Old Tauntonian ReviewOld Tauntonian Office details:

Tel: (01823) 703158

Fax: (01823) 703704

Email: ots@tauntonschool.co.uk Website: www.taunton.web-intouch.com

AUGUST 2010

1966, 1977, 1981, 2000:On their own they arejust years, but betweenthem exists a specialbond, a bond thatstands the test of time.Years when, just for amoment, a few sportingpersonalities werepeerless and for which a

mere date is not enough: 1966 – England’sWorld Cup; 1977 – Red Rum’s National; 1981 –Botham’s Ashes; 2000 – Redgrave’s Olympics.These memories remain as we get older.

We are always gently reminded of the casualbrilliance by a news item, a television highlightor a video. Nobody could surely forget England’sRugby World Cup win in Australia in 2003. Pictures of Jonny Wilkinson’s dropped goal andother images loomed large and often.All great sporting years and moments of

sporting glory are united in their ability to bereplayed in the mind, in conversation or ontelevision. The further back we go, the less likelywe are to be able to converse with those thatwere indeed there. A grainy newsreel may be allthat remains! We live with what we can find.Sadly, as I write this message, England’s

efforts in South Africa have come to nought.Back to the classroom for Fabio Capello and hiswell-rewarded charges. The vuvuzelas are nolonger ringing in his ears! Also, regrettably onceagain, Andy Murray has flattered to deceive atWimbledon. Perhaps he will come good and winhis first major on the hard surface of FlushingMeadows in September. Oh how this country,and particularly our new Prime Minister, couldreally use a great sporting victory to cheer thehearts of the nation particularly in these timesof austerity and talk of double-dip recession.

It was in 1968, almost 42 years ago, that my brother and I arrived at Taunton School. Dr John Rae was the Headmaster at that timeand it was he who was the primary factor in myparents’ choice of TS. At the time, I wasreminded of the words of Thomas Arnold(Headmaster Rugby School 1827-1842): ‘What we must look for here is, first, religious & moral principles; secondly, gentlemanlyconduct; thirdly, intellectual ability’! The Rev’dAlec Knight (OT) was the School Chaplain and Dr Philip Penny (OT) the School Doctor. These gentlemen, together with John Rae, were instrumental in teaching me how to play water-polo, a sport which I continued toenjoy and play competitively well after I had left school.When I left in 1975, A–level examinations

were sat at the end of two years’ study in thesixth form. Some time later came AS and A2swith modules and coursework spread over thewhole study period with final examsrepresenting only a percentage of the finalgrade. This new Government has nowresponded to teachers’ and university lecturers’complaints that AS exams disrupt pupils’attention, supposedly resulting in a failure todevelop the academic skills required for degree-level study, and we now have Michael Gove, theEducation Secretary, pledging to make A-levels“more rigorous”. ‘Fewer modules and moreexams at the end of two years of sixth form and,as a result, a revival of the art of deep thought’. A step backwards? – or maybe we should look

at how Bobby Moore captained England, Alf Ramsey managed our national football teamand how Sir Steve Redgrave achieved his 5Olympic Gold medals without Lottery funding!I am delighted that Jan Nuttall has committed

to remain actively involved on the OTA

Committee and I will be working with her to seehow the Association can expand and develop itsinitiatives in the continuing support and welfareof the School. The OT network is an importantlink between the past and present and I wouldurge you to embrace this community.At the recent June Reunion Weekend held at

the School, there was a fantastic gathering ofthirty or so 1981-83 leavers enjoying their ownreunion. This was primarily due to theunstinting efforts of Fiona Pollard (née Madge) in coordinating and cajoling her contemporaries.A great example of what can be achieved as OTsgathered from as far afield as New Zealand,USA, Ghana, Saudi Arabia and Spain. Have alook at the photographs to see how much theyenjoyed themselves!The Annual Dinner next year will be held

on 12th March, 2011 at The Lansdowne Club, a private members club located just off BerkeleySquare in the heart of Mayfair. I look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible to London. 2011 is also the year of the next Rugby

World Cup, being held in New Zealand.Hopefully Martin Johnson, as Manager/Coach,can replicate his success as England Captain in2003, and follow in the footsteps of Sir CliveWoodward or even Sir Alf before him. If you are travelling to NZ for this spectacle,then don’t forget that YOU have a New ZealandClub and I would urge you to contact Ceri Abbott (chocolate_abbott@yahoo.co.uk)in order to enhance your experience in thatamazing country.

Kind regardsJonathan Stocker Foxcombe 1975 jonathan.stocker@efgl.com

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

WELCOME TO THE CLASS OF 2010!

Vicky Aldrich, Ceres Andrieu, Isobe Bentley, Jessica Bere, Vyacheslav Bezgachev, Jonathan Blewitt, Damon Booth, Timm-Robert Buerrig, Abigayle Cargen, Barkin Celiker, Isaac Chan, Gi Gi Chan Co Co Chan,Rowena Cockett, Ali Court, Olly Curson, Cosimo De Medici Di Toscana, Sam Deakin, JJ Debenham, Alexandra Drage, Richard Draper, Nick Evans, Grace Foulds, Farina Fraatz, Millie Franklin, Marcus Freeman,Amy Gardner, Will Gater, Laura Gatford, George Gauntlett, Gena Goldfield, Ben Grieve, Maria Grunewald, Georgie Hakin, Harry Harrison, Laura Harwood, Skyla Hatcher, Alice Hawkins, Edmund Hayden,Alex Hayes, Harriet Henry, Joss Hiett, Dan Hill, Suszee Hill, Leah Jaques, Isabelle Jeffs, Sandra Jin, Alex Jones, Georgia Jones, Janine Juma, Catherine Kang, Sarah Ketema, Scot Kong, Ekaterina Korobova,Tatiana Kurasova, Ryan Langman, Chloe Large, Lydia Lawrence, Anastasia Legged, Allan Li, Jia Lu, Chris Ma, James MacDonald, Liam MacDonald, Lodovico Marzotto Caotorta, Stephanie May, Conor McGough, Abigail McGrane, Ben McHardy, Nick McLauchlan, Victor Mellul, Hannah Mogg, David Morgan, Guy Nicholson, Lena Nieper, Catriona Odgers, Laura Ofenreiter, Holly O'Neill, Guy Orridge,Tatiana Oudatchina, Jodie Palmer, Tommy Pardini, Dilan Patel, Josh Pearce, Edward Pearson, Henry Pearson, Celina Pfeiffer, Chloe Pick, Josie Rixon, Jon Roberts, Tom Robertson, Chasha Scott, Susan Sebatindira, Johanna Sieverding, Phoebe Swinburn, Sam Tank, Sarah Telford, Rebecca Thome, George Towers, Edmund Tso, Antonia Uthoff, Larissa von Wedekind, Alex Wallace, Tony Wang, Gilly West, Alexander White, William Wickman, Jamie Wilman, Vivian Wong, Benjamin Wood and Tracy Zhang

UPDATESWe are very happy to recount theseremarkable success stories. All OTsare warmly and cordially invited tokeep David Bridges posted withtheir news.

