THE NEWSLETTER OF THE OLD BRIGHTONIANS MARCH 2012

the PelicanThe newsletter of the Old Brightonianswww.oldbrightonians.com No. 28

1

Letter from the President

College Community Work

We all have different memories of our time at the College, but it is truly a school that we can be proud of, gaining the best results in Sussex and being named ‘Sunday Times UK Independent School of the Year 2011-12’. I remember with much fondness my own days at Brighton College, so I was delighted to see this rather joyful photograph sent in by Malcolm Jenkins (H. 1951-55). It brought back a flood of happy recollections and it is super to hear that there is a new online facility for uploading and searching College photographs so we can all enjoy browsing, reminiscing and sharing memories!

Throughout these pages you can read about the incredibly diverse activities that OBs have been up to, and congratulations are in order to Old Brightonians Nick Hay OBE (C. 1981-86), Malcolm Paris MBE (A. 1954-58), Ryan Heal (R. 1989-94) for his “Outstanding Brightonian” Award and to Andrew Cayley QC (B. 1977-82) who is undertaking the profoundly difficult job of prosecuting the Khmer Rouge. Earlier in the

year we had two OBs representing their country at international level over the same weekend, Matt Prior (R. 1995-2000) playing cricket for England, and Jordan Turner-Hall (H. 2002-05) gaining his first England rugby cap.

There are so many reasons to be proud to be an Old Brightonian, the atmosphere of fellowship within our community continues to grow and prosper and I warmly encourage you all to keep in touch!

Sir John Chilcot (H/S. 1952–57) Old Brightonians President

The Abbeyfield Society provides the elderly with their own homes within the security and companionship of a house, and not an institution. Abbeyfield Brighton and Hove runs four large houses providing very supported sheltered housing in the City. It has become harder to find volunteers these days in some way due to the legal requirements that Trustees have to comply with and the calls upon people’s time, and so I was delighted to be approached by Rebecca Findlay from the Old Brightonians office and Head of Community Service, Jack Cornish, to see if pupils from the College’s Community Service Group could assist us on a voluntary basis. We have all been delighted by the gardening and the afternoon sessions they have with our residents, just talking or playing games. I recommend to everyone, who is in a similar position to me, to contact Rebecca or

Jack to discuss how the group can help, as it is so good for the pupils to talk to a totally different generation and to learn how to put something back into the community.

Malcolm Paris MBE (BCJS 1951 – 1954 A. 1954–58)

This edition brings Old Brightonians news from Australia, Egypt, Afghanistan and Cambodia but the OB network stretches much further, across different generations

as much as different geography. Of course having the great benefit of emailing and facebook brings us all closer together these days, and I find it quite humbling to receive emails and updates from our OBs serving in the armed forces posted to Afghanistan, whilst I sit in the comfort of the College.

As the College Bursar correctly pointed out to me the other day I get lots of lovely correspondence and cards, sometimes cheques (the Bursar’s favourite) and then there are the birth announcements, the weddings and sadly the deaths, the funerals and Memorials. Yes, the full lifetime experience can all be found in these pages, with one common theme binding them together, the experience that is a Brighton College education.

We are thankful that OBs support not only each other but also the College in a huge number of ways – through careers advice for pupils and younger OBs, work experience and internships, funding for awards such as the Ros Nichol Award featured on page 23, and by coming along to our events.

Thank you, all of you, for your time and efforts on behalf of the network, and I look forward to receiving more of your emails, letters, and sometimes cheques!

Rebecca Findlay

News

THE PELICAN ISSUE NO. 28 MARCH 2012

From the Editor

2

OBs judge the 2011 College’s House Entrepreneurship Competition What a joy and privilege it is to preside over the College’s annual House Entrepreneurship Competition. This was the second time that the same panel of Robin St Clair Jones (D. 1973–77), Alex Bremer (R. 1979–83), Emma Wimhurst (F. 1982–84) and Rob Little (A. 1982–87) had adjudicated the competition, and again we witnessed an extraordinary display of creativity and (occasionally rudimentary) business acumen. All four judges agreed that with a little application and adjustment any of the submissions we received could have been viable business propositions – an extraordinary assertion when

you consider that we were receiving pitches from 17 year olds! In the end we had to choose just six finalists, and from this exceptional shortlist three winners who would share the £10,000 prize fund on offer. Each of these winners showed real promise, both in terms of their pitched idea as well as well as potential entrepreneurs of the future. Almost without exception I dearly wish that they had been armed with the sort of advice and experience that this competition is bestowing upon the 6th formers of Brighton College!

Alex Bremer (R. 1979–83)

OB bursary awardedBrighton College has seen many generations of families pass through the gates, and following the generous endowment from the Association of Old Brightonians in 2010 we are delighted to announce that the OBA bursary has been awarded to a Sixth Former for the academic years 2011–12 through to 2012–13. The OBA Bursary is awarded to descendants of former pupils of the college.

The award is held by one pupil in the College at any one time, to part fund their education through to the end of the Sixth Form.

College Careers DaysThe Old Brightonians network helps facilitate a careers service for the school and its former pupils, forging links between the present and the past and building a positive future together. Old Brightonians in 2011 and in 2012 have provided speakers at all of the Careers Days organised for the 4th Form, the Lower 5th and the Sixth Form, with many others providing careers advice, work experience and placements. The College would like to thank former pupils who make this possible.

Nigel Thomas (C/S 1996–98)

Nigel’s band “The Foxes” debut album was released earlier this year, and is doing very well with a great review in Q Magazine. The album, "Last of Many." is available on iTunes, Amazon, and play.com.

Chris Terrill (A. 1965–70)

My current project is called Theatre of War and tells the remarkable story of how 30 soldiers, badly injured in Afghanistan, became actors and put on a play based on their own experiences on the West End stage. After three months rehearsal and intensive writing the Bravo 22 Company performed "The Two Worlds of Charlie F" at the Theatre Royal Haymarket to standing ovations. The soldiers and marines had all suffered life changing injuries and despite the pain they still suffered they put on such stupendous performances that Sir Trevor Nunn was moved to describe the event as "theatrical history".

I was privileged to have been filming the whole story from day one. Theatre of War will be the lead programme on the new series of Imagine on BBC1 (26th June 2012). Following that I am due to go to Libya on an expedition to search for the body of Jock Lewes, founder of the SAS, killed in 1941.

3www.oldbrightonians.com

Menhaj Huda (C. 1980–85) is enjoying great success in the film industry. After completing a degree in Engineering at Oxford, he embarked on a career in film. His first successes came with ground-breaking dance music show “Hypnosis” for Channel 4, followed by other

music and youth programmes. His first short film, “Jump Boy” in 1998 met with critical acclaim and he was selected for New Directions 2000, which showcases the 6 best UK directors in New York and Los Angeles. During this time he also directed a segment of Sky Pictures’ first feature film “Tube Tales”. His first feature film, “Kidulthood”, which he directed and produced, won the Best Feature Film at the Race In Media Awards 2006 and Best Screenplay Award at Dinard Film Festival. He won the Douglas Hickox Award BIFA 2006 for Best Debut Director.

His second feature film, “Everywhere & Nowhere”, which he co-wrote and directed, was released in May 2011 in UK. He is currently in production on his next film, “Comedown”, a horror thriller set in an East London council estate, to be released by Studio Canal in 2012.

Emma-Kate Francis (BCJS 1989–91 W. 1991–96) graduated with an MA in Silversmithing from the Royal College of Art in 2002 and has established herself as an award-winning jewellery and silverware designer, specialising in bespoke commissions. Emma-Kate who now lives in Wales has recently won the V&A Know Pewter Competition – taking inspiration from the world of Archibald Knox (1864–1933). Knox became associated with high quality pewter through his partnership with Liberty from 1899 onwards. The award winning design incorporates a ‘Triquetra’ symbol, which represents the past, present and future. These beautiful pieces can be found in the V&A shop.

'It's great to see my work being sold in one of the most revered museums in the world but when I look back to where it all began, in the Maltsters room at Brighton College, I have fond memories of Mrs.Griffin giving me my first taste of jewellery making. The Art department at Brighton College was my bolt hole and the tutors were inspirational. They gave me confidence and courage to carve a career in art and I'd like to say thanks!' Emma-Kate

OB at the V&AOBs in printA PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR COMPETITIVE SUCCESS The second edition of Professor Stan Abraham’s (B.1952–56) book is an exceptional treatise on strategic planning for single-business companies that is at once academically rigorous and uncommonly practical. This book emphasises the pervasive role of strategic thinking in strategic planning, including searching for better strategies, business models, and opportunities. The book also provides original and proven techniques to develop viable strategic alternatives, as well as many other useful analytical tools.

Stan is Professor Emeritus of Strategy & Entrepreneurship at Cal Poly Pomona, and holds a B.Sc. (Eng.) from the University of London, and SM and PhD degrees in management from MIT’s Sloan School of Management (now MIT Sloan, GM ’68) and UCLA’s Graduate School of Management (now UCLA Anderson), respectively, in the US.

