Raven 2022 by downsideschool

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R AV E N No. 303

The Raven 2022

CONTENTS

RESULTS & ACCOLADES Downside School 2021/22 School Prefects 2021/22 Heads of School Speech Head’s Speech Chair of Governors’ Speech The Gregorian Medal Prizes Exam Results Summary University Entrants

40 COMMUNITY NEWS 42 SALVETE & VALETE 52 NEWS FROM THE HOUSES Barlow Caverel Isabella Powell Roberts Smythe 82 FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

2022

86 CHAPLAINCY REPORT 2022 104 SOCIETIES 112 TRIPS 118 REVIEWS & REPORTS Drama Music Art CCF Library Sport Super Saturday

THE EDITORIAL TEAM Editor – Jessica Newman & Paige Owen Design – www.mercerdesign.co.uk Photography – Beck Ward Murphy & Paige Owen

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RESULTS ACCOLADES

DOWNSIDE SCHOOL 2021/22 SCHOOL PREFECTS 2021/22 HEADS OF SCHOOL SPEECH HEAD’S SPEECH CHAIR OF GOVERNORS’ SPEECH THE GREGORIAN MEDAL PRIZES EXAM RESULTS SUMMARY UNIVERSITY ENTRANTS

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DOWNSIDE SCHOOL The Board of Governors Chairman Dr Giles Mercer (to Apr 2022) Mr Michael Bernard (from Apr 2022) Governors Mrs Anne Barrett Mr Michael Bernard (to Apr 2022) Mr Hugh Dickinson Mr Charles Griffin Ms Catherine Hughes Mr John Ludlow Mrs Alison Martin Dr Jessica Ogilvy-Stuart Mr James Scott-Gatty (to Dec 2021) Dom Nicholas Wetz Mrs Terri Wilcox Head Mr A.R. Hobbs, BA Deputy Head Mr M.P. Randall, BSc Senior Leadership Team Director of Pastoral Care Mrs C.J. Murphy, BSc Director of Operations Mrs C. Brawley, MCIPD (to Apr 2022) Director of Admissions and Marketing Mrs I. Hartnell (to Feb 2022), Mrs C. Low Director of Finance Mr A. Cray, FCCA Director of Development Mrs J. Newman, MInstf (Cert) Senior School Chaplain Dom James Hood (to Mar 2022) Director of Estates Mr M. Holden, BSc (from Apr 2022)

2021/22

Academic Leadership Team Head of First to Third Form Mrs M.B. Iglesias Graña, BA Head of Fourth and Fifth Form Mr O.G. Simper, BSc Head of Sixth Form Mr R.C. Rawlins, MA Head of Science, Head of Teaching, Learning and Innovation Mr P. Rigby, BSc Director of Sport Mr R.A. Jones, BA Director of Music Mr J.P.B. McNamara, MA, FRCO, PGDipPerf Director of the Wider Curriculum Mr S.J. Potter, BA House Master of Barlow Mr S.J. Potter, BA House Mistress of Caverel Ms A.L.T. McGarry, BA, MSc, PGDipPsych House Mistress of Isabella Mrs K. Westlake, BA House Master of Powell Mr J.D. Dolman, BSc House Master of Roberts Mr J. Freeman, BA House Master of Smythe Revd J.R. Storey, BA Assistant House Master of Barlow Mr D. Nichols, BSc Assistant House Mistress of Caverel Miss J.C. Price, BA Assistant House Mistress of Isabella Miss A.J. Ball Assistant House Master of Powell Mr D. Pollard Assistant House Master of Roberts Dr J. Tapia Amador, BSc, Ph.D. Assistant House Master of Smythe Mr R.F. Worsman, BSc, MInstP The Raven 2022

House Parents of Barlow Mrs J. Lewis, Mrs N. Mossman House Parents of Caverel Mrs R. Buckland, Mrs T. Jones House Parents of Isabella Miss A. Ball, Miss B. Ford, Mrs L. Fry, Mrs Z. St. Clair House Parents of Powell Mrs M. Pollard, Miss E. Miller-Hunt (to Dec 2021), Mrs T. Biberger (from May 2022) House Parents of Roberts Mrs C. Muse, Mrs H. Scott House Parents of Smythe Mrs S. Filer, Ms L. Nash Senior School Chaplain Dom James Hood (to Mar 2022) School Priest Chaplain Fr Michael Patey, BSc, STL (from Mar 2022) Assistant Chaplain Dom Boniface Hill (to Mar 2022) Lay Chaplain Mr P. Andrewartha, BA Examinations Officer Mrs C.A. Dietrich, BA Librarian Ms J. Craig, MCILIP, BA Library Assistant Mrs M. Barnes, BA Head of Initial Teacher Training Mrs M.B. Iglesias Graña, BA Religious Studies/Theology Mr H.F. Walters, MA Mr J. Freeman, BA Miss J.C. Price, BA Mr C. Stowell, BA, MA

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English Mrs J.S. Rainey, BA, MA Miss A.S. Anglim, BA, PgDip, MEd Dr H.J. Kelsh, BA, Ph.D. Ms A.L.T. McGarry, BA, MSc, PGDipPsych Ms R. Shaw, BA, MA, CELTA Mrs H.W. Wilson, BA Mathematics Dr J. Tapia Amador, BSc, Ph.D. Mrs S. Allen, BA, QTS Mr D.H.J. Bryson, BSc, NPQH Miss S.M. Moody, BSc Fr M.B. Patey, BSc, STL Mrs F.C. Seggie, BSc Mr W.T. Vaughan, BEng, MEd Physics Mr P. Rigby, BSc Mr D. Hicks, BEd Mr R.F. Worsman, BSc, MInstP Chemistry Mr P.A. Hunt, BSc Mr D.H.J. Bryson, BSc, NPQH Dr M.M. Leatherbarrow, D Phil Biology Mr S.M. Barrett, BSc Mrs H.L. Alcántara, MA Mrs C.J. Murphy, BSc Mr M.P. Randall, BSc Mr R.F. Worsman, BSc, MInstP Physical Education – Academic PE Mr B.W. Edge, BSc Mrs E.J. Chapman, BA Mr R.A. Jones, BA Mrs F.C. Seggie, BSc

Modern Languages Mr R.C. Rawlins, MA Mrs C.A. Dietrich, BA Mrs C.E. Dolman, BA Mrs M.B. Iglesias, BA Dr H.J. Kelsh, BA, Ph.D. Mrs E.J. Spurling, BA

Music Mr J.P.B. McNamara, MA (Oxon), FRCO, PGDipPerf Mr D. Arcoleo, BA Mr J.E. Bridges, Bmus (to Dec 2021), Mr G.D. Bevan, MMus(RCM), ARCO(CHM), ARCM (from Jan 2022) Mr A.R. Bevan, MA Mrs G.A. Cleverley, BA Music, LRSM, DipLCM Mr S.R. Crockatt, BMus Mrs J.C. Costley-White, LRAM, DipRaM (to Dec 2021), Ms A. Carroll, BA (from Jan 2022) Mrs A.M. Hawthorne, BMus (to Mar 2022), Miss J. Jobbins, MA, BMus (Hons), LRAM, ATCL Mr J.R. Hughes, BMus, PGDip. Mr S.P. Jobbins Mr T.V. Jones, BA Mr S.D.H. Jones, BMus Mr R.R. Kerr, MA Mrs E.J. Mullins, BMus Mr M.H. Packman, BMus, LTCL Miss K.M. Robey, BA Mr C.M. Sheldrake, BMus, ARCM, Dip.RCM Mr R.C. Stubbings, BA

Design and Technology Mr N.J. Barrett, BEd Mr S.J. Potter, BA

Drama Ms A.L.T. McGarry, BA, MSc, PGDipPsych Ms P.A. Schofield, BA (Hons)

Art Mrs E.C. Williams, BA Miss K. Ellis, BA, MA Miss J. Doherty, BA

Dance Ms S. Sigley, BA (Hons)

History Mr H.F. Walters, MA Dr R.J. Sanders, Ph.D. Mrs K. Westlake, BA Geography Mr O.G. Simper, BSc Mr J.D. Dolman, BSc Business and Economics Mr D. Nichols, BSc Mrs J. Eckford, BA Classics Revd J.R. Storey, BA Dr G.M. Tahin, Ph.D.

Psychology Mrs A.J. Willoughby, BSc

History of Art Dr R.J. Sanders, Ph.D.

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Sport Mr R.A. Jones, BA Mr H. Brooking, BSc Mr J.A. Burns, BSc (to Dec 2021) Mrs E.J. Chapman, BA Mr B.W. Edge, BSc Mr C. O’Rourke, BSc Mrs F.C. Seggie, BSc Mr G.E. Setterfield, BSc (to Dec 2021) Mr A. Taylor, BSc Learning Support Mrs C.L. Storey, BA, PG Dip. SpLD, AMBDA Mrs R.T.H. Burke, Cert.Ed, Dip.SLD Mrs F.C. Seggie, BS Mrs A.C. Sherrard, BA, PDip in Dyslexia and Literacy Mrs P.J. Witt, BA, AMBDA English as an Additional Language Mrs A.E. Maistrello, BA, Cambridge DELTA, PGDE Mrs L. Williams, BA, MA, Cambridge CELTA Computing Mr I.J. Ramsden, BSc (Hons) Mrs S. Allen, BA, QTS Graduate Assistants Miss B. Ackerley (Performing Arts) Miss R. Culverwell (Sports) Miss O. Johnson (Sports) Mr J. Knight, BSc (Sports) Mr G. Maddams, BSc, MSc (to Apr 2022) (Sports) Head of Outdoor Education and School CCF Instructor CPO D. Pollard (CCF) Technicians Mrs M. Ryder, BSc (Science - Senior) Ms S. Essex, BSc (Science) Mr H. Howard (Design Technology) Mr A. Millard (Physics)

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Medical Staff Doctors Dr. N. Solman Dr. B. Devlin Nurses and Health Centre Practitioners Ms M. Pye (Head of Nursing) BSc, RMN, SCPHN CASH Mrs L. Gray, BSc. Nursing, RGN, RSCN Mr S. Henderson, FDSC Paramedic Mrs J. Kinnear, RGN Bank Nurses and Health Centre Practitioners Mrs A. Aherne, RGN Counselling Mrs P. Woodford Support Staff Mrs A. Pickering – Senior Accounts Clerk Mrs C. Gould – Accounts Assistant (Billing) Mrs S. Hansford – Accounts Assistant (Purchase Ledger) Mrs R. Moran – Admissions Officer Mrs S. Carter – Admissions Assistant and Receptionist Mrs S. Kieck – Catering Manager Miss P. Owen, BA, MSc. – Development Assistant Mrs A. Hurle – Domestic Services Manager Ms V. Locke – Clerk to the Governors Mrs H. Brady, BA – Health Centre Administrator Mrs K. Walker, BMus (Hons) – Head’s PA Mr M. Holden, BSc, CIWFM – Head of Building and Engineering (to April 2022) Mrs S. Faloon, B.Com – Head of Facilities Management (Soft FM) Mrs M. Heywood, BA, Assoc CIPD – Human Resources Advisor Miss F. Parry (to February 2022), Mrs K. Nascimento – Human Resources Assistant Mr S. Tighe – ICT Network Manager Mr D. Cejrowski – ICT Technician and Helpdesk Supervisor

Mr L. Bolt, BA – First Line Support – ICT Technician Mrs C. Brice – Learning Support and Exams Administrator Mrs E. Gardiner – Maintenance Administrator Mrs R. Ward Murphy – Marketing Manager (to May 2022) Mr C. Anstey – Minibus Driver Mr M. Carter – Minibus Driver Mrs H. Ettle – Minibus Driver Mr L. Turner – Minibus Driver Ms P. Rees-Jones, BMus, MA – Music Administrator Ms N.J. Child, HND – Music Administrator (Timetabling) Mrs H. Grant – Receptionist (to May 2022) Mrs S. Hockey – Receptionist Mrs A. Williams – Receptionist (from May 2022) Mrs L. Cray, BA – School Administrator St Scholastica Community Mr C. Valdes Raczynski Mr N. Meneghello Matte (to Nov 2021) Mr V. Tagle Cox Mr R. Vidal Hidalgo Building, Engineering and Grounds Team Mr S. Eade, Head Grounds Person Mr A. Colebrook, Grounds Person Mr M. Cooper, Compliance Technician Mr J. Dowling, Senior Electrician Mr I. Holder, Senior Builder (from May 2022 Hard FM Supervisor) Mr G. Holder, Carpenter Mr J. Langley, Electrician Mr P. Mairs, Painter & Decorator Mr F. Pugsley, Deputy Clerk of Works and Plumber Mr C. Watts, Gardener/Handy Person Domestic Services Team Mr M. Coles, Supervisor Mrs L. Beale Miss C. Carter Mrs S. French

Mrs T. Gould Mrs C. Gregory Mr M. Hill Mrs S. Martin Miss C. Milsom Mrs C. O’Neill Miss G. Northam Mr L. Parfitt Mrs J. Purnell Mr P. Rogers Mrs M. Simmons Mrs C. Simpson Mrs S. Stenner Mrs H. Stephens Mrs J. Stevenson Miss A. Tomiczek Mrs L. Warriner Mrs C. Matthews (to Oct 2021) Mr R. Holder (to Feb 2022) Mrs S. Horler (to Feb 2022) Mr B. Reynolds (to Mar 2022) Mrs A. Hartland (to Apr 2022) Additional Support Bank Staff Ms J. Anderson Mrs J. Chapman Mr D. Costley-White Mrs B. Freeman Mrs J. Gibbs Mrs S. Macey Mr P. Morgan Mr A. Stroop Pupil Chaperones Mrs M. Barnett Mrs R. Hunt Mrs S. Macey Mrs M. Melotte Mr. A. Stroop

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SCHOOL PREFECTS 2021/22 Heads of School: Ahwobiwom (Stephanie) Jedy-Agba (Caverel) Joseph Day (Roberts)

Barlow House Prefects: Zak Dinning, Benjamin Harwood, Dominic Kwan, Montague Mathew, Edward Preston

Deputy Heads of School: Angus Christie (Roberts) Lily Garrett (Isabella)

Caverel House Prefects: Tung Yan Chloe Ngan, Magdelena Pienkowska

Deputy Head of First to Third Form Chun Kit (Andy) Lam (Barlow) Madeleine Jones (Caverel) Head of Barlow: Sebastian Strachwitz Hamilton Head of Caverel: Sophia Burton Head of Isabella: Beth Mitton Head of Powell: Angus Christie Head of Roberts: Jacob Gould Head of Smythe: Abdul Akenzua Al-Kareem Deputy Head of Barlow: Shotaro Ida Deputy Head of Caverel: Sophie Worrall Deputy Head of Isabella: Conchi Manso Duffy Deputy Head of Powell: Chun Kit (Andy) Lam Deputy Head of Roberts: Barnaby Sharifi Deputy Head of Smythe: Alexander Dentskevich

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Isabella House Prefects: Marianna Ceglarek, Alice Colgan, Maria Dolman, Amelia Evans, Celestine Healy, Lydia Kelsh Powell House Prefects: Sam Boas Syed, Ivor Jones, Joseph Last-Sutton, Thomas Pike, Pedro Puente Hervella, Aryton Rose, Caspar Shaw, Archie Smellie, Matthew Stanislas, Frederick Whitaker Roberts House Prefects: William Dewhurst, Benedict Hart, Louis Le Blan, Roman Majendie, Jakub Milczarek, Chun (Jamie) Shie, Oliver Wood Smythe House Prefects: Sam Webb, Ben Boas Syed, Inigo Cañellas, Cheuk Chow, Henry Clark, Archie Farthing, Louis Hansom, Agustin Healey, Robert Keeley, Brian Makaza

HEADS OF SCHOOL SPEECH It doesn’t feel very long since Stephanie and I were hunched over a computer screen watching Nick Hobbs (S21) deliver his first and final speech at Prize Day last year, delivering it in the Theatre to just the Upper Sixth as the rest of us were banished behind computers and iPads. How far we have come. It is our great pleasure to welcome you all back to Downside for our first Prize Day in two years. We will not labour the Covid-19 point for long as I am sure you are all aware of the great impact it had on the whole School community. However, I would like to highly commend everyone for the vigour and enthusiasm with which you have all thrown yourselves back into school life. While Stephanie and I often sounded like a broken record asking you to get involved with this and that, it was very satisfying to see so many of you heeding that advice.

This can most obviously be seen in the great sporting achievements of this year. And while it may sound clichéd, we can honestly say that all the teams have conducted themselves excellently, often in trying situations and have been true Benedictine ambassadors for the School. Sport got off to a cracking start this year with the 1st XV Rugby Team smashing through their season with only three defeats at the very end of the season. For a long time, Downside has boasted a strong rugby showing, facilitated by excellent staff and support for players and this can be seen in the achievements of players beyond the School. A huge congratulations must be extended to Abdul Khalik Al-Kareem who has been signed for Bath Senior Academy and we wish him all the best. At the same time, the 1st XI Girls’ Hockey Team performed

admirably in their matches, showing great development throughout the entire season. Boys’ Hockey in the Lent Term was dominated by the 2nd Team who embarked on an unexpected but triumphant campaign of matches, winning all but two of their games. Both the 1st and 2nd Team showed great sportsmanship and determination in the face of both defeat and victory and were assets to the School. During that same term, the Netball Team embarked on their tour, playing against Mount Kelly and Plymouth College, and losing out on first place by just one point. We would also like to thank you for the increased support for girls’ teams this year with more spectators than ever turning up to cheer them on, undoubtedly spurring them on to victory. Despite the weather here today there have been many excellent cricketing

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weekends this term, with glorious sunshine beating down on our 1st XI. Following a tough first match against the Downside Wanderers, the team went on to have a very enjoyable season, both for players and those of us watching from the comfort of the deck chairs. Their season was topped off with a tour to Ampleforth which unfortunately resulted in a close Ampleforth win, but we’ll blame the home advantage for that. As sport is such a large part of life here at Downside, it is impossible for us to list every achievement and success, but we would like to thank everyone who played in teams this year, whether that be rugby, hockey, tennis, netball or one of the other many sports, for the sportsmanship you have displayed and your grace regardless of score. This year, we have also been able to bring back live music and performances, both in the Abbey Church and the Fleischner Theatre. Earlier on in the year, we saw the long-awaited return of the Carol Service which couldn’t take place last year. It was a display of great musical ability which was greatly enjoyed by the School as well as many parents and OGs. This was followed up by the Charity Showcase where the Close Harmony Group, Mixed Chamber Choir, Concert Band and other groups and soloists performed marvellously, all whilst raising money for the Musical Instrument Fund. Beyond this, the Fleischner Theatre has been in full swing this year filled with the sounds of

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various productions ranging from the First Form to the Sixth Form. The Michaelmas Term saw the performance of The Changing Room by members of the First to Third Form and I think we can all agree it was an entertaining and enjoyable watch. Rather than one main senior play this year, we instead had an Evening of Love which consisted of both music pieces, theatrical excerpts, and ballet performances, all centred around the theme of love. Many budding thespians gave admirable performances and although Stephanie and I may not be here to see next year’s play, we are sure it will be as much of a success as its predecessors. As many of you heard this morning, the School’s choirs offer a powerful enhancement of our worship during Mass, filling the Abbey Church with music ranging from Medieval Gregorian chant to modern Mass settings. Whilst the music changes, the impact remains the same and Mass in the Abbey Church would be both less poignant and enriching without it. Therefore, we like to thank both the choir, Mr McNamara, and Mr Bevan for all they have done for our Masses. On a sadder note, the Monks of the Community of St Gregory moved from Downside to Southgate House, Buckfast Abbey this year. Having been the central pillar of Downside life for over 200 years, their departure has, of course, had a significant effect on the School. We would like to thank Fr James and all his brothers for all they have done for the School, whether

that be guiding countless pupils through their sacraments, praying with us in our Houses, supporting our faith or simply being a positive presence around the School. The whole School owes a huge debt of gratitude to the entire community of St Gregory for forging us into the School and into the people that we are today. Although the Monks may have left, our Catholic faith still plays an essential role in our lives. After all, Catholicism is what makes Downside, Downside and our Benedictine values seep into all aspects of the Downside community. The Chileans have played an important pastoral role in the School for many years now and with the departure of the Monks this role has only become more important. Many Downside pupils take part in Lectio groups at least once a week and we are sure this is a number that will continue to grow in the coming years. Three of these communities – St John’s, St Luke’s, St Teresa’s, and St Francis’ - take important leadership roles within the School, fundraising for charity with events like St Teresa’s sleep out in aid of Help for Homeless and the environmental efforts across the School of the newly restarted St Francis Community. We would also like to congratulate Fr Michael once again on his appointment as School Priest Chaplain and wish him the best of luck as he takes on this role full time in the next academic year. It is with great sadness that myself and Joseph’s times here are coming to an end although we

know that this ending only heralds new opportunities for ourselves and the rest of the Upper Sixth. Our experiences as Heads of School have been invaluable and we are very grateful to Mr Hobbs for giving us this opportunity, and we hope he doesn’t regret it too much. Throughout our time, we have been able to organise many events such as our Sixth Form Conference on ‘Modern Threats to Human Rights’ as well as taking a leading role as co-chairs in the School’s Abingdon Debating Society, both of which were greatly helped by the keen involvement of staff and pupils alike. As much as we would like to say that we ran the show as a twoman act, we must acknowledge the help of the Senior Prefects who

have helped to ease our burden. While the stick may have often been more effective than the carrot, we still very much appreciate the great help of the Heads of Houses who have run both their own Houses effectively and assisted Joseph and me. Houses really shape a pupil’s experience at Downside, and I think we can safely say that the House staff have been nothing short of brilliant in our entire time here and they have really made us into the young people we are today. Therefore, we would like to thank all the House staff as well as our tutors and academic teachers who have often gone far and beyond what they needed to do in helping us. Finally, though we would like to think of ourselves as

a hard act to follow, we are both confident that Freddie and Anna will do an exceptional job next year and we wish them the best of luck as they take their posts. Although there have been many highlights of our time as Heads of School, undoubtably the waistcoats being first amongst them, we are incredibly sad to see our time here come to an end. However, we are looking forward to the future and all the opportunities it will bring for us, most especially joining the ever-growing number of Old Gregorians at Exeter University. Joseph Day and Stephanie Jedy-Agba Heads of School

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HEAD’S PRIZE DAY SPEECH Recently, I was fascinated to hear Jonny Wilkinson interviewed. He was reflecting on how glad he was to have won the world cup at such a young age, not because it had led to feelings of fulfilment and joy at having achieved his dream but, instead, almost the exact opposite. He was grateful to have been rescued from wasting years of his life chasing an achievement which he thought would provide the answer, only to find that he had misunderstood the question in the first place. In his words, he “had been concentrating on becoming extremely fit so that he could achieve rather than being healthy so that he could live”. He has come to realise that health is the foundation for fitness rather than fitness providing a route to health. He speaks now more like a philosopher than an athlete, recognising our need to acknowledge both our spiritual and physical nature, if we are to live lives which fulfil us. Simply put, read the question before you put in hours or even years of effort answering the wrong one, resulting in frustration and disappointment! Or remember that our achievements are stations on the journey, not our destination. As you may have read in today’s programme and have heard from our Chair of Governors, we have spent time over the last year working to successfully articulate

Downside’s vision. The aim of a vision statement is to encapsulate our distinctive character and provide a blueprint for what we aspire to look like when we reach maturity. We’ll never quite get there, of course. As I’ve now found out, getting old and reaching maturity are not the same thing! I’ve never won a world cup but I’ve certainly reached a few stations I mistook for destinations. Downside’s vision, as a Catholic and Benedictine School with Christ at its centre, is to be a bright light in education and to inspire service in our world. If Christ is at the centre, it stands to reason that I cannot be at the centre and nor can you. The huge benefit of this is that you and I don’t have to fight for the central role. In a community with Christ at its centre there are enough roles to go around, in fact, there is one tailor-made for each of us which is handily designed with room for us to grow. We are politely asked not to apply for the position of managing director of the universe, because that position is taken already and, by the way, the incumbent is not a sinister, big brother type presence, who is compiling a CCTV recording of our lives to use in evidence against us but a generous, loving and supportive one who wants to see us flourish.You see, we are a school

which allows for and encourages the recognition of the existence of God and the exploration of faith. For me, one of this year’s greatest joys has been the return of musical performance. After the drought, enforced by the restrictions necessary to halt the pandemic, it has been wonderful to see music flooding back to enliven us again. As our choirs, bands and orchestra have once again blossomed and enriched our lives this year, I have been struck by what a wonderful metaphor they provide for living in a thriving community with Christ at its centre. We seek to foster and build a united community whose members come together like an orchestra or a choir, with each member playing their instrument or adding their voice. Each contributes their line of the score, in tune with and listening to those around them. It may at times be akin to jazz or a cappella where we can, or even have to, improvise but always trusting each other, collaborating, and supporting. This is the community we must be if we want to realise our vision and it can only be achieved if we work together in unity, a unity which is vital and dynamic. Unity is diversity embraced, celebrated, and held together by generosity, honesty, and love. It encourages imagination, challenge, and risk within an environment of trust.

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It must not be confused with uniformity, which might sometimes look the same from the outside, but which is the opposite as it is rigid and lifeless, often imposed through coercion or fear of being different. It is also simpler. As we have been able to return to familiar methods of academic study this year, the simple approach would be to adopt a ‘let’s get back to normal’ attitude, missing the opportunity for growth and innovation which disruption always provides, but our priority is to inspire academic curiosity in our pupils and to accompany them on their journey of exploration, encouraging independent thought and preparing them to meet challenges, including but not limited to those posed by the examiners. We want them to be able to play in harmony rather than sticking rigidly to unison. The academic life of the School is in good hands. Our new Academic Leadership Team, led by our Deputy Head, Mike Randall, has been an exciting development, bringing new ideas and providing fresh impetus. I am very grateful to Mike and his team, Richard Rawlins, Head of the Sixth Form, Oliver Simper, Head of Fourth and Fifth Form, Belen Iglesias, Head of First to Third Form, and Paul Rigby, Head of Learning and Innovation. The new arrangements ensure that our pupils are extremely well supported, in ways appropriate to their needs at each stage and our teachers are continually collaborating and sharing good

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practice. I want to take this opportunity to thank all the teaching staff for their exceptional support and commitment. Whilst this year has been much more recognisable as school as we know it, the reality is that our teachers have had to continue to adapt and innovate and have done so with enormous generosity. We all know the exquisite taste of water when we are overheated through exercise and have been denied liquid for hours or how delicious a tin of baked beans can be when you reach your campsite at the end of a long day’s walking. The return this year of our previously staple extra-curricular programme has tasted similarly sensational. School sport is a privilege to play and to watch, this year more than ever. The leadership groups of our 1st teams this year considered carefully what they wanted their legacy to be. Would the memory of their team be confined to a tally of wins, draws and losses recorded in the Raven or would they put their efforts into leaving a lasting and positive mark on the culture of the School? I can categorically attest to their having adopted the latter approach. Our sportsmen and women are achieving high standards individually and collectively but, most importantly, their legacy is to have passed on an understanding that health comes before fitness! We have all been given new lenses through which to enjoy our sport, whether as pupils, coaches, or spectators and we must not go back to our old prescription.

And that prescription works for every aspect of our lives here, whether it’s taking on the Ten Tors challenge or speaking at a debate, on the parade ground with the CCF or on the stage taking part in a production. We must see staging post rather than destination, we must think health before fitness. I have already extended my thanks to the teaching staff, but they are just one section of the orchestra which makes up our community. I want to thank every single one of our staff, whichever section they belong to, whether it be catering, support, pastoral, academic or spiritual. The music we make and the harmony we achieve is reliant on the commitment and professionalism of each one of you and I thank you. It is also often reliant on those unseen people who support you at home. Downside is not just a job for many of us but an investment of our lives. I know how grateful I am to my family, and particularly my wife Damaris, for her support. My gratitude goes very much to those who support you. At the end of each year, we are sad to lose members of our community, but recognise that they are taking their music with them and will enrich the communities of which they are becoming a part. Our Graduate Assistants are pivotal members of the teaching and pastoral sections. Once again, they have been quick to pick up the rhythm and help us to maintain the high tempo of life here at Downside. I extend my sincere thanks to Jack Knight and Olivia

Johnson, as they move on after their year with us, for their generous commitment and willingness to adapt to what has been needed. Jess Doherty has been our Artist in Residence but so much more. Her endless drive and passion for life makes her fun to be around and she will undoubtedly continue to be responsible for regular outbreaks of smiling wherever she goes. I thank her particularly for reinvigorating the St. Francis Community and championing sustainability in the School leaving an important legacy for us to build on. Tony Bevan has been a devoted member of our string section for 36 years. He has taught the violin and viola at Downside throughout that time with genuine devotion, teaching piano as the need has arisen. He has served Downside with immense loyalty, and I thank him. Johnny Bridges left at Christmas. His time with us was far briefer but his energy was endless and his contribution significant. Another person I must thank who is not here is Caroline Brawley, who was our Director of Human Resources and subsequently Director of Operations, whose wisdom and guidance were critical in the School’s successful institution as a distinct and separate trust. Robbie Holder, who left us recently, after over 20 years of service was both a cleaner and a porter during that time. He was always willing to help and always with a smile. Up at the crack of dawn, one of his roles was to open the School gates every day, a

genuine example of devoted service and, judging by the fact that the gates were opened every morning, a real example of dependability. Hannah Grant, one of our receptionists for eight years has moved on recently too. We thank her for her service and for the warm welcome she always gave us and any visitor who arrived at the Old House. Gabor Tahin has been a servant to Downside for ten years, primarily inspiring our classicists but his interests, as any good classicists should be, are enormously varied and he has contributed in diverse ways to our community. We will miss his wise words at Hymn Practice, where he has become a regular speaker, delivered always with humour and always containing a thoughtprovoking message. It is hard to believe that Jenny Price has only been at Downside for five years. In that time, she has become a stalwart in the Theology faculty and been a great support to all the girls and staff in Caverel House, where she has been the Assistant House Mistress. And her double act with Anna McGarry, the House Mistress, has not been confined to Caverel as, together, they have coached what seems to be a growing number of increasingly enthusiastic swimmers. This is no doubt because as with everything she does, she is demanding but she always makes it fun. It is no surprise that she has been appointed to the role of House Mistress at Wycliffe College. We are sorry to see Jenny

go but she is ready for this new and exciting challenge. As Jenny moves to her new responsibility, Jonathan Dolman is passing his on, after eight years as House Master in Powell. He has done a wonderful job in this vital role, creating such a warm and welcoming environment for our youngest boys, and giving them an excellent springboard from which to launch into life in their senior Houses. I am delighted that he will be continuing as a teacher at Downside and as an important contributor to the School’s co-curricular programme. We look forward to welcoming his successor, Andy Hamilton, who joins us in September. Phillie Witt and Rysha Burke have been contributors to one of the most crucial sections of our orchestra, supporting pupils who need help with distinct learning needs. Phillie’s gentleness and patience alongside the high expectations she sets for her pupils has invariably led to their rising to the challenge. Rysha’s journey to Downside’s Learning Support Department has been circuitous but whatever role she has played here over the last 34 years, she has carried out with selfless generosity and limitless enthusiasm. Thank you Rysha. The School will feel odd without you but enjoy your retirement and know that you are always welcome. As you all know, this year marked the departure of the Monastic Community from Downside, and we said farewell

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to Father James. Jonny Grew, President of St. Gregory’s Society, will speak about him when he introduces him as one of this year’s recipients of the Old Gregorian Medal, but I want to register here my heartfelt thanks for the support he has provided to our school community over his years in the School. People sometimes ask me what proportion of the School is Catholic. I understand their reasoning, but I think that a statistic like that can be misleading. I prefer to look at it a little differently. Perhaps the following reflection I read by Richard Rohr on what makes a Christian is helpful: ‘a Christian is someone who’s met a saint, because the whole thing is contagious! When we meet a person of a certain quality of maturity, we too can become more mature. We meet a patient person, and we learn how to be patient. We meet a loving person, and we learn how to be loving. That’s the way human beings operate. When we meet a really grounded, happy, and free person, we become more like that because we’ll be satisfied with nothing less. This whole thing, our faith, spreads through and by the quality of our relationships.’ Father James is certainly a contagious Christian. I am not attempting a sneaky canonisation, but he has certainly met a saint and for me he has very definitely been that centred person, that person grounded and in union with God, who has helped to bring my faith to life, and I know that I am not alone

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in my experience. All our lives have been enriched by his presence in and support of our community. He certainly makes no claim to perfection, nor does he expect it in others, but he is attuned to Christ and he recognises Christ in others. And we must not fear that his departure will lead to any decline in the spiritual or liturgical life of the School. Father Michael Patey has taken on the role of School Priest Chaplain with huge commitment and energy and our Chaplaincy team, supported by the St. Scholastica Community from the Manquehue Apostolic Movement in Chile, remains highly contagious. Today’s prize giving has been arranged in a slightly different manner to recognise each one of our departing Upper Sixth Form, to thank and congratulate you in a small way for what you have contributed to our community, whether you have won a prize or not. But I want to thank you as a group now for the tone you have set and for the manner in which you have conducted yourselves. You can be extremely proud of your legacy. As we have rebuilt this year after so much disruption, you have made sure our foundations are firm and have set high standards for your successors to follow.You have shared many formative experiences, from which you have certainly learnt a great deal and it has been good to see the bonds of respect and friendship develop over your time here. We are extremely sad to see you go but wish you the very best of luck as you do. We will miss

you but can enjoy the fruits of your influence which will certainly remain. We hope very much you will stay in touch in the coming years. We have been blessed once again this year with wonderful Heads of School. Stephanie and Joseph are remarkable young people, intelligent, sensitive to the needs of others and highly articulate. As you have just heard, they speak with confidence and authority and the conviction of their words translates into action. They have led the community with generosity, humility and courage, setting the highest standards for themselves and inspiring others to achieve their best. I have looked forward to our weekly meetings and valued their honest and constructive input, which has played a crucial part in addressing issues and developing new initiatives in the School. They leave the School a richer place for their contribution. They have bright futures and I look forward to watching their progress beyond Downside. I have some gifts for them today, as a token of thanks from me and the School. I am delighted to announce and congratulate next year’s Heads of School, Anna Hayhurst and Freddie Whitaker. As we look forward to next year and the years beyond, we must remain fixed on our vision to help us navigate our way. We need to make sure we have typed the correct information into the Sat Nav if we are to avoid disappointment, like Earl

Spencer’s daughter who set out to watch Chelsea play Arsenal at Stamford Bridge and ended up at a village in Yorkshire of the same name. Ironically, even though she knew her taxi was heading in the opposite direction from London, travelling North rather than South, she allowed the driver to carry on regardless. In today’s society there are plenty of equivalent taxis ready to take us to bogus destinations if we let them. As I said at the outset, if we type ‘Christ at the centre’ into our Sat Nav, then we can enjoy playing our part in the orchestra, delighting in the talents of our fellow players, and captivated by the rich sound we are making together. We may, at times, find ourselves off course and be tempted to want to take on the conductor’s role, but in this orchestra that role is already filled, very capably. When we do occasionally snatch the baton and barge the conductor out the way, we find the music loses its form and becomes dissonant. That’s when we need to check the postcode against the name so that we can find our way back to our instrument. We are building our orchestra here and will continue to do so, and this is a moment for me to say thank you to our exceptional and highly committed Governing Body, who form such a crucial section. I want to thank Dr Giles Mercer who is here today for his support during his time as Chair of Governors. He is a man of extraordinary integrity and wisdom and I thank him for the time and commitment he has given Downside. He became Chair

of Governors at a vital moment, taking over from Adrian Aylward, who gave so much to Downside and died so sadly in 2020. Adrian’s life will be remembered tomorrow at a memorial service in London, and we will, next term, have an official opening of the Aylward Room in the School. I am enormously grateful to Michael Bernard, who has taken on the role of Chair, and all the Governors for their support of Downside.They continue to be a source of vital encouragement and stability ensuring we have put the right information into our Sat Nav so that we can look to the future with confidence that we are heading in the right direction. I would also like to thank all those from amongst the Old Gregorian and the wider Downside community who have been so generous in their support, so generous in fact that I had the pleasure of taking a dip in an ice bath to mark our reaching 150 donors during our highly successful Giving Day earlier this week. In the end, over 200 people gave,

showing enormous generosity and commitment to our community. My sincere thanks to everyone who took part in making the day such a success. Finally, I’d like to say how especially grateful we are to you, the parents, for the trust you have shown in us and for working with us. Our relationship is one of partnership rather than transaction. You are very much in the orchestra with us and a vital section. There may well be world cup winners with us here today. There are certainly young people who will go on to do extraordinary things and, when they do, I am confident they will be able to enjoy them as part of the composition they are playing, alongside and dependent on their fellow musicians. We must remember that whether we are playing the melody, providing the harmony, or even counting bars of rest, we are all essential and valued members of the orchestra. Andrew Hobbs Head

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THE GREGORIAN MEDAL In line with recent years there will be two recipients of the Gregorian Medal. The first is a girl whose outstanding commitment, sustained hard work, exemplary reliability and distinguished contributions in the classroom, in the choirstalls and on the sports pitches have been clear for all to see, alongside her leadership of House and School events. There is a tremendous sense of fun about her approach to all she does. She puts the needs of others before herself and helps to develop the talents of those in her team. She has embraced our Benedictine values, particularly humility. She is an extraordinarily talented musician but is extremely modest and grounded, never thrusting herself forward but using her gift to serve the community,

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singing in Mass, other services and concerts without the expectation of anything in return. Beth Mitton. This second person has grown enormously in confidence since joining Downside in Year Nine. He has been an outstanding Head of House. He is committed and willing to help others and has brought out the best in his Leadership Team. In this regard, he has helped organise House music, quizzes, team building games and helped the House Parents with dorm cleanliness. He has shown a rare gift for bringing out the best in individuals, has been generous with his time and utterly selfless. He has also been a leader in Chaplaincy and the St Luke’s Community. He has worked

closely with Fr James and Fr Michael organising bidding prayer readers and the offertory procession. He has also worked closely with Mr Andrewartha in organising House Masses and Reconciliation services. As a Sixth Form Music Scholar, he has been a Senior Percussion member and drummer in eight musical groups. He has contributed enormously to Concert Band. He has been second in command of the Royal Navy. He has been extremely committed and has obtained his Gold Wings at the Cadet Naval Aviation course at RNAS Yeovilton. In addition, he has gained his Gold Duke of Edinburgh and completed Ten Tors. He has played a key role in the Second Rugby, Hockey and Cricket Teams. Angus Christie.

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negative – we will be recording this event for others to watch online later. I spent many years working in the world of commerce and, latterly, in the discipline of marketing. In all that time, a huge amount of effort was expended in the search for, and promotion of, a USP. USP is a unique selling proposition, as I am sure you all know. The ironic thing about it was that we never found a single selling proposition that was truly unique. Somewhere, someone else could make the same claim, or better. What we concluded was that it was important to be distinctive, rather than try to find some tiny facet of the offering that had a brief window of claiming uniqueness. Downside, fortunately, has distinctiveness in its DNA. It is a school that puts Christ at its centre. It is guided by the Benedictine ethos, by which I mean that we see it as our purpose to awaken and nurture a lifelong commitment to CHAIR OF GOVERNORS’ learning and growing. This principle is taken directly from the Rule of St SPEECH Benedict. We do not see education as transactional and utilitarian. families, staff and Governors are all We welcome pupils of other Good afternoon. faiths – and none – because the here in support of the young men It is customary to start a values inherent in the Benedictine and women who are finishing the formal speech by addressing the tradition are an underpinning for School year – and in many cases, most important people present. I one’s whole life, whether Roman finishing their school career. am sure you know the formula : Catholic or not. Pupils may be So, pupils, parents, staff, and One starts with royalty and then present at Downside for a small Governors: welcome to Prize moves on to “My Lords, Ladies portion of their lives, but we hope Giving. This is the first time for and Gentlemen.” I propose to three years that we have been able that Downside will be present as a do the same but, at Downside, light in their whole lives. to return to a traditional format. we consider the most important Since the last prize giving in people are the pupils. They are the Having said that, the lessons from 2021, much has changed. The reason that we are all here: parents, the pandemic have not all been

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world has become more used to dealing with Covid-19, even though it remains a challenge for many; we have seen large-scale international conflict in Europe for the first time in decades, and we see surging inflation at rates that have not been present since the 1970s and 80s. Despite so many challenges, there is much to be grateful for, and I would like to extend thanks first to the parents of pupils, who have entrusted us with their education. I would next like to thank the staff who

have done so much to work with and for the pupils, including all the support staff, who may play a less glamorous role, but who are essential to the success of the School. The Leadership Team, under Andrew Hobbs, have provided an exemplary approach through a period of very rapid changes, and I am so grateful to them for all their efforts. I thank my fellow Governors who have devoted a huge amount of unpaid time and effort to support the School, and in particular, I would like to thank, and pay tribute to

my predecessor, Dr Giles Mercer, who stepped down as Chair of Governors in April. His calm wisdom has been hugely helpful to all of us, and I hope he will permit me to continue to draw on it. Lastly, the first principle of a speech is– to paraphrase Einstein – that it should be as brief as possible, but no briefer. Thank you. Michael Bernard Chair of Governors

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Chair of Governors’ speech at the buffet lunch following the High Mass of Thanksgiving, Abbey Church, Patronal Feast of St Gregory the Great, 12 March 2022

Abbot Nicholas, I’m sure I speak for everyone in thanking you and the Community most warmly for inviting us to take part in the wonderful Mass of Thanksgiving this morning, followed by this delightful buffet reception. I ask the Head please to convey to the musicians, servers, readers, and the whole School our great appreciation for a magnificent Mass, which did themselves and the Monks proud. It is indeed a day of great thanksgiving. Each person here – and countless others not here – will have a range of mixed emotions, many deeply felt. Even though we have known since last August that the Community of St Gregory would be leaving Downside, their home since 1814, this historic fact, now with us fair and square, is still hard to digest. Fr Nicholas has asked me to speak for 20 seconds. I beg his leave to be slightly longer! As Chair of Governors, I speak on behalf of the School Governors, past and present. I speak as a friend of the Monastic Community. I speak as someone involved in Downside life for a good number of years, but not nearly as long as many of you here, and someone who has received many kindnesses from the Community, as I’m sure you all have.

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It has been said that there are two main lessons of history: one is that some things change very slowly; the other that some things change very quickly. I offer that thought to you in relation to Downside. I would add a third lesson of history: that continuity can often be a more powerful force than change. That is perhaps the thought to focus on most of all today. In many ways at Downside, we are members of a kind of extended family. And members of a family do not leave the family, even if they change their address. After all, you’re only going to Southgate House, Buckfast Abbey: it’s hardly Trondheim or Tasmania! The School, since 1617, has been a vital apostolate of the Monastery, but it has been only one apostolate among many, embracing parishes (in Bath, for example, one is conscious of our two beautiful churches brought into existence by Downside Abbey), including the oblates, and the intellectual mission seen in the Downside Review and centred on the great Abbey Library. The Monks’ legacy to the School, as I’m sure in these other areas, is a living legacy, actively taken forward and developed. As Governors, we will happily and gratefully continue to benefit from Fr Abbot’s wisdom, as one of

our number. School Chaplaincy and the spiritual life of the School will continue to be rooted in the Rule, in Benedictine wisdom and guiding principles. Prayer across the School will continue to be enriched by Lectio Divina and continue to be advanced wonderfully well by our very good friends from the Manquehue Apostolic Movement and by many staff and pupils. School liturgy will continue to be celebrated in the Abbey Church by our School Priest Chaplain, Fr Michael, steeped in Benedictine spirituality. The Abbey Church, the centre of the Monks’ life, will surely be the greatest school chapel in the world! Above all, the School will always be under our powerful patron saints, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our holy father Benedict, and St Gregory the Great. I know that all associated with Downside will want to step up, so to speak, in upholding and developing our Catholic and Benedictine life to respond creatively to the challenges and opportunities of our times. The Monks have left us a hugely rich legacy, but also powerful challenges which must be seized. We in the School want to stay in regular touch, of course, with you, the Monks. Our relationship is deeper than where any of us happen to live!

Our thanks to you, the Monks present and past, can never be adequate, even if speeches went on for hours. We thank you for your wonderful work in and for the School over decades in many cases. We thank the Community of St Gregory present and past for your magnificent and lasting contributions to Catholic, Benedictine education and to the wider life of the Church in this diocese, in our country and across

our world, not least in Australia, since 1814, indeed since 1617. Bishop Declan’s presence here speaks volumes about marking the Monks’ wider contributions to evangelisation. We thank you for enriching immeasurably our lives and the lives of thousands and thousands of others, for being channels of God’s grace, for pupils, past pupils, parents, members of staff, friends, parishioners, and guests.

