Alfredians autumn 08 v1 - kingalfred.org.uk

A newsletter for Old Alfredians Spring 2020

AlfrediansHappy 20th Anniversary

A Tale of Three BoatsS

ailing trips have always been apart of King Alfred life; the 1919school magazine features a school

trip to the Norfolk Broads. Fast forwardto the year 2000 when the tale of threeboats began with the school building itsown boats.

The ‘King Alfred Class’ boat wasdesigned in Cornwall, financed by agenerous parent, and built at ManorWood in a special ‘classroom’ bystudents. The school’s resident boatbuilder, John Barker and severalteachers including John Peisley andStephen de Brett worked with thestudents on this building project. Countless pupils and parents havesailed in the boats and have travelledall over the UK and Europe. Read anedited version of Edo’s marvellous talkthis year on Page 2 which capturesthese three vessels as ‘outdoorclassrooms’ of a different kind. Edo’sfull talk is available to listen on Youtubeand can be accessed via the schoolwebsite under NEWSwww.kingalfred.org.uk.

Features inside includeMemories of DawnMoore (1963 – 2019),The New Sixth FormCentre, Memories of OldAlfredians and photosfrom many OA events.

Dawn Moore The new Sixth Form Centre

In this issue…

Photos: Kathy Mansfield www.KathyMansfieldPhotos.com e: [email protected]

What do you get when you puttogether two teachers, half adozen parents, a troop of

children, a boat builder in residence, ashed on school grounds and a famousboat designer? Ladies and gentlemen, Ipresent you Aethelfleda. Yes – we builta boat. And not just one but three ofthem! The story begins in Cornwall at alocal pub where two teachers met NigelIrens, a well-known classic boatdesigner. Having already securedfinancial backing from nauticallyinclined parents, they were after an‘exploration type’ of vessel propelled bysails and oars. Nigel sketched a gaffed-rigged, three-mast cutter large enoughto accommodate up to 10 sailors andquite nimble when crewed by only afew. As this was a unique design, theboat class was named ‘King Alfred’.Between 2000 and 2003, a flotilla ofthree boats was put together. A connection between the past andpresent was fortified, the boatswere named in honour of KingAlfred’s daughters – Aethelgiva,Aethelswiva and Aethelfleda. Thanks to the 3 King Alfreddaughters I’ve learnt how to sail,instruct and combine safety with peril.How could I not be enchanted by thesebeautiful creatures? I’ve got to knowtheir soul; they can be lazy, capricious,aggressive, obedient, stubborn, happy,curious. Aboard these emotional

outdoor class rooms I’ve learnt my bestlessons. And the cost? You’ll spend farmore cash building a single hard-standing classroom. By road and by water the boatshave trailed all across England, toScotland, Wales, Croatia, Italy, France,Austria, Belgium, Slovenia andGermany. This voyage brings us to thepresent, two decades into theirexistence. On a regular basis, we sail ourboats on the Welsh Harp, a local waterreservoir. We take them to NorfolkBroads and the Wash. A four-dayrowing trip on Thames betweenAbingdon and Reading is an annualevent for 14-year olds. Grasping thephysics of rowing and of operating riverlocks; familiarising with the history,geography and flora and fauna ofplaces and people along the way;introducing Three Men in a Boat as amust read at evening BBQs; discussingnutrition for exercise; the list ofdifferent educational disciplinescrossing their paths is limitless. Our boats really are the bestclassrooms in the world. The learning isendless, it encompasses all subjects,doesn’t rely on high tech, connectsstudents, parents and teachers indifferent roles, offers a journey into‘the zone’, travels across ages,languages and cultures. The floatingsisters facilitate the teachers’ mantra of“what I hear I forget; what I see I

might remember; what I do, I know”. Family sailing trips in summerholidays are the real highlights of theseason. Titled ‘Beaches, Boats andBBQs’ they offer the most varied sailingand fun beyond water activities inCroatia and south of France. When Isee a young child casually teachingsailing skills to his parents andteachers, my heart skips a beat, forthis is the pinnacle of my career. Ourregulars include 6th formers who soonearn the ‘stripes’ to venture on theirown, without a certified skipper onboard. At lunch time they organise thegathering of wood for BBQ, entertainyounger sailors, arrange a divingcompetition, excitingly mingle withlocals. And the locals; their query startswith why, how, what, who. Ourambassadors, members of the schoolsailing community, happily provideanswers.

We enter the Great River rowingRace each year. The race is 22 mileslong, starting in Greenwich and endingin Twickenham. We cross our bows with350 boats for about 4 hours, ridinghigh tide on Thames through centralLondon. The river throws its worsttantrums at you, creating choppywaves and shifting heavy, anchoredobstacles on the way. My heart is in mystomach at the finishing line; will allthe boats arrive safely? When they do,I whisper the words of John Peisley, myoriginal skipper who got me intoboating, “We got away with it. Again”. The journey doesn’t end here; thefuture is blue, red and green (this iswhat our kids call the boats). Next yearwe plan to offer each subject a day ona boat. The floating outdoor classroomswill host a class with a subject teacheron board tackling a topic of theirchoice. My hope is that other educationalestablishments will recognise thebenefits of such enterprise andembrace the idea of introducing sailingand perhaps even building their ownboats. This can be a bonding toolbetween different curriculum subjectsand separate parties that make up thefabric of every school. The exhilarationis frequently shared between your bestathlete and unco-ordinated student. I have never seen a child steppingoff our boat without a broad smileof excitement on their face. In the words of Chery Fee, an avidsailor and windsurfer: “Don’t just sitthere, sail something.”

� Edo, Head of PE

Making Waves

Jake Elwes (OA 2012) graduatedfrom the Slade School of Fine Art(UCL) in 2017 and has receivedrecognition as an artist and earlyadopter of machine learning andartificial intelligence in art, investigatingthe technology, philosophy and ethicsbehind it. Jake says, ‘I am forevergrateful for the support I receivedat King Alfred School as well as thefreedom to experiment andencouragement from Will, Jeanette,Sean and John in the Artdepartment’. He featured on the BBC4documentary on the history of video art‘Kill Your TV: Jim Moir’s wonderful worldof video art’. Selected exhibitions include theZKM, Karlsruhe, Germany; Today ArtMuseum, Beijing, China; Newcastle &London, UK; Victoria and AlbertMuseum, London; City Loop, Barcelona;Nature Morte, Delhi, India and theCentre for the Future of Intelligence(CFI), Cambridge, UK. You can find his work atwww.jakeelwes.com or instagram@jakeelwes.

