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Please don’t forget to send your news, announcements, distinctions, photographs, etc for posting here to Olivia Henley at : worthsociety@worth.org.uk.

News Submitted – May 2013

Fr Kevin Taggart announced his decision to stand down as Abbot of Worth Abbey on Saturday 4th May 2013, having discussed his position with the Abbot President during his official four-yearly Visitation of the Monastery. Both are of the opinion that now is an appropriate time for Fr Kevin to step down in order to allow the Community to consider a younger person for the role of Abbot. When he was elected Abbot in 2010, Fr Kevin realised that it was improbable that he would complete the eight-year term of office because of his age . The election of the new Abbot will take place in early August, and between the 2nd June and the time of the election the Prior, Fr Luke Jolly, will act as the Superior of the Abbey. The Monastic Community will use the three months for prayerful reflection in preparation for the Abbatial election in August.

Professor Ewan Clayton (C’75) was presented with the hugely prestigious Crafts Skills Champion Award by HRH The Prince of Wales at the inaugural Craft Skills Awards on Thursday 2nd May 2013. Ewan’s name was put forward by the three advisory groups for the Awards – the Heritage Crafts Association, the Crafts Council and the Prince’s Foundation for Building Community – and the judges agreed unanimously he should receive this Award.

News Submitted – April 2013

We have been informed that Julian Dare, who taught Classics at Worth between 1965 and 1980, tragically died on the 4th April 2013 while away in Guyana. He had a heart attack while swimming. Julian’s burial was held in Guyana and we will notify Worthians who would have been taught by him, of any Memorial Service that might be arranged in the UK.

News Submitted - March 2013

Sadly we had to take the decision to cancel the 2013 Worthians Football Tournament this year – because of the inclement weather and water-logged pitches at School. The match was scheduled to take place on Sunday 24th March and we had two very strong U21s and O21s teams all ready to take on the School 1st and School Staff teams. They will now have to wait until 2014!

Happily, our second Worthians Squash Match of the 2012/13 season continued unabated on that same Sunday, the 24th March! We welcomed Howard Brookman (G’93), Desmond Calnan (R’69), Jamie Griffith (B’72), Tom Lewis (G’05), George Ross (G’95) and Richard Stephens (C’02) for a very competitive afternoon of matches. The experience of Des Calnan shone through once again (as it did last year) as he resoundingly beat all-comers – although Jamie Griffith (another veteran!) came a very close second overall. We were also delighted to welcome Tom Carew Hunt (StB’02) and Will Kenney (B’95) who, although unable to participate because of injury, came along to support everyone.

After 2½ years hard graft, Dan Hughes (R’98) officially launched his campaign to get the first ‘Red Nose’ on top of Mount Everest w/c 18th March, and will start his Everest climb on the 30th March – in his quest to raise £1,000,000 for Comic Relief. His aim is to get 1 million people to donate £1 towards his Everest Million campaign. Can you help him go the whole way and reach his £1 million target? If so, then please text: Nose70 £1 to 70070. To find out more about Dan’s campaign – supported by the BBC, HTC, Nike, Gatorade, Specialized, Inmarsat, RAB, Coldplay and Stephen Fry –do visit his website at: www.everestmillion.com where you can also view the campaign video.

The Worth Society City Lunch continues to go from strength to strength and - in spite of our usual younger Worthians RFC group hitting the ski slopes that same week! - we still welcomed 55 Worthians and guests to Vivat Bacchus London Bridge on Thursday 7th March 2013. It was, as ever, a great afternoon and an e-mail received the next day from Giles Hamilton (B’82) probably best summarises the atmosphere that prevailed during the afternoon; “What a terrific lunch! I didn’t stop laughing all day and got home at 11 last night”. Click here to see the List of Attendees.

News Submitted – February 2013

Paul Cattermull (StB’73) and Tom Carew Hunt (StB’02) represented Worth School in the 2013 Henry Leaf Cup - the School Alumni tournament for Real Tennis – winning the handicap division. You can read more about their victory and find out how to get involved in playing Real Tennis by clicking here to visit the Worthians Real Tennis page.

Tim Carr (R’63) sadly passed away on Friday 8th February 2013 at the Royal Marsden Sutton after fighting a courageous battle against cancer. His funeral will be held on Friday 1st March 2013 at Worth Crematorium starting at 2.15 pm. Worthians are most welcome to attend and are also invited to join Fiona (Tim’s wife) and Tudor (Tim’s son) at The Bell Inn, Outwood Lane, Bletchingley, Redhill, Surrey RH1 5PN : http://belloutwood.co.uk/ after the Service. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tim’s family at this very sad time.

