here - Oswestry School

Contents this issueDates for your diaryChairman’s ReportThe Tilley Building OpensHeadmaster’s ReportWeddings in the ChapelShammasians DVD newsOswestry School Book FairGolf & Cricket ResultsCycling Trip & Climbing TripOO Snippets & UpdatesObituariesRecital SeriesCaught in TimeBarbados & AlgarveHon Secretary’s NotesNew MembersNewsletter 2009Headmaster Mr P Stockdale, The Rt Revd John Davies,Chairman of Governors Mr Peter Wilcox-JonesOORecital SeriesFounder’s Day SuccessNew Teaching Block OpensThe Old Oswestrians’ Societypage 1

Oswestry School CelebratesFounder’s DayOswestry School celebrated its 601st Founder's Day witha service in St Oswald's Parish Church. The Rt Revd JohnDavies, former Bishop of Shrewsbury, officiated. Speakingto the congregation of parents, governors and past andpresent students, he took the theme of reconciliation.Bishop Davies, who served for 14 years in South Africa duringthe days of Apartheid, encouraged people not to acceptboundaries which may have been imposedartificially. “Oswestry is a border place and a border can bea place of meeting,” he said. “I encourage you to becomemore and more 'border people', who learn the skills ofrecognising and respecting each other.”The day's celebrations involved two special events tocommemorate former teachers at Oswestry School:A cedar of Lebanontree was planted inmemory of Mr & MrsRalph Williamson; MrWilliamson, who diedin 1964, was theschool's longest servingheadmaster. The cedartree was planted byAnn Williamson plants thehis daughter, Ann.cedar of Lebanon tree inTheir son, Ralph, wasmemory of her father,former headmaster Mr also present for theRalph Williamson ceremony.The second special event was the formal opening of theTilley Building, Oswestry School's new teaching block,named in honour of Mr John Tilley, an old Oswestrian whotaught here over 40 years and maintained very close linkswith the school after his retirement in 1987. The openingceremony was conducted by Canon John Edge, a formervicar of Holy Trinity Church and close friend of John Tilley.In the afternoon, parents and friends of the school wereable to voice their support as Old Oswestrians took oncurrent students in netball, shooting, football and hockey.Many past pupils of the schoolreturned to Oswestry for thecelebrations and took part in theOld Oswestrians' AGM beforeattending the Society's dinner atthe Wynnstay Hotel; guestspeaker was Mr Pat Murphy, theBBC radio sports commentator.New Hon SecretaryLiz Mooreinaugurated onFounder’s DayOO AGM22nd Jan12th FebDates for the Diary 2009Recital Series ~ Tasmin Littlevisit www.oswestryschool.org.uk/school/recitalSeriesRecital Series ~ City of London Sinfonia21st March Recital Series ~ Royal String QuartetMayOO London Dinner ~ Venue and Date TBAContact: Liz Moore ct16@hotmail.co.uk4th-8th May Book FestivalContact: A.Gonzalez@oswestryschool.org.uk3rd JuneRecital Series ~ The King's Singers26th June Golf Tournament ~ 1.00pm Mile End Golf CourseContact: John Evans djevans@paddockpant.freeserve.co.uk28th June4th July28th NovCricket Match ~ OOs v Oswestry School Maes-y-llanContact: Andrew Price andifawr@tiscali.co.ukSpeech Day ~ 10.00am Marquee Maes-y-llanFounder’s Day:Founder’s Day Service: 11.00am St Oswald's ChurchNetball 1.45pm ~ OO 1st V11 v Oswestry SchoolHockey 2.45pm ~ OO 1st X1 v Oswestry SchoolBoth above contact: L.Moore ct16@hotmail.co.ukShooting 2pm ~ OO v SchoolContact: M.Bracegirdle mike@mrbphotography.co.ukFootball 2pm ~ OO 1st & 2nd XI v Oswestry SchoolContact: D.Hollingsworth darrenholly@hotmail.comOO 56th AGM ~ 6.15pmOO Dinner ~ 7.15 for 7.45pmBoth events held in the Paddock Room Wynnstay HotelContact: M.Jones martyn_pauline@btinternet.comOfficers of The Old Oswestrians’ SocietyE-mail: theoldoswestrianssociety@hotmail.comwww.oswestryschool.org.uk Liz Moore: 07870 261033Sian Boffey ................rogers.boffey@virgin.netAndrew Crichton ........acrichton@armstrong.comPeter Edwards............Chairman artyedwards@btinternet.comJohn Evans ................djevans@paddockpant.freeserve.co.ukLiz Moore ..................Hon Sec ct16@hotmail.co.ukStephen Hodge ..........stephenghodge@hotmail.comDarren Hollingsworthdarrenholly@hotmail.comHilary James ..............john.james22@btinternet.comMartyn Jones ............Hon Treasurer martyn_pauline@btinternet.comAndrew Leggatt..........andrewleggatt@btinternet.comSarah Marshall............sarahmarshall1st@hotmail.comPaul Stockdale ............Headmaster p.stockdale@oswestryschool.org.ukAlan Stratford ............ 01691 653555Robert Willcox ............President robert@willcoxfinancial.co.ukNic Williams................nicwilliams55@btinternet.compage 2

Chairman’s ReportDear OOs2007 was a fantastic year for the School, the numerous events that most of you will have been involvedwith at some point were made possible through the efforts of many staff, friends and OOs, but specialmention must be made here to our ‘Hon Sec' whose devotion above and beyond the call of duty to thecause of the Society has been heroic. Without Stephen Hodge's flair, chauffeuring, and ‘the answer isYES’ attitude, the celebrations would have been much more muted. Steve is handing over the reins thisMichealmas term into the capable hands of Liz Moore. As a famous former scorer for the School first X1what better recommendation can there be.In 2008 John Tilley would be pleased that the post he held with such aplomb for years is in good hands.On Founder’s Day the School is officially opening the new Tilley Building in lower paddock. John's asheshave been laid across from School House where for years he tended a weather station, and a monkeypuzzle has been planted along side. The Tilley Bequest will go on helping with School projects for manyyears to come and it is right he is mentioned each year alongside our other benefactors on Founder’s Day.Without the support of her numerous offspring the School would not be as strong, improving, andgrowing. There have been major refurbishments notably of the Ludlow dormitories of School House, andshortly a crucial acquisition of new playing facilities at Bellan (our jewel in the centre of town) will beunveiled. There are many OOs who quietly and generously do much for the School and our Society.On this occasion I would like to thank in particular Sigi Faith and Martyn Bracegirdle.Stephen Hodgehands overHon Sec jobto Liz MooreKate Moss ShoesNext year I am pleased that the Book Festival led by the School's dynamic librarian Arabella Gonzalez willfeature an evening with two old subjects and friends of mine, Roger McGough and Brian Patten, whobring their 40 LOVE tour to Oswestry School. This is a celebration of the 40th anniversary of The MerseySound collection, recently re-published in Penguin Modern Classics. I painted them with the late, great,Adrian Henri as “The Liverpool Poets”. The purchase of the painting by the National Portrait Gallery,London in 1985 was in effect the launch of my career. The PHC will be an unusually small and intimatesetting for their show so I would urge all of you to book this event on the evening of the 6th May 2009.The Book Festival not only brings great writers to the School but helps to forge links with the localcommunities and schools, in particular the small rural primary schools that spread out from Oswestry.These schools are invited to attend events, and many do so.As the media try to depress us daily, even hourly, about the state of the global economy (perhaps BBC,ITN, and Skye News have shares in anti-depressant drug companies!) it is good to report that our Schooland this Society are in such good form. It is in such times that we remember it is our families and friendsthat give us strength.Peter EdwardsPeter EdwardsSelf PortraitAfter 37 years Graham Arthanbids farewell to the OO Committee ...I left school in the summer of 1971, the term before the girls started. I went home to farm with dad who wasalso an Old Oswestrian. As I was living locally I was asked to join the OO committee. I think John Phillipswas chairman and other members included Bill Wren, Tom Nicholas and John Evison. Initially I looked afterthe sports weekends and this brought me into contact with OO's older than myself. I enjoyed the company ofpeople like Martin Welbourne and Mike Prestwich. Over the years I have seen the school flourish, made manyfriends, both OO's and staff. As some of us leave the committee I am very pleased that the future of thesociety is in safe young hands. It has been a great honour to be President and would like to thank everybodyfor their support over the years.page 3Graham Arthanbids farewellBooking form andmore details about thedinner on page 9

