Old Clayesmorian Society

We were sorry to learn of the death of Major Robert Willcox who passed away on 20th July 2011 at the age of 74 from prostate cancer. Bob attended both the Prep and Senior schools and was a career officer in the army, awarded the MBE for his work in bomb disposal whilst serving with RAOC in Northern Ireland.

On Feb 1st, Old Clayesmorians - Matthew and Michael Corica will be setting off to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The aim of this trip is to raise as much money as possible for Julia's House.

Julia's House is a children's hospice based in Dorset that offers support to children with life-limiting conditions and also offers support to their families. If you would like to learn more about the work that Julia's House do then please visit their website - www.juliashouse.org.

If you would like to make a donation to a great cause and in turn help improve the lives of these incredible children then please visit http://www.justgiving.com/Matthew-Corica.

Many Thanks, Matthew and Michael Corica

Old Clayesmorian James Goates (1999-2004) is undertaking a marathon New Year walk in aid of Help for Heroes. He plans to walk the entire 630 mile length of the South West Coast Path from Minehead to Poole in 8 weeks.

To find out more, or to support this worthy cause, please click here

We were sorry to hear of the passing of Edward Hardman, Clayesmore's Bursar from 1976-1984. The Daily Telegraph announcement reads - 'On 1st January 2012 after a long illness valiantly fought. Much loved husband, stepfather, brother, uncle and friend. Cremation at Mortlake Crematorium on Monday 6 January at 12noon. Family flowers only. Donations please to: Princess Alice Hospice, Esher, KT10 8NA.

Out thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

Colin Evans writes from the annual school ski trip in Colorado where the party included a number of OCs, pictured left: Jake Dixon, Harry Bolger, Stephanie Wilson, Erin Rose and Nick Hillyard.

OC Tom Tait was the oldest competitor at the 2011 Cowes Week, appearing on television and being introduced to Princess Anne. Tom is 10 days older than her father.

This year was the centenary of the XOD Class, always the biggest fleet, but instead of the normal 80 boats, in this special year there were 145 boats competiting, requiring a start line three times the normal length.

Tom's boat X181 ‘Xtravagance’, came 34th out of 145, not bad for a 90 year old Old Clayesmorian.

The Old Clayesmorian Magazine for 2011 has now been published and is available to read in the Publications section of the website. It is currently being dispatched by post to members.

The Society is sad to report the passing of James William Coker (Bill) in February 2011. Bill had been living in New Zealand for the 23 years before his passing. His funeral was held in Aukland and well attended by friends and work colleagues. Old Clayesmorian Michael Rust attended the funeral where kind words were also communicated by Rusell Harding, Chris Gill, Hugh McCahey, David Green and Ken Partridge.

Along with Charlotte Hewett's performance at the Children In Need Rocks Manchester concert, another Old Clayesmorian, Alexis Green (1994-1999) was part of the local BBC South live broadcasts as part of the 2011 Children In Need programmes on Friday 18 November.

Beaulieu Motor Museum was the venue for the broadcast at which the four BBC 'Weather Girls' for the south region (Sarah Farmer, Alexis Green, Reham Khan and Laura Trant) took part in a Pit Stop Tyre Change Challenge against members of the South Today Sports Team.

Old Clayesmorian Charlotte Hewett performed with on stage with Andrea Bocelli on Thursday 17 November as part of the BBC Children In Need Rocks Manchester concert. Charlotte, who left the school in 2008, was part of the chorus who accompanied the Italian tenor singing Nessun Dorma as part of the fund-raising gala concert.She is currently in her fourth year at the Royal Northern College of Music where she is studying for a BMus in Vocal and Opera Studies.

To view the performance click here.

Our congratulations to Frank Hirshfield (1950-1952) on his election to the Royal Society of British Sculptors.

Our thanks to Frank Hirshfield (49-52) for drawing our attention to an exhibition of Old Clayesmorian John Eveleigh's work currently being held at The Cube in Folkestone.

For more details, please click here.

The Old Clayesmorian 2011 edition is now being printed and will be distributed to all OCs shortly. Please ensure that we hold the correct contact information for you and let us know if you have recently moved house by emailing Louise Smith. Thank you

OC Ben Taggart is the creative force behind a project creating Henry VIII's lost palace of Nonsuch. Considered to be one of the finest architectural wonders of the world, Nonsuch was dismantled in the seventeenth century and only four paintings of it are known to exist. Ben's model is based on the research of The model of Nonsuch was based on the research of Oxford University Professor Martin Biddle, who co-ordinated the first excavation on the Surrey palace’s site as an undergraduate in 1959.

