OO Newsletter - Oswestry School

The Old Oswestrian Society
October 2011
The Old Boys Are Back In Town!
Teacher Training
Martyn Leonard, Head Boy in
2003-2004 and son of Mr & Mrs
Leonard, former Guinevere
Houseparents, graduated from
Lancaster University before heading
off Down Under for a Gap
Year at All Saints. Martyn returned
and became Assistant Holbache
Houseparent in 2009 allowing
him to undertake some Sports
and History teaching. Now determined
on a Sports teaching career,
with the support of the
School Sports Department, Martyn
is undertaking a GTP teaching
qualification at Chester University.
(l-r) Darren Hollingsworth and Phil Bowd
Welcome to the New School Bursar
The growing band of Old Oswestrians returning to their old school, was
joined by Phil Bowd OO (1987-1992) following his appointment as Oswestry
School Bursar in Summer 2011. A graduate of Liverpool University,
Phil joined Accountants Whittingham Riddell, qualified and became
Senior Manager Corporate Finance for the School auditors. Phil married
OO Rachel Jones, daughter of PS Jones, retired Head of Games, in the
School Chapel in September 2008. Phil and his family look forward to
following the family tradition and becoming more involved with School life.
Director of Sports
Returning to School as Director of Sports in September 2009, Darren
Hollingsworth OO (-1999) took over the reigns from PS Jones. Darren,
also a graduate of Liverpool University, had returned briefly to School in
2003 to gain valuable experience before gaining his PGCE and starting
his teaching career in Sunderland. A boarder throughout his School life,
Darren became Head of Holbache Boarding House a year later and then
introduced the youngest Holbache resident when his son, Jack, was born
the following year.
Martyn Leonard
Former Headmaster Frank Gerstenberg to Speak at OO Dinner
The Old Oswestrian Society is delighted to announce that our guest speaker at the OO
Founder's Day Dinner this year is Frank Gerstenberg. Frank was Headmaster of Oswestry
School from 1974-1985; his children Anna, Neil and Wendy are all Old Oswestrians
and have settled around the world.
Living just outside Edinburgh, Frank, a former Principal of George Watson's College, is
now an Education writer for the Scotsman and Chairman of the Governors of Glenalmond
College. Search for ‘Gerstenberg’ below to read some of his writings - we should
be in for a stimulating talk! Turn to the back page for ticket details.
http://news.scotsman.com/

The Old Oswestrian Society
Obituaries
Sigi Faith OO (1939-1945) - An Extraordinary Life
Sigi Faith died in London in November
2010 aged 82.
Born Siegfried Samuel Feitlowitz in
Hamburg in 1928, Sigi had arrived in
England on the Kindertransport in 1938
and was sent to Oswestry in 1939 where
he was welcomed at Oswestry School by
headmaster Ralph Williamson. From this
start, Sigi embraced school life, football
and cricket, and left School in 1945, having
been Head Boy, to work for an accountancy
firm in Birmingham where he
qualified. Sigi moved to London and
worked with his father (who had sheltered
in Shanghai during the war) exporting
textiles. In 1964 he opened his
first shoe shop and Faith Shoes went on
to become a national brand.
Sigi always regarded himself as extremely
fortunate in the way his life
turned out from such a difficult start and
retained a fondness for the school which
took him in. Sigi regularly attended Old
Oswestrian events and many classmates
from over 60 years ago remained
amongst his best friends.
Sigi and his wife Terry often returned to
the area to meet up with friends and
support the School. In March 2006, Sigi
opened the new Holbache Sixth Form
boarding house when he recalled "I had
a fantastic education here. It was secure
and happy. Anyone who goes to this
school is very lucky. I am enormously
indebted to Oswestry." In March 2010,
Sigi came to meet the Sixth Form History
students to talk with them about his
experience of the Nazi regime.
Sigi Faith is survived by his wife Terry,
son Jonathan, daughter Nicola, six
grandchildren and a great granddaughter.
Happy school days
Nick Newman-Carter OO (1988-1991)
News has reached the Society of the
tragic death of Nick Newman-Carter in
March 2008.
Brother to OOs Simon and Sally (Head
Girl in 2000), Nick was a well-known
member of the north-east climbing community
having developed a love of the
hills when his family moved to Aviemore
in 1993. He trained as an outdoor pursuits
instructor and worked at Outward
Bound Loch Eil, in Lochaber, before
developing systemic mastocytosis, a
rare incurable cell disorder .
