As the nominations for this years Old Viking of the Year Award roll in, our spotlight is on the nominees from last years awards. We are delighted to speak to Alistair Newman, who was nominated in the Charity and Community Champion category. We chat to Alistair about what he has been up to since leaving Shiplake in 1977 including the many charity and community projects he has been involved in.

Can you share your journey since leaving Shiplake? What key milestones in your career or personal life have led you to where you are today?  

I joined the OV Committee not long after I left school and ran the Old Viking rugby, amazingly putting out two XVs on occasions. I also played in both the cricket and hockey fixtures between 1977-1980. My family comes from a long line of Welsh teachers, so I was set on going to Borough Road College. I made the First XV and played for two years with some excellent players and against some formidable opponents.  

In the 1980s, I then taught in a small prep in Thanet (thank you to Mr Patridge, Mr Esau and Mr Butterworth) where I was well prepared as Hockey was their main sport. I then taught in Richmond-upon-Thames and joined the London Welsh Centenary Tour to Canada in 1985. 

In the 1990s, I was appointed to teach history at Arnold House and the history scholarship results to schools like St Paul’s and Westminster were excellent (thank you to Mr Wells Furby and Mr Charles). I coached various teams at London Welsh, Richmond and Kew CC, and was honoured to referee for 21 years at St Paul`s School and often at Shiplake College! I was invited to referee at several other schools, including at KCS where my father had been an Old Boy. 

In the 2000s, I then taught in SW London and continued with extracurricular squash and chess clubs. Over the decades one ends up teaching a variety of subjects inevitably. I also did three separate lots of supply, from Kindergarten to Special Educational Needs, but Primary and middle school mostly. Teaching maths was an interesting challenge during a six week stint. My admiration for my fellow teachers grew and grew. The challenges that certain schools in London faced were sometimes formidable. Plus, the paperwork mounted. 

I was lucky enough to spend lots of time with Bob (RAE) Esau as we lived together for two years before I went to Mongolia. Upon my return to the UK, I accompanied RAE up to his final week of life. 

In 2012 I visited Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. Anyone reading this should put Mongolia on their bucket list or for a gap year. Despite a population of 3 million plus, they reminded me of my Welsh roots, they are family orientated, a land of song and on the 11th day, 11th month at the 11th hour I met Nyamaa, so at the grand old age of 53 she became my first and only ever wife. 

There is rugby and cricket in Mongolia, plus my Senior Chess Team in Mongolia was unbeaten for 7 years. The FIDE (International Chess Federation) Vice President, Sainbayar stated that I ran the best chess school in Mongolia. In 2017, the Mongolian Minister for Education awarded me the Highest Teaching Award for teaching Mongolian history, my numerous chess tournaments and fund raising for several orphanages and good causes. 

Nyamaa and I returned in 2019, I then spent 6 months with RAE and we settled in High Wycombe. We are lucky to be near the town and have good neighbours. In 2022, I was elected to join the Red Kite Housing Association Board as a Tenant Board member. RKHA is excellent in many ways but I am still there to question the amount of rent, time for repairs plus other issues of course. While in Reading with Bob, we met and entertained the marvellous Peter Hose (2nd XV 1975-76-77), whose XVs went 30 games unbeaten. “Boss Hog” was one of the many great and excellent Shiplake College teachers. Ivan Mainwaring (B74) also visited, our very good Welsh scrum half, both Peter and Ivan will be greatly missed. I try to keep in touch with many OVs as I can, Andy Horne (S77) was a huge help to Nyamaa and I when I returned to the UK for surgery (2013-14). Andy Wheeler who was a Bearwood College rival also became a lifelong friend. I must pay tribute to several of my Shiplake College Masters when it came to refereeing and umpiring. I tried to follow their “Chwarae Teg” (Welsh for "Fair Play") over my teaching and officiating career. 

                                                                                      Alistair Newman as captain for the Shiplake 1976 First XV.

What charitable efforts or community projects have you been involved in?  

Mongolia is a beautiful but poor country. Over the years we held “pub” quizzes, fund raisers and dinners to benefit several orphanages in places such as Lotus, Veloo and Misheel. There are many kind people trying to help but they will always need more support. 

How do you think your time at Shiplake influenced charitable and community spirit?  

Basil Wilks was a fine school Chaplain, and the staff helped the local community as well as the school community. 

                                             Alistair Newman with his wife Nyamaa (pictured furthest right) at the Old Viking 1970s Reunion in 2023

What does the future hold for Alistair Newman in terms of charity or community projects – any plans, dreams or aspirations?  

I wish to take Nyamaa, my very kind wife and sometimes nurse, North, East, West and South when I can but particularly to my old homes in NW London and of course to Wales. Thankfully, she has seen Shiplake College several times. I will continue to work on the Red Kite HA Board, to help my fellow tenants. We are lucky to have some great neighbours. I will always inquire to see how they are, as many are frail or vulnerable. My next task is to unite the community and work with others for a Shiplake College 65 Years of Rugby dinner, to honour the past and present coaches. I am also putting together records of the rugby XVs and hockey XIs throughout Shiplake sport to recognise the teams, players and the many, many staff who had spent decades nurturing numerous young men. 

What advice would you give to someone looking to make a positive difference in their community?  

Concentrate on your health, time-outs, family and friends. Make the most of your time together. Keep in touch with your old friends, track them down and find them if they are missing. I did this in 2007, 2009 and 2018 for my peers at Borough Road College. Look around your community and, if necessary outside it, to see who is vulnerable and those who need a kick start or second chance. Travel to Mongolia -  but be aware of the harsh climate and the pollution and please note that there are not many schools who look after their teachers decently. Please do contact me for advice, it is worth the effort I promise you.

A massive thank you to Alistair for this interview! If you know an Old Viking who deserves to be recognised for their contribution to their community or their success in business, arts or sport please nominate them for this years awards here. Nominations close on the 13th of December.