For the full story click here.

The Society is sad to report the death of Malcolm Oldridge (1949-1959) who died in the early hours of Wednesday 12 October. His funeral was held at Walkford on 24 October and among the mourners were OCs Peter Parsons (1949-1959) and his wife Joyce and Steven Morey (1949-1959).

Were you at Clayesmore Prep School in Charlton Marshall? Old Clayesmorian Nigel Bill is writing an account of the school in the 1950s and looking for information - photographs/ anecdotes etc. Please send anything you feel may be of interest to Louise Smith at the School and she will forward this on to him. Thank you

Former Chief of the General Staff with one of the highest profiles in the British Army, General Sir Mike Jackson addressed the 35th Clayesmore Lecture and told a gathering of pupils, staff, parents, Old Clayesmorians and invited guests that leadership is “an art as well as a science” that cannot be taught by rote or by listening to a CD.

Read Full Story.

Hundreds of Old Clayesmorians, parents, former parents and former staff visited Clayesmore on Saturday 18 September for the Autumn Term OC Day and Clayesmore Society Late Summer Party. Events began with the Old Clayesmorians taking on the school football team in the battle for the Drummond Cup - with the Old Clayesmorians gaining a decisive victory - 9-0!

This was followed in the evening with the launch of the 2011-12 Clayesmore Season at the Late Summer Party - drinks and canapes on the South Lawn with music provided by the school's jazz group "Take Five" and a spectacular firework finale.

For photographs of the day click here.

Many Old Clayesmorians will remember Win Walmsley - who has worked for the school for some 31 years, in the Buildings and Estates department, as a minibus driver and cricket umpire and has also been a participant on school expeditions. He is still working at the school and recently celebrated his 70th Birthday - many congratulations Win.

This week, 80 key Clayesmore rugby players were fortunate to have the opportunity to take part in training sessions with ex-professional rugby player Danny Grewcock.

Danny, whose career spans the Bath, England and British Lions teams, is currently working as the Academy Director for Bath Rugby Club. The lucky boys, from a range of age groups, were constantly challenged to raise the standard of their performance and they worked on improving a variety of techniques with an emphasis on developing Bath Rugby’s 5 core skills. Practices included handling, decision-making and defensive organisation.

The Society is sad to announce the passing of Laurence Leonard William Western-Kaye on 27 August 2011. Laurence was a former head prefect.

The Funeral Service will be held at St Mary's Church, English Bidcot on Thursday 6 September at 1130 am. No flowers please, donations if desired for Great Oaks, Dean Forest Hospice and Lydcare may be placed in the donations box in the church or sent to - Earnest Heal and Sons Funeral Directors, 5 South Road, Broadwel, Coleford GL16 7BH.

Read Telegraph Announcement

This year the OC Society entered a team in the Cronk-Cunis Rugby Fesitval, held at Richmond Athletic Ground on Monday 29 August.

This is a 15 a side under-21 old boys tournament, playing games 15 mins each way. The squad, resplendent in their OC kit, were raised and captained by Will Rasbridge and results were as follows -

vs Merchant Taylors' Lost 0-10

vs Saffron Waldron Won 17-0

vs Norwich Lost 12-20 with tries from OCs Lewis Brown and Patrick Langdown

vs St Edward's, Oxford Won 14-10 with two tries from OC Captain Will Rasbridge

vs Wimbledon Lost 3-38

The Society is sad to report the death of Alexander (Alec) McCallum who died on 12 August 2011. Mr McCallum was a retired civil servant who was living in Bristol at the time of his passing.

This year's Sixth Form students achieved an excellent set of results at A-level this year with over a third of entries being graded at A or A*. Beth Sadler achieved the success she needed in order to read German and Linguists at Exeter College, Oxford, next year, whilst Declan Tuffy exceeded any university's requirements by gaining 4 A star grades in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry and a further A grade in German, and will be heading off to read Engineering at St John's College, Cambridge. There were many other notable successes with 13 of the 77 candidates gaining 3 A grades or more. "Remembering Clayesmore's niche as an all-ability school with an all-ability Sixth Form, our boys and girls have done us and themselves proud, and we are all delighted for them."