Nick died at home, aged 33, after a
brave battle just two weeks before he
was due to have been an usher at his
sister Sally's wedding.
Sally returned to live in St Andrews over
2 years ago whilst Simon still lives in
South Africa. Sally said "It was very
sudden and unexpected, so shook us all
up greatly.
“Nick left behind a son, Finlay, who is
now 8, who lives with his mum, stepdad
and little sister in the Highlands."
Peter Vasey OO (1975-1984)
Nick and Finlay
My younger brother, Peter left School in
1984 and it is with great sadness that I
have to tell you that he died on Tuesday,
27 September 2011, of motor neurone
disease, after only being diagnosed
in February this year. Pete had a
lot of friends at Oswestry, most of whom
he lost touch with as he immigrated to
New Zealand some years ago.
Peter went to university at Sidney Sussex
College, Cambridge where he read
Natural Sciences and on completing his
degree joined HSBC where he quickly
became a branch manager and then a
project manager. He specialised in IT
and following a number of placements,
went on to work for General Motors in
High Wycombe.
He then emigrated to Melbourne, Australia
with his family where he became CIO
for Asia /Pacific, again at General Motors
where he stayed for four years, and,
after a one year return in the UK, he
emigrated to Warkworth, New Zealand
where he became head of IT for ING
(NZ) in Auckland.
He married Lisa in 1989 and they have
three children between the ages of 14
and 19. The eldest, Tom is at Auckland
University.
Sian Rowe (née Vasey) OO (1974-
1982) sianrowe@hotmail.com
Page 2

Obituaries
The Old Oswestrian Society
Bernard Martin OO (1939-1948) - An Oswestry Man
Mr Bernard Martin passed away peacefully
at his home at Trefonen near Oswestry
on 5 May 2011 surrounded by his
family
Bernard spent nine very happy years at
Oswestry School. It was wartime so
things were difficult. Most of the
younger masters had left to join the
forces and several masters had been
brought out of retirement to fill their
places. He always spoke with much
affection of Mr. Williamson the headmaster
and Mr. Felton the maths master.
He remembered fondly the wartime privations
when the paddock was used for
growing vegetables and raising animals
to help feed the boys. School meals
were apparently still dreadful though.
Money was obviously tight too and labour
scarce so the pupils themselves
dug out the swimming pool. Rules were
much stricter. Woe betide the boy who
appeared in Oswestry without his school
cap – even in the vacation.
Bernard fared well academically and
passed his School Certificate although
like so many of his generation he went
direct from school to carry out his National
Service and not to University as
today’s pupils do.
He excelled at all sport and was Captain
of both the cricket and football First XI’s.
He often recalled vividly the final cricket
match he played for the School, in the
summer of 1948, on last day before he
was to leave to join the army. The opponents
were the “old enemy” Oswestry
Boys High School and for once Oswestry
School were the victors; A very
rare achievement and a very sweet note
on which to leave the School.
Bernard became a school prefect and in
his final year he was appointed as head
boy. As he was a dayboy this involved
him in cycling from home in Trefonen to
the School every Sunday to attend
chapel. One of his duties was to count
the collection after the service. He
would laughingly recount that each Sunday
Mr Williamson would say to him.
“How many buttons Martin” There
were inevitably at least half a dozen!
His greatest friend at school was Sigi
Faith. Sigi was a refugee form the holocaust
in Nazi Germany. At first Sigi was
regarded with a great deal of suspicion
as he spoken little English and the boys
viewed him as a German - not realising
that as a Jew the Nazi’s were his greatest
enemies. As Sigi had no family to go
to in the holidays he often came to stay
with Bernard’s parents. Thus was
formed a life long friendship - only broken
when Sigi died last year. Long after
the pair had left school they and their
wives would meet to celebrate their
birthdays and wedding anniversaries
either in London where Sigi now lived or
back in Oswestry. Both of course loved
the Old Boy’s dinners in latter years relishing
being amongst the last to stand to
take wine with the President. After the
2010 dinner he was particularly pleased
to tell all his OO grandchildren that he
was the next to last left standing.
