TAG: Brighton College

Simon Smith, Second Master

Simon Smith has decided to retire at the end of the academic year after 38 years of outstanding service to the college, for the past eleven as Second Master. He has been a wonderful support to me in my five years as Head Master, providing wise counsel, good humour and kindly reassurance throughout. My predecessors, Bill Blackshaw, John Leach and Anthony Seldon, also owe him a terrific debt of gratitude. He has served each of them with great loyalty. Above all, Simon has served this community. He has made time for colleagues and pupils in equal measure, supporting them when times are tough and admonishing them only when necessary.

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Something that the College does not prepare one for is a major earthquake!

The shallow one that struck near Christchurch New Zealand, measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale on 04 September was felt 400 kms away in the North Island: we live 45kms from the epicentre.

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Old photo recently found by Malcolm Faber (S 1975-80)

This photo was recently found in the Faber archives! This is the CCF at RAF Waddington (home to the Vulcan bombers) in 1978 for a weeks camp!

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Brighton College U15 side go down to Lymm in RBS Schools Final

Lymm HS won their third Daily Mail RBS Schools title in five years when they  clinched the Under 15 Vase crown in a free-flowing final against Brighton College at Twickenham.

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Brighton College Under 15s into final of Daily Mail Vase Competition

Brighton College played some delightful rugby this weekend en route to their first final in The Daily Mail Vase at Twickenham in the U15 Daily Mail Vase final on March 31.

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Plaque in the Sammy Woods Pavilion

A plaque has been erected in the Sammy Woods Pavilion to honour the enormous contribution of Geoff Lees, a former House Master of Aldrich, accomplished sportsman and great friend to many Old Brightonians.

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Brighton College - Then and Now

At this year's Annual Dinner, the Head Master gave a fascinating account of our very first OBs' escapades following their time at the College. Following some sneaky pilfering on our part we have at great expense secured a transcript of his speech (we asked for it... he gave it to us...) for your perusal...

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REPORT: Remembrance Service & Lunch, 2009

The chapel was full to capacity for Service of Music and Readings for Remembrance Sunday. Parents, pupils, and many Old Brightonians came to listen to the roll call of those who died in World War 2, to observe the Silence and to hear the choir sing the Faure Requiem. The readings, which concentrated on the disabling effects of war, ranged from Wilfred Owen to a soldier engaged in Afghanistan. Any parent who was unable to attend, but would like a copy of the service booklet, should contact the Deputies' PA, Louise Moore.

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College Chamber Choir at the Glorious Venice concert

Warmest congratulations to the College Chamber Choir who performed excellently before a packed house at the Glorious Venice concert (St Bartholomew's Church, Saturday 24th October). Joining three long established chamber choirs and a quartet of recently graduated professional soloists, the college musicians contributed fully to a programme of complex Venetian choral music by Monteverdi and the Gabriellis (Giovanni & Andrea).

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REPORT: 150th anniversary of the founding of the Chapel

On 27 September 1859 the first service was held in the college chapel (smaller then than it is now); and on Friday 2nd October 2009 a service was held to commemorate its 150th anniversary.

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2009 GCSE results from Brighton College

I am delighted to send you details of this year's GCSE results from Brighton College - the best results in the school's history, with 50 pupils achieving nothing less than an A grade.  The highlights include four sets of twins and a boy who moved to the school in Year 9 "to be himself" and clocked up 11 A*s including Classical Greek.

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A-Level results 2009

I am delighted to inform you that our A-Level results were even better this year: 95.1 % at grades A/B, compared to 94.0% in 2008, 87.7% in 2007, 77.8% in 2006 and 76.1% in 2005.

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Memories of Brighton College Junior School, 1968-72

I have just been led down memory lane by Martin D.J.Buss! I, too, went to BCJS 1968-72. The uncanny thing about reading his article is that many of the same teachers / Head Master were there when I arrived! I have often thought that there was a lack of interest in the JS yet the Senior School would have been NOTHING without us Junior School graduates!

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Hey - ewe - get off of my grass!

The Head of School exercised an ancient (and probably apocryphal) right today by bringing livestock into the college and sporting a beard.

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Victoria Hill at the Royal College of Art

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Lodge Report 2009

W.Bro. Christopher Apps gave an interesting paper entitled “In the beginning...” which traced the history of operative masonry from the 13th century with its lodges until the formation of the present speculative lodges in the 17th century with its culmination in 1717 with the formation of the United Grand Lodge of England which is now a world wide organisation.

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Kingsford Community School Scholarship

In view of the redevelopment of the squash courts, Martin Buss (D. 1954-58) has agreed that the sum of £40,000 which he originally donated for the refurbishment of the courts some years ago, should be applied to supporting a scholar from Kingsford Community School for two years. This very generous donation will provide opportunity to a bright boy or girl from a less privileged background who will now have the tremendous start in life they so deserve.

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Letter From The Head Master, January 2009

I thought you might be interested to hear that following an independent inspection by Ofsted, the boarding facilities and pastoral care at Brighton College were judged to be 'outstanding'. This is a verdict awarded to very few schools, and comes as news reached us that a league table published by the website www.best-schools.co.uk made Brighton the number 1 co-educational boarding school in the UK.

