Notable Reigatians

Major General Philip Henry Mitchiner
(RGS 1902-1906)

Mitchiner, an academic surgeon at St Thomas' Hospital, London, had extensive civilian and military experience, serving in the UK, Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Notably deployed to Serbia in 1916, he earned a CBE in 1938. Mitchiner authored medical papers and is featured in the National Portrait Gallery.

Norman Cook
(RGS 1974-1979)

Fatboy Slim, born Norman Quentin Cook in 1963, is a British DJ, producer, and former bassist for The Housemartins. He rose to fame in the '90s with his album You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby. Known for his big beat and house style, he’s a key figure in electronic music.

Baron Cooper of Windrush
(RGS 1973-1982)

Baron Andrew Cooper of Windrush, born in 1963, is a British political strategist and former Conservative peer. He advised on the Conservative Party’s 2015 election victory and founded Populus. Cooper focuses on governance, public opinion, and technology's role in politics, continuing to influence British political strategy and consultancy.

Hon. Mr Justice Hidden QC (1936-2016)
(RGS 1945-1954)

The Honorable Justice Hidden was a distinguished British judge, known for his expertise in constitutional and civil law. After serving in the Royal Tank Regiment, he became a barrister and Queen’s Counsel. Appointed to the High Court in 1989, he chaired the Clapham rail crash inquiry and contributed to legal precedents.

Andrew Cantrill
(RGS 1981-1987)

Andrew Cantrill is a distinguished British organist and choral director. He has held prominent positions in Belfast, Grimsby, Wellington, and Buffalo, before returning to the UK as Organist & Master of the Choristers at Croydon Parish Church. He is also a Trustee of the Royal College of Organists.

Susan Gritton
(RGS 1981-1983)

Susan Gritton, born in 1963, is a renowned British soprano known for her exceptional vocal technique and versatile performances in opera and concerts. She has performed with leading companies like the Royal Opera House and Glyndebourne Festival Opera, earning acclaim for her roles in works by Mozart, Puccini, and Verdi.

Alec Reeves CBE (1902-1971)
(RGS 1914-1918)

Alec Reeves was a pioneering British engineer and inventor, best known for inventing the first remote-controlled bombing device in 1935, which advanced military technology. His work on radar and remote control systems during World War II influenced both military and civilian industries, leaving a lasting impact on engineering and defense technology.

Ben Mee
(RGS 1977-1980)

Ben Mee is a British author, journalist, and animal rights advocate, best known for his memoir We Bought a Zoo (2008), detailing his family’s experience running Dartmoor Zoological Park. The book was adapted into a 2011 film. Mee also wrote Zoology: The Stories Behind the Animals and continues advocating for wildlife preservation.

Andrew Sullivan
(RGS 1974-1981)

Andrew Sullivan is a British-American writer and commentator, recognized as a pioneer of the political blog. Former editor of The New Republic, he has contributed to Time, The Atlantic, and The Daily Beast. Sullivan's influential blog, The Dish, and advocacy for same-sex marriage have shaped political and cultural discourse.

Professor Sir David Hall
(RGS 1956-1963)

Professor Sir David Hall is an expert in community child health, serving as Emeritus Professor at the University of Sheffield and Honorary Professor at the University of Cape Town. He has held key roles in paediatrics, including President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, and supports child health projects in Cape Town.

David Walliams OBE
(RGS 1981-1989)

David Walliams, born August 20, 1971, is a British comedian, actor, writer, and television personality. Known for Little Britain, he is also a successful children's author, with popular books like The Boy in the Dress and Gangsta Granny. Walliams has judged Britain's Got Talent and supports education initiatives.

Ben Edwards
(RGS 1978-1983)

Ben Edwards, born in 1963, is a renowned British motorsport commentator, known for his work with Formula 1. Starting as a mechanic and driver, he won the first Formula First Championship before transitioning to commentary. He joined BBC F1 in 2009, later moving to Channel 4 as lead commentator.

Bill Frindall MBE (1939-2009)
(RGS 1950-1957)

Bill Frindall, known as ‘The Bearded Wonder,’ was the BBC's scorer and statistician from 1966, covering 377 Tests until 2008. A former RAF member, he also played cricket for Banstead, MCC, and Hampshire 2nd XI. Frindall was appointed MBE in 2004 and contributed extensively to cricket statistics and publications.

Bevis Hillier
(RGS 1951-1959)

Bevis Hillier is an English art historian, author, and journalist. A graduate of Oxford, he began his career at The Times in 1963. Known for his authorized biography of Sir John Betjeman and his work on Art Deco, he also contributed to The Spectator and Los Angeles Times. He received an Honorary Doctorate in 2009.

Derek Twine CBE
(RGS 1962-1970)

Derek Twine served as CEO of the Scout Association from 1997 to 2013, driving growth and national recognition. He has chaired panels for youth organizations, represented the sector in the media, and held leadership roles in Bradford Cathedral and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. He was appointed CBE in 2007.

Fred Streeter MBE (1879-1975)
(RGS 1938-1941)

Fred Streeter MBE, a renowned horticulturist and broadcaster, was recognized for his expertise in dahlias. He received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Victoria Medal of Honour in 1945. Streeter shared his knowledge through books, radio, and television, and appeared on Desert Island Discs in 1957, leaving a lasting legacy in British gardening.

Vice Admiral Sir Geoffrey Dalton KCB(RGS 1943-1948)

Vice Admiral Sir Geoffrey Dalton served in the Royal Navy from 1949, later becoming Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic. After retiring, he led MENCAP and the Royal British Legion. He also served as President of the D-Day Fellowship, Vice Chairman at Queen Mary College, and Honorary Colonel of the 71st Signal Regiment.

