Rhubarb December 2025

OSE News

Issue 14: December 2025

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AT A GLANCE Welcome to Rhubarb 2025!

W e hope you enjoy Rhubarb 2025 and reading about the adventures many of our OSE get up to – there are some great stories! We also take the opportunity to remember the wonderful Malcolm Oxley (Former Staff, 1962-1999) who died earlier this year. Finally, we look back at another year packed full of events and celebrations.

F ollowing Malcolm Oxley’s death from OSE.We have pulled them together here in a collection of memories, offering a personal perspective and capturing Malcolm through the eyes of those he taught, worked with, and inspired. I hope you agree this is a rich and engaging tribute to a much-loved and respected man. pages 6-17. earlier this year, we received a huge number of emails and anecdotes

WELCOME

R ead who have recently embarked on about OSE

T his year we have said a big thank you to John Wiggins who stepped down as Honorary Secretary to the OSE Society this summer. Read an interview with him on pages 56-57. We are delighted to welcome James Cope as the new Hon Sec. James has worked at Teddies since 2001, and has been Head of Geography, Head of Shells, IB Coordinator,Academic Director, Kendall HM, Deputy Head Pastoral and Head of Cricket and is a familiar face to many OSE. He looks forward to connecting with many of you over the next few months!

some exciting journeys including driving a biodiesel-powered Harley-Davidson across America, taking part in a tuk-tuk race across Sri Lanka, rowing across the Atlantic and more – our intrepid OSE inspire us and share their experiences on pages 26-36.

R ead about the ambitious and exciting plans we have for Teddies including updating our Physical Sciences Centre and building the Field of Dreams, and find out how you can support these plans on pages 18-19.

J oin us next year when we have more opportunities to come together.The OSE Celebration Dinner is taking place on Saturday 28th March at Teddies – all OSE are welcome! We also have our Fundraising Ball on 22nd October 2026 at the Natural History Museum, London – one not to miss!

W e were thrilled to interview Ted Jones (Tilly’s, 1988-1993) about the leading international emergency response company he founded on pages 38-41 and Emily Austen (Avenue, 2006- 2008) founder of PR Agency Emerge, podcast host and Strategic Advisor for UN Women UK on pages 42-44.

E njoy reading OSE news on pages 66-70 and see the events we hosted this year on pages 71-87. 300 OSE and former staff came to Teddies for A Celebration of Rhubarb in June

where we enjoyed an art exhibition in The North Wall by OSE Isabel Fishlock (Oakthorpe, 1999-2003), our inaugural OSE dance show, a superb lunch in the Dining Hall and celebrated 100 years of boarding houses. page 84.

3 Front cover: Rhubarb on the Sahara Trek: Richard Jones (Mac's, 1989-1994), Callum Macpherson (Cowell's, 2014-2019) and Michael Broom (Apsley, 1989-1994) raising money for our Partnership Programme. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this edition of Rhubarb. We look forward to seeing many of you at OSE events next year. Keep an eye on social media for news and updates and join our growing LinkedIn community to connect with other OSE. EMILY ROWBOTHAM, EDITOR

From the Warden

Alastair Chirnside

N othing is as permanent as a temporary solution.That proverb has no better illustration than the garden shed which used to stand at the

entrance to the School from the Woodstock Road. It had a certain charm, and for many years the warmth of the welcome on the inside more than compensated for the lack of architectural merit on the outside. It has now gone, replaced by the new Gatehouse, and the experience of arriving at Teddies has been transformed. Designed by Nicky Hardy and TSH Architects, the team behind the Olivier Hall and the Christie Centre, the exterior of the Gatehouse takes its inspiration from Simeon’s dream of the Quad, echoing the Victorian architecture of the Warden’s House and Mac’s.The interior, however, has a voice of its own, powerfully modern and warmly welcoming. In that respect, the Gatehouse is an expression of St Edward’s itself, grounded firmly in a successful past and looking confidently to an even more successful future. The landscaping project around the Gatehouse has included new gates to complement those opened by the Princess Royal in 1939, turning the old entrance into the new Quad Gate. On the Field Side, the Avenue entrance has been closed to non-school traffic by the new Avenue Gate, and the new Martyrs Gate stands at the top of the new two-way road which leads past Upper One and the Martyrs Pavilion to the Sports Centre.The designs for those new gates on the Field Side repeat the pattern from the Gatehouse, architecturally and philosophically. The architectural connection is obvious in the gothic.The philosophy finds its clearest expression in the designs which make St Edward’s private for pupils but open to Oxford.The North Wall is the best example of that philosophy put into practice: a public theatre for Oxford, a school theatre for our pupils. It is, therefore, not an accident that the gates are intended to be open most of the time; we want our pupils to be focused on their lives at Teddies but always to be looking to the world outside.

FROM THE WARDEN

The new Cowell Memorial Gates, opened by the Princess Royal in 1939.

The Cowell Memorial Gates in 1954.

The experience of arriving at Teddies has been transformed.

The new Gatehouse.

their time, others with their treasure. All have given to Teddies in one way or another.Today, their legacy lives on – sometimes in buildings and facilities, always in character and ethos. Malcolm Oxley is at the centre of this edition of Rhubarb, just as he was at the centre of Teddies life for generations of pupils. His legacy to the School is immense, not only in the lives which he touched but also in the gifts

That principle of partnership underpins not only our projects for pupils but also our building plans for the future. Teddies Collaborates (the partnership programme which already sends all the pupils in the Lower Sixth out to work in local foodbanks, charity shops and care homes) and Teddies Up (the Saturday morning school for children from local primary schools) are the most significant new partnership projects in the recent past.