Edmund Shillabeer(Somerset 1958)edmundshillabeer@aol.com

Edmund has anunusual claim tofame: he is theoldest athleteever to début forGreat Britain,making his firstinternationalappearance as aspeedwalker atthe age of 51.Since then he has gone on tosuccess inendurance

events across the UK andEurope. Edmund’s athleticachievements are impressive. In 2006, at the age of 67, hecompleted the Ironman UKtriathlon in Sherborne, Dorset,with a time of 15:35:45. Three weeks later he becamethe oldest individual UKAthletics medallist, coming thirdin the National 50 KilometreRace Walking Championship. Heraised several thousand poundsfor the charity Shelterbox in theprocess. Edmund is a member ofthe London Vidarians WalkingClub, based in Norbury, and hascompeted in numerousracewalking events in recentyears. In 2007 he set a worldrecord for road-walking in theNetherlands, and in 2008 hewon a gold medal as part of theGreat Britain team in the 65–69year age group at the EuropeanMasters 20-kilometre walk inLjubljana, Slovenia. In 2009 hecompleted the Clerical MedicalParish Walk, an 85-mile race-walk around the Isle of Man,with a time of 17:51:08, comingseventeenth out of 187 finishers(out of 1,396 who started therace). Edmund continues to bean active and successfulcompetitor into his 70s. In September 2009 he completedthe 19.4 mile Church to Churchwalk on Guernsey – a race hewon in 1988, 1989, and 2004 –in 3:14:50 for fifth overall. This gave him the best time fora 70 year old, to add to all thefive year bests from 45 up. His fastest was 2:40:58 in 1989. Edmund combines hisathletic activities with a full-timejob as a veterinary surgeon. He has run his own veterinarypractice in his home town ofPlymouth, where he lives withhis wife Barbara and threechildren, since 1970. Peopleused to say school days were thebest years of your life. Edmundsays: “Until my sojourn at university(‘Though I myself have said it, and it'sgreatly to my credit, I am a Bristolman, I am a Bristol man...’), I used to

think that was true. Now I knowdifferently, having been privileged tomeet top people and places on the wayto my Bristol veterinary degree, withsuch fun as well! Walk tall.”

Major-General Jonathan Hall CB OBE FCMI DL(Wills West 1963)

Jonathan Hall, who waseducated at Taunton School andthe Royal Military Academy,Sandhurst, was a professionalsoldier for thirty-five years,reaching the rank of major-general. His last servingappointment was General Officer Commanding the Army in Scotland and Governorof Edinburgh Castle. He sawservice in many parts of theworld including Germany,Cyprus, Canada, Libya,Singapore, and NorthernIreland. He commanded hisregiment, the Royal ScotsDragoon Guards, and 12thArmoured Brigade. He is agraduate of the Army StaffCollege (1977), the HigherCommand and Staff Course(1988) and the Royal College ofDefence Studies (1991). On leaving the Army in 1997, he was appointed LieutenantGovernor (CEO equivalent),Accounting Officer and ex-officioCommissioner of the RoyalHospital, Chelsea. During hiseight years in that appointment,he was responsible, inter alia, forproducing a strategic plan forthe re-development of thehospital as well as increasingincome by opening the facilitiesof the Hospital for commercialgain. He was instrumental insetting up a fund-raisingcampaign/appeal to raise £35million for the creation of a newall-purpose care home and themuch-needed refurbishment ofthe sheltered accommodation for the Chelsea Pensioners. Since then he has completed anindependent review for anational charity and is amanagement consultant withCompton Fundraising Limited.He is currently assisting thecharity for blind ex servicemenand women, St Dunstan’s, toraise £4 million for a newrehabilitation and respite centre

in North Wales. He wasappointed Officer of the Order ofthe British Empire (OBE) in1987, an Officer of the Order ofSt John (OStJ) (Scottish Priory)in 1997, a Companion of theBath (CB) in 1998 and DeputyLieutenant of Dorset in 2010. He was Chairman of theCommissioners of Queen VictoriaSchool, Dunblane from 1995 to1997, a member of theEdinburgh Military Tattoo Boardfrom 1995 to 1997, ColonelCommandant of the Royal ArmyVeterinary Corps from 1995 to2001 and Colonel of the RoyalScots Dragoon Guards from1998 to 2003. He is a fellow ofthe Chartered ManagementInstitute and Honorary Associatemember of the British VeterinaryAssociation. He was appointed in2007 a designated member ofthe BVA Ethics and Welfaregroup. He is a member of HerMajesty’s Body Guard of theHonourable Corps of Gentlemenat Arms. He was a lay-memberof the Ethical Review ProcessCommittee of Imperial College,London from 2002 to 2009. He is a trustee of severalcharitable organisationsincluding the Victoria andGeorge Cross Association, RoyalArmoured Corps War MemorialBenevolent Fund and ArmyMuseums Ogilby Trust. He is aGovernor of Taunton School. He is a Freeman of the City ofLondon and a liveryman of theWorshipful Company of Farriers.He is also Vice President of theArmy Benevolent Fund in Dorsetand a Vice President of theSociety of Dorset Men. He is amember of the SherborneDeanery Synod and ParochialChurch Council and is involvedwith the Sherborne AbbeyFestival. He is the CountyChairman of the St John Council,Dorset. Finally, he is a trustee ofthe Cavalry and Guards Cluband a member of Pratt’s.Jonathan Hall has been marriedfor forty-two years to Sarah.They have two marrieddaughters and he lives in Dorset.

