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Mel Walton died of natural causes on 12 June 2023. Mel and her husband Jim were much-loved members of staff at Cheltenham College Junior School from 2001 to 2013.

Hannah Dale, College Archivist

Celebrating a portrait of an OC, painted by an OC and his son, and restored thanks to the generous donation of an OC.

Welcome to the Cheltonian Society section of The Cheltonian 2022-23. You will see from this publication and elsewhere that College is in great health, evidenced especially by the outstanding feedback from the ISI report.

Members of the Council of Cheltenham College (our governing body) typically serve terms of office of between three and nine years.

Environmental sustainability is not a new consideration for College, as for many years we have been developing a range of sustainable policies, working practices and curriculum links.

Anyone who knows me knows that I can make 50 words into 1,000 more flowery ones, with lots of superlatives, without even drawing breath!

Jasper Archer, brother of Hugh Archer (Xt, 1964), died on 19 December 2022, aged 81.

The Rt Hon the Lord (Michael) Jopling (Cheltondale, 1948)

During my years at Cheltondale (1944-1948), as healthy adolescents, we used often to think of girls. But during that time we never had sight or sound of the Ladies’ College.

Retiring this summer, Malcolm Sloan has completed a remarkable 50 years at College.

The Pre-Prep has enjoyed a flourishing year. Our flagship Cheltenham Nursery School opened in September 2022 and our youngest learners now have the most beautiful environment in which to play and grow.

Simon Ayre died on 30 January 2023, aged 67. A full obituary will be published on the Cheltonian Society website and in the next edition of The Cheltonian.

Caroline Froggatt (Ch, 1992)

Whilst I was at College, I announced to my mother that I might wish to be a journalist. She quickly dismissed the idea because in her view a journalist was a ‘busybody'.

Donations to CCCT by OCs, parents and staff have both an immediate and long-term impact on the lives of current Cheltonians.

Lower School continues to go from strength to strength, with this year being another highly successful year. With three new members of teaching staff joining the team, it is certainly a new look with a fresh approach.

Paul Blackburn, brother of Robin Blackburn (H, 1954) and Martin Blackburn (H, 1950), father of Richard Blackburn (H, 1984) and Robert Blackburn (H, 1982) and uncle of Will Blackburn (L, 1989), died on 6 November 2022, aged 88.

Georgia Rattigan (Q, 2009)

In most team sports athletes have distinct roles to play, be it forward, defence or goalkeeper.

Thank you to all the Cheltonian Society members who have volunteered for College careers events over the year.

Middle School has had another fabulous year. Academically we continue to challenge our pupils through excellent specialist teaching over a wide range of subjects.

Ralph Cottrell, brother of Keith Cottrell (H, 1967), died on 10 February 2023, aged 71. The following has been provided by Ralph’s brother, Keith.

James Rock (NH, 2006)

As a student at College, I fell in love with racket sports, particularly rackets.

Our fond wishes to all Society members who have recently got married or had a baby.

We have ended the year on a real high in Upper School with a fantastic Post CE Programme for Year 8, with Bude being a real highlight, and Activities Week for Year 7.

Mike Hancock, son of Lt Col Leslie F Hancock OBE (L, 1913), died on 20 February 2023, aged 93. The following has been provided by Mike’s family.

Jaden Somen (Xt, 2022)

During my final weeks of Upper Sixth I wondered what I would be doing for my gap year, until a friend from back home in Kenya mentioned the possibility of a road trip from Nairobi to Cape Town and back.

Society events are a mix of reunions for specific year groups and events that are open to all Society members. Galleries of photos from past OC reunions and Society events can be viewed on the Society website.

As we reflect on another successful academic year in Cade House, it is difficult to highlight single events from an incredibly busy boarding calendar.

Major John Harper-Nelson died on 10 July 2022 in Australia, aged 100.

Helen Webb-Carter (Ch, 1996)

I am one of those lucky people who really enjoy their job and who wakes up in the morning looking forward to my day’s work.

Our Fond Farewells from The Prep

Ben Burch (BH, 1997)

It all began in the rowing minibus; or was it the gym, or perhaps the boat?

Cheltonian Society sports clubs are a great way to connect with other Society members. Our thanks to all Society members who are involved in running sports clubs.

Tim Harris died on 11 November 2022, aged 94. The following has been provided by Tim’s widow Gill Harris.

Lldarin Nandhabiwat (née Mongkollugsana, Ch, 1986)

Never could I have imagined such a life-long impact that a couple of years at College (1984-1986) would have had on my journey and career thus far.

We are proud that a number of OC athletes, many of whom were Talented Athlete Programme (TAP) members, achieve outstanding success in their sporting careers.

John Maxwell died on 4 June 2023, aged 81. The following is taken from a eulogy given by The Rt Hon Sir Paul Girvan, a great friend of John’s, edited by Dr Malcolm Sloan.

Max Brown (Xt, 2022)

I was at College for 15 years from the age of three, made great friends, loved team sports and did OK academically with A levels in Economics, Politics and Psychology.

Barrie Mayes, brother of Peter Mayes (L, 1965) and Tim Mayes (L, 1971), died on 5 September 2022, aged 82.

Stephen Page, brother of Gordon Page (H, 1962) and Alan Page (H, 1968), died on 26 June 2023, aged 77.

David Powdrill, father of Guy Powdrill (H, 1991), died on 7 June 2023, aged 86. David was captain of the College swimming team and a member of Britain’s bobsleigh team in the early 1970s.

Ronald Procter, brother of Mervyn Procter (Day Boy, 1937), died on 13 July 2023, aged 92. The following has been provided by Ronald’s son, Jeremy.

David Reeves, brother of Michael Reeves (Xt, 1947), died on 22 December 2022, aged 89. The following is compiled from David’s autobiographical notes.

David Reith, father of the late Fiona Reith (Ch, 1989), died on 11 November 2022, aged 89.

Mike Scott-Kerr died on 26 February 2023 in Canada, aged 87. The following has been written his family.

David Sewell died on 17 May 2023, aged 81. The following has been written by David’s close friends.

Alan Singlehurst died on 22 June 2023, aged 81. The following has been provided by Alan’s cousins.

Jo Stewart died on 24 May 2023, aged 73. Jo was a Prefect and was a particularly keen hockey player, playing in the hockey 1st XV, as well as rugby 2nd XV.

Peter Todd died on 2 February 2023, aged 79. Peter was a Solicitor in Sheffield for 45 years.

Robin Wright, son of Edwin Wright MBE (H, 1929), died on 6 January 2023, aged 75.