Old Millhillians Masonic Lodge

Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest social and charitable organisations. Its roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built Britian’s cathedrals and castles.

For Freemasons, there are four important values that help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Charity. In today’s world filled with uncertainty, these principles ring as true as they have at any point in the organisation’s history.

The Old Millhillian Lodge was formed in 1938 and is thriving. Each year, all going well, there are a minimum of four official meetings to carry out the business of the Lodge, usually at the Freemasons Hall in Covent Garden, London, followed by an enjoyable dinner.

The highlight of the calendar is the Master and Lodge Officers installation dinner held at the Innholders Hall in November. In addition, we endeavour to schedule several informal drinks meet ups at the Adam & Eve Pub in Mill Hill including an open evening for any OM that would like to meet us.

The 2021 official Lodge meeting schedule is as follows:

25th February 2021

22nd April 2021

23rd September 2021

11th November 2021

Any OM that has an interest in joining the Lodge, whether an existing Freemason or as an initiate, please contact the secretary, David Roe.

Email: Polo@felixr.com

WHAT AN AMAZING NIGHT !!! ..

Mill Hill Choral Society and Orchestra  ..

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Congratulations to Jonny Raynor, former Head of House at Burton Bank who married Kate Robinson earlier this month. ..

Old Belmontians Day July 5th, Belmont School

Old Belmontians Day will this year be combined with Foundation Day at Belmont School, and The Old Millhillians Club are delighted to invite all OBs and their families to attend. The day is always very relaxed and informal and it is a wonderful opportunity to visit the School again.

The Old Belmontians Association recently merged with the Old Millhillians Club and both Peter Wakeham, Chair of the Club and Adrian Jordan, will be attending and look forward to meeting new and old friends.

Timetable for the Day:

12.00 Arrive at Belmont A welcome drink in the Rooker Roberts Room (hosted by OM Club Chair Peter Wakeham) 12.30 Join everyone on the Master’s Lawn for Lunch and Garden Party 1.30 Return to Rooker Roberts Room for tea/coffee and tour of the school 2.30 Depart

This is a wonderful opportunity to re-engage with your contemporaries and also see how much the School has changed. All OBs and familes are warmly welcome.

Please contact Laura - omc@millhill.org.uk if you plan to attend and the number in your party by 29th June, so we can plan catering accordingly. We look forward to hearing from you.

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A huge congratulations to Max Coupe King and his fiance Catherine Longthorpe who have recently got engaged. ..

Tom Lindsay (Farara) married Millie McClure on June 2nd at Lainstone House in Winchester. ..

James Berwin (Weymouth 99-04) and Susan got married in May 2018.

Congratulations!

Tom Lindsay and Mille were engagedin May 2016 and are getting married on June 2nd 2018 in Wiltshire ..

Ben and Francesca were engaged in November 2017 and are getting married later this year. ..

Thursday 26th April 2018 saw us welcome another wonderful group of Upper Sixth to the National Liberal Club for an introduction to the Old Millhillians and their Membership of the Club. ..

David Rodda OBE  ..

Tribute to Terry Allan 1932 – 2017 Weymouth 1945 – 1949

Terry was a Middlesex grammar school boy who was a bit intimidated by coming to a public school. This was not helped by the fact that he was somewhat deaf following a childhood illness. This gave the impression of being slow, which was far from the truth. After school, when he learned to lip read it changed his life and in later life he worked very successfully as a volunteer guinea pig with a famous deaf aid company.

His family had a shop fitting business in Newcastle but his father had come south as a skilled joiner. Terry was a King’s Scout, which he carried on at school. His other interests were rugby and carpentry. He spent many hours in the maintenance workshop in the basement of the science block with ‘Carp’ the carpenter. One summer, Ian Jarvis and Terry completed a thousand mile tandem bicycle ride round England, Wales and Scotland in eleven days, staying in Youth Hostels.

On leaving Mill Hill, Terry joined Joe Lucas for a short while before enrolling for a degree at LSE. For his national service he took a three year short service commission in the administrative branch of the Air Force.

About this time at a family wedding he met his brother’s Swiss aux- pair and love of his life, Marianne. They married in Frauenfeld, Switzerland and he worked for her father’s small engineering company, which made machine tools. Once he had learned Swiss German, he managed to get a good job with the international company, Sulzer in Zurich, maker of half the world’s marine engines; he held a number of senior positions in different departments in the company until he retired.

Terry and Marianne set up home in Frauenfeld and had two children, Colin, who went on to study Law and works in Frauenfeld, and Susan, who became a doctor and now lives in the USA. There are four granddaughters two in each family. Terry was very much a family man and when he was away on his many country trips, he longed to be home with his wife and children.