Sigi and Bernard were an enterprising
pair foreshadowing the fact they would
both be successful businessmen in later
life. In the summer holidays they tried to
earn themselves a little extra pocket
money by selling field mushrooms. They
would go out and collect baskets full of
them at first light and then cycle to Oswestry
to sell them. One particular
Wednesday however, despite trying all
the market stalls and greengrocers, they
could find no buyers. Their last stop was
Dodd’s the Greengrocer which was opposite
Cae Glas Park in what is now
Park Gate Florists. The owner told them
he was not interested as he had plenty
of mushrooms already, left over from the
previous day. Just at that moment the
boys overheard a Welsh farmer’s wife
complaining that the mushrooms Dodd’s
had for sale were too old. Quick as a
flash Bernard and Sigi whipped out their
basket of mushrooms and offered to sell
her some newly picked ones, gathered
only hours before. Needless to say Mr
Dodd immediately agreed to buy all the
boys’ mushrooms and any more they
could pick for him whilst the season
lasted.
Although Bernard was the first of his
family to attend Oswestry School it became
a family tradition. His cousin Brian
Ellis joined him as a pupil and his wife
Marie was the sister of John Owens OO.
His son Peter was also educated at the
school and his daughter Valerie married
Richard Edwards OO. In turn both Peter
and Valerie sent their children to the
School and to Bernard’s immense pride
his grandson Jonathan Martin followed
in his footsteps and became head boy in
2000 and his granddaughter Katie Edwards
head girl in 2002.
Oswestry School was always close to
Bernard’s heart. He reminisced often
about his school days and wore his OO
tie with pride on every possible occasion
(even when Marie pointed out it did not
match the shirt he had chosen). He
would say Oswestry School gave him a
great start in life and taught him much
more than the three R’s!
Valerie Edwards
Bernard Martin, former head of Martin’s Cash & Carry
Page 3

The Old Oswestrian Society
Obituaries
Martin Thorpe - Parent, Governor and Honorary Old Oswestrian
Martin Thorpe
Brief Notices
It is with regret that the Society has learned of the deaths of the following members.
John S Jones OO (1943-1947)
Sadly, John passed away in September 2009. He was Chairman of the Parents' Association in the late 70s when his sons attended
the School. John attended the OO Dinner in 2008.
Mike J Higgins OO (1954-1958)
Tom Higgins OO (1952-1956) writes to inform the Society of the death of his brother, Mike, in May 2009. Mike had spent his life
dairy farming but was able to enjoy the last four years of his life in semi-retirement before he died after a short illness.
Fiona Gittins OO (1979-1983)
Fiona passed away on 12th March 2010 after battling with leukemia.
Philip Kyffin Richards OO (dob 8/11/48)
Martin Thorpe passed away on Sunday 3rd July 2011 at
the age of 58 after a short illness. Martin, was a proud
husband to Katie and father to James and Thomas, both
old boys of the school, and will be sorely missed by all
those who knew him.
Martin’s commitment to Oswestry School began as a
parent some 20 years ago, and continued through his
tireless efforts as a governor for the last 11 years. In his
time as governor he was instrumental in changes to the
school, notably the new dining room and the headmaster’s
house. He was always looking to ensure that Oswestry
School would be set up for success for the next
600 years. In recognition of his dedication to the school
he was made an Honorary OO last year.
Martin’s life was celebrated with family and friends on
Friday 8th July in the School Chapel.
James Thorpe OO - Head Boy 1998-1999
George Fulcher - Memories of Oswestry School in the 1930’s
Pat Fulcher writes to advise that her husband, George Fulcher OO (1933-1940), passed away in July 2010.
"George was born in October 1924 and spent his early days in Morda. He attended Bellan House, but then at the age of 11 he
came to Oswestry School where he entered fully into the life of the School, appearing in several School concerts and followed
the example of his father (another George) by playing in goal for the soccer team in the late 1930’s.
“On leaving School, he followed his father again into the Merchant Navy, served throughout the Second World War and became
the Chief Officer aboard the Federal Steam Navigation Company’s ship ‘Kent’. Later, he elected to come above in a managerial
position for the Liverpool stevedores ‘James Dowie, Marwood and Robinson’, becoming an Executive Director by 1969.
“George later became instrumental in the development of cargo handling between Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
Living at different times in Sydney, Auckland and Tonga, George finally settled in Queensland, Australia where he enjoyed
receiving any information to do with Oswestry School.
