1. science
2. engineering

Old Foresters’ Club
newsletter
Lent Term 2015
Oliver takes centre stage!
I write to introduce myself as the new Old Foresters’ Club President and, perhaps, to express my
surprise and honour at having been elected. I follow Charles Newman, who is, of course, steeped in
Forest School history, and who clearly carried out the role with enthusiasm and commitment.
I was a pupil at Forest from 1957 to 1965 but I also have a family connection with the School that
started with my uncle, John Ralph DFC, in the 1930’s, and continued with my two sons, Simon and
Philip, during the 1980’s and 90’s. I played a lot of cricket, football, hockey and tennis throughout
my time at the School and subsequently spent many happy years playing for the OFFC at Loughton
and Theydon Bois, during which time I was fixture secretary for a number of years. Later I qualified
as a referee and officiated for both the Arthurian League and the School First X1. I retired from
Lloyds TSB Treasury at the millennium and having lived in Theydon Bois for most of my married life
became a Parish Councillor and now Chairman of the Village Association. I am heavily involved with
local amateur dramatics, the grounding for which was nurtured by my drama teacher, Jack Lodge, in
casting me as Moses in his ground-breaking Junior School production of The Green Pastures.
It is, of course, early days in my Presidency but already I have begun to appreciate the time and effort
put in by the Committee who, together with the admirable Development Office, keep the club
moving forward. I now look forward to my term, hoping to attend as many functions as possible and
I encourage you all to support
the Club at the various events
throughout the year.
Martin Oliver
(Copeland’s 1957-1965)
www.forest.org.uk
Calendar
10 May
Annual Reunion, for those who left before
1960 (inclusive), 11.45 am
29-31 May
Ypres and the Battlefields Trip
June 13
5 Year Reunion for Leavers of 2010
June 14
OF Day and BBQ, noon onwards
June 23
50 Year Reunion for Leavers of 1965
2 October
OF Annual Dinner, 7.15pm
12 October
Forest Network Event, Stationers’ Hall, 6.30pm
Old Foresters’ Day 2015
Martin (seated, middle) captained the 1965 Tennis
Team
Sunday 14th June | 12pm onwards
Forest School, College Place, E17 3PY
Join us for BBQ, drinks, children’s entertainment, live music, & more!
Simon, Martin and Philip Oliver
Speak Out
A survey on OF events and communications will be emailed
on 7 April 2015.
Those who do not have email can participate via
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OFsSpeakOut
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Organised by the Old Foresters’ Club, this is a day out for Old Foresters and their families,
which has brought 750 people together already & we hope to welcome you back this year!
Live music from The Dimmocks, back by popular demand. Other acts to be announced.
Stay tuned too for news of a celebrity charity football match, and departing staff who will
be attending. There will be a variety of kids’ activities, a delicious BBQ, and the OF bar!
School buildings will be used
in the event of wet weather
Entry (including food)
18&Over £10 | Under18 £5| Under18mths Free
Family Tickets (2 Adults+2 Children) £25
Join our “Old Foresters’ Club” Facebook Group for news updates and online purchase instructions
Alternatively, order tickets via the Alumni Office on 020 8509 6510 (Mon-Fri)
Feel free to email us at [email protected] especially if you would like to donate a raffle prize or be a volunteer!
RECENT EVENTS
This year’s Oxford Dinner was held at Somerville College. After a
drinks reception in the Old College Bar, dinner was served in the
Reading Room. Jodie Spencer (Eliot 2010-2012), now in her final year
at Somerville, welcomed everyone and the oldest OF present, Roger
Trafford (Johnians 1950-1955), then said a lengthy Latin grace to start
proceedings.
Six OFs joined cadets for the CCF Dinner held in the Upper
Library on 18 March. An enjoyable evening was had by all. The
loyal toast was given and Don Barton (Johnians 1934-1941)
responded with a toast to Forest School CCF. The next dinner will
be on 23 June. Please contact the Alumni Office if you are interested
in attending.
After dinner, Kate Spencer Ellis (Glade 1990-1995) reflected briefly
on the Warden’s time at Forest, as this was Sarah’s final Oxford Dinner,
before her move to Oundle. She spoke enthusiastically about Sarah’s
important role in assisting Oxbridge applicants through the probing
questions at interview. She also commented on all Sarah had achieved
at Forest in a relatively short time through her determined, perceptive
and compassionate leadership, suggesting that her influence will remain a
major part of Forest’s DNA for a long time.
