From the Headmaster Ben Beardmore-Gray BA (Hons) QTS Welcome to the latest edition of the Old Moles newsletter. I am extremely grateful to Kate Johnstone for all her hard work in coordinating both this publication and maintaining and developing the very important links between Old Moles and the school. Moulsford continues to thrive and next term we will have 344 boys in the school. The ethos of the school remains unchanged, with our aim being to give boys an excellent academic education, coupled with a very wide breadth of extracurricular opportunities. Very strong pastoral care, and ensuring the boys’ happiness are central to all that we do. The increased pupil numbers allow us to undertake significant investment in the school to ensure that we remain at the top of our game. There are some exciting developments taking place at Moulsford at present, which I know Old Moles will be interested to read about. I am sure that many of you will have memories of revising hard in the run-up to taking the Common Entrance examinations in your final year at Moulsford. Until relatively recently, these exams were the sole route of entry into many senior schools. Over the course of the last decade, the entry process to senior schools at 13+ has gradually but steadily shifted. Entrance is now largely determined by an individual Pre-Test in either Year 6 or Year 7, which is usually based on Maths and English. Once a boy has been accepted via the Pre-Test route, it is highly unusual for a senior school to fail them at Common Entrance. Indeed many senior schools use Common Entrance for setting purposes only. With the senior school entry process having changed and the relevance of Common Entrance having diminished, Moulsford and other Prep schools have the opportunity to review the education and curriculum that we offer to boys, particularly in their final two years. Accordingly, we are redeveloping our curriculum - specifically our aim is to broaden and enrich Moulsford’s educational offering by adapting our provision so that boys are equipped with the skills which senior schools are looking for rather than just the ability to pass the Common Entrance exams. These are skills such as collaboration, independent learning/thinking, presentation skills, analysis, applying knowledge, love of learning, linking ideas across the curriculum, resilience and use of appropriate technology. We have liaised extremely closely with senior schools, and have received a ringing endorsement for our plans from the schools to which we send boys at 13+, currently via Common Entrance. These include the following: Abingdon, Bradfield, Eton, Harrow, Magdalen College School, Marlborough, Millfield, Pangbourne, Radley, Shiplake, St. Edward’s Oxford, The Oratory and Wellington. Both Wellington College and Abingdon are assisting Moulsford in devising the new curriculum, for implementation in September 2017. Radley College assisted and advised us in formulating the original proposal which was sent to senior schools.

These changes represent a very exciting development for Moulsford boys. The landscape has changed and as a school it is important that we provide an education which inspires and gives the boys a lifelong love of learning as well as preparing them as best we can for senior school and the modern world. We are not the only school developing our curriculum in this way, but we are among the first. I have no doubt that many other Prep schools will follow shortly. In addition, we have been reviewing the structure of the school day with changes also to be implemented in September 2017. The driving force behind this is to create further structured extracurricular opportunities within the school day for the boys and, in particular, to ensure that the Performing Arts have ring-fenced time so that this area of the School can continue to flourish and develop. For example, the re-structure will ensure quality time is available for choir, ensemble, orchestra and drama rehearsals as well as an enhanced activity programme for boys of all ages. The School’s commitment to competitive team sport for all boys remains an absolute priority. I really hope that you enjoy reading this publication and that you will continue to maintain close links with Moulsford. BBG However, a headmaster's job is just not about syllabus and structures of the school day – it does have its lighter moments such as Ben's plea earlier this term in his weekly letter: In ICT, Year 8 boys have been making films about cyber bullying and I have been asked to star in four films this week! I’m beginning to feel typecast as each group wants me to play the Headmaster giving a metaphorical rocket to the cyber bully - I’d love the opportunity to expand my repertoire! Here he has been given a couple of new roles: One of the most refreshing aspects of working with children is that they are very straight talking and tell you things as they see them. This can sometimes be an extremely humbling experience. Recently, a father asked his son what Mr Beardmore-Gray did at school. The reply was, “He’s the man who parks the cars”. He might have added, “…..and sometimes not particularly well.” I should also point out that another boy has referred to me as “the Prime Minister” – he was immediately given a House Point.

A warm welcome to all these new little Moles

Seb, a son, to Amy Alsop and Charlie Andrews (1992 – 97) on 7 October 2015. Both parents are trainee doctors.

in Perth, Australia, Chester, a son to Emma Mahanay and Andrew Bitmead (1989 - 95) on 14 December, a brother for Archie. Andrew is a vet.

