harried
by the German machines. Nevertheless he gradually grew weaker
through loss of blood as his observer handed him bandages with
which to attempt to bind his wounds. He kept the machine going,
carried out his mission under incessant fire from the enemy and
brought the plane back to safety. Captain Borton was in hospital for
a month, during which time he was unable to speak. He made a full
recovery and went on to form his own squadron and fought with
distinction. He was at Bilton Grange from 1896-1899.
FOR KING AND COUNTRY
Arthur F G Kilby, (Bilton Grange 1896-1899) joined up at the
outbreak of war in 1914 and fought with distinction at Mons and
Ypres, where he was badly wounded. He returned to the front in
1915 where, according to his commanding officer, “his wonderful
keenness and his absolute fearlessness animated the whole company
with a spirit which will never be forgotten. He used to lead his
men with neither sword nor rifle, only carrying a bayonet tied to a
walking stick. In our last advance at Loos, he was commanding the
extreme left of our line. As soon as he had surmounted the trench
he was wounded, but not stopping for a moment, he dashed up to
the enemy wire where he fell, his foot shattered by a bomb. There
he lay cheering his men on, and that was the last any of them saw of
him. He was reported wounded and missing, so there was still hope
that he might be alive.”
THE TRAGIC DEATHS OF
TWO BRAVE BROTHERS
Lieutenant James Anderson (Bilton Grange 1903-1907) was
commanding A Company when intensive enemy shell fire and gas
attacks forced them out of their trenches. Lieutenant Anderson
collected his men, and leading the charge with bayonet fixed,
forced the Germans to retire. He was gunned down while leading
his men from the front. A fellow officer described it thus: “I have
never in my life seen or imagined possible conduct so magnificent.”
Meanwhile, his elder brother, Captain Robert Anderson (Bilton
Grange 1901-1904) had fought at Mons and the Marne but was
severely wounded at Ypres. With extraordinary good fortune, his
life had been saved by a pocketful of sovereigns. These had been
driven firmly into his back but deflected the shell splinter away
from his spine. He recovered to fight on until late 1915 when he
died from wounds suffered at Bethune in northern France. His
commanding officer said of him: “He was an invaluable officer and
is the greatest loss to the regiment...he was a brilliant leader of
men and a truly lovable upright comrade and friend.”
A few days later, however, a large cross appeared at the point
where he fell:
“For King and Country.
Died as the Heroes.
Captain Kilby, Captain Williams and
13 men of the South Staffordshire Regiment.
Erected by German soldiers, 1915.”
J.R.H. Anderson
R. C. Anderson
The Colonel of the Regiment, reporting the incident later, said, “It
is very gratifying to know that even the enemy recognises the superb
heroism of that attack. If ever men died like heroes, they did.”
Capt. 1st Black Watch
APRIL 2015
Lieut. 2nd Queen’s Own
Cameron Highlanders
OB NEWSLETTER | 11
OB News
Robert Dick-Read (1939-1944) has recently
written what he describes as a Caribbean Romp,
called Man Goes Bananas. In the decades
immediately following the Second World
War, after years of slumbering happily but
unambitiously beneath their sub-tropical skies,
the smaller islands of the Caribbean gradually
began to wake up to the world around them.
Man Goes Bananas weaves a story around a few
Brits and Americans who sensed an opportunity
to do something to help the islands cross the
bridges from Poverty to Prosperity – whilst at the
same time enjoying a good life for themselves.
If you think you would like a copy, please get in
touch with Robert at Robert.dread@ntlworld.
com parents of younger readers should be advised
that it carries a “PG” rating.
Richard Babington (1950-1954) lives in
Yorkshire and is far from retired, being leader of
a Deanery Choir as well as organist in several
churches in the area (thank you Mark Pasteur)
and Chairman of the York branch of the Church
of England Guild of Vergers.
