May 2011 The termly alumni newsletter for Latymer Upper School

May 2011
The termly alumni newsletter for Latymer Upper School
Classified
GRADUATE CORNER
We are happy to promote appropriate services and
charitable activity of members, where space permits and
subject to negotiation with the editor.
We congratulate the following
Latymerians on their recent
academic achievements.
www.agameof2halves.net is a football league operating in Barnes
run by Sam ARMOUR (2003) and he invites players to get
involved.
1979
Kane MOORE (2003) invites you to support him. With a friend he
cycled over Easter from John O’Groats to Lands End to raise
money for two causes, the Anne Frank Foundation, which runs
education and volunteering programmes across the UK raising
awareness of issues of prejudice and discrimination, and for Save
the Children's relief fund for refugee children displaced by the
conflict in Libya.
1988
Dr Jonathan WILLIAMS MSc, Sports
and Exercise Medicine, Queen Mary’s
College, University of London.
Thanasi VITOS BA, 1st, Furniture
Restoration and Conservation,
Buckinghamshire and Chilterns
University.
1987
Nick BAXTER MSc, European Urban
Conservation, University of Dundee.
Kane asks, “Please, please dig deep and donate what you can at
http://www.justgiving.com/teams/groatstolandsend”
1994
Helena WILLIAMS (2003) has launched a blog of London theatre
reviews - mainly musicals, aiming to create accessible but
interesting theatre reviews that can appeal both to theatre
addicts and those who just want to learn more about what's
going on. It is promoted on Facebook and Twitter
(@oneinalongline),
http://oneinalonglineofgoodgirls.wordpress.com/
1999
The Alumni Shop
Looking for ideas for birthday presents? Then why not visit our
alumni shop for Latymer-themed gifts like: mugs, ties, blazer
badge, bow ties, cufflinks, golf umbrellas, and a copy of Nigel
Watson’s book, A History of Latymer Upper School. We also
have a stylish new addition, of a silver bangle.
Adam BAIRD PhD, Peace Studies,
University of Bradford.
Jonathan LOUKES MB BS, Medicine,
St George’s Hospital, University of
London.
Robin MACKINTOSH (2005) receives his
geography degree at Sheffield University
from Vice Chancellor Paul WHITE (1967).
Harriet HINES BA, English, University
of Nottingham.
Christopher JONES MSc, Chemistry,
St Peter’s College, University of
Oxford.
Lindsay MUIR BSc, Physiotherapy,
Brunel University.
Shervin POLADI MA, Philosophy,
Politics and Economics of Health,
University College, University of
London.
2000
Helena SPRING-RICE BA, English,
University of Manchester.
Alex PATON BSc, MB BS, Medicine,
Imperial College, University of
London.
Oliver STANTON BSc, Geography,
University of Bristol.
2002
2006
Louisa ELDERTON MA, Curator Art
Museum, Courtauld Institute,
University of London.
Ray BROWN BA, Studio Art,
Wesleyan University, USA.
Zain ODHO PhD, Biochemistry,
Institute of Cancer Research,
University of London.
Chris SEE MA, Virology and MB BChir,
Medicine, Trinity College, University
of Cambridge.
2003
Kane MOORE MA, Directing for Live
Performance, Central School of
Speech and Drama, University of
London.
Robin NGAI MSci, Philosophy, King’s
College, University of London.
2004
Faraz ALAM MRes, Infectious
Disease, Imperial College, London.
Alastair PATON LLB, Law, BPP
University College.
Tess RILEY MSc, International
Development and Globalisation,
School of Oriental and African
Studies, University of London.
Mikael SOUMINEN MEng, Computer
Science, University of Southampton.
2005
Isabelle CITRON MB BCh, Medicine,
St Anne’s College, University of
Oxford.
Liana GREGORIANS BA, French,
Trinity College, University of Oxford.
Thenuhan PREMARUBAN BA,
Chemistry, New College, University
of Oxford.
Karin GARFJELD ROBERTS BA,
German, University of Nottingham.
Lois REID MSci, Physics, Imperial
College, London.
Seb SINGH MSc, International
Relations, London School of
Economics, University of London.
Lewis TOSEY BA, Communication
Studies, University of Leeds.
2007
Will ALLEN-MERSH BA, Economics
and Management, St Hugh’s College,
University of Oxford.
Hugo GULLIVER BA, History with
International Relations, Oxford
Brookes University.
Sam JONES LLB, Law, University of
Bristol.
Luke TIERNEY BA, Accountancy and
Finance, University of Manchester.
Philippe van STRATUM BSc,
Economics, Università Commerciale
Luigi Bocconi, Italy.
Have you professionally qualified, gained a Masters or graduated
recently? Then please share your achievements with others!
E-mail Nigel Orton to be included in the next ‘Graduate Corner’.
2
NEWS of LATYMERIANS
LIVING OVERSEAS
AUSTRALASIA
New Zealand
Hugo GULLIVER (2007) is
coaching rowing at Westlake High
School, Auckland, New Zealand. He is pictured
with Milivoj VAGIC (2010) who was coaching
rowing at Melbourne High School and rowing
for the University of Melbourne. They had met
up to travel around NZ’s South Island.
Milivoj and Hugo on
the Franz Joseph
Glacier.
running round the river when Wood Lane was
frozen and was inspired by Tom Mower to do
cross-country. Many years later he successfully
completed the Melbourne Marathon. He lives
in Melbourne with his Australian wife and their
two teenage children.
In the last edition we reported on the Perth
stage of Adwoa and the Head’s visit to
Australia, we continue:
The Head’s ‘Ashes’ visit to Adelaide finally
catalysed the first South Australian
Latymerians’ meeting on 22nd December, a
beautiful early summer's day. Peter and Adwoa
Winter met with Dr John BYE (1954) and his
wife Helene and John KING (1969) at the Byes'
country retreat in the hills of the Fleurieu
Peninsula, near Yankalilla about 50 miles south
of Adelaide.
The Head flanked by John KIN
G (l) and John BYE (r).
Then the Winters moved on to Sydney, where
another reception was held enabling
Latymerians to meet up with the Head, who
was joined by his son Matthew WINTER
(2004).
LtoR: David SANSOM (1965), Graham SAUNDERS (1965),
Winter,
Matthew WINTER (2004) Robert SWIFT (1978), Peter
NG
Jim TILLEY (1956), Neil GROSS (1982), Gavin DOWLI
(1987), Mervyn DRURY (1956) and Steve JANES (1978)
NORTH AMERICA
Canada
In February our UK news featured the
awful destruction of an earthquake that
hit Christchurch, NZ. Paul RISDON (1985)
lives there and his house was badly
damaged by last September’s 'quake and
then the Boxing Day one compounded
matters. February’s quake did more
generalized damage making both his land
and house a write off. We are sorry to
hear this news and we wish Paul and
Rachael well in setting up a new home,
probably on the North Island. Paul is
remaining upbeat about it all!
Paul recalls enjoying Mr Orton’s Marlow
boating camps in school ‘Activities week’.
They led to a continuing interest in
canoeing and going on to represent
Liverpool University in canoe polo. Paul
now works as a counsellor and tennis
coach.
Australia
Professor Graham SANSOM
(1965) is the Director of the UTS
Centre for Local Government and Australian
Centre of Excellence for Local Government.
Dr Robin MILLER (1972), following his
doctorate at Nottingham, started his career in
mine engineering, initially in Shell’s Australian
coal division in Melbourne. He later became
involved in financial modelling and joined an
Australian bank as an analyst. He currently
heads up the debt investments group for IFM
(a funds management company). He recalls
Unfortunately they were unable to contact
Jack COOPER (1958) in time. He and his wife
had already organized their ferry to Kangaroo
Island for their first Christmas away from home
in many years were unfortunately unable to
attend.
Sitting back and enjoying a glass of local
McLaren Vale wine, with the Byes’ excellent
lunch, and keeping an eye out for the
ubiquitous, but on that day absent, kangaroos
John Bye was able to show the book prizes his
father was awarded in the early years of the
20th Century when he also attended Latymer
Upper School.
Many names were remembered from the
fifties and sixties, and a resolution was made
to make sure they organise further meetings of
SA Latymerians including Anthony DONKIN
(1949) and Dorothy, wife of the late Albert
PRYCE (1946). We would welcome contact
from any other Latymerians living in or visiting
South Australia.
Niranjan CASINADER (1973) writes from
Melbourne, “My partner Lee and I were
delighted to meet with Peter, Adwoa, and the
rest of the Winter family, along with various
generations of Latymerians last December. It is
very easy to lose touch when you live so far
away from 'home base'; and this was an
excellent, convivial chance to re-establish
contacts. Made up by the terrible, if not
overdue, performance of the Australian test
team!”
Justice Michael CATLIFFE (1946)
was a Supreme Court Judge of British
Columbia from 1975-2003, and is now enjoying
his retirement. Michael was a Christ Church
College, Oxford law graduate who was called
to the bar at Inner Temple in the early 1950s
before emigrating to join a Vancouver law firm.
