STONYHURST newsCHRISTMAS TERM 2009

AMDG

CCF goes fromstrength to strength

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Welcome from the Headmasters

F R O M T H E H E A D M A S T E R A N D R E W J O H N S O N , B ASTONYHURST COLLEGE

STONYHURST

Stonyhurst College, Stonyhurst, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 9PZ

Telephone: 01254 827047 Fax: 01254 827131 Email: headmaster@stonyhurst.ac.uk

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December 2009

Dear Parents,

For an instant on a fine September day the Stonyhurst

community stood still for the campus photograph. We’ve

been extremely busy ever since, as you will read in these

pages, with trips to Iceland, Rome and Paris, endeavours in

sport and impressive musical achievements, open days, CCF

manoeuvres (and an increase in recruits), Social Enterprise

and an ambassador’s visit. At SMH term started early with the

Holiday Club and netball/hockey camp. The term has been

furiously busy with a new, packed school day, visits, sport

and even a firework display.

In the midst of all this activity there is faith, mutual support

and concern for those in need and this too has been strongly

evident this term. It remains for us to wish you and your

families a peaceful, joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Andrew Johnson Lawrence Crouch

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Iceland TripGlaciers, geysers, gorges and folk songs

Sixteen geographers had an unforgettable trip to Iceland this term, visiting stunning waterfalls, spectacular glaciers, wild gorges and a raft of geothermal features, all wrapped up in a centuries-old Norse culture. Highlights were a walk through the amazing Thingvellir rift valley, and marvelling at geysers, erupting 50ft every 5 minutes. There was also a visit to a geothermal centre and bubbling sulphur pools.

“We will all continue to smile and talk about this trip for a very long time,” said Mrs Helen Harris, Head of Geography. “Our guide, Skooli, was excellent, and even sang us folk songs; and who could forget the atmospheric Blue Lagoon on a chilly October night?”

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Over 900 pupils and staff gathered in glorious September sunshine for the Stonyhurst photograph.

Smile!

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Cricket & Rugby

The first XV have played particularly well this term and deserve special mention. At the time of writing they have played 12 matches, won 10, and scored 362 points whilst conceding just 94. The standard of their team play and commitment has been outstanding and the level they have achieved is something that all players should take great pride in. They have been superbly lead by the captain Harrison Collins and his vice captain Richard Ayres.

Mr Simon Charles

Stonyhurst Sport

MERCHANT TAYLORS LOST 22 – 06 (H)

MOUNT ST MARYS WON 50 – 10 (H)

ARNOLD WON 13 – 00 (H)

ST MARYS MENTON (DM CUP) WON 50 – 00 (H)

NEWCASTLE-U-LYME WON 60 – 00 (H)

CROSSLEY HEATH (DM CUP) WON 10 – 05 (H)

LANCASTER RGS WON 23 – 15 (H)

LYTHAM HS (LANCS CUP) WON 58 – 00 (H)

SEDBERGH LOST 06 – 26 (H)

BRADFORD GS WON 26 – 16 (A)

BINGLEY GS (DM CUP) WON 56 – 00 (H)

During the summer the senior cricket squad embarked on a fantastic tour to St Lucia and Grenada. It was a wonderful experience visiting such fascinating islands and competing in their number one sport. This was made even more memorable by having the once in a lifetime opportunity to play at a full international Test ground. This certainly brought the best out in our player, with every one of them producing the best cricket of their lives.

Carribean cricket to Stonyhurst rugby was an interesting transition. Fortunately the first part of the term was dry and sunny but the second has been very wet even by Lancashire’s standards, with ducks confusing our pitches with ponds.Given these conditions, all teams should be commended on their performances and the many improvements achieved.