Jack Mann (OA1999) haspublished his firstsci fi novel‘Gravity’s Arrow’for young adultsaged 13-17 yearsold. It's about aboy struggling withhis beliefs as hetries to survive in agalaxy on the vergeof war. Jack writes, ‘I was at KASuntil my family relocated toYorkshire in 1992 when I was 11years old. I have the bestmemories from the place. I'm stillin touch with my friends from KASand, by comparison, hardly speakto my Yorkshire friends (nothingwrong with them, but I justconnected more successfully withmy primary school Alfredianfriends). You can purchase Jack’s book viaAmazon and it is also sold in "TheVillage Bookshop" in Woodford. www.gravitysarrow.com

Hannah Owen (OA 2015) is doing aMA in Filmmaking at the LondonFilm School. Her term 4 project is aten minute black and white film about ateacher’s assistant who accidentallybreaks one of the student’s art projectsand doesn’t own up, whichsubsequently sends the wholeclassroom into chaos. Hannah writes,‘I’m super excited about thisproject and to come back to KASand work with the kids. I left KASin 2015 after being there for 11years. I’m working with 14students from lower school. We’vebeen rehearsing every weekendand they are going to come to thestudio in Covent Garden and filmwith us for two days at the end ofFebruary!’

Silvia Beevers King Alfred SchoolNurse 1984-1999 ‘It is great meeting up againwith so many lovely former pupilsalways ready to give their oldschool nurse a big hug.’ Silvia bumped into two of herformer pupils from KAS last Octoberand wrote in to say, ‘I was out on mymobility scooter in Hendon a fewweeks ago and a car pulled up infront of me and out of it jumped apast KAS pupil Carly Schaverien(OA). She rushed up to meshouting, ‘Silvia, Silvia my oldschool nurse. You look exactly thesame as when we were both atKAS. 20 years ago!’ She gave me a big hug and wepromised to keep in touch. Lastweek Carly came to my home forafternoon tea and brought withher, Millie her seven year olddaughter who is absolutelygorgeous with a great personality.Millie age seven now looks exactlylike Carly when she was at KAS ageseven and putting the two sevenyear olds together in photos theylook identical. ‘This week the same thinghappened when out on my scooter,I met old KAS pupil Polina Boiko(OA). She has her own son in year7 at KAS at the moment and shesaid she will bring him over forafternoon tea very soon’.

OA News and Achievements

Thank you to Joe Leader (OA 1992),now a successful saxophonist whojoined us at KAStonbury last year, forsending the Music department a largebox of reeds for our students. Joe hastoured extensively, with his debut soloalbum ‘Seductive Sax’ launched in2011. Joe plans to come into KAS laterthis year for a performance workshopwith our woodwind students.

Gabrielle Soskin (OA 1958) isputting on a play at The Gatehousetheatre, Highgate, London N6. Theplay, ‘Counting Aloud’ is written andperformed by Gabby and can be seenon 16th – 19th April 2020.www.persephoneproductions.org After a highly successful tour ofCounting Aloud in Canada, Gabriellereturns to her homeland where it allbegan. Counting Aloud is her intimatestory. A passionate woman of ‘a certainage’ who has struggled with innerdemons all her life, seeks a way toescape from the ghosts of her troubledpast through music. She decides totake up the piano. Told with humour,angst, and inspired by some ofShakespeare’s most famous truths,Gabrielle’s challenging musical journeybecomes a universal metaphor for lifeand love.

Gabrielle’smother ReneeSoskin taughtfor many yearsat KAS and hersiblingsVeronica (OA)and Anthony(OA) bothattended KAS.Gabrielle writes‘Very oldAlfredian returnsto her homeland! I attended KASfor 10 formative years then wenton to train as an actor at TheBristol Old Vic Theatre school andlater trained as a drama teacher atTrent Park College. After a fewyears of teaching, including helpingin the junior school at King Alfred,I emigrated to Montreal, Canada’.

King Alfred School Events

One of our favourite events this yearhas been hosting a lunch on the 2ndMarch for a group of friends whoattended KAS between 1950 and 1964.We had a lovely time listening to theirstories and it was so interesting to learnabout their lives after leaving school.Post KAS, the variety of careersincluded Professors at University, stockbroking, psychotherapy, authors, retiredbarristers and teachers to name but afew. Some of the group went on a tourof the school with two year 9 pupils Beaand Santi. After the tour, the group

gathered in the Old Library to look atschool photographs and magazinearticles. Lunch was a sit down meal andwe were joined by the Head Robert andGeorgina, a year 13 pupil who will begoing to read History at Cambridge. Attendees: Diana Kornbrot, JulietMitchell, Joyce Riva Joffe, JocelynRyder-Smith, Lucy Moy-Thomas,Jane Epstein, Jon Epstein, MichaelFlesch, Ulf Ehrenmark, John Mason,David Wolchover. Anton Smith, Derek and HowardCheek and Hilldred Knott unfortunately

couldn’t make it to the lunch. Diana Kornbrot (who was Head Girlat KAS) shares her thoughts on theday:-

Invigorating Reunion of AlfrediansBorn in ‘40s Personal account of reunion, 2nd

March, organised by wonderful Shalaka.Started meeting in new luxuriousreception, with new form of greeting,knuckles. Fascinating tour byenthusiastic Year 9 pupils Santi andBea. Squirrel Hall was a shock! In ourday, less than 200 pupils sat on logswhile Head or School Four pontificatedfrom tree stump. On to almost unchanged Open Air

Theatre, sadly now lacking thechallenging single rope swing. Then onto slide, now replaced by pupil builttree house and area to ‘live wild’ for aweek – we were green-eyed. Finally,lunch in Old Library attended by Head,Robert, Director of DevelopmentTamlyn and university bound Georgina.Fascinating to learn how our differentlives had unfolded and how KAS hadevolved. Inevitably, ‘league tables’ nowheeded. However, key features remain:open rooms for individual challengingacademic work, experience of crafts,sports and team projects. As ardentscientist and feminist, I regret still onlya minority of girls take STEM route.More homework than in our day, even ifless than most places, but hopefullystill a parent free activity? Only wish the KAS opportunities to

enjoy and make key learning decisions,together with the necessary resources,were freely available, to every child theworld over. Our generation failed toadvance that goal much, even in therich UK. Maybe current generation willdo better? Here is to them, and theirfellow citizens. Million thanks for a great day from

all of us.

� Diana Kornbrot (OA 1955)

Lunch with old friends

L to R: Michael Flesch, Jane Epstein, Ulf Ehrenmark, John Mason and David Wolchover

L to R: Jon Epstein, Diana Kornbrot, Ulf Ehrenmark, John Mason and David Wolchover

Georgina Cooper Friedlos and Juliet Mitchell

Recent LeaversDrinks11 OAs braved the rain to attend theget together in the Bull & Bush onThursday 12 December and wererewarded with a free drink. Some hadarrived at the pub after voting in thegeneral election. There was a largegroup of teachers assembled to catchup with their former pupils. Goingforward, this gathering might have alater starting time enabling OAs toattend after work.