In addition to Oxford and Cambridge, Clayesmore students have gained places this summer to read...

Medicine at Birmingham
Classics at Durham
History at Royal Holloway College, London
English at Royal Holloway College, London
Economics at BUWE
Arabic with Middle Eastern Studies at Exeter
English at Exeter
Law at Queen Mary's, London
Economics at Cardiff
Business Administration at Plymouth
Economics at Sussex
Police Sciences at Glamorgan
Archaeology at Bristol
International Relations at Loughborough
Exploration and Geology at Cardiff
Engineering at Warwick
Sports Studies at Southampton Solent
Chinese at SOAS
Business and Management at Oxford Brookes
Business and Management at Bath Spa
French and Music at Cardiff
Quantity Surveying at Swansea
Music at Canterbury Christ Church
Early Childhood Studies at Plymouth
Real Estate at Nottingham Trent
Geography at Birmingham
Maritime Business Management at Southampton Solent
Medicine at Bristol
Product Design at BUWE
Integrated Engineering at Cardiff
Finance at Buckingham
Business Studies and Marketing at BUWE
Business Management at Hertfordshire
Sports Rehabilitation at St Mary's University College, London
Business Management at BUWE
Motor Sport Technology at Oxford Brookes
Economics and East European Business at University College, London
Audio Music Technology at BUWE
Architecture at Nottingham
Events Management at Greenwich
Fashion Design at London College of Fashion
Art Foundation courses at Bournemouth, Central St Martin's and Farnham
Education at Sheffield
English Literature and Drama at Birmingham

Former Head Girl Laura Fairlie presents a charity concert to be held on Saturday 10 September. Laura is an exceptionally talented singer who has just completed her first year at the Royal Northern College of Music.

The event will be ticketed with sales going to CLIC Sargent – for ticketing information please contact Nix on 07929 310811.

The Cormorants won all four of their one day matches this year with victories over Canford Cygnets, Bryanston Butterflies, Arkadin CC and Sherborne Pilgrims. There were some outstanding performances, including centuries from Matt Swarbrick, Bob Lack and Guy Hicks, and 50s from Alex Morgan and Tom Hicks. Honours were shared amongst a bowling attack which dismissed the opposition in all four games. Ned Lack was leading wicket taker with eight victims during the week, closely followed by Andy Dike with seven.

In the T20 tournament at Bryanston, we lost to Canford in the morning but defeated the hosts in our afternoon game. Highlight of that encounter was a storming 96 from Swarbrick.

We think this is the most successful Cormorants week performance in our 51 year history. The Cormorants Cup was won by Alex Morgan and the best newcomer was the outgoing school captain, Will Morgan.

We are proposing to enter a side for the Cronk Cunis Under 21s Festival to be held at Richmond Athletic Ground on Monday 29 August 2011. This is the premier competition for old boys rugby and it is played 15 aside, 15 minutes each way. If you are interested in playing, please contact the Development Office and your name will be passed to the organisers. You need to be under 21 on 31 August 2011, an OC and of sufficient fitness and competence to participate in rugby at this level.

Should you wish to attend but are unable to participate for whatever reason, please note your diary. It should be a great rugby occasion and as well as supporting the side, an opportunity to meet up with old friends. Confirmation of our entry will follow in due course.

June 17th was the date for this year’s OC Society Golf Day and fortunately the forecasted ‘all day rain’ held off until mid-afternoon.

Six enthusiastic members of Clayesmore teaching staff left Iwerne at 6.30am to join OCs at Temple Golf Club, near Maidenhead for a closely fought Texas Scramble team competition during the morning.

Chris Humpage - Director of Sport & Enterprise Chris Middle, Gate Housemaster and OC Colin Scragg had an impressive score of 61 (9 under par) score to push Andrea Cheverton, Senior Sports Coach, Colin Evans School Staff Instructor (CCF) Expedition Organiser and Sports Coach and OC Julian Bailey with a 63 into second place.

The afternoon four-ball competition was won by Tracy Rowe and welcome newcomer to the OC Golf Society, Andrew Weatherley with 48 points with the evergreen partnership of George Hodgson and Barry Stevenson on 40 points and Robin Harrison and Colin Scragg in third.

