OM and Community News 2025
SPORTING Success
How Monkton Set the Foundations for World Champions, Olympians and Sporting Pioneers
WELCOME FROM THE INTERIM PRINCIPAL
Our Heads of Sport create a commitment to excellence and development that starts with our youngest pupils up at the Prep and means our athletes are known throughout their Monkton journey. “
Sport at Monkton is an integral part of the education of the whole person, and something I certainly valued during my time here as a pupil, back in the 1990s. Through it I experienced the elation of the wins, and learned, as generations of Monktonians have, determination, how to genuinely work together as a team, not to give up, even when all seems lost, and how to learn from the losses, and work out how to improve - all things we need in life as much as in sport.
So I am delighted to introduce this edition of the OM Magazine, as Interim Principal, and equally delighted that a fellow OM will be joining us in January as our new principalBradley Salisbury, whom some of you may remember.
Sport is thriving and growing at Monkton. For the last six years, rather than heads of girls or boys sports, we now have specialist heads of each sport: rugby, cricket, hockey, rowing, tennis, netball, and individual sports, such as athletics and badminton. Our Heads of Sport create a commitment to excellence and development that starts with our youngest pupils at the Prep and means our athletes are known throughout their Monkton journey. One of our newest addition to this team is Nick Baker as Head of Rowing. He joined us in January, direct from being the Head Coach of the GB Paralympic team, and is already building a strong rowing programme. We are also exited to announce Alex Leach as our new Director of Sport after 16 successful years at Portsmouth Grammar School.
Many of you will be aware of the sad news of the loss of Julian Bewick, who was a feature of Monkton life, especially in Maths, Computing and Rowing, for so many decades. In partnership with Bluefriars, to commemorate Julian and continue his legacy of helping pupils pursue excellence, we are launching the Julian Bewick Memorial fund, to build a centre of excellence for rowing and strength and conditioning for all sportsmen and women. You will undoubtedly receive a booklet about this, and I do encourage you to give, if you possibly can, as a fitting legacy for an amazing man who influenced so many generations of Monktonians.
Sport is so important, whether we are supporting pupils who are aspiring to represent their country, or teaching the current Monktonians about the health benefits of exercise and sport, or giving them the opportunity to find a community, at Monkton and beyond, not to mention the many, many career opportunities in and around sport. So I hope you enjoy hearing the fascinating stories from OMs of different generations including some very recent ones. Please do continue to send in your news to the OM office - it is genuinely inspiring and helpful for our pupils to hear what those who once sat in their seats are now doing, and as staff we love to hear your news and be reminded where our current pupils are heading.
- James Goodman, Interim Principal 2025
KEISUKE SUZUKI
This past year has given us much to celebrate, not least the centenary of our Chapel — a milestone that speaks to the deep roots of faith and community at the heart of Monkton. It was a joy to see so many come together to mark the occasion, a reminder that the values nurtured within those walls continue to shape lives long after school days are over.
It also feels fitting, in a year when this magazine carries a sporting theme, to reflect on the qualities that both sport and the Monkton community share: perseverance, camaraderie, and the ability to draw strength from one another. These are the threads that bind us across generations, whether on the field, in Chapel, or through the friendships that endure.
For our OM community, sport continues to be one of the most enjoyable ways to stay connected. From hockey and netball to cricket and beyond, our calendar of fixtures offers opportunities not only to compete, but also to catch up, laugh, and relive a little of that Monkton spirit together.
Of course, sport is just one part of the picture. Each gathering and conversation is a reminder that the Monkton spirit remains alive, not just in the valley, but wherever our members find themselves in the world.
Thank you for the many ways you continue to be part of this community. I hope you enjoy this edition of the OM magazine, and I look forward to what the coming year holds for us all.
IZZY IMLACH
THE SPORTESS FOUNDER
OM - 2015
From the moment I could walk, sport has been part of who I am - a passion instilled in me by my family. For my parents, one of Monkton’s biggest draws was its sporting opportunities, and when I joined the prep school, everything began to fall into place. I remember signing up for cricket sessions with Mr Staunton - partly, I’ll admit, to skip Monday prep - but that small decision ended up shaping my future. It led me to Bath Cricket Club, and soon after, I was selected to play for Somerset Women. Cricket took me further than I could have imagined, and I had the privilege of sharing the pitch with some of the game’s greats, including England international Anya Shrubsole and South Africa’s Lizelle Lee.
Being dyslexic, academia was often challenging, but sport gave me direction and confidence. I was lucky to be supported by teachers who truly believed in me - particularly Mrs Garrod and Mrs Charania. They saw potential in me before I saw it in myself, and they encouraged me to grow, not just as an athlete, but as a person. I went on to study History and Politics at Cardiff University, where I continued to play both hockey and cricket. After graduating, I moved to London and began a career in marketing and social media, helping brands like LEGO, Universal, and Nokia tell their stories. But something was missing.
As a woman who loved sport, I became so frustrated by the lack of media coverage and what little existed felt outdated, uninspired, and
disconnected from real fans. So, I decided to do something about it.