“George loved to meet up with his old School friends including John Lloyd OO (1934-1941). He last attended the OO Dinner 2
or 3 years ago and his loss further depletes the ranks of the OOs who were at School in the 1930's.”
Taken from the writings of Syd Bailey OO (1929-1939)
Living in Bangor on Dee, Kyffin passed away on 21st June 2010.
Page 4

News
The Old Oswestrian Society
OO Society Dinner, Caledonian Club, London - Friday, 20th May 2011
evening are still buried somewhere in
the entrails of the Caledonian Club
server (computer for those like me).
Henceforth we will ensure that at least
one of the guests at a dinner is a qualified
photographer with a sponsored
ticket for the evening (an opening for
Mike Bracegirdle or indeed any other
budding or established photographers of
note).
Being involved in the London Dinner
proved to be a challenging roller coaster
ride! With an initial mailing of over 1,000
emails and 1,816 letters to Old Oswestrians
around the world drawing rapid acceptances
from over 60 members and
associates of the Society, we thought we
were going to need the largest room at
the club which was duly reserved by
Caledonian Club Secretary, Ian Campbell
OO.
Although it was generally felt that a London
Dinner was a good event to hold, it
was suggested that the format and promotion
needed to be reconsidered to
ensure that it would be of interest to a
broader spectrum of past pupils and
therefore attract a greater number to the
dinner.
We have tentatively reserved two venues
for next year’s London Dinner on
Friday 18th May 2012 in London one
large and one small!! Any feedback or
thoughts regarding this would be gratefully
received by email.
Thanks for the support of the Caledonian
Club and those Old Oswestrians who
attended and promoted the event.
Mike Longshaw
OO Society President 2010-11
michael.longshaw@igrm.co.uk
Old Oswestrians and Guests Present:
Joy Griffiths (1980-1989), James Mawle, Chris Wylie (1954-1959), Judith Wylie,
Jack Bateman (left in 2006), Sian Parry-Lewis (1982-1989), Simon Parry Lewis,
Jonathan Edwards (1993-2006), Chris Wylie (1954-1959), Douglas and Lucinda
Robb, Steve Payne (1979-1983), Andrew McArdle (1981-1983), Michael Longshaw
(1971-1974), Roger Hodgson (1970-1975) and Ian Campbell (1968-1973) and
Guest
Ian Campbell
Then the fun began and the cancellations
rolled in, someone must have
heard about the plan to stay late in the
bar! Despite the serious concerns about
numbers or lack of them, we managed to
relocate to a more appropriate room,
cancel the expensive quest speaker and
make a great evening of it with the oldest
of the Old Oswestrians Chris Wylie
and the most recent Jonathan Edwards
and Jack Bateman in attendance.
The Headmaster spoke positively about
the school and the future challenges it
faced before toasting the Old Oswestrians,
most of whom subsequently retired
to the bar where they debated late into
the night (or early into the morning dependant
on your view) the merits of the
European Union with a number of members
and their guests who hailed from
Barcelona.
The great photographs taken on the
magnificent staircase and during the
Apologies and Comments from Absent Old Oswestrians:
Ian Thompson (1942-1946) “I regret that I am not well enough to attend, and send
my best wishes for a very successful dinner.”
Stephen Simpson (1967-1974) “Could not attend due to family commitments but
wish you every success for your evening and hope everyone has a good time.”
Howard Ryley (1924-1933) “Would love to be there. I am sure it will be great, but
alas unable.”
John Huins (1976-1995) “I hope you get sufficient support. I think it is an excellent
idea.”
Dr John B Taylor (-1933) “Sorry, lack of stamina these days.”
Melanie Patterson (Green) (1976-1980) “I am living in Colorado, so will not be able
to attend. It has been interesting following all the OO updates and looking at the
school. How things have changed!”
David Lees (1968-1973) “Unfortunately, I will not be attending - it’s a long way from
Bangkok for a weekend. Another year, hopefully, I can be in the UK and attend.”
Joe Fong (1973-1975) “When are the OOs gonna set up a Malaysian Chapter”
Tony McCarthy (1947-1953) Victoria, Australia “I would like to extend my sincere
best wishes to all OO's.”.
Page 5

The Old Oswestrian Society
News
Mimi and Sally
Conquer the Chester
Marathon for Charity
miles were at a pretty good pace, but I
slowed down a lot after that, especially
at mile 23 when I developed a terrible
stitch and had to adopt a walk/jog technique
to keep me going. But I did manage
a sprint finish so I must have had
some reserves left to use!