The winner of the Individual prize for the Iwerne Cup created a liitle piece of history. The OC Golf Society is in its’ 22nd year and until now no female OC has won the Iwerne Cup. Tracy Rowe (1983 – 1988) has changed all that and played some great golf with 41 points to win the Iwerne Cup.

The day ended with the traditional dinner and we were delighted to welcome headmaster Martin Cooke and his wife Eleanor with OC Chairman Andrew Beaton. Martin and Andrew talked us through 2020 Vision for Clayesmore and encouraged the OCs, many of whom had not been back to Iwerne Minster for many years, to visit and see how the school had grown and developed in recent years.

For the OCs it was another memorable OC Golf Day demonstrating the welcome development of OC Society and the School becoming closer.

Thanks to OC Society for their continuing sponsorship of the society, the OCs and Clayesmore staff who played their games in great spirit and to Eleanor Martin and Andrew for their company at dinner.

Julian Bailey

John Craxton (1922-2009) one the greatest British artists of the last 100 years spent a term at Iwerne in 1937. There is a gallery exhibiting his work at Tate Britain until October 9.

Craxton is also the subject of a new biography by Ian Collins. Click Here for further details.

‘Real education happens at school and not at university’ according to best selling novelist, Salley Vickers who opened Clayesmore’s first one day literature festival this week with Patrick French, Simon Hoggart and Professor Michael Bell.

She was speaking at the Clayesmore Society’s Literature and Lunch event which also featured as its special guest Sir Terrence Pratchett who made two appearances first to the Prep and Senior pupils.

Salley gave an account of her career as a novelist that began ‘late’ – she was 50 when she wrote her first novel – and was launched with a ‘quiet’ book, a term used by her publishers to suggest it would not need all the hype of a blockbuster. Nevertheless Miss Garnet’s Angel was a word of mouth success and ‘the rest is history’, as Salley said. She discussed the ‘timeless and essential truths about the human condition’ that informs all of her work and her method of turning towards ancient stories and art to help shape her plots.

Patrick French is an award winning British writer and historian. He spoke to a large audience of guests and pupils about his most recent work India: A Portrait – ‘an intimate biography of 1.2 billion people’. In his presentation he posed the question of whether India needs to figure more significantly in a changing world where Asia is increasingly important and where countries that were once poor are becoming richer.

Emeritus Professor of Literature at Warwick University, Michael Bell spoke on ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude and the historical novel’. Based on the famous book by Gabriel García Márquez, Michael Bell’s discussion unpacked the implied reflections on history and fiction lurking in episodes from the book.

Simon Hoggart, award-winning correspondent and political sketch writer for the Guardian focussed on how to write for the media. He gave a comic but frank review of his career while encouraging the students present to begin working towards their writing goals in university. He urged aspiring writers to ‘find their own voice’ and steer way from pretentious language when telling a tale.

A lively question and answer session with the whole panel followed lunch in the Marquee and organisers look set to repeat this event next year. Check details on the website next spring to find out who will be booked for the 2012 ‘Literature and Lunch’

The Society is sad to report the death of Mrs Jill Arnold, who taught at the school in the Learning Support Department and in her role as wife to the school chaplain opened their home to pupils and staff alike during her time at the school. Jill died on Sunday 5 June 2011, following a period of illness.

The Society is sad to announce the death of Colin Wood, a pupil at the school from 1941-1945. Mr Wood was a retired senior lecturer in English Literature and was living in Norfolk at the time of his passing.

Old Clayesmorian and BBC Weather and News Presenter Alexis Green returned to Clayesmore for Sports Day in 2011, presenting the prizes at the end of the event.

This term's OC Day took the form of a Choral Day held at the school on Saturday 21 May. Directed by Alastair Nye, Assistant Director of Music, participants spent the day in sectional rehearsals, followed by a concert in the Chapel in the evening and a supper in the Main House. Click here for a list of attendees and participants.

When visiting the east coast of the United States any OC with an interest in shooting should contact OC Guy Bignell, mobile (001) 203 570 3752.

Guy would welcome you to his 4,000 acre shooting estate for sporting clays shooting, or in season, Pheasant & Duck.

Hudson Farm is located one hour due west of New York City by car or is a quick 15 minute helicopter flight.

Shooting instructors are available for novices and for those experts amongst you, the instructors are there to cure you of your bad habits.

