JOHNIAN THE OLD - St John's Leatherhead
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THE OLD
JOHNIAN
The Johnian 2019 1
The Old Johnian 2019
100 Years of our Community
When we think about our communities, we can all too easily get hung
up on those that we have online – our Facebook friends, Instagram and
The Old Johnian 2019
Twitter followers. Even our families are creating WhatsApp groups to
CONTENTS
keep up to date with our comings and goings in a hectic world. So it
was refreshing and humbling to this year celebrate a community that has
been around much, much longer than the dawn of social media (for the
record, we OJs do have a Facebook page…more of that later!).
On Sunday 9 June, we proudly celebrated 100 years of OJ Sunday (the first was celebrated after the Great War on 21 June
From The Head’s Desk....................................................... 4 Theatre Seeds with Chips................................................ 42
1919). Not only was the Chapel service so well attended that we didn’t have enough Orders of Service to go around, but the
Yellow Peril bus was on the Quad serving Pimm’s! Many OJs never thought they would set foot in that bus again… but it just School News......................................................................... 6
goes to show how our amazing community operates. Old Johnian Geoff Hall (N 1981-1984), along with this wife Marsha, run Valete................................................................................... 44
the Tiger Lily Bus Company refurbishing vintage buses from which they serve English wines at events. Geoff was reading last
Chapel.................................................................................. 16
year’s magazine and saw an article about the Yellow Peril bus and realised he owned the very one! He dropped us a line and the
Old Johnian News.............................................................. 50
rest is history (see page 32 for a full report).
OJs At School..................................................................... 18
Two other key events were celebrated on OJ Sunday. After 42 years at the School, Adrian Gale - stalwart of the cricket pitch, Old Johnian Clubs and Societies..................................... 68
Interview with Leah Chowdhry.............................................. 18
physics department and housemaster of both South and Monty - retired. It was a delight to be able to present Adrian with
OJ Football Club........................................................................ 68
Honorary OJ membership in recognition for all he has done to re-invigorate OJ cricket (more of that later in the magazine). OJs Return for Enrichment Week History Project............ 21
And, staying on the sports theme, I’m delighted that Jasper Lloyd has, this year, set up the OJ running club. See page 70 for OJ Cricket Club......................................................................... 68
Dominic Sedgwick Masterclass............................................... 21
more info on this (yours truly got roped in after foolishly admitting to participating in the odd ParkRun).
OJ Rifle Club............................................................................... 69
Cameron Sperrin Talks Marine Conservation..................... 21
Whilst we might not always like to be reminded how long ago we were at St John’s (ahem, Ch ’95), returning to the School OJ Running Club........................................................................ 70
always brings nostalgic flashbacks. Visiting my old study, the prefect who showed me around recounted tales of pupils of old
From The Archives............................................................ 22 OJ Rugby Club............................................................................ 71
who used to climb down the fire escapes (now gone) from the dorms and clamber over the cloister roofs before ascending the
Dining Hall and stopping the clock on the top. I smiled to myself as it only feels a few years ago that my year group were doing Meet the Artist.......................................................................... 22 OJ Golfing Society..................................................................... 72
just that! It is these memories that stay with us forever. Indeed, on OJ Sunday, we asked people to recall their memories (on a
D-Day 75..................................................................................... 23
Post-it note) of what St John’s meant to them. I’d love it if others could share their memories on our St John’s Facebook page
Obituaries............................................................................ 74
(www.facebook.com/stjohnsleatherhead) in this 100th year or join our OJ LinkedIn group (www.linkedin.com/groups/12224804). The Fire Revisited...................................................................... 24
100 Years Ago............................................................................ 26
Whatever our memories, what holds us all together as a community is our OJ Events............................................................................. 82
time at St John’s. We now have contact with around 6,200 spread far and Erratum St John’s School and the Great War, 1914-1919................ 28
OJ Dinner.................................................................................... 82
wide, but we know there are more of us out there. Do you know of an Rosemary Farrant rang in October 2018
to point out that there was an error in the Girls Arrive at St John’s............................................................ 30
OJ who hasn’t received the OJ Magazine or who has lost contact with the Brooklands.................................................................................. 82
Alex Macqueen interview in The OJ 2018. It
School? How many of us left our parents’ home and didn’t send a new address was Judy Quick who was Secretary to David
Origins of the Term ‘J School’?............................................... 31
Careers and University Fair..................................................... 82
allowing the annual magazine to lie unread on someone else’s doormat? If you Brown. Rosemary Farrant was secretary for
do know of someone like this, then please help the development team to get Ted Hartwell for a year. Battlefields Visit......................................................................... 83
Update on the Yellow Peril.............................................. 32
back in touch. That way we can stay connected and continue to grow this Patrick Heigham (Surrey 1956-1960) The 1851 Society Lunch........................................................... 84
very special community. emailed to thank The OJ for printing his
letter and photo: “However, the one seems London Walks............................................................................ 84
to have been separated from the other, and A Flavour of China............................................................. 34
I hope you enjoy the magazine and I look forward to seeing many of you at
the mugshot appears on p35, next to the OJ Centenary Day..................................................................... 85
the next OJ Dinner. text from Dr Colin Peace! Also, on p35, I
see that Patrick (Tink) Gardner has survived
since 1855! Funny – he never seemed that
Memories of St John’s....................................................... 38
Supporting St John’s.......................................................... 86
old when he sat behind me in class!”
Mike Edward Cowpland Comer............................................. 38
OJ Committee 2019.......................................................... 87
We apologise for any errors that were made
in last year’s magazine. John Gordon Clark.................................................................... 40
Mark Cooper, Chair of the OJ Committee
2 The Johnian 2019 The Johnian 2019 3
From The Head’s Desk
The Old Johnian 2019
“What was particularly noticeable was Within this magazine, along with news from
fellow OJs, we are sharing just some of the
how many values the OJs and current
From The Head’s Desk
highlights of 2018-2019 at St John’s. If I had
pupils shared. Through all the changes to pick out one moment, it would probably
have to be Legally Blonde: The Musical (read
that inevitably take place over decades, more page 9), which exemplified everything I
there is continuity and a sense of have loved about this year. It was a production
suffused with joy and fun but it was also
permanence at the heart of our school outstanding, featuring highly accomplished
that is precious.” performances that required hard work and
commitment. The sense of teamwork that
surrounded this production sums up what
we do best here. Of course, we also see that
teamwork on the sports field, where it is not only the wins and sporting triumphs that
impress, but also the dedication and passion that crosses all ability levels and age groups.