United States
In 2010 Romanian leader Emil
Constantinescu presented
Thor HALVORRSSEN (1992)
with a presidential silver medal
to commemorate the tenth
anniversary of the Romanian
Revolution of 1989. "On behalf
of those who fought and died
for freedom, I present this medal
to the Oslo Freedom Forum
founder, and remind those here
that even if Romanians live in democracy now,
we cannot feel entirely free as long as other
people--who live under dictatorial and
repressive regimes anywhere in the world--are
not also free..”. Apart from founding Oslo
Freedom Forum and the Moving Picture
Institute, Thor is a film producer and a
columnist for the Huffington Post. He owns
Norway’s Ny Tid magazine and is President of
the Human Rights Foundation.
Thor
Pascale COHEN (2003) is based in New York
working as the public relations manager for
Alexis Bittar, the award winning accessories
designer in Brooklyn, NY.
Richard DAVIDSON (1993) has moved to work
for Nomura and continues to trade in European
equities, based in NY. Also in NY is Lim TAN
(1989) who has changed career from IT and
now works as a real estate broker in Manhattan.
3
OBITUARIES
It is with deep regret that we note the passing of the following Latymerians:
Harry Arthur BRADDEL (1940)
Ronald Frank JAY (1953)
Sidney Edward Wallace KELK (1937)
Sidney MARSH (1936)
Norman William Warren MARTIN (1950)
George John Fisher MEACOCK FRICS
(1931)
David SANDERS (1952)
Norman WALKER (1932)
William Ernest WYKES (1941)
Peter CANTER (1952)
Peter was a retired deputy head teacher
of a junior school.
Edward Reginald COPAGE (1941)
Ted left Latymer and went on to
Dartmouth Naval College where later he
was commissioned into the Royal Navy.
He then served on motor torpedo boats
for the rest of the Second World War.
Soon after, he was to show the then
princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret,
around his boat. Ted then joined
Ordnance Survey, and later worked with
the Military Experimental Establishment.
His brother Alan (1952) also attended
Latymer. Ted is survived by his wife Pam,
whom he met when she was a WREN,
and they had four sons.
Hugo DIXON BA (1983)
Hugo joined Latymer Prep school in 1974.
In the early years of the main school
Hugo enjoyed rugby until the lure of the
stage brought out his talents more subtly.
He proceeded to Nottingham
Polytechnic where he successfully
completed a photography degree and
rapidly established himself as a sought
after freelance photographer. This
allowed him to work in the two fields
which he became associated with the
most, namely music and motor racing.
Legendary commissions included Kurt
Cobain, Tom Petty and Morrissey.
He also found time to race cars, as well
as photograph them for Autosport
magazine. Other notable publications in
which Hugo’s work was published include
Q and the Radio Times.
He married Jane Cozens and this very
happy union brought two children Darcy
and Elliot. Hugo died on November 10
2010, aged 46 after being diagnosed
earlier that year with a rare form of soft
tissue sarcoma. He bore his illness with
much dignity and in the latter months of
his life he remarked that he’d had a good
life. The friends he leaves behind from his
days at Latymer find their lives somewhat
the lesser for his passing.
4
Bernard ELLIS (1946)
Bud entered the RAF for his National
Service and then joined the
Meteorological Office briefly, before
working for two other companies, until
1970 when he created his family
packaging business, Flexi-pack Ltd. This
was sold in 1995 to H.J. Heinz, and after
seeing through that transition in 1997 he
retired.
Bernard GILL (1946)
Bernard completed his National Service
in the RAF and then had a spell in the
shoe industry, but spent most of his
career with EMI Electronics, retiring in
1992.
Edwin Kenneth George JAMES BSc FRSC
CChem (1935)
Ken was instrumental in bringing
Operational Research techniques
involving large-scale mathematical and
computer modelling to bear on such
issues as NHS funding, the economic
rationale for the Channel Tunnel, the
introduction of decimal coinage and the
creation of the Treasury Economic
Model.
Ken James.
Ken worked at Porton Down on
biological weapons in the War.
Afterwards he became a distinguished
government scientist with career posts
culminating in 1963 as director of
chemical and biological defence at the
MOD; in 1965 he was Director, Army
Operational Research Establishment in
Byfleet and then in 1966 Chief Scientific
Officer, HM Treasury.
Ken’s family were poverty stricken, but he
won a scholarship to Latymer where he
became fascinated by chemistry, learned
the trumpet and formed a jazz band with
Clifford TOWNSHEND* (1931) (father of
Pete Townshend of The Who) and Leslie
HITCHCOCK (1931) (nephew of Alfred).
They played semi-professionally and
were regulars at the Number One
Rhythm Club, in Suffolk Street,
(Haymarket), known for its impromptu
jazz sessions. On one occasion Ken
picked up his trumpet and heard a voice,
"Wanna back me up straight, man?", and
found himself playing a duet with Louis
Armstrong!
Ken and his colleagues in the Richmond
Film Society built a machine that could
edit sound and film together. The BBC
expressed interest, as did the British Film
Institute. So they founded PAG Films,
producing film-making accessories. A
videotape editing machine they
produced was adopted as standard
throughout the French television news
network and several thousand of the
machines were installed across France.
From 1977 he was Chief Executive of the
PAG group of companies.
Ken was also the author of two novels,
And You Thought You Were Safe, and
When the Kids Grow Up, several cookery
books including Escoffier: the King of
Chefs and a moving account of his wife’s
decline with Alzheimer’s in, Strew on Her
Roses, Roses.
Editor’s postscript * Cliff Townshend
played in The Squadronaires and later
went on to successfully release, a solo
recording of Unchained Melody in 1956.
Paul Coryn Valentine MARCUS BA (1972)
Paul was a director for theatre, TV and
cinema best known for his award-winning
work as producer of the Emmy- and
BAFTA-winning TV series Prime Suspect,
starring Helen Mirren.
Paul won an exhibition to study English
at Lincoln College, Oxford. He started
directing at school having been exposed
to theatre by his father, the playwright
and critic Frank Marcus, author of The
Killing of Sister George.
After graduating in 1976, Paul created a
lunchtime theatre venue at the Rock
Garden in Covent Garden, where he scored
a notable early success with Brecht's
Mahagonny. He subsequently worked in
theatres such as the Roundhouse and
Young Vic, and spent three seasons as an
Assistant Director at the Royal
Shakespeare Company, before joining BBC
TV as a script editor in 1987. He continued
his stage work whilst working for the BBC
and directed three productions for the
prestigious South Coast Repertory theatre
in California, including an award-winning
production of School for Scandal.
Paul’s talent as a creator of projects and
his infectious enthusiasm led to him
producing the BBC film Hancock, starring
Alfred Molina. This was shortlisted for a
BAFTA and prompted Granada's offer to
produce Prime Suspect 2 and its sequels.
Paul also produced the ITV series Maigret
(1993) with Michael Gambon, Wokenwell
(1997) and Plastic Man (1999), but
directing was always his first love. After
going to the US in 1998 to direct
Paul.
Break Up, a film starring Bridget Fonda
and Kiefer Sutherland, he was invited to
take charge, at Sutherland’s request, of
After Alice (Eye of the Killer).
Marcus subsequently worked as the lead
director on the BBC series In Deep and
contributed to the high-profile dramas
Dalziel and Pascoe, and Murder Rooms.
He also directed Nero, the epic children's
drama The Roman Mysteries and a film
version of Heidi.
He continued working even after he
became ill, directing episodes of Lark
Rise to Candleford and, his final
completed project, a video installation
for the Rose Theatre in Southwark,
London that features performances by Sir
Ian McKellen, Alan RICKMAN (1964) and
Antony Sher. Paul died of cancer in
February aged 56. He is survived by
Viviana, and their daughters Rafaella and
Olivia. Based on a piece by Colin LUDLOW
(1972) in The Guardian
Lt Col Ian Knowles McBAIN (1953)
After leaving school Ian was
commissioned in to The Cameroonians
(Scottish Rifles) seeing service in
Germany, Kenya and Jordan. He went
through the Staff College holding various
regimental positions. From 1975-77 he
commanded the 5th (County of
Londonderry) Battalion of the Ulster
Defence Regiment. He then became a
civil servant from 1983 until his
retirement started in 1998.
John James Vivian PALMER (1955)
John was managing director for P & O
Ferries in Lowestoft, until he retired in
1998. He since enjoyed his retirement
until illness struck early in 2010.
Alan PAYNE (1961)
Alan ran a very successful hospitality
catering company, Payne & Gunter which
was the caterer of choice for royal,
sporting and celebrity occasions
including 300 golf tournaments, 20 years
Alan.
at RFU Twickenham and numerous royal
banquets. In recent years he set up his
own Vigo House publishing company and
launched his own book, Queen Ain't Got
No Veg! A caterer's tale where Alan
shares a life of memorable moments,
colourful characters and celebrities,
including the infamous time Her Majesty
was left without her greens.
Alan was a ‘twitcher’; he loved bird
watching and could often be seen along
the river banks in Richmond with his
binoculars. He also enjoyed and
collected fine wine and continued his
passion for entertaining; catering for
friends and family, hosting numerous
events at his home, Vigo House in
Richmond. Alan was born 29th
September 1944 and died 14th October
2010 of pancreatic cancer. Our
condolences go to Alan’s son Richard
(1989) and daughter Emma. Richard now
lives in Sydney, Australia.