Astor, son of Mercedes Miletti and Nicholas Hirst (1992–97), born on 24 June. Nicholas is a financial journalist and Mercedes works for the EU.

Florence Imogen, born to Hayley and Sam Heaton (1986 – 90) on 8 February, a sister for Rosie

to Rachel and Matthew Ley (1994 - 99) a son, Theodore

James, born on 16 March in Atlanta

to Megan Rose and James Lockwood (1993 - 99), a daughter, Beatrice

to Cassie and Nick Lazarus (1991 – 97) on 13 February, a son, Monty, a brother for Arthur

to Maggie and Charlie Johnston (1985 - 91) on 8 February a daughter, Coral Megumi Penny, a sister for Stanley

to Lal and Ned Salisbury (1990 – 96) Rafe, a son and a brother for Orlando, born on 30 October

to Clare and Charles Scobie (1983 – 89) in January a daughter, Mary

to Lorraine and Toby Shellard (1987 - 1993), Samuel Zsoit Peter, born on 31 January

to Anna Marika and David Stockings (1996 - 2002) on 2 July, James, a brother for Sam

to Sophie and Tom Telford (1988 - 94) on 18 June a son, Casper, a brother for Toby

to Rosie and William Verrill (1996 – 99) a son, Freddie

to Angela and Ben-Watcyn Jones (1988 - 92) a daughter, Beatrice, on 18 June 2015, a sister for Nye

to Elizabeth and Tom Wigley (1985 - 93), a son, David Thomas, born on 10 April

Many congratulations to Old Moles who have got engaged this year

Alex Best and Jasper Sherston (1998 - 2004) on 12 September

Amy Knight and Ed Fraser (1992 – 98)

Momoko Endoh and Douglas Heller (1991 - 97)

Suzanne Edwardes and Nicholas Holland (1995 – 2001) on 17 September

Jonathan Mead (1979 – 86) on 8 June in Venice

Molly Tudhope and Richard Jenner (1985 – 90) on 23 November

And many many congratulations to those who have married this year

Helen Kidd and Edward Allen (1996 - 2001) on 30 May in South Moreton. Ushers included on left James Kidd (1999 - 2003) and on right Charlie Stockings (1996 - 2001) and Delano Bateman (1996 - 2001). Sarah Bole and Ross Applebey (1985 – 91) on 4 October in Southampton

Leia and James Andrews (1988 -94) on 20 November

Eleanor and Piers Beeton (1995 - 2000) on 16 July

Mary Rodgers and Chris Bovey (1996 - 2000) at Danesfield House Hotel on 10 September

Gillian and Will Emmett (1996 - 2003) on 20 June

Will and Charlie Macdonald (1997 - 2003)

Lisa and Alexander Goodall (1996 - 2001) on 28 April at Hedsor House

Amalia Borglin and Ben Lazarus (1992 - 98) who got married on 4 June, at Chateau Talaud, France with Arthur as page boy, the son of Nick (1991 - 97)

Sarah Franke and Henry Lester (1995 – 2000) on 8 October at Goodwood House

with Hannah Louise, Robert Lester (1963 – 67), Violet, Charlie (1998 – 2007)

Lizzie Hathaway and Ben Broyd who married in Sussex on 27 December with proud parents, Mike and Joanna Higham, and sisters Becca and Pippa. Lizzie worked at Moulsford for a year from1999 before going off to Brighton University. She is now Head of PE at Downe House.

Rachel Smylie and Daniel O’Brien (1993 – 97) in Edinburgh on 30 December 2014

Hannah and Will Macdonald (1996 - 2001) on 4 April with Tom (2001 – 07) on far left and Charlie (1997 – 2003) on far right

