The OC Mitre 2022

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OC Events Shrove Tuesday Supper Tuesday 21st February 2023 OCFC ‘End of Season’ Supper Friday 19th May 2023 Guest: Chris Sutton, former professional footballer/current BT Sport and BBC Radio commentator Chigwell Ball Saturday 8th July 2023 Cover image: New indoor swimming pool and

Welcome from the OCA President

20 22 h as been a year of transition and change for both the School and the country. At the end of the summer term, we saw the departure of Michael Punt and family, to take up an exciting new post as HM of Bromsgrove School in Worcestershire. This led to the arrival of our new Headmaster, Mr Damian King, just days before the national mourning and the end of the Elizabethan era - certainly a test of resilience for our new HM, especially in the first week of term.

As the new HM, Mr King has many school priorities to focus on, but feedback from OCs who have had the opportunity to speak with him directly have given very positive feedback on his approach and plans for the School and the Alumni.

This year saw the passing of two notable OCs, namely Keith Mitchell and Clive de Boer - both made significant contributions to the Old Chigwellians’ Association (OCA) and their unwavering support will be missed by all of the Committee and OCs who knew them.

The OCA is formed of a volunteer group of OCs, working in partnership with the School to keep former pupils in-touch with each other and the School by way of communications, social events and sporting activities. The level of support and engagement amongst OCs has wavered over the years and there is a need to revitalise this community through the social media posts which have resumed in earnest through the efforts of the School’s new Director of Marketing and Admissions, Mrs Angela Patrikios and Mrs Paulette Pewsey, Head of Junior Computing and Social Media Associate, which are much appreciated.

Shrove Tuesday is one of the most significant dates in the OC calendar, providing an opportunity for OCs to get together, network and catch up. In 2023 this falls on Tuesday 21 February and will be the 155th OC Supper hosted by the School for Old Chigwellians. As this is Mr King’s first Alumni event, it would be fitting for as many OCs as possible to join myself and the OCA in welcoming him to Chigwell School and giving him an insight into the values held by Old Chigwellians across the generations.

This year saw the introduction of the 10 Year Reunion event, which was successfully held mid-November for c.60 of our 2012 leavers, who enjoyed a tour of the School, networking and some drinks and nibbles whilst catching up with their year group. Working with Scott Franssen we are looking to establish this as part of the OC calendar and look forward to welcoming our 2013 10 Year Reunion leavers for the next event.

As a network of OCs, we are keen to share our knowledge and experience and keep those social events flowing through the 2023 calendar. With the proposal of a wine tasting event and an OC Ladies Fashion show we’d like your support to make these happen.

I warmly welcome the opportunity of meeting as many of you as possible at the Shrove Tuesday Supper and look forward to keeping in touch via my dedicated email address - aegeansimpsonoc@yahoo.com

2023 promises to be a year of progress, so I’m looking forward to providing my next positive update.

Welcome

Wh en I was appointed Head, my previous manager said to me that ‘roles find people as much as people find roles’. This seems to have been especially apt with my appointment at Chigwell: the more I came to know about the School, the more I felt that it resonated with my beliefs, values, and what I think a good education should provide. I was pleased to discover that Chigwell offered a holistic education which delights in excellence and understands that values of happiness and kindness are vital in shaping the character of young people into citizens of tomorrow. It has therefore been a pleasure to become the next custodian of the School that I will help to shape and guide, so that its legacy of having a positive impact on society remains.

Having worked with sizeable alumni groups at previous schools, I have seen first-hand the benefit they bring to a school community. I am delighted to see that Chigwell has a thriving community of past pupils that not only support each other but work in partnership with the School to help the current community thrive. I am keenly aware of the importance of supporting Old Chigwellians be as energetic as possible in order to help serve our current pupils and the School as much as possible, whilst also engendering in the next generation the sense of community and service that will last beyond their time at the school.

My question for each of you is this: how would you like to engage with Chigwell in the coming years? For many of you with busy lives, the answer is perhaps that you prefer to observe quietly from the sidelines and be kept abreast of new developments. Others of you may wish to visit us or offer your time and expertise to benefit our current pupils. Over the coming years we hope to offer a variety of opportunities for you to become engaged in the School. I also encourage you to come up with your own individual ideas for this, in order to forge new connections and strengthen existing ones.

With the 400th anniversary of the School’s founding in 1629 approaching in only a few short years, we have an exciting opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our community. I would like to mark this significant milestone in Chigwell’s history by collecting stories from Old Chigwellians, both young and old, on the theme of our motto, ‘Find a Way or Make a Way’ (aut viam inveniam aut faciam). We hope that current and future pupils will be able to use these stories, adventures, and recollections as inspiration for their own lives that lie ahead of them. Indeed, for our youngest Chigwellians in Pre-Prep, there is every likelihood that some of them may be alive for the 500th anniversary in 2129, by which time they will have made their own mark on our county, our country and our world as past Chigwellians that have done before them.

People Helping People

As we approach Chigwell School’s 400th anniversary in 2029, we continue to evolve engagement with Old Chigwellians, parents, and others to promote philanthropy. Simply put, we seek to raise awareness, volunteerism, and money to enhance funds for everything from bursaries to buildings.

What is philanthropy? From Greek and Latin origins, ‘philanthropy’ loosely translates to ‘love of humankind’. I like to simplify further by considering philanthropy as ‘people helping people.’ As Chigwell’s Director of Philanthropy, I do my best to help people, help people.

From this vantage point, one can be philanthropic by being kind; and for many, being kind to others can bring joy. Please consider that one might choose to express kindness by doing at least of one of these three actions:

1. Spreading awareness 2. Volunteering 3. Donating money

Chigwell School’s ambitious goals include funding a sports centre. In line with our holistic approach we are developing physical education and sport in young people. Additionally, we wish to increase access to a first class education to people, regardless of their financial ability. We do this best through raising money for the Bursary Fund.

Mrs Lisa Mina has joined as the new Philanthropy Officer. She has previous experience in fundraising and marketing in the charity sector and the education sector and volunteers locally.

Please do email us on philanthropy@chigwell-school.org to share your insights and to discuss opportunities where you can make a positive impact on the lives of young people and the community.

Chigwell School Archives

Ia m delighted to have joined Chigwell School in November 2022 as the new Archivist, and am very excited indeed to continue preserving, deploying, and growing its historical collection – especially as we approach the 400th Anniversary of the School’s foundation. In reviving the archives, I am particularly keen to have the input – and hear the interest – of OCs.

THE ARCHIVES

The collection comprises a vast array of material, all of which help piece together a rich tapestry of the history of Chigwell and its people. The items in the archives range from the 17th to 21st centuries, and include: foundation deeds, photographs, bills of sale, correspondence, Victorian illustrations, antique maps, local history books, autograph albums, school newspapers and journals, speech transcripts, event invitations, sheet music, and even a hat which was formerly part of the Chigwell uniform.

WHAT TO EXPECT

I intend to continue the excellent work the former Archivist, Marian Delfgou, accomplished whilst she was here, and allow engagement with the history in the archives through exhibitions, workshops,

communications, and publications. Presentations and activities can benefit students across year groups as well as OCs and visitors, and enrich both school-wide and private events (upon request). The archives will facilitate insight and investigation into both recent and historical developments of Chigwell School, as well as aid in its current and future progression.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

If you – or anyone you know – has any material that could help tell part of the history of Chigwell School and its people, please do get in touch via the email below. We consider all kinds of artefact (old and new; physical and digital; official and personal) potentially valuable for research, and deserving of memorialisation.

Equally, if you are interested in re-tracing your own – or perhaps writing some new – history, which we might have records for, we are happy to receive enquiries.

I look forward to speaking and meeting with many of you, and will be working to ensure the archives are once again a resource which unites communities – both those within its walls, and beyond.

mframpton@chigwell-school.org

GCSE Results 2022

CONGRATULATIONS ALL ROUND FOR THIS YEAR’S GCSE RESULTS.