David Glenn(Foxcombe 1969) david_glenn@ipcmedia.com

David was recently appointededitor of ‘Yachting World’. His career with the magazine

has been a long one – he joinedin 1979 following seven yearswith ‘Motor Boat and Yachting’and four years with West ofEngland Newspapers where hegained his National Council forthe Training of Journalistsqualification. His first job with‘Yachting World’ was to write ananalysis of the official Fastnetdisaster report. David said: “I now edit the magazine plus its bigyacht supplement ‘Supersail World’.The magazine is distributedworldwide, is owned by TimeWarner’s IPC Media and is one of thebest respected yachting magazines.”

Ian McNeice(Wills West 1969)

Familiar to many for hisfrequent television, film andstage appearances (and fondlyremembered as Charley’s Auntin the TS Memorial Hall in 1968-9!), Ian is currently appearing asCardinal Wolsey in ‘Henry VIII’at Shakespeare's Globe Theatrein London. He will be in the play until the 10th of Augustwhen he will fly to SantaBarbara for his son Travers’wedding who will marry JennyMayock – they met when theywere students at UCSB.

Tim Gregson MBE(Wills West 1972)

Tim studied Art History atManchesterUniversityafter leavingTS in 1972.He thenserved in theArmy for 30years, takinga commissionin his father’sregiment,The Light

Infantry (now The Rifles). He served in Hong Kong andBrunei with the Gurkhas, andthen in Northern Ireland.Promoted to Brigadier, he spentfour years in Paris as MilitaryAttaché at the British Embassyfrom 2003. Upon remarriage toDebs in 2007 he retired from theArmy, beginning a second careeras chief executive to theWorshipful Company ofCarpenters, one of London’soldest livery companies. He isnow responsible for 100 staff onthree sites. In addition to theCompany's rôle in fostering a

living craft and promotingphilanthropic work, theCompany administers theBuilding Crafts College inStratford – which runs coursesfor students at different stagesin their careers whose skillsinclude fine woodwork, joinery,and stonemasonry – andsupports a number of schools.There is also at Stratford afoundation degree in historicbuilding conservation. Tim anticipates that the Collegewill be actively involved instonework and furniture-makingfor the main Olympics site andthe Olympics sailing centre atWeymouth. (adapted from Houseand Gardens magazine)

Lizzie Penny(Jenkin 2000) lizzie@futureproofmarketing.netIn 2004, whilst at WarwickBusiness School, Lizzie won the£2500 Undergraduate Student of the Year award at theNational Business Awards. This annual award recognisesthe development and calibre of students giving them theopportunity to demonstrate theskills they have acquired duringthe course of their studies. Six years later, and after stintsin sales and PR before settlingon a career in brandmanagement, Lizzie and anotherbusiness partner have justlaunched a new company called Futureproof Marketing(www.futureproof.co.uk) whichoffers cost effective outsourcemarketing solutions to small andmedium-sized UK businesses.Lizzie said: “I am really excited atthe prospect of developing the newcompany which already has WhiteStuff clothing and the University ofLondon among its clients.”Lizzie (pictured below) haspreviously worked managingbrands including Smirnoff,Pimm’s and Guinness and is nowhoping to take her knowledge tohelp smaller companies andindividuals make a success oftheir businesses.

Euan Hankey(Evans 2005) euan_hankey@hotmail.com

At the age of 23, Euan is one ofBritain’s strongest young racers.From a super competitive kartist Euan has gone on to race Formula BMW, Formula 3 Euro Series, Formula RenaultUK and now Porsche Carrera Cup Championship. His accolades include BRDCRising Star Member, FormulaBMW Scholarship Winner,Formula BMW RookieChampion, BARC Rookie of theyear and Porsche Carrera CupGB Scholarship winner.

Rhiannon Llewellyn(Weirfield 2006) rhiannon_p_llewellyn@hotmail.co.ukRhiannon, whom many willremember with acclaim for hersuperlative singing in numerousrecent school events, has beenawarded ‘Student Entrepreneurof the Year Award’ for setting up an Opera Company. The company is called Opera’r Ddraig and mounted itsfirst production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute with kindpermission from Stephen Fry touse his libretto. TOpera’r Ddraig

was set up to provide youngsingers, in the midst of theiroperatic training, an opportunityto perform complete operaticroles in a fully-staged production with orchestra. Over 100 students and youngprofessionals took part in theproduction at The Gate Theatrein Cardiff. Although all rôles are voluntary, the company works within a professionalframework. This givesopportunities to young peoplefrom many disciplines fromrepetiteurs, stage managers and costume designers to other, less likely candidates like academics writingprogramme notes, film studentsmaking a documentary aboutthe production process, and graphic designers working on artwork for the marketing. The production was extremelywell-received by audience and critics alike and allperformances were sold out,with people lining up on the streets to get tickets! Another,similarly successful productionwas The Nightingale and the Rosewhich was a première of the Chamber Opera by the young composer Tom Floydwhich was, again, a sell out and will be repeated at theGrimeborn Festival and aconcert performance atGloucester Cathedral in 2011.

Dorothy Sanders(Bevan 2006) dorothysanders@hotmail.co.ukDorothy graduated from Durham this year and has beenasked by the UN DevelopmentProgramme to organise twoworkshops in Kosovo to presentand publish her dissertationresults to the internationalcommunity and localgovernment out there.

Harry Whittington(Marshall 2007) Harry, who has been studying atNorthumbria University for thepast three years, going into hisfinal year in September, hasrecently completed a work

placement in Abu Dhabi. He represented Great BritainUniversities Rugby 7s at the last World Championships inSpain in 2008 where the team performed extremely well. This year the games are inPortugal and, after playing inthe Manchester 7s for aninvitation GB student side inJune, Harry was successfullyselected. The Championshipstook place in Porto at the end of July.

David Floyd(Wills East 2008) davidfloyd@hotmail.co.uk

David was Commissioned fromthe Royal Military Academy,Sandhurst into the Army AirCorps on 16 April 2010 and wasdeployed to Afghanistan fourweeks later with the Gurkhas fora four month infantryattachment. David said:“I’m looking forward to the ArmyPilots Course in September which will include flying fixed wing aircraftat RAF Cranwell and helicopters at RAF Shawbury before completingthe APC in 2012. I hope to fly theApache Helicopter after gaining my ‘Wings’.”

