SEPTEMBER 2018
IN THIS EDITION:
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PUB LUNCH IN OXFORDSHIRE
Saturday 6th October
 

 

Dear ODs

Last night we were privileged to listen to a particularly interesting - and well-attended - talk by John Wyatt (W, 1963) who spoke on his  book, Exploding the Myth. John's at-the-edge and dangerous life in the world of explosives and counter-terrorism had ODs enthralled (and rather pleased about their own, safer, life-choices). Waine Lawton (F, 1965) and his wife Liz were among the guests and John brought along the Bishops 1961 U15A rugby photo to brag how little both of them have changed over the years. And they haven't. John is on the left in the back row and Waine is third from the right in the middle row (enlarge your screens to read see the picture better and read all the names).  Once again a big thank you to Hamish Sinclair (S, 1992) a Partner at Stonehage Fleming who made their offices available to us. To see a report on the evening and the photos, please click HERE.

The UK branch of the ODU sends its sincerest condolences Stephen Larkin (F, 1990) who's wife Sarah passed away yesterday after a long illness. We wish him and his children strength at this difficult and sad time.

The rest of this newsletter pretty much concerns events which take place over the next four months. The Oxfordshire Pub Lunch is next month on Saturday the 6th. Wives and partners very welcome. You don't have to live in Oxford to attend this relaxed and informal event. And as a further incentive, the ODU picks up the bar tab.

Then, on Sunday 21st we are privileged to have a private screening of Life is Wonderful: Mandela's Unsung Heroes (which tells the story of the Rivonia Trial from the perspective of the legal team that kept the death penalty at bay). We are extremely pleased to have the film's director, Sir Nick Stadlen QC, a former English High Court judge, who will introduce the film and hold a short Q&A afterwards and during the drinks afterwards.

Friday November 30th is the year-end party, again at the Hollywood Arms in Chelsea. Last year's function was a huge success and hopefully it'll be even better this year.

And finally, for those who still have the energy, the ODs take on other independent schools in the annual Thames Hare & Hounds Cross Country competition on Wimbledon Common on Saturday 15th December. It is the oldest inter-alumni cross country race in the country and the ODs have acquitted themselves extremely well in their last two outings. 

As always, please let me have your comments, suggestions and - yes - criticisms of our UK ODU operations. And photos and news!


Kind regards

Nicky Bicket

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Congratulations to (from left to right):

John Stanford (F, 1998) has been appointed Director Commercial Operations at Treatment Connect. Treatment Connect provides a platform for private hospitals to connect with prospective self-pay patients. 

Chad Cruickshank (G, 2006) has passed his third and final CFA exam. Chad is currently an analyst at Aksia, a specialist research and portfolio advisory firm providing alternative investment solutions to institutional investors, conducting operational due diligence on alternative asset funds in Europe

Well done both of you

And on the move in a different sense is Chris Molteno (G, 2010) was involved in the annual Cambridge "Bumps". In the photo, he is third from right (enlarge your screen). Thanks to Philip Hazel (F, 1961) for the photo. Our best wishes go to him to as he starts a new job as a strategy analyst at Lightsource BP, a market leader in the development and longterm management of international large-scale solar projects and smart energy solutions.


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OD CUFFLINKS
With only about 120 days to Christmas, not only will these super-elegant OD cufflinks enhance your look in the City (or anywhere) but will make a great present for an OD relative. The second delivery has arrived and are already selling fast. These are chain-link (not bar) cufflinks are £35 per pair plus £3 postage and packaging (unfortunately deliveries to UK addresses only - and must be signed for as they are insured). If you'd like to order a pair, please click HERE.

OD BEANIES
With winter looming, and given the uptake of the cufflinks, ODs have asked me about the possibility of an OD beanie, a popular liveried alumni headwarmer stocked by many associations in the UK. I have had two samples made up (see below). The outer material is pure wool, with a warm polyester liner inside. Estimated cost  +/-£12 excl. p&p,
 

 A      B      Either     Neither

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This being the centenary of Nelson Mandela's birth, there have been a variety of events and functions to mark the occasion. One is the screening of the film Life is Wonderful - Mandela's unsung Heroes. This is the story behind the infamous Rivonia Trial, where Mandela and his co-defendants fought for the freedom of South Africa.

The film is directed by former high court judge Sir Nick Stadlen, and follows the ten leading opponents of apartheid and their lawyers and supporters through the trial. Though the defendants were saved from the death penalty, eight of the ten were sentenced to life imprisonment, Mandela among them. When Mandela was released 27 years later, he had a vision of multiracial democracy for South Africa. 

I had advertised the film in earlier newsletters, but many ODs who were interested in seeing it discovered it to be sold out.