We have run 163 sports teams this year, engaging over 85% of our pupil body from the
Lower Third to the Upper Sixth across 14 different sports and have played 1,459 fixtures;
this breadth of sporting talent and enthusiasm adds so much to school life.
Everybody connected with St John’s knows how much our pupils love the sense of belonging
that they get from the house system. House competitions – particularly favourites such
as the pancake race and house croquet on the Quad – seem to capture the essence of
St John’s in the way they combine loyalty, competitive spirit, a sense of fun and pride in
tradition. We are delighted to have now opened our tenth house, Hawkins. This new girls’
A s I look back on the last academic
year, I am struck by how often I
have found myself grateful for the very
day house has been created to allow us to accommodate the co-educational balance that
now extends across the year groups and we are looking forward to seeing it take shape as
the girls settle in. It has also been very exciting to see the new sports centre take shape
over the course of the last year. This new development is an exceptional addition to the
School’s facilities and our pupils are already making use of it.
special OJ community that is such a
I hope you enjoy reading The Old Johnian 2018-19 and I look forward to seeing many of
fundamental part of our school.
you at events during 2019-20.
School life is so busy that - in the face of the immediate
Rowena Cole, The Head
priorities and excitements of today, tomorrow or next
term - it is all too easy for pupils and teachers to lose sight and current pupils shared. Through all the changes that
of what we are really doing: equipping young people with inevitably take place over decades, there is continuity and
the skills, confidence and capability to achieve more than a sense of permanence at the heart of our school that is
they might have imagined possible. Spending time with OJs, precious.
and hearing their stories, gives context to our daily school
life and reinforces the lasting impact that a school can have We really appreciate the time taken by all OJs to
on its pupils. contribute to this magazine. It is fascinating to read about
the variety of paths that former pupils have taken after
We were delighted to welcome members of our alumni school and the vivid descriptions of life at St John’s are
community to a very special centenary OJ Day in June, as an interesting and valuable record of our shared history. I
Mark has described in his column on page 2. One hundred would also like to thank all the OJs who have contributed
years after that first event, it was a privilege to have such in any way to our OJ community throughout the year.
a direct sense of connection to our own history. I was Whether you have played in one of our OJ sports clubs,
touched by the affection and pride that our visiting OJs offered guidance and insight at our Careers Fair, joined
displayed as they talked about the School and our current us for a social event such as the OJ Dinner or supported
pupils loved hearing their memories (although I hope they the School through donations or legacies, the variety of
don’t take inspiration from tales of the apparently regular ways in which alumni stay actively connected to St John’s
removal of the main school clock mechanism!). What enriches the entire school.
was particularly noticeable was how many values the OJs
4 The Johnian 2019 The Johnian 2019 5
School News
SPEECH DAY 2019
SCHOOL NEWS The academic year at St John’s came to a close with the annual Speech Day
on Saturday 29 June. The sun shone on the Quad as pupils, parents, staff
and governors joined to celebrate the year, present prizes and bid farewell
to this year’s departing Upper Sixth.
INSPIRING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Pupils at St John’s are encouraged to develop
confidence and flexibility in their approach
to learning, and are equipped to adapt to
whatever the future may hold for them.
Underpinning the strong foundations of academic rigour, the School
seeks ways to innovate and a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy
was introduced in 2018. This means that every pupil has their own
device in school allowing technology to be used creatively to enhance
learning. Cloud technologies such as Microsoft Office 365, the
School’s virtual learning environment and the flexibility to utilise any
John Willis, Chair of Governors, opened the event by reviewing the breadth of what is offered at St John’s, from the range
type of device has made BYOD accessible for all. Technology, when
of subjects at A level to the many activities in the co-curricular programme. He talked about the many ways the School is
used effectively, enables greater collaboration and provides a wealth
investing in its future, including major projects such as the new sports centre and the creation of Hawkins House (a new
of opportunities. At any given time on a typical school day, there are
girls’ day house). John commented on the sense of enthusiasm and interest surrounding St John’s, from both current and
between 400 and 500 devices in use, highlighting the success of BYOD
prospective families, and thanked Rowena Cole, The Head, for her vision and leadership. In her annual address, Rowena Cole,
in its first year.
remarked that it is easy, on occasions such as Speech Day, to focus on the big events of the year but that it is the smaller
interactions along the way that give an academic year its colour and its character. She shared some of her favourite memories
Academic achievements come in many shapes and sizes across the
of the year and thanked the pupils – the heartbeat of the School – for their contribution to the academic year. We were
course of the year but the culmination of many hours of hard work
also delighted to welcome OJ, Leah Chowdhry, as our guest speaker. Leah left St John’s just a decade ago and what she has
from pupils and staff comes in August with the announcement of GCSE
achieved since is outstanding. Read our full interview with Leah on page 18.
and A level results. Summer 2019 saw the first occasion on which all
GCSE grades at St John’s have been awarded in the new 9-1 grading
Before Speech Day, the Lower School held its own Speech Day on Friday 28 June. Richard Harvey, Head of Lower School,
system. The numerical grading system has been implemented to allow
said what a tremendous pride he feels for Lower School and the happy, successful and productive community that it has
greater distinction between top performing candidates and St John’s
become. He commented on what excellent role models the Upper Third have been and wished them well as they move up to
pupils have risen to the challenge with a quarter of grades being at
Fourth Form. Rowena Cole said that the Lower School pupils are rays of sunshine and their zest for life adds immeasurably
the demanding grade 9 level. Over three quarters of results are grade 7-9 (the equivalent to A grade and above). Within these
to the life of St John’s and a number of Lower School pupils then reviewed their highlights of the year. They talked about the
strong GCSE results, some outstanding departmental performances include nearly 50% of English language grades received being
friendships they have formed, the laughter, the sense of belonging, the teamwork and collaboration they have enjoyed, and
a 9, history receiving nearly three quarters of grades at an 8 or 9 and 80% of GCSE mathematics grades being at 7-9.
how much they are looking forward to the next stage in their St John’s education.
St John’s departing Upper Sixth were also
celebrating when they received their A level
results in mid-August. Almost half of grades
achieved were A*/A grades, with well over a
quarter of pupils receiving straight A*/A grades
(an impressive increase from 2018). Four out
of five grades were A*-B and the pass rate was
100%. Economics, English, geography, history and
psychology remain popular degree courses for
our leavers. Pupils are also taking up places on
a diverse range of courses including languages,
mechanical engineering, criminology, medicine,
dentistry and film and television. Furthermore,
this cohort achieved the highest number of
Oxbridge and Ivy League places in recent years.