The Downside Fisher Annual Boxing Dinner is the major annual fund raising event for the Downside Fisher Youth Cub. It is a black tie event and is taking place on Wednesday 17th April 2012, starting at 6.30pm at the Troxy – a 1930s art deco former cinema close to Limehouse DLR. The evening is a display of amateur boxing at its very best and is an excellent way of supporting a vibrant youth club that supports young people in a deprived part of south London. Attendees will be met with a welcome drink, followed by a 3-course meal and wine. There will be 10 bouts of 3 rounds of boxing - involving both junior and senior boxers - and a performance by members of the Youth Club. A charity auction will be held mid-way through the Boxing competition. Lloyd Honeyghan, one of the club’s former world champions has again kindly agreed to attend as a guest of honour and will also present the prizes to the boxers. You can book a ticket, or organise a table for the evening by clicking here http://www.downside-fisher.org/activities/fisher-boxing/boxing-dinner/.

Benedict Bridge (StB’07) tragically died on Friday 1st February 2013. His funeral is to take place on Wednesday 13th February 2013 at St Thomas of Canterbury Roman Catholic Church, Station Rd, Mayfield, East Sussex TN20 6BU at 12.00 noon. His parents would very much like Worthians who were friends of Benedict to attend. Joseph Busuttil (B’06) is helping his sister put together a memory book for Benedict’s family dating back to his time at Vinehall. If anyone would like to share any comments, memories or pictures they will be gratefully received. Please do e-mail them to Joseph @ : jbuz289@gmail.com and he will pass them on to his sister. Our thoughts and prayers are with Benedict’s family at this very sad time.

News Submitted – January 2013

Fra’ Andrew Bertie’s cause for beatification is expected to open next month. Fra’ Andrew was a well loved member of staff who served at Worth for 23 years. He was the first Englishman to be elected to the post of Grand Master in the Order’s 900 year history when he became 78th Grand Master of the Order of Malta – serving in this Rome-based position from 1988 until his death in February 2008 at the age of 78. In an article titled “Zany, Eccentric and With No Aura of Holiness” written by Edward Pentin, he is remembered as a down-to-earth yet eccentric personality, a true gentleman with impeccable manners. You can read the whole article by clicking here.

A charitable fund named the ‘Spirit of Rugby and Sports Prizes Fund’ has been established in fond memory of Glenn Robertson, to which Worthians are welcome to donate. The fund has been named the ‘Spirit of Rugby and Sports Prizes Fund’. Any donations will be very welcome – click here for further details.

Around 400 people braved the snow and ice to make the journey to Worth Abbey on Sunday 20th January 2013 for the Memorial Service of Glenn Robertson who died suddenly on Monday 8th October 2012 while playing golf. He will be remembered by many in his various roles at Worth School between 1970-2005 – particularly as House Master, Rugby Coach and subsequently as Worthians RFC President. Click here to read Peter Dewey’s Eulogy.

Worthian Arthur Russell (C’12) has been awarded a music scholarship for singing and horn. Arthur is in his first year at Heriot Watt studying Engineering. Director of Music at Worth School, Michael Oakley is “absolutely delighted” with this great achievement by his former pupil. Arthur is following in a long line of Worth students who have been awarded scholarships with recent successes including Niamh Fogarty (StM’11) who is a Choral Scholar at University College Dublin, Ben Oakley (F’08) who is a Choral Scholar at King’s College, Cambridge and Tom Wood (B’07) who has just graduated from Magdalen College, Oxford. But, as Mr Oakley points out, this is the first at Heriot Watt.

Worth Abbey welcomed around 200 people to the funeral of Paul Kozary (R’84) on Saturday 12th January 2013 over which Fr Bede Hill presided.

For the third year we welcomed our Worthian Girls back for their annual dinner on Friday 11th January 2013 which took place in the Cowdray Room at Worth. 15 St Mary’s and St Anne’s Leavers were joined by Fr Stephen, Caroline Brown, Julia Cook, Sarah Smith and Louise Taylor for an evening of fine food, fun and frivolity (and a few glasses of wine!).

