Clock in memory of Mike Finch
SOSA has donated a traditional Quaker clock to the school in memory of Mike Finch who died on 10 June 2016. Outgoing SOSA president Ashley Shirlin said:
“Mike dearly loved Sibford, the school and SOSA. Prior to his death, we discussed the purchase of a clock for the school’s 175th Anniversary and so we felt it was fitting that the clock be donated to the school in his name.” Manufactured in Sibford Ferris in the 1870s, the brass faced 30-hour longcase clock, was made by John Wells, who was born in 1749. John was apprenticed to clockmakers Thomas Gilkes in Charlbury in 1766 and ended up at Sibford sometime in 1770s. He married Mary French at Sibford Meeting House in 1785 and the couple had two sons, Thomas and John, who both became clockmakers. The Sibford clock was acquired by collector Tim Marshall who restored it before passing it on to SOSA. It can be defined by an unusual hammer action not found in other mechanisms of the time. Sibford Head, Toby Spence said: “This type of clock was only made at Sibford and so it is fitting that it should return close to its point of origin some 250 years later. We are extremely grateful to SOSA for this gift in memory of Mike. It is now on display in our Visitors’ Room where it is proving to be an interesting topic of conversation.” • Mike was a pupil at Sibford School from 1949 to 1954. He returned to the school in adult life to take on the role of Estates Manager and, more recently, was the school’s archivist. He was also an active member of SOSA (the Sibford Old Scholar’s Association) fulfilling many roles over the years including President, Reunion Secretary, General Secretary and School Committee member. He was author of the school history: ‘A View from the Hill’. See also photograph on page 17.
Beth lends a helping hand
Former Sibford pupil Beth Whitaker (2008 ~ 2013) has set up a charity to help those living rough on the streets of London. Says Beth: “There are currently 8,000 homeless people in London. These people have not chosen to be here, they are victims of circumstance - nobody would choose that life. “They need the help of those who can afford to help them and for
that reason, I have started Helping Hands of London.” The charity fills bags with essentials and then takes them out to distribute amongst the homeless. Items that go in the ‘Helping Hands’ bags include a toothbrush, sanitary pads, granola bars, water, biscuits, rain ponchos, hats, gloves and hand warmers. “Although we are doing this as cheaply as possible, it is still a massive project that costs a fair amount,” said Beth. “So far we have distributed 60 bags and we are making more all the time! If any Old Scholars want to support me then please get in touch via our Go Fund Me page:
www.gofundme.com/homelesshelpinghandsbags.”
Apprentice baker!
Fans of The Apprentice might have experienced a bit of déjà vu when watching the 2016 series. For bakery business owner Alana Spencer, who triumphed over fellow finalist Courtney Wood to claim Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment, is none other than the granddaughter of Sibford Old Scholar Lori Spencer née Rollett (at Sibford 1957 - 62). And, as our pictures show, the pair share a considerable likeness. Lori said: “It was very exciting and somewhat nerve wracking to watch Alana’s progress over the 12 weeks of the series. It goes without saying that we were over the moon when she won.” Alana’s professional love affair with sweet treats began at the age of 14, when her Mum bought her a book about making chocolate. She became a self-taught chocolatier at only 16 and in 2010 left school to pursue her entrepreneurial chocolate-loving dream. “It’s honestly a dream come true to be working with Lord Sugar on a business based around my passion for cake,” she said. “ We both believe that ‘Ridiculously Rich by Alana’ can become a leading player in the luxury cake market and I’m so excited to see where we can take the business with the help of my team and the ambassadors.” You can find out more about Alana’s company by visiting
www.ridiculouslyrichbyalana.co.uk.
The Sibford Rocket / 7
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