THE PELICAN ISSUE NO. 28 MARCH 2012

THE TITANIC PASSENGER'S GUIDE Lt-Commander John Blake (B. 1957–61) is somewhat of a maritime authority, having spent 12 years in the Royal Navy and as a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation. He has written several books, 'The Sea Chart' (2003) and 'Sea Charts of the British Isles' (2005) and has followed this with "The Titanic Passenger's Guide", published in respect of her tragic sinking 100 years ago this year. The book was compiled from some ten maritime Titanic related archives (e.g. Liverpool and National Maritime Museums, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Southampton Museum, Admiralty Library) with material contemporary to her concept, design, construction, launch and ship's operation. It includes, with colour photographs, passenger facilities in some 128 pages, but in a pocket book size. In fact it is what one might have been given if a passenger on her maiden voyage. Beautifully bound and illustrated the book is available from all good bookshops or on-line at Amazon.

Menhaj Huda (C. 1980–85)

4

The OB website is a fantastic resource for all Old Brightonians. It has all the latest news, from Madeleine Sava’s (W. 2005-09) superb triumph as she led the Oxford Blues Squash team to victory at this year's Varsity Match against Cambridge, to business news from young entrepreneur Daniel Crown (A. 1988-93). It is usefully divided into different areas for your enjoyment including contact details for overseas OB Ambassadors, profiles of notable alumni, OBs of the month, sports societies, professional networking clubs and full events listings.

It has in the past featured a gallery of photographs, which are now being imported into the all- new photograph resource, The Brighton College Digital Archive.

In days of old, it used to be the case that in order for Old Brightonians and staff to have access to historic items from their school days, one would have to travel across the country and up the rickety stairs in to the College Archive. Not anymore! As of Spring 2012, Brighton College archive materials will be available online, to past pupils and staff alike. The Brighton College Digital Archive is a free online facility that allows photos, videos, documents and sound clips to be searched and accessed by Old Brightonians. Whether it is your upper 5th class photo, the Brightonian Magazine from the year you left, or College videos from the early 80’s, you will find them here and can peruse at your leisure.

But it gets even better. OBs will also be able to easily upload their own materials from all around the world from the comfort of their own home, meaning the Brighton College Digital Archive will forever be growing. To get started, simply visit www.oldbrightonians.com/archive and register to have unlimited access to the online archive and then you

are ready to get browsing and uploading. If you require any more information about the Brighton College Digital Archive, or if you or your company would like information on sponsoring this exciting project, please contact Scott Sheridan at ssheridan@brightoncollege.net or 01273 704226.

oldbrightonians.com

College photographs on-line

OB Business DirectoryNetworking within the OB community often happens without people even realising that they are dealing with a fellow Old Brightonian! However, one of the great benefits of the network is the diversity of experience on offer, and now it is all at your fingertips. The Old Brightonians website has an on-line Business Directory which we are busy updating (www.oldbrightonians.com/business-directory). If you would like to be part of the Business Directory please contact Rebecca Findlay on 01273 704 250 or email ob@oldbrightonians.com

Roger Aiken (A.1971-1976)

ships out CherieRoger Aiken (A.1971-1976) is the Joint Managing Director of the high profile international relocation company and fine art packers & shippers, Stephen Morris Shipping. In recent years Roger's company was responsible for moving both Gordon Brown and Tony Blair and their families out of Downing Street on the completion of their terms as Prime Ministers. The company includes Christie's and Sotheby's auction houses within its regular customer base, as well as a host of museums, fine art galleries and private art collectors. Roger also specialises in bespoke services for a host of private individuals, celebrities, actors, musicians & performers, politicians, premiership footballers & rugby players and professional golfers.

See the on-line directory for full contact details.

5www.oldbrightonians.com

Rev Canon C J (Bill) Peters (Chaplain, 1950–69) is celebrating his 70th year in the Church As he approaches his 93rd birthday, Canon Peters, former Brighton College Chaplain, said it is “a blessing” to be the last chaplain who served in the Second World War to still be working. Canon Peters volunteered as a chaplain and was posted to north Africa and the Middle East before spending 27 years as record of Uckfield and 28 years as chaplain of Brighton College. Before the war he played football for Brighton and Hove Albion and cricket for Sussex.

Congratulations...

THE PELICAN ISSUE NO. 28 MARCH 2012

Nick Hay OBE (C. 1981–86)

Having recently had dinner with a number of Old Brightonians in January, I was lambasted for not letting you know that I was presented with an OBE by the Queen on 30 November 2011. The award was announced in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List on 11 June 2011. I have not seen my OBE citation but the following extract is taken directly from a letter sent to me by Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, the Chief of the Air Staff:

‘The award justifiably recognises not only your outstanding leadership, commitment and care of your people throughout your tenure as Officer Commanding IX (Bomber) Squadron but also and especially during the many Operational deployments. Central to the Squadron’s preparation and success during the Operational deployments, was your example and determination to set the bar for operational delivery and the continued development of personnel at an achievable yet demanding height. Your identification of the need for joint planning during Operation MOSHTARAK (Helmand, Afghanistan) in March 2010 was key to the success of the Operation and was undoubtedly central to operational delivery with no UK casualties and all objectives achieved. Moreover, your outstanding dedication, inspirational verve and passion for improvement both in the work environment and in the wider local community is an example to us all.’

For full story see the OB website www.oldbrightonians.com

Nick Hay (C. 1981–86) married to Carol Hay nee Grant (F. 1985–87).

Malcolm Paris MBE

(BCJS 1951 – 1954 A. 1954–58)

I was very fortunate to receive an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2011 for services to the elderly, and in October spent a memorable time at Windsor Castle at the investiture by The Princess Royal. It was the first time that I had heard of the event happening there, but when I was invited, I was delighted with the location. It started when we were picked up in a limousine and driven to the Castle, up the Long Walk, to the entrance normally reserved for the Royal Family and visiting Heads of State. After a period, three very senior Palace Officials entered and together explained to us what would happen and how we were to move when called. After being presented, we exited the room, before re-entering the Waterloo Chamber and sat at the rear and joined up with our guests at the end of proceedings. We were invited to look around the State Rooms, if we wished, which were as expected, full of famous works of art, before adjourning to the Castle Hotel for a very pleasant lunch.

Ryan Heal (R. 1989–94)

wins "The Outstanding Brightonian Award" We are thrilled to announce that Ryan Heal (R. 1989–94) won the 'Outstanding Brightonian' Award from The Argus at the end of 2011.

"His core skill is perhaps in winning the respect and trust of influential people throughout the City and being able to recruit them to the causes he supports, safe in the knowledge that he has no hidden agenda"

The Argus

6

Letter from Kabul I am currently posted to HQ ISAF Joint Command, in Kabul, Afghanistan on a nine month tour. Christmas day marked the half-way point of the tour. I work in the Campaign & Transition Assessment Group, helping the Afghan Government prepare for and plan their assumption of security responsibility.

The job is fascinating and, in addition to the remarkable coalition of soldiers, diplomats and development agents, I work on a daily basis with the old guard of Soviet trained military officers and young inspiring Afghans who have been educated in the West and are now back to serve their country.

Lt Col C S MacGregor KRH (D. 1986–91)

Lost OB found! Thanks to the response from the OB website, we were able to track down ‘Lost OB’ Lange Powell(H 1960-65). Lange headed off to Madagascar in 1969 as a volunteer teacher, and after further travels settled in Australia in 1972. Now in Adelaide, he has two daughters, two stepdaughters and five grandchildren. He and his wife Inara are happily retired after

careers in child and family welfare, aged services, public housing, disability support, and adult and juvenile corrections. Lange has worked a lot with Aboriginal communities, and Inara and he head off into the desert for several weeks each year – the remoter, the better!

Egyptian Revolution 2011 was a year of extraordinary overhaul in the Middle East: despicable despots and their crooked cronies were falling like flies at the feet of their savagely oppressed peoples; thirty years of North African dictatorship, supported in no small way by Western complicity, began to crumble; brave Arab revolutionaries from Benghazi to Damascus became the moral leaders of international protest movements against corruption, selfish capitalism and inequality. 2012 will be a year of continuing struggle for protestors all over the Middle East as they refuse to be silenced until their demands for freedom, change and social justice have been met and I know that the fight is far from over.

Needless to say then, for myself, a graduate of Arabic and Islamic Studies from Oxford University in 2011, my destination lay eastwards, specifically in Egypt, and preferably near to Tahrir Square. O, my poor mother, I might as well have told her I was joining the army. Frustrated that I was unable to personally participate in the Egyptian Revolution, sadly not having any Egyptian blood in me, I was pleased however to be able to do my bit by being made the Program Manager of the new Cisco Entrepreneur Institute in Cairo.

Cisco's network of Entrepreneur Institutes provide young business men and women around the world with training that will improve their business skills, immerse them into a wider network of national and international entrepreneurs and offer them financial support to help them realise their small to medium sized business ambitions. I may not be protesting in Tahrir but we're doing everything we can to harness the passion of the Jan 25 Revolution and direct it into creating a self-sufficient and stable local economy (see www.ciscoinstitute.net). We focus on increasing access for the most disenfranchised to the world of work and business. In a country where the army is the single largest landowner, where public companies have been sold off to foreign investors at an iota of their real value and where compulsory military service is used as a rural slave trade for rich farmers, I can't think of anything more pressing than re-directing some of the wealth to the bottom of society.

The picture below is from the first anniversary of the Egyptian Revolution, taken on Jan 25th 2012, from Kobri Qasr al Nile, which is a bridge that leads into Tahrir Square. It was an extraordinary and moving sight to see these men ceasing their protest for a moment at the call to prayer and kneeling down to touch their heads on an enormous Egyptian flag.

Roland Singer-Kingsmith (R. 2001–06)

Dispatches from...

