Lindsay Pickering – 17 Feb 1959 – 26 Apr 2020

Old Cryptian (1970 – 1975) Lindsay Pickering passed away peacefully in the early hours of Sunday 26th April 2020.

Lindsay’s long term partner Peter Routely writes –

“Lindsay was a beautiful strong man who survived many serious health issues over the last twenty odd years. We had been preparing for this day for nearly all of that time. We were lucky to have had the opportunity to say everything that we ever needed to say to each other. Finally he is at peace.

Lindsay’s funeral was held on Tuesday 19th May at 12.00 at Taunton Deane Crematorium. Because of the current situation and limitations on numbers it was by invitation only. We are not asking for donations for any charity because Lindsay believed charity only existed because the government had failed us.

Thank you all for your kind messages and shared memories.

Peter“

Ben Brown – Istanbul Challenge

It is with great sadness we learn of the loss of former Cryptian Ben Brown.

Ben left the school about 6 years ago to go to Welbeck College and then on into the Army. Sadly, Ben took his own life two weeks ago. He had hidden his struggle with mental illness from everyone and it came as a great shock to all his family and friends. He was always an outgoing person and had a likeable cheekiness in his approach to life, so it is hard to believe that he has passed.

Following this tragic loss, Ben’s family and friends have joined together to honour his life and raise awareness about the issues surrounding mental health, neuro-diversity and the prevention of young suicide.

Ben was a big part of Typhoon Squadron in the Army and one exercise he was extremely fond of and could not wait to see come to fruition was ‘Trans-Europe’, a summer long exercise covering the majority of Europe in four stages. Starting in Loughborough, the Squadron planned to travel all the way to Istanbul and back again; however, due to the Coronavirus pandemic the exercise could not go ahead. Typhoon Squadron have now decided the best way to honour Ben is to complete the journey he had originally planned and have set up a team challenge to run the 4600 miles to Istanbul and back.

You can follow the progress of the “race” to Istanbul and back at the Challenge website.

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eNews May 2020

Some good news…

A six-classroom extension to The Crypt School could soon become reality after planning permission was granted by Gloucester City Council.

The project is the latest in a line of expansions for the Podsmead grammar school in the last 15 years, including a Sixth Form Learning Resource Centre and new-build engineering block.

Elevations of the new block. Picture: Quattro Design Architects

Drawn up by Gloucester Quays-based Quattro Design Architects, the plans will provide replacement accommodation and facilities in a previously under-utilised area of the school.

The new single-storey teaching facility will offer six matching 56.5 metre square classrooms running from a central corridor, alongside four toilets and associated storage space.

Established in 1539, the school serves the city of Gloucester and the surrounding areas and is said to be ‘noted for high levels of achievement with a strong emphasis on science’.

While reinforcing that “there is no increase in staff or pupil numbers as part of this development”, the school said the project will allow for “an improved learning environment for the students connected to the main school building”.

The proposed site of the new block, outlined in red. Picture: Quattro Design Architects

A planning statement added that: “These additions have provided wonderful new facilities, but the fundamental 1940s core of the school remains inappropriate for modern teaching due to undersized teaching spaces.”

Floor plan of the new block. Picture: Quattro Design Architects

https://www.punchline-gloucester.com/articles/aanews/plans-approved-for-secondary-school-expansion

A Letter from the Headmaster

30th March, 2020
THE CRYPT SCHOOL

Dear Old Cryptians,
As you all may know, the School was closed on Friday, 23rd March due to the coronavirus epidemic and the need to limit each person’s social contact with others.

In the run up to the closure, the School had undertaken a significant amount of preparatory work to prepare for such an eventuality, which was frankly looking increasing likely as the days wore on. Therefore, when the order to close came, we were quickly able to implement our plans to move to remote teaching and learning.

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Discover DeCrypt e-News April

Discover DeCrypt e-news March 2020

Did you know? OCRFC unbeaten

Did you know that the Old Cryptians RFC 1st XV are unbeaten in both the league (Wadworth 6X Gloucestershire 1) and the Cup so far this season, Not only that but they have a +440 point difference and are 21 points ahead of 2nd place in the league.

The 3rd XV are also in top spot of the Gloucester and District 3 and the club recently fielded a 4th XV. Coupled with a thriving youth structure, this really is a club on the up.

On 28th March (same day as our dinner/AGM) the 1st XV will play Fairford in a return match – Fairford are the only team not to have lost against the OCs this season, the away fixture resulted in a 10-10 draw.

What better way to set up your OC dinner than to watch the OCRFC 1st XV continue their impressive season.

CANCELLED OCC AGM and Annual Dinner

Old Cryptians’ Club Annual Dinner

C A N C E L L E D

It is with great disappointment that the committee have decided to cancel the annual dinner on March 28th 2020.

This is not a decision we have taken lightly, but with the general uncertainty around Covid-19 we feel it is better to cancel now with a little notice on our own terms than face the potential of being forced to cancel at the last minute.

We will be in touch with all members who have already paid for tickets.

The Annual General Meeting (AGM 2020) will take place at a future date which we are working on now. It is likely to be coincident with the next committee meeting on 12th May at 19:30 at the School, but the details will need to be confirmed with the school and an update and invitation will be sent to all members.