Ronald William PICK (1941)
Ron died at the age of 86 at his home,
Whitley Bay, Newcastle. On leaving
school he served in the RAF then joined
the British Museum Library where he
spent his career. He married Betty
Watson and they had two children. His
hobbies were gardening and fishing.
John Frederick Charles SPRINGFORD
CBE MA (1937)
John won an Exhibition to read History at
Christ’s College, Cambridge. In WW2 he
was a captain in the Royal Armoured
Corps. From 1947-79 he served with The
British Council taking postings in Iraq,
Iran, Tanzania, Sudan, London, Jordan, and
Canada. He received the CBE for his
work, before retiring to live in Sussex.
He was an organist and played in church
regularly. He was author of Crowhurst: A
Village in History.
Edward Charles STANNETT (1940)
Ted came to Latymer on a scholarship
and excelled at sport and academics. He
joined the RAF and flew Dakotas in
Transport Command’s 102 Squadron
mainly in the Far East. Flight Lieutenant
Stannett left the RAF in 1947 and
entered the Inland Revenue then
transferred to the Ministry of Works in
Glasgow. His final ten years of work were
with the National Savings Bank, retiring in
1983.
Ted remained involved with the ATC,
having originally joined the Air Defence
Cadet Corps at Latymer. He was
Commanding Officer of the ATC
Squadron in Coatbridge and his 40 years
of RAF service were recognised in 1982
with a medal.
Paul Binstead THOMPSON BSc MICE
(1951)
Paul died on 14 April 2011 leaving his
wife Josie, daughter Debbie and 4
grandchildren, along with his brother
Neil (1968) to whom we extend our
condolences. Paul’s career had been with
British Rail before moving as an executive
engineer to Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of
Works. His other posts were 1963-72 as
an engineer with East Africa Railways;
1973-80 senior engineer Mott Hay &
Anderson; 1981-89 he was an engineer
with the Hong Kong Government; 198991 senior engineer at Mansell & Partners
and he ended his career as a design
management engineer on London
Underground’s Crossrail project team and
then the Jubilee line extension.
Andrew Jack WOOD MSc (1974)
Andrew’s school interests were practical
subjects like woodwork; turning salad
bowls and making wooden objects, even
winning a prize for his carved stoat.
Andrew’s family came from Belstone on
the edge of Dartmoor and after Latymer
he moved back there and used his skills
to update Moor Hall, the family home.
He went to Bristol University, followed
by Plymouth Polytechnic where he
gained a BSc in Mechanical Engineering.
He worked variously in the engineering
field with Westland Helicopters, Marconi
Electronics and in 1985, through Austin
Rover; Andrew achieved an MSc in
Engineering from Warwick University.
In the mid-1990’s Andrew joined Taunton
Deane Borough Council as an
environmental engineer, specialising in
noise, pollution and environmental
control.
He made Moor Hall his married home,
and remained there after his divorce still
sharing care for his two teenage sons,
Thomas and Robert, who survive him.
His hobbies included potholing, walking
and latterly jive and ballroom dancing!
The School reunion he attended last year
was a happy look back over his years at
Latymer and in London.
In 2007 Andrew was diagnosed with
cancer. He fought courageously; he
calmly understated his condition and
never once complained. He was a quiet
and private person, respecting others’
privacy as much as his own. He was not
particularly outgoing except on the
dance floor!
He will be remembered more for his
peaceful demeanour and modesty rather
than his forthright achievement. He was
a gentle man and a gentleman, and will
be sorely missed by all those who knew
and loved him.
We have been informed that:
Cecil Frederick (Jimmy) RAWNSLEY
DSO DFC DFM (1935) has died, but we
have not been able to ascertain exactly
when this occurred. Squadron Leader
Rawnsley was the radar navigator to ‘Cats
Eyes’ Cunningham. As a pair they shot
down 19 enemy aircraft in WW2. Jimmy’s
account of this is in his book, Night
Fighter, which was subsequently made in
to a film.
5
NEWS OF LATYMERIANS
If you have news to share please submit your stories, volunteering, career moves or achievements
or those relating to other Latymerians to Nigel Orton
Leslie VALIANT (1967) is the T. Jefferson Coolidge Professor
of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics at Harvard
University’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and
he has been awarded the A. M. Turing Award for 2010 by the
Association for Computing Machinery, the American
professional body for computing. This award is one of the
highest distinctions in computer science.
We quote from the citation: “Rarely does one see such a
striking combination of depth and breadth as in Valiant's
work. He is truly a heroic figure in theoretical computer
science and a role model for his courage and creativity in
addressing some of the deepest unsolved problems in
science.”
Mark’s photo of Tiger Woods.
Roger WHIBEY (1962) has now retired from his post as a
teaching administrator in the School of Biomedical Sciences at
the University of Nottingham, after more than 40 years working
in the medical school.
t. Photo by
Simon, 4th from righ
Getty images
Richard Heathcote at
Simon HISLOP (2002) was stroke in the winning Oxford Boat
in this year’s Varsity Boat Race. Simon is on a postgraduate
medical course at Oriel College, and will take up a junior
doctor’s post at Charing Cross Hospital this autumn. It was a
big achievement after his well publicised illness last year.
Assistant umpire on the day was a former winning Cambridge
captain and Olympian, Richard PHELPS (1983). Four
Latymerians were on the river that day, with Ben SNODIN
(2007) rowing in ISIS that beat Goldie coxed by Tom
FIELDMAN (2009). Tom is reading medicine at St. John’s and
Ben is finishing off his physics degree at Exeter College and
hopes to then undertake postgraduate research.
The Mail on Sunday's Mark PAIN (1987) was crowned sports
photographer of the year at the prestigious British Press
Awards at the Savoy Hotel in London in early April in a hotlycontested category. Mark’s eye-catching picture was his
image of Tiger Woods at the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in
October. The judges' said, 'His portfolio demonstrated
outstanding flair, ability and technical excellence on major
sporting moments in 2010. His image of Tiger Woods
miscuing his shot at the Ryder Cup was nothing short of
astonishing - the sports image of the year.'
6
Another recent retirement is that of James SACRÉ (1964). He
held a party to mark the event attended by friends Commodore
Campbell CHRISTIE (1974) and Dr Charles TRAILL (1964). James
is now looking forward to expanding his collection of historical
bibliographic artefacts and extending his activity as a
toastmaster. He is a Liveryman of the Stationer’s Company.
John SMALL (1952) has been retired since 1994. He started
working in the shipping industry, but after National Service in
the RAF, he joined Total and worked for 30 years in the offshore
oil and gas industry, becoming logistics manager supporting
drilling and production operations in the North Sea. His final
post was in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Al RITCHIE (1973) has a graphic, web and video design and
production studio in Bristol. www.alternotion.com. He is an
engineer whose career has mainly been in the transaction
processing industry, lately as VP Product Development. Al is a
qualified Reiki teacher. His main interest is music, playing in
bands since he was 16 and for the last decade he has written
songs, producing one CD (www.ftgaana.com), with another
underway (myspace.com/al_ritchie). Other important interests
are art, theatre and dance.
Dr Pritpal RUPRAI (1997) is a Hammersmith GP who gives
advice on the BBC Radio Asian Network’s Nihal programme
answering listeners’ health related questions. At age 11, he and
his cousin, Nicky JHOOTI (1997) (AKA Jay Sean) formed a hip
hop duo named "Compulsive Disorder".
Rufus JONES (1993) with his colleague Alex Kirk gave 3
performances of their Edinburgh show, No Son of Mine, at the
Leicester Square Theatre in March. Last summer in Edinburgh
the sell out shows led to a Perrier nomination.
We have been pointed towards the film Galaxy Quest, starring
Alan RICKMAN (1964) and Sigourney Weaver where another
Latymerian is credited: Robin SACHS (1968) who plays Sarris, a
reptilian humanoid warlord waging a genocidal war. Robin’s
other film credits include Megaldon, The Lost World: Jurassic
Park, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Star Trek: Voyager.
Jonathan WILLIAMS’ (1979) increasing involvement in
marathon running and triathlon in recent years led him, after
twenty years as a GP in Portishead, Bristol to take an academic
sabbatical at Queen Mary College, London. He has now
returned to his practice part time in order to devote more time
to sports medicine, including now working as team doctor for
Bristol Rugby Club. Drama was never his strong subject at LUS,
but he recently appeared in Four Lions, the BAFTA winning
black comedy film. He adds, “…not through any latent thespian
talent, but because of investing in his friend Chris Morris, the
film writer/director.” They won Best Comedy at the Empire
Film Awards too.
Paul VIGRASS (1969) can also often be seen in TV series and
soaps. The actor and singer was at one time lead vocal for
1970s pop group Edison Lighthouse and he was in the groups:
Quasar and Chocolate Watchband. He co-wrote the lyrics with
Gary Osborne to Forever Autumn, which in 1972 just reached
the UK’s chart top 50, but was more successful in reaching
number 2 in Japan’s pop charts and since has been covered by
several other artists. Paul and Gary had originally performed
the Jeff Wayne melody as a 1970 commercial jingle for Lego.
Neil THOMAS (1999) released his fourth album, A Century of
Lullabies in 2010.