You will not need to bring your own shotgun as Guy will loan you one of his. A unique and enjoyable way to spend some R&R in the USA

The Society is sad to report the death of former art master Noah Morris on 11 March 2011. In addition to teaching art, Noah was a talented sculptor who returned to painting when he moved to New Zealand. He was living at Patea, a small fishing community on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island at the time of his death.

The news was supplied by OC Paul Bullivant (60-65) - if any OCs would like to get in touch with their memories about Noah please click here to email him.

The Society is sad to announce the passing of Barry Denny on 4 February 2011. After retiring from the Army in 1960 Mr Denny joined the Diplomatic Service and served in Nicosia, Kuwait, Kaduna, Vietnam-Laos and Oslo. He was seconded to the MOD from 1984-1989 and was an LVO and Cmdr ORder of St. Olav.

Thousands of visitors flocked to Clayesmore on Sunday 1 May as it held its second Dorset Day. In association with the Anonymous Travelling Market the school presented a country fair celebrating the rich and colourful countryside in which it is located.

The crowds enjoyed a host of attractions including pig racing, gun dog and falconry displays, mini steam engine and donkey rides and a folk music tent all adding to the fun amidst dozens of craft and market stalls.

There was also an art competition for local primary schools and the ever popular family dog show. Read More

Lord Whitty visited Clayesmore on Friday 25 March as part of the House of Lords "Peers in Schools" programme which aims to explain to young people the role of the Second Chamber in the UK constitution. Following an interesting talk about the composition of the House and planned reforms, there was a question and answer session where the issues raised covered the cuts introduced by the current government, intervention in overseas countries - Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya, the Trident nuclear programme and proportional representation. In fact the question and answer session lasted for longer than the talk.

The February 2011 edition of Dorset Life Magazine featured an article written by current Clayesmorian Emily Mitchell which explored the life of Old Clayesmorian Edward Ardizzone who would become one of the country’s most important artists and illustrators. To read the article click here.

The School Telescope had its first outing on 23 March 2011. At around 9pm 20 pupils and staff watched Saturn. Teacher Alan Hanson-Stewart said - "Its rings could be seen in all their splendour and you could even see Titan its biggest moon. It was great to hear the gasps from everyone when they put their eye to the scope for their first-ever look at Saturn which was slowly climbing the sky above the chapel".

even more excited and voluble than usual(!)and, as a physicist, she could especially appreciate that she was looking at a breathtakingly beautiful object in our solar system about 800 million miles away.

Pupils were very quick to locate all sorts of things such as nebulae, stars and constellations and a meteor shower. It is hoped in the months to come to connect a camera to the scope to capture the spectacular skies above the school.

Over 60 Old Clayesmorians attended the Spring Term OC Day held at the school on Sunday 20 March. In the warm spring sunshine there were netball and hockey matches (both of which were won by the school) before a roast beef lunch in the Dining Hall, tours of the boarding houses and afternoon tea in the drawing room. Thanks to Duncan Clarke (81-84) and Kevin Jones (81-85) for arranging for a large contingent of their contemporaries to attend.

Congratulations to former Prep School pupil, Ben Moxham (31) who has been appointed to head up the Government's energy and environmental policy.

Ben's appointed was approved directly by David Cameron and Nick Clegg and he is one of nine new specialist advisers. A former BP employee, Ben latterly worked for Riverstone private equity group which specialises in oil and renewable energy. The Government regards its energy policy increasingly to be the implementation of the kind of renewables agenda Ben took charge of when he was at BP, where he was key in helping BP move 'beyond petroleum' as its strapline became.

The Prep School remembers Ben as an incredibly bright boy who was a key player in the musical life of the school. The son of former Prep Deputy Head, Graham Moxham, Ben went on to achieve 4 A grade A levels and a First Class Degree at Oxford where he came 7th in a year of 300. He progressed to Post Grad studies at Harvard and became one if its youngest ever lecturers there at the age of 24.

The Society is very sad to report the death of Ruth Dear who passed away peacefully on Friday 25 February at the age of 97.

The funeral for Miss Dear will take the form of a private cremation, but there will be a Service of Thanksgiving with the Committal of Ashes at St Mary's Parish Church, Iwerne Minster, on Wednesday 16th March at 2.30pm. All those attending the service are warmly invited by Miss Dear's neices, Hilary and Sally, to tea in the Main House at the school, after the service.