We assure you of our very best wishes and prayers for your move. May you have joy. May God bless you and keep you safe!’ And may I propose a toast and ask you to be upstanding: to the Monks of St Gregory’s, our thanks, best wishes and prayers. Dr Giles Mercer, Chair of Governors

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THE OLD GREGORIAN MEDAL Good afternoon everybody. It is my pleasure to be awarding the Old Gregorian Medal on behalf of the St Gregory’s Society. This year, we have two recipients, one of which you have already heard about, and I will talk about him in a moment. Our recipients are two very contrasting people, one at the senior end of their career and one at the junior end of their career. I am very pleased to announce that William White, who was in Barlow, and left in 2014 is one of the recipients this year. He is a very outstanding man, who has always been going above and beyond, and certainly was not sitting still during the holidays. I would just like to share with you some of the things that he did whilst he was at Downside. In the Fourth Form he walked around the Isle of Wight in aid of Water Aid, the following summer he was involved in the Camino de Santiago de Compostela which took about three weeks to complete. In between, he took part in the Three Peaks Challenge. Once this was completed, he faced an Iceland Trek and then rode his bike from Canterbury to Jerusalem. He has also completed a trek in Mongolia, whilst also being involved in many endurance challenges and marathons. In

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2016, William and two other, Old Gregorians ran 30 miles, carrying 30 pounds in weight, all for charity. He was also a great fundraiser for Mary’s Meals and, on more than one occasion, cycling the way of Genghis Khan. More recently, he did not achieve an Army Scholarship but continued to pursue his wish to join the Paras and is now a member of 2 Para as a non-commissioned officer. I was really impressed when I met him on Remembrance Day this year. He explained how he had just returned home from Kabul. William had been part of the British Army team that evacuated the last British people in Kabul. Some of the stories he shared were amazing, and some of the skills he spoke about he clearly did not learn about here, but his colleagues did know, for example how to “hot wire” a vehicle (as they had no vehicles). The conditions that they had to endure were horrendous at so many levels. Because William is unable to attend Prize Day, he sent me a short note: ‘It means a lot to be awarded the OG Medal after such a historical and tumultuous event. I’d like to accept the award on behalf of the Parachute Regiment and especially the Para Reg

Toms (privates) many who were the same age (18) as myself when I left Downside and the Upper Sixth Formers leaving Downside this year.They did an incredible job in really challenging circumstances.’ So, I think in his absence we should give him a round of applause. I will just remind you of what the Old Gregorian Medal is about: It is presented to an OG who gives an exemplary contribution to society, chosen by St Gregory’s Society to inspire our pupils. Dom James Hood (B72) has been that person in so many, different ways. He has of course given his life to the Monastic Community, and he has been very supportive of the Downside Foundations. He has been involved with the Downside FisherYouth Club and the Order of Malta Volunteers Pilgrimage to Lourdes. He has given a huge amount to the School in so many ways, which the Head covered in his speech. He is a man of quietness and distinguishedness. We thank him very much for all the things he has done as an Old Gregorian. Jonathan Grew (C77) President of St Gregory’s Society

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Fr James’ the old gregorian medal acceptance speech

Congratulations to all prize winners. Congratulations to those of you who have not won prizes. You too have played an important part in this Prize Day because without you, your support and friendship, today’s many prize winners would not have got to where they are. During the academic year there were moments when your hand of friendship and encouragement did much to lift and help one or more of the prize winners. There will also have been occasions when many of you in the classroom, on the games field, in the choir, contributed a certain competitiveness that helped raise the standard. Well done. I do not want the prize winners to think you don’t deserve your prizes - quite the opposite. Very many congratulations. At the same time, being someone who has won very few prizes, I want to encourage those of you who haven’t won prizes today. I’ve attended many Prize Day’s at Downside but I’ve never won a prize. I was taken aback when

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I received the short letter from Jonny Grew (C77), the President of St Gregory’s Society, that I had been nominated and awarded this prize – Thank you Jonny. My message to you all, pupils, parents, staff, and friends is PRAY. We’re living in a very fragile and uncertain world. We need men and women of prayer, to live with the presence and love of God in their hearts. My message to you, pupils, is take up the opportunities that you have here in the School to pray. Morning and Evening Prayers in your Houses, a moment at the start and the end of the day by raising your heart and mind to God. During the week there are many opportunities to pray the rosary, take part in a Lectio group, and during Lent to take part in the Stations of the Cross. Don’t let these opportunities pass you by. The Sunday Mass in the Abbey Church is such a strong moment in the week when the School community gathers to pray and to encounter Christ. I take this opportunity to thank and congratulate the choir, the servers,

the readers, and the many others who take such an active part in making it the strong moment in the week that it is. Each one of us is called to bring the love, peace, and beauty of Christ in our hearts to others. We’re also called to allow others to do the same. I believe that this too is prayer, and again the opportunities are there. Let me give you two examples. The first is of one of the soup runs I took part in Bath many years ago. It was a hot summer’s evening, bright and sunny. I arrived in Bath with two boys from the Sixth Form. On this occasion there were many wanting soup, coffee, sandwiches, and cakes. After half an hour the majority had left, some with a few sandwiches and cakes stuffed in their pockets. The food, soup and coffee had all been consumed and the organisers from the Bath Catholic Church were beginning to pack up. The two boys continued to talk to a small group of the homeless: there was no way I was going to interrupt: this was a moment of grace and

prayer. These two young men were sharing and bringing to the homeless the love, beauty and friendship of Christ to others: the homeless listened to them and they in turn listened to them. When we left and made our way back to Downside in the car, the three of us were profoundly moved by the experience- few words were spoken. These two boys had been instruments of God’s love, and they had responded with generosity.Yes – a moment of prayer. My second example is of my last visit to Chile for Christmas 2019. I spent the last two weeks of December in Santiago with the Manquehue Apostolic Movement as I was there to assist with the Christmas ceremonies and to take part in a wedding. I still can’t quite get over celebrating the Christmas Midnight Mass at 9.00 p.m. in the open air, as I’m so used to the dark, cold, and wet Christmas night at Downside. On Boxing Day, I visited San Lorenzo, the School and Parish in Recoleta which is a poor part of the city. I

was taken to visit three from the parish. My third visit was to a young family. The young mother and her recently born baby, born at 27 weeks, had recently returned from hospital. The tiny baby lay in a cot in the small bedroom with an oxygen mask. The father came from his nearby workshop round the corner to greet me as did the brothers, Santiago who was aged seven and Daniel aged five. What I experienced in this small house was the love and joy of God’s love. Both parents and both boys, as well as the tiny girl lying in her cot, called Milagros Esperanza-Miracles Hope, radiated joy, love and peace. Each one had a beautiful smile on their face. Those smiles said far more than words: those smiles were the love of God that lived in their hearts. I was profoundly grateful for having been able to share with that wonderful family their joy, their peace and the love that lived in their hearts. I keep in contact with the Oblate of the MAM to find out how Milagros Esperanza is doing. This young family amidst

their difficulty and suffering shared with me their friendship and love. This was another moment of encounter with God’s love. My message to all of you is pray: open your hearts to God’s redeeming love. In St Paul’s words to the community at Colossae he writes: ‘Be persevering in your prayers and be thankful as you stay awake to pray.’ (Col 4: 2) Let me conclude with that beautiful blessing from the Book of Numbers. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord let his face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his face and bring you peace. (Numbers 6: 24-26)

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PRIZES FIRST FORM Head’s Prize for Outstanding Academic Achievement

Head’s Progress Prize Head’s Essay Prize SECOND FORM Head’s Prize for Outstanding Academic Achievement Head’s Progress Prize

THIRD FORM Head’s Prize for Outstanding Academic Achievement Head’s Essay Prize Religious Studies English Classics French Spanish German Mathematics Computer Science Biology Chemistry Physics History Geography Music Art Design Physical Education FOURTH FORM Head’s Prize for Outstanding Academic Achievement

Head’s Essay Prize Religious Studies

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Sofia Kellock Ryle Megan Randall Viva Buhagiar Amelie Errington Viva Buhagiar

Natasza Wyganowska Zuba Kwan Fiona Dolman

Lara Macmillan Molly Jenkins Eva Errington Molly Jenkins Edmund Jenkins Eloise Pickett Eva Errington Daisy Radcliffe Awele Onunkwo Cecily Raper Cheuk Kiu Ian Chung Amelie Murphy Abigail Wu Edmund Jenkins Eva Errington Amelie Murphy Cheuk Kiu Ian Chung King Yin Kwok Abigail Wu Alexander Karl Alva Kwan

Charles Pike Siu Hei Wong Hiu Ching Chow Kara Campbell Meehan Johnny Rowell Maria Kedzior

English Literature Classics French Spanish German Mathematics Computer Science Biology Chemistry Physics History Geography Music Art Design Physical Education FIFTH FORM Head’s Prize for Outstanding Academic Achievement

Kara Campbell Meehan Johnny Rowell Xing Yi Chan Maria Kedzior Maria Kedzior Finnbar O’Kane Long Chit Alfred Chan Anson Lam Long Chit Alfred Chan Isabella Macmillan Long Chit Alfred Chan Patrick Colgan Cosima Melotte Justin Wu Kara Campbell Meehan Cosima Melotte Johnny Rowell

Religious Studies English Language Classics French Spanish German Mathematics Computer Science Biology Chemistry Physics History Geography Economics Music Art Design Physical Education

Beatrice Garrett Jessica Von der Schulenburg Aristo Cham Amalia Schlögel Amalia Schlögel Edith Jenkins Edith Jenkins Elisabeth-Rose Hall Emily Raper Maya Krishan Leonora Van Laar Elisabeth-Rose Hall Rupert Sharifi Oliver Westlake Oliver Westlake Edith Jenkins Amalia Schlögel Ling Fung Mok Leonora Van Laar Sebastian Mitton Camilla Francis-Jones

LOWER SIXTH FORM Head’s Essay Prize Religious Studies

Arianwen Ramruttun Maya Strauss

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Physical Education

Joccoaa Weatherhead Roksana Pieronkiewicz Kristy Ko Scarlett Ridge Matthew Stanislas Laila Akenzua Al-Kareem Arianwen Ramruttun Laila Akenzua Al-Kareem Maria Materna Maria Diamond Zachary Healey Yan Hang Chan Joccoaa Weatherhead Pui Yin Huang Ching Yu Yuen Maria Materna Roksana Pieronkiewicz Cheuk Yan Ko Yan Hang Chan Ayrton Rose Annabel Walker Ebanehita Eigbefoh Laila Akenzua Al-Kareem Cheuk Yan Ko Charlie Boarder Oliver Flynn Ching Kiu Chi Joseph Last-Sutton

UPPER SIXTH FORM Religious Studies English Literature Classics French Spanish German Mathematics Biology Chemistry Physics History History of Art Geography Economics

Barnaby Sharifi Beth Mitton Joseph Day Celestine Healy Madeleine Jones Joseph Day Jakub Milczarek Robert Keeley Marianna Ceglarek Jakub Milczarek Celestine Healy Maria Dolman Oliver Wood Henry Clark

English Literature Classics French German Spanish Mathematics Computer Science Biology Chemistry Physics History History of Art Geography Music Art Design Psychology Business Economics

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Business Music Art Design Psychology Physical Education SCHOOL PRIZES AND AWARDS The Marcus Atkinson Award The Timothy Fogg Poetry Prize The Squire Mathematics Prize The Schola Cantorum Prize The Byrne Brass Trophy The Tambling Cup The Debating Prize The Tighe Medal for Artistic Endeavour The Barran Drama Prize The CCF Prize The Regimental Sergeant Major Cup The British Legion Prize The RSM WO1 R Nicholas Prize The Junior Cup for Art The Best Junior Cadet The Junior Cup for Boys’ Sport The Junior Cup for Girls’ Sport The Brendan Lavery Mathematics Prize The Matthews Organ Cup The Mowbray Shooting Cup The Abingdon Cup for Debating The Augustine Baker Prize The Inter-House Chess Cup The Hugh Watts Cup for the Most Improved Rugby Player The Turnbull Cup for Outstanding Sport Achievement The Cave Cup for Sportsman of the Year The James Turnbull Cup for Sportswoman of the Year The Boves Prize for Outstanding Academic Achievement The R.R. Stokes Memorial Prize The Sweats Cup The Mackenzie Cup The Douai Prize The Old Gregorian Medal The Gregorian Medal

Hoi Yuen Wong Beth Mitton Lydia Kelsh Chun Yiu Leung Hoi Yuen Wong Zak Dinning

Beth Mitton Celestine Healy Cheuk Chow Dominic Kwan Joseph Day Joseph Day Barnaby Sharifi Beth Mitton Lily Garrett Lily Garrett Benjamin Harwood Maria Dolman Angus Christie Natasza Wyganowska Kara Campbell Meehan Louis D’Estampes Vallancey Ottilie Rees-Davies Yan Hang Chan Cheuk Yan Ko Frederick Dentskevich Barlow House Ella Chow (Fourth Form) Roberts House Harry Clark Abdul Khalik Akenzua Al-Kareem Jacob Gould Maria Dolman Robert Keeley Jimmy Chow Caverel House Ottilie Rees-Davies Stephanie Jedy Agba and Sophie Worrall Fr James Hood (B72) William White (B14) Bethany Mitton Angus Christie

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HEAD’S ESSAY PRIZE 1. Should we ever compare ourselves to other people? 2. Is it acceptable to sacrifice individuals for the sake of the community? 3. Should people always tell the truth? 4. Is gene therapy ethical? 5. Are people intrinsically decent, or, if the veneer of civilisation is taken away, are they basically violent? 6. What do you think is meant by being ‘woke’? Is it good to be ‘woke’? 7. Are we right to be proud of the NHS? Are there any lessons we could learn from other countries? 8. Is the widespread disenchantment with politicians a problem in today’s Britain? Do we get the politicians we deserve? 9. Are equality, diversity and inclusion the most important values of all? 10. Should we pray for the dead? 11. Is the world heading for an economic collapse after the war in Ukraine becomes the third major shock after the 2008 financial crash and the 2019 global pandemic to hit the global economy in less than 15 years? 12. Should we view technological progress and the development of Artificial Intelligence as positive for the future of humanity or as a threat?

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127 19.6

CUMULATIVE %

7 6 5 4 3 2 1 U TOTAL %9-7

4 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 22 64 82

7 8 2 2 1 0 0 2 39 62 82

100 87

%9-6 %9-5

100 92

7 6 3 1 1 0 0 0 34 68 85

1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 75 75

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 7 86 86

94 100 86 97 100 86

15 19 16 5 2 0 0 0 63 33 63 89 97

1 4 5 1 1 0 0 0 12 8 42

1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 6 50 83

1 4 2 1 1 0 0 0 9 11 56

83 100 78 92 100 89

1 2 2 0 2 1 0 0 9 22 44 67 67

15 16 10 3 1 0 0 0 60 50 77 93 98

11 7 9 4 1 0 0 0 47 55 70 89 98

0 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 17 71 88 94

8 10 4 2 0 0 0 0 36 56 83 94

2 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 11 73 82 91 94 100 91

3 9 7 1 4 0 0 0 36 42 67 86

2 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 10 80 90 90

8 13 9 7 2 1 0 0 73 56 74 86 89 100 96

0 5 6 0 0 1 0 0 14 14 50

3 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 11 64 91

93 100 95

93 100 97

5.1

108 16.7

143 22.1

108 16.7

98.9

96 14.8

3.9

99.5

0.6

90 100

24 647 100

100

0.2 99.53

0.3

TOTAL

Spanish

RS Short coursre

RS Full course 3

Physics 1

Physical Education 14

Music 2

Mathematics 5

Latin 0

History 5

German 1

Geography 7

French

English Literature

English Language

Economics

EAL

Design

Computer Science

Combined Science

Classical Greek

Chinese 1st Lang*

Chemistry

Biology

Art: Fine Art

%9-4

36 The Raven 2022

Subject

GCSE RESULTS ANALYSIS 2022 (All Fifth Form results including subjects sat prior to June 2022)

EXAM RESULTS SUMMARY GCSE

A* A C E

2 0 0 0 0 6

0 0 0 1 1 5

1 0 0 0 0 1

3 4 3 4 1 22 32

2 0 0 0 0 3 33

0 1 0 0 0 4 75

1 3 2 0 0 10

0 0 0 0 0 2

40 100 14

12 185

88 100 83

88 100 50

0 1 0 0 0 1

2 2 2 0 0 9

50 100 71

1 2 0 0 0 6

100 60 100 45 100 75

8 1 0 0 0 13

0 0

3 2 2 0 0 9

33 56

3 2 0 1 0 8

50 67

0 0 0 1 1 2

31 92

0 0 0 0 0 5

22 56

0 1 1 0 0 4

25 63

78 100 100 78 100 100 60 100 64 100 100 80 100 86

88 100 100 100 100 100 100 60 100 77 100 100 100 100 93 100 100 83

8 2 3 3 2 18

0 0 0

3 0 3 3 0 10

50 100 50 100 75 100

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 44 56

1 1 1 0 0 6 50 100 10 67 100 40 83 100 40

A LEVEL / PRE-U / BTEC RESULTS ANALYSIS 2022 (All Upper Sixth results including prior to June 2022)

B C D E U

%A*-A %A*-B %A*-C

72 100 100

100 100 100 89 100 100 50 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 80 100 95 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 97

%A*-D 100 100 70 %A*-E

EPQ 2

TOTAL 0

Sport BTEC 2

Spanish

Religious Studies

Psychology

Polish

Physics

Music*

Further Maths

Mathematics

Latin

History of Art*

History

German

Geography

French

English

Economics

Design

Computer Science

Chinese

Chemistry

Business Studies

Biology

Art: Graphic Comm

100

Art: Fine Art

%A*-A

BTEC grade equivalencies

D* D M P

A* A A B C D D E D1/D2 D3 M1 M2 M3 P1 P2 P3 Subject

TOTAL

*Pre-U grade equivalencies used here: A Level

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UNIVERSITY ENTRANTS Abdul-Khalik Akenzua Al-Kareem

Leeds Beckett University

Economics and Finance

Sophia Burton

Cardiff University

Religious Studies and Philosophy

Ho Hei Chan

City, University of London

Accounting and Finance

Cheuk Chow

Durham University

Mathematics and Statistics (4 years)

Angus Christie

University of Southampton

Geography

Henry Clark

Cardiff University

Modern History and Politics (Integrated)

Alice Colgan

Cardiff University

Law

Alexander Dentskevich

Oxford Brookes University

Economics, Finance and

International Business

Zak Dinning

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Sport Coaching

Maria Dolman

The University of Edinburgh

Italian and History of Art

Amelia Evans

University of Nottingham

History of Art

Archie Farthing

University of Reading

Building Surveying

Lily Garrett

Leeds Beckett University

Biomedical Sciences

Jacob Gould

University of Leeds

Medical Engineering

Agustin Healey

University of Manchester

Geography

Celestine Healy

University of Warwick

French and History

Shotaro Ida

The University of Edinburgh

Chemical Physics

Edward Isola

Imperial College London

Design Engineering

Stephanie Jedy-Agba

University of Exeter

Law with European Study

Madeleine Jones

University of Exeter

Art History & Visual Culture

and Modern Languages

Lydia Kelsh

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Fashion Design

Dominic Kwan

Royal Holloway, University of London

Music

Wai Hei Kwok

University of Reading

Accounting and Finance

(with Placement Experience)

Amelia Lam

Finance

Lancaster University

“DOWNSIDE HAS ALSO HELPED ME TO BUILD UP MY CONFIDENCE. THE TEACHERS ARE HELPING ME TO USE MY SKILLS AND TO REALISE THAT, IF I WORK TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY, I CAN ACHIEVE MY FUTURE GOALS. “ Third Former 2021-22

38 The Raven 2022

Louis Lesault

Manchester Metropolitan University

Adult Nursing

Choi Laam Leung

Swansea University

Psychology

Chun Yiu Leung

University of Strathclyde

Mechanical Engineering

Brian Makaza

University of Winchester

Computer Science

(with Foundation Year)

Concepción Manso Duffy

The University of Edinburgh

Nursing Studies

Roy Manso Duffy

Heriot-Watt University

International Business Management

with Year Abroad

Jakub Milczarek

University of Warwick

Integrated Natural Sciences

Beth Mitton

Durham University

English Literature

Tung Yan Chloe Ngan

University of Reading

Architecture

Oliver Penny

Oxford Brookes University

Sport and Exercise Science

Magdalena Pienkowska

The University of Edinburgh

Sociology

Edward Preston

Royal Agricultural University

Agriculture

Joseph Rowell

University of Cambridge

Theology, Religion, and Philosophy

of Religion

Barnaby Sharifi

University of Glasgow

Philosophy

Chun Tak Shie

Queen Mary University of London

Politics and Sociology

Lara Standivan

University of Plymouth

English

Max Surry

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Sport Coaching

Samuel Webb

Loughborough University

Engineering Management

(with placement year)

Chun Shing Wong

Bristol, University of the West of England

Forensic Science

Hoi Yuen Wong

University of Brighton

Sport Management

Oliver Wood

University of East Anglia UEA

Ecology and Conservation

Sophie Worrall

SOAS University of London

Arabic

“A GOOD THING ABOUT DOWNSIDE IS DEFINITELY THE COMMUNITY. THERE IS A LOT OF FRIENDLY FACES TO WELCOME YOU ON YOUR FIRST DAY, OR EVERY MORNING.” Second Former, 2021-22

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COMMUNITY NEWS

2022 will go down in the annals of the Monastic Community as perhaps the most significant year since we moved from Acton Burnell to Downside (or even since our expulsion from France in 1793). This was the year when we moved out of Downside Abbey to take up residence in a house in the grounds of Buckfast Abbey, Devon. The move was smooth but not easy. Each monk had to visit Buckfast in order to see the house again, to see his room, and then to think carefully about what he had at Downside and what he wanted or needed to bring with him. Inevitably this could not be achieved overnight, and many boxes were packed, many items given away or disposed of. The move was co-ordinated by Dom Anselm, and finally the day came when the boxes were packed, and the furniture removal firm came to collect everything. Inevitably, we had to bring not only our personal things, but we needed books to form a working library in our new home, vestments, and other items from the sacristy and some of the most significant relics. Our final Mass at Downside was on our patronal feast of St Gregory the Great, on 12th March 2022, at which we were joined by the School and a number of parishioners, oblates and friends of the Community, including Bishop Declan Lang and the Abbots of most of the monasteries of our Congregation present in England and the Abbess of Stanbrook. Whilst the Mass was inevitably a poignant occasion, it also had a sense of joy. This was not only the end of one era, but the beginning of a new one. Some of the Community stayed at Downside that night and woke (as was often the case) to find that there was neither hot water nor heating the following morning. We have been warmly welcomed by the Monks and staff at Buckfast Abbey, for whom nothing is too much trouble. Inevitably, a few repairs have been needed, and they have been dealt with quickly and kindly by the friendly staff. Our IT issues have finally been sorted and we can now be contacted easily by email. When we think about the year since the last Community News, this is inevitably a very prominent item, but other things have happened. Abbot Charles returned to the Monastery, having been Parish Priest of Bungay (East Anglia) for some 15 years. Dom James, Dom Boniface, and Dom Michael ceased to work in the School

40 The Raven 2022

as Chaplains at the Lent Half Term, in order to be free for the move. In recognition of his many years of work in the School and his role as trustee of the Downside Fisher Youth Club in Bermondsey for many years, Dom James was awarded the Old Gregorian Medal. Other events have also taken place, such as Lectio workshops in Cumbria, led by Dom Leo; a pilgrimage to Rome with the Young Catholic Adult Network, led by Dom Anselm; the community retreat, led by Abbot Xavier Perrin of Quarr Abbey on the Isle of Wight. Dom Anselm was also invited to visit Mariavall Abbey in southern Sweden, in order to give some help with their singing. Dom John, meanwhile, was ordained to the diaconate at the end of August by Bishop Declan, and in September 2022 he will be ordained to the priesthood at Buckfast by Archbishop Mark O’Toole. He has concluded his initial theological studies and is now studying for a Licentiate degree in Monastic Theology at Sant’Anselmo in Rome. July 2022 saw the meeting of the General Chapter of the English Benedictine Congregation, at which our community was represented by Abbot Nicholas and Dom Anselm, with Dom David as the Formation Consultor for the Congregation. At the end of this meeting, Abbot Nicholas was elected to serve on the Abbot President’s Council for the next four years. In the meantime, we have settled well into our new, but temporary, home. We now live in a place which is much smaller (not difficult!), but with a reliable infrastructure, where the heating and hot water work consistently, with beautiful countryside and a chapel where we celebrate the Divine Office and Mass, which are at the heart of our life. We continue to record the Mass most days and upload it to our Soundcloud channel. You can follow us on our social media channels (@downsideabbey on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter). Please continue to pray for us, as we do for you. Dom Anselm Brumwell

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SALVETE VALETE

42 The Raven 2022

SALVETE We welcomed new members of staff in 2022.

order to spend time on projects which her commitments to the School have prevented. And her commitments to Downside have been Andy Hamilton – HsM and Teacher of Academic PE huge. She has been a highly successful singing Matthew O’Neill – Teacher of Religious Studies teacher, hauling in Distinctions in examinations and Molly Orme – Teacher of Classics choral scholarships by the skip-load for her pupils, Michelle Leung – Teacher of Maths as well as encouraging those of more modest Bethany Ackerley – Trainee Teacher of Drama ambition or ability to make good progress and (New role) surprise themselves in the process. Thanks to Lisa Packer – Netball Development Lead and Coach the firm technical and interpretative foundations Max Gauntlett – Rugby Development Lead and Coach established by Rachel, several of her former pupils Valeria Goryun – Resident Sports Assistant have gone on to successful professional singing Richard Staines – Resident Sports Assistant careers. Rachel also founded and led the Girls’ Finlay Boarder – Resident Sports Assistant Chamber Choir, which made a regular, skilled, and Lydia Cotterell – Artist in Residence valued contribution to the liturgy in the Abbey Sally Taylorson – House Parent (Sunday) Church and elsewhere. She has sung countless solos in all sorts of concerts and services, as well as discreetly supporting the School’s choirs, VALETE sometimes at very short notice. Rachel served as a much-loved Assistant House Mistress in Isabella RACHEL BEVAN House for a few years; she taught the Monastic Rachel is emphatic that she has not retired, Novices how to sing and read plainchant; she led and I would be the last one to argue. She has various Three Days in June projects, especially nevertheless stepped down from teaching singing her beloved 16th century polyphony; and singing at Downside after a few decades, in she organised and sang in the Christmas and

The Raven 2022 43

Easter music in the Abbey Church. As well as her musical skills Rachel is a skilled and hospitable cook, famously entertaining the Monastic Community to Boxing Day lunch for very many years. Rachel has been generous with her time and skills beyond Downside’s walls, especially by serving as a Mendip Councillor, and she brings tremendous energy and positivity to all that she does. She insists on high standards but is warmly forgiving of those who don’t quite meet them, and her great insight into the best and less impressive sides of human nature means that it is often to Rachel that pupils and colleagues turn, at difficult times, knowing they will receive a discreet and sympathetic hearing, as well as sound advice. These latter qualities mean that we’re not saying goodbye to Rachel just yet, as she will continue to serve our pupils as the School’s Independent Listener. But we can’t allow her stepping-down from the Music Department to go unacknowledged, and I thank her for all that she has given to our musicians, as well as to the wider School, Monastic, and local communities.

accompanist, played the organ for services in the Abbey Church, played in the orchestras, and much else besides. Tony is a modest and unassuming man. He shuns the limelight, and he doesn’t want a fuss, but he is an immensely skilled, versatile, and generous musician and he has devoted his life to our department. He would be surprised, I think, to know just how immensely his colleagues like and respect him, and how much they value his experience, wisdom, erudition, and humour. His retirement brings an end - or at least, a temporary pause - to the Bevan family’s connection with Downside’s Music Department, which has lasted for several decades. On behalf of my predecessors and the hundreds of pupils he has taught, influenced, and inspired, I thank him for all he has given to Downside’s music and musicians, and I wish him a long, happy, and fulfilling retirement. Julian McNamara Director of Music

Julian McNamara CAROLINE BRAWLEY Director of Music Caroline Brawley came to Downside as the Director of Human Resources in 2017, and whilst others may have given more years of service to Downside, there can be few who have TONY BEVAN matched her commitment and determination Tony is retiring after close to 40 years’ teaching in to support Downside through what has been a the Music Department at Downside, and after a period of profound change. Utterly trustworthy lifetime’s connection with it. Tony’s father was the Director of Music at Downside, and Tony came to and principled, I quickly came to rely on her judgment and advice, which was always thoughtful the School as a music scholar following his time and entirely honest; and it was not just me. as a chorister at Westminster Cathedral. He went on to win a scholarship to read Music at St John’s She provided invaluable support to staff and College, Cambridge, then spent a few years trying governors to navigate a route through the often his vocation to the priesthood before returning to turbulent waters of the separation of the School Somerset and establishing himself as a professional from Downside Abbey General Trust and was then pivotal to ensuring that teachers were fully musician. He has undertaken a variety of musical consulted and engaged in the difficult decisions roles at Downside. Most recently he has been relating to the Teachers’ Pension. These are just two teaching the violin, viola, piano, and theory, but at examples but her thoroughness and commitment various times over the decades he has conducted to meaningful dialogue and communication the orchestra and choral society, coached between all those involved in any process ensured various chamber music groups, served as a piano

44 The Raven 2022

videos, and there was always an excited buzz of purposeful participation in his classroom - and not only from Jonnie. The new curriculum was running beautifully… and then Covid-19 hit, requiring another massive redesign of the whole operation. Here, Jonnie’s immense creativity and high-level IT skills allowed him quickly to develop new courses and topics suitable for remote learning, which kept pupils engaged and motivated in a subject that could easily have dropped off their radar. These same IT skills found Jonnie regularly and generously assisting his less IT literate colleagues (including this one) as well as masterminding the weekly lockdown hymn. He wove together various individuals’ solo recordings to create a virtual congregation, mixing their audio and video with shots of the Abbey Church and other images to make a composite that was distinctively Downside’s, while sensitively reflecting the themes, seasons and topics that were covered week by week. He also recorded and mastered the audio for our Virtual Carol Service. This would be an Andrew Hobbs immense and highly skilled task at the best of Head times, but it became nightmarishly complicated alongside the Covid-19 restrictions on numbers and social distancing; but you would never guess this from listening to Jonnie’s outstanding JONATHAN BRIDGES soundtrack. Jonnie achieved an immense amount in his twoJonnie is a highly accomplished practical and-a-half years as Head of Academic Music at musician, and his contributions outside the Downside. His arrival, still jet-lagged from his classroom were no less distinguished. He set up honeymoon, coincided with a complete revamp the Function Band, led the Concert Band, played of the School timetable. This doubled the amount the trumpet when- and wherever possible, sang in of time for music in the First to Third Form and the Schola and Chamber Choirs, and accompanied required the music curriculum for these yearour singers and instrumentalists in many varied groups to be completely re-imagined. In the performances. He has a good nose for a moribund process, Jonnie introduced a range of new topics music shop, and the department’s instrument as well as refreshing the approach to some of the stock was refreshed by some great bargains which old favourites. The term Academic Music might he found at various closing-down sales. And if all seem worthy, dull, and bookish, but a glance at his that weren’t enough, then his additional skills and acquisitions will show that with Jonnie at the helm talents in DIY ensured that we had a sturdy and the subject was anything but. Classroom sets of stylish set for our production of Little Shop of ukuleles and bagpipe chanters appeared alongside Horrors, designed and built, of course, by Jonnie. his slick PowerPoint presentations and ‘how to’ that trust was maintained, and a constructive outcome was achieved. Whilst she never shied away from tackling the challenging issues, nor did she ever forget to care for or listen to the individual and everything she undertook was underpinned by her fierce sense of fairness. After the separation of the School and Monastery she became the School’s Director of Operations, overseeing the support staff. In this role, she worked tirelessly to ensure the departments for which she was responsible felt valued and supported. She has handed on a team which has a hugely positive culture in which each member takes a pride in what they do. I will miss her wise counsel and her ability always to maintain a positive outlook and find humour even in some of the most challenging situations. She is a fantastic colleague and very definitely someone to have alongside you when the going gets tough, fiercely loyal, and never afraid to provide her honest opinion. We wish her luck in her new role and thank her for her exceptional service to Downside.

The Raven 2022 45

pioneering the position of House Mother, a role we all take for granted now, to teaching EAL and, in later years, being a key member of the Learning Support Department. What defined every one of these roles, though, are Rysha’s care and compassion. As someone who is sometimes prone to muddling up instructions (I still recall the morning she phoned to say she couldn’t Julian McNamara come into work as she had just accidentally Director of Music taken the dog’s chemotherapy medication), her empathy with pupils struggling to find their way at Downside, either literally lost in the corridors or finding it difficult to cope with their academic RYSHA BURKE work, has brought great comfort to many; I say When we say someone is “part of the furniture”, pupils, but Rysha extended this compassion also it is rather ambiguous whether we mean this as a to her colleagues, whether that be the newest compliment or not; on the other hand, when we and youngest member of staff or the Head. Even talk about a “national treasure”, we all know that when dealing with difficult issues in her own life, we are talking about someone held in the highest Rysha is unfailingly able to help others regain affection. Although, I do not think anyone would perspective when they are faced with problems, say that Rysha is a national treasure, we would all agree she was, indeed is, a Downside treasure and not making light of them, but by sharing and, therefore, lightening the burden. part of the very fabric of the place; this, I feel, sits It would be something of a fool’s errand to rather better than “part of the furniture”, which would suggest a passivity that most certainly does try to list every area of Downside life that has benefited from Rysha’s work and contributions, not reflect Rysha. and I am not convinced it would capture the After 25 years at Downside, I know the place essence of her time here to do so. Countless past well, but have always still felt like a newbie when pupils will have memories of weekend outings in conversation with Rysha; her knowledge of with her, not least because of the extraordinary not only the School, but the whole organisation way in which she handled the School’s minibuses; and community never fails to amaze me. For someone who could quite easily forget to lock her others will recall impromptu quizzes during prep sessions, or her patience and support in EAL and front door or in which classroom she should be Learning Support lessons. What better captures teaching, her recall of past events, pupils and staff is staggering, and if you have a few hours to spare, her essence, I believe, is simply the beauty of her personality, her generosity with her time, her sit down with her and a stiff G&T, and let her readiness to step in whenever needed, and her regale you with anecdotes (all of which true and genuine concern for, and interest in, every delivered with delightful understatement) which person here. will leave you aching from laughter. The phrase “It Rysha leaves Downside with our love, our could only happen to…” has never been more apt gratitude and our very best wishes, to her and to her for anyone than for Rysha. partner, Michael, for a long and happy retirement. Rysha arrived at Downside in 1975, which makes her one of the longest-serving members Richard Rawlins. of staff in the School’s history. Her roles have Head of Sixth Form & Head of Languages been manifold, from running the School shop to Jonnie leaves us to become Head of Academic Music at Warminster School. We thank him warmly for all that he has given to Downside, and for the positive, amiable, and mischievously fun-filled spirit in which he has given it; and we wish him, Helen and their soon-to-be-born first child our very best wishes for a prosperous and happy future.

46 The Raven 2022

ALEX BURNS During the Michaelmas Term of 2018, the 1st XV completed a successful season under the leadership of Mike Baxter which saw them win nine of their 11 fixtures, with a positive points difference of +192. As Mr Baxter departed to take on the challenge of a new role at Millfield, we set about appointing a talented individual to continue the development of the sport throughout the School. Having received over sixty applications there was undoubtedly one which stood out. Alex Burns had attended the Royal School Dungannon, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, where he earned four A grades at A-Level in biology, geography, ICT and physical education, before moving to the University of Bath where he gained a 2:1 degree in Sport & Exercise Science. Alongside this academic study, Alex had completed two overseas rugby coaching internships (Grey High School, Port Elizabeth in South Africa and Dilworth School in Auckland, New Zealand) as well as a year’s professional placement at Millfield as part of his degree. A qualified RFU Level 3 coach, Alex was also by that stage Lead Coach for the U15 Bath Rugby Academy Development Playing Programme and Head Coach of the Somerset U16s. Having most recently worked alongside Lewis Moody as Head of Rugby for the Mad Dog Sport programme at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy, Alex impressed with his ambition and the strength of his vision for the sport of rugby. It was clear that he had a genuine desire to support each player to be the best versions of themselves. With the 15-a-side season concluded by the time Alex took up the position in January 2019, it was to be the sport of Rugby Seven’s which would enable him to make his first impression. Tournaments at Canford and Surrey Schools in Richmond would be excellent preparation for the National School’s Tournament at Rosslyn Park in March. Playing ten fixtures and only losing three on route to achieving qualification to the day two of RPNS7’s for the second successive season

represented a hugely successful introduction for Alex and the rugby playing boys at Downside. This was a successful partnership which would, (despite the Covid-19 enforced disruption to the sport over the next two years) continue to see Downside rugby grow in strength, reputation and most importantly, an increase in the number of pupils playing the sport. The chant of “kick it forwards, pass it backwards – rugby!” being heard on the sports pitches almost every day, alongside an ever-increasing variety of musical sign- offs and innovative coaching sessions left pupils and coaches in no doubt why they loved the sport so much. Above all Alex instilled a love of the game and a desire to always keep learning and improving. During his tenure as Head of Rugby at Downside, many pupils achieved representative honours. Ethan Morgan (Bath & Wales U18s) and Gregor Gaggero (Gibraltar U21s) both achieved International honours, largely in part to the support and mentoring provided by Alex. We also had more players than ever in the Bath Rugby Academy during Alex’s tenure as Head of Rugby Kofi Barton-Byfield (B21), Max Surry, Zak Dinning, Charlie Boarder (Bath U18), Luke McGarry & Nic Viljoen (Bath U16) as well as Abdul Khalik Akenzua Al-Kareem who earned a professional Senior Academy Contract with Bath Rugby and begins training full-time with the Blue, Black and White 1st team squad from July 2022. After four years at Downside, during which time he also coached 2nd XI Hockey & Cricket and managed our Strength & Conditioning programmes, Alex moved on in December 2022 to take up the role of DPP Manager, U16s Head Coach and Academy Coach Development Officer with Wasps Rugby. All involved with rugby at Downside wish him every success as he embarks on this coaching journey within the professional game. Richard Jones Director of Sport

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DOM JAMES HOOD There can have been few people who have given more to our school community or exerted a greater influence on it than Dom James and so it was with enormous sadness that we bid him farewell in February after his more than forty years of service. He served as Teacher, House Master, Bursar, Chaplain and Master of Ceremonies in the Abbey Church and, whatever role he was given, he performed to the very best of his ability, with absolute commitment and unwavering loyalty. Safe to say, he will be remembered as one of the greats. But I have to admit that when I arrived at Downside, as the new Deputy Head in 2008, I thought Dom James was a little mad. He had recently returned from Chile where he had been visiting the three Manquehue Schools in Santiago, with whom Downside had a growing association. He had been deeply impressed and affected by his visits there, by the relationships he had developed and encounters he had experienced. He presented me with a document entitled ‘The development of Tutoria at Downside.’ This document described how pupils and staff at the Manquehue schools are fed and nourished on the Word of God, through Lectio Divina and older pupils encourage, support, and guide the younger pupils on their spiritual journey. ‘Each person’, he wrote ‘is made in the likeness of Christ: Christ lives in each person. As each person travels on their spiritual journey, they need the guidance and support of others: Tutoria is about giving each person that guidance and support so that they can grow in the love of God and neighbour: it is about “spiritual mentoring.” I’m embarrassed to say that I was not really familiar with what Lectio Divina was, and Tutoria seemed to me not just to be a foreign word, but also an extremely foreign concept. Fine for South America but somehow not quite Somerset. The thought of teenagers voluntarily and with any degree of sincerity, forming groups to engage in prayerful reading of the gospel and then, on top

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of that, being prepared to share their personal reflections with one another was, in my opinion, verging on delusional. It was also not the way that the teenagers I had come into contact with in my nearly twenty years of teaching had behaved up till now. I was not optimistic! It didn’t take me long to realise that Dom James was not a man who allows his expectations to be set by what others normally do and fourteen years on I am delighted to admit that it was my expectations which were wrong. Lectio Divina, along with spiritual mentoring and friendship, is now at the heart of the school community at Downside thanks in large part to Dom James’ vision and leadership of the Chaplaincy. His caring presence and constant encouragement, accompanying pupils and staff in their journey through Downside helped them to recognise the importance of the faith which lies at the centre of the community and to engage with it. He is a contagious Christian whose authority comes from the fact that his actions match his words, but unlike other contagions we will continue to encourage the spread of the epidemic for which he was responsible! Generations of Gregorians have been impacted by Dom James. His affection for Barlow remained obvious but as Chaplain his visits to all the Houses was cause for celebration and the demand for the roles serving at Mass on a Sunday or on Feast Days were always oversubscribed. Our community has been enriched by Dom James in so many ways and we will do our very best to build on the legacy with which he has left us. It was entirely fitting that he should have been a winner of the Old Gregorian Medal in July and that it was his words, humble and down to earth as always, which ended our Prize Day ceremony. Andrew Hobbs Head

GILES MERCER This is not the first time we have said farewell to Giles Mercer. The fact that this is the case is testimony to his extraordinary commitment to Downside and his preparedness to provide support to our community when it was most needed. After an earlier stint on the board during which he served as Deputy Chair, Giles returned as Chair of Governors in 2020, following the sad death of Adrian Aylward, to provide a steady hand on the tiller and navigate us through some tricky waters. This was an extraordinary act of generosity and demonstrates his selfless dedication and enthusiasm for Catholic education especially as the School, so newly separated from the Monastery was then faced with the challenges of the Covid Pandemic. Giles’s credentials are impeccable, having led two Catholic Schools as Head for a combined period of twenty-four years and having already served as a governor in eight Catholic schools. His experience and wisdom are second to none but even more importantly, his deep humanity and care for each and every person in the community provided us with the confidence and belief to continue to build and develop the School purpose and maintain our direction and momentum. His deep understanding of and long-standing relationship with Downside was particularly important leading up to and following the departure of the Monastic Community from Somerset. Nobody knows our history better or respects our tradition more, but he was always focused on our future rather than on any attempt to return to the past. Amidst all the change we could all be confident that maintaining our strong relationship with the monks would remain a priority and that Downside would retain and reassert its vision to be a Catholic and Benedictine School, with Christ at its centre. At Prize Day in 2021 Giles expressed the importance of stepping up, each in our own way and taking ‘ownership Cristóbal Valdés Raczynski of the mission of the School and living it out St Scholastica Community responsibly and creatively’. We owe a debt of Manquehue Apostolic Movement gratitude to Giles for leading us through this

NICOLÁS ANDRÉS MENEGHELLO MATTE Nicolás arrived at Downside in February 2018, when a male group of the Manquehue Movement took over from the women who had started St Scholastica Community early in 2015. Nicolás oversaw St Scholastica in its work at Downside School and worked hard from the beginning to discover a structure for Lectio Divina Groups that would work best. He wanted to be sure that every single student in the School was invited to join a Lectio Group, to encourage and improve the leadership of older students, to offer students a path on which they could progress as missionary disciples of the Lord through Lectio Divina, community and friendship. Nicolás’ approach was focused and effective. He also emphasized the importance of sharing about the work of St Scholastica with other members of the School community in a consistent and clear way. A good example of Nicolás creativity to reach out to all pupils was ‘Titans Cup’, a football tournament where the younger ones could meet their Lectio leaders in a different context. The pandemic of course brought unprecedented challenges for the work of St Scholastica at Downside. The online “Lectio Divina Workshop” and the whole school event “Light your Lockdown” were some of the creative ways in which Nicolás managed to put this special time to good use. Many young people experienced Nicolás’ welcome in Christ at Downside and his zeal to share the gift of friendship with the Lord with everyone. His manifold talents, for work and organisation alongside others not less important as his virtuous guitar playing and cooking, were always at the service of sharing the Good News. He left Downside in November 2021 when he was called back to Chile to serve in a new development of Manquehue in the southern city of Valdivia.

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chapter of the School’s journey and setting our course so clearly. We also thank Caroline, his wife, for loaning him to us at this critical time. We wish them both well in their next endeavours and hope we will have the chance to welcome them here on many occasions in the coming years. Andrew Hobbs Head

JAMES SCOTT-GATTY Joining the board of Governors in 2014, serving as Deputy Chair and Chair of the Governors’ Finance and Resources Committee, James ScottGatty has loyally guided and advised the School through many pivotal transitions. With a long and successful career in wealth management and previous experience as a charity trustee and school governor, James brought a huge amount of knowledge and skill to the board. James always exuded a composed confidence, and his sense of humour was always evident even when the waters got choppy. His observations and advice were never other than insightful and constructive, and his calm authority meant his opinion was always carefully listened to but never imposed. His leadership always brought out the best in others. James was instrumental to the separation process of the School from Downside Abbey General Trust to become its own Trust, with the energy and tenacity to ensure the finer details were considered, whilst navigating the delicate course through what was a momentous and sensitive stage in our history. He briefly took up the reins as Acting Chair after Adrian Aylward so sadly died and oversaw the transition to Giles Mercer’s taking over the position of Chair. It was never about him and as always, his priority was the stability and development of the School. James’s connection with the School goes far beyond his involvement as a governor, being educated at Downside between 1971 and 1976 and also as a parent. This allowed James to offer a

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unique perspective when considering the strategy and direction of the School and we are immensely grateful to him for his commitment and input in shaping our future. We will miss him and very much hope that he will visit in the years to come. Andrew Hobbs Head

GEORGE SETTERFIELD Following the departure of Alfonso Thomas to a professional coaching role with Hampshire Hawks, Downside sought to appoint a new Head of Cricket Development to join the School in September 2019. Whilst George’s passion, personal qualities and coaching abilities were evident on interview, it is fair to say that some pupils took a while longer to recognise the quiet and understated nature of George’s coaching style. That George was an excellent coach and communicator was evident from the outset – it just that his detail was going to be presented in a different way than they were used to! Educated at Katherine Lady Berkeley School in Gloucestershire, where he gained four A-Levels in physical education, English, music and film Studies, George then achieved a First-Class Hons degree in Sport, Coaching and Physical Education from Oxford Brookes University. An ECB Level 3 cricket coach, George also held coaching awards in basketball, football and rugby – adding to his versatility and making him the leading candidate in a strong field of applicants. George had combined his degree studies alongside a role as Head Coach of Oxford University Women, recording successive Varsity wins against Cambridge University at Lords. Upon completion of his degree course, George was appointed as Cricket Development Manager for Oxfordshire. Overseeing the strategic development of 80 affiliated clubs, George was also the Head Coach for the Oxfordshire Girls U15s. It was beyond the sport of cricket where perhaps we

can learn how George’s wider interests and talents made him able to build such strong relationships with all pupils at Downside. He was in the OTC for two years at Oxford Brookes, captaining their Rugby Seven’s team and he reached Grade Six in clarinet – something which he kept secret from most until his debut performance in the School orchestra during the end of term celebrations for Christmas in 2019. Whilst the Covid-19 enforced lockdown of 2020 deprived George of his first cricket season at the School, George continued throughout his time at the School to drive the highest standards and was an excellent role model to all sports men and women who were fortunate enough to be coached by him. Under his leadership Girls Cricket, went from strength to strength, with the establishment of competitive hard ball teams at both U14 & U16 level, as well as a successful indoor programme throughout the winter. Thankfully the summer of 2021 saw the return of limited Inter-School sports fixtures and George was at least able to experience his first competitive season, albeit somewhat differently. The highlight of the season was the return of fixtures against visiting adult sides in the final week of term, with the 1st XI playing Hawkesbury CC, South Oxfordshire Amateurs and Midsomer Norton CC, the later initiating a lasting and mutually beneficial partnership between the two which has seen Downside pupils experience adult club cricket

alongside their school programme and the clubs’ Youth sides in turn using our indoor nets for winter training. A Tutor in Powell House, hockey coach and rugby referee extraordinaire (with an extensive collection of fluorescent socks!), George made a lasting impact during his brief time at Downside. None more so than on Nicolas Viljoen, who George continued to coach 1-to-1 and was instrumental in Nicolas’ development within the Somerset Cricket Academy, progressing him to be one of only seven players across the County training twice weekly in Taunton with Somerset’s Head of Performance within the Emerging Player Programme. Ultimately, the turmoil of a pandemic meant that George (like all of us) missed two and half term’s worth of sport due to Covid-19 lockdowns in the two years and one term he worked with us. Initially the plan had been to relocate from Oxfordshire, where his partner worked in a Prep School. Unfortunately, this did not materialise, and George left Downside in December 2021 to return to Oxfordshire to be closer to family. George will be remembered at Downside as a kind, considerate and fiercely competitive individual and he moves on to a similar role at Bloxham School with our best wishes for the future. Richard Jones Director of Sport

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NEWS FROM THE

HOUSES

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BARLOW Head of House: Sebastian Strachwitz Hamilton Deputy Head of House: Shotaro Ida House Prefects: Benjamin Harwood, Dominic Kwan, Edward Preston, Montague Mathew, Zak Dinning

our leavers and remaining pupils will carry forward fondly. We arrived back to the beautiful countryside in September 2021 where we immediately started to reintegrate as the community that is Barlow House. Barlow had a notable head start, facilitated, in part, by I would like to thank Sebastian Strachwitz Hamilton our House layout of social, kitchen and office situated and Ben Harwood for completing the summary of on the ground floor with accommodation primarily the year below. We all wish our leavers every success vertically above this. This allowed us to interact with as they move on to new challenges. On behalf of each other much more closely and get to know each the House and myself I would also like to thank our other better during occasions like Saturday’s feast House Parent, Ms Jayne Lewis for her devoted service and film night, a Barlow tradition that other Houses to the wellbeing of Barlow’s boys and pupils in general cannot quite seem to match. This is what allowed over the last few years. Her immense experience in us to undergo the process much faster and more youth services and her warmth and professionalism successfully than our counterparts, which has been in the House have been so appreciated by us all. We enormously beneficial for the Barlow boys and our wish her every success as she returns to troubleshoot guests’ wellbeing and morale. for Somerset’s Youth Connect. At the core of this process was Mr Potter, our The year of 2021/22 started off with our arrival House Master or simply ‘Potter’ as he has become into a transition period, as the country, School and affectionately known, who now, after some 30 years in House began to move past the Covid-19 restrictive Downside, has become one of the cornerstones on period, although we have faced many challenges which our community is built. In our opinion Barlow along the way, this year was filled with great happiness, house leads the way in demonstrating support for success and, of course, challenging moments that we Benedictine values and looking out for others in the can draw upon in our future endeavours, as such we School community which has been essential in our have created many excellent memories that both transition year. He has pushed us as a House to take

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in a variety of groups and bands. Dom Kwan and Ivan Boas-Syed in the Function Band, performing at various events such as the Charity Showcase and The Evening of Love, which saw everyone dressed up in full blacktie. The Chamber Choir has been on multiple outings across the South of the UK, with newer members such as Jan Peterson and Max Su taking part, showing promise for the future of Barlow’s representation an active role in service leadership that this school in the choir. George Moorhouse, Luis Tang and Jude so well instils in the pupils here. Simply put: Barlow Bennett will also be reforming the Barlow Band with House is always present for any challenges, events, competitions or support of activities on offer. Whether many of the above next year. In graded exams, Barlow saw many successes, this is in an Inter-House competition, a DofE or Ten with Jan Peterson completing his Grade 8 piano with Tors Team or other aspects of school. We don’t quit a distinction, and Dom Kwan completing his Grade and we always participate. This was demonstrated 8 singing, not only being awarded a distinction, but many times throughout the year. The House rugby also setting a new Downside record of 142 marks competition was a ‘moral victory’ achieved through out of 150, the highest mark to be awarded to a a fantastic team effort, leaving everything out there on the field of play. We then had the Christmas Dash Downside pupil across all grades and instruments. which saw Zak Dinning (our House eating champion, Dom also participated in the Music for a Summer’s Evening before the May/June Half Term by performing and mother to all of the other boys), inhale his food on all three of his instruments throughout the evening; so fast that he was awarded a cap by Mr Jones for firstly, playing the famed “Vivaldi: Winter” from the his efforts! Barlow have also done tremendously well Four Seasons, then singing with the Downside Close in the Inter-House debates to bring about a wellHarmony Group a rendition of the Beatles’ Yesterday, deserved overall victory for which special thanks a piano performance with the Function Band and and acknowledgement must go to Aristo Cham, our topping it all off with an open-mic solo of Evermore debating champion and Captain! He was supported from the most recent Beauty and the Beast. Barlow by Justin Wu, Oliver Flynn and Jude Bennett. We also has had excellent representation in music this year, and gave an excellent effort in the Inter-House Hockey many pupils show strong signs of carrying the torch again showing up with the most House supporters. forward next year. Our Chess Captain, Luis Tang, fresh from winning the Somerset intermediate Chess Tournament (a threeday chess marathon!), took Barlow within a whisker of Inter-House victory only to be denied by a technicality. In music this year, Barlow has had its usual fair share of success. One of the most notable achievements would be the outstanding performance of The Carnival is Over, arranged by Barlow’s very own Mr McNamara and performed by Jan Peterson (Fifth Form) and Justin Wu (Fourth Form), led by Dominic Kwan (Upper Sixth Form), claiming back the title and hopefully beginning another four-year part song win streak for the House. This year’s external judge, Sarah Kettlety, stated that overall, Barlow gave ‘a great, fun filled performance!’. Pupils of Barlow have also been active

“All of our achievements this year would not have been possible to such an extent without our House staff, as they continue to support, and facilitate our progress.”

