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Old Aylesburian News
No 10
12
SUMMER 2014
FROM THE HEAD MASTER
With just a few days left until the summer holiday AGS continues to be
exceptionally busy. We enjoyed our annual Junior Prize Giving last week and
were delighted to welcome Mr James Sexton, former Head Boy of Ridley
House as our Guest of Honour. After leaving AGS, Mr Sexton completed a
degree in politics at Cardiff University followed by being accepted into and
then graduating from the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. He saw active
service in Afghanistan, Belize, Canada and Cyprus. Having now left the army
James is working in investment banking with JP Morgan. Following the
awarding of prizes he delivered an inspirational speech that was well received
by everyone. Congratulations to all of our prizewinners. We have also held a
number of events over recent weeks where there have been large numbers of
Old Aylesburians visiting the school. Although we could not host the OA
squash tournament this year due to the ongoing redevelopment work in the
squash courts, we did enjoy a great afternoon of School 1st XI v OA cricket on
the 2nd July. On 4th July over 200 staff, former staff, governors, students, OA’s and parents attended my
Farewell Dinner in the Foundation Hall. This was a wonderful occasion and one I shall always remember,
not least for the humorous and touching tributes from all quarters. On the 6 th July over 70 staff, former
staff and OAs joined Mr Hancock at his Farewell Lunch and then many more still attended on the 13 th July
for a Celebration Tea to celebrate Mr Hancock’s time at AGS. Tim Hancock will be retiring after 38 years
of quite brilliant outstanding service to the school and we look forward to paying further tribute to him later
this week and in this years Aylesburian magazine. The AGS career of this gentle genius has been quite
varied but it is teaching of Maths that has supported and inspired literally thousands of boys. On the
afternoon of 11th July we had around 80 staff and former students playing in our second annual OA six-aside football match followed by a pizza supper. Former Head Boy of Denson House, Josh Callander led
his all-star to victory. That was followed, later the same evening, by the first ever AGS Blue Note Jazz
evening. This evening was the brainchild of AGS parents and music teachers Leigh and Mark Ridout, and
it pulled together parents, students, OAs and staff for workshops and performances that were truly
incredible. Hopefully this is the OA music event we have been looking for and shall become a regular
feature in the AGS calendar. It has been so good to see the vibrancy and commitment of our OA
community at and around all of these events and I would like to say a special thank you to our
development team of Alison Cox and Nikki Taylor who have put in an enormous amount of work to ensure
all these events were so successful.
I am delighted to be able to announce the appointments of next year’s most senior students at AGS. I
offer my warm congratulations to Ollie East (R12), Liam Evans (D12) and Liam Hyde (R12) who have
been appointed Deputy Head Boys of School. One of these three shall become the Head Boy of School
before term is complete. I am also very pleased to report that the following have been appointed Head
Boy of their respective Houses: Ash Ramlugan (Denson), John Gardner (Hampden), Tom Rhead (Lee), JJ
Clark (Paterson), Ollie Giles (Phillips) and Eddie Bains (Ridley). We are very confident that they and all
our Prefects will serve the school with distinction over the coming year.
I was delighted to learn only recently that the PTA has raised over £26,000 this academic year despite the
challenges of an incredibly wet day for the annual fete. This will go a long way to further improving
facilities and supporting students. The main bulk of the money is to be spent on a much needed new
School minibus. This fantastic figure was raised through a variety of excellent events such as the Art and
Craft Fair, Burns Night, the Christmas Raffle and the ever popular Curry and Quiz Night and many more.
Thank you to everyone on the PTA for their hard work throughout the year and to all those who have
supported them. As Old Aylesburians please do continue to support them in any way you can as the
money they raise is so important to the school.
As we come to the end of this year we shall be saying farewell, thank you and good luck to a number of
staff who will be leaving AGS at the end of this academic year following valued service to the school. Of
most notable to our alumni community is the aforementioned Mr Tim Hancock, Mathematics teacher and
‘Timetabler extraordinaire’, who is retiring after a phenomenal 38 years of service to the school. Aside
from inspiring generations of students to love and excel in Maths, Tim Hancock has served the school
community as a Denson House Tutor and was then one of the first ever Paterson House tutors when
that House first came into being in the early 1980s. Additionally, he has taught Computer Studies and
General Studies, been second in Maths, in charge of Computing, cover, exam invigilation and the
timetable. Tim is renowned for his good humour, gentle manner and astute mind, and we shall all miss
this irreplaceable member of the AGS common room terribly.