Jonathan Towers (1948-1952) has finally
retired as Under Sheriff for all of the four
Yorkshire Counties (West Yorkshire, North
Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and the East Riding
of Yorkshire) after 27 years in the post. He
was recently right royally wined and dined by
the current and former High Sheriffs for those
respective Counties. He remains in post as
Honorary Secretary and Treasurer of the Under
Sheriffs Association as well as continuing to hold
various Trusteeships.
Douglas Garrad (Former Staff 1951-1955).
After leaving Bilton Grange, Douglas and his
wife Mary Ann set up a day prep school near
Worcester. Hawford Lodge started with just 15
boys but now, as it celebrates its 60 years it has
grown to 320 boys and girls. It has been a great
success and has, since 1984, been part of King’s
12 | OB NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2015
Worcester. He would be happy to hear from any
of his old pupils from the early 50s at: Lower
Hawford, Hawford Lock Lane, Worcester WR3
7SD.
Martin Thiebaut (Former Staff) It’s just
possible that a few OBs attending Bilton Grange
in the mid to late 1960s might remember how
Wellington’s Housemaster Martin Thiebaut
endeavoured to instill a smidgin of appreciation
of the French language into receptive Shell and
Remove minds before he left to join the Council
of Ministers’ EEC Accession Conference team in
Brussels. If so and they are interested in seeing
how he is spending his retirement years, they are
welcome to visit www.troubador.co.uk and to
insert the pseudonym Graham Fulbright into the
search box. Floreat Biltonia!
Joe Ward (1959-1964) is now a grandfather
with three grandchildren – all his daughter’s
children. He is semi-retired, his daughter and
son-in-law now running the family farming
business. Joe continues to indulge his passion for
cars by racing them as much as he can, much to
his wife’s displeasure! At the end of February he
left for Australia to race his most well-known
car, Baby Bertha, at the historic festival at Phillip
Island in early March. He has competed in
Europe for many years but has never previously
been invited to travel as far as the Southern
Hemisphere. Hopefully the car and driver will
return undamaged to the UK!
Boris Johnson and Brian Tustain
Brian Tustain (1963-1967) is the Chairman of
the Stratford on Avon Conservative Association.
In February they hosted a dinner with Boris
Johnson at Stoneleigh Abbey and raised £23,000
to share amongst 4 Conservative Constituency
Association in Warwickshire.
Charles Monsell (1963-1967) recently retired
after a 43-year career as a pilot, during which he
has flown a diverse selection of aircraft, worked
abroad for many years, and more recently has
been involved with the training and checking
of airline pilots. Some years ago he worked
with Tim Shaw (1975-1981), although at the
time neither realised that they were both OBs!
Despite giving up the day job, he is still active
in light aviation, having a share in a 1942 Tiger
Moth biplane, and owning a 1954 vintage Piper.
He resides in South Oxfordshire with his wife,
whom he met while living in Switzerland, and
has two daughters.
Andrew Steven (1973-1979) lives in north
Oxfordshire with his wife and two sons and is a
partner in an estate agency software company.
If any OBs are working for, or have their own
estate agency and are interested in seeing a
demonstration, do get in touch: andrew@bdphq.
com or look at the website at https://bdphq.com.
Neil Charles (1975-1977) is a successful
entrepreneur with interests in real estate and
art. He has just embarked on a new venture
with two very bright, highly motivated, former
World Cup/Olympic skiers; one Scottish and
one American. As world-class athletes, they fully
understand the challenges inherent in being
an elite athlete; together they are developing a
platform/resource called 365 Athlete. Naturally,
part of the concept has a fundraising function
built in, so that elite athletes can fund their
careers in sport, this will be a whole life
approach that focuses on the athlete during and
after his/her life in elite sport.
To do this Neil is looking to create a network
of supporting corporations and entrepreneurs
interested in recruiting former athletes into
their businesses, recognising that athletes
bring an incredible work ethic, diversity of
problem-solving and extraordinary energy to
the work place. 365 Athlete will give athletes
the knowledge that there are options after they
finish competing, so they can have peace of
mind about their future, and focus on achieving
their sport specific goals, giving it 100% of their
energy throughout the year.
