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David McMurray too, Headmaster from 1984-1999, comes in for praise – “Introducing girls,” says Richard, “was a good thing. They softened the place and civilised it.” Dominic agrees.
So, what life skills did they learn at Oundle? “To celebrate expertise in others, whatever their background,” says Richard, adding that after his long and distinguished military career he is still in touch with as many NCOs and regular soldiers as he is with his fellow officers. “Also, that there is a difference between popularity and respect, and to observe that. To demonstrate individuality, but not arrogance. I was taught strong but informal leadership by example and that has definitely influenced how I treat people.” It is probably no coincidence that this is also a founding principle of the Games. People around the world have drawn inspiration from competitors from all walks of life and their stories of resilience and determination. “Diplomacy,”
Dominic offers, “removes friction. It’s essential.” Time management learnt while juggling sport and music commitments, in addition to full academic workloads, taught them both to manage the demands involved in organising their complex lives. This, they acknowledge, has been invaluable.
Oundelians, they reflect, have time for others. They are taught to be courteous and confident, “but not cocky.” An Oundelian doesn’t search out the spotlight – in that, these two are quintessentially Oundelian – but his or her individuality shines through, along with a slight informality that holds them in good stead as they move out of school into the real world. Oundelians “do things properly”, they agree, but with a subtlety that allows them to appreciate and encourage others to excel.
What advice would they give current Oundelians? Take every opportunity offered, they agree, adding: “Be well rounded and well
grounded.” “Think for yourself,” Dominic says. Richard then leans forward and says: “I know what I want to get across. Life should be a mixture of The Rifles’ and Oundle’s mottoes: ‘Swift and Bold’ and ‘God Grant Grace’. Embody the Invictus spirit of positivity, resilience, hard work and mutual support.”
But perhaps the last words should be left to William Ernest Henley (1849-1903), whose poem Invictus inspires the Foundation and ends thus:
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
FEATURE
The 2020 Invictus Games take place in The Hague, Netherlands, from 9th-16th May 2020. Tickets are available from www.invictusgames2020.nl. Fly direct or let Eurostar take the strain; it goes straight into the middle of Amsterdam and trains run from there to The Hague every 20 minutes.
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THE OLD OUNDELIAN 2018 –2019
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