New Teaching Block for Oswestry SchoolGovernors, staff and students of Oswestry School attended the official launch of their new suite ofclassrooms and offices as part of their Founder's Day celebrations on Saturday 29th November,when Father John Edge formally opened 'The Tilley Building'.Ludlow DormitoryImprovementsThe classrooms were built with the help of a legacy from Mr John Tilley, a former pupil of OswestrySchool (1935-43) and a much-admired and respected teacher at the school for 41 years, from 1946until he retired in 1987. He maintained close connections with the school until his death in 2005.“John Tilley was a man of very many parts,” said Chris Symons, a former teacher at Oswestry Schooland Director of the Oswestry School Recital Series. “As raconteur, bon viveur, railway enthusiast,devoted cyclist and a loyal organist at Holy Trinity Church, he never lacked a tale to tell: his endlessstream of anecdotes and his willingness to be involved made him a much-valued colleague. Heexemplified the kind of loyalty, willingness and devotion which made such teachers legendary.”John Edge, who for a time taught English and Latin at Oswestry School, was first curate and latervicar of Holy Trinity Church, Oswestry between 1958-1979. He was a close friend and colleague ofJohn Tilley while he was the church organist and occasionally accompanied him on 6th Form trips toSwitzerland. Father Edge recalls him as “A brilliant organist and choirmaster who never showed offhis own prowess but drew the best out of the people he worked with. He was able to bring outpeople's talents and his enthusiasm promoted a true spirit of enquiry within his students.”The Tilley Building takes the form of two blocks, comprising six classrooms, offices and storagerooms. They will be used for teaching maths, English as an additional language and PE. Erectedby the Shawbury-based company Built OffSite Ltd, the buildings were assembled at the firm'sconstruction site, transported to the school and lowered on to the foundations by crane. Fixturesand fittings were then installed. All the teaching rooms have interactive whiteboards and areconnected to the school computer network.Ludlow dormitory in School Househas been transformed. The olddormitory has been replaced by three4-bed and one 2-bed comfortablerooms, each with wash-hand basins,individual LAN connections andmodern IKEA furniture. All facilitiescomply with the current Health andSafety regulations.“We are very pleased with therenovations,” said Dave Arnott. “Wehave been able to provide the boyswith a home-from-home atmosphere,where they can work in comfort,follow their own leisure interests andrelax as well as getting some sleep.”The new Tilley Building atOswestry SchoolA brace of Chairs ...Both chairs will be kept in the Archive Room inSchool House if any OO wishes to revisit memoriesof Saturday film night in the Memorial Hall!A couple of chairs, usedfor many years in theschool Tuck Shop, haverecently been recognisedas the last two remainingchairs bought by parents,pupils and friends for usein the Memorial Hall(school gym) after it wasopened in 1954. The names on the back indicate that they belonged toF R Bracegirdle (1956-1964) and Mrs C M Beckett. Happily, it was not toodifficult to trace Russell Bracegirdle, brother of Martyn (1956-1965) and Mike(1962-1973), and his comments are given below. However, the mystery ofwho Mrs Beckett was still remains, as Peter Beckett, at school during thistime, was contacted and could think of no connection with his family.Can anybody else shed light on the identity of Mrs Beckett? If so, pleaseemail website@oswestryschool.org.uk or ring 01691 655771 EXT 107Father John Edge formally opensthe new Tilley Buildingpage 4The improvements, which werecompleted in about 10 weeks of worktime by school maintenance staff andexternal builders, have been sosuccessful that work has now startedon the Powis dormitory, to bring it upto the same excellent standards."Regarding the pedigree of the famous chairs, looking at the picture it seems time hasbeen no less favourable on the chairs as the OOs!We arrived at Oswestry September 1956, our dormitory was in the attic above what wasthe Headmaster's drawing room, later to become the library, one shudders to think whatthe room has now become.I feel the chair scenario was an early Franklin era arrangement to raise funds circa 1959,I would presume for the classrooms on the bottom paddock, as the “Memorial Hall” hadalready been completed (although such information rarely filtered down to the lowest ofthe low in the “Green Hut” with the Walton & Watkin duo) They were used in the Hallfor all school gatherings including the Saturday night film, I would imagine the constantstacking up after each gathering in order for the Hall to be used as a gymnasium took itstoll, but I do remember the importantance of the chair design so they could be stackedand dragged to the rear of the Hall quickly.I’m very surprised mine is one of only two left, I can only imagine after I haddeparted, Jones minor asking John Tilley if it would be appropriate to sit on my chair,“Certainly not boy, we do not want any more turning out like him”, hence my chairoutlasted all others!!"

From the Headmaster’s StudyBy any standards I think you will agree that 2007 was a truly remarkable year in the life of Oswestry School. The wealthand range of activities which took place throughout the year (which have been written about elsewhere in the new schoolmagazine) marvellously celebrated our landmark anniversary and would, I feel sure, have made David Holbache a veryproud man, were he to have been able to observe all that went on and experience the warmth and affection for the schoolhe founded all those years ago.I was particularly delighted by the involvement of so many Old Oswestrians in the various events staged during thecourse of the year. Of course some were arranged specifically for OOs such as the Annual, Reform Club and Ivy dinners,as well as the last running of the 'triangle'. These were greatly enjoyed and, in the case of the latter, fiercely contested.The bottling of the sexcentenary brew, in the form of 'Scholars' Ale', was also much appreciated, if its swift consumptionwas a measure of its palatability! In the context of the OO events I should like to pay special tribute to secretary,Steve Hodge, who worked tirelessly throughout the year to make them all happen so successfully.Founder's Day was very special, as so many former pupils took the opportunity to revisit their alma mater, renew oldacquaintances and give thanks to God for His provision to the school throughout its long history; it was a real delight tosee St Oswald's pews full to overflowing. The annual dinner at the Wynnstay was, I believe, the best ever attendedand a great affirmation of what it means to be a former pupil of Oswestry School.Who can possibly say what the next 600 years will hold for the school? Will lessons in the use of our modern daycomputers seem as quaint to our successors as lessons in archery appear to us? Will cricket as a sport seem asarcane to future pupils as cock fighting is to current students? Who knows? What will not change,however, is the need for this school to inculcate values of loyalty, commitment and service toothers. Such traits transcend time and long may Oswestry School educate students whoselessons learned here are truly for life, not just for school.Weddings in the Chapel ...On Friday September 5th there was a doubleOO wedding when Old Oswestrians Phil Bowdand Rachel Jones, daughter of PS Jones, weremarried in the School Chapel. Rain and badweather made taking photographs difficult but,as you can see from the photos shown here,from the official photographer, the weather didnot spoil the day which was a big success.Last December Roger Derwas OO (Mid 70's -1985) of Oswestry married Laura Jones of FourCrosses. Best Man was Chris F Jones OO(Jan 83 - June 86). (Holbache boarder)!“We had a fantastic day. The chapel was a brilliantvenue and it brought back many memories ofSunday services”.On September 12th OO James Durhammarried his bride Jo Whitehead. Among theguests were numerous OOs: James'sbrothers John and Richard, with his wifeNiki (Rodgers), best man Matt Wason,Steve Jones, Jonathan Guppy and his wifeLiz (Edwards), Sali James, Stuart Sleigh, Ollie Benbow, Dan andJason Jones, Nick Morris, James Wilson,Dicky Davies, James Wigley andZara Chambers.James is the son of Mrs Lesley Durham,retired Headmistress at Bellan House.The School Chapel is provingan exceedingly popularwedding venue for OOs.page 5