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Stonyhurst SportAlthough the summer netball tour gave plenty of opportunities to practise their skills there have not been many games this term. However the stats for the netball are very impressive with 15 matches played including 10 wins and 1 draw. Probably the proudest victory for the pupils has been against the staff netball team! Girls have also had the opportunity to play many other sports and have represented the College at both swimming and badminton. In badminton the College has entered for the first time the Blackburn and Darwen District League which is a big step up from normal school matches.

Other opportunities for the girls to be involved with sport include aerobics, dance, squash, multigym, fitness and cross country to name a few.

Well done to all the girls on their achievements and to Mrs Luker and her team for all their hard work.

Girls SportOnce again it has been a really busy and productive term in the Girls’ Games Department. Following the summer netball tour to St Lucia where the standard of netball was very high, the girls returned to school with renewed enthusiasm.

Hockey results have been outstanding with the 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15, U14As and Bs playing 39 games of which they have won 28 and drawn 2. In the process they have scored an amazing total of 129 goals and only conceded 28. The 1st XI have notched up 10 wins and have achieved an excellent victory over Sedbergh.

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Harrison and James play for Sale SharksTwo Stonyhurst rugby players had the fantastic opportunity of playing for Sale Sharks recently in the North of England Rugby Trials. Harrison Collins and James Morris, both Rhetorians and members of the College’s 1st XV rugby team, played in a closely-fought Under 18 game against Munster schools, with Sale Sharks losing 9-11. They were commended for their performance in the second row. “The game was tough but even, and Munster scored in the last minute,” said Harrison. “The coaching was of a very high standard and we’re looking forward to playing with Sale Sharks again in a few weeks time.”

At 11am on the 11th November, the Last Post echoed through the galleries of SMH as the whole of our community gathered around the Lady Statue to remember those killed in war as a result of enemy action, especially those from our school. We also spared a thought for those old-SMH pupils who are currently on active service. The same act of remembrance was taking place at the College around the War Memorial, where special thought was given to the families of those who have lost loved ones throughout the years, particularly those recently bereaved.

Father Twist SJ in printOn the 1st December, Campion Day, the College Chaplain Father John Twist SJ published his new book called ‘Netting Fishes’. This is a book that focuses on the practicalities of life using his many wonderful homilies. The great advantage of a book like this is that you can dip into it when it is convenient and get the inspiration you need at the moment you need it. There are 84 homilies in the book which follow roughly the 3 year Sunday reading cycle. The book contains much humour and down to earth comment, such as the idea that the world was perhaps created at 10am in the morning due to a late start, and that the Loch Ness Monster exists and snores! This would make an ideal Christmas present and is available from the College. Copies can be purchased at the College Reception and are also available from the Association.

Harrison Collins and James Morrison take on Munster

The Last Post at SMH

Edward Johnson and James Alton

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Thanksgiving Mass at Stonyhurst

A Mass was held on October 1st to celebrate the formation of the Stonyhurst charitable Trust, and to give thanks for our 400-year, and continuing association with the Society of Jesus. It was attended by the new Chairman of Governors, Mr John Cowdall, the whole school, parents, governors, and OS.

Photograph shows, from left to right:Front row: William Atkin, Paco Garcia-Sainz, Luis Velazquez and Samir MansurBack row: Fr John Twist, SJ; Mr Andrew Johnson, Headmaster; Fr Adrian Howell, SJ; Mr John Cowdall, Chairman of Governors

Stonyhurst’s Social Enterprise company, SCRAP (‘Stonyhurst College Re-using and Producing’) were delighted to win their first award from the East Lancashire Area Board this term. The company entered the Area Board Dragons’ Den competition, which involved competing with other schools to win £150 by writing and presenting a business plan in front of 3 local business people. Our team were thrilled to win the Best Business Plan award; they were particularly commended for how well they had researched and forecasted their financial projections. The judges were also impressed with their

ideas; of producing coasters and doorsigns using off-cuts of logs from the Stonyhurst estate. The pupils will be using the profits gained to replant some of the millions of elm trees lost throughout the UK. This is part of a wider scheme, run by the Conservation Foundation, under the name of the Great British Elm Experiment.