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Yvo Melotte, Ivan Boas, Nayan Danhawoor and Oliver Flynn and St Luke’s, Alexander Di Pietrantonio do much to foster and support our ethos. Mr Nichols must also claim a very honourable mention, our Deputy House Master for keeping House assemblies short, and ensuring we are all very well looked after. Tammy Hurle, Barlow’s domestic manager is also appreciated for keeping us all shipshape and organised. All our year groups were well represented in various school teams and this year’s Fourth Form intake were no exception with George Buhagiar, Johnny Rowell, Edward Howlett and Daniel Flynn leading the way in all three terms. Fourth Formers Patrick Colgan and Max Su also completed the gruelling Ten Tors event on Dartmoor and Joe Last-Sutton led the senior team. Barlow’s contribution and honours for Downside 1st Team appearances go to: Rugby 1st XV – Zak Dinning, Samuel Bellord, Shotaro Ida, Sebastian Norris, Roy Manso-Duffy, Sebastian Strachwitz Hamilton, Ivan Boas Syed, Joe Last-Sutton, All of our achievements this year would not have Nicolas Viljoen. Zak Dinning & Nicolas Viljoen also been possible to such an extent without our House with Bath Rugby honours. staff, as they continue to support, and facilitate our Hockey 1st XI – Benjamin Harwood, Samuel Bellord, progress. Mr Potter in addition to everything else, Shotaro Ida, Joe Last-Sutton, Ivan Boas Syed, Nicolas makes sure we are hospitable to our guests, insisting Viljoen we offer tea and biscuits! Our House Parents Ms Football 1st XI – Vincent Tickell, Ivo Melotte, Lewis and Mrs Mossman who are always there to Sebastian Mitton support and guide us through our adolescent ways. Cricket 1st XI – Zak Dinning, Samuel Bellord, Joe Ms Lewis never looks for our weaknesses but always Last-Sutton, Nicolas Viljoen (also with our strengths and her approach has been invaluable County honours) for us all and she will be sadly missed next year. Mrs Tennis 1st VI – Ben Harwood (Capt), Henry Wong, Mossman, who joined us this year, we also thank for Oliver Flynn,Yvo Melotte, Josu Vallancey D’Estampes, managing us and for helping all of the boys tackle Daniel Flynn their individual challenges throughout the year. We Badminton 1st V1 – London Leung, Henry Wong, must also thank and recognise Mr Hicks (our House Andy Lam, Max Su sergeant major who patrols the corridors of Barlow at Basketball 1st X11 – Andy Lam, Luis Tang, CJ Rapoo night fiercely looking for silly little children venturing to Table Tennis 1st VI – London Leung (Capt), each other’s accommodation at unreasonable times!). Henry Wong Mr O’Rourke who is always keeping us true to our Swimming U18 – Luis Tang, Sebastian Mitton, Jason Lai House spirit and Benedictine values, something which is incredibly important in our community environment. The Barlow boys have enjoyed the return to a full He also oversees our School Lectio communities and set of team fixtures against other schools this year. Barlow’s membership of St John’s, Vincent Tickell, Notably the 1st XV Rugby won seven out of their ten

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fixtures with Barlow pupils leading the way. Moreover, Zak Dinning and Nicolas Viljoen can also claim Bath Rugby Honours. The Hockey Team had an enjoyable season to which the boys from Barlow got through the shattering weather and played a significant role in the performances. The Tennis Team was dominated by Barlow Boys, as it always is, with Mr O’Rourke and Mr Potter leading the coaching! We hope the boys from Barlow can continue the tradition of achieving their best on the sports field throughout the years to come. Barlow’s strength is the level of commitment that the boys bring to the event whether representing House or School, they do so to the best of their ability. This was reflected this year with our involvement in the Clay Pigeon Shooting Club with Teddy Preston (Capt), and Montague Mathew who practiced once a week at the Mendip Shooting Ground. They both went on to compete at the Mendip shooting competition against our rival schools including Harrow, Millfield, Bruton and many more with a total of 29 different school teams of which Downside came sixth. The

Club has recently had an inflow of new keen shots from Barlow with the younger years taking an interest including Victor Bennet in the current Fifth Form who has shown an outstanding level of accuracy and will certainly continue to carry the shooting flag for the House in the years to come. After all the successes and encouraging levels of participation this year across the board Barlow can feel proud of what we have accomplished together. The year has allowed each and every Barlow House pupil to feel involved, included and happy that they have had the opportunity to give their best and contribute to both the House and School community. This year sees another batch of pupils leave from the Upper Sixth Form and we also bid farewell to Nicolas Viljoen (Fifth Form) and Juan Garcia-Manrique (Fourth Form) and wish them every success. We also wish all those who took external exams (for the first time for many of us) every success with their results. Although it is an incredibly emotional occasion to be leaving our House and Downside, Barlow has left us all feeling ready to face future challenges and opportunities in the best spirit possible with a resilience and strong sense of community that Barlow House has instilled in us. We leave you with appointments for next year, memories and a farewell from the Upper Sixth on the evening of our Ball. Sebastian Strachwitz Hamilton and Benjamin Harwood Upper Sixth Form

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CAVEREL Head of House: Sophia Burton Deputy Head of House: Sophie Worrall House Prefects: Stephanie Jedy-Agba, Maddie Jones, Magda Pienkowska, Chloe Ngan Head of House It is always sad to say goodbye to the Upper Sixth and this year we lose some amazing pupils whose contributions to the House will have a long-lasting effect. This was brought home very starkly during our Prefect interviews where girl after girl cited the positive impact our Upper Sixth have had and the legacy they leave. This year, Sophia Burton headed up the team and her passion and enthusiasm for all things Caverel exuded from her very core! Sophia effortlessly brought the House together in this crucial postCovid-19 time and she has made friendships across all year groups. Sophia writes: This academic year we have been lucky that we haven’t been disrupted by any lockdowns and that coming back in September there were fewer restrictions. This allowed us to unite as a House from the beginning of the year, something that last year’s Upper Sixth didn’t

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have the opportunity to do, and I am very proud of how all the girls bounced back into school whether they were new or old pupils. As Head of House, I have seen each girl give their all, whether that be sport, academics, or music. Deputy Head of House Sophie Worrall was Deputy Head of Caverel this year, but the decision was so impossible that we saw Sophie and Sophia as more a team of leaders and this is precisely how they acquitted themselves. Sophie’s calm and capable leadership and her unstinting support of staff and pupils was the perfect complement. Sophie writes: Being Deputy Head of Caverel has been an amazing experience and one that I won’t forget. It has challenged me and put me out of my comfort zone, but most importantly it has been incredibly rewarding. I have made close connections with the girls and staff in Caverel, and I have been able to work beside Head of House Sophia, and I feel that we have made a very strong team. I will miss Caverel being my home for the past four years, but it will always have a very special place in me.

House Prefects Our Prefect team was small in number but mighty in impact! Stephanie Jedy-Agba was, of course, Head of School this year and we also benefitted from her incredible leadership in Caverel House. She was Chair of the Abingdon Society and, although her debating prowess didn’t lead us to victory this year, she was an amazing role model for our younger debaters to learn the ropes. Maddie Jones took charge of our younger pupils in her role as Deputy Head of Juniors as well as being our Sports Captain. Her organisation, enthusiasm and powers of persuasion were a wonder to behold. Magda Pienkowska was International Prefect and her focus on charity and inclusion have been tremendously powerful and a real credit to her. Chloe Ngan assisted Magda in this role and worked quietly to support a number of pupils throughout the year. The Prefects gave Caverel their energy and commitment and certainly ensured that the notorious House parties continued in the same spirit of fun and mayhem that Caverel has come to expect. The Caverel girls have had a tremendously successful year of sport, consistently showing their passion and positivity in every sports event that has taken place throughout the academic year. Inter-House hockey was a competitive and enjoyable experience, with all years supporting one another. Numerous wins from every year group were well deserved and secured the final victory for Caverel House. Inter-House netball also resulted in a Caverel win, with the girls exhibiting a remarkable amount of effort and skill. Many individual accomplishments should be noted, such as the success of the tennis programme, with the participation of Fourth Former Antonia Weckerle, competing in the 1st Team Tennis, in the first pair. A brilliant achievement. Lower Sixth Former, Anna Hayhurst, was awarded the players player award for her outstanding performance in the 1st Netball Team. Lower Sixth Former Laila Akenzua Al-Kareem

“The Caverel girls have had a tremendously successful year of sport, consistently showing their passion and positivity…”

was also awarded a prestigious cap for her skilful and passionate leadership skills, exhibited in her role as the Captain of the 1st Netball Team. Every Netball Team had a captain from Caverel House, with Fifth Former Katie Pughe-Morgan as captain of the 2nd Netball Team and Lower Sixth Former, Oliwia Malek, as captain of the 3rd Team. All led their teams with passion, enthusiasm, and brilliant leadership. Third Former, Rosie Rooney, is our resident golfer and has recently become the youngest player to ever reach the match play semi-finals of Hampshire Ladies Championship. A massive congratulations to her. Fourth Former, Zara Bellord, has qualified for the School Equestrian Games Championships after performing extremely well in her events. Several Caverel girls participated in the U15 Netball County Tournament earlier in March, achieving third place, after a competitive and skilful day against various other schools. A standout event for the Caverel girls was the OG Netball match which took place back in March and saw many OG Caverel girls return to play current girls in a fabulous afternoon of fun. Inter-House Athletics day 2022 was a brilliant way to end the year and was full of positive and encouraging energy from staff and pupils in Caverel. The famous Caverel spirit was stronger than ever, and the event, although not a victory, was a terrific send off for the Upper Sixth, being their last Sports Day at Downside. This year has been full of successful musical events, most notably the Inter-House Music Competition. Sophie Worrall has summarised our musical year: Music is a massive part of life at Downside and there are many musical performances throughout the year as well as the highly competitive music competition. As always,

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the Caverel girls put on quite a show after weeks of hard work and commitment. We took to the stage with three show stopping songs. Starting with a rendition of Blackbird by the Beatles as our a capella part song, where the girls sang beautifully in harmony. Next, the girls stunned the audience with the House hymn, Servant King which was sung with grace and delicacy. To finish, the girls sang Suddenly I See (KT Tunstall) which blew the audience away. The dance routine, after a lot of practicing, was a triumph and the girls couldn’t stop smiling throughout! It wouldn’t have been such a success without our brilliant musicians to accompany our songs, including Jess Hall from First Form on the harp, Alessandria Majendie and Emma de Pelet on the violin, Roksana Pieronkiewicz with her tambourine, Ciara Millington on the guitar, Chloe Ngan on the xylophone and Magda Pienkowska playing both the guitar and piano. All of this hard work paid off and Caverel won the prize for the best hymn, best unison and won the competition overall! The Upper Sixth girls hope this winning streak continues! The theatre performances have also been a great success this year. The Junior years performed The Changing Room, with memorable performances from Caverel girls Rosie Rooney, Emma de Pelet, Amelie Murphy and Cecily Raper. The Evening of Love showed many great performances with the theme of ‘love’ at its centre. Sophie Worrall and Magda Pienkowska wowed with a wonderful piece from La La Land. Sophia Burton, Chloe Ngan, Hoi Ling Tang, Stephanie Jedy-Agba, Anna Hayhurst and Maddie Jones joined them performing their rendition of songs from Mamma Mia which put a great smile on everyone’s face. Stephanie Jedy-Agba, Marie-Charlotte Reiderer and Gladys Chieg all danced beautiful ballet solos. Chloe Ngan teamed up with two Isabella girls to blast out some K-Pop dance moves and a fantastic number from Chicago showcased the talents of Ebanehita Eigbefoh and Roksana Pieronkiewicz. Alessandria Majendie and Ciara Millington both fronted Function Band showing off their wonderful

voices. The variety of performances showed how incredible and diverse the musical talent here at Downside is. Caverel girls feel very strongly about helping others and their sense of service has been extremely strong. Magda has written about Caverel’s charitable ethos. This year, Caverel has had a chance to support Daughters of Eve Charity. Thanks to selling Caverel water bottles, opening our own Caverel tuck shop, and selling mugs at House at Home, we’ve raised nearly £500. We didn’t just want to talk about our charity within the House, but make sure it is tangible. Sophia and Sophie, our Heads of House, gave an amazing speech during Hymn Practice, about the importance of health rights for women. They made Caverel proud by raising awareness within the School and encouraging everyone to fight such issues. It has not only shown how much Caverel cares about fighting gender inequality, but also it has given us an opportunity to show how strong we stand in our beliefs. Additionally, thanks to the help of our Caverel parents, we gathered donations like clothes and first-aid products, to support the current situation in Ukraine. “It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.” Madeleine Albright

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There has been an extraordinary standard of debating from the Caverel girls across all ages and Caverel has come up against some tough opposition in the Abingdon Inter-House Debating Competition, the first of which being Smythe where Caverel opposed the motion “This House would support JK Rowling” with Stephanie Jedy-Agba and Sophia Burton arguing convincingly, earning a well-deserved win! The Caverel debating team, also included: Camilla Francis-Jones, Anna Hayhurst, Oliwia Malek, Maya Strauss, and Magda Pienkowska. Stephanie commended her team ‘for their excellent skill and the gracefulness in which they composed themselves even when faced with a tough opposition or a rowdy audience. Often the girls have been challenged with controversial motions that they don’t necessarily agree with, however, I have no doubt in saying that they collected themselves with an admirable decorum that was rewarded by the judges. Our final debate was against Barlow where Caverel opposed the motion “This House values law more than religion”. Sadly, Barlow was awarded the victory and despite Caverel not making it into the debating final, we are extremely proud of all the girls who represented and supported Caverel. As a House full of very strong female voices, we thought it necessary to celebrate International Women’s Day by helping others understand the significance of the event. Isabella teamed up with Caverel to broaden discussion within the School and to help promote individual responsibility for challenging stereotypes, fighting bias, improving situations and perceptions, and celebrating women’s achievements. We highlighted the fact that this day is to promote gender equality and we received many positive responses. The success of the girls and the smooth running of the House would not be possible without the excellent pastoral care of the entire team. Miss Price has been a fabulous, enthusiastic, and selfless assistant and we all wish her the greatest success as she moves on to Wycliffe College to run her own House. Miss Ackerley has been so taken with

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her role as Resident Tutor that we are delighted that she is staying another year. The House would not function (and neither would the staff) without the inimitable and incredibly multi-talented House Parents, Ms Jones, and Mrs Buckland and of course Lorna, Caverel’s resident cleaner goes above and beyond to support us all. Anna McGarry House Mistress of Caverel New House Awards The highly coveted House socks were awarded this year for those girls who consistently sported the correct uniform, and we hope our worthy recipients inspire others next year! Daisy Radcliffe, Amelie Murphy, Lucia McNally, and Marie Papachrysanthou stood out for staff and Prefects. House Caps House Caps were awarded to Sophia Burton, Sophie Worrall, Stephanie Jedy-Agba, Madeleine Jones, Magda Pienkowska and Chloe Ngan for their leadership and representing the House in so many ways throughout the year. Elinor Perkins was awarded a House Cap for unstinting and generous service to the House. House Colours House Colours were awarded to Camilla FrancisJones, Oliwia Malek, Maya Strauss and Anna Hayhurst for representing the House in debating.

ISABELLA Head of House: Beth Mitton Deputy Head of House: Conchi Manso Duffy House Prefects: Marianna Ceglarek, Alice Colgan, Maria Dolman, Amelia Evans, Celestine Healy, Lydia Kelsh This year marked a return to almost normal life in Isabella. Although things may not have been the ‘normal’ we remember, we’ve been extremely lucky throughout this year. On the first day back, the Lower Sixth returning as Upper Sixth were ecstatic to be able to see each other in person again, when we all came together to prepare for everyone’s arrival the next day. Mrs Westlake actually managing to fix the printer when it broke, was a sign that it was going to be a good year. One of the great things about being almost back to normal this year was the Common Room. This isn’t because it is one of the cosiest ones in the School but because we could once again mix with all year groups and make the most of each other’s company. In Isabella, there are endless activities that happen throughout the week, but the Common Room is also a place where you can relax and just chat. It is guaranteed that, on

arrival, there will be someone in the Common Room who will offer you a cup of tea at some point. On the first Saturday night back, we had our annual House party. This year we asked everyone to come as something that starts with the initial of their name. Costumes ranged from Coco the cupcake and Conchi the Cloud, to Cecilia the celebrity, whose acting skills impersonating Justin Bieber were also noteworthy. The Eurovision party was another event this year that enabled us to celebrate and appreciate the diversity within the House. Singing karaoke on Saturday evenings has been another weekly event not to miss. We have successfully managed to reach the end of the year with no-one confiscating it from us! This is surprising as we have been told many times that they can hear us over in Barlow. It is also surprising that Mr Westlake hasn’t kicked any of us out yet because of it. Not only do Saturday nights give all year groups a chance to go to bed a bit later but it is also an opportunity to hang out with girls from different years and eat the amazing food which the House team puts so much effort into preparing for us each week. There are many other activities taking place at weekends including ice skating,

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mountain biking trips and scuba diving in the School pool. We have visited the Fashion Museum in Bath and of course done lots of shopping. We could not sum up the year without a mention of the annual trip to Brean Leisure Park, where rides were enjoyed, and much candyfloss eaten! Each girl within Isabella House has made the most of each opportunity throughout the year and enjoyed doing new things whilst making new friendships. As a House, we have the opportunity to compete in Inter-House competitions together, ranging from music and drama, to games, debating and the Christmas Dash. We are very proud to say that we ended this year on a high by winning Sports Day. Isabella also managed to win the Christmas Dash this year, partly due to our many fast runners and Conchi’s determination not to be beaten by a chocolate-covered Brussels sprout. We were also incredibly proud of our House debating team this year, led by Sofia and Edith. A number of girls participated in debates for the first time and, despite being narrowly beaten by Barlow in the finals, the girls showed incredible determination and tackled some extremely challenging questions over the course of the competition. This year was also the first year in many that a girls’ team made it through into the Chess Final. Led by Maria and Pui Yin, the Isabella girls have all taken their chess practice very seriously in the run up to the event. Most halves and teas they could be found deep in discussion at our large chess board in the Common Room. From Inter-House Music to Sports Day, no matter what the outcome, it is guaranteed that Isabella will always be there to support and encourage everyone. The Inter-House Music Competition was long anticipated, as we had missed out on it in previous years due to Covid-19. It is safe to say that it lived up to our expectations. The countless rehearsals in preparation for the big day gave us opportunities to form relationships with girls across all year groups and gave us an insight into the hidden talent we have in Isabella. It was a chance for us to perform on stage and showcase the diverse personalities within our House. Everyone’s attitude

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towards rehearsals and the evening itself was remarkable – the perseverance, resilience and positive outlook gave our performance real spirit and energy. Our House song, When I Grow Up from Matilda, was chosen to make use of every year in the House. From the Juniors to the Upper Sixth, we could show the unique relationships in Isabella. Through the song, we aimed to explore what it means to be grown up and emphasise the transition from childhood to adulthood. We also performed the hymn Be still for the presence for the Lord and our part song, which was La Vie en Rose. This was sung a capella by a smaller group of Isabella girls and demonstrated their skill as it was a challenging arrangement that sounded superb. Overall, it was a very gratifying and exciting experience that we hope everyone enjoyed. Although we may not have won, we definitely put up a good fight and enjoyed working together.

Music is a huge part of daily life at Downside with Isabella House being well represented in various school groups from Choir and Concert Band to String Orchestra. Events throughout the year, such as The Evening of Love, have often featured Isabella girls taking centre stage. The Evening of Love showcased the talents and hard work of many across a range of music, dance, and drama. Notable performances came from many, including a beautiful performance of Sonnet 43 by Maria and a breath-taking rendition of Adele sung by Antonia. Other musical events this year, in which many girls in Isabella have taken part, include An Evening of Brass, which took place on Thursday 4th November, the special concert on Friday 21st January performed by the Chamber Choir at Wells Cathedral and the St Cecilia Concert which was another night to remember as an evening full of incredible music. On a smaller scale, Saturday night has also been ‘playlist night’ and we have been entertained throughout the year with some interesting music choices in the Common Room, whilst we enjoy our feast. A further notable musical achievement was the girls at the House at Home, who decided to busk to raise funds for our partner charity: well done to Jess and Lara, whose playing made a significant contribution to the fundraising event, and showing the versatility of our House musicians. There have been many, many other events in which Isabella girls have actively taken part, which shows their ongoing commitment to do their best at whatever they do. A Fashion Show was organised by Ari and Scarlett: they worked on it for around six months and involved pupils from across the School as either models or designers and all the money they raised from

“There have been many, many other events in which Isabella girls have actively taken part, which shows their on-going commitment to do their best at whatever they do.”

this event was donated to UNICEF, which helps disadvantaged children all over the world. Some highlights of the evening include Lydia’s wonderful collection, inspired by the elements with pieces of incredibly high quality. Modelled by Lily and Conchi, also in the Upper Sixth, they brought these fabulous pieces to life. The Greek Goddess collections made by Scarlett based on Aphrodite, Persephone, Hecate, and Hera, were similarly impressive. Coco, Kara, and Maria also made two collections inspired by ancient female warriors, channelling their strength and unity into their performance. Isabella was also actively involved in organising International Women’s Day this year, the theme of which was BreakTheBias. This day promoted individual responsibility for challenging stereotypes, fighting bias, broadening perceptions, improving situations, and celebrating women’s achievements. This year we also had many Isabella girls taking part in Ten Tors on Dartmoor as well as Duke of Edinburgh award expeditions. All girls participating know that, whilst they are extremely challenging, they are equally rewarding. The Model United Nations Conference was also an event to which we sent representatives and we were given the chance to get a taste of the worthwhile undertaking of Politics. The issues discussed included Human Rights in Belarus and Period Poverty, both of which were discussed intently in different committees, such as Human

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Rights and Health. Our interest in world issues was also highlighted by Amalia, who recently gave an extremely inspiring speech in Hymn Practice about global warming and the responsibility we have as part of the wider world. Isabella has continued to be actively involved in many of the Lectio groups in School as well as the St Teresa Community and the St Francis Community, where we have participated in sleepouts to raise funds for a local homeless charity, sold roses to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation and helped to promote recycling. Isabella continues to be a House that does much as part of the wider community. A definite high point of this year was that we were able to host the first post Covid-19 House at Home. Having the chance to meet everyone’s family and put names to faces was also a highlight of the day as we were able to get to know the wider community beyond Isabella House at Downside. Beginning with Mass at the Abbey Church, we then had performances from some of our musicians followed by speeches from Mrs Westlake, Hanna Kedzior (I21), last year’s Head of House and Beth, Head of House, in the Gasquet, all of which focussed on the special place that Isabella has in all our hearts, even for those girls who have moved on from Isabella. We then decided to do something new… we invited everyone to join the House for our very first “Isabella House Fete”. The cloisters were filled with laughter and chatter as families enjoyed the events that the House had organised, from the human fruit machine, busking, guess the weight of the cake, the ladder game, and an impressive art exhibition and so much more. The day was one of the most memorable days for all of those in the Isabella community this year. The Fete made it a fun day for all, as well as allowing us to raise money for our chosen charity – “We Get it”, a small, local charity, based in Bath that provides a wide range of support for individuals and families who have been affected by cancer. It is a charity that is close to our hearts particularly as a number of our community have been affected by cancer and we believe this

type of support is invaluable to those at all stages of diagnosis, treatment, remission, and recovery. The day came to a close with a delicious roast dinner and coffee back in Isabella. Isabella has once again been well served by a dedicated Prefect Team. They have had to reinvent their roles in a new post Covid-19 world but have stepped up to the challenge admirably and worked hard to support the reintegration of the House after living in “bubbles” for the past few years. Beth Mitton has proven herself to be an outstandingly hard working and dedicated Head of House, who has always given of her time to support the House and everyone in it. Conchi Manso Duffy has supported Beth as Deputy Head of House, alongside the Prefect Team of Mariana Ceglarek, Alice Colgan, Mia Evans, Lydia Kelsh and Lara Standivan. Maria Dolman has been a fantastic Sports Captain and has done wonders to encourage participation in sports within the House, not just in Inter-House competitions, but in wider events, such as the Sunday evening football tournaments. Celi Healy led the House Music this year, and her musical ability has, without doubt, continued to encourage the strong musical tradition that we have in Isabella. They have all worked hard to contribute to the smooth running of the House. Their support this year has been invaluable and appreciated by both the staff and girls alike. The Head of First, Second and Third Form girls this year was Lily Garrett, who has worked hard to support the younger members of the House. All the Prefect Team have proven themselves to be excellent role models to all around them, with their dedication to their academic studies, whilst at the same time, serving the House and wider School community. We continue to have the good fortune of an excellent House Team, who work hard to support the girls every single day. We have fantastic House Parents, who all carry out their individual duties to help keep the House running smoothly. Miss Ford and Miss Ball, alongside Mrs St Clair and Mrs Fry, do so much for all of us; we are forever grateful to

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them for their unending patience. Miss Culverwell and Miss Johnson joined us as Resident Tutors this year, and their energy and enthusiasm has been very welcome. Their Saturday night disco and toastie time has become something of an Isabella institution that will be their legacy for years to come. The work of the Isabella tutors is something that we are very much appreciative of in Isabella: Miss Ball, Mrs Alcantara, Miss Anglim, Mrs Rainey, Dr Leatherbarrow, Mrs Williams, Mrs Spurling and Mrs Shaw can always be relied upon to go above and beyond in support of the girls both academically and pastorally. As ever, it is always with great sadness that we have to say goodbye at the end of the year. This year, we say farewell to Miss Johnson, who has been a great Resident Tutor over the past two years, we are not sure that anyone can replace her toastie making skills on a Saturday night! We also say farewell to Mrs Alcantara, who has been a dedicated Isabella tutor over the past few years. We are going to miss you but wish you well as you move to become Assistant House Mistress in Caverel House. As we come to the end of another busy year in Isabella House and look back at everything we have done and achieved, it is truly heart-warming.

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Isabella has again proven itself to be so much more than just a boarding house. Isabella is a House with a strong identity and ethos. The Isabella spirit continues to shine through in every Isabella girl. Despite the challenges we may face, the embodiment of Benedictine values within Isabella will always be consistent. Isabella continues to mould us all into the people we want to become and being a part of Isabella is something that will remain with us all for a lifetime. Karen Westlake House Mistress of Isabella

POWELL Head of House (Deputy Head Boy): Angus Christie Deputy Head of House: Andy Lam House Prefects: Dylan Chan, Caspar Shaw, Alexander Di Pietrantonio, Freddie Whitaker, Tom Pike, Mathew Stanislas, Ivan Boas Syed, Sam Boas Syed, Luis Tang, Ayrton Rose, Joe Last Sutton, Archie Smellie Another academic year has come to an end and, having recovered, I now realise that this group of boys proved to be one of the most dynamic, spirited and joyful groups with which I have had the pleasure to work. It is always difficult to balance the needs of the individual and achieve a strong sense of community. Since I arrived as Powell House Master, eight years ago, I have come to appreciate that the Benedictine ethos provides an excellent path to achieve this. We ask a lot of the boys in the first years of their senior school; I hope their experience has allowed them to get to know one another well, to develop lasting friendships and to grow in confidence, unafraid to express themselves freely amongst their peers, without inhibitions or embarrassment. The boys have sustained a great deal of activity

in a wide range of pursuits. In music, sport, CCF and various clubs and societies, I can only mention a few who stand out slightly from the 57 Powell boys this year. James Mason Carney, Ryan Kwok and Conrad Petersen have excelled on the music front. In particular, Henry Gogh was a valued member of the brass group and Inigo Quaife is making excellent progress on the bag pipes hopefully following in Owain Daley’s (R21)

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“Great fun was had by all and the pupils had a chance to develop their teamwork and leadership skills as well as enjoy each other’s company as a year group before the end of term. ”

(last year’s Head of House) shoes! Ryan Kwok played the ocarina at the Powell House at Home and brought the audience to tears with this magical instrument. In a competitive and high achieving Third Form year group, Ian Cheung, Ned Jenkins, Ryan Kwok and Alva Kwan are commended for their high standards of academic work. The following boys were awarded prizes at Speech Day: Zuba Kwan (Head’s Progress Prize in Second Form), Ned Jenkins (Religious Studies and Chemistry), Ian Chung (Geography), Alexander Karl (Design) and Alva Kwan (Physical Education). Enzo Blackmore showed himself to be an outstanding rugby player in the Foals Rugby XI. Rupert Tangent, Harry Garrett and Joshua Uhrmacher were fine members of the Hockey Team. Boris Priscott and Oscar Rooney had outstanding achievements on the cricket pitch with Oscar’s four wickets for six runs against Milton Abbey being a real highlight – not bad for a first former playing against boys in the Fourth Form! Louis Vallancey, Francis Mathew and Harry Garrett proved to be strong and plucky middledistance runners. Harry Garret who represented Somerset managed to reach the U14 National Cross-Country finals in Kent which was an outstanding achievement. Equally exciting was the annual sports day. In particular, Joshua Gathangu and Orson Greensmith performed very well in the 100m and 200m winning both their races. On Sunday afternoons there was a great number of opportunities to discover new activities such as climbing, shooting, kayaking, paint balling, Brean, caving, adventure golf as well as the ever-popular trips to the beautiful city of Bath. After months of instruction from Dom James

and Paul Andrewartha, five boys were confirmed in the Abbey Church by the Bishop of Clifton, the Right Reverend Declan Lang. This was a special day for the confirmands, Enzo Blackmore, Hugh Jones, Henry Gogh, Alex Karl and Francis Mathew, their families, and friends. I thank the Chaplaincy Team for their individual help and support this year. In addition, Inigo Quaife, Luc Joy and Orson Greensmith received a very special baptismal service late in the Summer Term. The Summer Term as always is very much enjoyed but at the same time is incredibly busy with so much to cram in. This term was no different. A large number of the Powell boys are involved in the production of Down the Rabbit Hole which will now be performed in September, and we await Seth Michael’s performance as ‘King’ with excitement. On the last weekend of term, we took all the Third Form boys and girls away to Skern Lodge Residential Centre, in Appledore, Devon where they spent a long weekend participating in activities such as abseiling, surfing, raft building, power boating and kayaking. Great fun was had by all and the pupils had a chance to develop their teamwork and leadership skills as well as enjoy each other’s company as a year group before the end of term. I am very grateful to

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all the staff who attended this trip, it is a real highlight for me as you get to see children having so much fun, embracing their fears and developing in confidence! I would like to thank all the House staff, who worked ceaselessly to support the pupils; David Pollard, my Assistant House Master; Dave Bryson, Resident Tutor, our House Parents, Michelle Pollard and Tina Biberger; the Tutors and the Prefects, Angus Christie, and Andy Lam, who, with the Prefect Team, ensured the smooth operation of the House. Angus and Andy proved to be excellent role models, fulfilling their responsibilities, achieving excellent results, and engaging in a full and active school life in every respect. We thank them for their support in the House and wish them every success in their future endeavours. Thanks, would not be complete without mentioning the cleaning and maintenance staff, who operate tirelessly behind the scenes, battling through the mess the boys sometimes leave in their wake. Finally, I would like to pay tribute to all the pupils I have had the pleasure of looking after during my eight-year tenure. They have made

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Powell House what it is: a place full of life and laughter, friendship, and fun. I am confident that Powell will be in safe hands with the new House Master, Mr Andy Hamilton, who joins us from Wycliffe College. I wish him and his family a warm welcome. In addition, Powell is fortunate to have Dylan Chan as Head of Powell and Caspar Shaw as Deputy next academic year. I know they will work tirelessly together following in the footsteps of Angus and Andy. Jonathan Dolman House Master of Powell

ROBERTS Head of House: Jacob Gould Deputy Head of House: Barney Sharifi Sports Captain: Ben Hart Guestmaster: Will Dewhurst Prefects: Joseph Day, Angus Christie, Jakub Milczarek, Ollie Wood, Jamie Shie, Roman Majendie, Louis Le Blan. I am incredibly blessed to have joined Roberts House and, as my first year at Downside draws to a close, I feel remarkably settled into life in this beautiful setting, together with my wife and two children. The sense of community and togetherness in Roberts House is palpable, and this is something I recognised immediately upon meeting a crosssection of the boys in the House when visiting the School, prior to even commencing the House Master role. The boys spoke so passionately about the attachment and affiliation they feel to the House, and it was clear they all wanted to contribute towards its success, supporting each other through the triumphs and challenges they encounter. They exhibited a genuine sense of happiness that they are a part of this community.

This notion of belonging and unity is so important to me and so I was excited to get to work to maintain and enhance the Roberts House identity, feeling most honoured to have the opportunity to lead this brilliant House. As the year began, I quickly realised the Roberts House community was even stronger than I had hoped and that this demanding vocation of being a House Master would be even more enjoyable. This was largely due to the fantastic team of staff with whom I have the pleasure of working. Firstly, Dr Tapia, the finest Assistant House Master for whom we could ask and an ever-present source in House of extra help with mathematics; something of which the boys make regular and successful use! Also, our exceptional House Parents, Mrs Muse and Mrs Scott, who do so much for the boys every single day. They are so caring and always go above and beyond the call of duty to support our Roberts boys. Carol, our cleaner, is also an integral part of the House, working tirelessly to keep the place in tidy order and seeking to instil her unrivalled high standard of cleanliness in the boys! Finally, the tutor team made up of Mr Bryson, Fr Michael, Mr Rigby, Mr Jones and Mr Bevan. They

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joyfully contested event this year which united the House as we prepared to perform Justin Bieber’s song Baby. Louis Le Blan’s ability to enthuse the whole House on stage won him the prize for the Best Conductor in what was an entertaining and amusing performance as expected! Led by Joseph Day and Barney Sharifi, and with valuable involvement from other members of the House, Roberts were again a force with which to be reckoned throughout the year in the Abingdon have been such a valuable source of support for Debating Competition, narrowly missing out on a staff and pupils through their commitment to tutoring and evening and day time duties. We really place in the final. Joseph and Barney also performed exceptionally well in a Model United Nations event are very fortunate to have such a dedicated team this year, hosted by Bristol Grammar School, with of staff in Roberts. Joseph being highly commended for his role as the We have had a very successful year in Roberts delegate of Ireland in the very competitive Security House, with sport a key area in which we have Council, and Barney being highly commended as excelled. Roberts emerged as the overall winners the delegate of Iran in the Health Committee. of the Inter-House Rugby in the Michaelmas In the latter stages of this busy and enthralling Term, with the Juniors storming to victory in their year, Roberts House were again victorious, this competition and the Seniors finishing as runnersup. We were similarly victorious in the Inter-House time in the Inter-House Chess competition! Led by our Chess Captain, Ryan Yuen, the boys Hockey competition in the Lent Term, and it was defeated some tough competition and sealed first again excellent to see so many Roberts boys place, thereby winning the Chess Cup, awarded involved. To round the sporting year off, we also at Prize Day. One of our chess players, Alberto finished top in the Inter-House Athletics, Sports Day event in the Summer Term. Ben Hart certainly Wong, has also excelled in mathematics this deserves a special mention for his contributions as year and should be further recognised for his achievement of a Gold Certificate in the UKMT our Sports Captain this year and the enthusiasm Intermediate Mathematics Challenge, qualifying to he has brought to all these events and the way in which he has united the boys, organising teams and take part in the Pink Kangaroo Challenge. This is a commendable achievement for someone in the offering fantastic support, was certainly influential Fourth Form. in bringing about our successes. What was most Also deserving of a special mention is this year’s pleasing in all of this was the gracious manner in which the boys enjoyed their accomplishments, and Head of Powell and Deputy Head of School, Angus Christie, who has been rewarded for his fantastic I was so proud to see members of the Upper Six contribution to Downside School with a Gregorian Prefect Team encouraging the rest of the House Medal. A member of Roberts has now received to ensure they acted with courtesy and propriety this great honour for three consecutive years and as the results were read out and during the celebrations which followed. One such individual Angus is a thoroughly deserving recipient. He who led by example in this regard was our Head of embodies what Downside education is about and House, Jacob Gould, whose contributions to sport is a real credit to Roberts and the School. It was a real pleasure to see Angus leading the procession at Downside were further recognised as he was at the end of the Prize Day Mass on the feast day awarded the Cave Cup for Sportsman of the Year. of St. Oliver Plunkett. House Music was another competitively and

“The sense of community and togetherness in Roberts House is palpable, and this is something I recognised immediately upon meeting a crosssection of the boys in the House when visiting the School, prior to even commencing the House Master role.”

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Other memorable events this year include the CCF Inspection Parade, in which a great many of the members of Roberts House were involved, and of course the Roberts House at Home. It was truly wonderful to be able to invite parents and guests back onsite to occasions such as this. The camaraderie present among the Roberts boys was again unmistakable and family and friends enjoyed a fantastic variety of acts and speeches ranging from a science workshop to musical performances. The sense of unity in the House has also been prevalent during our weekend socials in the House kitchen, where House staff have made burgers, milkshakes, or tacos for the boys, or, more excitingly, when pupils have been involved in the cooking, for example making dumplings to celebrate the Chinese New Year. In addition to the upcoming end of year festivities they are about to enjoy as part of their send-off into the big, wide world, I want to say a huge thank you to this year’s Upper Sixth Form. They have been exemplary in their behaviour and leadership of the House and I know the boys in the younger years really look up to them. They have set the tone this year to create a caring and compassionate house of young men who look out for and support each other. They have really helped me and my family settle into life in Roberts and more widely at Downside and for this I am very grateful.

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The Lower Sixth Form have matured immensely during the course of this year and really pulled together to form a tight-knit group of friends who work together well. I am greatly looking forward to working with them next year as they take on more responsibility in leadership and prefect roles at the top of the School, and I am confident they will do an excellent job of enriching the Roberts House identity and community spirit. The Fifth Form have been a pleasure to work with this year and they are certainly a year group with real potential to thrive and flourish as they move into the Sixth Form. Like the Upper Sixth, they were disciplined in knuckling down to prepare for their public examinations and I wish them every success and happiness on results day! The Fourth Form are a truly delightful group of young men and I am delighted to have joined Roberts House at the same time as them and to have the opportunity to see them through their time at Downside. They have thrown themselves into school life, embracing the many opportunities on offer and making the Fourth Form dormitory a happy AND TIDY(!!) place to be! I wish everyone who is leaving the House at the end of this successful year all the best for the future, and I look forward to working with those who are remaining with us next year! Josh Freeman House Master of Roberts

SMYTHE Head of House: Abdul Khalik Akenzua Al-Kareem Deputy Head of House: Alex Dentskevich House Prefects: Ben Boas Syed, Inigo Cañellas, Jimmy Chow, Harry Clark, Archie Farthing, Louis Hansom, Gus Healey, Robert Keeley, Brian Makaza

The 1st XI, captained for a second consecutive year by Louis Hansom, have just gone on tour to Ampleforth. Smythe has provided a substantial number of cricket players to the Firsts this year: Harry Clark, Rob Keeley, Leo Matthews, Matthew Stanislas, Ivor Jones, Zach Healey, Tom Pike, and Charlie Hayhurst all representing the School at Writing this year’s report on a glorious afternoon this level and enjoying tremendous sport on our in late June to the sounds of laughter in the Quad glorious pitch with what must be the finest view and cricket bags being trundled through the that any Public School can boast. The House’s House, it is easy to forget quite how much has cricketing future seems secure, but so too our changed over the course of this academic year. rugby and hockey. Rob Keeley was captain of But, among the papers that have collected on my the 1st XV, joined variously on the pitch by desk I find a terrible reminder that as recently Abdul Khalik Akenzua Al-Kareem, Archie Farthing, as February we were quarantining pupils for up Gus Healey, Harry Clark, Alex Dentskevich, to ten days in Old Top if they tested positive for Brian Makaza, Ivor Jones, Matthew Stanislas, Leo Covid-19. There was no guarantee at all that we Matthews, Oliver Webb, Charlie Boarder, and would end the year quite so normally, but it is Luke McGarry. We are proud of the hard work a tremendous joy that we do, with Downside’s that Luke and Charlie have put in to ensure that first Giving Day, Three Days in June, Prize Day, they have been retained within the Bath Academy and the Leavers’ Ball all to look forward to in the programme and celebrate with Khalik his award week ahead, all without limits on our ability to of a professional contract, again with Bath. On share together as a community, to exercise that the Hockey pitch Smythe was represented at the Benedictine value of welcome which has felt so highest levels by Robert Keeley, Inigo Cañellas, difficult during the pandemic. Jimmy Chow, Alex Dentskevich, Harry Clark, Louis

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Hansom, Albermarle Cutbill, Oliver Webb, Tom Pike, Leo Matthews, Matthew Stanislas, Ayrton Rose, and Charlie Hayhurst. At a House rather than School level, Smythe’s sporting successes this year have come in InterHouse Basketball and the Christmas Dash. Our Basketball team of Jimmy Chow, Inigo Cañellas, Daniel Kwok, Gus Healey, Archie Farthing, Ben Boas Syed, Andrew Ng, and Clovis Tari won clear victories over Roberts and Barlow in May, while the House’s win in assuredly the most prestigious of sporting competitions – the Dash – was made possible in December by a literally astounding display of eating by Brian Makaza… and some very fine running too from Jimmy Chow, Harry Clark, Oliver Webb, Charlie Boarder, Luke McGarry, Clovis Tari, Harvey Hayhurst, Charlie Pike, Boris Priscott, Ned Jenkins, Beltran Silva Munoz Pan, and Inigo Quaife. The victory margin was nearly a full lap of the course. One final sporting achievement deserves mention here: Albemarle Cutbill, who joined the House and the School in the Lower Sixth, has very successfully combined his Sixth Form studies with a demanding schedule of training and competition as a Team GB sailor; his will be a career to watch, and we wish him every success on the water. Despite all these sporting highlights, it remains the case that I won’t describe Smythe as a ‘Sporting House’: we are still an ‘All-Round House’, and the achievements of the Smythe boys in all areas of their academic and extra-curricular lives are to be celebrated. We have a large number of very talented musicians – as those parents and families who were able to attend the House at Home in March will attest. Dylan Chan, Ayrton Rose, Bosco Mok, Andrew Ng, Luke and Jonah McGarry have all been prominent members of the School choirs. None who were present will forget Domingo Bermudez’ terrific performance on the Drums at the end of his final Head’s Assembly in December, and the number of individual performances by our musicians through the year have been legion. In

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“They are without exception remarkable young men, and we wish every one of them joy and success in their lives beyond Downside..”

the Inter-House Music competition, Smythe was awarded Best Boys’ House, with particular credit to Ayrton, Dylan and Bosco for their rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah!, and to Jimmy Chow who accompanied all three pieces on the piano to secure the Best Accompaniment prize. Meanwhile, Ben Boas Syed has been studying at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute in Bristol, commuting almost daily throughout his two Sixth Form years. His first EP will be released later in the summer, and I am sure he will have a glittering career. After two years without public examinations, it has been nice to feel the natural rhythm of the year returning this summer as the Fifth and Upper Sixth have prepared themselves for GCSEs and A-Levels respectively. Much has been written in the Press about the impact of Covid-19 on pupils’ readiness for examination, but it is a credit to the Smythe boys that they have knuckled down to the task of revision. I hope that their efforts will be rewarded when the results are reported in August. Our debating team in the Abingdon Society has not been as successful this year as sometimes – perhaps a reflection of the number of different pupils who have all been keen to participate in these lively and hotlycontested events. Ambrose Mui in particular has been a stalwart of the competition and will I feel sure be looking to consolidate Smythe’s position next time round. Ambrose also had a remarkable end to the Summer Term, arranging to spend a week working with our local MP in Westminster, meeting a number of high-profile figures at a time of huge political turmoil in the UK, including Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party. Ambrose likely has a political career ahead of him. I pay tribute here to the character of the boys

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of this House, and especially those leaving our community whether at the end of their Upper Sixth year or sooner; whether they have spent four years in Smythe or just a term. They are without exception remarkable young men, and we wish every one of them joy and success in their lives beyond Downside. The Upper Sixth have been a great year group who despite the difficulties of two Covid-struck years have been a model of unity and community. The Prefect body have worked hard for the greater good of the pupils within the House, ably led by Khalik and Alex. They began the year not in Polding, but in Plunkett as the restrictions on movement and the final redecoration of the Smythe Dorm impacted on how our space could be used. While there – for the first half of the Michaelmas Term – they were very ably supported by Mr Worsman, who this year steps down as Assistant House Master, a role in which he has shown dedicated care for all our boys for nearly five years. I am delighted that he will be continuing in Smythe as a Tutor… and I am sure we will always be able to find him a bed if he wishes to do an overnight duty! I record my thanks as always to all of the House Staff: Tutors, House Parents, Domestic staff. Mr Ramsden will be the new Assistant House Master from September, and we will be joined by Mr Harley Howard as Resident Tutor. Mrs Filer joined the team in September as House Parent alongside the ever-dependable Ms Nash. Leaving the Tutor team this year are Mr Rawlins and Mr Simper whose new roles as members of the Academic Leadership Team excuse them tutoring duties, but not, I hope, a lasting association with Smythe House. It has also been sad this year to say farewell to our Monastic Community, and so to Dom James and Dom Boniface who have been such regular visitors as Chaplains in recent years: the House awarded them both their House Colours, and the Community of St Gregory the Great, House Cap – small tokens of a lasting esteem. It has been, as it always is, a pleasure and a privilege to walk with the boys of this House

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through their journeys this academic year. They make the role of House Master a pleasure, every day bringing new joys… and sometimes new challenges. I look forward to seeing many again in September and hope that all those whose travels have now taken them beyond Smythe will stay in touch and report all the adventures and achievements that they go on to have in the years to come. John Storey House Master of Smythe House Awards 2021-2022 Caps: Community of St Gregory the Great, Abdul Khalik Akenzua Al-Kareem, Alex Dentskevich, Reobert Keeley, Jimmy Chow, Mr Rory Worsman, Mr Richard Rawlins. Colours: Dom Boniface Hill, Dom James Hood, Ayrton Rose, Ambrose Mui, Dylan Chan, Gus Healey, Harry Clark, Louis Hansom, Ben Boas Syed, Mr Oliver Simper. Half-Colours: Harvey Hayhurst, Bosco Mok, Freddie Dentskevich, Matthew Stanislas, Tom Pike, Leo Matthews, Ivor Jones, Brian Makaza, Daniel Kwok, Archie Farthing, Albemarle Cutbill, Inigo Cañellas.

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FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE The power and importance of community has been ensure you receive a very warm welcome. profoundly visible this year with a sense of ‘normal’ It is hard to believe that the Performing Arts returning to the School corridors, communal areas, Centre reopened five years ago following its and on the sports field. The one-way system and refurbishment, making it even more significant that year group bubbles previously pupils returned to the stage required due to Covid-19 seem this year without constraints like a distant memory, allowing “It is somewhere where the children utilising the Performing can clearly embrace the wonders for a renewed appreciation of Arts Centre and Fleischner of the stage and challenge education and the ability to Theatre to its full potential. themselves and fulfil ambitions.” unite without limitations to We took this opportunity Current Parent grow even further. to reflect and thank our This has also been a generous donors on the prevalent theme with OGs impact this fantastic facility has this year, who have returned to Downside in high provided and continues to provide in a short video. numbers from across the world, enjoying tours of Old Gregorians who performed in the opening the School and Abbey Church with their friends and West Side Story production in 2017 shared their family once again. It is always a pleasure to welcome highlights alongside a current parent and Director OGs and our Wider Community back to Downside, of Music, Julian McNamara, who has seen first-hand hearing various stories and memories from favourite the transformation this facility has provided for teachers to sheep in the Gasquet! If you would like pupils, staff and guests who join us in the audience to schedule a visit, please contact the Development throughout the year. Thank you to all who enable Office at development@downside.co.uk and we will projects, such as this, to be realised.

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purpose and vision, including development and During West Side Story’s production, one of fundraising. The Senior Leadership Team, together the Theatre’s major benefactors, Hans Fleischner with the Governors, have reassessed the five-year (C45), gave a short speech that struck the hearts strategy, setting ambitious and exciting goals. of everyone in the audience. During his speech, he Following the departure of the Monastic urged pupils to ‘…go out into the world but to never Community in March to Southgate House, Buckfast forget their alma mater and when in a position to Abbey, the value of our Benedictine ethos and do so help their old school so that it could flourish and thrive for future generations.’ We are extremely spiritual thread that weaves throughout the School is even more important. We, as the School, grateful that Hans and his wife, Leslie, have so Old Gregorians and Wider Community, have a generously supported the School for many years, responsibility and opportunity to nurture and build providing bursary funding for talented pupils, whilst upon the firm foundations provided by the Monastic enhancing our facilities. Community. As John so eloquently described “…the Sadly, in November 2021, Hans died at the age Monastic Community and School were a bit like a of 94 having lived a happy and full life. With special parent and child relationship. The parents have now permission from the Abbot, his ashes were buried in the Monastic Cemetery. Dom Leo Maidlow-Davis departed, meaning the child must stand up and be conducted the Interment of Ashes Service alongside counted, making space for the School, to grow into its own path.” family and friends who had travelled from the US We are once again humbled to have such loyal and Austria to celebrate his life, including Christopher Old Gregorians, parents, past parents and a wider Jones-Parry (B46), one of Hans’ longstanding community who have so contemporaries. His obituary kindly supported the School can be found in The Old especially as the cost of living “What I have now is a younger child Gregorian section. who’s getting the biggest and best and other external factors As restrictions eased, the all-round education I could ever ask have risen and could have awaited Requiem Mass for for which would not have happened easily impacted the ability to the four Vice-Presidents of St without the Bursary Fund.” give. Fundraising and a culture Gregory’s Society who passed Current Parent of philanthropy is central to away during the last three our future and has been deep years took place in the Abbey rooted in our foundations Church. Dom Leo Maidlow for many years. Your generosity allows for aspiring Davis, Chaplain of St Gregory’s Society, developments to facilities and life-changing access to conducted a private service to honour their a Downside education through the Father Laurence lives and the contribution they each made to the School and Old Gregorians. We are extremely Bursary Fund. Our inaugural Giving Day in June was a huge grateful for the generous time and commitment success, with impressive participation across 41 given to the School by those who are appointed countries, further demonstrating the strength of Council Members of St Gregory’s Society and our whole community. From sending a Message of Council and want to ensure their lives and Hope, walking a few kilometres to help us travel contribution are celebrated. In April, Dr Giles Mercer handed the mantle of 1814km in recognition of our founding year in Chair of Governors to Michael Bernard, with John Somerset, sharing our message on social media or contributing financially to one of our three Ludlow (C82) as Deputy Chair. Both Michael and areas of greatest need, we are extremely grateful John are fervently passionate about the future of and humbled. Together, we can offer the gift of the School, ensuring we are aligned to our core

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education to many more families, whilst restoring and renewing our majestic buildings. Pupils engaged in activities and challenges, including an 18th Century Bake Off, making signature bakes from the Bristol Gregorian Cooking book, the Art Department created a collage of historic photographs with excerpts from The Raven and the kayaking group formed 1814 using their bodies and kayaks. The Inter-House Chess Tournament took place at the Giving Day Hub on the giant outdoor chess set, kindly funded by the 2019 Annual Fund, with Roberts winning overall. When we reached 150 donors, Mr Hobbs faced the ice-bucket challenge in true Somerset style with

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Lord Jesus may the support, gifts, and prayers lovingly given by the Downside Community enable us to build a sustainable future for our School and inspire our pupils and their families. May the community of togetherness continue to live through Downside for the next 1814 years and more!

the use of a tractor bucket! The full video can be found on our YouTube channel. At the end of the 36 hours, just under £90,000 was raised from across 16 countries, with 97 firsttime donors, which is an extraordinary achievement. Thank you to all who participated in some way to our first Giving Day. Alongside one-off donations, we are blessed with generous donors who choose to sponsor individual pupils, such as Sports Scholars, which over the last few years has resulted in outstanding pupils, raising the standard of ability and skill within sports at Downside. One example is Khalik, an Upper Sixth Sports Scholar, who signed a contract with Bath Senior Academy this year, we wish him all the best for the future and look forward to watching his career grow. Finally, the events calendar resumed in September with the Under 35s Drinks event in London. Always a lively gathering, with many new faces joining us this year and often the first event that our new Old Gregorians attend. This was swiftly followed by St Gregory’s Society AGM at Downside School and Downside Association’s Super Saturday, a new event which began prior to Covid-19. The aim is to bring our whole community together in celebration of our sports teams, including an OG fixture, which this time was the Old Gregorian Football Club who enjoyed a competitive match against the School. Thank you to the Downside Association for their continued support and always providing a smile when welcoming our parents, wider community, and guests back to Downside. The St Gregory’s Society Old Gregorian Dinner at the East India Club was extremely popular and the Carol Service in London, whilst quieter due to Covid-19, got us in a festive mood as the calendar year drew to a close. Thank you to the Holy Redeemer, Chelsea for accommodating us during such challenging times. Dinners continued across the world where possible, including Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Kenya, whilst in the UK, the Edinburgh Dinner, various

anniversary reunions and professional networking opportunities returned. Whilst most events returned in-person, the value and ease of virtual gatherings must not be forgotten, especially with our wider community spanning the globe. In March we held our first Online Q&A session with the Head and Abbot, responding to key questions surrounding the future of the School and Monastic Community. We are grateful to all who attended and look forward to future sessions where we can share our vision with openness and transparency. It is also with thanks to Fr John Tabor (C91), who continued the virtual Lectio group this year, meeting regularly online to share and contemplate the word of God together. There are many Old Gregorian Sport Societies to get involved with and it was a pleasure to see Downside Wanderers Cricket Club back on the glorious Downside pitch for numerous matches. The Old Gregorian Golfing Society also resumed their fixtures, including an excellent match against the School. The first OG Netball match also took place against the School during the March Downside Association Super Saturday, expanding the OG Sport Societies on offer. We hope to have an OG Rugby Team up and running and an OG Chess Society. Let us know if you’d like to be involved in any of these. Thank you to all who have supported the School during the last year, whether in time or financially, we look forward to seeing you at one of this year’s events. Jessica Newman Director of Development

Jessica Newman

Paige Owen

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CHAPLAINCY REPORT 2022 Mass, Prayer, Lectio Divina and the Communities of Saints John, Luke, Teresa of Calcutta and Francis of Assisi The Abbey Church has once again become the focal point for pupils at the start of the academic year. It was wonderful to be able to begin the academic year with Mass in the Abbey Church on the first day and a short service the night before for new pupils who were accompanied by the senior pupils in their House. It has been a challenge for the choir, servers, and readers after a long absence. The pupils have responded well and it’s encouraging to see their commitment and their desire to get involved in the singing, reading, serving and organization of the Sunday Mass. Jennifer Rainey, the Head of English, has helped with the training of the readers. All the Houses have had their House Mass and Reconciliation Service. The different House Masses have been strong moments in the life of the House, with the St Luke’s Community taking a lead role in the organisation. The time of the Tuesday morning Old Chapel Mass has been moved to 5.10pm in the evening in the hope that it would attract more. We had a Mass for the Chileans around their National Day (18th September) and a mass on 11th November for the Polish. All Souls Day, 2nd November, was marked with a moving Prayer Service in the Abbey Church in the evening. We prepared for the service by having an altar in the Main Hall, making it possible for pupils and staff to leave a note with names of deceased relatives and friends. These names were read out and prayed for. At the end of the service a number stayed to pray silently and to light a candle in St Oliver’s Chapel.