FROM THE WARDEN

Lower Sixth pupil in a local care home as part of Teddies Collaborates.

Malcolm Oxley during the opening of the Oxley Library.

Teddies 2030 is the plan for the future, to transform the School on both sides of the Woodstock Road. On the Quad Side, the Physical Sciences building will become the new Science Centre, with state-of-the-art laboratories for Chemistry and Physics as well as spaces for robotics and artificial intelligence created around a glass-fronted Hall of Science.The Field of Dreams will be built on the Field Side, including a new track for athletics, a new artificial pitch for rugby and football, new courts for tennis and netball, and a new sports centre with a rowing tank, an indoor hockey pitch, and new spaces for strength and conditioning, for visiting teams, and for OSE events.Teddies 2030 will provide new facilities not only for our pupils but also for our community in Oxford.The details of those projects and the ways in which you can support them can be found on pages 18-19.

which he gave.The library which bears his name will grow to accommodate the books which he left to the School – given their number, some but not all! The John and Rose Oxley Bursary Fund, established through Malcolm’s generosity and in memory of his parents, will help bring into St Edward’s bright and talented children whose parents teach in schools or universities or whose families have a connection to the Church of England, and who might not otherwise be able to afford the fees.The memory of Malcolm, the very definition of a school master in the very best sense of that old-fashioned term, lives on in the teachers who seek to follow his example in the classroom, in the rehearsal room and in the House. Our hope is that Malcolm’s example will inspire many of you to support the fund, a lasting and fitting memorial for a remarkable man. See page 17. As every gardener knows, rhubarb has deep roots. Its leaves change with the seasons, just as schools change with the times.The leaves can be damaged by the thoughtless and the careless, but the heart endures. In fact, rhubarb thrives in a harsh climate. Perhaps those are metaphors for these political times. Rooted in Oxford and in the OSE community, connected to its past in buildings and in beliefs,Teddies is thriving – and I hope that this edition of Rhubarb will give you a window into all that is happening in our school at this time. In particular, I hope that you enjoy reading on page 63 about the recent inspection, and the inspiring judgements about our school from the Independent Schools Inspectorate. “If you build it, they will come” – that is our hope for the future as we prepare to create the Field of Dreams, for the benefactors who will make it possible and for the children whose lives it will change. It is also what is happening in the present.Together we have built a community of which people – parents, staff and pupils both present and past – want to be part.The new Gatehouse will be busy – and I hope that you will pass through it on a visit back to Teddies very soon. Rhubarb has deep roots. Its leaves change with the seasons, just as schools change with the times.

New Science Block – architect’s drawing.

New Sports Centre – architect’s drawing.

Benefaction and legacy are everywhere at St Edward’s. Every pupil and every member of staff, past and present, benefits from the generosity of previous generations. Some have been generous with

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M alcolm taught at Teddies for 37 years, from 1962-1999, spanning five Wardens. He came from University College, Oxford, with a strong First in History and during the 37 years taught a wide range of subjects including History, English, Economics, Religious Studies and Art History. For a short time, he was also Director of Studies. He became Housemaster of Segar’s in 1973, a role he enjoyed for 12 years and then succeeded Peter Church as Second Master and finally Sub-Warden. In his final year he stood in for Warden David Christie while he had a sabbatical term. Malcolm Oxley (1938-2025)

He left Teddies in 1999, spending some time in Leeds and finally returning to Oxford where he remained an important figure and close friend of the School, regularly visiting Teddies until his death in May 2025.

It was said that Malcolm “had an influence on the School perhaps as great as that of any member of the Masters’ Common Room through its history”.This evaluation appeared in the postscript to Malcolm Oxley’s book, A New History of St Edward’s School, Oxford, 1863-2013, published in 2015 to mark the School’s 150th anniversary and was written by Professor Blair Worden (Cowell’s, 1958-1963),Visiting Professor of History at the University of Oxford, and Chris Jones (Field House, 1968-1972) now Chair of Governors. We’ve been touched by the many emails and stories we’ve received from OSE and former staff, sharing their memories of Malcolm.Thank you to everyone who reached out.The following are excerpts from the many recollections of Malcolm Oxley that we have received from former pupils, colleagues and friends and they paint a vivid and personal portrait of a much-loved man, teacher, Housemaster, and colleague, capturing Malcolm as seen through the eyes of those he taught, worked alongside, and inspired.We hope you enjoy reading them. Malcolm made a huge contribution and he will go down as one of the school’s great assets. W onderful man, quintessential schoolmaster, can’t help but smile when I think of him. To read the full eulogy that was written by Chris Jones (Field House, 1968-1972 and Chair of Governors) and delivered at Malcolm’s Funeral, scan here or email OSE @ stedwardsoxford.org

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Segar’s 1985. Malcolm 6th from left, first row.

INSPIRING ACADEMIC MINDS

alled “an inspirational teacher and historian” and “a wonderful man, the quintessential schoolmaster,” Malcolm’s influence reached far beyond lessons and textbooks. He shaped minds, sparked curiosity, and left a quiet imprint on countless lives.The stories that follow are just a glimpse into the many memories shared with us – moments that speak to the warmth, wisdom, and lasting influence of a remarkable man.

