THE 2017 edition REEDER Alex van Holk Resilience in the 21st Century OR and Paralympian delivers the 2017 Andrew Reed Lecture Back to School ORs integral to life at Reed’s From the Archives Looking back over 200 years Richard Garrett We launch his Scholarship Award networkreeds.org  facebook.com/ReedsAlumni  @ReedsAlumni reeds.surrey.sch.uk  facebook.com/ReedsSchool  @ReedsSchool  youtube.com/user/reedsschoolofficial THE REEDER 2017 3 Contents 14 68 04 Welcome from the OR President 06 A Word from the Headmaster 10 Back to School 14 Feature: Andrew Reed Lecture 18 Class Notes 36 Calling ORs Overseas 60 38 Lost ORs 40 Congratulations & Celebrations 42 Great Times and Old Friends 50 Recent and Future Events 52 In Memoriam 60 From the School Archives 64 Focus on the Foundation 65 OR Syndicates 66 Annual Foundation Appeal 67 Legacy programme 68 Richard Garrett Scholarship Award 72 FUTUREED’S 76 Valete 10 80 Coffee Break 82 Meet Your OR Team 86 Data Protection Statement Designed by Haime & Butler haime-butler.com and printed by L&S Printing ls-printing.com and kindly proofed by Jen Hart, Reed’s School 4 THE REEDER 2017 WELCOME from our OR President very warm welcome to you as So, how much do you remember about at the end of June, with those celebrating a Ay ou delve into the 2017 edition your time at Reed’s, your contemporaries decade anniversary invited to lunch ahead of the Reeder, which offers us or, perhaps, later years with the Old of the general invitation to tea. The a new beginning with a new Reedonians? An OR magazine, or more weather was kind, the hospitality from the design. This was inspired by the accurately a newsletter, was published School was excellent, the cricket looked to remarkable and humbling story of OR twice a year in and around the time I left, be at a scarily high standard and the Alex van Holk, whose story you can read and I discovered in one of them the planning and organisation was, as always, in the Main Feature. I must admit that it destinations of several Mullens superb. Many “thank yous” were delivered was the front cover photograph of Alex, housemates after they left the School; a at the time and are repeated here in the featured in a mock-up of the proposed new little more research will help me build a aggregate, but I must, of course, tip my hat design, that convinced me we should make better picture of my contemporaries who to Sharmaine and her colleagues in the the changes; I am sure you will be passed out of sight and mind as we went Development Office: Alison, Ed, Lucy and similarly inspired by Alex’s story and I our separate ways. I also discovered, for Ruth, under the leadership of Kathryn, hope you will enjoy our new format. I also example, that I did a stint as the OR each of whom contributes so much to both hope that you will approve of our decision Auditor back in the late 70s/early 80s after Reunion Day and the OR community to move the annual publication date to I had resigned (or been sacked?!) as OR generally. We all owe grateful thanks for the autumn so we can capture news from Cricket Captain. I had no recollection of their wonderful support and, for those of the full school year. that at all but memories are now stirring. you who haven’t been to the School for a while, you will always be assured of a Even though we are embarking on a new warm welcome from Sharmaine and the beginning with this publication, I am I am immensely proud of the ‘Team’. Do take the opportunity to join us delighted to say that now we also have extra-ordinary contributions next year. greater visibility into the past through made by ORs of all vintages to the launch of Reed’s Heritage, an online Looking through the reports in this the daily life of the School. archive of everything about the School edition of The Reeder, as President of the going back as far as our research can ORs I am immensely proud of the extra- take us. ordinary contributions made by ORs I laughed at the late, great Nick Simmons’ of all vintages to the daily life of the I would urge you to log in to the Heritage report on OR cricket of a similar vintage, School. website (reedsschoolheritage.co.uk) and although the batting averages reminded wander through the sections to see what me that some of us were never as good as You will read elsewhere of the ways in interests you, always bearing in mind that we think we were – if only we had had which ORs help current pupils and the this is a live project that will see more Reed’s new cricket centre to practise in! Foundation on multiple occasions through material added as time and funds allow. Read all about that and its importance to the year, and I would like to highlight