here - Old Foresters Reconnected
Transcription
here - Old Foresters Reconnected
Old Foresters’ Club newsletter Lent Term 2015 Oliver takes centre stage! I write to introduce myself as the new Old Foresters’ Club President and, perhaps, to express my surprise and honour at having been elected. I follow Charles Newman, who is, of course, steeped in Forest School history, and who clearly carried out the role with enthusiasm and commitment. I was a pupil at Forest from 1957 to 1965 but I also have a family connection with the School that started with my uncle, John Ralph DFC, in the 1930’s, and continued with my two sons, Simon and Philip, during the 1980’s and 90’s. I played a lot of cricket, football, hockey and tennis throughout my time at the School and subsequently spent many happy years playing for the OFFC at Loughton and Theydon Bois, during which time I was fixture secretary for a number of years. Later I qualified as a referee and officiated for both the Arthurian League and the School First X1. I retired from Lloyds TSB Treasury at the millennium and having lived in Theydon Bois for most of my married life became a Parish Councillor and now Chairman of the Village Association. I am heavily involved with local amateur dramatics, the grounding for which was nurtured by my drama teacher, Jack Lodge, in casting me as Moses in his ground-breaking Junior School production of The Green Pastures. It is, of course, early days in my Presidency but already I have begun to appreciate the time and effort put in by the Committee who, together with the admirable Development Office, keep the club moving forward. I now look forward to my term, hoping to attend as many functions as possible and I encourage you all to support the Club at the various events throughout the year. Martin Oliver (Copeland’s 1957-1965) www.forest.org.uk Calendar 10 May Annual Reunion, for those who left before 1960 (inclusive), 11.45 am 29-31 May Ypres and the Battlefields Trip June 13 5 Year Reunion for Leavers of 2010 June 14 OF Day and BBQ, noon onwards June 23 50 Year Reunion for Leavers of 1965 2 October OF Annual Dinner, 7.15pm 12 October Forest Network Event, Stationers’ Hall, 6.30pm Old Foresters’ Day 2015 Martin (seated, middle) captained the 1965 Tennis Team Sunday 14th June | 12pm onwards Forest School, College Place, E17 3PY Join us for BBQ, drinks, children’s entertainment, live music, & more! Simon, Martin and Philip Oliver Speak Out A survey on OF events and communications will be emailed on 7 April 2015. Those who do not have email can participate via https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OFsSpeakOut 1 Organised by the Old Foresters’ Club, this is a day out for Old Foresters and their families, which has brought 750 people together already & we hope to welcome you back this year! Live music from The Dimmocks, back by popular demand. Other acts to be announced. Stay tuned too for news of a celebrity charity football match, and departing staff who will be attending. There will be a variety of kids’ activities, a delicious BBQ, and the OF bar! School buildings will be used in the event of wet weather Entry (including food) 18&Over £10 | Under18 £5| Under18mths Free Family Tickets (2 Adults+2 Children) £25 Join our “Old Foresters’ Club” Facebook Group for news updates and online purchase instructions Alternatively, order tickets via the Alumni Office on 020 8509 6510 (Mon-Fri) Feel free to email us at ofday@live.co.uk especially if you would like to donate a raffle prize or be a volunteer! RECENT EVENTS This year’s Oxford Dinner was held at Somerville College. After a drinks reception in the Old College Bar, dinner was served in the Reading Room. Jodie Spencer (Eliot 2010-2012), now in her final year at Somerville, welcomed everyone and the oldest OF present, Roger Trafford (Johnians 1950-1955), then said a lengthy Latin grace to start proceedings. Six OFs joined cadets for the CCF Dinner held in the Upper Library on 18 March. An enjoyable evening was had by all. The loyal toast was given and Don Barton (Johnians 1934-1941) responded with a toast to Forest School CCF. The next dinner will be on 23 June. Please contact the Alumni Office if you are interested in attending. After dinner, Kate Spencer Ellis (Glade 1990-1995) reflected briefly on the Warden’s time at Forest, as this was Sarah’s final Oxford Dinner, before her move to Oundle. She spoke enthusiastically about Sarah’s important role in assisting Oxbridge applicants through the probing questions at interview. She also commented on all Sarah had achieved at Forest in a relatively short time through her determined, perceptive and compassionate leadership, suggesting that her influence will remain a major part of Forest’s DNA for a long time. In response, Sarah