Oswestry School BookFestival May 4th - 8thJames Wilson Rides Onto Our BookshelvesJames Wilson OO (1987-1994) has written a bookwith an odd title. "Riding the Biscuit Highway" is anextraordinary tale of three friends who attempt to bicycle15,000 miles down the Americas; a year long journey bybike from the north of Canada to the south of Argentina,a journey that took two years to plan and both challenged and rewarded Jamesand his companions on the trip in ways they could not imagine. It is now availablefrom bookshops including Amazon.More information about the trip can be found atwww.55degreessouth.com and copies ofJames' book can be found in the school library.This will be the third year of Oswestry School'sbook festivals for primary and secondaryschools in the Oswestry area. It is a lively eventwith authors, storytellers and poets performingand working with children and young peoplefrom the age of 2 to 19 using music, dance andoral, written and visual media to develop theirinterest in storytelling, communication and thepower of literature. Some great authors likeMichael Morpurgo, Tom Palmer and DavidArmstrong have participated in previous yearsand next year Roger Mc Gough, Brian Pattenand Kate Long have already agreed to join in.Last year's event involved 400 children from ourschool and seven neighbouring schools and,with support from the Old Oswestrians’ Society,the library service and partnership with localradio and newspapers, the event is sure to beeven bigger next year.The 2009 festival programme will include anevening event with Roger McGough and BrianPatten and at least 200 children from otherschools. Everyone who comes into contact withthe book festival has been hugely positive intheir response: from within the school, from theother schools attending, from schools thatwould like to attend, from the public libraryservice and the wider community. The bookfestival has the potential to have a very positiveimpact on the school's image locally, regionallyand even nationally as it continues to grow.Please DO get involved!For further information or tickets pleasecontact Mrs A.Gonzalez on 01691 681107or email A.Gonzalez@oswestryschool.org.ukAn outline of events can be viewed atwww.oswestryschool.org.uk/extraDiary/2413/MayAsked why he had undertaken the journey,James answered: "Although you could arguethe trip came about as a response to a midlife crisis at the age of 27, inreality it was the desire to see what lay beneath the veneer of operatingwithin modern day middleclass England that kick-started things. Whatdetermination, resolve and commitment did I have away from thecreature comforts? What would happen if we changed the boundaries fora while and dug a little deeper?"Quite honestly, it is the periods of stress and mental fatigue that I nowhold up as the greatest challenges we faced that year, along with thebreakdown of a close friendship with one of my companions. It was anepic year. It taught me a lot about myself, both good and bad and abouthow lucky I am to have been born into a supportive, financially secureenvironment. Many of those we passed on the roadside were not sofortunate; as part of the ride we raised tens of thousands of pounds for anumber of communities in mountainous El Salvador - specificallyrefurbing some schools, training teachers, providing computers, booksetc - riding through the area en route."The trip planning took two years, August 2003 - August 2005, to get thefundraising sorted and our lives arranged and then the trip itself, August 2005- July 2006. I remained in Argentina until June 2007 to write the book."I hope the book inspires one or two pupils or OOs to seek out their ownchallenges." James then returned to the UK and started work on the OlympicPark, managing one of the sites within the park where contaminated soils arebeing cleaned to allow construction of the venues etc.The Baily Cup - Info Wantedpage 6The Baily Cup has only been awarded threetimes to our knowledge for acts of braveryand courage to pupils at School, once presecond world war and in the 60’s to RogerMorgan and Professor Roger Dennis.Can anyone help with any other details of itsinception or history?Contact our secretary attheoldoswestrianssociety@hotmail.com

OOs climb into record books - in Iran!Martyn Bracegirdle (a Governor of the School), and Roger Morgan (a former HeadBoy of the School), made their second climbing trip to Iran in August 2008.On their previous trip they climbed Mount Damavand which at 18,500 feet (5,700meters) is the highest mountain in Central Asia, as well as climbing other mountainsin the Alum Kur region, and accruing some 'British Firsts' as they did.This trip was to the Zagros Mountains in the South-West of Iran. The format for the climb was dictated by the needto find water and carry large quantities of it. So no tent - sleep in the open, no cooker or gas - cold food only, meantsome weight reduction could be effected but even then the back-packs were usually between 30-35 kgs most days.Martyn and Rogerclaim ‘British Firsts’in IranDespite some concerns about water generally, nevertheless they were still able to find some. The outcome ofthe trip was that they have lodged claims to 8 British Firsts on named mountains, 4 British Firsts on unnamedmountains, and 2 British Firsts on unnamed and unmapped mountains. In the case of the latter they haverequested of the Iranian Mountaineering Federation if they may name them. Most of the mountains were between13,000 - 15,000 feet (4,000 - 4,500 meters).Results - GolfDespite strong winds and heavy rain the OO golf dayattracted 30 players, its largest field to date, fairlyevenly split between Ladies and Gentlemen.Old Oswestrians’ Cricket 2009Back Row, (l-r); Oliver Bembow, Stuart Sleigh,Andrew Price, Ben Bromage, Euan Edwards,Chris Dillon, Ian PotterFront Row (l-r); Jonathan Hughes,Darron Humphries, Elliott DykeOld Oswestrians’ Cricket MatchSunday 29th June 2008Alan Stratford reports……….A pre-match downpour forced a reconsideration of thelength of the match. Resolved on 25 overs per team, bothsides batted and bowled well to provide an entertainingengagement.Batting first, the OOs compiled what looked like anunbeatable score of 157-7, Darren Humphreys making 47and Chris Dillon a rapid 42 not out at the end of the innings.Undaunted by the target, the School went onto the attackand finished a creditable 137-4. Euan Edwards andBen Bromage, with two wickets each, were the onlysuccessful OO bowlers.Thanks are due to Andrew Price for raising and captaining theOOs and to Liz Fisher, as ever the loyal and efficient scorer.Result: Old Oswestrians beat School by 20 runsThe conditions made the course about three shotsharder than standard for gentlemen and around fourfor ladies - so if you scored three shots worse thanyour handicap it was a good score even if it did notfeel like it! Mile End was presented in excellentcondition, with the greens running true and thecourse maturing nicely. Well worth a visit.The David Holbache Cupwon by John Evans (handicap)Willcox Financial Trophyby James Woodward (scratch)Longest Drive by John BatchlorThe Team Champagne Challengewon by the 'Aberystwyth Assassins' Led by StuartWilliams. Their best 3 Stableford scores per hole= 120 points - a tremendous score, well done.Guinevere Rose Bowlwon by Barbara Warner (handicap).Freedom Equity Release Trophyby Susan Evans (scratch).The Team Champagne Challengewon by Julie Potter's teamJohn Evans' score was a matter of some concern on the15th tee. He took a back swing, but as he started thedownswing his ball fell off its tee and rolled towards him.John clearly pulled his club out of the way (as if leavinga ball outside the off stump in cricket) to avoidcontacting a moving ball and incurring a penalty. Theback swing had gone beyond shoulder height, but theintention was not to play a stroke. No penalty occurredand John was free to play the tee shot again. Anysolicitors reading this would be well warned away fromthe rules of golf, as they make the laws of tort look likea walk in the park!page 7Winner Barbara WarnerWinner John EvansThank you toeveryone whoattended andmade it such amemorable day.

