Old Eastbournian
is sent to Russia as a secretary at the British Embassy in Moscow. In fact, she is on a deep cover secret service mission to discover the identity of another suspected betrayer following the defec- tions of notorious British traitors Burgess and Maclean. Deborah said: ‘This is the most personal book I have yet written. Perhaps it might go some way to explain- ing the recurrent theme of secrets
Martin Hole (Blackwater 1976–81) is the co-owner of Montague Farm in Pevensey, and the National Farmers Union East Sussex Chair. He has been critical of the Labour government’s poli- cies on inheritance tax on family farms, as well as changes to busi- ness property relief, agricultural property relief and the increase in employer’s National Insurance contributions. In an article for Brit- ish Farmer and Grower magazine, Martin wrote about attending Forbes Wastie’s funeral service in December and of imagining one final conversation with Forbes, himself the son of a farmer, part of which we reproduce here: “Well, Martin, not a good budget for farmers!” he said. “No Forbes, we’re pretty upset about it. I worry about the next generation and all the dependants of the current one.” “Well, Martin, it is a very big challenge for you.” “Yes, Forbes, the industry is united in fighting it.” “No, Martin, I mean for you. And your dear family. What are you going to do about it?” Typical Forbes, He had that knack of making you ask yourself the right question and of getting to a better balance, through a bottomless well of kindness. Sophie Hawkins (Blackwater 2003–2008) – see the entry for Sophie Franks in this section. David Houchin (Pennell 1949–53) was remembered at the 60th FACE exhibition by the Society of Portrait Sculptors, which was held at the Garrison Chapel in Chelsea Barracks between 15 and 28 April 2024. David, who died in 2023, exhibited at the society’s 1980, 1982 and 1983 exhibitions, after which the society dwindled and became inactive. However, he was instrumental in re-establish- ing the society in the early 1990s, taking on the role of honorary secretary and later treasurer. The FACE exhibitions recommenced in 1996 and David continued as an exhibiting member until 2015. Etienne Millner, past president of the society, said: ‘It is no exag- geration to say that without David Houchin the Society of Portrait Sculptors would not exist today… David worked tirelessly on every aspect of revving the society. Venues, sponsors, council members and interested portrait sculptors were found… His sculp-
ture was what mattered to him. It had a sensitivity and touching truth which is rare.’ Dani Hughes (Blackwater 2003– 08) – see the entry for Sophie Franks in this section.
awarded a four-year doctor- ate opportunity, fully funded by the university and the Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership (MIBTP). L Deborah Lawrenson (Nugent 1977–79) has had her latest novel, The Secretary , published. Set at the height of the Cold War in 1958, it tells the story of Lois Vale, who
Jenny Lush Jenny Lush sent us this photo taken at a lunch on 6 April at the Lansdowne Hotel in Eastbourne to celebrate her 90th birthday. She said, ‘It was
Mark Hunter (Gonville 1974–79) retired as a chartered account- ant in 2021, selling his 12-person practice, Hunter Accountants, to another local firm. He lives in South Bristol with his wife Cath- erine, where they have been for the last 22 years, and now spends his time bee keeping (also being finance director of The British Beekeepers Association) and play- ing tennis, representing the county team in the over-60 category. J
a wonderful family occasion with people coming from Brunei, Vietnam and Namibia as well as numerous far-flung places in the UK.’ Many OEs will remember Jenny, whose husband John was on the teaching staff from 1951 to 1993; he was master in charge of cricket for many years and housemaster of Powell from 1962 to 1972, then of Gonville from 1972 to 1983. Pictured are, back row, left to right: Katy Parker (Thwaites) (Nugent 1989–91), Tim Parker (Wargrave 1986–91), Guy Thwaites (Blackwater 1984–89), Peter Thwaites (Gonville 1982–87), David Lush (Powell 1977–82), Jonathan Lush (Powell 1980–84); front row, left to right: Christopher Lush (Powell 1973–78), Nikki Awdry (Lush) (Nugent 1987–89), Jenny Lush (Thwaites) and Sue Davies , secretary to three College headmasters from 1973 to 1999.
Will James (Wargrave 2021–23) qualified for the Ironman 70.3 world championship in Decem- ber, which were held in Tauop ō , New Zealand. The Ironman 70.3, also known as a Half Ironman, is a long-distance triathlon race, and the ‘70.3’ refers to the total distance in miles covered, consist- ing of a 1.2-mile (1.9 km) swim, a 56-mile (90 km) bike ride, and a 13.1-mile (21.1 km) run. Will qualified in an Ironman competi - tion in Elsinore, Denmark, in late June, setting a qualifying time of 4h 51m 51s. Alexander Jarvis (Powel l 2002–07) went to Aberystwyth University and achieved a 1st in Internet Engineering. He now lives near Auckland, New Zealand, and is a successful software engineer. He has two little girls. K Anda Kadia (School 2019–21) completed her BSc Biomedical Science degree at the University of Birmingham in 2024 and was
Mark Le Brocq (Craig 1979–84) received a number of outstand- ing reviews for his performance as Gustav von Aschenbach in the Welsh National Opera’s production of Benjamin Britten’s opera Death in Venice . Based Mark Le Brocq
on the Thomas Mann novella, it tells the story of the author von Aschenbach’s obsession with the boy Tadzio, whom he glimpses among the guests staying at a hotel in Venice. The Daily Telegraph gave the production five stars and said that Mark ‘con - tinually commands the stage’. The Financial Times also awarded it five stars and said that, ‘in a role that is almost a three-hour monologue’, Mark ‘is unfailingly clear and communicative, making even the most philosophical of Aschenbach’s musings easily understood.’ And the Guardian commented: ‘the work makes huge demands on the tenor singing the role of Gustav von Aschenbach – heroically sung here by Mark Le Brocq.’ The production was described by the Guardian as ‘a stunning spectacle’, with the part of Tadzio, a non-singing role tradition- ally played by a dancer, portrayed by an aerial acrobat, Antony César. The production premiered at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, in March and then went on tour to Llandudno, Southampton, Oxford, Bristol and Birmingham.
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