1646 – Issue 2

NEWS OF OLD BLUES Several Old Blues helped with the Careers Convention in January. Thank you to Richard Verrall (1975), Becki Murray (2013), Jenny Murray (2013), Thomas Gibbs (2013), Joe Bate (2016) and Ruby Bedford (2016) for talking the time to talk to the students. Thank you to all those who updated us on their news this year. If you would like to let us know about any specific achievements or births, deaths and marriages, then please contact Sarah in the Foundation Office at spy@rbcs.org.uk . To let other Old Blues know about more general updates, please head to Reading Blue Coat Connect ( readingbluecoatconnect.org.uk ) and post an update. NEWS NatalieDormer (2000) has launched her own production company, Dog Rose Productions. They have announced a Vivien Leigh drama ‘Vivling’ and are developing ‘Spitfire Sisters’ in collaboration with playwright and screenwriter Morgan Lloyd Malcolm. James Callender (2005) has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy and now operates as a Principal Warfare Officer. Congratulations to Nathan Elcox (2009) on the release of his new music on iTunes, Spotify and other streaming service. This includes two of his songs ‘If This is the World’ and ‘I’ll Still be Here’. Dom Gemski (2009) opened a brewery in Reading. The Phantom Brewing Co have their own tap room and are open on Fridays and Saturdays for you to sample the beer they brew! Emma Wilkinson (2010) directed an episode of Casualty which aired on BBC One on Saturday 4th April 2020. Ed Copeland (2011) launch a crowdfundung campaign for his documentary ‘Mr Main’. The film tells a fascinating and urgent story about art, homelessness and mental illness. Jon Weston-Stanley (2012) and Alex Scott (2014) coached the England Boys U18 team in the European Touch Junior Championship in August in Paris. The team included some current Blue Coat pupils. At the same tournament Sam Lawton- Davies (2017) coached the U18 mixed team. Shamus Butt (2013) received the Points of Light award. This is award is given out by the Prime Minister for recognition of those who volunteer and make changes in their community. Shamus created the charity Integrated Network for Special and Additional Needs (INSAAN) which supports BAME families who have children with special needs. Shamus drew on his own experience of supporting his own twin brother who is severely disabled. Stewart Parvin (1985) modified Princess Beatrice’s dress for her wedding to Edward Mapelli in July 2020. The dress originally belonged to The Queen and following the wedding was put on display at Windsor Castle. Alok Sharma (1985) in 2019 became Secretary of State for International Development and following a Cabinet reshuffle in February 2020, now serves as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Minister for COP26. Andrew Taylor (1997) won the Cultural Contribution prize at the Pride of Reading Awards 2019. Andrew won this award for his work with the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra which he set up in 2002. The APO was set up to introduce people of all backgrounds to the joys of classical music by inviting them to concerts. In April, Chris Clarke’s (1998) company Lumatech lit up several buildings in and around Marlow in blue to say thank you the NHS for all their amazing work during Covid-19. Sam Lewis (2012) album ‘Dawn’ was released on Spotify this year and a billboard advert appeared in Times Square, New York to promote it! He topped the iTunes US and UK Elctronic charts with his song ‘Impact’ featuring Swedish singer/songwriter Robyn. Sam was also featured on fellow Old Blue Paddy Spiers (2018) Instagram interview series ‘When Spiers Met....’ 2 2