Old Tauntonian Review

UPDATES

In May this year, Taunton School commissioned two evocative watercolours from thedistinguished artist Hubert Pragnell. The artist studied Fine Art at Goldsmiths College and theRuskin School of Drawing at Oxford and later taught Art at the Kings School, Canterbury. He is the author of Industrial Britain and a number of other works on architecture. From thesepaintings, limited edition signed and numbered prints will be produced and offered for sale toOTs and current parents in the early autumn. They will be priced at £79 each or £119 for thepair. The School will receive a royalty of 10% on all sales.

TAUNTON SCHOOLWATERCOLOURS

Germaine Greer – 15th SeptemberGermaine Greer is an Australian-born writer – a celebrated academic, journalist and specialist in modern English literature. Her book ‘The Female Eunuch’ became an international best-seller in the 1970s. The most recent of her many other works is‘Shakespeare’s Wife’. 6.30pm Old Library (refreshments available from 6.00pm)

The Reverend Ian Paisley – 23rd SeptemberIan Paisley, one of the most significant politicians of our times, is especially well-known as the co-founder of the Democratic Unionist Party, the largest single grouping in the 2007 elections inNorthern Ireland. He stepped down from this role in March 2008, and it was announced in theDissolution Honours List that he is to become a peer. 7.00pm Old Library (refreshments available from 6.30pm)

Sir Peter Westmacott KCMG LVO – 11th OctoberOn leaving Taunton School, Sir Peter joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Following postings to Tehran, Brussels and Paris he became Head of Chancery in Ankara, Director of Americas and Deputy Private Secretary to the Prince of Wales. Sir Peter, currently British Ambassador to France, is a firm supporter of the School – he generously hosted an OT French Club Cocktail Dinatoire in the British Embassy in Paris in 2009. 7.00pm Old Library (refreshments available from 6.30pm)

JOHN RAE SOCIETY

OLD WEIRFIELDIAN?WATCH THIS SPACE!My memories of Weirfield were happy ones, and although I spent my

sixth form at Taunton School, Weirfield played a big part in my life and I made some greatfriends there. There have been a few reunions over the years, but I have always felt sad thatOld Weirfieldians did not seem to have a natural home now that there is no physical school.I am delighted to tell you that the Autumn will see the launch of a Weirfield Club, open to

any girl or boy who attended Weirfield School (and of course their spouses / partners). The Club will provide a forum for reunions and other social events. There is a small organisinggroup working at getting a fun launch event off the ground, but I would love to hear from anyOld Weirfieldians who would like to get involved or who have ideas to contribute. The OTA has provided some funding and the School will be delighted to host OW events.

I am aware, though, that many OWs do not read The Review so, if you are in touch withfriends from Weirfield, please pass on the news and encourage them to join in.

Jan Nuttalljan.nuttall@gmail.com

Chris Harris(Fairwater 1960) ccharris@btinternet.com

www.chrisharrisproductions.btinternet.co.uk

BIRTHSALSTON to Lisa (née Bown) Murray ’88 and James Miles – 01.03.10CLARKE to Sarah (née Kent) Murray ’96 and James Poppy Elizabeth – 20.11.09GLEAVE to Kate (née Leamon) Bevan ’96 and Benjamin Daisy Olivia Jemima – 30.03.10McFAUL to David Fairwater ’00 and Emma Nathan John – 20.06.10SMITH to Caroline (née Shipton) Murray ’89 and Andy Lily Isabella Grace – 14.05.10

ENGAGEMENTSLloyd Smith (Fairwater 2000) to Christina Moon (Gloucester 2000)

MARRIAGESAULD Danielle (née Collins) Gloucester ’00 to Jonathan married 30.04.10BRODIE Hannah (née Lansdell) Murray ’99 to James married 31. 07.10BUCHAN Chris Fairwater ‘99 to Sarah married 10.07.10BUCHAN Sarah (née Hall) Murray ‘99 to Chris married 10.07.10COMPTON Vicki (née Newbold) Bevan ’93 to Ben married 22.05.10DUNNE Sarah-Jayne (née Price) Gloucester ’99 to Tony married 17.04.10GOLDSMITH Jessica (née Axe) Besley '97 to Matthew married 29.05.10JOY Alan Wills East ’62 to Elizabeth married 17.07.10MORAN Sarah (née Taylor) Bevan ’02 to David married 01.09.09SKITTRALL Jonathan Evans ’92 to Saskia married 21.08.10STEVENS Jacqui (née Baty) Bevan ’03 to Ian married 05.06.10

DEATHSALLAWAY John Simon School House ’51-’56 died 05.03.10CHANNING Michael John Somerset ’46-’56 died 06.09CUNNEBER Gladys Maud (née Adams) Weirfield School ’24-’36 died 04.04.10DALE David Robin Fairwater ’48-’55 died 20.12.09DUKE James Darbey Ridgway Foxcombe ‘72-‘75 died 22.07.10EASLICK Brian David Somerset ’37-’48 died 02.10GRIFFITH John Aneurin Gref Fairwater ’29-’37 died 08.05.10HILL DFC Eric Senior Day Boys ‘34-‘40 died 27.07.10LINES John Stapleton Wills East ’44-’50 died 12.04.10MAKINS Roger Henry School House ’42-’50 died 22.12.09McMASTER Ian Frederick John Maxwell Wills East ’43-’47 died 14.04.10SNEDDON Karen Jacqueline (née Gardiner) Gloucester ’77-’85 died 12.04.10

Old Tauntonian Review

NOT ENOUGHHOURS IN THE DAY? THE HEADSTILL LOVESSATURDAY SCHOOL!