Old Clayesmorians may be interested to learn of an exhibition of the works of OC Edward Ardizzone at Gallery 27 Cork Street, London from 8th -19th March. The exhibition contains paintings, watercolours, drawings, original book illustrations and prints from the estate of Dr Nicholas Ardizzone. For further details visit the gallery website.

The Society is sad to report the death of former Gate Housemaster and Honorary OC John Skinner, who passed away on Friday 18 February. The funeral will take place at Bournemouth Crematorium at 2.15 on Monday 28 February with refreshments afterwards at 1 Warwick Road, Parkstone, BH14 8SY.

No flowers please but donations in John's Memory for "Practical Action" maybe sent c/o Lesley Shand Funeral Service, 184 Wareham Road, Corfe Mulllen, Wimborne, Dorset. BH21 3LL. Tel: 01202 658833

The Society has received an enquiry about the availability of reprints of old whole school photos. The years in question are from the late 1950s to the early 1960s. Do you have any photographs from these years? Or any information about who took the photographs in question. If so, please get in touch by emailing us.

We are sorry to announce that John Loveless (1950-1954) passed away in January 2010.

We are very pleased to announce that Simon Leney is very much alive and well and has not passed away as was published previously on this website and in The Old Clayesmorian (2010 edition).

The information this announcement was based on was a mailing returned to the Society in March 2010 marked with the envelope marked "deceased - please remove from records".

We are naturally very sorry for and offer our apologies for any distress this may have caused both Mr Leney and any of his family and friends who might have seen the publication either online or in print.

This year's Old Clayesmorian Society AGM & Annual Dinner returned to London - and to a new venue. Sixty attended the meeting and dinner which was held at the Army & Navy Club and enjoyed a menu of Goats Cheese with Avocado and Walnuts, Lamb with Dauphinois Potatoes and Brocolli all rounded off with Apple and Frangipaine Tart with Creme Anglaise.

The Head Boy and Head Girl said grace before and after the meal while OC Society President Piers Sabine proposed the Loyal and Founder's Toasts and the Headmaster proposed the health of the Society. An after dinner speech was given by Louise Salmond-Smith (nee Thompson) a former member of King's House (1989-1994).

For a list of attendees - click here

The Society is sad to report the death of Martin Brace in May 2010.

We are sad to report the death of Peter Cazeaux in August 2010 following a long fight against cancer. Having worked for the Standard Chartered Bank overseas for many years Peter was enjoying retirement in Cornwall with his wife Sandra, and his children and grandchildren who lived nearby.

Our congratulations to Heloise Wright (nee Noel Johnson) on her recent marriage to Martin Wright.

The new league tables published yesterday for England’s secondary schools are the first to include a new measure – the so-called English Baccalaureate. This shows how many children achieve good GCSE passes in what the Government considers to be the core subjects of English, Maths, Science, a Modern Language and a humanities subject – either History or Geography.

At Clayesmore, Headmaster Martin Cooke and Director of Teaching and Learning, Andrew West, believe the English Baccalaureate is a good thing on many levels, but, of course, questions do need to be raised.

Read More

Our congratulations to Rikke Dakin (1984-1989) on the birth of her son Jeppe Sebastian on 29 June 2010.

Our congratulations to Rebecca Greene (nee Jefferis) 1988-1991 and Peter on the birth of their son, Patrick James Greene on 1 May 2010.

Our congratulations to James and Priya Tew on the birth of a daughter, Kezia, in November 2010.

Our congratulations to Bob Lack on the birth of Archie James Stewart on 7 August 2010, weighing 7lb 14oz, his father reports he is a promising opening batsman and medium paced bowler!

The Society is sad to report the death of Anthony Gordon Edwards on 13 November at the age of 89. As a young man of 18 in the RAF he was rescued from Dunkirk by swimming out to the small boats. As a radar technician, he spent part of his working life in the Middle East.

The 2010 edition of The Old Clayesmorian has now been published and will be distributed to members shortly. It is available to view online in the Members Section of the website. Please log in to read it, and accompanying information.

Clayesmore’s orienteers are the 2010 Small Schools British Champions once again this year making this the 12th time in 15 years that the school has brought the National trophy home. Read More

The Inaugural Meeting – 5 Nov 10. The de Selincourt Society convened its inaugural meeting on Guy Fawkes Night attracting 26 members across all year groups and staff. The meeting was chaired by the Head Boy Joshua Cheung with the opening address delivered by the Society’s patron General Stephen Andrews. The evening’s keynote lecture was presented by Commander Mark Newland RN who spoke on ‘What is the Point of Military History?’ The lecture was followed by questions and some lively conversation and debate in the school Drawing Room.