Our Year 11 pupils have obtained an excellent set of results this year. The first cohort to sit public examinations in three years, they completed their GCSE courses during a turbulent 24 months, contending with lockdown learning, covid restrictions and shifting grade boundaries as the national system adjusts grading back to pre-lockdown years. Managing to keep on top of studying for 10, and in some cases 11 GCSEs is no small feat but our students showed great determination and characteristic good humour. Along with the excellent overall grades are numerous individual stories of pupils overcoming adversity to achieve personal successes: triumphs which give everyone here deep satisfaction.

A Level results

Co ngratulations to all Chigwell students who received their A level results in August. These were the first public exams that most students had ever sat and the results were achieved in spite of the challenges presented by the pandemic and, therefore, their achievements are even more significant. The vast majority have secured their university places of choice, with a small number taking up highly competitive apprenticeships or employment.

Comparing these results with those achieved in other years where grades were based on exams, they were at least as good as the best achieved. Nearly two thirds of grades were A* or A and 42% of students

achieved at least three A grades. Indeed the most common grade achieved was a grade A and the average set of results was slightly higher than AAA.

Some of these students joined Chigwell in the Sixth Form but many have been with us for seven or eleven years. During that time all have contributed a huge amount to the school community, have been a pleasure to work with and we are very proud of the fine young people they are. We wish them every future success and happiness and hope that they flourish in all their future endeavours. They will certainly be missed and we hope they will stay in touch.

University Destinations

Almost three quarters of leavers secured places at Russell Group universities including 4 students to either Oxford or Cambridge. We also had small numbers of students opting to s tudy abroad or pursue degree apprenticeships.

There was also a shift, possibly due to post-pandemic adventurousness, towards universities outside London. This year for the first time Warwick was the most popular choice (9 students) followed by Nottingham and Bristol. Economics and finance related degrees were very popular, as were biology and psychology.

However, the most impressive feature of the destinations chosen is the sheer range of courses our students have gone in for. In addition to the highly prized admissions to the academic powerhouses, we have a student off to the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London, a degree apprentice at JP Morgan and another off to the Royal Northern School of Music. This is, naturally, very pleasing. It is the aim that students achieve successful applications to the courses which are of the most interest to them and that seems to have been achieved this year. Congratulations to all concerned.

HM Queen Elizabeth II 1926 - 2022

Chigwell School honoured Her Majesty The Queen Friday, 9th September 2022. The service brought pupils and staff together to give thanks and to mark the start of the ten days of national mourning.

Gopal Kambo at Westminster

Mr G opal Kambo (OC 2008-2015) sang with the Chapel Royal of St James’s Palace for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey on 19th September 2022.

Gopal is the first gentlemen on the left in the back row of the Choir.

Speech Day and the Summer Ball

It was lovely to see so many Chigwell families at various speech day events across the weekend of 9 th July 2022. Friday afternoon saw services in St Mary’s Church led by Reverend Chris Davies for pupils in Reception to Upper One, which was followed by a very well-attended garden party in Pre Prep. On Saturday morning, pupils in Lower 2nd to Fourth Form attended service in St Mary’s which was followed by Senior School service for older pupils. Both services were led by The Venerable Vanessa Herrick, Archdeacon of Harlow.

Prizegiving took place at Chigwell Hall marquee where the Guest of Honour was Professor Gurminder Bhogal, Catherine Mills Davis, Chair in music at Wellesley College, Massachusetts. Formal proceedings were followed by afternoon tea. Chigwell Ball took place that evening for Middle Sixth pupils, parents and staff.

STEAM News

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, THE ARTS AND MATHEMATICS

It has been a busy time for our Year 8 pupils as they entered the Faraday Challenge, sponsored by the Institution of Engineering and Technology. Additionally, Year 8 and Year 9 pupils participated in the Bronze Industrial Cadets Challenge, sponsored by the Engineering Development Trust and competed in the East London Science and Technology Day.

Our Year 9 pupils then came second for The Best Overall Project Award and runner up for Best STEM Solution. Year 10s took part in the ‘Girls in Physics’ course at Queen Mary University and Year 12s participated in the Gold Industrial Cadets Challenge.

If you or your company are interested in learning more or sponsoring STEAM, please contact us philanthropy@chigwell-school.org

School Clubs

FEMINIST SOCIETY

Feminist society has from 30-90 members attending weekly to discuss important matters within feminism. This progressive society is led by two members in the Middle Sixth, and they are constantly thinking how they can make students more aware. Last week they discussed in their session the impacts that have occurred due to the Iranian war and how this effects the feminist movement. The aim of this group is to provide a safe space where people can verbalise their opinions and listen to what others have to say.

JOURNALIST SOCIETY

Journalist society is a recent society this academic year and is led by a student in the Lower Sixth. The aim for this society is to run a student led newspaper where they can discuss and write about topics in the news and other topics that the students find appealing. This new society already has 35+ members and is constantly expanding in numbers due to lots of interest.

CULTURAL SOCIETY

This new society led by two pupils in the Middle Sixth have a weekly turnout of 40+ members. This society has been set up this academic term and is hoping that they can provide a welcoming environment where they can educate others on different cultures. The values of this group are transparency, respect, education, celebration, and tolerance towards others. Last week they discussed the difference between cultural appropriation versus cultural appreciation which gained lots of attraction.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS SOCIETY

This society wants to make politics more accessible to those who are interested. This society with 20+ participants, is led by two boarders in the Middle Sixth and aims to make political topics more widely available as well as to share current events that are happening in the world in real time. Recently, they have been discussing the Panda Policy in China and are having some eye-opening and fascinating debates over serious political events.

We

Happiness First

Innovative Approach

Lifelong Learning

Courageous and Resilient

We

Community of Kindness

We

Engagements

Noor Shah (2009-2014) and Richard Hartley are pleased to announce their engagement and look forward to celebrating their Civil Wedding in May 2023.

Weddings

Evette Allman (2004–2006) and Alex Tamosius (19992006) were married, after a long postponement due to Covid-19, on 21st April 2022  at Old Marylebone Town Hall.

Richard Hume (Chigwell maths teacher) and his lovely bride Alfa Nilo (ICU nurse) exchanged their wedding vows on Saturday 6th August 2022 at Chigwell’s historic church, St. Mary’s, followed by a truly personal reception in the School’s dining hall.

Chelsey Jay (1998-2009) and Wayne Brown were married at The Crazy Bear, Stadhampton, Oxfordshire, on Sunday 28th August 2022. They had the most incredible day at this totally unique venue surrounded by all their family and friends, including quite a few OCs, before jetting off on honeymoon as Mr & Mrs Jay-Brown.

Amy Moore (1998-2008) and Will Kunhardt were married at Holy Trinity Church, Markbeech, Kent, followed by a reception at

on 23rd July 2022 after 2 years of postponed dates due to Covid-19. OC’s included Beatrice Moore, Natalie Robinson and Meera Ragha who were bridesmaids, as well as Georgia Clegg, Anil Chopra, Alice Stobart, Becky Briggs, Robbie Clemens and Myles Webb.

Births

Charlotte Liddle (neè Hayman: OC 1999-2006) and Chris Liddle would like to announce the birth of Sebastian George Liddle on 27th May 2022 at Northampton General Hospital. Pictured here with very proud big brother Max, 6.

Tiggy Bloom Pewsey born to Frankie Thompson-Henry and Alex Pewsey, (OC 2000 -2005, Penns) on 24th May 2022.

Kathryn Weatherburn (20022009) and her fiancée James Castledine are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Theodore Castledine on 13th November 2021.

University News

YEAR GROUP 2016

Kayden Chahal (2009-2016) graduated from medical school with an MBBS degree and a First Class BSc (Hons) in Imaging Sciences from King’s College London. He is due to start work as a junior doctor in Basildon University Hospital in August 2022.

Henry Bird (2010-2017) graduated with an Upper Second Class BA (Hons) in English from the University of Durham (2021). He went on to achieve a goldstandard postgraduate diploma in journalism, and now works at The Times as the editor of their flagship Best of Times newsletter and writer for the Environment section.

YEAR GROUP 2018

Kavindu de Silva (2011-2018) received a First in his Masters of Mechanical Engineering from Imperial. He interned at Leonardo in Edinburgh which confirmed his wishes to pursue a career in engineering.