M alcolm Oxley had a history A Level from 1962-65. I was out of tune with the sports and team- orientated school culture of the time, in which academic interest was tolerated provided it was indulged discreetly. He awakened in me a real interest in history, leading to an unexpected university move and a very different career path to that profound effect on me while teaching me

FEATURE

H e was a truly inspiring teacher. He combined a deep knowledge of his subject with a memorable ability to engage students. His excitement about history was contagious. He challenged us to think and to question. He had an obvious affection for his students, always keen to assist and encourage. I kept in touch with Malcolm and always received a warm reception.

which previously beckoned. He was a marvellous and inspirational figure, to whom I owe much. A brilliant, pragmatic, intuitive, caring leader. What Shell history ingénu could not be gripped by an opening statement,‘The early middle ages were dominated by heavily mounted knights, thugs, not gentlemen.’ He found the best in the least.We were fortunate to be with him. MSO was someone you wanted in your lifeboat. He is always in mine.

I remember the excitement he generated on his arrival – a breath of fresh and wonderfully energising air. He was young and clearly very, very bright. It was good to see him become firm chums with John Todd – their styles were very different but they were at one in their love of their subject and their desire to provide first class teaching to their pupils. Amusing, straightforward and a participator in all aspects of the school’s life (except, possibly, the CCF – Malcolm would not have looked very smart in uniform), he must have been very popular in the Common Room.

Common Room 1984. L-r Simon Offen, Jonny Hughes, James Quick, Myles Arkell, Malcolm Oxley and Chris Danziger.

M alcolm was a very lovable teacher, funny and inspiring. I think he liked to find and foster real intellectual curiosity in his pupils, which was perhaps not typical in the sixties. I remember he introduced me to J H Hexter’s Reappraisals in History , a delightfully iconoclastic work, much like Malcolm himself, who was probing and playful. I know his cheerful, questioning approach helped prepare me for my years at Oxford. It is a credit to Teddies that he was so much appreciated by the community. 7

M alcolm Oxley made an academic out of me, without a shadow of doubt. It started with A Level History. He taught us Early Modern England and the history of the Crusades, a special topic that year. His model of teaching was that of an advanced undergraduate seminar. He expected you to come to class ready to talk and think, to know what you wanted to say and to get your word in. He also expected you to understand, and understand quickly, that the academic life was a vocation, a culture, a politics, a passion. I can remember, as if yesterday, what he said in that first class, and the sheer exhilaration of it all. Life starts here, was the general message! Regarding the Crusades, he started with a blunt demand that we put aside the received and romantic wisdom of the West. We would need to know the Quran as much as we knew the Bible, to understand the history of the Arabs and Turks in their own terms and not just as irritants in the peripheral vision of the West, and to develop familiarity, too, with the shapes and sounds of the languages, even if it was only matter of spelling the names right in English. This was 1977. It was the lightning flash I had been waiting for. It was the lightning flash I had been waiting for. In 1981, after A Levels, and readying myself for Oxford, I spent the summer travelling. The Gesta Francorum, the Alexiad of Anna Comnena and much more that Malcolm had introduced us to was on my mind. I had a 20-year-old's insatiable thirst for 'The East'! Istanbul was dingy and run-down, soldiers were on every street corner, and hotels in Sultanahmet would charge you 50p to sleep on the floor on their rooftops in a huddle of sleeping bags, to be bitten by mosquitoes and deafened by the call to prayer first thing in the morning. I got as far as Antakya/Antioch, a city with which I would later develop very close connections. The war in Lebanon, together with the Cold War alignments of Syria, meant I couldn't get much further. That would have to wait until much later. But it was the beginning of a process of becoming the strange kind of hybrid academic I have been for the last three and a half decades. I have moved happily between music and anthropology departments, and between university posts in various different countries, maintaining my life as a performing musician, too. I have devoted myself to studying modern Istanbul, Anatolian and Ottoman worlds, and adjacent Arab worlds through their music. So much has gone – Antakya, recently, in a shocking earthquake; a handful in that history class who were to be the closest friends later in life; and now Malcolm himself. I don't think any of this would have been possible without Malcolm's insistence – benign, patient, understanding, but insistence nonetheless – that I summoned my energy and took that wild plunge when it mattered . F or my sins I had a regular spot in ‘detention’ that he used to run but, that being said, he always made it fun and educational, even if it was detention! He’s one of the many great teachers from Teddies that I’ll never forget.

H e was a wonderful managed to help me get an A in Economics and Politics in 1969! What a gift to the teaching profession in general and St Edward's in particular. One of the great ones. teacher. He must have been, as somehow he

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I remember clearly the day that the dry subject of economics came alive for me and our class. He explored the practical essence of business economics, telling us vividly how the real world worked, explaining insurance, insolvency, integrity, morality, company law, government responsibility and everything in between.

FEATURE

Left to right, D.S. Wippell., M Evans., M.S. Oxley and A.D.G. Wright

W hat an amazing man and

historian, who dedicated his life, passion and immense talent to

the School for so many years.

When he wrote the last version of St Edward’s history, I couldn’t help but marvel that he had taught me history at Teddies all those years before and was still right in the centre of School life. Half a century later I recall visiting his flat once and being amazed to behold his book collection which was shelved solidly from floor to ceiling. His genuine enthusiasm for his subject was apparent and he instilled in me a lifelong love of reading. My project on three great British prime ministers earned me from Malcolm my one and only history prize (!) in the Fifth Form of 1965.

