Educational Establishments


Christ’s Hospital School


Singing the Blues


Christ’s Hospital School in Horsham, West Sussex describes itself as “a school like no other”, and it certainly has a character and ethos all its own. Neville Johnson went there to meet its Grounds Manager, Guy Clough, to see if this extended to the sports fields


Between the posts: Guy with his two Team Leaders, (left) Vince Bowyer, in charge of estate work, and (right) Joe Cox, who heads up pitch work


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Guy Clough, Grounds Manager at Christ’s Hospital School


hrist’s Hospital School, sometimes referred to as the Bluecoat School because of the pupils’ distinctive long coat and breeches uniform, started in


London and dates back to the mid 16th century, when Edward VI founded it for London orphans. Nowadays, it is a progressive, independent charitable establishment with boarding and day places for 11-18 year olds from all backgrounds. Fees are based on parental income and selection is based more on academic potential. Past sporting alumni include England fast bowler Jon Snow, and currently the most notable Old Blue is Joe Launchbury,


lock forward in England’s 6-Nations squad and already with twelve caps to his name. The school’s website accurately says: “The


campus is nothing short of majestic. From the moment you arrive, you’ll see that it is a very special place. Sweeping sports fields, beautiful buildings and our spectacular Quad are immediately visible.” How true that is. Since 1902, it has been set in its own 1200


acres of verdant Sussex countryside, much of it tenanted farmland, with 250 of them under the direct care of thirty-eight year old Guy Clough, who’s been in groundcare since he left school. He came to Christ’s Hospital six years ago as Estate Team Leader, heading up the team


PC APRIL/MAY 2016 I 51


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