Also departing is Alex Cornish. Alex is a former student of the school who has worked with us for the
past two years as our PE Administrative Assistant. He has offered excellent support and given time well
beyond the remit of his job coaching younger teams and accompanying school visits and trips.
Additionally Tom Larkin, James Lake and Jamie Wilkins, all former students of the school, have worked
with us for a year prior to embarking on a Masters degree, a career in teaching and a career in music
respectively. Tom, James and Jamie have worked as cover supervisors but have also taken every
opportunity to get involved and to support the wider life of the school. Notably, Tom Larkin has been
taking the time to conduct a series of inspiring and interesting interviews with a selection of Old
Aylesburians. The interviews can be found on our website under the alumni tab.
For other staff leavers, all of whom may be of interest to various but different generations of OAs, do
please see the School Newsletters on our website or, more importantly, look out for the Aylesburian
magazine 2013-14 which should be published in the early autumn.
It therefore only remains for me to wish you all a very relaxing and enjoyable summer and my very best
wishes for the next stage in the life of the school under the leadership of Mr Mark Sturgeon. I am looking
forward to the challenges and opportunities that leading Kingston Grammar School shall bring but I can
honestly say that I am leaving AGS with a heavy heart. I will always remember the school with great
affection. I wish you all well and thank you for the enormous support and friendship I have experienced
here at AGS. As one of the latest recruits to the alumni community I very much look forward to seeing
you at future events if possible!
Stephen Lehec
Head Master
EDITOR’S ADDITIONAL COMMENT
We do of course have one more important member of staff who is
leaving us this term. Mr SR Lehec is leaving us to take up a post
as Head Master of Kingston Grammar School. Mr Lehec joined us
8 years ago as Deputy Headteacher and was appointed Head
Master 6 years ago. Over the past 8 years he has made an
enormous number of changes to the site and appearance of the
school and to developing relationships within school and with Old
Aylesburians and with partner schools. What staff and students will remember most, however, is the
interest he has taken in their lives, the school visits he has accompanied and the time he has taken to
support sports fixtures, musical events and drama performances. We will miss you Head Master!
FORMER HEAD MASTER’S OF AGS
Mr Lehec (2007-2014) will become the seventh Head Master to join
Mr T Osborne (1907-1927), Mr GP Furneaux (1927-1951),
Mr L Tidmarsh (1951-1967), Mr KD Smith (1967-1992), Mr I Roe
(1992-1999), and Mr S Harvey (2007-2007) on the wall in the school
boardroom.
THE HEAD MASTER’S
FAREWELL DINNER
A wonderful mix of 200 guests including Governors, staff and former
staff, parents and Old Aylesburians joined us at the Head Master’s
Farewell Dinner on Friday 4th July to say a fond farewell to Mr Lehec
and to celebrate his significant contribution to our school over the past
eight years. A community wide event, the Development Office were supported by 15 senior prefects and
Head Boys of Houses, the PTA bar team, and an army of catering and waiting staff courtesy of Cuisine
Excellence (OAs Nigel and Roger Lyons). Guests enjoyed an array entertaining speeches on behalf of
the current students, the OA
community, the governing body, the SLT and staff, and Mr Lehec
responded with his usual vigour and humour. A wonderful celebration of a well respected Head Master.
Thank you to Jon Gausden, (Head Boy of Lee House 07-14); Tom Larkin (OA, Head Boy of Hampden
House 02-07); Mr Jim Collins (Chairman of Governors, OA Phillips House
69- 76); Mrs Venning
(Deputy Headteacher) and our MC Dominic Mears (Deputy Head Boy, Paterson House 07-14).
Amazing music was supplied by a selection of soloists, the AGS Jazz Band and the Funktion Band. Oh,
and Mr Lehec who couldn’t resist another opportunity to take the stage…..
Our army of current Senior Prefects
worked tirelessly throughout the
evening.