He clearly had a great love for the School as witnessed by numerous productions for which he was responsible.

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A brilliant teacher, a very well read and bright man, terrifying at times far beyond his physical stature, the ferocity with which he pursued those of us brave enough to sneak a round- necked jumper under our suits. Who can forget that sight as he opened his Quad office door as we all lined up for lunch! He took us for dinner after we finished our A Levels. I remember feeling adult, validated, like I had something interesting to say. I thank him and remember him well. I shall look forward to attending his memorial and I will be sure to wear a round-necked jumper. D uring the Remove year us scientists had a lesson called the Europe Show which MSO took and which was essentially a discourse on the history of Europe. The lessons were very interesting and my impression of him was that he was a gifted teacher and a very kind man. He was clearly talented and I remember attending his production of Oh! What a Lovely War with memorable songs. t was partly due to his inspirational Tudor history teaching that I achieved an A grade in History A Level and went on to study medicine at Guy's Hospital. Warden Christie and I discussed the A Level courses with the best results: English, History and Economics. I sat those subjects, not Sciences, because I had to achieve straight A grades to get into medical school. At the age of 69, I still work full-time as a psychiatrist medico-legal expert. The essays I wrote for Malcolm Oxley and Simon Taylor prepared me for a long and interesting journey.

I a ttribute much of my life’s curiosity and freedom of thought and activity which propelled me to Oxford (Jesus College) and beyond, with an independence of spirit and creativity which he nurtured in me. journey to him, stimulating in me as he did an intellectual

FEATURE

Truly worthy of the Dead Poets Society, may you rest in peace Malcolm.

I taught at Teddies from 1985. Malcolm was a source of enthusiastic and kind support to me as he was with so many others. A liberal, idealistic, cultured and inspirational man, he played a mighty role as a civilised and civilising force. I well remember his production of Amadeus, and his support for those others of us who also directed dramatic productions. As well, he encouraged literary and other societies, visiting speakers, the publication of scurrilously satirical magazines, exhibitions and many cultural activities. I was impressed also by the way that, though no sportsman, he kept the sports lobby on the staff onside too, valuing as he did the ‘renaissance man and woman’. I am sure that history will reflect upon the modernising of Teddies during the time as owing a huge amount to the influence of this kind and thoughtful man.

From the production of ‘Amadeus’,1986

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wonderful man and extraordinarily gifted teacher. I still

M SO taught me GCSE and A Level History kingdoms. It was the first time I came to understand what history was – a dynamic force born from interpretation and re-interpretation rather than a set of concrete facts to be learned from a textbook. My time in that history set brought me to understand so much more about the world around me as a consequence of applying Malcolm’s ideas more widely; he opened the eyes of those willing to open their ears and his approach to learning had a big influence upon me. He didn't only have a first-rate mind, he had a first-rate teaching mind. Even if one wasn't a history pupil, there was a strong chance that you would end up in a lesson taken by him. When other teachers were indisposed, it was not uncommon for him to walk into the classroom of any arts or humanities subject from English to Divinity, ask us what we had been learning and begin to teach – just like that. I recall being taught a geography lesson by him as well as a classical civilisation one. The breadth of his knowledge was extraordinary and his lessons were replete with pearls of wisdom and thought- provoking anecdotes designed to challenge developing minds. He was also a schoolmaster of great humour and certainly by the standards of the mid-90s, was not one to take himself too seriously. On one occasion, he donned a cleaner's apron and cloth hat with two other MCR members playing the vacuum cleaner on stage in a performance of Malcolm Arnold's A Grand, Grand Overture. During a day-long session that used to be held in the Fourth Form where we gathered in the Year Group Space to learn about the "facts of life" (it went by another name but modesty forbids its disclosure) he used some colourful language to widespread hilarity, roleplaying as an agony aunt! It was the one time that we heard him use vulgarity of any kind! His love of music also led to some memorable interactions that meant a great deal. The naming of the new library after MSO was so apt and I was delighted to see that when I came in 2022 for Special Gaudy. What a deep and irreplaceable loss to the School and its community. including a unit on Charlemagne and the rise of the Holy Roman Empire out of the Frankish

remember his elucidation of the Schlieffen Plan in a class of Upper Shell B students in 1964. He was, I am sure, responsible for more Teddies pupils gaining places at Oxbridge colleges and Russell Group universities than any other master. Sadly, polymaths of his calibre are rarities today.

FEATURE

I particularly

remember his 1963 English

classes. He encouraged us to avoid the easy and obvious lines of argument, and rather to engage our own thoughts and ideas. It is often said that we all have that one particular influential teacher in our lives. For me it is Malcolm Oxley.

