The VOICE of Stephen Brandes, Class of 1971
In episode 17 of Alfredian Voices, Stephen Brandes (OA 1971) speaks with Tamlyn about his profound experiences at the King Alfred School. Stephen recounts his late entry into the School at age 12, navigating the tightly knit KAS community, but still being warmly welcomed and forming lasting friendships with fellow Alfredians. As a former council member and past parent as well, Stephen is an Alfredian through and through.
He shares cherished memories of the school's buildings and grounds, highlighting his involvement with council and the Grounds and Building Committee. As a career architect, Stephen astutely reflects on the aesthetic and environmental importance of the School's architecture and open spaces. Later in life, Stephen sent his own children, Humfrey and Bertie, to KAS. Like Stephen, they too love KAS to this day. This episode paints a vivid picture of the KAS legacy and the vision for its future.
Stephen and Tamlyn recorded this episode outside in the gardens of the King Alfred School, during the school day. The voices of children, the School and indeed London itself are audible throughout.
He shares cherished memories of the school's buildings and grounds, highlighting his involvement with council and the Grounds and Building Committee. As a career architect, Stephen astutely reflects on the aesthetic and environmental importance of the School's architecture and open spaces. Later in life, Stephen sent his own children, Humfrey and Bertie, to KAS. Like Stephen, they too love KAS to this day. This episode paints a vivid picture of the KAS legacy and the vision for its future.
Stephen and Tamlyn recorded this episode outside in the gardens of the King Alfred School, during the school day. The voices of children, the School and indeed London itself are audible throughout.
Creators and Guests
Producer
Deborah Castillo
After a 10-year career as an advertising and marketing executive in Miami, Deborah crossed the pond in 2013 to start a new life in the U.K. In 2023, she pivoted to a career in Alumni Relations and Development, transferring her talent for bringing people and ideas together. With her American enthusiasm for staying connected to your Alma Mater, Deborah loves gathering, curating, and learning from our Old Alfredian stories. Fluent in Spanish and shaped by her cross-cultural experiences, she brings a global perspective to her work.
Guest
Stephen Brandes
Leaving KAS in 1971 after A-levels, Stephen Brandes went on directly to study architecture at UCL (without taking a gap year – something he is still trying to fit in!) then working in private practice throughout his career on a variety of building types including theatres, offices, private housing, historic buildings & conservation. It has been satisfying and enjoyable, but time to slow down now – maybe that gap year at last. Living in London, and for most of the time in Hampstead, when his two children were born, in 1988 and 1990, looking at the wide range of local schools in both private and state sectors, KAS had changed of course, but still stood apart as the outstanding choice for their education. Both started in Reception and stayed through to sixth form. Alongside growing and learning they both made lasting friendships, just as Stephen did – still getting together with many of his classmates regularly. Stephen Brandes was elected to KAS Council in 1996 and over the following 18 years, latterly as chair of the grounds & buildings committee, oversaw a wide range of improvements and developments across all parts of the school, perhaps most significantly the acquisition of Ivy Wood. Many sleepless nights on that one – how could they possibly afford it – but all worthwhile and of lasting benefit to the school.
Producer
Tamlyn Worrall
Development & Alumni Relations Director: As a consummate professional in the Alumni Relations and Development space, Tamlyn brings years of experience to cultivating relationships with our Old Alfredians. With a footprint in South Africa, Australia, and Japan, Tamlyn proudly calls London home, and it’s here that she’s developed her career in the education sector. At the heart of what she does, Tamlyn loves connecting with and learning about our OAs. She approaches every conversation with a sincere curiosity and warmth, finding herself fascinated by the details of every story. This podcast series was a germ of an idea in 2020 and thanks to a fabulous podcast editor we have finally been able to bring these Old Alfredian stories to a wider audience.