While newspapersagonise over leaguetables and the quality of the examinationsystem, we perhapsoverlook the fact thatexams do not provide all the skills our youngpeople need for thecoming 50 years of their lives. There arehuge problems to solve in our world and weneed people with the courage to step out oftheir comfort zone,

think laterally, argue persuasively and design the answers with others that will enable us as acivilisation to move forward.One of the questions I am asked is why we at

Taunton School do a six day week from 11 years of age (Year 7) onwards. Behind the question,usually from a pupil, is a simmering resentment that somehow I am imposing more school and taking away their fun time. In fact we do the same number of days in

school each year as any other, but apportion thattime differently. For starters, it means we can do all our teaching before the public examinations – a no-brainer.Of course such a long week supports our

boarding ethos, but is also good news for our day pupils. They get the best of both worlds. A rich and varied week, the academic input to be ready for the exams and the chance to take awhole raft of skills, experiences and challengesinto their adult life.One of the areas that benefits most in our

school from the long week is the Arts. We do not make pupils choose to be either a sportsmanor an actor. They do both. They can help build aracing car as part of the GreenPower project(thanks as ever to the OTs for their support withthat!), but also take part in public speakingchampionships in Massachusetts or Lithuania aswell as in weekly debates. They can enjoy playingin all the major and minor concerts while stillreceiving all the academic guidance they need toexcel in exams.Why is this important? Because by engaging

in artistic activity, pupils experience the creativeand the collaborative, as well as the pressure and exhilaration of being in the public eye. These are all skills that are vital for our children’s future. You can have all the facilities in the world,

but unless the staff, the expectation and the school week do not support them, pupils do not benefit. Six days a week. An interesting thought for Mr Gove.

Dr John H. Newton M.A. (Oxon), F.Coll.P.,Dip.M.S.(Ed.)Headmaster, Taunton School

OT 200 CLUB SECRETARY

After 22 years of dedicatedservice, Dennis Webb isretiring as Secretary of the200 Club. We are seeking a volunteer to take on thesecretarial rôle which entailskeeping the membershiprecords and accounts,ensuring a draw is taken at

each dinner, sending prize cheques to the winners andproducing the annual news letter. 90% of themembership subscriptions are paid by standing order.Dennis and Julie Webb have always enjoyed attendingOT functions but it is not necessary always to do so.

If you are interested please contact Dennis for further information. Tel: 01903 784986 dennis@rustywebb.plus.com

OTA TRUSTEESAt the AGM held over the June Reunion weekend, Henry Keeling was appointed as a Trustee of the Association to replace Mike Buttonwho will retire in 2011 having served in that position for 35 years.

Mike said: “It is important for the Association to beself-rejuvenating. Presidents are younger these daysand Trustees and others must follow suit but onlywhen enthusiastic and capable younger men andwomen are available.”

Henry Keeling(1963-74)

Michael Button(1949-56)

AROUND THE CLUBS

ANNUAL DINNER – MARCH 2010

Jenny McCruden and Bruce Jeffares Fiona Guest and Sarah Ketema David Brighton and Henry Keeling

John and Lesley LukeJohn and Ann Carrington

Dale Sutcliffe andDavid Bridges

Susan Mecklenburgh and Phil Griffiths

l to r: John Newton, Jan Nuttall and Jonathan Stocker

Above l to r: Susan George, Mellanie Rouse and Mark Hobbs

l to r: Rod Little, Paul Wood and Ian Angus

l to r: Pippa Cook, Ross and

Regina Moon

Pamela Greenslade and Sarah Wood

Chris and Christine Levan

l to r: Neil Longstreet, Magician Sean Moon

and Pippa Cook

Old Tauntonian Review

ANNUAL REUNION – JUNE 2010

SCOTTISH CLUB – A GRAND DAY OUT

Above: Crona & James Hodges, John & Muriel Berkeley, Peter Phillips with his daughter Margaret Robertson and Alan & Wendy Cherrett

We all squeezed into a first class cabin at Aviemoreand enjoyed the beautiful Highland countryside upto Broomhill and back. Broomhill featured of coursein ‘Monarch of the Glen’ as Glenbogle and we hadto queue to get our photo on the bench by the sign!(Keen-eyed Old Weirfieldians will have spottedHermione Gulliford Weirfield School ‘82 whoplayed Hermione Trumpington-Bonnett in theseries.) Our carriage brought back memories oftravelling to school for some and it was lovely tohear the stories and share a glimpse of those happy memories.

Crona said:“It was a really lovely day, the sunshone for us but thankfully for me it wasn’t too hot!A fun outing topped off with a long and pleasantlunch in Aviemore with everyone looking forward to the next meeting.”

David Bridges with Alison and David Yates Catherine Stocker and Gordon Cooper

The OT Burke Debate

‘81-‘83 Leavers

‘81-‘83 Leavers

Friday evening Barbecue

Economics, first as anundergraduate, 1937-40, and then member of staff, 1948-84. In the official history of the LSE a former director, LordDahrendorf, called him “theconscience of the School.”

Griffith was a scourge of thejudiciary, even when he agreedwith the rulings. Throughout hiscareer he sought to confoundthose who claimed that thejudiciary was neutral. He wasscathing about what he regardedas the judges’ right-wingpredilections, as revealed in theirverdicts and remarks about cases involving free speech, civil liberties, tradeunions, racial discrimination and conspiracy.

It was because of his belief intheir bias that Griffith wanted tolimit the influence of judges onpublic policy, opposed a Bill of Rights and would not rely onjudicial activism to safeguardliberties. He preferred to trustthe democratic process, with astrong House of Commons to holdministers to account, and moreopen government.

Professor John Griffith(Fairwater 1937) 1918-2010

John Griffith, who died in March 2010 aged 91, was born in 1918 and brought up inCardiff where his father headedthe largest English-speakingchapel. The family moved toLondon in the mid-1920s andJohn was sent as a boarder toTaunton School.

He was an outstanding andcontroversial public lawyer. He had a 47-year associationwith the London School of

OBITUARY

He overcame his pacifism and served in India during the war.

He was a prolific scholar andmany of his books figuredprominently in student readinglists. As well as tormentingjudges, he was a thorn in the side of university managers.He was a founder and very active member of the Council of Academic Freedom andDemocracy, which took up cases of alleged abuses ofacademic staff by universityauthorities. In 1986 he attractednational attention when he stood against the Marchioness ofAnglesey, the official universitynominee, to be Chancellor of the University of Manchester, in succession to the Duke of Devonshire.

There had never been a contest before, let alone anyquestioning of the nomination of the university authorities.However, many of the academicstaff had grown concerned at what was happening in higher education and wantedsomebody with some intellectual

JUNE WEDDING

Jacqui Stevens (née Baty) Bevan ‘03 was married to Ian on 5th June, 2010.

