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Follow us on Twitter: @oldqueenians Newsletter Spring2015

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� 1Follow us on Twitter: @oldqueenians

N e w s l e t t e rS p r i n g � 2 0 1 5

2

Dunja Aksentijevic (1999-2001)

Dunja�was�part�of�the�international�team�of�scientists�led�by�Professor�Murphy�of�Cambridge�University�who�recently�made�a�major�medical�breakthrough.�The�team�discovered�a�way�to�limit�severe�organ�damage�in�the�event�of�a�heart�attack�or�a�stroke,�which�is�particularly�acute�immediately�after�the�event.�The�results�of�this�research�should�pave�the�way�for�the�more�effective�treatment�of�hundreds�of�thousands�of�patients�who�suffer�heart�attacks�or�strokes�every�year.�The�British�Heart�Foundation�has�hailed�this�research�as�of�crucial�importance.�Further�details�about�the�research�can�be�found�in�Nature.�(Photo�above)

Amy Beswetherick (2001-2008)

Amy’s�paper�on�the�reasons�for�depressive�symptoms�in�hip�fracture�was�published�in�her�final�year�of�medical�science�at�Birmingham�University.�The�research�was�undertaken�with�a�fellow�student�and�published�in�June�2014�in�‘Experimental�Gerontology’.�Amy�is�currently�working�towards�a�masters�at�Bristol�University�looking�at�the�long�term�psychological�effects�on�the�offspring�of�mothers�with�hyperemesis�gravidarum.

Kim Boalch

Research by OQs

OQ Ties and Cufflinks are�available�from�Kim

� 3

Communication

The�newsletter�is�sent�to�all�OQs�for�whom�we�have�postal�addresses.�This�numbers�approximately�3,500.�Every�time�an�edition�is�despatched�a�few�are�returned�as�the�individual�has�moved.�Rather�than�miss�your�newsletter�please�let�us�know�of�any�change�of�address.�There�have�always�been�some�OQs�for�whom�we�have�never�had�addresses.�This�is�particularly�the�case�with�students�who�start�work�away�from�home�for�whom�we�only�have�their�parents’�address.�Please�ask�your�OQ�friends�if�they�have�kept�us�up�to�date�with�their�contact�details.

We�have�even�fewer�email�addresses:�only�just�over�1,000.�Again,�if�you�can�be�contacted�by�email�do�check�to�see�if�we�have�your�details.�This�is�one�reason�why�the�newsletter�is�sent�by�post�rather�than�emailed�to�you.�However,�the�other�explanation�is�simply�that�those�OQs�who�let�us�know�their�views�about�the�newsletter�say�they�prefer�to�receive�a�paper�copy.�An�online�version�is�usually�posted�on�the�school�website�if�you�wish�to�access�it�that�way.

Geoff Bisson and Kim Boalch

News and Records

We�are�always�looking�for�material�for�the�newsletter.�To�a�degree�we�are�dependent�on�OQs�sending�us�information�or�reports�so�please�don’t�hesitate�to�put�something�together�if�you�have�anything�you�consider�newsworthy.�

Also,�archive�material�of�any�sort�–�previous�Wyverns,�photographs,�letters,�newspaper�cuttings��but�also�items�of�school�uniform,�artefacts�and�anything�connected�to�the�school�–�will�always�be�welcome.�If,�in�clearing�cupboards,�you�come�across�such�material�please�pass�it�to�us�rather�than�throw�it�out.��

The Queen’s Fund

Our�thanks�to�those�who�have�contributed�to�this�year’s�projects.��The�aim�is�to�purchase�a�ball�machine�for�tennis,�a�printing�press�for�the�Art�department�and�some�iPads.�Sufficient�funds�are�available�for�the�first�two�items�but�a�little�more�is�needed�to�secure�the�iPads.�Contributions�to�the�Queen’s�Fund�can�be�made�by�cheque,�a�standing�order�or�bank�transfer.�If�you�would�like�to�help�and�need�guidance�please�contact�the�Development�Office.���

Development Page

Front�cover:�Ben�Porter,�President�of�the�OQA

4

Centenary Commemoration DinnerOn�the�Saturday�before�Remembrance�Day,�on�the�100th�anniversary�of�the�start�of�World�War�I,�OQs�and�several�current�students�gathered�to�pay�tribute�to�those�who�gave�their�lives�during�conflict.�The�evening�started�with�a�memorable�performance�from�recent�leavers�about�the�assassination�of�Franz�Ferdinand.�The�play�had�entertaining,�comical�scenes,�which�juxtaposed�the�sombre�reality�of�the�events�that�occurred�100�years�ago�in�Sarajevo.

Attending�the�meal�that�followed�were�a�wide�range�of�ages,�from�the�current�Heads�of�Houses�to�those�who�had�left�the�school�in�previous�decades.�The�fact�that�OQs�continue�to�return�to�such�events�highlighted�to�me�the�importance�of�Queen’s�to�former�pupils.�In�addition,�several�parents�and�friends�of�the�school�who�had�travelled�together�with�OQs�to�Ypres�in�September�were�also�present.�This�created�a�great�atmosphere,�in�which�many�memories�of�life�at,�and�associations�with,�Queen’s�were�shared.�The�current�Heads�of�Houses,�including�myself,�were�thrilled�to�be�invited,�and�the�occasion�didn’t�disappoint.�

With�so�many�of�my�peers�having�family�in�the�military,�passing�the�Honours�Board�every�day,�and�hearing�of��Jamie�Hutton’s�ultimate�sacrifice��for�his�country,�I�appreciate�the�risk�posed�to�those�who�fight�for�their�country.�Even�so,�two�moving�speeches�from�the�Headmaster�and�Ben�Porter�made�me�reflect�further�on�the�huge�sacrifices�made�by�men�and�women�in�the�forces.�It�was�humbling�to�think�of�how�many�men�from�Queen’s�who�died�for�their�nation�had�walked�and�lived�in�the�same�building�decades�before�with�the�same�Queen’s�ethos�and�mentality�which�we�still�share�generations�later.

Scott Baxter (Head of School House)

� 5

School News from George and Alice

On 11th November many OQs joined the whole school for a moving service of remembrance.