The plan is to start in ski racing with some of
the greatest British skiers (including Alpine
and Ski Cross Champion, Ed Drake) but as
the company grows, move into other sports.
If any OBs or their Companies would like
further information on how to get involved in
sponsoring UK athletes, please contact Neil
direct at neilcharles195@gmail.com.
Kit Wells MBE (1974-1979) qualified and
practised as a Land Agent with Kendal Auction
Mart for 2½ years, where he met his wife Kathryn.
He joined the family business and took a keen
interest in the education of their three children.
In 2004 he joined the governing body of his
local primary school, shortly after this he
was appointed as Chair. The departure of the
Head Teacher and an opportunity to go into a
partnership with another primary school, led
to the Federation of two schools; one head and
one governing body. In 2013, this governing
body was awarded the National Governors
Association ‘Outstanding Governing Body –
2013/14’, and in 2014, Suffolk County Council
awarded him ‘Governor of the Year’. During
the last three years, he was actively involved in
trying to help raise standards of education, and
particularly governance, in Suffolk, as well as
Cambridgeshire and Norfolk. As a consequence
of this, he was awarded an MBE in this year’s
New Year’s Honours List.
Guy Ayling (1978-1984) He is Warden at
Llandovery College in Carmarthenshire. He is
married to Heather and they have three sons –
Oliver, Theodore and Finlay.
Robert Cree (1978-1983) is working as a
Regional Development Officer for British
Rowing in York.
Thomas Bragg (1984-1990) After years of
education, exams and a surgical apprenticeship
I have finally reached the end of the line (a
great relief) and now take up my new post as a
Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Morriston Hospital
Swansea. This means a move from the John
Radcliffe in Oxford to the valleys of Wales – a
stark contrast indeed. In Wales I will be running
the Sarcoma service for the principality. The
surgery involves the removal of highly malignant
deep soft tissue tumours and then reconstructing
the subsequent defect – often these can be
quite extensive necessitating 10-12 hours in the
operating theatre. At the very least this gets me
out of coming home to bath my four children.
I am still involved in the reserve forces (formally
the Territorial Army) and have just finished
commanding an armoured squadron for the
last four years to take up a reservist post at the
Defence Academy in Shrivenham teaching on
the Captains to Majors course.
I am hoping to get to OB Day this year before
moving west as I would like the chance to catch
up with a number of people at Bilton.
Alex Robb-Millar (1987-1992) is now the
Development Director at Community Learning
International, a charity based in Laos. This
involves building and running boats up and
down the Mekong river, bringing books and
learning to thousands of children whose
experience of education is limited. In September
last year he faced the watery music and
submitted to the Ice Bucket Challenge, with the
was meeting Mr Greenwood for a chat about old
times on Rua Fiola in the nave after the service.
Music and worship are a huge part of who I am,
and a big part of this is thanks to Bilton Grange.
From left to right: Adrian Brindley, Head of Pre-Prep,
Alex Osiatynski, Headmaster and Alex Robb-Millar
Headmaster, Alex Osiatynski, and Head of PrePrep Adrian Brindley. Alex met the Headmaster
at an OB drinks event earlier that year and
together agreed he would come to Bilton to talk
to the children about the work of the charity.
Henry
Plumptre
(19951998)
Choral
singing for
me started
in Bilton
Grange
around
From left to right: Charles (1995-1998)
1996,
& Henry (1995-2000) Plumptre
when I
was 11. Mr
Burt would gather the choir round the piano
in the music school early in the morning after
breakfast. On special occasions we would
rehearse in the song school near the Chapel. My
voice broke in the last year of school. After a
short break I later sang bass in a concert: it may
have been Fauré Requiem. I continued to sing
at Rugby School and Durham University, where
I became a choral scholar in my final year. At
Durham, in Hatfield College Chapel Choir, I
met my future wife Heather.
I continue to sing Bass in various groups
including alongside Mr Millinger. In one group,
Sine Nomine we sang Evensong in Exeter
cathedral for a week in August. We climbed the
tower and learnt about Exeter’s bomb damage
in World War Two. Another highlight for me
Nicholas Winterton (left 2001) and Alasdair
Humberston (1995-2001) are now living and
working in Sydney, Australia, and would be
delighted to meet up or hear from any other Old
Biltonians living on the same side of the world.