Back (l-r): Simon Carroll Fairwater ‘03, Michael Williams Marshall ‘03, Andrew Barclay Wills West ‘03. Front (l-r): Helen Sloley Besley ‘03, Tessa Banham Jenkin ‘03, Ian Stevens, Jacqui Stevens Bevan ‘03, Derek Baty (proud father) and Hannah Dees Bevan ‘03.

standing rather than a social figure. Griffith, theinsurgent candidate, won easily, staff and students were delighted, and theuniversity managers werehumiliated at the implied vote of no confidence.

His academic life was spent entirely at the LSE, except for two years when he was a law lecturer atAberystwyth after the war. He was promoted to a chair inEnglish Law in 1959 and then in Public Law in 1970. A colleague called him “the Merlin from Marlow”. In his late eighties, short, balding and with a goatee beard, he was still a commanding presence atseminars; his fine mind andremarkable memory wereguaranteed to stimulate.

In his various activities andcauses Griffith was supported by his wife. They married in 1941, a year after both graduated from LSE. She survives him along with two sons and a daughter.

Old Tauntonian Review

WINGED WORDS – OT WORDSMITHS PAST & PRESENTMAN OF LETTERS:Edward Bryant(Wills West 1958)

“You’re not the Edward Bryant, areyou?” asked the star-struck fan whohad just been introduced at a party for the Paris branch of the OxfordUniversity Society. “The one whowrites for The Daily Telegraph?”

He was indeed, but who exactly was this famous scribbler? Our man in Paris? A politicalpolemicist? A business expert? The answer, of course, is all of theabove and more, for Mr Bryant, OldTauntonian and ex-pat, retired seniormanager at PricewaterhouseCoopers,

is one of the most prolific contributors to our letters page, oftenwriting two or three times a day. Edward is moved to write so oftenbecause he’s “awfully disappointed that Britain doesn’t play moreof a role in the world”. When he is asked how many times he hasbeen published, there is the sound of his picking up a heavy drawer.“Many,” he declares. His ‘many’ include this particular gem:

Sir – Could the reason for the British people’s poor spelling bedue to the constant reference to the three ironic Rs for the basicskills of reading, writing, and arithmetic?

adapted from a Daily Telegraph article by Iain Hollingshead

KEEPING THE SCORE: OF DIDCOT AND THE DEMONAlan Gibson(School House 1942)

ANTHONY Gibson has won the 2010Cricket Society and MCC Book of theYear award for his edited selection of cricket writing by his father, Alan Gibson. Alan was a WestCountry broadcaster and journalistwho reported cricket for The Timesfrom 1967 to 1986 with wit,observation and erudition. Not onlyOTs who enjoy their cricket, but allwho enjoy good, entertaining writing,will relish this publication. The book’stitle is a reference to the railwayjunction where Gibson wouldinvariably miss his connections, and to The Demon of Frome, thenickname which he famously gave to Somerset bowler, Colin Dredge. The book has been enthusiasticallyreceived. It is described by former

England cricket captain, Mike Atherton, as “a vivid snapshot of alost world delivered by a writer who developed a memorable anddistinctive voice”. John Arlott called him “quite the most amusingsports writer of his time”, but the public success concealed muchprivate grief, and in his biographical commentary, Anthony recountsdispassionately his father’s marital problems, the ending of hiscareer as a test match commentator for the BBC and his eventualdescent into alcoholism. Of Didcot and the Demon – the Cricketing Times of Alan Gibson is available on amazon.co.uk, Waterstones or direct from Fairfield Books on 01225 335813.

WORDS IN THE AIR:Bryon Butler(Somerset 1952)

In the year of the Soccer World Cup,we celebrate the memory of one of our finest sports broadcasters,Bryon Butler who achieved nationalrecognition as the BBC Radio footballcorrespondent from 1968 to 1990,and thereafter was well known toreaders of The Daily Telegraph for his Talking Football columns. Unlike some other footballcorrespondents, Butler never tookany delight in slagging off players,but rather enjoyed giving credit

wherever it was due. With his great talent with words, he excelledin description and in putting across the flavour of a game. He brought grace and style to his work, often adding poetic touches. In one of his best known commentaries, during the England v Argentina World Cup tie in Mexico in 1986, he spoke of“the ball creeping over the line like an apology”. Even after DiegoMaradona propelled the ball into the net with his hand – theinfamous ‘Hand of God’ goal – Butler never expressed the slightestindignation or anger. On the radio he read out his reports asbeautifully as he had written them. Bryon died in 2001.

Anthony Gibson (left) receives his awardfrom the President of the MCC, JohnBarclay, at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

FORTHCOMING EVENTSSEPTEMBERFriday 10 Western Club Lunch 1.00pm Taunton SchoolSunday 12 Cornish Club Lunch 12.00pm Crantock Bay HotelFri 17 - Sun 19 French Club Weekend LyonOCTOBERSaturday 16 OTA Committee meeting 2.30pm Taunton School Saturday 16 Western Club Dinner 6.30pm Taunton School Wednesday 20 Southern Club Lunch 12.30pm Cloud Hotel, BrockenhurstSaturday 23 USA Reception Los AngelesNOVEMBERFriday 12 Western Club Lunch 1.00pm Taunton SchoolSaturday 20 Welsh Club Dinner 7.30pm Cardiff Golf ClubDECEMBERMonday 6 Western Club Christmas Lunch 12.30pm Taunton SchoolTuesday 7 London Club Dinner 7.30pm RAF Club, 128 Piccadilly Saturday 11 OT Sports Club Dinner 6.00pm Taunton School2011JANUARYFriday 7 Western Club Lunch 1.00pm Taunton SchoolFEBRUARYFriday 4 Western Club Lunch 1.00pm Taunton SchoolMARCHFriday 4 Western Club Lunch 1.00pm Taunton SchoolSaturday 12 OTA Annual Dinner Lansdowne Club, LondonMAYSaturday 21 Midland Club Dinner 7.30pm Alveston Manor, StratfordJUNEFriday 10 Western Club Lunch 1.00pm Taunton SchoolFriday 17 Reunion Weekend BBQ 7.00pm Taunton SchoolSaturday 18 Reunion Weekend Dinner 6.30pm Taunton School

& School House Centenary Reunion 6.30pm Taunton School

Sunday 19 Reunion Weekend Lunch 12.30pm Taunton SchoolSEPTEMBERFriday 9 Western Club Lunch 1.00pm Taunton SchoolOCTOBERSaturday 15 Western Club Dinner 6.30pm Taunton SchoolNOVEMBERFriday 11 Western Club Lunch 1.00pm Taunton SchoolDECEMBERMonday 5 Western Club Christmas Lunch 12.30pm Taunton School