said that the good things Forest does are seen in the way OFs develop and grow. It produces adults who understand themselves and life and who become truthful, optimistic, straightforward individuals who develop a strong belief that they can do well. She will be leaving a very special School with a heavy heart. Nick Darrant (Bishop’s 1988-1997) then led a rousing rendition of the School song to end formal proceedings. Tim Irwin-Parker, Anna Jobling, Annie Berger Crawford, Barry Thomas, Bill Brady and Don Barton History was brought to life when Professor Sir Richard Evans (Copeland’s 1959-1966, President, Wolfson College, Cambridge) addressed the Forest School History Society on 11 March, with several former classmates in attendance. Professor Evans challenged some of the recent thinking on Nazi Germany, arguing that fear was widely used in various forms and that popular support for the Nazis was by no means total, and varied from group to group. Jodie Spencer, Kate Spencer Ellis, Tom Dillon and Nick Darrant Nigel Herd and Richard Evans Michael Head, Sarah Kerr-Dineen, Brian Hardcastle and Ian Bennett Roger Trafford and Claire Ellis 2 Patrick Jennings and Dennis Roxby Bott forest during the war years Thirty-five OFs, all of whom were young pupils at Forest during WW2, and their guests gathered in the Upper Library on 25 February to remember their schooldays. Many brought photos and memorabilia to share. Displays and photos from the Archive brought back memories of cold dormitories, rationing and sleeping under the Dining Hall during air raids. Many of the guests had not been back to Forest for fifty years and were keen to have Sixth Formers accompany them on tours of the School. All were delighted to see the Chapel and Dining Hall again as they revisited old haunts and then were equally thrilled to see many of the new buildings on site, such as the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre and The Martin Centre. After the excitement of catching up with old friends and classmates, the old-fashioned tradition of serving afternoon tea was much appreciated! Sandy Tillett and Derek Skipper Jangu Banatvala, David Taylorson, John Brockway and Peter Ormerod Stanley Meadows and wife Annabel Peter and Charles Morley and Gerry Seymour with pupils, Huw Elliott and John Merrington The Digital Archive Forest School and The Old Foresters’ Club are pleased to announce the launch of the Digital Archive. You can now browse and search the School Magazines 1865 to 2013 and the School Registers 1848 to 1988 online: http://forestschoolheritage.sds.websds.net Username:oldforester Password:robur1834 (You will be advised when the password changes. Please do not share this password with those who are not OFs. Other interested parties should contact the Alumni Office to request access.) The site is deliberately simple to use and we are still working on improving the magazine search system. Please give us your feedback on your experience: alumni@forest.org.uk This initiative has been funded by the OF Club (64%) and Forest School (36%). 3 girls in the fast lane! In December 2014, Neha Pathak (Baylis 1999-2006) won a Cosmopolitan Ultimate Woman of the Year Award for her recent research on cervical cancer screening. Neha has also been helping to promote women in science and will be participating in some events with the Stemettes (www.stemettes.org), an organisation for women thinking of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) careers. Neha is not the only successful Forest alumna in a STEM career ... Chantelle Sampat (Franklin 1999-2010) After leaving Forest, I began studying Aeronautics and Astronautics/ Aerodynamics at the University of Southampton. This degree covers a vast range of engineering topics including the principles and mechanics of flight, race car aerodynamics and rocket science and has exposed me to me to a diversified range of modules and practical experience including a flying course. Being a race car enthusiast, I completed my third year dissertation on the modelling of a race car wheel in ground effect. After my third year of university, I completed a year’s internship at Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 team as a Junior Aerodynamicist, designing parts for the 2014 race car and testing them in the wind tunnel. I was the first female aerodynamicist to work in the company. I contributed to key developments, enhancing the performance of the car and attended track days at Silverstone, analysing the car on the racetrack. I was part of an incredibly exciting, fast paced environment where I saw my designs created in Computer Aided Design software, tested in the wind tunnel and used on the race car. After completing my internship, I have returned to university to complete my Master’s degree and am due to graduate in July 2015. 