L to R:Matthew Lever, (2003-2010), Sam
Jones,(2003-2010) Tom Moran (20032010)
Deputy Head Teacher Lilla Venning
addressed the audience on behalf of
the Senior Leadership Team and Staff
Tom Larkin (Hampden 2002-2009) who
spoke on behalf of the Old Aylesburians
L to R: Lilla Venning, David
Messum and George Messum (Lee
2008-2010)
Staff and Parents—past and present
mixed with current students, past
student leaders and Governors.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Official opening of the new Squash Facilities—Wednesday 8th October 2014
OA Reception at Speaker’s House—Wednesday 26th November 2014
Sportsman’s Dinner—Friday 19th June 2015
OA Sports Day—Wednesday 1st July 2015
OA Football Tournament & Pizza Supper—Friday 10th July 2015
MR LEHEC TALKS FUNDING…
The Head Master recently spoke on Mix 96 news regarding the lack of funding for Buckinghamshire’s
Grammar schools.
Mr Lehec told Mix 96 people have the wrong idea about schools like ours: "We are very successful
because of our students and the support we get from our parents and our alumni.” "But actually we're
not particularly well funded, which means that it's often the building and the facilities that suffer so we
can maintain our operational, day-to-day business, which is teaching, learning and welfare of the
students we have." Mr Lehec added that it is right that schools in the most need get cash first. "But
what happens is that it's the central funding that doesn't benefit all schools fairly and grammar schools, I
suppose, have been designated as schools that can get by, and unfortunately you can only get by for so
long before your facilities begin to suffer." The Head Master told Mix 96 that the main areas where the
school is suffering is science facilities, which are around 30-40 years old. The equipment in the rooms
have been updated a bit, but most of the labs still use old resources.
Bucks County Council told Mix 96 that Grammar schools are centrally-funded, meaning they get cash
from the government, which passes through the council but can't be altered by them.
THE RT. HON JOHN BERCOW
The interview with Mix 96 was preceded with a visit from The Rt.
Hon John Bercow who visited Aylesbury Grammar School in early
June. He enjoyed a tour of the school, chatting to a number of our
students, and met with Stephen Lehec, Gillian Miscampbell
(Governor) and Alison Cox (Development Director) to discuss
funding Challenges at Aylesbury Grammar School.
He was
particularly shocked by the poor Science facilities still being used
daily and noted the marked contrast between the newly refurbished
labs with state of the art facilities and the rapidly deteriorating labs
which were built in the 50s and 60s. Indeed, many of our Old Aylesburians will remember them well!
HEAD BOYS OF THE SCHOOL
2014/2015
Pictured, the three new Head Boys of the
School for the new academic year, along
with the new Head Master of Aylesbury
Grammar School Mr Mark Sturgeon.
The Head Boy will be appointed from
these three in the final assembly at the
end of term.
Left to right: Ollie East (Ridley12), Mr
Mark Sturgeon, Liam Evans (Denson12)
and Liam Hyde (Ridley12)
OA CRICKET DAY
On Wednesday 2nd
July the 5th annual
Old
Aylesburians’
cricket match against
the current AGS 1st
XI took place. For the
first 3 years the 1st XI
won at a canter, but
last year the OAs recorded their first victory in
dramatic fashion when Jack Maciver hit a boundary off the last ball to secure victory. Could the
trick be repeated in 2014?
The OAs batted first and Alex Walters and
Barney Atkins put on 55 for the first wicket,
before Walters fell for 19. Atkins and the new
man at the crease Rory Miscampbell picked up
the pace as both passed 50. The OAs had 160
on the board when Miscampbell was bowled by
Jack Hutt for 53. Barney Atkins was the glue that
held the OA innings together and despite
surviving a close lbw decision, he closed in on a
well-deserved century before he was finally
trapped in front on 93. OA Captain Michael Ives,
the only player to have represented the OAs in
all the Old Boys' matches, kept up the tempo at
the end of the innings with a quick fire 17. Even
on a small ground with a fast outfield the OA
total of 200 in 30 overs looked an above par
score. The AGS reply got off to a poor start
when the dangerous Will Woodward lobbed a
tame catch to Ben Kidner off the bowling of Josh
Callander with the score on 4. However the
youthful pair of Ali Partner (Year 11) and
Brandon Allen (Year 10) were unperturbed by
the early wicket. Both players passed 50 and by
the time Partner was bowled by Billy Bolton the
AGS score had reached 92 and more importantly
the school were above the required run rate.