"Of all the strange things to happen in Kabul, I was at lunch with Colin Montgomery!"

Aboriginal art sent in by Lange, who works with Aboriginal communities

7www.oldbrightonians.com

What are the chances! We had a fabulous letter in December 2011 from Kate Merrin (W/F. 1989-93) who found a photo of a BCJS team on a filmset in Australia.

"I moved to Australia seven years ago where I work as a film/tv producer. This week the strangest thing happened. I was out filming in a remote location in northern Victoria. Years ago they built the set for Man from Snowy River here. The owners of the land have kept it and once in a while it gets rented to film companies when we are looking for old town or cowboy style sets.

It is a dilapidated old place that probably gets used once a year if that. The only building that was still safe to go inside was the fake "town hall" - so I wandered in and amongst the rubbish and dust and some old tables I saw two framed photos lying on a table in the back. So I walked over and... they were both old pictures of cricket teams. One taken in 'the bush' somewhere in Australia and the other... at Brighton College of a BCJS team! What were the chances of me being 20,000 miles from Brighton in the middle of Australia with a crew of 50 people from all over the world and I walk into an old unused film set, am the only person to go over to these pictures, and find one of them to be a picture of my old school! It completely blew me away!

After publishing the photo on the website we then heard from Nick Betteridge (BCJS 1952-1956 D 1956-1961):

"I think the photograph of the BCJS cricket team found in Australia dates either from 1953 or 1954. I am second from the right in the back row. Standing next to me on my left I think is somebody called Stanwick. On the other end of the back row is Johnny Lewis (he went on to be a terrific cricketer and was also Captain of rugby in the senior school). The master in charge is “Dickie Bird” Holder. Seated next to him on his right I believe is Reed, and on his left I think is Thorpe. On the far right in the front row is Charlie Proe. Fascinating to go back all those years. What a find! I wonder which one of the team owned the photograph."

If you recognise this photo please do contact the OB office!

Prosecuting the Khmer RougeBetween April 1975 and January 1979 the Khmer Rouge, or communist party of Kampuchea, caused the deaths of between 1.4 and 2.2 million of their own people through executions, starvation and forced labour. Over twenty percent of the population was wiped out. Today in Kampuchea, modern day Cambodia, criminal trials are taking place of the remaining Khmer Rouge leaders and the regime’s executioners.

Andrew Cayley QC (B. 1977-82) is the Chief International Prosecutor of the Khmer Rouge

Tribunal. The court was established in 2003 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, by the United Nations and the government of Cambodia to try former members of the Khmer Rouge for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Kaing Guek Eav, alias Duch, was the Director of the notorious Toul Sleng or S21 Security Camp in Phnom Penh where over 12,000 men women and children were tortured and murdered between 1975 and 1979. On 2nd February 2011 the Supreme Court Chamber of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal sentenced Kaing Guek Eav to life imprisonment for crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Between the 21st and 22nd of November 2011 Andrew Cayley made his opening statement in the trial of the three most senior living leaders of the Khmer Rouge who are charged with genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The trial is ongoing. He said this in his peroration to the judges of the Trial Chamber:

“The accused who are before you are thieves of time and common murderers of an entire generation of Cambodians…They left gaping holes in every Cambodian family. They removed all breath from notions such as law and civilized behaviour. No one in this country is left unhurt or unaffected by what these three elderly men have done. Mr. President, your Honours, your judgement must be inscribed as a decisive act in the history of this country and the mandate of this Court. The evils that these three men set in motion must be determined…The need for justice of two million people will be satisfied, and their suffering and death will not have been useless to the progress of mankind.”

Andrew Cayley was nominated for the position of Chief Prosecutor of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal in October 2009 and appointed to the position by the Cambodian government in November of the same year. He has prosecuted and defended at the Yugoslav War Crimes Tribunal and the International Criminal Court in The Hague and the Special Court for Sierra Leone in Freetown. In November 2011 he was shortlisted to become the next Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. He was called to the English bar by the Inner Temple and is an associate tenant of Doughty Street Chambers in London.

If you have any stories, memories or news that you would like to share then please send them to ob@oldbrightonians.com.

THE PELICAN ISSUE NO. 28 MARCH 2012

8

John SpencerWith the retirement of John Spencer, Brighton College loses the nearest it is ever likely to get to the complete schoolmaster...

Always, it seemed, his pupils’ interests came first, the College’s second, and his own third. John joined the Common Room in 1981 to teach Geography in addition to coaching Cricket and Squash, making full use of his Cambridge degree, his Blue, and 12 years as a leading member of the Sussex XI. In all those areas he and his pupils have enjoyed remarkable success ever since.

In the classroom he is as delighted when the honest plodder gets the “pass” grade he or she might never have expected when starting the course, as he is for the glittering A* at A level. He will have spent untold hours outside the class on revision sessions, compiling helpful notes (SOAP), organising his “visuals”, and mastering the latest electronic wizardry, all to back up his own depth of knowledge and experience and his boundless enthusiasm for his subject. I don’t believe the word “no-hoper” has ever been in his vocabulary.

On the cricket field John’s achievements have become legendary. One of my fondest memories is of watching with him on the boundary on the Home Ground as Clare Conner took her first wicket playing for the First XI. Years of careful coaching, trust and confidence boosting had paid dividends, to the eventual advantage, as we

know, of Sussex, England, women’s cricket, and the ECB. How many school coaches can now count as many Ashes winners among their charges as John? Skill and success there have been in plenty, but John can be equally proud of the reputation for sportsmanship and playing in the true spirit of the game that his teams have enjoyed. In the Squash Courts, once tucked away behind the Dining Hall and the Lester Building, generations of young players have also benefited from John’s devoted coaching and direction, in a long string of winning teams. He sets his standards high, and his pupils respond.

Twelve overseas tours illustrate John’s ability to combine Geography and Cricket as part of an overall education. Whether in India, West Indies, or Zimbabwe, Brighton College teams have had life-changing experiences of existence in very different parts of the world, and have been acknowledged as first class ambassadors for their own country. Nowhere is this more true than in the Worli shanty town in Mumbai, where John built up the College’s link with the Reverend Saba Ranjithan to provide educational aid and medical care for the inhabitants, and made sure that his teams visited for themselves. Saba’s tributes to John that “many had promised help but none had delivered” before and that “Johnji has a heart as big as an ocean” speak for themselves.

Central to any assessment of John’s achievements is the awareness of how he translates his deeply held Christian beliefs into practical action. The standards he sets and expects of his pupils are the ones he lives by himself, and this was demonstrated most clearly during his eight years as Housemaster of Hampden and six as Deputy Headmaster. I always knew I could rely fully on him for sound judgement, honest and fearless advice, absolute loyalty and integrity, and the ability to get things organised and done however much time or effort it took. In both roles he was the complete professional with the very human touch.

He has spent as much time supporting and encouraging musicians and actors and artists

(or none of these) as he does cricketers or squash players. What other Housemaster would have had the confidence to choose the recently written “Shine, Jesus, Shine” as his house contribution to the singing competition? His “house prayers” were just that, not playing any form of lip service to convention. He was never afraid to take on the potentially awkward interview with parent or member of staff, or make the unpopular but right decision.

Lively, amusing and stimulating colleague, accomplished after-dinner (or after-anything else) speaker, ever-reliable and hospitable friend, the list goes on. If John sounds in danger of becoming a legend it is probably because he already is one. And behind him there is always the patience and love of his family, Kate, Nichola, Patrick and Andrew, whose own individual contributions to the College have been so valuable. When he comes to his farewells there will be many stories to tell, much leg-pulling to be done, plenty of laughter, and all of it affectionate. We have so much for which to be grateful to John. He’s a lovely man.

John Leach (Head Master Brighton College 1987-1997)

John Spencer Retirement CelebrationFRIDAY 29TH JUNE To celebrate the 99 terms of service that the ever popular John Spencer has undertaken at the College from 1978 to his retirement at the end of the Summer Term 2012 we are holding an OBs vs 1st XI 20:20 match on Friday 29th June at 3pm on the Home Ground, Brighton College followed by drinks in The Sammy Woods Pavilion.

Anyone interested in playing should contact either the OBCC on obcc@oldbrightonians.com or the OB office direct on ob@oldbrightonians.com. Spectators are also welcome.

Venue: Home Ground, Brighton College RSVP: ob@oldbrightonians.com

9www.oldbrightonians.com

Sports ClubsOld Brightonian Rugby ClubOld Brightonian Cricket Club

Some of you, who have recently left the College, may not have realised that the club exists. The last few years have been tough for OB rugby but, thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of former players and Vice-Presidents, the club is ready to enter a new phase. The 'new-look' OBRFC, which will incorporate the "Pelicans" (the 7s team), is all about playing high-quality rugby with former school mates and entering a few select competitions.

The 'admin secretary' Fiona Aiken will be emailing out details of fixtures and events for players and supporters. Please check your texts, e-mail in-boxes and Facebook for on-going details. If you would like to be added to this list, or know of any OBs who would like to receive fixture details, please contact Fiona Aiken.

FUND RAISING We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who have recently donated so generously. It means that we now have the funds to purchase new kit as well as training balls and first aid kits etc. It will also allow us to enter several competitions, which will help us to re-build the club.