Photograph shows the presentation team, MD Charlie McDermott, Finance Director Serena Barnett, Company Secretary Freddie Cruz and Marketing Director Nicholas Carrollo.

SCRAP

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Stonyhurst’s A Level Art pupils visited the ‘Colour Chart: Reinventing Colour 1950 to Today’ exhibition at Tate Liverpool this term. The exhibition was inspired by the commercial colour chart and looks at the impact of mass-produced colour on the art of the past sixty years.

Favourite works included the Jim Lambie ZOBOP! floor (pictured) and the Andy Warhol Marilyn series of prints.

A level Art trip to Tate Liverpool

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Eleanor Lamb (Rhetoric), Captain of the Swimming Team writes:

The swimming team has been happy to welcome a number of new members, particularly girls, this year. It meets weekly and trains hard with dedicated staff. Three Saint Mary’s Hall swimmers, Molly Mc Manamon,

Chris McGowan and Oliver Riley, have also joined us, and we are impressed by their effort and determination.

We have already taken part in two big galas this term, and although narrowly missing out on victory I feel sure it is within our grasp with the continued dedication of the team.

Swimming report

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The water was absolutely freezing even with a wetsuitEleanor Lamb

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L to R, Eleanor Lamb, Freddie Liddell, Joe Garlington

Stonyhurst joins the Great North SwimThree Rhetoricians took part in the Great North Swim on Sunday 13th September and raised over a thousand pounds for ‘Diabetes UK’. Freddie Liddell, Joe Garlington and Eleanor Lamb all swam a mile to raise money for the charity chosen by Eleanor. Eleanor and Joe are both Captains of the swimming team at the College.

“The water was absolutely freezing even with a wetsuit,” said Eleanor, “and the first 50 metres were the worst. I could see lots of fish beneath me which was weird, so I decided to do breast-stroke.”

A level Art trip to Tate Liverpool

The CCF is currently going from strength to strength, with increasing numbers opting to continue with the activity after the compulsory year in Grammar.

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CCFThe

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Major Barber writes: After a highly successful CCF Summer Camp in Cornwall, I was delighted that two thirds of Grammar opted to continue with the CCF. With this large intake the year had a flying start, with Senior Company getting to grips with Camouflage and Concealment, Preparation and Routine in a Harbour Area, Patrolling, Ambush and Section Battle Drills. Field weekend was very successful especially as we had good weather. The Cadets moved to an established Harbour Area in the dark and quickly retired to their bashas to get a good eight hours sleep! The following day the above drills were practised and reinforced, finishing at 1530 with a lot of tired but happy and smiling faces!

The Senior Cadets will move onto other skills next term which will culminate with the annual NCO Cadre Camp at Warcop at Easter. Senior Company were privileged to welcome once again the Army Air Corps with Capt Elizabeth Dunn at the controls who proceeded to give a number of flights to the Cadets in her Gazelle Helicopter. And so another cohort of Grammarians step into their boots and follow the footsteps of their forebears and the fine traditions that this Corps has upheld for 109 years. I would like thank all the Officers and Adult Assistants who provide such high quality training for Corps.

CCFThe

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Open DaysThree very successful Open Days have been held

at Stonyhurst this term. The first was for parents

and children considering St Mary’s Hall, and was

followed by the College Open Day. The third was

a new event in our calendar: an Open Morning

especially for Rudiments parents, whose children

will be moving from St Mary’s Hall to the College

next academic year.

All three events were well attended and parents

and prospective pupils were treated to excellent

speeches, wonderful music and fantastic

refreshments. If anyone who attended the

events needs further information please get

in touch with the Admissions Department.

Weekend Activities

Ambassador’s visitFrancis Campbell, the British Ambassador to the Vatican, visited Stonyhurst this term, and gave a fascinating talk to Poetry on Diplomacy, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Vatican. Many questions were asked afterwards, on a range of topics such as Catholicism in China, ecumenism and faith in action.