So we are very fortunate that Sir Nick Stadlen is going to host a private screening for ODs, their families and friends. This will take place on Sunday 28th October at the Curzon Cinema in Victoria at 3pm. Sir Nick will introduce the film and at the end, will hold a short Q&A. 

After that, guests are invited to stay on fr a few drinks in a private room at the cinema. The screen that is available to us is one of their smaller ones, so this is very much a first-come-first served event and if you want to come, do book now (£10 pp including drinks and snacks afterwards).

To book, please click HERE

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The 2018 OD Year-End party is being held in the Blanchard Room at The Hollywood Arms on Friday 30th December from 6.30pm. Dress is casual and wives/partners are most welcome. There is no entrance charge, but drinks are via a cash bar. Food will be provided by the ODU. For catering and security/admission purposes, it's important that you RSVP (and don't forget the date) by clicking on the picture above.

Pictures of last year's party are HERE.

Put the word out.

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THE THAMES HARE & HOUNDS ANNUAL ALUMNI CROSS-COUNTRY RACE

2pm, Saturday 15th December
Wimbledon Common
 

For the third year, intrepid ODs take on the best of the UK alumni cross-country teams. Wimbledon Common is the course. Eton and Winchester are in our crosshairs. James Deane (B, 1990), captain for the past two years, will by the time you read this notice, be doing his bit to clear the Fosters surplus in Australia to which country he has now moved. He will be missed as the team selector, coach, and disciplinarian but fortunately in Rowan Nicholls (O, 2010) we have a more-than-adequate - and good deal younger - replacement skipper.

This is an afternoon full of needle and fun and a great way to burn off the calories you will be putting back at The Telegraph Pub post-race.

Bring it home, chaps - register and commit by contacting Rowan HERE.

The photo is of the 2017 team (in OD running vests) which came 13th out of 45 teams

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Born in Queenstown, South Africa on 16 July 1918, Jack was the son of Richard and Ada. Frost, of Germiston, Transvaal, South Africa.
 
He joined the South African Air Force (SAAF) in 1936 and was awarded the Sword of Honour at the conclusion of his training at the Military College in 1938.
 
Jack matriculated from Bishops (he was in Top House)  in 1935. He instructed at SAAF CFS until posted to 1 Sqn. SAAF. By 1940 he was Captain of No.3 Squadron SAAF, that unit seeing heavy action in East Africa against the Italians.
 
On 15 March 1941, after attacking Diredawa 'drome, his radiator was hit & he was forced to land in enemy territory. Seeing his COs situation, RHC Kershaw (an old SACS boy!) circled the area and then landed beside Jack who jumped onto Kershaw's lap and the duo flew home. Kershaw was awarded an immediate DSO - the first to be won by an SAAF officer in the war.
 
In 1941, he was sent to command 5 Squadron SAAF, leading them into Egypt in early 1942. On 31 May he was posted to 233 WIng as a staff officer immediately sent back to command 5 Squadron again.

Frost was shot down on 16 June 1942, near Bir Hakeim, Egypt, by Me109s of JG27.
 
Rod Hojem, one of the South African pilots involved in this combat commented: "There was one hell of a dogfight, and after it was over I can clearly remember Jack calling up the squadron on the R/T, 'Form up chaps I am heading North', and that was the last we heard of him."

Although some say he was seen to be walking towards enemy lines after his crash, neither his plane or body was ever recovered.
 
He remains, to this day, the South African Air Force's leading scorer.
 
His name is inscribed on the Alamein Memorial, Column 265.

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If, like me, you somehow missed the publication of the new-look, annual Bishops Magazine which was published in June, please click on the cover picture to the right to have a read. (You'll be taken to the Bishops website).


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LIFE IS WONDERFUL - MANDELA'S UNSUNG HEROES (A FILM)
Sunday 21st October
3pm
The Curzon Cinema Victoria, 58 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QW

Sir Nick Sadlen QC introduces the film he directed at a private screening for ODs and their families and friends and will host a Q&A afterwards
Drinks after that. £10 per person
 

YEAR-END OD PARTY
Friday 30th November
The Hollywood Arms, Chelsea

This very casual and relaxed affair is on the Friday 30th November, back at the Hollywood
Arms in Fulham. Invitations closer the time
 

ANNUAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS CROSS-COUNTRY
Saturday 15th December
Wimbledon Common

For the third year, intrepid ODs take on the best of the UK alumni cross-country teams. Wimbledon Common is the course (first aid afterwards at The Telegraph). Eton and Winchester are in our crosshairs. Rowan Nicholls (O, 2010)  is selector, coach, and team disciplinarian.

Register your interest HERE

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