News Archive (pre-2003)

News submitted December 2002:

WOBS City Lunch 2002

WOBS City Lunch, 12 November 2002
The WOBS City Lunch was well attended... find out by whom and see the photos...
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WOBS City Lunch, 12 November 2002

The Worth Centre for Spirituality has a full programme of events for 2003 now available online here - Old Boys very welcome.

News submitted November 2002:

The "hand over"!

Worth has appointed its first lay Headteacher
Peter Armstrong has been appointed Headteacher...
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News submitted October 2002:

Michael Corbyn, JP Szczepanik, Owen Lean, Matthew Margrett, Chris Lamb and Adrian Pring - Old Boys' Reunion 2002


Reunion 2002

Record Breaking WOBS Reunion: Saturday September 14th 2002
Over 180 Old Boys and their families attend this year's reunion - photos and more information…
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WOBS welcomes Bruised Reeds
WOBS is launching the Bruised Reeds initiative to support old boys in need…
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News submitted September 2002:

The Blue Paper 2002 - The Blue Paper has now been published and sent to all WOBS members; many congratulations and thanks are due to Marie-Clare, WOBS Secretary for all her work producing another excellent edition this year. One error has been spotted however, here is a message from Marie-Clare with the details: "Dear Members of WOBS, Hopefully you will have received a copy of The Blue Paper 2002. Sadly, a technical printing error caused the duplication of page 39. The printers are very apologetic and will be sending you a copy of the missing page 40 shortly. Best wishes, Marie-Clare McMenemy, Secretary, Worth Old Boys' Society."

Rorie Duncan RIP - If you would like to read about the work that Rorie was doing with Medecins Sans Frontiere (MSF) in Russia and the tremendous love and respect his colleagues clearly had for him, click on this link: www.MSF.org - Remembrance: MSF volunteer Rorie Duncan

Reunion - Abbot Christopher's Blessing and Annual WOBS Reunion was a great success with a record turn-out by old boys - a full report and photos will appear here soon.

Rorie Duncan 1972-2002 RIP – We are sorry to report the sad news that Rorie died suddenly on 3rd September 2002. He was taken ill while running the Moscow marathon and was flown home by Medecins Sans Frontiere, for whom he had been working in Russia. Fr Charles was with Rorie and his family when he suddenly made a turn for the worse and died on the Tuesday night. The funeral mass for Rorie was held at 11.30am on Monday 16th September 2002 at Worth Abbey. Those who knew Rorie may also be aware that Alex, Rorie's brother and a fellow Chapman boy, died tragically in an accident aged 19. Both of them had tremendous spirit, courage and love that served to inspire those around them. Please remember Rorie, Alex and their family in your prayers.

Next WOBS Committee Meeting - The next WOBS Committee meeting will be held on Wednesday 6th November at The Officers‚ Mess of The Inns of Court and City Yeomanry, Chancery Lane, London. Please let a Committee member know if there is any matter you wish to have raised.

Prize winners - congratulations to:

Andrew Agnew - Andrew’s name was drawn from a hat of all non-member old boys who responded to a mailing by returning membership application forms for WOBS by the end of June. He wins a case of claret.

Dominic Strickland - Dominic responded to a plea to all members of WOBS to supply e-mail addresses of fellow WOBs by 31/12/01. He won a bottle of champagne for supplying the largest number of addresses… The Secretary apologises for the late delivery!

News submitted July 2002:

The Abbatial Election, July 2002
Monk and old boy Dom Luke Jolly describes the Abbatial Election… (taken from the next Blue Paper)…
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Abbots' Letters
There you are waiting for an Abbot’s letter and then two come along... (taken from the next Blue Paper)…
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Andrew Boys with WOBS Voluntary Service Award 2002 winners
James Powys-Lybbe and Alex Tyrwhitt

VSA winners announced
WOBS Chairman Andrew Boys has presented VSA prizes to James Powys-Lybbe and Alex Tyrwhitt on behalf of WOBS...
[ more ]

New Sixth Form Centre nears completion
The new Sixth Form Centre is nearly ready for opening in September - come to the WOBS reunion on 14 September for a grand tour! Photos…
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Helen Sweetman and Robert Bathurst (R '70-'75) celebrate Helen's 45 years of service
to Worth boys as matron of Junior and Austin House.
Helen is retiring and will be living in Old Farm Cottages.

