Wednesday, November 12th, 2008
Sadly I have received the following message from School:
Tony Sweet, Old Sulian and past Deputy Head of Beechen Cliff School, died last Monday and his funeral will be held on Tuesday 25 November at 2 p.m. at St John’s Church, Upper Bristol Road. The service is followed by a private cremation. Buffet at Lansdown Cricket Club. Family flowers only but donations to Clarkson Funeral Directors, 7 Windsor Place, Bath, Avon, BA1 3DF , for Cancer Research.
Paul Sweet, his son, is happy for anyone to phone him on 07956 592247. He has also asked to pass on this information to anyone else who knew his father.
Roger W.
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Thursday, October 30th, 2008
The Annual Dinner held at Bath Cricket Club on Saturday 18th October last, was another wonderful evening of mothballs and nostalgia (or should that be neuralgia?). Tom Dowding led the way with brevity, wit and erudition which inspired Terry Lee (Association President) and Billy Hallett (O.S.R.F.C.) to stick closely to the 5 minute rule, and the Headmaster, Andrew Davies, to severely curtail his customary 30 minutes! A splendid meal from Mark Kingwell and his attentive staff, and more drinking time for all seemed to meet with general approval.
I am very grateful to all those who came, who paid so promptly, and who encouraged a fair sprinkling of new faces. I have pencilled in Saturday 17th October 2009 for our next soiree.
Roger Wood.
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Thursday, October 30th, 2008
49’ers 60th Re-union Friday 17th July 2009
As indicated in the September Newsletter, former President Alan Blake is organising another event for the 49’ers, those that did their School Cert in 1949.(This is 60 years after completion of 5th form education). It is to be Friday 17th July 2009. Meet at the school at 12 noon. There will be about an hours chat followed by a buffet lunch [nominal charge] and wine if wanted. During the afternoon there will be conducted tours of the school and its’ facilities. In the evening he has booked dinner at the Boatman Restaurant in Bathwick, for about 7-30pm. He will advise charges later. Please indicate your intention to attend so he can finalise the bookings.
Those interested should contact Alan on:01761 471088
or via the Association e-mail: 49ers@oldsulians.org.uk
Alan Blake [Bubbles]
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Saturday, September 6th, 2008
Dear Old Sulians,
As we come to the end of another academic year it is worth reflecting on achievements and also considering those areas which have not been as successful in order that we can learn from them and move forward.
The academic life of the school has been enriched by the introduction of Drama into the Lower School curriculum, a move which has been met with enthusiasm by the boys. The support of Skill Force, an organisation which helps some of our older boys to attain a range of practical qualifications, as well as taking them on camps and other outdoor activities, has been exceptional. The achievements of these boys have been excellent and we very much hope to see their efforts fully rewarded when the GCSE results are published in August. Mathematics have recently achieved notable success, seeing a large number of boys in Year 7 and 8 achieve Gold, Silver, Bronze or certificates in the UK Mathematics Challenge. The individual achievements have been superb; one boy being invited to a residential ‘masterclass’ on the basis of his score. We await the SATs scores for Year 9, GCSE for Year 11 and AS/A2 results for the Sixth Form with interest. The Sixth Form will be “sending forth” six of our students to take up Oxbridge places, nearly one hundred others taking up places at universities across the country.
Sporting achievements have, of course, been significant again. Four of our Rugby XV’s reached the finals of the Somerset Cup, one reaching the semi final stage. Victories by two of our teams in these finals ensured that a previous record was equalled. Our Under 12 football team achieved County success, winning convincingly in their final at Bath City’s ground in April. The support for the footballs teams at each age group has been significant and it is very pleasing to see that so many have had a chance to represent their school during the year. The cricket teams have had the opportunity to play a significant number of matches during the course of the season, recording some impressive victories, although in others perhaps losing out when victory seemed likely! The matches have all been played in excellent spirit, however, and this is the key theme of the games between Beechen Cliff and all of our opponents. Hockey has developed further strength over the year, significant numbers involved in the ‘School of Excellence’ – a link between the school, university and Bath Buchaneers. Mr Markall’s tennis teams are beginning to develop effectively; victories against traditionally strong teams such as Bristol Grammar, demonstrating the progress being made – in part due to the new tennis courts at the school. Shooting, judo, rowing, badminton, basketball and archery have all been enjoyed at a competitive level within the school this year, ensuring that a further ‘raft’ of sports are able to be developed in the years ahead.
Outward bound activities continue to be a dominant element of school life; The Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition to the Massif Central being a huge success, as was the Ten Tors Challenge, in which the school had two teams entered. Tir-y-Cwm visits continue to inspire the younger boys; all of the Year 7 boys undertaking the group development activities which bring so much opportunity for the boys to work and learn together. Further visits to Llain for the pursuit of Technology activities have given further opportunities for personal development, as has the recently revived Centurion Challenge – brought back at the behest of Pat Colbourne, following his challenge to the pupils at the Presentation Evening last November. It is this area of school life which so many of the pupils remember for years after the end of their school days and we can only hope that we will always have such an inspired and skilled set of staff to undertake such challenges.