Katie and Edward Parsloe (1988 - 94) on 25 July 2015

Claire Grabham and Adrian Sippitt (1991 - 97) on 28 October

Daisy Balsdon and Max Wood (2000 - 02) on 20 August in Beenham

with brothers Felix (2000

– 04) and Leo (2000 -

09), and, among the ushers, Jonathan Hughes (1996 – 2002), second from left

Amazing and awe-inspiring! James Beazley (2004 – 10) appeared in a one man show in December in Bristol, spoke in the first Bristol University Undergraduate Physics Conference in February on ‘Energy’s Mass Communication’ and is a regular contributor and film reviewer in the ‘Cutting Room Floor’ on Burst Radio, the University’ 24/7 student radio station. As one of those present at his

show said, ‘James reminds me of a young Eddie Izzard, with a good portion of Jimmy Carr and a sprinkling of Peter Kay on top. Loads of really original material, a clever theme, and all for a good cause.’ Jan Chojecki (1968 – 71) has co-authored a book containing the First World War letters and war diary of his great uncle who was in the Glasgow Highlanders in WW1. It was published in October during the 100th anniversary year of the Somme. It is called "We are all flourishing: The Letters and Diary of Captain Walter Coats MC 1914-1919". There is a foreword by Alexander McCall Smith and the background for the cover is an oil painting by Jan’s brother in law, the artist, Kurt Jackson. The historian and author, Trevor Royle, has commented, "Walter Coats emerges from this narrative as one of the key chroniclers of the First World War: his letters home read as freshly as they would have done when his family received them all those years ago. Shorn of hysterics or heroics, Coats simply recorded what his battalion was experiencing and, in so doing, he reveals how he and his fellow Glasgow Highlanders responded to the peculiar miseries and excitements of life on the Western Front. A more genuine and even-handed account would be difficult to find."

Alex Clements (1996 – 2002), in the past, spent a great deal more of his life than the average Moulsford pupil at the school, having arrived to live in the boarding-house at the age of 3 with his sister, Caroline, and leaving at 14! After Bradfield, he came back as a ‘gappy’ for two terms on 2007-08, working with the Cubs and Lions and both his great sense of humour and musical talent were huge assets in that role. After travelling the world, Alex did a Music degree at Southampton

and now has been working there as a self-employed musician in Southampton for the past 3 years, as a musical director, composer and singing and piano teacher. He works predominantly on musical theatre, and with his friend and colleague, Stephanie Jayne Amies, they have written a new musical, “Tomorrow, Maybe”. In April 2015 and 2016, they performed this for 3 weeks to sell-out local audiences in Romsey, near Southampton, and then, in August 2016, raised the funds to employ a professional cast and take the show up to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for a run of 32 performances. The show was very well received and it sold out every performance! It was picked up by a London producer and ran for 4 nights at the Bridge House Theatre in Crystal Palace. “Tomorrow, Maybe” is now being ‘re-worked’ into a longer show, before doing a 4-6 week run in the Autumn of 2017. If you want to find out more about Alex and “Tomorrow, Maybe” then look at: amiesandclements.co.uk or their twitter account: @amiesclements, for fundraising opportunities or tickets for the shows.

Patrick Cole (2008 – 12), a drama scholar at Abingdon, successfully auditioned for Youth Music Theatre UK's summer production of Vanishing Point, followed by Ali and Nino and then The Great Gatsby last summer. In this photo Patrick was taking part in a National Theatre initiative on 1 July to mark the centenary of the start of the Battle of the Somme.

Henrik Cox (2001 – 09), after Abingdon, is enrolled on the Robertson Scholars Leadership Programme at Dukes University, North Carolina. Approximately 60,000 students apply but only 36 are chosen. The scholarship offers unprecedented benefits including all college costs and full funding for three summers of global travel. The programme invests in young leaders with the aim of helping them become thoughtful, creative, lifelong contributors to society.

Sam Heaton (1986 - 90) is making an enormous success of his new company

Sam Merrifield (1998 - 2003), songwriter and music producer, is signed to the Phased Differently Group. Sam arranged, produced and performed a medley of Diamonds and Dancing on My Own with Calum Scott in the closing ceremony of the Paralympics in Rio - Calum Scott won Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer on Britain's Got Talent. Sam has just co-written and produced MAAN's latest single, Someone That I Never Knew, now added to Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist. The song premiere took place at the beginning of February, live on The Voice of Holland TV show.

Toby Marlow (2001 - 05) is studying English Literature at Robinson College, Cambridge, and directing, acting and composing music for many productions including the 2016/17 European Theatre Group production of Shakespeare's Hamlet, with performance all over Europe and 2 London performances at the Cockpit Theatre.

Nathaniel Parker (1971 - 72) has enjoyed rave reviews for his performance in This House, a political drama which centres around the machinations of the Labour and Tory Whips’ offices. Nat plays the part of Jack Weatherill who, in later life, became Speaker. There was a very good article about Nat in Country Life in November and again in the Daily Telegraph Travel Section.

