Icenian Interview – Tony ‘Blur’ Brooke

Nicknamed Blur, Tony Brooke was at Langley between 1972 and 1976. Here we ask him some quick fire questions to find out about his school years and what he’s done since.

Tony Blur BrookeWhat did you study at A Level?
History and Economics.

Did you know what career you wanted to follow when you were at Langley?
Yes, Hotel Management.

Which co-curricular activities were you involved in at Langley?
Rugby, hockey, cricket, golf, badminton, debating society, tuck shop manager, drama.

What did you gain from these activities?
I learned skills as the tuck shop manager, along with self-confidence derived from drama and the debating society.

Did you go to university and if so what did you study?
I went to Norwich City College to study Hotel Management.

How did your career begin?
With a fast-food company called Wimpey.

Where are you now in your career?
I’m now chairman of Gembridge, a world leading gemstone and jewelry online trading platform; ex CEO of a UK publicly listed company and vice president of the Thai Gems and Jewelry Traders Association. I am a 38-year resident of Thailand.

Did your time at Langley School help your attitude to your career progression?
Definitely.

What advice would you give to students today?
Learn a wide array of subjects, thus keeping your options open for university, while actively participate in as many sporting and co-curricular activities that time will allow.

Any regrets?
Not studying harder and realising back then how much fun the cross-country runs should have been!

Final shout-out
Go Beauchamp!

Published On: September 29th, 2021Categories: Icenians, News

BOOK A VISIT

WHAT’S ON

NEWS

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER