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The magazine for the Old Vigornians of The King’s School, Worcester

Summer 2020 Issue 48

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Contents 2 A Letter from the Acting Headmaster

3 Barnabas

4 OV Reunions & Events

6 Coronavirus Diaries

7 OVs in the News

9 OV Weddings

11 King’s Today

A Letter from the Acting Headmaster

No two terms are ever the same at King’s but I think it is fair to say that the Spring term in 2020 will stand out as one of the more remarkable of its type. Life outside the classroom has been as busy as ever with many notable achievements.

A team of our debaters made it through to the Finals of the English Speaking Union Mace Competition whilst our Russian Delegation went to the 2020 Bath International Schools Model United Nations conference at Kingswood School and won Highly Commended in Conference. The Removes also took to the stage with John Godber’s irreverent comedy “Teechers” to great acclaim whilst over 30 dancers had a memorable experience on the Disney Dance tour. The CCF has continued to go from strength to strength with a record number of recruits passing out and a team of RAF cadets coming third in the national final of the Air Squadron Trophy against strong opposition.

The highlight for the music department was the tour to Malta with the choir and chamber orchestra, which took place

during half term. They performed two concerts, the last of which they were given a standing ovation for, as well as a live television broadcast of Mass. There has been success on the sporting field too with over 1000 spectators watching an enthralling Challenge Cup match with the 1st XI taking a well-earned victory over RGS.

It was a great pleasure to welcome OV Kathryn Pugh (W 93-95) back to King’s in January as the newest member of the Barnabas Group.

Towards the end of term, our usual routines were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. We were all disappointed that the 1st VII missed out on the annual Superball event against RGS given their success this term and all of their preparation. Shortly after

the cancellation of this match, the school site was closed and we switched to a virtual offering which endured for the remainder of the academic year.

In a short space of time, staff and pupils adapted rapidly to the challenges of distance learning and it was a great pleasure to see a number of examples of the excellent work produced by pupils. It has been an honour to have been the School’s Acting Head and I look forward to working closely with Mr Doodes when he joins us in September.

13 Archives

18 Where are they Now?

23 Foundation Development and Alumni Relations

24 Development News

26 A Picture Paints a Thousand Words

We are delighted that Gareth Doodes will be joining us as Headmaster in September

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Barnabas

Kathryn Pugh (W 93-95)

It was such a pleasure to welcome OV Kathryn Pugh (W 93-95) back to King’s on Thursday 23rd January 2020 as the newest member of the Barnabas Group. Kathryn began the day by giving a wonderfully inspiring and rousing address in the Cathedral, speaking to the school body about her time here at King’s which she described as ‘transformative’. Kathryn spoke of how being at King’s allowed her to truly be herself and to harness a variety of different experiences. She spoke of her love of languages and English Literature, and the path from King’s to Cambridge University where she studied English and completed a PGCE. Kathryn spoke to the pupils about her varied career and her eventual finding of teaching as a career, a profession she described as an absolute ‘privilege’.

Kathryn is now Headteacher at St Marylebone School in London, an outstanding non-selective State School in central London where they place particular

value on the positive role the arts play in all young people’s education. In the Sixth Form, boys can also attend. When taking up this role, Kathryn was noted as one of the youngest appointed female Headteachers.

Following her address, Kathryn enjoyed a tour of School with Head of Alumni Relations, Sophie, where she explored familiar locations as well as the newer sites and facilities built since she was at King’s. It was lovely for Kathryn to visit some Drama lessons, a DT class and the Art department. She was particularly struck by how passionate and enthusiastic the pupils were and how able they were to talk about their work.

Kathryn and Sophie then joined Acting Headmaster, Jon Ricketts (Hon OV) and Head of School, Hamish, for coffee where Kathryn was presented with her Barnabas shield. Kathryn visited two Sixth Form English classes. Having been taught by

Richard Davis (Hon OV) herself, who she mentioned in her morning address as having hugely inspired her here at School, Kathryn was thrilled to join his Lower Sixth class and then afterwards to sit down with Andrew Maund (Hon OV) for his Upper Sixth lesson. With both groups currently studying the text A Streetcar Named Desire, there was plenty of opportunity to get into some in-depth discussions and to hear the students talk about their feelings on the text and characters and for Kathryn to join in the discussions.

The day finished with a lovely lunch where Kathryn was joined by Jon Ricketts, Andrew Maund, Sophie Borrillo-McLellan, Head of School, Hamish and the two Deputies, Ellie & Ted. Kathryn so enjoyed hearing about the interests of Hamish, Ellie and Ted, and we in return were fascinated to hear more of Kathryn’s experiences and her current role.

A Letter from the Acting Headmaster

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OV Reunions & Events

One of the best things about King’s is the strong friendships that form and we were delighted to help out with this festive OV reunion for a group of friends. The reunion was superbly organised by OV Sam Garland (Cr 12-18) who gathered lots of his year group together, many of whom were back in Worcester enjoying a break from University.

Sam said “First of all I would like to say a huge thank you on behalf of all the boys and myself to the OV Alumni Relations Office for helping us to organise such a successful reunion. Everyone had a great time and it was the perfect way to start the festive period, by catching up with friends and hearing about how everyone is settling into life post King’s, whilst also having some laughs remembering our time together at school.’ OVs in

attendance were Adam Brotherwood (K 11-18), Cameron Mathewson (Cr 11-18), Ed Price (Os 11-18), George Francis (Cr 11-18), Jack Matthews (K 11-18), James Austin (Os 16-18), Joe Sullivan (Ca 12-

It was a delight to welcome a number of former choristers back to Worcester Cathedral on Christmas Eve, where they formed a choir to sing at the evening service.

Friends enjoy Festive Reunion

This service has grown exponentially over the last five years, and the choir of former choristers now sing to a congregation numbering over 1000. In addition to

18), Will Hood (W 11-18), Noah Crampton (S 11-18), Robin Willis (K 11-18), Tom Gidney (S 11-18), Hugo Walton (S 11-18), Sam Galvin (W 16-18), Sean Jarvis (S 11-18) and Ed Burgoyne (Cl 12-19).

OV Choristers sing on Christmas Eve

OV footballers on top form against Kings 1st XISaturday 4th January saw an excellent opportunity to clear away the Christmas cobwebs as the annual OV vs current 1st XI football fixture took place. Heavy rain unfortunately meant that the King’s fields were not in use so the match was played at the West Worcester Youth Football Club.

The OVs who played were Cameron Stanley-Blakey (S 10-17), Angus Guthrie (Cr 10-17), George Fradgley (Cl 15-17), Sam Lowe (W 11-18), Cameron Hall (K 15-17), Will Price (Br 12-17), Cameron Mathewson (Cr 11-18), James Arnold (K 10-17), Richard Newton (K 15-17), Sean

Jarvis (S 11-18), Archie Humpage (K 10-17), Ollie Geach (W 17-19), Ali Robb (K 12-19), Toby Platt (K 11-19), and Tom Gidney (S 11-18).

Both sides were delighted to see each other and everyone played well with some fantastic goals scored from each team. The OVs showed that they have kept up their

performing carols by James Bassi, Stuart Nicholson and Barry Rose, the choir led the congregation in Christmas favourites and also enjoyed catching up with one another over a mince pie.

sport, fitness and enjoyment of the game since leaving King’s, securing an impressive 5-2 win by the final whistle. The OVs enjoyed a curry after the game with former teachers and coaches Jon Sarriegui (Hon OV) and Mark Poole (Hon OV) as well as OVs Joe Sullivan (Ca 12-18), Will Hood (W 11-18) and Sam Garland (Cr 12-18).

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Healthcare ConferenceOn Friday 7th February we welcomed over 120 pupils to King’s for our Healthcare Conference, hosted by Head of Careers, Helen Airdrie. The pupils who attended were not only King’s pupils, but also those from local secondary schools: Hanley Castle High School, Tudor Grange Academy, Pershore High School, Bishop Perowne Church of England College, and Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College.

The event was aimed at pupils from Years 10, 11 and 12 who were invited along to share in the opportunity to learn more about the healthcare industry.

The day started with a talk on the overview of the NHS and how it is changing and developing. The conference consisted also

of workshops on a variety of healthcare careers including midwifery, clinical science, nursing, paramedics and medicine. This was followed by a Healthcare Careers Fair in the Sports Hall where students could visit different stalls to learn about careers ranging from dentistry to occupational therapy to physiotherapy.

Over 22 different Healthcare professionals were in attendance to share insights into a wide range of specialisms including the variety of careers within Medicine (GP/ Consultant Paediatrician, Gastroenterologist, Surgeon), Dentistry, Nursing, Paramedic Science, Healthcare Scientists, Radiography, Occupational Therapy, Midwifery, Physiotherapy, Dietetics and Mental Health. The professionals who attended were at

both ends of the career spectrum from those still training through to those with many years’ experience.

Among the 22 professionals attending were several OVs: Ben Rean (Os 02-09) is a Paramedic Clinical Mentor; OV Becky Pritchard (W 11-13) is currently studying medicine; OV and former parent Dr Chris Perks (Cr 80-82) was happy to help answer questions about working as a GP; OV Rupert Monkhouse (Ch 05-12) was representing the Dentistry profession; and, finally, OV Hannah Lucas (Cr 01-08) was speaking to pupils about healthcare careers in Mental Health. Hannah is currently Programme Manager at the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

With Finance, Law and Marketing already up and running, on Thursday 16th January we were delighted to host the first of our new OV Professions Groups for individuals working in the Property sector. We met at the Hoxton Hotel, Holborn for a fun and relaxed evening where OVs with similar professional interests could meet and share experiences. We were delighted to be joined by Toby Platt (K12-19), David Leppard (H 63-73),

OV Professions Property GroupHenry Fellows (K 95-04), Ben Grinnall (W 82-93), Tim Pain (Ch 76-82), Leanne Sheen (W 99-06), Nick Fairlie (H 72-77), Henry Waltier (W 03-08), Laurence Tonks (S 09-16), Giles Bunker (W 10-17) and Tom Bidwell (Cr 09-16).

The hotel was heaving and in spite of the enthusiastic DJ’ing in the lobby, conversations flowed. It was lovely to hear

so many memories of King’s and to see so many OVs connect who had not known each other before. It was also fascinating to hear the diverse routes and paths the OVs have taken in their professional journeys. We look forward to continuing these groups in the future. For more information, email alumni@ksw.org.uk

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Coronavirus Diaries Of course the biggest impact on our lives in recent times has been the Coronavirus pandemic. We’ve all had to change our way of life with many of us working from home for extended periods and unable to see friends and family due to social distancing. During the month of lockdown we heard from OVs across the world as they told us their own experiences.