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St John’s Community The members of St John’s Community are the pupil Lectio leaders. They meet every week for Lectio under the direction of the St Scholastica Community. Vicente Tagle from the St Scholastica Community writes: The St John’s Community has kept strong in terms of motivation from the students. In total there are 19 leaders. Before half term, they delivered a very powerful Hymn Practice talk, prepared by the whole community, but delivered by two Lower Sixth Formers. The attendance has been variable as they face many academic and other pressures. We have Lectio groups running in all year groups of boys, but we haven’t managed to find groups for the First Form, Fifth Form and Sixth Form girls. By this date there will be two more members in the St Scholastica Community to assist with this. We currently have around 60 students involved in weekly Lectio groups across the School. Generally speaking, the groups are working well and have a strong community

aspect, but we need to strengthen the prayer aspect (Lectio Divina), that is an ongoing aspect of the formation with St John’s Lectio group. St Luke’s Community The St Luke’s Community has embraced the challenges of the new academic year organizing the Sunday Mass, House Masses, House Reconciliation Services, as well as the prayers in Houses. The Community is made up of three pupils from the Upper Sixth Form – The Leader of the Community and the two joint Head Servers who have helped with the training of the new Fourth Form servers. Each house has a Lower Sixth Form representative. The community meets every week and always begins with a short lectio session, a reading from St Luke’s Gospel. I’ve been touched by the deep and prayerful echoes from some of the members. The Church in this country kept Red Wednesday on 24th November, organised by Aid to the Church in Need. It is a day of prayer for Christians who are suffering in the world for their belief and practice of Christianity. Paul Andrewartha helped with the organisation of the day, working hard to make

pupils and staff aware of the horrendous suffering that Christians undergo in many parts of the world. Special prayers were said in the Houses on the mornings of Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The day concluded with a short and moving prayer service in the evening in the Old Chapel. The prayer service was led by the members of St Luke’s. St Teresa of Calcutta’s Community The Community gathers each Tuesday evening and always begins its meeting with Lectio, to inspire and spiritually nourish its members with the Word of God. This is followed by three weekly rotations of Mission, Community and Discipleship to encourage and foster the idea of missionary discipleship within the community. Eight new members from the Lower Sixth Form have joined the community. There are now 20 pupils, with each House represented. The objective of the community is to foster and encourage Christian service in the life of the School. Activities this term have included: A Christmas Message of Hope. Starfish boxes, boxes of toys for children, boxes, and gloves for adults. These

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will be given to the Sisters of the Church in Bristol and St Nicholas of Tolentino Church in Bristol. The community has provided help to Iona White’s charity, Help for the Homeless, on Thursday evenings. Two pupils go to Bath to assist in the giving out of food and clothes; they are accompanied by either Paul Andrewartha or Conor O’Rourke who run the community with Vicente Tagle. This has been an enriching experience for the pupils and has replaced the Friday evening Soup Run previously organized by the Bath Catholic Churches. One of the evenings was recorded on our Spotify Community Podcast. The community has plans to develop this in the coming months. The annual month of service will take place at the start of next term from 6th January to 18th February. Each house will be asked to run a service project and there will be an address on service at the Friday Hymn Practice. The annual sleepout for Help for the Homeless will take place on the 5th / 6th February, and the Roses and Rolos on the 14th of February. A new group within the St Teresa Community has been started by Paul Andrewartha called the St Teresa Young Leaders. It is open to members of the Fourth Form and its aim is to foster Christian/ Benedictine service and charity within the School and the wider community; the group focuses on a charity and a particular theme. Our focus this term has been on Poverty and Climate Change with CAFOD. Our aim for the Lent Term is Volunteering for others, the Lourdes OMV Pilgrimage and Disability Awareness. The Summer Term will be Peace and Justice with Pax Christi. The group have investigated CAFOD’s work and their campaigns, promoting CAFOD’s ‘World Gifts’ for Christmas, with an Assembly at St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School in Midsomer Norton; they will run a ‘World Gifts’ stall at the School’s Christmas Fair. St Francis’ Community The St Francis community is a group of like-minded staff and students who have an interest in combatting climate change and strengthening the natural

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environment at Downside School and beyond. Led by Jess Doherty (Artist in Residence), the group are encouraged to learn that no one is too small to make a difference, and that every little sustainable act can make a positive influence. Moreover, it goes without saying, that the community’s patron is Francis of Assisi, the patron Saint of animals, merchants and ecology. Inspired and educated by the message of his teachings, the group endeavour to make Downside School a greener place, where students and staff respect and nurture our common home, the Earth. Saint Francis once quoted “If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men”.

RETREATS The following year groups traditionally have their retreat in the Michaelmas Term: Upper Sixth Form, Fourth Form, and the Third Form. In recent years, we’ve also had part of a morning for a ‘Whole School Retreat’ and a Community Leaders’ Retreat. The Upper Sixth Form, Fourth Form, Third Form and Community Leaders retreats have all taken place. As I write, we’re busy working on the fine detail for the short Whole School Retreat. The theme will be Light and Darkness in My Life. The Upper Sixth Form The Upper Sixth Form Retreat took place in October at the Ammerdown Retreat Centre. Following last year’s success, we once again invited Fr Toby Lees OP to lead the day. The theme of the day was the Virtue of Courage and Jesus, Man, of Courage. The pupils responded well to the challenges and participated well in the discussion in the small groups. Fr Toby is an illuminating speaker who knows how to communicate to the young. The retreat was a rather eye-opening experience for me. Father Toby outlined the different types of courage. He illustrated this with a story of a man who saved the life of someone who had

fallen onto the train tracks at a station by lying on top of him and letting the train pass over them. A great act of courage. Another story was about a man who decided to overcome his fear of rejection by spending 100 days overcoming larger and larger rejections, for example asking a stranger for ridiculous sums of money. Perhaps not as courageous as the man who risked his life, but still an act of courage was the story of an elderly man and his wife. They had been married for over 50 years and the point had reached that the husband had to look after his wife and do everything for her. This man dedicated his life to his wife; at times this was very difficult. Father Toby explained the great act of courage of this man. As human beings we are often afraid of commitment, displaying courage in the ordinary everyday things of life. By only dating and never getting married we are acting out of fear. We fear that if we fully commit to someone, we might get bored or when things get too difficult, we can no longer walk away freely. This fear often controls our lives and stops us from doing acts of true courage and doing difficult things to change our lives for the better. But to have the courage to commit your

whole life on this Earth to something or someone despite this fear is truly special. Roman Majendie Roberts Upper Sixth Form The retreat was an eye-opening experience for me. The day was led by Father Toby who gave us an insight into how people from different religious communities live; he was incredibly open with us and told us about his life as a Dominican Friar. We were given the opportunity to sit down together as a tutor group and have talks that we would never get the chance to have; we all opened up about things and gave each other advice about our worries. We were so engrossed in the discussion that we almost missed our tea and biscuit break! Ammerdown is a beautiful and tranquil place that really enforced a calming spiritual atmosphere amongst everyone in the year. Walking around the grounds in pairs gave us time to think and talk deeply about the set of prompted questions we were given. After our walk around the grounds, we headed to the Chapel for a Mass; it was a lovely experience to have a Mass in a different setting.

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The chapel was beautiful and singing with the group was very enjoyable. Overall, the day was a learning curve and something that I believe we all needed before our return to school. Amelia Evans Isabella Upper Sixth Form Fourth Form The Fourth Form Retreat took place in the early part of the term and followed much the same pattern as the last two years. The whole year started the day with Mass in the Old Chapel and then split up into House groups. The focus of the day was on being together, learning to live with one another, strengthening community life. All five houses went out for the day and some of the groups reflected on Gospel and Benedictine values. Below are comments from two Houses. A few weeks ago, my year were taken on a religious retreat in our Houses. I really enjoyed it as it helped us strengthen our relationships with one another and build our community while working together as a team. We went with our tutor Mr Barrett and Nicolas who is part of the Chaplaincy Team but sadly is leaving. We took part in several activities that resulted in us learning new things about each other that otherwise would go unspoken. One of my favourite activities was where we had a very roughly cut out cross made of wood and we had to sand down each of ours until it was really smooth. We spent over half an hour doing this and even though we did not speak much throughout it was very peaceful to do it together and look at the beautiful views in Stourhead. The impact this had on me was that I realised something so simple and lovely to go somewhere with my friends made me closer with them and now I realise that I have built relationships with them that will last a lifetime. I have told them personal details about my life and this retreat made me realise that many think that life is about something you need to get through, but it is so

much more than that. With the support of the people around you and most importantly, God and prayer, you can get through anything and come out the other side finding that you have enjoyed yourself. Aless Majendie Caverel Fourth Form All the Fourth Form Retreat gathered for Mass in the Old Chapel at the start of the day; we then split into House groups. Smythe were dropped off in the Withan Woods. We walked to the little church at Withan Friary, about four miles. During the walk we stopped off at different places for reflection and discussion. We learnt about our patron, Sir Edward Smythe, who was a family man, and welcomed the exiled Monks of St Gregory’s to his home at Acton Burnell for 19 years in gratitude. We also reflected on themes about community life: leadership, stewardship, and envy. Along the route, we encountered some lively cows and crossed the trainline before reaching our lunch stop by the fishponds. We brought our thoughts together in the little church at Withan, whist reflecting on a passage from St Mark’s gospel on leadership. Our day finished with an exciting, enjoyable, and very competitive frisbee competition which was won by Jonah McGarry. Caspar Hayhurst Smythe Fourth Form Third Form The Third Form retreat took place early in the term as this is a way of getting the year group together to pray and reflect on important issues. They were reminded about the importance of having the Gospel at the centre of their lives with a strong community. The Heads of School, Joseph Day and Stephanie Jedy-Agba, shared their experiences. Angus Christie and Lily Garrett, the Head of Powell and Head of Third Form Girls, gave an impressive explanation of Chapter 72 of

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the Rule of St Benedict – The Good Zeal. In the afternoon we had our traditional pilgrimage walk to the small Plague Church at Holcombe, sharing the CAFOD journey reflections.

–17. The day began with community exercises and ended with a barbeque. All were given much to reflect on but also had the opportunity of being together and strengthening friendships.

Mr Pollard’s Tutor Group The day of the Third Form Retreat was a day of learning: how to serve at mass, to be grateful for the many things I have and enjoy. We learnt about the work of CAFOD and its mission. In the afternoon we had a long walk to the Plague Church at Holcombe. During the day we learnt about the Catholic faith. It was fun getting to know the others in the tutor group. We spoke about the Gospel and the Rule of St Benedict and were given a presentation on how to take up the opportunities offered to us. We visited the little Plague Church at Holcombe, and on the way, we learnt about refugees in the world.

The Whole School Retreat The plan is to have a 20-minute retreat at the start of the day on Thursday 2nd December in the Houses. Houses will be divided in vertical groups and will reflect the theme of Light and Darkness in My Life and Heart, using a few verses from the psalms to guide thoughts and prayers. It will be an opportunity for prefects and community leaders to guide and lead the groups, in the hope that all may experience the peace, and the light, and the beauty of Christ’s love in the season of Advent.

Dr Tahin’s Group We think the retreat was very enjoyable and we should have another one as we had the opportunity to make contact with the religious side of our lives and learned to appreciate God. It was a peaceful day. A few general comments from the groups Relaxing Reflective Interesting Educational Peaceful Fun Break from work Bonding with others Exercise The Three Communities Retreat This retreat for the Communities of St John’s, St Luke’s and St Teresa of Calcutta took place on Sunday 10th October. The aim of the retreat was to reflect on being a missionary disciple in today’s world. Time was spent thinking and praying about discipleship, using Pope Benedict’s words from his encyclical - Deus Caritas Est.- and Pope Francis’ words from Evangelii Gaudium. The session was led by Nicolas Meneghello from the St Scholastica Community. Vicente Tagle led the Lectio session from chapter 15 of St John’s Gospel- verses 9

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Chaplaincy Sessions The Chaplaincy sessions for the First, Second and Third Form have been running on Saturday mornings form 11.25am to midday. The sessions have been led by Paul Andrewartha and myself, with the tutors in attendance. We’ve covered the following: Visits to the Abbey Church, the Rosary, the Mass, Prayer – Lectio Divina, Red Wednesday and the work of Aid to the Church in Need. Confirmation and other Sacraments At the time of writing, we’re still in the process of gathering names of pupils who wish to be con-firmed, with the hope of starting preparation classes at the beginning of the Lent term. Paul An-drewartha has prepared a Fifth Form boy for the reception of the sacraments of confession and Holy Communion. It is hoped that he will make his first Holy Communion at Mass on the last Sunday of Term. I continue to instruct a Lower Sixth Form pupil from Hong Kong for the reception of the Sac-raments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion. We’ll also be preparing some for first confession and Holy Communion. Dom James Hood Priest Chaplain

SCHOOL RETREATS 2021 - 2022 With Covid-19 becoming less of a risk to school life this year, the Chaplaincy was able to implement our full retreat programme for each year group. Each retreat always involves times of prayer, Lectio and if possible, Mass together. Like St Benedict and his time of withdrawing, we encourage each year group to step back and discover Christ at the centre in their own lives. The Chaplaincy thank the work and effort of Fr James Hood, Fr Michael Patey, Mr Andrewartha, the St Scholastica Community, Cristobal, Vicente, Nicolas, and Rodrigo for making these retreats take place. The department thanks all School staff who have supported the pupils on their retreat days. These days continue to be important for the pupils in their yearly calendar, allowing them to understand the School’s vision, a Catholic and Benedictine school with Christ at its centre.

again invited back to speak to the Upper Sixth about the virtue of courage. The year group was split in half with each going on one day to Ammerdown. The day has times of reflection and concluding with Mass in the chapel. Our thanks go to Fr Toby for sharing his wisdom with the pupils.

Third Form – 15th September The Third Form continued with the theme of ‘Building Community’ for their retreat with Lectio, Mass, and discovering St Benedict’s Rule 72 – The Good Zeal. In the afternoon they walked to the Holcombe Plague Church reading stories of refugees through CAFOD’s Share the Journey reflections. The day was helped by Lower Sixth Formers who took on the responsibility as Pupil Leaders.

On the first Tuesday after we had finished our mock GCSE exams, the Fifth Form were fortunate enough to be given a relaxing and reflective retreat to the beautiful Ammerdown estate. We went to the conference centre there and heard a trilogy of engaging and interactive talks by Dr Mo. In between these three talks, titled ‘Who Am I?’, ‘Who Do Others Think I Am?’ and ‘Who Does God Want Me to Be?’ respectively, we split into smaller groups and had time to reflect on what had been said. For example, after one of the talks, each group was presented with a bowl of clementine’s. An odd sight at first, we were instructed to pick a clementine and study all its defining features. We then put our clementine’s back into the bowl, and the duty to mix all of them up was allotted to me – I wasn’t, however, a particularly good bowl-mixer and was accused of keeping my eye on my clementine so that I knew where it was. To neutralize the threat of my cheating, our group leader, Father James, very thoroughly re-shook the clementines so that I had no idea where mine lay. Once the ordeal of the bowl-shaking was over

Fourth Form – 22nd September Each of the Fourth Form House groups enjoyed a day off site, with a member of House staff and Chaplaincy staff. Each group focused on the different aspects of their House Patron. Some of the places visited were Lytes Cary Manor National Trust, Stourhead National Trust, Witham Friary, Lamyatt Village and walking to St Aldhelm’s Well in Doulting. Upper Sixth Form – 13th and 14th October This year, the Dominican Priest, Fr Toby Lees was

Fifth Form – 25th and 26th – January This year the Fifth Form did not have their usual overnight retreat. This year they were split in half and each group went to Ammerdown for a day. We invited Dr Maureen Glackin, the Secretariat for CISC (Catholic Independent Schools’ Conference). She spoke to the pupils about the question ‘Who am I?’ and integrated this into the person that they are becoming and how God sees them. Our thanks go to Dr Maureen for sharing her wisdom and many life stories with the pupils.

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Lower Sixth Form – 21st and 22nd June After a large break due to the pandemic, we were glad that the Lower Sixth Form retreat in Bristol was able to take place again. The Chaplaincy renamed the retreat as Reaching Out to Others with the hope to help go against what Pope Francis named the ‘virus of indifference’ (General audience, Oct. 12, 2016). On the 21st of June we were based at St James’ Priory and on the 22nd June we were based at St Nicholas of Tolentino Church. In the morning, pupils in small groups, accompanied by staff, visited charities in Bristol who are reaching out to others in the way of foodbanks, soup kitchens, emergency housing and refugee support. In the afternoon they heard talks on Addiction and the 12 Step Program, then, in small groups, heard the testimony of someone who is in recovery. The retreat ended with a prayer liturgy in each of the churches. This retreat makes an impact not only on the pupils, but on the support staff accompanying the pupils. We give thanks all the charities for allowing us to visit them, St James and St Nicholas for hosting us and for St James providing us with those who were Jessie von der Schulenburg able to give inspirational testimonies of courage in addiction recovery. I really enjoyed our retreat at Ammerdown; it was After many years of the First and Second Form a pleasure to get away from School following the mocks. During the retreat, we had three talks with being together for their retreat. This year we split them into their separate groups. Dr Mo. Her talk on her significant life moments was particularly poignant– learning how moments First Form – 24th June in our lives can lead us to different paths. We This year the First Form stayed with the theme were then asked to reflect on some of the most significant moments in our own lives. Following this, of Friendship in Christ. We were again based at Witham Friary for the day. The day involved Lectio, we also had a game in our groups recognising a Mass in the Parish Church, games, and activities. tangerine from a group of them. We all managed to do this by recognising specific features that our The day ended with group games in the recreation own tangerine had that the others did not. To finish field and ice cream! We thank the four Lower Sixth the retreat off, we had Mass in a beautiful chapel at Form who gave up their time to be with and help Ammerdown – it was a relaxing and peaceful way lead the First Form on their retreat. We thank the parish of Witham Friary for letting us use their Hall to end a meaningful day off. and Parish Church. Lucia McNally with, we were told to locate our clementines. All of us managed to find them. In addition to this rather fun activity to demonstrate the idea of authenticity which had been discussed by Dr Mo, there were more reflective activities too, such as writing on a sheet of paper what significant moments in our lives we thought had defined us; I thought that this mix of activities requiring more pensive thought with rather more light-hearted ones, combined with Dr Mo’s passionate and interesting talks, made for an excellent day of reflection. I think that the most important thing that I took away with me from the talks and our group activities was the concept of authenticity and being oneself. It was said that we should each stay faithful to our rudimentary moral principles and act accordingly but be able to adapt our characters to certain situations; something I occasionally grapple with, being a bit of a people-pleaser, is sticking to what I believe is right at all times. The day really gave me a full insight into the importance of ‘knowing thyself ’, and so I thank all the people who made this wonderful day possible!

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Second Form – 27th June The Second Form went to Lamyatt Village Hall, a small village not far from Bruton. There the day was about ‘Voices’. Specifically focused on hearing God’s voice in their lives. After working through the back roads to get away from the departing Glastonbury festival traffic we arrived, not too late, at the hall. In the morning smaller groups were formed to help them think about the positive and negative voices in their lives. The idea that there is a marketplace of stalls trying to get their attention and influence them was explored. The groups then walked up to Creech Hill, which gave amazing views of Somerset all around us, and we stopped three times for Lectio passages about those in the bible listening to God. As part of the walk, we had Mass in the local church. At the end Mr Andrewartha spoke about Christ’s voice in their lives, saying ‘that they are the best of the best’, they don’t have to listen to the voices that say that they are ‘not good enough’. We thank the parish of Lamyatt for letting us use their Hall and Parish Church. St Teresa Community St Teresa Community continued with its weekly Tuesday evening meetings and taking on new Lower Sixth Form at the beginning of the year. Taking the size of the community to 19 pupils, this academic year. The staff supporting continued to be Paul Andrewartha (Lay Chaplain), Conor O’Rourke (Head of Tennis Development and Lead Coach) and Vicente Tagle (Manquehue Apostolic Movement). Weekly meetings would always be accompanied by Lectio and food along with what service work needed to be started or be involved with. The community were involved in a number of service activities and fundraisers. ‘Christmas Jumper Day’ for Mary’s Meals. ‘Roses and Rolos’ for the Heart Foundation. ‘Sleepout’ for HelpForHomeless, based at the Abbey Church visitor centre and their own Spotify Podcast. There were two new initiatives for the community this year:

Thursday Bath Soup Run In previous years, the Bath Soup Run was organised by Fr James on a Friday evening. In September, the St Teresa Community joined with Iona White’s Somerset charity, HelpForHomeless for her Thursday evening SoupRuns, based in the Old Market Car Park, Bath. The St Teresa Community were able to attend the Bath Soup Run throughout the Michaelmas Term, however, as the Lent Term began all members of the Sixth Form were invited. For many of the pupils, this trip provides an opportunity to meet those who need, not just food and clothing, but someone to talk to. Maria (Upper Sixth Form) said, The soup run was an eye-opening experience that I hope more pupils can experience. Seeing how the charity runs to support these people on a weekly basis and how the people rely on their aid shows how important this charity is to them to provide them with their weekly food source. Being there, helping to hand out drinks and clothes, made me acknowledge how thankful we all should be with the small privileges we have in our day-to-day life. St Teresa’s young Leaders This year saw the first Fourth Form St Teresa’s Young Leaders group. Two pupils dedicated their Thursday tea breaks to discover two charities over the course of the year, CAFOD and OMV. They created two fundraisers; CAFOD World Gifts at the end of Michaelmas, making £61 to buy five CAFOD World Gifts for the School. A Charity Bake sale at the end of Lent Term for Aid to the Church in Need’s Ukraine emergency appeal, making £92.35, plus more online donations. The pupils also created a CAFOD World Gifts Assembly for the local Catholic primary school St Benedict’s and contacted Billy Monger the F4 driver who is a double amputee, with the hope he would be able to talk with pupils at the School. Sadly, we have had no reply from Billy. Paul Andrewartha Lay Chaplain

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NEW SCHOOL PRIEST CHAPLAIN The first day in post for the new School Priest Chaplain coincided with Shrove Tuesday and St David’s Day. A first Mass was celebrated at 5.10pm in the Old Chapel; until now, Mass had been celebrated twice weekly by Fr Boniface, a pattern that continues in addition to House Masses (in the Old Chapel) and on Sundays and holy days in the Abbey Church. Then in the evening of March 1st, a visit to Powell House to reflect on St David, the first of many such visits. The next day was Ash Wednesday, meaning an afternoon Mass in the Abbey Church. The new celebrant, unaccustomed to celebrating Mass with such solemnity, was carried through with the help of Fr Boniface and a well-trained team of altar servers. It is quite something to hear Allegri’s Miserere whilst imposing ashes on the foreheads of the whole School for the first time. The reality of life without the Monastic Community on site hit home on the second weekend of Lent, beginning with the solemn Mass of St Gregory the Great on Saturday 12th March. In anticipation of the poignant occasion, the whole School had prayed a novena of St Gregory for the intentions of our Downside Monks. The novena included the Collect for the Mass, making the prayer all the more resonant when Abbot Nicholas celebrated the Mass that day. Guests assembled from far and wide, including Bishop Declan, a number of Abbots and an Abbess, and the whole School community. In his homily, Abbot Nicholas reflected on the first reading from the Wisdom of Solomon. He said that understanding comes through prayer, and as the first reading explains we need wisdom not wealth, because wisdom reveals the most important values in life. Such wisdom is real wealth, and the key to happiness and security. The community are putting aside so many treasures to discern the will of God, to seek a new understanding of their monastic mission. Like the missionaries sent to this land by St Gregory the Great, he prayed that, on his feast,

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we might be sent forth from Mass to share the faith by word and example. The Community must move forward with all their heart, whilst many hearts will be heavy. They do so with purpose, faith and resolution. He asked for our prayers for the Community, as they will undoubtedly be praying for us. During Lent, each House took a turn to celebrate a reconciliation service. Given that the number of available confessors had diminished, the service took a different form with the Senior Houses. A short service in the Old Chapel before prep began each evening, reflecting Hon scripture and undertaking an examination of conscience; individual confessions then were available in the office of each House throughout prep time. For the service with the First, Second and Third Forms, we were joined by Old Gregorian Fr Thomas Athill (S59), and Fr Matt Anscombe. Both found the experience uplifting as the pupils engaged with the sacrament. Stations of the Cross were prayed in the Abbey Church, with five stations prayed at 9:10pm by each House in turn. Whilst the stations in the Abbey Church are marked simply, our way of the cross began at the West end with the first station. We processed to the sanctuary steps to remember the second station. At this point, a pupil took up the cross, and other candles. Cantors sang verses of the Stabat Mater, with all processing to the Lady Chapel for “Jesus meets his mother.” The large crucifix near the confessional boxes provided a focus to recall the moment of Jesus’ death. Stations concluded with a visit to St Oliver’s chapel, to light candles at the Lord’s tomb. Later in the Lent Term, Mr Andrewartha organised a Walk Against Hunger, starting beneath Roberts Tower, encompassing the Fleischner Theatre and central Quads. The aim was for 200km to be reached; three laps of the Quads amounting to 1km. During break times and lunch, pupils and staff participated keenly. In the end an

served as the Downside House for lockdown and quarantine in recent times. A stay in Plunkett may have felt like suffering, especially if you were ill with Covid-19, but remember that St Oliver Plunkett shared in Christ’s sufferings, and made the ultimate sacrifice with his life. He wrote in a letter about his experience of isolation at a time of Irish famine and persecution in 1674: ‘For months and months we were in attics without a fire… the poor Catholic leaseholders cannot give us even a piece of bread… Milk is unobtainable since all the cows have died’. It puts into perspective a short stay in Plunkett house. St Oliver Plunkett trained to be a priest in Rome and ended up staying there to minister and teach for over 20 years. At that time, it was risky to be a Catholic priest in Ireland. Oliver bravely accepted Fr Michael Patey the Pope’s decision to be sent back to Ireland School Priest Chaplain to become Archbishop of Armagh, in the same century as the martyrdoms of St John Roberts, St Ambrose Barlow and Blessed Philip Powell over here in England. St Oliver’s prolific ministry in Ireland, ST OLIVER PLUNKET HOMILY including clearing a generation-long backlog of FRIDAY 1ST JULY 2022 10,000 confirmations within six months, may have Barlow, Caverel, Isabella, Roberts, Smythe. Powell helped the authorities to decide that all Catholic and Plunkett. Those are the names of six men and bishops and priests must leave the country under one woman. St Ambrose Barlow, Abbot Philip pain of death. Like the good shepherd and unlike de Caverel, Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia, St John the hired man of today’s gospel, St Oliver did not Roberts, Sir Edward Smythe. Blessed Philip Powell abandon the sheep and run away when the wolf and Archbishop St Oliver Plunkett. came. St Oliver wrote: ‘We shall not abandon our They are all people of God who are remembered, especially here for the right reasons. flock… we shall try out the prisons and other torments, already we have suffered so much on the These seven bright lights shine on the Downside mountains, in huts and in caves, and have acquired horizon because of their generosity of spirit. They the habit of suffering to the extent that it will each gave their time, talent, and treasure for the greater glory of God, and for our benefit too. Our be less inconvenient in the future’. Like the good shepherd, he laid down his life for his sheep. On leavers and all of you have lived and worked in the 1st of July 1681, his last words at the scaffold, the Houses named after them. Our benefactors following a sham trial – and within earshot of the are remembered not least because we use their bells of Westminster – were words of forgiveness: names so often. As House communities, we ‘I do heartily forgive them, and also the judges… I identify with them. On the 1st of July we must especially mention St do also forgive all those who had a hand in bringing Oliver Plunkett on his saint’s day. Plunkett is the only me from Ireland to be tried here… I ask forgiveness of all those whom I ever offended by thought word House not continuously occupied at our school, and deed’. It is a privilege for us that most of St but those who couldn’t get home for half term Oliver’s body is here as we hear him speak. He is formed community there; and Plunkett House has

impressive 341km was walked, amounting to 1024 laps around the Quad. After Easter, a first task for the School Priest Chaplain was to bless each House and room with holy water. Whilst generous quantities of holy water were sprinkled, it was only fair and right that the opportunity was given to sprinkle Fr Michael, a chance keenly taken by pupils. Bishop Declan visited Downside on Friday 13th May for the Confirmation Mass. 29 candidates received the sacrament, and it was good to have Fr James with us again. On Saturday 18th June, Abbot Nicholas baptised two pupils in St Benedict’s Parish Church. On Sunday 19th June, six pupils received Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time.

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housed in the large casket by the original altar of the Abbey Church on the north side. We will be able to light a candle and say a prayer for the Saint’s prayerful assistance after Mass. Today is a valedictory occasion, because words of farewell are said to our leavers, and there is a valedictory vibe in our reading from St Peter’s first letter. Peter exhorts his readers to ‘always have your answer ready for people who ask you the reason for the hope that you all have. But give it with courtesy and respect and with a clear conscience’. Oliver Plunkett did express his hope like that: ‘I suffer for a good cause, he wrote, and this will have its result, so I hope in the Divine Mercy, for an eternal reward’. We do not yearn for suffering, especially needlessly, it would be masochistic to do so. But for a good cause, would you be willing to give everything, without counting the cost, like St Oliver Plunkett was so willing? We may not be sure about this, but among those who were quite sure, were our sister and brothers named Barlow, Caverel, Isabella, Roberts, Smythe, Powell and Plunkett, who paid back with blessings. As St Peter says, it is better not to pay back with an angry word, but with a blessing; it is better to suffer for doing right than for doing wrong. There are so many valedictory values and virtues encouraged in the first reading today. Be sympathetic. Love your brothers and sisters. Have Compassion. Be self-effacing. Practise good. Seek peace. Do what is right. Have hope. Be courteous, respectful and conscientious. Who could dispute any of St Peter’s exhortations, all contained within only 11 verses? They are a recipe for happiness and a blessed life. Peter tells us today that ‘anyone who wants to have a happy life and to enjoy prosperity must banish malice from their tongue, deceitful conversation from their lips’. With Benedict, we prefer Benediction. To speak well of God and each other in our daily prayer. The following sentence from the first reading provides the last verse I would like to share with

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our leavers. According to St Peter: no one can hurt you if you are determined to do only what is right. During your time here, you have learned of the rule of St Benedict, have prayed with him, and have striven to do what is right by living Benedictine values. But what will be your rule of life moving forward? What values will you live your life by as adults? No one can hurt you if you are determined to do only what is right. Be so determined to do what is right in the immediate future. You have each been formed by a Benedictine education. Benedict says: prefer nothing than the love of Christ. Gregory espouses service as servus servorum Dei, servant of the servants of God. Be blessed like Benedict. Be great like Gregory. Remember the Benedictine staples of prayer and work. And carry with you the generosity of your House patron, the example of the shepherd St Oliver Plunkett and the fervent prayers of the Church assembled both here and in heaven. All who leave, Upper Sixth and others, will be remembered here for the right reasons. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen. Fr Michael Patey School Priest Chaplain

LOURDES 2022 It was touch and go that the Order of Malta Volunteers Lourdes pilgrimage would take place and that it would be possible to take guests. The young and enthusiastic OMV Leaders: Chairman – Cecilia Vorfeld; Pilgrimage Director – Tom Chance, and Volunteer Coordinator – Kate Hamilton worked hard for several months visiting schools to get volunteers, negotiated with the Lourdes authorities, appointed the Head Nurses, the Head Chaplain, and the Pilgrimage Master of Ceremonies in order to make it possible for the pilgrimage to go ahead. The pilgrimage took place but, sadly it was two days shorter than in the past and smaller in size. However, a sizable number of volunteers from different schools were able to come; they were helped and supported by experienced past members. It was a privilege to be the Head Chaplain. My first job was to appoint a team of Chaplains. I was fortunate to have a very experienced group of OMV chaplains: Fr George Bowen (B74) from the London Oratory. Fr George was the Head OMV Chaplain for many years and has been instrumental

in encouraging pupils from the London Oratory School. Fr Raglan Hay-Will (S73), another OG, is a priest of the Arundel and Brighton diocese and is also an experienced OMV chaplain, as is Fr Luke Jolly of Worth. The Chaplaincy Team would not be complete without Sister Gemma Simmonds who knows everybody and has been taking part in the pilgrimage for many years. During our brief time in Lourdes, we celebrated Mass every day. We accompanied different equipes for an evening meal and their mini retreat. We spent time with them, led the night prayers by the Grotto, the Blessing of the Water and were available for the sacrament of confession, as well as leading the Reconciliation Service. Every year the Shrine of Lourdes has a particular theme for the pilgrimages. This year’s theme was “Go and tell the priests that people are to come here in procession and to build a chapel here.” The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the young Bernadette Soubirous 18 times from February to July of 1858 at the Grotto of Massabielle, just outside the little Pyrenees town of Lourdes. On

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2nd March the Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary, told Bernadette, “Go and tell the priests that people are to come here in procession and to build a chapel here.” Our Lady’s message to the young Bernadette helped inform and guide our thoughts and prayers during our time in Lourdes. Bernadette was given a mission: she was instrumental in passing on this message to the priests that the dirty rubbish dump outside the small town of Lourdes was to become a place of prayer. Pilgrims were invited to come to this obscure, unknown place to pray and to build a chapel.

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Over the years many, from all parts of the world, have responded to this invitation to come to this holy place for a few days to pray and to look after hospital pilgrims. Our Lady’s message urges us to pray. During our pilgrimage we gathered at different times and in different places to pray: to celebrate the Mass and to take part in the two processions that are characteristic of Lourdes: The Blessed Sacrament Procession in the afternoon and the Torchlight Marian Procession; these were special moments of prayer in our pilgrimage. In the afternoon procession we sang hymns, said prayers

and adored the Blessed Sacrament in silent prayer. In the Torchlight Procession we recited the rosary, focusing our hearts and minds on the mysteries of Jesus’ and Our Lady’s lives. Processing with lit candles that reminded us that we’re part of the Church and that each one of us has a mission: the message is to build a chapel here. The challenge for all who took part in these intense days of prayer, care for the guests and the social interaction is to see how we can build a chapel and make space in our hearts for the presence of God to dwell there during our busy everyday lives. Our Lady urges us to persevere and to turn to God in prayer and in the reception of the sacraments. Filled with the Holy Spirit, we’re able to go out and share the Good News of Jesus with others – To build a Chapel. Every pilgrim will have returned home renewed and strengthened by the Lourdes experience. Let

us show the same care and concern that we had for our guests to all we encounter and to open our hearts to God’s love in our daily life of prayer. My prayer is for the wonderful guests we took with us, who inspired us with their good humour and friendship. I pray also for the volunteers, many who were first timers, who put so much energy into everything they did. A special thank you to the Pilgrimage Leaders – Cecilia, Tom, Kate and Hugo, and the wonderful medical team and my fellow chaplains. May Our Lady of Lourdes and St Bernadette protect and guide you all. Dom James Hood B72

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The Weave group at Downside during the Holy Triduum 2022

ST SCHOLASTICA COMMUNITY St Scholastica is a community of the Manquehue Apostolic Movement that has lived and worked at Downside since 2015. Manquehue is a lay Benedictine community based in Chile whose life springs from Lectio Divina- the prayerful reading of Scriptures- and friendship. Manquehue runs three schools in Santiago, with a total of 4500 pupils, and a Formation House in Chilean Patagonia. At Downside School, St Scholastica develops a program of tutoría and Lectio Divina among the pupils. Tutoría is a way of encouraging older pupils to engage pastorally with younger pupils, cultivating friendships and sharing their own experience of prayer and service. Beyond Downside, St Scholastica is at the heart of The Weave of Manquehue Prayer, a network of friends who seek to help one another to pray and to share with many the Good News of the Gospel.

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Cristóbal Valdés, Rodrigo Vidal and Vicente Tagle are the permanent members of St Scholastica. Nicolás Meneghello went back to Chile at the end of 2021 and Rodrigo came shortly afterwards. All of them are Manquehue Oblates which means that they have a life-long commitment to Manquehue. St Scholastica would normally include young people living and working alongside the Oblates. Though this has not been possible during this academic year, we look forward to welcoming Chilean or British young men to join our life and mission in the near future. 2022 for St Scholastica is marked deeply by the departure of the Monastic Community with whom we share friendship, liturgy, a common mission and the Benedictine charism. We have, however, kept in close contact and have been blessed both by visiting them at Southgate House, Buckfast Abbey

and welcoming them at Downside. Their departure has prompted us to cultivate our relationship with St Benedict Parish and the Clifton Diocese. At the same time, communication with the Head and the Chair of Governors has become even more crucial. Dr Giles Mercer was always extremely supportive of our work and we have received fresh encouragement from Mr Michael Bernard, the new Chair. St Scholastica works at Downside School as part of the Chaplaincy Team, in collaboration with the School Priest Chaplain, Fr Michael Patey, and the Lay Chaplain, Mr Paul Andrewartha. The easing of the pandemic restrictions has allowed us to slowly rebuild the tutoría relationships between older and younger pupils. About 25% of the pupils took part in Lectio during this academic year, led by 19 pupil leaders. Two Lectio times were available for staff every week. St Scholastica has also enriched other Chaplaincy and school activities, like St Teresa Community, St Francis Community, the year group retreats, Tree Week, Bread Week and others.

The Weave of Manquehue Prayer is also in the process of rebuilding links and friendship throughout the country, with a focus of welcoming young people at Downside for a time of prayer and community life. Young OGs are very present in the Weave: a group of former St John’s members visited for a weekend, Alex Harwood (B21) and Louis Lesault (B21) are out in Chile for their gap year, and Owain Daley (R22) has become part of the Weave Commission and is leading the Bristol University Lectio Group. In Advent 2021, the Weave published Pathways to Lectio Divina as a way to share widely the precious gift of Lectio. The Weave is also inviting for a first post pandemic in person retreat, in late September at Buckfast Abbey, and looking forward to resuming pilgrimages, visits and other activities. Cristobal Valdes Manquehue Apostolic Movement

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SOCIETIES

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Abingdon Society The Abingdon Debating Society has been around for at least 150 years, for there is written evidence that it was responsible for setting up the Raven magazine itself, the first issue of which was in 1884. Yet again, this year the Abingdon Inter-House Competition stretched across two of the School terms, with the final being held in the first week of the Summer Term. In the Lent Term, instead of the Mock Trial Competition, which was still online, the Oxford Schools’ Debating Competition promised at least a final in person and teams of two were offered the chance to compete in online local Southwest heats. Aristo Cham and Justin Wu did extremely well to get to the Finals in Oxford due to success in this local heat online. All this showed the cautious return to normal face to face debates, with the gradual return of mixed year groups both debating and listening in the School itself during the Michaelmas Term.

15/10/2021 This House supports J.K.Rowling Smythe v Caverel 22-23 5/11/2021 This House declares that Britain is no longer a Christian country Barlow v Roberts 23-23 12/11/2021 This House would have vaccine passports Roberts v Smythe 23-18 19/11/2021 This House believes equality of wealth is the most important kind of equality Caverel v Roberts 20-20 3/12/2021 This House would rather be a victim Isabella v Barlow 25-24

Final: Between Isabella and Barlow (96 points and 95 points respectively) This House believes Boris Johnson should resign Barlow (Aristo Cham and Justin Wu) won this debate and the Abingdon Cup List of House Debaters: Barlow: Aristo Cham, Justin Wu, Johnny Rowell, Oliver Flynn Caverel: Olivia Malek, Maya Strauss, Anna Hayhurst, Magdalena Pienkowska, Sophia Burton, Stephanie Jedy-Agba, Camilla Francis-Jones Isabella: Edith Jenkins, Bea Garrett, Jessie von der Schulenburg, Leonora van Laar Roberts: Barnaby Sharifi, Joseph Day, Rupert Sharifi, Roman Majendie Smythe: Ambrose Mui, Matthew Stanislas, Oliver Webb, Abdul Akenzua Al-Kareem, Alex Denskevich, Leo Matthews, Ivor Jones

21/01/22 This House believes the West is in irreversible decline Caverel v Isabella 24-25

Commentary: The debates commenced with the topic of America in the aftermath of the withdrawal from Inter-House Debating Afghanistan, and the perspective Diary and Results: that the presidency of Joe Biden 11/02/22 1/10/2021 This House values law more than religion would not heal the apparent deep This House no longer relies on America Barlow v Caverel divisions in American society; Barlow v Smythe it was however before the war 23-22 25-22 in Ukraine and the resurgence of NATO. Here the team that 18/03/22 eventually won the competition This House believes humans are just 8/10/2021 showed their mettle with Aristo This House supports a salt and sugar tax another species of animal Cham and Justin Wu calmly Smythe v Isabella Roberts v Isabella dissecting a Smythe team that 22-22 25-24 relied too heavily on Ambrose Mui

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to make its points about the value of American democracy; there was too much focus on Huawei and industrial espionage, and not enough balance of other points about the value of America in other respects. The second debate pitted the now hard bitten old timers of Joseph Day and Barnaby Sharifi against a new Fifth Form Isabella team of Edith Jenkins and Bea Garrett; this Isabella team were indeed a revelation, displaying in their first debate a wit and elegance as well as articulate answers under fire from questioning that were nearly a match for Roberts in their final year and showed that they were indeed a team now to be reckoned with even though Roberts still won by a point. Smythe and Caverel went head-tohead over the potentially explosive topic of support for J.K. Rowling, an indirect way of entering the murky waters of biological sex and gender; Caverel plugged away at the transactivist arguments, ultimately successfully, and Smythe were not sufficiently robust in their defence of the author, with insufficient attention to the merits of her view. Barlow then took on Roberts about the growing question of whether Britain was still a Christian country. Barlow argued for the diminishing role of churches and faith, the emphasis on pluralism, the polls suggesting more none’s than believers. Roberts mounted a somewhat nostalgic romantic defence, emphasising the laws, the

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status of the Church of England, the role of bishops and morality. The judges felt unable to decide between the two sides, more to do with the highly different approaches, with Barlow clinical in argument but lacking somewhat in the flamboyant rhetorical style of Roberts. Roberts soundly beat Smythe in the next debate about vaccine passports, with the argument seemingly revolving around what was British and human; Roberts argued for the passport being better than nothing, which ultimately won the day. It looked as though Roberts were cruising towards the final. However, in the next debate Roberts sank themselves without fully realising what they were doing. The debate was on the question of whether equality of wealth was the most important kind of equality, the intention being to look at other kinds of equality by comparison. This happened to some extent, although equality before the law was underplayed; but in the final Roberts’ speech, Roberts putting

forward the opposition made the clear suggestion that we were too immature a society to yet have equality of wealth, but that it was indeed the most important kind of equality. Since this was actually arguing for the other side and it was then possible to see their whole argument like a pack of cards collapsing, points awarded were low; and Caverel were unable to seize the moment and missed an opportunity to skewer them with a poorly planned final speech that also lost them the chance to reach the final. In some ways this was the crucial debate for it was Roberts’ last, leaving the field clear for Barlow and Isabella. The last debates before the final for Barlow and Isabella were relatively high scoring, as both teams now had consistency and keen preparation; the West being in irreversible decline had a strong argument from Caverel facing the paradoxical view that decadence was in fact a sign of the success of the West as well as other elements of vitality; facing Barlow over the issue of law and religion, Caverel

again lost by one point to Barlow due to a very brief final speech indeed; Barlow focused on the dark side of religion; and not enough on combating the good side. Caverel did not tackle the corrupt elements of the law and suggested that since God was perfect, religion must have a lot of good in it. Barlow kept pushing the question of which religion and what God or gods. Neither side really plunged deep enough into the sources of order in society. The final heat brought the best out of Smythe at long last, with Abdul Akenzua Al-Kareem and Alex Dentskevich providing some very entertaining views about human beings as animals; it was however, too little too late for any further progress towards the final. In the final itself, which was on the question of Boris resigning, which as I write is still very much an ongoing issue months later, Barlow had the edge in a debate the sides of which were only chosen half an hour beforehand. Barlow won the toss, and took the easier side; Isabella had not sufficient fluency in opposition in attempting to dismiss the character of the PM. It was perhaps too difficult to argue consistently that his character really had nothing to do with his job. In the end Barlow won through again particularly with the pairing of Aristo Cham and Justin Wu, who also attended the Oxford Schools’ Debating Finals in Oxford and learnt a lot under great pressure as the youngest debaters there, up against the best in the country. The

great revelation this year however was the potential within Isabella to take on the mantle of the style that typified Barnaby Sharifi at his best: Edith Jenkins was the most exciting newcomer this year. I would again like to thank those colleagues who have helped judge the debates particularly Miss Price, Dr Tapia, and Ms Iglesias. I must also thank Ms Rebecca Shaw for heroically taking the Barlow team to Oxford in my place. It was marvellous to welcome back Mr Grinsell to judge the final, which he did judiciously and kindly. Thanks must go to Joseph Day and Stephanie Jedy Agba for being the Chairs this year, both being very reliable and authoritative, and as Head Boy and Head Girl giving each debate a welcome mention at the Hymn Practice assemblies. It was one of the best years overall in terms of quality of debates, with each House fielding a team for every debate and with the Fifth Forms of both Isabella and Barlow offering an exciting prospect for the next couple of years going forward; no doubt Caverel will also

be very keen to ensure that for once they can reach a final, having come so close for two years in a row and with a number of able debaters in the Upper Sixth next year. Hugh Walters Head of Theology & Head of History Chess Club During the last few years, we have seen an explosion of interest in chess. The membership of our club has more than doubled in the last year, and we now need to occupy two classrooms to accommodate everyone. The introduction of online platforms, which enabled us to continue playing during lockdowns, has definitely had a positive impact. These have enthused members and crucially enabled them to advance their skills and knowledge independently through the resources they offer freely. Luis Tang (Lower Sixth Barlow) and Patryk Sadkowski (Lower Sixth Roberts) are perhaps

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Tournament took place in the Summer Term this year. Most of the matches were held in the penultimate week of the academic year with the final happening on the last Tuesday, as part of our first Giving Day. This is the year where we have seen the biggest number of pupils involved, thanks to the enthusiasm and commitment shown by all six Chess Captains: Luis Tang (Lower Sixth Barlow), Ebanehita Eigbefoh (Lower Sixth Caverel), Pui Yin Huang (Lower Sixth Isabella), Ryan Yuen (Lower Sixth Roberts) and Dylan Chan well against a team that included the two pupils who benefitted (Lower Sixth Smythe). At the end two national chess champions, the most from this and have of the first stage, where every one of which has competed at an become some of the best players House plays each other in a total international level. A highlight of in our club. of thirty matches, Roberts secured the second fixture was a match Halfway through the their place in the final with nine between Patryk and one of the Michaelmas Term, Prior Park points. Barlow and Isabella came national chess champions. Having College hosted us for our first lost to her twice two weeks before, second with seven points each. As chess fixture. As far as we could Isabella beat Barlow, they qualified she conceded to Patryk this time tell, this was also the first match to the final, making history as the after a rather intense game that between our schools in their long attracted the attention of everyone first girls’ House to reach this stage history. The Academy Hall was a of the competition. The final of the fitting and beautiful place for such present. tournament was an exciting event. Another first this year, was the an historic occasion. Prior Park entry of one of our pupils into the Both Houses were evenly matched, visited Downside two weeks later as evidenced by the length of for a second fixture. Mr Watkinson- Frome Chess Congress, an annual friendly competition organised by all three games. These had to be Trim, who organises the Prior interrupted so we could all witness the Frome Chess Club, who are Park Chess Club, said “it was a Mr Hobbs lie for one minute, in affiliated to the Somerset County wonderfully congenial event with pupils playing a total of 19 matches Chess Association. Over the course ice-cold water, in the bucket of a tractor after we reached 150 and then sharing dinner in the hall of three days, Luis played five donors during Giving Day. In the before returning to the college. The games, each lasting about four hours. Luis won three of his games, end, Roberts won both the Fourth, event gave pupils an opportunity came third place in his section, and Fifth and Sixth Form games thus to revel in the ‘Hogwarts’ walked away with the Roy Hossell claiming the Chess Cup this year. atmosphere of the room and the Trophy for being the top Somerset ‘Queen’s Gambit’ ambience of Jesus Tapia player in the intermediate section. the competition”, referring to Head of Mathematics and A remarkable first performance in Downside and particularly the Assistant House Master Petre Library. Although Prior Park a local competition! of Roberts Our annual Inter-House Chess won both fixtures, our pupils did

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Knowles Society The Knowles Society is named after Dom David Knowles (18961974) who was both a Downside monk and Regius Professor of Modern History at Cambridge. ‘A great historian and a master of prose, and a professor and teacher of wide influence. He was also an austere and solitary monk...a very remarkable character who made a deep impression.’ The Society, has as its central purpose, the promotion of ordered discussion by members of the Lower Sixth, based on the lines of a tutorial or supervision at Oxford or Cambridge and was founded in 2001 by the current Head of Theology and then Head of Classics. Membership is by invitation or request. The Society has always had two members of the academic staff in attendance to offer their ideas and allow pupils to see that adults can also disagree in a civilised manner through dialogue. The Society is currently an academic discussion group for Lower Sixth Formers primarily, which this year met weekly during much of the Lent and Summer Term on a Wednesday evening between 6.30 and 7.30pm to discuss various topics of interest. Dom Iltyd Trethowan, who ran his own similar group many years ago, regarded 14 as the absolute maximum for any discussion group and this year numbers were limited to more or less this number of invitees. A range of topics and resources were discussed with the pupils

and resources were provided by Mr Walters and Mrs Alcantara, who again combined the different disciplines across the Arts and Sciences divide. The first session, which proved to be the issue many wanted to address, including many beyond those invited, covered the issue of gender dysphoria and the conflict of rights between gender reassignment and members of the female sex, still known by some as ‘women’. This meant examining the Equality Act, as well as discussing the meaning of the word ‘woman’ and the use of gender pronouns. At this point the Equality and Human Rights Commission had not yet delivered their verdict on safe spaces for biological women in hospital wards and other places, and there was a lively discussion surrounding the whole issue of transgender, based on a chapter of Helen Joyce’s book Trans and pieces of legislation as well as a piece from the internet by a group of trans-activists. It was spirited but respectful, and a superb example of what is possible with regard to genuine freedom of speech in action, with opposing views both listened to in an enquiring manner; particularly Maya Strauss and Olivia Malek, who argued from opposing points of view. This discussion in itself seems like an achievement in today’s climate. The second topic discussed Peter Singer’s exposition of ‘speciesism’ and rights for animals, and a lengthy debate

followed on whether there were significant differences between the human animal and other species, and whether there was anything that distinguished us of a quantum kind, or whether we were indeed just one more strand of life in the eco-system; Singer’s controversial view that a human baby has sentience but not personhood, and how this altered our perception of the sanctity of human life in particular. This too produced a spirited discussion. The next topic was a brief investigation of inequality of wealth, based on The Spirit Level by Wilkinson and Pickett, which argues statistically for less inequality giving better outcomes in all sorts of other ways, especially in health. This led to a request for the following week for a read through of the first chapter of the Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. Here there was some concern, that at least one member of the group was really rather in favour of the ideas in this document and the discussion ended up revolving around the question of whether there was violence of some kind, class or other, inherent both in human nature or in social relations. With another diversion on immigration, with the realisation that in some way nearly the whole group had very mixed ethnicity indeed in their backgrounds, and what an extraordinarily diverse group it was, the theme of violence continued with the read through of Chapter two of a book by Rutger

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Bregman entitled Humankind: a Hopeful History on the fascinating true story of a group of teenage boys from a strict Anglican school being shipwrecked by themselves on a desert island in the Indian Ocean for two years. This was compared with the fictional Lord of the Flies to suggest that perhaps cooperation and order are far deeper rooted than the apparent desire for the strong to gang up against the weak as the most natural default position once the veneer of civilisation has been removed. The following two weeks witnessed two further investigations of two other masters of the modern mentality, Charles Darwin and Sigmund Freud. Darwin’s ideas of survival of the fittest and minute adaptations to the environment were rooted in his own conclusions to the Origin of Species and ably commented upon by Mrs Alcantara. The distinction between science and morality, between other species and human beings, again came to the fore as Mrs Alcantara suggested, apparently quite seriously, that perhaps ants or trees or mushrooms were the most communicative communal types of life. With Freud it became doubtful whether there was much hard science behind his theories of the self and neurosis, although his psychotherapeutic insights certainly fascinated, it did not convince those brought up on more behaviourist ideas.