Luke Sinclair (1996 - 2001), solo tenor, is giving a recital of Mahler, Duparc and Strauss at the Merchant’s House, Glasgow, in February. As well as his many commitments throughout Europe that have included the Edinburgh Festival and Opera North, he is singing as Malcolm in Verdi’s ‘Macbeth’ at the Buxton Festival in July.

Guy Turner (2002 - 08) graduated in Music from the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts with Founder and Rector, Paul McCartney. He is now part of the Six15 Group.

Chris Hitchens (1990 –93) has kindly sent us his thoughts about Moulsford for inclusion in the Old Moles Profiles on the school website: I left Moulsford in 1993, to go on to The Oratory School and, from there, to Cardiff University and Sandhurst. It doesn’t seem all that long ago but, each time I’ve visited the school over the years, I have been astounded by the change of pace. It still has the same feel to it but long gone are the Colditz style dormitories, unheated outdoor pool and Computer Club where, if you were any good at programming on the BBC Acorn computers, you might just get the tortoise to walk in a circle of an evening - maybe that was just me! And more’s the pity in some ways! Many of my fondest memories were made ‘dorm raiding’ or braving the pool for a pre-breakfast swim (an optional, so entirely self-inflicted test of manhood!)

When it came to nocturnal tomfoolery, you didn’t want to get caught! If your ‘dorm head’ discovered you out of bed, they would likely utter the dreaded words, “Go to the Chaise Longue”, a finely upholstered sin-bin which sat on the landing at the top of the main staircase, directly outside the Headmaster’s study. The time you spent there (ranging from about ten to thirty minutes, I recall) depended on the seriousness of your misdemeanour. It was a game of pure chance as to whether you were there when one of the teachers passed by on their evening rounds! I was such a frequent visitor that I used to take my duvet with me. There was always a sense of fun at Moulsford and so many opportunities, be it ski trips to Switzerland, rugby tours around the country or walking expeditions to North Wales. But there wasn’t too much - you had to be resourceful enough to find things to do with your evenings, which is where so many firm friendships, as well as a sense of self-reliance, were forged (and injuries sustained, skateboarding down the front drive!). I can’t think of anything I wasn’t well equipped for when I moved on to public school, or indeed in the Army. My Moulsford memories are very happy ones.

Chris does not mention that he came back to Moulsford as a very successful ‘gappy’ in 1999 and that he is now teaching at the Army Staff College, Shrivenham together with Rupert Streatfeild (1988 – 93) whom he hadn’t seen since leaving Moulsford. He is married to Georgina and they have two children, Ava and James.

We now have four OMS signed up to Old Moles Profiles at http://moulsford.com/about-us/old-moles-profiles and we should love to have more – if you would like to be included, please do contact me.

Simon Parsons (1993 - 98) on left

Louis Williams (2001 - 07) has been teaching in China

Will Barber (2006 – 12) before playing in a match for Christ Church, Oxford, first row on the right. Will is planning to come back to Moulsford as a gappy next autumn.

Toby Fenn (1998 - 2001) is in his second year with the Cathay Pacific/HSBC 7s and 15s team, now full-time, was interviewed by the South China Morning Post on 15 January with the headline: Valley back-rower Toby Fenn is looking forward to getting thrown in the “deep end” in Fiji’. Back row, 4th from left

The annual rugby match organised by Ben Riley (1994 - 2000) between St Edward’s and Radley Old Boys included lots of Moulsford Old Boys too! Teddies won on penalties after a 3-3 thriller. Back Row: James Chiswell (1994 - 2000) 5th from left, Ben 8th from left and John Barrett (1994 - 2000) far right Front row: Max Woolger (1985 - 88) 3rd from left

Dan Dowding (1979 – 85) winning the Triathlonfest Dubai on 17 December and now preparing for the Ironman

Will Davey (2000 - 06) and Alex Fisher (2001 – 07) both cycled up Mont Ventoux, blazing the trail for the Tour de France Will has just qualified as a vet in Nottingham. I remember Will bringing Dolly, a sheep, to my Form 5 Assembly on Pets – we had cats and mice, any number of dogs, even a snake etc. and a very well protected floor! It was

certainly a much more exciting event than most form assemblies – sadly I was too stressed to take any photos! (KJ)

William Hsu (2008 -10), on left, who, with his friend, Charles Stevens, cycled the Silk Road from May to September 2016 becoming two of the youngest people to ever complete it. Fewer people have cycled it that have climbed Everest.