TEDx on 8th February2020 on ‘Connections’

King Alfred School’s second TEDxevent was a huge success and verywell attended, with the Phoenixtheatre packed full. The theme wasConnections and the 21 speakerscovered a diverse range of subjectsranging from online bullying (not ofyoung people but of adults – in thiscase the presenter’s own mother),making disability more visible, thethrill and connecting power of sailingto the power of objects and theirmeaning to each of us. The audience was inspired,empowered and emotionally moved.The students in particular werevibrant and inspiring in their choice ofsubject and its delivery. The talks areavailable to watch on the schoolwebsite. www.kingalfred.org.uk

AGM on 11 February

We were delighted that Old Alfredians Michael Jaffe (OA1977), Liam Michaels (OA 2015) and Harry Wingate(OA 2017) stood for Council this year along with currentparents of the school. Over eighty members of the KingAlfred School Society attended the AGM with 150 votes cast.This year KASS members were invited to drinks before theAGM began, giving them an opportunity to meet thecandidates standing for election and to catch up with friends.A full list of Council members can be found on the schoolwebsite under Governance www.kingalfred.org.uk

Film screening in Phoenix 9th November

December reunion: Maths teacher Jeff withBenji, Jolyon and Josephine

TEDx 2020

The event was a first screening ofshorts made by former KAS students, incollaboration with other film schoolgraduates they have met since leavinghigher education. There were films byClemente Lohr and Hannah Owen,with Toby Elwes as cinematographerand Lara Diamond assistant director. From a zombie buddy film to adocumentary about grief and family, thefilms covered a range of genres and

styles. The final short crossed borders,from England to Italy, then Mexico, in aseamless narrative about love,relationships and ice cream. The response from the previewaudience at the Phoenix Theatre wasvery enthusiastic, so we decided toorganise an event for a wider audienceto a screening and panel Q and Aevent. See back cover for details.

School Events

Following a few attempts at finding asuitable date which worked for theyear group for this new event, we weredelighted to welcome a group of 14recent leavers, and some parents, tocollect their A Level certificates. Robert welcomed everyone back toschool and congratulated the class of2019 on their success, beforepresenting each pupil with theircertificates. Ania (former Head of Sixthform) read out personal anecdotes foreach student, which highlighted justhow well the teachers knew theirpupils, resulting in much amusementamongst the gathered audience. It washeart-warming to see our youngest OldAlfredians chatting and joking witheach other and their teachers. Theyare settling into university life butremain part of the King Alfredcommunity. Attendees: Lachlan Sandford,Billy Hohnen-Ford, Shira Frankl,Esther Robertson, Amelia Dysonand mum Susan, Sophy Green andmum Eliana, Esther Robertson,

James Boardman, Nicolas Gilly, LeoCodron, Rufus MacCrae and mumGemma, Harrison Raphael, CassiusCarey-Johnson and mum Lorraine,Noah Kahn, Debbie Friedman (on

behalf of Max). From the school: Robert, Ania,Takako, Penny, Shyama, Fiona, Anna,Dan, Tamlyn, Shalaka.

Robert and Karen hosted a drinksreception in the Phoenix theatre foyerfor Old Alfredians who are also parentsat the school. We are honoured that somany OAs choose to send their childrento their old school. Although it was asmall gathering, as many OAs couldn’tmake it, the OAs who attended had a

fabulous time looking at their oldschool photos and catching up witheach other. It was lovely to see JodiMitzman and Joanna Silver who werefriends at school, have maintained theirfriendship and now their daughters arefriends at KAS. Phoebe D’Arcy has astrong connection with KAS as herfather Tony and grandfather Douglasare Old Alfredians and now her childrenattend the school. It was also nice tohear that many parents maintain theirconnections long after their childrenhave left school.

Class of 2019 A level certificate presentationWednesday 8th January

Current Parents OA Drinks on Wednesday 26 February

A level certification presentation, Class of 2019

L to R: Sophy Green, Amelia Dyson, EstherRobertson and Shira Frankl

L to R: Billy Hohnen, Ford Rufus, Macrae LeoCodron, James Boardman and Nicholas Gilly

L to R: Noah Kahn, Lachlan, James, Rufus andBilly with Takako

L to R: Mischa Gorchov Brearley, JohnO'Farrell, Phoebe D'Arcy, Jodi Mishcon, JennyHautman and Jo Silver

L to R: Adam Friedman, Robert and SebastianCody

Over 70 OAs ranging from 2019 leaversto Geoff Harris and Ray Tomkin wholeft in 1963 attended this gathering.After the event Geoff wrote, ‘Just anote to thank you both once againfor your charming welcome thatput this elderly gent at his ease. Iwalked back through the schoolgates after some 56 years with adegree of trepidation. My final dayat KAS was very difficult andmarked an abrupt end to childhoodand the security I had known sincethe age of 4. It’s a shame that Iremember the negative event andhave forgotten so many of the goodtimes of which there wereundoubtedly many. You cantherefore imagine that to receivesuch a warm reception was veryreassuring, so please accept mygratitude and all good wishes forthe future’.

We were delighted to see the OldLibrary packed full with so many OAs,former staff members such as JulietteFardon, council members and currentstaff enjoying the pre Fireworks drinks.Romy Summers popped in with herhusband and children and caught upwith her teacher Lucy Bailey.

‘Nice to meet you at the OAgathering at the Old Library onfireworks night. My kids enjoyedthe eve too. It was lovely catchingup with teacher Lucy, who taughtme 29 years ago!

We were assisted by our 2 new U6event volunteers Charlotte Baker Maherand Georgina Cooper Friedlos who ablyregistered our attendees at the door.Georgina wrote ‘I would say it was afantastic opportunity to connectwith OAs, all inspiring people whohave clearly put their KASeducation to good use! It was alsoan excellent way to gain somework experience in organisingevents’.

Fireworks Gathering in Old Library

Romy Summers and daughter

L to R: Dan Parker, Connor Geoghegan, Luke O’Neill and Natali Davidson

Juliette Fardon, Conor Geoghegan and LukeO’Neill

Liam Michaels, Benji Goodwin and friends

Leon Barody, Nell Sternberg

Megan Van Pelt, Benji Goodwin, Lulu Cooperand Eve Burke

Old Alfredian School VisitsWe are always pleased when OAs come and see us but pleaseremember it is best to call in advance so we can show youaround properly.

John Shepeard (OA 1996) popped inon 17th December and enjoyedshowing his young son Henry aroundthe school. John was visiting fromBerlin and was going on to visit hisfather Paul (OA) who is also an OldAlfredian.

Jalal Ashraf (OA 1989) came intoschool in January to sign Dawn’smemorial book and had a whistle stoptour of the grounds. Jalal attendedfrom age 4 – 18 and his son Eheraadhand his siblings Sabahath, Raza andFaiqa also attended KAS.

We were delighted to spend time with Richard Lehner and sons Tommy & Willywhen they visited the school in November 2019 from Georgia, USA. Richard’smother Lilith Elkan (OA) and aunt Naomi (OA) both attended KAS. Theythoroughly enjoyed the tour of the school and especially liked looking through theGreen Book where they spotted a picture of Naomi and Lilith from their time atRoyston. We contacted Naomi who taught at KAS and she replied, ‘I used to beresponsible for the Alfredian KAS magazine from 1973 – the 75thanniversary – up to 1987. As I am now 86, I couldn’t find manyrecognisable names from my time as a pupil, but several from my time asa teacher’. Read Naomi’s memories of school on page 12.