the Once again, I must mention Andy Wotton future funding of the Foundation later in contribution of Peter Verstage (Capel 1965) (Mullens 1975) and his extraordinary this edition. With that in mind, I’m who stepped down as a Reed’s Governor commitment and drive to making this delighted to report that the OR Committee after 10 years of committed service. As project happen, working alongside approved a donation of £25,000 towards well as sitting on the main Governing Sharmaine, Meg Fitzgerald and other the cricket centre costs, using funds Board, Peter held positions on various colleagues. I would particularly point accumulated many years ago, and this sub-committees – notably the Finance you towards Andy’s research on The donation will be memorialised in a display Committee and Marketing Committee, War Years which extends the work he board that will remind all visitors to the always adding value to the discussions did on completing (and correcting!) the centre of its essential role in providing a and decisions made. Peter made me very Remembrance Boards in the School regular income stream to the Foundation welcome as a new Governor in 2014; I hope Chapel. I know others have worked – it is, truly, a legacy project! he enjoys his ‘retirement’ although I’m tirelessly alongside the team to make this sure we will see him at Reed’s on many project a success (you know who you are) Reminiscing about the past year or so, occasions in the future. and each of you deserves our thanks many highlights come to mind. We which I am delighted to record here. enjoyed a wonderful OR Reunion Day 5 OR President Nigel Taunt with wife Linda A special event for me each autumn is the lunch in the City for the launch of the Annual Foundation Appeal. At this, a former Reed’s Foundationer returns to give the keynote address and for 2015/16 and 2016/17 our guests were inspired by Luke Wheeler (Capel 2016) and Shahin Baghaei (Capel 2002), each of whom spoke powerfully and emotionally about the challenges they faced before and during their Reed’s education, what Reed’s had done for them and how Reed’s continues to mean so much to them. Listening to those addresses gave the audience a compelling reason to support the Foundation, something that many ORs do willingly and generously through the years. But, the OR community can still do more! Whether you start to contribute for the first time, or perhaps increase your current contributions, your donations will make a with Sharmaine or me and/or sign up on were at Reunion Day this year, who so huge difference to children’s lives and your the NetworkReeds website (networkreeds. willingly give up their time for the benefit generosity will be immensely appreciated org). Friends and family guests are more of our community. (and tax relief makes it even more than welcome as well. In 2018, we will worthwhile!). start with the aim of holding spring and Just prior to publication, Matt Ridsdale autumn events, hoping to add a summer tendered his resignation from the OR I reported the launch of the OR Golf date if the demand is there. Any volunteer Committee. I would like to thank Matt for Society in the 2016 Reeder, with our hosts? his years of wise counsel and his inaugural event in Autumn 2015. We contribution to the wider OR community, hosted three more events in 2016, another On a personal note, you may recall that and I hope we will still see him at OR in April 2017, with the next one scheduled I couldn’t attend the 2016 OR Reunion Day events for many years to come. for 12th October 2017. You will find due to my son’s wedding and I would like photographs and a list of attendees later in to reiterate my thanks to Justyn, our OR Finally, this edition of the Reeder would this publication but, in summary, this is Vice President, for making the President’s not have been possible without the firm what we have been up to: address in my absence. foundations built over many years by our former Editor, Geoff Martin. We owe him a debt of gratitude for around a decade of Golf days Hosted by Location Winner sterling service and I would like to record our sincere thanks to Geoff for that. Oct 2015 Nigel Taunt Stoke Park Adam Jones Equally, this edition and those of prior May 2016 Adam Jones Farnham James Davey years would not have reached publication July 2016 Harry Pakenham Sunningdale Nigel Taunt without the tireless efforts of Sharmaine Sept 2016 Richard Plank Hartley Wintney Peter Griffin and her colleagues at the School, with Sharmaine now taking over the leadership April 2017 Andy Shiells Tyrrells Wood Dave Edwards role as the Editor and fulfilling it with spectacular success. The Old Reedonians are truly