Around 45 Worthians attended the 2002-2012 Leavers’ Networking Evening on Thursday 10th January 2013 at the Samuel Pepys Bar and Restaurant in London EC4V 3PT. The event was aimed at Worthians seeking guidance on their future career decisions and any who might be thinking of changing career paths. We linked them to some of our Worthian ’movers and shakers’ in the City and business and gave them the opportunity to mingle with one another in an informal setting over a few drinks.

It is with great sadness that we inform you that Paul Kozary (R’84) died on Thursday 3rd January 2013, at the age of 46, after a battle with cancer. His funeral will be held at 2.00pm on Saturday 12th January 2013 at Worth Abbey. Fr Bede Hill will be celebrating the Service and Worthians are welcome to attend. Paul will be sorely missed by his family and friends and remembered by the many Worthians involved in Worthians RFC. He was a true supporter of the Club and a very kind man who was always keen to help the younger players, both on the pitch and in their careers. Our thoughts and prayers are with Paul’s family at this very sad time.

News Submitted – December 2012

On Friday 7th December, Worth School was privileged to welcome the return of esteemed actor and Worthian, Robert Bathurst (R’75). The Performing Arts Centre was filled to capacity with students, teachers and members of the monastic community to listen to Robert’s lecture on his ‘Life as an Actor’. He spoke of some of the home truths about acting and his personal journey from reading Law at Cambridge to finding his true calling as an actor. As well as exposing his audience to the reality of acting, Robert spoke about other careers that surround the profession, highlighting that being an actor is not the only piece of the performance industry puzzle. He called on members of the school to help him demonstrate the important role that the audience plays during a theatrical performance. In a brief hour, Robert managed to epitomise the life of an actor as well as recalling his own experiences of performing as a student in the Assembly room – known today as the Whitehead Room – where he believes his acting journey began.

We were delighted to welcome Matthew Doggett (F’07), Harry Fisher (B’81), James Griffith (B’72), Joshua Hardwick (C’08) and Tom Lewis (G’05) to our first Worthians Squash fixture for the 12/13 academic year, which took place on Saturday 1st December 2012. The afternoon kicked off at 12.00 noon with a buffet lunch in the Cowdray Room, followed by matches against the School team from 1.00pm. Joshua summed up the afternoon saying, ” Thanks for a great weekend. Was lovely being back, even for such a brief time – hopefully see you again in March.” (Interested in playing at our next fixture on Sunday 24th March 2013? Then please do contact Olivia Henley at : worthsociety@worth.org.uk).

News Submitted – November 2012

We were delighted to welcome back to Worth School on Friday 23rd November, Worthian Dr Austen Ivereigh (G’84), who gave a presentation to pupils entitled ‘Catholic Voices’. He joined pupils, staff and members of the Monastery for supper after the presentation.

Worth School and Worth Abbey are seeking to appoint a dynamic individual to the position of Director of Finance and Operations. This new role is reflective of the school’s growth and transformation into a thriving co-educational school of 600 pupils and it also reflects the continued close working relationship between the School and the Abbey. Should you know of anyone who may be interested in this position, we would be grateful if you would bring this exciting opportunity to their attention. Further details concerning the job specification and the appointment process are available from Liz Amos Associates, the appointed search consultant for Worth School. Please contact Mary Deegan on : Mary.Deegan@lizamosassociates.com or telephone her on : +44 20 7884 9201. More information is available at www.lizamosassociates.com. The closing date for applications is close of business Monday 10th December.

Tom Hammond-Davies (C’03) is conducting The Blenheim Singers & International Baroque Players in Handel’s Messiah in the opulent surroundings of The Orangery at Blenheim Palace on Sunday 2nd December 2012. The performance starts at 6pm and is in aid of Cancer Research UK. Tickets, which are priced at £40 and include mulled wine and mince pies, are available from the Box Office at: www.musicatoxford.com/Concerts/Events1213/BlenheimSingers.html. Do visit the website for further information : www.blenheimsingers.com.

