Rhubarb Issue 12: November 2023

1981 RUGBY REUNION LUNCH

the team as the original had been destroyed during the transfer from the old pavilion. Some photos were taken of us remembering the great times that we had had marauding around the pitch all those years ago. We watched the current first team playing a fixture before retiring back to the pub and eventually enjoying a Chinese meal in Summertown. It was a great occasion and it was fantastic to share old memories of that famous season and the camaraderie that came with it.We missed all those who couldn’t make it but hope that perhaps we can gather together again sometime soon. Many thanks to the School and the Beyond Teddies team for their organization and hospitality and to Sue and her team for the wonderful lunch provided.

MARTYRS

15th October 2022

O n Saturday 15th October 2022 the School generously hosted a reunion lunch for the magnificent Rugby XV of 1981.This was followed by a re-unveiling of the team photo to be displayed in the pavilion on Upper 1. Original plans to hold the lunch on the 40th anniversary had been scuppered by Covid and logistics but, due to the sterling efforts of the Beyond Teddies team, we managed to convene one year late.The event was all the more poignant, as we were lucky enough to see Simon Offen at a Martyrs event for the last time before his death. Simon made a huge effort to be there and was at his usual charming, amusing and witty best. He will be missed terribly by all. We were also joined by key members of staff who helped us along the way to becoming Teddies legends: Simon Taylor (our coach in the Under 14s); Greg Spanier (enthusiasm personified); David Wippell (who gave us divine inspiration); Prue Wright and Vera Wright (san nurses who helped us with our ailments); Jim Dewes (general mentor to us all); and Peter Swainson ( Swaino, current VP of the Martyrs). Thanks also to the Warden for welcoming us for pre-lunch drinks. 12 of the 1981 squad managed to come to attend.We also remembered Paul Samuel and Paul MacLean who had sadly been lost to us over the last few years. David Wippell provided us with a thoughtful and moving Grace before we were treated to a wonderful lunch with plenty of good wine to wash it down. We were joined via video link by Paul Reid from the warmer climes of Australia. Jim Dewes spoke next on behalf of the Common Room recounting some of the stories from 1981 that were repeatable, the highlight being the account of the trip to Twickenham for the Varsity Match after we had sent Fettes back home again (to think again!!) Simon Smith risked sending the party off to sleep by going through his cloudy memories of a rugby journey made through the School hanging onto the coat tails of the star players like Baker, Hayward, and McLean.

May we never lose our memories.

Report by Simon Smith (Field House, 1977-1982)

Attendees: David Arkell (Cowell’s, 1976-1982), Clive Baker (Tilly’s, 1977-1982), Philip Blanchard (Cowell’s, 1977-1982), Peter Crane (Cowell’s, 1977-1982), Tim de Putron (Sing’s, 1978-1982), Mark Hoddinott (Tilly’s, 1977-1982), Nicholas Kampa (Mac’s, 1977-1982),Alastair Lamb (Tilly’s, 1977-1982), Simon Offen (Cowell’s, 1976-1981),Tim Rayne (Field House, 1978-1983), Iain Shaw (Tilly’s, 1977-1982), Simon Smith (Field House, 1977-1982), Jim Dewes (Former SES Staff, 1980-1985), Greg Spanier (Former SES Staff, 1976-1982), Peter Swainson (Tilly’s, 1995-2000 & VP of the Martyrs), Simon Taylor (Former SES Staff, 1969-1985), David Wippell (Former SES Staff, 1978-2006), Prue Wright and Vera Wright.

Those who could still hobble or stagger made their way to the pavilion for the unveiling of a new photo of

49