James TITSHALL (1998) and his wife have set up a business
called ‘Sound Generation’. They provide musicians and bands
for events and venues across the country, as well as Music
teachers for pupils in London and North & West Yorkshire
[www.soundgeneration.co.uk]. He also continues to drum
professionally and is currently working with soul vocalist,
Louise Golbey.
Marcus BRITNELL (1994) aka DJ Quest is synonymous with
cyber funk and over the last decade has made many releases of
music that is widely played in clubs. Marcus is also a producer
and now a record label owner.
Meshach BRODERICK (2001) a singer / songwriter is featured
on UK rapper, Ike’s album The Intermission, released last
December.
Chris RANDALL (2001) has started a new job as technical
manager of the POLKA Theatre, Wimbledon, after seven years
at The Theatre Royal, York.
Jonathan on far left
Bernard LESTER (1948) writes from his Spanish home where he
still plays tennis weekly and has hosted visits from Tony
THOMPSON and Ray MENON (both 1950). Ray is still running
and whilst in Spain climbed Bernard’s local mountains. (He
subsequently flew to London for the Latymerians’ Annual
Round the River Jog).
Giles MILTON (1985) has pursued a career as a writer and
historian, publishing six works of history, two novels and two
children's books. At his last book launch, a surprise guest was
former head of History, Graham Bearman and Giles is also still
in touch with former head of English, Chris Owens. His latest
book Wolfram: The Boy Who Went to War came out in
February. It is the wartime story of his German father in law.
Colin LUDLOW’s (1972) career has been as a television drama
producer, working at one time in the same office as Paul
MARCUS (1972) – see obituaries – and working with the likes
of Danny Boyle, Lenny Henry and Joan Plowright. Since 2003 he
has been writing and doing some university teaching. His book
about the healthcare system, Shadows in Wonderland, was
published to wide acclaim in 2008. Lengthy extracts appeared
in both The Independent and The Observer Magazine, and it
led to discussing his medical experiences on both radio and
television.
Paul GREGOR (1993) is a senior manager in derivatives, as vice
president with Citi Global’s transaction services.
Sam NORTON (2000) is working in Bermuda for Deloitte and
Touche Ltd.
Dr Peter HOLMES (1973) is chief medical officer at Doctors
Direct Ltd. Alex PATON (2000) is now a GP in Torbay.
Jamie JOHNSON (1993) is a film director whose latest
documentary was Sounds Like Teen Spirit.
Dr Mazyar KANANI (1991) is presently working in the United
States as a paediatric cardiac surgeon at the Children's Hospital,
Pittsburgh, PA. He will be returning to the UK in July after a
year in America.
Simon KUNZ (1980), best known for Four Weddings and a
Funeral and The Parent Trap, is constantly appearing in TV
dramas and soaps. Back in 2008 for example ‘Corrie’ fans might
have spotted him in eight episodes playing the character Mark
Sinclair. He is in two films that were recently released, The
Glass House and The Bible in Vision. Simon was also in a recent
episode of TV’s Silent Witness.
Geoff TIRRELL (1994) is now UK general manager for
International Beverage Holdings. He was previously MD of
Entbe Ltd. Geoff is also a trustee of a charity, the Thai – UK
Trust and has successfully organised a number of Thai festivals
in London, including one last summer in London’s Battersea
Park.
7
News of Latymerians Continued
Luke WINTERTON (1999) is an engineer with Max Fordham
LLP and is working on Derby Quad, a new media and arts
complex.
Virginia STEPHENS (1999) is a political scientist specialising in
Eastern Europe. She has worked both with civil society and
international organisations in Kosovo and teaches at UCL on
an MSc course. Her recent research has included monitoring
the Kosovo Government’s action plan to combat human
trafficking, decentralisation and its effects for minorities in
Kosovo, birth registration and the effects of policy on gender
development in Kosovo.
Dr Peter DUNCAN (1970) is senior lecturer in Contemporary
Russian Politics and Society at UCL’s School of Slavonic and
East European Studies. He was invited to give expert
commentary in TV news interviews following January’s
terrorist bomb incident at Moscow’s Domodedovo airport
Professor Paul STEPHENSON (1987) has become a professor
in the history department at Durham University. He studies
the early and middle Byzantine periods and currently he is
researching late antique and Byzantine views of warfare and
spiritual combat; writing a cultural history of a Byzantine
monument, the Serpent Column; investigating late antique
migration in the eastern Mediterranean, with particular
attention paid to Cyprus, and to the insights to be gleaned
from archaeological science.
Jerry GURTON (1973) is Director of Studies at St John’s Prep
School, Northwood. Campbell CHRISTIE (1974) has been
appointed principal of Bracknell & Wokingham College
following his retirement from the Royal Navy as Director of
Technical Training.
Paul VANNIE (1991) is married to Ruth, an opera singer and
they have two children. Paul has been teaching at St Paul’s
Boys School, but in September he is moving across to St Paul’s
Girls School as Deputy Head.
Ian SLATER (1955) kindly visited school to present a copy of
The Princeton Companion to Mathematics, edited by Timothy
Gowers, to the School Library in honour and memory of six
great Latymer teachers who introduced him to the wonders
of mathematics: Messrs Whelan, Stollery, Howard, Jackson,
Painting and Whittaker.
Ibs TAGURI (1997) who is the party’s Head of Fund Raising.
The Biology department invited a series of lunchtime
speakers that included Nick DUNCAN (1964) who discussed
the work of the Save Foundation, which he set up to help
save the Rhino. TV producer Alex TATE (2000) who discussed
the making of his BAFTA award winning series, Inside Nature’s
Giants; Professor Julius WEINBERG (1972) gave an insight
into his career in epidemiology which has included working
in Zambia and Bosnia; not only has he been an advisor for
several governments but recently was appointed as Vice
Chancellor of Kingston University. Also Professor Jim SMITH
(1972) spoke outlining to students aspects of his research in
developmental biology. Jim is the Director of the National
Medical Research Institute.
Tim HENBREY (1983) gave a talk to the 6th form art
historians on aspects of the running the national gallery
collection.
Adam BAIRD (1994) has spent the last decade or so working
on issues related to violence, democracy and civil society in
Latin America, particularly in Colombia. In January he
completed his PhD titled: 'Negotiating Pathways to
Manhood: Violence reproduction in Medellín's periphery', at
the Peace Studies Dept, University of Bradford. He is now
developing policy implications from his research on urban
violence as a 'Latin American Security, Drugs and Democracy
Fellow', which will take him back to Colombia this summer
to further his research.
Gerry RANDELL (1948) has received a second life time
achievement award from the British Psychological Society
for 'sustained and significant contribution to the practice of
applied psychology'.
Richard LEWIS’ (aka Dr Jack Lewis) (1996) most recent TV
presenting role was on Sky's primetime Body Language
Secrets. Previously Dr Jack presented Sky One’s 3-part series
Naked Britain, which took a light-hearted look at British
attitudes to nudity. Jack has a neuroscience PhD and has
been a consultant, helping to design the games for Tiger
Aspect's Britain’s Best Brain, which aired on Channel Five, and
to develop a science-based 3D feature film for Blink Films.
Martin COWARD (1999) returned to the UK in April after
spending the last year teaching in Cambodia working at
SHAC (Smiling Hearts Association for Children).
Will GRIFFITH (1992) lives in Bristol with his wife and four
children and works in the CRM software industry, currently
in the role as UK lead for a large US business.
Robert OGILVIE’s (1933) son helped us connect with him.
Robert served as Medical Corps radiographer during WWII
and was taken POW by the Japanese in Singapore, surviving
three and a half years of captivity. Now 94, he enjoys
retirement in the USA in Baltimore, MD.
Ian with a year 8 maths set
Two speakers at the School’s J.S. Mill Society last term both
discussed the Liberal Democrat’s political dynamics with Sixth
Form. Mungo TATTON-BROWN (2010) who was a party
activist in January’s Oldham and Saddleworth by-election and
8
Robert and his wife represented the UK in pair skating at the
1947 Europeans and Worlds, and as the backup pair at the
1948 Olympics. They went on to work in show business,
before emigrating to the USA where they began teaching.
Robert published two books on figure skating, Basic Ice
Skating Skills and Competitive Figure Skating: A Parent's
Guide.
Ian SEAVERS (1946) used us to get in contact with his old
friend Julian LIPTON (1947). They agreed to meet up recently
for the first time in 60 years and found they had quite a lot to
talk about!
Peter PARRISH (1948) visited for a tour during March, with his
grandson Dom WALDOUCK (2006). Peter recalled boxing in
the school hall and playing soccer. They joined 8L for a sports
science lesson where Dom answered a barrage of questions
about his training and diet regimes as a professional rugby
player. Our commiserations to Dom who since was beset with
another injury, playing for Wasps in April.
Dom and Peter with 8L
News of Younger Latymerians...
Sam NEWTON (2008) is reading Classics at Somerville College
and was selected to play rugby for Oxford in last December’s
U21 varsity match, which Cambridge won.
Michaelis LIVESEY (2002) ran the Brighton marathon on the
10th April in aid of prostate cancer research. You can help
him reach a good target via www.justgiving.com/MichalisLivesey.
