Old Holmwoodians

Charles D

Year Left: 1955

Current Occupation: Retired

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of?
Head of Advertising Agencies; Multi British age group swimming and triathlon champion.

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
Enjoying grandchildren and their success.

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
Happy days of passing 11+; Common Entrance; Westminster exams

What is your fondest memory of Holmwood House?
Trying to blow up the outside toilet!

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Happiness.

Richard D

Year Left: 1963

Current Occupation: Councillor & Director

Senior School: Knox College (NSW)

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of?
BA Eng. Lit & BACC/Law. PPLI

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am a retired Deputy Director (Civil Service). I am a Director of the Ashby Canal Association and a Parish Councillor. I am also a member of Ashby Probus Club.

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
I learned the importance of pride in my school (and House), and the feeling of belong to and being a team player.

What is your fondest memory of Holmwood House?
The knowledge and history of the local area and the open countryside (as it was). Sports, and having wonderfully eccentric, as well as learned, number of teachers (Masters).

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Invigorating

Lachlan M

Year Left: 1969

Current Occupation: Writer

Senior School: Charterhouse

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of?
Teaching; writing, eight books published

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
Retired from teaching and writing full time

What is your fondest memory of Holmwood House?
Art lessons; maths with Stuart Duggan; the badger-trap

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Enriching

Harry S

Year Left: 1974

Current Occupation: Journalist

Senior School: Sudbury Upper (now Ormiston Academy)

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of?
I have been a national newspaper journalist for many years. I have worked on many local papers and quite a few nationals (Daily Mail, Sunday Express, News of the World, The Sun, London Daily News, Sunday People etc). I was Senior Associate Editor of the News of the World for many years – up to the day of its closure. And I am now a Deputy Night Editor of The Sun (the daily) as well as being Night Editor of the Sun on Sunday.

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am still a journalist. But, in that thin sliver I call my private life, I am a writer and pilot.

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
It taught me enough to get through my GCSEs, believe it or not. It also taught me standards and respect and the confidence that comes with knowing I understood both.

What is your fondest memory of Holmwood House?
Maths with the excellent Mr Duggan. Geography with ‘Peanut’, who it turned out was a war hero. The people – many of whom I now count amongst the best people on earth my closest friends!

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
I loved it. And, of course, I like it more with the benefit of hindsight when I realise how much it gave me.

Nkululeko M

Year Left: 1982

Current Occupation: Business Owner

Senior School: Falcon College (Zimbabwe)

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of?
Attended boarding high school called Falcon College outside Bulawayo Zimbabwe. Alumni of Rhodes University in Grahamstown, South Africa where I attained an Honours Degree in Industrial Psychology. Worked for a number of Blue Chip companies in the Human Resources field – Unilever, Shell, and Barclays. I now run my own Human Resources Consultancy based in Cape Town South Africa. Some achievements: Married with three gorgeous daughters (16,15,12 respectively); attaining a Masters Degree in Executive Management; a certified and accredited Coach with the International Coaching Federation; and starting my own Consultancy – Quintus Wealth (www.quintuswealth.co.za).

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am running my own Human Resources Consultancy, and I love my role as Executive, Life, and Team Coach

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
At the time of attending the school I lived in Zambia, and so it forced me to become independent and resilient early in my life. I was taught manners and decorum which stood me in good stead.

What is your fondest memory of Holmwood House?
A great Headmaster at the time, who took a personal interest in my growth and development as a young lad, not only academically but also holistically as a well presented young lad. I also have fond memories of the various families that invited and welcomed me into their homes when I couldn’t travel back to Zambia over the shorter holidays.

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Defining – I loved it!

Martin H

Year Left: 1983

Current Occupation: Accountant

Senior School: Brentwood School

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of?
Getting married.

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
Accountant in the family business.

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
I loved the whole experience.

What is your fondest memory of Holmwood House?
Being Captain of the 1st XV Rugby team.

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Enjoyable.

Bob G

Year Left: 1984

Current Occupation: Operations Manager, Suffolk Yacht Harbour

Senior School: Felsted

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of?
Studied Engineering Product Design Bsc at London Southbank University. Married with 3 children

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
Work wise I manage the site safety, training and day to day safe operation of the marina. A position I ‘fell into’ rather than planned.

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
Whilst admittedly not the highest academic achiever, Holmwood gave me a strong foundation of independence and responsibility on which to build.

What is your fondest memory of Holmwood House?
The varied annual stage productions were always thoroughly enjoyable and taking part will always hold fond memories for me, oh and finding my brother’s name scrawled under my bedside locker…8 years after he left.

