It has been a whirlwind inaugural year
as Tuckwell Housemaster, and one
that has seen many achievements by
the boys and proud moments for me.
Amongst the House trips, pizza evenings,
hot dogs, movie nights, hot chocolates,
mulled wine (just for the Upper Sixth
before House celebrations!) and some
cut-throat pool competitions (even our
House captain Smithy has improved!), the
House has flourished in all areas of school
life.
In my first term I proudly watched no
fewer than 14 Tuckwell boys play a major
part in the annual school musical, with Joe
Merriweather particularly outstanding in
what was his final school musical - Nicely
Nicely in Guys and Dolls. It was just as
pleasing to see Matt Bullman, Hughie
Kelsey, Charlie Lavender and Rudi Smith
form part of the chorus with a huge
amount of confidence, considering they
were still so new to the school.
The first term didn't bring any success in
terms of silverware but that is not what
we are about in Tuckwell. We turned
up, fought hard and came away from
everything with smiles on our faces,
including the Philosothon, debating
and cross country competitions. We
also made our first House trip down to
watch the Chiefs play against Leicester
Tigers at Sandy Park, although if Bath
aren't playing there is very little interest
for me - the boys enjoyed it though!
Tuckwell Children in Need was another
highlight of the term, with a circus
theme. Hamish Manger and the 6.2
year group were outstanding in their
organisation and preparation for what
was a thoroughly entertaining evening.
The dance-off competition is normally
the highlight, although I think Miss AggManning (Head of Drama) has got her work
cut out if any of my Tuckwell lot are hoping
to be the next Anton du Beke! The end of
Michaelmas saw the traditional Christmas
House celebrations. The highlight was Mrs
Florey and Joe Cooke showing the most
ridiculous flexibility I have ever seen in
an epic cereal box eating/flexibility
game!
Tuckwell Triumphs
In the Lent term we said goodbye
to Charles Clist for a term as he
embarked on what we hope will be
the first of many cricket exchanges
with St Stithians in South Africa.
We didn't get the usual snowfall in
January or February, but through
the dark mornings and nights the
House continued to flourish. We
won our first trophy (not that we are
competitive) in the Junior House Hockey,
coming 2nd in the Senior House Hockey
and also runners-up to our friendly
neighbours in the inter-House General
Knowledge competition. Will Cashmore
deserves particular mention in this, as he
was outstanding!
For the summer term the boys came back
to fresh licks of paint courtesy of the DIY
skills of Mr Lewis and Mr Florey (and
Alex Birch), and a revamped common
room, thanks to the interior design touch
of Mrs Biggs and our wonderful school
workforce (watch your backs DIY SOS!).
Other notable successes to finish off the
academic year included Joe Cooke winning
the victor ludorum on Sports Day, Hughie
Kelsey and Harry Cooper-Simpson taking
us to victory in the inter-House Spelling
Bee competition, and of course dominating
the House cricket matches.
Our end-of-year celebrations were an
emotional time, as we said goodbye to a
wonderful 6.2 year group. Hamish Manger
was a superb House Captain and led a year
group of Sixth Formers who were wellliked and respected, and who brought
a huge amount of joy to this wonderful
boarding house. We also said farewell to
Mr Florey and Mr Heayns, both of whom
will leave us with fond memories and some
big shoes to fill. We wish them both well in
their new respective roles in King Alfred
and Woodard. It was a truly wonderful year,
and we look forward to welcoming some
new faces through the door in September
at the beginning of what I am sure will be
another triumphant Tuckwell year!
Tuckwell
By Phil Lewis
Alex Dunham and Mr Lewis talking tactics on
Sports Day
James Clark, Harry Cooper-Simpson, Jack Gibbs, Tom Hall,
Daniel Bernado, Charles Clist, Will Cashmore, Rudi Smith,
Josh Coetzee and Joseph Woodhead before the Junior Ball
Tom Hall, Angus Lyon, Hughie Kelsey, Harry
Cooper-Simpson, Freddie Berrow and Jack Gibbs
at Sports Day
Will Birch, Tom Maybery, Ben Wagstaf, Seb Manger, Dom
Scott-Bone, Sam Everard, Luke Tomkins, Will Hall and
James Clark at Sports Day
House Reports 13