I sincerely apologise for taking this action, but it seems to be the sensible option.

Regards,
Adam

OCC President

eNews January/February 2020

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eNews Jan/Feb 2020

Coffee and Prayer Together

Brexit is a cause of great celebration for some and great sadness for others. But now is the time when we must come together to serve the common good in our city, our nation and in our relationship with the rest of Europe. Whatever the future holds, Christians believe that we can entrust the future to God; therefore there is always hope.

The Archbishops and our own Bishops too have urged us all to listen to one another and to pray together too. Whether you voted leave or remain, what are the three main things that we have in common that we can build on for a better future as a community?

You are invited to gather to discuss this question and others over coffee in the schoolroom at Discover DeCrypt on Friday 31 January 11.00-12.30. Let’s find common ground together and commit the future to God.

Canon Nikki Arthy

Pancakes for Shrove Tuesday

Tuesday 25 February 3.00-7.00pm

Join us in the Schoolroom for pancakes on Shrove Tuesday any time between 3.00pm and 7.00pm. Our willing chefs will be preparing delicious pancakes with a range of toppings including bananas and cream, maple syrup with strawberries…and lemon and sugar for the die-hard traditionalists! Tea and coffee will also be available.

‘Shrove’ comes from the verb ‘to shrive’ which means to confess. In the Middle Ages Christians went to confess their sins the day before Ash Wednesday, which marked the start of Lent. As Lent was a time of fasting, when meat and dairy were prohibited, Pancakes were eaten on Shrove Tuesday to use up all the forbidden eggs, cream, butter and milk.

Donations will go to the Church Urban Fund. CUF was established by the Church of England as a practical response to unmet need and has been active in local communities for over 30 years. It works through the Church of England’s local parish networks, and alongside other faith-based and secular organisations, to bring about positive, long-term, sustainable change in neighbourhoods. It works through building trust, empowering local people to have a go at addressing the areas of greatest need in their communities, and speaking out against injustice.

Every Friday:

Coffee, Cake and Conversation 10.30am-12.30pm

Prayers for the City 1.00pm

LGBT+ Rainbow Cuppa @DeCrypt
Wednesdays 29 January & 26 February 1.00-3.00pm

We are delighted to be co-hosting the Rainbow Cuppa together with LGBT+ Partnership Cheltenham, Gloucestershire & connected areas and Age UK Gloucestershire. Come and enjoy a cuppa and a chat in a safe, friendly and calm space for all LGBT+ folk and allies, supported by the broader community.

New to Discover DeCrypt the first of a monthly

FUNtastic Community Fair

Saturday 8 February 10.00am-3.00pm

“Cake is a symbol of joy, celebration, belonging, friendship and love.”

Viva O’Flynn grew up in the Philippines where she learned to bake from her grandmother, helping in the kitchen from the age of 5. For Viva, you eat cake to enjoy life.:

“The wafting aroma of freshly baked homemade goods transports me back to my childhood years and I’m filled with love. Whenever I bake, I listen to love songs, so my secret recipe, which isn’t so secret any more, is love.”

Viva studied as a chef at Le Cordon Bleu, London. Since marrying and settling in Gloucestershire, she has started a highly successful business, Love Viva Cakes and Crafts, last year winning Creative Business of the Year Runner Up and Best New Business Finalist awarded by the Women’s Business Club.

Her latest enterprise is a series of ‘Funtastic Craft Fairs’ to be held here at Discover DeCrypt once a month. The first is on Saturday 8th February from 10.00am until 3.00pm. There will be delicious cakes, lovely handmade crafts, gifts and lots of shopping for everyone. And it’s free entry. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, stop in for a taste of Viva’s cakes and crafts and take home a little love!

Half Term Creative Crafty Club
Wesdnesday 19th February
Thursday 20th
Friday 21st
11.00am – 12.30pm

Looking for some free, fun family activity over Half Term?

Come and get creative with paint, pens, glue and glitter. We’ll be taking our pencils for a walk, painting to music, exploring watercolours and thinking colourfully about spring…Ideal for 7-12 year olds, but younger children will manage well with a bit of adult help. There is no charge, but we invite a donation to help cover the cost of materials. More information on the website http://www.discoverdecrypt.org.uk

Gardening in the Churchyard

The birds are singing, green shoots are struggling up through the mud and spring is on the way….how about a little gardening? Starting with the weekend of February 1st and 2nd, we will be inviting enthusiastic volunteers to join us in the churchyard on the first weekend of each month for whatever seasonal tasks are required. This month it will be mainly weeding, clearing brambles and nettles and litter picking. You don’t need to be a knowledgeable gardener (though gardeners are most welcome!) just be sure to bring a pair of gloves and any tools you might have. Discover DeCrypt will offer hot tea and coffee and a place to warm up when your fingers get chilled. Let’s make the churchyard into a beautiful and safe community space for all to enjoy.

Reminder: the churchyard is in the care of the City Council, which provides a team periodically to do the heavy work. Discover DeCrypt is joining with neighbours, residents and local gardeners to form a community group for maintaining and improving the churchyard. If you’d like to get involved, come along to a gardening weekend and introduce yourself.