Robert Bathurst (R’75), who many of you will have seen starring in recent television dramas including Downton Abbey, Wild at Heart and The Pillars of the Earth – has informed us that he is touring in Blue/Orange which is playing at the Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1QJ this week and over the weekend. Discounted tickets are available – students @ £5.00; others @ £11.00 – at the links below, should anyone be in London and wishes to go and see the show. Tess Ryan (StM’11) e-mailed us to say “I was lucky enough to see Blue/Orange in York a few weeks ago and Robert Bathurst was absolutely fantastic - I’d recommend it to all!” :

Student Discount Offer To book the £5 student offer, you will need to enter the promo code : STUDY5 and show student ID when you collect the tickets from the Box Office. You can book on www.atgtickets.com/shows/richmond-theatre/ or over the phone at the Richmond Theatre on: 0844 871 7651.
£11.00 Discount Offer To book the £11.00 tickets, visit this link: http://store.ambassadortickets.com/gateway.aspx?E=N&QL=S8670|W3280|VRIC|GShowDatesCombo.aspx.

Robert Bathurst (R’75) has told us about a radio series being broadcast on Sunday evenings that is written by Arthur Matthews (who wrote Father Ted) and is set in the BBC in the 1930s. It’s a ‘good fun’ sitcom worth listening to called “The Golden Age” and last Sunday’s episode is available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01nt07r.

The Memorial Service for Glenn Robertson is taking place at 2.00pm on Sunday 20th January 2013 at Worth Abbey Church. Worthians are most welcome to attend.

News Submitted – October 2012

Paddy Lynch (C’92) and Bill McNamee (StB’92) did a sterling job in rallying their peers for their 20-Year Reunion which took place on Saturday 27th October 2012 in the Upstairs Room at The Antelope Pub, 22 Eaton Terrace, Sloane Square, London, SW1W 8EZ. Fr Luke and Jeremy Dowling joined 17 of the ‘Class of 1987-92′ for the gathering, which started at 2.00pm and carried on late into the night!

The members of the Music department were delighted to welcome Ashley Beauchamp (’12) back to Worth School on Sunday 21st October to perform Grieg’s Piano Concerto on the School’s brand new Kawai RX7 Concert Grand Piano. Ashley was a Music Scholar when he was at Worth – he had Grade 8 Piano under his belt at the age of 14 and achieved a distinction in Grade 8 Organ earlier this year.

It is with great sadness that we inform you that Glenn Robertson died suddenly on Monday 8th October 2012, while playing golf. He will be sorely missed and remembered by many of you in his various roles at Worth School between 1970-2005 – particularly as House Master, Rugby Coach and subsequently as Worthians RFC President. We will let Worthians know once we have been informed of funeral arrangements or a possible memorial service. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very sad time.

News Submitted – September 2012

Neil Laughton (C’82), Matthew Brown (C’82), Giles Hamilton (B’82), Jamie O’Meara (R’82) and Crispin Hayhoe (StB’92) were the valiant organisers of the 30-Year Reunion for the ‘Class of 1977-82′. 21 of them met up for drinks and canapes at Quo Vadis, 26-29 Dean Street, London W1 on Thursday 20th September. They were joined by Keith Owers and some brought their wives along to join in on the fun.

Fr Luke has provided us with an update on news within the Monastery which we thought might be of interest to Worthians. There are now 22 Monks in residence and 24 in total. Br Gabriel Dobson and Br David Jarmy are Juniors in the Community. Br Gabriel made his Solemn Vows in September 2011 while Br David is due to make his Solemn Vows in September 2013. Abbot Kevin is attending the four yearly Congress in Rome of all Benedictine Abbots from around the world in September 2012. Fr Martin has stepped down as School Chaplain after 11 years and is currently having a sabbatical while Fr Peter has taken over as the new School Chaplain. Fr Christopher continues his role as Director of the National Office of Vocation, for the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

Chris Kellaway (B’02) was the sole organiser of his year group’s 10-Year Reunion gathering for the ‘Class of 1997-2002′ and what a fantastic job he did. Over 30 of them met up for lunch at Belgo, 50 Earlham Street, Covent Garden, London WC2 on Saturday 15th September. They were joined by Guy Teasdale and Fr Thomas from Worth and had a great afternoon together.

Congratulations to Rob Stewart (B’99) who married Sally Weigh on Friday 7th September at Combermere Abbey in South Cheshire. They were married by Fr Stephen who is Rob’s godfather and longtime friend of Rob’s father and Worthian, Andy (B’72).

On the very first Sunday of the new academic year – we welcomed both Worthians RFC and Worthian Girls’ Hockey teams back to Worth for an afternoon of sport. The Worthians RFC ‘youngies’ challenged the ’oldies’ to a hard-fought rugby match which saw the ‘oldies’ winning 29-24 in the dying seconds (the final three tries were scored in the last 10 minutes). Meanwhile, down on the Astroturf the Worthian girls had a very good match against the School team and were delighted to win the match 2-1. Everyone then joined forces for match tea in the Pavilion.