Geoff Field (OA 1964) visited on 23rd December with a friend from Australia. ‘Just a short note of appreciation for managing to get Robert Preston togive us such a friendly welcome and provide an enjoyable walk aroundsome buildings and locations for my reunion with some happy moments ofnostalgia. I attach a photo of myself with Greg Geoghegan, a fellowglobetrotter from Tasmania, who has also been re-tracing his formativeyears near London. I spent quite a while in the KAS amphitheatre, not doing Shakespearewith classmate Zoe Wanamaker (OA), but swinging from the rope thatused to hang from the tree there or else retrieving tennis balls that hadflown over the fence above!’

Polly Rockberger (mum of musicianOli Rockberger OA 1998) came tosee us and gave us recordings of theKAS Jazz Trio performing at the RoyalAlbert Hall in the late 1980s. Oli tookpart in AXEMONSTERS when he was atschool; we are organising aAXEMONSTERS reunion in the autumnso please get in touch if you would liketo be involved. [email protected]

Polly donated a book which features her artwork to the School library

Sustainability StatementA small working group of students andstaff have met regularly this term todevelop a Sustainability Statement forKing Alfred School. Many initiatives arealready in place, but the desire for anoverarching purpose around sustainablegoals within our community wasneeded. We are pleased to share withOld Alfredians this statement:

Sustainability Statement:At King Alfred, we aim to be anenvironmentally responsible communityof activists, both at school and beyond.

Sustainability Principles:

1. Sustainability will be at the heart ofevery decision we make

2. To be classified as an Eco School

3. To continue to reduce our carbonfootprint as a school

4. To have a positive impact on theenvironment, through nurturing andincreasing our plant and tree cover

5. To protect and promote biodiversitywithin our school grounds andbeyond

6. To find creative solutions to thechallenging issues around ourbuildings

7. To develop stronger links across thewhole school from Lower Schoolthrough to Upper School, andensure sustainability is notdependent on particular individualsbut is embedded in the culture ofthe school

8. We promote an enquiry ledcurriculum; a creative curriculumfocusing on United Nationssustainable goals

9. We try to extend this type oflearning, where there is flexibility inthe curriculum

10. Maintain an open discussion onecological concerns whilst educatingeach other across our community

11. Helping people feel empowered toact on an individual level

12. Creating an environment ofacceptance and openness whereour community are comfortable toask questions and interested tobuild their knowledge and keepinformed.

13. Promote sustainable transportation

14. Encourage student to studentcommunication on the environment

15. Our purchasing, through ourpreferred suppliers, will conformwith our sustainability principles

Development NewsSixth Form CentreIn spite of delays associated withunexpected and necessary ground workson site, the new Sixth Form Centre workhas begun. In December 2019, thedemolition of the old MFL buildings,originally known as the Arts and Craftsbuilding, was a poignant moment forKing Alfred. Built in 1930, and housingthe school’s printing press, these

buildings hold many memories for OldAlfredians. However, being nearly 90years old presented many problems forteaching and learning today. TheLanguages teaching has moved totemporary buildings overlooking thefield, while ‘Breaking Ground’ took placein early March on the new home for KingAlfred’s sixth formers.

� Tamlyn (Director of Development)

Arts and Crafts block, 1930, from mainentrance

My School Days

Ihad been at a little two class privateelementary school but then lifereally began for me in 1937 at age

ten when I went to KAS. The daystarted for me with a long daily busjourney to Golders Green and thepleasant anticipation of walking upNorth End Road - it seems to havebecome North End Lane now! - to begreeted by a group of boys, lead byone red haired girl, Sheila Sullivannee Bathurst, leaning over theentrance under the school notice boardwith ribald comments on each of us aswe arrived. Soon I was privileged tojoin this happy band before trooping ofto Squirrel Hall - then with four finesweet chestnut trees but I think nowonly three - for morning assembly.Eighty years on all this still conjures upmemories of a very happy atmosphere. The staff seemed almost one of us,only distinguished by being older. MrBurkett, the Headmaster, was alwaysapproachable, enhanced for me byworking in his little print shop to set uptype - the terms 'upper and lower case'are still realistic to me as two banks oftype letters, one above the other, wereplaced in what I think was called a'stick', spelling out the words beforebeing put into the press to be presseddown on the paper by a large windinghandle. This took place in theafternoons or Saturday morning if onewas lucky enough to be asked to comein for some special job. Illustrations forthe school magazine were cut intopieces of linoleum by the more artisticpupils in the art room, not far from theprint room also to be put into thepress. (In those days we were 'pupils',not students until we reacheduniversity.) One went home withprinting ink all over one’s clothes. I cansmell it today as I write! Miss Hyett was the Headmistressand she taught history in one of theclassrooms towards Squirrel Hall. Shewas keen that we should start to learnto speak in public so periodically theday came around when one had to readout some work that we had prepared.This was supposed to take a specificlength of time but I got through minetoo quickly and so went back to thefirst paragraph again. To my surprise allthe children laughed, surprised becauseI had not thought they would belistening to me! Mr Montgomery taught geographyin the next classroom. A shy man buthe brought the subject alive for me and

years later it was one of my 'main'subjects in Higher Certificate, leading inturn to an interest in geology. Therewas also the rather remote MissJenkins who taught English but shewas also an author. I remember seeingher renowned biography of JaneAusten, published in 1938, in abookshop window in North End Road onthe way up to school. Mr Shepard taught maths but mymain memory of him is carving largeslices off joints of beef in the indoorgymnasium at lunch time. We did notlike it if it was under cooked andSheila Bathurst, who made up namesfor everything and everyone, called theslices of blood red beef 'red flannel'!(Later she and I found ourselves at avegetarian school, of which sheapproved.) Mrs Barbour had a new biology labjust opened when I went to the schooland I remember in particular the teakbenches all round the sides of theroom, teak she told us because spiltacid would do no damage. Her lessonsset me on my later career of forestry.She also took us camping in thesummers of 1937 and 1938 out at FlintHall Farm near Royston. I wasprivileged to travel there up the A1 inher open topped tourer and we sang allthe way. Brought up in the Londonsuburbs, those camps were a wonderfulintroduction to the countryside for me,where I was later to spent myprofessional life. The second teacher who had themost influence on me was Mr Morrish.He was both the woodwork teacher andschool caretaker living at The Lodge bythe school gates. His woodworkclassroom was beyond Squirrel Hallnear the squash courts. His teachinglead to a life-long hobby of woodworkfor me. My memory of the Munich crisis atthe beginning of the autumn term in1938, is of enormous tins of goldensyrup! If war was declared the schoolwas to be evacuated to Flint Hall Farm.The children whose parents had optedfor them to go there if war shouldbreak out, were going on a practiceevacuation week-end there. Food andbedding was piled up to be loaded on alorry but what attracted my attentionwere several of these enormous,square tins of golden syrup! I wasdisappointed that my parents had notincluded me just because I would missthe golden syrup! Actually, although the

numbers who went were small, Ibelieve the education was good.Yvonne Wells nee Lehmann, in thesame class as myself, who contactedme after an obituary I wrote on SheilaSullivan several years ago, was taughtthere well enough to get to Oxfordfrom the evacuated school at the farm. When the holidays started at theend of the 1939 summer term, weexpected to return in the autumn butthat was not to be. Little did we knowthat we would not be assembling again.King Alfred's was a wonderful startto life for me in how to learn andhow to live, in a world so verydifferent from todays.