THE PELICAN ISSUE NO. 28 MARCH 2012

Cricketer CupSUNDAY 17TH JUNE The OBCC field a side for the Cricketer Cup each year. In 2012 the OBCC has drawn Tonbridge in the first round. Match to be played at home. Visit www.thecricketercup.org.uk/

John Spencer Retirement CelebrationFRIDAY 29TH JUNE To celebrate the 99 terms of service that the ever popular John Spencer has undertaken at the College from 1978 to his retirement at the end of the Summer Term 2012 we are holding an OBs vs 1st XI 20:20 match on Friday 29th June at 3pm on the Home Ground, Brighton College followed by drinks in The Sammy Woods Pavilion.

Anyone interested in playing should contact either the OBCC on obcc@oldbrightonians.com

Venue: Home Ground, Brighton College

If you would like to play please contact Joey Appleton (D. 1979-84) on obcc@oldbrightonians.com

Join Old Brightonians Cricket on Facebook

10

Old Brightonian Golf SocietyAutumn Meeting 2011This year’s Autumn Meeting was held at the beautiful Mannings Heath Golf Club. We were greatly indebted to local member Tom Hayward (D. 2002-06) for organising an excellent day at a heavily discounted rate.

In the morning we played for the Whitmore Bowl which was handsomely won by our host Tom Hayward who recorded a hugely impressive 38 points playing off scratch. Little wonder then, that Tom has just joined the professional ranks. Whilst OBGS will keenly miss Tom’s golfing talents, we wish him all the very best in what we all hope will be a stellar career.

The incident of the day occurred at the tricky 11th hole, when Robin Colbourne (H. 1960-65) hooked his drive into the stream running alongside the winding valley fairway. Unexpected trouble lay ahead as Robin’s electric trolley and bag motored on and plunged with a crash into the hazard further upstream. CCF training came to the fore, as the OB four-ball quickly formed themselves into a working party to grapple the bag, trolley and assorted clubs up the embankment – sadly the battery had sunk to the bottom, to Davy Jones locker-room, and was not to be found. But there was some good news; Robin’s wallet and valuables had somehow stayed dry…and no additional penalty was incurred for retrieving a golf trolley out of a lateral water hazard (although the grounding of all 14 clubs may have been overlooked). Double bogey scored.

Following liquid refreshments and an excellent lunch, we all regrouped and sped around the course before the light failed in an 18 hole greensome. The runaway victors were Tom Hayward and Chris Gates (R. 1985-90).

A Super day had been enjoyed by all and I hope that even more of you will be able to join us next year – Piltdown GC is the likely venue.

Julian Hunt (D. 1984-87)

CONTACT DETAILS

EDWARD (TEDS) LITTLEWOOD (R. 1990-95)

Captain, OBRFCtedslittlewood@hotmail.comobrfc@oldbrightonians.com

JOHN AIKEN (A. 1976-81) Chairman, OBRFCjpnaiken@live.co.uk07715 580990

FIONA AIKEN (F. 1979-81)Admin, OBRFColdbrightonianrfc@gmail.com07713 130320

For full OBRFC contact details see the website.

FUTURE FIXTURES:APRIL 2012 OBRFC v Brighton College staff (date to be finalised)

29TH APRIL East Grinstead Sunshine 7s (egrfc.com/events/info/55th-sunshine-sevens-2012)

30TH JUNE - 1ST JULY Newquay Surf 7s (www.newquaysurf7s.co.uk/)

28TH JULY Worthing 7s

27TH AUGUST Cronk Cunis U21 15s tournament, Richmond

1ST SEPT Peter Rumney Memorial Match on the Home Ground – from midday, followed by Brighton College 1st XV v Wellington College

Secretary’s Cup 2012The second Secretaries' Cup was held at West Sussex GC on March 11. This is a friendly match between teams of OB golfers captained by the Hon. Sec. Julian Hunt (D. 1984-87) and the President Chris Pett (H. 1962-67) respectively, and inaugurated last year to commemorate Chris standing down after being Hon. Sec for 32 years, following his father-in-law Eric Head (H.1934-38) (sadly now deceased) for over 20 years before him!

The teams had been drawn by lot from all those wishing to play and the event was very encouragingly oversubscribed. After the usual joshing, the two teams of ten – five pairs a side – set off playing foursomes after a hearty West Sussex breakfast. The closest of the games was that in which the President and his partner Brian Ellis just edged out the Secretary and his partner John Spink in a nailbiter only on the last green. This must have sent enormous encouragement down through the field to the rest of the President's team as, in a reversal of last year's result, the final score was a convincing victory for the President's team by 4-1 in matches, or a final total of 6 holes up.

It was a glorious day and the post-mortem drinks on the terrace afterwards testified to the enjoyment. A number went on to play more holes in the tranquil spring sunshine and the whole event has got the year off to an excellent start.

Chris Pett (H.1962-67)

Coming up soon!SATURDAY 12 MAY 2012Grafton Morrish Qualifier

THURSDAY 28TH JUNE 2012 Cyril Gray Trophy

SUNDAY 2TH SEPTEMBER 2012Sussex Schools Cup

THURSDAY 4TH OCTOBER 2012 Grafton Morrish Royal West Norfolk

To join the Old Brightonians Golf Society please contact Julian Hunt (D. 1984-87) at obgolf@oldbrightonians.com

John & Fiona Aiken with Mary Rumney at Brighton Day 2011

11www.oldbrightonians.com

Reunions & EventsReunions take place all of the time between Old Brightonians, as friendships stand the test of time and naturally take place without the auspices of the OB office! However, sometimes a little assistance is required, and here at the Old Brightonians office we are delighted to offer events and societies for your enjoyment.

Sam Griffiths Foundation Event

SEPT 2011 The College hosted a fund-raising event for the Sam Griffiths Foundation, which has been set up in memory of Sam Griffiths (S. 2005–08) who died in January 2009.

Despite a very poor weather forecast, the sun shone brightly during the main event, which was a memorial rugby match; the two teams comprised many of Sam’s old school friends from both Brighton College and Hurstpierpoint

School, and also some of his friends from his rugby club, London Scottish in Richmond, London. After the match, all the players and spectators – around 125 people in total – congregated in the Great Hall for afternoon tea, during which Father Robert hosted an auction and raffle, which raised a fantastic £6,500 for the Foundation. In addition to this, Sophie Benton from Chichester House presented Sam’s parents with a cheque for £2,380 – money raised from their charitable activities over the past year. Sam Woodhead, the Head of School House, also announced that the Sam Griffiths Foundation would be his House’s chosen charity for this coming year. Thank you to all those people who supported this event and made it such a success.

Matthew Godfrey, Housemaster, School House (and trustee of the Sam Griffiths Foundation)samgriffithsfoundation.co.uk

THE PELICAN ISSUE NO. 28 MARCH 2012

OB Business NetworksSEPT 2011 OB Business Networking Drinks (City & Finance) The first City & Finance networking drinks went off well with business cards swapped between the attendees. Various professions were represented from investment banking, financial modelling systems, property investment and PR.

OCT 2011 OB Business Networking Drinks (Property) The inaugural meeting was held in October and hosted by Philip Marsden (A. 1972–79) who spoke energetically about his time in the industry, which has recently included the merger of King Sturge with Jones LaSalle. A Brighton event is planned for May, to be hosted by Nick Sutton (D. 1983–88) at Lansdowne Place Hotel.

We look forward to growing numbers at these events. Please contact ob@oldbrightonians.com to register your interest.

DEC 2011 The candle-lit service, joyfully led by Father Robert Easton on Christmas Eve was wonderfully attended by a throng of Old Brightonians, current pupils, parents and staff.  Many joined the Brighton College Family Society for mulled wine and mince pies before the service, and Richard Cairns, Head Master, cheerfully greeted all comers after the service, along with of course Christmas morning itself.

Christmas Eve Midnight Mass in the Chapel

12

Remembrance ServiceNOV 2011 Old Brightonians, including previous members of the Common Room and other ex-Brighton College staff, pupils, masters and parents came together for a moving Remembrance Service on Sunday 13th November. Houses in attendance were Durnford, Hampden, Heads, Leconfield, School and Williams. Wreaths were laid at the altar and at the 1914–18 and 1939–45 War Memorials by School Prefects and the Chairman Lord Skidelsky (C. 1953–58). A Book of Remembrance was placed on the altar by a member of the Fourth Form, and CCF colours laid by representatives of the three armed services.

OB Netball MatchThe sun shone down hard on the court as the OB team put in an astonishing performance against the College side. Katy Rodgers (W.1999-2004) lept around the court with all of the vigour of a teenager, and both teams were left exhausted and some injured by the end of the match. Many thanks to all those that played and we look forward to another fine OB performance next year!

Brighton DaySEPT 2011 Our first Brighton Day took place in glorious September sunshine with OBs enjoying tours of the school, various sporting activities and a BBQ up at the Sammy Woods Pavilion.

Peter Rumney Memorial Match

For the third year running we were blessed with a fine late summer’s day. We were met by a rather panicky John Aiken saying that he’d been let down at dawn by the opposition. Luckily, enough OBs turned up to form two sides so they could play against each other – Team Rumney and Team Loadsman. Tim Loadsman (L. 1951-57) himself was running the line in fine style – with complete impartiality, of course. This was Peter’s preferred place to be, from where he liked to shout “Come on OBs” in a thunderous voice.

Although he was not there to cheer them on, we are pretty sure Team Rumney won the game and Captain Adam Phillips (H. 1998-2003), who had a great game, was awarded the cup by Mary Rumney.