In response, Sarah said that the good things Forest does are seen in the
way OFs develop and grow. It produces adults who understand themselves
and life and who become truthful, optimistic, straightforward individuals
who develop a strong belief that they can do well. She will be leaving a
very special School with a heavy heart.
Nick Darrant (Bishop’s 1988-1997) then led a rousing rendition of the
School song to end formal proceedings.
Tim Irwin-Parker, Anna Jobling, Annie Berger Crawford,
Barry Thomas, Bill Brady and Don Barton
History was brought to life when Professor Sir Richard Evans
(Copeland’s 1959-1966, President, Wolfson College, Cambridge)
addressed the Forest School History Society on 11 March, with
several former classmates in attendance. Professor Evans challenged
some of the recent thinking on Nazi Germany, arguing that fear was
widely used in various forms and that popular support for the Nazis
was by no means total, and varied from group to group.
Jodie Spencer, Kate Spencer Ellis, Tom Dillon and Nick Darrant
Nigel Herd and Richard Evans
Michael Head, Sarah Kerr-Dineen, Brian Hardcastle and Ian Bennett
Roger Trafford and Claire Ellis
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Patrick Jennings and Dennis Roxby Bott
forest during the war years
Thirty-five OFs, all of whom were young pupils at Forest during WW2,
and their guests gathered in the Upper Library on 25 February to
remember their schooldays.
Many brought photos and memorabilia to share. Displays and photos
from the Archive brought back memories of cold dormitories, rationing
and sleeping under the Dining Hall during air raids.
Many of the guests had not been back to Forest for fifty years and were
keen to have Sixth Formers accompany them on tours of the School.
All were delighted to see the Chapel and Dining Hall again as they
revisited old haunts and then were equally thrilled to see many of the new
buildings on site, such as the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre and The Martin
Centre.
After the excitement of catching up with old friends and classmates, the
old-fashioned tradition of serving afternoon tea was much appreciated!
Sandy Tillett and Derek Skipper
Jangu Banatvala, David Taylorson, John Brockway and Peter Ormerod
Stanley Meadows and wife Annabel
Peter and Charles Morley and Gerry Seymour with pupils,
Huw Elliott and John Merrington
The Digital Archive
Forest School and The Old Foresters’ Club are pleased to announce the launch of
the Digital Archive.
You can now browse and search the School Magazines 1865 to 2013 and the
School Registers 1848 to 1988 online: http://forestschoolheritage.sds.websds.net
Username:oldforester
Password:robur1834
(You will be advised when the password changes. Please do not share this
password with those who are not OFs. Other interested parties should contact the
Alumni Office to request access.)
The site is deliberately simple to use and we are still working on improving
the magazine search system. Please give us your feedback on your experience:
[email protected]
This initiative has been funded by the OF Club (64%) and Forest School (36%).
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girls in the fast lane!
In December 2014, Neha Pathak (Baylis 1999-2006)
won a Cosmopolitan Ultimate Woman of the Year Award for her
recent research on cervical cancer screening. Neha has also been
helping to promote women in science and will be participating in
some events with the Stemettes (www.stemettes.org), an organisation
for women thinking of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths
(STEM) careers.
Neha is not the only successful Forest alumna in a STEM career ...
Chantelle Sampat (Franklin 1999-2010)
After leaving Forest, I began studying Aeronautics and Astronautics/
Aerodynamics at the University of Southampton. This degree covers
a vast range of engineering topics including the principles and
mechanics of flight, race car aerodynamics and rocket science and
has exposed me to me to a diversified range of modules and practical
experience including a flying course. Being a race car enthusiast, I
completed my third year dissertation on the modelling of a race car
wheel in ground effect.
After my third year of university, I completed a year’s internship at
Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 team as a Junior Aerodynamicist, designing
parts for the 2014 race car and testing them in the wind tunnel. I was
the first female aerodynamicist to work in the company. I contributed
to key developments, enhancing the performance of the car and
attended track days at Silverstone, analysing the car on the racetrack.