We heard from Ian McAndrew (W 74-81) in Rome who urged us all to stay at home after seeing the strain on the health service in Italy and from Joanna Reiterer (Cl 98-05) in Austria where social distancing and compulsory wearing of masks in shops was introduced early on. Tim Minton OBE (Ch 69-76) reported that Japan didn’t go into lockdown but much less socialising and less tactile behaviour had kept cases relatively low. Former Sky News correspondent Jeremy Thompson (S61-65) shared his Coronavirus diaries over 12 weeks which included his experience of lockdown in Spain. Abbas Kazerooni (Ch 91-96) told us that everyone except essential workers is in full quarantine in California. As a lawyer his work is deemed essential but he and his staff have mostly been working remotely and keeping very busy. We heard from Alex Humpage-Versavaud (S 94- 03) about the strict lockdown in France and a boom in the video games sector as people were spending more time at home. Michael Boddington MBE (S 55-58) told us about very strict lockdown measures in Laos which were implemented even before there had been confirmed cases, including quarantining visitors and closing schools. Ben Glossop (Cl 80-88) shared his experience of the lockdown in New Zealand where the country was closed to visitors

and the restrictions had a very positive effect on controlling the virus. Charlotte Brun (Co 88-89) told us that in Norway, schools were closed in March and people were not permitted to travel outside their hometown. Sarah Flowers (Co 87-89) explained that a western-style lockdown is not possible in Kenya but that people have been advised to work from home where possible and practice social distancing,

with some movement restrictions being imposed in metropolitan areas.

Ian Smith (Cr 73-78) shared the challenges of working from home and virtual meetings while also being a primary carer. Physiotherapist Colette Owen (Co 90-92) gave us some tips on working from home and Animal Behaviouralist Karen Wild (née Gordon) (Co 87-89) offered some advice on looking after pets during lockdown.

Jeremy Thompson

Joanna Reiterer

Karen Wild with Dog Pickles

Sarah Flowers in Kenya

Alex Humpage-Versavaud

Colette Owen Abbas Kazerooni Johan Brun (H 61-62) and Charlotte Brun

Ben Glossop

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Thank you to our keyworkersWe joined with the rest of the country in thanking our #NHSHeroes including paramedic Ben Rean (Os 02-09), midwife Renate Brown-Goode (W 91-93), NHS Graduate Management Trainee Sami Barker (Cr 07-09) children’s nurse Charley Wain (K 05-12), Dr Jenny Hall (W 96- 98) in the Coronavirus Epidemiological Cell and nurse Hannah Shearburn (Os 09-16) who

all shared their experience of working in such incredibly difficult circumstances.

We would also like to say thank you to all key workers who have kept the country going through this exceptional time ensuring that we were safe, that shops were well stocked and vulnerable members of the community cared for.

OVs in the NewsOV receives OBE in New Year’s Honours

M a n ycongratu la t ions to OV Professor Timothy Minton (Ch 69- 76) who has received an OBE for services to UK/ Japan relations in the New Year

Honours list. Timothy is a professor at the prestigious Keio University Medical School of Medicine. He has spent 6 years as Executive Director of the Japan British Society, the prime public bilateral organisation for the UK in Japan.

Timothy has also been the Honorary Secretary of the Cambridge and Oxford Society for 20 years which is a group for alumni of those universities including the new Emperor and other members of the Imperial Family. As part of his role he has organised lectures and social events with visiting heads of colleges and other academics to engage and build relationships with Japanese universities.

OV received University award

We were delighted to hear that OV and former member of staff Rex Hazeldine (Ch 52-58) has been presented with the Loughborough University Medal in recognition of outstanding service during the December 2019 graduations. Along with two colleagues from the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Rex also received the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award, in recognition of his amazing career in Sports Science and Coaching. Rex

was a pupil at King’s from 1952 to 1958 and returned to King’s as a member of staff for 6 happy years from 1962 to 1968 teaching Physical Education. Rex says, “I owe King’s School a great deal both as a boy there and then as a young teacher.”

Following King’s, Rex lectured in Sport and Exercise Science at Loughborough University for 23 years and was Director of Sport at the University for another 7 years.

He also coached rugby at Loughborough for 20 years. Externally, Rex was the Sports Scientist and Fitness Coach to the England Mens Rugby Squad for seven years followed by doing the same work for the England Womens Rugby Squad for another six years. Rex was Sports Scientist to the England Bowls Squad at five Commonwealth Games and was inducted into the UK Coaching Hall of Fame in 2001.

Charley Wain with baby in NICU

Sami Barker Hannah Shearburn Jenny Hall

Renate Brown-Goode

Ben Rean

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OVs in the News

OV receives The Honorary Order of Australia Medaland highly skilled river craft Masters and crew to manage vessels on the River Thames.

Christopher has had an incredible and varied career including being Chairman of a variety of major companies such as Royal and Sun Alliance, MEPC and Boots the Chemist.

Huge congratulations to OV Sir Christopher Benson (Cl 43-47) who has been awarded The Honorary Order of Australia Medal (OAM). The medal is awarded to non-Australian citizens for outstanding achievement or meritorious service. Christopher’s medal was awarded for his work in cementing relationships between Australia and the UK especially through Educational and Apprenticeship Exchange opportunities for young people.

Christopher is passionate about opportunities for young people and is involved with the Company of Watermen and Lightermen in London. This company supports young boys and girls, providing them with crewing, river skills and an education, with an apprenticeship scheme facilitating the development of competent

Dennis Mews (Hon OV) was a Maths teacher at King’s St Alban’s for 18 years before retiring in 2008.

Dennis has been keeping very busy in his retirement and, after discovering a passion for baking and success at the The Royal Melbourne Show with his culinary delights, became a contestant on 2019 series of The Great Australian Bake Off!

King’s St Alban’s Hon OV on The Great Australian Bake Off!

Here is Dennis’s amazing story:“After 18 enjoyable years at Kings St Alban’s, in 2008 I left teaching and headed into retirement, not at all sure what the future held. We decided to join our son and his family in Australia. He teaches Maths and IT at an independent school in Melbourne. They say the apple never falls far from the tree, don’t they?

We noticed immediately the many similarities between Australia and Britain. They drive on the left; they play cricket; they speak our language (sort of ). We fitted in straight away. Country shows just like the Malvern Three Counties Show caught our attention. Immediately the baking displays drew me in.

I began entering baking competitions, especially The Royal Melbourne Show, which attracts 450,000 visitors every year. I found my niche in baking bread and pastry and, after three years of trying, gained two first places with my bread rolls and jam tarts.

Then, last year I applied for the tv show, The Great Australian Bake Off, and, to my utter amazement, was called for auditions. I took along a chocolate cake made from cricket flour - yes, that’s right, insects - which they eyed with some suspicion before agreeing that it tasted pretty good. Then I had to bake some little decorated orange sponge cakes in front of the cameras, all the while being interrogated about the processes involved. Eventually I heard that I was one of the final twelve bakers to take part in the programme to be filmed in Sydney. Exciting times!

I enjoyed the filming of the programme, although the days were very long and tiring. They collected us from our hotel at 6am and we did not return until 11pm. Like any television production, there were lengthy pauses, such as when planes flew overhead, although the baking continued regardless. They scripted nothing, although we had worked on our recipes beforehand, so that the right equipment and ingredients were available to us on demand. The judges liked my rhubarb and custard bundt cake, my chocolate and lavender shortbread biscuits and my orange and poppyseed pretzels. Eventually, my biscuit construction underwhelmed, and I was eliminated and able to return home, promising myself that I’d done enough baking to last me a very long time!

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Send us your wedding news and photos alumni@ksw.org.uk

OV Weddings

Robert Battrum (W 05-12) married Lizzie Reavley on 27th July 2019 in Burford, Oxfordshire. John Adeney (W 05-12) and Tom Battrum (Cr 06-08) were ushers and Kate Robinson (W 06-13) was the Best Man. Robert said “Many thanks must go to the large contingent of OVs who attended the wedding and helped make the day so special.”

Wonderful news of the wedding of OV Matt Marskell (Cr 02-09) to Olivia Marskell (née Adams) on 31st December 2019 with Rev Mark Dorsett (Hon OV) taking the ceremony. Matt’s ushers and best man were all OVs and included Jack Jeavons-Fellows (Ch 02-09), Jack Everton (Cr 02-09), Jack Longley (Ch 02-09), John Harper (Ch 04-09) and Olly Kitching (Os 02-09).

Congratulations to OV Alex Cross (Br 96-03) who married Adelle on Saturday 14th March 2020. This was the last wedding at their venue Curradine Barns before the Covid-19 lockdown. They were fortunate with their timing as they had previously been booked to be married on Saturday 20th June but moved the date to March as they are expecting their second child in July.

They had a number of OVs at the wedding including Luke Weaver (S 98-03) and Ali Young (W 98-03) as Best Men and Alex Humpage-Versavaud (S 94-03), Oliver Mathew (W 93-03), Thomas Squire (Ch 93-03), Jack Hampson (Cr 01-03), Joseph Timson (Cr 92-03) and James Annis (Br 93-01) who were all ushers.

Alex said, “We had an incredible day! We really appreciate just how lucky we were.”

Among Olivia’s bridesmaids were Freya Marskell (Br 99-06) and Meg Vincent (Cr 06-13). There were many other OV guests in attendance including Matt’s mother, Trudie Marskell (Hon OV) who was a dance teacher at King’s for 20 years.

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Many congratulations to OV Melanie Thorn (Ch 96-03) on her marriage to Matthew Potten on 5th October 2019. The wedding took place in Salcombe, Devon, a very favourite place of the family and a place they’ve been visiting for over 30 years.

It was a small wedding in the Salcombe Harbour Hotel with just immediate family and a couple of their closest friends, including OVs Rachael Dawson (Cr 96-03), Hannah Lamb (W 99-03) and Melanie’s brother Chris Thorn (Ch 93-00). King’s has always been important to the Thorn family with both Melanie’s parents being regulars on the King’s PTA helping with fundraising events.

Congratulations to Ed Brew (Br 01-08) who married Annabel Brew (née Hill), a former Alice Ottley student, on 8th June 2019 at St Andrew’s Church Cobham.

Groomsmen included David Hedges (Cl 03-08), Will Ayrton (Cl 03-08), Sam Pearman (Cl 01-08) and Benoit Jamous (W 01-08).

Among the bridesmaids was OV Claire Watson (née Gott) (Cl 97-06) as well as lots of Alice Ottley alumni (many of whom have married OVs!)

Ed says, “We couldn’t have asked for a better day. We have only the best memories and just wish we could do it all over again! Thank you to everyone who helped make it so special for us.

