OBM Advisory Group

Mike Biggs (1991-2001)

As a second generation OBM, I really have never left BMS since heading to the University of London in 2001 to read geography. I have a true passion for both aviation and rowing, together with helping OBMs 'to be', finding their way into whichever field they wish to follow.

'Floreat Bedfordia!'

Josh Butten (2002-10)

BMS was my home from 2002 to 2010, and no doubt it was the muddy rugby pitches and countless DT do-overs that drilled a resilience that still drives me today. Forgoing university for travel and professional qualifications, I’m now a Certified Financial Planner and Director at boosst, where I guide families toward a secure retirement. I repay some of what I gained from BMS by supporting the Advisory Group. 

Georgia Goddard (2012-17)

I still call Bedford my home and spend most of my time (and money – thanks Thameslink) commuting to London to work as a Senior Project Manager. Having left BMS in 2017, I’ve been an active member of the OBM community ever since. I’ve also recently rediscovered my love for rowing – I’ve finally recovered from the trauma of spending five years freezing on the Ouse in BMS kit at 6am before school - and I’m excited to join the OBM Advisory Group to support the brilliant OBM community.

Chris Holmes (1980-86)

I joined the Royal Marines straight from school and enjoyed a full-service career extending to over 30 years. I enjoyed the challenges, comradeship and the sense of purpose that working in UK Defence offers and can honestly say that ‘I never had a bad day at work’. I now work for BT and am an enthusiastic advocate of workplace technology and digital change. I am keen to support the OBM Club in engaging with, and offering support to, other OBMs as they progress through their career. 

Paul Nash (1973-80)

I am a Financial Advisor working for a London based financial Services company. This takes up some of my time but I have enough spare time to be involved with the school. I am part of the Advisory Group and now President of the OBM Club as I have a passion for the school and its alumni and I feel I can grow the membership.

Adam Nicoll (1986-93)

I have worked in executive search and recruitment as a marketer and brand expert for over 25 years. I led the marketing of the Government’s flagship COVID recovery program for disadvantaged pupils, the National Tutoring Program (NTP) in the aftermath of the pandemic and was on the Executive Board of the largest education recruiter in the UK for ten years. I regularly speak on broadcast media on education matters and in schools providing career advice and personal development. I was a Governor of Princess Helena College, the oldest and a leading independent boarding school for girls, from 2015-2019. I have been a member of the OBM Advisory Group for a number of years.

Tom Saunders (2008-19)

I am currently a Geography and Sport Teacher at Bedford Greenacre Independent School. BMS is a special place for me, not only did I thoroughly enjoy my time there, including serving as Head Boy, but also my family's connection to the school spans four generations. When I was asked to join the OBM Advisory Group, I was delighted. It is a fantastic opportunity to stay connected with the school and help the OBM Club ensure that my cohort and others continue to return to BMS for events. 

Bav Shah (1993-2000)

I'm a Chartered Surveyor and founder of Business Property Solutions, a firm of commercial property advisors. I've worked in both the UK and Australia, advising clients ranging from start-ups to global occupiers.

I have served as a Governor at Nottingham Trent University, Woodlands Secondary School (a special needs school), and Luton Sixth Form College, where my focus was on careers and employability.

Appointed by His Majesty The King, I served as High Sheriff of Bedfordshire for 2024–2025 and I maintain a strong commitment to community development.

Charlie Tomkins (1985-93)

Leaving BMS Sixth Form in 1993, I went straight to work on a large dairy and arable farm. I attended agriculture college after working in many parts of the UK and Australia, and visiting New Zealand and Canada, gaining experience in all forms of farming, I later returned home to Bedfordshire to work on my family farm.

I keep in touch with many OBMs near and far, along with ex staff. I have seen BMS change and evolve over the years since leaving and I'm keen to be involved in the Advisory Group to see standards maintained, and to help create an environment in which young people can adapt to a changing world. 

Carrie Whittaker (2018-20)

I joined BMS in 2018 for the Sixth Form and  immediately loved the community. Upon leaving I went straight to work and now live and work in London, working for the Home Office on immigration policy. Outside of work I love to travel. I enjoy attending the OBM events and staying connected with the school and I’m really looking forward to representing recent leavers and the ever-growing group of women in the OBM Club. 

Tony Wildman (1960-67)

I have a long association with the school as a student and OBM, as a parent to three boys who attended the school, and as a grandparent to two grandchildren attending today. I served on the School Committee for 15 years and have recently become the immediate Past President of the OBM Club. 

Robin Wills (1960-69)

Having retired from a career as a process engineer in the oil and gas industry I now spend most of my time sailing in the summer and singing in the winter. I have been involved with the school and the OBM Club for some years now and was honoured to be the Club's President from 2020-23. It is a way of paying back in a small way all the benefits that I gained from a BMS education and to help others enjoy those same benefits.