The ride following the Silk Road from Beijing to Tehran is considered to be the longest, hardest, hottest and coldest route in the world as well as historically highly significant. They cycled it (semi-supported) in 4 months covering over 10,000km, passing through 9 countries including Mongolia, Turkmenistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, climbing to over 4,600m altitude, and with temperatures ranging from -10°C to 45°C - it was a test at all extremities. They raised over £31,000 and all in aid of A Child Unheard (ACU) with 100% of all funds donated going directly to the charity and not to the funding of the challenge.

The two boys had spent a month in 2015 in Ghana with the charity that aids the orphanage community. There they got to know the orphans personally and felt it all the more vital to support them (many of whom are intelligent and talented but have few opportunities to succeed). The money raised will be used by ACU to provide teaching, counselling, meals, learning materials, sporting and technological equipment like computers and IT lessons, as well as vocational training for young adults.

A happy arrival in Teheran

The Charity is composed of a very small team in the UK, none of whom take a salary so every penny of the money donated goes straight to the charity and its ground roots work in Africa.

Will Dolin (2006 - 11) in the Shiplake VIII 3rd from left. Will is now at Reading University.

Tom Digby (2005 – 11), junior silver medal rower, is now at Yale, on left at Henley Regatta 2016.

Felix Newman (2001 – 07) was selected in 2014 and 2015 for the Goldie crew before securing the bow seat of the Cambridge boat at the Boat Race 2016 that Cambridge won, their first victory since the 2012 race, taking the overall record in the event to 82–79 in their favour. In addition, he has been in winning Abingdon crews at the Henley Royal Regatta three times, twice in the Princess Elizabeth Cup and once in the Thames Cup, and has represented the Great Britain's men's coxed four at the 2011 World Rowing Junior Championships in England. He is at Selwyn College.

Edward Rees (2006 –09), rower, rugby player and athlete at New College, Oxford, reading Engineering Sciences, 3rd on right and 2nd on right Ed Verrill (1996 - 2002)

Tom Williams (2008 - 12) has taken up rally driving with, at present, a Ford Fiesta R2 - next year he plans to go to Loughborough to do a 3 year course at the MSA Academy. Launched in 2009, the three-year AASE in Motor Sport programme is essentially a sports science course focusing on all of the human performance elements that combine to create highly skilled and successful drivers. Max Wetton (2010 - 2015), aged 15, a Real Tennis champion at Radley

Max won every major National Junior Real Tennis Doubles Championships in 2016 and was U14 French Open Singles Champion, U16 runner up and U18 semi-finalist. He also competed at the USA Junior Open and was semi-finalist in the U16s and U18s. on left, Max presenting the inaugural Max Wetton Moulsford Real Tennis trophy to Jacob Knight and Harry Gale, who are in Y8 at the school. Jacob and Harry were in the finals of the U12 Double Championships held at The Oratory in June. Max and his partner won the U15 at the same event.

Stop Press 5 February: Max today won the National School's U16 Open Doubles Real Tennis Championship at Radley today. He and his partner, Edward Crowston, being presented by the five times amateur champion, Alan Lovell. Max and Ed are undefeated for every doubles tournament for 2016 and 17.

National Junior Under 14 Doubles Feb 2016

French Open under 14 April 2106

Joe Jones (1998 - 2003)

Douglas Heller (1993 - 97) at Everest Base Camp

Nicholas Hawker (1990 - 95) on Ard Rock in Swaledale. Together with Rob Warner, biker, commentator and presenter, Nick has set up a cycle shop, workshop and coffee bar in Soho.

Nick Allport (2000 - 06) and Tom Binnie (2000 - 06) ran the Pennine Way in August, in 10 marathon length sections, one a day for 10 days The Pennine Way spans 268 miles, starting in Kirk Yetholm in Scotland and ending in Edale in the Peak District

and it is widely regarded as one of the most gruelling trails the UK has to offer. They ran self-supported, carrying 10kg packs containing camping equipment, water and supplies, and camped for 7 of the 10 nights. They raised over £6000 for The Ways and Means Trust and Jacaranda Trust. The two

boys were gappies together, Tom being known as mini binnie!