We have a shared love of murder mysteries and so decided to name each table after a different Agatha Christie book, along with a typewriter guestbook. Although we both grew up in Worcester, living about 5 minutes from each other, and despite both going to the University of Southampton, it wasn’t until the wedding of our mutual friends, Claire and Jim Watson that we finally met! We honeymooned in Switzerland and ate our body weight in melted cheese.”

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King’s TodayUpper Sixth NewsMany congratulations to five King’s students who have been offered conditional places to study at the UK’s two leading higher education institutions – The Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Charlie M hopes to head to The University of Oxford to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics and Bronnie E plans to also join Charlie at The University of Oxford to study Classics and Oriental Studies. Nicole S, Zoe K and Philippa W all have their sights set on University of Cambridge where Nicole will study Medicine; Zoe, History and Phillipa, English.

Competition for places at Oxbridge both from pupils in the UK and internationally have been stronger than ever and so we are incredibly proud that well over thirty-eight King’s students have been offered places over the past six years.

Alongside this is the commitment these five Oxbridge students have made to school life and extra-curricular activities at King’s Worcester. Amongst them you will find a singer-songwriter who has produced her own EP, the Green Party Candidate in the School Mock Elections and a CCF Sergeant and Head of the Debating Society.

Together with these students there are many other notable achievements,

including Imogen G who was offered 11 unconditional Sports Scholarships at universities in America. England U18 hockey star, Imogen was offered three “Full-Ride” Sports Scholarships from Michigan State University, The University of Louisville and Wake Forest University. After her university course Imogen hopes to pursue a career in Sports Psychology and coaching.

Many other students have been equally as happy, such as Head of School and captain of the U18 Rugby XI, Hamish, who lifted the trophy at the Modus Cup and appeared in the chorus of Made in Dagenham. Hamish is currently studying History, Politics and Economics A-levels and is planning to study Business and Management with a year

aboard. Fellow pupil Skye, who was lead role in Made in Dagenham, and performed in the recent Gold Arts Award “Make a Wish” dance showcase also hopes to head to university to study Business Management having received four conditional offers.

It is particularly pleasing to see such a widespread of courses across Midwifery, Law, Veterinary Sciences, Dentistry, Criminology, Speech and Language Therapy, Biomedical Sciences, Architecture, Forensic Sciences and many other subject areas. Every department within the school has enjoyed success.

Well done to all students.

Football

On Wednesday 11th March just over a thousand hardy souls attended a chilly and wet Sixways Stadium to see The King’s School, Worcester retain the Football Challenge Cup, following a convincing 2-0 victory over local rivals RGS.

The game, now in its fourth consecutive year, sees the two local schools join together for an end of season local football derby.

In front of a bustling crowd, King’s got off to a flying start with a dominating first-half display leading to two goals. The first goal came from a pinpoint cross and was finished off by Sixth Form student Alex L,

putting King’s on the front foot allowing them to take control of the game early on. Alex continued by chasing a long ball and drew a penalty which was expertly finished by James U, allowing the team to finish the first half in the lead.

During the second half, RGS changed their formation and attacked in greater numbers to try to get on the score sheet. However, it was a true squad effort from King’s with the team holding their shape, restricting any opportunities of a goal and seeing the game out for a well-deserved victory.

Jon Sarriegui (Hon OV), Head of Football at King’s Worcester said: “After two years of achieving draws against RGS in the Challenge Cup, our team was determined to win…. They have had a strong start to 2020 following training with Inter Milan coaches over Christmas and have been undefeated in some tightly contested matches this year. All credit to them, their commitment as a team has been incredible and they deserve (the) result.”

Director of Sport, Jonny Mason (Hon OV) added: “The team performed fantastically well…, showing great composure and control in what is generally a highly-pressured environment. Even with the hardship of the flooding which has hit Worcester and King’s we have continued to provide ongoing games provisions by fulfilling fixtures and lessons by using our flexible facilities across the whole foundation.” Captain, Jack Baker said: “Having played in the game for three years and now being captain of the side, it’s been a fantastic opportunity and it was great to finish with a win, having drawn twice before.”

Well done to the players for delivering such an exciting game and thank you to all friends and family who joined to cheer King’s on.

Thank you to Mr Jon Sarriegui (Head of Football) and Alex Stratford (Assistant Team Coach). We would also like to thank Worcester Warriors for again providing us with a superb venue for this annual fixture.

Immie playing for England under 18 Made in Dagenham

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King’s TodayWorcester2WorcesterThis June the whole King’s Foundation took part in a challenge to travel the distance from Worcester (UK) to Worcester (South Africa) to raise money for St. Richard’s Hospice (Worcester) and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (South Africa). Those taking part collectively ran, cycled, walked, swam or rowed/rode the 7670 mile journey from Worcester to Worcester. In fact so many people took part the distance travelled amounted to there and back again, raising over £2600 for the charities. It was great to see pupils, staff and OVs taking part including Hayley Simmonds (Cr 99-06), Josh Hand (Cl 91-01), Cerys Preston (Cr 12-19), Hannah Gordon (K 91-98), Angus Guthrie (Cr 10-17), Georgie Ormandy (Ch 06-13) and Anthony Lock (W 05-11). Well done everyone. What a fantastic effort!

New ways of doing thingsLockdown has presented a challenge but it has also given us opportunities as we look at new ways of doing things. Pupils, staff and OVs have been keeping active and amongst the many activities taking place King’s had its first ever virtual Sports Day.

Staff and pupils alike have found new ways to be creative with over 10,000 lessons delivered online, over 500 pieces of artwork created and 310 online instrument lessons given each week.

Our School lunchtime recitals haven’t stopped, they just moved online and that allowed many OVs to be involved. Thank

you to Marguerite Bullock (S 12-19), Natasja Enthoven (W 14-19), Will Woof (Br 11-18), Tamara Enthoven (S 14- 18), Matthew Kelley (S 10-17), Alfred Annable (Os 12-19), Hollie Avery (S 12- 19), George Sansome (Br 11-13), Sam Clines (Os 09-16), Rebecca Hardwick (Br 00-05), Isabelle Palmer (Cr 14-16), Tom Hunt (W 75- 76), Archie Jury (K 12-19), David Newsholme (Os 93-03) and Adrian Uren (Cl 96-03) for sharing their music.

We are also grateful to the OVs who offered virtual careers advice by recording videos and interviews to be shared with current

pupils. Thanks to GP Dr Rob Middleburgh (Cl 98-07), Digital Presenter for Formula 1, Will Buxton (90-94) and Flight Test Engineer Jim Fawcett (Br 85-94).

As many OVs will know, for the past 10 years or so King’s Day has finished with the choir singing Philip Stopford’s Irish Blessing. This year the Director of Music, Simon Taranczuk (Hon OV), invited everyone from the King’s community to take part in a virtual performance with the School Choir and over 70 pupils, staff, parents and OVs have contributed to a beautiful performance which can be found on the website.

Will BuxtonJim Fawcett

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Archives1961: Establishment of Bright HouseWith the increase of pupil numbers at King’s after the Second World War, the two existing Day Boy Houses Chappel and Creighton grew to an unwieldy size. In 1961 Mr. Annett (HM 1959-1979) decided to cut Middle School dayboys out of houses and divide the two sets of Senior School dayboys into four.

From Chappel House, Mr. Annett formed Bright House, with orange for its colour. The House was named in honour of King’s celebrated sixteenth-century Headmaster, Henry Bright (HM 1589-1627), whose tenure was described in Alex Macdonald’s 1936 history of King’s as “the golden age of the school”.

Henry Bright was baptised in the Worcester church of St Peter the Great on 26 October 1562,

and was himself a pupil at King’s. In 1580 he matriculated at Brasenose College but evidently switched colleges, as when he took his BA in January 1584 he was a student at Balliol. He took his MA three years later. During his seven years in Oxford, Bright acquired considerable learning in Greek, Latin and Hebrew. In 1589, after ordination, he was appointed as headmaster at King’s, aged 26. In his 38 years as headmaster he achieved a national reputation and was still being applauded long after his death on 4 March 1627.

Mr. H. Neill became Bright’s founding Housemaster, and Bright House was located in the New Block (now called the Annett Building) for its first 40 years; since 2001 it has been located in Choir House.

The New Block (now the Annett Building), home of Bright House 1961-2001

Photograph taken from the King’s School Prospectus, 1967-1968

1936: Establishment of Chappel House

Shortly after his arrival at King’s, Longworth Allen Wilding (HM 1936-1940) divided the school’s Day Boys into two houses, primarily to allow House Matches to be played early in the season. These two houses were named after Wilding’s predecessors, Chappel and Creighton. For the first three years, King’s Second Master F.B. Thomas housemastered both houses. In January 1937 they were made separate entities with their own house colours: Chappel House retained the yellow of the old Day Boys’ house; while Creighton adopted pink as their colour.

Chappel House was named after King’s former Headmaster, W.H. Chappel (HM 1896-1918). Its first Housemaster, F.B. Thomas, who had interrupted his Cambridge residence to teach, joined the King’s School staff as a Science Master in September 1917 from Stevenage Grammar School. He stayed on

W. H. Chappel (HM 1896-1919)Photograph taken from The Vigornian No.104,

Vol. IX, July 1922

the staff for over 34 years under three more headmasters. In 1939 both Chappel and Creighton houses were suspended during the school’s evacuation to Criccieth. Upon King’s return to Worcester in 1940, Chappel House was taken over by Alec Macdonald, author of the first school history volume. For the first 25 years of the house’s existence, it was located in Edgar Tower. From 1961 it relocated to what was then the New Block (now the Annett Building); in 2001 it moved to Choir House. In 2009 Chappel was relocated a final time to School House, where it has been ever since.

The Revd. William Haighton Chappel became Headmaster of King’s in the Michaelmas Term of 1896, aged 36. He came from Marlborough School, where he had been head prefect in a house of 80 boys, and had played hockey for the school. A scholar of Worcester College, Oxford, he had taken a First Class in Classical “Mods” and a First in the Final School of Theology. In 1894 he returned to Marlborough as a master and shortly afterwards a housemaster. At King’s among the first changes Chappel made was the unofficial re-introduction of the word “King’s” into the title of the School. Henceforth the Vigornian became “The Worcester Cathedral King’s School Chronicle”, and the letters on the uniform caps were altered from “W.C.G.S.”, which they had borne under Mr. Bolland’s time, to “W.C.K.S.”