� Esmond Harris (OA 1939)

A Glimpse of Pre-War KAS

Esmond receiving his MBE at BuckinghamPalace in 2009 for Services to Forestry andConservation in the south west. After retiringfrom full time forestry work, Esmond wasChair of a small organisation in Cornwall setup by the Dartington Estate to try and getunemployed young people into practicalemployment, particularly forestry.

Esmond Harris emailed, ‘Is it too far in the past for a brief recollection of twoyears at KAS immediately before the war to be of interest to readers of themagazine’? Of course we replied, ’Not at all, we would be very interested inreading all about your time at school’ and so here are Esmond’s memories of histime at KAS.

Jocelyn Ryder Smith (OA 1962)recalls her time at Flint Hall Farmduring the second world war.

‘I started in KAS in the nurseryschool in 1942, at Flint Hall Farm,Royston and left in 1962 to go touniversity. King Alfreds was thereforemy whole school experience. So ofcourse, like others, I have manymemories. I have, in recent years re-met some of those from my class. I now live near the Mendips,South of Bristol and do not oftencome to London. I lived with mymother Ros (who taught at KAS) andbrother Simon, in a caravan on FlintHall Farm, when the school wasevacuated there during the war. Itwas an extraordinary time in theschool’s history’.

I’ve not had many interviews in mylife - I’m not famous enough forthat! So what a surprise and joy

when Tamlyn emailed me asking for aninterview. Furthermore, she andShalaka were prepared to drive all theway to Stockport to carry out theinterview – I was impressed andhonoured! They stayed for three hours,which flew by. I have to say that thesetwo lovely ladies made me feelcompletely at ease, and helped me torecall some of the many events in my15-year stay at KAS. I was there from1945 – aged 3 ½ – until 1960, when Ileft aged 18. So it’s 60 years since I left KAS. Somuch has happened since: I studiedMathematics at Imperial College,London University, gaining a BSc andPhD, eventually ending up as a lecturerin Mathematical Statistics atManchester University, where I spentmy whole academic career. I took earlyretirement in 2000, and stayed on asan Honorary Research Fellow (whichmeans unpaid!) until 2018. Since then,my life has been busy and fulfilled, mymain activity being as a Methodist LocalPreacher. The principal reason my fatherchose KAS for me was that he was aJewish atheist. He and his wife had fledthe Nazis from Prague in 1939, to takeup a completely new life in this country.After his father had tried to bribe himto go to synagogue, he was convincedthat there was no God. He was veryconcerned that I would not be“contaminated” by religiousindoctrination, and was delighted whenMiss Roby, the kindergartenheadmistress, told him that the childrenwere taught that some people believedin God, while others didn’t. My time at KAS was a bit of a

curate’s egg. I have often been askedwhether KAS was a good school. Myanswer is a conditional one: providedthe teachers have got what it takes tokeep order, the idea of giving the pupilsmore responsibility is an excellent one.Responsibility should increase maturity,or so the theory goes. Unfortunately, inmy 15 years at KAS I encountered bothwonderful and inspiring teachers, andothers who could barely keep order inthe classroom. It would be invidious to name anyof the latter type of teacher (speak noill of the dead, etc.), but I can’t resistmentioning some of the stars in theKAS firmament. They made lifeinteresting, challenging and enjoyable. Margaret Maxwell was a real lady,with a quiet authority and deep love aswell as knowledge of English. Fromher, I developed a great love for, andinterest in, the language and literaturewhich has stood me in very good steadfor the rest of my life. “Tryggie” (Johann Trygvason)our music teacher was an eccentricgenius with a great sense of fun,sometimes at others’ expense. Hisknowledge and application of musicwas second to none. He was a highlyaccomplished pianist, who could easilyillustrate musical ideas on the piano. Iremember periods of musicappreciation where we would listen togreat works of classical music which hewould explain to us. He also was theconductor of the School orchestra, inwhich I was a player, ending up asleader. Harry Kemp was a brilliantmathematician who, alas, left theschool before I could seriously engagewith him. As I recall, I may have hadhim as a teacher for a few years, butby the time I took O-levels he had

gone. That is one of my regrets, that Idid not have him all the way through toA-level Mathematics. He had a quietauthority over the class, and attendinghis lessons was like sitting at the feetof a guru, so deep was his insight. To round off this little trip downmemory lane, I’d like to square thecircle by explaining how a Jewish boybrought up in a religious vacuum endedup as a Methodist Local Preacher. I can’t go into the details for lack ofspace, but with hindsight I realise thatGod had his hands on me from theword go. As I later learned after myfather’s death, he had me baptised atthe age of one in the George WhitefieldMemorial church in central London.That was just the beginning, possiblyas an insurance policy against a Naziinvasion, hoping that Jewish Christiansranked lower in the queue forAuschwitz than Jewish Jews. Over theyears, I encountered Christians invarious places. In the end, I married alovely German Catholic girl, becoming aCatholic myself three years later. Sincethen, our various Christianperegrinations led us to the MethodistChurch, which we know in our hearts tobe our spiritual home. So, thank you KAS for notindoctrinating me religiously, andgiving me the freedom to find myreligious destiny myself. May youlong continue to enable children todevelop their own identities andtalents!

� Stephan Rudolpher (OA 1960)

We had the pleasure of meeting Stephan Rudolpher and his wife Christine intheir home in Stockport near Manchester. We travelled up to see him one wet andwindy day in early March and received a warm welcome from them. We weredelighted to spend time with Stephan and Christine and hear all about his time atschool and all about his career as a Professor of Bio Statistics at ManchesterUniversity. Stephen wrote about the visit for us.

A blast from the past

Sally Clark née Harris (OA 1951)remembers her last day at the schoolvividly. ‘I am now 85 years old and love receivingthe KAS news. I live in Australia, have beenwidowed for over 20 years after a very happymarriage. I have 3 sons, 8 grandchildren and3 great grandchildren. I still remember our final day at KAS in1951 and we were all 17 years old. Wedecided to go to the Bull and Bush (we hadnever been there before). As soon as weentered we saw Mr Kemp, our maths master.He took one look at me and said, 'I've comehere to celebrate the fact that I wouldn't seeyou again'. I was a hopeless student withmaths, he just couldn't get anything into mybrain. That didn't deter us, we drank a glassof cider each, which I think was wrong. Wewere under age but the publican didn't seemto mind!’