I was part of an incredibly exciting, fast paced environment where I
saw my designs created in Computer Aided Design software, tested
in the wind tunnel and used on the race car. After completing my
internship, I have returned to university to complete my Master’s
degree and am due to graduate in July 2015.
4
Julia Witton-Dauris (Astell 1994-2001)
I graduated from City University London in 2006 with a Civil
Engineering degree and was fortunate to be offered a funded position
in City University’s geotechnical research department. Geotechnics
is the study of engineering the ground, and my project involved
investigating behaviour of deep foundations using a geotechnical
centrifuge. Despite being an interesting area of research, I found that
the solitude and frequent frustration of academia was not for me. So
I had a good think about why I went into engineering in the first
place – to make a difference to the world around me and be part of
developing a sustainable future – and subsequently, on completing a
Master of Philosophy in Geotechnical Engineering, I took a leap into
a completely different direction by applying for jobs in the energy
sector. I joined the npower engineering graduate scheme in 2009,
spending two years moving around the company and learning how the
electricity generation industry works, and a further three years working
in their multi-disciplinary engineering department. I worked on a wide
variety of projects from development of new sites, to maintaining and
improving operating sites, and demolition of closing sites, from coal
and gas to wind and hydropower. I left the company last year due to
a re-structure and took the opportunity to spend time volunteering
with disadvantaged children in Nepal and trekking in the Himalayas. I
found volunteer work extremely rewarding
and hope to be able to use my engineering
skills to work for volunteer organisations
in the future. Having returned to the
UK, I have joined global engineering
consultancy Mott MacDonald to work in
their infrastructure department and I plan
to apply for professional review to become a
chartered civil engineer next year.
Leonora Lang (Glade 1991-1998)
My job is to tell people how many lifts and escalators they need in their
building, as part of a specialist team consulting on projects all over the
world.
After studying for a BSc (Hons) Physics at Imperial College London,
I started as a graduate engineer and enrolled on the Arup graduate
training scheme to become a Chartered Engineer.
Further study has led to an MSc Space Science, University College
London and a PhD Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London.
I chartered just over five years after I joined and am now a senior
member of our team with a wider role including the recruitment,
training and development of new graduates.
I work on a massive range of projects from tiny refurbishments to
multi billion pound new build multipurpose towers and developments,
covering all sectors, from healthcare, the arts, sports facilities to hotels,
offices and residential
buildings. Every day is
different as phone calls and
emails can change what I
plan to do and my projects
come through to me from
all parts of Arup, all over the
world. While there are some
set tasks I have carry out on a
monthly basis, that is normal
for any job, I love the variety
that my job brings and the
interaction with architects,
engineers in different
disciplines and clients.
Ruth Buscombe (Astell 2001-2008)
Having set my sights firmly on a career in a Formula 1 pit lane whilst
I was still Forest, (and plastering the Prefect Room notice board with
photos of Lewis Hamilton), one of the primary drivers in applying to
Cambridge to read engineering was the strong links with the sport. I
got my first real taste of F1 during my Master’s where my thesis was in
conjunction with the FIA, F1’s governing body, and supervised by Tony
Purnell, former Team Principal of Red Bull Racing F1 team. The project
looked into the regulations concerning the deployment of the Drag
Reduction System. My thesis was ultimately presented as part of one of
the Technical Working Groups and led to a regulation change.
After securing a job at Scuderia Ferrari, I graduated with Distinction
in Aerospace and Aerothermal Engineering in June 2012 and moved to
Italy the next day to begin my career at Ferrari F1 Team. I started as an
engineer working as part of the team which writes vehicle models for use
in lap simulation and the driver simulator. At the start of the 2013 season
I was offered a role in Race Engineering working as Felipe Massa’s Race
Strategist and then taking up the role for Kimi Räikkönen the following
season. As a Race Strategist I work primarily with the Head of Strategy
and the Race Engineer, offline, during qualifying and the race to provide
assessments of situations, options and risks to facilitate the best possible
decision making.
People often
associate
engineering with
a stereotype that
represents such
a small slice of
the opportunities
available.
Formula 1 has
given me the
opportunity to
make my office
a pit lane that
moves round the
world, and my
job feedback a pit
call that’s seen by
millions on TV.