Terry had a great love of music, taught himself to play the piano and both he and Marianne joined a choir. He involved himself a great deal in local affairs and in church life. All the family were keen skiers. Colin was an instructor, and on one occasion found a young lady in difficulties at the top of a big slope. He picked her up, put her over his shoulder and skied down. She is now his wife.

Terry had heart problems for some years and volunteered to allow for various new techniques to be carried out on him in Zurich University Hospital. He died peacefully in the Zurich hospital with his family around him.

Details coming soon....... ..

The 2017 Upper Sixth Leavers Event at the National Liberal Club was a huge success. There was a change in the format of the evening, including entertaining speeches from Jo Batty (Atkinson 2006-2011) and Austin Vince (Collinson 1978-83), group photos of the Leavers on the NLC Terrace as well as the traditional welcome from Chairman, Andy Mortimer. Many more OMs, particularly YOMs, attended this year which made a big difference to the atmosphere, also enhanced by some wonderful background tunes provided by the Head of Music Kevin Kyle, the dulcet tones of Connie Greaves and the musical talents of YOMs Daniel Stern and Johnny Wanders, all of Weymouth.

Feedback on the occasion from those on the coach back to school was extremely positive. The Leavers had a most enjoyable evening as did we all.

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Names: Ben Corrigan (McClure 2004-2009) and Jonny Plein (School House 2004-2009) ..

Dr Dennis Witcombe OBE OBITUARY

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr Dennis Witcombe OBE on Tuesday 19th September 2017. Dr Witcombe was the Headmaster of Nottingham High School from 1970 until his retirement in 1995.

Dr Witcombe was educated at Mill Hill School from 1943 to 1949, followed by a year serving with the National Intelligence Corps in Austria.

In 1949 he went to St John’s College Oxford where was awarded a BLitt and MA in History. A PhD in History followed this from the University of Manchester.

In 1955, Dr Witcombe’s career in education began as a history teacher at Emmanuel School in London, later becoming the Senior History Master. In 1964, he joined Manchester Grammar School.

In 1970, he was appointed as Headmaster at Nottingham High School, a position he held for the next 25 years.

It was during Dr Witcombe’s tenure that the School saw the opening of the new Preparatory School, the Sports Hall and the Design and Technology and Science blocks.

Dr Witcombe’s tenure at the School was marked by resilience, humanity and most importantly dedication. Sport, music, drama and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme are just some of the activities that were supported by him - delighting in success, commiserating in defeat. He was a regular visitor to the Army, RAF and Naval sections training and adventurous training camps. He was also Board Headmaster for cadetships at Biggin Hill.

In 1995, Dr Witcombe retired as Headmaster, following a 40-year career in education and 25 years as Headmaster of Nottingham High School.

In his retirement address, Tim Moore-Bridger (then Deputy-Headmaster) said, “Dennis always likes to stress that Nottingham High School is a family, a community of people who all have a common purpose, the success and prosperity of Nottingham High School”………... “Dennis is the youngest 65 year old I know. He always has a twinkle in his eye, a mischievous streak - was it an accident or a Freudian slip when, last week, at Prep prizes he talked of Nottingham High School educating boys and girls for the next century?”

Even in retirement, his support for the School was as enthusiastic as ever and he continued to attend numerous School events including Founder’s Day, Speech Day and the Carol Service.

Dr Witcombe was President of the Old Nottinghamians’ Society in 1999 and he regularly attended the popular Beeston Fields lunches and ON Society Dinners.

Dr Witcombe was awarded an OBE for services to education in the 1996 New Year’s Honours list and in 1995 received an Honorary Degree from the University of Nottingham.

Our sincere condolences go to Dr Witcombe’s widow Pat with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage in 2016; their sons John and Simon, who are former pupils of the School; grandchildren and great granddaughter.

Lord Toulson (Weymouth 1959-64)  ..

David Pelham (Belmont 1955-60) (Mill Hill- Murray 1960-65)  ..

A group of Old Millhillians of different vintages meet once a quarter for an informal lunch at the Beehive pub in White Waltham. White Waltham is a village near Maidenhead, a ten-minute drive from the M4. The pub serves excellent lunches. Its postcode is SL6 3SH.

These lunches were inaugurated by the late Keith Armistead and are now arranged by Graham Woodhouse. The meetings are designed not only to allow members to reminisce about their time at MHS, but more significantly to resolve global issues that have defeated the British government, the European Union, the MCC and the Security Council.

Would you like to be kept informed of future dates? Contact Graham at j.g.woodhouse@btinternet.com

Bill Ibbotson died on the 30th January following a very long illness. He was the late Richard Bean's brother-in-law. They became friends playing rugby for the OMs as well as cricket, Bill was an accomplished bowler with a record score of 9 for 5!

Bill had many interests including making his own beautiful intricate clocks, working two amazing allotments, plumbing not only the heating system for his entire house, but also those of two of his son's, plus making row upon row of handmade chocolates at Christmas.

