Rhubarb 2017

26 ST EDWARD’S r h u b a r b

OSE News

2012 Giovanni Roberto Franzan (A, 2010- 2012) launched the startup Yndica, in January 2015. Yndica is the world’s first marketing platform for the brands of tomorrow. We give

1952 John Le Bas Freeman MBE (G, 1947- 1952) and his wife Anna celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on 8th December 2016. 1965 William Sykes (G, 1960-1965) reunited with Charlie Hand (C, 1962-1967) in Constantia, Cape Town in March 2016.

257km through a formidable landscape in one of the world’s most inhospitable climates, the Sahara Desert. The rules require you to be self-sufficient and carry with you everything you need to survive, except water which is resupplied at various checkpoints. The distance is the equivalent of running from London to Dover, deciding not to go to France after all, and running back again in 50 degree heat with a backpack on, and voices in your head talking about cold beer. Having taken part in endurance events over the past 15 years, I thrive on physical and mental challenges and feel it is important as a Personal Trainer to also be a role model to clients. Training, goal setting and achieving those goals is a state of mind which requires commitment, dedication and the right amount of training. Above all, anything can be achieved when you put your mind to it. Running the Marathon Des Sables in 2016, I have managed to raise over £5,000 for two of Oxfordshire’s children’s charities who need a significant amount of funding towards their work. ROSY - Respite nursing for Oxfordshire’s Sick Youngsters - and KEEN - who provide social,

V A L E T E O S E N E W S

visibility to brands in prime retail locations and offer customers the opportunity to buy from the most innovative, exciting brands via their smartphone.

2016 Casper Sunley (B, 2011-2016) “A modern approach to Party Planning & Supply.” Casper Sunley Events offers ‘a fresh approach to event production,

offering services ranging from lighting and sound advice, and equipment hire, through to exciting DJs and full bespoke planning. The young, proactive team all share one common passion: to deliver the best service to the client, first time round. Our base is located near Kintbury, Berkshire and we cover the South of England. At the age of 12 Casper taught himself some basic DJing techniques, did the odd party using a HIFI system and, two years ago we rebranded to an events company and now our specialist area is equipment supply and logistical planning. Over the last year we have worked on various different projects, from private parties to leavers’ events and weddings. We maintain an ever increasing stock of lighting and sound equipment, carefully checked and tested before being hired out; at this time of year we have a constant flow of new equipment being delivered as we look ahead to the summer period! 2017 will see many new achievements for the company; we are expanding our warehouse stock, upgrading to a new rental management system and taking on new helping hands to get stuck in! Look out for us – our transport will be hard to miss!’ For further information, email hello@caspersunleyevents.co.uk or visit www.caspersunleyevents.co.uk

William Sykes

1980 RobertVernon-Jackson (G, 1975-1980) writes: ‘I received a CBE in the Birthday Honours List this year, and got married to my partner John in June this year. Last year I stood for Parliament in Portsmouth having led the City Council for 10 years. As a Lib Dem it was not a great year for us and I didn’t win. I’m continuing as Vice Chairman (and Lib Dem leader) at the Local Government Association.’ 1999 TomAlden (G, 1996-1999) The CCF were delighted to welcome back Tom who visited the School to talk about his adventures in extreme conditions around the world. Tom has completed a series of extreme outdoor activities, and recently visited the school to talk about his experiences. He writes: ‘After completing the World’s Toughest Rowing Race, 3,000NM across the Atlantic Ocean and having always been a firm believer in practising what I preach (I am a local personal trainer and founder of TLA Fitness), I have just completed the World’s Toughest Footrace - the Marathon Des Sables. It is a gruelling multi-day ultra- marathon, run in six days over a course of

Tom Alden