Old Leysian

Barney Buntine (West, 1982–83) may have only spent two terms at The Leys while his father was here on exchange, but it clearly made an impression. He still speaks fondly of West House legends Peter Chamberlain and Andy Erby.

Pictured here with his daughter in the 2nd photo, Barney revisits the scene of a crime - the very window he put a ball through 44 years ago.

Barney’s father, Rob Buntine, was Housemaster at The King’s School, Sydney, and a highly respected rowing coach, leading the 1st VIII to four consecutive Head of the River victories.

A few weeks ago, The Leys was basking in a heatwave, with golden evenings, long shadows and a gentle twilight glow across the grounds.

Fast forward to today, and it’s safe to say the umbrellas are back out...

Good luck to Charlie Michell (Barker, 2020–23), now working at an international boarding school, St Andrew’s, Turi in Kenya!

Charlie and his friend Arthur are taking on a half marathon in the incredible Lewa Wildlife Conservancy - all to raise funds for Tusk, helping to protect endangered wildlife and support local communities.

If you’d like to cheer them on (and support a great cause), donate here:
https://gbp26.supportlewasafarimarathon.com/campaigns/charlie-and-arthur

Race day: 27 June - go smash it!

A huge thank you to everyone who braved the Tube strikes to join us for drinks at the City Livery Club last week - we were delighted to see such a strong turnout spanning many generations of OLs.

We loved catching up with familiar faces while also welcoming new OLs into the fold. The warmth and friendliness of The Leys community makes these gatherings so special. We received some lovely feedback on the venue and the river views were a real highlight!

A number of OLs also joined us beforehand for a short Service of Communion at Wesley's Chapel & Leysian Mission, which was a meaningful way to start the evening.

We have one rather pressing question: why is there an inflatable astronaut casually standing among this group?

If anyone from this era can shed light on this unexpected visitor from outer space, we’d love to hear the story behind it. Share in the comments below.

Thank you to OL Rob Mayall (School 1969-74) for bringing this brilliant photo of School House, taken in 1972, back to our attention. Rob is pictured third from the right on the back row, alongside OLs Patrick Tan (1970-75) and Richard Jennings (1969-74).

We’re excited to share that St Faith's School and The Leys School, Cambridge will become a single co-educational school from September 2028.

The new Leys School, Cambridge will offer a seamless journey from Early Years to Sixth Form across both sites - expanding opportunities and strengthening provision for all ages.

Both schools will continue as they are until then, with careful planning for a smooth transition. Our alumni will remain at the heart of our community.

Read more: https://www.theleys.net/the-leys-and-st-faiths-to-merge/

to The Leys Fortnightly June Edition 1998. If you remember any of the pieces covered in this edition, let us know in the comments below!

Some features that caught our eye…
• Dale and School House reveal the delights of love and chocolate.
• “If music be the food of love...sing on!” Paul West and Mr. Waldron battle it out on the Letters page.
• Dr. Loane shares her love of Chipmunks
• “Anything you can do, I can do better!" Kendra Butlin gives her views on being a woman in a man’s world.

Read the Fortnightly here: https://bit.ly/4dFdlc0

Last chance to sign up for our OLS London Drinks next Thursday, 4 June 2026 at the City Livery Club. Unwind with fellow Old Leysians and take in beautiful riverside views while enjoying free drinks and canapés. We’d love to see you there - don’t miss out!

Sign up here: https://bit.ly/4uriBam

Join us at The Leys on Wednesday 17 June for a summer cricket fixture, as the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Men’s Team (featuring Old Leysians) take on the Boys’ 1st XI.

The match runs from 11.30am-6.00pm, and you are very welcome to drop in at any time. Spectators are invited to bring a picnic to enjoy during the players’ lunch break (1.15–2.15pm). Parking available on site.

We'd love to see you there! Email [email protected] if you'd like to join.

We’re proud to spotlight OL Sebastian Newlove (Barrett, 2003-06), Co-Founder at Antibodies.com, following the company’s incredible achievement of winning a King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade 2026 - the UK’s most prestigious business honour.

With scientists in over 100 countries benefiting from their work, this is a fantastic example of OLs making a global impact.

Congratulations to Sebastian and the team on this outstanding success - we’re delighted to celebrate with you! Read more here: https://www.antibodies.com/news/kings-award-for-enterprise

Photo 1 - Co-Founders Mr Sebastian Newlove (left) and Dr Stewart Newlove (right), Photo 2 - Ruth Platford, Photo 3 - whole team.