“It was an amazing thing to be part of
and it was such a wonderful feeling to
know that you've done it! I just burst into
tears when I crossed the line! Having
said that, I don't think I'll be rushing to do
another one!
“Thanks to everyone for the support,
from the strangers on the sidelines to the
friends and family offering donations and
words of encouragement! Couldn't have
done it without them!”
Sally Newman-Carter - Head Girl 2000
No Tea Party for Tim
Sally Newman-Carter
Sally Newman-Carter, Head Girl 2000,
and her friend and OO, Mimi Lawrence
(née Pearce), took part in the Chester
Marathon at the beginning of October in
aid of Cancer Research.
Coming to the event as a novice to running,
Sally had trained seriously for
months beforehand. This is a brief record
of the day.
“Mimi was disappointed with her time of
4:14hrs as she was trying to better her
time in Berlin last year of 3:57hrs. However,
as she pulled a muscle in her neck
at mile 18, I think she was amazing to
continue and finish when she must have
been in so much pain!
“I finished with a time of 4:23hrs which
I'm absolutely delighted with! The first 15
Tim with some of the staff of The Tea Leaf Trust in Maskeliya, Sri Lanka
After a honeymoon visit to Sri Lanka had opened the eyes of Tim Pare OO (1985-
1992), and his new wife Yasmene Shah, to the poverty and squalor endured by Sri
Lankan tea pickers, in January 2008 they founded The Tea Leaf Trust, a UK registered
charity to provide free education to the tea picking youth of the plantation areas,
"providing opportunities and promoting ethnic cohesion through education".
Tim and Yasmene now live in Sri Lanka and their project continues to go from
strength to strength. Find out more here:
http://www.tealeaftrust.com
http://www.youtube.com/watchv=XGx9_zb2phc
Swapping Welshpool for Uganda
Over a year since his move, Pete Worthy
OO (1976-1978) has settled into his
new extraordinary life. As Operations
Manager for Owen’s Coaches at Four
Crosses, he was looking for a fresh challenge.
“I joined a company out here
called Skenya Motors {U} Ltd, a Scania
franchise/dealership for Uganda,” he
said. “I was brought in as Operations
Manager with a brief to improve standards,
efficiency and quality of workshops
service and ultimately improve
market presence of Scania in Uganda.”
Whilst conceding that life is different, he
is enjoying the change.
Pete remembers rugby at School, then
coached by John Huins, but Pete also
used to play with Nigel Keighley at Oswestry
Rugby Club on Saturdays.
"Many a time I sneaked back into school
via the TV room window! Seems a long,
long time ago, but some memories never
fade." Pete recalls.
Page 6

News
The Old Oswestrian Society
It has been five years since I left Oswestry School, and I
am as passionate about photography and fashion as
always. I studied for a BA (Hons) in Fashion Photography
at the London College of Fashion and graduated in
2010.
Returning home to Hong Kong, I started to look for a job,
but it’s hard for a new graduate and it took me about 6
months to find one. I am now a Visual Merchandiser
(VM) at American Eagle Outfitters, based in Hong Kong.
I chose to be a VM at a fashion store because I want to
be a fashion stylist, but it is quite hard to get that kind of
job in Hong Kong without experience or a network.
A VM job’s duties involve a little bit of everything - design,
styling, etc. I am willing to try different things in the
fashion industry and discover what I am seriously interested
in.
In the future I want to own a creative studio to work on
different projects which can satisfy both me and my customers.
I have actually thought of a name for it!
Just follow your dream, one day you will find your
dreamplayground :)
Nicola Tsim OO (2001-2006)
Nicola’s dreamplayground :)
Aleko - my favourite photo from
my Final Year project back at Uni!!
Old Woman - taken at the beginning of this
year in an alley in Mong Kok, a very busy
area of Hong Kong.
If you're interested, here are two ways you can check out my other works and updated news:
http://dreamplayground.carbonmade.com
https://www.facebook.com/dreamplayground
Page 7

The Old Oswestrian Society
News
Gina Targets Commonwealth Games from Across the Pond
Like her brothers Jonathan
and Michael, Gina Paletta
started at Oswestry School in
Bellan House.