Is there anything else you’d like to share? 
Along with my brother Tom, my cousins Adam & James, uncle; Robin and father; Bill (now 91 and at time of writing, very well) all attended Holmwood.

Russel C

Year Left: 1990

Current Occupation: Money Broker

Senior School: Felsted

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of?
Married with 2 boys

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
Raising the family and playing golf

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
Great social atmosphere

What is your fondest memory of Holmwood House?
Squash at break time

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Fun

Matthew K

Year Left: 1991

Current Occupation: Managing Director

Senior School: Felsted

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of?
Uni & Work. Proud of family, my business, and charity boxing.

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
Running family business and enjoying the variety & team work

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
Strong core values, I still have great friends I met in Pre-Prep, two I which I met in Mrs Landers ‘1s’ class.

What is your fondest memory of Holmwood House?
Enjoyed it ALL the way through from the 1’s, upwards. The final year & being a “special” was a highlight.

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Perfect

Phil W

Year Left: 1994

Current Occupation: GP

Senior School: Charterhouse

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of?
Studied Anatomy & Developmental Biology; Then studied Medicine; Trained as renal transplant surgeon in London; Recently moved to Devon to retrain as a GP.

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
GP in Devon. Enjoying the slower pace and the beautiful scenery.

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
Social skills and an interest in science.

What is your fondest memory of Holmwood House?
Boarding – snowed in weekends!

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Inspirational.

Rosie D

Year Left: 1999

Current Occupation: Occupational Therapist

Senior School: Felsted

David W

Year Left: 2000

Current Occupation: Solicitor

Senior School: Felsted School

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of?
I attended university, secured a training contract, qualified as a solicitor, became a Partner, and had two healthy children.

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
I live close to the Peak District. My favourite enjoyment is spending the day outside with my children and eating a takeaway with a good TV series in the evening.

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
Kindness, respect, treating people fairly, and commitment.

What is your fondest memory of Holmwood House?
Captaining the football team.

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Enjoyable.

Owen J

Year Left: 2000

Current Occupation: Charity Manager

Senior School: Ipswich School

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of?
Most notable is probably being President of the University of Leicester Students Union for two years

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
Playing & watching cricket

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
Working with young people I know value more than ever the confidence that a Holmwood education gave me.

What is your fondest memory of Holmwood House?
I was always proud representing the school via the sport teams

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Fun

Chris P

Year Left: 2002

Current Occupation: Dentist

Senior School: Ipswich School

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of?
GB Student Team – Ski Racing

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
Clinical Lead for a small group of private dental practices in South West London. I enjoy the mentoring and teaching element and the ability to share knowledge and experience I have gained. I also love being able to improve people’s self confidence.

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
Independence, manners, willingness to learn, self confidence

What is your fondest memory of Holmwood House?
Boarders evenings spent playing in the woods and rainy break times spent playing cards in the Geography classroom.

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Treasured.

Georgie W

Year Left: 2006

Current Occupation: Actress

Senior School: St Marys

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of??
I graduated from Arts Educational Schools London with a BA Hons in Musical Theatre. Since then I have performed in several musicals in London and other parts of the UK and abroad. My proudest achievement is being in the original cast of The Wind in the Willows which toured the UK then transferred to the West End, as this was my first job out of drama school.

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
I have just finished performing in The Sound of Music in Cyprus and now I?m back in England auditioning for other roles and teaching performing arts.

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
I left as an academic all-rounder, which was important,. but I was also able to build my love for performing as this was really encouraged throughout the school.

What is your fondest memory of Holmwood House?
Bonfire Night, School discos, performing in the school plays and concerts

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Family

Harry J

Year Left: 2009

Current Occupation: Musician

Senior School: Framlingham College

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of?
I play lead guitar in a band called Far Caspian signed to record label, Dance To The Radio. This summer we played Leeds Festival to around 2000 people as well as releasing music played by BBC West Yorkshire, BBC Essex and Radio X.

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
Continuing playing In Far Caspian and Edgar Duke around the UK releasing music and playing shows.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Holmwood House?
Meeting my life long mates as well as playing in the school rock band.

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Joyous

Holly M

Year Left: 2009

Current Occupation: Teacher Training

Senior School: Oundle

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of?
I studied biology at the University of York with a year abroad. While at uni I ran the Barcelona (3hrs 45mins) and Paris marathon which are my biggest achievements I would say. Even better – I beat my twin who got 3hrs 46mins in the London marathon.

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
Teaching – I love making those relationships with the children and feeling like I am making a difference.

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
It gave me independence and prepared me to be away from home while boarding weekly in my last year. It also gave me the desire to learn and motivated me to do well at school later on and in my everyday life.