In 2024, I took the leap and founded The Sportess - a women’s sport brand built to engage, connect, and inspire the next generation of players and believers. We create bold, relatable content that amplifies female athletes, challenges outdated narratives, and builds a community where women and girls feel seen and celebrated. Just as importantly, we make it funcelebrating the good, the bad, and even the meme-able moments in sport. Because failure is just as much a part of the journey as success.
Since launching, The Sportess has grown an audience of over 100,000, reached millions globally, worked with some of the most iconic athletes in the world - including Lionesses legends Mary Earps and Lauren James - and helped brands connect meaningfully with this community. We’ve even won our first award (still mindblowing to me). I feel incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved. Women’s sport isn’t just having a moment - it’s having a movement, and I’m committed to being part of it. What’s stuck with me most is how limited access still is for many girls. Too many grow up without role models, visibility, or even a basic awareness of what’s possible. At Monkton, I was lucky. We had role models like the brilliant “pocket rocket” Mia Ritchieteaching us Netball while playing for England - and a school environment that encouraged everyone to take part. That experience was a privilege, but it also gave me a responsibility: to help
make sport more accessible for girls everywhere.
Breaking down barriers has always been important to me - and that started at Monkton, where I became the first girl to represent the First XI cricket team, supported by teachers who believed opportunity should be for all.
If there’s one message I’d pass on, it’s this: never be afraid to follow your dreams or stand up for what you believe in.
The Sportess has grown an audience of over 100,000, reached millions globally [and] worked with some of the most iconic athletes in the world “
PETER MANN FOUNDER OF SPORT FOR PEACE
OM - 1970
Believe it or not, great opportunities exist to use sport as a tool to promote diplomacy, friendship and peace between people and nations. In my work for the modern Commonwealth (a voluntary association of 56 nations that share the same language, law and civic institutions) we have developed an annual Commonwealth Cricket Cup in Hong Kong, now in its eighth year, and a Peace Pitch Twinning Programme where over 20 pitches worldwide (football, rugby and cricket) have been twinned with the original Peace Field in Messines, Belgium where on Christmas Day 1914, British and German soldiers stopped fighting and played a game of football together.
In 2018, the Commonwealth introduced Peace at the Crease, launched at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, which used the popularity of cricket as a tool to promote peace, bring communities together and support progress and development. In Hong Kong at the same time we introduced an annual Commonwealth Cricket Cup to promote friendship between nations. A one-day tournament of Cricket Sixes between Consuls General’s teams from Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa. In the evening we organized a pool-side dinner to encourage friendly networking and a charity auction to add meaning to the event. Pakistan won the cup that year and during the final an amazing incident took place: while taking a quick run, a Pakistani batsman tripped over and the Indian captain, instead of stumping him out extended his hand and helped him up. This act of friendship was captured on film and ran as a story in the local newspaper. People are still talking about that act of friendship.
Another project to promote peace and friendship is the twinning of sports pitches all over the world with the original Peace Field on the Western Front. Last year we twinned pitches in Hong Kong, India, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Samoa. In Samoa, the St Joseph’s College rugby team played a friendly match and sang beautifully during the twinning ceremony. The message is that it is better to play with your fellow human beings rather than to fight them. We are hoping to twin the West Indies Cricket Ground (Kensington Oval) in Barbados this summer.
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The message is that it is better to play with your fellow human beings rather than to fight them.
MONKTON RUGBY
A LEGACY OF SUCCESS AND DEVELOPMENT
JOSEPH MARTINDALE
OM - 2024
Joseph’s 12-year journey at Monkton saw him develop into an elite-level player. He earned selections for both the England Lambs and NextGen XV teams, showcasing his talent on the international stage. This season, Joseph had the extraordinary opportunity to tour South Africa with both of these squads - an incredible experience for any young player. He also played in a Trowbridge 7s team this summer that won the Bath combination 7s.
“Monkton prepared me for difficulty and gave me a great mind to think outside the box in those difficult situations. This has helped me every step of the way along my journey, from men’s rugby to Division 1 in the United States.
My personal rugby highlight so far has been playing with my brother in Thailand in the Pr11me 11s tournament. We ended up winning and it was a brilliant experience.”
MAX MARTINDALE
OM - 2019
At Monkton we were encouraged to think on our feet as players, both individually and collectively. We played what we saw in front of us, which was endorsed by the coaches. This helped prepare me for rugby after school, as my understanding of the game developed as a result.
Since then I’ve played 4 years of university rugby at Exeter, and am currently playing for Waverly in Sydney. However, my personal rugby highlight after school was winning the PR11ME rugby tournament in Thailand with my brother (Joe) and my old Monkton captain Alex Murchison.
JACK BENNETT
OM - 2023
Jack’s rugby journey at Monkton began in Year 3 and he flourished throughout his time here, captaining the 1st XV in his final year (2023). Since leaving Monkton, Jack has become a professional rugby player at Bath, recently playing a role in their Premiership Rugby Cup-winning campaign. He also represented England at U18, while being a squad member at U20 level. Reflecting on his success, Jack attributes much of his growth to the supportive environment and expert guidance of Monkton’s coaches and teachers, who not only refined his athletic abilities but also shaped him into a leader. His story serves as an inspiration to all aspiring athletes.