The record breaking Gairdner family
Any old boys who were at Worth between 1981 and 2001 will be familiar with the name “Gairdner”… here’s why! (From the next Blue Paper)…
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Another World - Development Nepal!
Chris Kelly explains his fascination, and love, for the people and country of Nepal (from the next Blue Paper)…
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Mark Reynier outside Bruichladdich Distillery, Islay

Totting up!
Mark Reynier tells us about his wine and whisky businesses, shops and partnership with fellow old boy Simon Coughlin in excerpts from his article in the next Blue Paper, due out soon…
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“I really should have taken the road!”

Out of the Saddle!
Nick Lobb is nearing the end of his epic 10 month, 6,000 mile cycling odyssey along the spine of the Andes from Tierra del Fuego , the ‘Land of Fire’ to Lake Titicaca, the ‘Sacred Lake of the Incas’ to raise funds for people with Leukaemia – read his 6th letter, from Bolivia 17.06.02…
[ more ]

A Soldier's Life - Mark van der Lande OBE
Mark describes his experiences in the army since leaving Worth in this excerpt from his article in the next Blue Paper, due out soon...
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Mark 'Bertie' Barron RIP - It is with great sadness that we pass on news of the death of Mark 'Bertie' Barron (Rutherford 1984-1989). Bertie passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday 6 July after his 32 year struggle against Cystic Fibrosis. Bertie's funeral was held at Worth Abbey on Friday 12 July.

Father Christopher elected Abbot
Father Christopher has been elected Abbot of Worth by the Monastic Community. He will be standing down as Headmaster with effect from the end of July 2002. In consultation with the governors he has decided to appoint Peter Armstrong (currently Deputy Head) as Acting Headmaster for one year, with effect from 1st August. Father Mark has agreed to be Deputy Headmaster. Click through to read a letter from Father Christopher giving more details...
[ more ]

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News submitted June 2002:

Patricia Napier-Munn RIP - Patricia Napier-Munn died in hospital on 24th May 2002. She was school and Headmaster’s secretary from 1957 to 1984. She was secretary to Fr Dominic, Fr Kevin, and Fr Stephen. She lived on the Worth estate until she died.

The Abbatial Election - Fr Stephen was elected 3rd Abbot of Worth on 6th July 1994. In the English Congregation, to which Worth Belongs, Abbots are elected for periods of 8 years. So Abbot Stephen’s term of office is due to expire at the beginning of July 2002. Abbot Richard Yeo of Downside, the President of the Congregation, will come to Worth to preside over the election, which takes place on the morning of the 3rd July. All the monks of Worth, who are in solemn vows are eligible to attend the election and vote. Any monk in solemn vows, who is a priest, is eligible to be elected Abbot. The Community asks for your prayers as they approach this important time in Worth’s history.

Robert Bathurst tries a new role on-site

Robert Bathurst (R 75) turns his hand to bricklaying - Heaven smiled on Worth on 23rd April and gave a sunny day for the topping out ceremony of the nearly completed VIth form building. Actor Old Boy Robert Bathurst (R 75), who is the Vice President of the current school appeal and famous for his part in the TV series Cold Feet, mounted a precarious ladder to perform the ceremony. During the day he met Helen Sweetman, who had been his matron back in the 70s. They were pictured together and were the cover story for the East Grinstead Courier on 25th April 2002.

Luke Elwes (G 79) encourages budding artists - On 15th June and art test and questionnaire will be given to the entrants to the Elwes Art Prize Competition, aimed at selecting the best artist entering Worth at 13+. Artist Old Boy Luke Elwes (G 79) was commissioned to paint a picture for the Performing Arts Centre; Crossings hangs in the foyer. The successful entrant will receive a prize of £200 and will have the opportunity to spend a day with Luke in his studio in London.

Staff changes - The following teachers will cease to teach at Worth from July 2002: Mike Margrett (Spanish), David Beale (Biology), Christopher Guy (Business Studies), Mick Fagan (Physics), Anne Fagan (Art), Jo Hearn (Special Needs), Midge Adams (Junior Drama).