Peter would have been delighted with the turnout and to have seen such a fine standard of play on the pitch and not merely by the OBs: his grandson, Miles, was playing for the U15 school team on the next pitch at the same time. We are all looking forward to the game next year.

Mary Rumney, wife of the late Peter Rumney (H. 1937–39)

Oxbridge Dinner FEB 2012 The now annual Old Brightonians Oxbridge Dinner for our current and recent Oxbridge undergraduates was held on a beautiful spring evening at Pembroke College, Cambridge. The dinner was to be hosted by Sir John Chilcot, Hon. Fellow of Pembroke and President of the Old Brightonians but sadly a royal engagement kept him from the event. However, a suitably convivial evening was had in The Old Library at Pembroke where all enjoyed a superb meal and regaled each other with recent news and events both at Brighton College and indeed of the various Colleges that our Oxbridge OBs attend. Mark Beard, Deputy Head, gave an entertaining speech with the assistance of Will Noble (L. 2004-09). All in all a lovely evening and super to catch up with all those attending.

13www.oldbrightonians.com

JAN 2012 The Sgt. Major Chris O’Connell Memorial took place on a freezing January afternoon, but the warmth of feeling amongst the Old Brightonians who came to celebrate Chris’s life staved off the cold. Two former Headmasters were in attendance, Bill Blackshaw and John Leach, and Brighton College was represented by various staff including Deputy-Head John Weeks, Elizabeth Cody and Common Room President Steve Radojcic. Countless colleagues of Chris were there and over 100 Old Brightonians attended.

Brighton College cadets proudly marched in the colours and the Irish Guards provided a bugler for the occasion. Lt Col Zac Stenning MBE

(H. 1985–90) gave a fitting tribute to a man who contributed so much to College life. A toast was later raised to Chris by Steve Radojcic in The Ginger Dog, where OBs pretty much took over the whole establishment for the afternoon.

Sgt. Major Chris O'Connell Memorial Service

Chris O'Connell Memorial Bench FundA fund has been set up for a bench overlooking the Home Ground. A donation form can be downloaded from the OB website or contact the OB office on 01273 704 250.

This winter we have had OB drinks in The Ebury SW1 in November and January, with a small but jovial turnout and many new friends made and re-acquianted at both events. 2012 has also seen the drinks in Brighton re-instated.

“There was such a good turnout at the Pub Du Vin on Thursday night. It was great fun to meet up with so many old friends; we all had a most enjoyable evening reminiscing on the good days and a few bad ones!! A big thank you to Rebecca and the gang for organising the event. Looking forward to the next one!!”

Bertie Wilkins (H.1975-78)

THE PELICAN ISSUE NO. 28 MARCH 2012

FEB 2012 We were fortunate with a glorious spring day, indeed St David's Day, for our 7th Vice-Presidents Luncheon, hosted by Peter Miller (C. 1945-49) at The Army & Navy Club.

Drinks prior to the event were well attended, and the handful of early birds enjoyed watching the march around St James's Square by members of the Naval & Military Club (The In & Out Club) who were celebrating their 150th Anniversary. Peter had thoughtfully asked Derek Jones (C. 1945-51) to give the grace in Welsh in honour of the date. All enjoyed a superb luncheon, and managed to do some homework for the OB office at the same time – annotating a list of Old Brightonians that we have lost contact with.

Matt Godfrey, Housemaster School House, brought greetings from the Head Master and news from the College. Matt spoke fondly of retiring Master John Spencer (Master 1978-2012) who as Head of Geography and a fine cricketer has been a stalwart of the College for many years and will be much missed. John noted cheerfully that he would be retiring at the end of 99 terms service. Sir John Chilcot (H/S 1952-57), President of the Old Brightonians, gave a nostalgic and heartfelt speech recalling his schooldays. Our thanks go to Peter Miller (C. 1945-49) for hosting this most enjoyable annual event.

Vice-Presidents Luncheon

London Drinks & Brighton Drinks

The O'Connell Family

14

Pioneers Club (for OBs over 60)

Ridgeview Champagne Vineyard at DitchlingAUG 2011 After an introduction by Matt Stragnell, the vineyard manager, to the vines which cover some 8 hectares growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes we were given a tour of the whole process by which the ‘Champagne’ is produced. We sampled four of the excellent wines including a winner of a ’Decanter’ award gold medal. A most enjoyable trip.

Gravetye Manor GardensSEPT 2011 OBs enjoyed a beautiful morning at Gravetye Manor Gardens with inspiring Head Gardener Tom Coward. Tom gave an impassioned tour of the estate, and its wonderful autumn colours. A superb lunch followed, in the exquisite surroundings of the Manor, and we all agreed that another trip should be planned!

proudly in the grounds but the whole place resonates with the remembrance of those that have passed through the gates. It is both poignant and proud, imposing and impressive. Peter Miller (C. 1945-49), our guide for the day lead a wonderful tour, and our small group spent much time happily reminiscing on where they had marched, who they had been taught by, and who they trained alongside. The name of Academy Sergeant Major J. C. Lord, MVO MBE, who started off in the Brighton Police Force, came up a number of times in memorable stories. He also played rugby football for Brighton and Sussex (a wonderful tribute to him can be read on the OB website). All in all, it was a most enjoyable visit. Many Old Brightonians have passed out of this historic and vibrant institution and enjoyed distinguished careers in the Armed Forces, and we are very proud of our connections with the RMA.

Future DatesSATURDAY 14TH APRIL Sussex Downs Walk and Luncheon at The Tollgate Pub

THURSDAY 3RD MAY Brighton College Tour & Luncheon

FRIDAY 10TH AUGUST Gravetye Manor Garden Tour & Afternoon Tea

DECEMBER London Luncheon

To reserve a place at any Pioneers event please contact Rebecca Findlay, ob@oldbrightonians.com or telephone 01273 704 250.

London LuncheonDEC 2011 Le Café Anglais proved a spectacular setting for the Pioneers Club London Luncheon. Friends were reunited for our gathering, and many a peel of laughter was to be heard over the wonderful array of photographs brought in. Particular thanks should go to John Flood (S. 1950-1954) who brought in whole school photographs which were very much enjoyed by all. Thanks should also go to Neville Abraham (B. 1950-1955) who generously hosted the event in the restaurant. Neville welcomed everyone most warmly with a round of drinks, and spoke most eloquently about the College. The time spent over lunch with old friends was truly enjoyed by all, mobile phone numbers swapped and many promises made to reunite again.

RMA Sandhurst VisitFEB 2012 There are certain places that are heavy with the memory of those that have gone before. Half echoes of the past, like voices heard down a corridor, far off but still present. RMA Sandhurst is such a place, bustling as it is with the life of the current cadets it is also a testament to all those that have gone before them, not just in the memorials that stand

15www.oldbrightonians.com

Letters

The first letters from Oxford and Cambridge were printed under the title of ‘University Intelligence’ in The Brightonian 1880, and continued until the 1960s when they petered out, presumably as OBs were having too groovy a time to report back to HQ. We are great believers in intelligence here in the Alumni office so we thought we would resurrect this fine tradition. The authors of these letter will perhaps be relieved to hear that it filled the original contributors with as much horror in 1880 as it does now when being asked to pen a piece..

'Your request to furnish you with news of the doings of OBs up here, filled me with alarm.' Oxford 1880

'As I have been asked to send in a short account of the OB’s doings in Cambridge for insertion in the Brighton College Magazine, it behoves me first to state for the benefit of those rash people who expect great things, that I fear there are none to recount.' Cambridge 1880

Our sincere thanks go to George Weller, who embraced the idea with a bang, not a whimper and to Madeleine Sava, who met a nail-biting editorial deadline.

Dear Old BrightoniansWhat follows is an account of the time I have spent so far at Emmanuel College, Cambridge in which I hope to give a taste of the kind of thing I have been up to both academic and otherwise. I begin my account as I began my Thursdays when I was at Brighton: on the sports-field.

My sporting career at Cambridge has been fueled by the same heady cocktail of enthusiasm and incompetence that saw me through at Brighton. As a naïve young fresher I was lured, as many are, down to the the college boathouse where I became a cox (for those who don't know, coxing is the art of sitting in a boat shouting expletives at rowers and then convincing people that you are somehow doing sport). The first thing they told me when I took up the practice was that it is impossible to capsize an eight-man boat in the middle of the river. You will be proud to hear that it took me just a term and a half to show them that impossible is nothing – gaining myself university-wide notoriety. A few terms (and several more incident reports) later, I decided to give up the coxing game in order to free up time for other sports.

Having previously gained extensive experience of the more 'gentlemanly' side of Brighton College football, I was able to walk straight into the mighty Emmanuel College thirds, where I reside happily to this day. At the start of this year I was honoured to be made one of the college football club's two social secretaries and it was in this capacity that I did absolutely nothing to help organise our recent trip to Oxford, to play our sister college, Exeter. We brought along two teams, of which I was in the second. Exeter, despite being at home, only managed to muster a single team, meaning that we ended up playing Keble College in what was a very close game, with both sides showing

determination to the very end. Unfortunately Keble managed to scrape a victory of 16 goals to 1.