Will (1985 - 2001) and Charlie Macdonald (1987 - 2003) on completing the 2016 London Marathon

Nick Holland (1995 - 2001) already in training for the 2017 London Marathon

Oznur and Robert Apsimom (1991 – 98) finishing the Manchester Half Marathon

Seb Hancock (2004 – 10)

Farewell to Bill Lazarus, Chairman of the Board of Governors

Bill became a Moulsford parent in 1991 when Nick (1991-97) arrived at the school, soon to be joined by Ben (1992 – 8) and then Rupert (1995 – 2001). He was invited to become a governor in 1995 and has been chairman for the past 12 years. Bill has contributed an enormous amount through calm, focused and strong leadership and, during his tenure, the school roll has increased by 100 boys and he has approved spending of £6.75 million. This includes the sports hall, new games pitches, swimming pool, Astroturf, theatre, the Art department, 4 brand-new classrooms and 2 new ICT suites. Bill has been an enormous support to all the staff and he has shown genuine and passionate interest in all that goes on at Moulsford. We shall greatly miss Bill and his wife, Jane. To celebrate Bill’s chairmanship of the school and his many years of service, a party was held to which all governors and staff, both present and past, who have known the Lazarus family, were invited and Ben Beardmore-Gray, Headmaster, presented Bill with a giclée print of Moulsford and the surrounding area. Edward Boddington has succeeded Bill as chairman - he, too, has had 3 sons at Moulsford, Ben (1999 – 2007), Rupert (2000 – 09) and Leo (2002 – 11) who has recently done a term as a ‘gappy’ at the school.

Pete and Dianne Falle

Trevor Bissell, Mike Higham, Jane Lazarus, Joanna Higham

Pete and Dianne Falle (Steve and Richard), Gaby Clements (Alex), Jenni Brown, Angie Reagan, Jess Roberts

Matt Thomas, John Wilder, Bursar, Linda Howard -Davies (Mark Shields)

Chris Symonds and Bill

Sally Heaton (Sam) and Mike Higham

Ed Boddington, Chairman, and Governors, Andrew Davies and Justin Friend

Jacqui Hughes (Jonathan and Edward) and Trevor Bissell

Anthony Clements, Second Master (Alex), and Grant Smart

Jim Hamilton Smith (1979 – 85) and Mark Griffiths

Katherine Verrill (William, Edward, Henry, Nick) and Anne Wells, Nick behind

Angie Reagan, Janet Sturdy and Claire Harley

James Smith (1999 – 2005), Sue O’Brien, Sarah

Rupert, Sarah Beardmore -Gray, Fiona Betts

Steve Dismorr and Jane

Cassie and Nick Lazarus and Kate Johnstone

Rupert

4th from left Julie Windebank, Dawn Thackeray, Sarah Roberts (Ben), Louise Simmonds, James Smith, Sue O’Brien

Rupert Lazarus

Farewell to Steve Dismorr Well done, Steve, on 25 years of wonderful service.

To quote from the 2016 Yearbook,

We live in a changing world and, as one of the Founding Fathers of the United State, Benjamin Franklin, once said, ‘In this world nothing is said to be certain except death and taxes’. Franklin forgot to mention Steve Dismorr. Steve joined the staff in 1991 and has given outstanding service to the school. Besides single-handedly running the Classics Department for this entire period, Steve has been a tremendous games coach with a particularly good rapport with his beloved 3rd XV – his teams have always played to win for him and have been hugely successful. Tennis has been Steve’s other great passion and numerous Moulsford boys have flourished with his support. (For Steve’s ‘Reminiscences of a quarter of a century teaching at Moulsford’ see the 2015 newsletter on old.moulsford.com, user name oldmole, password tham3s Steve and Siany have retired to Gloucestershire but it has been really good to see them back at various matches, the Old Moles Reunion and at the Carol Service. After a farewell party for them at the end of the summer term when it was lovely to see Chris and Rob back at Moulsford, Steve and Siany jumped into their 1956 Lotus to drive to the races in Le Mans – very Dismorr! Steve, you will be much missed, not least for your wonderful sense of humour, great empathy with the boys and irreverent approach to school rules and traditions!