A s a nervous 13 year old, surrounded by other mostly nervous 13 year olds, my mind was blown by our first history lesson at Teddies. Boarding was stressful enough but Mr Oxley, Deputy Warden, dumbfounded us in minute one by asking us what the most important history book of all time was.A few pupils offered a few answers which were pretty decent.And wrong. Eventually he broke the tension and instructed us to get our atlases out. When someone timidly asked whether this was a geography or a history class, he was clear that the history of the world was based on where borders were drawn, and everything else comes second. Aged 20, I was lucky enough to go "inter-railing" on trains around Europe in a summer off college.Very last-minute, two other Oxley students (Nagele and McNee) joined me in Amsterdam.We got to Rome a while later where we made a vow to complete the "Oxley Challenge". Mr Oxley had told us many years earlier about the best way to experience the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. So, on a bit of an impulse, we got up at 5am and arrived at the front of the queue before it opened at 6am.After a wait when the doors opened, we did as instructed and ran through corridors glancing at artwork to arrive in the Sistine Chapel 20 minutes before any other tourist, diving into the middle of the floor and lying on our backs and looking up at the ceiling. It was an amazing moment. I was lucky enough to tell Malcolm this story in person at the reunion in March 2023.

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MALCOLM: THE Quintessential HOUSEMASTER

M alcolm’s influence spread beyond the classroom and touched every part of school life. He was described as ‘an indefatigable and outstandingly successful Housemaster who pioneered pastoral methods and communal enterprises that are vividly recalled by countless pupils and parents.’ * Here OSE from Segar’s remember him with great affection, recalling his impact, warmth, guidance and dedication he brought to his role as Housemaster.

FEATURE

M alcolm was my Housemaster in House.We were treated like adults, taught the importance of respecting others and encouraged to express our views in a most open environment. Malcolm showed real interest in everyone and whilst his methods went against the norm, I think most of us felt quite privileged to be under his wing as we made our way through Teddies. Unusual hobbies (with me, a passion for horse racing!) were actively encouraged. A blind eye was turned to before-breakfast visits to the local newsagent to purchase a racing paper and although Malcolm's interest in horse racing was minimal to say the least, he never failed to enquire how my selections were faring at the races. He wrote in my Summer 1978 Housemaster report ‘...meanwhile it has been another good year for him on the turf – horses and cricket!’.A report that I still have today as it brings a smile to our faces. Segar's during my time at the School was an incredibly happy House and Malcolm's influence in developing all the boys under his care and preparing them for the outside world cannot be understated. I count myself most fortunate I count myself most fortunate to have been at Teddies during his time as Housemaster. Segar's 1974-79 and very much ahead of his time with how he ran the

W ithout doubt Malcolm was one of the formative influences on my life, no one outside my family has been a greater influence on my development and life. I was so lucky that he was my Housemaster. He never taught me in a classroom, but as a schoolmaster and Housemaster he provided the most extraordinary education for life. It is perhaps only with the benefit of hindsight that one realises how revolutionary his teaching was in a public school of the 1970s – from taking practically the whole of Segar’s to Paris for the weekend to the way he involved prefects in the running of the House. He placed his trust in me and for that I will always be grateful.

Segar’s 1974. Malcolm Oxley, 7th from the left.

I visited Malcolm in his flat at Ritchie Court in Summertown about a year ago. Surrounded by his books, the conversation was as interesting, kind, thoughtful and humorous as it always had been. Malcolm was never conventional but was all the better for being that way. He had a huge influence on my approach to life and I am confident that the same is true for many, many others.As a Housemaster of Segar’s, he possessed that very special character of showing interest in everything that everyone did, including areas such as sports events, which in reality he could have very happily ignored. I still find myself singing along to ‘There is Nothing Like a Dame’ from a House singing contest that was much more in Malcolm's comfort zone. He will be very greatly missed

Segar’s 1986 leavers with Malcolm at the 2023 school reunion.

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M alcolm was a significant presence during my time at Teddies from 1990-92 and he would frequently join us around David Wippell’s kitchen table for “CnB” (cheese and biscuits), which was a great opportunity for members of Segar’s to wind down and chat at the end of a busy Teddies day. As he was a senior member of staff, my initial reaction was to feel daunted by Malcolm, but that all dissolved the moment you spoke to him, as he was an incredibly down-to-earth and friendly, yet authoritative, member of staff. Malcolm encouraged me to participate in a Noel Coward musical evening at School and sing a solo on stage, leading me to push my own boundaries to do something that I had never imagined was within my capability. I’ll always be extremely grateful for this opportunity.

I n 1976 I made Malcolm Oxley (my Housemaster in Segar’s) and the Reverend David Conner a Malaysian curry because my family were living in Malaysia. Malcolm cut me a lot of slack because I could not go home except at Christmas and summer, and he let me go feral in the Easter holiday, staying in Segar’s or travelling around the country. He would ask no questions and after all I was 17! I had just returned from Leicester after watching cricket, and had loaded up on spices. Malcolm let me use his kitchen – he and David sat through my curry (I told them it was traditional to drink beer with it) and at the end they pronounced that ‘it was an interesting dish, but unlikely to become popular in Britain, except perhaps in port cities!’ Malcolm has been a role model and guide to me throughout my life by teaching me one of his key skills – the art of active listening. This is the art of not responding until I have heard everything the speaker wishes to say, and only then will I give my advice or judgement.

FEATURE

A great man, mind and philosopher.

W e interacted over the Kenneth Grahame Society and drama – he played a memorable role in

rehearsing and directing Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.

At an earlier stage, I also remember a fierce telling off from Malcolm after a weak lie I had told had been easily found out – the first and most forceful account of the value of truth and integrity I had ever had at that point (and perhaps ever since). I remember his life with deep gratitude.

Will Tadros in 'Rosencrantz and Guildensternare Are Dead’, 1997.

