The OCA Decade Reps

1960s- David Simmonds

I attended Collyers:
From September 1964 to June 1972, following in the footsteps of my father who attended in 1920’s.  I was Head Prefect (aka Head Boy) in 1971/2.

I studied:
The full range of the curriculum including latin until the Third Form!  In the 6th Form I studied mathematics (pure and applied) and physics at A-Level to be eligible for entry to University.  I was a member of the RN Section of the school’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF).

A bit more about me:
I left Collyers with a Royal Naval Cadetship (sponsorship) to read Civil Engineering at The University College Swansea (part of the University of Wales).  On graduation I attended the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth and completed 24 year’s service as (what is now known as) a Warfare Officer, specialising in Above-Water and subsequently Anti-Air Warfare.  Following redundancy in 1996, I spent 24 years as a management and technical consultant, including 8 years running my own company.

Why I joined the OCA?
To reconnect with my peers and fellow pupils, to remember old friends and to repay some of the help and guidance that I received at Collyer’s that have lasted my lifetime.

1970’s -Richard Farhall

I attended Collyer’s:
I was a student at Collyer’s from 1968 to 1975, having previously attended Greenway School and passing the 11+ exam. Home was in Southwater.

I studied:
I pursued my passion for aviation and space, actively participating in the RAF section of the CCF. I took Maths, Physics, and Chemistry at A-level.

A bit more about me:
Throughout my 45-year career in the defence engineering field, I’ve specialized in technical writing and have been involved in various challenging programs, including parachute systems for space missions like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Boeing Starliner. My hobbies once revolved around amateur operatics, but work life in the US has been all-consuming. Now, I look forward to dedicating more time to traveling and developing my interests.

Why I joined the OCA:
Joining the OCA immediately upon leaving school felt like the right and natural thing to do for me. It was important as it served as a vital link to ‘back home’. I am particularly interested in the upcoming 500-year anniversary of the school, planning to attend some of the events.

1980’s Roger Dalrymple

I attended Collyer’s

1987-89

I studied

English, History & Theatre Studies.

A bit more about me:

I then studied at London and Oxford and have worked in education ever since

Why I joined the OCA:

I’m particularly keen to reconnect with OCs who were involved in Collyer’s drama productions, at any point in Collyer’s history.

1990’s Ruth Mitchell

I attended Collyer’s

1996-98

I studied

Maths, Geography and Business Studies.

A bit more about me:

After working for two years at Royal and Sun Alliance, I went to Cranfield University where I studied Software Engineering.  I now have a job in IT project management in London.

Why I joined the OCA:

I’m particularly keen to reconnect with other OCs who also work or have worked in London.

2010’s Position Vacant

If interested, please email oldcollyerians@gmail.com

2020s Hari Gunturu

I attended Collyer’s

2020-2022

I studied

History, Politics & Sociology

A bit more about me:

I was one of two Student Governors and thoroughly enjoyed attending all the meetings! I am currently studying Law at Oxford University.

Why I joined the OCA:

I’m particularly keen to reconnect with OCs who have worked in Law, Journalism, or the Arts. It would be great to speak with anyone really – I love a good chat!