Page 78 - OO_2019

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On 4th July 2019 it was exactly 60 years since a particular Oundle 1st VIII reached the final of the Princess Elizabeth Cup at Henley Royal Regatta. Motivated by this anniversary, two members of the crew who had not met since 1959 – Geoff Bremner (B 59) and David Greggains (G 60) – came to Henley. There they met two other members of this crew, Chris Lloyd (B 59) and Richard Bailey (Sc 60), who normally meet at Henley, to discuss again this seismic event in their lives. George Huse, their coach, wrote in his meticulously-worded notebook that they were the fastest crew he had ever coached.
David Hollander (Sn 77) has stepped down as Chair of one of Oundle’s top feeder schools, The Beacon, after 10 years of service on their board, seven as Chair. He has also moved roles, as he is now leading a small business, saving the planet, one flush at a time, selling a highly water-efficient toilet system! He has also been appointed Chair of a Berlin-based e-commerce retailer of customised furniture, MYCS GmbH.
Andrew Kerr (Sc 73) has been playing a lot of golf, travelling extensively around the world and within the UK, and supporting his local community. His first grandchild was born in Melbourne in April this year to his younger son, so he spent six weeks there. With his wife, he also visited Toronto several times to see their elder son, who has lived there for six years. He sees his father, Ian (S 45), about once a month in Winchester or at his house. He also sees his brother, Mark (Sc 74), at his home in North Yorkshire.
Michael Ballard (D 88) met up with Dominic Hughes (D 88) for a guided tour of Grocers’ Hall in April. It was a good day to visit, as the dining hall was laid out in all its finery ready for a dinner to be held that evening. He was interested to learn some of the history of the Grocers’ Company and Hall, and how it related to the School.
Arthur Marment (D 77) is still celebrating the Wales Grand Slam and despite the 33-19 thrashing by England in August, seems to be
embarking on the Palace to Palace bike challenge in the autumn. Gavin also mountain-bikes regularly with Craig Lockhart (Sc 80). His brother, James Bisdee (St A 83), is still running a civil engineering company in South Africa and James’ eldest daughter is in her first year reading Engineering at Nottingham. Simon also sees RC Wilson (C 84) and Craig around Henley, and they all meet up to cycle, drink, ski and shoot.
David Lowe (G 97) enjoyed catching up with friends at the Oundle West Indies Cricket Tour 25- year reunion at the OO Sports Lunch in April. At the reunion, organised by Matt Simmonds (St A 97), he enjoyed seeing everyone and had lots of fun reminiscing, with off-field tales particularly popular. David has also been playing golf at OO events.
Charles Inchbald (G 91) is still at Tate & Lyle and is happily married to Linda and living in Beaconsfield. His eldest son has completed two years at Durham, while his youngest is in Sixth Form. Charles competed in the Dragon Ride in South Wales/Brecon Beacons over 139 miles. Taking 12 hours, it was the hardest thing he has ever done, but hugely rewarding. He also met up with Andy Salmon (G 91) on a flying visit back from Auckland, where he now lives with his family. Will Smith (C 13) has just started work at Linklaters. He spent last summer enjoying his freedom and seeing a number of OOs, including George Mennem (Ldr 13).
Peter Sutcliffe (N 54) is still splitting his time between Cape Town and the Cotswolds with his vintage cars.
Doug Oppenheim (C 94) now lives on a remote farm in West Berkshire with his wife, Maryn, and three children – Lucas (7), Freya (4) and Marcus (3). Doug continues to work in private equity, having established a new business in 2018. In his spare time Doug continues to be involved in the world of adventure and exploration, and is currently chairman of the British Exploring Society, a youth development charity established in 1932 by a survivor of Captain Scott’s last expedition. He sees plenty of Sarah Logan (K 94) and is a proud godfather to her eldest daughter, Iona.
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THE OLD OUNDELIAN 2018 –2019
Michael Ballard (D 88) (pictured left) with Dominic Hughes (D 88) before their guided tour of Grocers’ Hall in April
looking forward to the Rugby World Cup in Japan. Meanwhile, he thanks Lance Ashworth (G 82) and Ed Ibrahim (Lx 00) for playing tennis on the day of his 60th birthday celebrations. Arthur’s son, George (B 12), ran the bar at the party in the evening, helped by Richard Giles (S 12) and James Hunt (Sc 12). As always, he has loved playing OO tennis during the year with so many, mostly younger and more proficient players, including the multi-talented Nina Reik (K 95), who Arthur thinks really should have turned professional.
Henry Bryers (Lx 96) sees a fair bit of Alex Deacon (Lx 90), JJ Harris (Lx 91) and Matt Perowne (Ldr 01) in Wargrave. He also met up with Sam Cates (Lx 96) this summer in France.
Graham Yorke (Sn 56) has had a quiet year, partly due to health issues, and hopes to have more to report next year.
Tony Riley (Ldr 47) had his 90th birthday in July. It was a family occasion with 26 present.
Gavin Bisdee (St A 85) reports that his son has just started reading History at Exeter University. Gavin maintains a regular dialogue with Phil Massey (St A 85) as reciprocal godparents and often catches up with Simon Gordon (Lx 85) in local hostelries round Henley. They will be