Moyosore Awolesi (2011-2018) graduated with a 2:1 BA (Hons) in Intercultural Communications and Business Management from the University of East Anglia. She currently is an intern with the Wilful Group PR firm in Marylebone and hopes to continue in the public relations field.

Aaran Vijayakumaran (2011-2017) graduated with a First Class BSc (Hons) in Medical Physiology and Therapeutics from the University of Nottingham in 2020, and then Distinction Masters of Research (MRes) in Translational Cancer Medicine from Kings College London in 2021. He is currently studying a 4-year Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Toxicology, Cellular Physiology and Biophysics at Selwyn College, University of Cambridge, funded by the Medical Research Council.

Leah Redmond (2016-2018) graduated on the Dean’s List (top 10%) with a First Class Honors in an integrated masters in Molecular Bioengineering (MEng) from Imperial College. She plans to pursue an EPSRC funded PhD at Imperial College in the Higgins Lab, Department of Bioengineering, focusing on regenerative medicine.

School visits

Head Pupil to Head Pupil

Looking back, I suspect being Head Boy 50 years ago was very different from what Praefects experience today.

I was a pro-praefect for a couple of terms, then senior pro-praefect part of summer term, when I saw how school ran. My predecessor, Rob Gunn, gave me good advice and, crucially, the ‘magic document box’ handed down from Head Pupil to Head Pupil! In it was a guide started by a predecessor in an exercise book, which left space on facing pages for updates from subsequent incumbents for most of the sixties.

Recent generations would be surprised at our range of responsibilities. Essentially, almost everything outside of curricula and staff-led activities was under purview of praefects in some way – and each had their own approach. I encouraged a pastoral one – looking out for problems like bullying and homesickness. We prided ourselves on knowing every pupil by name.

Each day began with Callover convened by the Praefect and attended by the Headmaster, a time for notices, and then registration. For prayers, most filed to Chapel; Praefects read daily lessons which Chaplain Parry Davenport asked me to select.

After Chapel, Second Master might visit with a list of classes needing praefect supervision due to teacher absence, and work details to take along. I had the larger chunk of this as I took three A levels the previous summer. I remember in Lent Term, when the flu was rife, taking thirteen periods one week!

Praefects enforced all the school rules outside of lessons: we would patrol the school itself, and visit the local cafe to catch absconders! We also organised seating for school photos, and supervised pupils at football matches, concerts, and lectures. In our day, we also had a wide variety of sanctions to give at our discretion. We kept the school neat and tidy by assigning minor chores – and task lists grew when Speech Day approached! Often, the hardest work was done by the younger lads – though these chores were sometimes popular, as they gave insight into senior life. In terms of reward for us, Saturday evening Praefect supper – cooked by the kitchen staff and delivered to the praefect – was an especial treat.

Head Boy attended the OC dinner in London with the Headmaster and gave the Shrove Tuesday supper speech. Sometimes we showed visitors around. I was very grateful for Headmaster Brian Wilson’s open-door policy allowed a close working relationship. My year full of challenges and opportunities prepared me for my adult working life – and the box? I passed it onto Howard Berndes!

After Chigwell, I first entered the accountancy profession, but later answered a call to serve as clergyman for most of my life in England and the USA. I retired in 2017 for health reasons and moved to Northumberland with my wife Sue.

To reconnect with Jeremy scan this QR code or email philanthropy@chigwell-school.org

My time at Chigwell has been characterised by incredible people I’ve met, places I’ve been, and range of opportunities afforded to me.

When I joined Chigwell at 11, I could not predict how things would turn out, but as I approach my seventh and final year at school, I am led to reflect on all the good that has happened so far, and all still to come.

Sport has played a huge part of my school experience. I was lucky enough to represent Chigwell in hockey, netball, rounders, tennis and football – the first three sports I had never tried before. Football, though, has always been a big part of my life and I have been delighted in recent years to see the progression on the girls’ side. Before that, I enjoyed playing for some of the boys’ XIs and am thankful for the freedom of opportunity granted to me.

Before Chigwell, I always thought of myself as a ‘humanities’ person and limited myself to those pursuits. However, during my time here, not only has my love of arts developed in the quality and breadth of my reading, writing, and speaking, but I have acquired a love and knowledge of science and confidence in maths beyond anything I imagined possible. My GCSE grades in these subjects reflects the excellent standard of teaching at Chigwell, as well as a learning environment which made the past seven years the most incredible and developmental of my life.

Nor have my experiences been limited to the school grounds: trips to battlefields in Belgium and France, a visit to India, time in the Lake District, and a DofE Gold expedition in the highlands of Scotland are just a few highlights. I also relished the chance to watch productions in the West End and at Shakespeare’s Globe with the English department.

Alongside academia, I have acquired skills and practices that have made me a more well-rounded individual, equipped for the world of work and beyond. Twice winning the Middle School public speaking competition was a particular highlight of mine, as was taking part in the Cambridge Schools debate. I also competed in the Festival of the Foreign Word and Festival of the Spoken

Word, the former involving performing in a foreign language and the latter performing original work. All of these experiences improved my confidence, discussion skills and writing practices and speak to the level of education and opportunity afforded to me.

To be made Head of School was an unbelievable honour for which I am ever grateful, and I am very excited in the remainder of my time at Chigwell to continue to exploit every opportunity and well serve the incredible privilege granted to me.

As I said at the start, when I look back on my time here it will be with full fondness for people I’ve met, teachers I’ve worked with, and opportunities presented. My friends, who I could do nothing without, are a reflection of the kind of person Chigwell produces and the embodiment of my joyful and enriching school experience.

I do not know what the future holds, but I know that the foundations of all I achieve will be rooted in this place, and all the experiences, values and lessons I have learned from it.

I never let my schooling interfere with my education.”

My earliest Chigwell School memory was as a nervous 11-year-old in the school hall sitting my entrance exam. I recall that in addition to the usual mathematical problems and English comprehension there was a trick question which went something like this…

British and French governments disagreed as to who should drive on which side of the road when crossing a bridge over the Channel. It was suggested that people drive on the right when crossing to France and on the left in preparation for England. What do you think?

I wonder whether similar questions are still used today for entrance exams!

Thinking back now after 55 years it is fascinating which memories remain most vivid. The concerts, the gymnastic displays, the SS Nevasa cruise that took us to Venice, Dubrovnik, Crete, and Naples – with the energetic Mr Dutchman keeping a watchful eye ensuring that we didn’t lose students along the way.

I particularly loved Chigwell School music performances. I remember performing Handel’s Zadok the Priest and Lambert’s Rio Grande, both exhilarating choral works which still send shivers down my spine when I hear them. I owe a lot to John Auton, Head of Music. He was a wiry Yorkshireman with a fiery temper but passionate about his subject. He taught me pipe organ, clarinet, and introduced me to the intricacies of keyboard improvisation (which became very valuable when I later became a music teacher myself).

John offered many opportunities to capable students, so most weekends I played organ at Newbury Park Synagogue, and for services at St Winifred’s, Chigwell and St John’s, Loughton, as well as the occasional wedding or funeral at St Mary’s. All invaluable introduction to the professional world of music.

On Mondays we trained for the CCF (Combined Cadet Force). This necessitated spending morning break greasing and cleaning our rifles ready for whatever activities were in store in the afternoon. Invariably, this included a lot of marching, but interspersed with tuition on how to stop an advancing enemy. I had certain moral qualms about such activities and tried to persuade my father to write a letter explaining I was a conscientious objector. My request didn’t cut much ice, so I opted for the CCF band instead. Although marching remained, I at least learned to play the bugle which proved more useful than learning to disembowel someone with a bayonet.

One Chigwell highlight was the 50-mile sponsored walk. This was no mean feat and many retired before reaching the finishing line. The route went miles along canal towpaths with slippery banks and icy water before joining a disused railway line. One would have thought this stretch would have been easier to negotiate, but the wooden sleepers were covered with a layer of slippery frost resulting in frequent stumbles adding to the pain of rapidly-growing blisters. I’m proud to say I made it to the finishing line after 18 hours of walking. In a rash moment of generosity, I promised to play organ at St. Winifred’s on the Sunday after. I arrived in time but couldn’t remove my boots, so I accompanied the service on piano rather than climb into the organ loft!