Alex Shearer scored a quick fire 41 (before he
was bowled by Tom Larkin) although the fielding
side were
convinced he had edged to the
keeper before he really got going. Despite
defending a sizeable total the OA bowling was
not consistently tight enough and it looked odds
on that the 1st XI would triumph with several
overs to spare. However, the game began to
change when Barney Atkins was brought on to
bowl. His figures of 3-15 in 5 overs slowly
dragged the OAs back into the contest,
particularly since 2 of his victims came in the
28th over. The OA cause was certainly not
helped in the penultimate over when Josh
Callander, saved to bowl at the death pulled up
with an injury in the 3rd ball of his over.
The OA cause was
certainly not helped
in the penultimate
over when Josh
Callander, saved to
bowl at the death
pulled up with an
injury in the 3rd ball
of his over. With several of the bowlers having
already bowled their allocation, Captain Michael
Ives had to bring himself on to finish the over.
As Tom Larkin came in to bowl the final over, the
equation was simple. The 1st XI needed 1 run to
tie or 2 to win the match, whilst the OAs needed
2 wickets. The first delivery was a dot ball, but
Jack Thorn hit the second ball of the over to the
boundary to secure a very tight victory.
This was a fantastic match played in excellent
conditions and in a great spirit. Over 400 runs
were scored and the match went down to the
final over. A batsman-friendly strip saw 4 players
pass 50. The OAs (not all of whom are playing
regular cricket) had pushed the current 1st XI to
the wire. And of course the two innings were
separated by a lovely tea provided by Heather
Murray and her team. The last 2 OA v 1st XI
fixtures have produced memorable matches and
we look forward to locking horns again next July.
It was great to catch up with a number of Old
Aylesburians - both players and spectators and I
would very much like to thank everyone for
coming back to take part in the fixture.
Joel Barrie, OA Manager
Back row left to right: Mr Lehec, Mr Rooney, Harry Hutt, Ollie Woodward (OA), Jack Reekes, James Bee (OA), Brandon Allen, Ben Kidner (OA), Jon Burden (captain), Michael Ives (OA captain), Alex
Shearer (OA), Tom Larkin (OA) Jon Gausden, Barney Atkins (OA),
Will Woodward, Mr Barrie.
Front row left to right: Liam Evans, Jake Hutt, Inshal Ahmed (OA),
Adam Partner, Josh Callander (OA), Kai Feltham, Tom Bolton (OA),
James Willard, Alex Walters (OA), Jack Thorn, Rory Miscampbell
(OA).
“INSPIRED SQUASH FACILITIES” at
It’s full steam ahead with the Squash Refurbishment project. The demolition
of the riffle range and weights room was completed in April as was all the
“below ground” works. Our Squash Court specialists are now due in to create
four world class playing surfaces. With the changing rooms now plastered
and decorating well underway, work continues on the external areas. The
signage is taking shape and the new courts will celebrate the significant
contribution of the William Harding Charity as a benefactor to the school.
Work will continue over the summer and we look forward to the official
opening of the new squash facilities on Wednesday 8th October 2014.
Achieving Greatness
through
The Science Facility development programme is transforming our existing
Science Laboratories, which were built in the 1950s and 1970s, into 15 state-ofthe-art, fully equipped 21st Century Science laboratories. Our plan is well
underway, with four of the 15 Science rooms already fully refurbished and being
used daily. We now have three new state-of-the-art Physics laboratories and
one new Biology laboratory together with a new Physics preparation room and
new teaching and support staff areas. We have recently built the ‘shell’ for a
further four laboratories and two new preparation rooms, Earlier in the summer
we invited the Governing Body to view the “shell” and witness first hand how the
science facilities at AGS are changing over time. The next phase will focus on
fitting out the four new laboratories and two new preparation rooms with new
equipment, heating and electrical works—each laboratory costs a staggering
£50,000 to fit. We plan to re-launch the science campaign in early 2015 at help
us reach our final target.