Iarrived at KAS after the war,together with some of the pupilsand staff who had been evacuated

to a farm near Royston. My sister,Lilith, had been in Royston too, but I,being six years younger, had attendeda local primary school where I wasbullied and lonely, so I approached mynew school with caution. KAS was wonderful: the classeswere small enough for the teachers togive us much attention; our opinionsheld in the School Council in SquirrelHall were taken seriously, and oftenacted upon; most of the staff wereaddressed by their first names; therewas a huge library to which I couldretreat; every morning, first thing, wewere able to do our ‘homework’ in therelevant classroom, with the teacherpresent to help. At first I was so shythat during breaks I used to hide in theboiler room under the stage, butgradually I made friends. JanetSamuel (now Wardman) is still a goodfriend; she has helped me to put thistogether. Once a year there was a staffholiday, when the older pupils taughtthe younger ones and the few staff whoremained stayed firmly in the office.Another exciting annual event wascaring for a duck who shepherded herducklings through the grounds and onto the park; the staff had to stop thetraffic for her. Every term we were given a list ofchoices for all five afternoons. In mytime, before exams took over, Iexplored bookbinding, printing (concertprogrammes and the magazine),weaving, country dancing, a little

‘estate work’ (i.e.hauling a log),and lettering.Drama withRenée Soskinwas veryexciting: welearnt to projectour voices andhow to appreciateand performShakespeare.Much of what Ilearned thenhas stood me ingood stead eversince. Howeverpainting for thefirst time withJohn Berger wasa painfulexperience: hegave us a subject, but no guidance,and when he came round the class hewas so critical of my work that afterthe lesson I went enraged to Mr.Montgomery, the headmaster, andasked if I could change my choice.Monty, a kindly and tactful man, gaveme permission. Later, when I wasteaching, I often thought of thisepisode. At games time I used to playfives in the fives court: hard on thehands but excellent for getting rid ofemotions. Sometimes I kept the cricketscore, and admired the expert wicketkeeping of my goddess, Janet Craxton,who played the oboe superbly as well. I looked forward equally to mymorning lessons: Mr Fuller – neverRonald – taught English expertly; hewidened my reading horizonssufficiently to get me to university.Ros, who taught me French, and Fred,the geography teacher, became my

friends after I had left school in 1951.These lessons were taught in the verychilly buildings left over from the war;when possible we would huddle roundthe tortoise stoves. If we complainedabout the cold in maths lessons MissLevin would produce a skipping ropeand send us out for some exercise.Some memorable biology lessons wereheld by Miss D’Eath at a pond onHampstead Heath; her attempts toteach us the facts of life were equallymemorable. Years later, I learnt that becauseLilith and I had been Jewish refugeesKAS had taken us in at greatly reducedprices. I was very glad to returnthen as a teacher, to do my best formy considerate, helpful, artisticand very interesting pupils. I stillenjoy reading the KAS Magazines whichwe edited.

� Naomi Hull née Elkan (OA 1951)

KAS Memories

Congratulations to Paul Temple andhis bride Yosanni who married inSeptember 2019 in the DominicanRepublic, where Paul has livedsince 2006.

‘I have not had a linear career but thehelter skelter of moving betweenunrelated occupations has been excitingand memorable’.

Paul is a retired teacher, teachertrainer, IT educational consultant andauthor of children’s science books,"How To Make Square Eggs", "CreepyCrawlies", "How to Grow Weird andWonderful Plants" and, for hobbyists,"Carnivorous Plants". More recently, heco-authored two books on carnivorousplants, describing all known membersof the genus Pinguicula (butterworts).Paul recalls his school days...

Iattended KAS while Monty, thenNicki Archer, were heads, whichwould have been 1958-1969. I'm

(obviously) no spring chicken now butstill remember time at school. With thebenefit of hindsight but also based onmy experience then and since, I remainproud to be an Old (perhaps tooaccurately) Alfredian and, as a

professional teacher (retired), Iconsider it was the best school I couldhave attended, then or since. What Imost value about KAS is that my timethere helped teach me to thinkindependently, not so much because itformally taught such thinking butbecause it very definitely tolerated it. Itis probably no longer the memory ofany staff member still at KAS but I wasthe uppity brat who convinced theschool to discard the Student Council'smodel of 2 representatives per class(plus 2 staff advisers), introducing it itsplace a right for anyone to attendcouncil and vote. The experimentdidn't last beyond my leaving but I'mglad I tried democracy, if only to learnsome of its shortcomings. I must alsosay that while I was too young to share

much time with beloved Monty (who Iremember to this day), I had too manyencounters with Nicki to believe otherthan that she rued the day I beganusing the independence and originalityof thought that KAS allowed westudents, and especially me(!) todevelop. (I believe I remain the onlystudent ever to achieve 0% in a classtest, since adding one's name to thepaper gained 1%; I added my name toidentify the paper's owner but crossedit out so the 1% couldn't be awarded.Nicki rued attempting to discuss thispoor performance with me -- requiringthe presence of my parents did nothelp her case -- and I gained thecessation of History studies, as hadbeen my intention.) No matter the petty inconveniencesI may have caused, theseexperiences and many more gaveme what no other school wouldhave, the ability to be innovativeand the independence to try. Forthose, I will always hold KAS as avaluable and cherished experience. Itruly hope the ethos has not changedand I hope even more that those seenas rebellious are nurtured rather thancastigated.

� Paul Temple (OA 1969)

Memories of Old Alfredians

Given that many of you readingthis will be very familiar withAreta’s work at the school, I

thought I’d say a bit about her earlylife, which you may not know. Areta was born in Los Angeles atthe height of the Depression to Georgeand Norma Lea, the oldest of four in afamily of Seventh Day Adventists. Herfather took any work he could find,which resulted in the Leas movingabout 25 times by the time Areta was12. As the oldest, she often worked inthe fields, picking peaches, or drivingtrucks while her father sprayed crops.She became familiar with the workingsof cars and tractors, and drove them assoon as her feet reached the pedals.Life was tough. At times theyscavenged for food in dustbins. Therewas never enough of anything, andAreta found that she had to take thelead in her family, as her father wasoften out, and her mother could beharsh and scolding. She realised thateducation was her way out, so sheworked hard in school, took on paidwork to fund her studies, and as muchas she could, took her siblings with heron this journey. From a young age, she wasfascinated with England, and dreamedof coming to London to see the Queen.So from her birthplace in California, shekept moving east, first to a boardingschool in Colorado, then to College inMassachusetts. At school, she becamehead girl, and as the first in her familyto attend college, whilst there, she tookjust about every leadership role therewas, whilst also working various jobs tofund her way. She graduated in 1955,and completed a Masters in psychiatric