Suffice to say, I look back on my time at Chigwell School with a kaleidoscopic range of feelings and recollections. My time there helped make me the person I am today and I have vivid memories of the many staff and students who influenced me.

I taught music in the UK and Hong Kong for over 35 years, and I’m now enjoying retirement in Vancouver – which is considerably cooler than Hong Kong, but has a great selection of Asian cuisine as well as some fine craft beers!

“

Passion for padel

My whole life, I’ve been playing racquet sports. It started with tennis when I was in primary school. I used to go out to Spain to train, and it was out there that I first started playing padel. I’d never heard of it before, but in Spain it was equally as big as tennis. So, when David Lloyds Chigwell built three padel courts back in 2013, I couldn’t believe it. I started moving from playing tennis to playing padel, and 3 years later I left Chigwell School and moved to Marbella to train full time. I was 16 at the time, and so had to try and balance training with studying for my A-Levels. Not an easy task! After being sponsored by HEAD, I moved to Barcelona to train with the number one female in the world, Paula. At the beginning of this year, I relocated again and am now based in Dubai.

Throughout this whole time, padel has been growing in England. We finished third in the junior world championships in Mexico, something no one expected us to do. Courts started opening all across the country. 2 years ago, the LTA became the governing body of padel, increasing the funding and giving us another push in the right direction.

In the last couple of years, I’ve started moving up and up in the world rankings. In May, I became the first British person to qualify for a major event, held in Italy (the equivalent of a Grand-slam in the padel world). This pushed my ranking up to 178th in the world. I hope to continue to move up in rankings as I continue play.

You can follow my progress at: @samjones_padel on Instagram

The car for the planet

Of the many experiences and opportunities I’ve had in my first year at the University of Cambridge, becoming a part of the Cambridge University Eco Racing (CUER) team has been a standout. I wouldn’t have imagined that – in my first few months at the university – I’d have the opportunity to work on a solar-powered vehicle built by students.

The car is named Helia, and it is the UK’s most efficient solar car to date. It cruises at 80kmph using only 2.5kW of power, less than that of a kettle. It reaches a max speed of around 120kmph and travels up to 900km after one charge. The incredible performance comes from smart design and careful manufacturing. No matter how small the part is, we model it using computer software, put it through computer testing and then proceed with manufacturing.

In Helia’s future is the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in 2023, a 3,000km race from Darwin to Adelaide in the Australian sun. Additionally, we will be travelling to Belgium to compete in a 24-hour track race this September. These trips are not only a showcase of Helia’s talents but also an opportunity to tell the world that sustainable transportation will be feasible in the near future.

Next year, Helia will make way for a new car, where we can take the lessons learnt from Helia onto the next design. Every 2 years we start work on a new car, prompting us to move beyond old designs and create space for the constant stream of new developments in solar technology.

CUER is only possible because of the support of our Sponsors: without them we could never utilise the technology that goes into creating Helia nor showcase it at competitions. If you’d be interested in sponsoring our ongoing development, we’d love to hear from you at captain@cuer.co.uk. Visit www.cuer.co.uk where you can find more information on our events and stay up to date with the car.

The show must go on…

There is nothing quite like the feeling when you are about to watch a live entertainment show, when the house lights dim, and when – as a member of the audience, the cast or the technicians – you know you are about to be transported into a story for a few hours, escaping the realities of modern-day life…

As a student at Chigwell circa early ‘80’s it was perhaps escaping sport that drew me into New Hall to help with setting up the stage lights, under the guidance of Mr Arthur (who I recall taught French). Outside of school, I started to light amateur dramatic shows and pantos, so as I approached 16, and leaving Chigwell in 1983 for the big wide world, I wondered: could I do this all the time, as a job – wouldn’t that be really great?

Whilst my late parents didn’t believe it could be a ‘real job’ (thankfully they did some years later…), I found one of very few further education courses for technical theatre at Paddington College and was offered a place. To pay the bills, I also worked in a supermarket, ending up at Waitrose Buckhurst Hill, where I met my Wife of now 33 years.

The appeal of stage lighting only increased for me, and at that time the English band Genesis invested money into a Texan concert sound & light company called Showco, who had developed what was to be the first widely available moving light system for concerts: VARI*LITE. I went to see Peter Gabriel in concert with my long-term Old Chig friend Jonathan Bordell, where Peter used these VARI*LITEs. I was mesmerised, and decided that was my destiny to work for VARI*LITE.

As VARI*LITE grew their business, I took a chance and applied to work for their UK operation in Cricklewood, and they offered me a job as a production assistant. By this time, VARI*LITE was working with the likes of Michael Jackson, Madonna, Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd (to name but a few), plus major TV and theatre shows. I accepted their offer, which changed my life and has been my work life ever since. After 10 years at VARI*LITE, I progressed to General Manager of the European operation, where we had over 150 colleagues – many of whom are still great friends. One of the most enduring aspects of this business is the community of people. Whilst lighting equipment continues to advance (particularly now, as it converges with digital video, merging over into gaming, augmented reality and beyond), the industry is still all about people – and, ultimately, telling a story, where the lighting and visuals enhance and evoke emotions that transport us to a different place.

During the pandemic, my industry shut down, and the impact was devastating – as it was for so many. Thankfully, it has now risen to unparalleled levels and there are more live shows than ever before – it almost feels like a renaissance is unfolding, and I consider myself to be hugely fortunate to be able to continue working in this incredible special industry, where the ethos is, and always will be, ‘the show must go on…’ Enjoy your next show!

Becoming myself

Me? I am ordinary. But I love my extraordinary life. Before Chigwell, my school reports underlined that I needed more confidence. Literally, there was a line under the word confidence. Since Chigwell, I took on roles and made an impact beyond my seemingly unlimited imagination as a child. How?

Winter 1980. I barely passed the entrance exam. Mr Sydenham spoke with me when most adults spoke at me. He was interested in my opinion. Later, Mr Wilson, the Headmaster, wrote to my father that he was willing to give me a chance. I did poorly. I averaged last in almost all subjects in the first year. But here’s the thing. Dr Clayton sat with me, reviewing each of the teachers’ comments. He smiled, “At least you’re consistent.” I didn’t feel bad; it genuinely felt like he was on my side. He drew out critical pieces of advice, and we talked about them.

An exchange with Mr Ballance is telling. I drew an ambitious story outline in the back of my book, but I ran out of time and handed in something weak. He wrote, “I have just read this and it makes me have a better impression of your effort (I have looked at the back). Why not make this a holiday project of a really good story along those lines?” He was willing to consider what I had to say. An incredible gift for a child.

In time, I settled into the rhythm of Chigwell. One sunny afternoon, Mr Brandon asked me to show the parents of a potential pupil around. He didn’t say exactly where, so I took them for a walk, chatting about life here. Later, Mr Brandon said the parents were impressed with me. I was surprised. I was just being me. Then it dawned that Chigwell enabled me to become me.

Medical training opened many doors

Paul left Chigwell in 1974, and – having worked for a year for a veterinary pharmaceutical company – read medicine, and after qualifying trained in London and Cambridge in neurosurgery.

He was appointed as a consultant neurosurgeon in Auckland, New Zealand in 1990 and, after three years, returned to England and worked as a consultant neurosurgeon at Leeds General Infirmary until 2012. Whilst there, he read law at Cardiff and after leaving the NHS, “reinvented himself” and was appointed as Senior Coroner for Hull & East Yorkshire. In 2021, he became President of the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians and was appointed honorary Professor of Medical Jurisprudence at the Hull York Medical School.

Wishing to reconnect, Paul asks his contemporaries to contact philanthropy@chigwell-school.org or scan below:

Helping Chigwellians find their way

Careers Education at Chigwell

Chigwell offers varied careers programme sessions during lessons, PHSE sessions, lunchtimes, and after school. Events include talks, presentations, workshops, curriculum activities and assemblies. New volunteers are welcome to share their expertise.