The ‘Last Post’ ceremony on the front lawn was followed by worship in the Queen’s Hall. The significance of this centenary commemoration was brought home by the reading of the names of those Old Queenians who have lost their lives in war since 1914. Thanks must go to our Chaplain, Rev. R. Blackhall, for the thought that went into the whole event. The previous Saturday we were delighted to join OQs for a memorial dinner and to watch the commemoration hockey fixtures between the senior teams and Old Queenians on Sunday morning.

Sport�was�particularly�successful�in�the�autumn�term.�The�boys�had�a�good�rugby�

season�with�the�1st�XV�winning�six�and�drawing�one�of�their�10�matches�played,�with�convincing�wins�over�Wellington�and�Taunton.�This�is�thanks�to�the�fast,�running�style�of�rugby�introduced�by�the�new�Director�of�Sport,�Simon�Copeland.��The�girls’�hockey�teams�all�did�well�with�notable�wins�over�the�local�opposition�including�a�fantastic�3-2�home�win�by�the�1st�XI�against�Millfield.�Training�is�now�in�full�swing�for�the�national�finals�for�which�they�qualified�after�a�thrilling�penalty�flicks�shoot-out�against�Millfield�in�the�West�of�England�finals�just�after�half�term.

Congratulations�this�year�goes�to�Hutton�and�Channon�houses�for�winning�the�house�singing�competition�with�excellent�renditions�of�‘Secrets’,�by�Collabro,�and�‘Sky�full�of�stars’,�by�Coldplay,�respectively.�The�judges�were�impressed�by�the�professional�approach�to�the�performances�as�well�as�the�high�standard�of�singing.��

The�Queen’s�Model�United�Nations�(MUN)�and�debating�groups�have�once�again�been�busy�with�James�McLeod�and�Matthew�Pugh�winning�the�first�round�of�the�Mace�and�Cambridge�debates.�There�have�been�several�‘commended’�and�‘highly�commended’�delegates�at�Tudor�Hall�MUN�and�Exeter�School�MUN.�Participation�in�these�conferences�is�growing�rapidly.�Hobz�De�Caux�did�particularly�well�

6

100 Years Ago

When the Spring term of 1915 began Britain had been at war for five months. Initial

expectations that the war would be over by the previous Christmas had been deflated. Indeed, on the western front at least, both sides had adopted fixed positions in a labyrinth of trenches stretching from the North Sea to Switzerland. Despite many attempts by both sides to break the deadlock, the line changed little until 1918. Whilst several major battles were fought over this period, which exposed large numbers of men to danger, at other times men were constantly at risk by local exchanges of artillery or sniper fire. It was the latter that accounted for the death of the first OQ to die in the war, fortunately the only one in the Spring term of 1915 to do so, of just over 200 OQs who were in the armed forces at that time.

The Fallen, January to April 1915

Name� Dowsett,�Thomas�WilliamSchool�Number� 3565Date�of�Birth� 25-3-1892Date�of�Death� 30-1-1915Regiment� Honourable�Artillery�Company

The�report�on�the�Cadet�Corps�in�the�Wyvern�for�1915�states�‘none�of�the�enthusiasm�of�the�corps�has�been�lost’.�Nonetheless,�it�concedes�that�‘some�of�the�novelty�has�worn�off’,�though�the�corps�had�only�been�created�the�previous�

in�the�‘Historical�Association’s�Great�Debate’�in�winning�the�regional�round�and�he�is�now�busy�preparing�for�the�national�final�in�March.

Over�the�Christmas�break,�a�range�of�students�departed�to�Alpe�d’Huez�for�eight�days�of�fantastic�skiing.�All�abilities�coped�well�and�took�the�opportunity�to�test�and�improve�their�skills�on�the�slopes.�There�was�also�the�chance�to�take�part�in�activities�such�as�ice-skating�and�high�ropes.�In�late�November�there�was�also�a�weekend�trip�to�Switzerland�to�visit�CERN.�Here�a�group�of�physicists�were�able�to�see�the�large�Hadron�Collider�and�experience�an�eye-opening�tour�around�the�United�Nations�building�in�Geneva.

The�senior�school�play,�‘Whistle�Down�the�Wind’,�proved�to�be�an�overwhelming�success.�We�followed�the�life�of�Swallow�who�was�portrayed�fantastically�well�by�Rebecca�Brown.�Particular�congratulations�must�go�to�James�McKendry�for�his�portrayal�of�Jesus�and�Swallows’�family,�played�by�Barnaby�Harrison,�Daniella�Smith,�Libby�Catchpole�and�Thomas�Hopwood.�In�addition,�over�the�last�few�months�preparations�have�been�in�full�swing�for�the�dance�show,�‘Alice’,�which�played�to�a�full�house�in�the�Queen’s�Hall�on�successive�nights.

George Shepherd and Alice Mitchell (Head Boy & Head Girl)

� 7

term.�However,�confidence�in�the�troops�home�and�abroad�was�clearly�high�as�the�report�claims�that�‘on�the�“Lower”�as�on�the�Continent,�progress�has�been�made�at�various�points’.�Those�in�the�corps�sung�the�chorus�of�“Tipperary”�on�route�marches,�several�signalling�practices�were�held,�the�C.O.�delivered�a�lecture�on�trench�digging�and�over�30�drills�were�organised,�though�it�is�noted�that�at�this�point,�the�corps�did�not�yet�have�any�rifles.

The�record�of�the�Debating�Society�shows�that�the�war�was�a�dominant�concern�of�those�at�the�school.�Ironically,�on�the�day�that�Thomas�Dowsett�was�killed�a�debate�was�held�on�the�proposition�that�‘There�is�likely�to�be�a�German�invasion�of�England’.�The�motion�was�roundly�rejected�by�25�votes�to�five,�perhaps�another�measure�of�the�confidence�of�the�day.�Of�the�dozen�debates�held�that�term�eight�of�them�were�focused�on�particular�aspects�of�the�war.�When�the�President�of�the�Methodist�Conference�visited�the�school�he�congratulated�the�school�on�‘its�splendid�record�of�service’.