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Opening of the new Art School, Saturday 1st March 2008

Are there any gloomy days in Brighton? It seems to me that each and every visit I make to the old school is blessed with (often unseasonably) sunny and warm weather. Saturday 1st March 2008 was no exception, and again I challenge any casual observer not to be struck by how beautiful the campus looks on days such as these.

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Peter Rumney (H. 1937-39)

As many Old Brightonians will be aware, Peter died on 2nd October 2007. His memorial service at Bishop Hannington Church on 10th October was attended by several hundred friends from Peter’s wide range of interests, a tribute to the affection and respect in which he was held. Peter himself had a long association with Bishop Hannington Church as a member of the welcoming team “meeting and greeting” members of the congregation as they arrived for services in his own inimitable way.

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John Bass (S. 1952-59) pays a visit to the College

Met up with Barry Meckiffe (formerly Crew - also S. 1953-59. We both visited the College yesterday Sept 1st.

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Duncan Shaw (D. 1979-84's College Visit

Whilst living and working in London in the ‘80’s/early ‘90’s I kept in touch with the Association, in particular playing for the rugby team (John Aiken was propping even then!).

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REPORT: Commemoration Day 2007

Bringing back Commemoration Day to the OB calendar does seem a perfect way to celebrate and acknowledge the 125th Anniversary of the Association, and that the day was graced with terrific weather certainly saved the blushes of those of us who had campaigned so vigorously for this summer replacement to September’s OB Day.

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The Lashings XI return to Brighton College in 2007

On 21st June 2007 some of the world's most prolific International cricket stars competed against the college 1st X1 in the 2nd annual Lashings match on the Home Ground on a sun-soaked afternoon. It’s hard to imagine an event that can appeal to, and draw together, the generations of Old Brightonians, College staff, and current pupils in quite the same way that Clare Connor’s (W. 1989-94) annual cricket-fest does so successfully.

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Mandarin Chinese at Brighton College to be compulsory for all pupils from aged 3

Brighton College, has taken the unprecedented step of announcing that Mandarin Chinese will be a core part of the curriculum for all pupils in the College from aged 3 upwards.

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Brighton College cricketers picked to tour India

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Memories of Brighton College by Ernest L French (C. 1939-44)

In August 1939 I had already got my uniform to go to King's College, Wimbledon, when my parents decided that war was imminent and that I should become a boarder at a school not close to London.

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Questions for the new Head Master, Richard Cairns

Brighton College welcomed a new Head Master in 2006. Here we take the opportunity to grill the poor man on his hopes and aspirations for his new ward.

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Graeme Roberts (S. 1944-47) Remembers His Swim Team

I do so much enjoy receiving the Pelican via e-mail and searching for signs of those still around who were colleagues of mine in the mid-forties.

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REPORT: Graduation Day 2006

The 2006 Graduation Day Ceremony, attended by all 6th form leavers, friends, family, staff and alumni, was every bit as uplifting as the OBA President David Gold had told me it would be... I had been asked by our esteemed leader to attend on his behalf as he was busy darting around the country amassing support for his imminent assault on government. I was happy to do so, even though it meant addressing the assembled throng on a summer’s day so hot that it lent new gravitas to the expression "passing-out ceremony"!

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REPORT: "Legendary Entertainment" - The Lashings XI visit Brighton College

On Thursday 29th June some of the world's most prolific cricketers played against the College 1st XI. Chris Crosbie - a guest of Guy Bradshaw (R. 1979-84) - sends us this report...

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First Memories of Brighton College

In November 1942 an appointment had been made by my parents for me to be interviewed by the then Headmaster, Walter Hett. A daunting prospect for a 12 year old. We lived on the other side of Hove so Kemp Town was unknown to me but I did manage to get off the bus at the bottom of College Road. My first contact at the College was the then porter, Smart. On hearing that my appointment was at 11 o’clock he looked at the hall clock; it was ten past eleven! I can still see the look on Smart’s face. I don’t remember ever being late at school again in all of my 5½ years there.

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G.P. Burstow (H. 1924-29)

Those of you who remember Philip Burstow will know of his life-long devotion to Brighton College both as a boy and master. In 1929 he joined the staff of Brighton College Preparatory School which was then in Lewes Crescent, and remained in what later became the Junior School until his death in 1975.

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Memories of Brighton College Junior School

I have just come across the article by Martin Buss regarding his memories of the old Junior School on the south side of Eastern Road. He asks what became of the handbell that used to be rung. As far as I know it was still in use in the "next generation" Junior School in the old Convent of the Blessed Sacrament in Walpole Road up until the time my father retired from teaching in the early 1980's.

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Memories of Masters by Mike Senyard (A. 1950-53)

I read with much enjoyment Pat Lyford’s affectionate recollections of his masters’ nicknames and mannerisms in issue 18 of the Pelican. I fully endorse Pat’s comment that he was very fortunate to have had the masters that he mentions. I would like to add my own very minor contribution to his list.