Chappel never spared himself, and made high demands on his staff and boys alike. His devotion to the School was complete,

and the work he did for it, in doubling its size and increasing its reputation, is an abiding skill to the honoured and loving respect with which he was regarded within Worcester and beyond. After the end of the Great War Chappel resigned as Headmaster, but remained a Canon of Worester Cathedral. In 1919 Dr. Yeatman Biggs, the Bishop of Worcester, was translated to the newly revived see of Coventry, and he persuaded Canon Chappel to accompany him to be the first Sub-Dean. The office was combined with that of Vicar of the Cathedral Church; Chappel worked in it, apparently untiringly, for just over three years, when his health suddenly broke down and a week later, on 11 July 1922, he died. He was buried at Styvechale churchyard, near Coventry. The first part of the service was conducted by the Succentor of Coventry, the Rev. O.G.O. Larr, OV, assisted by Canon Littlewood and the Headmaster. Simultaneously with the funeral service, Chappel’s memorial service was held in Worcester Cathedral, and was attended by the whole of the School.

Edgar Tower, home of Chappel House 1936-1939 and 1940-1961

Photograph taken from the King’s School Prospectus under Kittermaster (HM 1942-1959)

14 I Connect 48

1943: Establishment of Choir HouseThe establishment of Choir House is closely entwined with that of the Choir School, the old Tredennyke prep school, and the early years of St Alban’s.

The Choir School was formed in 1882 from the initiative of Worcester Cathedral’s Precentor, The Revd. Herbert Hall Woodward. Woodward had the sympathy of the Dean and Chapter, and the Headmaster of The King’s School’s, Mr. Bolland; but he had to make himself financially responsible in case of the failure of his enterprise. Eventually the Dean and Chapter gave them the building today known as Choir House – according to a survey of 1649, it had been the site of the ‘old singing school’. Woodward became Warden of the Choir School and continued in this post until his death on 25 May 1909, whereafter he was commemorated by the Woodward memorial wing of the Choir School. In 1927 the Choir School was enlarged into a full preparatory school with younger pupils transferred from The King’s School. It also catered for non-choristers, so absolving The King’s School from taking very young boys. In 1927-1928 extra classrooms and more accommodation were added.

The Choir School and The King’s School were eventually amalgamated on 15 August 1943. A very detailed agreement was composed in February 1943, but was not finally sealed until June 1944. There were to be up to 24 Singing Boys at a time, 10 of them Choristers and the rest Probationers. Those over the age of ten had to reach the entry standard of The King’s School in their work. No one was to stay in the Choir after the age of thirteen. All were to be available for singing at specific times; ‘singing in the holidays’ and responsibility for resulting travel bills were elaborately covered; so were reductions in fees. The King’s School was to have the Choir School buildings,

playing field and pavilion on a 21-year lease; the head of the Choir School, P.F. Davis, was to retire on a pension; and all his staff were to be employed by The King’s School after 31 July. All Choir School boys over twelve, choristers included, moved from the Choir School to The King’s School; those under twelve were joined in “Choir House” by the under-twelves from The King’s School.

In 1943, C.P. Longland became the first housemaster of the newly-established Choir House. Mr. Longland’s own son was in his first cohort of boys in Choir House: there were 35 boarders and 40 dayboys, many of them under the age of ten. Miss. A. Campbell came back to The King’s School staff after twenty years at the Choir School: Miss. L.D. Forward and Mr. C.M. Thomas came with her. Altogether eleven ex-Choir School boarders and two day boys joined The King’s School. At the end of the year, Mr. Longland left to be Senior History Master at St Paul’s.

In 1944 Ronald Kittermaster (HM 1942-1959) persuaded his Governors to buy Tredennyke House, Worcester’s old preparatory school named after its house in Barbourne Terrace, as a preparatory school for The King’s School. His brother, David Kittermaster, took charge of Tredennyke in September and his

academic boys passed into The King’s School. In 1948 Mr. and Mrs. L.M. Bradley took over: seven boys joined from other houses to start Tredennyke House. In September 1949 there were 28 in the House and the last of the prep school boys had gone. Developments nearer School House brought Tredennyke House to an end in December 1951, and the building was sold in 1952.

In 1951 The King’s School governors bought St. Alban’s (previously an orphanage) from the Sisters of St. Margaret. When the Sisters of St. Margaret decided to leave St. Alban’s House in 1951, they refused to sell at any price unless the buyer undertook to continue to use their consecrated chapel. King’s School Governors were initially unwilling to buy the building, but Canon Armstrong (who had arrived at Worcester in 1947) persuaded them to do so. He reasoned that the school’s finances were good and that the future needs of the school could well require some further land to be purchased nearby. In January 1952 King’s Junior School transferred to its new site: Lester Wilson (Master of the Junior School), with 91 boys, moved from Choir House to the new Junior School at St Alban’s; and L.M. Bailey and his wife moved into Choir House with 35 senior boys from Tredennyke. Choir kept its name on the insistence of the landlords, the Dean and Chapter of Worcester Cathedral. Because of the age range of boys, day boys from 8 to 11 and boarders from 8 to 13, all of the Cathedral Choristers were pupils at the Junior School – the connection with the Worcester Cathedral Choir has always remained a key aspect in the life of St. Alban’s.

In Choir House, the number of boys steadily increased; and from the 1970s it began to take in dayboys alongside boarders, as the proportion of boarders began to fall.

Tredennyke House, Barbourne Terrace, c.1944.After its closure in 1952, 35 Tredennyke boys (under L.M.

Bailey) moved into Choir House.

St. Alban’s Chapel, taken from The King’s School prospectus, c.1960. After King’s acquired St. Alban’s in 1952, Lester Wilson and 91 former Choir House

boys moved across from Choir House.Choir House, photographed in 2016.

The memorial to Revd. H.H. Woodward can be seen in the centre.

Connect 48 I 15

Choir House, photographed in 2016.The memorial to Revd. H.H. Woodward can be seen in the centre.

Shortly after his arrival at King’s, Longworth Allen Wilding (HM 1936-1940) divided the school’s Day Boys into two houses, primarily to allow House Matches to be played early in the season. These two houses were named after Wilding’s predecessors, Chappel and Creighton. For the first three years, King’s Second Master F.B. Thomas housemastered both houses. In January 1937 they were made separate entities with their own house colours: Chappel House retained the yellow of the old Day Boys’ house; while Creighton adopted pink as their colour.

Creighton House was named after Mr. Wilding’s immediate predecessor, Cuthbert Creighton (HM 1919-1936 and 1940-1942). Upon its re-establishment in 1940 (there being no capacity to move dayboys to Criccieth), Creighton House was mastered by B.B. Ward for the remainder of the war. Creighton House spent its first twenty-five years at Number 9 College Green; like Chappel House, it then moved to the New Block (now the Annett Building) in 1961, its home for forty years. After a quick sojourn to Castle House, 2001-2003, it moved again to be alongside Chappel in School House, 2003-2009. In 2009 Creighton was relocated for a final time to Choir House.

Cuthbert Creighton was born on 26 July 1876. Much of his childhood had been passed in Worcester as his father, afterwards Bishop of Peterborough and then of London, had been a Canon of Worcester

Cathedral 1885-1891. As a boy, Cuthbert Creighton had been present at the re-opening of College Hall in 1887 after its restoration. Like his two predecessors, Mr. Creighton attended Marlborough School, and he had for a short time been a pupil there of Canon Chappel. He took his degree from Emmanuel College, Cambridge and then spent some time studying modern languages abroad. In 1899 Mr. Creighton was appointed to teach Classics, French and Divinity at Uppingham School and was a housemaster there for some years. He married Margaret Bruce in 1913, and the couple had a son, Tom, who was a boy of three when Mr. Creighton became Headmaster of King’s in 1919, aged 42.

Under Mr. Creighton, King’s greatly extended its teaching accommodation. Upon his arrival in 1919, two and sometimes three forms were taught simultaneously in College Hall, an arrangement which, however natural a hundred years earlier, was an anachronism in the twentieth century. In 1925 King’s celebrated the opening of the Chappel Memorial Reading Room and the four new classrooms in what is now the Fourth Form Block . These buildings of 1925 constituted the largest addition to the School since the restoration of College Hall and the erection of the School House nearly half a century before. Half the cost of the Classroom Block was met out of the newly augmented school funds, and the other half by Mr. Creighton’s personal generosity. An extension, consisting of a Geography room and an Art room, was made to the block in 1936.

Only four years after his coming to Worcester the Head Master suffered the tragically premature death of his wife. It was in her memory that Mr. Creighton bought from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners the remainder

of the site which the Governors had bought for the School House - that is, the allotments lying between it and the river - and laid it out as a garden which he gave to the School. The School Gardens (then called the Creighton Memorial Gardens) opened in 1931.

Following his successor’s Wilding’s return to Oxford at the end of 1939, Mr. Creighton temporarily came back to King’s in 1940, aged 63, refreshed by three years as his own master; he had been much in Italy. In November 1941 he told the school at Prayers that he had felt able to resign; his successor would be appointed in January and would take over in April 1942. The decision added piquancy to the Fourth Centenary Service in the Cathedral on 7 December 1941. In 1944 Mr. Creighton lived near Marlborough, which remained his home until he died on 21 April 1963, aged 86.

1936: Establishment of Creighton House

Cuthbert Creighton (HM 1919-1936 and 1940-1942)

9 College Green, home of Creighton House 1936-1939 and 1940-1961 Photograph taken in 1997

1961: Establishment of Wulstan HouseWith the increase of pupil numbers at King’s after the Second World War, the two existing Day Boy Houses Chappel and Creighton grew to an unwieldy size. In 1961 Mr. Annett (HM 1959-1979) decided to cut Middle School dayboys out of houses and divide the two sets of Senior School dayboys into four.

From Creighton House, Mr. Annett formed Wulstan House, with purple for its colour, and Mr. F.R. Logan became its first Housemaster. The house was named after St. Wulstan, former prior of Worcester, and was located in the New Block (now the Annett Building) until 1989 when it relocated to School House, where it has remained ever since.

Born c.1007 in one of the Itchingtons in

Warwickshire, Wulstan attended school in the Benedictine monastery at Evesham before attending the larger one at Peterborough. He was later ordained by the Bishop of Worcester as the parish priest of Hawkesbury, Gloucestershire. Wulstan subsequently followed his father into the cloister at Worcester, eventually becoming prior, teaching children of the cloister. He increased the establishment of monks from twelve to 50, a number supportable only by the growth and better management of the monastic estates. It appears that Wulstan was a missionary at heart: in his enlarged and outward-looking priory it seems that boys were taught in growing numbers. Wulstan died in 1095 in his eighty-eighth year, and was buried at Worcester Cathedral.

He was subsequently canonised on 21 April 1203 by Pope Innocent III. St. Wulstan was later adopted by King John as his spiritual patron during his quarrel with the pope; in 1216 John, in his last swift illness, willed that he should be buried “in the Church of Saint Mary and St. Wulstan of Worcester”.