News Submitted – August 2012

Ben Babington (G’96) and Susanna welcomed their first child on the 20th August 2012 who they have called Jack Charles Alastair. He weighed in at 9lb 2oz and Ben reckons that he’s already eyeing up his place in the Worth Rugby 1st XV!

David Lean’s 1945 film “Brief Encounter” received five Oscar nominations and won Grand Prize at Cannes. It was originally performed as a stage play, by Noel Coward, in 1936 called ”Still Life” which captured the passion and pain of a secret love affair between a middle class couple called Alec and Laura. Dead Posh productions – a student theatre company from Warwick University – put on a revival of this, their dubut play, at The Edinburgh Festival this year in which Worthian, Katharine Farmer (StA’11), portrayed Laura.

As NASA’s Curiosity rover successfully touched down on Mars – USC professors were awarded a highly prestigious Phase 2 NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Research Award to develop new robotic construction technologies for building structures on the Moon and Mars. One of these professors is Worthian, Neil Leach (G’76). The project is based onthe concept of ‘In Situ Resource Utilisation’ (ISRU) and seeks to use resources that are readily available on the Moon and Mars as construction materials for novel robotic construction technologies in order to build infrastructural elements - such as roads, landing pads, blast walls and storage spaces.

News Submitted – July 2012

We have three Worthians who are celebrating the arrival of babies during July. David Matthews (B’01) and Alessandra welcomed their first child, Sophia Rose on the 15th July; Paul Radziwill (C’88) and Eloise welcomed their fourth, a daughter who they have called Willow Frances Rose and David Ponsford (B’96) and Victoria welcomed Scarlet Victoria on the 13th July.

Congratulations to James Crookenden (StB’99) on his engagement to Holly Marriott-Smalley on the 14th July 2012.

There was a huge contingent of Worthians present at the marriage of Lorenzo Curci (B’00) to Araminta on Saturday 21st July 2012 in Porto Ercole, Italy. Hugo Sanders (R’00) and Alastair Stirling (B’00) shared the honour of being ‘joint’ Best Men. Also tying the knot during July were Mike Matthews (B’99) to Sarah on Saturday 7th, John-Henry Wicks (G’00) to Rhiannon on Saturday 14th and Bill McNamee (StB’92) to Pauline on Friday 20th.

News Submitted – June 2012

We were delighted to welcome back to Worth School six Worthians in support of the School’s annual Careers Fair which took place on Saturday 16th June 2012. They accounted for more than half of the total number of speakers. Tom Butter (B’04) spoke about his career at Accenture; both Dan Hyde (StB’05) who works for the Daily Mail and James Longman (B’05) who works for the BBC provided fascinating insights into the worlds of media and journalism; Robert Birchall (R’01) spoke about his life as a lawyer; James D’Arcy (StB’02) shared his experiences in the insurance world as a member of the graduate scheme at Marsh Risk Consulting and Luca Belpassi (G’01) offered insights into careers in the financial services industry. They receive our wholehearted thanks!

There hasn’t been a single week in June 2012 when a Worthian wedding hasn’t taking place – we have a magnificent six to report. Sir Peter Jonas (G’64) to Barbara on Friday 1st, James Lynch (StB’94) to Sinead on Wednesday 6th, Alex Bone (R’00) to Nicola on Friday 8th, Mark Churchman (C’02) to Christina on Saturday 16th, Ollie Barnett (StB’98) to Rachel on Saturday 23rd, Charles Gairdner (StB’01) to Penny on Saturday 30th June. Our heartfelt congratulations to all of you.

We also have two engagements – Ronan O’Kelly (StB’02) to Catherine Newton on the 8th June and Liam Naidoo (C’97) to Eilis Mulkerrin on the 9th June! Many congratulations to both couples.

Congratulations to James Crofton (B’95) and Kate whose son, Theodore Jameson Flanagan, arrived into the world on the 29th May 2012 weighing in at 9lb 9oz.