Of course, Cambridge isn't just about sinking boats and losing at football, there are also a few lectures – well, okay, there are quite a lot of lectures. For a Natural Sciences student like myself, first year consisted of lectures six days a week (that's right, Saturday lectures!) starting at either 9 or 10 in the morning, often followed by supervisions and practical classes. This can be quite daunting if, like me, you're 'not a morning person', but I like my subject and I got through it in the end - still managing to have plenty of fun that year. Now I'm in third year and I've specialised into plant sciences (photosynthesis and what-not). I only have lectures three days a week and the learning is a lot more 'self-directed' with a bigger emphasis on reading academic papers. Last term I did a research project, which meant that I spent of lot of time in the lab. It was time-consuming, but it was very interesting and it gave me a great excuse to miss football training.

I have indulged in a few other hobbies during my time here. To date, I have tried my hand as a stand-up comedian, professional magician, band-member, crossword setter and speaker of the Spanish language – to varying degrees of success. With just two terms left I hope to do a bit more of these things as some of them may be difficult to carry on with once I leave.

Much like Brighton College, Cambridge has required me to find a good balance between academia, sport, social activities and other hobbies. I like to think that I am getting closer to getting this balance right and I hope that when I look back on my time here I will be pleased with how much I got out of it.

Yours sincerely George Weller (A. 2007-09)

There are some traditions that have been abandoned over the years that are worth re-instating. So here for your enjoyment are letters from Old Brightonians at Oxford & Cambridge, and in the next issue we hope to bring you letters from other fine establishments!

Cambridge Letter – George Weller, Lent 2012

THE PELICAN ISSUE NO. 28 MARCH 2012

16

month in this year’s varsity match against that far inferior university – Cambridge. As captain of a Blues sport, I took full advantage of all privileges such as free bottles of champagne (Cava) every night in Park End. Those of you have savoured the sticky floor and other “delights” of Park End will realise just how much of a privilege this is. I occasionally bump into the inebriated OB Worcesterites, Louis Graham (D. 2004-09) and Charles Davies (R. 2005-10) on the R&B dance floor here, but our meetings unfortunately do not tend to go further than this!

This term I decided to give somebody else the chance to tread the boards and moved to backstage management, working on the main play of the term “The Hothouse”, with the well respected lighting technician Edmund Singer-Kingsmith (R. 2005-10). I hope to continue to work backstage for the rest of my time at Oxford. However, when I met finalist Jarrai Jawara (C. 2007-09) at Taylors for a ‘spot of lunch’ recently, the harsh reality of what to expect this time next year became apparent. Therefore, I plan to have as much fun in the upcoming Trinity Term as possible starting with the Keble Ball in May – I’ll keep you posted!

Yours sincerelyMadeleine Sava (W. 2004-2009)

Dear Old BrightoniansFor those of you still daunted by the “dreaming spires” and the prospect of two 2,000 word essays a week, take heart as the whole experience is not really too much different from five years spent at Brighton College. Of course, there are no HMMs to tell you to tidy your room or go to bed – something which I have taken full advantage of, and as a result find it difficult to actually find my bed beyond the piles of clothes on the floor. Also, essays must never be late. I still find this extremely difficult after five years of convincing Mr Prideux that I had left my work “at home”.

On arrival in Oxford, I made the classic fresher’s mistake of signing up for everything, including pot holing which, as a claustrophobic, I would never realistically attempt. Nevertheless, like Georgia Lewis (F. 2007-09), I did row for college, although it has to be said not with the same prowess, as she rows for the first eight and I was kicked off the beer boat. I also appeared in a play, played netball and water polo for college and squash for the university, attended poetry recitals and was seen weekly at the Union. One of my first priorities was to never have to queue for club entrance, no skill required you understand, just a few tequila shots, and to make some lifelong friends (I have succeeded in the latter).

I am now in my second year, having managed to survive an exhausting Hilary Term (the term of hard slog – no promise of Christmas and no sun). I tried my hand at most things this term in an attempt to free myself from the confines of the RadCam – my library of choice these days – and ease my conscience about not working. I have spent most of this year on the squash court as Blues captain, leading my team to success last

Oxford Letter – Madeleine Sava (W. 2004-09), Lent 2012

Forthcoming Events

April 2012

OB Golf Society Halford Hewitt, Royal St George’s/Cinque Ports, Kent

OBRFC v Brighton College staff (date to be finalised)

THURSDAY 19TH OB London Drinks / Five year reunion for 2007 leaversTHURSDAY 19TH / FRIDAY 20TH Music School ReceptionsSUNDAY 29TH East Grinstead Sunshine 7s

May 2012OB Golf Society vs Brighton College Dyke Golf Club

THURSDAY 3RD Pioneers Club Brighton College

SATURDAY 12TH OB Golf Society Grafton Morrish Qualifier Knole Park, Kent

SATURDAY 19TH 1980s Reunion Brighton College

June 2012WEDNESDAY 6TH / THURSDAY 7TH OB Lodge Meetings

SUNDAY 17TH OBCC Cricketer Cup

THURSDAY 21ST MCC vs 1st XI

TUESDAY 26TH College Careers Day

THURSDAY 28TH Graduation 2012

THURSDAY 28TH OB Golf Society Over 50s, Cyril Gray Worplesdon, Surrey

FRIDAY 29THJohn Spencer Cricket Match and Retirement Celebration

SATURDAY 30TH - SUNDAY 1STNewquay Surf 7s(www.newquaysurf7s.co.uk/)

There will be other events that are organised during the year, or there may be some changes to dates occasionally so please do check the website or call the office.

Madeleine Sava with her Squash Cup

George Weller (far right) at Oxbridge Dinner 2012

Oxbridge Dinner 2012

17www.oldbrightonians.com

ALASTAIR MCPHERSON (S. 2002–07)Alastair McPherson was married to Angela Castillo on 3rd July 2011. The marriage took place in the open air on the banks of the Potomac, in Virginia USA. William Hall-Smith (A. 2002–07) was the best man, and Alastair Sava (A. 2002–07), James Taylor (D. 2002–07) and Callum McPherson (S. 2004–09) were groomsmen.

The ceremony took place at 4.30pm the temperature having dropped from the high nineties to the mid-eighties. Alastair will have dual-nationality, and it is the couple's intention to make their new life in the United States. Will Hall-Smith made a thoughtful and amusing speech with several references to life at Brighton College, where he and Alastair had been since they were three. Some of the stories and anecdotes may have been over the heads of his mainly American audience, but apparently all loved the boys' accents!

GLYN ADAMS (A. 1970–75)Glyn Adams married Carola in November 2010. My daughter Emma Adams joined Brighton College in Sept 2010 and loves it!

OLIVER FIRTH (S. 1986–91)Oliver Firth married Joanna Knight at the Church of St Peter and St Paul in West Clandon near Guildford, Surrey, on 21st October 2011. The wedding was attended by OBs Adrian Griffiths, Paul Goddard and Chris Enright, on a stunningly golden autumnal day.

Oliver is currently Medical Director of the London Diving Chamber in St John's Wood, where he treats all forms of diving-related injuries as well as various other medical conditions that respond to hyperbaric oxygen. If any OB's are interested he would be more than happy to show them round!

MARK COLLINS (R. 1994–1999)Mark Collins married Stephenie Thourgood on 15th October 2011. Other OBs present were best-man Raymond Punwar (H. 1992–95), Jonathan Cornthwaite (S. 1994–99), James Collins (R. 1990–95) (Mark's brother) and a former GAP student, Andrew Constantine.

MICHAEL GASTON (L. 1972–77)

GEMMA SEWELL (W. 1998–2002)

Births, Weddings & Obituaries

ROSS HAY (S. 1989–95)Ross Hay and his wife Philippa are delighted to announce the arrival of their daughter Arabella Elizabeth Hay who was born on July 28th 2011 in Zurich weighing 7lbs 14oz.

VICTORIA JONES (NEE GREEN) (F. 1994–96)Vicki & Chris Green are pleased to announce the birth of Harry George Cameron Green 3rd December 2009.

DAVID NOAKES (A. 1982-87) David Noakes married Catherine in 2006 and is now a very proud father to Alice (age 4) and Edward (age 2).

JOHN STANDING (A. 1977–81)John Standing is delighted to announce his forthcoming wedding on 7th April to Tamara Frangoul.

WeddingsBirths

Engagements

THE PELICAN ISSUE NO. 28 MARCH 2012

18

NIGEL JAMES WHITTAKER (L. 1947–53)Born 1st June 1934, died 26th August 1999. His brother, Mark Whittaker recently wrote to us of his distinguished career at the College, illustrated by his Valete record in the Brightonian 1953:

Entered Leconfield House as a Foundation Scholar, Sept 1947, House Prefect June 1951, School Prefect November 1951, Head of House Jan 1952. 3rd XV, 1951,52,53. Athletics VIII 1952 (colours). Athletics Team 1953. General Editor of The Brightonian. Sub-Librarian. Elected Member of the Shakespeare Society (Hon. Secretary). Member of the Amateur Dramatic Society. Hon Sec. of the Photographic Society. Hon Sec. of the Natural History Society. Committee Member of the Debating Society. Committee Member of the Archaeological Society. James Miller Science Prize 1952. Edgar Lucas Reading Prize 1952–53. Headmasters Prize for Reading in Chapel 1952–53. Leonardo Cup Senior Literary Prize 1953. County Major Scholarship. Certificate “A”. P.S.M. in C.C.F. Sixth Form Group IV. Goes into residence Pembroke College, Cambridge.

MICHAEL WOODSMITH (C. 1955–59)Michael Ernest Woodsmith,19th May 1941 – 20th November 2011, beloved husband of Audrey Woodsmith, died of pulmonary fibrosis.