4 Julia Witton-Dauris (Astell 1994-2001) I graduated from City University London in 2006 with a Civil Engineering degree and was fortunate to be offered a funded position in City University’s geotechnical research department. Geotechnics is the study of engineering the ground, and my project involved investigating behaviour of deep foundations using a geotechnical centrifuge. Despite being an interesting area of research, I found that the solitude and frequent frustration of academia was not for me. So I had a good think about why I went into engineering in the first place – to make a difference to the world around me and be part of developing a sustainable future – and subsequently, on completing a Master of Philosophy in Geotechnical Engineering, I took a leap into a completely different direction by applying for jobs in the energy sector. I joined the npower engineering graduate scheme in 2009, spending two years moving around the company and learning how the electricity generation industry works, and a further three years working in their multi-disciplinary engineering department. I worked on a wide variety of projects from development of new sites, to maintaining and improving operating sites, and demolition of closing sites, from coal and gas to wind and hydropower. I left the company last year due to a re-structure and took the opportunity to spend time volunteering with disadvantaged children in Nepal and trekking in the Himalayas. I found volunteer work extremely rewarding and hope to be able to use my engineering skills to work for volunteer organisations in the future. Having returned to the UK, I have joined global engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald to work in their infrastructure department and I plan to apply for professional review to become a chartered civil engineer next year. Leonora Lang (Glade 1991-1998) My job is to tell people how many lifts and escalators they need in their building, as part of a specialist team consulting on projects all over the world. After studying for a BSc (Hons) Physics at Imperial College London, I started as a graduate engineer and enrolled on the Arup graduate training scheme to become a Chartered Engineer. Further study has led to an MSc Space Science, University College London and a PhD Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London. I chartered just over five years after I joined and am now a senior member of our team with a wider role including the recruitment, training and development of new graduates. I work on a massive range of projects from tiny refurbishments to multi billion pound new build multipurpose towers and developments, covering all sectors, from healthcare, the arts, sports facilities to hotels, offices and residential buildings. Every day is different as phone calls and emails can change what I plan to do and my projects come through to me from all parts of Arup, all over the world. While there are some set tasks I have carry out on a monthly basis, that is normal for any job, I love the variety that my job brings and the interaction with architects, engineers in different disciplines and clients. Ruth Buscombe (Astell 2001-2008) Having set my sights firmly on a career in a Formula 1 pit lane whilst I was still Forest, (and plastering the Prefect Room notice board with photos of Lewis Hamilton), one of the primary drivers in applying to Cambridge to read engineering was the strong links with the sport. I got my first real taste of F1 during my Master’s where my thesis was in conjunction with the FIA, F1’s governing body, and supervised by Tony Purnell, former Team Principal of Red Bull Racing F1 team. The project looked into the regulations concerning the deployment of the Drag Reduction System. My thesis was ultimately presented as part of one of the Technical Working Groups and led to a regulation change. After securing a job at Scuderia Ferrari, I graduated with Distinction in Aerospace and Aerothermal Engineering in June 2012 and moved to Italy the next day to begin my career at Ferrari F1 Team. I started as an engineer working as part of the team which writes vehicle models for use in lap simulation and the driver simulator. At the start of the 2013 season I was offered a role in Race Engineering working as Felipe Massa’s Race Strategist and then taking up the role for Kimi Räikkönen the following season. As a Race Strategist I work primarily with the Head of Strategy and the Race Engineer, offline, during qualifying and the race to provide assessments of situations, options and risks to facilitate the best possible decision making. People often associate engineering with a stereotype that represents such a small slice of the opportunities available. Formula 1 has given