Yet,�school�life�continued�more�or�less�as�normal.�There�was�huge�interest�in�the�Fives�Championship.�The�final,�in�which�C.J.�Shapley�beat�H.E.�Bowerman�was�the�seventh�round�of�competition�for�both�players.�They�were�later�to�serve�in�the�armed�forces.�Queen’s�played�football�against�local�opposition�including�‘The�

Depot’,�Bridgwater�and�Wellington.�House�rugby�was�dominated�by�East�who�beat�North�by�24�points,�and�slaughtered�South�with�a�winning�margin�of�109�points,�without�conceding�a�point�in�either�match.�Minnie�Powell,�who�retired�after�28�years’�service�in�the�linen�room�was�presented�with�a�testimonial�subscribed�by�all�the�present�boys,�an�indication�of�their�gratitude�for�her�insistence�on�extra�clean�collars�and�unfailing�patience�and�kindness�to�those�on�the�sick�list.�Of�all�those�who�were�pained�by�the�loss�of�so�many�OQs�later�in�the�war�it�is�likely�that�the�matron�grieved�more�than�most.�

Geoff Bisson

A�booklet�entitled�'The�War�Memorial�and�Thanksgiving�Fund',�first�published�in�1919,�has�been�reprinted.�It�provides�short�biographies�of�OQs�who�died�in�WW1.�A�wrap�containing�explanatory�notes,�photos�and�details�of�the�cemeteries�and�memorials�of�OQs�who�died�in�the�conflict�accompanies�the�booklet.�This�is�available�from�the�Development�Office�for�£10.

Ypres Online PhotobookFollowing�on�from�the�September�trip�to�

Ypres�we�have�now�produced�a�photobook.

To�access�the�book�please�use�the�link�below.

http://www.albelli.co.uk/view-online-photo-book/59ae3f86-e34f-4263-9033-

9ff9e792a578

8

Drawing from the Past

The sketches shown here were drawn by Kenneth Maxwell (1951 - 60). They are merely a

few of several he drew in the mid-1950s and which he has kindly forwarded to the school. They show a pupil who had artistic talent and a sense of humour and they shed light on certain aspects of life at Queen’s 60 years ago.

The Wyvern:�in�the�1950s�there�were�two�a�year,�one�in�February�or�March�and�the�other�in�September�or�October.�Pupils�were�encouraged�to�contribute�to�the�publication�and�its�release�was�eagerly�anticipated.�Kenneth�was�one�of�the�student�editors�which�helps�explain�the�drawing�below.

Boys in Bed:�in�the�same�term�the�school�roll�was�laid�low�by�a�bug�that�took�a�heavy�toll�on�the�boarders.�Indeed,�the�extent�of�the�illness�was�such�that�Sick�Bay�was�not�large�enough�to�cater�for�those�who�were�affected.

The�drawing�above�shows�boys�who�were�ill�lying�in�their�dormitory�without�any�partitions�between�them�and�those�who�were�healthy.�Kenneth�recalls�how�difficult�this�situation�was�for�the�school�Sister,�Sheila�Henderson�(who�later�married�the�Physics�teacher,�Peter�Faram).�If�boys�were�not�always�convinced�that�the�medical�staff�were�sympathetic,�in�hindsight�it�is�clear�they�had�the�best�interest�of�the�boys�at�heart.

� 9

House Cross Country:�this�drawing�shows�aspects�of�the�annual�cross�country�that�are�similar�to�those�run�today�in�the�Spring�term.

Then,�as�now,�many�pupils�disliked�the�event,�even�if�few�protested�in�the�way�illustrated�here.�The�trials�of�the�circuit�appear�to�have�been�exacting�–�mud,�barbed�wire�fences,�water�hazards,�raging�bulls�and�physical�exhaustion.�In�the�1950s�the�route�of�the�run�started�from�school�and,�usually,�proceeded�through�Sherford�Camp,�when�army�barracks�occupied�the�entire�area�on�either�side�of�what�is�now�Queen’s�Drive,�to�the�stream.�From�there�the�course�took�runners�over�Cotlake�Hill�and�through�the�fields�for�what�Kenneth�remembers�‘seemed�like�miles�and�miles’�before�returning�via�Trull�Road�and�finishing�in�the�middle�of�the�road�in�front�of�the�school.�I�have�not�been�able�to�match�the�details�in�the�drawing�to�any�report�on�house�cross�country�in�the�Wyverns�though�it�is�likely�to�be�one�of�the�races�of�the�mid-1950s.�

Kenneth�was�to�follow�an�academic,�rather�than�an�artistic,�path�after�leaving�Queen’s.�He�is�a�historian,�regarded�as�a�leading�authority�on�Iberian�and�Latin�American�affairs�especially�that�of�Brazil.�He�is�a�Professor�of�History�at�Harvard�University�and�Founding�Director�of�

the�Brazil�Studies�Programme�at�Harvard’s�David�Rockefeller�Centre�for�Latin�American�Studies.�A�member�of�the�Council�on�Foreign�

Relations�in�New�York�City,�for�15�years�he�headed�its�Latin�American�Studies�Programme.�He�resigned�as�director�of�the�Latin�America�Programme�and�as�Latin�America�book�review�editor�of�‘Foreign�Affairs’�magazine�in�2004.�This�followed�a�review�he�wrote�on�Henry�Kissinger’s�role�in�Chile�and�the�coup�of�General�Pinochet,�and�the�failure�of�‘Foreign�Affairs’�to�allow�him�the�right�of�response,�which�caused�a�major�controversy.�More�about�his�career�will�appear�in�succeeding�newsletters�when�other�drawings�will�be�published.

Geoff Bisson

10

Ben�Judge,�the�most�recent,�left�in�2012.�Once�aboard,�the�congregation�were�led�to�The�Morgan�Giles�Room�for�a�three-course�Christmas�lunch.�When�the�turkey�had�gone�and�the�pigs�in�blankets�had�settled,�the�OQs�were�free�to�explore�the�nine�decks�of�HMS�Belfast�which�has�been�converted�into�a�museum.�Stationed�at�various�points�were�veterans�who�relayed�first-hand�accounts�of�their�experiences�on�the�ship.

