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www seven motivators and two goals (to raise money and awareness). 8372 is the number of men and boys killed in the Srebrenica Genocide. I wanted to raise £8,372 and I am now almost on £9,000, which is great. The three challenges were the Cardiff Half Marathon, to walk the Taff Trail in under 24 hours and to run the full Newport Marathon (all representing the Death March, during which the men and boys lost their lives). I did all three and was supported by the Third Battalion The Royal Welsh regiment on the Taff Trail (as well as being joined by Simon Weston for some of it). I was awarded the Commander’s Coin by The Royal Welsh as recognition of someone having done something exceptional and to date, I am the only civilian to have received one. It now means I am affiliated with the regiment. To top everything off, I was awarded the
This being my second report as South-West Corresponding Member, I am already aware of certain characteristics of the region. One is that many OOs arrive in the South- West later in life, attracted by the tranquillity, temperate climate and proximity to the sea, so it is refreshing to have a stream of recently-retired, if not young OOs reporting their news to me! Secondly, it is notable that we have many young OOs in the area, with Exeter and Bristol Universities being first and fourth in popularity for Oundle students, according to the 2018 review.
My predecessor, Chris Walliker (D 54), reports that he, his son, Michael Walliker (D 82), and their wives paid a nostalgic visit to the School Chapel to commemorate the entry of R.H. Walliker to the School 100 years earlier, in September 2018. A short visit planned to meet up with Erika Oldfield (née Cartwright), the last contemporary of Chris’ living in Oundle, developed into three hours of reminiscences with her and her
Board Member Award at the Chwarae Teg Womenspire Awards this month, which was amazing!”
Chris Fletcher (D 61) recounts that he has also had a busy year. He has finally hung up his professional boots as a geologist, but is still completely fascinated by rocks and all they tell us about past environments, engineering challenges and landscape evolution. On a recent visit to Chile, he was delighted to explore the contrasting geology of the Atacama Desert with the Chuquicamata Mine, the largest open pit in the world, and the extinct volcanoes of Easter Island with the enigmatic Moai statues carved in volcanic tuff. His textbook for engineers, Geology for Ground Engineering Projects, was recently published, bringing together many of his personal geological experiences throughout the world. He adds: “My
South-West
By Anthony Parsons (S 65)
husband, Dick. OOs fortunate enough to have studied German with ‘Boggy’ Cartwright may like to be reminded that Erika still lives in Glapthorne Road in the house next to Sanderson. Earlier in the year, Chris enjoyed an unexpected lunch with Charles Valentine (D 54), where they agreed that, at their time of life, funerals were an inevitable part of the calendar. On one such occasion, Chris was brought
travelling days are not over, but I still enjoy living in West Wales – a geological paradise!” Chris also asked whether any OOs might be interested in a short geological excursion to the Glamorgan coast to discover its hidden secrets. He wrote a scientific paper for the Geological Society on the area many years ago, as it is a classical locality to demonstrate the complexities of geological history. Chris' grandchildren were fascinated by the tour and I must say I find the idea fascinating.
Jim Hindmarsh (Ldr 61) tells me little apart from that he is still alive! However, he would like to point out to the rest of the UK that whilst the news from Wales might be short, that is probably because we have been busy celebrating the glorious Welsh victory over England in the Six Nations!
up to date on School affairs by Nicko Lethbridge (S 16) and Lizzie Lethbridge (W 18). He also met the three Pepperell brothers – Giles (Lx 82), Justin (Lx 84) and Piers (Lx 90) – at their father’s funeral.
Mike Jolly (Lx 51) continues to enjoy retired life in Seaton, where he would welcome any passing OOs and looks forward to next year’s Taunton Lunch, where he has been a regular attendee.
Ian James (G 70) also now enjoys the coastal life in St Mawes, returning to Wiltshire to see his grandchildren. Walking three dogs plus golf keep him from getting too sedentary and he looks on with envy at the gig rowers in the harbour. He is tempted to have a go to bring back memories of the Nene! His father, Dick James (G 44), is still well and was recently interviewed by the Tank Museum, as he is the last surviving member of the World War Two Reconnaissance Group.
Also in Cornwall, Nick Gill (Sc 70) arrived in Helston in 2017 and is slowly adjusting to how far
NEWS FROM HOME
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THE OLD OUNDELIAN 2018 –2019