Luke TIERNEY (2007) has organised a couple of charity gigs to
raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, a cause he has
been supporting as a volunteer.
Joylon COY (2003) was in the cast of Dennis Kelly's new
version of The Prince of Homburg, which ran from July to
September 2010 at Donmar Warehouse. Chloe STRAUSSS
(2004) works in production for September Films.
Alix WILTON REGAN (2004) invites support for her second
LONDON ON FILM festival at the Lexi Cinema in Kensal Rise
where she is the director. 100% of profits go to the children's
educational programmes in an eco-village outside Cape Town
in South Africa. www.londononfilmfestival.org.uk
Also in June, her last film World of the
Dead is being theatrically released by the
Weinstein Company. Alix plays the female
lead, Leanne. Most recently, she starred in
Little Britain's “Come fly with me” with
David Walliams and Matt Lucas as the face
of Air France "Francoise"... So those Latymer
French lessons did pay off!
Alix
Two seagulls! Ruby THOMAS (2009) is reading English at
Regents Park College, Oxford. She has been appearing in the
TV series, Casualty and got rave reviews for her performance
as Blanche in November, in A Streetcar Named Desire. She
was recently in Oxford Playhouse’s production of The Seagull.
Meanwhile as she prepares for her finals at Cambridge Lily
COLE (2006), whilst still gracing international catwalks,
appeared as Nina in The Seagull at the University’s ADC
playhouse.
The March 15th ES magazine featured a 4 page article
written by Tom HARPER (2000) speculating on how Colonel
Gadaffi might spend exile in London, if he had so chosen, as
well as an article “From Hammersmith to Hollywood”. This
article featured Gus PREW (2006), Immy POOTS (2007), Toby
REGBO (2010) and Ophelia LOVIBOND (2004), all being
graduates of both Latymer Upper and the Young Blood youth
theatre group. Immy’s latest film is Mr Poppy’s Penguins whilst
Toby is a lead in the US film, Someday This Will Be Useful To
You. Toby was the young Albus Dumbledore in the latest
Harry Potter film, the fourth Latymerian to appear in that
series of films.
Dr Chris SEE (2002) is working in urology at the University
Hospital in Liverpool’s Aintree. Chris also offers science
tutoring and he teaches anatomy and biochemistry at the
University of Liverpool. He is the author of two books: How
to Get into Medical School and How to Succeed in your
Medical School Interview. Chris has a diploma of film
direction from the New York Film Academy. He has directed
several films; winning ‘best film’ at the Oxbridge Varsity Film
Festival for directing Sheng Ge Nights.
Karin GARFJELD ROBERTS (2006) is working with GenRe in
the field of reinsurance.
Oli STANTON (2005) has travelled extensively, but is now
working near Guildford on an accountancy training contract.
His brother David STANTON (2003) taught English in Japan for
three years but is now working for a tour company, Japan
Travels in London.
Chris PERFECT (2006) is working as a policy researcher in
sport at the Centre for Social Justice and plays cricket for
Barnes.
Stefanie BOYD (2004) is a class teacher and ICT coordinator
at Three Bridges Primary School, Southall.
Andrej BIENKOWSKI (2003)
is teaching English in Korea.
Dan PATON (2002) is
teaching art and design at
Nower Hill High School in
Harrow and his brother,
Alistair (2004) is working
for the Department of
Transport.
Zain ODHO (2002) recently
started work for IBM and
completed his PhD. He has
been married for a couple
of years, having met his
wife, Hina whilst they
both studied at UCL.
Zain and Hina during a 2010 trip to Japan
.
9
News of Latymerians Continued
Kane MOORE (2003) Kane has been actively involved in the
third sector since leaving Latymer. He worked as a teacher at
an AIDS orphanage in Mbabane, Swaziland, before working
as a lecturer for young adults with multiple physical and
learning difficulties in London. Kane is currently working as a
trusts and foundations officer for The Anne Frank Trust UK.
Alongside this work he is founder and co-editor of online
arts and performance magazine Live Traces. He is also
working as a fundraising consultant for Sans Frontières.
Back row LtoR Sydney BOXALL, John PITCHER, Michael de TURBEVILLE, Basil JERVIS,
Terence FERNEY, William Foster
Front row Ltor David WOODARD, Vernon CORNELL, Don MAUGHAN, Mike EXELL,
Kenneth BULLOCK
Ken COGHILL (1936) has memories of the Head, Dr Dale,
walking from Latymer House to his study and the boys had to
stop playing as he crossed the playground and fall quiet as he
progressed up the main corridor.
Walking a Path For Over Sixty Years
Just before Christmas a group from the class of 2006 held a
‘winter Olympics’ in Chiswick. It was a great competition,
with 12 events over 2 days - they swam, ran, pressed-up,
rugby kicked, played table tennis, badminton, tenpin bowled
and kicked footballs. They concluded with a ‘yard of ale’
challenge. Charlie OLIVER who missed all of his five rugby
kicks and Sam MIKKLESON, representing the Netherlands,
won, followed by South Africa (Joe MARKOWSKI and
Vicken MEZADOUMIAN), then Guam (Simon ANDERSON
and Rob WELLBURN), Malta (Justin BUGEJA and Anthony
DAVIES) and finally Sweden (Ben HAWTHORN and Steve
SHAW).
Celia WALLACE (2004) visited school last term, Celia is now
working in advertising for CHI & Partners. Natalie OWEN
(2004) we have heard is working for the Royal Family. Simon
OOI (2006) has started work at BNP Paribas.
Ray BROWN (2006) is planning summer travels in South
America. He has been working in London with artist Sam
Forster, having graduated at Wesleyan University in
Connecticut last summer. His own work can be viewed at
www.raygbrown.com.
Tess RILEY (2004) has just received her MA from Cambridge
and also recently graduated MSc from SOAS with a
distinction in International Development and Globalisation.
Tess is very involved in various environmental and social
justice campaign groups and is getting ready to start a
placement at the New Statesman later this year in her
attempt to forge a career in investigative journalism or a
related area.
Memories
Michael de TURBEVILLE (1952) dug out the 1949-50 junior
colts soccer photo from his attic in Western Canada.
10
Dr Manfred MICHEL and the
Reverend Michael LEEFIELD (both
1956) are founding members of
Latymer’s 1624 Society. They met
at Latymer over half a century ago;
Manfred joined Latymer in the
Lower 5th having recently arrived
in the UK when his father was
posted to London as a member of
the German diplomatic service. He
and Michael became firm friends
and played as a pair in the School
tennis team and studied 6th form
Geography under the inspirational
teaching of head of department,
Lawrence Elliott.
Manfred and Michael
Nowadays, their geographical studies range well beyond King
Street, although there are still limitations. In alternate years
Manfred and Michael go for a walk, a very long walk, but it
has to be in the USA and only the USA. Why not elsewhere?
Michael explains: “Manfred is multi-lingual and I am mono, he
refuses to be my interpreter, but still claims me as his spiritual
advisor.” (Statement made after a week's walking and
interpreting in Sardinia).
Manfred is, however, responsible for planning their
perambulations. These jaunts have ranged from dehydrating in
a scorching desert, to mountain walking at 10,000 feet. Six
years ago the two visited the Grand Canyon and managed to
walk from the South Rim at 7,000 feet dropping down a mere
5,000 feet to the Colorado River and then back up again – in
one day - “that’s one we won’t repeat.”
This year Manfred and Michael took it easy and opted for a
three week stroll through Arizona; it seems there’s no
stopping them! This is an alliance that has withstood the test
of time and some physical challenges too (as in physical
geography); in Michael’s words: “it is a great friendship, long
may it last and we thank Latymer for making it possible.”
ALUMNI EVENTS
We report on recent gatherings of Latymerians.
Reception for Scientists
2011 started with a bang (and not only from the Chemistry labs)
with a reception for Latymerian Scientists on the 7th February. It
was well attended by undergraduates and experienced scientists
alike from fields such as renewable energy, nutrition, botany and
telecommunications.
The Annual Round
the River Jog
The evening began with tours of the new Science and Library
Building with experiments on every floor: Chemistry showed off
its interactive Periodic Table whilst in Physics guests played with
magnetic fields. The highlight of the tour was on the Biology
floor, where a rat was dissected by pupils to the delight of many
curious onlookers.
Over a glass of wine in the comfort of the Main Hall, the evening
was a chance for scientists, young and old(er) to view an
exhibition of the history of science at Latymer, and discuss their
various roles. Some met up with classmates and their former
teachers.
Steven HARRIDGE (1969), a civil engineer, said “It was also good
to meet various other Latymerians and members of staff (I’m
quite sure that Chris Hammond didn’t recognise me, but a
serious change in hair colour and girth is a pretty effective
disguise) and to revisit old haunts in the main school building. I
perhaps looked at the roof structure of the Main Hall with
different eyes from when I was last in there.”
Messrs Cotmore, Barker, Hammond and Stenhoff were all
delighted to come back to the School to see how their pupils
had progressed since their Latymer days.
Judging by the enthusiasm and dynamism of the scientists in the
room, Latymerians have a lot more to give to this field!
Dr Chaplin Head of Science with
Peter Cotmore former Head of
Science and Daniel STEVENS (1997).