What is your fondest memory of Holmwood House?
Boarding was great fun

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Wholesome

Emily J

Year Left: 2009

Current Occupation: Waitress

Senior School: Oakham

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of?
Moving to various countries and recently learning Norwegian to further my love for languages.

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
Living in Oslo working in a cabaret bar. In my spare time I love enjoying days out in the Norwegian mountains in the deep snow or glorious sun in summertime.

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
I still talk to my Holmwood friends. Holmwood House of Fun especially, was a great summer memory.

What is your fondest memory of Holmwood House?
Jam Roly Poly with Custard!

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Memories.

Cameron S

Year Left: 2009

Current Occupation: Strategic Recruitment Partnership Manager

Senior School: Stoke College

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of?
Currently manage an Under-18 football team at semi professional level. Also my career journey so far.

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
Currently working at a strategic level of a recruitment business, whilst also following my passion in football.

Victoria F

Year Left: 2010

Current Occupation: Student at the University of Southampton

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
Having a year in industry, working for Warner Bros in the film industry.

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
It taught me how to revise and learn with my dyslexia.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Holmwood House?
Amy, and the friendships made.

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Chatty

Amy H

Year Left: 2010

Current Occupation: Television Production Secretary

Senior School: Framlingham College

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
I?m currently working in TV. I love being able to work across a variety of genres and meet a huge range of people through the different shows I have worked across.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Holmwood House?
The friends that I still keep in touch with now.

Katie H

Year Left: 2010

Current Occupation: Graphic Designer

Senior School: Framlingham College

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of?
I have been to university, graduated and I am now working in London.

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
Working in London in the design world. I love that I love what I do!

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
It taught me manners, focus and routine.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Holmwood House?
Boarding and sports.

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Happy

Abbey G

Year Left: 2012

Senior School: Ipswich School

Current Occupation: Student Midwife at University of Manchester

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
Student Midwife! Getting to help women through their journey of pregnancy and delivering babies!

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
Holmwood taught me how to be a good person and it taught me skills of how to learn and develop myself into the person I wanted to be.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Holmwood House?
The School’s Birthday every year, fireworks, mission impossible, the animal game and the mugs game!

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Sensational

Lizzie S

Year Left: 2014

Current Occupation: Radio Host

Senior School: Ipswich School

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of?
I have competed at European triathlon for under 20s

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
I have a radio show with a couple of friends and I am looking to become a paramedic

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
It gave me the confidence to do what I love

What is your fondest memory of Holmwood House?
The swimming galas

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Unique

Mikey C

Year Left: 2015

Current Occupation: Trainee Chef

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of?
Finding my passion!

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
Training in the profession I want to go into

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
It taught me how to interact with people from all walks of life

What is your fondest memory of Holmwood House?
Winning Sports Day in Year 8

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Fantastic!

Archie B

Year Left: 2015

Current Occupation: University Student

Senior School: Framlingham College

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
It taught me the early foundations of my academic life

What is your fondest memory of Holmwood House?
Winning the cricket cup in Year 8

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Unforgettable

Oscar D

Year Left: 2018

Current Occupation: Student

Senior School: Felsted

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of?
Scholarship for Drama & Sport to Felsted, and being accepted to county cricket and hockey teams.

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am doing my GCSE’s at the moment and enjoying the ability to study in depth my chosen and favourite subjects.

What is your fondest memory of Holmwood House?
Bonfire Night (mostly the fireworks).

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
It taught me some valuable life lessons.

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Deoxyribonucleic!
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a molecule that contains the biological instructions that make each species unique.

James J

Year Left: 2018

Current Occupation: Student

Senior School: Ipswich School

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of?

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
A levels – the independence given in and out of lessons

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
They showed me the valuable life skills, dangers of the internet and how to face problems on your own.

What is your fondest memory of Holmwood House?
Boarding for the final week of Year 8

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Unforgettable

Julia J

Year Left: 2018

Current Occupation: Student

Senior School: St Mary’s

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of?
Become a music scholar and have been involved in many music events.

What is your fondest memory of Holmwood House?
Being a buddy and participating in the ‘animal game’.

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
Taught me all of my 5Rs and 3Cs and gave me confidence and an amazing base to pursue my goals.

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Fun

Andrew B

Year Left: 1993

Current Occupation: Lead User Experience Designer

Senior School: Charterhouse

What have you done since leaving school and what achievements are you most proud of?
Carved out a career in software design and development.

What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
User Experience Design – helping people to realise and achieve their requirements.

In what ways did Holmwood House prepare you for life?
Being introduced to computers (BBC Micros in those days) at an early age!

What is your fondest memory of Holmwood House?
The camaraderie with my school friends and the boys in my dorm.

How would you sum up your experience at Holmwood House in one word?
Enriching.