News Submitted – May 2012

On Saturday 26th May we had the huge privilege of welcoming back 25 Worthians who had attended Worth Prep School in the 1940s and 1950s. They returned to Worth for the Jubilee Jamboree – the majority having been at Worth both for the Queen’s ascension to the throne and her Coronation. We organised a special reunion for them all in the Cowdray Room (formerly the Monks Refectory) where they enjoyed a champagne reception with canapés followed by a buffet lunch in the company of Monks from the Monastery and particularly Abbot Kevin and Fr Stephen who they remembered so well. Lunch was followed by a tour around the grounds and Abbey with Fr Stephen and six girls from St Mary’s. You only had to listen to the noise levels to know how much they enjoyed the day and this wonderful opportunity to catch up with old friends. It was a truly memorable day for us all. Click here to see the List of Attendees.

Our heartfelt congratulations to Linda and Ben Hancock (G’90) whose second child - a son, Walter Henry Petre – was born on the 22^nd May 2012. At the time of writing his sister, Daphne, was just about to visit the hospital to meet Walter for the first time.

Paddy Johnson (B’06) is running the BUPA 10k on Sunday 27^th May 2012 in aid of BookAid International, a charity for which he volunteers. Anyone who remembers Paddy will realise what a huge undertaking this is for him as, in his own words; “Anyone who remembers me from school will no doubt be speechless to hear about my participation, as I had such a vehement aversion to all things athletic (apart from fencing)!” . Paddy decided to challenge himself personally in a way he has never done before because, through his work, he has got involved with BookAid international and has found them to be truly inspiring in their work. The charity promotes literacy and education in the developing world through local partnerships and investment in books, libraries and educational schemes. If you would like to support Paddy and help him towards his £250 target, you will find his fundraising page at : http://justgiving.com/paddyrunsforbooks.

On Saturday 2nd June 2012, Chris Napleton (C’11) is setting off with his brother, Richard Legg, on an epic 2,300 mile, 23-day cycle ride from Paris to Istanbul. Meanwhile, two others, Worthian, Benedict Smith (C’11) and Jacob Woods-Maher will undertake the challenge of putting on 100 exhibitions across 20 countries as part of the “Have you Seen Bob?” global photographic project. The exhibitions will feature the work of the hundreds of photographers from around the world who have contributed to the project. All this will be in aid of the British Red Cross to support the cause and raise awareness of the amazing work they do across the world. If you would like to find out more, do visit their Facebook page at : http://www.facebook.com/#!/haveyouseenbob. And if you’re interested in supporting or sponsoring the project, please get in touch with Chris at : napleton14@btinternet.com.

Old Farwellians attended Farwell’s 10th Anniversary Party which took place on Friday 11th May in the Pit Stop Cafe at Worth School. We welcomed back Tom Ballard (’07), James Goodall (’04), Oliver Jacobs (’10), Andrew Kersey (’04), Tom McConnell (’05), Max Watson (’05) and Simon Westley (’04), who joined around 200 guests for an evening of celebration comprising a buffet and drinks. Duncan Pring, House Master since Farwell’s launch in 2002, hosted the evening which was also attended by past and present Farwellians, their parents, Head Master Gino Carminati, members of staff and the Monastery. Simon Westley wrote: “It was a great experience coming back to a place that was like a home to us all, and meeting Duncan Pring again reminded us why we all so enjoyed our time at Farwell House.”

Our congratulations to Louis Pitto (B’01) and Gianna on the birth of their daughter, Gianella Anna Pitto on the 3rd December 2011 – a sister for four year old Louis.

Worth has had a wonderful response from Old Gregorians (OGs) who attended Worth Junior School in 1952 and 1953 – covering the years the Queen ascended the throne and her coronation - inviting them to attend a reunion of their peers at the Worth Jubilee Jamboree. Click here to see the list of OGs who have been in touch with us about the reunion – and we would be delighted to welcome other OGs who were at Worth Prep School in 1952 and 1953. If you’re interested in finding out more, then please contact Olivia Henley, Society Manager at worthsociety@worth.org.uk and Sara Barclay Hudson, Co-Chair, Friends of Worth, at sbh0369@yahoo.com. The Jubilee Jamboree is being organised by the Friends of Worth to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and takes place at Worth School on Saturday 26 May from 12 noon until 4pm. The event will bring together the whole Worth School community for a giant street party-style day, with many traditional attractions.

