Issue 8 Summer 2013


Members’ News Hannah Girling


Harry Martin called up for England


The annual School v OI cross country took place on Saturday 9th March. For those who recall the days of the Steeplechase being held in the Fynn Valley the conditions were uncomfortably familiar. Plenty of mud, the river Fynn at the top of its banks and a fresh breeze to keep the spectators huddled together – ‘real’ cross country conditions. All runners were happy for once that the course no longer goes through the river!


Having been a pupil at Ipswich School between 2000 and 2007, I studied Veterinary Medicine at Szent Istvan University in Budapest, Hungary for five and a half years. Since graduating on 1st March, I have been working as a Veterinary Surgeon for a mixed practice in the South of England, caring for domestic pets, horses, farm animals, zoo animals and exotic animals.


Szent Istvan University is an international university offering an English-language degree program, resulting in the awarding of the title “Doctor of Veterinary Medicine” to successful candidates. The five and a half years included a final 8 month rotation of placements with Veterinary clinics, the government Veterinary service, Veterinary laboratories and abattoirs, all of which were encouraged to be undertaken in the students’ home countries.


Studying abroad was an illuminating experience, offering me the chance to gain a most highly-regarded doctorate degree, whilst also allowing me to experience the invigorating culture of life in Eastern Europe, to cultivate my passion for learning foreign languages and to form friendships with people from all over the world.


Congratulations to OI Harry Martin who has recently been named in England’s Hockey Squad. Harry will be one of 20 players flying to Johor in Malaysia to prepare for the World League Semi Final and one of six London 2012 Olympians returning to action. We wish Harry best of luck in the tournament – to keep track of their progress visit www.englandhockey.co.uk


Cross country 9th March 2013


The School team was up against it with some key runners either injured or committed to matches elsewhere. In addition, there were a few younger faces appearing on the OI team to complement the more senior ‘regulars’. The School did look like they might have a chance when the OI’s newest recruit, Jordan Ali (with several National Athletics Championship appearances to his name) abandoned his shoes half way to limp on barefoot. The muddy conditions proved very tricky for anyone without spikes or a decent tread.


However the OIs, possibly helped by those bleak experiences of past Steeplechases, slowly moved up the rankings to secure a close fought but respectable victory. Tim Ballard was first home by a comfortable margin but then well supported by Jordan Ali and Alistair Dick. Amongst others slightly further back but still securing valuable points were Marc Finch, Tom Vellacot and Richard Hudson.


Left to right: Marc Finch, Tom Vellacott, Alistair Dick, David Llewellyn, Headmaster Nick Weaver, Jordan Ali and Richard Hudson


As ever, to complement the excellent organisation of the race itself – thanks in particular to John and Bea Smith – a much appreciated hot curry and drink up was laid on by the School afterwards. Hopefully next year the School will be able to call on all its potential runners which will boost an already solid team. The OIs are also very interested to hear from anyone else who would like to run and help try and keep youth at bay for another year.


(contact alistair.dick@virgin.net). Richard Hudson and Alistair Dick


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