OPENING MINDS THROUGH ART & TRAVEL

M alcolm’s love and deep understanding of art history and the subsequent school trips he undertook have been well documented: “Developing an abiding interest in the history of art and architecture, he took pupils who were often unaccustomed to leaving the school premises on weekend expeditions to historic houses, churches and galleries. There were more ambitious excursions in the holidays. If there was a founding influence in the development of academic and artistic life in the School over the past half-century or so, it was he.” * Over the next few pages we share some of your stories of the adventures you took with him and the profound, life-long impact it had on those fortunate enough to travel with Malcolm.

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H e took a school trip over to in and poor Dubcek was arrested. On his return Malcolm (obviously thrilled) told us all about it waving his arms enthusiastically. Czechoslovakia and while they were there the Russian tanks piled

A genuinely entertaining eccentric but also a brilliant teacher.We all loved him.

FEATURE

Prague invaded by Russian tanks, 1968.

M alcolm had only recently joined the teaching staff but he became great friends with another history teacher, JL Todd.Todd, Oxley and Seddon put together a school trip for the A Level history classes, which was scheduled in 1963 during the school holiday early in the year as we encountered snow on the journey. I rather suspect that today risk assessment and health and safety would have banned this sort of school road trip.The three masters shared the driving; even though several of us could already drive, we were not allowed to do this you will be pleased to hear!

Needless to say, the side of the road was not clear owing to the snow, so we found the jack sinking into the ground as we attempted to change the wheel! Rapidly we emptied the bus and we all held up the vehicle as someone managed to quickly change the wheel. Finally, we arrived in Vienna. I seem to recall having frankfurter sausages and beer for breakfast on our arrival. The cultural, art and history programme arranged by these masters was first class.We learnt about the formation of Vienna from Roman, through medieval, 19th-century and into modern times.This included descriptions of how the city had been divided between the Allied powers after WW2.We attended the opera and went to all the museums, palaces and art galleries and we did trips to see the Iron Curtain with the watch towers, wire fences, armed guards etc. It was an amazing journey for us all.We learned so many life lessons and we became friends with our history teachers without disrespecting them.We all worked as a team and pulled together when there was a crisis. I took all of these lessons with me to university and later into my career in the Regular Army. However, my love and interest in history has always been with me thanks to my teachers at Teddies including Malcolm Oxley. He was great fun, he worked extremely hard and loved his subject. He along with Mr Todd, Pat Brimms and Christopher Armstrong were all inspiring history teachers and excellent role models for pupils at Teddies.

History VIth,1965 with J. L.Todd centre front.

The minibuses were VWs – the type popular at that time with the engine in the rear with a space for luggage over the top of the engine.The first challenge was loading all the party and the luggage into the minibuses.There was far too much luggage, so much that the glass of the

rear window of a minibus was forced out of its seal onto the ground! We successfully managed to fit it back in, so

well that when we eventually handed the minibus back this was not noticed! Going through Southern Germany we hit snow in serious quantities and one of the vehicles had a puncture.

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M alcolm and I took two holidays together.The first was a short trip around the Gothic and Romanesque churches and cathedrals of France.The second was on a much grander scale – Belgium, Germany, Italy and France – all in a geriatric Renault 4 and, because neither of us had any money, camping to boot. Even now when we go to Ravenna,Assisi or Aachen, the memories come back.A number of memories of that trip are still very fresh: pushing the car on the Autobahn because it kept overheating, likewise just prior to entering the Mont Blanc tunnel; the brakes failing as we were going down a steep hillside somewhere in rural Italy, and finally Malcolm receiving the stigmata as the tonic bottle that we were using to chip off some ice exploded cutting Malcolm's wrists! And, of course, we saw so much art, in churches, in galleries, on walls, and in museums. My enthusiasm and love of art continue to this day and will live on as a tribute to Malcolm, though my interests may tend towards the more modern and abstract end of the spectrum than Malcolm's, but it was his original generosity and enthusiasm that means those seeds sown so long ago remain firmly rooted today. A smaller trip included a tour of Northern England: Leeds, Bradford, Manchester and places in between.We stayed with Malcolm’s mother Rose and her welcome (and her cow heel stew) was as warm and generous as you would expect. It is clear where many of Malcolm's strengths come from. I have a lot to thank Malcolm for. I am a better person because of him, I am a socialist because he showed me that liberal ideas are not just for the elite and that Thatcher was one cause worth railing against. Finally, I have a love for good food and wine and enjoy cooking for friends as I learned from the master! Sadly, I never managed to acquire the taste for gin and tonic – one area of Malcolm's generosity that passed me by.

W hen I think about Malcolm Oxley, I think about a man who was generous with his time, his ideas, his intellect and, of course, his food and drink!

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Segar's House 'On the move' – MSO's Guided Tour of Paris.

n around 1968, I and about 14 others went on a wonderful trip to Venice and Rome by railway. One teacher, Malcolm, and a bunch of SES pupils. A wonderful experience that has stayed with me all my life. Malcolm was a mine of information, but it was probably drinks in the Bar Americano in St Mark’s square that most of us will remember. I’m certain that could not happen nowadays!

Visit to Rome, 1992.

Segar’s trip to Normandy, February 1980 – photo by Roger Hillyer.