OLD TAUNTONIAN ASSOCIATION

GRADUATION NEWSCongratulations to the following on their recent Graduation success:

Emma Kennedy (Jenkin ’04) MA Pharmacy Bath

Will Hopkins (Evans ’05) MEng Aeronautical Engineering SouthamptonNathan Morgan (Wills West ’05) LLB Law UWE, BristolRichard Parsons (Wills West ’05) BA Ancient History & Archaeology BirminghamWilliam Warnock (Marshall ’05) BSc Hons Criminology & Forensic Science Keele William Warnock (Marshall ’05) Graduate Diploma in Law BournemouthBryan Wong (Wills West ’05) BSc Chemical Engineering Manchester

Josh Bess (Marshall ’06) BSc Hons Physiotherapy CardiffEmily Duggan (Besley ’06) BA French Oxford – Queen’sAlice Fitton (Bevan ’06) BA Anthropology Durham – St Mary’sJames Longstreet (Marshall ’06) BA History CardiffTom Millington (Marshall ’06) BA English & Sports Exercise Sciences Loughborough Oleksandr Nikolayev BSc International Business (Fairwater ’06) Management AstonWilliam Pickard (Fairwater ’06) BA Hons History and Politics Birmingham Ryan Robert (Fairwater ’06) BSc Animal Management PortsmouthDorothy Sanders (Bevan ’06) BSc Geography Durham – St Chad’sJoel Thomas (Evans ’06) BA Sports Coaching Science BirminghamEmma Westman (Bevan ’06) MA Hons History Edinburgh

Amy Bray (Jenkin ’07) BA Natural Sciences Cambridge – St. John’sClare Davies (Jenkin ’07) BSc Marine Geography Cardiff Iain Large (Goodland ’07) BA History Oxford – BalliolSophie Large (Besley ’07) BSc Geography ManchesterRhiannon Piper (Jenkin ’07) BA Hons Three Dimensional Design PlymouthJustine Singleton (Besley ’07) BA Hons Marketing UWICVincent Tso (Fairwater ’07) BSc Virology & Immunology Bristol

WESTERN AUSTRALIA CLUB Chairman: Greg Gregory greg@highway1.com.auCANADIAN CLUB Chairman: Chris Loat chris-loat@shaw.caUSA (WEST) CLUB Chairman: Dr Alan Morgan alanmdjmary@cs.comHONG KONG CLUB Chairman: Sabrina Leung sabrina@chamberlain-edu.comFRENCH CLUB Chairman: Edward Bryant edwardbryant@noos.fr

Social Secs: Matt Forrester mattforrester@hotmail.co.ukMark Bootherstone mark.bootherstone@gmail.co.uk

SPANISH CLUB Chairman: John Edwards jed@johnedwards.org.ukNEW ZEALAND CLUB Chair: Ceri Abbott chocolate_abbott@yahoo.co.ukDUBAI CLUB Chairman: Anthony Forester-Bennett afb@emirates.net.aePRESIDENTS’ CLUB OLD TAUNTONIAN TRUST (Reg Charity No. 1060388)Charitable purposes connected with Taunton School

Trustees: John Pangbourne (Principal Trustee and Treasurer)Michael Button, David Jenkins, Henry Keeling

SPORTS CLUB Chairman: Will Osmond will@osmondandosmond.co.ukHon Sec.: Peter Dunn peelo1@hotmail.com

GOLFING SOCIETY President: Wes Wyatt wowyatt@supanet.comHon Sec.: Richard Jowett richardjowett@hotmail.com

200 CLUB Chairman: David Brighton balfour@waitrose.comHon Sec.: Dennis Webb dennis@rustywebb.plus.com

OT FREEMASONARYOld Tauntonian Lodge No. 5735 WM: Nigel Wood nigel-wood@hotmail.co.uk

Secretary: John Ingram-Johnson ijsinuk@yahoo.co.ukTaunton School Lodge No. 8215 WM: Julian Frost julianfrostrt365@hotmail.com

Secretary: Chris Harding harding588@btinternet.comOld Tauntonian Chapter No. 5735 MEZ: Michael Webb michael.webb3@tesco.net

Scribe E: Graham Bowerman graham.bowerman@btconnect.com

PRESIDENT Jonathan Stocker jonathan.stocker@efgl.comPresident-ElectVice Presidents Michael Button mikebutton@freeola.com

Michael Willacy CBE willacy@mwa-consultancy.co.ukDavid Jenkins dlloydjenkins@btconnect.comThe Headmaster headmaster@tauntonschool.co.uk(ex officio)

Trustees Michael Button mikebutton@freeola.comDavid Jenkins dlloydjenkins@btconnect.comHenry Keeling henry@henrykeeling.comJohn Pangbourne cpangbourne@hotmail.com

Hon Assoc Secretary Colin Humphrey colin@nths.fsnet.co.ukHon Assoc Treasurer Simon Smart simonseansmart@gmail.comRegistrar David Bridges ots@tauntonschool.co.ukPublications Secretary John Carrington annjohn@ukonline.co.ukYounger OT Representatives Iain Large ijmlarge@gmail.com

Kate Taylor kate.taylor@seh.ox.ac.uk

LONDON CLUB Chair: Mary Woodgate mary.woodgate@accenture.comHon Sec.: Julian Pike home@feinpike.co.uk

WELSH CLUB Chairman: Oliver Griffiths olgriff@hotmail.comHon Sec.: Philip Griffiths philgriff_eqmc@yahoo.co.uk

WEST WALES CLUB Chairman: Philip Griffiths philgriff_eqmc@yahoo.co.ukHon Sec.: Michael Colley macolley47@hotmail.com

WESTERN CLUB Chairman: Chris Levan chris.levan@leybrad.co.ukHon Sec.: David Bridges david.bridges@tauntonschool.co.uk

SOUTHERN CLUB Lunch Secretary: Chris Davis chrisdav@alderholt.freeserve.co.ukSCOTTISH CLUB Chairman: Crona Hodges crona.hodges@erm.com

Hon Sec.:MIDLANDS CLUB Chairman: Keith Ingram keith.ingram99@yahoo.co.uk

Hon Sec.: Chris Ainley chris@ainley.plus.comCORNISH CLUB Chairman: Bruce Jeffares brucejeffares@talk21.comNORTHERN CLUB Chairman: Stephen Gullick ots@tauntonschool.co.ukEASTERN AUSTRALIA CLUB Chairman: Mark Slee markslee51@excite.com

Saturday 18: am. Tour of Old Lyon (a World Heritage Site), followed by lunch in a typical bistro.pm. Free for browsing, shopping etc.