Fr Mark is standing down as Housemaster of Gervase after nine years in the post.

Helen Sweetman is retiring after 45 years as matron of Junior and Austin House. She will be living in Old Farm Cottages. Barbara Geary is retiring as Butler matron.

WOBS Golf Society Match 2002

Worth Old Boys’ Golfing Society 2001/02 flourishing...
Now in its sixth year, the Golfing Society is flourishing, with an enthusiastic band of golfers keenly contending in the Spring for the Rose Bowl and in the Autumn for the Silver Salver. The Spring Meeting 2001 was held at West Hill Golf Club on a glorious day... for more information and a larger version of the photo on the home page...
[ more ]

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News submitted May 2002:

WOBS RFC welcome new players and spectators
WOBS RFC continues to thrive and is always happy to welcome new players and spectators.. for more information and a larger version of the photo on the home page...
[ more ]

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News submitted April 2002:

Appeal reaches £1 million - Just nine months after active fundraising began and five months after its official launch the 2001/2 school development appeal has reached the £1 million milestone. Click here for an update from Father Christopher.

St. Benedicts' day - There was a special Old Boys’ Mass on March 21st to celebrate St Benedict's day. Fr Kevin celebrated Mass at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London which was attended by a small group of Old Boys. Hopefully this will become an annual WOBS fixture.

Alec Bell RIP - We're sorry to report the death of WOB Alex Bell, Rutherford 1965 (born 2 May 1947; died 30 March 2002).

WOBS Voluntary Services Award - The recipients of the 2002 WOBS Voluntary Services Award (VSA) were decided by the WOBS Committee on Monday 8th April. James Powys-Lybbe, who will be travelling to Romania to work in an orphanage won a £500 VSA and Alex Tyrwhitt will receive £250 to help with his trip to China to teach English as a foreign language.

Wine Tasting
The first WOBS “call my bluff” wine tasting evening will be held at 7pm on Thursday 13th June in the Officers’ Mess of the Inns of Court and City Yeomanry - see the Events area for more info...
[ more ]

Harry Enfield remembers Father Bernard
Harry Enfield recently credited Father Bernard Moss...
[ more ]

Worth's Magnificant Sevens
Worth's rugby players have made their mark in the Sevens this year...
[ more ]

What's this new building??
(Have you heard the one about Sixth Formers getting ensuite bedrooms...)

Courage to evolve...
Letter from Father Christopher...
[ more ]

WOBS Careers Event 8th March 2002
The full report...
[ more ]

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News submitted March 2002:

The Abbey westside is finally finished!

New Refectory? What's next, ensuite rooms for 6th Formers?!! Errr, well, yes actually...
Each boarder will have an en-suite study bedroom with shower, basin and loo...
[ more ]

Andrew Boys presents the WOBS Voluntary Service Award 2001 to Nick Smith

WOBS Voluntary Service Award
Nick Smith won the first VSA in July 2001 and is now in Uganda working on a HIV awareness project... "I’m in the foothills of Mt. Elgon, so the water from the bore hole is fairly good, although it can’t be drunk..."
[ more ]

Father Luke and other WOBS relax in the new-look refectory
during the 2001 reunion

WOBS Reunion September 2001
Photos from the reunion...
[ more ]

Nick Lobb - 2,510.71 miles so far...
Nicholas Lobb ('90 Chapman) is on a 10-month journey across South America in aid of the Leukaemia Research Fund - read all about his epic bike ride across Chile, Argentina and Bolivia in this fascinating account...
[ more ]

WOBS Cricket Team 2001/2
Back row: Ed Gairdner, Angus Gairdner, Dom Bruning, Sam Barnett, Ed Jones;
Front row: Piers Pitt, Ollie Barnett, Jeremy Jalie (Worth), Julian Gairdner (Captain),
James Holt, Simon Jones

For the club report that appears in the Spring 2001 Newsletter click here.

WOBS Cricket
"The 2001/2002 WOBS Cricket Team..."
[ more ]

The WOBS Arrow Trophy Sailing Team

WOBS Sailing
"Without the recommended crew of nine, our confidence was ‘tentative’ on the Friday evening as we looked forward to October sailing conditions over the weekend and only five onboard..."
[ more ]

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