The New Block (now the Annett Building), home of Wulstan House 1961-1989 Photograph taken

from the King’s School Prospectus, 1967-1968

16 I Connect 48

1902: Establishment of Castle HouseMiss. Davison until her death in 1885 and owned by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners.

The Dean and Chapter found the necessary capital to rebuild and enlarge the “old house”, as it was called, and the new building was christened Castle House. While the foundations were being dug, several skeletons and coins came to light. The Dean and Chapter had them buried in the Garth.

Mr. Rammell, with his young sister Kitty Rammell as housekeeper, took up residence in Castle House, and they received their first seven boys on 23 April 1902. In September they had 23 boys and were full. On 4 April 1906 the Dean and Chapter agreed to spend a further £400 enlarging the house: Mr. Chappel’s summary of the enlargement was, “a wing which gave two extra Dormitories and three studies and other accommodations, so as to take 30 boys”.

In 1929, Mr. Rammell retired after 38 years at King’s, 27 of which he had spent as Housemaster of Castle House. In his speech on Prize Day, Cuthbert Creighton (Headmaster 1919-1936) paid tribute to Mr. Rammell:

The early twentieth century saw an increasing demand for boarding at The King’s School. By 1901, these boarders (that year numbering 39 in all) had filled School House to capacity, and so a new boarding house began construction on the south side of College Green to meet requirements: William Haighton Chappel (Headmaster 1896-1918) rented the building owned by the Dean and Chapter of Worcester Cathedral. The choice of name for this new boarding residence of 1902 derived from its location on The King’s School site. The old ‘Castle’ or County Gaol had abutted on the boundary wall between Castle House and the Playground: where

small boys were now playing prisoners’ base, lawbreakers had been hung.

Mr. Chappel had inherited 11 boarders and 60 dayboys from his predecessor, Mr. Bolland, after the latter’s retirement in July 1896. A year later Mr. Chappel’s boarders in School House numbered 26 and there were still 60 dayboys; the gymnasium on the top floor of School House was turned into an extra dormitory. With more prospective boarders forthcoming Mr. Chappel persuaded the Governors to try to start a second boarding house for his house tutor, Thomas Rammell, to run. The building chosen was the house tenanted by

School House opened after King’s governors secured the site of Castle Hill and the County Prison on which they could build and make gardens. The architect, Ewan Christian, began the building of School House in late 1886; upon its opening in 1888 it was capable of holding 30 boarders, the Headmaster’s House, and a gymnasium on the top floor.

On 7 March 1884 the Dean of Worcester Cathedral, all the four Canons, and William Ernest Bolland (Headmaster 1879-1896) met and drew up specifications of a new School House for Ewan Christian, of Gloucester and London, the architect to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. The building was to

“provide for 30 Boarders, besides the Head Master’s family and household, a Dining Room, Drawing Room, Study, School Library and Class Room combined, two other Class Rooms, a Laboratory and a Music Room, a Dining Hall for 45 boys, four Bed Rooms, two Dressing Rooms and two Nurseries and a small Sitting Room and Bed Room for the House Master in the Boys’ quarter”.

The original intention was to build both a Head Master’s boarding house and a block of classrooms with a laboratory. The architect’s first conception was extremely grandiose, and its cost would have been far too expensive. Mr. Christian then produced

a simplified modification; but even this proved more ambitious than practical; the classrooms, to Mr. Bolland’s disappointment, had to be abandoned. (They would subsequently be built in 1899.)

The planning of School House, as revised in the light of Mr. Bolland’s wider knowledge of the requirements, proved admirable. The arrangement in the dormitories of dressing cubicles at the head of each bed was adapted from a plan sent in by Dr. Thring of Uppingham, who had seen it in a girls’ school. This was apparently the first use in a boys’ school of a device that afterwards found many imitators.

1888: Establishment of School House

School House in 1898, a decade after it first opened. Here, the Housemaster is W.H. Chappel (Headmaster 1896-1918), seated next to his wife Mary and two of their three daughters. In the centre of the back row (wearing a mortar board) is House Tutor, T.E. Rammell.

Castle House in 1930Castle House, 1902 Centre: Housemaster T.E.

Rammell and his sister Miss. K.M. Rammel

Connect 48 I 17

1902: Establishment of Hostel House

Hostel’s first Housemaster was Reginald Castley, a bachelor aged 28 and engaged to be married. “The Hostel” was the name given to a house in College Green when William Haighton Chappel (Headmaster 1896-1918) rented it from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners in 1899 and put bachelor masters in it, with the elderly Miss. Bates as housekeeper. At the end of 1902 Miss. Bates left The Hostel and the house was opened for 15 boarders. To begin with, Mr. Castley’s mother kept house for her son. Mr. Castley took his first boys in the summer term and married in the Christmas holidays. Husband and wife moved in during January 1904. King’s celebrated the occasion of their marriage with a half holiday.

Mr. Chappel was very pleased with himself when he brought Mr. Castley on to the staff in January 1903. Mr. Castley had been educated at the King’s School, Canterbury, where he was captain of cricket for three seasons. He had gained a Second in Classics from Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge and was teaching at Galway Grammar School in Ireland. Mr. Castley for his part was delighted to return to a cathedral close.

By 1899 King’s had eight assistant masters, mainly bachelors, and the problem of their accommodation was becoming acute. A house on the south side of College Green happened to fall vacant, and was rented from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners and opened as a Masters’ Hostel under the charge of Miss. Bates. In 1901 School House had begun to overflow, and as a temporary measure a few boys were boarded out here with the masters.

In the winter of 1902 the King’s School numbered 109. After recording this fact with pride, The Vigornian went on to remark: “We understand that Miss. Bates is vacating the Hostel in College Green and that it will be opened as a new boarding-house next term.” The new house, The Hostel, was opened by Mr. Castley, who had recently joined the staff, in the summer term of 1903. Mr. Castley married a few months later, and in the Easter term of 1904 Mrs. Castley came to join him in the House which for 30 years was to be their life work and their home.

College Hall was the scene of the annual House PT Competition that had replaced the old Gymnastics. The Hostel VI made this cup their speciality and practised for months in their big dormitory before Lights Out. In terms of showmanship it was a help that there were six letters in “Hostel”. Each boy wore one in green on his singlet and the six paraded as H O S T E L.

In the summer of 1906, Mr. Castley erected behind the Hostel what the editors of the Vigornian called “an external structure to be inhabited as a study” and the Head Master, with less gravity, described as “a temporary tabernacle in the garden”. In the following year the Dean and Chapter took over this house from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, and this “structure” was replaced by a permanent enlargement of the house, incorporating part of the Canons’ stables.

Mr. Castley handed The Hostel over to Mr. Franklin at the end of thirty years in January 1934 and moved to 3 College Yard. But Mr. Castley had inherited a cousin’s estate in Bampton, Westmorland; he retired and went north in July 1934. Formal goodbyes were said on successive days on Speech Day and at the OV Dinner. For 30 years the Hostel had been Mr. and Mrs. Castley’s home and constant care, and it was with great regret that the King’s School said goodbye to them.

School House, photographed for the 1905 King’s School prospectus.

Twenty-seven years ago he opened Castle House, and generations of boys remembered with gratitude his influence when he was master of the House and they were pupils residing in it. Many of them would remember for years to come the Sunday evening readings he used to conduct. It was not a matter of common knowledge that he took members of the House for holidays at the seaside, and that some of the boys owed the possibility of continuing at the School or going on to the Universities to the quiet generosity of the Head of Castle House.

In his retirement speech Mr. Rammell himself insisted that, as regards Castle House, “All those who had passed through it would agree that any success it had achieved had been due almost entirely to the untiring devotion of [my] sister.” Mr. Rammell later married in 1933, enjoying eleven happy years of retirement before dying in March 1944. His sister came back to Worcester in 1933 and lived at Whittington to the great age of 94, dying in 1971.

In 1886 the King’s School’s Governors secured from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners a substantial part of Castle Hill in which to build, and as a result Mr. Christian began the building of School House in the late summer of that year. Mr. and Mrs. Bolland moved into School House at Christmas 1887 and their boarders joined them in their new comfort in January 1888.

For almost 60 years School House was run by the Headmaster, with another master as house tutor. This system was changed by Ronald Kittermaster (Headmaster 1942-1959), who appointed Dan McTurk as the first dedicated housemaster of School House in 1946.

Hostel 1904

The Hostel and College Green, as shown in the c.1935 King’s School prospectus

18 I Connect 48

Where are they now?

Richard Steele (Cl 61-71)

At King’s, Richard was a cathedral chorister and took part in and organised many concerts whilst at school, studying piano, oboe and singing. He sang Nanki Poo in

the school production by Peter Diamond (Hon OV) of The Mikado.

In a career spanning 40 years, Richard has sung in some of the world’s great opera houses. His career began with the lyric roles of Flamand, Fenton and Tamino (Glyndebourne) and progressed naturally into the German Heldentenor repertoire. He has sung Loge, Siegmund and Siegfried in many Ring Cycles. Notable performances include Laça in Janacek’s Jenufa (San Francisco Opera, Metropolitan Opera, New York), Siegfried (Seattle Opera, English National Opera), Lohengrin (ENO, Teatro Massimo Palermo), Tannhäuser (Chemnitz, Sydney, Beijing, Venice), Tristan (Grange Park Opera), Siegmund and Peter Grimes (Liceu Barcelona), and Herodes (Washington, Stuttgart, Bogota).

Although specialising for many years in Wagner roles, he also sang Don Jose (San Francisco), Sergei in Shostokovitch’s Lady Macbeth of Mtensk (Melbourne), Samson in Samson et Dalila (Sao Paolo), Eisenstein in Die Fledermaus (Seattle, Seoul), the Prince in Rusalka (Opera North), Sir Philip Wingrave in Owen Wingrave (Edinburgh Festival, Royal Opera House, Aldeburgh Festival, Toulouse), Aegisth (Prague).

Richard is now a professor of singing at the Royal Academy of Music, London. Since the pandemic, he has continued his teaching regularly online.

“I have very happy memories of my time at The King’s School. My time as a cathedral chorister (directed by Christopher Robinson) helped develop self-discipline as well as musicianship, which was invaluable during my career. I would also like to thank Harry Bramma (Hon OV) (Head of Music) for his inspirational lead in making music so important at the school.

Anthony Cross (Os 90-96)

As a pupil, Anthony took part in many e x t r a - c u r r i c u l a r activities including CCF (RAF), choir, drama and Young Enterprise.

Anthony read History at King Alfred’s Winchester, graduating in 2000. After 2 years in a Christian community, followed by a variety of jobs, Anthony studied Occupational Therapy at Sheffield Hallam University, graduating in 2008.