(left and far right) Ray MENON (1950),
Guy BOWLES (1980) at the start.
Every year, come rain or come shine, Latymerians from across
the globe return to School to conquer the 4.1 mile beast that
is the ‘Round the River Jog’. This year marked the 31st
Anniversary of this event ~ March 6th 2011. Many pupils may
remember tackling the ‘Briault Cup Course’ in their school
days and on the first Sunday in March, those with fond
memories of this race return to re-enact this beloved activity.
Once again, Guy BOWLES and Evan ARTRO-MORRIS (both
1980) were the leaders of the pack, finishing in less than 25
minutes! However, not everyone ran the course. Tom
OJASOO (1969) proudly walked the original course, which is
a bit longer. Tom, amongst others, remembered having to cut
diagonally across Dukes Meadow, turning right through the
large gates, and then running as fast as they could through
the Bemax factory to avoid the smell! Also running was
Raman MENON (1950), who flew all the way from San
Francisco to be at the jog; Nigel SPEARING (School Captain
1949) called in to see him. The Latymerians were joined by
development office assistants Jordana Berk and Adriana
WILLIAMS (2004) who struggled to keep up with their fellow
joggers, but huffed across the finish line in time for a pint!
After the jog, participants and spectators moved onto the
Auriol Boat Club where they compared battle scars and
reminisced about their time at Latymer.
A special thanks to Barry DORN (1950) who, yet again,
organised this event and to Mike GLEED (1954) who acted as
time keeper.
Edward TIPPELT
(1971
Professor Ted DEELEY
(1945) and Dr Arthur
TARRANT (1947)
Latymerian Runners:
Times
Guy BOWLES (1980)
Evan ARTRO-MORRIS (1980)
Campbell CHRISTIE (1974)
Julian MAHY (1974)
Raman MENON (1950)
Matt SENDOREK (1969)
Jordana Berk (staff)
Adriana WILLIAMS (2004)
24 m
25 m
28 m
30 m
39 m
39 m
52 m
52 m
Walkers:
04 secs Tom OJASOO (1969)
23 secs Gerard SULLIVAN (1954)
22 secs Mike COLLINGWOOD (1955)
07 secs
06 secs
49 secs
56 secs
56 secs
Spectators: Rick STUBBING (1958); Tony TAYLOR (1955);
Mary Sullivan; Nick MAHY (1972) and family, Nigel SPEARING
(1950); Andy BALDOCK (1965); Ann and Mike DONNAN
(1963); Gina Atkins; Janice and Barry DORN (1950).
Professor Dave HALLIDAY (1959) and his partner
Susan Heels chat with Leah ROSENBAUM (2008 )
11
Alumni Events Continued
BRISTOL
Tom MISSELBROOK (1967)
and his wife Hazel.
The Latymer road show arrived late
February in Rack’s Bar in Bristol. The most
senior member was Peter NEWMAN
(1946) who drove over from Dorchester
to join the gathering of alumni, including a number of
current undergraduates at Bath and Bristol universities.
Stimulated by some archive photographs it wasn’t too long
before memories were being shared and snatches of
conversation echoed, “I remember when…” “Isn’t that Mr Mayo…”
Partners listened patiently, but with an increasing interest and
they found the youthful long-haired photographs amusing. The
Head spoke about the school’s current highlights and then a
relaxing Sunday was spent over lunch and drinks in good
company.
The Head in
discussion with
Adam PRICE,
Stuart GODWIN
(both 2008) and
Phil LAKE (2009)
Tom WHITE
(2009), James
CRAWSHAW
(2009) and
Joel HARMAN
(2009)
Charles SCHERER and
Claire STILES (both 2009)
chat with Reverend Peter
CHEESMAN (1960)
OXFORD LATYMERIANS
DINNER
This year the Dinner was held in St Peter’s College. Three
students attend St Peter’s – Chris JONES (2005) a postgrad’
biochemistry research student who took the chair and
welcomed the Master, Mark Damazar CBE and his wife, the
Latymer staff and his fellow students. Co-hosting were Tilly
HENDERSON (2010) and Sophie SHINA (2009). The Master and
the Head both spoke, and the Head wished Simon HISLOP
(2002) and BEN SNODIN (2007) well in the Boat Race, correctly
predicting their success. This was the largest Oxbridge dinner to
date with 55 attending. Drinks until late in the staff hotel bar
rounded off a very pleasant and popular social evening.
Sam NEWTON and
Louisa JONES (both
2008)
Malcolm
HANNEY (1971)
and Martin
WEBB (1965)
Ben SNODIN and Ella
MILLER (both 2007)
David CLARIDGE (1962)
and Jo SMITH (2005 )
Chloe RIDLEY (2005), Micky (2008)
and Nadia BOUKRAA (2005).
Alex KEE,
Jonathan
WILLIAMS
and Vaughan
TAYLOR (all
1979)
12
Madame Barbara Dutrieu,
Rory McMAHON (2008)
and Tilly HENDERSON
(2010)
Latymer’s Rowing Day
An elite crew! – Current and
former ‘Captains of Boats’
by Hester GOODSELL (2002)
Hester was Director of Music at Elvian School in Reading, but has now left to train
full time for the 2012 Olympics as a member of the GB squad. In her 2005
international debut she won a Gold Medal in the 2005 World U23 Championships
having started her rowing whilst in the Sixth Form at Latymer. She competed in
the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the lightweight women's double scull and has been a
medallist in several World Series events since then.
“Sunday, 27 March dawned a
bright and sunny day on the
Tideway. Members of the
current Boat Club gathered to
welcome alumni, some of
whom had left the school as
long ago as 1944, to take part
in some scratch racing and to
lead a commemoration of the
life of Latymer’s finest
Olympic rower, Andy
HOLMES MBE (1978). [His
obituary was in the last
edition of OLNEWS]
with Latymer’s own stretch of
the Tideway announced he
hadn’t been in a rowing boat
for 53 years! Then registration
began for the main event of
the day: a scratch eight
regatta. Six crews were drawn,
mixing men and women, boys
and girls, alumni with current
Latymer rowers together and
a knock-out competition
efficiently devised by the
school’s current Head of
Rowing, Al Heathcote.
In attendance were more
than sixty Latymerians,
including 16 past
Captains of Boats;
five of the crew who
won J16 National
Championships with
Andy in 1976; the
Head, Peter Winter and his
wife, Adwoa; school staff and
fresh from his celebrations,
Simon HISLOP (2002), stroke
of the winning Oxford crew
from the Boat Race the day
before; many current pupils
and a fabulous army of their
parents who masterminded
the feeding of the hordes.
After much tense racing
over a 250 metre
course, “Mars” was
named ‘Head of
the River’.
Following this, an
octuple race (an
event rarely
contested by adults)
took place where a dead-heat
was announced, due to an
incredibly tight finish and the
fact that the umpire had been
busy marshalling students and
therefore missed the finish of
the race!
Returning from Boat Race
success, Ben SNODIN and
Simon HISLOP
The day began with some
gentle paddling in eights for
those who had not taken up
an oar in a number of years;
indeed one Latymerian who
enjoyed reacquainting himself
The day culminated in moving
tributes to the late Andy
Holmes, the double Olympic
gold medallist, in front of a
crowd that included his
widow, Gabrielle, all five of
his children – including his
youngest, six month old,
Parker - his former wife, Pam,
his brothers, Simon (1973)
and Peter (1976), and his
nephew Raph (2003).
Matthew BOND (1978), a
rowing contemporary of
Andy’s at Latymer and who
more recently had been
rowing with him at Furnivall
Sculling Club, led the
speeches with an insight into
a man who was always
modest, but quietly very
proud of what he had
Andy Triggs Hodge and Kath
erine Grainger, watched
by Martin WADE name the
Andy Holmes
achieved in rowing, a
maverick who liked to do
things his way and who had
so enjoyed returning to
rowing in the last few years.
Peter Winter continued,
describing the Andy he knew
when he had taught him
during his first stint at
Latymer, as a young teacher in
the mid-70s. Andy’s eldest
daughter, Aimee, who had
travelled from Paris specially,
was then invited to mount a
rickety step-ladder, supported
by her uncle, Peter, to unveil
the blue plaque which now
graces the front of the Boat
House as a permanent tribute
to Andy and to mark where
his rowing career began.
Guests of honour and
currently Great Britain’s most
successful Olympians, Andy
Triggs Hodge MBE and
Katherine Grainger MBE were
then invited to name an eight
in Andy’s honour. The boat
was bought for the Boat Club
with the help of a generous
donation from Martin WADE
(1962), a great supporter of
the school and of the Boat
Club.
13
Latymer’s Rowing Day Continued
Thanks are given to the
parents committee who
masterminded an incredibly
tasty and well organised BBQ,
Adwoa Winter, Matthew Bond
and Camilla von Massenbach
for organising the event, the
Holmes family, and Traci
Weaver for beginning to put
together the book 'Latymer
Upper School Boat Club' in
pictures that should be
available later this year.
Latymer hopes to make the
alumni scratch regatta a
regular event. If you rowed at
school and wish to receive
updates on future plans then
please let Nigel Orton know.