SOPHIE GOODMAN
OM - 2022
Sophie has continued to excel at sport beyond her time at Monkton, earning a Rugby Blue at Oxford University. She recently played in the annual Oxford vs. Cambridge Varsity Match at Saracens’ home ground, StoneX Stadium. Her dedication, skill, and commitment to the game have seen her rise through the ranks at university, and her success has been brilliant to witness. She serves as a role model to many of our girls who now access rugby as a sporting option in the Lent term.
Although Sophie did not play rugby while at Monkton— as she left just before the girls’ program started being developed—she was an avid cricket player. She still plays cricket at university, where she has also earned a Blue. When asked about how Monkton prepared her for rugby, she said,
“While I did not play rugby at school, Monkton constantly supported my pursuit of sport in every form, including encouraging me to ignore gender stereotypes and play cricket for the boys’ teams. This gave me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and pick up a new sport at university which I have fallen in love with!”
Her personal rugby highlight so far was the Oxford University Women’s Rugby Tour to the USA, where they played teams such as Harvard, the U.S. Navy, and West Point. She described it as “amazing to experience the rugby and the culture across the pond.”
CALLUM KINGSBURY
OM - 2024
Callum spent seven years at Monkton, developing into a formidable player. Last season, he played for Bath U18 and performed a crucial role in a number of their league fixtures, including playing in the Academy League Final victory - where Bath secured the title for the first time. Callum benefitted from the foundations Monkton Rugby gave him and he made incredible strides within the Bath Academy system, with the brilliant relationship between school and club, providing a balanced and supportive environment for him to be the best he could be.
“Rugby at Monkton has helped me to enjoy both the social and the competitive sides of the sport, as well as supplying great coaching to get me to the level I needed to be. My time at Bath Academy was made better with the support and advice of my coaches at Monkton, giving me strong foundations for the level of rugby I am currently playing for Loughborough University. My personal rugby highlight has definitely been winning the Premiership Rugby U18 Academy League Title.”
OLI FUSSELL
OM - 2022
Joining Monkton in Year 7, Oli graduated in 2022 with a university scholarship for rugby in the USA. His performances quickly earned him a place in the South East Bears, a regional team competing at national tournaments. Oli’s excellence was further recognised when he was selected as an All-American by National Collegiate Rugby. This led him to France, where he toured and played with some of the USA’s finest collegiate and university players. His remarkable progress is testament to his dedication and the invaluable support he received in his formative rugby years.
How did Monkton prepare you for the rugby you are playing today?
“Monkton prepared me by teaching me the values of leadership, level-headedness and friendship. This has helped me greatly throughout my career after Monkton because it has set me apart from others and allowed me to get to play at the best level I can and become the best person I can be on and off the pitch. Coaches like Mr. Heslop showed me how to properly lead and I credit a lot of my success to him.”
What has been your personal rugby highlight so far?
“It is hard to narrow down to one personal highlight because there have been so many. When I was at Monkton, one of my favourite personal highlights was kicking the winning conversion to beat Wellington in the final play of the game; that is something I will never forget. Outside of Monkton, another one of my personal highlights has been the tour I went on to France last summer with the All-American side. I played with people from all over the world and made memories and friends for life.”
ROWAN SMITH
OM - 2022
Rowan’s rugby journey at Monkton began in the Prep School, where his natural athletic ability and competitive spirit quickly set him apart. As he progressed through the Senior School, his game matured, and he became a key figure in Monkton’s rugby squads year after year. By the time he reached Sixth Form, Rowan had established himself as an indispensable member of the 1st XV, consistently delivering standout performances that inspired his teammates and impressed opponents.
In his final year, his talent and hard work were recognised beyond the school gates when he was selected to represent his county—a significant achievement that highlighted his skill, determination, and ability to rise to the challenge at higher levels of competition.
Since leaving Monkton, Rowan has continued to pursue rugby at an elite standard, representing Swansea University in BUCS Super Rugby—the pinnacle of university rugby in the UK. Competing at this level demands exceptional physical fitness, tactical understanding, and mental resilience, all of which Rowan has demonstrated in abundance. His journey from the playing fields of Monkton to the national university stage is a testament not only to his dedication and perseverance but also to the strong grounding, values, and encouragement he received during his years at the school.
PHILIP MARSH
FENCING
WORLD CHAMPION OM -2011
I was introduced to fencing following a serious sports injury at age 11 after which I was advised to avoid further contact sports. As a huge sports fan this was quite devastating, but a friend suggested having a go at fencing.
I hadn’t really thought about fencing before that, but my friend enjoyed it so much I decided to try it – and I was hooked. Initially beginning with the foil, I was soon encouraged to have a go at Epée, and it wasn’t long before it was suggested I try some local competitions.
These went well and I was selected to be on the South West cadet team where I made many friends with whom I’m still regularly in touch today. I often travelled to competitions at weekends which I thoroughly enjoyed. A short while later I was invited to represent GB at Cadet (U16) level, Junior (U19) level and ultimately at Senior level. During my time in Cadets and Juniors I achieved podium places at several international competitions and British competitions.