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Finally, turning to the medieval sanity of Aquinas on living things mediated through the work of Herbert McCabe OP saw a discussion of wholes and parts in living things and the attempt to analyse human beings in terms of symbol making and linguistic animals, communicating and creating something well beyond the other species. Although how much headway these thoughts make in the face of all these other ideas remains an open question. This Society has undoubtedly taught these members of the Lower Sixth Form valuable skills such as research and debating skills, which will benefit them as they continue their education. It has been an enjoyable experience, and it is thoroughly recommended that ambitious Lower Sixth Formers join the Knowles Society next year; we had one member of the Fifth Form who clearly held her own this year and there was a hard core of regulars who must be praised for keeping up

the interest in the life of the intellect beyond the A Level syllabi: Maria Diamond, Maria Materna, Ryan Yuen, Luis Tang, Amalia Schlogel, Pui Yin Huang, Roksana Pieronkiewicz, and the more occasional contributions of Laila Akenzua al Kareem, Thomas Pike and Scarlett Ridge Arianwen Ramruttun, Maya Strauss, Oliwia Malek and Oliver Flynn. Hugh Walters Head of Theology & Head of History Model United Nations (MUN) After almost two years without being able to attend in-person conferences, pupils were excited to take part in the Bristol Grammar School Model United Nations at the start of the Lent Tem this year. Nine pupils from Fifth Form to Upper Sixth attended the conference. They represented the delegations of Ireland and Iran in five different

committees: Security Council (Ireland), Health Committee, Environmental Committee, Special Political Committee and Human Rights Committee. The topics discussed included the issues of deforestation, period poverty and fair elections, as well as the current situations in Afghanistan and Belarus. All nine pupils were fully involved in their committees, and played an important role discussing and amending the draft resolutions put forward on these issues.

Downside’s positive contribution was recognised with the following awards: • Joseph Day, highly commended delegate (Ireland) in the highly competitive Security Council; • Barney Sharifi, highly commended delegate (Iran) in the Health Committee; • Maya Strauss, commended delegate (Iran) in the Special Political Committee (this was Maya’s first MUN event); • Downside School, highly commended delegation (Iran).

The delegation of Iran had four delegates: Oliver Flynn, Amalia Schlogel, Barney Sharifi and Maya Strauss. We look forward to the next academic year when we will hopefully be able to attend more in-person conferences and continue to rebuild our MUN team. Jesus Tapia Head of Mathematics and Assistant House Master of Roberts

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TRIPS

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Blood Brothers As part of our development of the Drama Scholarship and Academic Drama programme this year, pupils were finally able to go back into the Theatre after two years. On Saturday 12th March 2022, pupils watched Blood Brothers, a musical by playwright Willy Russell in the Theatre Royal Bath. Blood Brothers, revolves around twin boys (Mickey and Edward) who are separated at birth and brought up in completely different environments in the city. The play, set in the 1960s, is divided into two acts, with songs throughout. For many of the pupils this was their first time going to the theatre with many of them mesmerised just at the building and infrastructure of the theatre itself. Then, when the play began with the lights, the set and the actors’, many were taken aback at how much thought and time goes into creating a great piece of drama. When the play finished, there many positive comments with pupils exclaiming ‘that was so good’ and ‘I want to watch more theatre’. Some were confused at the meaning of the play, however, all pupils were able to discuss their interpretations and understand the magic and power of live theatre. Making it different to a film or even a recorded piece of theatre.

Haynes Motor Museum First and Second form trip I had lots of fun on the trip to Haynes Motor Museum in Somerset as I really love vintage cars and have always done so because my dad has a few. It was amazing when I saw a red Renault 1910 type ax which is a really rare car. There was also a 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 spider. My favourite was the 1965 Shelby Cobra in a red colour. In addition, one of the cars I loved there was a Morgan 3-wheeler which I think was made around the 1930s. There was an MGA Roadster and a 1966 Ford GT which was driven and raced against Ferrari in 1966, this is what makes it so special! There were so many wonderful cars it is hard to write about all of them, but I think you get a flavour of the experience. I enjoyed the trip with my buddies, and of course, my House Master, Mr Dolman who also loves vintage cars but not as much as me! I hope we go again next year… First Form, Powell House

Holburne Museum: The Tudors: Passion, Power and Politics On the 26th April a History trip for the Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth A-Level Historians was Bethany Ackerley organised to a remarkable exhibition of Tudor Resident Graduate Assistant (Performing Arts) Portraits at the Holburne Museum, Bath. This was

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Cranmer, all next to each other. This was followed by the famous painting of succession of Edward VI, a small portrait of Mary Tudor and three magnificent portraits of Elizabeth at different periods: the Pelican portrait, Elizabeth as a young Queen and the Sidney portrait. There was also a damaged portrait of Lady Jane Grey, the pretender to the throne. We were very fortunate to have Dr Sanders explain the meaning of these political portraits as well as the fashions that were on display within them. This exhibition really brought the period alive and gave some insight into the characters of these historical actors at a crucial period in English history. Utterly fascinating. Hugh Walters Head of Theology & Head of History

a unique collection of portraits of the monarchs and courtiers of the 16th Century from a number of different collections, and all assembled in one room. At the entrance to the room was a remarkable life cycle of a courtier called Henry Unton, a metre and a half in length. This gave a sense of the Century, but it was the characters that shone through the portraits, characters one already knew in some way, who came alive: two portraits of Henry VIII as a young and older man, three of his wives: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour, and the key players Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell and Thomas

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Blenheim Palace Visit: Sixth Form Art History & Art study day On Wednesday 19th October, Sixth Form History of Art and Art pupils enjoyed a study day in Oxford. The morning was spent at Blenheim Palace analysing the beautiful architecture – the compositions of the facades, the remarkable Baroque decorative features, and the lavish interiors. Built 1705-22, Blenheim Palace was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and Nicholas Hawksmoor. With 187 rooms, it is the only non-royal, non-Episcopal house in England to hold the title of palace. It was gifted by Queen Anne to the Duke of Marlborough for his military accomplishments during the Spanish War of Succession, but the build was beset with numerous squabbles over politics, religion, and money. The estate covers 2100 acres and incorporates some of Capability Brown’s best work. We also visited the Ashmolean Museum to view their eclectic collection of art and artefacts. Our main focus was the 19th and 20th century art. Mrs William’s Art pupils paid particular attention to the portraiture collection. The Art History pupils found

works by Rodin, Renoir, and Kandinsky to feed their knowledge. In total, a productive and enjoyable day for all. Rachel Saunders Diana and Actaeon (1556), Constable’s Hay Wain Teacher of History of Art (1821) and Seurat’s Bathers at Asnières (1884). We were also lucky enough to see Gainsborough’s famous Blue Boy (1770) on loan from America. We London Museum visits: Upper Sixth History then walked across Whitehall to the garden of the of Art revision trip Houses of Parliament to view Rodin’s Burghers of The Upper Sixth History of Art pupils showed true Calais (1884-95), an emotive public sculpture that dedication to their exam revision by spending the commemorate personal sacrifice in the face of first two days of their Easter holiday in London’s tyranny, then along the Thames to Tate Britain to museums viewing and discussing the many artworks view Francis Bacon’s powerful, but disturbing Three they have studied on the Pre-U course. First came Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion (1944). the National Gallery to view important paintings Day two was spent discussing the many themes including Holbein’s The Ambassadors (1533), Titian’s of the course, including Neo-Classicism, Post-

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Impressionism, Expressionism, modernity, and gender politics. We were able to do this in front of great artworks, such as Canova’s Three Graces (1814) at the V & A, the Elgin marbles at the British Museum and van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear (1889) at the recently refurbished Courtauld Gallery. There is no substitute for seeing the artworks up close – it brings the course content to life, and it instils appreciation for the artists’ vision, intellect, skill, and labour. The museum visits were a wonderful opportunity to reflect on two years of study and invigorate minds in readiness for the exams.

Studies department took the First and Second Form pupils to see The Prince of Egypt in the Rachel Saunders Michaelmas Term. From the spectacular set to the Teacher of History of Art immersive dancing and impressive singing, it was an experience to treat the senses and was enjoyed by all. Here are a few reflections from the pupils Religious Studies – The Prince of Egypt who came. After the First and Second Form trip to the theatre in November, we were all saying (or ‘When the back of the stage lifted and all the actors singing!) ‘Deliver us’ to London to see The Prince of fell into the orchestra pit it was really cool’ Egypt again… (Viva, First Form) In the Lent Term of their First Form year, pupils are introduced to the Moses story in the Book ‘I loved when there was a ring of fire around the of Exodus in their Religious Studies lessons. To stage. The show was so fun and amazing’ support this part of the syllabus, the Religious (Emma, First Form)

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‘I thought that the use of physical theatre made it a lot more interesting, it made it easier to understand the surroundings and scenery. The play was really good and easy to follow, the singing was also amazing.’ (Boo, Second Form) Jennifer Price Assistant HsM (Caverel) & Teacher of Religious Studies & History

The Homecoming This year, around 30 pupils, on Thursday 31st March 2022 were able to go and be puzzled and astonished by The Homecoming by Harold Pinter, directed by Jamie Glover at the Theatre Royal Bath. Harold Pinter’s 1960s masterpiece is widely regarded as his finest play. This bleakly funny exploration of family and relationships has become a modern classic and winner of the Tony Award for Best New Play. This was a great opportunity for prospective GCSE and A-Level Drama pupils to watch a very different style of theatre and start to engage and explore practitioners and their use of techniques to show themes, relationship and social context. The show had a great cast with some very strong actors including, Star of BBC’s Gavin & Stacey, Mathew Horne (Agatha Raisin, Bad Education, Newark Newark). However, Mathew Horne was unwell with Covid-19 the night of the show, so his understudy took to the stage. This was done very well and showed pupils that, even when reading a script, you can still act with conviction. Versatile actor, comedian, and musician Keith Allen (The Young Ones, The Pembrokeshire Murders, Pinter 3 in the West End) played the brutal patriarch, Max. Four-time Olivier Award nominee Ian Bartholomew (Into the Woods, Radio Times, Mrs Henderson Presents, Half a Sixpence, Coronation Street), played Sam. Teddy was played by Sam Alexander whose recent TV includes Rhys in Emmerdale, and on stage The Watsons (Chichester

Festival Theatre), Lady in the Van and Racing Demon (both Theatre Royal Bath). RSC regular Geoffrey Lumb, recently seen in the West End in Hilary Mantel’s The Mirror and The Light, played Joey. Shanaya Rafaat (Around the World in 80 Days at the St James Theatre and Great Expectations at the West Yorkshire Playhouse) played Ruth. The Times stated, “Half a century after it put Harold Pinter at the forefront of British drama, The Homecoming can still leave audiences so provoked, puzzled and pleased”. This statement was very true, as most of the pupils left the theatre thinking about what had happened and why it had happened. Overall, it was a very successful trip with pupils realising there is more to theatre than just musicals or conventional plays. Bethany Ackerly Resident Graduate Assistant (Performing Arts)

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REVIEWS REPORTS

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DRAMA MUSIC ART CCF LIBRARY SPORT

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The Changing Room On Friday 3rd December some of our Second, Third Preparing for the play wasn’t a straightforward and Fourth Form pupils performed The Changing process. When rehearsals started back in September, Room in the School’s Fleischner Theatre. due to Covid restrictions, the cast couldn’t meet as a whole company. Nevertheless, they rose to the Written by Chris Bush, the play is set in and around challenge and attended extra rehearsals on Sundays. a swimming pool and follows a group of teenagers For most of the cast, performing to a live audience in full of excitement, impatience, and uncertainty. They a theatre was a new experience but one which they know change is coming, but not what it’ll look like. took in their stride, delivering solid performances The Changing Room was a high energy ensemble and making the audience laugh (in all the right piece using choral speaking and physical theatre places!). Live music performed by pupils and staff techniques to convey the shared experiences of this accompanied the actors and added to the feel-good coming-of-age abstract piece. atmosphere of the event.

“ For most of the cast, performing to a live audience in a theatre was a new experience but one which they took in their stride…”

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EVENING OF On Tuesday 29th March the Fleischner Theatre was moved to tears for an Evening of Love. The evening showcased the talents and hard work of our pupils (and staff!) across a range of music, dance and expression, and there was a tangible sense of the community spirit that is synonymous with Downside. Repertoire included First to Third Formers dancing and singing to Fixer Upper, a beautiful performance of Sonnet 43 by Maria and elegant ballet from some of the girls. The show also included comic pieces, such as spoken word duologues from love scenes from popular films and charming ballet of Swan Lake gone wrong. The Downside Function Band were on

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LOVE

good form with I Feel Good and Billie Jean, whilst the Sixth Form entertained us with a Mamma Mia Mashup! Choral Scholars showcased their incredible repertoire in solos and ensembles, cover a range of genres. The passion and enjoyment that all the performers clearly had for performing on stage was evident and made for a very entertaining evening. Thank you to everyone that supported the pupils, to all the members of staff that made the evening possible and to our wonderful audience. It was a highly original, individual and pupil led programme of entertainment.

“ It was one of the most enjoyable evenings I have had in the Theatre in the last seven years.” Mr Jones

“ I am utterly proud and completely humbled by tonight.” Mr Sheldrake

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LAMDA RESULTS We congratulate all those who have passed LAMDA exams this year: Petersen Garrett Ramruttun Ridge

Jan Christian Lily Arianwen Scarlett

Speaking Verse and Prose Speaking Verse and Prose Acting Duo Acting Duo

8 8 8 8

Distinction Merit Merit Merit

Lent Lent Lent Lent

Garrett Grecian

Beatrice Lydia

Acting Acting

6 6

Distinction Distinction

Lent 2022 Lent 2022

Rooney Carrick-Buchanan Eigbefoh Melotte von Wrede de Pelet

Rosie Anna Ebanehita Cosima Margarete Alexander

Acting Acting Acting Acting Acting Acting

5 5 5 5 5 5

Distinction Merit Merit Merit Merit Pass

Lent Lent Lent Lent Lent Lent

2022 2022 2022 2022 2022 2022

Jones Murphy Ridge Smellie

Hugh Amelie Alexa Lara

Acting Acting Acting Acting

4 4 4 4

Distinction Distinction Distinction Distinction

Lent Lent Lent Lent

2022 2022 2022 2022

Dolman Radcliffe Lloves-Rodriguez Martinez de Campos Arnus Petersen

Fiona Daisy Beatriz Camila Conrad

Acting Duo Acting Duo Acting Acting Acting

3 3 3 3 3

Distinction Merit Pass Pass Pass

Lent Lent Lent Lent Lent

2022 2022 2022 2022 2022

Michaels Barquin-Mendiri Onyejindu-Okonji Onyejindu-Okonji Rooney

Seth Cecilia Stephanie Stephen Oscar

Acting Acting Acting Acting Duo Acting Duo

2 2 2 2 2

Distinction Merit Merit Merit Merit

Lent Lent Lent Lent Lent

2022 2022 2022 2022 2022

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2022 2022 2022 2022

MUSIC

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MUSIC REPORT Downside’s musical life began to return to its familiar patterns during this academic year, though Covid-19 continued to interfere with our plans - seemingly, whenever it could! In September our activities were still severely limited because of the continued need for bubbling and social distancing, and because of the continued restrictions on choral singing. Some events had to be postponed at short notice. Others were re-imagined but, as ever, our wonderful pupils and music staff took the uncertainty and changes in their stride and produced a string of performances that was memorable for all the right reasons. Restrictions started to ease as we approached the traditionally busy months of November and December. The Concert Band once more led the Remembrance Day Ceremony at School, and the Remembrance Sunday Parade in Bath city centre; and the Chamber Choir went back to London for the OG and Wider Community Carol Service. The St Cecilia Concert was presented in Downside’s Fleischner Theatre. Just a couple of days before the concert we learned the sad news of the death of Hans Fleischner, thanks to whose immense generosity we are able to enjoy the excellent facilities in the Theatre that bears his name. It was a happy coincidence, therefore, that two of the items in the programme were especially suitable to mark his passing. At the start of the concert Fr James led the performers and audience in a minute’s silence and a prayer for Hans. The programme provided a snapshot of the diversity of instrumental, vocal, and choral music that forms part of the daily diet in Downside. Highlights included an outstanding group of vocal solos from some of our leading Upper Sixth musicians. No fewer than five ensembles also performed, and one veteran of these occasions was heard to say, ‘what a great concert. Every item was a knockout!’ Covid-19 considerations forced us to remain cautious about numbers in the Abbey Church and so, building on the Virtual Carol Service of 2020, we made a video of the Carol Service in 2021. This

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was greatly appreciated by friends, parents, OGs and others who were unable to be there on the day and is likely to remain a part of our arrangements for this event, and possibly others. The Lent Term saw five major musical events. First came the Chamber Choirs trip to sing Vespers at Wells Cathedral, sadly, for the last time in the company of the Monastic Community. Shortly after came the House Singing Competition, back in its traditional format of hymn, House song and part song. The overall standard was much higher than it had been for the couple of years, pre-Covid-19. It seemed that the restrictions on singing, once lifted, made the whole School realise just what a joy it is to sing together. The adjudicator was Sarah Kettlety, Director of Music at the Paragon School, Bath. She gave an excellent, encouraging adjudication of the various categories, before awarding the overall honours to a deafeningly overjoyed Caverel House. In place of a musical in the Lent Term we presented An Evening of Love. An immensely varied programme featured pupils from all year-groups in songs, sketches, dances, and recitations, with everything from Shakespeare to Mamma Mia. Many of the items were of the pupils own devising, and they took responsibility for costumes, props, choreography, and so on. It was the most exuberantly joyful evening. The Charity Showcase Concert was also exceptionally varied, with solos alongside ensembles large and small, experienced veterans performing alongside nervous debutantes, and novelty items alongside popular classics. Among the debuts were various pupils performing their first solos at Downside, including Dylan, giving us the rare treat of a timpani solo; Mr George Bevan, our new Head of Academic Music, at his first performance at the helm of the Concert Band in Skyfall; and the first outings of the newly formed Guitar Ensemble and Elastic Band. The latter group perhaps needs some explanation. It is aimed at instrumentalists in the early stages of learning, from beginners up to grade 3 standard, and

it is Elastic because it can stretch to accommodate any instruments in any combinations, from the tuba to the ukulele. Perhaps the most exciting debut, however, was that of the Croscombe and Stoke St Michael Nursery and Primary Federation. Around 50 pupils came to sing Shine Together, a song they had written and composed to reflect on their return to School life after the lockdowns. Local singer-songwriter Jane Taylor helped them in the composition process and led them in the performance. The whole audience was hugely impressed by the song, by the quality of the performance, and by the performers’ exemplary platform manner. The atmosphere in the Fleischner Theatre was wonderful. Every performance was polished, engaging, and warmly received by the capacity audience. Almost £400 was raised for this year’s chosen charity, Root Connections. Based in Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Root Connections is dedicated to helping adults with complex needs, especially those who are homeless or rough sleeping. Downside Abbey Church was the venue for our annual choral concert, back on the agenda after a two-year, Covid-19-induced break. The Plunkett Chapel was used as the backdrop. This created a more intimate performing space, without losing the church’s glorious acoustic, and it suited the occasion extremely well. Fauré’s sublime setting of the Requiem Mass is rightly one of the most popular of all the choral works. Pre-Covid-19, it was a core part of the Schola’s repertoire and received an annual liturgical performance but now, after only two years away, the overwhelming majority of singers were performing it for the first time. They worked very hard to master it, and they gave a confident and detailed performance, ably led by the senior choristers. The work exists in various versions, and we heard the unusual orchestration of Faure’s original: low strings only, apart from the solo violin, with timpani, horns, harp, and organ. The Downside Festival Orchestra made the most of the warmth and sonority of this combination, giving an extra richness and intensity to the overall sound. We were fortunate to have an outstanding group of soloists drawn from among the Upper Sixth choristers. The

baritone solos were sung by William Dewhurst and Dominic Kwan, and Stephanie Jedy-Agba sang the haunting Pie Jesu. It was a polished, expressive, and moving performance of this great work. And so, to the Summer Term, and May Morning. It was cold, windy, and very wet: ideal conditions in which to go to the top of the Roberts Tower and greet the summer with a performance of seasonal madrigals! The Mixed Chamber Choir rose early and, on the stroke of 8.00am, launched into Summer is icumen in, which is reputedly the oldest piece of secular music existing in written form. This was followed by Farmer’s Fair Phyllis I saw Sitting All Alone, and Morley’s April is in my Mistress’ Face, and the performance concluded with Morley’s joyful Now is the Month of Maying. The choir was in fine voice, despite the early hour and unfavourable weather, but they were still glad to defrost and dry off over a convivial breakfast afterwards! The other traditional musical events of the Summer Term also made a welcome return after a couple of years’ absence: Confirmation Mass, Prize Day Mass with orchestra, Concert Band playing at the CCF Inspection, and two Music for a Summer’s Evening events, one at the end of each half term. We also enjoyed four very fine recitals from the Pre-U Music candidates; some slickly produced, skilfully performed and amusing music videos as part of the Three Days in June programme; and a very strong set of results in the music and LAMDA exams during the year. In thanking all those that played, sang, acted, and danced, as well as their teachers, ensemble leaders and administrative supporters, I’d like to pay particular tribute to the Upper Sixth musicians. Led by Beth, Dom, Joe and Will, they have been an exceptionally harmonious group, wonderfully supportive of each other and of the rest of the School’s performers, keeping traditions alive and leading the charge with skill and enthusiasm as we returned to something closer to normality after a couple of very trying years. Julian McNamara Director of Music

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MUSIC EXAM RESULTS We congratulate all those who have passed music exams this year: Kwan Ramruttun Mitton Rose Standivan Healy Worrall

Dominic Arianwen Beth Ayrton Lara Celestine Sophie

Singing Singing Piano Cello Singing Singing Violin

8 8 8 8 8 8 8

Distinction Distinction Merit Merit Merit Pass Pass

Michaelmas 2021 Michaelmas 2021 Summer 2022 Summer 2022 Summer 2022 Summer 2022 Michaelmas 2021

Petersen

Jan-Christian

Clarinet

Pass

Lent 2022

Wyganowska de Pelet Mok Preston

Natasza Emma Bosco Isabella

Violin Singing Flute Singing

6 6 6 6

Distinction Merit Merit Merit

Michaelmas 2021 Summer 2022 Lent 2022 Summer 2022

Chow Smellie Vallencey

Ella Lara Oscar

Oboe Singing Alto Sax

5 5 5

Merit Merit Pass

Summer 2022 Summer 2022 Summer 2022

Chow Wyganowska

Ella Natasza

Oboe Piano

4 4

Distinction Distinction

Lent 2022 Michaelmas 2021

Errington Obinna-Onunkwo

Eva Nwando

Oboe Singing

3 3

Merit Merit

Lent 2022 Summer 2022

Chan Cao Preston Hayhurst McGarry

Dylan Xitong Isabella Harvey Jonah

Piano Cello Piano Clarinet Piano

2 2 2 2 2

Distinction Merit Merit Pass Pass

Lent 2022 Lent 2022 Summer 2022 Michaelmas 2021 Michaelmas 2021

Rees-Davies

Ottilie

Piano

Distinction

Lent 2022

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ART It has been great to be back in the studios this year with pupils able to explore and experiment with all the media we have in the department and to have the opportunity to inspire each other through their work. We welcomed a new art teacher to the department Kate Ellis. Kate is a fine artist and completed her MA in September last year at Bath Spa University. We also welcomed a new Artist in Residence, Jess Doherty, a fine artist of landscapes. Jess has been a very disciplined and productive artist in her

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time at Downside and a highlight of the year was the opportunity for Jess to have an exhibition of her work in the Theatre Foyer which she named The Lungs of the Earth. Jess had produced a striking array of work of varied landscapes, and it was particularly interesting to see areas where she had experimented with looser approaches. Jess has also worked closely with the pupils in all Forms and has been particularly inspiring to some of the GCSE and A-Level pupils. Jess has also had the opportunity to communicate her passion for sustainability through her work with the St Francis Society. Her

enthusiasm, skill and hard work ethic will be much missed in the department, but we wish her every success in her future endeavours. Next year, we will be welcoming an illustrator to the position, who will be focussing on developing the area of screen printing in our dedicated print studio. Art and History of Art have collaborated on joint initiatives this year with a visit to Blenheim Palace and The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. The Lower Sixth artists enjoyed the opportunity to draw outside the dramatic architecture of the building even though it was quite a chilly day. We also had the Lower Sixth jointly watch an online series of lectures held at the Cedars Hall, Wells. Talks included German and Austrian Expressionism, British Sculpture and Antony Gormley. There are more

talks from September, and we will look forward to continuing this enriching experience. We are planning joint trips next year to exhibitions at the Royal Academy and Tate Modern. It was fantastic to round off the year with exhibitions of the GCSE and A-Level coursework. The work this year showed a diversity of approaches and strong recording skills particularly through drawing and painting. There was an exciting range of approaches being used with wax sculpture, image and sound installation, kinetic sculpture, abstract wood sculpture, monoprinting, textiles and magazine design. Erica Williams Head of Art

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CCF The officers: Lieutenant Colonel N. Barrett CPO D. Pollard (RN) Major J. Storey Captain O. Simper Lieutenant R. Worsman Lieutenant G. Tahin 2nd Lieutenant E. Spurling Sapper H. Howard Lieutenant S. Barrett (RN) Lieutenant C. Warren (RN) Sub-Lieutenant F. Seggie (RN) Sub-Lieutenant C. Murphy (RN)

section cadets spent the Term brushing up on their weapon training skills in addition to completing the Advanced Army syllabus, and Lower Sixth cadets took part in NCO Cadre training, with outside assistance for 18 CTT. Upper Sixth Form cadets helped to instruct and run individual Junior and Senior sections. The Navy section staff and NCO’s delivered a series of informative lessons to our Junior cadets, engaging regularly in team building, problem solving, and practical leadership tasks. Canoeing and sailing weekend activities, continued to regularly take place during the first half of the Term. Sadly, we were not able to put on a Field Day in October, due to MOD Covid-19 training restrictions. CFAV W. Vaughan This year’s Service remembered the 11 Old CFAV I. Ramsden Gregorians who lost their lives at sea in World CFAV C. Stowell War II. We welcomed the President of St Gregory’s Society, Jonny Grew (C77), back to Downside to As Covid-19 restrictions finally eased, CCF lay a wreath on behalf of all OGs. We were also activities could return to normal. Lily Garrett joined by Second Lieutenant Bashall, Lance Corporal was appointed to the role of Cadet JUO of the Ferguson and Lance Sergeant Ledgerwood from Corps, and Benjamin Harwood as Cadet RSM. Maria Dolman (Cadet CPO) was given command 1 Platoon, Number 1 Company, 1st Battalion Irish Guards, who laid a wreath on behalf of the Irish of the Naval Section, ably supported by (Cadet Guards. The presence of the Irish Guards at this Warrant Officer) Angus Christie. Cadet Colour year’s Service was a welcome addition, after the Sergeant’s Beth Mitton and Sophia Burton were also given command positions and responsibility of Army section of the Downside CCF assumed the headdress of the Household Division in reflection of the Third Form Recruit platoon, and Fourth Form Army platoon, respectively. Mr Christopher Stowell our renewed affiliation. The Head, Mr Hobbs, Heads of School and Cadet JUO Lily Garrett also laid also joined the staff and took on responsibility for wreaths. Following the laying of wreaths, Lieutenant running the Corps of Drums, ably assisted by the Shaun Barrett (RN) read the names of the 11 Old ever-present Steve Jobbins. Gregorians who lost their lives at Sea in World War Third Form cadets spent the Michaelmas Term II, whilst pupils placed a cross at the foot of the engaged in several Basic Army syllabus activities, including dress and turnout and basic drill, but with War Memorial. Old Gregorian and former senior Cadet NCO William White (B14) and his family a particular focus on navigation and campcraft, in also attended the Service. On Saturday 13th of preparation for their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh expedition. Fourth Form Army section cadets were November, the Royal British Legion joined myself, Senior NCO’s of the Corps and Father Michael introduced to the Cadet GP A2 rifle, elements of Patey to conduct small, personal ceremonies at the Advanced Army syllabus, in addition to parts three locations in Stratton-on-the-Fosse, St Vigor’s of the Basic syllabus they had missed out on the Church, Downside Abbey Monks’ Cemetery, and previous year, due to Covid-19. Fifth Form Army

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St Benedict’s Church, with members of the CCF each laying a poppy spray at the graves. The CCF Pipe & Drum Band had the privilege of leading the Bath Remembrance Parade through the historic City of Bath on Remembrance Sunday, for the first time since 2019. Following an intense week of rehearsals, polishing boots and shaping berets, there was an air of excitement as the Band, joined by Old Gregorians Owain Daley (R20) and Isaac Tse (R15), disembarked the coach behind Bath Abbey. The musicians formed up for one last rehearsal with the bagpipers and immediately a crowd started to gather and applaud. Shortly afterwards, the Band was marching towards the Guildhall behind Drum Major and Head Boy Joseph Day. They proceeded to

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play a few pieces including the largo from Dvorák’s New World Symphony and Highland Cathedral whilst waiting for the rest of the parade which comprised veterans, representatives of the British Legion and other cadet organisations. The streets of Bath were lined with people on both sides and, whilst the atmosphere was joyful, there was a certain air of solemnity as both participants and spectators were aware that this parade’s purpose was to remember the fallen. It is always a great honour and privilege for our CCF Band to lead such an important and sombre occasion. During the first week of the school holidays a number of staff took part in some mountain navigation training, based at Capel Curig Training Camp in North Wales. A fun,

if not bracing, experience, and an excellent chance to brush up their micro navigation skills. The Lent Term saw the Third Form have an introduction to patrolling, shelter building, camouflage, and concealment alongside sessions on seamanship, kayaking and teambuilding. The highlight of the Lent Term was the Third Form annual evening exercise on Yoxter Training Area, where the cadets, ably led by Lower Sixth Form NCO’s, put their skills to the test collecting information on the ‘enemy’ (members of the Upper Sixth Form), working as a team, patrolling across the area, and avoiding being seen whilst retrieving parachuted scientific equipment. The penultimate weekend of the Lent Term saw our Fifth Form Army Section cadets deployed on a 36-hour exercise, on Yoxter Training Area. They were instructed, and practiced, a number of advanced infantry tactics including harbour area drills, recce and fighting patrols, ambush drills and platoon section attacks. Sadly, all copses and woods on the Training Area have now been placed out of bounds, due to widespread ash dieback. CCF Easter Camp, once more took place on Dartmoor where we took twelve Fourth Form and Lower Sixth Form cadets for an intense five-day training in preparation for the annual Ten Tors Challenge. Seven Lower Sixth Formers also undertook instruction and training prior to successfully completing their D of E practice expedition. Inspection Day on Tuesday 3rd May proved to be a very enjoyable and long overdue chance to show our Inspecting Officer, and current parent, Brigadier Paul Hayhurst, our CCF in all its glory. Cadets, both Junior and Senior, spent the majority of the day involved in a number of diverse and fun activities, both military and adventure based. Junior cadet activities included mountain biking, tackling teambuilding command tasks, canoe capsize drills in the School’s indoor pool, being shown how to erect bashas, and orienteering around the School grounds. Senior cadet activities included an excellent observation and fire control orders stand, archery, and a laser tag section attack stand run by 18 Cadet Training Team. The weather was extremely kind to

us, and all the cadets seemed to thoroughly enjoy the stands run by our enthusiastic, experienced and dedicated staff and Senior NCOs. We finished off the day with a formal Contingent Parade led by JUO Lily Garrett and RSM Benjamin Harwood, accompanied by the CCF Band and Corps of Drums, prior to our customary CCF Dinner, and a chance to thank our Upper Sixth NCOs, who have given so much of their time, effort, and enthusiasm during their time at Downside. Brigadier Paul Hayhurst has very kindly given me permission to include extracts from his Inspection report, which reads as follows: “The CFAV (Cadet Force Adult Volunteers) manning was particularly impressive both in terms of numbers, qualifications and experience. There was no shortage of CFAV, and I was particularly impressed by their enthusiasm, dedication to the cadets and experience. The standard of instruction, whether it be on camouflage and concealment, poncho building, or kayaking was of a very high standard, and the management of the different levels of cadets’ interest and enthusiasm was superb. The cadets were, above all, happy, challenged and really enjoying their time in the CCF. I was hosted throughout by the Senior Cadet and the Cadet RSM who were extremely well turned out and engaging throughout the day. They were very proud of their CCF and the achievement of those involved; they also spoke highly of the CFAVs. The training I saw was of a high standard, broad and fun. It was evident that the cadets were enjoying themselves and the CFAV struck an excellent balance between imparting information and enjoyment. They also used the Senior Cadets well and encouraged them to take a leading role in the lessons and activities. The formal parade was simply outstanding. The marching band was of the highest standard and an asset the School and CCF are rightly very proud of; the Band Master was quite a character, immaculately turnout and very good at his role. The cadets’ turned out was excellent, but I was pleased to see that the parade was deliberately

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kept simple and time wasn’t wasted with endless School CCF should be rightly proud of its rehearsal building up to the Review. The priority achievement, its CFAVs and its cadets; they are all remained the training activities. a great credit to the School.” This clearly is a first class CCF, which is very well Just three days later we headed down to led by an experienced Contingent Commander, Dartmoor for the Ten Tors Challenge. Both Teams very well supported by successfully completed their the Head and senior staff, 35 and 45-mile routes, arriving and enjoyed immensely by This clearly is a first class CCF, which back at Okehampton Camp, in is very well led by an experienced the cadets. It has a good good spirits, albeit exhausted. Contingent Commander, very well balanced programme of I never tire of seeing the supported by the Head and senior staff, teamworking skills and selfactivities covering military and enjoyed immensely by the cadets. skills, adventurous training confidence pupils acquire, It has a good balanced programme and leadership development; tackling such a physically of activities covering military skills, it also runs a thriving Duke and emotionally challenging adventurous training and leadership of Edinburgh Awards event. I was also humbled to development; it also runs a thriving programme. It was, however, receive a Ten Tors Diamond Duke of Edinburgh Awards programme. Award in recognition of 30 the cadets themselves that impressed the most. The pride years voluntary service to Ten the Senior cadets had in the Tors. Towards the end of May, CCF was very evident, only matched by their myself, and CPO David Pollard, took seven Lower disappointment of not being able to have achieved Sixth Formers, who were unable to complete more in their time due to Covid-19. They were their D of E Gold practice Expedition on Easter confident, polite and extremely engaging. The Junior Camp, down to Dartmoor. The weather was rather cadets were clearly enjoying their time in the CCF challenging at times, but all successfully completed and rising to the challenges put in front of them, their training, and I think all they enjoyed the and learning lots. experience. Canoeing and sailing activities I would like to thank all those involved in the continued to be offered on Sunday afternoons Biennial Review for making it such a successful and during the Summer Term, including one led by the enjoyable day. I was very impressed. Downside Royal Navy, on the River Avon at Avoncliff. We also

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conducted a Ceremonial Parade, on the occasion of her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, including a royal salute and three cheers, and it was with great pleasure that we witnessed our affiliated regiment, The Irish Guards, troop the colour this year, and that Lieutenant Charlie Bashall, who joined us at our Remembrance Service, was given the honour to collect the new Colours from the Drum. During the second half of the Summer Term, 35 Third Form cadets completed their Bronze D of E Assessed Expedition across the Mendips, a hot and sunny two days, camping out and covering a distance of 26 kilometres. 12 Fourth Form cadets completed their D of E Silver Assessed Expedition, in and around the Vale of Pewsey, Wiltshire, and during the first week of the summer holidays 11 Lower Sixth Form pupils successfully passed the

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expedition phase of their D of E Gold Award, on Dartmoor. During the Three days in June activity week CCF naval staff also ran a three-day paddle sports event, open to all pupils, based at Avon Canoe Club Salford, on the River Avon. I would like to finish by thanking the CCF staff, my SSI David Pollard, and the Senior NCO’s for all they have contributed to the Corps this year. I also want to sincerely thank Lt Gabor Tahin for all he has contributed to the CCF. Gabor is sadly leaving us to take up the position of Head of Classics at Clifton College. No doubt he will keep in touch, and I dare say we shall see him at Ten Tors next year, as he is transferring to their CCF army Section. Lt Col Neill Barrett Head of Art & Design

The ground was boggy and visibility was poor the entire day. We learnt pacing techniques to help us out, and we really had to give it all our concentration to stay on the right path. We didn’t get back to camp in time for supper (but a couple of pizzas and some chicken nuggets from the cafe was a nice backup plan!) The day of Ten Tors approached faster than I’d thought it would, and soon enough we were arriving at Okehampton once more. The atmosphere in the camp the day before the challenge was electric. Hundreds of tents thousands of kids. It felt like a festival. There were food trucks, and the Army gave us a chance to learn more about them through interactive stalls and tents. I might have regretted staying up later because As soon as I was given the chance, I signed up to we woke up the next morning at 4.30am. participate in Ten Tors. There wasn’t really a doubt However, the only emotion I felt was excitement in my mind, and I knew that I wanted not only to (and a few nerves). We packed our bags, tripleparticipate, but to finish the challenge, which is the checked everything, and at 7.00am on the dot, difficult part. we set off. The first training exercise I went to was on When you think of Ten Tors, the last thing to Dartmoor itself. We’d planned a two-day walk, but come to mind is paperwork. But as the captain the weather was not being kind. The rain was so of my team, that was one of my jobs. At every heavy and the wind so strong, that we barely made checkpoint, I had to make sure everything was it up the first (steep, very steep) hill before we had stamped - otherwise we’d be disqualified. Thankfully, to turn back. At least we learnt how to put up a I remembered every time. tent in a dark, stormy night of Dartmoor. We stopped walking in the evening and set There was a time when we’d been doubting up camp. Putting up the tents and cooking the whether there would even be enough people to food happened quickly - we were all eager to get form a team. By the time the Easter Training in some sleep. Okehampton Battle Camp came around, we had The second day, we set off at 6:00. We set a exactly six people. Any fewer, and we wouldn’t be good pace, and although it was hot, we got closer able to participate, so the daunting realisation that and closer to the final stretch. Walking down the no one could drop out became very clear. None last hill was exhilarating. The crowd had thousands of us could mess this up. of people in it, lining the road around the finish Despite this, the training at Easter went well. line. We crossed, to cheers and celebration. The We learnt navigation, including map-reading and feeling was so surreal and collecting our medals how to take a bearing. The weather was good, felt like a dream. I was so proud of myself and my warm, but not hot. On the third day, however, we team, and even though it was definitely challenging, got a second chance to experience the less idyllic I’m so grateful I participated. side of Dartmoor weather. It had been raining overnight, and a heavy, thick fog had settled. Kara (Fifth Form)

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LIBRARY We decided to go for broke and run two events simultaneously in the Lent Term but once again were thwarted by Covid-19-related restrictions. Nevertheless, Classics pupils here at Downside were able to participate in an interactive workshop with Mark Katz from the Actors of Dionysus and a small group was introduced to the stand-up phenomenon that is writer and broadcaster Natalie Haynes at Wells Festival of Literature. We caught a lucky break with the timing of our second one-day Gothic conference in March. This time we were able to welcome pupils from Strode College and Holyrood Academy to join A-Level English pupils at Downside for a varied programme of talks and seminars, a tour of the Abbey Church and a photography competition. Feedback on the day was overwhelmingly positive with praise for our key speaker Dr Joan Passey and author Natasha Pulley.

There is a Japanese proverb that runs ‘Fall down seven times, get up eight’, something we in the Library Team have taken to heart this year. The year began with ambitious plans for a series of events to promote reading for pleasure as well as for academic study, but Covid-19 wasn’t going to let us move on, not quite yet or in the way we planned, anyway. As is now the tradition, the Michaelmas Matilda gave the First Form a chance to establish themselves on the Downside stage with their “Wanted seconds both lunch and seminars! Just own, fresh rendering of the cautionary tale written couldn’t get enough.” by Hilaire Belloc, grandsire of previous Head Master, Dom Philip Jebb. Their performance was Author talks are a key part of promoting given extra shine thanks to coaching from top reading at Downside School. Where we can, we performance poet MiKo who came into School to work with First Form, Second Form and Third Form in a series of funny and thought-provoking workshops linked to National Poetry Day. One participant wrote: “Made me think differently about poetry.” Just before the pandemic, we had begun working with the Bristol Classics Hub on a pair of events to promote Classics in schools in the Southwest. Guest speakers from the University of Bristol and from the Actors of Dionysus were lined up and local schools invited. Then Covid19 struck, and the first event was postponed.

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books now enjoy greater impact particularly in this zone but also deeper into the library where we can showcase new titles. The Petre Library continues to be a popular place for quiet studying particularly during the evenings. This year’s figures are higher than ever. A round-up of library and reading events is incomplete without reference to World Book Day. This year’s planned fundraiser was swiftly turned to support refugees coming from the Ukraine who have had to leave everything behind including their favourite books. Another regular event saw the recording of a third Downside audio book: like to embed these visits within the curriculum so that the talk becomes more than a stand-alone this time the title was A Good Day for Climbing event. Before the Junior Exeat in March, we invited Trees by Jaco Jacobs and pupils from First Form and Second Form read extracts during Tree Week. thriller writer Fleur Hitchcock to talk to the First We are grateful to One World Publications for Form and Second Form and their parents about permission to make this recording. her favourite genre and the value of reading. When visitors tour the School, they usually pause Sadly, this event was also hit by Covid-19 but has on their way to the Petre Library to examine the been rescheduled to the first Exeat of the new academic year. In the Summer Term, Fourth Form pupils were asked to push their boundaries with an event called No Limits. Everest summiteer, filmmaker and now children’s writer Matt Dickinson was the key speaker and other sessions were led by members of the Manquehue community and by Head of Humanities, Mr Simper. Pupils selected their own challenge for the morning: creative writing led by Matt or bouldering. Later, in English lessons, they were asked to reflect on their experiences. Matt Dickinson’s own work is on one exam board curriculum and hearing about his adventures will enrich the study of first-hand accounts in nonfiction writing for GCSE English. Keen to support the continued development of study skills and independent study, the Library Team decided to tackle a major re-shelving project in the Petre Library in 2022. Having already identified books that were suitable in content, language and layout for younger readers, these titles were now re-catalogued and moved to their own zone at the front of the library. A judicious pruning of all the non-fiction stock means that

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In 2021 the librarian worked with the Downside Abbey Outreach Officer and the Marketing Manager to produce boards showing the History of Downside School.

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help of the Development Office, we recruited two volunteers from the OG community who came into School to be interviewed with Covid-19 measures duly in place. We were keen to hear from other members of the Downside community and managed to Janet Craig interview members of the Monastic Community Librarian before they moved to Southgate House, Buckfast Abbey in March 2022. A new team of interviewers talked to Father Leo, Father James and Father Anselm and then summarised the Oral History Project interviews so that topics can be easily accessed. Can you remember your first day at school? A third round of interviews took place in Walking up to the School gates holding tight to someone’s hand or running ahead without looking June 2022 and this time women’s voices were recorded as we hear from one of the first girls back? Just how far back can you remember and to attend the School and one of the first women in how much detail? Do certain people spring to teachers. mind? Or the smell of the School corridors? Or Some of our youngest pupils have also the sound of the lesson bell? A school community contributed to the School’s archive this year. like Downside holds so many memories. Academic scholars from First Form, Second Form Over the past eight years working alongside and Third Form were invited to put together a the Heritage Team at Downside Abbey, I have come to appreciate the rich history of Downside Covid-19 Time Capsule, capturing life at Downside School and am keen to ensure that pupils have an School during the pandemic. Pupils talked to staff and fellow pupils, took photographs and created opportunity to hear the stories and understand PowerPoint presentations which they shared the traditions. with their peers at an event in March 2022. Their My first project was to caption the Covid-19 Time Capsule will be retained in digital photographs lining the stairs to the Petre Library and then to produce a pair of boards showing the form as part of the School Archive. L.M. Montgomery, author of Anne of Green chronology of the School. Now we had a skeleton, Gables, wrote: ‘Nothing is ever lost to us as long as but I was keen to flesh out the School’s more we remember it.’ An oral history archive can help recent history with personal recollections. This us all to remember and hear the voices of the was the genesis of the Downside Oral History story tellers. Project. The aim of the project is to gather recordings Janet Craig from members of the Downside community past Librarian and present including pupils, teachers, staff and members of the Wider Community. We also hope to gather sound recordings of School life to enrich this digital resource and to illustrate the material with photographs from the archives. We began in June 2021 with a pilot project. After professional training with the School Archive Association, I was able to guide Lower Sixth pupils on interview planning and technique. With the Downside School History boards just outside and read the captions on the photos lining the stairs. One of the photographs shows that the room now housing the Petre Library used to be a theatre. We change, we adapt, we fall, we get up again.

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SPORT

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Whilst our most recent experiences of just about everything have been dominated by the effects of a global pandemic, it was a relief for all concerned when the last academic year concluded without us having seen any significant disruption or interruption to our sports performers and teams. As you will read from the individual reports in this section, sport & physical activity continues to be at the core of life in our school. Everyone has opportunities and everyone makes the most of them. At the centre of this culture is a determination to support all members of our community to be active and healthy, as well as providing a framework for all pupils to experience competition. As you will read, there have been many individual and team successes this year and I reiterate my congratulations and admiration to you all. During 2021/22, participation in sport across the School was incredibly strong, and I am grateful to all pupils and staff for the manner in which they continue to embrace this dual culture of development and performance. As the academic year drew to an end, it once again afforded me the opportunity to analyse data to illustrate how successful the sporting year had been. As Director of Sport, I feel that the success of a school’s sporting culture is best observed by the number of pupils who have participated in competitive Inter-School sports fixtures this year.