Careers week and the Careers Convention return March 2023 as a highlight of our careers calendar. If you wish to represent your profession, contact Roxanne Darkin, Head of Careers: rdarkin@chigwell-school.org . The convention helps pupils make informed choices when choosing GCSE and A Level subjects and planning for university and future careers.

Our Careers Convention remains successful as a great opportunity for you to share your work expertise with curious and motivated Chigwell students. Pupils can learn much from you as you share about your own career path enabling them to pursue their ambitions from a young age. The event also permits you to showcase your company or organisation whilst networking with likeminded professionals.

Degree Apprenticeship Application Support Programme (DAAS)

MVI students interested in applying for Degree Apprenticeships may do so through DAAS. Apprenticeships are growing in popularity and allow students to gain a university degree whilst earning a living and gaining valuable professional work experience without the student debt. Competition for apprenticeship places is high, and we want to give Chigwell students the best start possible.

Some sessions are run by The AIM Group who receive government funds to support schools and students interested in post-16 and 18 apprenticeships. Sessions include CV, cover letter and application support, assessment centre preparation, and interview techniques.

For information on careers or apprenticeships, or if you know of any companies or people who offer apprenticeships, please do get in touch with Roxanne Darkin, Head of Careers: rdarkin@chigwell-school.org

National Apprenticeship Week

6th - 12th February 2023

The annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships, taking place across England, will shine a light on amazing work being done by employers and apprentices across the country.

During the event, students explore apprenticeships, at all levels, and learn what is available through talks, workshops and Q&A sessions.

If you would like to be involved, please contact Roxanne Darkin, Head of Careers: rdarkin@chigwell-school.org

Would you like to offer real-world experiences, knowledge, and expertise to current pupils and other OCs?

OCs follow diverse pathways after leaving School and gain a wealth of experience current pupils wish to learn. Ways you might help:

• Offer careers advice

• Provide CV critique

• Interview practice

• Provision work shadowing/work placements

Ways to get involved

LINKEDIN

The Old Chigwellians’ Association professional networking group on LinkedIn continues to grow as an important resource for alumni to communicate with each other as professionals. You may find a valuable OC contact in your chosen sector amongst our LinkedIn membership.

Such advice is invaluable to pupils deciding upon their future. Would you like to share your experiences in a ‘Meet the Future’ programme? Please contact Roxanne Darkin, Head of Careers: rdarkin@chigwell-school.org

THE WILLIAMS PROJECT

Named after OC Sir Bernard Williams, a late 20th century British philosopher, The Williams Project speaker society covers topics for all pupils aged 11-18 and staff. This venture provides opportunities for all at Chigwell to broaden and deepen their intellectual life outside the classroom in an informal environment.

Are you interested in being a speaker for The Williams Project? Please contact Scott Franssen, Director of Philanthropy: sfranssen@chigwell-school.org

YOUNG AMBASSADORS

This initiative links Chigwell pupils and Higher Education by connecting current pupils with an OC at their chosen institution. OCs at Higher Education institutions offer personalised advice and insights that are invaluable to future leavers.

Scan the QR code to visit the LinkedIn page

MEET THE FUTURE

This series of informal talks between OCs and current students focus on issues such as university, first jobs, changes of plan; in short, advice to their younger selves.

We would like to broaden the range of institutions represented so if your institution is not listed www.chigwell-school.org/young-ambassadors , please get in touch.

For further details on any of the above please see www.chigwell-school.org/get-involved or contact philanthropy@chigwell-school.org

OC Wednesday Lunch Club

Th e OC Wednesday Luncheon Club got back into stride after difficulties of the last two years. July’s lunch at school was attended by more than fifty members, to say a fond farewell to Michael and Gill Punt and wish them well on their new venture in Bromsgrove.

Lunches are very informal occasions, mostly attended by between thirty and forty OCs of varying ages, and take place, with only a few exceptions, on the first Wednesday of each month at the Clubhouse in Roding Lane. There are no speeches and no demands for money, other than the £15 for an excellent two-course lunch, provided by Chartwells, the School Caterers. To attend, please send an e-mail to Malcolm Rogers (malcolm@ themusickecompanye.com) or Richard Rosser (richard. rosser@hotmail.co.uk), and they will be very pleased to include you in the circulation list.

The two exceptions to the Wednesday rule is when the Head’s Invitation Lunch occurs in July and December. These lunches will be held in the School’s dining-hall allowing for greater numbers than can be accommodated at the Clubhouse. They are held in each case after the end of school term when the caterers are still on the premises. 2022’s Christmas lunch is Monday, the 19th December, when we hope to welcome more than 70. Do please get in touch with Malcolm or Richard if you would like to attend.

On behalf of the members, we would like to express our thanks to Craig Osmond, Chartwells’ Catering Manager, for the excellent lunches he kindly arranges for us and for the hard work put in by the chef and other members of Chartwells’ staff, who run the bar, lay the tables and serve lunches, all with the greatest efficiency and good humour.

154 th Shrove Tuesday Event

Attracted New Attendees

Th e 2022 Shrove Tuesday event attracted many new enthusiastic attendees very eager to meet fellow OCs in person following the lifting of lockdown restrictions. Nearly 90 people made up a diverse group of female and male leavers representing classes from 1952 through 2018. Praefects joined tables representing current Chigwellian pupils.

Inspiring words were shared by Roseanne Serrelli, Chair of Governors; Headmaster Michael Punt; Lewis Bond, Head of School; and special blessings from Rev’d Michael Bradley.

The diversity of those attending this year’s event more accurately reflected the diversity of the current student body. Aegean Simpson, President of the Old Chigwellian Association is optimistic that Shrove Tuesday will continue to attract a myriad of OCs in the future.

The next Shrove Tuesday Supper will be held on 21st February 2023. More invitation details will be forthcoming in the near future or contact Mr Scott Franssen at philanthropy@chigwell-school.org

“I really enjoyed meeting up with some of my old friends whilst meeting current students. This is an event I look forward to every year.”

Football Club Supper

An other splendid Club Supper evening in May at the Home of Football after two years of Covid-induced absence. Superbly orchestrated as usual by Nigel Davies, with fine food and drink supplied by Chartwells and an excellent guest speech from John Beresford, the former Newcastle defender.

Well attended by players from all four teams, supporters, officials and Headmaster Michael Punt, making his last appearance.

Players of the year as follows

1st X1 Max Salador

2nd X1 Nad Kala; Vets A Stuart Rex; Vets B James Brown

The Old Chigwellian Lodge

ter the disruption of the last few years, the Old Chigwellian Lodge returned to regular business and proceedings with the installation of our new Worshipful Master, Pesh Kapasiawala on 10th February. Pesh is a parent at Chigwell School with twin teenagers currently in the sixth form.

Af

On 14th May, the Lodge enjoyed a successful and well attended meeting at the school followed by a superb dinner for members and their guests held in the dining hall. Our special guests for the evening were former Headmaster, Michael Punt and his wife Gill. The dinner gave the Lodge the opportunity to make a presentation and thank Michael and Gill for their support over the last fifteen years and wish them every success and happiness in their new life in Worcestershire.

Following a summer break, the Lodge resumed in September with the meeting holding a tribute and two-minute silence in recognition of the passing of our Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II.

One of the principle moral virtues in all Masonic Lodges is charity and supporting worthy causes. In 2021, as part of our Masters’ Charitable List, the Lodge supported the introduction of an annual Bursary to sponsor a sixth form pupil at Chigwell. Funds raised over the last twelve months will support the first Bursary which will commence in September 2022.

Lodge membership continues to grow and is attracting an increasing number of young professional Old Chigwellians plus parents with children at the school. The Lodge holds evening meetings four times a year in February, May (at Chigwell School), September and November at Mark Masons Hall in St James’ Place, London SW1.

New Members

Are you curious about Freemasonry or the charitable work undertaken by the Lodge? New members are the life blood of our Lodge and we are remarkably successful in bringing on new candidates every year.

If you would like to learn more about the School Lodge, please contact: membership@oclodge.co.uk or visit www.oclodge.co.uk

The Old Chigwellian Masonic Lodge was founded in 1948.