Should they wish to contact me, they can get me
on alasdair.humberston@gmail.com.
James Eaton (1995-2004) obtained a First
Class degree from Brunel and went on to win the
Royal Academy of Engineering innovation design
award for graduates. He went on to work with
Nike, designing sports shoes for 2015- 2020. More
recently he has obtained a great job with Puma in
Nuremberg, Germany as Designer for their Sports
Apparel which will involve him working with
football, rugby, athletics and niche sports teams
around the world. A very exciting opportunity.
Charlie Smith (2002-2009) won the
Manufacturing Technology Association’s (MTA)
annual Technology, Design and Innovation
(TDI) Challenge in 2014. He won the 17-19
years category for his ‘SOLA’ stove, created for,
and inspired by, outdoor expeditions. His main
inspiration for designing this equipment came
from his expeditions to Iceland and Malawi in
2013. In Iceland, he tried to combine a method
of boiling water and cooking food at the same
time – the product showed that it was capable
of boiling 1 litre of water in around one third
of the time. “I think I was selected by the panel
because I have created an entirely new system
and product – there is nothing like this on the
market at the moment. My portfolio is strong
and has impressed people working in the design
and technology industry,” said Charlie of his
innovation.
Mimi Swaby (2006-2010) played for the
championship
winning team in
this year’s National
Clubs Indoor Hockey
Tournament at under
Ollie Rogerson
18. Mimi Tarrant
(2006-2012)
captained the under
16 girls’ winning team and the boys’ champions
included Hugo Swaby (2006-2012) and Ollie
Rogerson (2007-2012).
Ollie has also been awarded the Higgins award,
by the Hockey Writers Club, for outstanding UK
junior player, which was presented at a luncheon
at the Royal Yacht Club, Knightsbridge, on 20th
Jan. All thanks to Paul Nicholson.
Catherine Winterton (2006-2011) has
continued performing her own songs since
she left BG and has put some of them on the
following Soundcloud and You Tube links. Still
only 16, there will no doubt be many more to
come. Do have a listen.
http://soundcloud.com/cazzie-winterton
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cgxb6Puh9iE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyeoUm8cuyA
Kristian Sharp (2008-2010) has recently been
training in Austria with the GB Bobsleigh
team. He has applied to Bath University to
study sports performance and business, although
is keeping his options open. If any OBs are
looking to recruit or have internships available
please contact Kristian email SHARKC@
millfieldschool.com
Felix Wahlberg (2010-2013) started taking
photos when he was about four years old using
an old film camera. This interest in cameras
and photography continued at Bilton Grange
and he was often seen with his digital camera at
events and sporting fixtures. Now at Pangbourne
College he is pleased to be able to develop his
interest further.
APRIL 2015
OB NEWSLETTER | 13
Notices
Obituaries
Births
Alastair Henry McLaren Munt
Robert Cree (1978-1983) and his partner Sarah
Asquith had their first child on 12th August
2014; Alexander William Lowther Cree.
It was with very great sadness that we learnt of the untimely
death of Alastair in a road traffic accident on 16th December.
Thomas Jelley
(1986-1990) and
Emma a daughter,
Beatrice, born 13
September 2013.
Beatrice Jelley
Leonie Higgins (née Greenhalgh 1996-2000)
and Dom a daughter, Matilda born January 2015.
Engagements
Julian Greenhalgh (1988-1993) to Soosan,
daughter of Mr and Mrs William Beirne, of
Fulham, London.
Deaths
August 2013
Yvonne Dunkley (Homefield former staff 1971
to 1981)
November 2013
George Maurice Wallace-Jones (1939-1941)
Helen Nicholson (née McKinnon left 1973), Paul Nicholson,
George Armitage, Dr Michelle Harley, Patrick Williamson
(1960-1965) and Graham Dunn (1962-1967)
Weddings
George B. D Armitage (1990-1995) and Dr
Michelle L. Harley were married at Pangbourne
Church, Berks on Saturday 20th September
2014. Among friends included Patrick
Williamson (1960-1965) Graham Dunn (19621967), and Paul Nicholson.