He retired due to ill health in 1995 but as a volunteer was able to create an immensely valuable charitable organisation that has made an incalculable difference to so many people's lives in Barnet. At one time there were 600 members all helping in the local community For 12 years he helped run a Sunday lunch club for the homeless which was greatly appreciated, he was always with the homeless on Sundays befriending those less fortunate than himself.

Keith died on 22 March 2017 after being unwell for around two years. He had a very distinguished career at Mill Hill. He was senior monitor and an outstanding sportsman. He earned first team colours and leadership roles at all three major sports, cricket, hockey and rugby, as well as representing the school at boxing and athletics.  ..

We love to hear from young Old Millhillians so please let us know of your achievements or any interesting news. Don't be shy!  ..

Peter Collinson Garden Project – Those of you with good memories will remember that ‘Project 2018’, the plan to re-create the essence of the garden of the internationally renowned 18th century plant collector and botanist, Peter Collinson FRS, was announced in Martlet a few years ago. ..

Ronnie Aye Maung (Burton Bank 1945-50). We are writing to let you know the sad news that our father, Ronnie Aye Maung, passed away on Monday 24th October. ..

John King (Burton Bank 1956-61). We are very sorry to report the death of John King on Saturday 12th November, following a long illness.  ..

The Club's annual dinner took place on the 14th October at the Merchant Taylors' Hall. Tim Corbett, OMC President, welcomed the Head Mrs Frances King and her husband Tim to their first annual dinner.  ..

The biennial South West Dinner took place at the Somerset County Cricket Club in Taunton on the 25th November.  ..

It can be tough to differentiate yourself from all the other young people searching for jobs, work experience and university places. The OM Club has helped, and continues to help, many current lower/upper sixth students and OMs at university by putting them in touch with older OMs who can offer help and advice. ..

Once again we met for the OMs Northern Dinner at the St James’s Club in Manchester, but on the early date of 4^th November, which turned out to be in the school’s half-term break. ..

OM Sponsorship Fund for young OMs & recent leavers – Young OMs taking a gap year or a challenge to raise money for charity or indeed any worthwhile adventure, can apply to the OM Sponsorship fund.  ..

Madrid weekend 2016 – Brilliant sunshine provided the backdrop to the OM biennial European weekend on 19^th May.  ..

East Anglia Dinner – In the elegant and comfortable rooms provided by Trinity College, this year’s East Anglia Dinner took place on 16 September 2016.  ..

Former Mill Hill pupil and teacher, Austin Vince, and his wife, Lois are hosting another Adventure Travel Film Festival at Mill Hill School between 12th and 14th August 2016.  ..

On Friday 6th May, Mill Hill School held their third Annual Senior Girls’ Sports Dinner. Over 100 pupils, parents and staff congregated on Top Terrace for a drinks reception before the main dinner and speeches. ..

Tim Corbett's (OMC President's) New Zealand and Australian Travel Itinerary ..

I was 7 years old; it was a cloudy winter’s day when my mother first mentioned Mill Hill School to me. We were to go by the 140 bus from where we lived in Kenton near Harrow to find the school as a possible place for my brother Martin some 5 years older than me. We never found the school on that occasion but that was the beginning of a 66 year relationship with Mill Hill – the School. ..

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We were delighted and honoured to receive a visit from the Nobel Prize-winning scientist Dr James Watson on 8th June 2016 to mark the centenary of the birth of Francis Crick (Ridgeway 1930-34). Together, James Watson and Francis Crick cracked the code to “the secret of life” when they put forward the double helical structure of DNA in 1953. The breakthrough is hailed as one of the most important scientific discoveries in history. ..

We were delighted to welcome the upper sixth at The National Liberal Club for the Leavers Reception. The school party consisted of over a hundred pupils as well as housemasters, tutors and the Head, Mrs Frances King. The students were given an introduction to the Old Millhillians Club by the President, Tim Corbett; and Chairman, Andrew Mortimer explained the purpose and benefits of the Club.  Leavers’ packs consisting of membership cards and club benefits will shortly be sent to all upper sixth parents. ..

Bill Skinner (Murray 1949-55) ..

It was cold but luckily dry on Friday evening and the gathered crowd was entertained by a spectacular fireworks display.   ..

An Evening at the Supreme Court ..

Inaugural event for current and aspiring OM entrepreneurs. ..

18th October is the 90th anniversary of Mill Hill School boy Cecil Goyder making two way radio contact with Frank Bell in New Zealand. It was an amazing feat of communication and infact the Prince of Wales visited Mill Hill in 1924 amd met Cecil Goyder. Time has moved on and the School is commemorating this anniversary with a week long programme of events. We need OMs around the world to take part in a Skype call on 14th October at 1-2pm BST. ..