Anthony’s final clinical placement was in forensic mental health, working with mentally disordered offenders and he has worked in this field continuously since 2009. He spent 5½ years at Broadmoor High Secure Hospital, then moved to a medium and low secure unit in Berkshire. Anthony is now Head of Therapies for a private healthcare provider with sites in Hampshire and Surrey. Their patients are all older males (over 55) in low secure and locked ward services.

Anthony says, “Occupational Therapy is promoting and using meaningful activity to optimise people’s quality of life. This is through a balance of self-care, productivity and leisure. Many of the patients with whom I have worked, both now and previously, have never had a balance of these. My role has been to promote this ‘occupational balance’ through structured activity and developing skills for self-management of leisure time. It is using an individual’s own interests to engage them and develop participation.

I have used my own skills and interests in developing activities for patients. I have run choirs and bands. I have led communal singing with older patients, as people with dementia respond well to music. I am currently developing a ‘Men’s Shed’ for the patients.”

Anthony still loves music and plays guitar, ukulele, drums, keyboards and sings. “I have been recording a song every day on my Facebook page during lockdown (#livemusiclockdown), so that there is still live music going out into the world. I remain involved in the Church of England at parish, deanery and diocesan level.”

Emilie Lynch Williams (K 06-13)

At King’s, Emilie was a member of the Boat Club, helped out with the art club at St. Albans and was also involved in Young Enterprise.

After King’s, Emilie completed a diploma in Art & Design (Art Foundation) at the University for The Creative Arts in Epsom, Surrey. Whilst there she had the opportunity to try out many different creative outputs including Fine Art, Photography, 3D Design and Architecture and Graphic Design. Emilie settled on and found a passion for Fashion and Textiles which led to studying for a BA Honours Degree in Textile Design at Chelsea College of Arts in London.

During this time Emilie spent an influential six months at The Swedish School of Textiles in Borås, Sweden where she realised the importance of sustainability and ethical design in both textile and interior design. Alongside her studies Emilie worked in various retail and visual merchandising jobs; most notably at Selfridges and Topshop. Whilst only part-time these roles cemented her customer service and sales skills, and gave Emilie confidence in her design work.

After graduating, Emilie went straight into an almost three-year career as an Interior Designer at Laura Ashley. Emilie says, “Being a notable, British brand steeped in history, this was a wonderful starting point for me and I enjoyed creating coherent and cosy schemes for my clients.” This field-based role included designing both digital and tactile mood boards, processing orders and planning and helping to schedule logistics including deliveries, decorating and curtain fitting.

At the start of the pandemic Emilie was furloughed as her job had involved going into people’s homes which was no longer possible. During the crisis, Emilie set up business Florence and Blank with Sam Raybone (W 06-13) which offers a curated selection of unique home goods and artwork, handmade by various creatives. Their dedication is to slow design, unique one-off pieces and small batch works.

We love to hear news from around the world and each week we publish an ‘OV of the Week’, to help showcase the diversity of OV activity, to inspire and motivate current pupils and members of the King’s family.

Connect 48 I 19

Melanie Thorn (Ch 96-03)

As a student at King’s, Melanie was an active member of the school community taking part in activities including rowing, theatre and dance, orchestra, group ski

trips and was Head of Choir House. Melanie went to the University of Gloucestershire where she studied Fine Art and then went on to complete a Masters degree in Urban Design at Birmingham City University.

Melanie was a gallery assistant at John Noott Galleries in Broadway for several years whilst also developing her own creative design business offering graphic design and wedding styling. Continuing in her artistic endeavours Melanie assumed the role of Wedding and Events Co-ordinator at Compton Verney before moving into the position of Operations Manager at Dovecote Events where she manages the logistics of the business development, including the organisation of corporate events and weddings and is in charge of creative design for marketing, publications and business branding.

Lt Col Rob Poole (H 93-98)

In November we were honoured to welcome back Lt Col Rob Poole as speaker at our Remembrance Day Service in Worcester Cathedral. Rob spoke of his military career so

far and how it is important that we continue to think of and support our servicemen and women and their families.

Rob was one of the last boarders and loved his time at King’s. He was in the CCF, played rugby and was constantly involved in the numerous activities that King’s offered.

Rob was sponsored by the army through St George’s Hospital Medical School, London, qualifying in 2003. Following a year of house jobs, he became a Regimental Medical Officer to 1PWRR and deployed to Iraq. In 2009 he completed his GP training and since then has been a front-line medical officer. He has served with the Welsh Guards whilst on ceremonial duties in London.

He has been a Senior Medical Officer of a large garrison and medical centre. His most recent assignment is working in the Ministry of Defence as part of the team in charge of medical operations and plans.

Hayley Weaver (W 07-09)

At King’s, Hayley was a mentor and was involved in Duke of Edinburgh, swimming and netball.

Hayley went to the University of

Birmingham to study Sport and Exercise Sciences and then started her career in the healthcare industry at Spire Healthcare before also completing a Masters in Paediatric Exercise and Health at the University of Exeter.

Hayley now works for Nuffield Health where she is a Health and Wellbeing Physiologist as well as an Executive Healthcare Programme Physiologist. Hayley provides health assessments for clients and ensures the smooth running of a busy medical centre. Hayley is also Regional Clinical Lead Physiologist and manages a team of clinicians, ensuring they are adhering to the highest clinical standards, as well as driving the overall clinical quality for the company.

Lizzy Bennett (Ch 08-10)

Lizzy attended King’s in the Sixth Form and studied maths, biology and design technology. As Lizzy discovered, choosing the right career path can take some time…

and travelling around! Following the completion of a Child Psychology degree at Birmingham and a Masters in teaching, Lizzy spent 2 years as an international Early Year’s teacher at The British School of Amsterdam in The Netherlands.

Lizzy then jumped into international management consultancy for 2 years, working on projects based in the United Arab Emirates and The Philippines. With an increasing interest in the finance industry and developing coding skills, Lizzy won a scholarship to return to the UK to complete an MSc in Investment Risk and Finance.

Graduating with distinction, Lizzy was hired by the US investment giant, Vanguard, who currently have $5.3 trillion in assets under management. She has a front office role on the London trade floor as an Operational Risk Analyst. Lizzy works directly with traders and portfolio managers globally to enhance and develop internal processes through machine learning, forensic analysis, and automation. This year, her global risk team won the Risk.net ‘2020 buy-side risk managers of the year’ award.

Laura Kingshott (Br 00-04)

Laura was involved in music and drama at King’s and also enjoyed taking part in Duke of Edinburgh.

After King’s, Laura studied Environmental

Chemistry and Process Engineering at the University of Nottingham. This was followed by a Masters of Environmental Technology at Imperial College London, which included a research project at Arcadis consulting.

Laura then emigrated to Australia, where she commenced a graduate program with mining company BHP on a remote island off the Northern Territory, which included a 3-month secondment in Gabon, Africa. Laura has remained with BHP throughout her career to date, including several years as a fly-in fly-out worker to the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Laura now works across BHP’s 20 Australian operations, supporting the development of compliance management technology applications, and the implementation of BHP’s water stewardship and climate change public targets.

Cameron Walker (Os 08-15)

As a pupil, Cameron threw himself into school life, singing in the school choir, being a monitor and taking part in the 2012 Les Mis production.

Cameron studied Broadcast Journalism at Nottingham Trent

University. During this time, Cameron tenaciously approached TV producers and directors to offer himself for work placements and freelance shifts. A tactic that helped him to get his foot in the door of the industry. After graduation, Cameron gained a place on the ITV News Traineeship. He spent 10 months in the Channel Islands, working for ITV Channel Television. Here he learnt to produce and present news bulletins, how to produce professional TV reports and wrote countless articles for the ITV News website.

Cameron is now a television journalist based in London. He currently works as an output researcher for ITV’s Good Morning Britain. At work, Cameron produces multiple programme items every shift and helps to write and edit VTs (pre-recorded videos). Cameron says, “I love briefing guests and reacting to breaking news – every day is different and I never know what to expect when I come into the studios.”

20 I Connect 48

Chris Nelson (Cr 89-96)

Chris was involved with Duke of Edinburgh, drama and music whilst at King’s and went on to study at the University of Southampton where he achieved a Masters

in Mechanical Engineering.

Following university, Chris went straight into the automotive engineering industry working for Ricardo, followed by a move into motorsport with MoTeC Europe working on electronic systems. He realised a childhood dream 10 years ago by securing a role in Formula 1 with McLaren Applied Technologies, attending all races to support the F1 standard electronics. Chris was there for 8 years starting as an F1 Track Support Engineer and working his way up to Senior Track Support Engineer before moving to the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team in 2018.

His current role is that of Trackside Control Systems Engineer, which involves working on one of the cars to ensure all of the chassis-related control systems are correctly configured for the requirements of the event, and monitoring their performance over a race weekend. The Mercedes team have had an incredibly successful year and have already secured their sixth consecutive Constructors Championship and 1st and 2nd place in the Drivers Championship.

Rosalind Goodrich (Co 82-84)

Rosalind was Head of College House at King’s and enjoyed sport, singing and Orchestra. She went on to study Law at Cambridge University and did a Masters in

Global Governance and Public Policy at Birkbeck, University of London.

She started in legal publishing before going into international development via a UN internship. Since then Rosalind has specialised in strategic communications and has been Head of Research Communications at the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) since 2013. She works with institutions in the Global South to influence policy change for sustainable development.

Rachael Stokes (Cr 94-96)

Rachael is a great example of how to continue learning and enjoying hobbies after leaving King’s. As a pupil, Rachael was in the Choir, Young Enterprise and was

a Monitor and Head of Creighton House. After King’s, Rachael went to study Social Anthropology at the University of Edinburgh and then an MA in Social Development at the University of East Anglia.

Rachael’s career has been in the charity sector working primarily for international NGO’s including Christian Aid, VSO, Penal Reform International and Unicef UK. She has also served on charity boards and advisory committees including for the Gender and Development Network. Rachael continued her love of singing after leaving King’s and as a member of the London Philharmonic Choir between 2002 and 2014.

In 2014, Rachael was elected as a local Labour Councillor in her home ward of Earlsfield (London Borough of Wandsworth). Rachael now works as an international development consultant and has recently been working with the Mothers’ Union to help them with strategic planning. She balances this alongside her current studies in Horticulture with the RHS and raising a young family.

Julius Baghdadi (Br 95-06)

While at King’s Julius was always involved in school activities and was a lively and involved member of the King’s community, enjoying playing for the 1st XI football team

and being Head of Bright House.