November 2014
Tim Haworth (left 1949)
December 2014
Alastair Munt (1972-1977)
John Sugden (former staff 1948-1952)
February 2014
Anthony Lansdell (1942-1946)
January 2015
Christopher Sporborg (1947-1952)
Richard Barnard (former staff 1966-2001)
John Edward Shipley Ellis (1940-1945)
May 2014
Michael Davis (Left 1945)
Harold Rooker (1942-1947)
Colonel Anthony Masters Pyne (1937-1940)
February 2015
Josh Stehr (Gap student Jan-Dec 2010)
Margaret Lindsay (former staff 1971-1974)
14 | OB NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2015
Alastair arrived at Bilton in April 1973 following the
appointment of his father, Mike Munt (OB 39-44), onto
the staff the previous September. For the next 4 ½ years he
was a “long distance” day boy travelling with his father from
Broadway each day in the well known Volvo, registration
3RAU. There were many wonderful stories from the car
journeys, especially regarding trays of fresh eggs that Mike
used to bring for members of staff.
Alastair involved himself in very many school activities.
Alastair Henry McLaren Munt
I particularly remember him as a keen scout, enjoying the
outdoor life of scout camps. He was a member of the chess
team, winning the Deterding individual cup, and the table tennis team, becoming doubles champion.
He was a strong member of the Athletics team where his tall physique helped him in the field events.
However, his great love lay with his cricket and his 48 wickets, taken with his accurate leg spin, in his
penultimate season, is, I believe, still a Bilton record for the number of wickets taken in a season with the
1st XI. His final season was not so productive with 30 wickets, but he was awarded the Headmaster’s Cup
for Special Bowling Merit in recognition of the contribution that he had made to two very successful
cricket seasons.
Alastair went on to Chipping Campden School, where he achieved good results in the classroom and
an excellent handicap at golf. He continued his cricket with local teams and enjoyed playing for the
OB XI each year against the school. At Cambridge University he achieved great success as a double
blue in athletics by representing the university against Oxford. He won the discus, came second in
both the shot and the hammer and was awarded the trophy for the best field performance.
Alastair’s professional life has been spent in the practice of Law, working as a Barrister based in
Nottingham, where many moving tributes were paid to his endearing charm and honesty. He was a
member of the OB committee for a number of years, retiring in 2009, and was elected as a Governor
of Bilton Grange in 2006. However, he found that the demands of the courtroom did not fit the
timetable of Governors’ meetings and he was forced to resign in 2007.
Anthony R.W.Day
Richard Barnard
When Richard was introduced to the school in 1966 the then
Headmaster Rex Machin told the boys that they were very lucky
to have the services of the best coach in the prep school world.
Richard was to remain at Bilton Grange for 35 years, fulfilling the
promise given all those years before.
Richard Barnard
His great loves were rugby and cricket and he was a talented
exponent of both in his own right. It is natural therefore that he
should be remembered for his enormous contribution to Bilton Grange games, but it should not be
forgotten that hundreds of children benefited from his work in the classroom.
He was a Latin teacher who believed in the importance of strong foundations and he had little
time for the new trends in education that played down the importance of grammar – a trend that
has subsequently been reversed as needs demanded. His pupils will remember him for his sound and
consistent approach. He also taught History and Religious Education, which helped him to keep a
close eye on the development of good practice in English.
When he started 1st XI cricket coaching it was clear that his targets were enjoyment and excellence.
The many talented sides that he coached through the late 60s and 70s bear witness to this fact. He
taught the boys to hit the ball hard, but to apply themselves with vigour.