After�strolling�around�the�warship�at�a�pace�specially�reserved�for�those�who�have�consumed�a�three-course�Christmas�lunch�with�all�the�trimmings,�coffee�and�chocolates,�the�OQs�disembarked�in�dribs�and�drabs,�some�regrouped�in�The�Horniman�for�post-lunch�goodbye�drinks,�others�dispersed�throughout�London�either�en�route�home�or�to�other�social�engagements.�Until�next�time.�

James Khodabandehloo (2001-2010)

On�the�morning�of�the�5th�December�Old�Queenians�began�to�congregate�in�The�Horniman�at�Hays�on�the�south�bank�of�the�Thames�for�pre-Christmas�lunch�drinks.�After�a�brief�interlude�of�catching�up�and�musing�over�stories�from�their�school�days�the,�by�then,�56�strong�crowd�meandered�down�the�river�before�being�piped�aboard�HMS�Belfast�by�the�boatswain.�

OQs�from�a�range�of�years�attended�the�lunch;�Tony�Suter,�the�most�seasoned�alumnus,�left�Queen’s�in�1948�and�

Christmas aboard HMS Belfast

� 11

Queen’s Lodge ‘Go Commando’

Recognising that 2014 was the centenary of the start of WW1, Di Teague and her husband

Richard, the current Master of Queen’s College Lodge, decided the proceeds from the main fundraising event of the year should go to a military charity. They chose ‘Go Commando’, a Taunton based charity set up to help families of Royal Marine Commandos by providing creche facilities, playgroups and fitness classes. Ever on our minds is the severity of the injuries sustained by Captain John White, OQ, while on a tour of duty in Afghanistan and the remarkable example of fortitude he has since shown.

Following�a�highly�enjoyable�Christmas�lunch�to�which�lodge�members,�partners�and�other�guests�were�invited,�there�was�a�raffle�and�auction.�The�proceeds�of�£1,350�were�increased�by�match�funding�of�a�proportion�of�this�sum�from�the�Masonic�Province�of�Somerset�and�a�cheque�for�£2,000�was�handed�over�at�Norton�Manor�Camp�on�29th�January.

Pictured�are�Di�Teague,�with�her�husband�Richard,�handing�the�cheque�to�Peter�Berks,�Finance�Director�of�‘Go�Commando’�(a�former�Queen’s�

parent).��Also�in�the�picture�is�Lieutenant�Colonel�Alex�Janzen�OBE,�Commanding�Officer�of�40�Commando.��Also�at�the�presentation�was�Kevin�du�Val,�Chairman�of�‘Go�Commando’,�by�coincidence,�another�former�Queen’s�parent!

Next�meetings:�Saturday�21st�March,�Installation,�Philip�Jubb�(1960�-�1967)�in�the�‘Chair’.�Saturday�9th�May,�65th�Anniversary�Celebration�-�morning�meeting�followed�by�lunch�with�ladies�and�guests�at�Oake�Manor�Golf�Club.

Richard Baker (1955 - 1965)

For�more�photos�see�www.oldqueenians.com/about-us/8/the-lodge

www.somersetfreemasons.org/Somersetlodges/Taunton/lodges.html#6988

Twitter:�@queens6988

12

Welcome to the Spring

2015 edition of the Old Queenians newsletter and my first as President. As is often the case as a new year begins, I find myself looking for purpose and direction; spring is after all the time for new growth and the sowing of seeds. It is, therefore, a good time to remind ourselves of the purpose of the Old Queenians Association to help guide its development over the forthcoming months and years:

"The�objects�of�the�Association�shall�be�the�welfare�of�the�School,�the�retention�and�renewal�of�old�friendships,�and�the�formation�of�a�bond�of�union�between�past�and�present�Queenians".

With�the�advent�of�social�media�and�mobile�devices�the�retention�and�renewal�of�old�friendships�may,�on�the�face�of�it,�seem�easy;�after�all�one�only�has�to�log�into�Facebook�and�search�for�Queen’s�College�to�find�that�the�School�Facebook�page�has�had�over�3,000�visits�and�there�are�just�under�200�members�to�the�Old�Queenians�group.�And�while�social�media�

makes�getting�in�touch�with�each�other�easier,�it�perhaps�doesn’t�allow�us�to�share�the�connection�we�may�have�once�had�with�classmates,�staff�or�the�School�itself.�There�is�little�tangible�about�viewing�someone’s�holiday�photos�or�those�of�an�old�friend’s�new�baby�without�the�associated�dialogue.�Social�media�lacks�the�non-verbal�communication�that�we�rely�on�every�day�to�interact�with�other�people�outside�of�cyberspace,�and�is�required�for�the�“formation�of�a�bond�of�union”.�It�is�perhaps�now�with�some�irony�that�a�written�letter�is�often�more�valued�than�a�text�message�or�e-mail.

In�this�manner,�many�of�you�will�soon�be�receiving�a�letter�from�myself�asking�for�your�help�in�making�contact�with�your�peer�group;�and�your�thoughts�and�ideas�will�be�welcomed.�Perhaps�reunions�for�those�that�left�10,�20,�50�years�ago,�a�get�together�of�all�those�OQs�working�for�the�NHS,�in�the�military,�those�with�careers�in�theatre�and�music;�meeting�for�dinners,�trips�abroad,�an�international�rugby�match�or�just�a�coffee�morning:�anything�that�facilitates�our�aim�to�provide�a�chance�to�catch�up�-�face�to�face.

Perhaps�even�more�of�a�challenge�for�us�will�be�to�re-kindle�the�fundamental�aim�of�the�Association�and�the�wider�Queen’s�College�Foundation,�which�is�to�support�the�welfare�of�the�School�and�nurture�its�continued�advancement.�Over�the�years�

President’s Page

� 13

this�has�been�achieved�in�many�ways�but�first�and�foremost�by�the�raising�of�funds�through�events�and�donations.�Between�us�we�have,�however,�let�our�generosity�dwindle,�due�to�changes�in�structure,�committee�limitations�and�to�a�lesser�degree�economic�recession.�

With�spring�arriving�and�a�rejuvenated�desire�to�fulfil�the�aims�of�the�Association�and�see�Queen’s�College�continue�to�thrive,�now�is�the�time�to�regenerate�our�culture�of�support,�whether�it�be�by�attending�a�reunion,�donating�to�the�Foundation�or�just�making�contact�with�an�old�School�friend�you�haven’t�spoken�to�in�a�very�long�time.