6 The Johnian 2019 The Johnian 2019 7
School News
PERFORMING ARTS
2018-19 was a busy and rewarding year for performing arts at St John’s with an enormous number of pupils involved
in an eclectic mix of events. It has been wonderful to see pupils rehearsing, performing, acting, playing and signing with
such passion and a sense of fun.
This year, we introduced a Masterclass series, which allowed pupils to work in detail with expert practitioners and then
present a recital showcasing what they had learned. It has proved a popular and valuable addition to our musical programme.
Competitions included the Concerto Competition, which saw nine our exceptional musicians take to the stage, backed by a
professional orchestra, and the Forbes Music Competition, in which 120 of our pupils from across all year groups performing an
eclectic mix of repertoire with commitment, energy and passion.
The impressive concert programme has demonstrated the breadth of musical talent from the Saint Nicolas cantata by Benjamin
Britten sung and accompanied entirely by the pupils, to a fantastic showcase of our growing number of rock bands. Polished
ensembles and outstanding solo performances were on show at a memorable evening of music from the James Bond films.
The packed Old Chapel was an atmospheric setting, the catering department produced class ‘mocktails’, performers wore black
tie and ball-gowns, and a vintage Aston Martin parked on the drive set the tone as the audience arrived.
The first drama production of the year - There Is A War by BAFTA nominated writer Tom Basden (contributing writer on Peep
Show and creator of Plebs) - saw pupils from Lower Fifth to Upper Sixth lead the cast in a dark comedy about the absurdity
and savagery of war. Impactful set design, recreating the blasted landscape of war juxtaposed effectively with a pre-show comic
routine, devised by the cast, which served to introduce the world of the play. The production provided great comedic value with
excellent performances provided by the stellar cast.
Not to be outdone, it was the turn of the Lower School
pupils to take to the stage for the final project of the year.
Many of our events, including the series of lunchtime
Our youngest pupils shone as they brought the inspirational
recitals we run throughout the year, welcome guests.
imagination of Roald Dahl to the Performing Arts Centre
Visit: www.stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk/events for
Auditorium with his children’s classic Revolting Rhymes. It was
details of forthcoming performances.
a triumph and a fantastic showcase of the Lower School pupils’
many talents.
Undoubtedly, the highlight of the year was
St John’s return to the world of musical
theatre with an amazing production of
Legally Blonde: The Musical at Leatherhead
Theatre. As the dates of the performances
drew closer, the commitment energy and
enthusiasm of our talented cast never
waned. On two sell-out evenings, the
standing ovations and rapturous applause
said it all: the sophisticated, intelligent and
polished performances combined with
fantastic music, choreography and dancing
to deliver a truly exceptional show. The
choice for the 2021 Musical is already
whittled down to three…!
Many of our events, including the series of
lunchtime recitals we run throughout the
year, welcome guests. Visit
www.stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk/events
for details of forthcoming performances.
8 The Johnian 2019 The Johnian 2019 9
School News
SPORT AT ST JOHN’S The 2018-19 St John’s sporting season can be summarised by
some key statistics:
I n 2018, the School was delighted to welcome a
new Director of Sport, Gareth James. Here he
reflects on his first year at St John’s.
Pupils have represented a St John’s sporting team in five
countries.
1st XI Cricket – Sri Lanka
It has been nothing short of a privilege and honour 1st XV Rugby – Ireland
to lead this very talented group of pupils and
U14 Hockey – Holland
staff in my first year at St John’s. It was the San
Francisco 49s coach, Bill Walsh, who said: “The Senior Hockey and Netball – South Africa
culture precedes positive results. It doesn’t get Senior Football – Gothia Cup, Sweden
tacked on as an afterthought on your way to the
victory stand. Champions behave like champions
Across five sports, we have reached the latter stages of both
before they’re champions: they have a winning
county and national tournaments.
standard of performance before they are winners.”
I feel that we can all take something from that. It is U19 Netball – National Plate Semi Finalists
not just within our sport that we set out our own 1st XI Cricket – HMC National T20 Regional Finalists and EXCEPTIONAL NEW SPORTS CENTRE OPENS
building blocks to achieve. Festival Winners
1st XV Rugby – England Schools Rugby, Champions Trophy
Greatness is a lot of small things done well, day after
day, practice after practice, week after week. Being a
champion is not about the size of the trophy cabinet
National Quarter Finalists
U14 Girls Hockey – Surrey County Champions and T hroughout the last academic
year, excitement was mounting
as we saw the new sports centre
Regional Finalists
or how many national titles we have. Our greatness is begin to take shape. Summer 2019
about a culture that we are creating: a culture where saw the culmination of the building
we enjoy our success but also reflect, where we learn 163 teams engaging over 85% of our pupil body from Lower phase of this project, which has
from our mistakes but do not dwell. Our sporting Third to Upper Sixth have competed across 14 different created a state-of-the-art sports
ethos is about creating an environment where we sports. As a school, we played 1,459 fixtures this year. complex including a new pool, dance
give every pupil the foundation, confidence and studio and impressive gym. As well as
opportunity to achieve beyond his or her potential. Senior Girls Swimming - Bath and Otter National Cup (small providing modern facilities designed
schools) freestyle and individual medley relay winners. This to inspire the talents of our pupils,
I have been blown away by the passion, drive and team were also crowned County Champions. St John’s is committed to sharing the
the level of pride that our pupils have shown in facilities with the wider community.
representing our school at all levels. Come rain, There is a need for greater access to
shine, hail or snow, in a national cup or an E-team On the following occasions, current pupils have gone on swimming pool facilities for primary
friendly, our pupils, staff and parents have shown to senior further representation, some at the highest level schools in the Leatherhead area and,
a resilience and sense of pride for our school of currently possible for their sport. with better facilities, we will be able
which we can all be immensely proud. With the to expand our outreach programme.
development of our programme, investment in Molly Saunders: England Women’s Rugby U18s and GB The new facilities also include better
facilities, staffing and structure, I have no doubt that Beach Volleyball disabled provision, which will be of
we will achieve well beyond our potential across Ben Geddes: Surrey County Cricket Club 2nd XI particular benefit to those children
the coming years. I hope that you enjoy reading the Ryan Trevitt: England U19 Futsall with special needs who attend the
reports from our major sports and look forward to annual Community Holiday. The
Josh Clarke and Filip Lissah: Chelsea FC U15s
our future successes together. official opening of the sports centre
Henry Jeffcott: Arsenal FC U18s will take place in early 2020 but
pupils are using the facilities from
Autumn Term 2019.