L-R: Gillian Miscampbell and
Stephen Lehec
Stephen explains the new
layout to the Governors
Science
Head of Biology Mr Matt
Pilkington talks through the
benefits of new considered
laboratory layouts
The new shell—one very empty
biology lab!
OA and Cover Supervisor TOM LARKIN (2002-2009) continues to interview a selection of OAs on
their memories of AGS and life post AGS. Please get in touch with the Development Office if you would
like to be part of our diverse and inspiring alumni history development@ags.bucks.sch.uk.
OLD AYLESBURIAN—ANDY EVANS
C.O.O of South Asia for Morgan McKinley
O.A of the week this week is Andy Evans, who has spent most of his career working
in the City of London for the recruitment firm Morgan McKinley after studying
Chemistry at university. He joined the company 15 years ago, specialising in financial
services, and became the Managing Director of the UK in 2007. Andy (Hampden,
87-92) has now thoroughly departed from his Aylesbury roots, and is living in
Singapore managing the company’s offices across South Asia.
How has life treated you since AGS? Overall it’s been very good, I would say. I
think AGS gave me a very decent grounding for life in general, and I’ve gone on to
have a pretty decent career. It took some struggling through the financial crisis years,
which was really tough for my industry. But overall it’s gone pretty well, being able to
live in Singapore, and to expand my life and learning here is great.
How would you say the school has influenced your career since? A lot of the
stuff that I did at AGS has benefited me in a number of ways since, without question. On the sport front I
played a lot of hockey at the school, and the hockey scene then was a big part of my life. It led on to
meeting a lot of people, and being able to do a lot of things as a result of hockey, which has been
fantastic for me. K.D Smith, who was Headmaster at the time, was something of a traditionalist. I saw
him from a distance many times but never actually spoke to him. For me, he was this figure of discipline,
and more of a symbol than a person that I had anything to do with. So I always held him in this powerful
position, and actually aspired to be like him. I made friends for life, like many people who come through
the school. I still do business with a lot of the people I was friends with then.
What kind of pupil were you at school? I definitely had the odd detention here and there, but I
think I was pretty well behaved for the most part. I would describe myself as being involved in a lot of
things, I wasn’t one of the pupils that would just let things happen. I was kind of involved in everything,
particularly sport. I was a made a Senior Prefect, so I was one of the first to get my stripes, I must have
showed some willing to get that!
Do you have a favourite teacher? I think the one who stands out the most for me was Mr
Williams, who was Head of Sixth Form in my time there, and his banter was very much on our level. I
spent a lot of time with my House Master Mr Hunt, who was a gentle giant and really supportive.
What were your goals at school? I was always interested in science, but always felt that I’d end
up in the commercial world. I thought that I was a pretty good sales-y kind of guy, and capable of
learning something technical to be able to sell it. For example, one of my first jobs was selling the
chemicals that are used to research Viagra, so I had to understand what was going on there to be able
to sell them the drugs.
Did you foresee the success that you would have? Unlike some kids, I don’t think I had any
aspirations of the scale of what might be. I spent hours and hours in the careers library not knowing what
to do until after I left the school. I’ve always worked well with people, but that was the only idea I had
when I was there.
What’s been the highlight of your career? In 2006 I became my company’s MD of the UK. I got it
when I was 33, so quite young to be doing the job. I loved it and had a great time for a year, and then the
credit crisis hit to put an end to the boom times.
Would you have any advice for the current group of boys? The one thing that I think I benefited
from was that whether or not you agree with the system, you have to try to work with the system. A lot of
kids rebel at school but I don’t think that makes your life any easier. Me and my mates were very good at
being involved, working hard and trying our best without being too awkward or difficult. That really
follows through into your career; you can offer suggestions but try not to make yourself too difficult.
OLD AYLESBURIAN – FREDERICK TAYLOR
Historian and Author
Frederick Taylor (Hampden 1959-1966) is widely regarded as one of the most
prominent writers about the country’s 20th century having published on subjects
ranging from the bombing of Dresden and the exorcism of Hitler from German
society, to the fall of the Berlin Wall. His most recent book, “The Downfall of
Money”, provides an account of the crippling effect of post-World-War-1
hyperinflation. It is “excellent… a dramatic story, well told” (Wall Street Journal)
and “demonstrates his mastery as an economic historian” (Washington Times).
