ANN MURRAY
Ann Murray began teaching recorder at Sevenoaks School in 1983 having graduated from Trinity College of Music under the tutelage of Professor Edgar Hunt . Ann has been an utterly superb teacher , who has not only nurtured many talented recorder players , but regularly prepared chamber groups for the Pro Corda chamber music competition and accompanied school music exchanges to Ibbenbüren . Ann has always approached her teaching with flamboyance and unbounded energy – but her genuine warmth and interest in her pupils in a wider capacity than just music has meant many have stayed in touch for years and become lifelong friends . Ann is probably our longest serving instrumental teacher thus far , and in her retirement is looking forward to visiting her former pupils around the UK and attending the Recorder Society conferences .
Julia Kiggell
BOB SHUFFLEBOTHAM
It ’ s hard to imagine Sevenoaks School without Bob Shufflebotham . Known to all as Bob Shuff , he has been an unsung hero of the school for 36 years with his calm , helpful and positive presence . He has helped almost every person here at some point , whether it ’ s been a lastminute presentation , a faulty projector , exam setups , carpentry emergencies , an unconnected rooftop aerial or any other number of things Bob can turn his hand to . He began his career in the Estates team as a master carpenter and moved into the IT department to help with the installations , preparation and maintenance of the everincreasing audio-visual equipment around the school . Bob has always kept close links with the Estates team and has provided a vital long-standing bridge between IT and Estates . Unsurprisingly , Bob has decided to retire and is looking forward to a new chapter filled with family , foreign travel and motorbikes . The school will be an emptier place without him .
Debbie Griffiths
LIN SANDYS
Lin joined the IT team as the Helpdesk Coordinator back in 2015 , a simpler time when IT Services was called ‘ Primrose ’ ( after its location in the hut known as Primrose Cottage ) and nobody worried about being closer than six feet from someone . This was lucky for Lin as her impression of a ‘ clapping seal ’ and ‘ snotty bull ’ had to be seen up close to be believed . A keen , bordering obsessive , musician who has taken part in many school productions , she has slowly turned her house into a brass instrument museum – including the bathroom , which has 20 instruments dominating the space . Lin was also a dedicated member of the Support Staff Council and a regular ‘ activist ’ of the swimming pool , never afraid to champion for more staff swimming sessions . Lin has been a great asset to her team ; keeping them organised , entertained and sane during the maniacal IT moments . She will be greatly missed in all areas of the school .
Debbie Griffiths
156 VALETE