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Memories of Brighton College Junior School 1950-1954

In March 2006, I had the pleasure to attend the 100th Anniversary Dinner of the founding of Durnford House. While at the College, I made a quick visit to the Junior School (JS) now long since situated where St. Mary’s Hall used to be some fifty years ago. I was profoundly shocked and saddened to realize from what turned out to be a very short visit that the JS that my brother, Brian, and I used to know, had totally ceased to exist.

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Leo Mckeague (S: 1988-91)'s Daughter Christened at Brighton College

My daughter Lillie-Louise was christened at Brighton College on the 11th December 2005, after which we all had a few drinks in Cafe de Paris.

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Remembrance Sunday at Brighton College 2005

The Service of Remembrance at the College is essentially based around music and readings, including personal accounts of those whose lives were affected by war on and off the fighting fields. It is a demanding occasion for the College and Prep School Choirs and other musicians, but it is also an opportunity for deep reflection for the congregation which, as always, was made up of current pupils, parents, current and former staff and Old Brightonians. This year, the Chapel was bursting at the seams and it was fitting in this, the 60th anniversary of Armistice Day but also the 160th anniversary of the founding of Brighton College and Dr Seldon’s final term.

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REPORT: OBA Sponsored College Rugby and Netball Tour of South Africa 2005

All the efforts in planning and training were put under threat by doubts over our departure day due to the strike by South African Airways. A phone call at 11am on the morning of departure gave us the go ahead. The tour was up and running. However, another obstacle awaited us is Johannesburg in the form of passport control, which took two and half hours to clear. This put enormous pressure on catching our connecting flight to Cape Town and only the pleadings of an old man and the size of the party allowed us to win the day and board the plane half an hour late.

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12 things you didn't know about Brighton College

Some terrifically fascinating facts about Brighton College include...

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Cricket Dinner - Celebrating 150 years of College Cricket

This year we are celebrating the 160th anniversary of Brighton College’s foundation, and both the Headmaster and the Old Brightonian Association are very keen to celebrate this occasion fittingly. Hence there will be a number of events arranged at the school to mark the achievements of Brighton College, events which we hope will enable Old Brightonians of all ages to renew past associations and friendships.

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REPORT: A Celebration of 150 years of College Cricket

150 not out and still with plenty of gas in the tank would be the best way to present Brighton College Cricket today. We as a school have had an enviable record in cricket since the early 1980’s and it is great to see that this still the case in 2005.

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A PERSONAL JUBILEE 3

“I am he that came out of the army.” (I Samuel 4. 16)
posted - 17th June 2005

Many Old Brightonians I have met during my retirement have memories about their experiences in the CCF and I thought this third – and final – instalment of reminiscences over the last fifty years should deal with the Corps and why I became involved.

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Brighton College Girls Make History

The College made history this month by playing two girls, Holly Colvin and Sarah Taylor, in the College 1st XI fixture against Wellington.

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When did you last visit us?

We know that the time you spent here at Brighton was important time to our Old Brightonians, so if you would like to come and revisit your old school and see what's changed, please book in for a tour with at least a days notice by emailing us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We would love to see you. 

Please note that if you do not book in for a tour you will not be allowed on campus. 

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A PERSONAL JUBILEE 2

“I have been young, and now I am old.” (Psalms XXXVII; 25)
posted - 28th January 2005

In the last issue of the Pelican I wrote about the Remembrance Service in November 2004 and the changes since my first in 1954. I had been appointed in January of that year to help with the four members of the Sixth Form who were taking Latin at A Level. Norman Frith, a Classical Exhibitioner at Corpus Christi, Cambridge, had started the course but found it too much of a commitment in addition to his duties as Head of the History Department.

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"Picasso At The Theatre" - Burstow Gallery, 1982

Prior to a recent show in London, Pablo Picasso’s “Le Train Bleu” curtain was last seen at Brighton College as part of the Brighton Festival of 1982. The 10.3 x 11.7m curtain formed the centrepiece of The Burstow Gallery’s “Picasso and The Theatre” exhibition organised by Gavin Henderson (Le.1960-65) and later overall Director of The Festival) and assisted by my father, Nick Bremer (Director of Art 1969-2000). The show attracted 7,200 visitors to the College – “The publicity is beyond price” Headmaster Bill Blackshaw proudly told the Council.

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REPORT: Brighton College 160th Anniversary May Ball

It may have taken 160 years but Brighton College finally knows how to throw a really good party! After a rainy start to the day it was decided to abandon the planned Reception on the Lawns, opting for the safety of the Great Hall. Around 450 guests filed past the ‘living statue’ to enjoy a glass or two of Champagne as the College Swing Band demonstrated why it is in such high demand. Street entertainers mingled among the dinner jackets and gowns to create a truly joyous atmosphere. 

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REPORT: OBA Annual Dinner to Celebrate 30 Years of Girls at Brighton College

More than 80 ‘old girls’ celebrated 30 years of co-education at Brighton College at a special dinner on Saturday 29th November 2003. Speakers included Bill Blackshaw, the former Headmaster who introduced girls to the College and Lucinda Harris (F. 1973-75) who was one of the first girls to join the school. Jane Haviland (F. 1979-81), currently President of the Old Brightonians Association and the first lady elected to this post, also spoke.

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