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THEATRE – A LIFE LONG PASSION

O xley was to become the School’s most prolific producer and director of School drama, in many different forms, second only to Wilfrid Cowell, but with a much wider palette. No challenge seemed beyond him and every kind of entertainment from Grand Opera to Gilbert & Sullivan, the biggest West Show Musicals; Shakespeare, Gogol, Brecht,Aristophanes to Stoppard, Pinter and Wilde not to mention medleys and evenings of nostalgic musical classics and readings appeared before enthusiastic, sell out audiences in Big School and the New Hall (from 1975) in the main.

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‘The Oxley Era’ was considerably boosted by a cadre of fellow like-minded teachers who between them were responsible for many outstanding and challenging productions. These included Nick Quartley, Simon Taylor, Fred Pargeter, David Howorth, Malcolm Watson, John Trotman, David Tawney, Colin Pedley, Robin Alden amongst others.Also, at long last, with the advent of co-education (and even before) the opposite sex was permitted to tread the Teddies boards!

H e instilled in me a lifelong love of history, for which I shall always remember him and be grateful. However, my abiding memory of him was in a staff production of Oklahoma in drag as Ado Annie singing ‘I'm just a girl who can't say no’, bringing the house down. I knew Malcolm through my involvement in drama at the School.The high point of this was being directed by Malcolm as the headmaster in Alan Bennett's 40 Years On , which was the school play in 1991. He was a profoundly erudite man, though he wore it lightly, with a wonderful gift for engaging pupils in the worlds of drama and literature. I can say with certainty that I can say with certainty that together with John Trotman who taught me English at A Level, Malcolm has had a profound impact on my life by introducing and encouraging an interest in reading and ideas. He has obviously had a similar impact on dozens if not hundreds of others, which is a remarkable and wonderful legacy both for Malcolm personally and for Teddies of which he was such a big part.

(Chris Nathan, School Archivist and OSE, Segar’s 1954-1957) .

‘Nabucco’ finale, 1984.

M alcolm was an inspirational teacher and not only in the classroom were his talents on show. Either on stage, duetting with Mo Whitehouse on piano, or, behind the scenes, directing, producing (and sometimes writing) memorable school productions. Once compulsory corps duty had dropped away for me, I joined a handpicked troop of Ruscombe-King and accompanied by Pete

Mo Ruscombe-King.

singers led by Malcolm to "entertain" the captive audiences at local old people’s homes with songs from the First World War and Edwardian music hall. Sometimes, we weren't sure if some of the residents had fallen asleep or simply passed away from the joy of it all, as we went through our repertoire.

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F or me, Malcolm Oxley provided a much-needed breath of fresh air at a time when school was a bit short on fun. He persuaded Fisher to let him put on Brecht’s The Life of Galileo for the annual school play – a radical shift – but was refused his plea for girls to take the female parts. I was in his cast. His production, featuring Peter Whitehouse’s dramatic music, was a resounding success. He fostered in me a love of the great songs from the middle of the 20th century and of musical theatre. So, it's perhaps fitting that I learnt of his passing just after having given a performance of songs from the shows which I'm sure he would have loved to listen to. M y fondest memories of him were the singing of ‘London Pride’ was incredibly moving; The Wasteland in 1992 where he sang one of his favourite songs 'Georgia on my Mind' which he also often performed with the school jazz band; then a WW2-themed evening of music and poems to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid. entertainment evenings he curated and performed in: a Noel Coward evening in 1991, where his

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V ery happy memories of Malcolm, his kindness, intellect, generosity, humour, integrity.

“The Hollow Crown” 1964.

The following summer he put on The Hollow Crown – John Barton’s ‘entertainment’ about the kings and queens of England – in which the cast each had several parts.This time there were ‘real’ girls – three from the Oxford High School. It was great fun. Malcolm cut us a lot of slack but didn’t hold back when he thought we weren’t working hard enough or if we pushed our luck too far. He intercepted Nick Deane, Geoff James and me “gallantly” escorting the three girls to the bus stop in the Banbury Road on a fine summer’s evening. It wouldn’t have been so bad had Nick and I not been carrying props – a large cudgel and a sword. He was furious, but let it go at that rather than pursue some formal punishment. Malcolm was a particular inspiration to those with wider interests than the sports field. No teacher had a greater influence on me during my time at Teddies.

Malcolm Oxley and Liz Shergold,“The Boyfriend”, 1983.

Damien Kell as Richard II, 1992.

* Extracts from the postscript in Malcolm Oxley’s book, A New History of St Edward’s School, Oxford, 1863-2013 , published in 2015 to mark the School’s 150th anniversary, written by Professor Blair Worden (Cowell’s, 1958-1963),Visiting Professor of History at the University of Oxford, rsity of Oxford, and Chris Jones (Field House, 1968-1972 and Chair of Governors.)

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M alcolm was a proud member of the Simeon Society and left funds to the School to establish 'The John and Rose Oxley Bursary' (named after Malcolm's parents) to support bright and talented children with a connection to the Church of England, or those with parents teaching at school or university who would otherwise not be able to afford a Teddies education. THE MALCOLM OXLEY FUND The John and Rose Oxley Bursary

BEYOND TEDDIES

If you would like to support this fund or find out more please scan the QR code here or contact the Beyond Teddies Team on beyondteddies @ stedwardsoxford.org or telephone: 01865 319 438

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Malcolm with his parents, John and Rose Oxley, in 1950 in Colywn Bay.

