JANUARY OD LUNCH
 
Our first function of the decade is a lunch on 31st January. Ashley Pople, the first non-Bishops and female recipient of the Diocesan College Rhodes Scholarship will be our guest speaker.

Ashley is currently completing her doctorate in development economics at Oxford and will talk about her experiences at Oxford, the benefits of the Rhodes Scholarship and the need for many more development economists to tackle the challenges, threats and opportunities of marginalised  nations, economies and societies being left behind in the increasingly capitalist world.

I would really urge you to come along to listen to this very impressive young lady.

The cost is £45 per person which includes the lunch and all drinks. To RSVP, please click
HERE.

 
In this Newsletter...
(click on a topic to go to it directly)
 
  Lunch with Ashley Pople
Welcome
OD Cross-Country Results
Founders Day with Francois Louw
News from the ODU
Bishops and the golden age of letter writing
  ODs in Scotland
Sportable  - an all-Bishops affair
UK ODU 2020 Carol Service
News from Bishops
Dates for the Diary
Dear OD

A very happy new year (and decade) to you. May 2020 be happy, peaceful and healthy.

When, over six years ago, I started in this non. sec. role, I wondered what the ODU's purpose. Not so much what it does (the obvious social and sports' stuff), but why it does what it does. The UK branch today, with the terrific interest, engagement and support (all much higher than any other branch) of many ODs up here, does a lot - but to what end?

Our branch has built relationships with six like-minded alumni associations (Eton, Haileybury, Wellington, Tonbridge, Uppingham and now Rugby) and it is the Old Etonian Association which seems to me to have got this right. 

For them, it's about purposefully connecting old boys with each other (and the school) for their mutual benefit. The ODs could and should have a formidable network through which ODs across the board look for and welcome opportunities to assist each other. The days of the ODU being an events organisation - enjoyable as these are - are, in this age of social media, over. ODs can do that for themselves. But what the ODU can do which, generally, ODs on their own can't is bring together ODs of all years so that networks can be deepened and strengthened. Younger ODs, with a beer in hand, should be using events and functions to actively meet and build relationships with those older than themselves to leverage their experience and contacts rather than sticking together with contemporaries who they can meet anytime, anywhere, anyway.

Surely this is the real value/purpose of the ODU. Events are the means to this end and the ODU the enabler. 

As my chum from the Old Etonian Association says, if at an OEA event 1,000 business cards don't change hands, they consider the event a failure!

So this year I would urge you to attend the functions, not just because they are, hopefully, fun and interesting, but because they are helpful in strengthening your network and meeting other ODs who could be useful too. Bring your business cards!

And on that note, the first two events of the year are a lunch with Ashley Pople, the first non-Bishops (and female)  recipient of the Bishops Rhodes Scholarship which takes place at the end of this month (see elsewhere in this letter) and an evening with Francois Louw who will be sharing his experiences of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in a Founders Day event on the evening of 4th March.

While (still!) in Cape Town, four of my year (1973) met up for a drink with Andrew Pycroft (F, 1973) who is the Match Referee for the 2019/2020 England SA Cricket Test Series. In the picture on the right are Tony McKeever (W), your secretary (F), Tim Chase (G), Niall Brown (G) and Andrew.

Congratulations to James Inglis (F, 2005) and Emily on the birth in October last year of their 2036 Bishops Matric Dance partner, Ivy (see left). We wish them joy and health.

As always, I would love to hear news for UK ODs so please don't be modest about sharing your news and considerable successes. Or using this letter to reach out to other ODs.




Kindest regards

Nicky Bicket
(m: 07818014394)
OD CROSS-COUNTRY RUNNERS DO US PROUD
 
The Thames Hare & Hounds Alumni Cross-Country is the oldest, largest and probably wettest alumni cross-country event in the UK. For four years, the ODs have entered a team and for four years have distinguished themselves against very stiff competition over a very muddy course in a most enjoyable race.

On 14th December last year, suffering some last minute drop-outs, the team finished a creditable 20th (out of 48) before retiring to rehydrate in a nearby pub. Slightly off our usual performance (running, not rehydrating) but pretty good. 

Our captain, Rowan Nicholls (O, 2010) reports: "I come bearing a quick report-back from the intrepid OD cross-country runners. A spate of last-minute drop-outs meant we only had 4 athletes arrive on the day, but that’s enough for a full team so we were still in with a chance of victory! While there was no rain like there was last year, the ground was muddier underfoot which created some treacherously slippery patches. Of course, the Bishops Boys were not fazed by these risks and threw themselves into the fray with scant regard for life or limb. The results will only be released in the next few days but I suspect the Brits will have doctored them and Bishops will be ranked about 15 places lower than we deserve. The usual post-race recovery clinic - The Telegraph pub - has closed down so we ventured into Wimbledon proper for a change. Special mention to Gordy (Gordon Robinson, F, 1990) who finally, after four years of trying, made the Bishops 1st IV team (your first 4 runners across the line are defined as your first team for scoring purposes)."