News Submitted – March 2012

If the idea of an afternoon on the Mercedes-Benz World test circuit at Brooklands appeals to you – then why not get a team of 4-5 of you together and enter the Henry Surtees Brooklands Team Challenge Event? This 2-hour endurance race is taking place during the afternoon of Wednesday 4th July 2012 and is a charity fund-raising event, in aid of the Henry Surtees Foundation. It is being organised by John Surtees, father of the late Henry Surtees (C’09), and the racing will be followed by a champagne reception, prize-giving and interviews. The entry cost per team is £1,000. For further information about the event, do visit : www.daytona.co.uk.

Congratulations to Ewan Ward-Thomas (B’77) who married Beatrice de Cizancourt on Saturday 17th March 2012 in London. They will be dividing their time between living in London and France.

News from Jake Ambridge’s (C’07) parents – Paul and Ali – to tell us that the Wellcome Trust has awarded Jake a £5,000 bursary and all fees covered to spend a year doing Veterinary Pathology at the Royal Veterinary College. He will graduate in Veterinary Pathology at the end of this academic year, before finishing the last three years of his Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine degree. This is a great achievement as only nine people from all over Europe are selected for this course, and only five bursaries are offered.

Further news from Paul and Ali Ambridge to let us know that Tom Ballard (F’07) got accepted to study Law following his first degree at Durham University.

Andrew Cloud (B’00) has just told us about the launch of his new website which aims to help people learn about different jobs so they are better prepared to choose a career and gear their current learning and attitude appropriately. The website is called www.JobAdviceRoom.com and is well worth a visit. If any Worthian is interested in adding an entry to the site, then Andrew would very much like to hear from you at : Andrew@JobAdviceRoom.com.

We welcomed around 35 Worthians back to Worth on Sunday 18th March 2012 for our fourth annual Football Tournament (click here to see List of Attendees) and our second Squash fixture for the 2011-12 season (click here to see List of Attendees). Thanks to the sterling efforts of Andrew Taylor for football and Jeremy Dowling for squash, a great afternoon was had by all. In the football tournament, the School 1st XI beat the Worthian U21s to retain the Henry Surtees Memorial Trophy, while both Worthian teams and the Staff played in a Round Robin tournament. The Under 21s beat the Staff 1-0; the Over 21s beat the Under 21s 2-0; and the Over 21s beat the Staff team 5-2. Over on the Squash courts, Desmond Calnan’s (R’69) 25+ years additional experience evidently worked in his favour with the pre-2000 leavers coming out on top and Desmond as the overall winner. Paddy Keane (R’94) came second and Richard Stephens (C’02) third. Everyone gathered for Match Tea in the Pitstop following the matches and John Surtees, father of the late Henry Surtees (C’09), kindly came along to present the Henry Surtees Memorial Tropy to the School 1st XI. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributing to a really great afternoon.

We were absolutely delighted to welcome 58 to the 2012 City Lunch – 50 Worthians and 8 Honorary Members and guests – which was held on Thursday 1st March at Vivat Bacchus in the City of London. If the noise levels at the Event itself – and the feedback that we have received following it - were anything to go by, then it was an afternoon enjoyed by everyone who attended. Click here to see the List of Attendees. We are hoping to find a venue next year that will be able to accommodate greater numbers, so we will no longer need to operate a waiting list.

The Friends of Worth have just announced plans for their next big event – the Jubilee Jamboree will celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee and is taking place on Saturday 26th May 2012 at Worth School from 12 noon to 4pm. This giant street party-style day will have many traditional attractions, musical entertainment , a beer and pimms tent, tea tent, and some high octane rides for those with strong stomachs! There will also be a huge hog roast and BBQ and lots of family-friendly stalls for all ages to enjoy. Worthians and their families are most welcome to come along and join in the fun.

Worthian, Nick Barnett (G’73), has commissioned a beautiful pendant as a memento of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee. Exclusive to his company, HandMadeJewels, the design has been approved by the Office of the Lord Chamberlain. It can be made in platinum, 18ct gold, or silver and can be diamond set – as shown in the photograph. Although shown here as a pendant, it can also be made as a brooch or cufflinks. For more images and information do click on : http://handmadejewels.co.uk/2011/12/the-queens-diamond-jubilee.

Jonathan Palmer Brown is a Worth School parent and is Chairman of the Board of CAFOD – the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development. CAFOD has recently been awarded UK Aid Match Funding – which means that the Government will match pound-for-pound every gift CAFOD receives for its Lent appeal. Whether you are a long-time supporter of CAFOD or hearing about this for the first time, please do visit their website at : http://www.cafod.org.uk/give where you can find out more about how access to water can change the lives of some of the world’s poorest people, and how your support can help make that change.