10 The Johnian 2019 The Johnian 2019 11
School News
OUTDOOR PURSUITS AND CCF
The Community Holiday took place in
August and welcomed 24 children for a
week of enjoyable activities. The holiday
is a rewarding and valuable experience
for the 39 current and former St John’s
T his year has seen the uptake of DofE at both Silver
and Gold level remain buoyant at St John’s. With 130
Upper Fifth pupils working towards their Silver Award
made up of current Lower and Upper Sixth NCOs
from each of the three sections. During the inspection,
Helene spoke to each pupil about their time in the CCF
pupils who assisted and cared for the
and approximately 50 pupils working towards their Gold and the value it brings to their lives and education. In
visiting children throughout the week.
Awards across the Sixth Form, DofE is a popular and the afternoon, the Lower Fifth cadets started a round
Most of the helpers worked one-to-
valued aspect of the co-curricular programme. Expeditions robin of activities, preparing them for their impending
one with the children, assisting them
to the New Forest, the Peak District and the Lake District field day. Activities for the Army cadets included learning
throughout the day and caring for them
have provided both valuable outdoor instruction and basic skills for living in the field, such as cooking rations,
overnight. Six of the former pupils
character building challenges and have been very well building shelters, packing kit and an introduction to the
managed groups of helpers, gaining
received by all those who have attended – despite the SA80A2 rifle. The RAF cadets were introduced to the
leadership experience, whilst a further
Left: Receiving an award Right: At the orphanage in India weather being less than ideal on some of the expeditions! history of flight and the basics of drill. Royal Navy cadets
two were part of the senior team that
Some even did their expedition while sailing, showing a learnt about the rank structure, knot tying and enjoyed
organised activities and helped out as
COMMUNITY AND SERVICE required.
truly adventurous spirit. an introductory session in the rifle range. Throughout the
inspection, house teams completed for the House Drill
D eveloping an awareness of the
world around us, and thinking
about how we can contribute to
provide catering and facilities for the
project to host a fundraising dinner
and members of staff assisted local
The children enjoyed a packed week
of varied activities including dancing,
The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) continues to be an
important part of school life and 4 October 2018 saw the
cadets stand to attention for their annual inspection. We
trophy, with North House taking first place, East second
and South third. The day ended with the inter-section
gun run competition, with all cadets coming together to
cooking, arts and crafts, a fashion
society by taking an active role in our pupils in after school sessions at the were delighted to welcome Wing Commander Helene support their respective teams. The RAF section won in
show, den-building, sports and games
community, is central to the ethos of project’s centre. Gould to the School as the Inspecting Officer. The day fine style, ending a 12-year drought. Army finished second
on site. There was the opportunity to
St John’s. In 2018-19, the Community began with the inspection of the Guard of Honour, and the Royal Navy section finished well, in third place.
participate in a circus skills workshop
Service Unit (CSU) facilitated 40 The annual Community Holiday
and to touch rare animals and they also
Sixth Form pupils volunteering in for children with special needs
enjoyed a magic show. Trips included
the local community. Two annual is a major focus for the year and
swimming at Downsend School,
events – Community Lunches at fundraising was very successful
companion cycling in Bushy Park,
Christmas and in the summer – thanks to the energy and generosity
welcomed over 60 local residents for of many members of the School
gymnastics at Leatherhead Gymnastics HOUSE LIFE
Club, horse-riding, plus Hobbledown
delicious meals, entertainment and community. Churchill and Gloucester
the chance to chat with each other
and our pupil hosts. These annual
chose the holiday as their charity
of the year, and a Sleep Out on
Farm in Epsom and Chessington
World of Adventures. One of the
best days out was to the seaside at
T he St John’s house system remains at the heart of school
life. Our houses not only provide a welcoming, home-
from-home space for day and boarding pupils, they add an
events bring together a number of the Quad event saw 35 pupils and
Littlehampton, where everyone enjoyed extra dimension of fun and friendship. Opportunities to lead,
local associations, including The three staff members brave freezing
the sandy beach, beach-combing, playing represent and support their house gives each pupil the chance
Fairfield Centre, The Royal British temperatures in early April. The
in the sea, circus games and going on to shine and to discover their own talents, whilst contributing
Legion and The Beeches Care Home fundraising dinner welcomed parents
funfair rides. to their community.
in Leatherhead, Ashtead Good of children on the holiday, parents
Neighbours, local residents and the of past and present pupils, pupils
Once again the holiday proved a great Inter-house competitions provoke friendly rivalry, a deep
Queen Elizabeth Foundation. and ex-pupils, plus various friends
experience for all involved. The children sense of loyalty and team spirit. The variety of competitions
and family members for a curry
had an enjoyable week, caught up with every year test our pupils’ creativity, their intellectual
St John’s has continued to forge and quiz night, with live music and
old friends and made new ones. The debating ability and their sporting talent and this year was no
strong links with local schools. entertainment. Other parents and
children’s parents enjoyed a week of exception, with houses competing in rugby, hockey, football
Children from Leatherhead Trinity friends of the School have also
respite and the volunteer helpers gained and netball, cross country, singing, croquet, debating, and –
and St Peter’s have enjoyed science contributed through external events
from the responsibility of looking after perhaps most importantly of all - the pancake race!
sessions throughout the year, and and the Development Office helped
a child. We thank everyone involved in
our Head of Classics has also taught raise a generous donation from the
making this annual event such a success In 2018-19, North won the House Shield. There are three
an after school Latin class to some Tim Henman Foundation.
and look forward to 2020. areas of competition which feed into the House Shield -
Year 5 children at Leatherhead
Cultural, Academic and Sport - and the winners can be proud
Trinity. Secondary school pupils
to know they have demonstrated skill and consistency across
from St Andrew’s participated
all areas of school life to take the Shield.
in mock Oxbridge interviews in
November and staff from the two
The other major change to house life at the end of this
schools have met to share ideas
academic year was the announcement of the opening of St
and practice, notably with regard
John’s tenth house, Hawkins. Hawkins is a new girls’ day
to provision for gifted and talented
house, which has been created to meet the needs of the
pupils. Connections with the local
co-educational split across all year groups. The first members
community are developing, in
of the new Hawkins family entered its doors in September
particular with the Leatherhead
2019 and we look forward to this newest St John’s house
Youth Project. We were able to
Below: Community Holiday establishing its place within the wider school community.
