PERSONALIA NEWS
OP news and updates from around the world .
PRE - 1980
Michael Aubrey ( 66-71 ), former teacher of English at Pocklington School , published his autobiography earlier this year . Entitled “ Is That Really True , Sir ?”, the book covers Michael ’ s time teaching at School and is lavishly illustrated , including over 80 of his own vibrant watercolours . Further information is on the Unicorn Publishing website ( www . unicornpublishing . org ).
Nevin Downes ( 54-58 ) currently resides in Italy after spending most of his working life in Africa . He has enjoyed a career working in accountancy , auditing , sales and marketing and has held several executive positions within the global , not-for-profit organisation Jaycees International – a worldwide organisation for self-help development . He is well travelled , having visited all five continents , and says : “ To travel and visit many different countries is the best education of all ; one is able to see and learn first-hand the culture and way of life of so many different people .”
Adrian Edmondson ( 69-75 ) is playing Ebenezer Scrooge in the Royal Shakespeare Company ’ s revival of David Edgar ’ s adaptation of Charles Dickens ’ A Christmas Carol which runs from 26 October 2022 to 1 January 2023 in Stratford . He will be joined by Sunetra Sarker ( BBC ’ s Casualty , ITV ’ s Loose Women panelist ) who makes her RSC debut as The Ghost of Christmas Present .
Tom Mellor ’ s ( 70-78 ) Wold Top Brewery picked up the Environmental & Sustainability award at the Hull Live Business Awards in November 2021 in recognition of some of the green initiatives the business has put in place such as regenerative farming , no till , and renewable energy generation .
Julian Morgan ( 68-76 ), a retired Classics teacher and teacher trainer , has joined the team of Latin crossword puzzle setters for O Tempora ! a regular Saturday feature of The Times newspaper . His first puzzle was published on Saturday 31 May 2022 under his pen name ‘ Aenigmatifex ’, an all-new word coined by Julian meaning ‘ puzzle builder ’. The Times ’ crossword puzzles are based on a system of rotational symmetry which involves starting with the answers and working backwards to the clues themselves . These may be straight English to Latin translations , Latin synonyms or clues written entirely in Latin , some with a cryptic component . In addition to his work with The Times , Julian has established his own brand as the ‘ Yorkshire Author ’ and has written several Yorkshire-themed puzzle books featuring crosswords , brainteasers and wordgames . Julian sent in a puzzle for OPs to have a go at . It is 100 per cent in Latin but is solvable by anyone who can do Sudoku – good luck !
Neil Readman ( 74-76 ) has been invited to be an umpire on the England Cricket Board Yorkshire Premier panel which is the highest level of cricket below the professional game . Neil commented : “ This has taken a lot of hard work and dedication and I ’ m proud to be following in the footsteps of former teacher Rob Smith ( 77-12 ) who officiated at the same level until recently .”
1980 - 1989
Caroline Allams ( née Todd , 87-89 ) has launched Natterhub , a learning platform for primary schools that teaches children the soft skills needed to thrive online . Since its inception in 2020 , Natterhub has been adopted by over 4,000 classes in 60 countries worldwide and has been shortlisted for several industry awards including selection as the UK entry for the Global Edtech Startup Awards . Natterhub was also invited to be one of the first companies to integrate with Microsoft Teams Apps for Education , which launched at the end of November 2021 . In September 2022 , Caroline was invited to speak live on BBC News about online safety at the opening of an inquest into Molly Russell ’ s death .
Simon Hudson ( 74-81 ) was appointed as Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Hull at the end of 2021 after many years of supporting them . The pro bono role is part of a programme created by Hull University Business School to assist students and academics within the university and the wider region . Simon also studied for his postgraduate degree at Hull .
Julian Mark ( 83-88 ) was awarded the Queen ’ s Ambulance Service Medal for distinguished service in the New Year ’ s Honours list . Julian is the Executive Medical Director for the Yorkshire Ambulance Service and was one of only three people to receive the award in this year ’ s list . Read the full story on page 10 .
Simon Spence KC ( 74-81 ), Criminal Barrister at Red Lion Chambers , has been interviewed on national radio and television about the criminal bar ’ s ongoing dispute with the Ministry of Justice . Links to some of the interviews can be found on Simon ’ s Twitter and LinkedIn . In other news , Simon has obtained a Distinction in his ARSM diploma in piano . He did up to grade 7 whilst at school and went back to playing just before lockdown taking his grade 8 in June last year before undertaking the diploma .
Graham Usher ( 81-89 ), who has been Bishop of Norwich since June 2019 , was appointed as lead on the environment by the Archbishop of Canterbury , taking up his position in June 2021 . Bishop Usher makes his own contribution to climate change by presenting every candidate he confirms with a hazel tree to plant .
1990 - 1999
Matthew Atkinson ( 85-93 ) has set up his own ‘ side hustle ’ as The Grape Guru . The project which he runs alongside his full-time job leading Amazon Web Services ’ UK business , was started in 2019 . The idea was to create a wine club for people who enjoyed drinking wine and also wanted to learn about the wine they were drinking to gain a smattering of knowledge , explore where the grapes are grown , how the wine is made and how these impact on the taste and flavours . Based in York , Matt has run several successful wine tasting events in the city and has set up his own website with monthly wine selections and a blog .
Andrew Moll ( 92-99 ), a Pocklington-based vet , has completed his postgraduate certificate in Small Animal Medicine after three years of studying . Andrew graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2004 , worked in mixed practice in North Yorkshire before joining Wicstun Veterinary Group in 2005 .
Sarah Peterman ( neé Spencer , 88-98 ) has been appointed Director of Product Management for Sidearm Sports ( New York , USA ). Sidearm provides the technology platform that powers the official websites , mobile apps , statistical integration , live audio and video streaming , and e-commerce platforms of collegiate athletic partners across the US . In August , Sarah visited the UK with her family and came back to School for a tour .
Xavier Pick ( 82-90 ) has produced a collection of short films with a creative theme , in which he touches on his time at Pocklington School . They are available to view on Xavier ’ s YouTube channel : Xavpick .
2000 - 2009
Tom Atkinson ( 03-07 ) has set up his own lettings agency , Norfolk Cottage Agency , which he runs with his wife . The business is managing a growing number of homes for holidaymakers around north and mid Norfolk .
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