blessed by the support and My thanks to each of the hosts and, I’m delighted to report that the wedding inspiration that flows out of the especially, to all those who have joined us was a great success and Nick and Ruth are Development Office and, once again, and provided some interesting golf and now happily living in Hitchin, about half I would like to record our thanks to all excellent company. I must emphasise that an hour away from our family home in of them. these days are open to all golfers – that’s Harpenden. I (just) made it to the 2017 the beauty of golf and its handicap system, Reunion Day before flying out to Dallas I hope you will enjoy reading the 2017 with several 20+ handicaps on show. We for another family wedding and I’m glad Reeder and I hope it inspires you to start get a more enthusiastic response when we to report that I’m running out of or to increase your connections and visit better courses, with players happy to unmarried relatives who could create contributions to the Reed’s community in pay a bit extra for the experience, with one potential conflicts for future OR Reunion 2018. My thanks and best wishes to you all. attempt to arrange a more “budget” day Days (although Sharmaine may have her not attracting the necessary support. I own family story to tell next year!!)! would like to see numbers increasing each I would also like to take this opportunity year, and more ORs happy to host an event to thank my fellow OR Committee Nigel Taunt (Mullens 1971) at their own clubs, so please get in contact members (see page 82), many of whom OR President 6 THE REEDER 2017 #1 Promote Academic Excellence I am delighted that we moved up the various league tables again this year with excellent examination results at both GCSE and A Level, but am also aware such measures do not always reflect the wider A word from the Headmaster educational benefits on offer. I believe this resonates with both our current and prospective parents, as applications As the Headmaster of an institution that is steeped in 200 years continue to rise. of history and heritage, I am most aware that sometimes one needs to look back in order to prepare for the future. This is why I enjoy meeting I am also proud that we are an inclusive with and hearing from our wide network of Old Reedonians; it is school that focuses on academic through sharing your stories, memories, anecdotes and words of excellence as last year’s leavers wisdom, that I am able to bring to life the ‘Reed’s character’. demonstrated: 90% of the 125 pupils achieved their first or second choice I know that it is this Reed’s character and ethos that makes the School university, 70% of these to Russell Group so unique and one that is very much shaped by the legacy of Andrew universities with four to Oxbridge and Reed and the Foundation. It is our job today to make sure that this others gaining places at top US and remains the case, not only in the past, but in the present and for years European universities, Art Colleges and to come. RADA. Our aim is to ensure our pupils learn how to learn and learn how to think To this end, we have developed six key aims for the School which by promoting a lifelong intellectual I will use as a framework to share a review of the academic year with curiosity. This takes place right through the you. As you read through, I am sure you will see that our Old School: by teaching chess to all the First Reedonians are very integral to School life and I am grateful for the Form; by introducing FutureTech lessons to wonderful support you continue to give in so many ways. all Second Form; by requiring all Third Form pupils to write a dissertation for their Please accept my sincere thanks again for all your support of Nissen Bridgeman project; by introducing Reed’s School and I hope you enjoy this year’s edition of the mindfulness lessons in the Fourth Form; by Reeder and the wealth of articles in it. I also hope it inspires you developing a ‘tougher minds’ programme to come and visit soon. in the Fifth Form and by offering the extended project qualification in the Sixth Form. We believe such a dynamic approach is vital and are always looking for ways to enable our pupils to be creative and independent. I am proud of our pupils’ efforts and their achievements. Likewise I am proud to lead The best teachers are those who show you where a school where the skill, enthusiasm and to look, but don’t tell you what to see. dedication to their craft of our staff is Alexandra K. Trenfor exceptional. 