If any ex-rowers have any
more photographs from their
time at school for the book
then please get in touch, via
Adwoa Winter [contact details
on pg 20].”
SCHOOL
NEWS
by Lexi WHOMERSLEY (Upper Sixth)
O
ne of the most notable things, for students and
teachers, last term was School Inspection.
Latymer did extremely well and received grade
‘outstanding’ from the Independent Schools
Inspectorate. A significant proportion of lessons observed
were "outstanding", with all teaching being of consistently
good quality. The Inspection team reached the overall
conclusion that "Latymer Upper School is highly
successful in fulfilling its aims."
They went on “The excellent attitudes and skills of pupils
result in excellent achievement overall in line with the
school’s aims to provide equal opportunity for able boys
and girls from all backgrounds to achieve the highest
academic standards. Pupils are clearly enthusiastic about
learning, and their excellent behaviour underpins their
very good progress.”
The full report is on our web site!
Secondly our Head, Mr Winter has announced he is
retiring at the end of next School year after what will be
ten years at the helm. The hunt is on for his successor.
Watch this space! Sadly it means the School will also lose
Adwoa Winter, his wife and much valued Development
Office Coordinator. Also leaving us, but this summer will
be Madame Barbara Dutrieu, Mr Peter Kirk and after many
years service classics teacher Mr Malcolm Smith – if you
have memories or tributes let Nigel Orton know”.
Mathematics/ sport and head of year Mr John Payne left
us, again, to return to his native New Zealand.
The Zurich Ironman challenge
On Sunday July 10th 2011, Boat Club coaches Kara Wirt, Phil McGee and
Al Heathcote will be competing in the Zurich Ironman competition to
raise money for the Latymer Boat Club. The competition consists of a 2.4
mile swim followed by a 112 mile cycle and finishes off with a marathon.
Not something for the fainthearted!
If you would like to support Kara, Al and Phil in this gruelling and
unpleasant race then please sponsor them either online
http://www.latymer-upper.org/iron-man.html or by sending a cheque to
the Development Office made out to the “Latymer Foundation”, clearly
marking it as sponsorship for the Ironman Challenge.
Al says: “No matter how small the donation, we appreciate every penny!”
14
The school’s first ever co-ed year
group has now reached its final
term in the Upper Sixth, and will
leave this summer. To mark this,
their parents have generously
raised funds for a means-tested
‘Class of 2011 Scholar’. The
recipient will join the Lower
Sixth in September and it is
hoped that funds will permit a
further student to be selected
the following year.
Big Art Room.
Apart from the new Science & Library building (reported last
edition) the Latymer landscape was radically altered over
last summer. The Sixth Form took possession of a superb
new common room next to the new Library and our 3D
equipped Lecture Theatre. The Design Technology
department has gained additional space from what was the
sixth form common room. This area was once the covered
playground and tuck shop! The former chemistry rooms
along the main corridor have been converted in to new
teaching rooms. We now have a large archive room off the
Main Hall, (formerly rooms 8 and 9) where in future
Latymerians will be able to view our memorabilia collection.
Three girl rowers are currently ranked in the nation’s top 15, with Schuyler Ritchie
(yr 11) winning the J18 category at the Scullers’ Head in London. Klara Weaver
came top at the Easter trials for Great Britain and has been invited to the first GB
Junior event of the summer season in Munich at the start of May. The Girls Quad
won the Schools’ Head which is a marvellous achievement!
National Schools Girls’ 4.
Some notable student achievements
include Middle School student Anna
Burnett who was performing in Men
Shall Weep at the National Theatre last
term.
old represented England in the U16
Home International against Wales, at the
Monmouthshire Golf Club last
September. He currently plays off a
scratch handicap.
Our bridge prodigies Michael Alishaw
and Toby Nonnenmacher were selected
to represent England in their debut
international match, competing in a team
of 6 for the Peggy Bayer Trophy that
took place in Ayr, Scotland in February.
Adam Plavsic, Yr 9 has exceeded all
expectations by taking a bronze medal in
the 200m breaststroke and reaching the
final of the 100m breaststroke at the
national championships in Sheffield over
the summer holiday. We can not recall a
Latymer swimmer winning a medal at
these prestigious championships before!
Pavan Sagoo has had a great deal of
recent success with his golf. The 15 year-
The U15 rugby team won their
Middlesex cup final with a 0-0 score,
on a coin toss!
The 1st X1 boys’ football recently
reached the quarter-finals of the
ESFA championships losing to the
eventual cup winners.
Latymer 1st netball are doing very
well at the moment and won a
significant proportion of their games
and were runners up in the
Middlesex League. The U16 Hockey
team are Middlesex champions and
went on to represent Middlesex in
the South East round of the national
schools’ tournament.
1st X1 star
Melchi Emanuel-Williamson,
Yr 11
We enjoyed having James
GREENWOOD (2003) and Emma
DARKE (2007) back to present prizes
at our Sports Dinner. James has four
Cambridge Blues in rugby (3) and
cricket; whilst Emma has three Blues
for netball.
During the busy events programme
last term a few highlights included
the concert at St John’s, Smith Square
of the School Orchestra, combined
with the orchestras of the Johanneum
Hamburg and The Godolphin and
Latymer School. It was the 30th
anniversary of their combined
concerts!
Last term was also our Young
Musician Competition 2011.
Instruments heard were piano, French
horn, clarinet, flute, recorder, violin,
cello and trumpet from students
across the whole age range. Individual
music lessons are now taken by no
less than 780 students significantly
up from a decade or so ago.
There was an amazing Physics trip to
the home of space exploration to
witness the penultimate launch of
the Space Shuttle. A few days were
spent at Kennedy Space Centre,
where the students practised flying a
space craft from mission control, saw
the launch pad and had lunch with an
astronaut.
15
LATYMERIANS’ SOCIAL PAGE
We are delighted to share the happy news and activities of these Latymerians. If you have joyous celebrations to share in
this column in future editions please contact Nigel Orton. We warmly add our congratulations to the following members:
Our congratulations to José and Ken WOOLCOTT (1930) who celebrated
their platinum wedding anniversary on 23rd November surrounded by
their family, including five great grandchildren. They received good
wishes from HM The Queen on 70 years of marriage! Ken founded pop
mobility and missed the pre-1960 leavers’ reunion on May 7th as he was
at the 82nd pop mobility weekend.
To Norman KING (1955) who during 2009 married again to Jackie.
We wish them every happiness.
We welcome Arlo, a son to Rhian and Jez KICKS (1985) and a
brother to Carys.
Danielle and Richard COHEN (1993) had a second child born
September 3rd, 2010 named, Micah Abbot Cohen. Big brother
Aaron, age 6, is thrilled! They live in Connecticut, USA.
Richard and Ginger.
To Sarah and Richard PAYNE (1989) whose first child
Ginger Lila Payne was born on 28th February 2010.
and Micah.
Richard with Aaron
To Howard LANCASTER (1980) and his wife, Lois
on the birth of Charlotte Elizabeth on 29th March,
a sister to James.
Laurent WISEMAN (1991) married Andrea Beier in Mess,
Chowder Bay in Mossman, Sydney on 28th December 2010.
They honeymooned in far North Queensland. Other
Latymerians present included his groomsmen; brother
Gerard (1986), Daniel HAZAN and Dominic PATTON. Also
present was Lex DEASLEY (all 1991). Laurent is the
commercial and media alliances manager for Westfield in
Australia (owners of the Shepherds Bush shopping mall).
Laurent and Andrea.
Jamie HARVEY (1999) was married on the 4th September 2010 to Sarah Webber in a
villa in San Casciano, a small village south of Florence, Italy. The following Latymerians
attended, all class of ‘99 unless stated: Alex KIEHL, Laura SMYTH, Joel BLACK,
Catherine SAUNDERSON, Emyr WILLIAMS, William GUARD (2000), George GARDINER,
Martin COWARD (best man), Sam MILLER, Alastair LAUDER, Paul COWARD, Fred
SCHOFIELD and Tom DWYER. Last year Jamie started his own digital media agency
called Falcon Scott which recently became part of the Addiction Worldwide Group. The
new business is called Addiction Innovation.
To Helena and Lee TAN (1991)
who were blessed with their first
child Sui, born on 16th February
2011. Lee is working as a Creative
Director of TBWA in London
Sarah HICKLING (2001) married James Armitage on
September 4th 2010 in Christchurch Church in East
Sheen followed by a reception at the Richmond Golf
Club in Petersham, surrounded by family and friends.
They then spent 10 days relaxing in Provence and
went travelling to the Maldives in February. Jo HINE
was a bridesmaid.
Sarah and James;
Jo is on Sarah’s
right.
To Claire and Tristan SIMMONS
(1989) on the arrival of their
first child, Allegra last autumn.
Tristan is a designer.
17
Abidjan
We obviously hope Latymerians avoid the perils of natural disasters
or conflicts. We report on one recent story when a Latymerian
found himself a witness to conflict and suffering.
Craig HITCHCOCK (1966) arrived in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire in 2000,
shortly after the country’s first coup d’état. This April Craig found
himself in the middle of the violent struggle for Abidijan and reports
F
or the last eleven years the Ivory Coast has suffered from a
series of mutinies and civil uprisings, and failed elections,
resulting in a UN peacekeeping (ONUCI) force being
stationed there. Finally elections were held last October,
with the run offs in November, the results of which were fiercely
disputed by the outgoing President, Laurent Gbagbo.