After GCSEs, Gina moved to
Yale College, Wrexham and
then the University of Wales
Institute, Cardiff (UWIC) from
where she graduated with a
2:1 degree in Sports Development
in 2011.
A promising teenage athlete,
Gina has developed into a
strong fell runner and has represented Great Britain and
Wales in Mountain Running placing fifth at the World
Mountain Running Championship in 2008 and sixth at
the European Mountain Running Championships in
2009. Unfortunately, Gina was injured for some of last
season and was unable to make the GB team this year.
Using her credits from UWIC, Gina was offered a 4 year
full scholarship at Concordia University in Portland,
Oregon in the USA, to take an Exercise and Sport Science
degree over 2 years and then a Masters over 2
years. On 14th August, Gina signed off with a personal
best time in the Welsh 10km Championships, her last
race in the UK for some time as she departed for Oregon
the following week. Better known as a fell runner,
Gina hopes to continue her progress in this event and
achieve the qualifying time for the 10km race for the
Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.
Jeanette Paletta, Gina's mother, says "She has settled
really well. The setup there is excellent. Training has
been going well and times have improved." Gina has
made an excellent start, winning her first two races and
earning the Cascade (the state league) Women's Cross
Country Runner of the Week for two weeks running.
This achievement saw her named NAIA National
Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week for 21st
September.
Gina's parents plan to travel to the States in November
to watch her run in the National Championships. We
wish her luck!
You can follow Gina's progress
on the internet. Her college
a t h l e t i c w e b s i t e i s
www.gocugo.com. The Casc
a d e w e b s i t e i s
www.cascadeconference.org
for Cross Country and http://
naia.cstv.com for Women's
Cross Country.
Chinese Studies Take David to Zhejiang University
After completing my undergraduate studies in the
UK, I decided to continue my postgraduate studies
in China. During my years at Oswestry
School, I made many friends from Hong Kong
and Mainland China and this made me interested
and curious about the country.
I am currently residing in the city of Hangzhou,
100 mile west of Shanghai, studying Chinese at
Zhejiang University. I am thoroughly enjoying my
time at the University and have had the opportunity
to meet people from all over the world including
two exchange students from North Korea!
I have had the opportunity to visit many places in
China, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong
and also to ride on the new super high speed
trains. The Chinese people have been very welcoming
and I am very happy with my decision to
come here for further study. I cannot recommend
it enough.
Three OOs meet in Hong Kong, Spring 2011
Newell Tang OO (2000-2005), Fritz Chan OO (1999-2005) and David
David Lewis OO (1996-2005)
Page 8

News
The Old Oswestrian Society
Andy Chapman Summits Everest
The OO Society is delighted to hear that Andy Chapman OO
(1981-1984) summited Mount Everest at 6.20am on Monday
16th May 2011 (local times).
News of his tremendous achievement came via Allan Mitchell
(former Physics and Maths teacher at School) who still lives
in Oswestry and had originally taught Andy to climb at Pandy
Rocks.
Andy has been working in the outdoors since 1989 and has
led Jagged Globe expeditions since 1998, when he was an
assistant on their first Tien Shan Climber expedition. He returned
two years later to summit on Marble Wall and Khan
Tengri (6,995m). Andy then spent 2 1/2 years in Antarctica
as a Field General Assistant for the British Antarctic Survey
(BAS). After two winters on the base, he decided it was time
to return to the UK and since then has been a regular instructor
on their Scottish Winter Courses and Rock Courses,
as well as leading expeditions each year. Andy is a determined
climber, who has led some very successful trips in the
last few years including The North Col of Everest (2006),
Alpamayo (2007), Huascaran (2007), Muztag Ata (2008),
Ama Dablam (2009), Cho Oyu (2009) and Mera Peak
(2009).
It has been Andy's great ambition to climb Everest since he was a 6 year old, so it must have been with great anticipation that
he set off in March for Nepal as Assistant Leader for the Jagged Globe 2011 Everest Expedition.
Andy's father Eddie Chapman OO (1944-1953) said "My wife and I are thrilled and extremely proud of his achievement which is
a result of his determination and courage. We are very grateful to many people who have given him guidance, advice and support
over the years."
Academic News
Tristan Hartey
Vince Chu
Dr Rob Pfeifer
Tristan Hartey (Head Boy 2008) studied
International Relations at The University
of Leeds. Tristan is now training to be
an investment advisor in Chester, with
the long term goal of standing as an
MEP in a few years time.