The aims and origins of the Society The Society is named after a former Headmaster of Clayesmore, Aubrey de Selincourt, who was a distinguished and passionate military historian in his own right. It exists to promote discussion between pupils across all year groups of the school, staff and external military history organisations. The Society’s scope is wide allowing members to listen and debate subjects as diverse as individual battles and campaigns, the evolution of strategic thought, the impact of technology on warfare and military command and leadership. Firmly founded in the principles of historical enquiry and scholarship the Society aims in the words of the Patron to be ‘...lively, learned and inspiring and a forum for seeking an insight into the human drama that is war and battle.’

Forthcoming Events The next Society event, a lecture on the Campaigns of Napoleon by Joshua Cheung (Upper 6th), is planned for 1830-2000 on 7 December. The lecture will be followed by questions, a debate and a short Reception. The 2011 lecture programme will commence in mid January with a discussion of the development of Counter-Insurgency doctrine by James Somper (Year 11). Plans in the New Year also include a visit to the Historic Dockyard in Portsmouth and a Society Dinner in the Summer Term.

The Society is sad to report the death of Adrian Turner, a pupil at the school from 1940 to 1945 who had gone on to a career in the Diplomatic Service.

In 2013 Clayesmore will have been at Iwerne Minster for 80 years, and this seemed the perfect time to produce a richly illustrated book encompassing the Clayesmore experience. Published by Third Milllennium, the UK’s leading schools publisher, the book will be much more than a history, offering a panorama of all aspects of school life: from teaching to arts and drama, from sports and outdoor activities to clubs and societies, from quiet reflection to major school events – and you can be a part of it!

By ordering today you can help support the project, receive a substantial discount on the published price, and have your name listed in the book as an enduring record of your link with the school.

For full ordering information and further details click here.

Well done to all the girls in King's for another brilliant win and special mention to Arisa Ota for her grand finale in every way - not only was she the last act to take the stage this was her final ever performance representing King's and to Charlie Day, Rosie Nicholas and all the Upper Sixth for leading the house to victory. A great and well deserved win.

Congratulations to Jenny Coles and her Tractor Girls who last evening presented £33,592.78 each to Cancer Research UK, the Mootor Neurone disease Association and CLIC sargent as a result of their John o' Groats - Land's End Run in the summer. An amazing total of £100,778.34 if my maths is correct. And more to come for the Irish MND Association, to be presented later for their trip across Ireland. Well done girls!

The Society was saddened to learn of death of Geoffrey Gillett suddenly but peacefully at home on Tuesday 21 September aged 75 years. A retired deputy headmaster, Geoffrey had taken up writing poetry, some of which was featured in the 2009 Old Clayesmorian Magazine. He is survived by his wife Freda, children and Andrew and Kate and grandchildren Josy and James. The funeral service will take place at St John the Baptist Church, Woodsford on Friday 1 October at 2.30pm. Family flowers only please, donations if wished to either Parkinson's UK or British Heart Foundation may be sent c/o Grassby Funeral Service, Dorchester Tel: (01305) 262338.

The Society was sad to learn of the death of J Brian Davies at home on 24 October 2009. A former banker, he was director of several companies and Liveryman and Freeman City of London.

Congratulations to OC and former Head Girl Thomasin Bailey who has been awarded a 1st class honours in her degree in English and Comparative Studies from the University of Warwick. Thomasin has returned to Clayesmore to provide maternity cover in the English department, prior to returning to Warwick next year to study for her MA.

The daughter of OC Brian Durrant has been in touch and would like to make contact with friends of his from his school days. Please contact Louise Smith and she will put you in touch.

OC Charlotte Hewett has won the vocal section of the Serenata Stars competition at the Serenata Festival this weekend. The competition was organised by The Classical Festival Company to show their dedication to creating a serious platform and opportunity for up and coming unsigned classical musicians and vocal artists. With a panel of expert judges, and an award of £10,000 to be shared by the best musician and vocal artist, together with coaching and mentoring from the headline artists and the opportunity to perform live on stage with a full orchestra and the leading performers on the last night, competition was fiercely contested with three "Clayesmore" contestants making the cut of those contestants asked to perform in front of audiences and judges at the festival itself. Along with Charlotte, current pupil Bryony Purdue also made Saturday's final and this year's head girl Laura Fairlie took part in the semi-final.