ObituariesPeter Birch1927-2008Peter's son Paulwas kind enoughto write a fewwords for usabout his fatherPeter Birch:“Peter always talked fondly of his timeat school and regaled stories of howhis French teacher made the learningof that subject come alive and hecontinued to visit France on a regularbasis and was always happy to "parler"the lingo at the drop of a hat or shouldthat be "chapeau"?He was great mates with Henry Ellis atschool and Henry was best man attheir wedding when Mum and Dadmarried in October 1949. They thenmoved down to Somerset where Dadwas already based with Bibby's. I wasborn in May 1952 and David (whounfortunately died from cancer inAugust 2003) was born in October1954.Peter played club cricket for Sparkforduntil he was in his 40's and was areasonable batsman and in his earlierdays kept wicket too. Mum used tohelp with teas and David and I wouldspend hours trying to keep thescoreboard up to date until we toostarted playing for the same villageteam.Apart from running a pub for 12months in the early 1970's, Dadworked for Bibby's right up until hisretirement in1986. They were able toenjoy a comfortable retirement andtravelled extensively, with trips to NewZealand, USA, France and Germanybeing made right up until this summerwhen Dad first became ill.He enjoyed spending time with hisfamily during his retirement, and was adoting grandfather to his 6 grandchildren (Jen, his second youngestgrand daughter was married on theSaturday before Dad died and Dadwas able to make the service andI honestly believe he felt that havingachieved that, it was time to go out ona positive) and was an active memberof several societies, including wineappreciation and gardening and wasalso a season ticket holder at YeovilTown football club, having renewed histicket again for the current seasonbefore he became too ill to attend.In brief, he was a good "egg" and I thinkhis sense of humour and ready smilewill be remembered by those whomet him.”Dominick Spencer (1924-2008)The Old Oswestrians' Society is sad to announce the recent death of Dominick Spencer,former headmaster of the Junior School. Dominick taught at the school from 1961-1970and was headmaster of the Junior School when it was in the "green hut", moving it up tothe Quarry site and developing it into a proper prep-school. Although Dominick went onto be headmaster at Amesbury School, Surrey from 1971 and retired to Cambridgeshire,he retained his interest in the School and the Old Oswestrians' Society.The funeral, held on Monday 19th May at St Laurence's Church, Wicken, Nr Ely, Cambridgeshire, wasattended by OOs Graham Arthan, Martyn and Mike Bracegirdle and Nigel Whittingham. Also in attendance wasMorag Hare, wife of the late Oswestry School master John Hare. Dominick had been a master at ReptonSchool with Oswestry colleagues Dick Sale and John Hare.Two former pupils share their brief recollections with us:“Dominick Spencer was a significant person in the history and development of Oswestry School. To fullyappreciate his contributions you had to have experienced the Green Hut (a wooden shed painted green) and theestablishment of the Junior School at the Quarry (impressive period house with traditional range of brickbuildings and well kept grounds) If memory serves correctly we moved up the hill in the summer term of 61with about 24 pupils. This was a completely new encounter for me having previously been 'taught' by threewomen, K.Lloyd, M.Watkin and Mrs. Walton. These three individuals had altered little since 1407 when theschool was founded. Being shouted at and called 'Fishface' at my first lesson for talking to 'Peanut' Watts andnot paying attention did not cause me any long term psychological damage.Dominick Spencer was supported by his wife Sue who looked after the boarders and was ably assisted byWendy Lloyd and John Harriott .The very cold winter of '62 saw us having regular running matches around the triangle. Ice on the road was notconsidered a safety issue. Initially swimming was in the 'cool pool' fed by spring water from Oswald's well. Heloved his cricket, inviting his 'little men' as he called us into his small sitting room to watch the famous 60'sWest Indian Test touring team on his t.v.I am sure he relished the opportunity offered by Dick Sale, the then headmaster, of building the foundations ofa new institution virtually from scratch and the testament to his vision and success is all to see of how the JuniorSchool has developed and expanded over the last 47 years. Perhaps the school may now recognise his impactand contribution.”Jeremy Dell OO (1959-71)“I still have a Junior School photo from 1964 showing Dominick and his wife Sue along with the teaching staffand 43 boys. We were taught all the Kings and Queens and their dates from 1066 by rote and I will alwaysremember the outdoor drama productions of Henry V and Julius Caesar. Although we were not many innumber, we played inter school matches of football and cricket against the likes of Packwood and Prestfeld. I wasonly 9 years old when I started in 1962 and remember him being firm but fair. Sue informs me when theystarted at the Quarry they had 10 day boys and 10 boarders and when they left in 1970 there were over 100 boys”.Donald Inman 1940-2008Graham Arthan OO (1962-71)Donald attended Oswestry School from 1950 to 1956 and was a member of HolbacheHouse. He then went to Grimes Tutorial College in Manchester.He was always keenly interested in mechanics and mechanical development andspent the whole of his life working in the motor trade in the North West.With two partners he started G.I.S. Motor Body Repairs in Kendal in 1974 and grewthe business into a reputable and reliable specialist company employing a workforceof 25. The business finally closed in 1997 when Donald took early retirement.Donald championed the Motor Industry all his life: he was actively involved in the Institute of the Motor Industryand was elected to a Member in 1983, he taught evening classes of Motor Vehicle Technology at BoltonTechnical College, was Chairman of the Kendal Branch of the Chamber of Trade and also of the Cumbria Branchof the Vehicle Body Repairers Association.Donald spent his last years with his partner Ginette in between Kendal and La Teste de Buch on the South Westcoast of France. He died in France on 11th August 2008 after a long fight against cancer. Methodical to the endDonald kept a day by day account of the experimental treatment he had received in the hope that it wouldbenefit others.Donald leaves a son, a daughter and eight grandchildrenThe Society is also sad to report the deaths of the followingJohn Maxwell (Max) BusseyClive Spaltonpage 18

Oswestry Prep School 1946/47Bev Croft (1946-1956) supplied The Society with this photo of the 1946/47 Prep School pupils:Back Row (l-r) Alex Mottram,Jerry Wilford, Matthew Ford,Isaac James, Will Gull, AndrewCrichton, Darren HollingsworthFront Row (l-r) Vincent Chu,John Durham, Alex Edwards,Ben EdwardsAbsent from photo: Hugh AdamsDo you recognise anyone?We have identified Tim Moore Bridger (third from RHS sitting down) and David (Nipper) Davies (standingdirectly behind). Names we expect but cannot identify are Roy Kempster, John Evison, Billy Griffiths,Evan Evans, John Suckley, Terry Nicholls, Foster and Clay.Can you help? If so please drop Liz Moore an email at ct16@hotmail.co.uk or call her on 07870 261033Recital Series 2008-2009This nineteenth Season, with its usual mix of old and new, seeks to expandyet further a reputation earned and maintained through the renown of theartistes appearing. That Oswestry School (a relatively small but ancientschool in a small town) can provide a platform for the likes of Brendel, theAcademy of St Martin in the Fields, the OAE, Tasmin Little, the LondonMozart Players, the Skampas, Marc-André Hamelin, Roscoe, Lill etc, mustsurely rank as a truly remarkable achievement.In October, to open the Season and inaugurate our new grand piano, wewelcomed back one of the true friends of this Series, the internationally acclaimedpianist John Lill. This was followed by the fabulous Esbjerg Ensemble from Denmark in November.The series continues in January with another visit from international star Tasmin Little,followed in February by the next of our much-valued collaborations with SMT and Orchestras Live, this timethe City of London Sinfonia. In March, one of the most exciting string quartets on the international scene,the Royal Quartet, from Poland, and then to close what will have been a truly varied and delightful lineup,a true Celebrity Recital by a group known to music lovers around the world, the King's Singers.Tickets and further information from: Mrs Frances Davies at Oswestry SchoolTel: 01691 681135 or visit www.oswestryschool.org.uk/school/recitalSeriesBack Row (l-r) Richard Wilson,James Wass, Tristan Chidlow,Tristan Hartey, Will Keogh,Benson Ip, Euan EdwardsFront Row (l-r) Igbal Caesar,Charlie Pierce, Johnny Heaton,Sam RobertsFounder’s DayInter OO Football& Netball(l-r) Brooke Simons-Akwah,Charlotte Canlett, SallyNewman-Carter (back), SophieAdams, Lara White, KatieHughes, Katie Edwardspage 9