Michael was born in England as Michael Smith. He studied theology at King’s College, The University of London. In 1964 Michael moved to the US

Anniversary

where he was ordained an Episcopal priest and worked for civil rights. He served at Christ Church, Alameda and Holy Innocents in San Francisco. He dropped out and did construction work, was a street artist in SF and worked at Coming Home Hospice during the AIDS epidemic while married to his first wife, Nina. His work with AIDS patients inspired him to become a nurse at St. Mary’s Medical Center, where he worked for the last 20 years. In 2000 Michael and Audrey married at Trinity Episcopal Church where he performed the 8am service and weddings for several years.

WILLIAM J. MATTHEWS (H. 1926–27)

DAVID MCCABE(C. 1941–48)

DAVID MCLARNON (L. 1951–58)

ANTHONY OSBORNE(L. 1948–53)

CHRISTOPHER IAN PICKERING(S. 1965–70)

FREDERICK PINTO(D. 1936–39)

MARTIN HERBERT POTT (C. 1930–33)

JOHN SANFORD(H/D. 1944-49)

BRIAN FORD (B.1953-56)Congratulations to Brian & Janice Ford, who are celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary this year. Married 10th May 1961 at Boggabri, New South Wales, Australia.

Obituaries

REV MICHAEL EDWARD GERALD ALLEN (H. 1950–44)Mrs Allen wrote to us after the last edition of The Pelican was sent out. Michael died in 2009. He gained a music scholarship from Presconville to the college and was a gifted amateur pianist. He attended Selwyn College Cambridge and Theological College in Chichester. When he retired from the parish ministry he was employed part time as pianist at the Cavendish Hotel, Eastbourne and very much enjoyed playing the piano in the restaurant there. Mrs Allen has generously made a donation to the new Music Development in memory of Michael’s time here.

JOHN BRIAN EBORN (S. 1945–50)John Brian Eborn died 9th October 2011 aged 78 years old. His nephew Rodney Eborn (S.1968–1973) writes:

John Eborn was born on 19th October 1932. He attended Brighton College as a boarder in School House from 1945 to 1950. He was a regular attender of Old Brightonians' events, and an OBA Vice-President. He is survived by his wife Vivien, who was kind enough to make a donation to the Diamond Jubilee Pavilion in his memory.

19www.oldbrightonians.com

MAJOR A. T. EELES (L. 1934–39) 1921-2011Tony Eeles enjoyed a reputation amongst those who served with him in battle as a brave and selfless leader. He was an enormously talented forward observation officer who used his skills to great effect in both the Second World War and the Korean War. Recommended for the MC on three occasions, he was an irrepressible young officer with a thirst for combat and a remarkably considerate manner towards his subordinates.

Major Tony Eeles (L. 1934–39) was born in Brighton on 7th February 1921, the elder son of Lt Col Aubrey Eeles DSO. After schooling at Brighton College he followed his father into the Gunners, passing in to the Royal Military Academy for the final, truncated course at Woolwich in August 1939. His course of Gentlemen Cadets stayed there only six days before it was broken up, and he was sent to 122 OCTU at Larkhill for the remainder of his training. In February 1940 he was commissioned and posted to the Ayrshire Yeomanry where he assisted in the regiment’s conversion from horsed cavalry to artillery (as 151 Field Regiment). The Yeomanry officers trained and partied hard. In later years Tony recalled with much joy the mounted sword drill and cavalry charges along the beaches in Scotland. He also remembered with much less glee the exorbitant mess bills raised in a Yeomanry Regiment at the time!

In January 1942 he joined 172 Field Regiment as a captain and in early 1942 he landed with the regiment in Tunisia on 16th January 1943 as part of 128 Infantry Brigade (Hampshires) in 46 Infantry Division. He received his baptism of fire in Hants Gap, Beja, where one of the regiment’s batteries was overrun by a German panzer division as it bought time for the remainder of the Division to stabilise the front. The German attack failed as a result of the battery’s gallant action – quite why 155 Battery was not awarded the honour title Sidi Nzir was an enduring puzzle to him.

On 9th September 1943 he landed with the

first waves of assaulting troops at Salerno in Italy, again supporting the Hampshire Brigade. Whilst in combat in Italy he survived several close calls: his Battery Commander was killed by a sniper as he received verbal orders from him on a roadside, and on another occasion an enemy mortar round landed beside him in his trench but failed to detonate. When his battery commander was killed, Tony was elevated to command 153 Battery, and he commanded it for much of the remainder of the war, fighting it up through Italy and into Austria. He also saw service in Greece towards the end of the war. During his service in North Africa and Italy he was put in for the Military Cross three times (two immediate award recommendations). His final recommendation noted that throughout the campaign in North Africa and in the landing and subsequent fighting in Italy he “conducted himself with very great courage and tenacity of purpose”.

One of the immediate recommendations was made after he had remained in a forward position which was infiltrated by German soldiers in order to bring down accurate artillery fire on them (and himself). The fire proved effective and the Germans withdrew allowing the position to be re-occupied by the supported infantry. Modesty meant that his favourite incident to recount to his children and grandchildren was altogether more farcical. Ordered forward to reconnoitre and occupy an observation post he found a farmhouse which seemed perfect, offering excellent coverage and with a covered approach. Leaving his party some way short of the building, he moved forward, entered through the front door and proceeded upstairs. Upon entering the bedroom in which he planned to position the OP he found himself face to face with a German officer. Both parties reached for their pistols and fired wildly inaccurate rounds at each other before cutting their losses and hurriedly withdrawing, Tony back down the staircase and the German directly out of the first floor window!

After the war he undertook flying training on Austers but he was clearly too much for his instructors to handle. Having survived numerous close shaves during the Second World War he did not appreciate the restrictions of peace time training – a report noted that he was “over-confident to a dangerous degree”! In March 1948 he was selected to be ADC to GOC in C Western Command, serving Lt Gen Sir Frank Simpson (Montgomery’s old Chief of Staff) for two years, and well enough for him to remain a life long friend (despite his being a Sapper!). This tour included a spell at the War Crimes Court in Germany. After a short spell as Staff Captain Q at 18 Training Brigade RA in Oswestry,

he wangled a posting to Korea in September 1950 where he served in the FMA headquarters initially, before joining 170 Independent Mortar Battery RA with which he fought on the Imjin. Here he supported the Northumberland Fusiliers with whom he formed a strong bond. After a year in Korea the battery moved to Hong Kong where he was based in Sek Kong and Stanley. In early 1953 he commenced staff training at the Staff College in Camberley (where in his spare time he started carving in wood, producing a Staff College crest as his first trial piece) and he then moved onto the staff of BRA Scottish Command in Edinburgh. Battery command of The Battleaxe Company (1956–57) followed, during which he prepared them for the abortive Suez Campaign. He served for a brief period in the War Office (MI7) before leaving the Army in April 1958 after the death of his first wife, Betty.

He claimed that he then embarked on a series of enterprises, all of which he had been warned to steer well clear of on his resettlement course; market gardens, game farms and importing wine from the continent. He established the highly successful Wessex Wines Company before settling very happily into the post of office manager for the solicitors Moore and Blatch where he oversaw the firm’s administration in branches spread across Hampshire for many years. Through this period, and into retirement, he honed his carving skills, producing an extraordinary number and variety of high grade carvings which he gave freely to family and friends. He also developed into an outstanding gardener, producing a series of stunning gardens for his family to enjoy.

His first wife, Betty, tragically died in 1957, but he enjoyed a long and exceptionally happy marriage of over 50 years with his second wife, Valerie, who survives him. He is also survived by his three sons, Simon, Philip and Nicholas. His youngest son is the current Director Royal Artillery.

Tony Eeles was a fine officer, courageous and determined an outstanding forward observer (still one of the most dangerous of jobs in the Army) and an inspirational leader. Perhaps it is best to leave the final words to one of his soldiers, Geoffrey Smith, who fought with him through North Africa and Italy: ‘I admired him for his wonderful qualities as a brave, intelligent, quick-witted leader of men. I treasured his company, his coolness in danger, his ability to cope with any situation. He deserved and received the total respect of his men.’ One can hope for no greater accolade from one’s soldiers.

Nick Eeles

THE PELICAN ISSUE NO. 28 MARCH 2012

20

Development NewsThe past six months have seen a whirlwind of activity on the Brighton College campus, as we held three very special opening events to mark new buildings, or to celebrate the new use of existing ones.

The re-location of the Pre-Prep School to the site of the former Roedean Junior School (which before that was part of the St Mary’s Hall site) released 17 classrooms as well as the former school hall, for the use of the Senior School. Maths, PE and EAL now occupy the classrooms, and the school hall has become a new Fitness

Centre, with state-of-the-art resistance and cardiovascular equipment. England cricket legend and OB, Matt Prior (R. 1995–2000) formally opened the Fitness Centre in October, remarking on the fact that no such facilities had been available in his days at the College! We are extremely grateful to the family of Arnold Kwok (A. 2008–10), and one anonymous supporter, for their donations towards this outstanding facility.

