Ian Hentley (AC 83-90) recently visited, having not been back to
St Bees for around 30 years. Following his visit, he kindly gave us an update on his life since leaving school:

“I joined Kent police in February 1995 and following initial training was posted to Gillingham police station in the Medway towns. I spent my initial service as a uniformed officer in Medway before getting an opportunity to join a specialist operations unit based at Maidstone. I then transferred back to uniform at Gravesend police station before a stint in CID prior to my promotion to sergeant and my final move to Tunbridge Wells. After nearly twelve years with the police, I felt it was time for a change. Although I enjoyed the camaraderie, the job itself had changed an enormous amount even in the short time that I had been there.

I had always had a passion for aviation and had wanted to be a pilot when I was younger.  As a CCF cadet at St Bees I fondly remember going to RAF Woodvale to fly ‘Chipmunk’ basic training aircraft. With the police I had done some sailing and gliding and whilst I enjoyed these pursuits, I knew I wanted to get into a flying role as a professional pilot. I did a trial lesson in a helicopter which made me realise that rotary was the way to go! Sixteen years later and I’m flying for The Air Ambulance Service as a helicopter emergency medical service pilot, which is (probably) the best job in the helicopter world. I currently live in Coventry with my girlfriend and enjoy real ale and (trying) to keep fit!”

 

Home

The St Beghian Society    
St Bees School,    St Bees,    Cumbria,    CA27 0DS.

         Tel: (01946) 828093      Email: osb@stbeesschool.co.uk      Web: www.st-beghian-society.co.uk