Curriculum development activities have also been characteristics of the year. The English Department have encouraged boys to participate in the ‘poetry slam’ competition, competing against other local schools at the Guildhall. Again, we had teams at the Model United Nations at Kingswood, scoring commendations from each of the judges. At Sixth Form level we have seen strong links developed with the Royal High School, much of which revolve around the creation of strong enrichment and extra-curricular activities – ranging from equestrian and archery to still life production and theatre studies. Technology have been working on further projects related to the creation of racing cars, small aircraft and robotics. The aim is to develop interests in all areas of technology – hopefully leading to a longer term interest in engineering and associated careers.
Ofsted described many aspects of Beechen Cliff School as “outstanding” following their visit. Pupil conduct, the curriculum and extra-curricular opportunities were all considered to be of the highest quality. We know, however, what really matters and it is important that Beechen Cliff continues to stay true to its aspirations. In this, we hope that the school has lived up to expectations and will continue to offer the boys of Bath an education which gives genuine ‘life enhancing opportunities’ – in the school and beyond.
Andrew Davies
Headmaster
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Saturday, September 6th, 2008
OLD SULIANS’ ASSOCIATION
Newsletter September 2008
PRESIDENT
T L Lee Esq.
Hon. Secretary: Peter Powell 11 Kennet Park, Bathampton, Bath BA2 6SS 01225 466608
Hon. Treasurer: Richard Wood 63 Caledonian Road, East Twerton, Bath, BA2 3RD 01225 422210
Hon. Correspondent: Roger Wood. 101 Hansford Square, Combe Down, Bath, BA2 5LL 01225 832207
www.oldsulians.org.uk
News
29th May Newport High School Old Boys Golf Match. After last year’s ignominy our boys found new form and under Mick Moore’s guidance, and with a rare spot of good weather, managed a win. It only rained in the evening.
30th May Old Sulians RFC Annual Dinner President Terry Lee reports a most enjoyable evening, with good food and a great club spirit. No report of rain.
20th June Association Golf Day. Organiser Mike Wood reports: “Numbers were well down for a variety of reasons, I hope it’s only a temporary aberration. The day was a bit damp but the 14(am) and 16(pm) hardy soles didn’t get a soaking! No-one, yes – absolutely no-one, managed to even hit the green let alone get nearest the pin on the designated hole!!! Robert Hill cleaned up with victory in both the morning medal and the afternoon Stableford but as tradition has it that he could only win one, Tom Dowding took the stableford Rosebowl. Robert was however the clear and worthy winner of the new Tony Bowrey Trophy (Illustrated right and awarded for the best 36 hole total) and Heather was delighted to present the trophy.
The other notable achievement was by Tony Comer who, following his course record for the Old Tosser’s Tankard last year, now has the distinction of being the first to retain the trophy!!
Roll on the 3rd Friday in June 2009!
2nd July Association Approach Golf at Victoria Park A thin field! Ian Weeks managed to elude Pebble’s handicap and win, with Pebble and Rich Wood behind. Terry Hardick in his first round for many years managed to break ‘The Ton’ with a gross 122! Rain held off.
24h July Walking Treasure Hunt (or Trude’s Trundle).
One of the fine evenings (no rain) of this so-called summer. A goodly crowd wandered the streets of Bath in purposeful fashion trying desperately to look as though they knew where they were going. The Cliff Weston clan looked the hardest and won. The rest of us were just confused. We are so grateful to Sue Trude who puts us through this yearly torture, I think! Did I mention that there was no rain?
13th August River Boat Picnic. Yet another year defeated by the monsoon season coming early! It rained.
Association Ties
The new ties have arrived and will be ‘released’ with due ceremony at the Annual Dinner. The Treasurer has done the sums and they will be £10 each in silk with a slightly wider blade. Not guaranteed to shrink in the rain.
49’ers 60th Re-union
Former President Alan Blake is organising another event for the 49’ers, those that did their School Cert in 1949. It is likely to be Friday 17th July 2009 with an itinerary that will include lunch and a tour at School, and then dinner in the evening. Those interested should contact him:01761471088 or via the Association web-site (49ers@oldsulians.org.uk). Hopefully the rainy season will have passed.
Members
I have just added W M L (Bill) Gunning (1949) and Clive Pratt to the database. Earlier came Said Ali (53-55) who writes overleaf.; also C B S (Chris) Wood (1951) and L H (Robbie) Roberts (1952). Former Master and local Cricketing legend, Pat Colbourne has accepted an Honorary Life Membership which we managed to overlook at his retirement a ‘few’ years back.
Sadly I report the passing of Jack Pope (1937) and Tommy Cuff. Tommy, who lived in Australia was renowned for revisiting Bath and managing to miss everyone. Rather like ‘Kilroy’, he used to leave notes on the clubhouse door to the effect that ‘Tommy Cuff was here’! Our condolences to family and friends.
