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We are a thriving network comprising:
We host dinners, drinks get togethers, theatre outings and networking events. Do please register to join us.
Emma, the development director for the Eastbournian Society, supports Eastbourne College and St Andrew's Prep, focusing on fundraising to widen educational access.
Her lifelong connection to the College began in childhood, in School House in fact, where her father Philip Le Brocq, a member of the English Department was housemaster. Emma then progressed through various roles and experiences, including studying English and theatre at Warwick University and working in television.
A mother of five, she has embraced diverse ventures, from charity events to founding award-winning community cafés. Her career includes roles as a social-media entrepreneur, charity ambassador, and SoupFest founder. After her husband OE Richard tragically died at the end of 2018, she raised £100,000 in his memory.
Her adaptability and passion reflect her resilience, culminating in her mission-driven leadership and advocacy for community and education.
David studied law at Leicester University then went to the City of London in 1985 eventually working for Reuters.
After an MA in electronic communications and publishing at the University of London, he joined Jane’s, the defence industry publisher, as a content editor. Two short stints, at East Sussex County Council and then at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill, were followed by his appointment, in 2006, as assistant to John Thornley (JT), then secretary of the OEA.
David now manages the Eastbournian Society database. He is editor of the Old Eastbournian magazine and welcomes news and photos for the ‘News of OEs’ section. Please contact David with changes of address or if you would like to contact a fellow OE.
Jayne’s working life started in Boots the Chemist as a Saturday sales assistant in the records department where she sold actual vinyl LPs and singles along with cassette tapes and tape-recorders.
After working for a London-based Japanese travel agency she became head of customer relations for Osborne and Little, the prestigious fabric and wallpapers manufacturer. She then moved into the automotive industry before joining the NHS to run health clinics for children in care in Berkshire.
For her third act, Jayne moved to Eastbourne to enjoy the benefits of living at the seaside, near enough to family, and with friends more than happy to visit as well. Jayne returned to the world of work and joined the Eastbournian Society in September 2024.
Chris was formerly a chorister at St John’s Choir school, Cambridge and enjoyed playing cello, piano, and saxophone as well as his singing. After graduating from Durham with a BSc he spent a gap year in South India working with a charity in Tamil Nadu.
He started teaching in 1980, initially at Feltonfleet School, before moving to Eastbourne in 1990. In addition to his science teaching at St Andrew’s Prep, he has also coached rifle shooting throughout his career. In 2017 he moved to a part-time role which includes taking over as OA Administrator. His son and daughter are both OAs and Nick is also an OE.
Outside school, he enjoys a wide range of interests including brewing, fishing, motorcycling, and skiing, alongside occasional DIY projects at home.
Helen’s career has been diverse and adventurous. After A-levels, she taught English in Italy, followed by alternating roles at the Glyndebourne Festival Opera and ski seasons in the French Alps. Returning to the UK, Helen worked as a PA for a private family and later for the fashion designer, Stella McCartney.
Relocating to Sussex in 2007, she married OE Jonathan, re-trained as a garden designer, and co-ran their landscaping business for nearly a decade. In 2016, they moved to the Tarn, France, renovating a farmhouse.
Back in the UK by 2022, Jonathan became housemaster of Nugent House, where the family now resides, and their children attend the College.
Kim Richardson is a Cornish native with Eastbourne influences, boasting a career in exhibitions and events, including renowned trade shows like the Cannes Film Festival. A former operations manager, Kim excelled in delivering health and fitness qualifications across English universities, showcasing top-tier planning skills. She thrives on the dynamic energy of event days and values teamwork.
Beyond work, Kim treasures her two children, soon to join Eastbourne College, and enjoys coastal living. Passionate about live music and food, she delights in organising meals and hosting gatherings. Embracing life's joys with warmth and charm, Kim embodies a balance of professional excellence and personal fulfilment.
Liz, a North Londoner, moved to the sunny south coast in 2004. After attending Camden School for Girls, she embarked on a 25-year career in editorial roles on women’s magazines. Transitioning to freelance work after the move to Eastbourne, she later joined St Wilfrid’s Hospice as the communications manager and then corporate fundraiser.
Currently, Liz collaborates with the Eastbournian Society, supporting activities, events, and funding initiatives, particularly for life-changing bursaries.
Outside work, she enjoys theatre trips with her daughter, and has a love of fitness, particularly enjoying walks, runs, and swims along the coast.
Liz takes pride in connecting with former pupils and the Society’s extended family, enriching her community-oriented endeavours.
John, a former chorister at Southwell Minster, studied modern languages and music at the University of Sheffield. Having completed a PGCE at Goldsmiths College, University of London, he arrived at the College in 1978 as an MFL teacher and resident tutor of Wargrave House. Among other co-curricular activities, he sang bass in the Chapel Choir for 35 years, played in the school orchestra, was répétiteur for school musicals, ran junior leagues cricket, edited The Eastbournian and was head of general studies and OEA secretary. He still compiles the Blue Book and the school calendar (White Book) and fulfils other administrative roles. As concert manager for the Eastbourne Symphony Orchestra, he has organised over 150 concerts.
He left teaching in 2019 and is now involved in planning ES events, a rewarding way of continuing his never-ending gap year.
Email: jt@eastbourne-college.co.uk