On leaving King’s, Julius went to the University of Bristol to study Environmental Geoscience. During his final year at Bristol, Julius became an Assistant Researcher, particularly focusing on developing new methodologies to understand gas propagation in volcanoes.

Leaving Bristol University in 2011, Julius went on to work at energy supplier OVO Energy, as Trading Analyst, Financial Planning Analyst, and Product Manager. This final role at OVO saw Julius and the team he managed acting as the link between the commercial and technology sides of the business. Since OVO, Julius has founded Octopus Energy Hatchery, an incubator for innovative sustainable and energy related ideas in partnership with Octopus Energy.

Alex Humpage- Versavaud (S 94-03)

During his time here at King’s, Alex was a Monitor and enjoyed taking part in Duke of Edinburgh, drama and Young Enterprise.

After King’s, Alex studied Politics and Sociology at the University of Sheffield. After a six-month period researching trees in the rainforests of Belize, Alex embarked on a career in marketing. He worked on the PlayStation Europe account at OMD International and then headed up the Digital team on Universal Pictures at MediaCom, both in London.

More travel followed – 14 months setting foot in all 7 continents with his now wife, Céline, before setting up his own Digital Marketing business in 2017 in her hometown of Lyon, France. Alex continues to be based in the Rhône and in January of this year he started a new role as the first Media Director at Biborg, an agency specialising in Video Game Marketing.

Lydia Robinson (K 91-98)

Lydia enjoyed spending time in the art department while she was at King’s and was the recipient of the art prize when she was in the Upper 6th which sparked her

creative passion.

Lydia went on to Edinburgh University where she graduated with a distinction and first class honours degree in Architecture. This led her to work with a number of award-winning practices in both the UK and abroad including Allford Hall Monaghan Morris in London and OMB in Vancouver.

Living in a listed building herself, Lydia has a particular interest in heritage buildings and the creative reuse of historic structures.

Lydia is now Creative Director at Design Storey. Whether a new or existing structure Lydia believes that creative solutions, backed with a rigorous design process, result in successful projects. This approach enabled Design Storey to be recognised with two RIBA regional awards in 2017 for their first built project. Lydia is a regular contributor in Homebuilding & Renovating magazine where she writes a blog on renovating a listed building.

Connect 48 I 21

Mike Fardon (H62-68)

Mike has been interested in books and writing from an early age. While at King’s he was involved in producing a school magazine and also won The Henry Wood

Essay prize. He studied English Literature at London University (BA Hons and MPhil) where he edited and contributed to the college magazine.

After graduation, and in need of a regular income, Mike began a career in banking at Midland Bank (now HSBC), initially working for the bank’s International Division in the City. Mike married in 1977 and in 1982 moved back to the Worcester area, eventually taking up a post as lecturer in banking and finance at Worcester Technical College. The writing bug remained and Mike started writing banking and business textbooks. In due course he left teaching and established his own textbook publishing company, Osborne Books. Mike retired in 2012, having sold the business to Kaplan Learning but continues his writing and has now embarked on a novel.

King’s has always been important for Mike and he is pleased to say that his five children, Cathy, Rob, Sarah, Tom and Ben, have all studied and flourished at King’s.

Tom Rogers (K 97-06)

At school, Tom was involved in a number of curricular and extra-curricular activities include Duke of Edinburgh, rugby and football.

After King’s, Tom completed a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering with Architecture at the University of Southampton. Since then he has worked in a number of sectors within the construction industry as a Structural & Construction Engineer, gained his Chartership as a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers in the UK, and latterly moved to New York in 2016 to further his career in the industry.

Aside from work, he enjoys travelling, skiing, running and football, also managing a team in his local 48 league. After taking some time off in 2019 to travel the world for 5 months, Tom plans to return to New York in 2020 to continue his journey.

Victoria Crowe (Cr 98-06)

At King’s, Victoria was heavily involved in the Boat Club as a cox and was also involved in Young Enterprise and was a monitor.

Victoria took a gap-year to volunteer in South Africa with children with Cerebral Palsy and other neurological conditions with part of her role including assisting with physiotherapy sessions.

Following this experience, Victoria initially went to Cardiff University to study Medicine, but after a year, changed her course and moved to the University of Southampton to study Physiotherapy. Victoria has worked for Acorns Children’s Hospice and spent several years in the NHS, specialising in Paediatric Physiotherapy. She also qualified as a Bowen Therapist in 2017.

Victoria moved to Hong Kong with her husband in 2018 and is now Owner and Director of VC Therapies, providing Bowen Therapy and Paediatric Physiotherapy.

Jack Bendall (S 04-09)

As a pupil at King’s, Jack was a member of the Boat Club and enjoyed drama. Following King’s, Jack studied Graphic Design (BA Hons) at Sheffield Hallam University. After

graduation, Jack remained in Sheffield and through working freelance, struck up strong working relationships with several local businesses, which helped Jack discover that helping small businesses and start-ups was one of his passions. It also led to a full-time design job with True North Brew Co.

Since then, Jack has continued to work freelance as well as working with agencies focused on branding and web design. Complications caused by the Covid crisis left Jack unable to start his new job; instead, he is now working hard on assisting businesses that are still operating with any required design work, as well as working on his own website.

Jack says, “Graphic design as a career can be a challenging path to follow; it is a very competitive industry, full of various ups and downs, but with the right attitude and determination, it can be highly rewarding. Seeing how other people react and respond to your work, as well as satisfying client expectations and beyond, makes it all worth it.”

Dr Hishamuddin Badaruddin (S 88-90)

Following King’s, Hisham studied medicine at The University of Nottingham. After working in emergency medicine in a number of hospitals around the

UK he returned to South-East Asia in 2002. In 2003 he was involved in managing the SARS outbreak and after that changed directions and became a public health specialist after completing a Masters in Public Health at Emory University in USA as a Fulbright scholar.

Since then Hisham has worked with Ministry of Health in Singapore in public health, consulted for WHO and UNICEF, and is now a Director with Deloitte Consulting looking after the healthcare space in South-East Asia. He is also a Fellow with the Academy of Medicine Singapore, adjunct Assistant Professor with Penn State University (USA) and also Duke-NUS medical school in Singapore.

Ed Bolton (K 79-89)

At King’s, Ed studied Maths, Physics & Chemistry at A-Level. Ed was involved with lots of sport too, starting off as a rower in the Removes and then switching to

rugby in the sixth form.

Ed studied Production and Operations Management, Business Studies at the University of Nottingham before embarking on his career in business operations. Ed started out with OCS Group UK where he worked for over 17 years. During this time Ed gained several promotions, working his way up from Project Manager to Managing Director for their Transport Division.

Ed is now Head of Business Services at International Airlines Group (IAG) where he looks after HR and administration at the Group’s Head Office.

22 I Connect 48

Please do check out our website and follow us online:

www.ksw.org.uk/alumni

@Old_Vigornians @OldVigornian

Sarah Westlake (Os 11-13)

Sarah joined King’s at Sixth Form and took part in lots of activities alongside her A-Levels including debating, drama and choir as well as being a monitor.

Upon leaving King’s, Sarah studied History and Spanish at Durham, working during her year abroad as a teaching assistant at a primary school in Barcelona. At University, Sarah was a writer for The Tab and Editor of University College’s magazine. At the same time, she tried to broaden her experience of work, so interned at various places, including at a PR firm, a Sales company and in Assurance at EY.

After graduating, Sarah began the Civil Service Fast Stream (a rotation fast track scheme, similar to a graduate scheme). Throughout her three years, Sarah undertook several roles including Policy Advisory at the Prime Minister’s Implementation Unit at the Cabinet Office (Whitehall), Policy Advisor on an EU Exit Team at Department for Work and Pensions (Whitehall) and Policy and Capability Lead at Navy Command and Headquarters (Portsmouth – Military Base).

Sarah is currently working as a Civil Servant for the Ministry of Defence as a Policy and Engagement Lead for the Royal Navy’s Naval Staff, in a directorate with a mix of navy personnel and civil servants.

Roger Savage (Ch 72-77)

At King’s Roger was Head of Choir House, school prefect and 1st XI cricket captain and hockey captain. After undertaking work experience in offices, Roger decided it was

not for him and studied for a degree in Horticulture at Wye College, University of London.

After graduating, Roger worked for a progressive top fruit grower in Suffolk where he learnt practical fruit growing skills. From there he joined the Ministry of Agriculture as a horticultural advisor and spent three years at the National Fruit Trails at Brogdale where he was part of a team researching aspects of fruit growing and new fruit varieties. Roger moved into commerce and secured a job with ICI as a sales representative selling garden products. Although he enjoyed the work, Roger wanted to work for himself and so he started a plant nursery that specialised in hanging baskets. Within three years he was producing over 15,000 mossed summer baskets and today he has a very successful retail nursery that also has an ice cream parlour, cafe, craft centre and a pottery.

Roger says, “Horticulture is a wonderful profession, it is very technical, full of applied science, there are horticulturists employed in many industries that include, banking, insurance, crop production, agrochemical, pharmaceutical, government, supermarkets, distribution, you name it … a horticulturist is never far away!”

Dr Lucy Studd (K 00-05)

At school, Lucy was involved in Drama and LAMDA, and went on to study Drama and Theatre Arts at Birmingham University, and Acting at Drama Centre, London.

After working as an actor, Lucy changed careers and enrolled on a medical degree at St George’s University, London in 2014. She graduated from medical school in 2018 and is now a Foundation Year 2 Doctor at St George’s Hospital in London; currently working in General Practice. Lucy will start training to be an Anaesthetist in August 2020.

She married Graham (another doctor) in 2019, and they are expecting a baby later this year.

Ben Rean (Os 02-09)

Ben was involved with lots of activities at King’s including cross country and rowing as well as being a house prefect.

After King’s, Ben started a degree in outdoor leadership at Cumbria University but left after 6 months, realising that for him it was a hobby and not a career. Ben then

looked in to the role of the paramedic. Ben completed an FdSc in Paramedic Science at the University of Worcester and registered as a paramedic with the HCPC in 2016.

Ben was based at South Central Ambulance Service’s (SCAS) Adderbury ambulance station, in Oxfordshire until December 2019 when he joined West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) and now works at Hollymoor Hub. Ben also worked shifts on the Helicopter support vehicle that runs alongside Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

Connect 48 I 23

Foundation Development & Alumni RelationsIn the Development & Alumni Relations office at King’s, we love to keep OVs in touch with both the School and each other.

