The Year of the Floods
To anyone living in Somerset, 2014 will
always be remembered as the year of the
floods. The Lent term seemed to be lived
perpetually in heavy rain, and soon the
floods began disrupting school life. Much
of the Somerset Levels was under feet of
water, with the appearance of an inland
sea, and those pupils whose families live
on the Levels were obliged to board in
school, as their homes became cut off.
Many sporting fixtures were cancelled
- often because the schools hosting
away matches couldn't be reached, with
so many roads impassable. The King's
playing fields were flooded for weeks at a
time, and became something of a wildfowl
sanctuary. And the temptation to put a
boat out on them was just too great …
The Buttler Ramp
In the summer, OA Jos Buttler made
King's collectively swell with pride when
he scored a magnificent 85 on debut
for England in the Third Test against
India at Southampton. Dennis Breakwell
explained to The Daily Mail that, in his
opinion, by the time Buttler was 16 and
averaging almost 95, he was a 'better
cricketer than Ian Botham at that age.'
Dennis also said 'I've got a bet on that he'll
be England captain in five years.'
In May, Jos had returned to King's at the
opening of a new land-mark in the school
grounds: a raised viewing mound by the
cricket oval that has been named the
Buttler Ramp, in honour of his famous
ramp shot.
New Faces
There were two changes to senior
posts at King's this year. Jonty Lawford
joined as Deputy Head, Academic, from
Cheltenham Ladies' College, where he
was Head of Geography. As well as being
part of the Geography department at
King's, he also coaches hockey for the
U14A team. He and his wife Heidi have
two daughters, Martha and Isabella - and,
since moving to King's, a dog called Tess.
Oliver Ridley joined King's as the new Head
of Sixth Form from Lancing College. He
was Head of English there, and continues
to teach that subject. A talented pianist,
he has accompanied many performers at
school concerts since his arrival. His wife
Nikki (née Dragonetti) was Head Girl at
King's and has thrown herself back into
school life by coaching hockey, helping
with CCF and leading choirs, amongst
other things.
Chinese New Year Supper
The annual Chinese New Year celebration
was held on 4th February, with a dinner
for pupils from the Far East and their
invited guests. The dinner celebrated
the Year of the Horse, which symbolises
courage, ambition, strength, loyalty,
wisdom and adventure.
Lydia Smith and Flora Davies circumnavigate the
sports pitches
Jos Buttler with King's Director of Cricket Phil Lewis
Jonty Lawford
Oliver Ridley
The table is set in lucky red
The King's Community 3