Teddies 2030 100 ACRES OF DISCOVERY AND OPPORTUNITY

A t St Edward’s, you’ll remember that we aim to prepare young people for lives of purpose. Now, we are launching Teddies 2030, a bold vision for the next five years that will open doors and create spaces where every pupil can thrive. From their first day in the Shell,Teddies pupils discover a school built on choice, challenge, and exploration. Our Pathways and Perspectives programme complements GCSEs, while the Sixth Form offers 39 subjects across IB and A Level. Every pupil has the freedom to follow their passions, whether in science labs or on sports fields, working in creative studios or engaged in entrepreneurial projects. Teddies 2030 is the next step. As more pupils gravitate toward science, technology, and engineering, and as nearly equal numbers of boys and girls play across more than 22 learning is an adventure! Curiosity drives us. Character shapes us. And together, A School that Matches Ambition

sports, our campus must develop to meet their energy and ambition.

Spaces that Inspire Bold Thinking

On Quad side, the reimagined and expanded Physical Sciences Centre will be a hub for curiosity and collaboration. Modern laboratories and shared innovation spaces will bring Physics and Chemistry together, reflecting how science is explored in the real world. Pupils will experiment, discover, and connect learning to life beyond school through our exciting new academic, sporting and cultural partnerships. On Field side, the Field of Dreams will enable sport to continue to thrive. New outdoor pitches, an athletics track, and a state-of-the-art indoor sports centre will give every pupil – whether first-time runner or elite athlete – the chance to test themselves, build confidence, and enjoy the thrill of teamwork as many of you did. These facilities don’t just enrich school life – they foster friendships, build resilience, develop community connections and also enable Teddies to increase its commercial income, helping us to try to keep fees as accessible as we can.

BEYOND TEDDIES

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The New Science Building – architect’s drawing.

BEYOND TEDDIES

The New Sports Centre – architect’s drawing.

How OSE Can Make a Difference

Teddies 2030 will only succeed with the engagement and generosity of our OSE, parents and friends.There are many ways to get involved: K Time Join as an OSE Ambassador, support Martyrs or MADD Martyrs events, or meet prospective families around the world. K Talent Mentor, speak at careers festivals, or offer insight to inspire the next generation. K Treasure Every gift matters, whether through the Cup and Dagger Club, The Simeon Society or through other donations that enable us to bring our vision to life. Gifts are recognised and we hold special events to say thank you. Our new Voices of Teddies Wall outside the Olivier Hall will celebrate individuals who choose to support us with gifts of £100,000 or more. Every contribution brings us closer to a school that continues to inspire, challenge, and nurture.

Inside the New Science Building – architect’s drawing.

Invest in Discovery, Create Opportunity

Teddies 2030 is about more than buildings – it’s about creating an environment where pupils can think boldly, move freely, and aim high. Supporting the campaign is a chance for you, our OSE, to leave a lasting mark, shaping the next generation while celebrating the continued unique spirit and legacy of Teddies.

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HOW TO GET INVOLVED

THE Voices of Teddies Wall

The Cup & Dagger Club Celebrating the Power of Community Y our regular support through the Cup & Dagger Club ensures that we can seize opportunities, respond quickly to needs, and invest in everything that makes a Teddies education exceptional. Why the Cup & Dagger Club is Transforming Teddies and How You Can Be Part of It Our aim is simple: to bring together a community of supporters who can give regularly to the school we all care about.What began as a new initiative has quickly grown into a vital part of Teddies.

Celebrating our transformational supporters T he Voices of Teddies Wall celebrates the guidance and experiences of our greatest supporters.Those making donations of over £100,000 will be invited to share a personal message – advice, reflections, or encouragement – on a wall outside the Olivier, for pupils walking past each day. In this way, donors who have shaped their own lives can continue to inspire future generations, passing on lessons learned and words of encouragement to those following in their footsteps. Whether sharing a moment of insight, a story of resilience, or some guidance these short messages will serve as a daily reminder to our pupils and all those visiting our school of what is possible and the legacy that comes from being part of our unique Teddies community. Our transformational supporters will enjoy a close relationship with the Senior Leaders of St Edward’s helping us shape the future, together.

BEYOND TEDDIES

Flexible,Accessible and Inclusive

Philanthropy should be accessible to everyone which is why we’ve introduced flexible giving levels based on your feedback. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a current parent, or someone with longstanding ties to Teddies, there’s a way to be part of it:

If you would like to be part of this moment in our history, and have your name included, please do get in touch with Rachael Henshilwood: henshilwoodr @ stedwardsoxford.org We would be delighted to hear from you.

Bronze Membership Silver Membership Gold Membership

£5.00/month

£10.00-£150.00/month

£150.00+/month

A Club That Celebrates Community

We believe in saying thank you! Just recently, our Gold members gathered for an elegant evening of canapés and drinks at Estelle Manor, a heartfelt celebration of their generosity.This wasn’t just an evening of thanks but offered our donors an opportunity

to connect with others who are shaping the School’s future. No matter your giving level, your contribution is valued, and you’ll be welcomed as part of this community of changemakers.

Why Now?

We hope you’ll consider joining us. Every gift, large or small, helps build the future of Teddies. To sign up or learn more, visit: www.stedwardsoxford.org/beyond-teddies/ fundraising/the-cup-and-dagger-club/ or email: thomsons @ stedwardsoxford.org

Sean Thomson, Development Manager.

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