Francis Campbell meeting students

GCSE & A Level SuccessThere was a 100% success rate for our Oxbridge candidates; all gained places at Oxford and Cambridge, to read courses as diverse as History of Art, Theology, Mathematics and Electrical Engineering. Our students once again gained a clutch of A grades in their A-levels with some outstanding personal success stories, including 2 students achieving 6 A grades each and three more achieving 5 A-grades. A further 13 pupils achieved three or more A-grades. Once again the percentage of A-grades was up from last year to 38%, well above the national average of 26.7%.

Pupils who took GCSEs are also to be congratulated, achieving 90% A–C grades. The number of pupils who gained A* or A was 42%, double the national average of 21%. 93% of the GCSE pupils got 5 A*–C grades or better, an increase on last year’s figure.

Well done to all the pupils and to the staff and parents for their hard work and support.

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This term has seen a varied programme of weekend activities and trips for boarders. Devised by Mr Steve McGinnis, it began with the Hodder Walk in September and ended with a visit to the Manchester

Christmas markets, with opportunities to practise ice-skating, go-karting, try out gardening and take part in a volley-ball tournament in between. With trips to the Trafford Centre,

Liverpool, the Top Gear Roadshow (LG) and the cinema, and Mrs Jo Wood’s inspirational social events in Higher Line, there’s

never a dull moment!

This term’s Headmaster’s Concert was once again a huge success, showcasing the talent of the Stonyhurst Music Scholars. The performance took place in the Top Refectory in front of a highly appreciative audience. The programme consisted of duets, solos and ensembles which performed music to the highest standards.

The programme featured pieces such as Mozkowski’s Spanish Dance, the first movement from Sonata by Saint-Saens and O Polichinello by Villa-Lobos.

The concert was part of a series of Summer Concerts held at the College including performances from outside groups.

The Headmaster’s Concert

St Mary’s Hall BonfireA Bonfire party, with a fantastic professional fireworks’ display (remote control, no less!) brought a cheery glow to SMH on a night of rather inhospitable weather. In fact, we wondered if the bonfire would light at all after recent frequent deluges. However, we had no need to worry and the blaze was accompanied by a spectacular display of fireworks.

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Molly G 2nd Floor Tali G 3rd Floor Hannah C 3rd Floor Grace B 2nd Floor Beatrice B 1st Floor Eleanor C 1st Floor Leah B 3rd Floor ST

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St Mary’s Gymnastics

Georgia D 4th Floor Zebe G 1st FloorZebe G 1st VaultZebe G 1st OverallTobias D 1st Floor Tobias D 1st Vault Tobias D 1st Overall

A team of 11 SMH pupils travelled to the exhibition halls at Camelot near Chorley for a regional level 1 gymnastics event. The competition involved clubs from all over the North West region and SMH were the only school competing against them. The competitors were required to perform a routine of skills on floor and a handspring over the vault. The competition got off to a great start with the youngest entries competing first. Alice C (Hodder House) won floor with a great score of 9.4 bringing the school its first medal. The medal placings continued throughout the rest of the day in each of their respective age groups.

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This half term the Classics Department and Curator joined forces to run a Baroque and Classical Culture trip to Rome for pupils from Syntax and Poetry. Eleven pupils were accompanied by Miss Parkinson, Mr Callinicos, and Mrs Graffius, and the group was put through an intense artistic and historic marathon, involving a very great deal of pavement bashing, interspersed with coffee, shopping and ice cream breaks. The group visited the rooms of St Ignatius (from where he managed the expanding Society of Jesus), the Colosseum, St Peters, and took in a huge amount of Roman Baroque art and architecture.