My greatest success was becoming the Epée Junior World Champion at age 16 at the World Championships in Jordan. Whilst with Team GB, I took part in competitions in 22 different countries as far afield as Azerbaijan, Argentina and Columbia and was invited to take
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I went from a potentially life changing injury at age 11 to becoming World Champion in a sport I probably wouldn’t have been involved with had it not been for the injury. This ultimately gave me confidence and presented extraordinary opportunities as well as enormous enjoyment.
part in the Commonwealth Games three times. During my fencing career I was the GB No.1 at Cadet, Junior and Senior levels.
I trained at Bath Sword Club, based at Bath University. Monkton allowed me time out of school, when needed, to take part in foreign competitions and specific training events and were understanding if, on some occasions, my homework was late!
I enjoy Fencing because it is a combination of both mental and physical agility, strategy and discipline – and it’s fun!
After leaving school I moved to Paris for a year in order to train with the French Fencing team whilst working as an au pair to four young boys.
I then studied for an MSc in Chemistry with French, spending my third year at Grenoble University and graduating in 2018.
Following university I took a Cambridge English CELTA course and spent a year in Milan teaching English to support my Fencing activities – then returned to the UK when COVID struck. During the COVID period, after several online courses, I became a software developer and began working for a company at a technology hub in
Lee on Solent.
After a couple of office-based years, I was able to start working remotely and moved to South West France whilst still working for the same company. Two years later I went freelance, set up my own company and now live and work in Capbreton on the French Atlantic coast.
ROWING EXCELLENCE OF Years
OUR RISING STARS
OLIVIA CAESAR
REPRESENTED GB IN WORLD ROWING JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS, OM - 2018
Awarded UCLA All-Pac-12 Team women’s rowing honours for three consecutive seasons. Rows for Leander and competed in the eight at Leander 2025
SAM FORD
WON THE THAMES CHALLENGE CUP AT THE 2022 HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA, OM - 2020
Rows for Washington University. Member of the winning eight at the IRN Championships. Gold medallist at University Games 2025.
EDWARD BURGESS
ROWER IN THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONALS,
Trained with Mercantile in Melbourne, Australia and is now off to pursue rowing further at Reading University. His next goal is to row for GB in the
TOBY JOHNSON
NATIONAL SCHOOLS FINALIST IN THE CH 4+ AND HENLEY QUALIFIER 2024
Stroke of the top 4x in 2025 and hoping to trial for GB next school year.
JAMES SPENCER
MCSBC RISING TALENT
James was in the top 4x in 2025 as a 5th former and will be trialling for GB next
RENOWNED SUCCESS
OLYMPIC ROWERS
ROWLEY DOUGLAS & STEVE WILLIAMS
NICK BAKER, COACH AT MONKTON PARALYMPIC ROWING COACH
SPOTLIGHT ON SAM FORD
OM - 2020
I began to take rowing seriously in Year 12. That was when it stopped being just another school activity and became something I truly invested in. I was fortunate to have a strong circle of friends—George Shaw, Nick Pritchard, and Henry Bennett—who made the long sessions bearable and gave me a real sense of belonging in the sport.
After leaving Monkton, rowing quickly became the anchor in my life. My first step was at Molesey Boat Club in London, where I won the Henley Royal Regatta in 2022. That was a turning point—it showed me that the hard work I had put in could translate into real achievements and open doors I hadn’t thought possible.
Not long after, I moved to the United States to study at Yale. It wasn’t the
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The idea of traveling the world through rowing first took root in
the valleys of Monkton.
right environment for me, and after six months I decided to leave. During that time, rowing was the only constant, the one structure I could rely on.
Soon afterward, I was offered the chance to return to the U.S., this time to row for the University of Washington. It was not an easy decision—Washington is known as one of the most demanding programs in the sport, with nineteen national championships to its name when I joined—but I knew it was the right challenge.
In my first year, I was part of the varsity eight that won the national championship, adding a twentieth title to Washington’s history. The following year, we won again, bringing the total to twenty-one. Those championships represented far more than victories:
they were the product of thousands of hours of collective effort—early mornings, endless miles on the water, and the resilience to keep going when it felt easier to stop. To be part of a crew where everyone gave everything was an experience I will never forget. I owe so much to my teammates, whose drive and determination carried me through the hardest days.
The idea of traveling the world through rowing first took root in the valleys of Monkton. It was there that the dream began, and it has since grown into a life I could never have imagined. For that, I remain deeply grateful—to the sport, and above all, to the people I have rowed alongside, beginning with those early mornings at Monkton.
AMA AGBEZE
COMMONWEALTH
MEDALIST
OM -2002
Ama Agbeze led the England Netball team to a stunning gold medal winning performance at the Commonwealth Games in 2018 on Australia’s Gold Coast.
Ama was already on the radar of the England selectors when she became a pupil at Monkton and soon became a regular for Team Bath Netball. Teachers at Monkton remember Ama as a diligent and driven pupil who intergrated perfectly into the school’s ethos. Here was a pupil who had the discipline to balance her school work and training schedule perfectly and already possessed the leadership skills to encourage fellow students.