The Rt. Hon. Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP(RGS 1974-1981)

Sir Keir Starmer, born September 2, 1962, is the current leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister of the UK. A former barrister and Director of Public Prosecutions, he became Labour leader in 2020. Starmer is known for his centrist approach, focusing on economic fairness and social justice.

John L Haybittle (1922-2017)
(RGS 1932-1940)

John was a distinguished British Medical Physicist known for his contributions to radiology and cancer research. He co-invented the Haybittle–Peto boundary and pioneered early breast cancer screening. John received several accolades, including the Röntgen Prize and Barclay Medal, and served as Secretary of the British Institute of Radiology.

John Westbrook (1922-1989)
RGS Dates TBC

John Westbrook was a British actor known for his work in theatre, radio, film, and television. Best remembered for The Tomb of Ligeia (1964), his deep voice made him a sought-after radio and audiobook performer. Westbrook's Shakespearean roles and stage presence left a lasting impact on audiences.

Laurie Reed
(RGS 1948-1953)

Laurie Reed was a British middle-distance runner who competed internationally from 1957. He represented Great Britain in the 1,500 metres at the 1960 Rome Olympics and famously defeated Olympic gold medalist Herb Elliott in a cross-country race. Reed also completed three consecutive London Marathons, finishing his last at 49.

Surgeon Captain Sarah Stapley
(RGS 1982-1984)

Sarah is a Consultant Orthopedic and Trauma Surgeon with the Royal Navy since 1987. She served in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning the Order of St John and Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service. Awarded the Women of the Year 2011, she also trains surgeons and contributes to military surgery education.

The Lord Sterling of Plaistow GCVO, CBE (RGS 1945-1949)

Sir John Smith is a distinguished British businessman and philanthropist, serving as Executive Chairman of P&O Steam Navigation and Life President of P&O Princess Cruises. A joint founder of Motability, he has held leadership roles at the National Maritime Museum, Royal Ballet School, and Young Vic, and was knighted in 1985.

Professor John Murrell BSc, PhD, FRSC, FRS (RGS 1943-1950)

John Murrell, a renowned British chemist, made significant contributions to theoretical chemistry. He was appointed Professor at the University of Sussex in 1964 and became a Fellow of The Royal Society in 1991. After retiring in 1999, he remained Emeritus Professor, authoring seven influential books on the subject.

Professor Peter Fookes, FREng, Hon FRGS, Hon DSC (Plym), BSc (Hons), PhD (Eng), DSc (Eng), Ceng, Cgeol, FIMM, FGS (RGS 1944-1949)

Professor Peter Fookes, regarded as the "father of modern engineering geology," made groundbreaking contributions to geomaterials and engineering geomorphology. His expertise advanced understanding of soil and rock behavior, improving infrastructure safety. A respected consultant, Fookes' work continues to influence engineering geology in both academic and practical applications worldwide.

Ray Mears
(RGS 1977-1982)

Ray Mears is a British survival expert, television presenter, and founder of the Woodlore School of Wilderness Bushcraft. Known for his series Ray Mears' World of Survival and Wild Food, he promotes bushcraft and survival skills. Mears is an author and respected figure in the outdoor community.

Romesh Ranganathan
(RGS 1990-1992)

Romesh Ranganathan is a British comedian, actor, and writer known for his sharp wit. Rising to fame with appearances on Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week, he hosts The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan and has released stand-up specials and a memoir, Straight Outta Crawley.

Simon Virley CB
(RGS 1980-1987)

Simon is a former Director General for Energy at the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). He has held senior roles at KPMG, the Cabinet Office, and served as Private Secretary to Prime Minister Tony Blair. Awarded a CB in 2014, Simon now works as a Partner at KPMG.

Sir Godfrey Ince
(RGS 1903-1910)

Sir Godfrey Ince was a British civil servant who served as Director General of Manpower during World War II, overseeing labor allocation for the war effort. Known for strategic leadership and efficiency, he played a crucial role in maintaining wartime productivity. Knighted for his service, his legacy endures in civil service.

Sir Peter Gershon CBE FREng
(RGS 1958-1965)

Peter is a distinguished professional with a career spanning the private and public sectors. A Cambridge Mathematics graduate, he worked in telecoms, GEC, and government. As Chief Executive of OGC, he reformed UK procurement. Knighted in 2004, Peter later chaired Tate & Lyle and National Grid, contributing to numerous projects.

Sir Peter Lampl OBE
(RGS 1959-1964)

Peter Lampl is the founder and Chairman of The Sutton Trust, dedicated to improving social mobility through education. A leading philanthropist, he has donated over £50 million to support disadvantaged youth. Lampl also chairs the Education Endowment Foundation and founded the Sutton Company, a successful private equity firm.

Trevor Kavanagh
(RGS 1954-1960)

Trevor Kavanagh is a veteran British journalist and political editor of The Sun, a role he’s held since 1990. With a career spanning several decades, he’s renowned for his influential reporting on UK politics, major elections, and government policies, earning multiple awards for his impactful journalism.

Professor Chris Wise
(RGS 1968-1976)

Chris Wise is an engineer, academic, and broadcaster, co-founding Expedition Engineering in 1999. He was the first Professor of Creative Design at Imperial College and has contributed to award-winning projects, including RIBA Stirling Prize winners. A Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Wise received the Academy’s Silver Medal in 2007.

The Rt Hon John Healey MP

(RGS 1972-1974)

John Healey is a British Labour Party politician, serving as the Member of Parliament for Wentworth and Dearne since 1997. He has held various prominent roles, including Secretary of State for Housing and Health. Known for his work on social justice and housing policy, Healey advocates for affordable housing and welfare reform.