OO (and current pupils)becomes Vintners!Thanks to the extreme generosity of Nigel Birch (OO 54-58),and the OOs, Nigel Whittingham and family had a trulymemorable Easter holiday this year, won at the 600th yearcelebration Summer Ball.Nigel Birch, ex-HolbacheHouse, moved to The Algarvewith his brother, Athol, in the70s in search of the sun. Sincethen he has started severalbusinesses near Albufeira buthe is most famous as a vintner.The Whittinghams (Nigel OO 60-71, Fi, VictoriaYear 10 and James Year 9) reported as follows:“We stayed in the beautiful cottage on theQuinta do Miradouro vineyard, a few kmnorth west of Albufeira, where grapes aregrown, and the wines matured and bottled.In partnership with his eldest son, Max, andSir Cliff Richard, he produces high qualityaward-winning wines, principally the VidaNova range, which was featured on Gordon Ramsey's FWord a few series back. Guided tours of the vineyard arearranged regularly, culminating with wine tastings. We reallyenjoyed this experience! If you would like to try the winesthey are sold by Sainsbury's and Waitrose or can be orderedon-line www.winesvidanova.comNigel was a great host and we are very grateful to him forhis hospitality”.Nigel Birch has now joined The Society and would love tohear from any contemporaries.You may email him at birch@sapo.ptSummer In BarbadosAs some of you may remember, a verygenerous first prize was donated for the raffleat the 2007 School Summer Ball. The JohnsonFamily very lucky winners of a week inBarbados, staying at the beautiful Villa ownedby Amanda and Jeff Bateman. They sent usthe following report:“After many months of eager anticipation weset off in July as soon as the school broke upfor the summer, myself, my husband Mike,my son Sam and his friend James all set off.After a long flight we finally arrived inBridgetown Barbados airport and werewhisked off by a friendly Bajan taxi driver. We were welcomed at the Villa byTeesha and Natasha who were to take care of us during our holiday. Natashasaw to all the house keeping and Teesha was our cook - what luxury!The Villa was absolutely beautiful and typical of a house in the Tropics, witha large terrace, swimming pool and surrounded by a garden containingcoconut palms, mango trees and other exotic plants.To our delight it wasvisited often by green monkeys, which would come on sporadic 'Raids' toeat the mangoes.We were only 5 minutes from the local beach of 'Mullins Bay' and anothershort walk from the beautiful and tranquil 'Gibbs Beach' next door. From thisbeach we went swimming and snorkeling and the boys went fishing andwater-skiing. We visited the beautiful rugged coastline on the east side ofthe island and had lunch in the lovely 'Roundhouse' restaurant. We wentdown into huge caves which had entrances that looked straight out on theAtlantic Ocean. The nature reserve was a cool and shady delight with manyexotic birds, reptiles, monkeys and tortoises.It was a unanimous vote that our best day however was the trip out on the'Cool Runnings' Catamaran, which took us all along the coast under sail,stopping in a bay for lunch on the boat. We had wonderful food and then wentsnorkelling with tropical fish and sea turtles. The day was no doubt enhancedby the delicious rum punch and Banks beer being served throughout!Our lasting memories of Barbados will be of a beautiful, friendly islandwith so many things to do and see that you would always want to comeback for a second visit.”OO Heads up new London AcademyTherèse Reinheimer-Jones, OO 95-97Head of the Financial Skills Academy at Tower Hamlets CollegeThe Academy, supported by Canary Wharf firms including Citigroup and HSBC,provides training across a range of financial disciplines for budding Wharf workers fromTower Hamlets.Therese is an English graduate and has a Masters in Women, Gender and Writing. She has also completedher PGCE so is a qualified teacher. She has a background in recruitment in the city where she specialised inareas such as teaching, public sector assignments and financial services.In her spare time she really enjoys travelling and has visited Hong Kong, Europe, Thailand, and is shortly goingto India on a work-related trip. Her interests include salsa dancing, eating nice food, walking and exploringLondon museums and other attractions.Her email address is reinheimerjones@yahoo.co.ukThe Secretary of State forCommunities and LocalGovernment, Hazel Blears,visited the NationalSkills Academy for FinancialServices at TowerHamlets Collegepage 10

News of OO’sAaron Shelley “Held by the Code”OO Aaron Shelley (1995-2003) playsbass and provides backing vocals forband “Held By The Code” who aremaking a name for themselves allaround the West Country and most recently appeared at the Ironworksin Oswestry on Founder's Day Eve.The band formed in early 2006 as a 3 piece, writing their own songs andalso doing some covers, playing classics like Black Sabbath, Bon Jovi, EricClapton, to modern-day classics like Feeder and Green Day. They havewritten and recorded one album in their own studio and arecurrently working on their second, with their new singer Simon Rofe, whojoined them in March 2008, which should be complete by the end of 2008.They are looking to gig all over the country next year.websites: www.myspace.com/heldbythecodewww. heldbythecode.co.uk, and also on Facebook.comAs for Aaron's siblings, Ashley is in the RAF as a photographer and iscurrently based at RAF Valley in Anglesey. Martine is living inPlymouth and is working at a school with autistic children, and Leanneis also living in Plymouth making soft furnishing for top class yachts.Gest Performance PostponedOO Suzie Furlonger (left school 1998) entered The XFactor 2008 as a solo contestant and made it all theway through to Dannii Minogue’s final six in the Over 25s category.Suzie performed for Dannii Minogue and Emma Bunton in St Tropez,but narrowly missed out on making it onto this year’s live shows.Suzie was to have performed in ‘I’m A Celebrity’ star David Gest’s firstsolo tour, ‘David Gest is Nuts - My Life As A Musical’, set to start atour in February, which has been postponed because of David’shospitalisation over Christmas.Suzie will be taking her regular place as Candi Staton’s backingvocalist on her European Tour in February and March 2009 and is alsoworking as the featured artist on a new project due for release thisyear. Keep up-to-date with Suzie’s news on her website:www.suzie-furlonger.comExecutive Search for Bev Brown (nee Nicoll) OO 1976-1985Beverley has been in Executive Search since the80’s, focussing on the Investment BankingOperations & Finance market. In December 1999 sheco-founded Nicoll Curtin Limited, where she iscurrently Deputy Chairman. She is also the Managing Director of KavanaghBrown, the Executive Search arm of Nicoll Curtin Ltd, who provide highcalibre, motivated and successful Operations, Finance and IT professionalsto the Investment Banking and Securities Markets worldwide.Beverley has conducted successful assignments for the InvestmentBanking industry worldwide; including London, New York, Singapore,Frankfurt, Moscow, Sydney, Dublin and Glasgow.Last year the company achieved 2nd overall place in the “SundayTimes 100 Best Small Companies To Work For 2008”.Her husband Richard is still in property (as she says “bad market!!”).Daughter Emily turns seven in February and is going on the radio to doa quiz for CBeebies. George is now five and playing footie like mad.Ben Cessford - from snowy SwedenI can't have been an easy student. I spent toomuch time day dreaming during my 10 yearsat Oswestry School. However, I have fondmemories; dregs rugby in the rain, canoeing andsurfing off the Welsh coast, Donne House sportstactics, the Final Triangle and a few unmentionable ones. My teachersat OS continue to inspire me even today. That may come as a surpriseto those of them who remember me.On leaving OS in 1985 I went to Oxford Polytechnic (now known asOxford Brookes University) to take a degree in physical sciences andgraduated in 1988. I applied for a post graduate degree course at theUniversity of London and 1989 I completed an MSc and DIC inrobotics from Imperial College. During my time in London I met aSwedish girl called Helena, a post graduate student. Helena completedher degree whereupon her study visa expired which prompted both ofus to move to Gothenburg, Sweden (since Sweden was not an EUmember at that time).Our plans were to move back to the UK once a UK work permit wasarranged. However, after 3 weeks in Gothenburg I started working fora company designing laboratory robotic systems. My knowledge ofSwedish was thin but never a hindrance - it’s an advantage to beEnglish speaking particularly for any foreign engineering company. Iworked on projects in Sweden as well as in Germany and Denmark.The early 90s financial crisis took its toll and the company wentbankrupt. I was working on a project in Denmark at the time when thehead of lab approached me with the grim news. He asked me if I hadconsidered starting my own business and simultaneously dropped acontract in front of me. It was an opportunity to fulfill one of those OSday dreams so I started my IT business the same day.The company grew and survived the 2001 dotcom financial crisis.It was developing software for Swedish hospital admin, labs andspecialist clinical & quality assurance systems by the time we wereapproached by a large Scandinavian IT corporation. Several monthslater the corporation acquired the company and I became its VicePresident for the Swedish healthcare and welfare business unit.Helena and I married in 1992 and we have two children, Naomi andWilliam. The children are growing up fast and I hadn't spent muchtime with them so I took the once in a lifetime decision to spend moretime with them by resigning from the corporation a few years ago.We live on the coast in small place called Getskär, 40km north ofGothenburg. The coastline is riddled with islands and small fishingharbours so I took a range of coastal yacht master exams last year andbought a boat. Although we have no visible tide it is an ideal coastlineto learn to navigate the shipping lanes, currents and to avoid theabundance of rocks. I might fulfil another OS day dream of sailing toCorsica, Italy and Greece someday.I still run a company and do the odd bit of consulting. Now we're inthe third financial crisis since I arrived in Sweden, so I can onlyimagine some new opportunity must be imminent.I would like to thank all my teachers at OS. In particularHuw Jordan and the RM 380Z, Roger Williams for his dedication,homework and tests (didn't think much of it at the time though)and Michael Bernamont (for his words on the quad five minutesbefore I left OS).page 11