After leaving Monkton, alongside her sport, she studied law and finance. Ama received an MBE for her services to netball. She was also a member of the England team that won the bronze medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Ama served as a board member for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and has presented for BBC and Sky in the UK and New Zealand. Monkton’s PE Society is named after her.
We asked Ama about her time at Monkton and what her advice would be to current pupils:
“There is something special about being part of Monkton. This place doesn’t just prepare you for exams — it helps shape you for life.
Every day you’re developing qualities that will carry you far: curiosity, resilience, courage, kindness, and most of all, a sense of community.
Look around you: so many Old Monktonians have gone on to do incredible things in all walks of life; from the exceptional high-fliers we hear about to the quiet trailblazers who make a difference every day in their families, communities and professions. They started out just like you, right here, learning not just knowledge but the confidence to use it well.
So keep saying yes to the opportunities that come your way — in the classroom, on the sports field, on stage, in chapel, or just in your everyday friendships. Each moment helps build the foundation for a future full of possibility.
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Believe in yourselves and look out for each other. You’re part of something bigger than you realise, and you’re more than ready for what’s ahead.”
So keep saying yes to the opportunities that come your way — in the classroom, on the sports field, on stage, in chapel, or just in your everyday friendships. Each moment helps build the foundation for a future full of possibility.
When I started at Glenburnie, my ambition was to become a Bishop. My father – Charles Grimwade – was a popular housemaster, coach & teacher at Monkton Senior and predicting my future would have been a very long shot.
Brought up in Monkton’s beautiful valley, my sister Elizabeth (OM-1973) and I had developed an interest in ponies (with paternal encouragement) but there was widespread surprise (and some horror) when my father decided to give up teaching and buy a farm to start a horse-breeding operation.
He followed his dream and I benefitted by gaining a passion and practical skills of breeding horses as well as the privilege of riding eventers and point to pointers. When I left Monkton, there were no equine courses at universities and colleges; a brief attempt at Further Education at Cirencester, with Henry Collins (OM-1978), ended when I was offered a student placement in Ireland with Captain Timmy Rodgers – an early pioneer of standing commercial stallions.
Father was still running the farm in Somerset but, having started my own family, I took the more secure route of working for organisations which were better funded. My first role was at The National Stud – initially as Assistant to the Manager and then as Manager. One of my first jobs was developing their newly established Student Training Course – a rare opportunity to add knowledge to practical skills for the students and me.
GRIMWADE
MANAGER OF THE ROYAL STUDS
OM -1977
“ JOE
The greatest joy was working for a person (Queen Elizabeth II) who had a genuine love of horses... and was a fantastic employer.
In 1998, the position of Manager of the Royal Studs was advertised and I applied. It was a considerable surprise (not only to me) to gain the position – rearing stock bred by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II from families which she had been developing since her accession to the throne as well as operating as a commercial public stud with stallions.
The greatest joy was working for a person who had a genuine love of horses, a passion for horseracing, a deep knowledge of horse breeding and was a fantastic employer; in addition to regular visits, I was able to keep the Queen updated by telephone - and whether it was good or bad news, it was always received with enormous grace and consideration for others.
There were notable successes – in particular when Estimate won the Ascot Gold Cup – but it was the successes from the “established” Royal Studs’ families that gave me the greatest joy - Blueprint, Flight of Fancy, Kingdom of Fife and Right Approach to name a few.
Commercially, we succeeded with stallions like Royal Applause, a leading commercial sire whose influence continues and the Derby winner Motivator, who we nursed through a life-threatening injury to sire the exceptional filly Treve, 2013 European Horse of the Year.
I haven’t met many Old Monktonians during my travels through the bloodstock world but Richard Payne
(OM-1989) is a notable exception – a highly respected Veterinary Surgeon at Rossdales, the practice which provided veterinary care for the Royal Studs’ horses. One of my first roles was to accompany the Queen when she opened their amazing Equine Hospital in Exning near Newmarket which is now under Richard Payne’s control.
I now run a consultancy for the Bloodstock Breeding Industry - in particular working on education, recruitment & retention projects for the Thoroughbred Breeders Association and with other clients including the National Stud.
There is a wide range of international opportunities within the industry at multiple levels. Practical skills are prioritised – especially for the “horse facing” roles – but there are gateways to gain these, in particular through the National Stud. There is also a wide range of opportunities for those who follow different routes – Accountancy, HR, PR and Marketing to name a few.
HARRY COLT
THE KING OF GOLF COURSE DESIGN
(1869-1951) OM - 1887
HS Colt is regarded by many as the greatest golf course architect of them all. His CV includes famous courses in UK and Ireland like Wentworth, Sunningdale, Royal County Down, Rye, Swinley Forest and St Georges Hill as well as courses where The Open Championship is played such as Muirfield, Royal Liverpool and Royal Portrush. In any list of the Top 100 golf courses, Harry has more entries than anyone. He was pre-eminent in his field and his work is as valued today as it was a century ago.
Harry visited the USA and Canada as well as the Continent and left a string of designs behind him, including a collaboration with the owner of Pine Valley in New Jersey, often cited as the best course in the world. In all, he is credited with the design or re-design of over 300 courses worldwide.
