The Association has just learnt of the sad passing on January 14th, of Paul Vivian Davis after a long struggle with multiple sclerosis. Born in Yorkshire, Paul attended the school from 1945 to 1951 and enjoyed a distinguished career as a chartered accountant and financial director, which was sadly cut short by his illness.
The Association has recently learnt of the sad passing of Derek Ingham OE. Derek was a pupil at the School from 1947 to 1953.
It is with great sorrow that the Association announces the passing, on November 23rd, of Liz Parker, widow of Bob Parker OE and a great friend and supporter of the OEs. Bob and Liz were well known for their tireless work on behalf of the rugby club as well as the 40 Society.
The family has extended an invitation to all friends to attend Liz’s funeral at the New Southgate Crematorium on Thursday 16th December at 12 noon, and afterwards at the West Lodge Park. (It would be appreciated if those wishing to attend could first advise Peter Yates at peter_mary_@btinternet.com ). Donations to the Cherry Lodge Rest Home (account details 00008664, sort code 40-52-40) would be welcome, in lieu of any intended floral tributes.
The Association has just received the very sad news of the passing of Sid Clark, former master and Governor. Sid served the school with great distinction, first as a chemistry master from 1956 until his retirement in 1987, then as a School Governor and later a Trustee of the Friends of Queen Elizabeth’s, being a co-founder of the FQE covenant scheme, before settling in New Zealand in 2008.
The Association is sad to announce the passing of Peter Whitaker, pupil at the school from 1930 to 1940. Following a post-war career in military intelligence, Peter then worked as a civil servant, both overseas and at home before finally embarking on a legal career. Peter passed away on 8th November.
The Association has recently been informed of the sad passing of Bryan Hibbard on September 29th at the age of 95. Bryan attended the school from 1938 to 1944 and after a full life of service to medicine achieved the distinction of Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Wales.
The Association is sad to announce the passing of Peter Rhodes on October 27th in Durham. Peter was a pupil at the school from 1951 to 1959, ultimately achieving the distinction of Emeritus Professor of Ancient History at Durham University.
Elizabethans from every decade from the 1940s through to the 2020s turned out to the 125th Old Elizabethans Association Annual Dinner.
With 76 in attendance, the event in the Main School Hall was the first such formal occasion since the start of the pandemic.
As has become traditional, guests included the ‘ten-year leavers’ – those who were pupils from 2004-2011: their 30-strong group occupied a prime position in the middle of the tables. Other groups booked together, too – such as OEs from the 1978-1985 cohort, and some of those who left in 2004/5.
The current decade was represented at the dinner by the 2021 School Captain, Siddhant Kansal, and three members of his prefect team.
And the ranks of diners were further swelled by several members of the School’s new 450 Club.
Headmaster Neil Enright said: “Being an Elizabethan is not just about the seven years that boys typically spend here – it’s about joining a community and network offering lifelong friendship and support. With such good numbers and with old boys of all ages coming along, this year’s dinner was a striking demonstration that all who have attended our School really are Elizabethans for life.
“Such enjoyable social occasions are important in helping OEs keep in touch and re-connect with each other and with us at the School. Pandemic-permitting, I look forward to many similar events in the future and to our providing alumni with other opportunities for them to get involved in supporting the School and the current pupils in various ways.”
In his speech, Mr Enright explained why the 2021 dinner had additional significance for him: “This year is itself an anniversary for me personally, marking a decade as Headmaster. It is also a milestone for our group of ten-year leavers, who I’m pleased to see in typically good numbers and high spirits tonight. There is, in fact, strong representation from my last A-level Geography group among them.”
He gave initial feedback on the recent independent survey of alumni commissioned by the School: “It has reinforced that the overwhelming majority are proud to have been to QE and think that an education here has had a lasting positive impact. We want to ensure that this remains the case for you and for future generations of alumni.”
He gave a special welcome to the 450 Club members: named in anticipation of the 450th anniversary of the School in 2023, the club is open to any alumnus who commits to donating £450 to the School before September 2022.
The evening began with a drinks reception at 7.15pm, which took place in the Crush Hall. This was followed by dinner and then a series of toasts and speeches, before guests went back to mingling and networking.
OE Association President Eric Houston, who hosted the dinner on behalf of the Association, presented Siddhant with the Eric Shearly Memorial Award for his outstanding service and contribution to the School.
Mr Houston, who is also a Governor, taught at the School from 1976. He was Second Master from 1999 until his retirement in 2010, this period largely overlapping with the 1999-2011 headmastership of Dr John Marincowitz, who was also in attendance at the dinner.
The guest speaker Dhruv Chhatralia (OE 1996-2003) gave the after-dinner speech, proposing the toast to the School. A City lawyer, Dhruv is a regular speaker on Hinduism, on the benefits of yoga and on the importance of strong mental health, and is the author of many books on Hinduism. He was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2020 New Year’s Honours ‘for services to Hinduism and to developing young people’.
The Association is sad to announce the passing of Roy Giles on July 11th in Axminster, Devon at the age of 88. Roy attended the school from 1943 to 1951 and pursued a distinguished academic career as Head of Modern Languages at Eton and Head Master of Highgate School, with a role as Administrator of the Buloga Trust, a charity dedicated to health and sanitation projects in rural areas of Uganda.
The Association is sad to announce the passing of John Hobson on May 20th in Worthing, Sussex at the age of 88. John was a pupil at the school from 1943 to 1951 and attended the OEs’ Annual Dinner as recently as 2013.