Full results
HERE. The OD team code is BCTSA

In the photo above from left to right: Robert Brink (K, 2013), Rowan Nicholls (O, 2010), Gordon Robinson (F, 1990) and Caelim Parkes (O, 1990)

Well done, chaps!!

I'd encourage as many ODs as possible to get into training right now for this year's race. Having overtaken Dulwich, Marlborough and Stowe, Eton, Oundle, Ampleforth and Winchester know we're after them. Rowan is the man to suck up to to ensure selection. His email address is: 
rowan.charles.nicholls@gmail.com.

 
FOUNDERS DAY COMMEMORATION WITH FRANCOIS LOUW
 
To commemorate Founders Day (which is on Friday March 6th) Francois Louw (W, 2003) will share his experiences of South Africa's triumphant 2019 Rugby World Cup at an informal evening on Wednesday 4th March in London (venue to be confirmed).

Francois, a stalwart of the Bath rugby club, retired from international rugby after the 2019 RWC. He will also be reflecting on his rugby-playing life and the future of rugby as a career.

It is essential that you reserve your place. There will be a £20 charge for the evening, but all house wine,beer and soft drinks are complimentary.

To RSVP, please click HERE.

 
NEWS FROM THE ODU
#odsabroadmatter

 
You may have read towards the end of last year that there have been changes to the staffing at The Mitre: Nicole Durand (right, at last year's annual dinner) who for several years has filled the role of ODU Administrator resigned her position to concentrate on her new husband, Grant Little, who she married in December. She is also going to be focusing on her masters. We send her lots of love and good wishes for her new life with Grant and luck for the completion of her degree. And, of course, huge thanks for her great contribution to the ODU.

 
Dedry Weich will be managing the administration and events functions and Jeremy Ryall (F, 2014) will be running the communication portfolio.

Last night, the first of two SGMs was held to vote on changes to the ODU Constitution. These were: (one) that all ODs regardless of whether they are paid-up members of the ODU should be allowed to vote on ODU matters and (two) all ODs, regardless of whether they are present at ODU meetings will be entitled to vote on issues tabled, wherever in the world they were. 

Both were adopted. The second resolution opens up voting (and therefore influence) on matters concerning the ODU to ODs who live outside the Cape Town postcodes (previously an OD had to be at the meeting to vote). Details of how this will work will be circulated shortly.

Now, as a UK-based OD, you will be able to have your views heard and your votes count!

The second SGM which takes place on the 12th February will seek support for the amendment that proposes that Committee members are elected for one year only and that they would need re-election to serve another term.
 
ODs IN SCOTLAND
 
Putting aside the question of IndyRef2 (as Boris Johnson just has), the ODU decades ago foresaw the divide between Scotland and the rest of the UK and set up a separate branch there. Robert Murray (S, 1968) is the ringmaster and is doing wonderful things for  Scotland-based ODs. He writes: "I am hoping to get together an OD lunch in Scotland in the new year. I am trying to gather as many ODs as possible. First, to list the current contactable Scottish ODs: Michael Bands, David Bowie, Craig Eriksen, Rob Hollingdale, Frans Kooy, Peter MacMorland, Tim Rideout, Dalene Swanson, Calum Wehmeyer and Peredur Williams. Previously listed but no longer in contact: Joe Carson (1987), Pete Gottgens (1980), Chris Hunneyball (1954, moved to England), Peter McLaren (1970), Rob Craig (1997), NRH (Roland) Aldworth, Anton Krause, Sam Newman. Possibly in Scotland but no contact made: Pete Smith (1984), Charles Canning (1989), Cameron Black (2002), Robert Wakeling (1969).

"If any ODs know the contact details of those above or any others in Scotland who have gone AWOL, or ODs in Scotland but not mentioned above, please could you let me know at robert.eyedoc@doctors.org.uk

"Last Saturday evening (7/12/19) Keith Richardson (O, 1968) was visiting classmate Frans Kooy (O, 1968) and they kindly invited me along to a dinner in Edinburgh. Just happens we were all three in the 1968 matric class. Keith is a past headmaster of Wynberg Boys High School (and now head of Springfield Convent in Wynberg). He is in the UK on behalf of the Abe Bailey Trust, and told me that "The Abe Bailey tour has been going annually since 1952, taking 18 post graduates to Ethiopia and the UK, in order to foster a respect and appreciation of the culture of other young South Africans, as well as creating an awareness of English culture".

"The pic shows, from L to R, Keith, Robert, Frans.
 
"All the best for 2020"

 
INNOVATION - AND AN ALL-BISHOPS AFFAIR
 
Dugald Macdonald (S, 2005) writes:

"I wanted to reach out and share some great progress that Pete and I have made with our company,
Sportable. Here is some background on the company and our story in getting to where we are today.

