BECKY POGSON
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Becky Pogson ( above left ) of Chartwells as Head of Catering . Becky has worked at Sevenoaks for over ten years . She has looked after all of us , ensuring that we eat healthy and varied meals – though the deliciousness of the food means a lot of us put on the dreaded ‘ Sevenoaks stone ’!
Becky ’ s role was already challenging with the number of meals her team had to produce every day and for special occasions , but was made much more complicated by Covid-19 . The regulations were changing on what felt like a daily basis , but Becky swiftly rose to the challenge of providing meals for different year groups in a wider range of settings with tables cleaned between sittings – all in her trademark thoughtful , calm manner .
Becky leaves us for a term-time only role at Lingfield College . She will enjoy the extra time she has and has plans to get back into her cycling . Becky is not only a talented General Manager ; she is also a kind and caring person who is great to have around and spend time with . She will be sorely missed .
Susan Lyons
DAN HAYNES
Dan ( pictured left ) joined Sevenoaks in 2005 as Deputy Catering Manager . He is a kind , thoughtful and fun character , and his greetings every day , whether at breakfast , lunch or supper , are upbeat and happy . Dan has always had an excellent rapport with students and staff alike . His bubbly personality , along with his calm and professional approach , made him one of the favourites in Catering . He always made sure that he was working during staff events as he enjoyed chatting with everyone when he was serving ( and that the drinks continued to flow throughout the evening !). On occasions such as Founder ’ s Day he and his team would smoothly manage a huge logistical operation to serve delicious food to hundreds of guests . We are going to miss seeing his welcoming smile at these events and in the Dining Hall . Dan leaves us for a similar role in an independent school in Ashford . He will be sorely missed throughout the school , and we wish him well with his new adventure .
Alanna Hill
ALISON PISHBIN
Sevenoaks School ’ s receptionist to start with , member of the Learning Support team and finally the iconic matron of Johnsons , Alison ’ s involvement with the school spans more than two decades . When one looks in the dictionary for the definition of a ‘ matron ’, there are two responses : ‘ a woman in charge of domestic and medical arrangements at a boarding school or other institution or an older married woman , especially one who is staid or dignified ’. We all know that Alison ( above centre ) was much more than a definition . She gave the Johnsons boys a shoulder to cry on when things were tough , a spare item of clothing
when theirs was missing , fresh cake when they were starving after a long day at school , as well as invaluable guidance on how to knuckle down to cope with school , homework , IAs , relationships and parental disagreement , and advice on basic practical challenges , like better dustbin usage .
Alison helped to shape Johnsonians into the wonderful young boys and men they are today and for that , there is no adequate definition that can be found in a dictionary . Alison also provided me , my family and the Johnsons staff , with outstanding support , making sure that Johnsons ran smoothly so that we could be proud to live in such a unique environment . We are all immensely grateful for all that Alison has done and we wish her all the best in her new endeavours .
Sébastien Coquelin
WE ALSO SAY GOODBYE TO :
Maria Abbott Fiona Jordan Jonathan Beale Adam Leigh Himal Bhujel Ines Merino Rodriguez Rongfang Bian Mary Methuen Brian Bishop Ashley Nunes Cameron Black Ben Oliver Will Bradshaw Ruth O ’ Hanlon Kim Butler
Ian Pocock Carol Crumpton Mohan Rana Siobhán Foreman Hazel Ross Clare Godwin Matt Russen Gonzalo Gutierrez Jordan St George Rodriguez
Maria Seoane Karen Henry Fernandez
Max Holley Whitney Shepherd Karen Hooley Hella Ströhlein Jas Hutchinson-Bazely Anita Strevens Simon Jiggins
Daisy Widdicombe
SEVENOAKS SCHOOL 2021-2022 157