Cheryl
Hung
(Franklin 19992006)
I decided that I was
going to be a software
engineer at Google
at 14, when I heard
about this crazy cool
startup... with free
food and massages! I
was hazy about what
software engineering
actually entailed, but
I was good at Maths, which was a prerequisite for Computer Science,
which was a prerequisite to software engineering. So after spotting
the fudge shop outside King’s College, Cambridge, I applied, got in
and did my BA in Computer Science there. (It worked out well - the
fudge sugar high got me through many a Maths supervision!)
After a consultancy stint, I applied to Google in London and joined
the Google Maps team working on social recommendations, data
and ranking results. Five years on I project manage fifty people across
California and New York. Google anything Maps-related (restaurants,
Forest School, Snaresbrook, directions to Starbucks) and you’ll see
my work!
I’ve mentored female CS students through Google’s CodeF
program and I’ve organized and spoken at Women in CS groups
at Cambridge, Imperial and conferences. Why? Because while it’s
abstractly true that women are <20% of tech, I see it concretely
when I’m awkwardly holding my phone because not all my clothes
have pockets; smartwatches ape men’s watches; Pinterest and Etsy
are dismissed as “girly, weddings, arts and crafts”, while Reddit and
Kickstarter are for “techie, bros, entrepreneurs”. It makes for bad
products, and being part of the tech industry I can do something
about it.
I encourage anyone considering tech to get in touch (cheryljhung@
gmail.com). Although I’m primarily an engineer I am happy to
help people understand what roles might suit them, including user
experience designers, technical writers, developer outreach etc. and
how to join startups vs big companies.
Sarah Farnfield
(Franklin 1999-2006)
My path into engineering gathered
momentum when I was lucky enough to be
offered a Civil Engineering scholarship by the
University of Surrey. As a result I was matched
with Atkins, one of the world’s most respected
design, engineering and project management
consultancies during the first year of my
studies.
I graduated in 2011 with a Master’s in Civil Engineering and started my career with Atkins. Since then I have
worked on a variety of projects from the design of a marina in Vietnam, the re-design of London cycle hire scheme
docking station foundations and Smart Motorway schemes, to name a few. I spent most of last year working on
a construction site providing technical advice to the construction team and ensuring the structure was built as
designed. In some instances I had to re-design aspects with short notice due to issues raised on site.
Problem solving is a big part of my day at work, whether it is a structural calculation or how long can we leave
between pouring concrete. I always work as part of a team, the smallest so far being three and the largest being close
to two hundred. As engineers we manage the project as well as carry out the design work so I am developing a wide
range of transferable skills.
Most graduate engineers, from any of the various disciplines, are aiming to become chartered in their profession. I will have to go through a review
process at the Institute of Civil Engineers proving to them that I meet all of the competencies required of a professional engineer. On average this
can take about five years to achieve, I hope to sit my review soon.
5
CONGRATULATIONS AND
CELEBRATIONS
Otis Heath was born on 18
December to Tariq Slim (Miller’s
1989-2000) and his partner
Alexandria.
Karim Bunting (Doctor’s 19741979) and wife Jessica became
parents to Imani on 26 September.
Lucy Bannister (née Banning,
Park 1991-1998) and husband
Doug welcomed daughter,
Matilda, on 29 November, a
sister for Henry.
Ilana Rebecca was born on 8
February to Lauren Reuben (née
Posner, Glade 1991-1998) and
husband Alex, a sister for Daniel.
Joshua Henry (left) was born on
26 January to Miller’s
Housemaster, Johnny Kay
(Copeland’s 1990-2001)
and his wife Becky, Franklin
Housemistress.
On New Year’s Eve, Mary Knapman
(née Hobbs, Park 1990-1997) and
husband Jon welcomed son Edward
(Teddy) Ernest (right), a brother for
seven year-old Lizzie.
Paul Murphy (Johnians 19881995) and his wife Kristina
welcomed son, Henry James on
14 November.
On 14 December, a group of crewmates who rowed together as
schoolboys at Forest gathered at Lea Rowing Club to celebrate the life
of one of their number, Matthew Brown (Copeland’s 1971-1977).
Matthew, who ran Browns Motors in Loughton, passed away in early
2014 at the age of 52. A new Olympic Class Double Scull has been
purchased for the Junior Section and has been named after him.