Sleep Out on The Quad
12 The Johnian 2019 The Johnian 2019 13
School News
EXPLORING THE WORLD Closer to home, trips included taking part in
the ‘Great British Beach Clean Up’ on West
Wittering beach, and visiting Nettlecombe Field
G iving St John’s pupils a global and local perspective is an important element of creating well-rounded, open minded and
curious young adults. High-quality trips and expeditions are designed to add value to the education St John’s provides,
whilst cultivating a spirit of adventure. In 2018-19, pupils have enjoyed a fascinating variety of experiences that have taught
Studies trip in Devon to complete fieldwork.
To enhance the curriculum being studied in class, a
them lifelong social skills, teamwork, time management and a real chance for personal challenge. group of Sixth Formers went to CERN to discover
how CERN is helping to answer some of the most
fundamental questions such as ‘how did the universe
begin?’ and ‘what are the basic building blocks of
matter?’.
A fascinating combined politics and history trip
saw pupils deepen their understanding of American
politics and the economic and social changes that
took place in the USA during the 20th century when
they visited New York and Washington DC.
Towards the end of Summer Term, Enrichment Week saw Lower School pupils immersed in the French language and culture
when they visited Loire-Atlantique and spent time in a local school. The week also saw Fourth Form and Lower Fifth pupils
visit Valencia in Spain. Over the summer holidays, Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants spent a fantastic week
learning navigation and camp-craft in the Lake District, and Fourth Form and Lower Fifth pupils flew north to Inverness
for an adventure week of rock-climbing and sea kayaking at the Ridgway Centre. A talented bunch of performers – Johnians
XIV – took their original play to the Edinburgh Fringe and performed to very receptive and appreciative audiences. Nine
pupils took responsibility for planning a life-changing three-week expedition to Cambodia, during which they watched the
sunrise at Angkor Wat, worked with local people in the rural community of Peaksneng and trekked through rainforest in the
Cardamom Mountains.
A major expedition in the calendar is the annual Shamwari
trip. This amazing experience gives a group of Lower Sixth
pupils chance to learn about challenging conservation
issues and the tasks faced at Shamwari Conservation
Experience game reserve in the Eastern Cape of
South Africa. Shamwari is one of the largest conservation
initiatives in South Africa, with over 25,000 hectares of
landscape in which wildlife, including the coveted Big 5,
roams freely under the African sun.
Pupils involved themselves in activities designed to make
a sustainable difference for generations to come. Going
behind the scenes with conservation experts they worked
on projects such as monitoring predators, clearing invasive
vegetation and planting areas within the new wildlife
rehabilitation centre. There were many highlights and
memorable experiences including the discovery of a baby
elephant, Mango, which the pupils helped to name and taking
part in a night patrol to help reduce the chances of poaching.
As well as valuable learning opportunities, strenuous
work aiding the conservation effort and once-in-a-lifetime
experiences, there was also downtime in the evenings to
relax under the South African sunset, celebrate birthdays
and enjoy the swimming pool!
14 The Johnian 2019 The Johnian 2019 15
Chapel
T his year, our House Chapel services have been moulded on the ancient prayer routine that places a focus on the breath.
The modern phenomenon of mindfulness finds its own roots in this ancient practice, which causes the individual (and in
this case the house) to focus firstly inward, then outward and finally around oneself.
During the first term, there was a focus in Chapel on awareness of our own mental health, which I addressed along with
the Deputy Head, Mr Pepper and in House Chapel. As our understanding of this area of our own health increases, Chapel
is certainly a place where this can be considered with the gravity the issue is due. Alongside this, we also considered coping
with failure and the imperative to address the burgeoning climate crisis.
As ever the Carol Services and Remembrance Sunday were extremely well supported and pupil contribution to Sunday
services continues to be nurtured. Our service of Remembrance, as with recent years, focused on the impact the Great War
had on our own school community. This was also reflected in the Old Johnian Day service, as this year was the centenary of
OJ Day, the first being held after the end of the war in 1919. The Autumn Term concluded with the popular rendition of the
Twelve Days of Christmas, during which I attempted to explain the spiritual significance of each of the gifts mentioned, whilst
each house took a line of the song, creating an upbeat finish to the year!
In Wednesday morning Chapel there was, as usual, a vast array of topics covered through a number of themes which ran
throughout the year and provided a focus over a half term. In our first half term the nature of belief provided the focus. The
writer Andrew Brown, in describing Britain, wrote:
Christianity, in this sense, is not a label. It is not even a set of beliefs to which people may assent or not. It is much
more like a very long marriage – 2,000 years of braided arguments: a shared world to disagree about together.
As Chaplain this definition of religion is close to my own and the idea
of reflecting, questioning and growing our own beliefs is central to
all that we do in Chapel. The aim of coming together in Chapel is to
help build our own narrative of faith and belief that is more grounded
than when we joined our community at St John’s, whether as a pupil,
parent or member of staff.
CHAPEL
It was this same focus on belief that provided a thread to lead through
the focus on stories after Christmas, both as we reflected on novels
and, in the final term, on the four stories at the start of the book of
Genesis. Telling stories is a fundamental human function. It is something
we have done for as long as we have existed. Stories bring us together,
they create bonds, whether fictional or based in reality, sharing stories
is something every era and age of humanity does. Stories:
teach us something about ourselves
they teach us something about the world we live in
stories teach us something about the human condition
they change the way we see the world
Chapel continues to provide the moment of stillness to life and on occasion they can even change the world
at St John’s. As the School changes, Chapel is one of the
As we left Chapel on Speech Day, some were leaving the daily tie they
constants in a pupil’s life alongside house, sport and lessons. have to the School community but they do so as part of an ongoing
narrative. We are all inextricably linked to the community at St John’s
and, whilst our individual stories will take us to a vast array of places,
we go out into the world as part of a community that is founded on the
of love and acceptance of all displayed by Christ to the end of his life.
Reverend Charlie Moloney, School Chaplain
16 The Johnian 2019 The Johnian 2019 17
OJs At School
OJS AT SCHOOL N ot only the first British Asian woman to swim the English Channel - 24 miles in numbing
cold waters, a feat of endurance that raised over £150,000 for charity - but she has also
been named Woman of the Year 2018 at the Asian Business Awards and Most Inspirational
Young Person 2019 at the Asian Voice Charity Awards.