"Sportable was founded by Dugald Macdonald and Pete Husemeyer (S, 2005) two old friends from Cape Town South Africa. 

"We were actually born two days apart in the same hospital in Morningside Clinic Johannesburg! We both then reconnected at Bishops in School House. From there we both went to UCT and on to the UK to do our post-grads at Oxford and Cambridge respectively. 

"The idea for Sportable came when Pete was working for NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. During his down time he watched a lot of sport, particularly contact sports, and was struck by the lack of accurate and relevant data for the viewing experience. Struck by this problem, Pete approached Dugald and together they set out to develop a new way to capture accurate, sports specific data and to bring a new level of analysis to the sports they loved. 

"Today we are a team full-time team of 20 in Old St and boast some fantastic firsts for our industry and a growing list of big brand names as clients (Saracens, ITV, Sky). 

"Mike Cockburn (F, 2006) has also joined the team as our Commercial Director so it's an all Bishops affair!  

"Here is a great article from Forbes yesterday and another from The Economist last week.


https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevemccaskill/2019/11/19/could-rugbyxs-smart-ball-solve-soccers-var-woes/#1c263596e4c2

https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2019/11/14/sensors-data-and-the-self-policing-rugby-match

I am visiting the Company on 30th January at 11am. If anyone would like to join me, please let me know.

We wish our boys well in this very exciting and promising venture.
 
To see the photos from the 2019 year-end party (and all photos and reports for events and functions since 2014) please click HERE
2020 UK OD CAROL SERVICE
 
    Last month I was fortunate to be invited to the Old Rugbeian Service of Nine Lessons and Carols which was held in the church of All Saints Margaret Street just behind Oxford Street. It was beautifully traditional service packed with ORs and their families (including children). The photo above is from the service.

It set me thinking that the tradition of the Nine Lessons and Carols at Bishops - started in 1935 by Doc Brown - is one held dear in the memories of many ODs. And that perhaps, as near as possible, we should "experiment" with recreating a Bishops carol service in London.

The idea would be to hold a dedicated ODU carol service at All Saints Margaret Street in early-December on a weekday evening and encourage as many ODs and their families to attend and by singing many of the traditional carols, make it as child-friendly as possible.

The UK ODs don't have a choir but we do have composers who have written carols and organists (All Saints Margaret Street has a magnificent organ). With our Oxbridge ODs and/or other choristers, we may be able to "outsource" choral singing to one of the College choirs, joined by ODs who might relish the opportunity to relive their golden days of vocal excellence. The service would be led by an OD cleric and the lessons and prayers would be read by ODs. Mulled wine and mince pies afterwards, of course.

What do you think? To help me plan for this - or drop the idea - please could you indicate your level of support (not a commitment) by clicking on the appropriate link below.
 
Not Interested   Could be interested   Interested   Lets do it

Return to the contents list
Bishops produced another fantastic set of results in the 2019 NSC examinations. The letter from the Principal, Guy Pearson, sets out the main achievements. See HERE.

Our congratulations go to the boys as well as the staff who prepared them so well for these exams.

These results come on top of the outstanding awards garnered International Independent Schools Public Speaking Competition in October/November last year. Six of our boys participated in the International Independent Schools Public Speaking Competition, bringing home seven trophies including the Best International Speaker for the second year running, and the Interpretive Reading section. Bishops came second overall out of upward of 80 of the top independent schools in North America, as well schools from Hong Kong, China, South Korea, England, India, Bermuda, among others.

 
BISHOPS AND THE GOLDEN AGE OF LETTER WRITING
 
This is a letter which appeared in the December 1942 issue of the Bishops Magazine. It was written be a standard nine (grade eleven) boy to thank the mothers who assisted with the Boys' Fete which raised money for the war effort. It was, clearly, a time when letter-writing was alive, well and poetic. It doesn't really work as an email or Whatsapp message.

 
2019/20 DATES FOR THE DIARY
As always, wives and partners most welcome to all events and functions
_________________________________________

Friday 31st January, 2020
12.30pm-2.30pm

Lunch with Ashley Pople
(Bishops first non-Bishops Rhodes Scholarship winner)
The Carlton Club
69 St James's Street, London, SW1A 1PJ

RSVP 
HERE
_________________________________________

Wednesday 4th March
6.30pm-9pm

Founders Day Drinks with Francois Louw
(venue to be confirmed)

RSVP
HERE

_________________________________________

Friday 19th June 2020
18h30-midnight

The 2020 UK Annual Black-tie Dinner
The Carlton Club
69 St James's Street, London, SW1A 1PJ

SAVE THE DATE!!!!!

_________________________________________

Saturday 17th October 2020
12.15pm-3.00pm

Annual Oxfordshire Pub Lunch
The Bell at Hampton Poyle, OX5 2QD

SAVE THE DATE!!!!!
_________________________________________
 
Copyright © 2020 UK ODU, All rights reserved.


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