Suffield, Christian

Christian "Suff Boy" Suffield

Dates at Bournemouth School: 1981 - 1987
House: Hambledon
  • CCF Cadet

Christian at school Christian today

Christian studied: Chemistry and Physics
Christian received the following accolades whilst at school:
  • Warrant Officer, head of RAF section of the CCF.
  • Numerous competition swimming awards.

After school, Christian went to: I stayed in the Bournemouth / Dorset area and became a Police Officer for 30 years, overlapping a second career in teaching of 20 years.

Christian's biography:

After leaving Bournemouth School in 1987 I became a Police Officer, spending 30 years with Dorset Police.

The CCF opportunity and rising to Warrant Officer and head of section afforded me many flying opportunities and taught me aerobatics, firmly giving me the flying bug and resulting in me going on to complete my Private Pilot’s Licence, Multi-Engine Rating and Instrument Meteorological Ratings.

Having under-achieved at A level, partly because of dedicating time to the CCF, I later achieved a First Class Honours degree from University of Southampton and lectured in Education and Teacher Training partnered with Canterbury Christ Church University, and Criminology with University of Winchester and partnership with Solent University.

My greatest accolade is my son, Louie, now 8 in this 125th year and who I hope will get to attend Bournemouth School soon and benefit from the same, wonderful grounding it gave me.

What was best about Christian's time at Bournemouth School?

Being part of Bournemouth School history.
My friends, the teachers, CCF friends and officers.
A great education in a wonderful establishment surrounded by wonderful people.
My time in the CCF, becoming a Warrant Officer, head of section and all the wonderful flying and aerobatics you taught me in RAF Chipmunks! The start of my flying pathway!
Thank you, Bournemouth School.

Who does Christian remember most fondly?

Special shout-outs and thanks to:
Mr. Stickland
Mr. Sanders
Mr. Harvey
Miss Bell / Mrs. Finch
Mr. Sephton
Mr. Kelsall
Mr. Hawkins

What would Christian change about their time at Bournemouth School?

Better focus in my A-Level years.
CCF achievements and participation were wonderful and started me on my flying pathway, but distracted me all too easily!

What is Christian's favourite anecdote/most vivid memory?

A very fond sense of belonging, with Bryant Sanders giving me the name “Suff Boy” when I first joined the RAF section of the CCF and it still sticks to this day!