social work at the University ofNebraska in 1957. During the Cold War,she was given a role supporting youngrecruits at Strategic Air Command inOffutt Airforce base. SAC wasresponsible for command and control ofthe U.S. military's strategic nuclearstrike forces, with nuclear bombers on24-hour alert. In the 60s, she movedback to California, where she worked ina school supporting teenage girls. The 60s brought about its ownrevolution in Areta. It was a time ofgreat change, with Civil Rights, the warin Vietnam, and Music. Having grownup being taught that Elvis was ‘theDevil’, Areta discovered Jazz, and likedit. She also bought herself a car, a redMustang convertible, from a teenageboy who won it in a competition butcouldn’t afford the insurance. One dayin 1966, Areta was driving with friendsin her Mustang, to a picnic on Venicebeach. In the front passenger seat washer good friend and colleague Manny,and in the back seat was his wifeMaria, and her brother Henry, visitingfrom London. When the engine startedto make a strange noise, she pulledover to pop the bonnet and check whatwas wrong. Henry Hautman, being amechanical engineer, naturally offeredto help, but she gracefully declined,simply described exactly what waswrong, and declared that she hadalready fixed it. As they continued withtheir journey, Henry asked his sister:“Who is she?” Areta and Henry married in LosAngeles in 1967, in an Adventist churchto please her mother, and then(secretly) went to party with friends upin the Hollywood Hills, enjoying ‘illicit’

drinking and dancing. Theyhoneymooned in Mexico, and Aretamoved to Highgate, where they settled.Geoff and Jenny were born in 1970 and1974 respectively, which brings us toher time as a parent at King Alfreds. Passionate about education, sheembraced the school for its child-centred learning, its founding ethos ofparental involvement, and its naturalenvironment. For four decades, true toher American spirit of honouring ones‘founding fathers’, she held up theschool’s founders (radical, rational, freethinkers) and founding principles,protecting the KAS constitution, just asshe tended its buildings and greenspaces. Former school architect,Suzanne Bollas, worked with Areta formany years, and remembers how: “She knew every tree and plant inthe school grounds by their botanicalnames, and held the amazing anddiverse history of KAS in her mind…There was something timeless abouther and when she spoke at meetingsshe seemed to be speaking from thepast, the present, and the future all inone vocalization.” How will we ever replace her andwhat she represented? Of course wecan’t. Perhaps the least we can do is tomake Ron Brook’s book mandatoryreading for all council members (andtest them on it) “May her spirit and love forever beexpressed in how she tended you in theblossoming of your life.”

� Jennifer Hautman (OA 1992)

Areta Hautman (1933 – 2019)

Since the death of Areta Hautman lastAugust, the Art & Photographydepartment put on an exhibition inher memory. Cliff Bevan, Head ofPhotography said, ‘The show wentvery well. There was a good turn outfrom council members, former staff,parents and Old Alfredianphotography students Tal and MichalArenson, Lola Aviva Abinieri andNicolas Gilly. There were in theregion of 60 visitors across Art andPhotography. Kara Conti and Jenny,Areta's daughter both gave lovelyspeeches and the Art department'sgallery space will now berenamed the Areta Space - a newsign will be made for it.

As head of The King Alfred Schoolfrom 2003-2015, Dawn Moorewas a well known and loved

figure in the local community. Afterbeing diagnosed with stomach cancer inOctober 2019, she sadly passed awayon 28th December 2019, aged 56,surrounded by people she loved.Around 300 people, including manyfrom the school community, made thejourney to Nuneaton on the 14thJanuary to attend her funeral and sharefond memories of Dawn. She issurvived by her husband Keith, whoalso worked at King Alfred and herchildren Kristy and Holly who bothattended the school. Starting out as a newly qualifiedbiology teacher in 1986, Dawnremained at the school for the next 29years taking on many roles includingPSHE Coordinator, Head of Biology,Organiser of INSET, Deputy Head andthen finally Head from 2003 to 2015.During her time at the school she wasresponsible for broadening thecurriculum to include Psychology andClassical Civilization and championingprovision for students who neededadditional support in Lower and UpperSchool. She was instrumental in

ensuring the development of the schoolin line with its ethos. This included: theacquisition and development of theschool’s play-based Early Years centreand Phoenix Theatre at Ivy Wood;creating a dedicated Design Technologycentre and blacksmith’s forge andoverseeing the fundraising for anddelivery of the Fives Court Building inLower School. She also trained andworked as a school inspector,deepening her knowledge of theeducation sector. Kara Conti, President of The KingAlfred School Society met Dawn whenshe first started at the school. Sheremembers: “She had a brilliant,sharp, perceptive mind and a heartwhich cared for thousands ofchildren, significantly enrichingtheir lives. She understood theschool completely and cared aboutevery aspect of it passionately.Above all she put the children firstand was able to communicate withthem in a profoundly intuitiveway.” She was an inspiring teacher, andwhen whispering at the back of theclass, pupils would be amazed that sheknew what they had said. What they

perhaps didn’t know was that Dawnhad suffered significant hearing losssince childhood, and as a result, was ahighly skilled lip reader. “I askedDawn to talk to one of my Year 7classes about the strategies sheemployed to cope with herdeafness,” remembers Rita Murray, acurrent staff member who was herethroughout Dawn’s time at the school.“They were astounded to discoverthat she was partially deaf.” As a teacher, parent, partner, andmanager, Dawn was able to see theschool from the point of view of all itsstakeholders. One long-term memberof staff described her as ‘The ListeningHead’. This was a strength but alsobrought its challenges. She was a greatsupporter of women, promoting manyto management roles and cared deeplyabout the lives of the individuals andfamilies who made up the community. Annabel Cody, Chair of Council at

KAS said: “As a school communitywe are united in our sadness at theloss of an inspirational figure whois an integral part of The KingAlfred School’s history. Dawnalways put the children at thecentre of everything she did. Ourthoughts are with her family whowe know, must miss her terribly.” Current Head of The King AlfredSchool, Robert Lobatto said: “Whilemany KAS staff worked with Dawnfor a long time, I only workedalongside her briefly as she handedthe reins to me in 2015. She wasincredibly helpful during thatprocess and I was immediatelystruck by her dedication to theschool. Though I know leaving wasdifficult for her, she kept theinterests of the school at the heartof our transition and did everythingshe could to support me, andothers, throughout. It’s noexaggeration to say that she gaveherself fully to the school. She wasa deeply compassionate and kindperson, who touched the lives ofmany people over her 29 years ofservice.”

Here is a small selection (from a largenumber) of tributes received from OldAlfredians.

‘We will remember Dawn veryfondly. She was so warm andwelcoming and we will always begrateful to her for her stewardshipof King Alfred when our daughtersattended and they benefited fromher interest, vision, dedication andcare in their all round educationand development’.

‘Whilst words can never truly speakto the immense gratitude forsomeone’s presence, or indeedexpress love, they can pointtowards this gratitude that so manyof us share for Dawn’s presence, forhaving walked with us through ourlearning years, and they can pointto the love that surrounds you all atthis time’.

Dawn Moore (1963 – 2019)

The school will be holding a memorial event for the Alfredian communityto remember Dawn and to share memories and stories, and this will takeplace in the next academic year. Any event will, of course involve andinclude Dawn’s family. We will notify all Old Alfredians once we have aclearer idea of a date.

‘Dawn taught me Biology during myGCSE years. I can recall her passionon the subject and howknowledgeable she was. She was avery warm person and much likedby all pupils across the differentage groups. Like many teachers atKAS, she will always beremembered and treasured in thememories that one holds of theformative years spent learning andgrowing up at KAS, as faithful andprivileged Alfredians’.‘I am so sad to read this. I havefond memories of Dawn as myteacher some 30 years ago. Shewas so lovely’.