And Steve’s last rugby and tennis matches

Chris Murray and Rob Campbell

Mike and Joanna Higham

Other Staff news: Jaimie and Sally Noble are now running the Boarding House, ably aided and abetted by a very mischievous-looking Basil. After 9 years at Moulsford teaching History and Games with great enthusiasm, energy and imagination, Grant Smart has become Deputy Headmaster Academic at Thorngrove. Happily, at Moulsford, the re-enactments of the Battle of Hastings on land and Waterloo on the river continue! Chris and Clare Symonds are still teaching at the school but no longer running the Boarding House where they did a fantastic job for 13 years. They now live in Moulsford and Chris has become Director of Activities. To read about their time ‘living above the shop’, do see Clare’s story in last year’s newsletter. Matt Thomas, Deputy Head Academic at Moulsford for 7 years, has become Headmaster of Dorset House. Matt made a huge impact on the school, academically, as a sports coach and as a driving force behind the use of both the river and the climbing wall. Henry Weeks, after 7 years of inspirational assistant house-mastering, has also moved out and is living locally. He is now Head of Y7 and RE. Henry was refereeing in October and got a wonderful surprise! Here is his report:

Old Moles star for two of the UK's finest rugby schools

Last Saturday saw three old friends, who left Moulsford in July 2015, collide in the U15 rugby fixture between Wellington College and Millfield. Charlie Bradbury (2009 – 15) and Hector Elrington (2010 – 15) were representing Wellington and Archie Friend (2007 – 15) was representing Millfield. The boys were part of a very successful year group at Moulsford that had a lot of sporting success and are certainly carrying this on at their senior schools. Last year's fixture ended 77-0 to Wellington but Millfield had employed a new captain this year and that was Archie! He was determined to make a difference (no surprise there!) Hector was captaining Wellington which meant it was a very proud moment for Moulsford as the two boys stood opposite each other for the coin toss at the start of the game. The game was a lot closer than the previous year with Wellington emerging victorious by 27 points to 12. Hector played in the centre and scored a try by running through Archie which certainly fired up the Millfield captain. Archie was as tenacious as ever and put many a Wellington giant on the floor. Charlie was everywhere and played an intelligent game at open side flanker. After the game, the boys were reminiscing about the last time

they played on the same pitch 5 years previously when they won the Millfield U11 sevens. They carried on chatting right into match tea and their friendship appears to be as strong as ever. It was a marvellous advertisement for Moulsford and their senior schools.

Moulsford rugby Senior Schools rugby

Old Moles Reunion 3 September 2016 Despite the weather (and this really is the first time the sun has not shone for us), we had a very happy day with lots of Old Moles and their families together with past and present members of staff. The tours of the school, very enthusiastically conducted by boys from Year 8, were very popular and the pool was in constant use. My thanks must go to Sarah Roberts, the Events Manager, for her superb organisation and to Julie and her team who gave us a delicious lunch, to Tom and his staff who were busy even that morning making sure the grounds were up to their usual impeccable standard, Jaimie Noble who looked after the bar and to our wonderful Year 8 guides and their leader, Jim Hamilton-Smith (1980 – 85).

Kym and Mark Pettit (1974-78) Caroline Zheng and Hugh Miller

(1972-76)

Emma, Inez, Evangile, Arlo and Neil Fisher (1986-92)

Ben Beardmore–Gray, Headmaster, with his wife, Sarah, and Eira Hoare

Darren Moore (1984 – 90) and Becky with Lily and Sophie

Sam Painter (1976-81) and his mother Francine

Hamish Veitch (2005-11), Nick Ormerod (2007-11) and Joshua Cuffe (2003-11)

Neil, Eira Hoare and Joanna Higham

Jeremy Over (1987 – 93), Sophie with Rosie, Alexander and Ben

Carole Jones, Sandra, Amber, Callum and

Jeremy Jones (1985 – 1990)

Annabel Bush, Sarah and Joanna Higham

Siany & Steve Dismorr

Jonathan Carter (1975 – 79) and Min Lee with Joshua and Sophie

Jeremy and Michael Wyatt (1985 – 90)

Dianne Falle retired in 1999, having joined the Common Room in 1973 when there were just 70 boys and 8 staff. In the early days she was a Form One class teacher and she then ran the Scripture Department and eventually added the role of Senior Mistress to her list of commitments. After retirement she became a Governor of the school. There are so many Old Moles and former members of staff who remember her with great affection and gratitude. We were delighted to see her back at Moulsford for the reunion together with Pete and almost the whole family which now includes a New Mole, Freddie, in the Pre-Prep. Dianne and Pete now live in Henley.