Harry had excelled at sport during his time at Monkton Combe from 1881 to 1887 and was captain of cricket and rugby as well as being the second Division athletics champion. He played doubles tennis and rowed - a sport for which Monkton became famous in the 20th century.
At Clare College, Cambridge Harry initially rowed, but switched to golf, captaining the Cambridge team in 1889-1890. He had learned to play golf during the school holidays at Worcestershire Golf Club near his home in Malvern. His schooling had developed his love of sport, plus the self-confidence and determination to succeed.
After reading law at Cambridge he became a solicitor in London, then in the defining event of his life, moved to a Hastings law firm from where he designed his first golf course at Rye. Law started to fade into the background as golf took over and he became the Secretary of Sunningdale Golf Club in 1901.
He was a top golfer himself, playing for England in 1908, but his designs are sympathetic to the less skilled golfer whilst being demanding of the scratch player. His method was first to find a great site for the clubhouse then arrange 18 holes so the course flowed seamlessly over the landscape, making maximum use of interesting natural features. His siting of strategically placed man-made bunkers is copied to this day. This approach made a success of local clubs up and down the country from Tandridge in England to Clyne in Wales to Longniddry in Scotland.
It was a case of right man, right time. Golf as a Scottish game had been slow to catch on in England. By 1890 there were only about 100 courses in England, but a boom was starting. Clubs were springing up everywhere at the rate of one a week up to the start of World War I and it continued after the war up
to 1930, when economic recession set in. Colt was ideally placed not only to design new courses, but later to revise and extend old ones that were too short or of outmoded design.
Through his golfing contacts and writings in magazines and books, his fame spread and more design commissions came in and he finally left Sunningdale in 1913 to start his own golf architecture practice.
As work flooded in during the socalled Golden Age of golf, he engaged partners to spread the load. One of them was Dr Alister MacKenzie who went on to design one of the most famous golf courses in the world – Augusta National.
By the start of World War II, Harry’s best work was done and he retired. He died aged 82 in 1951. His own test of a good course design was “Will it live?”. His did and they continue to do so.
He was pre-eminent in his field and his work is as valued today as it was a century ago.
MONKTON TO THE WORLD STAGE
MY JOURNEY AS A FOOTBALL
FREESTYLER
By Isabel Wilkins
OM - 2025
What began as simple practice in my garden grew into something I never could have imagined: becoming a World Champion.
I’ve always loved football. Ever since I was little, I had a ball at my feet and I just enjoyed learning and improving. I played to a good standard and even spent a summer with Bristol City’s Academy, but I found I enjoyed the game more at county level, where there was more freedom and space to express myself.
Then, everything changed lockdown. Like for many people, the pandemic brought everyday life to a halt. For me, it meant no more matches or training sessions. But strangely, it gave me something even more powerful: time. Time to slow down, refocus, and explore something new. That’s when I discovered freestyling.
I was already a technical player, with ball control and my first touch being strong aspects of my game, so moving into freestyle felt surprisingly natural. But it wasn’t just about skill - it was a complete mindset shift. I mentally committed to freestyling during that lockdown period and it quickly became more than just a hobby. That first world title... I still don’t have the words. It was this strange mix of shock and elation. Just being at the event, surrounded by incredible freestylers from all over the globe, was enough to take in. People had mentioned I could win,
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I was feeling just pure shock and elation. I didn’t expect it, to see everyone and meet all of these freestylers, to then become a World champion was incredible.
but honestly, it hadn’t crossed my mind. I was there to enjoy the experience, to learn, to express myself in front of an amazing crowd - that alone felt like a dream. So, when my name was called, and I realised I’d actually won, it was completely surreal. A moment I’ll never forget.
Winning the second world title was a completely different experience. There were expectations, more eyes on me and definitely more pressure. I knew I had to go further, push
harder and show how much I’d grown. I brought out new tricks, took creative risks and stayed focused. When I won again, it wasn’t elation this time, but something quieter; a huge sense of relief. The joy was still there, but it came with the weight of everything it took to get back to that top spot. Both wins were unforgettable, but in such different ways.
I studied Business, PE and Photography for A Levels at Monkton and the school played a massive role in supporting me. During games time, I was allowed to train for freestyle instead of joining traditional sports, which gave me the space I needed to grow. The flexibility and patience they showed meant I could fully commit to developing my skills. Even after competitions, the support didn’t stop. My Houseparents, Mr and Mrs Glasgow, went out of their way to celebrate my success with the house, which made such a difference. It helped me feel really seen and valued, and
Since then, I’ve had some amazing opportunities. I’ve filmed with Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United for advertising. Now, my dream is to make freestyle my full-time career. I want to travel the world, live and train with other freestylers, take on events, perform in shows and continue to share what I love with people everywhere.
And of course, I’ve got my sights set on more titles. But beyond that, I want to keep enjoying the journey, keep pushing the boundaries and keep inspiring others -
SPORT HIGHLIGHTS AT MONKTON
This year has been nothing short of spectacular for Monkton’s sports teams, marked by remarkable achievements, growing participation, and an undeniable spirit of dedication. From the pitch to the court and the water, our athletes have truly shone.