St John’s were proud to invite Leah to be the Speaker at Speech Day at the end of June. Earlier in the year, she came in to talk
to us about her achievements and we were fascinated to hear about everything she had done in the last ten years.
the best people to help me do it. I
Swimming the Channel is an
knew that preparation was key to
amazing achievement. What
being successful. I had an amazing
inspired you to take on
team: a great coach, nutritionist and
the challenge?
physiotherapist and the training took
18 months.
There were several things. In Asian
society there are not many swimmers
Training started with swimming about
and women are not very sporty. I felt I
12 hours a week in a pool before
wanted to promote this to women as
going to Croatia to swim for a week
there are so many physical and mental
in the open water. Open swimming
benefits. I started swimming at age
is very different from swimming in a
two and competed nationally at the
pool. My first open water swim was
age of six or seven, so it has always
a year before swimming the Channel!
been easy for me. Also, I wanted to
The nutritionist helped me to put
raise money for charity. My dad was
on weight. The biggest risk of dying Leah finishing her Channel swim
diagnosed with leukaemia a few years
doing the challenge is hypothermia
ago - 85% of cases are in children.
Interview with... From the money raised, I donated
£105,000 to Cancer Research UK and
because, to comply with the Channel
Association rules, you have to swim
What was it like swimming the
Channel?
in a swimming costume rather than
£51,000 to projects in India supported
LEAH CHOWDHRY
a wetsuit. I had to step back from
by the British Asian Trust, funded by You are given a 14-day window when
my business for a while and I gave up
Prince Charles, that are designed to your swim might happen but you are
alcohol and meat.
educate young girls and end child dependent on the weather and so you
sex trafficking. only find out the night before that the
It is as much a psychological challenge
swim is actually going to take place.
as a physical one and you learn a
How did you prepare for the I am so close to my parents that I
SOUTH 2008-2010 lot about yourself doing this. In the
challenge? thought it was best if they didn’t come
prequalifying stages, you have to do
on the boat with me. My brother
a three-hour swim followed by a six-
Telling my parents was the first thing and sister-in-law were in the boat,
hour swim the next day. If you don’t
I had to do and the hardest! The first alongside my coach, and their support
complete the six-hour swim, then you
question they asked was “Is it safe?”. I was really important.
are not allowed to swim the Channel.
reassured them and told them to look
When I attempted the three-hour
at the Channel Association’s website. It was pretty gruelling. The waves were
swim, I just couldn’t carry on and had
The Channel Association sets the strong and, much of the time, you can’t
to stop. I was really shaken but I knew
LEAH CHOWDHRY LEFT ST JOHN’S JUST A rules for swimming the Channel and
oversees the swims. It was all going
the problem was psychological and
see very far ahead. Then the jellyfish
were horrendous. I got stung on my
that there was nothing wrong with me
great until they found the part of the face, my arms and my chest. It was
DECADE AGO IN 2010. YET WHAT SHE HAS website that was offering condolences
physically. That night, I did as much
really bad. But you can’t stop. If you
reading as I could to understand why
to the family of a swimmer who had stop, the tide will take you 800 metres
ACHIEVED SINCE IS NOTHING SHORT OF just died attempting the crossing.
I had reacted like that and to learn
in the wrong direction and the rules
what to do to make the six-hour
But my parents know me very well. state that you can’t stop at any time
swim successful. I had already raised
They know that when I get an idea so, no matter how tired I was, I had to
£100,000 and couldn’t give up. The
in my head and something is set then keep going. Food was passed to me by
next day I completed the six-hour
nothing will stop me! a long pole from the boat because you
swim and then I stopped doubting
are not allowed any physical contact.
myself: I knew I would do the Channel.
My parents have never said I can’t do It was definitely a challenge!
anything but they did say I must find
Main photo: At Speech Day 2018
Above: Training for swimming
18 The Johnian 2019 The Johnian 2019 19OJs At School
OJS RETURN FOR ENRICHMENT WEEK HISTORY PROJECT
time and I didn’t want my life to be
just about business, so I decided to
run the London Marathon in 2015 for
Unicef and raised £11,000. I studied
Unicef at university and was really
drawn to them. I knew the charity
really well and understand what they
do, so I was able to talk about the
charity very easily. I just talked to
people. My voice is my biggest asset
and how I fundraise. I don’t do baking
cakes or fundraising events like that – Top left: Bill Chubb with Fourth Form pupils and economics teacher, Luisa Pedret; Middle: Richard Woodman-Bailey and Bill Chubb; Right: Andrew Peake with Fourth Form
Left: Receiving an award Right: At the orphanage in India I’m not good enough!
In the last week of the Summer Term Fourth Form pupils about what it was John’s when there was no internet,
You came to St John’s for the Sixth 2019, pupils took part in Enrichment like being at St John’s in the 1960s no mobile phones and no girls!
“I have a choice but these children had Form. How was your time here? Week activities. As part of this, we and 1990s.
their choice taken away. I wanted to give were delighted to welcome back Richard Woodman-Bailey was taught
I loved St John’s. I came from Epsom former pupils Andrew Peake (W Bill Chubb, whose teaching at St economics by Bill Chubb in the 1960s
them their choice and rights back.” College because I wanted to study ’61), Peter Thorne (S ’62), Richard John’s spanned both the 1960s and and enjoyed meeting up with his
Psychology and I couldn’t do that at Woodman-Bailey (E ’69) and Alice the 1990s, braved the classroom former teacher for the first time in
Epsom. I developed some very close Evans (née Littlejohns, H ‘00) and again to be interviewed by pupils who nearly 50 years!