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Over the course of this academic year, a staggering 94% of all pupils in our community played in a representative sports team. Whilst some reading this may not be surprised to learn that these figures were 100% when we only consider First, Second and Third Form pupils, it is precisely these age groups who missed so much of their early sporting life during the pandemic. To have achieved total engagement with every single First Form – Third Form pupil is astonishing. The figures were equally impressive for the Fourth Form (96%), Fifth Form (88%) and Lower Sixth Form (88%). In their final year as Downside pupils, and alongside the pressures of A-Levels exams and Prefect responsibility, it is perhaps fitting that the final word goes to the Upper Sixth Form. This cohort of pupils have been at the heart of our sporting culture, many of them for the last seven years. As 1st Team Captains, House Sport Captains, Prefects and role models, it was with immense pride that I can report 95% of this year’s Upper Sixth played in a competitive Inter-School Sports Team. I wish all of our leavers this year the best for their sporting life beyond Downside and I very much look forward to seeing how this legacy can grow and nurture sport at Downside over the coming years. Mr Richard Jones Director of Sport

SPORT AWARDS – CAPS & COLOURS CAPS – an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the Sport as a player but who has also constantly, without exception, demonstrated themselves to be an excellent role model to their peers by living the core Downside sport values of Discipline, Honesty and Stewardship throughout the season. COLOURS – not quite done enough to be awarded a CAP, these are individuals who have still made a significant contribution to the sport as a player and/or an individual who has demonstrated significant commitment and dedication to the sport throughout the season. MICHAELMAS TERM 2021 GIRLS’ HOCKEY Caps U15 Z. Bellord C. Raper E. de Pelet L. Smellie L. Norris M. Jenkins 1st XI M. Dolman M. Jones A. Hayhurst S. Worrall U18

M. Dolman

Colours P. Bowman S. Ferran Baudrand L. Macmillan A. Majendie

C. Healy K. Pughe-Morgan I. Rickards M. Strauss B. Garrett F. Reed A. Hayhurst E. Howlett S. Siemens V. Aiello S. Worrall M. Jones C. Manso-Duffy G. Achammer C. Roth

BOYS’ RUGBY Caps U14

U15

U16

J. Ladipo G. Buhagiar E. Howlett

L. McGarry N. Viljoen S. Baker

2nd XV A. Christie H. Clark 1st XV

U18

Colours C. Dalgliesh J. Uhrmacher A. Kwan G. Lomelin Cardona

C. Hayhurst A. Cham C. Joy

M. Stanislas

T. Jones M. Pownall C. Hayhurst A K. Akenzua Al-Kareem S. Bellord B. Hart R. Keeley S. Norris Z. Dinning S. Ida M. Surry G. Healey J. Gould C. Boarder A. Farthing O. Webb

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LENT TERM 2022 GIRLS’ NETBALL Caps U14

U15

2nd VII

1st VII

C. Healy A. Hayhurst L. Akenzua Al-Kareem M. Dolman

CROSS COUNTRY Caps Junior Girls

Colours E. de Pelet C. Raper R. Rooney L. Smellie Z. Bellord L. Norris M. Sottomayor J. Keyte B. Garrett A. Walker K. Pughe-Morgan L-R. Hall C. Francis Jones L. Garrett O. Mossman I. Rickards M. Strauss S. Burton M. Jones S. Jedi Agba S. Worrall Colours A. Errington

(1/2F)

Intermediate Girls

(1/2F)

U15

L. D’Estampes Vallancey

Intermediate H. Garrett Boys

(3/4F) Senior Boys (5/6F)

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F. Mathew

Colours E. Blackmore J. Gathungu

G. Buhagiar A. de Abiega Franyutti

2nd XI

B. Hart A. Christie Z. Dinning

1st XI

B. Harwood A. Dentskevich J. Gould

FOOTBALL Caps 1st XI O. Wood L. Le Blan

2nd XI

(3/4F) Senior Girls (5/6F) Junior Boys

BOYS’ HOCKEY Caps U14 H. Garrett

B. Mitton

J. Chow L. Hansom S. Baker N. Viljoen L. Matthews A. Smellie

Colours R. Majendie A. Wiberg A. Chan I. Jones P. Puente Hervella C. Joy D. Makaza A. Ng CJ. Rapoo

SUMMER TERM 2022 GIRLS’ TENNIS Caps U14

U15

A. Weckerle

Colours F. Dolman O. Rees-Davies L. Carter C. Barquin Mendiri A. Errington O. Rickards A. Majendie J. Keyte L. Norris C. Raper R. Febvre

Colours

U14

U16

U18

ATHLETICS Caps U18 J. O’Keeffe

B. Harwood

BOYS’ CRICKET Caps U13

U14

M. Krishan B. Garrett K. Pughe-Morgan L. Collier L. Hall

Colours

U15

U18

M. Dolman M. Jones C. Manso-Duffy S. Worrall S. Siemens GIRLS’ CRICKET Caps U13

BOYS’ TENNIS Caps U14

U15

U18

L. Hansom N. Viljoen H. Clark

Y. Melotte O. Flynn D. Flynn P. Alonso Arredondo O. Smellie Colours G. Bernard C. Colbourne L. D’Estampes Vallancey O. Greensmith O. Rooney C. Dalgliesh J. Uhrmacher B. Priscott F. Podesta C. Pike J. McGarry H. Clark G. Buhagiar J. Last-Sutton J. Gould T. Jones L. Matthews S. Bellord Z. Dinning

Colours F. Baker

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THE TEAMS GIRLS’ HOCKEY 1ST TEAM L. Akenzua Al-Kareem, H. Aldinger, M. Dolman (C), C. Francis-Jones, B. Garrett, L. Garrett, A. Hayhurst, C. Healy, E. Howlett, S. Jedy Agba, M. Jones (VC), B. Mitton, R. Morling Ritchie, O. Mossman, M. Pienkowska, K. Pughe-Morgan, I. Rickards, S. Siemens, M. Strauss, S.Vaux, A. Walker, S. Worrall (VC) 2ND TEAM C. Bayntun-Coward, C. Blackmore, E. Burrows, A. Colgan, L. Collier, I. Crowther, M. Diamond, M. Evans, L. Garrett, E. Gibbons, L-R. Hall, E. Jenkins, L. Kelsh, M. Krishan, V. Lesault, C. Manso Duffy, M. Martin, I. Navarro Martin, M-C. Riederer Freiin Von P. Zu Schoenau, J. Weatherhead U15A TEAM P. Bowman, Z. Bellord, K. Campbell Meehan, A. Carrick-Buchanan, L. Carter, E. De Pelet, S. Ferran Baudrand, M. Jenkins, E. Keyte, J. Keyte, A. Majendie, E. Macmillan, L. Macmillan, L. Norris, Z. Potter, C. Raper, A. Ridge, R. Rooney, L. Smellie, E. Stanislas, A. Ulriksen Rodriguez U15B TEAM K. Cheng, E. Chow, A. Correa Calderon, E. Errington, M. Kedzior, I. Kuhlenthal Lyon, B. Lloves Rodriguez, C. Melotte, A. Mendizabal De Barros, A. Onunkwo, A. Palma Carey, M. Prat Vorwerk, E. Pickett, I. Preston, D. Radcliffe, M. Sottomayor, B. Sturdy, J. Valdes, I. Whately, J. Yakubu Samaila U13A TEAM C. Barquin Mendiri, B. Brennan, F. Dolman, A. Errington, J. Hall, B. Healy, G. Lesault, H. Makaza, C. Martinez De Campos Arnus, N. Obinna-Onunkwo, L. O’Kane, M. Randall, O. Rees-Davies, O. Rickard, E. Stanford U13B TEAM I. Aguirre Marti, H. Bennett, V. Buhagiar, D. Chan, A. Conway, I. Hathaway, E. Izquierdo, S. Kellock Ryle, B. Lai, S. Onyejindu-Okonji, S. Perkins, M. Puras Mendez-Castrillon, N. Wyganowska BOYS’ HOCKEY 1ST TEAM S. Baker, S. Bellord, I. Boas-Syed, I. Cañellas, J. Chow, H. Clark, A. Cutbill, R. Dawe-Lane, A. Dentskevich (VC), J. Gould (C, GK), L. Hansom, B. Harwood (VC), C. Hayhurst, S. Ida, B. Jackson, R. Keeley, J. Last-Sutton, L. Matthews, S. Norris, O. Penny, T. Pike, A. Rose, A. Smellie, O. Smellie, M. Stanislas, N. Viljoen, O. Webb

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2ND TEAM S. Baker, J. Bennett, I. Boas-Syed, I. Cañellas, J. Chow, A. Christie (C), H. Clark, A. Cutbill, R. Dawe-Lane, J. Day, Z. Dinning, T. Durante, A. Farthing, J. Freely, L. Hansom, B. Hart (C), C. Hayhurst, B. Jackson, R. Majendie, M. Mathew, Y. Melotte, J. O’Keeffe, T. Pike, T. Preston, A. Rose, R. Sharifi, O. Smellie, M. Stanislas, O. Webb U15A TEAM E. Howlett (C), F. Podesta (GK), C. Dalgliesh, G. Buhagiar, F. Mathew, J. Beaumart, C. Pike, C. Hayhurst, R. Tagent, J. Gathungu, F.Campbell Meehan, J. Uhrmacher, E. Blackmore, B. Priscott, N. Rubio, H. Hayhurst, A. Henson, H. Garrett U15B TEAM H. Jones (C), F. O’Kane (GK), K. Kema (GK), R. Navarro Martin, A. De Abiega Franyutti, H. Clark, A.Wong, D. Flynn, N. Jenkins, J. Rowell, A. de Pelet, R.Patch, A. Henson, M. Su, H. Gogh U13A TEAM O. Rooney, J. Yakubu Samaila (GK), F. Baker, X. Mossman, G. Bernard, B. Silva Munoz Pan, I. Quaife, L. Mitton, O. Greensmith, L. D’Estampes Vallancey, C. Colbourne, K. Ryan, J. Fernandez-Gorostiaga Murua U13B TEAM A. Kedzior, S. Michaels (GK), Z. Kwan, R. Tong, J. Yakubu Samaila, L. Joy, K. Ryan, B. Tong, E. Cheung, S. Onyejindu-Okonji, S. Michaels (GK), J. Yakubu Samaila (GK) FOOTBALL 1ST XI TEAM P. Alonso Arrendondo, A. Chan, Z. Healey, R. Ingram, T. Jones, I. Jones, L. Le Blan, R. Majendie. B. Makaza, Y. Melotte, S. Mitton, P. Puente Hervella, A. Sanchez Carrillo de Albornoz, V. Tickell, A. Wiberg, O. Wood 2ND XI TEAM J. Burton, A. Cham, O. D’Estampes Vallancey, F. D’Estampes Vallancey, J. D’Estampes Vallancey, S. Jin, C. Joy, D. Makaza, B. Mitton, A. Ng, J. Peterson, M. Pownall, C. Rapoo, C. Shaw, C. Tari Carderera, K. Wai Cheng, O. Yeung GIRLS’ TENNIS U18 1ST TEAM M. Dolman (Capt), M. Jones, C. Manso-Duffy, S. Siemens, S. Worrall, A. Weckerle

U18 2ND TEAM H. Aldinger, A. Gardette, A. Hayhurst, M. Krishan, I. Rickards, M. Riederer Freiin Von Paar Zu Schoenau U15 1ST TEAM Z. Bellord, A. Gardette, J. Keyte, A. Majendie, L. Norris, C. Raper U15 2ND TEAM R. Febvre, J. Hoffman, E. Keyte, I. Preston, E. de Pelet, L. Smellie U14 1ST TEAM A. Carrick Buchanan, L. Macmillan, A. Mendizabal De Barros, A. Murphy, D. Radcliffe, A. Ulriksen Rodriguez U13 1ST TEAM C. Barquin Mendiri, H. Bennett, A. Conway, F. Dolman, A. Errington, O. Rees-Davies, O. Rickards U13 2ND TEAM W. Hei Chan, G. Lesault, A. De Ledesma Moreno, H. Makaza, M. Rose Onyejindu-Okonji, E. Stanford, U12 1ST TEAM I. Aguirre Marti, B. Healy, B. Lai, G. Lesault, L. O’Kane, M. Puras Mendez-Castrillon, M. Randall BOYS’ TENNIS 1ST TEAM P. Alonso Arredondo, J. D’Estampes Vallancey, O. D’Estampes Vallancey, O. Flynn, D. Flynn, B. Harwood (Capt), B. Jackson, Y. Melotte, H. Wong 2ND TEAM P. Alonso Arredondo, O. D’Estampes Vallancey, F. D’Estampes Vallancey, J. D’Estampes Vallancey, B. Jackson, O. Smellie, O. Webb, F. Whitaker ATHLETICS TEAM A. Akenzua Al-Kareem, F. Baker, G. Bernard, E. Blackmore, P. Colgan, N. Danhawoor, L. D’Estampes Vallencey, J. Gathungu, H. Garrett, O. Greensmith, G. Healey, A. Houlihan-Wiberg, C. Joy, J, Keyte, K. Kema, B. Lai, J. Ladipo, G. Lesault, F. Mathew, M. Mathew, B. Makaza, L. McGarry, R. Navarro Martin, J. O’Keeffe, E. Preston, B. Sharifi, M. Surry, I. Quaife, O. Rees-Davies, B. Silva Munoz Pan, C. Tari Carderera, A. Weckerle, C. Wong, J. Yakubu Samaila

CROSS COUNTRY U15 BOYS TEAM I. Cox, C. Dalgliesh, L. D’Estampes Vallancey, O. Greensmith, H. Garrett, F. Mathew, R. Navarro Martin U15 GIRLS TEAM S. Ferran Baudrand, E. de Pelet, L. Macmillan, O. Rees-Davies, A. Ridge, C. Raper, L. Smellie, A. Ulriksen Rodriguez U13 BOYS TEAM G. Bernard, L. D’Estampes Vallancey, J. Fernandez-Gorostiaga Murua, L. Mitton, O. Rooney, B. Silva Munoz Pan U13 GIRLS TEAM F. Dolman, A. Errington, B. Healy, G. Lesault, L. O’Kane, O. Rees-Davies BASKETBALL I. Cañellas, A. Chan, J. Chow, R. Ingram, A. Kwan, D. Kwok, A. Lam, A. Ng, CJ. Rapoo, C. Tari Carderera, A. Wong, O. Yeung BADMINTON J. Chow (Capt), M. Diamond, K. Kambara, D. Kwan, D. Kwok, A. Lam, L. Leung, C. Ngan, J.Petersen. M. Su, L. Tang, L. Van Laar, J. Von der Schulenburg, M. Watts, A. Wong, H. Wong, R. Wu TABLE TENNIS C. Apweiler, A. Chan, D. Chan, G. Chi, I. Chung, E. Fu, PY. Huang, K. Kambara, D. Kwok, R. Kwok, K. Ko, A. Lam, L. Leung (Capt), A. Pang, P. Sadkowski, M. Watts, H. Wong BOYS’ CRICKET 1ST TEAM S. Bellord, H. Clark, Z. Dinning, J. Freely, J. Gould, L. Hansom (Capt), C. Hayhurst, Z. Healey, T. Jones, J. Last-Sutton, L. Matthews, T. Pike, A. Smellie, M. Stanislas, N. Viljoen 2ND TEAM S. Baker, R. Ingram, M. Pownall, Z. Healey, A. Rose, J. Chow, T. Preston, O. Wood, B. Hart (Capt), T. Pike, J. Freely U15A TEAM G. Buhagiar, H. Clark, A. De Abiega Franyutti, A. de Pelet, C. Hayhurst, E. Howlett, J. McGarry, C. Pike (Capt), F. Podesta, J. Rowell, N. Rubio, E. Stanislas U14A TEAM F. Baker, E. Blackmore, F. Campbell Meehan, C. Dalgliesh (Capt), O. Greensmith, H. Jones, A. Kwan, F. Mathew, R. Navarro Martin, R. Patch, B. Priscott, O. Rooney, R. Tagent, B. Tsang, J. Uhrmacher

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THE TEAMS U14B TEAM E. Beauville, G. Bernard, F. Campbell Meehan, C. Colbourne, L. D’Estampes Vallancey, J. Fernandez-Gorostiaga Murua, R. Navarro Martin, R. Patch, C. Petersen, B. Silva Munoz Pan, J. Yakubu Samaila U13 TEAM G. Bernard, C. Colbourne, L. D’Estampes Vallancey, J. Fernandez-Gorostiaga Murua, L. Mitton, S. Michaels, I. Quaife, K. Ryan, B. Silva Munoz Pan, R. Tong, J. Yakubu Samaila U12 TEAM E. Cheung, L. Joy, A. Kedzior, S. Michaels, X. Mossman, S. Onyejindu-Okonji, K. Ryan, K. Ryan, R. Tong, B. Tong GIRLS’ CRICKET U18 TEAM K. Campbell-Meehan, E. Collier, C. Francis-Jones, B. Garrett, A. Hayhurst, L-R. Hall, M. Krishan, V. Lesault, K. Pughe-Morgan, C. Raper, I. Rickards (Capt), E. Stanislas U15 TEAM K. Campbell Meehan, M. Jenkins, J. Keyte, E. de Pelet, C. Melotte, L. Norris, C. Raper, L. Smellie, E. Stanislas (Capt) U13 TEAM C. Barquin Mendiri, B. Brennan, F. Dolman, A. Errington, B. Healy, G. Lesault, H. Makaza, O. Rickards, M. Randall, O. Rees-Davies

3RD & 4TH TEAMS H. Aldinger, C. Blackmore, E. Burrows, S. Collier, M. Diamond, A. Evans, A. Fritschle, E. Gibbons, L. Grecian, M. Martin, L. McNally, M. Pienkowska, E. Wolters I. Crowther, E. Eigbefoh, A. Gotsis, I. Ling Tang, M. Lopez-Barrantes Jordano, O. Malek, M. Materna, C. Manso Duffy, C. Millington, C. Ngan, E. Perkins, M.-C. Riederer Freiin Von Paar Zu Schoenau, C. Stamm, M. Von Wronde U15A TEAM Z. Bellord, E. De Pelet, J. Keyte, C. Melotte, L. Norris, C. Raper, R. Rooney, M. Sottomayor, L. Smellie, E. Stanislas, A. Weckerle U15B TEAM P. Bowman, K. Campbell Meehan, E. Errington, M. Jenkins, E. Keyte, A. Majendie, A. Okunkwo, I. Preston, J.Yakubu U14A TEAM A. Carrick-Buchanan, E. Errington, S. Ferran Baudrand, J. Hofman, B. Lloves Rodriguez, L. Macmillan, A. Mendizabal De Barros, A. Palma Carey, A. Ridge, A. Ulriksen Rodriguez U14B TEAM L. Carter, A. Correa Calderon, E. Chow, K. Cheng, M. Kedzior, A. Murphy, E. Pickett, A. Potter, M. Prat Vorwerk, D. Radcliffe, A. Wu, J. Yakubu Samaila U13 TEAM H. Bennett, I. Brennan, A. Conway, F. Dolman, B. Healy, S. Kellcok Ryle, H. Makaza, S. Onyejindu-Okonji, M. Randall, O. Rickards, O. Rees-Davies

GIRLS’ NETBALL 1ST TEAM Laila Akenzua Al-Kareem (C), S. Burton, M. Dolman, A. Hayhurst, C. Healy, S. Jedy Agba, M. Jones, O. Mossman, U12 TEAM C. Barquin Mendiri, V. Buhagiar, D. Chan, A. Errington, I. Rickards, M. Strauss, S. Worrall J. Hall, I. Hathaway, B. Lai, G. Lesault, C. Martinez De Campos Arnus, N. Obinna-Onumkwo, 2ND TEAM L. O’Kane, S. Perkins, M. Puras Mendez-Castrillon, C. Francis-Jones, B. Garrett, L. Garrett, E.-R. Hall, E. Stanford E. Jenkins, L. Kelsh, M. Krishan, V. Lesault, R. Morling Ritchie, K. Pughe-Morgan S. Siemens, A. Walker

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All sports fixtures and results are published at www.downsidesport.co.uk if you would like to follow our teams.

ATHLETICS In Athletics we have had a really good term attending meets at both Millfield and Yeovil Athletics Arenas. We firstly went to the Mendip Qualifying round where we took boys and girls from Second Form through to Upper Sixth to compete. From here, we had nine athletes that qualified to represent the Mendips Team at the County Round – Well done to Teddy Preston, Max Surry, Clovis Tari Carderera, Kaosi Kema and Harry Garrett who all did very well in their events but a special mention to Jamie O’Keeffe (100m and Long Jump) and Luke McGarry (Javelin) who came 2nd in their events. Jamie was then selected

to represent Somerset in the Regional Athletics competition for both the 100m and the 4x100m Relay. He came 6th in the 100m final making him the 6th fastest boy for his age in the Southwest Schools and the relay team came 2nd to Avon. A huge achievement – well done! Finally, the Second Form also went to a County Festival of Athletics run to introduce a cohort of pupils to Athletics Meets after missing so much due to Covid-19. Our team of nine boys and girls experienced six different events overall and came 6th out of 17 schools in the relay. A special mention to Louis D’Estampes Vallencey who came 1st for both Long Jump and the 600m and Orson Greensmith for coming 2nd in the shot putt. Overall, we had over 35 pupils representing Downside over a variety of different meets whilst juggling internal and external exams, as well as other school fixtures, and still making big achievements. Well done to all involved. Emily Chapman Head of Netball Development and Academic PE Teacher

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BADMINTON

1. Henry Wong Captain: Jimmy Chow 2. London Leung 3. Dominic Kwan Vice-Captain: Andy Lam 4. Andy Lam 5. Jimmy Chow (Capt) Coming into my final year at Downside, I had 6. Ryan Wu the honour of taking up the role of the 1st Team Badminton Captain. Despite the conditions restricted 7. Max Su 8. Chloe Ngan from the global pandemic, we had the opportunity 9. Luis Tang to compete against other schools over the course 10. Leonora Van Laar of the Michaelmas Term. Special credits are given 11. Jessie Von der Schulenburg to our coach, Mr Potter who taught us not only skills but critical tactics on the court, and also to our new pupil Maria Diamond who joined us in Boys-U18A Badminton September 2021. Maria has been outstanding both vs King’s School Bruton in her doubles and singles matches when up against Saturday 6 November 2021 stronger opponents. Although a few fixtures were Venue: Home | Ortuzar Sports Hall unable to resume as anticipated, we have had four 1. Max Su 2. Luis Tang fixtures this Term, two against Sherborne School, one against Wells Cathedral School and King’s School 3. Ryan Wu 4. Jimmy Chow (Capt) Bruton. The results are a good reflection of our effort in training, at a win rate of 75%, only losing by 5. Dominic Kwan 6. Andy Lam 16-15 to Wells Cathedral. Having had a successful 7. London Leung term, I look forward to Maria taking up the role as 8. Chloe Ngan Badminton Captain in the future. 9. Henry Wong 10. Maria Diamond FIXTURE RESULTS 11. Daniel Kwok Boys-U18A Badminton 12. Max Watts vs Sherborne School Saturday 18 September 2021 13. Kenta Kambara Venue: Home | Ortuzar Sports Hall 14. Alfred Wong 1. Jimmy Chow 2. Ryan Wu (Capt) Boys-U18A Badminton 3. Maria Diamond vs Sherborne School 4. Andy Lam Saturday 4 December 2021 5. Henry Wong Venue: Away | School Reception 6. Jan Petersen 1. Jimmy Chow (Capt) 7. London Leung 2. Ryan Wu 8. Max Su 3. Henry Wong 9. Dominic Kwan (standby) 4. Maria Diamond 5. London Leung Boys-U18A Badminton 6. Andy Lam vs Wells Cathedral School 7. Luis Tang Saturday 9 October 2021 8. Daniel Kwok Venue: Home | Ortuzar Sports Hall

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CRICKET As the Summer Term here at Downside comes to an end, it is time to look back and reflect on a successful 2022 cricket season. We have been very fortunate with the weather this summer allowing us to fulfil every fixture which has provided so many opportunities to proudly represent the School, improve skills and to maximise enjoyment in playing cricket with one another. The Lent Term commenced with the new Cricket Development Lead, Mr Taylor running winter training sessions across all age groups, along with one-to-one coaching sessions which were running wherever possible around pupil’s busy schedules. These sessions were well attended and gave many pupils a boost going into the Summer Term. Lent Term further saw our U13, and U15 Girls Cricket Teams compete in the Lady Taverners Competition which saw Downside host one of the preliminary rounds playing against Monkton Combe and King Edwards School Bath. The girls thoroughly enjoyed the experience whilst perfectly showcasing the spirit of cricket. Neither team progressed to the finals, but the competition was the inspiration this fantastically positive group needed and the winter training from there on in was fantastic.

Nicolas Viljoen (Fifth Form Barlow) was again part of the Somerset County Cricket Club Emerging Players Programme (EPP) and travelled to weekly sessions at The County Ground in Taunton receiving specialist one-to-one coaching with SCCC coaches. This hard work was showcased during his batting performances for Downside this summer scoring one hundred and two half centuries. Downside School have continued to strengthen their relationship with Somerset County Cricket Club this year, hosting a ten-week coaching programme for local club players (which Mr Taylor himself led in our Sports Hall). After the Covid19 enforced break, July and August will again see the iconic Sheldon Pavilion host 14 Somerset CCC games for both boys and girls – at the time of writing this has already been hugely successful, receiving consistent positive feedback from visiting players and parents alike. There have been numerous highlights this summer. The 1st XI fixture vs Milton Abbey School brought two great performances with Nic Viljoen hitting 100 not out from 60 balls and Joe LastSutton ending with bowling figures of 3 overs 4 for 4. Zach Healey (Lower Sixth Smythe) took five superb wickets vs King’s Bruton and Freddie Podesta has taken two hat-tricks this season for

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the U15As with some unorthodox but effective spin! Oscar Rooney in the First Form has played up two school years, representing the U14As, batting effectively and bowling economically and taking some important wickets. The girls’ cricket hard ball programme has seen some great achievements as well this season. Following up on the hard work they put in over the winter, the girls have enjoyed several competitive fixtures. Special mention must be made of Emily Stanislas (Fourth Form Isabella) who became the first girl to play for the U15 Boys Cricket Team vs Kings Bruton. Unfazed by the occasion, she bowled brilliantly. The U15 girls also had a great win against Stonar School in a very exciting 16 over match, played in great spirit. Sadly, the only fixture casualty to the weather all season was against the University of Exeter Ladies 2nd XI, but we hope to be able host them again in 2023 and, having already arrived at Downside we’re sure that they enjoyed their unanticipated early visit to Clarks Village instead. There really is so much to be positive about in the development of the sport at Downside. Seven competitive sides now play on three superbly prepared wickets (thanks to our excellent Ground staff). The 1st XI was honoured to be able to visit North Yorkshire on a tour in late July. Playing T20 games against Queen Ethelburgas College and Mount St Mary’s School on Friday afternoon/ evening, before a two-day declaration game against our wonderful hosts, Ampleforth on Saturday and Sunday, it was a brilliant way to finish off the season. It is hoped that this Emeriti CC Festival will become an annual event and future Downside pupils can look forward to participating as well.

some good technicians and others who were just playing for fun. With a very full fixture list organised it was also a busy term, and all the boys had plenty of opportunities to represent the School and experience competitive match situations. This was also the first season for a while that Downside entered the U19 County Cup Competition. Having been given a bye in the first round we were drawn to play Millfield ‘B’ in the second round. Downside v OG – Baptism of Fire This was the first time that many of the Downside Team had represented the School at football. It was also the first time that they had played together. As such it was always going to be about enjoyment and learning. Downside started in a very positive fashion, passing the ball around and moving to space so that possession could be retained. The determination of the boys was evident immediately from their willingness to get stuck into the tackle, despite the difference in stature of the 1st XI. The Centre Back pairing of Adam Chan and Pedro Puente Hervella worked together as if they had been playing for years. Up front, Ollie Wood and Tom Pike were willing to run the channels and take on their opponents. Three well taken goals, leaving Roman Majendie with very little chance on each of them, gave the OG a 3-0 first half lead. Although a 1-7 loss, there were many positives to take from this first match and some useful areas to work on as we went through the season.

Downside v King’s Bruton (Away) – Majendie to the rescue The first official match of the season between two evenly matched teams proved to be a cracking start Alex Taylor to competitive football. With players missing due to Cricket Development Lead and Coach illness, we had to draft in Louis Hansom and Inigo Canellas from the 2nd XI. This meant that there was a little bit of settling in needed and this indecision led to Bruton scoring their first goal. However, Downside FOOTBALL were determined to get back into the match and A term of ups and downs. Ayrton Rose on the left and Ollie Wood on the As is normal for the Michaelmas Term, the Football right wings kept probing and making some good Team was very much an experimental team with

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runs. The equalizer came from Ake Wiberg after a jinking run through the centre of the pitch. With the final score 2-2 both teams wanted a penalty shootout to find a winner. After a nervy game, Roman Majendie stepped up to the responsibility of saving three of King’s penalties which meant that Downside secured their first win.

the game. Majendie did his best in goal to keep the score down, producing some fine saves at the feet of the Prior Park players but a strike from outside of the box towards the end of the half meant that it was 0-3 to the visitors.

Downside v Clifton College (Home) – A wake up call for how to play After a couple of close matches this was the complete opposite. Clifton College were always going to be a stern test. Spirits were high but an early own goal from Penny set the tone for the rest of the match. The superior passing and movement off the ball from Clifton opened the Downside defence on numerous occasions and if it wasn’t for some excellent tackling from Puente Hervella the half time score would have been much worse than 0-7.

Downside v King’s Bruton (Home) – Hard work pays off Downside started in a very positive fashion, passing the ball around and looking for the probing runs down the wings. Wiberg and Le Blan were excellent in the centre of the pitch, not allowing the KSB players to settle on the ball and constantly running at the defence. Wiberg scored the first after a probing, determined run. Downside were on top reducing KSB to very few attempts on goal. In fact, Cutbill was very unfortunate to not get himself on to the scoresheet before half time. 1-0 at half time was soon 2-0 after another superb effort from Wiberg. KSB changed their play in the second half, using the wide areas more and getting runners in behind our defence. They did pull one back after a mix-up in the area, but Downside did not let this get them down. Despite conceding another almost straight from the restart, Downside held on for the final ten minutes for a thoroughly deserved second win of the Term.

Downside v Taunton School (Home) – A game of two halves Once again, the normal team line up was decimated Downside v Stonar (Away) – by illness, injury and absence and we had to draft in Casual attitude costs Downside dearly cover from Lower Sixth pupils who had not trained After a short journey to Stonar School, and the with the rest of the Team. This lack of familiarity positive match against King’s Bruton, the Team showed as Taunton raced into a two-goal lead. appeared confident in securing a result. However, Eventually Downside started to work as a team they started the match with a far too relaxed and passed the ball to each other. A quick through attitude and were made to pay early on as Stonar waltzed down the wing and crossed for the first goal. ball for Louis Hansom enabled Downside to grab one back and make it 1-3 but almost immediately This early set back did not shake Downside out of from the kick-off, Taunton restored their three-goal their slumber. advantage. Credit has to go to Majendie for some However, a superb long-range strike from the fine, brave saves that did keep the score down, Stonar forward removed any thoughts of a positive result and even a missed penalty from Stonar didn’t especially a superb double save when one on one trouble them as they ran out deserved 4-1 winners. with the Taunton player.

Downside v Prior Park (Home) – A bad day at the office First game after the half term and what should have been a close game was anything but. Missing a couple of key players, Downside had to shuffle the defence a little and it took a while for the players to adapt. An early couple of goals due to a mix up in defence meant that Downside were always chasing

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Downside v King’s College, Taunton (Away) – Ignore the result, take the performance After a well-deserved win in the previous match, confidence was up for the trip to Taunton. A School with similar ability to Downside would give us another chance to develop as a team. We started well, passing the ball, and denying King’s the chance of attack. Wiberg was playing as centre back alongside Puente Hervella and they were proving to be a veritable brick wall. King’s did score two very quick goals as a result of poor clearances from a corner. This didn’t affect Downside negatively and they grabbed on back with a cheeky free kick from Wood that crept after as no one touched it. Half time came with the score 3-1 to Taunton but the boys were still very positive, and rightly so. Although the score was 5-2 to Taunton, the performance from Downside did not reflect this and the team can be more than a little proud with their efforts.

Millfield but for much of the first half Downside matched them. Some ill-discipline started to creep into the Downside play and some stern words and adjustments were needed. In the second half, Downside battled more, using the width of the pitch, and playing some nice through balls for Wood and Durante to run onto. Alas we were unable to snatch a consolation goal and Millfield ran out 0-8 winners.

1st XI After some painful results in the Michaelmas Term it was with renewed hopes that Downside School entered the Lent Term. With an increase in pupils choosing football as their option, we had a comparatively strong squad of players to utilise for what was to be a busy term with 15 fixtures scheduled. It started well with a hard-fought win at home to Milton Abbey. Being 2-1 down at half time, some slight changes and encouragement meant that the Team came out with renewed determination and a brace from Vincent Tickell ensured the spoils went to Downside. After that, although there was Downside v King Edward’s, Bath – some good play from everyone, the luck was not All Quiet on the Western front For our penultimate match, we hosted KE Bath with on our side and a series of narrow loses against Taunton, King Edward’s and Wellington School a lot of hope. Back to an almost first choice team ensued until we finally recorded a well-earned draw Downside played with a new purpose. Despite against Millfield School. This did not really galvanise pressure from KE, Puente-Hervella was superb in centre of defence with his covering and interceptions the Team as they returned to three straight losses against Prior Park, Dauntsey’s and Sexey’s. The latter of through balls. Majendie pulled off some fine onebeing probably our worst performance of the handed saves to keep out the KE attacks. With it season so far. However, lady luck may have taken pity 0-0 at half time, the team could be proud. This was followed for most of the second half but once again on us, and the next three games were all victories our old friend tiredness crept back in, and KE scored that gave the Team confidence and also showed that when they play as a team, anything is possible. three goals without reply. Sherborne, Warminster, and Sherborne again, were Downside v Millfield 2nd (County Cup round two) dispatch with some ease – although being 4 -1 up against Warminster we took our foot off the gas and – No negatives in defeat An eagerly awaited match with one of the strongest allowed them to raise their hopes by giving away two sloppy goals. These three wins on the trot were teams in the County. This was the first foray into secured with Downside scoring 13 goals and only a Cup Competition for many years. We had to conceding five, and Yvo Melotte scoring a couple shuffle our players as Majendie was injured in of cheeky nutmegs on the visiting keeper. Alas this the previous match. Chan took the gloves and increased positivity did not last as a rematch from although a little shaky, he can be pleased with his performance. It was always going to be tough against the Michaelmas Term against King’s College Taunton

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resulted in a 4-1 loss (although an improvement on the earlier fixture). Although the results have not gone the way of Downside during the Lent Term, the Team have for the main part played the game in the right spirit and worked hard when things were not going their way. They have worked as a team to try and improve but also in encouraging each other. From Roman Majendie who has been nearly ever present in goal, being fearless when diving at people’s feet and pulling off some worldly saves when all seemed lost. The defence held by Pedro Puente Hervella, Ivor Jones, Adam Chan and the tenacious Sebastian (nothing is getting past me) Mitton. A midfield orchestrated by Ake Wiberg, Ollie Wood and Louis LeBlan. Assisted by Yvo Melotte and Toby Jones out wide and all feeding Vincent Tickell or Alvaro Sanchez Carrillo de Albornoz up front. Hopefully, with many of the squad still at Downside next year we can look forward to an even more successful season to come. At the time of writing, with one game to go against the OG team, Ollie Wood is leading the goal scoring charts with ten goals this season.

determination to improve and infectious excitement after every game she has played. Never one to shy away from a tackle, I hope that others will follow in her trail blazing footsteps. Long may this continue. Paul Hunt Head of Chemistry & Teacher in Charge of Football

GIRLS’ HOCKEY

What a joy and pleasure it has been to see hockey resume as an almost completely normal spectacle at Downside School. Enthusiasm was renewed ahead of the 2021-2022 School year knowing that we would once again be able to train, play fixtures and host visitors to the School once. Mr Edge and the rest of the staff at Downside have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the sport of hockey back in action and would like to thank every single girl for their participation and motivation to make the very most out of the Term. It is one that will be appreciated for a long time to come. The First Team of 2021 had to show real steel and determination throughout their season. Due to the lingering effects of Covid-19, they had to wait 2nd XI until the sixth week of their season before they For the first time in a long time, Downside had so had a full complement of players from the training many pupils choosing football that we were able to field a good number of Second Team fixtures. My squad to choose from. Up to that point, the season thanks must go to Mr Worsman and Mr Nichols stuttered after a two-week postponement of fixtures, who accompanied, coached and cajoled them. injuries and isolations that ensured, while progress Although some of the early games were difficult, was being made it was difficult for the girls to find this team never gave up and gave their all in every consistency in the first half term. Results, such as a game. Clovis Tari Carderera, Donnel Makaza and formidable 4-0 against Milton Abbey School were Andrew Ng were three tough cookies who gave short-lived periods of form. However, as the Team everything in every match. Charlie Joy and Ka Wai pulled together consistency of performances started Cheng took turns in goal and although they may to form. This in turn produced some excellent results have let a few in, they never let their performance against Leweston School, Beechen Cliff School, drop. It was therefore even more pleasing that the Prior Park College and Stonar School. The most Second Team did manage to secure a win against impressive performance of the term arrived in the Sherborne School. Fully justified for the effort that form of a draw against Prior Park College. Earlier they have shown this year. Another first for my time in the term, the First Team stomached a heavy loss at Downside was the participation of girls in football. against this team. However, their development over Beth Mitton had never played before this year, but the season ensured that when Prior returned, they she has really embodied the spirit of enjoyment, could only journey home with a draw. This was an

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important moment for the Downside First Team who could sincerely recognise the magnitude of their development as both individuals and a team. Something that has now apparently become customary – but purely by merit – is the mention of our goalkeepers. Anna Hayhurst was recognised as the Coach’s Player of the Year for the First Team. Despite not often taking the headlines due to her position, everyone playing and watching could recognise the impact she had not only on matchday performances but through her character and relentlessness in training. Maya Krishan also deserves a specific commendation for her patience. While Anna had a stand-out season, this was is no small part due to the fact she knows Maya has been pushing her. This is a battle the coaches will enjoy seeing again next year as we are lucky in that both girls are still with the School in 2022. However, for some of our girls, this will be the last opportunity to thank them for their continued dedication to the sport. As such, all the staff would like to thank those Upper Sixth Form members for their enthusiasm and drive both on and off the pitch for hockey at Downside School. They have added to the legacy for many more girls to build on in the future. Lastly, a large thank you to the leadership group of Maria Dolman, Maddie Jones and Sophie Worrall who will be sorely missed – they admirably led a group from a position of wilderness without competitive hockey, back to a fully functioning competitive environment. This was an exceptional achievement after the last two years. This Term was again, rather disrupted due to restrictions but it was brilliant to get back to fixtures and playing team hockey. The Second Team managed to play eight fixtures over the Term, which, for many in the team this was their first experience of playing competitive hockey. Conchi Manso Duffy captained the team with Mia Evans in the Vice position. These members of the Upper Sixth Form proved tremendously important in leading the Second Team through each training session and match. There was a large squad of players training each week all of whom were selected for at least one fixture. Maya Krishan had a superb season in goal reducing the

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goals conceded significantly in some of the tougher matches, she proved to be a fantastic asset for the team all season. The girls started the season with a 1-1 draw against Monkton Combe School. With two fixtures then cancelled on the bounce there was time for the team to regroup and focus ready for the first of two facings against Wells Cathedral School, the team played exceptionally well preventing Wells from crossing the goal line: this game finishing as a 0-0 draw. The fixture of the Term came late in November when the girls faced Prior Park College who were a very strong opposition. The Downside girls played exceptionally well, and it was a close and exciting match, which played a huge part of an exceptionally good day of hockey. This year Mr Brooking led the U15A team, alongside Miss Culverwell. The Team decided to share the captaincy this year, which enabled different players to experience the role before stepping up to the senior teams within the School. The girls in the U15A team fought through a tough start to the season against Monkton Combe. Despite this, the girls bounced back with tremendous spirit. They put their heads down and trained hard, displaying a key Benedictine Vale, discipline. This determination earned them their first victory against Royal High School Bath, with a 3-1 win and a terrific performance. Due to the hard work put in during training, clear improvements were made as the team progressed. The U15A team went on to be unbeaten from three games in a row, ending the season with an exciting battle against Prior Park, which they were unfortunate to lose. However, the training behaviours shown throughout the Michaelmas Term were excellent, and they were an absolute delight to coach. Mr Brooking feels these girls will go on to contribute well to the senior sides in the School and looks forward to seeing how they keep progressing. The U15B started in September and were quickly out playing fixtures marking a stark change to the year prior. Despite for many of our pupils – international and domestic alike – this was their first-ever hockey game, the girls all stepped out onto the pitch and performed with character and

attitudes of seasoned veterans, and this was to be a trend that continued throughout the Term. Continually impressing the coaches with the speed at which they developed and continued to innovate and develop throughout training and fixtures, albeit occasionally with some third-party translations to assist in tactical explanations. Though the results may not have gone the team’s way, the girls were routinely complemented by spectators and competition for their work effort and team ethos throughout. We sincerely hope that the enjoyment this team took away from their season remains firmly in their minds as they look ahead to next year and the seasons, they have ahead of them. The U13A were joined by Mr Knight and Miss Johnson to start the year. With many new pupils joining Downside School in the First and Second form, it was easy to see that the girls were a talented group of individuals but had to work hard in order to develop into an effective team. As the term progressed, games continued to come and go as girls figured out where they preferred to play and how to play with each other. With many of the fixtures, the team gave themselves new targets to achieve each week, meeting them on every occasion! Costing the lead coach, Mr Knight some sweet treats on multiple occasions. As the term edged on, the goals started to flow and the defence became much more reliable. Consequently, the results started to arrive. The most pleasing of performances came about through a stellar 5-2 win against Leweston School, where they played the opposition off the pitch. From that point onwards the U13A Team never let up, playing some sublime hockey through to the end of term. The majority of this U13B team were relatively new to hockey this term, however, we take great pride in how quickly these girls adapted to playing hockey and competitively match other schools that we played against. There was an excellent attitude to training and a willingness to learn from this group of girls, which Miss Culverwell hopes to see continue into their further years at Downside. This team had seven fixtures over this Michaelmas Term, although

many of those results were losses, there were some brilliant goals scored against those competitive schools and their Downside spirit remained unchanged no matter the score line. Special mentions go to Jessica Hall and Lola O’Kane who we hope to both develop into formidable goal keepers in the future. Their performance over the last season was sensational and they both saved many goals. Alongside the friendly midweek and weekend fixtures between schools the, U18, U16 and U14 teams also competed in the England Hockey National Competitions. The U18 team were knocked out of the National Tier Two Competition by Millfield School in a closely contested match, resulting in a 3-1 loss. The U14 team spent a tremendous day at Millfield School also competing in the Tier Two Cup but were not able to progress past the County Round. The U16 Team competed in the Tier Three Cup, winning the County Round before being halted at the Regional South West Round. This was a fantastic achievement. The Fifth and Fourth formers involved are the first Downside School hockey players to win their country round for a number of years – well done. The term concluded in a tremendous final weekend of competition in the fiercely competitive Inter-House matches. The U13 matches resulted in a draw between Isabella and Caverel. Caverel won one of the matches 2-1, and Isabella won the other match 6-2. In the U15 age group matches, all the girls participated for their Houses in a match that included the most shots on goal during the day. However, both houses contained a number of the U15A team members and the result reflected the parity in ability between the two sides. The final result was a 1-0 win for Caverel. Lastly, in the senior match, a number of players starred with again a large number of girls competing for both Houses. A tremendously competitive match could have gone either way. Some excellent hockey was on show during this match with the girls on both sides displaying what they had learned during the Term. One side managed to sneak the win during normal time, Caverel edging out Isabella in a close 1-0 victory.

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Congratulations to the following pupils for their nominations for the England Hockey Player Development Pathway:

BOYS’ HOCKEY

This year’s 1st Team included some enthusiastic and promising young players from the Fifth Form and a core of increasingly experienced Lower Sixth Junior Development Centre (Avon): Form boys alongside an experienced set of players Molly Jenkins (U14) in our Upper Sixth Form. All Senior Boys boarding Ottilie Rees-Davies (U14) Houses contributed significantly to the side, making Amelie Murphy (U14) it exceptionally representative of the School. This Phoebe Bowman (U15) term’s season also saw a number of experienced Lucinda Carter (U15) boys finishing their school hockey careers having Katie Pughe-Morgan (U16) made significant contributions to its progression in Bea Garrett (U16) the last five years. The season started in exuberant Zara Bellord (U16) form, with a flattering win against Leweston School. Maya Krishan (U16) However, the boys understood Leweston were a Anna Hayhurst (U17) young side, with hockey emerging amongst their Issy Rickards (U17) boys as a growing sport. Unfortunately, the next Saturday fixture was cancelled, which stopped the Annabel Walker (U17) Ellie Howlett (U17) 1st Team from carrying over any momentum from the first weekend. In the third weekend, they faced Well done to the following girls who were selected a well organised Wellington School. This was a to represent the Junior Academy Centre (Avon): closely contested match that brought about multiple Molly Jenkins (U15) chances at either end. Some spectacular saves from experienced 1st Team keeper and Captain for the Eleanor Howlett (U17) season, Jacob Gould, kept the team in contention It was a delight to see our girls pitch themselves throughout the match. The team demonstrated against the best players around the Avon area and a huge amount of learning during the team. Mr we hope to see the number of girls selected for Edge was particularly pleased to see a 1st Team Academy Centres and playing for local clubs increase use a variety of presses and start to experiment in the future. with outletting shapes, while playing a progressive It is customary that the staff who coached the possession style of hockey. The season ended with girls in the School for hockey this Term are thanked. an excellent tour weekend, which saw the 1st Team However, a particularly large thank you must be play against Mount Kelly School before taking on passed to Mr Brooking, Mr Knight, Miss Culverwell, a side from the University of Exeter. We were Mrs Seggie and Miss Johnson for their time and grateful to both institutions for accommodating us so efforts this year. The girls within Downside have well and providing such entertaining matches during thrived from having competitive fixtures once again the weekend. and without the organisation of the staff, this simply Mr Edge was extremely grateful to the 1st Team. does not happen. Hockey has officially returned and In particular, those Upper Sixth Form players who as a result, girls once again have a renewed passion are leaving us at the end of the year. The leadership for competition. We’re already looking forward to team of Jacob Gould, Alex Dentskevich and Ben the next season. Harwood set excellent examples on the pitch for both training and matches throughout the term. Ben Edge Congratulations to Jimmy Chow and Louis Hansom Head of Academic PE and Hockey who won the Coaches’ Player of the Year Award.

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Both demonstrated excellent attitudes and growth throughout their time at the School. The Players’ Player of the Year Award was split through voting and was won by the impressive Leo Matthews and Shotaro Ida – congratulations to both. This team epitomised much of what the staff deem as the current successes of hockey at Downside School. There was a huge amount of competition for spaces for every single match. This made selection for every single match difficult for the coaches. A large number of senior boys in the School stay true to the sport where they spend a great deal of time developing in their younger years. The enjoyment they take from playing hockey in both training and matches is a true joy to watch. It is not a surprise to the staff that this was not only one of the most enjoyable sides to work with but also one of our most successful. They took great pride in being a competitive and hard to beat side, who often deserved the victories they accrued during the season. Ben Hart and Angus Christie were excellent leaders and set the tone well, which is a great credit to both of those individuals. A large thank you to all the players in this group from all the coaches. We hope to see all the same level of competition again next year and many of these players progress to the 1st Team. This year Mr Brooking, Mr Dolman, and Mr Jones led the U15A Boys’ Hockey Team, with a mixture of results along with highs and lows. This team started as a group of individuals, not trusting in each other. However, they soon realised in order to compete against the stronger schools they faced, it would take ultimate trust and faith in one another. It’s fair to say results didn’t go their way, but the team-work within this squad developed demonstrably. Putting in the early morning training sessions at 7.00am with Mr Brooking showed how committed they were to try and better themselves. Having looked back on the season, all pupils will be able to know they gave it their all and will want to come back stronger next year. A special mention goes to Harry Garrett and Rupert Tagent for their involvement within the Avon Hockey Development Centre.

The U15Bs, led by Mr Brooking, Mr Knight, and Mr Taylor had a very successful season this year, showing all schools how to be resilient right until the final whistle. With some excellent results all round but one fixture that stands out in particular is the two and a half hour trip down to Mount Kelly, where the team showed real determination to come from 2-0 down, to win 3-2. A special mention goes out to Daniel Flynn, Johnny Rowell, and Alonso De Abiega Franyutti who managed to secure two goals backto-back in order to take the victory home against Mount Kelly. The U13As had a great start to the season, beating Leweston 5-0 at home, followed by some challenging fixtures against the likes of Stonar and Monkton. They remained resillient, ensuring they put in the hard work in their games lessons. Many of the boys utilised the extra one-to-one hockey coaching provided by Mr Brooking and Miss Culverwell, and saw a vast improvement in their development throughout the season due to the hours they put in. They played a return fixture against Stonar, this time coming away with the win and holding their heads high knowing that was down to their commitment. A special mention goes to Cameron Colbourne, Finlay Baker, Inigo Quaife and Leo Mitton for their involvement within the Avon Hockey Development Centre. This season was an excellent opportunity for the U13B Boys’ Hockey team to learn the game of hockey, develop their skills and work together as a team. For many of these pupils it was their first time playing hockey, and they were an absolute delight to coach from start to finish. They engaged in each lesson, asking questions and challenging themselves. It was a great experience for these boys to showcase the skills they have learnt this year against other schools. A special mention goes to S. Michaels (GK) and J. Yakubu Samaila (GK) for their efforts in goal this year. The U18, U16 and U14 teams also competed in the England Hockey National Competitions. The U18 team were knocked out of the National Tier 2 Competition by King’s Bruton School before

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being knocked out of the Tier 3 Competition by a strong team from Dauntsey’s School. The U14 team travelled to Queen’s College Taunton, where they faced three other Independent Schools hoping to progress to the regional round. Unfortunately, this team were unable to secure progression to the regional round but will be back next year to try again with a strong team. The U16 Team competed in the Tier 3 Cup, progressing past the County Round but were unable to achieve one of the top two places in the regional round. This replicated the success of the U16 Girls and also bodes well for the next lot of senior hockey players in the School. The term concluded in a tremendous final weekend of competition in the fiercely competitive Inter-House matches. There was a fantastic display of hockey from all Houses and truly demonstrated the competitive spirit alongside the desire for hockey to continue to develop in the School. Congratulations to the following pupils for their nominations for the England Hockey Player Development Pathway: Junior Development Centre (Avon): Finlay Baker (U14) Cameron Colbourne (U14) Leo Mitton (U14) Inigo Quaife (U14) Louis D’Estampes Vallancey (U14) Oscar Rooney (U14) Harry Garrett (U15) Rupert Tagent (U15) Charlie Dalgliesh (U15) Joshua Gathungu (U15) Charlie Pike (U15) Freddie Podesta (U15) Caspar Hayhurst (U15) George Buhagiar (U15) Seb Baker (U17) Oscar Smellie (U17) Nicolas Viljoen (U17) Ben Jackson (U17)

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Well done to the following boys who were selected to represent the Junior Academy Centre (Avon): Finlay Baker (U14) Cameron Colbourne (U14) Leo Mitton (U14) Inigo Quaife (U14) Harry Garrett (U15) Rupert Tagent (U15) It is always a fantastic opportunity to play with and against the best players in the area and vital to the development of players as individuals, who can then share their experiences with their teammates at school level. We only hope the same amount of boys wish to push themselves in a similar manner as they graduate through their school years. Congratulations to all those staff who supported and progressed each and every individual in the hockey season this year. Mr Brooking, Mr Freeman, Mr Taylor, Mr Dolman, Mr Jones, Mr Knight and Mr Maddams. As of next year, Mr Brooking will be stepping up to lead the hockey programmes for the girls and boys within the School. We wish him the very best with continuing to support our pupils and teams in progressing further in next year’s seasons. Ben Edge Hockey Coach

NETBALL This season saw big changes with an almost brand new first team (and coaching staff) after two seasons without many fixtures due to Covid-19. The girls created the first Netball Leadership Programme and attended weekly meetings regarding the outlook for the season and what the Team should feel like – great lessons to take through life with them. The Team, with Lower Sixth Former, Laila at the helm, came together to work hard on different elements of the game creating a solid defence, a moving shooting circle and a calm and measured through court style. Many of the girls often organised their own practice sessions to

come together away from Games to build on their connectivity and teamwork which was excellent to see. It was a tough season when looking solely on outcomes but the progress they made together, not just across the season but in each individual game was fantastic and a joy to watch. This culminated in a wonderful tour to Mount Kelly (Devon) at the end of the season with a trip to watch Severn Stars Superleague included. The girls played their best netball on tour and were a joy to accompany. “We will work together on court. We will communicate well throughout the game. We will support each other”. This season the 2nd Team started every match with all players making clear and targeted affirmations about how they played that game. This practice established their mindset before stepping on to the court, built belief in each other and bonded the Team and is a great summary of Downside’s 2nd Team this year. A group that worked well as a team and were constantly supportive of one another. They were driven, communicated well on court, and off, and always showed up for each other which created an incredible environment for all the girls and is what (girls) sport is all about. There were some key wins that highlighted their competitive and driven side, but they also constantly exhibited Downside Sport’s values of Discipline, Humility and Stewardship. Their season also culminated with the tour to Devon with some U15s also stepping up to gain experience in the Senior Teams which was a great opportunity – we look forward to seeing this team continue to build and develop next year. With 27 girls opting for Third and Fourth Team Netball this year we had a real depth of players to work with. Every single girl represented Downside School in at least one competitive fixture throughout the season. A large percentage of the girls were new to netball and had never played a match before. They showed great progress over the season, learning the rules quickly, playing well as a team and playing tactically. The Third Team had nine fixtures against a variety of schools, the highlight being their win against Wellington School

on 12th February, it was a closely battled match with Downside winning ten goals to seven. The Fourth Team showed buckets of progress during the season, they played in five fixtures, each time showing a greater level of understanding and skill. The girls came off the court each week with bags of enthusiasm and pride for what they have achieved. Hopefully those players who will be with us next year will continue their netball journey and see further success and achievement. The U15A Team had an amazing netball season. They demonstrated an excellent attitude towards training and a willingness to learn and progress with both technical and tactical skills in netball. This team had six fixtures over the Lent Term. Although many of those results did not go our way, the Team showed outstanding spirit and competitiveness. The U15A team also took part in a County Tournament in Taunton. They showed a lot of passion and played exceptional netball and were placed third in the County. An amazing achievement, going up against schools including Wells Cathedral, Wellington School and Taunton School. Following on from the tournament, a special mention goes out to Lusia Norris, Zara Bellord, Cecily Raper, Lara Smellie and Maria Sottomayor, who all stepped up and had an amazing opportunity to play and travel to Devon in the Senior Tour. The girls showed resilience and determination playing against girls a lot older and more experienced than them, which we hope they continue to do for their time here at Downside. The U15B Team had a great approach to this year’s netball season. This team had five fixtures over the Lent Term. Although some results did not go our way, the girls always had a positive attitude coming off the court, displaying Downside energy and spirit. During our game sessions, the girls created an enjoyable environment where they were able to progress in both technical and tactical skills. Every girl named on this team has been challenged in different ways, overcoming these challenges with great success. It has been a pleasure to coach each and every one of them watching them grow on and off the netball court.