Crucially, Monkton is broadening its sporting horizons, offering more organised competitive opportunities in badminton, basketball, squash, swimming, and table tennis. This ensures that every student finds an outlet to push themselves, fostering a love for sport and the pursuit of personal improvement.
CROSS COUNTRY
Cross Country saw junior boys win the Sherborne Relays and senior girls clinch third at Bryanston. The new Monkton Endurance Club, with over 30 eager runners, has been a runaway success.
RUGBY
Monkton Rugby celebrated a season of significant progress. The 1st XV reached the National Bowl Regional Final, while the U15A Boys achieved an outstanding eight wins from nine matches. A major highlight was the growth of Girls’ Rugby, with five teams representing Monkton at Rosslyn Park for the first time – an exciting milestone reflecting increasing interest and strong female coaching role models within the school.
Across all disciplines, Monkton students embodied commitment, teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. The future of Monkton sport looks exceptionally bright, truly offering something for everyone.
NETBALL
Netball continued its upward trajectory, with all age groups performing admirably at county tournaments. The 1st team capped a strong season with an impressive win at the Collegiate 7s Shield competition, while the U15s enjoyed an unbeaten run after halfterm, demonstrating fantastic progress and passion for the game.
ROWING
Rowing embraced significant change, shifting to sculling and a new Bordeaux training camp. While Henley qualification narrowly eluded us, wins at Avon Blue Friars Head, Monmouth Head, Worcester, and Marlow Regatta signal an exciting trajectory for this talented, young squad.
ATHETICS
Athetics saw participation and success, with Monkton in the South-West championships.
HOCKEY
Under new leadership, Monkton Hockey experienced a resurgence. Our Senior Girls’ 1st XI impressively reached the Tier 2 Plate Regional Quarter-Final, showcasing fantastic skill and depth. Not to be outdone, the U18A Boys enjoyed a phenomenal run to the Tier 2 Plate National Semi-Final, earning them the coveted Monkton Team of the Year award – a testament to their unwavering commitment and passion, even on a challenging fixture list.
ATHETICS
saw increased and competitive Monkton selection South-West Athletics championships.
CRICKET
Cricket flourished in glorious weather. Our 1st XI reached the National Plate Regional Semi-Final, displaying refreshing commitment, even during exam season. Girls’ cricket also continues to expand, offering both dedicated and mixedfixture opportunities.
TENNIS
Tennis enjoyed a fantastic year, benefiting from dedicated 1-1 coaching and winter national competitions. The Girls’ 1st team completed an almost unbeaten season, a testament to the growing strength in depth across all age groups.
TRIATHLE/ BIATHLE
Seven Monkton pupils have qualified to represent team GB at the World Championships in South Africa this December.
MONKTON GIVES
The spirit of giving within the Monkton community is truly inspiring, and we are deeply thankful for the generosity of your time, financial contributions, and diverse support. Our alumni stand out as a cornerstone of this continuous dedication. We particularly wish to acknowledge our loyal regular donors, those whose foresight has provided us with legacies, and our many anonymous givers. While we cannot always convey our appreciation directly, please know your support empowers our school to thrive and secure its future in remarkable ways. We truly value our ongoing collaboration with you in all its forms – thank you for everything!
THE JULIAN BEWICK MEMORIAL FUND
"I am so pleased that we are able to move forward together with Bluefriars to create the Julian Bewick Memorial Fund and in so doing secure the future of Monkton rowing and provide all students access to a high class fitness facility. Mr B had a huge impact on my life and is one of the reasons I am now back at Monkton; his rules still inspire the way I teach Maths today. The creation of this fund feels like a fitting way to commemorate all that he has done for so many Old Monktonians and allows future generations to benefit from his legacy." James Goodman, Interim Principal, OM –1994
The Julian Bewick Memorial Fund aims to embody Julian’s spirit: to provide the resources and environment where every pupil can discover their talents, embrace new challenges, and reach their full potential, just as Julian inspired in so many.
This fund will be dedicated to supporting rowing at Monkton, including updating our fleet of boats, improving facilities at Dundas, the acquisition of a state-of-the-art rowing tank and providing access to strength and conditioning for all students.
THE CHAPEL CENTENARY FUND
Monkton Senior School’s Chapel, consecrated on June 25, 1925, celebrated its centenary this year. For 100 years, the Chapel has been a cornerstone of spiritual life, fostering Gospel work within the school and extending its influence throughout our community. To mark this significant milestone and to ensure the continued vitality of Christian ministry at Monkton, we are launching the Chaplaincy Centenary Fund. This initiative seeks to raise vital funds for three key areas: direct support for the Chaplaincy’s 10:10 vision, establishment of Christian Leadership and Christian Ministry Bursaries, and the necessary replacement of the Chapel’s seating.
To learn more about these initiatives please visit Support Us on the school website www.monktoncombeschool.com by scanning the QR code below.
EVENT ROUND-UP
CELEBRATING CONNECTIONS: A ROUND-UP OF ALUMNI EVENTS
It’s been a vibrant season, with events bringing together generations of Monkton alumni. From milestone reunions to competitive sports matches, the spirit of Monkton is alive and well.