I completed it in 14 hours and 44 raised £500. Then I went back and was friends at St John’s and absolutely staff (Bill Chubb) to talk to the learned what it was like to be at St
minutes which is what I was aiming able to give the money to the children loved my time here. In fact, I’m having
for so I was pleased. Only about at the Institute for the Blind. supper tonight with one of my OJ
1,800 people have ever swum the girlfriends. All the girls in my year have
Channel and to be one of them is In 2010, when I had just finished my gone on to do really well. St John’s Dominic Sedgwick CAMERON SPERRIN
an achievement of which I’m very A levels at St John’s, I read about the also supported my love for charity
proud. I was so hungry when I finished conditions of the orphaned children work and I was able to do some (Churchill 2003-2008) (SURREY 2010-2014)
the swim that I stuffed my face with who had survived the tsunami in volunteering work.
prawn cocktail crisps! Then I had to Sri Lanka in 2004 and I was really Masterclass TALKS MARINE
do a drugs test because I was so full of shocked. I went out there and lived You’ve set up your own business. CONSERVATION
energy they thought I must have taken with a local family for three weeks in Can you tell me about this? What We were thrilled to welcome
Cameron came back to school in
something and then I fell asleep for the summer to work in an orphanage. does the future hold for you? back OJ and one of the Royal
November 2018 to talk to current pupils
the four-hour return boat trip. I have The orphanage was four miles away Opera House’s Jette Parker
about his experience of working at a marine
had health issues since doing the swim and I walked there and back twice a After training for and running the Young Artists, Dominic Sedgwick,
biology research institute in Florida, USA to
but I am recovering now. You have to day. Going to Sri Lanka was the first marathon, I was exhausted and took to work with a group of our
help explore behavioural ecology in juvenile
do down-training for three months time I had travelled alone and it taught time to reflect about what I wanted talented singers on Thursday
nurse sharks in an effort to reduce shark
to aid your recovery. I would never me how resilient I was. I have a choice to achieve. I set up my party business 7 February.
bycatch in the fishing industry. Pupils were
regret doing it but I wouldn’t ever but these children had their choice - Pop Up Party and Play - because
fascinated to see how school-level biology
recommend it. taken away. I wanted to give them I wanted to make childcare more Dominic left St John’s in 2008 and
can be applied in the real world of research
their choice and rights back. accessible. The slogan is ‘Discovering went on to study at Guildhall School
and learn about marine conservation. We
You’ve been fundraising from an early a brighter future for every child’ and of Music and Drama, following his
are very grateful to Cameron for finding the
age. What motivated you to do this? I had a place at Bristol to read that is really important to me. But I time reading Theology at Clare
time to visit the School before he joined
Childhood Studies and Psychology. really took the time to reflect. I raised College, Cambridge. Dominic has won many prestigious awards and is
the army in the New Year.
A lot of people ask me that question! That was great and I was able to do a lot of funds doing the marathon currently one of only ten chosen to be a member of the Jette Parker
Well, it didn’t happen overnight. It some volunteering work while I was but what did I do to challenge Young Artist Programme at the Royal Opera House. He visited St
really started when I went with my there. I worked with the UNCRC stereotypes, raise awareness of issues? John’s to provide a masterclass for vocal performance pupils from Fifth
parents to Mumbai in India at the (The United Nations Convention on I believe the next generation are Form and Sixth Form. With his astounding career as a baritone, the
age of seven or eight and saw how the Rights of the Child) and learned our future leaders. I want to inspire knowledge he provided within the masterclass was undoubtedly helpful.
different things were for people about the legislation behind what children. I speak at schools and do
there; the class separation and the I was doing. I graduated in 2013 workshops and talk about my four Dominic said of his return: “It is great to be back, and so much has
conditions some of the people lived and went to work for EY (Ernst principles that I have developed as a changed – I am blown away by the talent of the pupils, some as young
in was eye-opening. I saw a girl who and Young, one of the ‘Big Four’ model for leading a successful life. I as fourteen!”. We are pleased to hear the fond memories he has of his
must have been about the same age accounting firms) to understand the truly believe that you can do anything time at the School and the strong friendship group of OJs with whom
as me and I just thought how different business world, get tax qualifications you want to do if you want it enough. he is still in touch.
our lives were and knew I had to do and to experience the corporate
something. So I gave up fizzy drinks world. But I have always thought you Dominic’s upcoming engagements include a return to the Royal Opera
and sweets for a whole year and should do more than one thing at any as the English Clerk / baritone in a new production of Death in Venice by
David McVicar and his debut with the Grange Festival. To find out more
about Dominic, visit his website www.dominicsedgwick.com.
20 The Johnian 2019 The Johnian 2019 21From The Archives
D-DAY 75
FROM THE ARCHIVES On the 75th anniversary of D-Day, 6 June 1944, we remembered
two OJs who took part in the Normandy landings.
TAKE A WALK BACK THROUGH TIME
Captain Peter Woodhouse Smith
On reading the article about Brenda Johnston and her paintings Obstacle Clearing Unit, Royal Engineers
of the School in last year’s magazine (Mystery Artist Revealed), Killed in action on 6 June 1944 aged 28
Geoff Rumble (Surrey 1949-52) got in touch to tell us her identity
was no mystery and that Brenda is his sister! Brenda still lives in Peter Woodhouse Smith (East House 1928 – 1935), a School Prefect and a Corporal
the local area and, thanks to Geoff, we were able contact her and in the Officer Training Corps, was a member of the School’s Radio Society, Debating
invite her back to St John’s to see the paintings she created over Society and the Scientific Society. He also joined the Shakespeare Society and the
45 years ago. Literary Society. In 1935 he went on to St Edmund Hall, Oxford where he won
Honours in Classical Moderations and achieved a second-class degree in English
Just a few weeks later, in November 2018, we had the privilege of Literature. He rowed for his College and was awarded Leander Colours.
Captain Peter Woodhouse Smith
meeting Brenda and hearing more about her career as an artist and
why she chose St John’s as a subject to paint. Andrew Clegg, a local Peter Woodhouse Smith was commissioned as a 2nd
resident who owns two of her pictures (a view of the School from Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers on 11 May 1940 and was
Linden Pit Path and a painting of Leatherhead Parish Church), joined In a letter to his father, his Colonel wrote: posted to the 11th Chemical Warfare Training Battalion.
us and brought these with him so she could see all three of her ‘they were all proud of him and that in Peter was killed during the landing on the beaches of
works together. the landing he was carrying out his duties Normandy on D-Day, 6 June 1944 and is buried at Bayeux
unflinchingly under very trying conditions.’ War Cemetery near Arromanches. He was posthumously
Brenda told us that she studied at Epsom Art mentioned in despatches, announced in the London Gazette
Meet the School between 1948-49 and 1955-60 where
her teachers included the watercolourist Leslie
Worth and landscape artist Michael Lawrence
of the 22nd of March 1945.
Artist!
Cadman, who also had a special interest in
architecture. Then, at Reigate School of Art from
1961-65, Brenda was taught by Eric Waugh, head
of the painting and composition department.