He gave up cricket in 1977 to apply himself to the 1st Rugby XV and brought to that task the same
dedication. For the next 23 years he would work unceasingly to mould teams that would play open
rugby and he loved nothing better than to see skilful back play producing tries. The number of
excellent Bilton Grange teams in that time are too numerous to record in any detail, but he may want
to remember with some pride the 1988 side who could have been ordinary with a less dedicated coach.
The sight of Richard standing thoughtfully during a match making notes of things that needed
rectifying was common. Unlike so many coaches, the agonies he suffered were not evident. He
was never a loud touch line influence, but his team talks at half time were carried out with a quiet
authority and usually produced the desired effect. The hours spent in the bar after the match was over,
pouring over every nuance of the play, bears testimony to his commitment. It can rightly be said that
he took the material he was given and made the best of it.
It was an obvious move that with so many connections amongst the OBs he should be asked to take
over as secretary after Brian Headley. For 10 years he gave unstinting service to the society in his usual
placid but thorough style.
It is not easy to sum up a career lasting 35 years with so little space, but Richard might like to be
remembered as someone who held definite and firmly held views on education and who, during a
lifetime of service, made a major contribution to life at Bilton Grange.
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR RICHARD BARNARD
As a tribute to the life of Richard Barnard (former staff 1966-2001) who died in January of this year,
we are very pleased to advise you that during this year’s OB Day Chapel Service, on Saturday 27th
June at 11.30am, we will take the opportunity to remember Richard and his dedication to the school.
We are hoping that many OBs and former staff will be able to come together on that day to
celebrate Richard’s life and to recognise his distinguished contribution to Bilton Grange. If you
have any particular memories of Richard and would like to share them with us, contact Gayle
Russell in the Development Office on 01788 818246 or email grussell@biltongrange.co.uk
John Goldthorpe Sugden
John Sugden was born in Brighouse, West Yorkshire and educated at
Radley College (1934-1938) where for a short time his future fatherin-law, Rex Machin, taught him as a boy!
After leaving Radley he studied the violin at The Royal College of
Music for a year before volunteering for the Royal Signals in which
he served for five years, ending with two in Ceylon. After the war he
went to Magdalene College, Cambridge, for two years reading history.
John Goldthorpe Sugden
His teaching career started at Bilton Grange in 1948. In 1952 he
moved to The King’s School, Canterbury and in 1959 was appointed Headmaster of Foster’s School,
Sherborne. In 1964 he obtained the headmastership of Wellingborough School, Northants.
In 1973 he took so-called early retirement and moved to Poole, Dorset, where he worked for The
Open University for sixteen years tutoring The Foundation Arts Course. During this time he had
three books published: Paganini, which was translated into several languages, Bliss, and a History of
The Purcell School of Music.
The first Summer Ball, initiated by Rita, his wife, could not have proceeded so successfully without his
help and support and I imagine most would agree that those early events gave enormous pleasure to
those in attendance.
Throughout his life music played a large part. He produced many Gilbert & Sullivan operas in each
school as well as producing plays by Shakespeare and Shaw. His interest in G & S led him to write
a paper in an International Competition which resulted in him being asked to deliver it at Kansas
University in 1970, which he did.
Richard was also Section Master of Scott for a time. Tim Fisher remembers that at Richard’s insistence
he changed the name to a more modern hero – Lord Mountbatten.
He is survived by his wife, Jane whom he married in 1954, two sons; Christopher and Charles and two
grandchildren.
APRIL 2015
OB NEWSLETTER | 15
Dates for your Diary
Sunday 12th April
Pytchley Point to Point
The Point to Point course is situated off the A5199
between Creaton and Thornby, six miles north
of Northampton, and near Guilsborough (about
25 minutes from Bilton Grange). First race is at
1.30pm. Look out for the bright red (enormous)
gazebo and come and join us for a glass of wine.
Saturday 19th May
Pre-Prep open house
Thursday 4th June
BG networking breakfast from 8.30am-9.30am
at 23 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6HE
This is an opportunity to network with other
professionals working in the financial services,
including the hedge fund and private equity sector.
The purpose is to bring together people with a
Bilton Grange connection to share knowledge and
experiences in their field.