DECADES OF FRIENDSHIP
Reunions were a highlight, with the 2003-05 leavers’ Twenty-Years-On event filled with family fun, and the 2014 class gathering for their 10-Year reunion. A lively Five-Years-On event in London also reunited the Class of 2019. The Forty-Years-On Reunion brought touching moments, like when two old friends recognized each other with a joyful “It’s you!”
SPORTING SPIRIT AND FRIENDLY COMPETITION
The annual OM Hockey and Netball Event showcased friendly competition, with a draw in netball and a win for the school in hockey. The OM Cricket Match at Longmead was another highlight, with Captain Isaac’s century leading to a narrow win for the OMs.
HONOURING LEGACIES
A rowing event in memory of Julian Bewick celebrated his lasting impact, with a reunion crew from 1976 and the launch of a boat in his name.
The 100th anniversary of the Monkton Chapel also marked a special occasion, with over 90 attendees including the architect’s grandson, a joyful service, and a celebratory meal.
CALENDAR 2025/2026
MICHAELMAS
• Ten-Years-on Reunion Saturday 29th November
• Alumni & Community Carol Service (For all those who left in 2015 & 2016) Tuesday 9th December 18:30
LENT
• OM Hockey and Netball
• Date TBC
LENT/SUMMER
• Thirty-Years-on Reunion (For all those who left in 1995, 1996 & 1997)
• Date TBC
SUMMER
• OM Cricket & Tennis Date TBC
• OM President’s Lunch
• Date TBC
OM & OC NEWS
George Purves OM 2005, and Amy first met while teaching at Monkton in 2018, and were delighted to be married on Saturday 10th May 2025 at St Mary’s, Westwood.
The celebration was attended by many friends and family, including a strong Monkton presence — 15 alumni from across the generations (including the best man, Owen Fung ’06) and 20 current or former staff members, many of whom had been granted special permission to miss Saturday school duties in order to attend.
The weather was glorious, and the couple felt incredibly fortunate to celebrate such a joyful day surrounded by loved ones. The photo above, taken during the evening reception at the beautiful Iford Manor, features most of the Monkton alumni in attendance.
Rosie Brown OM 1993, co CEO of COOK is to receive a CBE for her work supporting former prisoners into employment.
James Cary OM 1993, a BBC comedy writer is on tour with his new show: God, the Bible, and Everything. In this one he will be showing us how all the familiar bible stories fit together, the entire Bible in 60 mins pretty impressive. More information can be found here. https://www.jamescary.co.uk/
Guy Donegan-Cross OM 1986, has written two books on Discipleship which were published on Good Friday. Walk This Way explores the difference discipleship makes to everyday life. Discipleship: Start This Way offers comprehensive formation in discipleship, with a distinctive emphasis on the difference discipleship makes in our lived experience day to day.
Jack Hodgson OM 2024, spent six months with A ROCHA in Kenya. His tasks as a volunteer were many and varied from working as a properties and facilities assistant to raising three wild cat kittens. He also worked with the Marine team in coral gardening activities and shark and reef surveys among many other things. You can read more about his trip here.
https://shorturl.at/YDzy9
Anna Roth OM 2022, was named Nikon Student Photographer of the Year at the UK Picture Editors Guild Awards 2024 in London for her series titled The Love and Losses of a Lifetime.
Evie Harbury OM 2012, has written her debut cookbook ‘My Bohemian Kitchen’, published by Murdoch Books in September this year. The book bridges the Czech Republic of her heritage and her home in East London with a collection of Czech recipes with roots in nostalgia and a modern take on seasonality and sustainability in the kitchen.
Andy Fisher OM 1975, currently lives in Zambia and has written a book called 'My Life with a Fishing Rod', which is available on Amazon in both Kindle and Paperback form.
IMPACTING OUR CURRENT PUPILS
We are extremely grateful to all those OMs who give up their time to come back and speak at Monkton, help with careers advice and offer work placements and mentoring. This year saw three OMs return to speak at the Knight Lecture: Rosie Brown, Ed Vickers and Alex Witty. Architect Rich Tyers recently led a dynamic sketching and design ideation workshop with our Year 12 Design students.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
More detailed announcements and full obituaries can be found on the Alumni page of the School website.
ENGAGEMENT
Jonathan Roth, OM 2020
MARRIAGES
George Purvis, OM 2005 married Amy Case in May 2025
BIRTHS
Hannah Foster (Nee Cheater), OM - 2008 and Sam - a daughter, Tatiana, 13th April 2025; a sister for Angus
IN MEMORIAM
Anthony (Tony) Butler, (OM - 1953) on 13th April 2025
Christopher Hayward, (OM - 1957) on Nov 2024
Jean Howell, Headmistress of Clarendon School, on 24th Dec 2024
John Knowles, (OM - 1962) on 24th May 2025
Alex Lankester, (OM - 1988) on 18th Nov 2024
Hazel Meredith, (Hon OM) on 12th March 2025
Jerry Ovens, (OM - 1977) on 30th April 2025
Peter Sibley, (Hon OM) on 6th Nov 2024
David Sinton, (OM - 1960) on 21st Jan 2025
Seb Sailes, (OM- 2020) on 27th Feburary 2025
Lyn Alvis, (Hon OM) on 11th August 2025