The former Pre-Prep building has been re-named the Blackshaw Building, in honour of Bill

Blackshaw, Headmaster at Brighton College from 1971–87. It was in Bill’s time as Head that much of the current College campus was constructed, including the building that now bears his name. Bill returned to the College with family and friends for the formal opening of the building, at the end of January. After the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the occasion, Head Master Richard Cairns paid a warm tribute to Bill, who in his turn thanked the Governors and colleagues who had supported him during his time at the College. Joining Bill and his family at the opening, and for lunch afterwards, were Peter Coates, former Bursar (1981–1990); Beryl Gardner, Bill’s PA; Canon Bill Peters, College Chaplain (1950–1969) and former Governors Stephen Cockburn (S. 1953–58) and Ian Dodd (H. 1955–60).

Bill was not the only former Master to have a building named in his honour in January, which also saw the opening of the new Simon Smith Building in the Woolton Quad, named after long-serving Second Master, Simon Smith who retired in 2011 after 38 years. Lord Robert Skidelsky (C 1953–58), Chairman of the Board of Governors, paid tribute to the many years of dedication that Simon gave to the school, before inviting the former Master to perform the official opening.

The building provides resources for the whole school, including a new Health Centre and the Chaplaincy. A large social space, which includes an internet café, is providing especially valuable for the boarding community, providing a place for boys and girls from all houses to meet in the evening. In addition to the internal space, the outdoor area has been improved to incorporate outdoor seating and a performance area. The new development has been warmly received by pupils and staff, and we are extremely grateful for the generosity of the donors to the project.

Please get in touch if you would like to arrange a visit and a tour of the school to see some of the new developments, along with other places which will be very familiar. We are welcoming increasing numbers of Old Brightonians back to Brighton, and it is always a great pleasure for us to see you.

21www.oldbrightonians.com

THE PELICAN ISSUE NO. 28 MARCH 2012

Diamond Jubilee Pavilion

Eighteen months after we unveiled plans for a new sports pavilion at the Brighton College New Ground, we were delighted to ‘break ground’ in February, in the inspiring presence of Olympic decathlete and gold-medallist, Daley Thompson. On a bitterly cold day (perfect to illustrate why such a facility is needed!) pupils and staff celebrated with Daley in anticipation of the imminent building work at East Brighton Park. Daley took to the controls of the digger, and was enthusiastic about the new development: “The Diamond Jubilee Pavilion will be a great venue for pupils and parents, and with the Olympics only months away, what better time to celebrate sport!”

The school is very grateful for the support of the many OBs, parents, staff, and Governors and who have supported the project, and the events held to raise funds for the building. These have included a Golf Day organised by parents Kim and Mike Willis, where the OBs were represented by John Bushell (L 1945–49).

The appeal for the pavilion has prompted more than a few reminiscences about the unique experience of sport at the New Ground. In my original appeal letter I quoted from the1927 issue of the Brighton College Magazine, which had

reported how groups of boys from each House were preparing the New Ground (when it actually was new), for use. The grounds were ‘plagued by a multitude of stones’, and it was the boys’ job to remove them, by hand! I was amazed to receive a letter by return from one of those boys, Peter Blake-White (Stenning 1927–33). Apparently unscarred by the experience he was also kind enough to enclose a cheque as a donation!

Fundraising is continuing for the project, and there is still an opportunity for Friends, Patrons and Benefactors to add their names to our donor board, but we hope to have the new facility finished and open by the end of the summer term. For a monthly gift of just £22.22 for three years under the Gift Aid scheme, donors become Friends of the Pavilion, and all donors will be invited to a special opening event, bringing together friends and supporters in celebration of Brighton College sport.

For more information on supporting the Diamond Jubilee Pavilion, please contact the Development Office at development@brightoncollege.net telephone 01273 704375, or see the Alumni and Development pages on the College website.

Debra Chalmers, Director of Development and Alumni Relations

22

Music plays a central role in the life of Brighton College, and in recent years, as Brighton College’s overall reputation has grown, both the quantity and quality of music provision have increased significantly. More than 40 part-time music teachers support the Director of Music and his department, and over 500 pupils from age 7 to 18 take music and voice lessons. Yet the College has never had a dedicated and purpose built Music School, and current facilities are inadequate for the scale of activity – which includes not only lessons and individual tuition, but also rehearsals, performances and instrument storage. Music facilities are dispersed over five locations, on and off-campus, and they are also shared with other non-musical activities.

A new Music School is the next priority in the school’s development programme, and we have been working with Eric Parry Architects on the design of a superb new facility, to be built on a currently under-used and unsightly area to the rear of the main school building, facing the Home Ground. In a future development, a new theatre and drama school will be built on the site of the current science block, creating a performance hub at the centre of the College.

The new Music School will bring significant benefits to pupils of all three schools, to staff and audiences, and could also provide a performance and rehearsal space for the wider musical community in Brighton. It is, however, our largest development project to date, and we cannot achieve it with the College’s resources alone. We plan to fund a significant element of the total £5 million required through College reserves, and we are seeking to raise the balance through grants and donations. If you would like to learn more, or are interested in supporting the project, please contact me, Debra Chalmers at dchalmers@brightoncollege.net, telephone 01273 704234.

Music at the heart of the College

AN INVITATION... TO THE MUSIC SCHOOL RECEPTIONS Plans for the Music School and new school theatre will be unveiled at two informal receptions at the College, on Thursday 19th and Friday 20th April, from 5pm to 7pm. We will be welcoming members of the Brighton College community to come and see the designs and talk to the Music Department and Development Staff about this exciting project, over a glass of wine.

If you would like to attend, please contact Scott Sheridan at ssheridan@brightoncollege.net, or by calling 01273 704226.

Recent Awards and FundsTHE ROS NICHOL AWARD Ros Nichol taught Modern Languages at Brighton College in the 1990’s , was Housemistress of Williams, Senior Mistress and mother of pupils, Andrew (H. 1993-98) and Alistair (H.1996-01).

Following her untimely death in 2011, Ros’s family have generously established the Ros Nichol Award, to support pupils in their non-academic achievements. Applications are now open for awards of up to £500 to support senior school pupils in developing their endeavours such as sport, music, research or travel.

THE SAM GRIFFITHS FOUNDATION The Sam Griffiths Foundation is a charitable trust set up to honour the name of a remarkable young man, Sam Griffiths (School, 2005-8) who died in 2009, aged 16. The Trust are offering current pupils the chance to bid for an award of up to £500 to help them organise or join an activity that will benefit other young people.

THE NAISHEL KELLY MEMORIAL FUND Following the tragic death of pupil, Naishel Kelly, a fund has been established to erect a memorial to Naishel in the Brighton College chapel. It has long been a school tradition for all children who have lost their lives during their schooldays to be commemorated in this way. Any funds raised over and above the costs of the memorial will be used to set up a fund, The Naishel Kelly Memorial Fund, to assist Brighton College families who find themselves in difficult circumstances through the death or serious illness of a child or other family member.

To donate to this fund you can go on-line at brightoncollege.org.uk and follow the links to the Alumni & Development pages or, send a cheque (payable to ‘Brighton College’) to the Development Office.

TRAVEL FUND We would like to set up an award for pupils attempting to undertake a project involving adventurous or worthwhile overseas travel and/or to work for charities and good causes. If you would be interested in sponsoring such a project please contact the OB office on ob@oldbrightonians.com

Key to the success of the Brighton College is the growing body of donors, volunteers and supporters who are helping us move forward with our development plans. Our thanks to all who have made donations, helped with events, given work experience to pupils, donated professional services or sponsored our activities. Their contribution is greatly valued, and we are enormously grateful for the part that they

Thank you...play in making Brighton College such a happy, vibrant and successful school.

For more information on any aspect of development at Brighton College, and how you can get involved, please contact Mrs Debra Chalmers, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, dchalmers@brightoncollege.net, 01273 704234.

23www.oldbrightonians.com

OLD BRIGHTONIANSBrighton CollegeBrightonEast Sussex BN2 0AL

Registered Charity No. 307061

TEL 01273 704 250 EMAIL ob@oldbrightonians.comwww.oldbrightonians.com

EDITOR Rebecca Findlay DESIGN Anderson Norton DesignPRINT Graphic Design House

David Grigor (L. 1982-87)

David kindly provided the wonderful illustration for the front cover of this issue. Further examples of his work can be seen at www.davidgrigor.com

The 1845 Society – recognising our legacy pledgers A legacy to Brighton College is one of the most significant gifts you can make, and to recognise the generosity of those who remember the College in their will, we have formed the 1845 Society. Named after the year of the founding of the College, membership of the 1845 Society will be open to all those who have pledged a gift to Brighton College in their will. Members will be invited to an annual lunch, and other key events in the College calendar, in thanks and recognition for their contribution to the future of Brighton College.

A legacy is an opportunity to make the sort of gift which might not be possible in your lifetime and, as Brighton College is a charity, legacies left to the school are free of inheritance tax. If you have a preference for how your gift should be used, you can choose the area you would like to support, such as scholarships, bursaries or building projects. Whatever you choose to support, and however much you are able to give, your legacy will make a real difference to the school.

Over the years the school has been able to make great advancements thanks to legacy gifts. Indeed one of our earliest pupils, Edward Cooper, was also one of our earliest benefactors. Edward left Brighton College in 1851 to take up a place at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he took an ordinary BA, which involved the study of mathematics, classics, and theology. On his death in 1897 he left the sum of £2,000 to Brighton College to found scholarships in memory of the late George Long. At a time when day fees were just £33, this was an amazingly generous gesture, and will have supported the education of many subsequent pupils.

For more details on legacy giving and the 1845 Society, or to notify us of a gift in your will, please contact Debra Chalmers, in confidence.

24www.oldbrightonians.com