8.00pm: Apéritif, followed by Dinner at Chabert (a well known Lyon ‘bouchon’)

Cost: about 45€, for the four course dinner, wine and coffee.

Sunday 19:am. Visit to le marché de la création along the banks of the Saône, followed by

lunch at Sud, one of the restaurants run by chef Paul Bocuse.

We recommend the 3 star Hôtel Carlton, rue Jussieu, right in the heart of Lyon, withinwalking distance of Chabert, Bar Américain, shops etc. If you wish to use a different hotel,look for those in the Centre-ville (Bellecour-Terreaux) or Perrache.Please ask David Bridges to put you in touch with either Simone or Trevor, if you want

advice about accommodation, travel etc.

Venez nombreux!

Old Tauntonian Review

Enjoy the gastronomic delights of France’s second city and discover something of its twothousand years of history during this weekend, hosted by Simone Boulanane-Snow(Besley 1985) and Trevor Snow (former Head of Modern Languages).

Outline programme:

Friday 17:7.30pm Apéritif at the Bar Américain, followed by dinner in local restaurants of your

choice (advice given by hosts).

Don’t worry – I’m not leaving; the OT Office has relocated from the Clark Centre to the former Gent’s Toilet in the Main School Corridor!

Please make a note of our new contact numbers:

OT Office: 01823 703158 Fax: 01823 703704 Foundation: 01823 703159

DAVID BRIDGES (OT REGISTRAR) IS ON THE MOVE...

OT FRENCH CLUB REUNION WEEKENDLYON 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2010

OLD TAUNTONIAN ASSOCIATION

David Higginson (Goodland 1999) and Peter Whalley (Marshall 1998)have recently forged a partnership and launched a Taunton based estate agency: ‘Higginson, Weymouth and Whalley’ a sister company to the already established and successful financial services business 1st Financial Group, which is run by David, his brother and fellow Old Tauntonian, Phillip Higginson, (Evans 1987), and Mark Weymouth. The five partners are David, Peter, Phil, Mark and, last but by nomeans least, Phil and David’s father Colin Higginson.

Growing up together at Taunton School, David and Peter have been good friends for over 15 years. David, an Independent Financial Advisor, has spent the last 6 years in the financial services industry, and is now a director of 1st FinancialGroup. David was also founding partners in a local estate agency prior to its salein August 2009. Peter has spent his career in the service industry, a Headhunter forseveral years primarily based in London, but moving back to his beloved West Country in 2008.

After careful consideration and lengthy discussion over several rounds of golf, they felt that 2010 was the perfect time to launch. Although not trying to reinvent thewheel when it comes to selling houses, they strongly believe that being open, honest and working harder to satisfy the needs of their customers will go a long way to ensuring their success.

After lengthy discussions and brainstorming sessions trying to come up with a short,catchy and memorable name, Higginson, Weymouth and Whalley was born!! We’re offering an introductory fee offer of 0.75% throughout 2010 and No VAT –however, would be delighted offer Old Tauntonians a discounted rate of 0.65% during this period! Pete Whalley and David Higginson

A GREAT DEAL ON OFFER...

Oliver Deasy (Goodland ’06) captained theExeter University side to a 3-2 victory overfavourites Loughborough University in the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sports)championship final over Easter and Tom Millington (Marshall ’06) was in goal forLoughborough. Highlights of the march werebroadcast on Sky television.

Both players also played in the national EnglishHockey League Premier division this year fortheir respective university teams. John Osmond(Evans ’06) plays for Durham University 1st XI inthe national EHL Conference North division.

Leslie-Ann Davis née Rice (Babbingly ’76) has told us of her 2010 OT skiing trip toCourchevel 1650. The Davis family try to go en masse every winter and their first tripnumbered 22; on the 2010 trip 18 skiers participated. The ages in the groups have beenbetween 4 years and 76 years and the abilities have been between total beginner toexpert like Andy Davis (Foxcombe ’76).

Leslie-Ann says:“The picture was taken on the balcony of the restaurant at the top ofSaulire (3,200m) where Sophie’s burger and chips cost 38 Euros! Can I claim 3,200metres as the Highest OT Reunion in 2010?”

OT HOCKEY NEWS

ON THE ‘UP AND UP’...

David Longman (Quantocks 1966) writes that the announcement from the Department ofHealth recommending future investment in PDT research – and the roll-out of approvedtreatments using PDT – is his greatest personal achievement. As we have reported inearlier Reviews, David’s one-man campaign has been to establish this relatively newcancer treatment as the ‘fourth way’ of killing cancers. Over the years, he has enlistedthe help of major celebrities, including HRH The Prince of Wales, Sir Alex Ferguson, Chris Tarrant and Sir David Frost. “It has been a battle to gain the recognition for atherapy that destroys cancer cells in a single hospital visit. There are many self-interestgroups in the health world that have tried to hold back this therapy over the years. To now have this breakthrough is an achievement that I find hard to comprehend.Without my public school education (at Taunton School), I don’t think I would have beenable to deliver this result.” David’s campaign started when his eldest daughter receivedan experimental PDT procedure that saved her from having her left arm amputated.“We now have to raise even more money for the PDT trials. Robert Plant and The Whoare doing a concert for us at Christmas, and we have been adopted by World Snooker asits charity partner,” he adds. www.killingcancer.co.uk

OT SPEARHEADS CANCER BREAKTHROUGH

Above l to r: Sophie Davis (Weirfield ’08), Andrew Davis (Foxcombe ’76), Leslie-Ann Davis(Weirfield and Babbingly ’76), Karsten Marshall (Foxcombe ’77), Neville Davis (Foxcombe ’74)

Above l to r: Rock music impresario Bill Curbishley, Sir David Frost and David Longman meetHRH The Prince of Wales.