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The U14A teams showed some pleasant signs of progress under the guidance of Mrs Seggie and Miss Culverwell. With some of this team having played no netball before starting this Lent Term. The Team had six competitive fixtures over the short Term against Prior Park College, Warminster School, and Wellington School with some very close games, especially 9-11 loss to Leweston School. What is more pleasing than these close results, was the impeccable attitude and effort shown in training by all the girls within this team to improve their game. Most of this U14B Netball Team were new to netball this Term, with many never having touched a netball before. We take great pride at how quickly these girls adapted to the rules and the tactics of netball and competitively matched the Schools we played against. There was an impeccable attitude to training and a willingness to learn the skills of netball from this group of girls, which Miss Culverwell hopes to see continue into their further years at Downside. The Team had five competitive fixtures over the short Term, although some of the results were losses, many of those fixtures were close, for example 7-15 loss to Warminster. During these games, many brilliant netball plays were created and many goals scores against those competitive schools and the Team’s Downside spirit remained unchanged no matter the score line. Keep up the excellent attitude! The U13 Team had a very positive season. Playing fixtures against tough oppositions has been an enjoyable experience for all girls involved. Although many of those results did not go our way, the team showed outstanding spirit and competitiveness. There was an excellent attitude towards training and a willingness to learn and progress with both technical and tactical skills in netball. The potential for this team moving forward is immense, and we certainly look forward to watching all the girls grow on and off the netball court. The majority of the U12 Team were relatively new to netball this term, however every girl quickly adapted to learning new skills and competitive

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play against other schools. There was an excellent attitude to training and a willingness to learn and progress, which we hope will continue next season. Even though fixture results did not go our way against competitive schools, the girls Downside spirit remained, no matter the score line. Coming off the netball court after each game’s session and fixture, this team showed great determination to improve each week. It has been a pleasure to coach them and watch them grow on and off the netball court. Emily Chapman Head of Netball Development & Academic PE Teacher

RUGBY What a pleasure it is to be writing the 2021-22 rugby report off the back of a full season of fixtures again after 18 months of disruption on (literally) a global scale. After the Summer Term of cricket & tennis fixtures brought Inter-School sport back to Downside, coaches, teachers, players & parents had a whetted appetite for the Michaelmas rugby season. With the spectre of the pandemic still lingering, the 1st XV was unable to prepare with the usual pre-season camp. Instead, the first week of term

was used to prepare all age grades for the return to rugby after a long hiatus. The first Saturday of term gave an opportunity for a new initiative; the Downside Rugby Community Day. For the juniors, a mix of trainings & team meetings on the Downside rugby culture were supported by the Sixth Formers and gave a chance for the whole Downside Rugby Community to connect and discuss what it means to represent the School. The day culminated in the captains for each age group being announced in front of all Downside rugby players & staff. The day was a great opportunity to connect with the purpose of Downside rugby, and the importance of defining what success meant to us. The competitive season kicked off the following week with the first round of the national Natwest Vase against old rivals, Kings Bruton. The long September evenings gave the 1st XV a rare late kick-off and the opportunity for pupils and staff to get behind the team. And what a game to open the season! A back and forth classic with Downside pipping Bruton 17-10. Downside’s relentless defence of Kings Bruton on their own line revealed what I had already had a suspicion of, that this was going to be a special year… The first Saturday brought Bryanston to town, all of them with Downside hosting every game of

the block on Super Saturday. Some creative fixture scheduling gave the lower year groups the chance to come watch the 1st & 2nd XV’s. Spectators & pupils were treated to two classics! The 2nd XV losing in in the tightest of games to a late converted try, but incredibly buoyed by their performance. In another nail-biter, the 1st XV again showed the resilience and character to pull through and come away with a fine victory against a very good Bryanston side. Sadly, the next two weeks brought the Covid-19 disruption we all feared with fixtures put on hold. The 1st XV sadly had to forfeit their Natwest Round 2 fixture and chance to head south to Exeter School. All age groups dealt with the disruption head on, emphasising the value of defining the purpose of Downside rugby at the start of the year as something much bigger than fixtures. Rugby was soon back though, and the season got into full swing for all age grades. The U14s, U15s and U16s may not have had results go their way at times, but they could not have been better ambassadors for Downside rugby. For many, their first games of rugby, and the enthusiasm and passion they showed was exceptional. The expansion of years seven and eight meant the newly formed Downside U13 rugby team had the chance to represent the School for the first time in fixtures with Leweston, Queens Taunton

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and a particularly impressive outing at Millfield prep. Downside also continued to celebrate individual successes with the School being represented at every age and stage of the Bath Academy pathway, the highlight being five players training with the U18 group. During this time, the 1st XV continued as they left off, and put together an exceptional run of victories, going seven on the bounce and showing once again that this was a special 1st XV. Alas all good things come to an end. The 1st XV travelled to Kings Bruton; a side desperate to get on back after their defeat earlier in the season. And despite a gallant effort, Kings Bruton took the spoils with the final kick of the game. But it was what happened next that typified the journey of this team, with Zak Dinning stepping up & delivering an incredible speech in the huddle. Every player leaving the game hurt from the loss, but not wallowing, instead enthused and hungry to go again. The 1st XV had the chance to sign off their season at home against Beechen Cliff. And although this game ended in another very narrow loss, no one watching from the sidelines would have known. To see this group of young men, reflect on their journey and what success meant to them was incredibly inspiring and a testament to the outstanding leadership of the captaincy group across the season. The final Saturday of the Term brought the annual House Rugby tournament. And in many ways, it brought the season full circle. The full Downside rugby community together playing, reffing, coaching, supporting (Mr O’Rourke in his de facto roll as Downside DJ) and simply enjoying being a part of what had been a wonderful season. It is with a heavy heart that this will be my last Raven report as Head of Rugby at Downside. But I leave knowing that the School and the rugby programme are in a great place, not because of me, but because of the people who make the real difference and ultimately make the place what it is… the pupils. Alex Burns Head of Rugby Development

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TENNIS The first year following unprecedented times was always going to be a turbulent one. A year nonetheless that was embraced with anticipation and excitement with the prospect of facing less disruption, giving us more time to focus on the things that makes us a strong and inclusive community. I am a firm believer that tennis has sustained itself as one of the activities that continues to unite our community. From the Lawn Tennis Association Tennis Leaders course to the constant use of our courts come rain or shine, it fills me with a lot of hope for the future of tennis at Downside. The tennis season for the girls included fixtures with King’s School Bruton, Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital, Wells Cathedral School, and Warminster School. I was delighted that we managed to host and travel to our local schools safely. A special thank you should go to those involved in transporting us to fixtures in all corners of the Southwest. Another thank you is reserved for Sarah Kieck and her catering team, for all their efforts to provide teas for our teams and visitors. Our season began with the first consecutive tennis pre-season, hosted overnight on the Saturday before term began. The two-day residential commenced with an online blessing from Fr Michael Patey who referenced the reflection of St Benedict who wrote that “we must run and do now what

will profit us forever”. Fr Michael also referenced St Benedict’s continual note of discipline, resilience, and adaptability, all incredibly relevant skills for our preseason and the season to come. We began with a trip to King’s School Bruton which is becoming our reliable opening block. A nicely balanced fixture which showed some clear attacking intent from our Senior Teams on a sunny afternoon in Bruton. Our U15 teams were playing hosts, encountering plenty of challenge from the King’s teams, however there was clear attacking intent shown from the Downside teams. This year we wanted to focus more on attacking and being more aggressive at the net, a principle that has not been familiar to our teams but one that is essential to the game of doubles. That being said, I have never seen such a complete team performance than when the Senior 1st Team travelled to Warminster School in May. The three pairs were clinical, taking control of each match with positive, explosive volleying and smart, tactical approaches. The Downside team were on a march. From S. Siemens and M. Jones battling for each point, I. Rickards and C. MansoDuffy clinical with punishing volleys to M. Dolman and S. Worrall being tactically astute, it was a true team performance where there was a clear identity on court.

I was immensely proud of our U15 teams this year. With three teams going out most weekends, opportunities to represent Downside where widely available. With a few challenging fixture blocks, it did not take long for the girls to find their stride. There were notable performances against Stonar School where the girls put very consistent performances together to secure the points. The girls were also hosts to Leweston School where a competitive fixture ended in Downside taking all sets, a brilliant performance. The U13 and U12 teams also had a successful season, who hosted Wells Cathedral School for an U13 block fixture, where every girl in the year group took to one of our 13 courts to represent the School. The teams had a range of tennis experience, with some taking to the court competitively for the first time. I am buoyed by the growth of the Junior teams and their desire to continue to learn and improve, it can only make the future of tennis at Downside brighter. The 2020/21 season built such a strong foundation to what we achieved this year. Our Tennis Captain, Maria Dolman from the 1st Team, referenced a desire to push the limits of the programme and begin the drive to create a sustainable legacy of tennis at Downside. I was

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delighted that we secured the mixed doubles fixture at Clifton College again this year. A marker of that drive was the weekend of 12th June 2021, where 58 pupils from Downside descended on 28 courts of Clifton College to compete in a Mixed Doubles block. Maria mentioned the desire to increase the range of opportunity for participation within tennis. The block with Clifton certainly achieved that, and it was a huge success with the pupils thoroughly enjoying their trip. With all 28 courts full, it was a brilliant sight and I truly believe it has given an added drive behind the tennis programme for future seasons. With 120 pupils from both schools playing tennis together all afternoon, I could only smile at what was a brilliant sight. I am enthused that we have sustained this fixture, and I hope that it will remain as a legacy event for years to come. I was also delighted that we managed to secure another mixed doubles fixture with Warminster School on a Friday evening. It was a brilliant evening with plenty of tennis and the staff at Warminster organising a BBQ for the pupils and staff. The demand for tennis continues to grow, and as the School community grows, I can only be excited and driven to progress the development of the Tennis programme. This year, we achieved a huge demand to select tennis as a Games option. With

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152 pupils taking to the courts in Games this term, I can only be delighted and enthused. A huge thank you should go to every pupil who represented the School this term, they represented themselves and Downside both home and away with great commitment and humility. From our Captain, Maria Dolman right through to our first-time players in the First Form, they are an example to the sporting community. Not only this, but the girls are an embodiment of the Benedictine values every time they step out on the court. I am proud to witness the role these pupils have played in driving standards throughout our community. With exciting partnership prospects ahead in September as well as the introduction of the LTA Tennis Leaders course, I am already looking forward to continuing our work. Thank you to the girls who are leaving us this year, you have been a huge part of what tennis is at Downside. I encourage every single one of you to pursue tennis wherever you go, any court that welcomes you will be a lucky one to have you on it. Those who step onto the court in future years at Downside will be indebted to this group of girls who have laid the foundations for a love of tennis at Downside. Thank you. Conor O’Rourke Head of Tennis Development and Lead Coach

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This year the Downside Association hosted two fantastic Super Saturday events. The first took place in the Michaelmas Term on Saturday 17th September. The first fixture of the day was the OG football match against the School. The Captain of the Old Gregorian Football Club, Jorge Baltazar (R15), remarked on the enjoyment all players had in returning to Downside. The excitement also carried to the 1st XI Girls’ Hockey Team against Milton Abbey and, the 1st XV and 2nd XV Rugby Teams set up for their matches against Bryanston.

The second event was held in the Lent Term, on Saturday 12th March. The day began with the Downside 1st VII Netball Team against the Old Gregorian Netball Team in the Sports Hall. Organiser of the OG Netball side, Annabel Staley (C16), expressed how enjoyable it was to be back at Downside, and that the Team look forward to returning next year. The day also played host to a Mothers Vs Daughters Netball Tournament, the 2nd XI Boys’ Hockey vs West Buckland School and the Mixed U18 Table Tennis Tournament against King’s School Bruton. Both events were extremely successful, and we look forward to welcoming our whole community back to Downside for 2023 Super Saturdays!

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THE OLD GREGORIAN

Downside School, Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Radstock, Bath BA3 4RJ www.downside.co.uk Registered Charity No: 1184700

The Raven 2019

TOG THE OLD GREGORIAN Contents From the President Saint Gregory’s Society Downside Fisher Youth Club Sports Reports Announcements Obituaries OGs Far & Wide Back to Downside OG News Sixty Years Ago - A letter from Siegfried Sassoon Downside and the Radcliffe Family One Year in Chile Downside’s Rowing Pedigree Memory Lane Monday Publications

Cover image: The Theatre situated in the Petre Library

2 3 4 5 10 14 28 32 34 37 40 44 46 50 52

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From the President A message from Jonny Grew (C77)

After last year’s report I am pleased to say a little more normality has come into our lives even if work styles and patterns have changed dramatically post Covid-19. The first gathering post Covid-19 lockdown was the U35s Drinks Reception at the Landor Pub in Clapham, London. It was especially nice to hear the effort that people had made to be there from far and wide. In November, we were able to have a well-attended St Gregory’s Society London Dinner, at the East India Club, which was enjoyed by all those present. We managed to have the London Carol Service in December at Holy Redeemer, Cheyne Row, which gave us a great start to the Christmas season, with great singing by the Schola. Unfortunately, local Covid-19 restrictions meant we were unable to have the drinks reception afterwards. This year we move to a new location St Patrick’s Catholic Church, 21a Soho Square W1D 4NR, 12th December 2022. The biggest change of the year has been the departure of the Monks from Downside, having been at Strattonon-the-Fosse since 1814 (208 years). On St Gregory’s Day 12th March, the Community had a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by The Right Reverend Dom Nicholas Wetz, The Abbott of Downside. The Community have made the temporary move to Southgate House at Buckfast Abbey, Devon while they consider their next move. This year at Downside I have had the honour to lay the Remembrance Wreath on behalf of all OGs at the School Memorial. I have also planted trees during Tree Week as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations. We also managed to have the AGM on

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Super Saturday at Downside, in September, as it has not been possible to have an Easter Retreat in recent years. On Prize Day it was a pleasure to announce two OG Medal winners Dom James Hood (B72) and William White (B14). There are many gatherings of OGs in all corners of the world and it is always welcome to get a photograph for the website and a brief report. Congratulations to the Downside Wanderers Cricket Club on achieving their Centenary which will be marked by a dinner at Lords in October, 2022. Also, in October we look forward to the Madrid Dinner organised by James Scanlan (S86). My thanks to Paige Owen our Executive Secretary for the work she does for the Society, also to Jessica Newman who is always available for additional guidance.

Saint Gregory’s Society President Jonny Grew (C77) Hon. Treasurer Ben Jennings (R05) Councillors Jamie Francis-Jones (B84) Michael Liddell (B84) John Ludlow (C82) Fiona Cadwallader (B78) Charlie Harbord (R12) Katy Jane Nannestad (I09) Mel Alcock (S78) Daniel Brennan (S89) Tallulah Horton (C18)

Vice-Presidents Rupert Orchard (R74) Mary Jane Platt (Ra76) Mark Steed (C71) Geoffrey Jaques (B59) Ian Norrington (B54) John Scanlan (S54) Simon Westlake (S81)

2021 - 2022

Officer Dom Leo Maidlow Davis (B72) (Chaplain) Honorary Vice-Presidents John Churchill (B84) – USA (East) Gaizka Ortuzar (S53) – Spain James Scanlan (S86) - Spain Vincent Barrett (Ra87) – Ireland Mark Lightfoot (R86) - Malta

Contact Us The office at Downside is run by Jessica Newman and Paige Owen. Telephone 01761 235100 ext.158 Email oldgregorians@downside.co.uk

2021 AGM

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Downside Fisher Youth Group The Club has now fully emerged from Covid-19 and the numbers of young people attending is growing strongly. We are beginning to see more teenagers in the club too which is a welcome evolution. In part this is due to the fitness gym we completed just before lockdown and the Friday evening sessions for 16–18-yearolds that we hold there. We are trying to provide more activities during the holidays and this year we have a one week sailing trip in the Isle of Wight and a two-week programme at the Club funded by a local charity. Our Outward-Bound activities have been tricky to plan during Covid-19 and the sailing trip is the first for a number of years. However, we plan to have a further trip in October and will hope to rebuild further. Although an intense use of staff time, they are a great way for our

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youth workers to get to know and understand the needs of the young people in our club and focus on those who particularly need our help.

“Our staff are our greatest asset and the last two years has not been easy for them...”

Last time I reported to the our donors. If you would like Raven, we were worried about to help in any way, please email the income from letting out the chairman@downside-fisher.org building, which is where most of our revenue comes from. This Robert Coke (S90) has vastly improved over the year, Chair and we are working to increase it even further. Of course, inflation is a concern both in wages and with energy costs, but our hirers do appear to understand the need to raise prices. Our staff are our greatest asset and the last two years has not been easy for them. They are the ones who form the relationships with the young people and help them to develop themselves. My thanks go to them, our trustees (half of whom are OGs) and

Sports Reports We started the season against the School and with the previous two fixtures having been called off for rain, it was great to get the game played this season. All the Lost: 5 players very much enjoyed the nostalgia of playing again on the School 1st XI pitch. It was well contested The 2022 summer will no doubt be remembered for game, and we were pleased to notch up our first win of the season on the opening day. There was some good the scorching and consistent weather we have had. batting performances from Lawrie Graham (R16) and With burnt grass and fast outfields, the Wanderers also put in some memorable performances that will James Hobbs (R14), and the President himself, Anthony Pontifex (S60), dusted off his cunning arm, and took a go down in the club’s folklore. two, to help the Wanderers to victory. We saw some new players joining the club this year Our next two fixtures were called off due to rain, as well as some of the usual stalwarts, with some so we were next in action against the Hampshire of our regular fixtures as well as some new, which Hogs in Warnford. Unfortunately, we couldn’t keep made for a very entertaining season. DOWNSIDE WANDERERS RAVEN REPORT 2021 Played: 9 Won: 4 Called off: 3 Still to play: 1

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the winning momentum, but an enjoyable day out, nonetheless.

the North Middlesex XI, which is a new fixture and one that the team are looking forward to.

We also had a successful interclub 20/20 with Our outing in the Cricketer Cup this year was a cross section of ages and watched on from the against Old Cranleighans. They were a very impressive Cricket Team and sadly we were unable to boundary by the president and other OG’s. compete with their pedigree. Another enjoyable Wanderers season goes by, and as ever if you are wanting to get involved please don’t The next games were the Invalids in Battersea Park hesitate to be in touch – olliemellotte@gmail.com and Brook CC, which both yielded losses for the Wanderers, so come mid-season we hadn’t tasted Ollie Mellotte (S05) sweet victory since the opening day of the season. Honorary Secretary Next up was the Emeriti Phillips Cup, which was held in Wimbledon, and the first time that the OGGS Wanderers have played in this tournament. It was a ten over a side hit out, and we lost one and won one. After the disruptions of the previous two years, But that sparked something, and the Wanderers then the Societies activities have returned to normal. There is much variety in the fixture list: a few went on a run of form. representative events, some friendly matches against other Societies, and three Meetings. Membership Starting with the rearranged fixture against Barnes, of the Society is open to all Old Gregorians. The with the side being led by our fixture’s secretary James Lombard (C02), who took the side to a famous members’ ages range from 18 to 80 plus and handicaps from scratch to 24, or more, so anyone victory, that saw the skip take a caught and bowled that surprised both him and the team alike. Wanderers wishing to join will fit in. were set 226 to win, and all the top six scored runs The most important of the representative events is but Marcus Marland’s (S04) 83 not out, was the the Halford Hewitt, a ten-a-side knockout for 64 crucial innings that led us to victory. schools. The standard of play in this tournament has been good for many years but there has been a In an untypical Wanderers rich vein of form, we marked improvement recently: several schools enter marched down the M3 to Winchester to play the Old teams with almost all players scratch or better. In Wyks game. This produced the victory of the season. The Wanderers set the Old Wyks 221 to win, with Will 2021 the pandemic forced a postponement from KP rolling back the years in a partnership with Lawrie April to September. Thus the course was in its ‘summer’ condition: the fairways were dry and firm; Graham, and a wag of the tail with Ferdi Warrington (R14) and Chan Monro (S01), meaning we had a decent and the rough particularly penal. Repton provided stiff opposition, winning three games fairly easily, total to defend. The Old Wyks looked in control until the spin twins, Harry Ross (B16) and Monro settled the although we were on the brink of winning the other two. In the Plate we lost to Glenalmond. run rate and took crucial wickets before Warrington blew away the tail. A great all-round performance. If the 2021 draw did not favour us, the 2022 one was far worse: we came up against an exceptionally Difficult to top the heady heights of the previous strong Whitgift side. Despite a steady wind of over game, we sadly lost at the Hurlingham club, but as always, the spectators enjoyed the lunch and the tea, 30 miles-per-hour they played excellent golf to win and as I write this we have one fixture to play against the match with ease.

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In The Mellin, a Senior Hewitt for 16 schools, we had another difficult draw. Shrewsbury beat us convincingly before going on to win the tournament yet again. We might have beaten Hurstpierpoint in the Plate but they had a couple of strong players who were newly-qualified at this age group. In the 65+ section, with an identical draw, we managed to win the Plate match in a play-off before losing the semifinal, again in a play-off, to Loretto.

The standard of golf continues to rise also in the Grafton Morrish, a tournament involving over 100 schools; in our regional qualifier we failed to make the cut for the finals. And Ampleforth won the Russell Bowl by a wide margin. Nor did we flourish in the friendly matches: a rare win against Sherborne being the only success. In the 2021 Summer Meeting Christopher Grievson (Ra62) won the Scratch Cup. Dominic Hennessy

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(R90) also won the Foursomes Bowls. Jeremy Kenyon (S95) won the Gregorian Bowl and Neil Cook (C66) the Veterans’ Bowl. At the Autumn Meeting Jeremy Kenyon and Paul Mason (R65) won the Foursomes Trophies; the Hon Secretary won the OGGS Autumn Cup. And at the 2022 Spring Meeting Niall Scott (S03) and Nick Medlam (R65) won the Raven Tankards; Jeremy Kenyon (S95) and David Lumley (R75) won the Mathewson Salvers. Surely the highlight of the year was a hole-in-one by Stephen Reeve-Tucker (R69). This, he achieved at the difficult 14th hole at Burnham & Berrow during the Summer Meeting. A few weeks later he received the Society’s hole-in-one trophy: a modest decanter with a wine label engraved with his name and the date.

OLD GREGORIAN NETBALL SOCIETY On Saturday 12th March 2022, the Old Gregorian Netball team returned to Downside School to play against the 1st VII Netball Team. For some members, it was their first time back at the School and playing the sport since leaving; however, on stepping into the Sports Hall and seeing some familiar faces, they immediately felt at home. Crowds gathered as both teams warmed up. The lights were lowered, and players were welcomed onto the court over the microphone.

The match was well contested throughout. Downside 1st VII took an early lead and maintained that lead for most of the game. However, some strong defending and good shooting resulted in the Old Gregorian Netball team narrowly taking the win in the final Michael Liddell (B84) quarter. After the game, the teams enjoyed match teas Honorary Secretary in the refectory and took the opportunity to watch the mhl@oggs.org.uk other games that were taking place.

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OLD GREGORIAN FOOTBALL CLUB Since its establishment in 2018, the OGFC have played a number of fixtures. They continue to play in the 5th tier of the Arthurian League, as well as other tournaments, meaning there is a spot to be filled by everyone. As well as tournaments, training sessions are organised with current and potential squad members. Jorge Baltazar (R15) coordinates fixtures and members and is always looking for more OGs to get involved. If you are interested in getting involved with any of our OG Sporting Societies, or would like to start a new one, please email oldgregorians@downside.co.uk. On behalf of the Old Gregorian Netball team, I would like to thank everyone who organised this brilliant event. It was great to be a part of Super Saturday and we look forward to returning next year for a re-match! Annabel Staley (C16)

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Announcements BIRTHS Aaron Landeryou (S97), a daughter, Cressida Tamsin Landeryou, on 2nd October 2021 Ophelia-Rose Russel (C12) and Jamie Russel (R11), a daughter, Xalia Russel, on 10th April 2022 Ivo MacGreevy (R05), a daughter, Fleur MacGreevy, on 24th February 2022 Manuel Otero-Gudino (R97), a daughter, Victoria Otero-Gudino, on 15th July 2020 Nicholas Beedle (R07), a daughter, Ophelia Nicola Gabrielle, on 9th April 2022 Henry Hudson-Evans (R06), a daughter, Mary Vivian Hudson-Evans, on 8th July 2022 Oliver (S07) and Harriet (nee Nelham Clark) Wells (C09), a son, Maximilian Christopher John Wells, on 5th July 2022 ENGAGEMENTS James Moules (B11) to Harshada Makena

James Beedle (R12) to Farah Omotsho MARRIAGES Alvaro Moreno (R95) to María Alarcón de Rojas Andrés Armida Moreno Lacalle (St Oliver’s 06) to Adriana Rivera Padilla Jamie Russel (R11) to Ophelia-Rose Russel (ne Prior) (C12) Ramón Pérez-Maura (C82) to Mónica Prado Miguel Velasco (R08) to Sofia Olarra William Magee (R08) to Hannah Mason Leo Page (S69) to Sarah Fitzwilliam-Hall Casilda Pérez-Maura (C11) to Imre Zichy Martin Waller (Ra72) to Sally Gillespie Richard Grew (R13) to Amy Shearer Noemi Wendorff (ne Zehetbauer) (C13) to Ulrich Wendorff Clare Hunter (C11) to Caspar Bossom Thomas Orchard (S09) to Annabel Staib Caitlin Murphy (C14) to Jasper Elwes

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Andrés Armida Moreno Lacalle (St Oliver’s 06) to Adriana Rivera Padilla

Casilda Pérez-Maura (C11) to Imre Zichy

Jamie Russel (R11) to Ophelia-Rose Russel (ne Prior) (C12)

Jessica Hopwood Photography

Miguel Velasco (R08) to Sofia Olarra

Caitlin Murphy (C14) to Jasper Elwes

Noaemi Zehetbauer (C13) to Ulrich Wendorff

Clare Hunter (C11) to Caspar Bossom

Jessica Hopwood Photography

Richard Grew (R13) to Amy Shearer

George Hunter (B09), Clare Hunter (C11), Henry Hunter (C12), Mary Hunter (C15)

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DEATHS T. Mathew (C63) on 8th September 2021 aged 76 R. H. G. P. French (C53) on 6th September 2021 aged 84 D. Walters (C46) on 1st October 2021 aged 92 M. T. M. Appleby (S50) on 23rd September 2021 aged 88 M. S. Lane (C54) on March 2021 ages 83 A. H. Squire (C51) on 15th October 2021 aged 86 D. Hunt on 24th October 2021 aged L. N. J. C. Carling (C43) on 5th October 2021 aged 94 D. Filmer-Sankey (R68) on 2021 aged 71 J. P. Siese (B51) on 30th October 2021 aged 88 B. K. Fountain (U61) on 15th October 2021 aged 76 B. A. Donovan (C53) on 22nd November 2021 aged 86 A. B. Vyvyan (C52) on 26th November 2021 aged 86 H. G. B. Fleischner (C45) on 19th November 2021 aged 94 P. P. Downey (S59) on November 2021 aged 79 D. H. B. Bevan (R68) on 27th November 2021 aged 70 M. S. Waugh (C68) on 25th October 2021 aged 71 M. A. Hogan (C49) on 22nd November 2021 aged 88 M. P. W. H. Paine (S58) on 2nd December 2021 aged 82 J. J. Doyle (R48) on 30th April 2021 aged 90 R.M.A. Springall (S59) on 3rd September 2021 aged 78 I. Condon (C51) on 20th December 2021 aged 87 R.J. Sadler (S59) on 7th December 2021 aged 80 J.H.H. Cooper (S65) on 23rd December 2021 aged 73 P.D. Dauthieu (S61) on 16th December 2021 aged 77 A.A.C.F. Lugg (C60) on 15th December 2021 aged 80 J. V. O. J. Dedek-Mottard (S61) on 6th January 2022 aged 79 M. R. Hope (B58) on 11th January 2022 aged 81 D. R. S. Thomas (C80) on 13th October 2021 aged 59 Dom Alexander George on 22nd January 2022 aged 78 R. F. C. Hall (U64) on 27th January 2022 aged 76 M. Gogarty (C54) on 23rd January 2022 aged 85 P. L. Raven (S56) on 25th January 2022 aged 83 M. J. Simmons (S50) on 21st February 2022 aged 89

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P. A. R. Davenhill (C48) on 5th March 2022 aged 91 R. F. Limpenny (B51) on 28th August 2021 aged 89 R. A. Wellings (C52) on 1st March 2022 aged 87 M. R. Sykes (C55) on 9th March 2022 aged 84 T. J. M. Essaye (C62) on 10th August 2021 aged 75 M. E. Flynn (U75) on 21st April 2022 aged 63 Dom Christopher Delaney (S50) on 8th May 2022 aged 89 S. P. Byrne (B63) on 15th May 2022 aged 78 T. J. O’Meara (B54) on 5th March 2019 ageD 82 B. N. D. G. T. Kelly (S48) on 16th May 2022 aged 92 J. A. Swift (B75) on 16th May 2022 aged 64 J. J. Tyrrell (S52) on 5th June 2022 aged 87 S. T. Ball (C83) on 13th June 2022 aged 57 J. D. Morgan-Davies (B47) on June 2022 aged 92 L. Mitchell (HonOG) on 14th September 2021 E. A. Pereira (B56) on 12th June 2022 aged 83 P. J. M. Manning (B58) on 30th July 2022 aged 81 C. J. S. Abbott (C55) on 28th June 2022 aged 83 H. A. Caillard (C44) on 27th June 2022 aged 95 M. T. M. Gwynne (R56) on 2nd July 2022 aged 83 M. E. Hammond (U77) on 14th June 2022 aged 63 R. J. Cuddon-Large (c71) on 9th August 2022 aged 69

Requiescant in pace

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OBITUARIES LESLIE ADDINGTON (B41) 1923 - 2021 Besides exceptional map-reading, the task of flying artillery “spotter” aircraft over enemy lines requires nerves of steel. For the 28-year-old Auster pilot Leslie Addington, who made repeated sorties between August and November 1951 during the Korean War, it meant flying low to make out enemy positions and then veering away before getting caught in the crossfire. During one offensive, Operation Commando, eight guns on the ground were “causing considerable trouble to our forward troops”, as the commendation for his later award read. An airstrike was agreed but the guns were well camouflaged and could not be easily identified. Leslie flew into enemy territory and circled over the target. An added problem was that his fuel was running low. With the tank almost dry he was eventually spotted by the Mosquito that was directing the fighter aircraft around him and he dived in low, dropping flares to indicate the target. For his actions Leslie was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Leslie volunteered to join the Army as soon as he was old enough and chose the Royal Artillery. He was sent to India to prepare for the Allied invasion of Malaya and on his return joined 656 (Air Observation Post) Squadron as a “spotter” pilot. After Korea, he spent time with the British Army of the Rhine in Germany and had postings around the UK before settling in the Wylye Valley, Wiltshire. He was

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an instructor at the Royal School of Artillery, Larkhill, until his retirement in 1971 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Born on a houseboat in Srinagar, India, in 1923, Leslie was the sixth of nine children, five of whom fought in the Second World War and survived. His father, Raymond, was a cavalry officer with the Indian Army and his mother, Gladys (née Hughes), was the daughter of an official with the Chinese Maritime Customs Service. In addition to raising nine children, Gladys spoke five languages. The family returned to Britain in 1926 and Leslie was educated at Downside, where he excelled in athletics and cricket. In the early 1950s he met Anne Hume at a hunt ball in Somerset and they married in 1955. They raised four children: William, a civil engineer in Kuala Lumpur; Richard, a director of an estate agency in Devon; Suki, a professional cook; and Alice, who runs a floristry business. After retiring from the army, Leslie had a short spell in the personnel department of a printing business before he and Anne decided to turn their house in Sutton Veny, Wiltshire, into a finishing school. Taking on up to ten female students at a time for a year, they provided gardening, cookery and wine courses, and organised trips to the House of Lords. Leslie was a talented gardener with a particular interest in apple varieties, of which he had more than 20. He stored

them all year round and supplied the cookery school with fruit and vegetables. Together with Anne, Leslie was a hospitable host and kept in close touch with his brothers, sisters and 36 nephews and nieces. He outlived all eight siblings and was determined to be the first to reach a century. He fell short by two years and a month. He remained an old-fashioned figure, attaching importance to the Victorian values he had inherited from his Indian-Army father, among them a commitment to family and duty, and a strong sense of humour. The Times DAVID BEVAN (R68) 1951 - 2021 David Bevan, musician, composer, academic and teacher, achieved early recognition for his work as choirmaster and organist at Westminster Cathedral in the 1970s, then St Agnes Church in Minnesota USA, and finally

his 30-year tenure at the Most Holy Redeemer Chelsea. His commitment to the improvement of church liturgy after the systematic dismantling of centuries of tradition following Vatican 2, was rewarded by Pope Francis when he received the Benemerenti Medal in September 2022 for services to the Church. I first met David in the Junior House Day Room at Downside School in September 1964 and already knew the Bevan family well, often calling in at their house in Chilcompton. I was struck by the number of children, the way they tumbled about the house, played in ramshackle out buildings, and the nursery rhyme, old fashioned kitchen presided over by Mollie Bevan. It seemed to me even then, an idyllic life set somewhere in the 18th or early 19th century with few concessions to the modern age. There was no television, and the old radio, telephone and battered 1959 Austin, seemed almost imposters in this bucolic setting. The move to Parsonage Farm in Croscombe not long after, provided greater scope to develop a smallholding to provide for the growing family. It was a place where all were welcome, and one could always drop by, assured of food, drink, lively conversation, and a bed for the night. This, then, was the stable and happy background in which David and his 13 siblings flourished. David was a man of gentleness and modesty. His self-deprecating

manner concealed many gifts which extended beyond music. He read widely, was well informed and in later life continued his intellectual pursuits, in particular Greek. He was a natural academic who, in another life, may well have flourished as a don at Oxford; the quasi-monastic life and environment would have suited him well. He had a gift for friendship, relished conversation, and argument, and though broadminded in his acceptance of others and the many variants of the human condition, he had about him a sense of innocence. His Christian faith was expressed by his deep sense of wonder and beauty in the liturgical tradition of the Church. He dedicated much of his life promoting this and had little time for the banal congregational ditties so prevalent following the reforms of the 1960’s. He loved conversation, savoured wit, and informed argument. Like all the Bevans, he had a highly developed sense of humour peppering his anecdotes with a kind of verbal slapstick which, combined with an extraordinary ability for mimicry, reducing people to comic parodies of themselves, made conversation often convulsively hilarious. David was a devoted family man and father. Despite difficulties in his marriage early on and eventual separation, he managed to maintain a stable and happy home for his children. In his 50’s he was misdiagnosed with Motor Neurone disease, later confirmed as Parkinson’s. Though

this was a relief on one level, on another it still meant he faced serious mobility issues. This was an anxious time which David bore with immense, uncomplaining courage. He had an extraordinary capacity to make light of his infirmities, shrugging them off, treating them as no more than a slightly tiresome inconvenience. Despite these setbacks, which would have defeated many others, he continued the weekly commute from Somerset, to the Most Holy Redeemer Chelsea. His final illness was similarly born with faith and fortitude, and in this he was wonderfully supported by his children, their spouses and wider family. It was a great privilege to spend time with him in his final weeks sharing memories and a friendship of nearly 60 years. He was a great man, much beloved by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sophie, Mary, Henry, Daisy and Tess, and indeed all the Bevan family. Philip Fowke (B67) HUGH ANTHONY CAILLARD (C44) 1927 - 2022 Dad had a rich, long and fulfilling life. He had the happiest of marriages of nearly 65 years. Throughout his long rewarding life the theme of Amor vincit omnia – love conquers all - gave him inward strength. Hugh Anthony Caillard was born on the 16th April 1927 at

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of onlooking pupils killing nine of them and injuring several others. But this did not deter Dad from joining the Royal Air Force in 1945. Dad was an exemplary pilot with ratings of between above average and exceptional. His nickname was split pin because of his height and lanky disposition. He folded up in the shape of a paper clip into a cockpit. Dad’s first overseas postings were in Egypt, the Sudan and the Middle East – flying mosquitos, meteors and vampires. In early the British Military Hospital in 1954 Dad was seconded to the Wiesbaden, Germany. Royal Australian Airforce where he Because of this staunch trained and converted pilots onto upbringing and his personal faith, Dad said his prayers every morning Canberra jets. In July 1958, dad went on his and every night for his whole life. atomic adventure – also known as When he discovered, later in life, Operation Grapple - at Christmas that he was born on exactly the Island in the Pacific Ocean. Dad same day, same year and same flew as “Grandstand” closely country as Pope Benedict, he was extremely satisfied or “gruntled” as observing the first successful detonation of a three megaton he would say. But these two lives H Bomb. But his first-hand couldn’t be more contrasting. experience of weapons of mass Dad grew up in a country destruction – “its awfulness” - as still coming to terms with losing he later described it - shaped his a generation of young men and feelings about the fragility of the an economic depression that world, God’s creation, and the impacted family fortunes. He and inadequacy of modern political his brother Bernard were sent to leadership. Worth Priory School in Sussex in During the early 1970s Dad was 1934, both belonging to the first given his last operational posting cohort of pupils. But in 1939, the School was evacuated to Downside as the station commander of RAF Marham – which operated Victor in the West of England where the Bombers converted into Air-to-Air children were meant to be safe refuellers. Although he enjoyed this from air raids. On the 15th May work, he was already earmarked 1943, while attending a school cricket match, my father observed to fly a desk in Royal Air Force in horror a low flying sea hurricane Intelligence. During his life, his passion lose control and crash into a crowd

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for steam trains and gadgets of all types unfolded with his extraordinary precision modelling. His penchant for timekeeping and accuracy also saw him become a marvellous clock smith. In semi-retirement Dad headed up the Britain Australian Society, the Menzies Trust and joined the House of Commons Defence Committee which kept him in currency with his spook and Air Force friends for another ten years. During this time Walton-On-Thames became a centre of extended family life and stability for cousins and close friends (before moving to Australia in 1993) After settling at Clareville (Sydney Northern Beaches), Dad was invited to become a member of the Air Marshals Club which kept him abreast of developments in the Royal Australian Airforce and military affairs. This kept his mind active and his perspectives up-to-date well into his mid 80s. He also became the captain of his own ship – a 40-foot sailing boat called Top Cat – my mother’s nickname for Dad. In 1948 King George VI said in a stirring speech to cadets at RAF Cranwell, at which Dad was conspicuously present “the pathway to the stars is hard and that a hard path of duty lies ahead of you.” Well Dad, your journey in life – framed by duty, loyalty, purpose and peacekeeping – has been magnificent.You never gave up – even to the end. You are gone now – into the heavenly stars. And into our

memories forever more. God Bless You. Per Ardua ad Astra. An abridged version of Andrew Caillard’s eulogy to his father PETER DOMINIC DAUTHIEU (S61) 1944 - 2021 Peter passed away at his home in Jerez de la Frontera on 16th December 2021, aged 77. A friend and mentor to many at Ehrmanns and the wine trade in general. Peter was born into the wine trade in 1944 (above the first Peter Dominic shop in the Carfax in Horsham). In 1939, his father, Paul Andre Dauthieu, established Peter Dominic, which became the UK’s leading high street wine specialist chain and well-known household brand. Peter’s education started at Worth Abbey Prep School (West Sussex), followed by School. After the completion of his MBA at Wharton (University of Pennsylvania), in 1968, Peter joined the management consultancy firm Arthur D Little in Boston, Massachusetts and later in Brussels. However, the wine trade was

always his true calling having spent his earlier years working in Bordeaux, Burgundy, Mosel, Oporto, and Jerez, where he met his beloved Jerezana Mercedes in 1964 and married in 1968. In 1972, he joined Pedro Domecq SA as International Director, a position he maintained until 1976 when he established Viniberia SA in Jerez and later Ehrmanns and the independent fine wine retailer H. Allen Smith in London. From this he forged a modern wholesale, retail, specialist, and major off trade business, being one of the first to sell to the rapidly developing UK supermarket channel. Aside from establishing a significant Iberian category, he was also one of the pioneers of wines from South America. Peter was Freeman of the City of London, Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Vintners, Caballero of the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino, and friend of the select Bordeaux 63er’s clan. A modest, intelligent, and humorous man, who spoke four languages fluently, Peter worked relentlessly alongside his two sons, Peter, and Paul, and the Ehrmanns team, to build a fiercely independent and flourishing business. Peter’s legacy will be his entrepreneurial spirit, dogged persistence, and willingness to take risks that imbues Ehrmanns. Hugo Campbell, Director, commented: ‘Working and travelling with Peter for over 30 years has been a journey never to be forgotten. His wit, humanity,

creativity and razor-sharp mind have been an inspiration and he is sorely missed’. Ehrmanns JAROSLAV DEDEK (S61) 1942 - 2022 On the Feast of the Epiphany 2022, my friend, Jaro Dedek, died in his adopted city, Liège, after an illness borne with his customary realism and good nature. In Chapter LXVI, the Rule requires the Monastery “doorkeeper” to attend an enquirer “…speedily and with the warmth of charity”. Jaro was one such enquirer, for in July 1948 the Dedek family fled from their homeland owing to the Communists assuming power over Czechoslovakia by coup d’état earlier that year. Jaro was born in Brno on Armistice Day, 1942, into a long-standing, well-to-do family. Jaro’s father was a Professor of Chemistry at Prague University, who devoted long years of research to the chemistry of sugar. Like so many other families at that time, the Dedeks scattered to several European countries. Jaro joined his family in Belgium after a year in Switzerland, where he learned French and enjoyed the pleasures for which the country is so well known. Jaro’s father decided that his children had to be educated in England or in France. In September 1952, Jaro, who yet spoke no English, settled into Ketteringham Hall, an Anglican

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CCF and all sports, except cricket. Wavering between the arts and the sciences, Jaro was persuaded by his father to follow him into the sciences. Jaro took A-levels in biology, chemistry, physics, and French, and sat the Oxford entrance exam for a place at Christ Church in 1961 to read biochemistry. It was there that he developed his life-long love of music. Later, he would sing in a choir and play the piano. He enjoyed an energetic social life, and he took to rowing. prep school near Norwich. After He used his height to row in the four years spent mainly on the House Third Eight in Eights Week, sports field, Jaro accompanied 1963. Going down from Oxford his father on a tour of English after four years with a degree public schools. Canterbury and that he himself found “mediocre”, Winchester were felt to be too Jaro decided to do a Ph.D. at the large and too rigid, so Jaro chose Downside, sight unseen! “At least University of Liège. In 1962, Jaro’s father passed. it was Catholic” wrote Jaro in an Jaro chose to settle in Liège, near autobiography, and with the help of a priest in Louvain (Leuven) to the sugar mill. It was at this time that he met Françoise Mottard, jump the long waiting list, he sat with whom he shared his love of the entrance exam and came to Downside in the summer of 1956. music and travel. Awarded his Ph.D. in 1974, in House Master Dom Ceolfrid could spot a Smythe boy at once, so Jaro 1976, Jaro and Françoise decided to take on life’s chances together. joined us in Smythe for my last two years. It was at that time that They had three children and were we were joined by another refugee married for 46 years, the last 12 in the house where Françoise had from Communist imperialism, lived as a child. M. S. C. A. M. Rakovszky De In his long professional career, Nagyrako de Kelemenfalva (S60). Jaro made good use of his two At School, Jaro paid due degrees. In several different attention to his academic and capacities, he worked for many co-curricular activities. He was of the well-known names in the a pupil fully engaged with the pharmaceutical industry, which extraordinary opportunities offered by a School like Downside. are centred in the Upper Rhine and particularly in Basel. He He joined several clubs; sang in co-authored scientific papers with the School Choir; enjoyed the

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eminent scientists; he worked registering new drugs; and, for Glaxo in Geneva, in regulatory affairs. During his career, Jaro developed a keen interest in the humanitarian benefits of the pharmaceutical industry. Jaro had the temperament to cope with such complexity. Owing to the concentration of this industry in the Upper Rhine, Jaro and his family took full advantage of the region, on both sides of the river. They were keen skiers; they enjoyed walking in the Black Forest and the Vosges; and they participated in the Basler Fasnacht. Jaro became an active member of the Rotary Club, especially with international branches of the Club, and his keen membership continued to the end of his life. Thanks to an inquisitive mind and boundless energy, Jaro had many interests in addition to his first love – music. He was a good cook, who enjoyed the pleasures of the table. From an early age, he was fascinated by mushrooms. A generous host, he kept a cellar that complemented his cuisine. At this tragically turbulent period of European history, we can be grateful that so many like Jaro chose, in similarly turbulent times, to spend time in England during their formative years. We can be grateful that the “doorkeeper” attended Jaro and others with the “warmth of charity” urged by St Benedict. At a time when those of us who are privileged with private education are so often ridiculed

by those who are not, Jaro was an unimpeachable example of the finest pupils of every proud British school, whether public or not. Charming, warm-hearted, thoughtful, gracious, good company, and loyal to his many friends, he was devoted to his family. Jaro will be much missed by his many friends all over the world. For me, Warhol’s wonderful work will always evoke special memories of a very dear friend. With grateful thanks to Françoise, Marie-Astrid, Olivier, and Benoit Brussels. Guy Knapton (S58) DOM CHRISTOPHER DELANEY (S50) 1932 - 2022 Michael Joseph Peter Delaney, late Dom Christopher Delaney of Buckfast Abbey, was born on 26th September 1931 and came to Downside School in September 1947, entering Smythe House.