me the opportunity to make my office a pit lane that moves round the world, and my job feedback a pit call that’s seen by millions on TV. Cheryl Hung (Franklin 19992006) I decided that I was going to be a software engineer at Google at 14, when I heard about this crazy cool startup... with free food and massages! I was hazy about what software engineering actually entailed, but I was good at Maths, which was a prerequisite for Computer Science, which was a prerequisite to software engineering. So after spotting the fudge shop outside King’s College, Cambridge, I applied, got in and did my BA in Computer Science there. (It worked out well - the fudge sugar high got me through many a Maths supervision!) After a consultancy stint, I applied to Google in London and joined the Google Maps team working on social recommendations, data and ranking results. Five years on I project manage fifty people across California and New York. Google anything Maps-related (restaurants, Forest School, Snaresbrook, directions to Starbucks) and you’ll see my work! I’ve mentored female CS students through Google’s CodeF program and I’ve organized and spoken at Women in CS groups at Cambridge, Imperial and conferences. Why? Because while it’s abstractly true that women are <20% of tech, I see it concretely when I’m awkwardly holding my phone because not all my clothes have pockets; smartwatches ape men’s watches; Pinterest and Etsy are dismissed as “girly, weddings, arts and crafts”, while Reddit and Kickstarter are for “techie, bros, entrepreneurs”. It makes for bad products, and being part of the tech industry I can do something about it. I encourage anyone considering tech to get in touch (cheryljhung@ gmail.com). Although I’m primarily an engineer I am happy to help people understand what roles might suit them, including user experience designers, technical writers, developer outreach etc. and how to join startups vs big companies. Sarah Farnfield (Franklin 1999-2006) My path into engineering gathered momentum when I was lucky enough to be offered a Civil Engineering scholarship by the University of Surrey. As a result I was matched with Atkins, one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies during the first year of my studies. I graduated in 2011 with a Master’s in Civil Engineering and started my career with Atkins. Since then I have worked on a variety of projects from the design of a marina in Vietnam, the re-design of London cycle hire scheme docking station foundations and Smart Motorway schemes, to name a few. I spent most of last year working on a construction site providing technical advice to the construction team and ensuring the structure was built as designed. In some instances I had to re-design aspects with short notice due to issues raised on site. Problem solving is a big part of my day at work, whether it is a structural calculation or how long can we leave between pouring concrete. I always work as part of a team, the smallest so far being three and the largest being close to two hundred. As engineers we manage the project as well as carry out the design work so I am developing a wide range of transferable skills. Most graduate engineers, from any of the various disciplines, are aiming to become chartered in their profession. I will have to go through a review process at the Institute of Civil Engineers proving to them that I meet all of the competencies required of a professional engineer. On average this can take about five years to achieve, I hope to sit my review soon. 5 CONGRATULATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS Otis Heath was born on 18 December to Tariq Slim (Miller’s 1989-2000) and his partner Alexandria. Karim Bunting (Doctor’s 19741979) and wife Jessica became parents to Imani on 26 September. Lucy Bannister (née Banning, Park 1991-1998) and husband Doug welcomed daughter, Matilda, on 29 November, a sister for Henry. Ilana Rebecca was born on 8 February to Lauren Reuben (née Posner, Glade 1991-1998) and husband Alex, a sister for Daniel. Joshua Henry (left) was born on 26 January to Miller’s Housemaster, Johnny Kay (Copeland’s 1990-2001) and his wife Becky, Franklin Housemistress. On New Year’s Eve, Mary Knapman (née Hobbs, Park 1990-1997) and husband Jon welcomed son Edward (Teddy) Ernest (right), a brother for seven year-old Lizzie. Paul Murphy (Johnians 19881995) and his wife Kristina welcomed son, Henry James on 14 November. On 14 December, a group of crewmates who rowed together as schoolboys at Forest gathered at Lea Rowing Club to celebrate the life of one of their number, Matthew Brown (Copeland’s 1971-1977). Matthew, who ran Browns Motors in Loughton, passed away in early 2014 at the age of 52. A new Olympic Class Double Scull has been purchased for the Junior Section