St John’s Beaumont Preparatory School Visits Stonyhurst

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Families and staff from our Jesuit sister school, St John’s Beaumont, Windsor came to Stonyhurst for a weekend in November. Their visit began with the swimming gala, with the St John’s boys winning the heats against their St Mary’s Hall competitors. Next came Benediction, followed by drinks for the parents whilst the boys settled in. After a very fine dinner in the Top Ref, we were entertained by musicians from both schools, with solo performances on clarinet, French horn, piano and singing before tired but excited boys retired to their dorms.

Sunday did not offer a lie-in but a tour of the College at 9am, conducted by senior pupils, before Mass in St Peter’s at 10am. The swiftest cup of coffee reinvigorated everyone before the eagerly awaited rugby; earlier gales and heavy rain gave way to faint sunlight to the relief of all.

This year it was a St Johns’ victory, after SMH’s huge efforts of defence against a very strong team. There was a great atmosphere amongst players and supporters alike, and SJB old boys now at Stonyhurst cheered on both teams!

The weekend was an excellent opportunity to meet other members of the Jesuit family and was extremely enjoyable for everyone concerned. At the dinner, the Headmaster, Mr Andrew Johnson, referred to the historic and warm relationship between the two schools. Long may it continue.

St John’s Beaumont Preparatory School Visits Stonyhurst

Hodder HouseIt’s been another busy term at Hodder House.

Photographs show:

Mrs Vanessa Crossley second from the right visited PP1 and PP2, helping them to paint a special Christmas keepsake bauble which was then kiln fired and taken home.

Hodder House children, listening to the authors of the Yuck! science books.

Thomas and Isabella from PP1 act out a bullying scene to help their classmates learn how to stop bullies.

Hodder House in their Woodland Classroom, learning about counting, comparing size, sorting, as well as the changing seasons. A class graph on the computer followed.

Hodder Toddlers has become an important part of the week; PP2 enjoy setting up for our very young visitors, who have loved making pictures with leaves collected on their walks in the grounds this term.

Say No to Bullying! “ ”

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Pawel Rzemieniecki has been awarded an organ scholarship to Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge.

Pawel Rzemieniecki (Rhetoric) has been awarded an organ scholarship to Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge. Pawel, from Poland, will read Mathematics as well as carry out his duties as organ scholar, conducting the college choir and accompanying services. He started playing the organ when he was 10 years old, already has A* passes in Mathematics and Further Mathematics and has achieved a ‘distinction’ for the Associated Board’s grade 8 piano examination.

“I’m delighted to have been awarded this scholarship, as it means I can combine the two things I enjoy most, music and maths,” said Pawel. “Playing the organ at Stonyhurst has been really inspiring as it’s a very fine instrument in a beautiful church.” His organ tutor, Dr Kevin Morgan, the College organist, said “Pawel is a pleasure to work with and we are all extremely proud of his major achievement.”

The Big Band entertains Paris

Pawel Wins a Cambridge Organ Scholarship

BBC Young Musician of the YearJordan Chadwick and Mary Ann Wootton (both Syntax) gained auditions for the first round of the prestigious BBC’s Young Musician of the Year competition this term, with Mary Ann getting through to the second, televised round. The Headmaster, Mr Andrew Johnson, said, “We are very proud that two of our talented musicians have represented Stonyhurst in this prestigious competition, and wish Mary Ann well for the next stage in the New Year.”

The Stonyhurst College Big Band went on tour to Paris in October. The band, which plays a variety of jazz and swing, performed beside Notre Dame Cathedral, under the Eiffel Tower, beside the River Seine and at Disneyland. Their playlist included big band classics such as Fly me to the moon, Chattanooga Choo Choo and Rock this town.

the new CommitteeStonyhurst’s Heads of the Line this year are John Messent and Caroline Shorthouse, and their deputies are Harrison Collins and Eleanor Lamb.

This is John’s fifth year as a boarder at the College; he hopes to read History at Oxford and enjoys football and debating. Caroline has been a day pupil at Stonyhurst for eleven years. “I’m delighted with my new role and feel very proud to have been chosen”, said Caroline, who wants to read English at Oxford; she enjoys drama, music, hockey and is a member of the College Cadet Corps.