Ben Porter President

(1998 - 2003)

President - Ben Porter (1998 - 2003)

Vice President - Mark Davenport (1997 - 2005)

Secretary - John Elford (1953 - 1959)

Governors Rep - Mike Powell (1958 - 1967)

Treasurer - Mike Randall (1953 - 1961)

Ian Marfell - Auditor (1954 - 1961)

Members - Roger Westoby (1950 - 1959) David W O Jones (1951 - 1957)

Paul Palmer (1964 - 1968) Aletta Warne (2001 - 2008)

Alicia Edwards (1998 - 2012) Simon Alcock (2001 - 2009)

Sophie Banham (1989 - 2004) J David Jones (1964 - 71)

Jonny Kingston (2000 - 2013) Tom Howe (2008 - 2012) Ben Judge (2011 - 2012)

Ex officio - Chris Alcock Kim Boalch

George Shepherd Alice Mitchell

Graham Ten Broeke (1954-1961) Next Committee meeting will be held on

Saturday 2nd May at 10.30am

OQs London Dinner

on Friday 15th May 2015at

The Army & Navy ClubPall Mall

If�you�would�like�to�register�interest�please�contact

�Kim�on�01823�340839

Reunion of Friends

1982 – 1986

Saturday 25th April 2015Queen’s College

14

Megan and Medicine

In the summer of 2014 I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to undertake an eight week elective

placement abroad as part of my medical degree. I chose to split my placement between Lady Ridgeway Hospital in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand.

Lady�Ridgeway�Hospital�is�one�of�the�largest�public�Children’s�Hospitals�in�the�world,�with�over�800�inpatient�beds,�and�provides�medical�care�for�children�across�the�whole�of�Sri�Lanka.�Upon�arriving�at�the�hospital�I�was�immediately�struck�by�the�lack�of�basic�resources.�The�clinical�environment,�with�open�air�wards,�metal�cots,�mosquito�nets�and�no�computer�technology,�was�a�far�cry�from�my�previous�experience�of�placements�in�an�NHS�hospital.�In�rooms�the�size�of�a�classroom�at�Queen’s,�you�would�find�up�to�five�separate�outpatient�clinics,�

12�doctors�and�nurses,�20�medical�students�and,�of�course,�the�patients�and�their�families!�However,�despite�the�challenge�of�providing�treatment�in�such�conditions�and�in�a�country�where�many�families�live�in�poverty,�the�medical�teams�worked�incredibly�hard�to�provide�the�best�possible�care�for�all�patients.�In�many�cases�the�treatment�regimes�were�identical�to�those�that�would�be�employed�in�the�UK.

During�my�time�at�Lady�Ridgeway,�I�was�able�to�attend�teaching�sessions�with�the�local�medical�students�and�learnt�about�some�public�health�concerns�Sri�Lanka�faces.�In�particular,�I�learnt�about�the�burden�of�dengue�fever.�The�hospital�had�an�entire�ward�dedicated�to�the�treatment�of�children�suffering�from�this�condition.�Dengue�fever�is�caused�by�a�virus�carried�by�mosquitoes�and�tends�to�be�most�prevalent�in�urban�environments,�such�as�Colombo,�due�to�collections�of�dirty�stagnant�water�around�slum�dwellings.�In�its�milder�form�the�dengue�virus�causes�high�grade�intermittent�fevers,�headaches�and�muscle�and�joint�pain.�However,�patients�must�be�closely�monitored�as�they�may�progress�into�a�critical�phase�characterised�by�a�fall�of�blood�pressure,�decreased�tissue�perfusion,�organ�failure�and�even�death.�This�critical�phase�occurs�more�commonly�in�children�and�there�were�several�new�patients�each�week�that�had�developed�the�condition�

� 15

whilst�I�was�at�the�hospital.�As�with�many�diseases,�prevention�of�dengue�fever�is�far�more�effective�than�cure.�Key�to�prevention�is�public�awareness.�The�Sri�Lankan�government�have�recently�initiated�an�education�programme�for�school-aged�children�around�effective�ways�to�avoid�dengue.�These�sessions�provide�information�about�the�importance�of�mosquito�nets,�insect�repellent�use�and�protective�clothing�to�limit�mosquito�bites.�Recently,�there�have�been�exciting�developments�with�regard�to�a�dengue�virus�vaccination�that�will�be�introduced�next�year�which,�it�is�hoped,�will�halve�the�number�of�dengue�cases.

During�my�stay,�I�particularly�enjoyed�learning�more�about�Sri�Lankan�culture�through�visits�to�several�temples�and�holy�sites,�as�well�as�taking�time�to�enjoy�the�stunning�scenery�along�the�south�coast�and�central�mountainous�regions�of�

Kandy�and�Sygiria.�Another�highlight�was�attending�the�Sri�Lanka�v.�South�Africa�test�match�in�Colombo,�where�the�Sri�Lankan�passion�for�cricket�was�clear�to�see!

After�an�amazing�stay�in�Sri�Lanka,�I�was�excited�about�the�second�part�of�my�journey�and�the�experiences�New�Zealand�would�bring.�I�completed�a�four�week�attachment�in�the�oncology�and�haematology�department�at�Starship�Children’s�Hospital.�This�is�a�speciality�I�had�very�limited�exposure�to�as�an�undergraduate�so�it�was�a�great�chance�to�further�my�knowledge�in�this�field.�During�my�time�at�the�hospital�I�was�mainly�involved�in�ward�rounds,�clerking�new�patients�and�undertaking�some�practical�interventions.�I�also�had�the�chance�to�see�a�stem�cell�transplant�for�a�young�boy�with�relapsed�acute�myeloid�leukaemia.�This�was�a�fairly�dramatic�process�with�the�20ml�container�of�donated�umbilical�cord�blood�from�Europe�arriving�at�the�ward�in�a�dustbin-�sized�mental�container�filled�with�dry�ice!�It�highlighted�to�me�the�miracles�of�modern�medicine:�the�donor,�on�the�other�side�of�the�world,�had�provided�a�lifeline�for�this�young�child.�After�my�time�at�Starship�I�also�have�a�better�appreciation�of�the�psychological�and�social�impacts�of�a�cancer�diagnosis.�Chemotherapy,�radiotherapy�and�immunotherapy�treatment�regimes�often�lasted�in�excess�of�a�year,�placing�

16

huge�strain�upon�the�children�and�their�families.�

During�my�stay�I�had�time�to�enjoy�some�of�the�great�delights�New�Zealand�has�to�offer,�including�visiting�some�geothermal�environments,�walking�to�the�top�of�an�extinct�volcano,�having�dinner�at�the�top�of�Auckland’s�Sky�Tower,�running�10kms�along�the�North�Shore,�travelling�to�several�of�the�Hauraki�Gulf�Islands�and�watching�the�All�Blacks�beat�Australia�in�the�Bledisloe�Cup�at�Eden�Park.