7 #2 #3 #4 Continue to build on the legacy Find the best in every pupil Create a community for life of Andrew Reed All children have a unique blend of talents Our desire is to create a community that Schools last two hundred years because and interests; it is our job to unlock these lasts a lifetime certainly seems evident they evolve, not because they change the attributes. when I meet ORs. For example, it was fundamentals; Andrew Reed’s legacy wonderful that at Reunion Day this year, continues to shape our ethos in so many In Drama this year we have had four we had ORs representing each decade ways. superb, large-scale productions where the with a few from 1947 who were celebrating numbers taking part are ever-increasing. 70 years since being at School. Right up to the late 1950s, almost all the Similarly in Music, the autumn and spring pupils at Reed’s were orphans or from concerts were of the usual high standard You will go on to read about the various single parent families and came from all and were supplemented by other School events that have involved Old over the country. It is illuminating to speak wonderful performances such as the Reedonians throughout the academic year. with ORs of this generation about their Kraftwerk concert by the Third Form and What is so positive is that there is no sense experiences and life achievements. Today the Steinway Hall concert. of struggling to get volunteers for such Reed’s is mostly a day school, with our occasions, as our ORs are always happy pupils mainly coming from the local area: In Sport, as in Drama and Music, our to give back in whatever way they can. however, between 10% and 15% of our pupils have excelled. We have put out This sets a great example to our pupils as pupils are Foundation scholars and so his more teams in the major sports of rugby, to how Reed’s will never really leave them! legacy continues in a real way. hockey, netball and cricket than ever before and there are also numerous individual The timeless Charity House Arts Reviews Importantly, the values he exemplified to successes with representation at national perfectly illustrates the nature of the Reed’s us, as someone who was very much and county level. Reed’s School was Surrey community within School as it continues to ahead of his time with respect to social Champions in boys’ hockey at U13, U14, be organised by the pupils themselves, mobility, the power of education and U16 and U18 – a remarkable achievement; showcasing their talents and creativity with human rights, remain very much at the given that we are considerably smaller a real sense of purpose in raising money centre of our consciousness. school than our competitors. for their chosen House charity. Even our wonderful new indoor cricket Our U16s reached the Hockey National We are also lucky to have a dynamic centre has its genesis in the Foundation. finals at the Olympic Park, our Rugby 7s parent body who, through the auspices of The seed capital for that project was team reached the National Quarter finals FORS (Friends of Reed’s) and ParentLink, donated to us by a former Foundation and our girls’ hockey team narrowly bring us together as a community through scholar. His vision, and that of a current missed out losing in the semi-finals. They the Christmas Fair, quiz night, comedy parent who also made a significant did, however, play at the Cambridge v night and summer parties. contribution to the project, was to provide Oxford varsity match where OR Naomi a facility that all the pupils would benefit Kelly (Mullens 2015) captained Oxford to a from and, when it is not being used by 4-0 win. School, could be rented out to third parties and the wider community, with the funds The number of pupils undertaking the being ploughed back into the Foundation Duke of Edinburgh awards and taking part to support pupils. in Toastmasters continues to grow, the CCF continues to thrive with an impressive And so, ultimately, Andrew Reed’s legacy Corps of Drums, as does the rich and is this School and its ethos. varied activities programme that we provide for all our pupils. 8 THE REEDER 2017 #5 #6 Provide a nurturing Prepare pupils for the future environment where all pupils can flourish Our final aim is to prepare our pupils for the future. In many ways everything we do at Success is only possible if pupils feel Reed’s seeks to achieve this. they are in an environment where they can flourish and this is what we aspire This year we see our largest ever Sixth to create. Form leaving to become our newest Old Reedonians. When I look at their university Whether it is through our 360 degree courses and destinations, they are very pastoral system, the student mentoring impressive and demonstrate that we are scheme – where our trained Sixth Form certainly not producing homogenous clones. students