‘Dawn was an inspirational and veryspecial person who will be deeplymissed’.

‘So sad to read that Dawn passedaway. I regularly reflect on one ofmy earliest memories; that of abiology teacher who was kindenough to record/gift a young boytheir first ever cassette! (TracyChapman, which Dawn impressivelydeduced from my poor rendition ofa song stuck in my head!) Funny tothink how much impact a simple,warm hearted gesture can have -Dawn was a wonderful influenceand KAS through and through’.

Stella Magarshak, Head of Art at KAS in the 1970s and 80s passed away on4th December 2019. Staff recall Stella decorating the school hall for Christmasevery year and producing a calendar. She inspired many students to study art.

We are sorry to report thedeaths of the following OldAlfredians. Some of the

deaths may not be recent howeverwe have been notified in the last fewmonths. Please do let us know ofany OA deaths so we may removethem off our mailing lists and avoidcausing distress to their families.

• Sidney Thompson

• Peter Lipton

• John Kay Picknett

• Lilith Lehner

• Richard Gilford Adeney

• Penelope Goldsworthy

• Teresa Horton

• Anna Nicholson

• Andrew Duncan Smith (OA 2014)

died on Saturday 18 January

2020.

Deceased OAs

Stella left, Jan Bradleyand Kara Conti

Humber Bridge HalfMarathon: 28 June2020Alan Davies, who was both a parentand teacher at KAS, will be runningthis Half Marathon to raise money forMacmillan Cancer Support in memoryof Dawn Moore, and his late wifeDiane, who many of you mayremember taught Geography at KAS.If you would like to sponsor himplease go to the linkhttps://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alan-davies27?utm_campaign

We are living inunprecedentedtimes with the

current global COVID-19outbreak. My main focus isto keep the schoolcommunity well informedand safe. The school hastaken robust measures tolook after pupils and staff,such as cessation of call-overs, school trips, musicalevents and reinforced goodhygiene habits such ashand washing with handsanitisers dotted around the site. As of16 March, the school remains open andalthough there are fewer pupils, thosethat are here, are in good spirits andlessons continue. The new year started with the sadnews of the loss of Dawn Moore. Dawnhad been a great help and support tome when I joined the school in 2015.She held the interests of the school atheart as she supported this transition.I, along with many staff, attended her

funeral and it was clear tosee just how many livesshe had touched withinour community. Theschool will be holding amemorial event tocelebrate her life, with theinvolvement of Dawn’sfamily. We will let OldAlfredians have moredetails, as soon as wehave them.

Before Coronavirustook over our thoughts,school life was of course

as vibrant and varied as always. The upper school production of LesMiserables was a sell out withoutstanding performances from thecast. Lucy Hall, Head of Drama said, ‘The level of commitment from thepupils has been incredible, the passionand talent on stage spoke for itself.’ The ski trip in December was apoignant one as it was Edo’s lastbefore retirement. 24 pupils and 4 staffthoroughly enjoyed the snow in the

resort of Tignes. The annual French Festival tookplace in March with 13 schools takingpart. The overall winner of Best Playwas King Alfred School. Eton won BestUnique Theatrical experience andHaberdashers won the Jury SpecialAward. Sports at King Alfred has seensome great successes with 21 studentsfrom Years 4-9 going to the regionalcross country championships and 4 ofour students making it to Nationals inNottingham. All students did our schoolproud and showed great resilience onthe day. The Year 8 Netball team took partin the ISA Regional netball tournamentand walked away with second placemedals. This means they are throughto the ISA National Netballtournament. Congratulations to sixth formstudent Rhodri whose film ‘Ghost Bois’has been selected from hundreds ofapplicants as part of this year’s IntoFilm Awards 16-19 category. I wish Old Alfredians, near and far,good health. Stay safe, and we hope tosee you back at KAS in the not toodistant future.

Message from the Head

Reunion for 1966-1976 Leavers

Hire the school as a venueOAs get a discount for hiring the school as a venue. We can do all sorts of events like conferences, parties and meetings.

The spaces we hire out are the Main Hall, Lower school hall, Old Library and Classrooms.

Contact: Jorge, Lettings Manager at [email protected]

For the Phoenix Theatre please contact Rob Messik, Artistic Director [email protected]

Film Screening EventFriday 3rd July in the King Alfred

Phoenix Theatre 6.00pm

Come and watch a variety of innovative short filmsproduced by our talented Film Studies A Level students andOld Alfredians who are nearing the end of their film school

degrees both here and the USA.

The evening will consist of a drinks reception, followed bythe screening and the opportunity for an informal Q and A

session with the filmmakers and industry professionals.

Please come and support our young directors andcinematographers as they showcase their work. It promisesto be a very enjoyable event, and you may just be rubbing

shoulders with the BAFTA nominees of the future.

Please contact Tamlyn [email protected] to registeryour interest.

Alfredians Editor: Shalaka, OldAlfredians & Development Officer

Development: Tamlyn,Development Director

The King Alfred School Society is a CompanyLimited by Guarantee No. 57854. Registered Charity No. 312590.

Registered in England.

Old Alfredians…we need you!

The King Alfred School149 North End Road, London NW11 7HY

E: [email protected] T: 0208 457 5175W: www.kingalfred.org.uk

Connect with us on Facebook, LinkedInand Instagram…

@OldAlfredians

@thekingalfredschool

www.linkedin.com/school/11034407

l Please support our events andgatherings.

l Help us to organise year groupreunions – our next one is for allAlfredians who were at the schoolbetween 1966 and 1976.

l Come and give a talk to pupils about atopic of interest.

l Offer career advice or work shadowingto young Old Alfredians or sixthformers.

l Stay in touch and make sure we haveyour contact details.

l Follow us on Instagram:@oldalfredians

l Share your news and stories with us.

OAs Notice Board

We need your email address to keep in touch!

Connections Event –

Creative Arts & MediaThursday 14 May in the King Alfred

Phoenix Theatre 6.30pmOur first Connections event for OAs interested in or working

within Creative Arts & Media. This is a broad category includingacting, film production, theatre, TV, photography, publishing.

Please register your interest by emailing [email protected]

Edo RetiresThis summer will see the retirement of King Alfred’s Head

of PE, Edo, after 30 years at KAS. If you would like tojoin us to say goodbye, please email

[email protected] with subject: Edo Retires. Details TBC.

Axe Monsters ReunionDate TBC

Calling all musicians who have been part of the legendaryAxe Monsters at King Alfred: a reunion is planned for the

autumn. If you would like to attend please [email protected] with the subject: Axe Monsters.Please spread the word amongst fellow Axe Monsters to

make it a really special occasion.

Saturday 12th SeptemberTennis and Tours of school at 11am, lunch at 12.30pmIf you were at School anytime from 1966 – 1976, please

contact Kim Franklin (OA 1976) [email protected] or Tamlyn [email protected] or 0208 457 5175

Alfredians autumn 08 v1 - kingalfred.org.uk

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