Leave a gift in your Will and change a life

Since 1629, Chigwell School has been changing lives. It was founded by Archbishop Samuel Harsnett with a mission – to provide free or heavily subsidised places for local ‘poorer Scholars’. Four centuries later, the s chool has been through a number of changes, but our ethos and values remains the same: to be able to e ducate any child based on merit, no matter their family’s circumstances.

Legacies are vital to impact lives of young people for generations to come. As Chigwell School approaches its quadricentennial in 2029, please consider the school in your will.

Legacy bequests are free from inheritance tax and gifts of shares and property are exempt from capital gains tax. Making a Will is an important step and it is recommended that you seek independent professional legacy advice. When making a bequest in your Will, please note that the beneficiary should be Chigwell School, registered charity number 1115098.

The 1629 Society

We appreciate that making a bequest to Chigwell is a very personal decision. We understand that and, of course, would guarantee anonymity and respect privacy. However, we hope that you will inform us of your intentions so that we can thank you for your kindness and generosity during your lifetime.

In order that we can recognise the kindness of those who have remembered Chigwell in their Will we have created the 1629 Society, marking the year our School was founded. Everybody who has made us aware of their intention to include the School in their Will automatically becomes a member.

For further information please contact Mr Scott Franssen on 020 8501 5769 or email sfranssen@chigwell-school.org

Legacies are vital to impact the lives of young people for generations to come.

Chigwell School Bursary Fund

Changing lives since 1629

Helping the Next Generation

Bursaries provide financial support for children who show great promise in the entrance exam process, but whose families could not otherwise afford to send them to Chigwell School.

In addition, the Chigwell School Bursary Fund provides financial support to families whose children did not join the School with an assisted place, but whose circumstances have since changed.

“I hope that there will be more students, from backgrounds similar to mine, who will be sitting in the classrooms at Chigwell School feeling the way I did and getting the most out of the brilliant education the school offers.”

Bursary Recipients

“My time at Chigwell undoubtedly changed my life and has set me on my current path, allowing me to attend a top tier university and establish my career. The school provided me with a first class education, and more importantly the environment forged me into a well rounded person and allowed me to develop skills and relationships I will have for life. For this I will be eternally grateful to Chigwell School, and hope that the bursary scheme will be able to benefit many future students to come as it did me.”

Kavindu de Silva (2011-2018)

Kavindu received a First in Masters of Mechanical Engineering degree classification from Imperial in 2022

“Chigwell School helped me to identify my path and then gave me the tools to forge it. I will always be grateful to Chigwell, and I hope that current students will, when they are ready, reflect on their good fortune and find ways to help others thrive, as many generations of Old Chigwellians have done before them.”

Gurminder K. Bhogal (1990-1992)

Gurminder is the Catherine Mills Davis Chair in Music at Wellesley College near Boston, U.S.A.

Could you help us change a life?

Chigwell School’s mission to support those children who possess talent, ability and dedication, but who lack the financial means to benefit from the educational experience that we can offer, remains as true today as it did for Samuel Harsnett nearly 400 years ago.

Our Bursary Fund campaign offers life-changing opportunities for young people whose parents would not otherwise be able to afford our fees.

To find out more about it and how you can help to support such an important cause please contact the Department of Philanthropy on 020 8501 5748, philanthropy@chigwell-school.org or visit www.chigwell-school.org/support-us/welcome -to-development/bursary-fund

BURSARY RECIPIENT PARENT - CLASS OF 2019

We cannot thank you enough for giving my daughter this opportunity. Her life has almost certainly been changed by the hard work, time, effort and attention from your wonderful teachers. Chigwell really is a special place.

1st XI Football

Th e season began strongly with 19 goals, 4 wins and a draw in the first 5 games. Wins in the first round fixtures of the AFA and Arthur Dunn cups followed. And, although momentum was lost following back to back losses in the league, inspirational rallying by Edward Sibley (in his final year as OC Club Captain), soon restored the balance with the team winning 10 out of our next 11 games scoring an average of 4 goals per game.

In the Arthur Dunn Cup, the second round delivered a cracking 4-3 away win over premier division side Old Alleynians. Seven goals, two red cards and some muscular tackling made for a season-highlight match which was followed up by another away win at Old Salopians of Shrewsbury where a 5-star strike from schoolboy Jordan Erratt led to victory and a semi-final spot against a strong Repton side.

Sadly, at that point, things began to unravel and defeats against promotion chasing rival sides in the league meant a drop in the table. In the semi-final of the Arthur Dunn, the team began strongly, going 1-0 up inside the first 15 minutes but then conceded two quick goals which, after Repton added a late 3rd goal, ended the run in the competition.

The high of chasing a double in what could have been Chigwell 1st XI’s best season in a while, turned to disappointment and was hard to take especially as late season defeats meant a thirdplace finish, not quite enough for promotion. That said, disappointment at a third-place finish and a cup semi-final shows commitment and ambition and, on behalf of the entire OC club, we must give a massive thank you to Edward Sibley for his efforts this season and his tenure as Club Captain.

2nd XI Football

De spite two covid-disrupted seasons, an exciting preseason restored feelings of normality. Although many clubs saw player numbers drop, we gladly kept our usual force through preseason, keeping and building our core team from past years.

Our season started with Old Sennockians home match. We lost 3-1 despite strong performances and plenty learnt from the game.

Our lads performed fantastically against Old Allyenians II’s – a strong team ultimately ending up 3rd – and walked away with 2.0 win. The season was up and running.

Our biggest test and season highlight happened against Eton. They travelled confidently across London after starting with two wins and +23 goal difference (yes, after two games!). Seasoned Chigs Nad Kala, Will Taylor, and club captain Ed Sibley ensured everyone knew their jobs. Sticking to the game plan, they performed one of the best matches I’ve seen for a long-time keeping

Eton’s fierce attack relatively quiet while creating plenty of chances. Final score was a deserved 3.2 win rounding up the day with a well-earned squad social.

Seasonal ebbs and flows had mixed results with a loss to Brentwood II’s on penalties in JLC second round. Fantastic effort let us finish 4th in league thanks to 4 wins and 2 draws in final 6 games, including, remarkably, 5-4 wins both home and away against Charterhouse II’s (a team who walked this league for many many years).

3-3 draw at home to Harrow ended the season. This was the final game for Josh Coppeard as 2nd XI captain and Ed Sibley as club captain. I’d like to personally thank them for the unbelievable amount of work they’ve done behind the scenes these last two years. They will be missed!

Rory Taylor will be club captain, and Tom Standen and me are joint 2nd XI captains. I am excited to work alongside them both and can’t wait to see 2nd XI’s next chapter!

Old Chigwellians’ Golf Society

Ifind myself writing this mid-term, with so much of the year still to look forward to.

Under James Houghton’s captaincy we once again produced a great effort at the Halford Hewitt, going down 2-3 to a very good St. Bee’s team in exceptionally windy conditions.

The past captains at Royal Worlington were well attended and played in glorious sunshine. The singles in the morning were won by Ashley Whitby with 38 points. As some may know the current captain cannot win a prize in the morning singles but I was delighted to come in with the ever-reliable Buster Oxley in the afternoon foursomes.

So far, our scheduled friendly matches have not materialised, which is a great shame. This is because of the oppositions inability to raise a team. Let’s hope next year will be better supported.

Mike Woods rallied the troops for a serious tilt at Essex Public Schools GS. We lost painfully by a point to the old enemy, Forest. Well played to them!

We also came up against a very good Watson’s team in the Cyril Gray, going down 1-2.

However, on a more positive note, we excelled in the Grafton Morrish winning our group with 95 points. The finals will be played at the beginning of October at Brancaster where we will face Stamford in the opening round.

As this goes to press, we look forward to the captain’s day and the Autumn meeting, both in September, and of course yuletide where we hope we will be joined by the new headmaster.

Captains’ day took place at Chigwell on 7th September with Gerald Coleman as the day’s worthy winner.

The following week, Old Chigs convened at Deal for the Autumn meeting. Royal Cinque Ports GC provided its usual test whilst club’s hospitality was as good as ever.