Pictured: Back row, from left to right: James Morris, Hew Rous-Eyre, Freddie Liddell, David Mann, Ronan Mellows, Harrison Collins, Olisa Nwokedi. Front row: Natalie Crouch, Eleanor Lamb, Rebecca Powell, John Messent, the Headmaster, Hayley Stokes, Caroline Shorthouse, Sophie Le Breton and Vanessa Vaghetti. Not pictured: Adaobi Anah, Mark Millrine, and Rebecca Waring.

Mr Gordon Brown rowed in the MastersRecently Mr Gordon-Brown rowed in the Masters (40+) event at the Head of the Charles regatta in Boston. It was a crew of friends, most of whom are Oxford Blues who decided to do some training and have some fun. The crew was pretty impressive and included Sir Matthew Pinsent, quadruple Olympic Gold medallist, and Jonny Searle, Olympic Gold medallist. The crew won a bronze medal, coming third behind a Dutch crew of former Olympians and an American crew of former international oarsmen.

Mr Gordon-Brown said, ‘I rowed for Oxford in the 1994 Boat Race and for South Africa in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. Seven of the other guys in our crew have Oxford Blues achieved between 1989 and 1994, four of the crew are Olympians, Matthew, Jonny, Rupert Obholzer (Bronze medal 1996) and me (eighth place 1992). We are all good friends and decided months ago to enter the Head of the Charles, the catalyst being that a number of the crew turn 40 this year. It was awesome fun rolling back the years and

getting back into some more serious training. We came third in the Head of the Charles event, out of 21 crews. We were instinctively a bit gutted when we got the result, hoping that we might have done enough to win. But then you relearn the lesson that you first learnt all those years ago. If we had all trained 50% harder than we did and had managed to spend more time in the boat beforehand we might have won. Rowing gold medals don’t come cheap and neither should they!’ ST

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“ ”Caroline Shorthouse

I’m delighted with my new role and feel very proud to have been chosen

Mr Andrew Gordon-Brown (second from the left)Introducing

Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall took part in the Global Climate Wake-Up Call in September, by holding a tree-wrapping ceremony in the school’s grounds. KS3 pupils wrapped a tree, which was then unwrapped by the school’s youngest children from the Foundation Stage in Hodder House. Three-year-old Nancy Brown, the youngest pupil in the school, had the honour of pulling the big silver ribbon wrapped around it, helped by Mr Peter Anwyl, a former Headmaster of St Mary’s Hall. Dr Chadwick, who teaches science at Stonyhurst, explained to the children that Mr Anwyl was passing on the responsibility of looking after the tree to them, and that trees are very precious.

The Global Climate Wake-Up Call was a day of various events around the world raising awareness about the need to care for the environment.

St Mary’s Hall joins the Climate Wake-Up Call

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St Mary’s Hall joins the Climate Wake-Up Call

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SUBJECT:WELD HOUSE

I am delighted to introduce this new section of Stonyhurst News to you. The Stonyhurst Development Office, which raises funds for the College, has been established for a number of years.

The Development Office has already raised substantial funds for a whole range of projects from which our pupils benefit currently. These include, notably, the Harry Meadow all-weather pitch and the More Library. We are particularly grateful to friends of Stonyhurst who have already supported our current project: the construction of a landmark new building, Weld House, to accommodate forty higher line boarders. The photographs below give an exciting picture of the progress to date on the new building, which is due for completion within the next six months.

Andrew Johnson, Headmaster

The roof is watertight and tiling begins

First fix electrics

Artist impression of the finished west view

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“DEVELOPMENT NEWS

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STONYHURST | LANCASHIRE BB7 9PZT 01254 827073/093 F 01254 827135 E admissions admissions@stonyhurst.ac.uk W www.stonyhurst.ac.uk