Hi Fred. What are your memories of AGS? That’s quite a long time
ago…. I was there in the first year that it stopped being co-educational, which I
was rather disappointed about because I already quite liked girls! I had an
older brother in the lower sixth, but he wasn’t much use as a father figure. I did
settle in pretty quickly thought, and it was on the whole a very good time… I
remember having a great time when I was in the sixth form performing in the school play of Romeo & Juliet. I got
to dress up in tights and my sister’s boots and stand around looking interesting, I didn’t say much but it was huge
fun.
What were you like as a pupil? Oh god, you’d have to ask my teachers! I think I was reasonable hard
working, reasonably well behaved, and probably a tiny bit insolent from time to time, particularly in my teenage
years. But I enjoyed most things, apart from maths, which I was thrilled to be rid of once I got my O’level. I didn’t
really get along with the Deputy Headmaster at the time. I had a ‘haircut’ problem, which was a classic 1960’s
issue. I went for as long as I could get away with, and he didn’t particularly like that.
What were your favourite subjects? I had very good history teachers in Mr Byford and Mr Taylor, as I did
in French, and in German with Mr Kitson. Those were the subjects that I got really into. I also enjoyed Latin, but
just wasn’t very good at it for some reason. If I had to pick an absolute favourite teacher, it would be Mr Kitson by
a bat squeak. He was a very engaging, nice man, and good fun too. That was certainly the start of my interest in
the language, and his teaching served me well at Oxford.
Did your interest in history first develop at AGS? I’ve always loved history ever since I can remember. It
seems to me to be part of a big story, an infinite number of stories that just happen to be in the past. Certainly by
the time I was 12 or 13, it was my favourite subject. My teachers helped, Mr Taylor in particular, who was a very
inspiring and entertain figure. I was quiet a precocious boy. I managed to raid Aylesbury library as well as the
school library to hoover u all these history books, and he took a real interest in what I was doing. That was a big
encouragement.
How did you make the transition to University? I had actually been accepted by Manchester to study
history, and then I got 4 good A-levels, which was a lot for the 60s. Mr Tidmarsh, the Headmaster at the time,
called me into his office during the holidays and told me to apply for Oxford, so I did. It was unusual for AGS boys
to go there, and I was the only one from my year to get in. I got a scholarship, which I was thrilled about, and I
found it to be an enormously interesting experience.
What has been the highlight of your career? Probably a keynote speech that I gave, in German, in Dresden
on the 60th anniversary of the British bombing. There were several hundred people there, and it was all very
political. It was quite difficult; the Neo-Nazis had threatened to cause some trouble so there were 5 bus-loads of
police just in case. But in the end we pulled it off. Some people disagreed with me and vice versa but we had an
intelligent, remarkable evening and a real exchange of ideas.
Do you have any advice for the current students at the school? Work hard, and be kind. Being kind is
tricky when you’re a teenager, particularly as a young teenage male you feel like you don’t want to appear soft.
But it does pay off; you keep friends and people will like you, and that’s enough in itself.
MR TIM HANCOCK CELEBRATES HIS
RETIREMENT
Mr Tim Hancock, Mathematics teacher and ‘timetabler extraordinaire’ is
retiring after a phenomenal 38 years of service to the school. Aside from
inspiring generations of students to love and excel in Maths, Mr Hancock
has served the school community as a Denson House tutor and was one of
the first ever Paterson House tutors when that House first came into being in
the early 1980s. Additionally, he has taught Computer Studies and General
Studies, been second in Maths and in charge of Computing, cover, exam
invigilation and the timetable. The AGS career of this gentle genius has
been quite varied but it is his teaching of Maths that has supported and
inspired literally thousands of boys.
On Saturday 29th March Tim hosted a birthday lunch for over 60 current
and former Maths staff of AGS and on Saturday 5th July over 70 staff, former
staff and OAs joined Mr Hancock at his Farewell Lunch in the Foundation
Hall. Many more attended on Sunday 13th July for a wonderful Celebration
Tea in the Head Master’s Quad to celebrate Mr Hancock’s time at AGS.
Tim is renowned for his good humour, gentle manner and astute mind, and
we shall all miss this irreplaceable member of the AGS staff hugely.