I also missed the passing of Bryn James (1943) from the printed news, which I will remedy next time. Bryn was best remembered for running the line in wellies with a lovely Collie. He was also the reason we always serve Roast Beef at the Dinner!
Old Sulians’ RFC
Starting their 2nd season in the Tribute Somerset Premier League with Coach Simon Jones still at the helm, assisted by Matt Sheppard and Andy Owen, and looking to build on the experiences of last year. Up to date details of fixtures and results can be found on their website at: www.oldsuliansrfc.co.uk/
Their first match is on Saturday September 5th at home against Avon in the EDF vase. They play at Lansdown whether it rains or not and you are assured of a welcome.
And finally as I forgot to note the date of the AGM it will come as a nice surprise in the next Newsletter in February. In the meantime may I be the first to wish you a very happy, peaceful and rain-free Christmas.
Diary for 2008
18th October (Saturday)
Annual Association Dinner, 7.00 pm for 8.00 pm at The Bath Cricket Club, North Parade, Bath.
Black Tie or lounge suit, your choice. There will be plenty of both!
Following on from last year’s excellent evening we have made a few small changes to reflect your suggestions. An earlier start from 7 pm to allow that first pint to settle before dinner at 8. Long-time Sulian, Tom Dowding, will propose the toast to The Association, Terry Lee, the President will reply, and the Headmaster will have his moment in the spotlight. All will be asked to ‘keep it brief’ to give you more time to reminisce. The ticket price is still £35 but, if paid by Monday the 6th October it’s only £30. For those of you coming from afar, the Su’s are away at North Wotton on the Saturday, but Bath Rugby are playing on the Rec on the Sunday. Free parking next to the clubhouse. Only a short walk if it’s raining. As usual a convenient ‘Chitty’ is enclosed.
March 2009 (!) (Saturday)
Ladies Night at Bath Golf Club, Sham Castle. We’ve moved it to the Spring; post the stomach and wallet-trauma of Christmas and hopefully, with better weather. Program to be advised in the new year.
NOW PUT THE DATES IN YOUR DIARY, PLEASE!
More News
An exchange of e-mails with Said Ali provided the following:
“Thank you for your email, and for the list of members who left school between 1960 and 62.would have been in Form 5 in the summer term of 1960, but I don’t think any of the names given were my classmates in 2X in spring/summer of 1957. The names I remember well are Howard Taylor, Derek Stubbs,and Tony Rutter, who were all with me in Junior School. But no worries as I am sure contacts will be made at some time in the future.My Form Master in 2X was Frank St George. I am sure some will remember me from those days.I was the only boy in CBBS who did not have a pinkish white complexion. In fact, as far as I could remember, my family were the only non-pink/white in Bath in early/mid 1950s.
My given name is Said (people even in Malaysia get the pronunciation wrong).My late father, in his wisdom, actually shortened my name when we were in Bath, so I was known as Said Ali.More than fifty years have passed, and people are still confused with foreign names, thus the name of the winner of last weeks British Ladies Open Golf Ms Shin Ji Yai, was reported in the press as Ji-Yai Shin.I think variety makes the world wonderful.
Finally, I do visit the Old Sulians web site every now and then.Please let me know by email when newsletters are issued.”
If anyone remembers Said and would like to get in touch, please contact me through the web-site and we will pass on an e-mail address.
Alumni or Noteworthy Old Boys.
In conjunction with The School, Terry Light is attempting to compile a list notable Old Boys. For example:
Roger Bannister, Jason Gardiner, Tony Spreadbury, John Hall, Raymond Leppard, Richard Roberts, Philip Warne, Terry Lee, Michael Hucker, John Wragg, Ray Douglas, Michael Cross, Arnold Ridley, Ian Staines, Bertie Buse, Michael Allard* , Derek Hart* , Graham Watson*, Donald James*, D A G Smith*, Len Holt*, Peter Jezard*, Les Boyer* . (In no particular order of course)
We invite your input and support. Terry is keen to learn of others deserving of a listing and would like more information on those with an asterisk. As Tony Comer commented “I had assumed that we are all ‘noteworthy’, or do I mean notorious!”. However I think what Terry is looking for are examples of CBBS or Beechen Cliff former pupils who might inspire or encourage others to follow in their footsteps, or show that the world is the proverbial oyster open to all who make the effort. Contact Terry at : terrylight@oldsulians.org.uk or via the Editor.
Beechen Cliff School
My thanks to The Headmaster for the enclosed newsletter obtained before they all went off to lie down in a darkened room for the summer (when mostly it rained!) Reports indicate another healthy crop of ‘O’ and ‘A’ results for the old Alma Mater and we congratulate all concerned and particularly the Staff who increasingly seem to have teaching as a secondary activity to form filling and testing! And all without the support of ‘Pop’ Guerier’s dap ‘Jimmy’, now peacefully at rest in the archives. Also our very best wishes to Dai Morris on his retirement.
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