Brenda enjoyed drawing and painting buildings (she remembers drawing Captain John Vaughan
houses as a child) and her distinctive style evolved, taking inspiration
Royal Army Medical Corps
from old maps. Another influence was the work of David Hockney which she particularly admired. Her paintings of Hampton
Court and Polesden Lacey were exhibited at the Royal Academy and her painting of Clandon Park is now held by The
Charles John Rosser Vaughan (North House 1928- 32), was the Medical Officer
National Trust at Polesden Lacey. Brenda had an agent in Cobham and was successful in making a living out of selling her
during the operation to take Pegasus Bridge on 6 June 1944. At the last minute,
paintings, some of which went to America.
Dr John Vaughan replaced an injured man in one of the platoons. He was one of the
first 180 to land in France on D-Day. His story is told in the book Pegasus Bridge
Describing how she came to paint the School, Brenda recalled that she had no
by Stephen E Ambrose, who describes how, after his glider crash landed, Vaughan
particular connection with the School at the time (her brother Geoff had left St John’s
was thrown straight through the cockpit and was knocked out. After 15 minutes he
nearly 20 years before she painted the view of the main entrance in 1971) but just
regained consciousness and walked back to the glider, where he heard one of the
liked the buildings and architecture. She made sketches with charcoal on paper, took C J R Vaughan, 1929
pilots moaning and gave him a shot of morphine. He made his way to the Command
photographs for reference and made notes on the colours she saw. Hours of work
Post where he found Major John Howard issuing orders. Howard instructed him
followed before the work was finally completed. Brenda said that she rarely finds out
to look after Lieutenant Herbert Denham Brotheridge, who had been taken by
what happens to her paintings after they are sold, so we were delighted to be able to
stretcher to a first aid post in a lane about 150 yards east of Pegasus Bridge. Vaughan
reunite her with these pictures once more.
gave Brotheridge a shot of morphine and dressed his wound. Soon after that Den
Brotheridge died, the first Allied soldier to be killed in action on D-Day.
After the war John Vaughan retired into general medical practice in a quiet country
area in North Devon. In 1988 he published his autobiography, All Spirits.
22 The Johnian 2019 The Johnian 2019 23From The Archives
THE FIRE REVISITED
We heard that Arthur was known as the ‘black sheep’ of a On 31 July 1913, at the age of 14 and alone, Arthur was
very respectable family. Arthur’s grandfather, father and uncle placed aboard the New Zealand Shipping Company RMS
were all ordained ministers of the church who ministered at Ruapehu. The ship sailed from London and arrived in
various parishes throughout Wales. The Reverend John Owen Auckland New Zealand eight weeks later, on 28 September
(Arthur’s grandfather) became a minister at a later stage of his 1913. While on board ship Arthur sent a postcard to his
life, after making a very good fortune as a wool merchant, brother William and wrote:
ship owner and finally a farmer. Accordingly, the family was
very well off financially, which was unusual for ministers of “Dear Will, I am enjoying myself on board although there
the church. are no amusements except concerts at night and I am in a
four-berth cabin - there are some nice chaps on board. The
Gary said that as far as his family knew: scenery is beautiful, nothing but sea which is absolutely blue.
Love to all, Arthur”
“a group of boys entered a master’s
room, apparently the master had
become indisposed and had been
admitted to the School’s infirmary, to
smoke illicitly obtained cigarettes. It
was not long before the boys heard
someone approaching and, in their
haste to retreat to their dorms, one
threw a lit cigarette under the curtains
M uch has been written about the fire which caused serious on a windowsill.”
Surrey Advertiser 11 June 1913
damage to the main school building on 9 June 1913, but
Sometime later the smouldering cigarette caught the In Auckland, Arthur was met by a missionary friend of his
until recently little has been known about those most closely curtains and the fire spread rapidly. father and was sent to work as a Farm Cadet shepherd at the
vast and remote Annadale Sheep Station in the Wairarapa, a
The Fire, 9 June 1913 involved – the boys who entered a master’s sitting room during In disgrace, Arthur was sent home to his very unimpressed district in the lower North Island.
parents, the Reverend John Caleb Owen and Mrs Mary
the night and accidentally started the fire.
Owen, and was soon sent to New Zealand. In July 1913 Too young to serve in the armed forces when war broke out in
he was seen leaving the vicarage Persant attached to the 1914, Arthur remained at the sheep station until January 1917
One of the culprits, Arthur James Balfour Owen, was briefly the hero of the day as he is reported to have church of St Afan at Llanafan Fawr, Brecknockshire, when he travelled to Sydney and joined the Australian Imperial
raised the alarm and his photograph appeared in national and local newspapers. The headmaster soon Wales, accompanied only by his mother and carrying a Expeditionary Force (AIEF), initially as a trooper and then as a
discovered that Owen was one of the guilty parties and a pencilled note in the School register shows that small suitcase. private in the Imperial Camel Corps. The following month he
he was expelled just a few weeks later. embarked on the RMS Karmala. Arthur later transferred to
the Australian Light Horse Regiment and served in Lebanon.
There, as far as we were concerned, the story ended. Arthur had been at St John’s for just over a year At the end of the war he was formally discharged from the
and, in April 1913, had performed well in the U14 category of the annual athletics competition, winning AIEF and returned to New Zealand where, in 1921, he married
trophies for coming first in the cross country and the high jump. No further reference to Arthur appears Edith Annie Schofield, with whom he had five children. For
in The Johnian although his younger brother, William Calder Owen, who joined the School with Arthur in many years Arthur was the manager of Triangle Farm (owned
1912, remained at St John’s until 1916. by his mother-in-law Laura Eliza Schofield) and then in 1938
he purchased the 435 acre Thorpland Farm, just outside Tinui
Then, in July 2018, Gary Owen wrote from New village in Wairarapa, in partnership with Laura Schofield. After
Zealand to ask if I could confirm that his grandfather, her death in 1946, Arthur was able to buy out her half of
Arthur James Balfour Owen, was directly involved in Thorpland Farm.
the devastating fire which broke out at the School, as
the family had long believed that that was the reason Arthur Owen died on 6 November 1971 at Masterton
Arthur was sent to New Zealand. Hospital, Wairarapa, New Zealand and is buried there in
the Masterton Lawn Cemetery.
Gary and his wife Liz were about to embark on trip to
Europe and the UK, so we were delighted that they
were able to visit St John’s at the end of August to
see the rebuilt school and to tell us more about what
happened to Arthur following his expulsion after the fire.
Left: AJB Owen outside the Chapel, June 1913 Right: Cross Country Cup, 1913 Private A J B Owen, 9th Australian Light Horse Infantry
24 The Johnian 2019 The Johnian 2019 25You can also read