To see Charlotte's performance on the main stage on Saturday click here.

OC and former head boy Henry Bailey (2003-2005) passed out of RMAS on 13 August 2010. He has been commissioned into the Royal Corps of Engineers. David Cameron was the Sovereign's representative.

The Society is sad to report the death of Dr Sammy Lal on 1 November 2009. After Clayesmore he studied Medicine at the then Polytechnic Institute, now South Bank University and Guy’s Hospital, University of London, graduating in 1962. He would move to Canada where he became an acclaimed Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the McGill University Center for Research in Schizophrenia, Montreal, Canada. Winner of the 1997 prestigious Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Distinguished Scientist Award for Schizophrenia Research. Full obituary to follow in this year's Old Clayesmorian Magazine.

The OC Society was saddened to learn of the death of Jock Beesley who died peacefully at home on 15 August aged 80 years. A former Head Boy and Captain of the School, he was married to Anne and father to Clare and Edward.

The funeral will be held at Bettws y Crwyn at 2pm on Monday 23 August.

The OC Society is sad to report the death of Robin Denson on 10 September 2009.

The OC Society was sad to learn of the death of David Crossley on 17 June 2010. A former head prefect, he was living in Scotland at the time of his passing.

Entrepreneurs of the future got a real taste for the dynamics of business ‘The Apprentice’ style last week at Clayesmore as part of an intensive three day enterprise programme. This inaugural event was the brain child of Business Studies teacher, Cath Hayter who is this year’s Young Enterprise Dorset area winner of the Best Link Teacher Award. It was hosted by Hannah Towner of Young Enterprise South West and expert volunteers from local companies, as well as former Clayesmorians who are currently studying business degrees contributed their time to assist the young pupils.

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Parents at the Prep School Prize Giving day have heard how the school has increased in size, stature and success once again this year. Head of Prep, Richard Geffen was able to report that, against the harsh backdrop of recession, the school had retained its firm foothold at the beginning the year with 10 more pupils than last year. Currently only four beds remain in the boarding house and the Pre-Prep, with over 40 children, is the largest it has been for a few years. Read more

On the 24th of July Old Clayesmorian Hugh Blandy, along with his cousin John and friend Edward are setting out on a challenge to cross some of the toughest terrain on the planet, ranging from ranging from the driest desert in the world, to the most dangerous road in the world, to the biggest rainforest in the world. The route starts in Cusco, Peru and finishes in Asuncion, Paraguay and is in aid of Operation smile which is a charity that gives surgery to children born with cleft pallets.

To support them please use the link below to donate.

Just Giving

It was best bib and tucker on Wednesday 16 June for members of the Clayesmore Society who attended Royal Ascot for the second day of the world famous race meeting.

Those present included a mixture of OCs, staff, parents and friends of the school, who enjoyed a mini picnic of bucks fizz, strawberries, coffee and croissants in the park before joining the thronging crowds to place their bets and mingle with the great and good of the racing world, washed down with a cream tea before returning to school.

For photo gallery click here

See the photo gallery for Simon Robertson's photos from South Africa and the World Cup.

A Magnificent Seven sat down for another splendid City lunch at the Beaujolais, Lichfield Street.

Once again good food,excellent wine,great service and above all intelligent and well educated company meant that the meal finished long after four. It was agreed that it would be very much same time,same place next year.

Rodney Spokes spoke of the pleasures of supporting Leicester Tigers and a very large family funeral he had just been to in Kansas City. Hugh Thompson hoped that the Maoists would not, later in the year,disrupt his ten week teaching adventure in Nepal. Bob Mash lamented that his follow up on dinosaurs, a book on fairies hadn't taken wing. David Fangen was in serious grief, having sold his large London house to move full time to Bedchester, he had said good bye to a large part of his much loved library. Louise Smith and Christopher Johnston spent some of lunch discussing entrepreneurship. Over all this OC Chairman Andrew Beaton as always presided with quiet confidence and assurance. As he arrived late he bought an extra bottle of wine.

Hugh Thompson

The OC Society is sad to report the death of Iradj Roudiani (also known as Manoucher) who died earlier this year in Iran.