My�experiences�in�both�Sri�Lanka�and�New�Zealand�far�exceeded�the�expectations�I�had�before�embarking�on�this�venture.�I�know�that�the�memories�will�stay�with�me�for�a�lifetime.�I�met�some�fantastic�people�and�had�the�privilege�of�working�alongside�many�clinicians�whose�dedication�and�knowledge�ensured�

their�patients�received�the�absolute�best�possible�medical�care.�I�can�only�aspire�to�practise�medicine�the�same�way�in�the�future.�

I�feel�very�fortunate�to�have�had�such�an�amazing�opportunity�this�summer�and�am�very�grateful�to�the�Old�Queenians�Association�for�their�support.�If�anyone�would�be�interested�in�hearing�more�about�my�elective�or�has�any�questions�please�feel�free�to�email�me.

Megan Lewis (2006-2011) [email protected]

Musical Interlude

Recently,�Patrick�Richardson�(2005-2008)�visited�Queen’s�to�give�a�master�class�on�clarinet.�He�also�gave�a�

mini-recital�in�the�Old�Music�Room.�Woodwind�students�from�the�Junior�and�Senior�Schools�were�present.�Afterwards,�they�had�the�opportunity�to�meet�and�talk�with�Patrick.

� 17

Secrets of the Tower

Generations of pupils have been fascinated by the tower not least because of its mysterious

and forbidding appearance. Indeed, many hair-raising stories have been told about strange goings-on in the tower which usually involve a ghost or two, unidentified noises and unaccountable events often of a sinister nature. Proof that the tower has attracted the attention of many is the large number of names scratched into or written on the fabric of the tower by pupils.

Nowadays,�permission�and�a�key�are�required�to�gain�access�to�the�tower�but�in�the�earlier�days�of�the�school�it�was�easier�to�climb�the�very�narrow�staircase�that�leads�to�the�clock�mechanism�and�from�there�ascend�further�to�the�base�of�the�flag�pole.�This�must�have�been�the�case�as�some�pupils�who�carved�their�names�into�the�stone�at�the�very�top�would�have�taken�a�long�time�and�many�visits�to�complete�the�task.�Recently,�the�name�of�one�lad�who�left�his�mark�at�the�top�was�spotted�and�photographed�by�James�Khodabandehloo,�and�it�may�be�the�oldest�example�of�such�graffiti�in�the�school.

The�photograph�shows,�clearly,�the�letters�‘EAL’�and�the�date�‘1854’.�The�

school�register�for�the�1850s�names�only�one�boy�with�these�initials�-�Edwin�Augustus�Lawton�-�but�he�started�in�1855�so�it�cannot�be�him.

In�fact,�on�closer�inspection�of�the�stone�work,�and�this�can�be�seen�on�the�photograph�too,�it�is�clear�that�there�is�a�fourth�letter�which�makes�the�name�‘BEAL’.�This�matches�an�entry�in�the�register�that�proves�that�Frederick�Beal�started�at�Queen’s�in�July�1854.

He�clearly�lost�no�time�in�scratching�his�name�into�the�tower.�As�the�entry�shows,�he�was�15�years�of�age�when�he�came�to�Queen’s.�Boys�of�that�age�were,�it�seems,�just�as�daring�and�difficult�then�as�now.��

Geoff Bisson

18

Obituaries

Geoff Edmondson

Geoff�was�Head�of�PE�and�Games�at�Queen’s�from�January�1968�to�July�1973.�He�was�highly�respected�by�the�boys�in�his�charge�as�a�rugby�coach.�No�doubt�his�experience�as�an�accomplished�player�helps�explain�the�rapport�he�had�with�those�schoolboys�he�taught.�Prior�to�starting�at�Queen’s�he�represented�Cumbria�and�England�as�a�schoolboy�and�later�he�was�a�forward�for�Bristol�and�Exeter.�His�success�at�Queen’s�also�owed�a�lot�to�his�warm�personality�and�the�positive�way�in�which�he�encouraged�teenagers�to�fulfil�their�potential.

After�leaving�Queen’s�he�pursued�many�interests�connected�to�sport.�He�was�an�associate�lecturer�in�physical�education�and�sport�at�the�University�of�Exeter�and�at�the�College�of�St�Mark�and�St�John�in�Plymouth.�He�held�the�post�of�general�secretary�of�the�British�Association�of�Advisers�and�Lecturers�in�Physical�Education.�He�was�involved�in�the�preparation�of�a�code�of�conduct�for�the�use�of�adults�in�PE�and�sport�in�schools,�he�lectured�on�sports�injuries�and�law�from�1996�and�helped�revise�the�publication,�‘Safe�Practice�in�Physical�Education’.��With�this�expertise�it�is�not�surprising�that�he�often�served�as�an�expert�witness,�registered�with�the�

Law�Society,�in�numerous�court�cases�concerning�sports�injuries.�In�addition,�he�ran�youth�clubs�for�both�able-bodied�and�partially�sighted�or�deaf�people.�He�was�a�member�of�Sport�England’s�action�group�tasked�with�developing�new�initiatives�for�young�people.

Whatever�his�immediate�occupation,�he�continued�to�referee�and�coach�rugby�and�to�support�Exeter�Chiefs.�It�was�whilst�he�was�watching�them�in�a�cup�match�against�Gloucester�on�1st�November�2014�from�the�West�Grandstand�of�Sandy�Park�stadium�that�he�collapsed�and�died.�

Professor Brian Watkins

In�the�late�1950s�and�early�60s,�Brian�Watkins�was�a�teacher�of�English�and�Drama�at�Queen’s.�He�was�fun�and�flamboyant�in�the�class�and�staffroom.�He�began�his�teaching�career�at�Latymer’s�in�1955,�where�he�had�been�a�schoolboy�until�1951,�before�studying�at�Bristol�University.�After�a�few�years�at�Queen’s�he�moved�into�higher�education�with�a�post�at�King�Alfred’s�College,�Winchester,�and�he�eventually�became�Professor�of�Education.�In�addition,�he�was�Vice-Chair�of�the�West�Midlands�Arts�Council,�a�BBC�drama�critic�and�an�author.