OO UPDATES . . . OO UPDATES . . . OO UPDATES .David Lewis (1994 - 2005)After leaving School went to Southampton University and studied PopulationScience for 3 years. Studied Mandarin as an extra subject and was thenaccepted at the University of Language and Culture in Beijing to study Mandarin.As part of the course he mixes and integrates with their culture and society andhopes to stay at the uni for 2 years. He has visited the Birds Nest Stadium,experienced National Day in Tiananmen Square and has just had his photo takenfor a tourism promotion in December for the Beijing Metro! Has met Jing forcoffee. Hopes to get a job connected with Mandarin.Angharad Edwards (1997 - 2003)Currently living and working in Manhattan in an internship forthe Bridgeman Art Library until Christmas. Next February shewill take up her place on a Post Grad' course in FashionJournalism at Central St Martins College, London.Ian Scott-Garrett (1989 - 1994) Email: garrett27uk@yahoo.co.ukGraduated from the University of Wolverhampton in 1997 with a degree in Law.Underwent surgery in 2000 to remove a benign brain tumour - 2 operations,eventually successful.Qualified as a Legal Executive in 2003 and thenceforth worked for ShropshireCounty Council Trading Standards Department and as a Charity Lawyer forWolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council. Moved out of practice and intoeducation in January 2006 and now work as a lecturer in law. Living in WestBromwich with my partner Vicky and our two children - plan to get married in thenear future (finances permitting!). Would love to hear from anyone who was in myyear at school.Paul Matthews (1981 - 1983)Paul moved from the UK to Mexico City just over two years ago which was a stepchange for himself and his family. He had spent the previous 14 years working inEurope for Imperial Tobacco in several senior Sales and Marketing roles, and wasappointed as General Manager for our business in Mexico in 2006. His wife and 3children, Felix (now 4), Joe (now 8) and Laura (now 15, going on 22) all relocated toMexico City at the end of 2006 and experienced a culture shock difficult to explain.“We moved from the organised comfort of the UK, to one of the worlds most largeand dangerous cities. With 20 million people, only Tokyo is bigger; and, sadlyMexico City is the kidnap capital of the world. Together with the altituide - it is at2,500 metre above sea level (think Ben Nevis and Snowdon on top of each otherand then some) - the move was tough. Oh, and then there are the earthquakes!However, after two and a half years we have foundthe experience enriching in the broadest sense: allthree children are billingual (and their parents arepretty good at Spanish too); and we have enjoyedthe chance to see and immerse ourselves in anotherculture.” The picture is the view from our apartment.Ian Roberts (1979 - 1986) Email: i_roberts68@yahoo.co.ukIan Roberts recently travelled to Pune, India as jumps coach for the England Track& Field team at the Commonwealth Youth Games.'It was an incredible experience, with 71 nations takingpart. It was the biggest multi-sport event for youth in theworld, and with that in mind, it was gratifying to lead ateam that actually won the athletics’ discipline with 13medals. These young people could quite genuinely bethe household names of the future and this opportunity was incredibly valuable inproviding them with major games’ experience in a totallydifferent environment. On the second day of competition, it was for example 109degrees on the triple jump runway, the hottest place in the world. It was a totalcontrast to my own early experiences of athletics, because I do not ever recallhaving to clear monkeys off the track on the Maesyllan, or collect dung beetlesand preying mantis from the long jump pit at Park Hall!!'Ian's next international opportunities will come as team manager of the Englandteam at the World Schools Championships in Talinn, Estonia in June, and as coachat the World Youth Championships in Finland in July 2009.Andrew Renwick (1974 - 1990) Email: andrew.renwick@sodexo.comCommercial Manager, Sodexo Facilities Management, part of Sodexo LandTechnology, who provide a range of facilities management services - frombuilding maintenance and landscaping to cleaning and reception.Recently married to Helen (nee Chalmers), lived in Llanfechain for past threeyears, having returned to the area from Bristol in 1995Charles Ingram (1973 - 1981) Email: di4charles@gmail.comMarried for 20 years with three daughters, the eldest is now at Exeter Universitystudying History. I manage a computer consultancy called Abacus ComputerSolutions and my wife, Diana, manages her own jewellery design andmanufacturing business.Tim Sarginson (1968 - 1974) Email: sarget@telus.netAfter nearly 19 years of working as an airline pilot for Gulf Airin Bahrain my wife and I felt that it was time to move on.Being an airline pilot is not the most sociable job in the worldand I was missing too much of my children growing up.My daughter is now 16 and my son is 14. There was very little for them in Bahrainand, as moving back to Kenya was not an option and I don't like British winters,we had to find somewhere else to go. I had bought a house to the West of Calgarysome years ago and so we emigrated here in May 2007.I have spent the last year assisting in the renovation of our home, which ought to becompleted by the end of June. I am now looking for a job in the executive jet market.My brother, Mark, is still with Gulf Air and will complete 20 years with them thisyear. He is a senior line Captain flying Airbus 330 and 340 aircraft. He will return toKenya when he has had enough of airline flying. My sister, Penny, now lives in theWest of Ireland with her husband and two sons. Hopefully I will visit the UK in thenext year or two and will attempt to make it to Oswestry. I would enjoy showing itto my children.Philip Ernest Lewis (1956 - 1966) Email: Philiplewis05@aol.comHave retired a couple of years ago as PE teacher [for 32 years] at Ysgol DavidHughes. Married 38 years; 2 children, 3 grandchildren... busier than ever nowretired ... see Russell Bracegirdle, Davy Edwards, Gavin Shaw and cousin StuartLewis occasionally ... recently visited the palace for tea! Off to Annapurna inMarch. Would be glad to hear from any contemporaries in the area.Andrew Legg (1950 - 1956) Email: andrewwallace40@googlemail.comAlthough now 68 years young am still working full time as a Principal Consultantwith the Sports and Landscape division of Scott Wilson where we design andimplement the construction of full size synthetic soccer and hockey pitches,five a side pitches, tennis courts etc.Married now for 44 years with two children and two grandchildren and living inAlkington, Berkeley, Gloucestershire. Sadly both my best friends at Oswestry -John Halton and Don Inman have passed away.Sigi Faith OO (1939 - 1945)Sigi recently spoke to BBC Radio about his Kindertransportexperiences. A celebration to commemorate the 70thanniversary of the British Parliament's decision to admit10,000, children as refugees from Nazi-occupied Europe,nine months prior to the outbreak of World War II, tookplace at the Jews' Free School in Middlesex in Decemberattended by Prince Charles.If you'd like to update us on what you have been up to please email Liz Moore at theoldoswestrianssociety@hotmail.compage 12