Hundreds of Forest School pupils rowed on the Lea from the 1960s
through to the 1990s and many were extremely successful, winning
National Rowing Championships and some even being selected to row
for Great Britain and winning medals at World Championships. Many
of the Forest boys from this era went on to become adult members of
Lea Rowing Club and have played an extremely important part in the
development of the Club. Matthew was an active member and supporter
and was often to be seen at Lea Regattas and Club social events along
with his old School crewmates.
Friend and former Forest crewmate Paul Riddle (Miller’s 1973-1978),
who organised the naming, commented, “Matthew had many, many
happy times on the river as man and boy and it’s great to be able to give
back, in his name, to the children of the river who come after us”
Richard Ellis, Club Captain said, “Today, we have a thriving and highly
competitive Junior section and one of the best bits of news we have had
this year is that Forest School pupils are now once again rowing down the
river on a regular basis”.
Ashia Danga (Astell 2004-2006)
married Mohammed Adams in
Chigwell on 11 October and has
now settled in Cape Town.
Jennifer Delaney (Glade 19932000) married Paul Gabel on 4
October.
Congratulations to Cedric
Wong (Guy’s 1979-1990)
who finally received his
rowing colours tie in
February 2015! He is
pictured celebrating at The
Gherkin with wife Amanda
(née Cantwell, Field
1985-1992) and fellow OF
Nicholas Venditti (Guy’s
1983-1990).
In February Adam Woodyatt (Johnians 1975-1982) celebrated
thirty years as Ian Beale in BBC soap, Eastenders. During a week
of live shows, Adam was praised for his stand-out performances
in the who-dunnit storyline which finally revealed the killer of his
on-screen daughter, Lucy.
6
SPORTS news
OFFC
by Jon Howgrave-Graham
It’s the last few weeks of the 14/15 season and our club is poised to
win some silverware!
The 1st XI, led by Billy Jenkins, topped the Arthurian League’s
Premier Division at the start of 2015 and could go clear again if they
win their games in hand over rivals Old Carthusians. Both teams
are in excellent form, with similar goal differences, so it will be a
fierce run in! In AFA cup competitions, our boys did well to reach
the semi-final of the Middlesex-Essex cup, losing 3-1 recently to
Polytechnic, and they made the 3rd round of the Senior cup, losing
0-2 to Old Salesians.
Our 2nd XI, led by Matt Hicks, look like they will survive their
return to Division 2, requiring just a few more points for safety.
In the JLC cup, they began with an impressive 7-2 win over Old
Ardinians, but lost 4-3 to new league entrants and Division 3 leaders
Old Millfieldians.
I captain the 3rd XI and we finished 2014 as leaders of Division 5
North, and with a JLC cup win on penalties over Old Westminsters
II. Unfortunately windy weather contributed to our JLC cup exit in
the next round, and numerous fixtures have been rained off since.
Our league rivals have played however, and it’s been good news for
us, as we have ended up three points clear with a game in hand. Just
one point now from our last two group games will see us into the
play-off semi-finals to face Old Alleynians or Old Millhillians. We
are also in the quarter final of the David Walcott Trophy, thanks to
byes.
OF Netball
by Kate Hersey
We started the season well with some good score lines but had
some narrow losses by one or two goals on a few occasions.
Unfortunately midway through the season we lost a player to
Australia and I decided to have another baby! However, the rest
of the team have shown a good level of commitment and we are
likely to stay in our current division next season. We are always
looking to recruit new players, so if you are interested in playing
next season please get in touch: [email protected].
OFGS
by Graham Lyon
Our Yuletide competition in December was held as usual at
Chigwell when the 4 ball better ball trophy was won by Mark
Robinson and Mike Nathan. Jish Patel ran the day and Howard
Edwards, the Society’s Captain (again!), presented the prizes.
The Society’s administration in 2015 will continue as it did in
2014 with a raft of fixture managers; all are in place so that we
anticipate that our season will operate as usual without hiccup.
We are hoping for success in the first round of The Halford
Hewitt v Wellington on 9 April – a tough match however.
Our Spring meeting is at Romford on 30 April; we are hoping for
a good turnout and if you are interested please contact the event
organiser Chris Brown ([email protected]).