� 19

Sarah-Jane Shellard

(née�Davey)�May�1967�to�November�2014

Sarah�Davey�(aka�Sas�or�Sarah-Jane)�joined�Queen’s�in�the�Upper�Thirds�in�September�1978.�She�was�in�the�first�significant�intake�of�girls�to�join�the�school�and�played�a�full�part�in�school�life�both�academically�and�in�the�newly�formed�netball�and�hockey�teams.�She�left�Queen’s�after�her�GCSEs�in�1982,�and�after�leaving�organised�the�first�old-girls�hockey�match.�She�met�her�husband�Simon�Shellard�(1973�-�1982)�at�school�where�they�became�good�friends.�Coincidentally,�they�went�to�the�same�university�where�their�relationship�blossomed�and�they�married�in�July�1990;�to�our�knowledge�the�first�wedding�of�two�Queen’s�pupils.�Sarah-Jane�went�on�to�use�her�Business�and�Marketing�degree�

to�be�a�successful�businesswoman�who,�amongst�other�things,�worked�at�the�London�Chamber�of�Commerce,�was�the�Director�of�the�Information�Buying�Syndicate�and�founded,�and�was�the�Director�of,�the�Walton-on-Thames�Business�Group.�Sarah-Jane�was�diagnosed�with�cancer�in�2009�and�given�a�year�to�live.�Five�years�later�she�finally�succumbed,�but�in�this�time�her�youngest�son�had�turned�15,�a�better�age�to�cope�with�her�loss.�Her�memorial�service�was�very�well�attended�by�many�representatives�of�the�local�community,�business�owners,�counsellors�and�dignitaries�–�a�testament�to�the�high�regard�in�which�she�was�held.�There�was�also�a�good�turnout�of�Old�Queenians.�Sarah�Jane�will�be�remembered�for�her�fortitude,�positive�attitude,�quickness�to�laughter�and�devotion�to�her�two�boys.

New Nursery Opening January 2016

for 0 – 4 year olds

An education for life

TAUNTON

01823 340830 www.queenscollege.org.uk

20

I live in the North of Sierra Leone in a Chiefdom called Sella Limba. I first came to a small town called

Kamakwie about 13 years ago and it has become my home. I set up and run an agricultural company called Leone Resources Ltd, a UK registered company (Leoneresources.com). We grow about 1000 acres of rice in flat open wet areas called boli's. Over the last few years we have been experimenting with growing moringa for its leaf and oil. It's an interesting tree as the leaves are full of vitamins and minerals and the oil is excellent for cooking, skin care products and soap. It will also make good diesel. The waste makes good organic fertilizer, which we use on our farms. We also inter crop between the trees, growing ground nuts, and in more mature areas, ginger. At the moment we sell our rice

to a UK charity called Street Child, which is supporting children orphaned by the recent outbreak of Ebola, the local population and WFP (World Food Program).

Later�this�year�we�will�be�building�a�processing�plant�to�begin�making�various�products,�initially�for�the�local�African�market�but�later�to�export�once�we�are�producing�the�quantities�we�need.�The�idea�is�simple;�to�produce�quality�products�to�sell�in�Africa�to�export�to�the�West.�Africa�has�a�wealth�of�resources�from�minerals�to�productive�farmland�but�generally�only�exports�its�raw�products�with�low�value.�The�value�is�added�later,�outside�the�country�of�origin.�The�major�problems�are�a�lack�of�infrastructure�and�corruption,�though�these�issues�are�being�addressed.��

Our Man in Sierra Leone Richard Meads with an inspector from

the Ministry of Agriculture

� 21

We�work�closely�with�local�communities�trying�to�help�in�various�areas.�In�education,�with�school�building�and�renovation�and�scholarships�for�those�who�struggle�to�afford�any�schooling.�In�infrastructure,�by�improving�local�roads�and�building�bridges�for�access�to�remote�communities,�and�in�agriculture,�by�offering�help�to�local�farmers�with�seed�loan�schemes:�currently,�we�assist�with�over�160�local�farmers.

After�living�here�for�a�number�of�years�I�have�become�disillusioned�with�Development�Aid,�whether�provided�by�a�charity�or�NGO�(Non-Governmental�Organisations)�as�few�do�much�to�help�people�in�rural�areas.�Most�is�diverted�by�administrators�to�the�major�towns�and�cities.�So,�in�2008�we�set�up�a�small�project-based�charity�called�Sella�Community�Development�Project�(SellaCommunity.org)�with�money�raised�by�friends�and�family�going�to�various�

projects.�It�started�with�a�micro�credit�scheme�for�women�with�the�aim�not�make�money�but�to�keep�it�sustainable.�This�helped�women�with�small�loans�so�they�could�do�business�and�feed�the�children�and�pay�for�the�children's�schooling.�We�later�started�adult�literacy�evening�classes�which�are�well�attended�(though�they�are�on�hold�at�the�moment�due�to�the�Ebola�outbreak).�We�run�various�scholarship�schemes�and�renovate�schools.�We�also�opened�a�resource�centre�as�the�children�had�no�text�books�for�school�or�a�place�to�work�in�the�evenings�as�there�is�no�power�here�unless�you�have�a�generator,�which�most�don't.

In�November,�Ebola�reached�our�Chiefdom,�brought�by�people�fleeing�Freetown�to�find�safety�in�the�provinces.�A�village�called�Kamakonie�was�isolated�and�a�couple�of�people�died.�Sadly,�the�authorities�only�isolated�the�village.�

Rev. Alusine, committee member of Sella Community Development Project, outside an isolated house with drinking water and supplies in front. A single band of tape was all that separated the villagers who had been quarantined from the rest.