. . OO UPDATES . . .The rescue mission that followed, known as Kindertransport,took in nearly 10,000 predominantly Jewish children from NaziGermany, and the occupied territories of Austria,Czechoslovakia, Poland and the Free City of Danzig. Thechildren were placed in British foster homes, hostels & farms.Under this arrangement, eleven year old Siegfried SamuelFeitlowitz from Hamburg arrived at Oswestry School in 1939,into the care of Headmaster Ralph Williamson, where he spentthe remainder of the war, leaving school in September 1945 asHead Boy.Sigi Faith OO, as the young boy is now known, was interviewedon BBC Radio Shropshire in a feature commemorating theanniversary. Press coverage of the celebration includedfeatures in The Sun and Daily Telegraph newspaper.Maids of honour at Tinks Farrow’s wedding in late November2008 were :Helen Frank (82-97) Email: helen@mortonstables.co.uk andDorothea Cramer (95-97)Email: dotcram@aol.comRobert Lamb (92-97) now lives and works in Bristol and canbe contacted on Email: lambii@hotmail.co.ukThe Society are very happy to have contact with IainMcIntyre (68-75) and his elder brother Tony (68-71).Iain lives in Monmouth running his own business and can becontacted on Email: iain@tinsleysupplies.co.ukTony left Oswestry and qualified at Durham and taught inindependant prep schools such as Dover College but wasmainly based in the Oxford area until his recent retirement.The years of playing rugby at a high level (England B squad)have taken their toll and he is presently recovering from twohip operations. Tony has moved to Frogwell near Tivertonin Devon where he enjoys umpiring in the Devon countycricket league and can be contacted onEmail: a.mcintyre952@btinternet.comJohn Elmhirst (formely Elmhirst-Baxter) (62-67)has recently moved to Hewnhan-on-Severn, Gloucestershire,he keeps in touch with Professor Roger Dennis and was sorryto miss The Final Triangle in 2007.Email: john_elmhirst@yahoo.co.ukHenry Savery Info WantedWe are seeking any information the society might haveregarding an old boy of Oswestry named Henry Savery.Savery was the author of Australia's first published novel,Quintus Servinton, and is thought to have attended Oswestryaround the years 1804 - 1808. The school archivist Gay GoreBrown is researching this claim and would like anyinformation from members onEmail: g.gore-browne@oswestryschool.org.ukOO brings science toManchester United FootballersMan U’s Human Performance ManagerDr Richard Hawkins (OO 1988-90)was appointed Head of Sports Science atManchester United in March 2008 where he workswith the sports science team at Manchester United’straining ground at Carrington, helping the players reach peak physical performance.An alumni of Loughborough University, Richard was Deputy Head of FA Sport Sciencefrom 2000-04, moving on to West Bromwich Albion FC from 2004-07 as 1st Team SportScientist and then Sheffield United as fitness coach in late 2007.Richard brings us his latest report:“The 2007/08 was a turbulent season which began atWest Bromwich Albion, had a 5 month period at Sheffield United from Oct-Feb and ended atManchester United for the final 3 months of the season.The Sheffield United role was very similar to the conditioning role I had at WBA except itoffered a new challenge which I felt was needed after 2 1 ⁄2 years. Due to variousfactors the role was short lived which coincided with an opportunity at Man United.One of the major constraints that conditioning and sports science staff in professionalfootball face is the need to service 30+ professional players with only one pair of hands. Thisis clearly not possible and therefore you often have to compromise the level of support youoffer players. One of the main attractions of the Man United role was that a team of supportstaff was being assembled, which meant a greater level of individual support for playerswould be possible. Hence the role of Performance Manager was something I was interestedin, and would allow me to utilise aspects of conditioning and sports science that’s notpossible if you operated as a one-man-band.The structure of sports science and conditioning at MUFC is such that there is now anumber of individuals that take on a specialist role while collectively providing day to daysupport to 1st team players. My specific role has focussed on the development of aperformance laboratory that is utilised to identify the conditioning needs of players,assisting in the development of individual player programmes. A testing and assessmentstrategy is now in operation which not only performs a key role in the long term developmentof fit players but also assists in the appropriate transition through the various stages ofrehabilitation for injured players.The new role now enables me to concentrate on more specialist areas and integrate thelatest developments in terms of technology and science into our programme providing theyfit in with our long term philosophy, which is simply to create an environment in which wecan maxmise the genetic potential of our players. A considerable amount of information isnow collected on players such as testosterone and cortisol levels to look at hormonal stress,salivary proteins to monitor immune status, heart rate and gps training and match records tolook at the various demands, physiological measures and performance tests to monitoradaptations, the list goes on. One of the major tasks we now face in the field is filteringand making sense of all the information we generate on players to ensure we make thecorrect decisions, as we strive to maximise performance whilst minimising the risk of injury.The demands placed on players and the squad in general, over what could be a 68 gameseason for us this year are excessive, and with every player responding differently to thedemands imposed on them it is important that appropriate strategies are utilised withindividual players to enable them to express themselves and perform every 3-4 days.The challenge that lies ahead is to ensurewe stay ahead of the opposition in termsof our conditioning and sports sciencesupport. Although this will not guaranteesuccess it will give us the best chancepossible if all other aspects are equal.”page 13Players Nani, Anderson, Fletcher, Evra

2 Minutes with:VICTORIA MATTHEW (née Farrow)I came to Oswestry in 1992,finishing sixth form in 1997 whenmy brother Michael joined theschool. After leaving Oswestry, Iwent to Robert Gordon University inAberdeen to study EuropeanBusiness Administration. Whilethere, I got involved in studentpolitics, serving as Societies Officerand Council Convenor amongst others and earned a FullBlue for services to charities. I moved to Suffolk afteruniversity to work for a German beauty company, helpingto train nail technicians. My dream job - regular visits toGermany and as many free cosmetics as I could handle!After a few years, I moved back up to Aberdeen and amworking for Schlumberger, an oilfield services company asa Technical Administrator. I have recently got married tohusband Liam.What are your interests?I've become involved in the art of burlesque and have beentaking lessons for about a year. It combines glitz &glamour, dancing & cocktails - all my favourite things! I alsobelong to the Aberdeen Aces roller derby team, it's arelatively unheard-of sport but great fun. Other than that Itry to keep up with my copious shoe-buying andsocial-networking habits!Favourite teachers?Mrs Mary Smith was a brilliant German teacher; I amindebted to her for making my university years so mucheasier. Mr Hooper was a hoot with his tie collection - weonce bought him a flowery tie in Littlewoods andconvinced him we had got it on the Boulevard St. Germainewhile on a school trip to Paris. I think he still wears it toSpeech Day. And of course Mrs Leonard - she always knewwhat you were up to, no matter how devious you thoughtyou were being. Guinevere House office was her centre ofoperations and woe betide if you thought you could getpast the front door without some kind of comment!Favourite Memory of Oswestry School?There were many memorable occasions - of which few areprintable! Valentine's and Summer Balls always ended up inMr & Mrs Leonard's flat for a post-mortem and bacon rolls. Ialso took part in two sailing expeditions to the Solent but myfavourite memories are of the days when the day pupils gotsnowed in and only the boarders were left at school -timetabled hot chocolate breaks and snowman buildingcompetitions and then the whole school had English for theafternoon as only Mr McCrea could make it in!Famous last words?“To realise your dreams, you have to wake up”Contact Details:Victoria Matthew 31 Mastrick Rd, Aberdeen AB16 5QDTel: 01224 698656 Email: glam_chick@hotmail.comCaught in Time1988 CRICKET X187/88 Team - Top L to R: Liz Moore (Scorer), Luke Webster, Guy Wilson, Darren Humphreys,James Woodward, Dan Bromage, James BebbBottom L to R: Mark Evans, Andrew Gilchrist, Gareth Evans (Capt), Andrew Price, Des MorrisThis was the year of the draw with eight draws in total, seven of which were intoday’s cricket language winning ones. Two wins against Tettenhall College and StDavid’s, Llandudno completed the fixtures. The team was captained by theCorinthian Gareth Evans who was top in the batting averages with 45.4 and alsoheaded the wicket taking with 28 wickets at an average of 11.4 runs. This teamwere in the main part of the football team that for the second year running had wonthe Shropshire Cup for Senior Teams under 18.A highlight of the innings was at St David’s, Llandudno, when the schoolneeded one run to win with the last pair in. Due to Des Morris the victory wasobtained by 1 wicket. There were personal records for four members of the teamwho for the first time scored over 50 runs in the first X1 (Gareth Evans, Mark Evans,Darren Humphrey and a century for Andrew Price) against the Old Oswestrians.Gareth Evans - Captain. The really true Corinthian who left school for a career inthe pay corps in the army. He was a truly outstanding sportsman and in the view ofPeter Jones and John Huins could certainly have become a professional rugbyleague football player.Mark Evans - Principally a batsman who went on to read Business Studies atLiverpool University and worked for British Aluminium for 8 years, now PurchasingManager for local Metal Section Shutters Business.Andrew Price - The Centurian who now lives near Aberystwyth working for HMCustoms & Revenue.Darren Humphreys - Plays for Oswestry Cricket Club with his brother Stephen.Darren has always been in banking for NatWest, Prudential & presently with HSBC.James Woodward - James starred in the match against Cae Glas where he bowled11 overs of leg spin and took 6 for 33. After school he studied Business & Financeat Stafford and is presently Managing Director of Cold Move, Oswestry.Guy Wilson - Son of OO John Wilson. Second in the batting averages.Des Morris - One of four brothers who attended school. Des works in finance andis presently based in Switzerland.James Bebb - from Alderbury, went on to be Director of a Milk Co-operative whichhe sold and is presently Purchasing Manager for Meadow Foods in Wrexham.Luke Webster - Luke was principally an opening bowler who took 14 wickets in theseason. Originally from Sri Lanka, was last heard of managing a motor racing teamat Brands Hatch.Andrew Gilchrist - An all rounder who lives in Battersea, London.Dan Bromage - One of three Bromage brothers who is parent of daughter Emily acurrent Oswestry School pupil.page 14