Richard Falle (1975 – 82) with Fi and Izzy, Jessica and Emily

Steve Falle (1975 – 81) with Winks, Jack & New Mole, Freddie

The Falle Family

Mike, Pete & Diane

2016 update Further to the inaugural meeting of the Barmy Moles back in December 2015, events have continued in to 2016. As reported in last year’s newsletter, the plan was to try and meet up twice a year to create an environment for the leavers of 2015 (including parents) to continue the strong friendship they created during their time at Moulsford. Our first event of 2016 was a 20 over cricket match held at the Prep School on Friday 8 July between two well balanced sides. It was an opportunity for the boys to step on to the 1st X1 pitch again and, after the initial excitement

of getting back together again, the main aim appeared to be how far they could hit it out of the ground, even though some of the year group appeared to still be the same size as when they left in the summer of 2015! The result was a tactical tie and the game was well controlled by our volunteer parent umpires! A very well attended early evening game was followed by a family BBQ on the school grounds with some drifting off to a local hostelry afterwards to continue with festivities before their summer holidays. Here is a team shot of our fine cricketers, sporting their ‘Barmy Moles’ caps……

Back Row – (L to R): Charlie Ambrose-McCormack (Shiplake), Freddie Hanbury (Eton), Oscar Taylor (Magdalen), Sinclair Pearce (Abingdon), Oscar White (Abingdon), Sam Perez-Quane (Radley), Charlie Bradbury (Wellington), Jack Potter (St Edward’s, Oxford), Ollie Corbett (St Edward’s, Oxford), George Burton (Harrow), Angus Withers Green (St Edward’s, Oxford), Fred Dreyer (Radley), Harry Haigh (Radley), Alfie Bussell (St Edward’s, Oxford) Front Row – (L to R): Mathew Bell (Abingdon), Gus Brimacombe (Magdelen), Cosmo Osmond (Wellington), George West (St Edward’s, Oxford)

Following the successful Barmy Moles cricket match, we held our second event of 2016 with a pre-Christmas rugby match at Wallingford RFC on Sunday 18 December. Despite a few boys being absent and a couple of injuries following a hard school season, we managed to get 16 boys together to turn out against a Wallingford U15’s side that kindly agreed to host us. The game was played over three 20 minute sessions and with teams of 13 a-side this allowed everyone the opportunity to play and rotate certain positions. Wallingford got off to the better start and were soon two scores up, which reflected the lack of game time the Barmy Moles had had together. The 2nd half saw the Barmy Moles getting their act together and producing some great passages of play, to claw their way back into the game for what was to be a thrilling final 20 minute session.

By this point the Wallingford side, having put on a great show and given it their all, ran out of steam and the Barmy Moles ran in a further three well-crafted tries, with one seeing the ball being touched by the majority of the team. The game finished with the Barmy Moles as winners but, more importantly, was the spirit in which both teams played and the camaraderie afterwards. There was great support from both sides on the touch line and this continued into the clubhouse afterwards. The day finished with the Barmy Moles and their travelling support decamping from Wallingford to The Bear in South Moreton for a great chilli and catch up with a lot of fun had by all, particularly by the boys in getting back together again! Our thanks must go to Wallingford RFC and their U15s for their kind hospitality and putting on a great game Back Row – (L to R): Freddie Hanbury (Eton), Ollie Corbett (St Edward’s Oxford), Hector Elrington (Wellington), Harry Haigh (Radley), Charlie Bradbury (Wellington), Max Benster (Eton), Sinclair Pearce (Abingdon), Fred Dreyer (Radley), Jack Potter (St Edward’s Oxford), Sam Perez-Quane (Radley), Jack Harvey (Abingdon), Alfie Bussell (St Edward’s Oxford), Gus Brimacombe (Magdelen), George Burton ( Harrow), Charlie Ambrose-McCormack (Shiplake), Archie Friend (Millfield) Front Row – (L to R): George West (St Edward’s Oxford), Angus Withers Green (St Edward’s Oxford),

We look forward to further ‘Barmy Moles’ events during 2017.

Anthony Withers Green

Acknowledgements My thanks are due to all contributors of photos and articles, to Sarah Beardmore–Gray, to Claire Harley for her amazing memory, to Lucy Atherton for her wonderful photography, to Graham Rivers for his computer skills and patience and, most importantly, my husband, Graham, who has helped me so much in the production of this Newsletter.

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