1646 – Issue 2

Robert Gaines-Cooper (1948) It is with great sadness we inform the Old Blues community that Robert Gaines-Cooper passed away peacefully on Tuesday 19th November 2019. A day boy, Robert was a pupil at Blue Coat from 1948-1954 and was among the first students to be educated at Holme Park, Sonning. An entrepreneur, Robert was extremely successful in the world of business and the School remains proud of all he achieved, especially the technological advancements he made within the health profession. Despite not being in the best of health, the School was delighted he was able to attend the inaugural Aldworth Lunch in October 2019. At this event he was able to catch up with old friends, see the most recent improvements to the School, and hear first- hand of Blue Coat’s future plans. He is pictured on the front cover middle left, flanked by the 2019-2020 Heads of School. The School extends its sincere condolences to Mr Gaines-Cooper’s family and is grateful for all that he contributed to the life of Reading Blue Coat. Brian Shillaker (1949) passed away August 2019. Michael Parsons (1952) dies 10th June 2019 after a short illness. After running an accountancy business for a number of years he enjoyed a quiet retirement and is survived by his brother, Peter and his two great nieces, Sharon and Beckie. John Blakeley (1983) sadly passed away from a brain tumour on 15th April 2019. Miles Ketley (1986) passed away on 12th October 2020. Miles had a successful career in film and television as media executive and had recently been named the CEO of Nick Frost and Simon Pegg’’ production company, Stolen Picture. He was executive producer on films such as ‘Dad’s Army’ and Allan Bennett’s ‘The Lady in the Van’ and ‘The History Boys’. Simon Pegg said, in a tribute to Miles, “We are beyond heartbroken at the sudden passing of our friend and colleague. He was the captain of our ship and the head of our family at Stolen Picture.” Miles was Head Boy in his final year at Blue Coat. Oliver Cox (1988) died suddenly on 12th May 2018. We are very sorry to report the death of former member of Staff, Christine Bovis . Christine worked at Blue Coat from 2000-2011 taking up the role of Bursar’s Secretary in 2002. Christine’s attention to detail was legendary and she was an extremely supportive and well-loved colleague. Naomi Cregan and Rhys Howell (both 2009) were married in St Andrews Church in Sonning by Rev. Kate Toogood (the School Chaplain). Rev Toogood’s sons, who attend the School, also sang in the choir. Naomi and Rhys then held their reception at Holme Park in School House and this was attended by other Old Blues including Maid of Honour Danielle Allison (2009) , best Man Graeme Loveday (2009) , Jamie Gregory (2009) , Matt Poole (2009) , Jamie Watt (2009) and Jenny Allison (2010) . Naomi and Rhys were in the same form whilst at Blue Coat and so felt it was very special and indeed fitting to be married in St Andrews and have their reception at the School. WEDDINGS IN MEMORIAM Sam Gosney (2009) married Caroline Rexon (a non Old Blue) in Coltishill, Norfolk on 6th April 2019. Old Blues present (and photographed) included Steve Broad, Edward Gibbs, Nick Hutton and Ross McCoriston (all 2009) and former Blue Coat History of Art Master, Adam Rattray . 24