We also enjoy life at King’s, making sure we get the full experience by trying some of the extra-curricular activities on offer; rowing (a disaster!), climbing (some of our reputation restored), the gym (in discussion stage but still very much on the cards …for 2021!). Keep in touch with us. Email : alumni@ksw.org.uk Phone: 01905 721737

Please do check out our website and follow us online:

www.ksw.org.uk/alumni

Sophie Borrillo-McLellanHead of Alumni Relations

At King’s Sophie is responsible for fostering and strengthening relationships with OVs and wider members of the school community. She absolutely loves planning

OV reunions and events and is very happy to hear from anyone who would like to plan something. At the moment she is enjoying time with her newest addition whilst on maternity leave.Contact: sborrillo-mclellan@ksw.org.uk

Alice Evans Development Assistant

Alice enables the smooth and efficient running of the Development Office; taking payments, event bookings, handling social media and also producing our weekly

news. Alice is always very pleased to hear your OV news. Contact: afevans@ksw.org.uk

Cath WilliamsDatabase Assistant

Cath looks after the Development and Alumni Relations Office database making sure records are kept updated. Cath has been at King’s since 2012 and also works

in the School Office part-time.Contact: cwilliams@ksw.org.uk

Liz Elliott née North (Co 82-84)Foundation Development Director

Liz oversees the Development & Alumni Relations Office and as an OV herself is incredibly well placed to do so. Liz especially focuses her attention on our Open

the Door to King’s bursary appeal and she is passionate about the impact of life-changing bursaries. Contact: eelliott@ksw.org.uk

Live Aboard? To all our OVs living outside the UK, from this summer edition of Connect onwards we will automatically send you a link via email to read Connect rather than a hard

copy. If you live abroad and would still like to receive a hard copy of the magazine, we would be very happy to keep sending you one. Please email us on

alumni@ksw.org.uk or phone 01905 721737 and we will ensure you continue you receive this in the post.

Caroline Mitchell-WiseHead of Alumni Relations (Maternity Cover)

Caroline will be looking after alumni relations at King’s while Sophie is on maternity leave. Caroline joined the Development Office from our neighbour Worcester

Cathedral where she was involved in events and marketing, managing the Cathedral’s website and social media and a number of large scale events throughout the year. Caroline is a current King’s parent.Contact: cemitchell-wise@ksw.org.uk

Please note that we have updated our Privacy Notice, which can be found at: w w w. k s w. o r g . u k / a l u m n i / a b o u t /alumni-development-privacy-notice/

Baby news!Many congratulations to Sophie Borrillo-McLellan and family on the birth of baby Floriana in April.

24 I Connect 48

Development News

In this edition of Connect, I want to share with you some information about the purpose and work of The King’s School Worcester Development Trust, as you may not be aware that the

Trust is a separate entity from the School’s governing body and is a registered charity in its own right.

What is the purpose of The King’s School Worcester Development Trust?The King’s School Development Trust (‘the Trust’) was formed on 20th September 1968, allowing the Trustees to ‘raise funds and accept gifts for charitable purposes’. The Trust funds are applied to ‘such charitable purposes connected with the School’ or ‘other charitable purposes as the Trustees shall determine’.

Whereas for a number of years the Trust monies contributed to major capital projects, after a considerable contribution to the Keyes building project (Sports & Performing Arts Centre), the Trustees decided that all Trust money should in future be used to fund bursaries. The King’s School pupils have benefitted from generous donations to the Trust, leading to the refurbishment of School House to create the School Library in 2006, the building of our beautiful Michael Baker Boathouse in 2012 and a significant contribution towards The Keyes Building, which opened in 2015. Since 2015, the Trust’s primary fundraising focus has been on providing financial grants to support life-changing pupil bursaries and over the last five years £1.6m has been raised, with the majority of this money being invested or applied directly to fund such bursaries.

We are enormously lucky to have, as Trustees, individuals who represent the wide breadth of The King’s School family:

Andrew Reekes – Chairman of the Development Trust, Governor and Chairman of the Education Committee and OV (Ch 64-69)

Katie Beever – Staff member and current parent

Hugh Carslake – Chairman of Governors and former parent

Nick Clark – OV (H 88-90), parent and OV Committee member

Linton Connell – OV (Cr 64-72) and former parent

Douglas Dale – Governor and Chairman of the Finance and General Purposes Committee

Hannah Edwards – current parent

John Foley – OV (Cl 64-74) and former parent

Fanos Hira – Chairman of Trust Investment Committee, OV (Os 80-87) and current parent

Donald Howell – former Chairman of Governors and OV (S 53-61)

Carl Jury – former Chairman of Parents’ Association and former parent

Pat Preston – Governor and former parent

Leanne Sheen – OV (W 99-06)

John Weston – OV (S 62-69)

More information about our Trustees can be found on The King’s School website at : ksw.org.uk/alumni/about/the-trust/

The aims of the Trust are supported by myself, as Development Director and the work of the Development & Alumni Relations team, as well as the Headmaster and Bursar.

From Development Director, Liz Elliott:

Connect 48 I 25

Development News

If you are interested in talking to us about making a donation or leaving a legacy to King’s in your will, please contact Liz Elliott, Development Director on 01905 721719 or eelliott@ksw.org.uk

How your Donations are safeguardedThe Trust has two funds into which donations are received:

The Enduring Bursary Fund: money invested into the Enduring Bursary Fund will finance future bursaries over the long term. The intention here is to preserve the capital (and full fee bursary equivalent), although there is no binding commitment on the capital. This fund currently stands at some £2.7m.

The Fellowship Bursary Fund: the purpose of the Fellowship Fund is to finance bursary pupils either currently attending the School or due to start in the coming year. This fund currently stands at £250k.

The long term goal of the Trust is to grow the fund for bursaries to £5m by 2025. This is a step on the road to achieving our ultimate goal of an £18m fund by 2041,

when The King’s School will celebrate its 500th anniversary. Such an amount would enable us to provide for 40 bursary places continually at the School, realising Henry VIII’s founding wish.

The Trust has an independent Investment Adviser, who operates according to an agreed Investment Policy Schedule, with regards to the stewardship of the Enduring Bursary funds.

How your Donations are appliedFrom September 2020 the Trust will fund some 12 full bursary places at King’s; the principle of these Trust-funded bursaries is that they are specifically for children who would not otherwise be able to attend the School.

All children wanting to join King’s School are required to sit and pass an Entrance

“The values King’s instilled have remained with me to this day, and it is a school I always recall with fondness and pride. I would urge anyone considering donating to the

Bursary Appeal to do so knowing that your financial contribution will impact individuals long after they have left King’s.”

Jacob Capleton (Br 01-06)

Listen to, and read all our Bursary Stories online at : ksw.org.uk/alumni/support-kings/bursary-stories/

At the end of their time at King’s, we ask our bursary students if they would like to become ambassadors of the School Bursary Programme: to talk about what King’s meant to them, what activities they were involved in, their plans for the future and their thoughts about bursaries. I also take this opportunity to point out how much they, as students have given back to the School: through their hard work, their attitude and by throwing themselves into making the most of all that King’s has to offer.

The testimonials from some of our previous bursary students are a clear and convincing demonstration of the life-changing power of a King’s School Bursary:

“I wanted to make the most of the opportunity I had in coming to King’s. The education has been so good”

“I didn’t want my lessons to end because they were so much fun and I have loved learning at King’s.”

“I’m so very grateful.”

Quotes from some of our 2019 Upper Sixth bursary students.

“I left King’s with a well-rounded set of skills and interests; I combined these in my degree at Oxford University, where I also gave access and admissions workshops

to over 1,000 young people, inspired by the benefits of pushing for and capitalising upon the best possible educational opportunities, regardless of your background or situation …. and so the support I was given by King’s has had a tangible ripple effect on the lives of numerous other young people.”

“I remain among the many OVs who appreciate the generosity of bursary donors. A King’s education set me up for a successful future because it gave me self-confidence, leadership skills, an appetite for learning, and a wonderful group of close friends, for which I am immensely grateful.”

Lizzie Fry (Cr 07-14)

Test, whether they attend one of our prep schools or whether they apply from another school.

All bursaries are means-tested, so that you can be reassured your donation will go to those families who really need the support. A financial assessment is completed by the family during the bursary application process, with help provided to the family, if needed, by the School’s Deputy Bursar. You can be confident that all applications for bursarial assistance are therefore thoroughly assessed, both on the basis of the child’s ability to manage the academic requirements of the curriculum as well as the family’s financial circumstances.

These financial bursary awards are reviewed annually to assess any changes in the family’s circumstances and to check that the child has settled well into the life of the School.

Making a real and lasting impact through a King’s School Bursary

I will leave you with a quote from one of our donors, who talks about how a bursary place at King’s can be a ‘springboard’ and whose donation will enable a child to come to King’s from Year 7 on a full bursary:

“[my wife and I] are happy to help; it’s a pleasure to do so. Of course, you never

know the exact path that anyone will follow but …. this family does know where it is going – good for them and I hope that they enjoy and are challenged by the journey.”

John Foley (Cl 64-74) The Foley Family Bursary

26 I Connect 48

A Picture Paints a Thousand Words

KSW OTC Band Armistice Day at Criccieth 1939

Staff photo 1987

U4D 1997-98

Opening of the School Garden 1931

St Alban’s first girl intake 1991

Connect 48 I 27

Careers room c1970

Final Boarders 1999Richard II 1946

Worcester Cathedral Choir c1995

Fourth Form 1971

Rugby Squad 1993 Netball 1st VII Sep 2014

The King’s School Worcester Development Trust I Registered in England and Wales: Charity Number 527530 I Registered Office: 5 College Green, Worcester, WR1 2LL

New OV BBQTuesday 1 September 2020The School gardens, 4-6pmPOSTPONED

5 Year ReunionSaturday 19 September 2020The Michael Baker Boathouse, 6-8pmPOSTPONED

School House LunchMonday 12 October 2020CANCELLED

Upcoming Events

@Old_Vigornians

Search for ‘Vigornians’

London DrinksFriday 20 November 2020The Bankside Gallery, London, 7-9pmAll OVs are invited to join us for drinks in London. An excellent opportunity to meet with friends and network with other OVs. Booking form and full details enclosed.

All events are subject to change in accordance with Government Guidelines.

10 Year ReunionSaturday 19 DecemberThe Michael Baker Boathouse, 6-8pmThe year of 2010 are welcome to join us for twilight tours of school and a drinks reception.

Annual OV Reunion Weekend 2021Saturday 18 September 2021The King’s School WorcesterCome and join us back at King’s for the annual reunion weekend including bubbly brunch, tours of school, the OV Committee AGM, OVCC cricket match and a black tie dinner. Full details and a booking form will be available nearer the time.

Foundation Development and Alumni Relations Office5 College Green, Worcester, WR1 2LL

01905 721737 alumni@ksw.org.uk© 2020 The King’s School Worcesterksw.org.uk/alumni

@OldVigornian