The Downside Fisher Annual Boxing Dinner is the major annual fund raising event for the Downside Fisher Youth Cub. It is a black tie event and is taking place on Wednesday 18th April 2012 at the Troxy – a 1930s art deco former cinema close to Limehouse DLR. The evening is a display of amateur boxing at its very best and is an excellent way of supporting a charity that has been active in a deprived area of London for over a century. Attendees will be met with a welcome drink, followed by a 3-course meal and then treated to a demonstration of street dancing and entertainment by members of the youth club, followed by the boxers’ parade and around 10 bouts of three rounds involving both junior and senior boxers. The evening will be rounded off with a charity auction. Former world champions Terry Downes and Lloyd Honeyghan, who learned their boxing skills as members of the Fisher Amateur Boxing Club, will be Guests of Honour. You can book a ticket or organise a table for the evening by visiting : Boxing Dinner 2012 Booking Form

News Submitted – February 2012

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of Robert Döry (StB’68), aged 61 years. Robert was found at his home on Tuesday 14th February 2012. His funeral is to be held at 11.00am on Wednesday 14th March 2012 at the Brompton Oratory, Brompton Road, London SW7 2RP. Should anyone wish to write to Robert’s sister, Katrina Rose, her address is : Vale do Lobo, Apartado 579, 813-034 Almancil, Algarve, Portugal.

Our congratulations to John-Henry Wicks (G’00) who proposed to Rhiannon Tracy on the 12th December 2011 in Rome. They will be marrying on the 14^th July 2012 in Edinburgh and Olly Parry (StB’00) is to be be joint best man.

Our congratulations to James Lynch (StB’94) who is engaged to Sinéad O’Driscoll. James proposed on New Year’s Eve 2011 and they are hoping to get married at Worth during the summer of 2012.

News Submitted – January 2012

Congratulations to Hugh Bett (B’73) and Tom Carew Hunt (S’02) who represented Worthians at Real Tennis in the 2012 Schools Old Boys’ Doubles Championships on the weekend of the 21st-22nd January 2012. They reached the final of the Henry Leaf Cup Handicap Division. The Worthians were defeated in the final 10-7 by Radley. On their way through, Hugh and Tom overcame stiff competition from Marlborough, Harrow and Bradford Grammar School. In the main draw, the two Worthians bowed out at the Quarter Final stage, beaten by the eventual winners, Charterhouse.

Congratulations to Tom Mitchell (F’07) - who is in the news once again! – having stepped up from England Students and FIRA series to make his debut for Rugby England Sevens in the next two legs of the HSBC Sevens World Series. He is to play in the forthcoming tournaments taking place in Wellington, New Zealand on the 3rd and 4th February 2012, and Las Vegas, USA on the 10th and 12th February 2012. For further information visit : http://www.rfu.com/News/2012/January/NewsArticles/180112_sevens_squad.aspx

Our New Year was heralded by the girls – as we welcomed back to Worth 25 of our 2010 and 2011 Worthian Girl Leavers for their second ‘house-style’ supper in the Cowdray Room on Friday 6th January. It was a noisy, joyful affair enjoyed by all who attended.

We are very sad to report the death of Oxford Councillor Roger Belson (R’67). He died on Monday 26^th December 2011, aged 62 years.

We are delighted to have found a new venue for the 2012 Worth Society City Lunch which can facilitate the additional numbers increasingly attracted to this annual event. It is to be held at Vivat Bacchus, 47 Farringdon Street, Holborn, London, EC4A 4LL : www.vivatbacchus.co.uk on Thursday 1st March 2012. The City Lunch offers an ideal opportunity for Worthians to catch up with old friends, to network and meet other co-Worthians for the first time. Every year we welcome attendees who represent every decade – ranging from the 1950s to 2000s. So why not come and join us? For more information contact Olivia Henley at : worthsociety@worth.org.uk.

Worthian Tom Mitchell (F’07) was one of the stars of the show for Oxford University as they won the 130th Varsity Match at Twickenham Stadium on Thursday 8th December 2011. In his first game against Cambridge, Tom scored a crucial second half try to steer the Dark Blues to a notable 28-10 victory. Tom is reading for a PGC in Historial Studies at Oxford, having already earned a BA in English and Philosophy at Bristol University.