Richard Meads with Ali Sankoh, the Deputy Minister of Sport, and Brimah Turay, my Country Manager, with a sack of our rice.

22

People�suffered�not�just�from�lack�of�being�able�to�obtain�food�but�also�the�stigma�of�having�the�disease�in�their�village.�Hardly�any�aid�reached�the�village:�it�took�the�authorities�42�days�to�release�any�aid.

During�this�time�Kamakwie�suffered�with�four�people�dying�and�in�another�local�village�two�more�died�and�people�were�isolated.�Again,�no�aid�was�given.�Once�we�knew�that�the�aid�supplied�was�not�getting�to�the�110�isolated�people,�we�could�then�help.�Being�on�the�ground�it�is�much�easier�to�help�quickly�as�we�knew�what�the�people�needed.�We�were�able�to�keep�them�fed.�We�have�been�lucky�here�in�the�Kamakwie�area�as�the�Ebola�has�not�affected�us�as�badly�as�in�many�other�places.�There�were,�and�still�are,�a�number�of�restrictions�in�travel�and�movement.�You�need�passes�to�move�from�Kamakwie�and�there�are�curfews�in�the�evenings.�No�gatherings�of�more�than�10�people�are�allowed,�and�all�schools�and�colleges�have�been�shut�throughout�this�academic�year.�This�has�increased�the�rate�of�crime�and�youth�pregnancies.

A�secondary�effect�of�the�Ebola�outbreak�has�been�its�effect�on�the�businesses�here.�Two�of�the�largest�mining�companies�have�been�badly�affected;�for�example,�African�Mineral�laid�off�10,000�workers.�Markets�have�been�restricted.�

Many�people�live�off�the�money�they�earn�everyday�and�with�all�the�restrictions�and�lock-downs,�where�we�are�not�allowed�out�of�our�houses,�people�have�suffered.�At�Christmas�we�were�locked�down�for�five�days�and�the�President�announced�that�there�would�be�no�Christmas�parties�and�at�New�Year�we�had�a�curfew�at�10pm.

The�project�we�are�raising�money�for�at�this�moment�is�for�a�community�clinic.�Kamakwie�does�have�a�hospital�which�used�to�have�US�missionary�doctors�but,�due�to�corruption�in�the�senior�management,�the�doctors�left.�There�is,�now,�a�doctor�but�the�hospital�is�struggling�from�under-�funding�and�corruption.�Also,�it�is�private�and�the�majority�of�the�local�people�cannot�afford�to�go�there�until�it�is,�often,�too�late.�A�few�months�ago�12�children�died�in�a�week�simply�because�there�were�not�enough�drips.

We�are�renovating�a�building�in�Kamakwie�which�is�nearly�finished.�The�furniture�has�been�made�and�a�doctor�has�inspected�the�premises�and�agreed�to�help.�We�have�a�state�registered�nurse�who�was�the�triage�nurse�in�the�hospital�but�they�treated�him�poorly�so�he�left.�We�hope�to�get�a�mid-wife�and�have�another�nurse�to�help.�We�are�raising�money�so�we�can�provide�badly�needed�affordable�health�care�with�the�aim�to�

� 23

later�extend�mobile�nurses�to�the�more�remote�villages.

Every�day�it�is�a�challenge�in�some�way,�but�it’s�good�to�see�things�improve.�More�children�are�in�education�and�more�people�are�able�to�read�and�write.�Many�more�local�farmers�are�planting�the�valley�swamps�inland.�More�food�varieties�are�being�sold�in�the�local�markets.�Roads�are�improving�and�mains�power�is�coming�to�the�major�towns�and�cities.�The�key�to�progress�is�

to�change�attitudes�and�for�communities�to�help�themselves�to�develop.�Sierra�Leone�is�a�wealthy�country�with�much�potential�in�many�respects.�A�positive�result�of�this�Ebola�crisis,�we�hope,�is�that�the�health�care�facilities�will�improve�and�that�the�rest�of�the�world�has�realised�we�all�live�in�a�small�place�totally�connected.�Parts�of�Africa�are�remote�but�they�can�have�an�effect�on�the�people�of�the�West.

Richard Meads (1974 - 1983)

We renovated this building so it could be used as a clinic. We created the four white beds by welding together angle iron and mesh.

A full field of rice (above) and a plantation of young moringa trees (below).

24

K i m B o a l c h , A l u m n i R e l a t i o n s M a n a g e r It is important for our records to be kept up to date. I would appreciate it if you could inform me of any changes.Te l : 0 1 8 2 3 3 4 0 8 3 9 E m a i l : k m b @ q u e e n s c o l l e g e . o r g . u k

OQs EventsMARCH

6th�CARDIFF�DINNER�

THE�CORNER�HOUSE,�CARDIFF

APRIL

25th�LEAVERS�REUNION�FOR�1982�-�1986

MAY

15th�OQs�LONDON�DINNER�

THE�ARMY�&�NAVY�CLUB,�PALL�MALL

JuNE

27th�THE�SIBLY�SOCIETY�LUNCH�

28th�OQs�SUMMER�REUNION

November hockey matchesFollowing�the�Commemoration�Dinner�on�Saturday�8th�November,�OQs�returned�on�Sunday�morning�to�play�hockey�against�the�school.

It�was�a�beautiful�but�chilly�morning�on�the�Lower,�perfect�for�both�players�and�spectators.��Before�pushback�a�minute’s�silence�was�held�for�those�who�have�given�their�lives�for�their�country.

OQs�ladies�and�men’s�teams�were�well�supported�with�recent�leavers�returning�to�play�against�friends.��Both�teams�played�

well,�blowing�away�some�of�the�cobwebs�from�the�night�before!�With�the�sun�sitting�high�in�the�sky,�the�whistle�was�blown�to�end�the�games.��

Spectators�and�players�made�their�way�to�the�PAC�for�lunch.��The�atmosphere�was�loud�and�busy�as�people�caught�up�with�old�friends,�discussed�the�matches�and�reflected�on�the�weekend.��A�delicious�warm�buffet�was�provided�by�Ian�Dyer�and�his�team�to�whom�we�are�most�grateful.

As�the�matches�were�such�a�success�it�was�considered�by�most�that�hockey�should�now�be�the�game�played�in�the�Autumn�term.

Kim Boalch