Other notable victories for David Oxley in President’s Cup, Stuart Harding in Scratch competition with the best overall performance - the Veterans Jug, going to Neill Ballard.

Finally, as always, a special thank you to Miles Taylor, our secretary, for all his hard work over the years. We are all very grateful to him!

OC Netball

On S aturday 5th March 2022 several OCs gathered to play netball against the school.

It was a great morning with some fantastic netball played. Unfortunately, the school were unable to put out their strongest teams due to mocks, but all who played had fun, nonetheless. In the end, the 1st VII lost 19-24.

Further excitement ensued with a thrilling 2nd team match ending with a 13-12 final score.

The matches were followed by a delicious tea courtesy of Chigwell School’s caterers, Chartwells. It was a lovely occasion and something to build on in the future.

Tennis Report

So uth West Essex Men’s Doubles League Division 4 fixtures resumed normal format with 8 local teams competing home and away, with 3 pairs playing 4 sets 2 against 2 opposing pairs. That dropped to 7 teams with Theydon Bois sadly withdrawing. Only 3 teams played all 12 matches, affecting all the final team positions.

Nevertheless, we enjoyed competing against familiar old foes with tea and refreshments.

Holidays, cancellations, illness, and injuries affected final league standing despite a versatile squad including OC dads (Mike Bond and Jon Benjamin); OC sons and friends; and Shak Chaudhary, a teacher continuing Dave Morrison and Kevin Farrant’s honorary OC tradition.

A loss against Epping (captained by OC Andrew Larkin) started the season followed by a win over old adversaries Friary, and a crushing defeat by Walthamstow.

Connaught matches carried added spice since captain Ross Berndes’s son, Matthew, captains and plays Connaught B team. A healthy crowd of OC’s, wives and girlfriends watched; Will Taylor and Max Berndes boosted play, resulting in a 13-13 draw.

OCs wish to continue this momentum with other netball and hockey competitions. Please contact the Department of Philanthropy to learn more.

We lost against Epping and Friary before winning against Whitehall on the year’s hottest day. The season finished losing against eventual champions Connaught ‘B’.

Thanks to Ross Berndes, affectionately known as El Captain, for providing fabulous refreshments, organising the team, and his legendary WhatsApp match report summary of outstanding ‘champagne moments’. More thanks to Ross’s refurbishment of two courtside tables memorialising Jim Tribe and Bob Kilby, 2 club greats no longer with us.

We are blessed with excellent facilities and Chigwell’s invaluable grounds and clubhouse maintenance contribution. This League formed as an arena for competitive tennis in South West Essex and is open to all clubs affiliated to LTA.

We welcome female and male OCs to join and expand the squad. Please contact Ross: ross@rossmotors.co.uk

Tracy Claridge (1967-1974)

Tracy Leigh Claridge was born on the 8th April 1956 to Reg and Iris. Known as TC, his friends regarded him as bullet-proof. A larger-than-life character, he made an impression on everybody he met.

Tracy passed Chigwell’s entrance exam in 1967. He was an outstanding sportsman, setting school javelin and shotput records – both unbeaten for many years. He played cricket for Essex colts, football for public schools, and was captain of basketball, going unbeaten for two years, winning numerous competitions and eventually playing for England under 19s and the “Avenue”, one of the leading London men’s clubs.

The 1974 school cricket team TC captained won 15 of 16 matches, including the unusual feat of beating MCC. His stature also made him ideal for the big bass drum in the school corps of drums.

After leaving school, TC played cricket for Woodford Wells and then played for Ashford, Sevenoaks Vine and Hawkhurst whilst in Kent. He played for the Old Chigs in the Brewers cup and for the Mediators, a wandering club. Mediators toured South Africa in 1981 playing at Newlands. Honouring his ethos of fair play, TC actively committed to tackling social injustice, particularly apartheid.

TC played football for three seasons for Old Chigs, but moved on to rugby. Despite having never played before, he was soon in first XV and instrumental in Woodford winning 1980 Essex cup. Later he played for Cranbrook, Kent, captaining from 1984 to 87. He was a single figure handicap golfer at Moatlands, later taking up bowls and of course winning a few cups.

TC played football for three seasons for Old Chigs, but moved on to rugby. Having never played before, he was soon in first XV and instrumental in Woodford winning 1980 Essex cup. Later he played for Cranbrook, Kent, captaining from 1984-87. He was a single figure handicap golfer at Moatlands, later taking up bowls and of course winning a few cups.

Tracy spent a lot of his teenage years at my home and was always treated as one of the family to the end.

Tracy studied French and German and on leaving school

entered the wine industry, working for Stapleton Fletcher and Norton Langridge. He also enjoyed real ale and was involved in a bar near Blackheath, appropriately named Bitter Experience.

In 1981 he studied viticulture and viniculture in Australia, returning after eighteen months via France and Germany. He moved to Kent and launched “Claridge Fine Wines”, specialising in Australian wines. TC worked for John Brownsdon and Co for several years, gaining a sales knowledge. In 1995 he impressed the late Peter Sichel, landing the dream job working for globally renowned Maison Sichel. The Sichels feel they lost a dear member of their family.

Much sought after by wine societies for tastings and lectures, TC’s knowledge extended well beyond first growths and negociants of Bordeaux. He would have made a wonderful sommelier.

On September 20th 2001 TC married Jac and became proud parents of Emily and Alice, with Tracy as stepfather to Oliver, Gabby, Jan Michael and Claudine. After their marriage sadly ended, Tracy found happiness again with Deborah six years later. He gained two more children in Harriet and Anna (Deborah’s daughters) and became a grandfather-figure to Holly and Immie (Harriet’s daughters).

Never one for awards, TC proudly received The Kent Association of Local Councils Community Award in 2020. He organised many events in the Benenden community, helping vulnerable people and raising funds for St George’s Church, where he was churchwarden. TC found much comfort in the Church.

TC courageously fought Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, a debilitating and painful illness. He was comforted in his last weeks by Deborah, Emily, Alice, Claudine, the Reverend David Commander, Mike and Anne, and Deborah’s mother and father, who welcomed TC into their family seeing their daughter so happy for their shared 10 years. He passed away aged just 66 on the 22nd April 2022.

Louis Hodgson (Former Teacher)

Louis Hodgson, who taught Biology at Chigwell from 1969 to 1980, died in hospital after a short illness on 24 March 2022. He was 86. Originally from Market Harborough, in 1968, he moved to the southeast, where, in January 1969 he took over the Biology Department at Chigwell.

Although Biology was the choice of medical hopefuls at that point with the flora and fauna of the School grounds featuring in lessons, older students may also recall being taught about the chemical processes of brewing. A keen musician, Louis played the violin, the clarinet and bagpipes. He also introduced croquet to the Library lawn.

From early in his time at Chigwell, at weekends, Louis would drive (distinctive cars being a lifelong interest) to his home in Market Harborough to be with his parents for a few hours, returning to Chigwell on Sunday evenings.

In late 1980, Louis obtained a post in a Market Harborough Preparatory School so as to be nearer his elderly father. He is greatly missed by the family, friends and former pupils.

John Roger Mapley (1941-1949)

John Roger Mapley, beloved husband of Robin (Colburn) Mapley, died on 21st June 2022 after suffering from peripheral neuropathy. Born in Loughton, Essex on 13th September 1931, son of Robert and Dora Mapley, he was educated at Chigwell School, qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accounts, then served as Flying Officer in the RAF. In 1967 he joined Copycat Ltd, as Financial Director, later moving to the U.S. to lead the marketing of Nashua Corporation’s mail-order photofinishing businesses. He retired in 1996 as Vice President of worldwide photofinishing operations. In 1999 he and his wife Robin moved to Indian Cave Landing in Sunapee, New Hampshire.

John was Treasurer and board member of a number of clubs and associations in Sunapee, co-founder of the Lake Sunapee Wine Society and a Captain on the M.V. Mt. Sunapee cruise boat. John was a master of two Masonic Lodges in England and also a member of the Burkhaven Lodge in NH. He is survived by Robin, his loving wife. Also his former wife Gillian, sister Jill Day, daughter Mary Bate, son Peter (all living in England) and his daughter Annie Holden living in Healdsburg, California, and six grandchildren.

