where he has also re-connected through becoming
an Honorary Fellow of Trinity, his alma mater.
Links were re-established when Nick Ferguson
(A, 1961-66), the former Chairman of Private Equity
firm SVG and current Chairman of Sky, took over
as Chairman of the Development Committee of
the Governing Body and John was receptive to an
approach that he received from him. It was Lorna
Stoddart who wrote to him suggesting he might like
to help with the acquisition of a piano worthy of the
refurbished New Hall. The background was that
certain virtuosi had refused to come to play at New
Hall because the School lacked a really fine instrument.
John knows, as a pianist himself, that ‘pianos have
a soul.’ In practical terms this means that the skills
of music students can be enhanced by communion
with the highest quality piano. John feels fortunate
to have been able to collaborate with Nick Salwey
(B, 1982-86) in purchasing the Steinway – it was Nick
who chose the particular instrument. Importantly,
John knows that his friend and mentor Johnny Stow
would have very much approved of the purchase.
Both John’s daughters attended The Cheltenham
Ladies’ College where he became involved with the
establishment of the new Performing Arts Centre
which comprises a 325-seat theatre for the use of
both the school and the local community, suitable for
dance, musical theatre, chamber music, conferences
and lectures. He is a philanthropist who ‘helps others
to dream their dreams.’ The mere giving of money is
easy, he observes, but the provision of time and effort
are m ܙHY