and has been named after him. Hundreds of Forest School pupils rowed on the Lea from the 1960s through to the 1990s and many were extremely successful, winning National Rowing Championships and some even being selected to row for Great Britain and winning medals at World Championships. Many of the Forest boys from this era went on to become adult members of Lea Rowing Club and have played an extremely important part in the development of the Club. Matthew was an active member and supporter and was often to be seen at Lea Regattas and Club social events along with his old School crewmates. Friend and former Forest crewmate Paul Riddle (Miller’s 1973-1978), who organised the naming, commented, “Matthew had many, many happy times on the river as man and boy and it’s great to be able to give back, in his name, to the children of the river who come after us” Richard Ellis, Club Captain said, “Today, we have a thriving and highly competitive Junior section and one of the best bits of news we have had this year is that Forest School pupils are now once again rowing down the river on a regular basis”. Ashia Danga (Astell 2004-2006) married Mohammed Adams in Chigwell on 11 October and has now settled in Cape Town. Jennifer Delaney (Glade 19932000) married Paul Gabel on 4 October. Congratulations to Cedric Wong (Guy’s 1979-1990) who finally received his rowing colours tie in February 2015! He is pictured celebrating at The Gherkin with wife Amanda (née Cantwell, Field 1985-1992) and fellow OF Nicholas Venditti (Guy’s 1983-1990). In February Adam Woodyatt (Johnians 1975-1982) celebrated thirty years as Ian Beale in BBC soap, Eastenders. During a week of live shows, Adam was praised for his stand-out performances in the who-dunnit storyline which finally revealed the killer of his on-screen daughter, Lucy. 6 SPORTS news OFFC by Jon Howgrave-Graham It’s the last few weeks of the 14/15 season and our club is poised to win some silverware! The 1st XI, led by Billy Jenkins, topped the Arthurian League’s Premier Division at the start of 2015 and could go clear again if they win their games in hand over rivals Old Carthusians. Both teams are in excellent form, with similar goal differences, so it will be a fierce run in! In AFA cup competitions, our boys did well to reach the semi-final of the Middlesex-Essex cup, losing 3-1 recently to Polytechnic, and they made the 3rd round of the Senior cup, losing 0-2 to Old Salesians. Our 2nd XI, led by Matt Hicks, look like they will survive their return to Division 2, requiring just a few more points for safety. In the JLC cup, they began with an impressive 7-2 win over Old Ardinians, but lost 4-3 to new league entrants and Division 3 leaders Old Millfieldians. I captain the 3rd XI and we finished 2014 as leaders of Division 5 North, and with a JLC cup win on penalties over Old Westminsters II. Unfortunately windy weather contributed to our JLC cup exit in the next round, and numerous fixtures have been rained off since. Our league rivals have played however, and it’s been good news for us, as we have ended up three points clear with a game in hand. Just one point now from our last two group games will see us into the play-off semi-finals to face Old Alleynians or Old Millhillians. We are also in the quarter final of the David Walcott Trophy, thanks to byes. OF Netball by Kate Hersey We started the season well with some good score lines but had some narrow losses by one or two goals on a few occasions. Unfortunately midway through the season we lost a player to Australia and I decided to have another baby! However, the rest of the team have shown a good level of commitment and we are likely to stay in our current division next season. We are always looking to recruit new players, so if you are interested in playing next season please get in touch: kh@forest.org.uk. OFGS by Graham Lyon Our Yuletide competition in December was held as usual at Chigwell when the 4 ball better ball trophy was won by Mark Robinson and Mike Nathan. Jish Patel ran the day and Howard Edwards, the Society’s Captain (again!), presented the prizes. The Society’s administration in 2015 will continue as it did in 2014 with a raft of fixture managers; all are in place so that we anticipate that our season will operate as usual without hiccup. We are hoping for success in the first round of The Halford Hewitt v Wellington on 9 April – a tough match however. Our Spring meeting is at Romford on 30 April; we are hoping for a good turnout and if you are interested please contact the event organiser Chris Brown (cbrown@tcsmedia.co.uk). We play the School on 7 May – please tell Howard Edwards (howardedwards10@aol.com) if you can play. Later that month there is the Essex Public Schools Spring meeting at Chigwell on 28 May – Nick