Royal Links for OO Burnaby ...Colonel Fred Burnaby (Old Oswestrian) appeared on the front page of The Times newspaper on 14thNovember 2008 in the celebrated, elegant portrait of Burnaby by James Jacques Tissot of 1870 which nowhangs in The National Portrait Gallery, London. The reason? The Times reports that it was this portrait thatinspired the official photo of Prince Charles released to mark his 60th birthday.Frederick Gustavus Burnaby was born in 1842 in the parsonage of St Peter's, Bedford, where his father wasvicar. Burnaby, who would grow up to be a soldier, adventurer, would-be politician, hot air balloonist and evenTimes correpondent, was a colourful character who came to Oswestry School after his time at Harrowproved to be less than successful. During his time at Harrow, Burnaby wrote a piece to "Punch" magazinecomplaining about the system of fagging that ruled there. After 2 years there, Burnaby was removedand placed under the personal supervision of the Rev Stephen Donne, headmaster at Oswestry School,half-brother of Rev James Donne, the rector of St Paul's, Bedford - the connection with Bedford. Both theDonne brothers were Old Oswestrians, being sons of Dr Donne, possibly, our school's finest headmaster.Burnaby was at Oswestry from 1857-1859/60, at the same time as the Rev Canon W A Spooner, of'Spoonerism' celebrity and appears to have been a much loved figure; there are several stories of strength,bravery, bravado and sporting deeds from this period and, upon his death, funds were raised to install an organin the school chapel in his honour. His name lives on in the life of Oswestry School as one of our four Houses.Colonel FredBurnaby whoseportrait appearedin the Times14/11/08linked toPrince Charlesofficial phototo mark his60th birthdayShammasian’s DVDUK's foremost young film directors shoot a promotional DVD of Oswestry SchoolIn the autumn, thanks to an introduction from OO Peter Edwards, OS Director of Recruitment CathyHopkins managed to secure the services of two of the UK's foremost young filmdirectors to shoot a promotional DVD of Oswestry School. They are London-based brothers Paul andLudwig Shammasian and their most recent short film, 'Romans 12:20', has won major awards this yearat prestigious film festivals in Rhode Island, New York and most recently Los Angeles; the film is tippedto be nominated for 'best short film' at this year's Hollywood Oscars.The Oswestry School film is in its final stages of production and should be available fordistribution by the end of the year; visit the OO Noticeboard www.oswestryschool.org.uk/oldNews/where details will be posted when a clip will be available to watch online. It will be a useful marketing tool bothin the UK and especially overseas. The School is grateful to the OO committee who have agreed to donate£1,000 towards the cost of shooting the film.View clips of The Shammasian brothers' work at www.romans1220.com/shammasianCrew andDirectors onlocation atOswestry SchoolNational Library of Wales buys Giggs’ PortraitThe National Library of Wales recently bought a portrait of Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs, by artistPeter Edwards.Giggs is one of United's longest established players, having turned professional in 1990, and has won 20 majortrophies and awards with the club. Giggs also captained Wales, winning 64 caps for his country.The portrait was painted in 2007 and shows Giggs the man, rather than Giggs the footballer. Peter Edwards,the artist, believes that the portrait shows a person with a lot of personal determination and special charisma.Edwards is also famous for his portraits of another Manchester United icon Sir Bobby Charlton (The NationalPortrait Gallery), who sat for him in 1990 and the poet Seamus Heaney (National Library of Wales Collection).Library buysRyan Giggs O.B.E.portrait 10/12/08by Peter EdwardsKeep up to date with what’s happening via the OO Noticeboard on the Oswestry School websitewww.oswestryschool.org.uk/oldNews/page 15

Notes from the Secretary’s DiaryIt has been the most enjoyable nine years as your Honorary Secretary and I leave the post with theSociety and the School with a very good bill of health.• The Society celebrated the school’s Sexcentenary celebrations with dinners at The Reform Club, Ivy andFounder’s Day coupled with an OO marquee on Speech Day, and has a healthy banking position.• The School has increased pupils, built new teaching blocks, rebuilt School House dormitories, and a new sports hallis in planning stages.It would be remiss of me not to thank those who have been very active in their support:-Three OO Chairman ~ Mrs Hilary James, Peter Edwardsand the now retired, after 37 years’ service, Graham Arthan.Two Treasurers ~ Keith Edwards and Martyn Jones.Two Administrators ~ Lynsey Arnott on the database and Hazel Yates managing the web site.One Judge ~ Bruce Morgan for his co-management of the Reform Club Dinner.The OO Committee is very active with all members owning and managing events ie. Robert Willcox – Golf,Andi Price – Cricket, Darren Hollingsworth and Rob Wilcox – Football, Mike Bracegirdle – Shooting.It has been a revelation with Sara Marshall and Sian Boffey and our new secretary Liz Moore now managingthe administration and the OO Web pages.• It seems far off days from the 2nd World War when all pupils had to have a spoonful ofcod liver oil and malt each day to increase their vitamins.• Don’t forget we have “Scholars Ale” available in one dozen packs for £25.00 includingP & P. It’s great value for a quality bottled beer. Call 07768 304478 to place your order.• As a result of exceptional sales we have re-ordered for sale silk ties (wide) from Beckford Silk Mill and they areavailable from Martyn Jones, at the School Shop, or martyn_paulineebtinternet.com• The Society is planning a London Dinner in May 2009 so watch Oswestryschool.org.uk for updated news.• As a result of The Founder’s Day mailing we have received a great response in amending addresses ande-mails but we still have many outdated numbers. Please update because without yourinformation you will not be receiving all OO correspondence.• For OO Rock music devotees listen to OO Aaran Shelley’sBand Held By The Code on www.heldbythecode.co.uk orwww.myspace.com/heldbythecode.• Congratulations to Paul Stockdale and his staff for a ‘good’ Ofsted boarding inspection,with some areas described as ‘outstanding’.Valete, Stephen HodgeWe welcome the following to The OOs:-Luke BrownNorman BrownJames GrahamIqbal Haji Mohd CaesarAlex LaiSteven LeungAnna ShpilmanJosh SimmondsOO Issue 4January 2009Yan-Shing CheungTristan HarteyEmily Lunt-EvansBrooke Simons-AkwahJohn CrawfordChristopher HarveyCharles ManfordDmitry TikhonovCharlotte Dingwall-FordyceOliver DowenWen GaoNathaniel GliksmanTomas GonzalezThomas HorneLaurence HuangElizabeth HulmeHo IpJason JiangKristina KingoltsEmily MiddletonGeorge MitchellVictor PanAlice ParkerCharles PierceGeorge ReadVivien Wa'bererJohanna WeberLara WhiteJialong YuZhenjie YuDesigned & PrintedbySales Print Design01562 756925page 1