Sunday 7th June
OB Cricket XI v Bilton Buccaneers
This will be a Twenty 20 game starting at 11.30am,
lunch at 1pm and finishing around 3pm. Match
fee of £12 to cover lunch and afternoon tea. For
further information please contact Gayle Russell on
01788 818246 or email grussell@biltongrange.co.uk
OB Tennis – if you are interested in playing please
contact Mark Tovey, email mgt@biltongrange.co.uk
Saturday 24th June
BG Golf Society
Inaugural meeting at Kilworth Springs Golf
Club, North Kilworth, LE17 6HJ. For further
information please contact Paul Jackson, tel:
01604 249259 email: eajackson22@hotmail.com
16 | OB NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2015
Saturday 27th June
OB Society AGM and OB Day
10.00am Arrival – coffee will be served in the Gallery
10.45am AGM of the Old Biltonian Society – all welcome (Ravenscroft Hall)
11.30am Chapel Service – Memorial Service
for Richard Barnard (1966-2001)
12.30pm Glass of Pimms in the Drawing Room hosted by the Headmaster, followed by lunch on the Headmaster’s lawn.
1.30pm Summer Fair – OBs attending the 50th & 60th year reunions will have an opportunity to reminisce about
their days at BG. There will also be the opportunity for all attending to go
on tours of the school, including the
boarding houses and Pre-Prep.
1.30pm Twenty20 Cricket – OBs v Bilton
Faders.
1.30pm Hockey 5s tournament at the
Ken Waydelin Hockey Pitch
3.30pm Summer Fair ends
3.45pm Afternoon tea served at the Cricket Pavilion
4.00pm Rounders – OBs v Parents/Pupils on the 9th Fairway pitch
7.30pm
The ‘Bollywood’ Ball – tickets
available £60 per person – see page 9 for further information
OB Day tickets £15.00 per person, this will
include tea, coffee & biscuits, buffet lunch and
afternoon tea. (OBs under the age of 18 must be accompanied
by an adult).
Saturday 19th September
Homefield/Pre-Prep reunion tea party 3.30pm5.30pm
Thursday 1st October
Formal London Gathering 6.30-8.30pm
At the Savile Club, 69 Brook Street, Mayfair,
London W1K 4ER. Reception in the drawing
room.
Saturday 10th October
BGF Fundraising Dinner
All proceeds from the dinner will be in support of
the Headmaster’s 2015 annual fund. Please put this
date in your diary, further details will be available
shortly.
Thursday 14th January 2016
London informal drinks 6.30-8.30pm
At The Square Pig & Pen, 30-32 Procter Street,
Holborn, WC1V 6NX.
For further information on any of the above events
or to register your attendance, please contact
Gayle Russell on 01788 818246 or email grussell@
biltongrange.co.uk
Dates for other events will be notified on the
website and in OB Society E-bulletins
New OBS Committee Members
Please drop me a line if you are interested in
joining the OB Society Committee, or would like
to know more. We are always on the lookout for
new members.
Mark G Tovey
OBS Secretary
obsociety@biltongrange.co.uk
OB Society Committee Members
Bill Krarup (President)
Mark Tovey (Secretary)
Jeremy Westhead (Treasurer)
Alex Austin
Tim Day
Dee Horton (née Summerson)
Sarah Park (née Foottit)
Jocelyn Tysall (née Applegate)
Andrew Vartan
Jane Garland (née Kember)
Kate Windley (née Foottit)
Paul Jackson
Editor of the OB Newsletter
Tony Millinger
How to get in touch
We are always delighted to hear from OBs. If you
have any news, or would like to contact us for
some other reason, please feel free to do so at the
following address:
obsociety@biltongrange.co.uk
Bilton Grange
Dunchurch
Rugby
CV22 6QU
01788 810217
www.biltongrange.co.uk
Please indicate your dates at Bilton Grange or
Homefield in any correspondence.
Thank you.
If you have any OB news that you would like
to see displayed in the next
OB newsletter, please contact us on
OBSociety@biltongrange.co.uk.
We would love to hear from you!