We play the School on 7 May – please tell Howard Edwards
([email protected]) if you can play.
Later that month there is the Essex Public Schools Spring
meeting at Chigwell on 28 May – Nick Rose (njrose@btinternet.
com) is in charge of gathering an OF contingent together for that
one. This year is the 50th anniversary of the tournament and it is
our turn to run the event so we need big support.
Our VETS XI, led by Ben Murphy, warmed up with a couple of
wins in friendlies against our 3rd XI and Old Chigwellians VETS,
and were given a 2nd round bye against Old Bradfieldians in the
Derrick Moore Cup, but lost 0-4 in the quarter finals to a well
organised Old Etonian team.
All our teams joined the country in the FA’s #FootballRemembers
initiative, which commemorated the 1914 WWI Christmas Truce,
remembering past OFs and others who ceased fire to share a game of
football and some Christmas spirit along the front line. That spirit
was also in evidence at our annual Christmas lunch in Hoxton when
around forty OFs partied well into the night!
Many of the OFGS golfers will know that I am currently
following a long list of distinguished OFs in the position of
Club Captain at Chigwell. In order to celebrate such fact I
am resurrecting the fixture between the OFGS and Chigwell
Golf Club last played in 1996. The date for the fixture is 11
September so diarise please.
The Society is always on the look-out for new blood and old and
young OFs are encouraged to join our ranks; if you are interested
please contact Jish Patel ([email protected]), Stephen
Fellowes ([email protected]) or myself ([email protected]).
Serious efforts are being made to organise a charity football match
with celebrities on Sunday 14 June to coincide with the Old
Foresters Day BBQ. If you are able to help in any way, please email
me at [email protected].
We are recruiting new players, in order to run an extra team again, so
if you would like to play or train with the OFFC, please get in touch
with me. We train every Monday night, 7.15-8.30pm at the Score
Centre next to Leyton Orient’s stadium, although we will break soon
for the summer, and start up in late July for next season.
Stephen Fellowes and Howard Edwards
7
THE WARDEN WRITES
I hope that this Newsletter finds you well and that the year since I last wrote
to you has been a happy one.
As ever, visits from Old Foresters continue to benefit the education of
today’s pupils and improve their understanding of the world present and
past. The commemoration of the start of the First World War has provided
a particular focus, and those of you who have been to the School recently
will have seen in the Cloisters a board of biographies of those who fell, each
posted exactly a hundred years after their death. This has given the pupils a
sense in real time of what it must have felt like to be a pupil during the First
World War as news came in day after day of the death of a former pupil,
many of whom the older pupils would have known as friends.
On a happier note, the Park – given to the School by your forbears in
memory of the 98 OFs who died in the First World War – has this term
been enhanced by the opening of the astroturf pitch. This provides a most
wonderful resource for boys and girls across a range of sports. Our hockey
players can now play genuinely home fixtures and we are able to support
much more activity on the artificial surface across the year than we can on
the grass pitches. The pupils are impressed, certainly, and proud of their
new pitch.
The Science faculty will be complete by this September and Forest’s strong
reputation in the Sciences will have an impressive physical symbol in this
new facility.
OF v School
Hockey Match
The OFs celebrated the opening of the astroturf pitch on 25 March
with a resounding and well-deserved 3-0 win over the School 1st X1.
8
The Martin Centre is now completely integrated within the School’s habits
and activities and we cannot now think how we managed without it. You
will be pleased to hear that at time of writing the Martin Centre has been
shortlisted for the London Regional RIBA awards.
There is much to celebrate and every reason for you to visit whenever you
are able: you are always so welcome.
In the meantime I must make my goodbyes. I leave this August to become
Head of Oundle School. My six years at Forest have been so happy and I
will take with me only good memories. Not least these will be of you Old
Foresters, whose great kindness, excellent company and endless reservoir
of extraordinary Forest lore have supported, guided and entertained me
immeasurably. Thank you.
The Martin Centre
The Warden starts the first
match on the new astroturf
GLB Match
The annual Geoff Burton Memorial Match was held on 21 March
with the School winning 3-0 after a goalless first half against OFFC
Seconds who, quite simply, ran out of steam! The trophy and medals
were presented by the Warden, OFFC President Bill Maddison and
OF Club President, Martin Oliver.