Staff, past and present and
friends joined Tim for a
delicious Afternoon Tea
Jake Reynolds, Philip Orchard, Tim
Hancock and Dominic Mears at the
Birthday Lunch
Tim welcoming guests
at his retirement
lunch on 5th July
Tim greets his guests
CONNECT AND STAY
CONNECTED
REGISTERED ON THE ALUMNI
DATABASE?
As our Old Aylesburian community continues to
grow I would like to remind you of the ways you
can connect with our school. Of course, if you
receive this newsletter then you are likely to
already be a registered Old Aylesburian but
please do pass this onto anyone else you are in
touch with from Aylesbury Grammar School.
Please do take a moment to log on to our alumni
database and check that the details we have for you
are current and correct and we would be grateful if
you could build on the information on your alumni
record – we would specifically like you to include
information such as university, course studied, year
completed and current or former occupation. Any
information you can add will be greatly
appreciated. Many thanks
‘Like’ Aylesbury Grammar School Alumni on
Facebook - search for Old Aylesburians.
Keep in touch on Linked In – search Alison
Cox – AGS Alumni.
However, the most effective way to keep up to
date is to register on the Alumni database via the
AGS
website. Simply click on the Alumni tab to
register.
Not yet registered . Please do take a moment to
register—registration is simple and very quick, just
log onto the Aylesbury Grammar School website and
click on the Alumni link—you will be directed through
a few short steps to complete registration.
OLD AYLESBURIAN NEWS
ALAN BALDWIN (RIDLEY 1980-1986)
OA Alan has recently been promoted to Thames Valley Police’s
assistant chief constable for neighbourhood policing and partnerships.
Alan started his career as a policeman with the Ministry of Defence in
1987 after leaving AGS. In the 27 years since he started his career
with the MOD Police, Mr Baldwin worked for West Mercia Police and
the Metropolitian Police, before joining Thames Valley as area
commander for Milton Keynes in 2008. His previous roles with the
force has included head of tasking and resilience, commander for
Milton Keynes and a period as
acting assistant chief constable
responsible for crime and counter terrorism.
NORMAN KITSON
We are sad to inform you that Norman Kitson, former Head of German at AGS,
passed away on 9th May. He was, at least according to Norman, in Army Intelligence during the War. He was a real
character and will be sadly missed.
PAM CLEMENTS (NEE BENSON)
We were delighted to hear from Pat recently who updated us on her life post AGS in the mid 1950s.
“I attended Aylesbury Grammar School when it was co-ed in the mid fifties and love my time spent there.
I went on to become a chemical analysist. My husband and I immigrated to New Zealand during our first
year of marriage (have now been married 58 years.) We lived there for a while and our 3 children were
born there .Had a good life but Australia always beckoned .My interest aroused when I won the Lord
Kemsley prize for ”Empire Knowledge” ( as it was called in those days ) Theme---- mainly about
Australia. We have been domicile in Aussie for the past 20 years and love the life style here –no snow,
no fog and almost continuous sunshine. We moved to Queensland ,Oz from New Zealand as decided at
60 ish we needed a sea change . Very good move on our part .Your average Aussie is a friendly and
amiable sort of “bloke” and as Poms we are very acceptable here –in fact we have taken out Australian
citizenship but are still very much Poms at heart. I played squash in N.Z. for 25 years and twice won a
national title in the “C” grade division and numerous tournaments .Of course it was a different game in
those days but still a great way to get a half hour intense work out. We would live no where else and
now both retired have a great life .We have travelled extensively around Australia. And had some good
adventures. “
WE WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO HEAR FROM OTHER
OLD AYLESURIANS—PLEASE EMAIL OR WRITE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE WITH CAREER UPDATES,
SPORTING OR MUSICAL EXPLOITS AND STORIES PAST AND PRESENT. IT WOULD BE GREAT TO HEAR ABOUT
ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL ALUMNI COMMUNITY.
CONTACTS
Alison Cox, Development Director
Aylesbury Grammar School
Walton Road
Aylesbury HP21 7RP
Development Office: 01296 484545 Ext. 294
acox@ags.bucks.sch.uk
ags.bucks.sch.uk
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