Rose (njrose@btinternet. com) is in charge of gathering an OF contingent together for that one. This year is the 50th anniversary of the tournament and it is our turn to run the event so we need big support. Our VETS XI, led by Ben Murphy, warmed up with a couple of wins in friendlies against our 3rd XI and Old Chigwellians VETS, and were given a 2nd round bye against Old Bradfieldians in the Derrick Moore Cup, but lost 0-4 in the quarter finals to a well organised Old Etonian team. All our teams joined the country in the FA’s #FootballRemembers initiative, which commemorated the 1914 WWI Christmas Truce, remembering past OFs and others who ceased fire to share a game of football and some Christmas spirit along the front line. That spirit was also in evidence at our annual Christmas lunch in Hoxton when around forty OFs partied well into the night! Many of the OFGS golfers will know that I am currently following a long list of distinguished OFs in the position of Club Captain at Chigwell. In order to celebrate such fact I am resurrecting the fixture between the OFGS and Chigwell Golf Club last played in 1996. The date for the fixture is 11 September so diarise please. The Society is always on the look-out for new blood and old and young OFs are encouraged to join our ranks; if you are interested please contact Jish Patel (jishpatel@yahoo.co.uk), Stephen Fellowes (sjf@fellowes.org) or myself (lyon@gjnj.wanadoo.co.uk). Serious efforts are being made to organise a charity football match with celebrities on Sunday 14 June to coincide with the Old Foresters Day BBQ. If you are able to help in any way, please email me at jon.hg@hotmail.com. We are recruiting new players, in order to run an extra team again, so if you would like to play or train with the OFFC, please get in touch with me. We train every Monday night, 7.15-8.30pm at the Score Centre next to Leyton Orient’s stadium, although we will break soon for the summer, and start up in late July for next season. Stephen Fellowes and Howard Edwards 7 THE WARDEN WRITES I hope that this Newsletter finds you well and that the year since I last wrote to you has been a happy one. As ever, visits from Old Foresters continue to benefit the education of today’s pupils and improve their understanding of the world present and past. The commemoration of the start of the First World War has provided a particular focus, and those of you who have been to the School recently will have seen in the Cloisters a board of biographies of those who fell, each posted exactly a hundred years after their death. This has given the pupils a sense in real time of what it must have felt like to be a pupil during the First World War as news came in day after day of the death of a former pupil, many of whom the older pupils would have known as friends. On a happier note, the Park – given to the School by your forbears in memory of the 98 OFs who died in the First World War – has this term been enhanced by the opening of the astroturf pitch. This provides a most wonderful resource for boys and girls across a range of sports. Our hockey players can now play genuinely home fixtures and we are able to support much more activity on the artificial surface across the year than we can on the grass pitches. The pupils are impressed, certainly, and proud of their new pitch. The Science faculty will be complete by this September and Forest’s strong reputation in the Sciences will have an impressive physical symbol in this new facility. OF v School Hockey Match The OFs celebrated the opening of the astroturf pitch on 25 March with a resounding and well-deserved 3-0 win over the School 1st X1. 8 The Martin Centre is now completely integrated within the School’s habits and activities and we cannot now think how we managed without it. You will be pleased to hear that at time of writing the Martin Centre has been shortlisted for the London Regional RIBA awards. There is much to celebrate and every reason for you to visit whenever you are able: you are always so welcome. In the meantime I must make my goodbyes. I leave this August to become Head of Oundle School. My six years at Forest have been so happy and I will take with me only good memories. Not least these will be of you Old Foresters, whose great kindness, excellent company and endless reservoir of extraordinary Forest lore have supported, guided and entertained me immeasurably. Thank you. The Martin Centre The Warden starts the first match on the new astroturf GLB Match The annual Geoff Burton Memorial Match was held on 21 March with the School winning 3-0 after a goalless first half against OFFC Seconds who, quite simply, ran out of steam! The trophy and medals were presented by the Warden, OFFC President Bill Maddison and OF Club President, Martin Oliver.