support younger pupils – or through the house system where staff and In contemplating what advice to pass onto pupils unite as a team to compete against our leavers, I was struck by the words of the other houses in everything from OR Major Mike Foster Van der Elst (Mullens tug-of-war to badminton, it is that feeling 2001) of the Rifles Regiment who spoke of togetherness, community and mutual brilliantly at our CCF Regimental Dinner in support which is so important. early June. Although he left in 2001, Mike remains connected with Reed’s and If we can nurture curiosity and I thought I would relay to you some independence, nourish responsibility and reflections from his inspiring address by produce compassionate young adults way of a gentle reminder of what it means full of integrity, we will have succeeded in to be an Old Reedonian: this aim. “You may find yourselves for the first time now looking beyond the horizon of Reed’s, preparing to start a career or go to university, and wondering if you are ready. In my first few days, I was You absolutely are. This School has given welcomed not just as part of my you everything you need to do well in new form, or my year but as part of anything you choose to do. the Reed’s family, my life was certainly changed for the better. “To steal a line from Kipling, something that It was at this point that Reed’s defines you as Reedonians is that you can demonstrated in my opinion its ‘walk with kings but keep the common greatest strength, its ability to touch’ and ‘keep your heads when all provide a sense of community and about you are losing theirs’. So Reed’s has pride in its core values, among given you a personal code, although you which lie a strong emphasis on might not have realised it yet. Whatever compassion and respect for others, you decide to do in life, hold on to that, the type of qualities which has the earn the great privilege you have enjoyed power to change people’s lives. by being in this School by giving back to society and you will have a fulfilling career.” Current Sixth Form student 9 Our values II CCC CC RR nn OOO EE MMM uu II RR SS nn tt PPP rr II EE dd ee AAA LL SS ii PP ee SSS oo II gg EE OO pp SSS ss NN ee III NN rr OOO ii SS nn ii NNN tt CC II dd BB yy tt EE II ee LL nn yy II TT cc YY ee S B H E O H W O S N B D E E E E R ST K TE VE , I R B T N M O E RUT D, P QU INA THER SEL HFUL AND TRUSTWORTH ATIENT AND EMPATHETI AND HAVE PASSIOESTION, LISTEN, IMAGIN TION AND PERSEVERANC S AND SHAPE OUR WORLTO CFH-ARLELLEIANNGTE AIDNEDA WS ILLING Y C NE E D 10 THE REEDER 2017 BACK TO SCHOOL ORs CONTINUE TO PLAY AN INTEGRAL PART IN SCHOOL LIFE SEPTEMBER 2016 Two OR visits from The Netherlands in one month! Florence (or Francine as she was known at School) Verbeek (Bristowe 1997) was joined by her husband and mother, whilst Lisanne Naves (Mullens 2004) popped in to say hello and even managed to find herself in the whole School photo outside the Assembly Hall. We held our second FutureCareers Seminar at Reed’s focusing on the world of film and television and were lucky enough to be joined by three very experienced Old Reedonians, each of whom is an expert in his/her respective field. We welcomed ORs, current and former parents, and friends from the local community to join us in a ‘Grease’ film night in aid of the Reed’s Foundation. painted a wonderful picture of the and former parents, and friends from the demands of being a producer: the local community to join us in a ‘Grease’ responsibilities, the juggling, the managing, sing-a-long. Everyone entered into the the researching, the selling, the budgeting, spirit of the evening with some great the coercing and last, but not least, the costumes, singing and dancing. need to be creative, brave and come up Rachel Corbould (Mullens 2006) spoke with new ideas constantly. Huge thanks go to OR Charlotte Mocatta passionately about some of the amazing (Mullens 1988) for her drive and and diverse film sets she has worked on. On a summer night in September, Rydell determination in getting this fundraiser off Rupert Bryan (Mullens 1992), owner of High made a visit to Reed’s School...and if the ground. Money raised went into the MPH Productions, talked knowledgeably that means nothing to you, then you’re Simon Church & Jonathan Turner Bursary about the making of film, television, video obviously not a Grease fan! Fund (part of the Reed’s Foundation) and internet content across a broad in memory of Charlotte’s brother and spectrum, and the various roles within the Under the banner of ‘Films for the friend – see OR Syndicates, page 65 for industry. Chris Brogden (Capel 1984) Foundation’, we welcomed ORs, current further details.