Urban guerrilla combat then took place on the streets for the
next two weeks, until finally the presidential residence was
captured, and Gbagbo and his clan arrested.
“There were times that the fighting was very close to my house,
with the sounds of AK47 automatic fire, heavy machine gun fire, the
“thump ‘n crump of 81mm mortar, and the omnipresent sound of
RPG7s, with their “whoosh” ker-krump!!
Presidents Dr Alassane Ouattara (left) Laurent Gbagbo (right,)
However, it is now all over, and is the time for reconstruction,
and a new start. There is some good trade for scrap merchants,
however.
After four months of failed negotiations and intense international
pressure, Dr Alassane Ouattara the internationally recognised duly
elected President was forced to use military force to remove the
“imposter”!
What followed was a lightning “blitzkrieg” in which 99% of the
country was successfully controlled by Dr Ouattara, leaving just
Abidjan to secure, a much more complex task.
During all this time, as a British Embassy warden, I manned my
“command post” maintaining communications with the British
community and other authorities, civilian and military in Abidjan,
and successfully helped evacuate many British citizens and their
families!”
18
Development News
MORE FREE PLACES!
The Annual Fund 2010-2011 by Jane Myerson
I
n September 2010, Latymer’s sixth
Annual Fund got underway. Here in the
Development Office we were fuelled
by the success of the previous
campaign, during which almost 600
members of the Latymer community had
contributed over £250,000. This astonishing
total was enough to fund not only two free
places for bright and able children entering
at 11 years old, but also a third place for a
promising 16 year old to join our Sixth
Form. These three children brought the
number of Annual Fund scholars in the
School to 10. This is an extraordinary
triumph for the Latymer community, as a
result of this generosity those ten pupils
are currently benefitting from a lifechanging Latymer education.
The current appeal was officially launched
in October with a party in the Theatre.
Over 100 Annual Fund supporters joined
Peter and Adwoa to celebrate the success
of the previous 2009 -2010 appeal and to
raise a glass to the new campaign whilst
enjoying some superb live jazz provided by
current pupils.
Last year a group of generous Latymerians
offered for one year to double the annual
value of any new standing order set up by a
fellow Latymerian during the 2009 – 2010
appeal. Inspired by the success of this
‘matching challenge’, a number of like-
minded parents decided to pledge their
support for the same challenge to be
offered to parents during the current
campaign. At the same time some more
Latymerians agreed to back the Latymerian
matching challenge for a second year. The
result has been even better than expected
with a dramatic rise in the number of both
parents and Latymerians supporting the
Annual Fund through monthly, quarterly or
annual standing orders. Currently the
average monthly income from standing
orders is almost £8,000. Each and every gift
makes a difference to the Fund but gifts
given in this way help us to make more
accurate financial projections in both
current and subsequent years that inform
decisions about how many free places the
School will be able to offer for the
following academic year.
October was probably the busiest month of
the campaign with well over 1,500 appeal
letters prepared and posted out to parents
of current pupils and to those of recent
leavers, each one personalised by Annual
Fund volunteers. At the same time 4,500
different but, hopefully, equally appealing
letters were mailed to Latymerians; many
hundreds of those letters were also signed
by Latymerian volunteers.
Volunteers are vital to the success of the
Annual Fund, not only do they endorse the
Fund by putting their names to appeal
letters but their comments actually help
construct those letters. Suggestions and
feedback from volunteers help to
formulate campaign strategy and their
support and encouragement drives this
annual appeal forward to even greater
success.
The running total at the end of March was
£188,950 inclusive of Gift Aid. Thank you to
those of you who have already joined us in
supporting the Annual Fund. This year we
aim to raise £250,000 to fund two children
at 11+ and two for entry into the Sixth
Form, so we still have some way to go to
reach out ambitious target.
To make your gift to the current Annual
Fund appeal please log on to Latymer’s
website: www.latymer-upper.org/annualfund.html or send your gift to The
Development Office, Latymer Upper School,
King Street, London W6 9LR
If you are interested in becoming part of the
team of Annual Fund volunteers please
contact me on 0845 638 5970 or email
jfm@latymer-upper.org
Mr Hunt teaching Physics
19
NOTICEBOARD
California Gatherings This is a two day family event organised by the US
Friends of Latymer. On Saturday 28th May a barbecue at a Latymerian’s
Oceanside home and then brunch Sunday 29th in San Diego, Hilton Torrey
Pines. Then drinks Sunday evening in The Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco. If you
are in California for Memorial weekend book now contact Nigel Orton
nro@latymer-upper.org or directly to US Friends of Latymer
alumni@latymerians.us.
1941 George Terry
1957 Norman Donkin
1961 John Wynne Williams
1969 Geoff Lavers
1973 Steve Faktor
1978 Matthew Bond
1983 Peter Kasic
1990 Harmeet Ahuja
1996 Talat El-Sherbiny
1998 Lotte Jones
1999 Alastair Lauder
2002 Jenny Baskerville
2007 Taymoor Atighetchi
2009 Ciara McEllin
U6th Lexi Whomersley
Latymerians’ Golf Day. at Hoebridge, Woking. Contact Denis Jones (1967)
denisjones@btinternet.com.
US Friends of Latymer, which assumes
the functions of the US Latymerian
Council
Forthcoming Alumni Events 2011
May 28/29
June 7
June 11
Reunion Classes of 1984-86 A drinks reception, followed by lunch then tours
of the School. A chance to view memorabilia and to meet former classmates
and teachers.12.30-5.30pm. Tickets £30; book now*.
September 9
Graduation Reception for Classes of 2005 & 2006: An informal reception to
meet up with your teachers and catch up with friends over light refreshments
from 6-8 pm at the School. Having just graduated and begun your careers, this
is a great time to renew connections and share news, and also a chance to see
the new Performing Arts and Science and Library Buildings. Then move onto a
pub on the river to carry on celebrating! E-mail Adriana Williams to book now
adw@latymer-upper.org.
September 9
November 5
The Latymerian Council (UK)
Reception for Classes of 2009 & 2010: We are repeating this informal
gathering of our most recent leavers to help you compare Gap Year exploits
and initial university experiences before the new semester starts. We will
invite your teachers too! There will also be a chance to see the new Science
and Library Building. Light refreshments will be served 6-8 pm at School. Why
not then go on to a pub/club? This was a very successful event last September
so email Adriana Williams (adw@latymer-upper.org) and book now to avoid
disappointment.
Board of Directors
1957 Ron Phillips
1963 David Godfrey
1964 David Talbot (Treasurer)
1969 Michael Freeman
1974 Bill Marchbank
1976 Jamie Grant (Chair)
1979 Ken Adams (Secretary)
1980 Mark Bullimore
1981 Rory Curtis
1993 Richard Davidson
Jennifer Evans Casey
The Australasian Latymerian Council
1946 Basil Walby
1949 Terry Ball
1953 Peter Burke
1955 Clive Trotman
1956 Jim Tilley
1969 John King
The Canadian Latymerian Council
1955 Trevor Jones
1955 David Havard
1960 C. Hugh Grant
1962 Jeffrey Simons
1963 Peter Basey
1982 Jimson Bienenstock
Cambridge Latymerians’ Dinner.
The Development Office Team
November 25
Annual Latymerians’ Dinner.
* For all our events you can send Nigel Orton or Adwoa Winter a cheque made payable to
Latymer Upper School, or book online via the link on the former pupil page of the School’s
web site.
If you have any queries or wish to advise us of any mobility or dietary issues, please ring
Adwoa Winter on 0845 638 5969 or email her at ajw@latymer-upper.org
Latymerians’ Online Database
To log on to the Members’ Directory go to www.latymer-upper.org.
Follow the “former pupil” links then click onto the blue icon, “Members Directory”.
Enter your username and password. If you need a password email Nigel Orton.
There is no membership fee to be part of our alumni community. Everyone who
attended Latymer Upper School is welcomed. All Latymerians on the database receive:
• Event invitations
• Termly newsletters and other communications
• Access to the online directory to manage your profile and search for friends.
Why not spring clean your profile now?
20
If you have any news to share in future editions of OLNEWS, or wish to comment on
our stories or you would like to organise a visit to tour the School then please contact
Nigel Orton, Director of Alumni Relations on 0845 638 5811 or e-mail him at
nro@latymer-upper.org.
Amanda Scott
Director of Development
0845 638 5965
ams@latymer-upper.org
Nigel Orton
Director of Alumni Relations
0845 638 5811
nro@latymer-upper.org
Jane Myerson
Assistant Director of Development
0845 638 5970
jfm@latymer-upper.org
Adwoa Winter
Development Co-ordinator
0845 638 5969
ajw@latymer-upper.org
Jordana Berk
Development Assistant
0845 638 5966
jdb@latymer-upper.org
Adriana Williams
Development Assistant
0845 638 5726
adw@latymer-upper.org
Consultant
Chris Hammond
Latymer Upper School,
King Street,
Hammersmith W6 9LR
0845 638 5800
www.latymer-upper.org