Page 9
Vince Chu OO (-2008) studied Human
Resource Management at Keele University
and is now job hunting for trainee
accountant positions whilst working and
studying for the ICAEW's ACA accounting
qualification.
After qualifying as a medical doctor in
the UK in 2001, Rob Pfeifer OO (1989-
1996) moved to Australia as a PhD
Physics student at The University of
Queensland, Brisbane. We hear that he
has just moved to Canada and promises
an update for the next Newsletter.

The Old Oswestrian Society
News
Lucy’s Summer Placement at The Tizer
The School often receives enquiries like
this one from Roger Pointon OO (1957-
1965):"I am keen to research my years
at the school through back copies of the
school magazines. I recently I went
hunting for my old copies and failed to
find them. I am really interested in reminding
myself of guys I was in the football
and cricket teams with, many whose
names I am ashamed to say I have
failed to remember!!
I am about to embark upon my third year
at the University of Birmingham studying
English with Creative Writing and this
summer I have been lucky enough to
land myself some work experience at
our local newspaper, the Oswestry and
Border Counties Advertizer.
My tutor at Birmingham was thrilled as in
the current economic climate, work experience
is not only valuable but also
very hard to obtain.
I applied to lots of different places but
the Advertizer was the only place willing
to take me on for the length of the summer.
I was really thrown in at the deep
end as on my first day there they got me
writing articles immediately - my Mum
thought I'd just be making cups of tea
and coffee! I had never done anything
like this before but it was really interesting
and useful to see what daily life is
like at the Advertizer, and the way in
which journalism works.
I am so grateful for the Advertizer taking
me on this summer as I feel I have learnt
so much, doing interviews over the
phone and face to face, and even wandering
around Oswestry looking for a
story! I have also helped to edit a promotional
film script for an international logistics
company, and see myself next year
looking for jobs in journalism or advertising/marketing.
I would really recommend students now
at School to try and get as much work
experience as possible as I have friends
who have graduated with good degrees
but no one wants to employ them because
of a lack of work experience.
If any Old Oswestrian knows of any work
experience I might be able to do, I would
be ever so grateful if you got in touch!
L u c y N i b l o c k O O ( - 2 0 0 9 )
Grandaughter of Peter Humphreys
OO (1924-1932) and former Chair of
Governors
The Past!
"I was a school teacher for over 30 years
but ended my working life as the Regional
Manager for the National Assesssment
Agency (a Government
quango) and in that capacity I visited
Oswestry School with one of my colleagues
to discuss assessment arrangements
with the Exams Officer and to
offer some Government money (these
were the days of plenty). That was a
most enjoyable day and brought back
many memories, most of them very
pleasant.
"Is it possible to get hold of back copies,
and if so how"
The answer is: "Yes. We keep old copies
of The Oswestrian magazine in the
School Archive but we do not send out
blanket copies. Interested people may
make an appointment with the School
Archivist by asking for her at the
switchboard (01691 655711) and arranging
to come into School to view them."
Roger is pleased to be able to come into
School and view them at his convenience
and for his benefit, and for others,
here is a photo (with names) of the 1965
First XI team. Roger is on the front row!
1965 Cricket First Team
R.W. Westrup, I.A. Cole, L.E.D. Ward, K.
M. Todman, I.P. Wood, A.D.R. Wood
C. T. Brooksbank, R.M. Pointon, A.E.
Birtwistle, G.R.J. Moffat (Capt.), J. S.
Batchlor, P.M. Mathias
Page 10

News
The Old Oswestrian Society
Oswestrian Golf Day - Captain’s Report
On Friday 24th June 2011
around 50 players turned up
for the Golf Day at Oswestry
Golf Club.
The weather was good and
a little breezy.
point!
Stuart Williams’ OO (1998-
2006) team won the Mens'
section and Barbara Warner
the Ladies’. Both teams
scored well and should be
proud of their efforts. Bad
luck to Mike Scott and Ian
Potter OO (1971-76) whose
team came second by one
Above: Fred, Martyn Leonard OO, Stuart Williams OO and Ben Calveley OO
Mike Scott kindly donated a glass of champagne for each player at the first tee,
which was a generous touch and also helped to sponsor the event for ‘OsFest’.
The course and food were excellent. I would recommend a trip to Oswestry Golf
Club just for the food alone really. We are grateful to the club members for offering
us the slot at such a good rate. Particular thanks to John Evans who quietly helped
things along through the process.
