Rhubarb 2017

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26 ST EDWARD’S rhuba rb
OSE News
1952
John Le Bas Freeman MBE (G, 1947-
1952) and his wife Anna celebrated their 60th
wedding anniversary on 8th December 2016.
1965
William Sykes (G, 1960-1965) reunited
with Charlie Hand (C, 1962-1967) in
Constantia, Cape Town in March 2016.
257km through a formidable landscape in one
of the world’s most inhospitable climates, the
Sahara Desert. The rules require you to be
self-sufficient and carry with you everything
you need to survive, except water which
is resupplied at various checkpoints. The
distance is the equivalent of running from
London to Dover, deciding not to go to
France after all, and running back again in 50
degree heat with a backpack on, and voices in
your head talking about cold beer.
Having taken part in endurance events
over the past 15 years, I thrive on physical
and mental challenges and feel it is important
as a Personal Trainer to also be a role model
to clients. Training, goal setting and achieving
those goals is a state of mind which requires
commitment, dedication and the right amount
of training. Above all, anything can be achieved
when you put your mind to it. Running the
Marathon Des Sables in 2016, I have managed
to raise over £5,000 for two of Oxfordshire’s
children’s charities who need a significant
amount of funding towards their work.
ROSY - Respite nursing for Oxfordshire’s Sick
Youngsters - and KEEN - who provide social,
1980
RobertVernon-Jackson (G, 1975-1980)
writes: ‘I received a CBE in the Birthday
Honours List this year, and got married
to my partner John in June this year. Last
year I stood for Parliament in Portsmouth
having led the City Council for 10 years.
As a Lib Dem it was not a great year for
us and I didn’t win. I’m continuing as Vice
Chairman (and Lib Dem leader) at the Local
Government Association.’
1999
TomAlden (G, 1996-1999) The CCF were
delighted to welcome back Tom who visited
the School to talk about his adventures
in extreme conditions around the world.
Tom has completed a series of extreme
outdoor activities, and recently visited
the school to talk about his experiences.
He writes: ‘After completing the World’s
Toughest Rowing Race, 3,000NM across
the Atlantic Ocean and having always been
a firm believer in practising what I preach
(I am a local personal trainer and founder
of TLA Fitness), I have just completed the
World’s Toughest Footrace - the Marathon
Des Sables. It is a gruelling multi-day ultra-
marathon, run in six days over a course of
V A L E T E
O S E N E W S
William Sykes
Tom Alden
2012
Giovanni Roberto
Franzan (A, 2010-
2012) launched the
startup Yndica, in
January 2015. Yndica
is the world’s first
marketing platform
for the brands of
tomorrow. We give
visibility to brands in prime retail locations
and offer customers the opportunity to buy
from the most innovative, exciting brands
via their smartphone.
2016
Casper Sunley
(B, 2011-2016) “A
modern approach
to Party Planning
& Supply.” Casper
Sunley Events offers
‘a fresh approach to
event production,
offering services ranging from lighting and
sound advice, and equipment hire, through
to exciting DJs and full bespoke planning.
The young, proactive team all share one
common passion: to deliver the best
service to the client, first time round. Our
base is located near Kintbury, Berkshire
and we cover the South of England. At
the age of 12 Casper taught himself some
basic DJing techniques, did the odd party
using a HIFI system and, two years ago we
rebranded to an events company and now
our specialist area is equipment supply
and logistical planning. Over the last year
we have worked on various different
projects, from private parties to leavers’
events and weddings. We maintain an
ever increasing stock of lighting and sound
equipment, carefully checked and tested
before being hired out; at this time of year
we have a constant flow of new equipment
being delivered as we look ahead to the
summer period! 2017 will see many new
achievements for the company; we are
expanding our warehouse stock, upgrading
to a new rental management system and
taking on new helping hands to get stuck
in! Look out for us – our transport will be
hard to miss!’ For further information, email
or visit