Having left the School in July 1950 he offered himself to be clothed as a novice by Abbot Place Hooper at Buckfast and pursued the normal course of training in preparation for the priesthood. Solemnly Professional in 1955, he was ordained priest in 1957 and served in various parishes, including Downside’s large church at St Mary’s, Highfield Street, Liverpool, then under the care of Dom Benet Innes. These were difficult days for the parish clergy in England and Wales, not least in having to cope with the aftermath of the Second Vatican Council and of the controversial encyclical Humanae Vitae of Pope Paul IV. The story, in this case, had a happy ending, for Dom Christopher was appointed to the large Ampleforth Parish of St Mary in the Canton district of Cardiff where he won the hearts of the people, not least of the poor and the needy, whom he served with selfless devotion, typically by bicycle, until he had to retire into medical care – and even then he made himself available to the many who queued up to visit him. Dom Christopher was buried at Buckfast on 20th May 2022 where the number attending his funeral was off the scale of normal expectation for such an event. May he Rest in Peace. PETER DOWNEY (S59) 1942 - 2022 Peter Downey, born and bred in the West Country, was a successful businessman who operated in more than 130 countries. But

he achieved, or at least tried to achieve so much more. A wannabe soccer professional, accomplished rugby plater and County tennis player, he augmented his service as a local councillor by attempting to overturn the hold the Conservatives had over Bath’s seat in Parliament. He always championed the underdog, making sure youngsters enjoyed a decent start in life, and ran a charity fighting for the rights of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Peter lived in Bath with his long-suffering wife Judy and the couple have a son and a daughter. Throughout his life he retained a deep affection for Bath Rugby. Sadly, Peter died only a few weeks before the publications of his autobiography, Peter from Bath. Extract from Peter from Bath HANS FLEISCHNER (C45) 1927 - 2021 In the story of the America Southwest, a character simply identified as the old man, tells the priest, ‘My son, I shall not die of a cold; I shall die of having lived’. And this is true here, Hans Fleischner, in the 94th year ‘died of having lived’. Hans passed away on Friday 19th November 2021 surrounded by several family members in Sanibel, Florida. Born in Vienna, Austria on July 25th, 1927, he lived an extremely full life and was always ready with a smile and a story. After

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School in Somerset, England, and had many fond memories and deep friendships from that period, finishing high school at San Marino High. He attended UCLA for college, and as a devoted member of Kappa Sigma, he served as Grand Treasurer, volunteering for almost 30 years managing the fraternity’s investments and assisting undergraduates. As a passionate Bruin, he travelled all over the country supporting UCLA’s football and basketball his family left Vienna in 1938, Hans teams, even mustering the attended Downside School. strength to attend the NCAA It was after his completion Final 4 playoffs in Indianapolis last of school that he immigrated to year with his close Kappa Sigma the United States and enrolled at brothers. Starting as an intern right Harvard University. After serving out of college, Michael spent more in the U.S. Army, Hans became than 25 of his 40 years at KPMG as a naturalised citizen in 1954; he an Audit Partner, working primarily received an MBA from Columbia out of the Los Angeles office, but University and move to Pittsburgh regularly traveling the world in his in 1956. role. As head of the firm’s Internal Throughout his retirement Inspection Program, Michael years, Hans kept himself busy made significant improvements in by volunteering at St. Edmunds both process and technology that Academy as their first Director of MICHAEL FLYNN (U75) will continue to benefit KPMG Development. He continued to be 1958 - 2022 and secure Michael’s legacy and an avid skier, spending over seven Michael Edward Flynn died memory. He set high standards peacefully on April 21, 2022, decades on the slopes. for himself and his teams and was at the age of 63, at his home in Splitting his time evenly a beloved colleague and mentor. Pasadena, CA, with his beloved between Pittsburgh and Sanibel, He was an active member of the wife Laura at his side. He faced a Hans loved travelling, the diagnosis of ALS in January of 2021 Jonathan Club for more than 30 performing arts, watching years, serving on many committees with incredible courage, dignity, sports and always finding a spot and as President of the Board of and grace, spending every day in the sun. Over his life he was Directors from 2016 to 2017. In enjoying his family, friends, and fortunate to visit all 50 states, the midst of the pandemic and his community. As the oldest of five seven continents and nearly 100 children, Michael was raised in San illness, Michael volunteered to countries. He attended hundreds Marino, CA, attended Mayfield Jr serve on the Board of Directors of symphonies, opera, and ballet as Treasurer at The Magic Castle School and served as an altar boy performances, in addition to in Hollywood. His expertise in Penguins games. Hans loved a good at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic finance and governance helped Church. He attended Downside story and had many to share with friends, family, and a wide range of acquaintances. In 2017 Hans and his family visited Downside in celebration of the grand reopening of the Fleischner Theatre. Hans spoke to the pupils of Downside then as he had spoken to so many before him, with the voice of a man who challenges the pupils of today to love Downside as much as he did. He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Leslie; as well as two sons Christopher, his wife, Dawn; and David, his wife, Julia; and four grandchildren, Kay, Andrew, Margaret, and Caroline. On his last visit to Downside, Hans tapped the Monastic Cemetery’s iron fence and said, ‘I’ll come back here someday’ and it is with those words he was laid to rest on Saturday 19th March 2022 alongside those who passed before him.

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the Magic Castle not only to survive, but to flourish once it reopened. A first-generation Irish American, Michael visited Ireland often, enjoying the extended family of many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He thoroughly enjoyed his membership at Annandale Golf Club, honing his golf skills with his wife Laura. He took great pleasure and laughter from life, and relished his role as a supportive husband, son, uncle, and friend. He was very thankful for the support from his wife, his family and friends, his fraternity brothers, his KPMG colleagues, and his UCLA Health team as he bravely navigated his diagnosis. Michael leaves behind his beloved wife Laura and her family, his mother Ella Flynn, and siblings Patricia (Lawrence) Kemp, John (Stephanie) Flynn, Brian Flynn, and Elizabeth (David) GranvilleSmith. Always the favourite uncle, and renowned for his holiday gifts, Michael leaves behind nine nieces and nephews: Claire Marie, Larken, Elizabeth and Philip Kemp; Olivia, Kate, and Holden Flynn; and Brian and Gregory GranvilleSmith. He was pre-deceased by his father, Dr. Martin A. Flynn. Michael lived his life with untold graciousness, kindness, and love, and will be greatly missed. Legacy.com MICHAEL HOPE (B58) 1940 - 2022 Michael Hope, Fifth Baron Rankeillour, died on January 10th, 2022, after a short illness in hospital aged 81. He was born on

October 21st, 1940, in Malvern, Worcestershire, the eldest son of a diplomat, the Hon. Richard Hope, OBE and his wife Helen. He attended Downside School from 1954 to 1958, where he particularly enjoyed playing cricket, and then went on to Loughborough University to study engineering and drive in rally races. He met his future wife Rosie while working in London; they married in 1964 and lived in Cambridge, having three children, Hettie, Louisa, and James (B86). Michael joined Pye Electronics in Cambridge and worked there for a short while before moving to IBM, where he spent the rest of his working life based in London, Welwyn, and Norwich. While still working full time he set up and ran a ten-acre vineyard at Barningham Hall in rural Suffolk throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s, and he came to give talks to The Vintner Society at that time about his experience of the fledging English Wine industry. It was after they moved to Thurton in Norfolk, in 1982, that he and Rosie began running the Open Christmas initiative in Norwich. Having taken early retirement in 1992, Michael threw himself into charitable and community-based work and was for many years a trustee of St John’s Cathedral Norwich, helping to oversee the planning and building of the Narthex. He was also a Trustee and Treasurer of the All-Saints drop-in Centre in Norwich.

He was committed to conservation and became a board director of the Songbird Survival charity to try and arrest the staggering drop in traditional songbird numbers. He was also an active member of a number of other conservation-based charities in East Anglia, including the Kingfisher Bridge Trust. He had a lifelong passion for fly fishing which took him regularly to Scotland, Ireland and further afield, even as far as Alaska on occasion. Always keen to have a number of projects on the go, he expanded his skills and enjoyment of domestic carpentry to build kitchens, wardrobes and bookcases for many family members and friends. He was by nature open and gregarious, always interested in others and would instinctively help people regardless of the cost or time it might require. He was thrilled to accept the Diocesan Medal, on behalf of his dear wife Rosie as well, in September last year in recognition of their work in the diocese. After Rosie died in 2019 and his mobility declined due to a painful foot condition, Michael remained stoic despite the isolation of the pandemic; but it was immensely frustrating for someone used to being so active. Whilst in hospital it was a comfort for his family that he was anointed before he died at a time when visits to the hospital were very limited. Michael’s lifelong friend, and

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fellow Old Gregorian, Donald Ogilvy Watson, together with Rosie’s sister, Anji Fuller, gave wonderful tributes in their eulogies. Anji concluding with these lines of scripture: “No eye hath seen nor ear heard what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9) Fr Martin Gowman, parish priest of St Benet’s in Beccles, writes: “Attendance at Michael’s funeral surpassed all prepandemic levels, and it was such a privilege for so many old friends to be able to attend the Requiem Mass celebrated by Bishop Alan. For a time that was all too short, their presence in Beccles widened the scope of our parish life through their support of local charities, and Michael’s Benedictine memories. As an old boy of Downside School, Michael was able to give some moral support to the parish priest for as long as St Benet’s remained in Benedictine hands. Following Rosie’s death in 2019, with his brother Simon (B60) and younger relatives, Michael remained gently stalwart as an old Gregorian family man although in declining health – supportive to friends and parish, in the company of his own closest family. His death after a mercifully short illness coincided with the closing stages of the Benedictine history of St Benet’s, soon to be more fully incorporated within the Diocese of East Anglia.” James Hope (B86)

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BERNARD KELLY (S48) 1930 - 2022 Bernard Kelly, who died aged 92, was a cosmopolitan merchant banker for Warburgs and Lazards, and later an entrepreneurial financier in his own right. In the hothouse of City talent that was SG Warburg & Co in the 1960s, Kelly was one of the “young Turks” deployed to execute pioneering Eurobond issues and takeover deals. Driving them forward were the firm’s German émigré founder Siegmund Warburg and co-founder “Uncle” Henry Grunfeld, who demanded meticulous standards and long working hours. A typical success was a $200 million bond issue for the Irish government completed over a weekend, Kelly – unlike competitors in other banks – having been at his desk late on Friday evening to field the call. Siegmund Warburg himself also demanded total loyalty. One Warburgs director, Ian Fraser, recorded in his memoirs that “when any of us made a mistake, which was often, we would be put in the doghouse. Bernard Kelly… was the young director who was most frequently ‘kennelled’, not so much because of his mistakes but because of his ‘face crimes’. The ‘thought police’ were commanded by Uncle Henry, who would, or so we imagined, report to Siegmund that Kelly… was disloyal and needed to be watched.” By 1968 this oppressive culture, combined with Warburg’s aversion to succession planning,

provoked Fraser, Kelly and others to plot a breakaway that would have created a powerful new firm with capital backing from the Prudential assurance company. But it never came to pass. Kelly remained with Warburgs until 1975. With a large family to fund he despaired of the Labour Government’s punitive tax rates and decided to move abroad: with Siegmund Warburg’s help he found a new challenge in Monaco, setting up a merchant bank on behalf of Italian and Swiss shareholders. He and his wife Mirabel became friends of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace, née Kelly, who when asked whether they were related declared: “Oh yes, we’re all one great big happy clan.” In 1980, Margaret Thatcher’s lower UK taxes persuaded Kelly to return to the City. His friend Fraser, now chairman of Lazard Brothers, invited Kelly to join him as a vice chairman – and between them they injected new zest into a bank so old-fashioned that its directors maintained a policy of never making outgoing telephone calls. Kelly went on to work closely with another Warburg alumnus, the former defence secretary Sir John Nott, who in due course succeeded Fraser. Retiring from Lazards in 1990, when he reached 60, Kelly never lost his appetite for business, maintaining a portfolio of boardroom roles and private ventures into his ninth decade. Bernard Noel David George

Terence Kelly was born in Brussels on April 23rd, 1930. He was the elder son of Sir David Kelly, a Foreign Office diplomat of Irish descent who as minister at Bern from 1940 to 1942 was instrumental in persuading the Swiss not to assist the Nazis, and was later ambassador to Argentina, Turkey and the Soviet Union. Bernard’s Belgian-born mother was Marie-noële de Jourda de Vaux – “one of the grandes dames of British diplomacy”, according to her own obituary, and the last descendant of the Comte de Vaux (1705-1788), a prerevolutionary Marshal of France. Bernard’s godmother was Marienoële’s friend, Queen Marie-josé of Italy. Bernard was educated at Downside and did National Service – in the post-war years when, as he put it, “the army was organised entirely for the amusement of the officer class” – in the 8th Queens Royal Irish Hussars. He then went up to Magdalen College, Oxford, but was sent down after one term having failed a Latin prelim paper. Soon afterwards, he suffered a motorbike accident which required three months’ treatment at Stoke Mandeville hospital. While recuperating he was offered the chance to take articles with a small firm of solicitors. Once qualified, he moved to the firm of Simmons & Simmons in the City, where in 1963 – despite his protestations that he was “not particularly good with figures” – Siegmund Warburg

set out to recruit him. A fluent raconteur with a slight hint of a continental accent, Kelly always enjoyed being the centre of attention. In later years he was a mentor to many younger financiers through a clutch of non-executive and advisory roles, not least as chairman of Campbell Lutyens, a Mayfairbased investment boutique, and of Nexus, which managed a large portfolio of healthcare properties. He also dabbled successfully in property, collected art and, perhaps less likely, was a keen urban cyclist. When the shares of Maxwell Communication Corp, in which Kelly had a holding, collapsed in 1991, he cycled to the London home of Kevin Maxwell to shake his fist at the windows. Bernard Kelly married, in 1952, Mirabel Fitzalan Howard, one of eight children (all with first names beginning with M) of the 3rd Lord Howard of Glossop and his wife Baroness Beaumont. A devout Roman Catholic known for her saintly kindness to the needy, she became Lady Mirabel after her eldest brother Miles inherited the dukedom of Norfolk in 1975. The family home for many years – accommodating eight children, the widowed Lady Kelly on the top floor and assorted lodgers and strays – was two large semidetached houses knocked together in Carlyle Square, Chelsea. Lady Mirabel died in 2008; her husband is survived by their seven sons and a daughter. Daily Telegraph

ROBERT LIMPENNY (B51) 1933 - 2021 Bobby came from St George’s College in Quilmes, Argentina in 1947. School Prefect, Head of Barlow, Bobby excelled in sports, being a member of the 1st XI Cricket, 1st XI Hockey, 1st XV (Captain and Cap) as well Cap for squash and football. He also played tennis, where he was selected to play at Wimbledon in the Public-School Championship. He captained the rugby team that beat Sherborne by 25-0. It was a match Bobby always remembered with great pride as a great day for Downside rugger when a try was worth three points. At the time, the Raven defined Bobby as “easily the best captain of Squash that the School has had since the war”. After finishing school, Bobby went to St. Catharine’s College at Cambridge to read Economics, where he continued his sports activities, mainly in rugby. In

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1954 he Captained the College XV when they won the League Championship and the Cuppers for the second year in succession, without defeat. After graduating from University, Bobby continued his love for rugby playing at Richmond. He then moved to France, where he played in Paris and started his professional career at Lorilleux Lefranc (later Coates Lorilleux). Bobby was later transferred to Buenos Aires, Argentina where he became CEO of the company and retired after some years at Total. A devoted economist, Bobby was always a source of advice too many. His undoubted ability, immense capacity for work, enthusiasm, energy, and determination won the respect of his contemporaries and will always be remembered for his natural kindness and complete sincerity of outlook. Bobby continued his rugby activities in Argentina where he played for the Buenos Aires Cricket and Rugby Club (BA) and later for Club Universitario Buenos Aires (CUBA). A very keen sportsman he became president of The Squash Club in Buenos Aires and member of the Jockey Golf Club. Bobby taught his children the importance and values of sports in life. He also continued doing this by coaching rugby at Cardenal Newman College in Buenos Aires. Downside always had a special place in his heart. While at University, Bobby used to

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visit and stay for the weekend to meet friends where they enjoyed themselves very much. He always kept up to date with Downside through the Raven and occasional visits to the School. He was a devoted friend and someone with strong love for his family. He will be missed and always remembered for his wit, love for life and capacity to gather his family every year, which would join from different parts of the world to meet at a place very close to his heart. Bobby is survived by his wife Diana of 53 years with whom they have four children and nine grandchildren. Federico Limpenny ST JOHN MORGAN-DAVIES (B48) 1929 - 2022 St John was an imposing man with dignity, gravitas, with a little bit of dash, derring-do and 007 type flair thrown into the mix. He was born in Lyons, France on 12th November 1929. His father, Richard Morgan-Davies from Llandyssil, Pembrokeshire, won a blue at Cambridge and had a distinguished career in the Civil Service. His mother, Helene Dumonteil Lagreze, born in Singapore to a family from Marseilles, lived in exotic locations like, Mauritius and Zanzibar. St John led an eventful life, and it’s a wonder he made it to 92, given the number of neardeath experiences he had. Back in

the 40s St Johns parents lived in Rathnapura in Ceylon, where his father was District Commissioner. When war broke out there was a fear Ceylon could become the next Singapore. St John, his sister Jeannine, and brother Max were booked on a troopship back to the UK. Sadly, the ship was torpedoed days later, but St John and his beloved Jeannine and Max made it back to the UK. Some years later St John was commissioned into the Inniskilling’s Fusiliers and was sent to Malaya as part of the Chindits fighting the Japanese. Waiting in a jungle clearing for a parachute resupply drop a sudden premonition made him jump out the way at the last minute. Seconds later a ton of baked beans hit the ground where he’d just been standing. St John had only been married for a few months in Kenya when he caught Blackwater fever and had to be read the last rites in

hospital. Thankfully he made it through helped by a diet of steak and Guinness administered by his new bride. St John was also a superb athlete. Running. Swimming. Boxing. Number eight and Captain of the 1st XV at Downside, number eight for the Army Western Command, and captain of the Ceylon 1st XV. His rugby highlight was playing an international against the All Blacks who stopped off at Colombo on their way to tour Europe in the 50s. Rugby however became a bit prosaic for St John so he took up spear-fishing. He was often found two miles offshore, in water a mile deep, with a string of fish hanging off his waist. Occasionally this would become a string of fish heads as the occasional shark would bite them off his belt. When it was time to leave Ceylon, St John decided on Ethiopia. But first, he had to extract his savings from the now socialist state of Ceylon. He bought ten sapphires from the local gem dealer, swallowed them for breakfast, jumped on the plane and retrieved them at the other end, so to speak! Well only eight made it through, but they do happen to now grace his beloved wife’s engagement ring! Addis Ababa is where St John met Marguerite. She was working for TWA and was also occasional air hostess on Emperor Haile Selassie government plane. They married and spent two happy years

horse riding in the Abyssinian mountains and enjoying life before fatherhood! St John always tried to teach his children the right values. The value of honesty which he learnt from his father and no doubt his years at Downside. He told the story of how he travelled from Launceston to Paddington by train, standing room only, and then proudly telling his father who met him at the other end that he hadn’t paid for a ticket. He was marched to the ticket office and made to buy that ticket post voyage, seat included. He taught the value of manners and respect. There was a time when a string of surly teenagers would come and visit his children. When shuffled on to the veranda and grunted something un-intelligible, he’d gently suggest to them they exit the building, turn around, re-enter and try their evening greeting once again. He also insisted on treating everyone as an equal and didn’t tolerate any kind of snobbery. He taught his children vital skills such as how to box, swim, spearfish, shoot, do a great sidestep and even drive! These qualities of honesty, courtesy, and incorruptibility, led to St John being Managing Director of three shipping companies in Kenya and the Consul for Sweden, for which he received the Royal Order of the Swedish Polar Star. His reputation in East Africa was legend and he was sorely missed when he left for Brittany. St John spent his later

years in Bath where he attended mass regularly at St John the Evangelist church, spending time reading military history, watching war films, and with his family close by. He was a fine, and noble man and is deeply missed by his wife Marguerite, and three children, Pierre, Eric and Nathalie. Pierre Morgan-Davies ANTHONY BEVILLE VYVYAN (S52) 1935 - 2021 Tony’s son, Charles, remembered him saying, ‘I quite like a family funeral because it is a good excuse to get us all together’, and Tony’s love of a family gathering has certainly been inherited by his eight children. In 1960, at the age of 25, Tony married 23-year-old Mary Quin-Harkin, who magnificently keeps the entire family in touch and is the team-mate with whom he spent the next 61 happy years of his life. Tony was born in 1935 in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanganyika (now Tanzania) where his father, Lester Trefusis Vyvyan, was employed. His mother, Mary Clare Frances Leeming, had a strong Downside connection having four OG brothers. Tony spent his first ten years in East Africa, and this is his memory of travelling to England: “At the end of the Dar-es-Salaam tour (1941 to 1945), the war in Europe had just ended and our journey back to the UK was a treat: Train from Dar to Mwanza; a ship voyage clockwise round Lake

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Victoria to Kisumu; a few days in a hotel overlooking the lake; a flying boat trip up the Nile, landing at Wadi Halfa, Luxor, Khartoum, and Alexandria; and a month on a houseboat moored off Gazira Island with use of the famous Gazira Club. We eventually left Cairo to catch a troopship, from Port Said.” Tony was sent to Worth Priory where he played a prominent part in the rugby, hockey, cricket, boxing, gym, and athletics teams. Mary recalls that, as a ten-yearold, she attended Sports Day at Worth to watch her brothers (John (B51) and Michael (B57) QuinHarkin) and witnessed 12-year-old Tony winning every single event. His final Worth report reads: ‘Vyvyan is a most useful boy. Not only is his work quite adequate, but his games are excellent, his morals sound and the practice of his religion regular. He is a very good boy. He is rather overgrown for his age and a little coltish. He has no idea what he wants to be. His keenness extended to the scouts. I have nothing whatever against him: in fact, I would say that he takes reprimands very well and acts on them.’ After Worth, Tony joined

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Downside (1948-1952) where he continued as a high-achieving all-rounder: ‘A. B. C. Vyvyan. Smythe. School and General (A) Certificates. 1st XV (Cap) Rugby. 1st XI (Colours) Hockey. 1st XI (Cap) Cricket. Certificate ‘A’ and L.Cpl, C.C.F. House Prefect. Anthony is a good and competent worker and he ought to do really well in accountancy. He has a good deal of personality and his outstanding athletic ability will undoubtedly give him some definite advantages’ During Tony’s penultimate term at Downside, just six months after his parents had returned from Africa to settle in Stratfordupon-Avon, his father suddenly died, aged 46. As a result, at the age of 17, in 1952, Tony skipped university and started to train as a chartered accountant, playing rugby for Coventry and later representing Warwickshire. In 1956, Tony was called up for two years of National Service in the Army and in 1957 Mary and Tony’s three-year courtship began at a rugby match at Richmond RFC after Tony discovered that Mary’s good-looking brother was not in fact her boyfriend but just an observing admirer of his rugby skills! They married in 1960 and, over the next four years, Tony noticed a lot of small people living in his house who looked quite like him. He decided to give each child a number and a distinctive Cornish middle name to help him remember who they all were: (1) Richard Trefusis, 1960; (2)

Jonathan Vyell, 1962; (3) Simon Courtenay, 1964; and (4) Charles Bevil, 1965. On they went, and a happy result was their daughter, Katharine Anne (no.5), in 1967. Then a few more boys, (6) Paul Grenville, 1969 and (7) James Hannibal, 1972, until finally, in 1976, Hugh Donnithorne or as Tony preferred to call him, No.8. Tony was immensely proud that Hugh later played number 5 for the national rugby team and number 7 in the 1993 Penryn Sevens competition alongside his six brothers beating Penryn RFC in the final, but it all played havoc with his numbering system. All the boys are OGs. Over the last four and a half decades of Tony’s life, some big events were: the family moving to Cornwall (1987), Tony’s retirement (2000), Tony and Mary’s 50th and 60th wedding anniversaries (2010 and 2020), and the eight weddings and twenty-two grandchildren that were celebrated during that time. Looking back at Tony’s long life, a friend recalls that “everyone who met Tony found him incredibly charming and incredibly jovial.” Richard and James have been told of the enormous affection that his Richmond RFC friends had for him (‘Tony was a class act and the embodiment of all the best values of this great club’) and his children remember him as gentle, stoic, unflappable and strong. Hugh summed him up well: “An incredibly kind man. A fantastic role model. More than

anyone I know, he lived in the now, never looked back or too far forward and he seemed genuinely contented in life.” Simon Vyvyan (S82) DENNIS WALTERS (C46) 1928 - 2021 Urbane and fiercely bright, Sir Dennis, who has died aged 92, was for 28 years an independentminded MP for the Wiltshire seat of Westbury. Sir Dennis’s outspoken Arabist sympathies, particularly on the cause of the Palestinians, may have contributed to him being denied office under Edward Heath and Margaret Thatcher. As a teenager, he served for 11 months with the Italian Resistance, returning to England to resume his education at Downside School and St Catharine’s College, Cambridge where he read Law and earned a tennis Blue. After university, Sir Dennis forged a successful business career in advertising and public

relations. Later, he was employed as a personal assistant to Lord Hailsham during his chairmanship of the Conservative party and ran his campaign to succeed Harold Macmillan as leader. Hailsham considered him “the ablest man in the party.” Sir Dennis was elected as MP for Westbury in 1964. In 1967, following the Six Day War, he and fellow Conservative member Sir Ian Gilmour travelled to Palestine. Both men later issued a statement urging Israel to help repatriate Palestinian refugees. Outside Parliament, Sir Dennis served as Chairman of Middle East International, founded in 1971 with a “mission to provide authoritative and independent news on the Middle East”. In 1980, at the best of Mrs Thatcher, and alongside Foreign Secretary Lord Carrington, Sir Dennis set up CMEC, ostensibly to carry out the same functions of Middle East International but also, at first, to advance the cause of the

Palestinians. He chaired CMEC until 1992 and then became its president. He was also Joint Chairman of the Council for the Advancement of Arab-British Understanding. A frequent and passionate rebel for causes close to his heart, Sir Dennis was warned to drop the Palestinian issue if he wanted a ministerial career. Appropriately, his 1989 biography was entitled Not Always with the Pack. Sir Dennis left parliament in 1992 following stomach surgery and remained active for the remainder of his life, playing tennis well into his eighties and holding court at his house near the Tuscan city of Lucca. He loved nothing more than a good political debate around the dinner table and had a weakness for the Toscano cigars as chewed so menacingly by Clint Eastwood, the man with no name, in Spaghetti westerns. Sir Dennis was a true one off and will greatly missed. The Telegraph

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OGs Far & Wide

Andrew Hobbs and Jonny Grew (C77)

St Gregory’s Society London Dinner

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Bangkok Reunion

Weekly Zoom Calls

Under 35s Drinks

Under 35s Drinks Reception

Katy Jane Nannestad (I09) & Charlie Harbord (R12) at the Under 35s Drinks

Prize Day Thank You Event

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St Gregory’s Society London Dinner

Hong Kong Dinner

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Property Networking Lunch

Edinburgh Dinner

Kenya Dinner

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Back to Downside Ana del Real (I13) and Claire Murphy

Hugo Whyte (R12) with the OMV

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Here are just a few of this year’s visitors

OGs at Kings Summer School

Hugh Jennings (B11) and Jeremy Evans (B11) with Andrew Hobbs, Head and Simon Potter, House Master of Barlow

Anthony Steiner (B60) with Claire Murphy and Sean Barrett

Matthieu Brown (R19) giving his presentation as part of the Sixth Form Lecture Series

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OG News 1945 Ian Nicholson (B) continues to survey ships in spite of just celebrating his 94th birthday, so this makes him the oldest practising surveyor in Britain, and probably Europe. He has had 26 books published and one on Yacht Design is being up-dated and reissued by Fernhurst Publishing. He continues to race the family yacht and sometimes wins to the dismay of younger helmsmen and women. 1948 Justin Staples (C) and his wife, Susan, celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 14th June, 2022. 1956 John Dillon (B) was elected Corrsponding Fellow of the British Academy in July 2021.

(C67) and Professor Christopher Given-Wilson (U66). Tom Barton (B66), another contemporary who died in 2020, was remembered on several occasions at celebrations for the 20th anniversary of the Millennium Bridge which he constructed with McAlpine. Brian is celebrating the completion of his civic duties with another long walk in France 1966 starting in the company of yet Brian Mooney (U) has just finished a two-year stint as Chief another contemporary, Peter Commoner of the City of London Jenkins (U67). Corporation - a role that 1968 involves representing and David Bevan (R) (RIP) was this helping to run the elected body year awarded a Papal Medal for which governs the Square Mile. services to the Church. A good spread of OGs attended several of the official lunches including contemporaries John Molony (B66), Philip Fowke 1966 Rory Merry (R) has had photographs published in The Guardian and The Wall Street Journal this year. Rory’s photograph in The Guardian’s picture editors select photo highlights from around the world is the number one image after the banner shot.

1962 Charles Cavenagh-Mainwaring (C) has been elected to the Conservative Foreign and Commonwealth Council. 1965 Richard Cohen (B) won the Sabre Event in the National Over 70s age group and will now be a member of the British Team at the World Veteran Champions in Croatia.

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1970 Peter Agius (Ra) has had a major change in career, after 45 years in Electronics and Software design. He is now Administrator and

Webmaster for the Lay Community of St Benedict, that has a few Old Gregorians amongst its 200 members. During lockdown he helped develop an online ecumenical and inclusive Divine Office that now sees a large group of people, from all denominations, meeting up to four times a day to pray. Peter was also IT Manager for the Root and Branch (hybrid) Synod in Bristol last September and is now on the core team analysing all the Diocesan and Parish synod reports in preparation for the Synod in Rome in October 2023. 1972 Peter Edge-Partington (S) now runs OvenGleamers Kings Lynn and West Norfolk. 1972 Antony Tyndale (S) is now an Athletics Official on the National List and recently officiated discus at the Birmingham World Athletics Diame League meeting.

Need (ACN) fact-finding and project-assessment trip to Iraq in March 2022, the first since the pandemic began. On return, he described his experiences live on BBC Radio 4 Sunday programme on Easter Day – April 17, 2022. He described progress 1980 on some of the 50 projects the John Gaggero (S) was appointed an Honorary Captain of the Royal charity has been working on, including the restoration of Navy Reserve on 29th July 2021. John was also appointed his second homes, schools, kindergartens, four-year term as Lieutenant of the churches, parish halls, benefitting Gibraltar Lieutenancy of the Order Christians and other religious of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem minorities who suffered genocidal violence at the hands of Daesh and has also been made Knight (ISIS) militants. Grand Cross of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. 1994 Alastair Watson (C) is currently 1988 working at Kew Gardens in Roland Philips (C) has released his album Medication Time on all London and enjoys competing in popular streaming sites under alias Ultra Marathons across the UK and Europe in his spare time. Todd Sharpville. 1979 Willie Hartley-Russell (S) has been appointed patron of Berkshire County Cricket Club and a Trustee of the Berkshire Historic Churches Trust.

2006 Henry Hudson-Evans (R) was posted from Singapore to Dubai with his family in September 2021 by his ship broking firm, Howe Robinsons Partners.

1989 Daniel Brennan (S) was promoted to Brand Director at LaurentPerrier U.K. Ltd. 1993 John Pontifex (U) has carried out an Aid to the Church in

2010 Alexandra Gushurst-Moore (C) graduated with a PhD in Art History from the University of York. 2013 Ana Del Real (I) is currently completing her MA in Human Rights in Cultural Diversity at the University of Mexico. Ana will return to Mexico City in

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August to complete her last term of her undergraduate degree at Technológica de Moneterry. Ana has the role of the volunteer role of Director of MUNDO Academy at the Model United Nations Development Organisation ands MIMUN’s Administration and Special Projects Director.

2018 Tallulah Horton (C) has been offered a full Clarendon Scholarship to St Hugh’s College Oxford, alongside a Choral Scholarship to Queen’s for a Masters in Musicology.

2014 Caitlin Murphy (C) has graduated from Warwick University with MBChB and will begin working as a Junior Doctor at Hereford County Hospital. 2014 Rory Moules (B) played an organ duet recital at St Paul’s Cathedral on the 31st July.

2018 John Hyslop (S) graduated from Oxford Brookes with a 2:1. 2019 Louis-Raphael Williams (R) graduated this year with a First Class Honours in Arabic and International Business from SOAS. Congratulations Louis-Raphael and to all who have graduated this year.

2017 Marina Scanlan (I) has completed her first year at Nottingham University studying Psychology after securing 3 A’s and a B at A-Level. 2018 Anna Ryduchowska (C) is graduating with a First Class Honours in Mathematics from Warwick University.

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2019 Fae Hicks (I) has graduated from the University of York with a First Class Honours in BA Linguistics.

Sixty Years ago: A letter from Siegfried Sassoon

As was mentioned in the May Downside Wider Community E-Newsletter, Downside featured in two poignant scenes in the film Benediction. After filming many scenes at Downside Abbey the film was released in May 2022. Siegfried Loraine Sassoon CBE MC, born in 1886, was an English war poet, writer, and soldier. The film Benediction followed Sassoon’s turbulent life through the First World War. One of the film’s most notable scenes was filmed onsite at Downside Abbey to signify his conversation to Catholicism at the very place it had happened many years ago.

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Sassoon had a love for poetry and his work was celebrated at Downside in the 1950s. His work had a great impact on so many individual lives, including bringing to light, some Old Gregorians love for poetry. Jonathan Chambers (B60) told us: “I was first introduced to Sassoon’s work by my parents and was deeply influenced by his prose as well as his verse in my late teens; I was especially moved by his later poems (eg. The tasking) published in Sequences (1956) which recorded aspects of his spiritual journey towards his conversion to Catholicism in 1957. I left in 1960 and remember him clearly as a celebrated and occasion visitor to Downside – and not just for his readings, but for his genial presence in the cricket nets as he was passionately fond of the game. What prompted me to write to him was a growing interest in writing poetry as well as studying literature; it was nurtured by the fact that you receive 10/- for each one published in the Raven – quite a lot then! So – as I was about to begin my English course at Cambridge - I sent him a batch of what I naively thought were the better ones. Perhaps the fact that he saw Pembroke College as the address prompted his generous reply as he had been billeted there very happily in 1915 for officer training. What he says was – on the surface – hugely discouraging, but it influenced me very positively as I actually agreed with everything he said and can honestly say that I have never written a poem since!”

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The experience of living as part of a monastic community affected all those who spent time at Downside. It leaves Old Gregorians, young and old, with a lasting reverence for plain chant and a permanent respect for the Benedictine way of life. It is considering this that we conclude with the opening lines of Sassoon’s Lenten Illuminations (the 81-line poem was published in the Downside Review) which captured the contemplative mood which the Abbey Church inspires: Not properly Catholic, some might say, to like it best When no one’s in the cool white church that few frequent These sober-skied vocational afternoons in Lent. These sanctity in stillness, let it be confessed, For one addicted much to meditationment...

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DOWNSIDE and the

Radcliffe Family

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When my dad and I drove into Downside for the first time together, my dad was amazed by how little had changed. He felt very nostalgic and had a sense of pride that I was carrying on the family tradition. It feels so special and quite surreal to walk the same corridors which my ancestors, from over 100 years ago, walked down. I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to follow in their footsteps. I’m honoured to be the first girl representing my family at Downside. One of many things I like about Downside is the magnificent Abbey. One can feel quite speechless and overwhelmed by its beauty, I tend to feel more focused and at peace. Another thing I like about Downside is its inclusivity. For example, everyone participates in sport and the team spirit is very high. Not only that, but it gives you a sense of belonging which I find very comforting. It’s fun to exchange stories with my dad about when he was at Downside…but I shouldn’t really divulge those! As I embark on another year at Downside, I look forward to growing academically and spiritually and forging new friendships. Daisy Radcliffe, current pupil

The Radcliffe family’s links to Downside go back a little further as while he was not educated at Downside, Daisy’s great great grandfather, Sir Joseph Radcliffe, 4th baronet, born on 1st August 1858, loved the Abbey, and inspired by his baptismal name, retired to Downside as an oblate for the monastery and worked as a carpenter for the community. Abbot Butler, who became Bishop Butler, told Timothy Radcliffe (S63), the night before his ordination, that often the singing of Lauds by the monks was interrupted with a cry from the confessional, ‘Go away, Sir Joseph.You could not commit a mortal sin if you tried!’ Sebastian Radcliffe (C91)

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Sir Joseph Radcliffe, 4th Bt. Born on 4 October 1824. He lived at Rudding Park in Yorkshire. He was not educated at Downside, but he loved the abbey, and inspired by his baptismal name, retired to Downside as an oblate for the monastery and worked as a carpenter for the community.

Sir Everard Joseph Radcliffe, 5th Bt. (1901) Born on 27 January 1884, d. 23 November 1969. He graduated from Christ Church, Oxford University in 1906. He was Captain of Yorkshire Cricket team, succeeding Lord Hawke. He fought in the First World War and was with the Intelligence Corps. He held the office of Justice of the Peace for North Riding,Yorkshire. He was appointed Knight Commander, Order of St Gregory.

Sir Joseph Benedict Everard Henry Radcliffe, 6th Bt. (R28) Born on 10 March 1910, d. 7 February 1975. He was educated at RMC Sandhurst, Captain in 1936 in the King’s Royal Rifle Corps. He was ADC to the Governor of Bermuda. He fought in the Second World War, where following the defence of Calais he was a POW. He was awarded the Military Cross (M.C.). He held the office of Justice of the Peace for West Riding,Yorkshire in 1960.

Hugh John Reginald Joseph Radcliffe (B30)

Harry Peter Joseph Radcliffe (S31)

Born on 3 March 1911. He fought in the Second World War ending as a Lieutenant-Colonel in the London Scottish. He was appointed MBE in 1944. He was appointed Knight Commander Papal, Order of St. Sylvester in 1965. He was deputy chairman of the London Stock Exchange between 1967 and 1970. He was chairman of Dun and Bradstreet between 1974 and 1976. He was appointed Knight of St. Gregory in 1984.

Born on 4 April 1914. He was a seminarian at the English College in Rome, and then at Fribourg University in Switzerland. He died on 24 March 1940 at age 25, killed in a mid air collision over France. He gained the rank of Pilot Officer in the Royal Air Force.

Sebastian Everard Radcliffe, 7th Bt. (C91) Mark Hugh Joseph Radcliffe Radcliffe (S56)

Anthony Joseph Radcliffe (S59)

Born on 8 June 1972. Following a master’s degree at Born on 22 April 1938. 2nd Lieutenant in the the Ecole Superieur de Commerce de Rennes, he joined Coldstream Guards. He was deputy director-general Jupiter Fund Management. Over the next twenty years of the Confederation of British Industry (C.B.I.) between as one of the firm’s fund management directors, he 1991 and 1994. He was director of the London Stock managed a variety of investment funds Exchange between 1994 and 1998. He was High Sheriff as head of strategy for the USA. of Hampshire between 1996 and 1997 and became Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire in 1997.

Born on 17 January 1942. He worked in the Stock Exchange firstly with Rowe and Pitman, and then with Warburg.

Daisy Radcliffe

James Russell Joseph Radcliffe (S83) Born on 13 April 1965. He read law at Durham university and is engaged in the hospitality industry in France.

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Joseph Francis Edward Radcliffe (1908)

Robert John Peter Joseph Radcliffe (C15)

Charles Joseph Basil Radcliffe (R18)

Born on 15 March 1891, d. 13 March 1940 at age 48. He fought in the First World War between 1914 and 1915 and was wounded. He gained the rank of Lieutenant in the Northumberland Fusiliers. He was an Irish Government Delegate on the Permanent Committee of the Institute of Agriculture. He was the Gentleman-in-Waiting to The Pope.

Born 29 June 1898, d. 1974. Lieutenant in the 14th King’s Hussars, Reserve of Officer.

Born on 9 October 1900. He died on 13 July 1983 at age 82. He was appointed Fellow, Institute of Electrical Engineers.

Michael Anthony Joseph Radcliffe (C36)

David Edward Joseph Radcliffe (R40)

John Charles Joseph Radcliffe (B48)

Born on 30 October 1917, d. 5 May 1975 at age 57 at Malta. He was MajorYorkshire Dragoons and fought in the Second World War between 1939 and 1944, he was held as a Prisoner of War.

Born on 1 May 1922. He gained the rank of Captain in the Irish Guards.

Born on 31 July 1934. He died on 22 March 1989 at age 54.

Timothy Peter Joseph Radcliffe OP (S63)

Paul John Joseph Radcliffe (S67)

Richard Joseph Radcliffe (S72)

Born 22nd August 1945. Joined the Dominicans in 1965, Master of the Order of Preachers from 1991 to 2001. Author and lecturer.

Born on 23 June 1949. A qualified accountant and Fellow of the Association of Corporate Treasurers. Paul has been involved in a variety of senior roles in both industry and the City.

Born on 5 April 1954. Legacy Fundraiser. Founder Radcliffe Consulting.

Julian Radcliffe (S86) Born 14 Oct 1967. Currently the Chief Educational Psychologist for Hampshire.

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ONE YEAR IN CHILE If you told me some years ago that I would take a gap year to Chile, working in a school, teaching English, living in a community and praying every day. I think I would have told you to pull yourself together. Why on earth would I ever do that?? Well it turns out I arrived last March with Louis Lesault (B21) a friend from school and while writing this we have just under a month left of our experience here. We have been part of a 40-year tradition of young English people coming to Chile to work in Manquehue schools in the capital city of Santiago. We do in fact live

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in a community of laymen praying the Divine Office and doing Lectio Divina every day. Something that has changed my life in the best way not just in Chile but also in my years at Downside watching how it has become a strong part of our culture.

the day to chat, relax, or play darts and football with us.

We help in English, sports and music lessons for the students, it seems we are quite valuable for our Englishspeaking abilities. The young English men and women have always been practically famous in the Schools We spend our week in Tutoria and everyone wants to speak to which is the Manquehue’s version of Chaplaincy. There is no easy way you and to get to know you. We to explain what Tutoria is. It’s kind help out with a bunch of activities, retreats and winter camps. Louis for of like Chaplaincy in overdrive mode or on steroids. It is brilliantly example spent a week in the scouts movement camping, cooking and all crazy and active and beautiful in sorts of things to make sure the kids Colegio San Benito, the school in have an amazing time there. I spent which we work. Students of all ages come into Tutoria throughout a week in the Chilean countryside in

Missions in a community of young people sleeping on the ground, visiting people of different ages offering to talk about their lives, the Church and presenting to them Lectio Divina, and then playing strange games at night like making the worst possible combinations of foods you can imagine. There is also Trabajos which is where you build houses for people without homes and give them a new life. We go to Colegio San Lorenzo mid-week which is one of the poorer schools in Santiago to play with the students there after school. We lead a Lectio community of Lower Sixth boys and we go to their Houses on a Wednesday evening to eat pizza, chat and do Lectio with them.

us words in Spanish and show us the popular music genre of reggaeton. We see how much it means to them by spending our time with them. Tutoria is their space away from lessons and normal school life to feel God’s active presence and love in our lives. We have also been travelling for a short while around Peru learning valuable life skills, getting around in another country, speaking a different language and being able to see the beautiful culture of South America, while always eating delicious food…!!! I don’t think we can ever live in England without food such as Manjar, Choripán, Marraquetas, Sopaipillas…well the list goes on…

I could not have ever seen myself in Chile, but I am so happy I decided to spend my gap year here. If you ever want to go on a gap year, learn things about yourself, make a difference in people’s lives, and have amazing friendships, I would definitely recommend going to Chile with the Manquehue! It is so rewarding in life skills, lessons and to find a relationship with God.

I have learnt a really valuable life lesson here, that is the most valuable thing we can ever give to someone is our time. That is the true nature of friendship. Giving time to someone you might not know has shown me a real love for one another. And for that, I am thankful for my gap year experience The Chileans in the Manquehue Through all of the things we do, we never fail to be the most welcoming in Chile and to all the people I have have made true friendships with the people we have ever met, they really met here, including God. students, colleagues and the people care about us and have become like Alexander Harwood (B21) we live with. They often try to teach brothers and sisters. A few years ago

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Edwards family celebrate Downside’s rowing pedigree by presenting the School with a winning 1959 Oxford ‘Blue Boat’ oar A week before this year’s 167th Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race, which saw Oxford win with some comfort after a string of defeats, it seemed appropriate that David Edwards (S55), the only OG to have actually won a Boat Race as an oarsman, was able to have his winning ‘Dark Blue’ oar presented to Andrew Hobbs, the Head, by his son Tarquin Edwards (S85) and his daughter Camilla Cañellas (nee Edwards), on behalf of the Edwards and Edwards-Cañellas family and their seven OGs, past and present, going back nearly 80 years. Camilla is the mother of the family’s two most recent OGs, Oxiana Cañellas-Edwards (I10) and Iñigo Cañellas-Edwards (S22). The Presentation was also particularly apposite, given that Iñigo was still at the School.

his ‘Dark Blue’ oar to the School in 2017, to redress the light blue/dark blue balance and for it to join with Cyril Burnand’s (1909) Cambridge blade currently hanging near the Gasquet Hall. Downside has had an impressive, longstanding, albeit somewhat intermittent relationship with rowing going back over a century. Cyril Burnand was the first of three OGs to have competed in the Boat Race and won his ‘Blue’ in 1911. The next was Jon Denny (C53), who coxed Cambridge in 1955 and finally David Edwards who rowed in the 1958 and 1959 Boat Races and who overlapped with Jon Denny (C53) at Downside.

Indeed, it was David’s elder brother John Edwards (S53) and the father of Alexander Edwards (S84) and the sadly Sadly David, who died in June 2019, was not there to late, Charles Edwards (S87), who first decided to try and hand over the oar himself, but he had personally offered put Downside ‘on the water’ competitively.

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Bradford on Avon RC was delighted to welcome and encourage young enthusiasts.

With the help of Dom Luke Suart, who had been at Christ’s College, Cambridge and had rowed, John established Downside Rowing Club. The ‘young’ crew used to cycle to Monkton Combe once a week in the Summer Term, where Monkton Combe School kindly allowed them to use one of their coxed fours on the ‘Monkton mile of treacle’ as it was known, because of the shallow depth and the effort involved in moving a boat.

David left Downside and went up to Christ Church, Oxford in 1955. John Edwards had been up at the College for two years and was very involved with the Christ Church Boat Club, which was becoming very successful after some lean years. John and David rowed together in several college crews over the next few years and won the Oxford University Boat Club (OUBC) IVs in 1956. Both brothers also rowed in a pair together and won the inaugural Amateur Rowing Association National Championships in 1956. John gained Trial Caps for the Oxford Boat twice and was unlucky not to have been selected for the OUBC crew, though he did row for the Isis crew, OUBC’s second crew. David was luckier and rowed for Oxford in 1958 and 1959, winning the Boat Race in the latter year. The brothers were then selected to row for Wales in the 1958 Empire and Commonwealth Games in Cardiff and won a bronze medal in the Coxwainless Fours. Four years later, they were again selected to row for Wales in the 1962 Commonwealth Games in Perth, Australia (the

“Downside has had an impressive, longstanding, albeit somewhat intermittent relationship with rowing going back over a century.”

David Edwards was merely the cox in those early days and in the summer holidays, his elder brother, John had persuaded a group of oarsmen to come and stay at Windmill, the Edwards house on the Berkshire Downs, row on the Thames at Wallingford, and enter for Henley Town Regatta under the tutelage of John and David’s father, Group Captain HRA ‘Jumbo’ Edwards, DFC, AFC*. Jumbo was a double rowing Olympic gold medallist and was at the time, Coach of the GB Olympic VIII and of the Oxford Boat Race crew, and he was of course, Downside Rowing Club’s first rowing coach. When John left Downside, David continued his rowing and Downside Rowing Club, but by then the crew were boating from Bradford on Avon RC, where there was a better stretch of water, and like oarsmen everywhere,

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“Clearly it doesn’t matter which shade of blue you support, one’s Roman Catholic and OG heritage wins out!.”

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games had by then become the Commonwealth Games, part in his recovery. Receiving the Sacrament of the Sick from the great Downside figures of Smythe House the Empire having been lost in between), where they Master, Dom Martin Salmon and from Head Master, won a silver medal. Dom Philip Jebb and prayers from the School certainly provided Tarquin with the vital (spiritual) boost during A rather nice codicil to this account of OGs and their the critical period, but it was rowing that provided rowing exploits, links Downside’s first OG rowing the motivational ‘crutch’ back to a healthy (albeit Blue with the School’s most recent rowing Blue. Cyril slightly impaired) physical recovery. This took him Burnand’s sister, Monica, had married into the Army via a circuitous route to rowing on an Ancient Greek and John and David Edwards’ mother, as an Army Trireme and then finally to gaining a place at and then daughter, met Monica in Persia in the years after the First World War. Both ladies became steadfast friends for rowing and coaching for the family alma mater, Christ life and Monica became a sort of Godmother to David. Church, Oxford. Rowing and travelling backward might seem an odd sport to some and forgive the pun, Clearly it doesn’t matter but to others it is literally which shade of blue you oar-inspiring! support, one’s Roman Catholic and OG heritage *A book on Downside’s wins out! first rowing coach, Group Captain HRA ‘Jumbo’ As a postscript and Edwards and his rowing and picking up the thread of wartime exploits, which is Downside and rowing and titled: “Water’s Gleaming Gold: regarding the author of The Hugh ‘Jumbo’ Edwards this article, David’s son, Story”, is due to be published by Lapwing Publishing later Tarquin Edwards (S85) enthusiastically continued the this year by David’s son-in-law, Gavin Jamieson, who is family tradition (albeit with infinitely less glory) and married to David’s youngest daughter, Melissa. in 1989 and rowing for London Rowing Club, he was a member of the fastest qualifying crew in the Wyfold Tarquin Edwards (S85) Cup at Henley Royal Regatta. Months later however he was critically injured in a motorbike crash and emerged from a six-week coma to find himself paralysed down one side. It was during this period and thereafter however that Downside and rowing played an integral

“Rowing and travelling backward might seem an odd sport to some and forgive the pun, but to others it is literally oar-inspiring!”

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Memory Lane Monday Memory Lane Monday continues to be staple on both the Old Gregorian Facebook and Instagram pages. If you would like to share your memories as part of this feature please send images to oldgregorians@downside.co.uk

The Grea t Bicycle Race 198 0

tre 1959 Thea

Ten Tors group fr om 1990

School Refectory

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ctors tre proje New thea

Cross Country 2012

Proposed Building - Leonard Stokes 1907

Ullathorne Prefects

1-02 Seven 200 se u o h r te h The Slaug

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Publications Save the Silver Bullet - The small steps to succesful transformation Author: Ben de Haldevang (U84)

Tall Tales from Afar Author: Michael Roe (R57)

The Great Melt Author: Alistair Doyle (U75)

How, When and Why did Bede Write his Ecclesiastical History Author: Richard Shaw (R95)

Riding Africa Author: Michael Howard-Kyan (C73)

Flocks in your confiding; some chapters in a life Author: Martin Hugh-Jones (C54)

Here at the door Author: Michael Alexander (S59)

Stupendous Sports Series: Fantastic Football Author: Robin Bennett (B86)

The Creed in Slow Motion Author: Martin Kochanski (U72)

Monster Max and the Marmalade Ghost Author: Robin Bennett (B86)

Making History. The Storytellers who shaped the past Author: Richard Cohen (B65)

Bella Nash and the Bath Soufflé Author: William Keeling (C82)

Black On Magenta: A Novel and a Half Author: Ken O’Sullivan (S95) The Unofficial Good Turn Society Author: Francis Buhagiar (B689) The Diary of William Young of Cotchford Farm Author: Kevin Last (S65) A Torch in the Dark, An Experiential and Integral Guide to Human Growth Author: James Anderson (Ra76) Fracture Author: David Longridge (C56)

Peter of Bath Author: Peter Downey (S59) Hubert Howard A Man for all Seasons Author: Esme Howard (C56) The Music of Time.Twenty-Four Tables for Today Author: Philip Allott (C54) de Lacey & dec Viveiros: a Family History Author: Gerald de Lacey (R57) Little Book Of The Most, 200 musings from Ken O’Sullivan Author: Ken O’Sullivan (S95) A Dog’s Tale Author: Guy Wrench (U75)

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