Left: Headmaster with Donald Usher
OO (1936-1946) , friend and contemporary
of Sigi Faith and Bernard
Martin, who played a round today
part of the day done well too.
Headmaster Douglas Robb very
kindly donated a rare bottle of 1968
single malt whisky which helped raise
a significant sum in the raffle. The
Headmaster also gave out the prizes
and offered support at the start. Alan
Crowe OO (1971-1977) who did not
play but came along and helped out
at the start which was an important
I hope everyone enjoyed their day and is looking forward to next year already.
We were able to raise a decent sum for the School’s prospective Sports Hall and
encourage others to help out where they can to support this essential last part of the
jigsaw at Oswestry.
Robert Willcox OO (1974-1982) - Golf Captain 2011
Libby Returns to The
Walls for Charity Ball
Libby Gliksman OO (-2006) started performing
at The Walls Restaurant in Oswestry
when she was 16 years old.
Since then she has performed in venues
across the county and is now ready to
take on the music scene in earnest after
finishing her French and Spanish studies
at Liverpool John Moores University.
Playing again at Osfest this year, Libby
appeared on the same stage as charttopping
artists Tinchy Stryder, The Feeling
and Example. “I am unsigned but
would really love singing to be a bigger
part of my life” Libby said. “It was so
much fun getting up on the stage at Osfest
and singing to my home town.”
A number of her cover songs have been
recorded onto CD but she now wants to
put pen to paper and invent some of her
own. “I have only ever done covers because
I have been at university studying
a degree,” she said. “I will be writing my
own music very soon.”
You can catch Libby on her return to The
Walls on Thursday January 12th when
she performs two sets at a Charity Ball.
Search for Libby here.
www.rotarycluboswestry.co.uk
OO Society Donation
to New Fitness Suite
Thanks to pupils’ fundraising and
donations from the OOs and PA, the
new School Fitness Suite has
opened in the Memorial Hall and is
proving very popular with students,
both in timetabled lessons and as a
leisure time activity for those desiring
to improve their personal fitness.
Page 11

The Old Oswestrian Society
Dates For The Diary
Founder’s Day Events, Saturday 26 th November 2011
Founder’s Day Service St Oswald’s Parish Church 11.00am
OO AGM Wynnstay Hotel 6.30pm
OO Dinner Wynnstay Hotel 7.15pm for
7.45pm
Dress: Black Tie or Lounge Suit
Sporting Events Oswestry School Matches to start at
2.00pm
Contacts:
Football Zak Manhire 07837 391421
zak.manhire@theaa.com
Netball / Hockey Sian Boffey 07813 764938
rogers.boffey@virgin.net
Old Oswestrian Society Founder’s Day Dinner 2011
The annual dinner takes place again this year at The Wynnstay Hotel, Oswestry. We are delighted
to announce that the Guest Speaker will be Mr Frank Gerstenberg, Headmaster of Oswestry
School from 1974-1985.
Ticket prices are only £28 and we anticipate an excellent evening.
download the booking form here
To book tickets please
www.oswestryschool.org.uk/uploads/1/OODinnerBookingForm2011a.doc
or from the Alumni section of the Oswestry School website. Why not get a group of your School
friends together and come and listen to Mr Gerstenberg The event should be of particular interest
to those OOs from the 70s and 80s.
Change of Date for Founder’s Day from 2012
Please note that this is the last year that Founder’s Day will be held in November. Founder’s Day
next year will be held on Saturday 22nd September 2012.
Summer 2012
Keep checking the School website for details of the Oswestrian Golf Day, OO Cricket and
Rounders matches next summer.
Moved House Married New Baby New Job Keep In Touch!
YOUR Old Oswestrian Society relies on YOU, our members, to keep us up to date with your
changes of details. If you don’t keep in touch we will lose contact with you. There are many on our
database for whom we have no current postal or email address. They may wonder why they haven’t
heard from the OO Society for a long time . . .The fact is we need YOU to keep us up to date
with your changes of circumstances.
email: theoldoswestrianssociety@hotmail.com
We also want to hear all your news so that we can let other OOs know where in the world you are
and what you are doing. Keep visiting YOUR section of the Oswestry School website:
web: http://www.oswestryschool.org.uk/About-Old-Oswestrians/