Jim Retter (Former

Teacher)

Jim Retter died in hospital in Winchester on 9 January 2022. He was born on 3 July 1927 in Talbot Green in the Vale of Glamorgan. In 1944, he won a scholarship to Exeter College, Oxford and in 1948 he took a position in St Alban’s School, where he met his wife Jean, the Matron.

In 1951, he moved to Chigwell School and in the next year he and Jean married in Southwark Cathedral. They settled in Loughton near St John’s, where Jim later became churchwarden.

Routinely, after Chapel service, Jim would have made for a large-windowed wooden double-classroom, which was the base for Physics. This occurred until a new science block opened in 1958. In 1965, Jim became Head of Science and in 1975 Second Master. In 1976, Jim became Deputy Head.

Outside the classroom, Jim was for many years in charge of the Under 12’s cricket team and he was also a keen long-distance walker.

Jim retired in 1989. He and Jean celebrated their Golden Wedding in the School Chapel in 2002. In 2017, they moved nearer their son David’s home in Hampshire. Sadly, Jim contracted the coronavirus following a hospital visit and died on 9 January 2022.

Paul Warner (1963-1972)

Sadly, Paul Warner passed away August 2021 leaving a huge void in the lives of his family, friends, and colleagues. He started Chigwell School at Grange Court in 1963 at age 10. He leaves a wife, a son, a daughter and 4 granddaughters. He had cancer and fought until the end always with a smile on his face, staying positive throughout.

Paul was so passionate about his profession and well respected by his work colleagues. His impact on those with whom he worked created a fitting tribute to him that can be found at www.portfolio-adviser.com/alpha-beta-partnerspays-tribute-to-responsible-investing-pioneer-paul-warner

Simon Axford Jones

(1961-1968)

During his time at Chigwell School Simon quietly developed a keen interest in many subjects outside the school curriculum – ranging from re-building cars to astronomy – and a love of all forms of music and any kind of technology.

After graduating from art college in London Simon worked for Glenrothes Development Corporation as assistant ‘Town Artist’ – a concept pioneered by this Scottish new town. He was involved in creating 3-dimensional artworks, often in concrete, designed to enliven the town’s public spaces and housing estates. This work caught the imagination of another new town leading to Simon becoming Town Artist at Stevenage in 1974.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Simon moved on to other enterprises including setting up a commercial recording studio. This was when his early interest in making music developed from playing the drums to becoming a talented guitarist, songwriter and recording technician.

After moving to the Sussex coast, in 1980, Simon formed a successful public relations partnership before finally retiring in 2015. He then devoted his time to many activities including sailing his yacht from Chichester harbour, running a local astronomy group and playing in both a rock ‘n’ roll band and a folk music duo. Simon even curated and presented an online radio show playing jazz – his favourite form of music. He continued presenting the show from his home up until shortly before his death.

In 2011 Simon and I re-connected with contemporaries from Chigwell, who enjoy regular convivial meet-ups in London and Brighton. He is already greatly missed by that group.

Simon died from cancer on 8th September 2021. He leaves his wife Eileen, who he met during his time in Scotland, two children, and five grandchildren.

Colin Dauris (1946-1953)

Colin joined Chigwell School from Woodford Green Preparatory School in 1946. He often recalled memories of bombs landing near school in June 1944 – one bomb destroying Congregational Church beyond repair and blowing in school windows while boys crouched under their desks. At Chigwell he took the School Certificate exam and then studied classics and ancient history ‘A’ levels. He left school in December 1953, having been Captain of Top Field (school vicecaptain) his last term.

After Chigwell, Colin did National Service, mostly in Hong Kong. He and fellow OC Geoffrey Dyer were commissioned into the Essex Regiment, and he struck up a life-long friendship with Philip Hughes, an OC a few years his senior. Their battalion was stationed conveniently close to China’s border and to a golf course in the New Territories; their golf benefited a lot! Colin went on to play for Old Chigwellians in the Halford Hewitt and Grafton Morrish competitions for many years and captained the team in 1972.

In 1956 Colin went to St Catherine’s, Oxford, to read jurisprudence. More important than passing Bar finals was meeting Prudence at a Middle Temple dinner in 1959. They married three years later, happily unaware of the Cuban Missile Crisis taking place while they honeymooned.

Colin’s career was with the household linen company his father set up. Outside work, he applied his legal training to actively make the case for independent businesses. He chaired the Association of Independent Businesses (AIB), a group which counter-balanced the CBI, dominated as it was by large corporations. For ten years the AIB made parliamentarians of all parties aware of the value small businesses bring to the national economy.

Retirement gave him more time to enjoy other things. His school days gave him a lifelong enthusiasm for history, and he co-authored books on Nazeing’s history as well as being active in church and village life.

Colin was a man of principled conviction, faith and learning. With a ready sense of humour, he was generous and thoughtful to people needing support. Until late in life, when dementia took its toll, he enjoyed using his keen intellect to make the case for principles and causes he believed in.

Prudence died in 2019. Colin is survived by two sons and five grandchildren. He died peacefully on 29th August 2021 aged 85.

Michael Francis Deakin (1946 - 1954)

Michael was born in Cheshire, moving, when he was three weeks old, firstly to London and soon after to Barkingside. He attended Beehive Preparatory School where he gained a scholarship to Chigwell in 1946. Here, apart from proving excellent at both French and German (he later became a qualified interpreter in both), he was also a great sportsman (he played cricket for the Essex Colts), and this sporting prowess continued throughout his life – cricket, fencing and riding in particular. At Sandhurst he was approached by the British Olympic selectors to join the modern pentathlon squad, though this proved not a practical option at that time.

After leaving Chigwell in 1954, Michael joined the Army rising to be a Lieutenant Colonel. He attended Sandhurst and was commissioned into the Middlesex Regiment to which he remained intensely dedicated. In 1962 he was accepted by the Army Air Corps and, after training, was seconded to the Royal Malaysian Air Force in Kuala Lumpur, where he flew on operations during the Borneo confrontation. He also took part in the Flying Doctor Service carrying the renowned British doctor, Malcolm Bolton, into the jungle to visit the aborigine patients and to evacuate them when necessary to the hospital in Gombak, where to this day there is a photograph of Captain Deakin and the Flying Doctor in the local museum. Tours in Germany and Northern Ireland followed, including a tour as the Liaison Officer to the French Forces at Baden Baden and the German Army at Munster.

After retiring from the Army in 1990, he worked for ten years in International Relations for the General Council of the Bar. He took retirement in 2000 and spent the last 22 years of his life travelling the globe (including many visits to see his daughter in Sydney and his elder son in Abu Dhabi), playing golf, and working in his much loved garden.

He is survived by his second wife, Eileen, his children, Simon, Marcus (both OCs), Alexandra, and four grandchildren.

Established in 1629, Chigwell is a top co-educational day and boarding school for 4–18 year olds situated on an extensive 100-acre campus, close to London.

For more information about our lovely school go to chigwell-school.org or contact us: admissions@chigwell-school.org

Weddings at Chigwell School

W hen not in use during term-time, the School is proud to share the excellent facilities and private rooms w ith Old Chigwellians and the community.

Set in the heart of Chigwell Village, only seven miles from central London and close to Epping and Hainault Forests, the School enjoys its own beautiful grounds of nearly 100 acres and offers a private, unique and historical venue, which can be tailored to specific individual requirements for celebrating important events.

Dining Hall – The Dining Hall can cater for sit-down luncheons for up to 150 guests. The School in-house caterers offer bespoke menus and our highly experienced staff will discuss your requirements and advise on options for

your special day. The Chapel Quad provides an attractive setting for a drinks reception and a beautiful backdrop for photographs. The Swallow Room is also available for hire.

New Hall – A stunning wood panelled hall with a stage area for your band or DJ, again with a stunning vista over the School playing fields.

The Old Chigwellians’ Club – The Old Chigwellians’ Club boasts magnificent private grounds and a fully licenced bar which is ideal for a variety of events and available for hire.

For details please contact Mrs Tina Page 020 8501 5711 or email tpage@chigwell-school.org